Memoirs and remains of John Oliphant : of Auburn, New York, to which is added his funeral sermon, by Rev. J. Hopkins

I. Memoirs And Remains

JOHN pLIPHANT,

OF

AUBURN, NEW-YORK.

TO WHICH IS ADDED

HIS FUNERAL SERMON, RV REV. J. HOPKINS.

The memory of the just is blessed.

Solomon,

AUBURN:

PUBLISHED BY H. IVI sjTtf & « .

Oliphant & Skinner, Prin^

Entered according to at; of Congress, on the thirteenth day of February, is the year of out Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five, by Henry Oliph ant, as proprietor, in the clerk's office of the DisUict Court of the Northern District of New y«rk=

ADVERTISEMENT.

The following publication originated in the desire, which many of the friends of Mr. Oliphant expressed to have him write an account of his Christian experience ; and to add to it, his last counsel and advice. What he wrote agreeably to such solicitation, together with a few letters and reflections, is now printed, at the request of the Session of the First Presbj'terian Church of Auburn, of which he was a member.

I

Preface

When Solomon says, " the memory of the just is blessed," he brings to view the principle which dictates, and justifies that species of publications, which preserves from oblivion, the virtues of those that are dead. Good men take delight in speaking, respectfully, of the righteous, who have departed this life ; and, especially, of those with whom they were, intimately, acquainted, while living. In doing this, they pay due honour to the memory of those who deserve it ; and the remembrance of their worth may, in various ways, prove a blessing to themselves. The meritorious dead, whose virtues may become, particularly, useful, by reviving the recollection of them, were not, always, found among those who held exalted places in church, or state ;

nor among those who astonished the 1* world, by the splendor of iheir public acts* Many, in the retired walks of life, have exhibited noble examples, of genuine godliness, that are, truly, worthy of imitation. By causing these to pass, in review, before the pious mind, much good may bo effected, by way of instruction, of encouragement, or of delight.

The person, whose memory is wished to be preserved by this little volume, did not occupy any elevated station in society ; nor did he exercise himself in great matters, or in things too high for him. But while he did not hold, and did not aspire to, any civil or ecclesiastical em. inence, he so distinguished himself by his pious conversation, and amiable manners, as to obtain a high place in the affections of a large circle of religious acquaintance.

During Mr. Oliphant's last affliction, his disease, as will be seen from his own narrative, was of such a nature as to lead him, and all around him, to expect that the next moment would summon him away.

His pious friends viewed his situation with deep and with much distress of

mind, did they anticipate the time, when they should be deprived of his fellowship on earth. Having often been animated, and comforted, by his friendly, and edifying, conversation, they were led, frequently, to request him to write an account of his religious experience ; and also, to add to it, such counsel and advice, as he saw proper to give, in view of his entering into his rest, and leaving them, in this world of trial. To those who made this request, he replied, that he had been an unprofitable servant — that his life would be a poor example — and that he could not write any thing, worthy of notice. But their importunity could take no denial. Feeling, very sensibly, that this request was dictated, and urged, by the partiality and affection, of real friendship, he, in a good-humoured way, agreed to do what he could ; and set about it, while much afflicted with bodily disease, s

What Mr. Oliphant wrote, in compliance with the earnest, and repeated, solicitations of his christian friends, will be found, on the following pages, in the same order, and in the same style, in which he left it. It has been suggested, that an alteration, in the arrangement of the matter ; and in some sentences, words, and phrases, might be, profitably, made ; but as he wrote to gratify those who were familiarly acquainted with his mode of thinking, and of expressing himself ; and who desired to have a memorial of one, whom they highly esteemed, " taking him for all in all," it is concluded to do little more than to change a few words and expressions, to avoid repetition.

There is no circumstance which seems, in any way, to intimate that Mr. Oliphant, ever, indulged the thought of appearing, before the world, as an author, except it should be in complying with the request, which has been stated above. But how far this manifested any idea of the kind, is r@rj obvious. He wrote to gratify his friends ; and left what he had written, to be disposed of by them, as they should deem proper and useful. The responsibility of printing what he wrote, rests wholly upon bis friends ; and they assume it most cheerfully, as they feel persuaded that this publication will be productive of good.

But, it may be asked, what are the particular benefits which are expected to bs derived from the present volume, when Bi« ©graphies of men, distinguished for publi c seal ; for acts of munificence ; for voluntary privations of friends and country ; and for toils and hardships, in lands of stran* gers, and idolaters ; are constantly thrown before the religious community ? If any satisfactory answer can be given to this question, it is thought that the language in which the question is dressed, obviously suggests it. The most of the Biographies, which are making their appearance, recite the actions of those who have moved in peculiar circles, or been employed in peculiar works of benevolence. They do, indeed, exhibit many noble examples, which ar® calculated to arrest the attention of such persons, as find themselves in circumstances, similar to those in which the individuals were placed, whose deeds they record. But alas, too many, who are embarked in the ordinary business of life, do not consi* der the lives of these distinguished persons* as affording examples for them to imitate. With respect to what is contained in this volume, it exhibits religion as it has existed, and as it may still exist, among persons in the common walks of life. In this respect, it is supposed, that it may conduce, in a peculiar manner, to the edification of many, who are engaged in the usual employments of the world, and feel that they ihust remain in their present callings. But should there be a mistake, in supposing that this publication will be of general use among that portion of society, to which allusion has been made ; there is a great number of Mr. Oliphant's particular acquaintance, who consider this memorial, of the good man, as being valuable to them ; and believe that it will be of benefit to their families.

It may not be improper, just to allude to the customs of some of the dissenters, in England, with respect to the manner in which persons were introduced into the gospel ministry ; that many, in this country, who may read the following pages, may better understand what Mr. Oliphant says, concerning his supplying a congregation at Mill-Hill ; and afterwards, contemplating a course of study preparatory to the ministry.

Previous to the time when Mr. Oliphant entered on his religious course, it was not uncommon for a young man, when he professed to have experienced a change of heart, to be urged, by some of his acquaintance, to " exercise his gifts," in praying, exhorting, and even preaching ; and "to go forward" — Many, of weak minds, and of little knowledge, complied with these solicitations, and, without muck cultivation, continued in the ministry, to the disgrace of the sacred office, and reproach of religion. To correct the evil of this practice, seminaries had been opened, in different places, for those who had strong desires to preach ; and such were urged, by the reflecting and judicious, to avail themselves of the advantages w T hich were thus afforded for obtaining useful knowledge.

At the time of Mr. Oiiphant's conver* sion, there was a considerable improvement, in the public opinion ; and the greater portion of the young men, who turned their attention towards the ministry, felt the importance, and necessity, of submitting to a course of academical instruction, before they became established as public, and stated, teachers. It remained, however, the practice, for the candidates, before they were introduced into one of these seminaries, to exhort and preach, for a season, in some society. At the time of

IS the candidate's seeking admission into the seminary, it was required that he should produce testimonials of his religious character, and of his natural qualifications to teach, from respectable individuals, and the society with which he had been connected. This being done, he was examined, by a committee of the Institution, composed of ministers and laymen, on his experimental acquaintance with religion : And frequently, did this committee make trial of the candidate's qualifications as a public speaker. This was particularly the case at the Institution at Cheshunt, in . Hertfordshire, near London.

Mr. Oliphant being urged by persons* # whom he considered judicious, " to exercise his gifts, and to go forward" — he listened to their advice— supplied a congregation at Mill-Hill, for a season— offered himself as a candidate to be admitted into the seminary at Cheshunt — and received permission to enter. But he

paused at the threshold — and after a se- 2 rere struggle of mind, came to the conclusion that the Lord did not require his service, as his ministering servant. He does not state, in his narrative, the particular circumstance which led him to this conclusion ; but it is well known, and no impropriety is felt, in stating it here^ * While at Mill-Hill , his services had been viewed by Christians, in a' very favourable light, and they had been, apparently, blessed to the conversion of several sinners. • This had encouraged him to hope that the Lord would make use of him, in building up his spiritual kingdom. But about the time,- when he was preparing to enter t*he» . Seminary, a person f of some note, who had been, hopefully, converted, under his ^ # preaching, gave evident signs of being a stranger to the power of godliness. * This had a depressing influence on the spirits of Mr. Oliphant, and led him, however erroneous it might have been, to conclude that the Lord did not approve of his service, as a preacher. At different times.

during his after life, he expressed an apprehension that this conclusion might have been rash. Many will pronounce it incorrect — but as it respects him, the discussion of it, now, is of no use. It evinced the tenderness of his conscience, at the time, ^Wnd^llit\it ii€e*be«aidv3aere^ is^tha^this . \ \ circumstance led him to^we, up a qourse o£j afcudy #Vhiciihs *d#em^o* .Jiegessa^r^to ^ \\ prepare him for usefulness in the ministry, # '.. ^ITliefvpiet^y of* Mr. 01iphanVwas f §f sfoik * a'xharacter, as that by a due improvement & t'c&the £$tuj*al poWveTfS wjiipkhe gpssassejcl* # he might have been a respectable and use- • jgl^ lm ^ er « #f ^ JFSf c^rt^iinly arl^ exemplary Christian, after his aMvairantfip .

J% •5^ a Sf — a ^7°^ memDer of . society — and a ^ u serai olncer in *trft? First * Presbyterian f ^ Churoh at Auburn.

* This** v^lurhe 1 * c^nsists^of toyo parts- : x g \ *

I. A narrative of his *past life, written by himself ; together with a short account of the religious state of his mind, from the time in which he closed his narrative, to the end of his life ; furnished from his own papers, and the memoranda of some of the members of his family, who constantly attended him.

II. Addresses, Letters, and Reflections.

MEMOIRS, (ke,

Part I

Being desired by some of my friends, whom I love, and hoping it may be for the honour of the blessed God, I feel willing to state what the Lord has done for me, and the way in which he has led me through the wilderness of this world. The state of my health is such, that it is not probable I shall be able to finish what I now undertake. In my own eyes, it is of little consequence whether I do, or do not ; and it can only be of importance, if I shall, in any way, promote the glory of the most precious Redeemer.

The incidents of my life have, in no respects, been very remarkable, and at no time have I aspired after great things. The best part of my life has been wasted ; and if no flesh can glory in His presence, 2*

I feel that my place is in the dust, to b© abased, and to lie very low before the most Holy God for ever.

I was born March 7th, 1771, in the city of Carlisle, county of Cumberland, in the north of England. My parents were respectable, and I think lived happily together ; but neither of them knew any thing of vital religion, while I was with them ; but I have reason to believe they both submitted to the Saviour, in their advanced years, and after I left them. I judge thus from report, and from letters received from them, in their declining years. I think as early as when I was in my tenth or eleventh year, I was much affected under the word, and frequently so mvich so as to weep ; but I now think it arose chiefly from the fear of death, or of hell. At times I made resolutions against some particular sins, but they had no abiding influence.

About this time, Mr. John Wesley cam© to Carlisle, and my mind was much drawn

©ut towards him, and his doctrines ; but my heart was unaffected with the love of God. Under the entire control of the world, and self gratification, I arrived in London March 20th, 1789, aged eighteen years. Frequently, I had such convictions of my sins, as to render me unhappy. My two brothers, who resided in the city, were accustomed to attend the Presbyterian meeting house, near Covent Garden, where the doctrine of God's Sovereignty was ably sustained. I of course went with them to their place of worship — but endeavoured to reason with them, and to defend my previously received sentiments. But they reasoned with me from the scriptures, until my prejudice against the glorious doctrines of God appeared to subside. After this, I went to hear the Rev. Thomas Wills, at Silver-street Chapel, principally, as I now judge, because he was dignified in his manner, and very eloquent in the pulpit. I sat constantly under his ministry — assenting to the high doctrines of the

Gospel, but felt that my heart was hardening, I could commit sin with ease ; and believed in a certain kind of fate. I considered my case as hopeless, and felt that I was given over to a reprobate mind. I knew I grew harder and harder in sin, and could, and did, commit it with greediness. I held the truth in unrighteousness, and believed myself only preparing for hell. I blamed the Almighty for my existence, and wickedly laid the charge of my guilt and misery at his door. O, it was truly dark, before day.

I have now come to the most important part of my life ; wherein I believe the Almighty was pleased, of his abounding mercy, to make himself known to my soul, as he does not to the world. It was on a Sabbath, on New-Year's day, in 1792. I awoke about four in the morning, and fell into a train of thought, on my miserable way of life, with its fearful consequences, that filled me with amazement. I wept exceedingly, and although in despair, I cried " save, Lord, or I perish" — I felt I was without hope, and without God, in the world. I despised myself, and had some sense how contemptible I must appear in His eyes, with whom I had to do. After breakfast, I went to Silver-street Chapel : Mr. Charles Buck read the prayers, and I perfectly well remember, that while he was reading the general thanksgiving : " We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life, but above all for thine inestimable love, in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory 1 '-— I was cursing the day that I was bom. I was convinced that God hated me, as I, certainly, hated him. I blasphemously insulted him for my " creation, and preservation, 5 ' and as to " redemption, means of grace," or " hope of glory," it looked, in my view as if he was mocking me, before I was shut up in outer darkness. These were my feelings, as near as I can recollect. Mr. Wills entered the pulpit, and took his text from Exodus,vxvi. chapter, 15th and 16th verses — " And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna : for they wist not what it was.

And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, gather of it every man according to his eating ; an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons, take ye every man for them which are in his tents." At first the text, and subject, appeared somewhat insipid ; but after he had made some progress in his discourse, it became surprisingly interesting to me. He began by stating, that the children of Israel were brought out of Egypt with a high hand ; a.nd proceeded to show how wonderfully they were brought through the Red Sea — how kindly they were supplied with water at Marah, and that now he was giving them bread from heaven. He spoke of the necessity for, and the nourishing nature of, this bread. I well remember when he had finished what he had to say on the history, or the facts in the ease, he said, " I dare say some of you, my dear brethren, are going before me, and are anticipating what I have yet to say, in this discourse." I mention this because it was remarkable, and new for me, to anticipate, as I did in this instance, what would follow. He spoke of the dealings of God with Israel, as typical of the experience of his children in every age, and of the manna as a type of the blessed Saviour. I began to feel, although very vile, as if I could cry, " Save, Lord, or I perish;" and prayed that he would pardon all my sins, and create a clean heart within me. As my minister went on exalting the Lamb of God, my feelings were much excited. I wept exceedingly ; and the tears flowed so profusely, that I could not look up at the preacher. However, I thought I would try, and according, ly, after wiping my face as well as I could,

I did so ; and appearing to look right at me, he said, " O precious Christ, O none but this Christ for a poor sinner." I think the language of my heart was immediately, and from that time forward, " O precious Christ, O none but Christ for me." I was entirely overwhelmed with the love of Jesus. I wondered at him. I forgot myself, and forgot there was any hell. I believe I said, in my heart, I will part with all, dear Lord, and follow thee. The world and its concerns were forgotten. My whole soul was absorbed with love to the most precious Redeemer. I felt as in a new world. Old things had passed away, and the very countenances of the children of God, in the Chapel, had a different appearance. After the sermon, Mr. Wills gave out the 39th hymn in the Counless of Huntington's collection ;

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak — but thou art mighty, Hold me by thy powerful hand ;

Bread of heaven ! bread of heaven ! Feed me now and ever more.

Open now the crystal fountain

Whence the healing streams do flow ;

Lead me all my journey through;

Strong Deliverer f Strong Deliverer I Be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,

Bid my anxious fears subside: Death of deaths and hell's destruction,

Land me safe on Canaan's side, Songs of praises, songs of praises,

I will ever give to Thee.

Musing on my habitation,

Musing on my heav'nly home, Fills my soul with holy longing,

Come my Jesus, quickly coma Here vanity is all I see,

Lord, I long to be with Thee !

Never before had I experienced such feelings as pervaded my mind, during the singing of this hymn. Such were my emotions, that I was unable to join in singing the first part of the hymn ; but I felt a thrill of pleasure in uniting with the congregation in the last verse ;

Fills my soul with holy longing,.

Come my Jesus, quickly come. Here vanity is all I see,

Lord, I long to be with The© (

To this hour, I know of no hymn that has afforded me so much pleasure in all my travels through the wilderness. After worship I immediately went home, much in prayer ; and when I was going through Smithfield, near the top of Hosier Lane, and where the Martyrs were burnt, in the reign of Mary, I had such a view of myself, of my pride and lust, as I never had before. My heart was such a sink of corruption, in my own eyes, that it made me stand still in the street ; but the Saviour appeared so precious to me, that I was supported under it. Indeed, the first words I ever heard to effect, were an answer to every thing : " O precious Christ,

none but Christ for me." I conferred not with flesh and blood — and think I felt no hesitation in saying, " the Lord he is God." I w r as not conscious of indulging any hope. Indeed, I thought it impossible that the Lord could pardon or love me ; yet

1 felt fixed in my heart, to love and honour Him, whatever he pleased to do with me,

On Monday evening, January 2d, 1792, I kneeled down, for the first time, to pray in secret, but did not use my voice. I could do/ nothing but weep, praying for mercy, and that the most precious Saviour would keep me from going back, and dishonouring him as I had done. I believe I prayed in this manner for more than a month ; I mean without using my voice. About this time, all the discourses I heard, seemed directed to me. I heard nine sermons on Regeneration, by which my views on this subject were very much enlightened. I left my old companions entirely, and found myself in company more agreeable to my taste. The children of God began to talk to me as if I were a Christian. I could not look upon mvseif as such, and would say — how can the Lord put me among his children ? It appeared to me impossible. I well remember, that about this time, on waking one morning, my soul thirsted for God, and I felt a tender freedom, a sweet confidence, and a peculiar pleasure in looking to the Saviour. The chains that bound me to my sins seemed broken ; the word of God appeared to me an entirely new book — I esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food — the promises, and doctrines of the Bible sparkled with glory — but after all, I thought it incredible that the Lord should put me among his children.

At this time I was strongly inclined, and was urged by the children of God, to go and see Mr. Wills. I went several times into the street, but had not courage to knock at his door. At length, however, I believe on the 16th of February, I went to s^ee him, was introduced, and told him I had come on purpose to speak to him about my soul. He desired me to sit down and tell my story. I gave him a sketch of my whole life, but dwelt more particularly on what had occurred since New. Year's day. He let me go on without interruption until I had closed my narrative, and I thought he was much in prayer for me. When I had finished what I had intended to say, I asked him this question : Do you believe the Lord has ha,d any hand in all this ? He replied, " It is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes ; bless the Lord for what he has done, and trust hirn for what he will yet do." I returned home and tried to do as desired, but found I could not ; for I could not believe that the most holy God had begun a work of grace on my heart, or that he could, in any way, put me among his children.

The same evening, I went to Black Horse Alley, in Fleet-street, and heard a discourse from John, vii. chapter, 46th verse — " Never man spake like this man," and I think I had some rising hope, that evening, in my heart, that the Lord would have mercy on me. From the first, my mind was intent on reading the Scriptures, especially, the prophecies of Isaiah, and the life and death of our Saviour. Often have I read, and wept, and prayed, and 3* irept again, while musing on the love of Christ, The preciousness and glory of his promises have overwhelmed me. When I did read any thing besides the Bible, I was greatly favored in being directed to such books as proved a blessing to me. Luther "on the Galatians," Gammon's "Christ the Christian's life," "Polhill'a Christos in Corde," &c, were among the number.

Soon after this, I became much impressed with the importance of attending the Lord's Supper. I mentioned it to Mr. Wills and some of the children of God, and they appeared to think it my duty. I accordingly did so, for the first time, May 6th, 1792, and united myself with the children of God, worshipping in Silver-street Chapel. Surely the Lord smiled on me, and I felt encouraged to dedicate myself to the most holy Lamb of God. His very name was "as ointment poured forth," that cast a richness, and sweetness, and fragrance., into every ordinance, public and private. " The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, to him gave all the prophets witness and hence the old and new Testaments are full of Christ, and become so nourishing to the children of God. From this time? I was enabled to go forward, and sometimes to speak good of his name. For the first year, I went nearly every day or evening, to some place of worship — On the Sabbath, to Silver-street ; Monday, to a prayer meeting in Monmouth Court ; Tuesday, to Mr. William Romain's, at St. Ann's Church, Blackfriars ; Wednesday, to a Society meeting at Silver-street ; Thursday, to hear preaching at the same place ; Friday, to hear Mr. Cecil or Foster, at St. Antholin's ; Saturday, to the Tabernacle, Moorfields ; and I think if ever any of the sons of men knew any thing of true happiness, I did during this season.

After I -began to use my voice in prayer, I was often urged to visit the sick, and pray with them ; and I found it both pleasant and profitable. When I had been one year engaged in this way, I was chosen a visiter of the sick, at their own habitations ; and from this time, I could not go to hear so much, as my time was much occupied in visiting, and relieving, the sick, and poor, at their own houses. I continued employed in this good work for some time, I think profitably, until some of the people of God began to press me to exhort and go forward, with a view to the ministry. I Was much encouraged by some friends who, I thought, were truly pious, and who had a good share of wisdom. I yielded to their solicitations ; found my mind much enlarged in the Scriptures ; felt much freedom in speaking, whenever opportunities presented ; and waited to know the will of the Lord concerning thi3 business. The Missionary Society was formed soon after this — the feelings of the children of God were much drawn out towards the heathen — I became acquainted with seve* ral who offered themselves as missionaries to go in the Duff to Otaheite- — my soul wa« knit to them, and I felt as if I could go any where, or do any thing, for the honour of the most precious Redeemer. The Duff, however, sailed while I was supplying a congregation at Mill-Hill, a small village about ten miles north of London.