Memoir of the life and character of Rev. Lewis Warner Green, with a selection from his sermons

Front matter

• o o x

MEMOIR

OF THE

Preface

The sermons of this volume are now published for the first time. They had never been prepared for the press by their author; and they are, almost without exception, what his own hand marked them — " unfinished sketches." They are selected from a large mass of similar manuscripts. Gifted in extemporaneous delivery, and able to recall any trains of thought which had been once mentally composed, he was accustomed to write only an outline of the intellectual and argumentative portions of his discourses ; and then to trust himself without writing for all the emotional and exhortatory parts. This will account for the fragmentary character of some of the sermons, and for their apparent want of pointed application at the close. Though it was in the unwritten applications and perorations that he often rose to his highest excellence of thrilling and impassioned eloquence, still enough remains, in these uncompleted productions, to reveal many of the striking characteristics which distinguished him as one of the most original, impressive, and powerful preachers of his day.

The estimate here given of Dr. Green's ability, both as a teacher and a preacher, is based upon the testimony of many competent judges among his contemporaries. It will doubtless commend itself as just, to such readers as may have enjoyed his instructions or heard him in the pulpit. The writer has not aimed to eulogize, but to present a true picture of the man and the minister — avoiding the extreme of an over-estimate on the one hand, and that of saying too little on the other. At all events, it is a satisfaction to know that the sermons are before the reader to speak for themselves ; and from them, though that powerful living voice can no more be heard, he will be able to form his own estimate of what the lamented author preached, and how he preached.

COIN TEXTS.

Chapter I

Birth. — Parentage. — Early Education. — Maternal Influence. — Orphanage. — Judge John Green. — Schools and Teachers. — Studies at Dr. Lewis Marshall's. — Classical Attainments. — Conversion and Profession of Religion. — Dangerous Illness. — Recovery. — Deep Religious Impressions. — Transylvania University. — Centre College. — Graduation. — Fondness for Philosophical Investigations Page 1

CHAPTER II. Danville axd Princeton, 1824 — 1832

Choice of a Profession. — Deep Experiences. — Conflicting Plans and Purposes. — Becomes a Student of Law. — Then of Medicine. — Settles on a Farm. — Impediment of Speech. — His Marriage. — Death of his Wife. — A Final Decision. — Preparation for the Ministry. — Studies at Yale College. — At the Theological Seminary in Princeton. — Recollections of Drs. Boardman and Junkin 9

CHAPTER III. Danville, 1S32— 1840

Opening Years of his Ministry. — Licensure and Ordination. — Professorship in Centre College. — Anecdote. — Punctuality. — Skill in Teaching. — Style of Preaching. — Second Marriage. — Voyage to Europe. — Studies and Attainments Abroad. — Travels and Acquaintance. — Return to Danville — Call to Shelbyviile declined. — Professorship in the Theological Seminary at South Hanover. — Professorship and Vice-Presidency in Centre College. — Presidency of Transylvania University declined. — Colleague-Pastor at Danville. — Emancipation 1G vi

Chapter IV

Election to a Professorship in the Theological Seminary at Allegheny. — Testimonial as to his Ability. — His Colleagues in the Faculty. — Inaugural Address. — G-erman Philosophy. — Growing Reputation. — Literary Addresses. — Lectures on Popery. — The Title of Doctor of Divinity. — Standing and Influence as a Preacher and Instructor. — Yarious Calls. — Testimonials from Dr. R. L. Breck. — Prom Drs. Wilson and Allison. — Prom Dr. McGill. — From Dr. David Elliott.— Seven Tears' Work Page 27

Chapter V

Resignation of Professorship at Allegheny. — Removal to Baltimore. — Preference of the Pastoral Work. — Labors in the Second Presbyterian Church. — Congenial and Useful Employment. — Failure of Health. — Dissolution of Pastoral Relation. — Xoble Testimonial of his Church. — Poetical

Tribute 38

CHAPTER VI. Prince Edward, 1848 — 1856

Election to the Presidency of Hampden Sidney College. — Intercourse with the Professors. — Portraiture by Dr. Foote. — Restored Health. — Extended Labors. — Scholarships. — Successful Administration. — Influence on the Students. — Style of Preaching. — Anecdote. — Method of Discipline. — Account of it by Dr. Dabney. — Testimonial of Dr. Wilson. — Yarious Calls 43

CHAPTER VII. Lexington and Danyille, 1856 — 1863

Positions Declined. — Predilections for the West. — Strong Call from Kentucky. — Resignation of his Presidency at Hampden Sidney. — Presidency of Transylvania University. — Scheme for a Normal School. — Inauguration. — Auspicious Beginning. — Disappointments. — Resignation. — Called to the Presidency of Centre College. — Inaugural Address. — Joint Pastorate in Danville. — Successful Administration. — Trials and Conflicts. — Testimonia 1 51

CONTENTS.

vii

CHAPTER VIII. Danville, ISO 3

Last Sickness and Death. — Multiplied Labors. — The Church and College. — Cause of his Illness. — Incessant Work. — The Closing Scene. — His Last Sermons. — Increased Spirituality. — Intense Sympathies. — Letters on the War. — Ministry of Love and Consolation. — His Funeral. — Burial. — Resolutions of his Church and of the Faculty Page 59

Chapter IX

Review of his Public Services. — Estimate of his Preaching. — Prominent Traits of Character. — His Fervor. — High Sense of Honor. — Conscientiousness. — His Beneficence. — His Learning and Eloquence. — His Excellence as an Instructor. — Influence as a College President. — Testimony of Dr. Dabney. — His Strong Points. — His Elevated Tastes and Studies. — His Love of Books. — His Religious Devotion. — Personal Appearance. — His Polished Manners. — Easy Address. — Tact in Conversation. — Ministries of Love and Mercy 70

Chapter X

Dr. Green in his Family. — Members of his Home-Circle. — The Husband and Father. — Intensity of his Affections. — Picture of Domestic Happiness. — Description by Dr. Foote. — Mrs. Green. — Poetry. — Education of his Daughters. — Religious Character of his Correspondence. — Beautiful Letters ..SI

Chapter XI

His "Writings. — Unpublished Sermons. — Inaugural Discourses. — Literary and. Educational Addresses. — Lectures at the L/ni versify of Tirginia. — Adverse Criticism. — Method of Preparation for the Pulpit. — Estimate of his Preaching by Dr. Brank. — Estimate by Rev. "W. G. Craig. — Closing Tribute from a Lady 91

SERMONS.

PAGE

I. The Resurrection of Christ 103

The Lord is risen, indeed.— Lcke, xxiv. 34.

II. The Six axd Folly of Atheism 119

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.— Ps. liii. 1.

III. What was Finished in the Death of Christ 137

He said, It is finished ; and bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. — Joxix, xix. 30.

IT". The Angels Interested in Man's Saltation 14-9

Which things the angels desire to look into. — 1 Pet., i. 12.

V. Paul's Zeal for Israel, and its Lessons ■ 165

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises: whose are the fathers, and of whom, as concerning the flesh. Christ came, who is over all. God blessed forever. Amen. — Eomaxs, ix. 1-5.

VI. The Question and its Answer 176

Sirs, what must I do to be saved ? — Acts, xvi. 30.

TIT. The Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ 1S8

For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. — 1 Cos., ii. 2.

TUT. Paul Vindicated from the Charge of Madness 199

And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a lond voice, Paul, thou art beside thyse.f; much learning hath made thee mad. But he said, I am not mad. most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. — Acts, xxvi. 24, 25.

s SERMONS.

P A OR <j

TX. Max's Condition as a Prodigal Son 213

And he would fain havs filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat— Lx'kk, xv. 16.

X. "Worth of the Soul 226

Forwhat shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? — Maek, viii. 36, 3T.

XL The Love of the World 239

Love not the world, neither the things of the world. — 1 John, ii. 15.

XII. The Grouxds on which Men Reject the Gospel 256 j

And they all with one consent began to make excuse. — Luke, xiv. IS.

XIIL The Duty, Encouragement, and Responsibility arising

from the Possession of Talents 271

Occupy till I come.— Luke, xix. 13.

XIV. The Faithful Saying 293

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. — 1 Tim., i. 15.

XV. The Power and Triumph of the Gospel 302

I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. — Eomaxs, i. 16.

XVI. The Remission of Sins through Paith in Christ 318 |

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth on him, shall receive remission of sins. — Acts, x. 43.

XVIL The Expansive Benevolence of the Gospel 336

The field is the world— Matt., xiii. 38.

XVIII. The Provixce of Faith 347

Ye believe in God, believe also in me. — Jons, xiv. 1.

XIX. How Life is to be Improved 365

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. — Ps., xc. 12.

XX. Does God Always Punish Six? 380

There is one event unto all.— Ecci... ix. 3. There is a vanity which is done upon the earth ; that there be just men unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked: asrain, there be wicked men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous. — Ecci.., viii. 14.

SERMONS.

r.w.r.

XXI. The Religion of the Bible not Opposed to Reason 380

Come dow, and let us reason together, saith the Lord. — Isaiah, i. IS.

XXII. Christ's Gracious Invitation.

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest— Matt., xi. 28.

XXIII. The Necessity of Regeneration .408

Jesus answered and said unto him: Yerily, Verily, I 6ay unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. — John, iii. 3.

XXIV. The Helpless Depravity of Man 417

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ? Not one. — Job, xiv. 4.

XXV. The Ministry of the Gospel 424

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. —1 Cok., ii. 3.

XXVI. Influence of Evil Spirits 438

"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places seeking rest, and finding none he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself: and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.— Lcke, xi. 24-26.

XXVII. The Final and Universal Triumph of the Gospel 467

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. — Rev., xiv. 6.

OlVTLT. Christ Weeping Over Jerusalem 473

And when he was come near he beheld the city, and wept over it, saying. If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day. the things which belong unto thy peace ! but now they are hid from thine eyes.— Luke, xix. 41, 42.

XXIX. Ambassadors for Christ 483

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseeeh you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. —2 Cor., v. 20.

LIFE AND CHARACTER

OF THTC

REV. LEWIS WARNER GREEN, D.D.

Chapter I

Birth. — Parentage. — Early Education. — Maternal Influence. — Orphanage. — Judge John Green. — Schools and Teachers. — Studies at Dr. Lewis Marshall's. — Classical Attainments. — Conversion and Profession of Religion. — Dangerous Illness. — Recovery — Deep Religious Impressions. — Transylvania University. — Centre College. — Graduation. — Fondness for Philosophical Investigation.

LEWIS WARNER GREEN, of whose life and labors it is proposed to give an outline, introductory to a volume of his posthumous discourses, was born on the 28th of January, 1806, in a midland county of Kentucky, near the town of Danville. He was the twelfth and youngest child of Willis Green and Sarah Reed, who were married at that place in the year 1783, while Kentucky was yet an almost unbroken wilderness and the few settlers about Danville still dwelt in rude forts. This, it is said, was the first Christian marriage ever solemnized on Kentucky soil. Both parents were of Scotch-Irish descent. They were born and reared in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where their ancestors had long resided, closely connected I by marriage with some of the most prominent families of the i State.

[PARENTAGE.

His mother, Sarah Reed, was the daughter of John Reed, a man of fine personal appearance and of superior intellectual and moral endowments. At an advanced age Mr. Reed removed with his family of ten children from his home on the Shenandoah to the vicinity of Danville. He was, in fact, one of the early pioneers of the place, and left, at his death, a family highly distinguished for intelligence, social position, and moral worth — his six daughters being all remarkable for personal beauty, and his eldest son, Thomas Reed, rising to political eminence as a senator in Congress from the State of Mississippi.

His father, Willis Green, was the son of Duff Green, and grandson of Robert Green, who had been one of the early setlers of the Shenandoah Yalley. Willis Green, when quite a young man, catching the spirit of adventure, left his paternal home in the Mother State to try his fortunes at the West. Having obtained contracts to locate land warrants in Kentucky, lie set out with his surveyor's commission and instruments, and plunged at once into the pathless forest. Arriving, at length, in the region of Danville, he selected a beautiful sweep of land adjoining the farm of the old fort, which he cleared and named " Waveland," from its gentle undulations. Here, meeting and marrying Sarah Reed, he settled down for life and built the family homestead. Here his twelve children were born. And here, also, he died at the age of fifty-one, after a well-spent life, during which he bad served in the Legislature of the State, and filled other important civil offices. He was a man of tried integrity and practical wisdom, whose Christian principles and rugged virtues were powerfully felt in the new and forming society around him.

Of this sterling Christian stock, and under these circumstances, so auspicious for the development of a noble character, the subject of this memoir was born, and here he received his earliest impressions. He was the child of faith and prayer. From his infancy he was devoted by his Christian mother to the work of the ministry. Upon this child of promise, this son of her declining years, the very Benjamin of her heart, she lavished the whole wealth of her strong and loving nature.

PARENTAGE.

Gently, prayerfully, and hopefully did she perform the faithful mother's part and sow the seeds of instruction and sacred influence in the young heart. During the few years she was spared to him she lost no opportunity of impressing his opening mind with a sense of religious things, thus early leading him along that path which he was afterward to tread, and preparing him for that career he was destined to illumine by a life of consecration to God.

But her instructions were of short duration. When but five years old he was deprived of a father's care ; and at seven this loving, faithful mother was also summoned to the skies. It was not, however, until her life-work of lasting impressions had been successfully accomplished on his young and plastic heart. Her own life was a beautiful illustration of the truth she sought to inculcate and its lessons were not soon lost upon the thoughtful child. Her death wrung his heart with anguish. But her sweetness of temper, her patience under suffering, her unmurmuring resignation to the will of God were indelibly engraven on his memory. Like seeds in genial soil, they sprang up and bore fruits in subsequent years. To her death he was accustomed, through life, to trace back his first serious impressions on religion. The saintly influence of her character lingered in his memory as that of some tender and sympathizing guardian angel. To that influence, and to the seeds sown by her faithful hand, during the first seven years of his existence, he never failed to attribute, under God, whatever fruit of good or of usefulness his subsequent years may have borne.

Seldom has a mother's influence over a son, though brief in its opportunity,- been more signally crowmed with blessings after she was gone. It is another added to the many examples of that living power which flows from a faithful mother's influence, and shows how God answers prayer and rewards faithful toil long after the heart has ceased to pray and the hands to labor. In the toils and conflicts of life, amid the darkest hours of doubt and temptation, he loved to think of her as some blessed visitor from heaven, who had been permitted to smile upon ; him for a few brief years, as if to allure to that better world

EARLY EDUCATION.

and lead the way. From every struggle with the tempter, and from every scene of discouragement and trial, he arose with a stronger confidence in his mother's God and a warmer love for that faith which he had first learned at a mother's knee.

His early orphanage, depriving him of both parents, threw him into the family of his oldest brother, Judge John Green, who became his guardian. He was a gentleman of high character adorned by many noble virtues ; and he felt the kindly interest of a father in the education of the orphan brother now committed to his care. Though in later years Judge Green became a devoted Christian — two of his own sons afterward entering the ministry — his views at that time were somewhat tinctured with the prevailing skepticism of the period. About the opening of this century a phase of unbelief, originally imported from France and indorsed by Mr. Jeflerson and other prominent statesmen, had taken strong hold upon many of the educated minds of our country, particularly in Virginia and Kentucky. Religion found few advocates among the more elevated classes. Still, there were some shining examples of evangelical piety. Conspicuous among these w T as the wife of Judge Green. She was a lady of rare accomplishments, both of mind and manners, and of the most lovely Christian character. In her own household and in the social circles around her she threw the whole weight of her influence on the side of evangelical religion, and used all the means within her power to check the prevailing worldliness and ungodliness of the times. Dr. David Nelson, who, in subsequent years, became pastor of the church of Danville, remarked of her, that she had probably done more than any other person in Kentucky to stem the current of infidelity and irreligion and to mould the society at Danville into that evangelical character for which it became distinguished.

Into this home of refinement and culture, presided over and adorned by so much that was attractive in piety and womanly influences, the orphaned boy was now brought; and here he spent the greater part of his youth. While there was much to develop and stimulate his opening mental faculties in the associations and companionships of such a family, there was not

SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.

wanting that gentle guiding hand of Christian love, which might take up the work where his mother's hand had left it, and carry forward the religious training which had been so well begun. In this noble Christian lady he found a friend and his second religious teacher. To her example and influence he was indebted for many of the elements and impressions that entered into the formation of his character and at last prepared him for the great work of life. If she had done no more, this alone would have been an object worth living for— that from her home circle, and through her humble yet potential influence, had been given to the church three ministers to preach the Gospel of God.

As a child his manners were singularly shy among older people. His serious, thoughtful turn of mind would have very much isolated him from his young and more boisterous companions, but for another characteristic equally strong — his fondness for out-door sports and the exuberant joy which he felt when partaking of them with his boyish associates. An enthusiastic love for books, amounting almost to a passion, developed itself very early. At an age much younger than is common with boys, he acquired a knowledge of the Latin and Greek languages, read Virgil and Homer in the original with delight, and became as familiar with their scenes and heroes as with the things of every-day life. He had the advantage of a thorough drilling in these tongues under the instructions of Mr. Duncan F- Robertson and Mr. Joshua Fry, two of the most famous teachers and scholars in that part of the country. No boy of his years, probably, ever studied the Greek and Roman classics with a keener relish or a higher ardor. He lived in the world created by their genius, caught the inspiration of their great thoughts and the glow of their sublime imagery, fought over their battles, mingled in their sports, sailed over seas and stormed cities with their heroes, kindled with the eloquence of their orators and sages, and felt his whole soul dilated, refined, and ennobled by the high and loving communion.

When thirteen years of age, with his brother Willis, a boy of fine promise, two years older than himself, he entered a clas-

CLASSICAL ATTAINMENTS.

sical school at Buck Pond, in Woodford County, Kentucky, taught at that time by Mr. W. R. Thompson, at the residence of Dr. Lewis Marshall, in whose family the boys boarded, and afterward by Dr. Marshall himself. This was regarded as the best classical academy then in Kentucky. Here were educated many of the men who afterward rose to the highest distinction in the State. Among all the young and brilliant minds here gathered from different quarters, and brought into daily contact for the purpose of instruction under the eye of these accomplished linguists, none appeared to greater advantage for native talent, and all those traits of character which boys admire in each other, than the brothers Willis and Lewis Green. The latter was pronounced by Dr. Marshall one of the finest classical scholars who had ever been under his tuition. His natural quickness, his ardent love of study, and his thorough training by his former teachers, Fry and Robertson, enabled him to sustain himself with ease in classes composed of boys much older than himself. In his eager pursuit of classical knowledge, and in hearty appreciation of its beauty and power, he was the noblest Roman of them all.

With unabated ardor he pursued these studies about two years at Dr. Marshall's, finding in Mrs. Marshall another warm-hearted and devoted Christian friend and counsellor, who felt a deep interest in his welfare, and cherished for him a strong attachment through life. During these years his progress in study was rapid and satisfactory. But during this time two events occurred, which probably, more than mere intellectual growth or attainments, contributed their influence to future years in the formation of his character and the shaping of his destiny.

The latter part of the first of these years was marked as a period of religious awakening in the school and through the neighborhood. Quite a number of the pupils and others became deeply interested in the matter of their salvation, gave satisfactory evidence of conversion, and made a public profession of their faith in Christ. Among these were both Willis and Lewis Green. They were baptized and received into the

PROFESSION OF RELIGION.

communion of the Pisgah Church in March, 1820, the one being then about fourteen and the other about sixteen years old.

During the second year of their stay at Dr. Marshall's a malignant fever made its appearance in the school, and raged for a season with great violence. The two brothers fell under its power, and soon became dangerously sick. After a brief illness, Willis breathed his young spirit into the bosom of the Saviour he had loved and trusted. The younger brother, after a hard struggle for life, protracted through weeks of suffering, at last rallied sufficiently to be carried home to Wave! and.

Here, however, a relapse ensued, and again there seemed little hope of his recovery. But the disease was at length subdued. Through a convalescence of months he came up slowly from the gates of death. Not in vain for him had been that long gaze into the grave, that calm scrutiny of himself in the light of eternity. Not in vain was the loss of that gifted brother, so endeared to him by nearness of age, similarity of taste, and close companionship in the sports, the studies, and the experiences of childhood. The impressions made upon him were as deep and lasting as life. Loud and distinct now sounded that call to the Gospel ministry which had rung in his ear ever since he had knelt at his mother's knee, and learned from her sainted lips to cry, " Our Father." But the preparation was not yet complete. Other trials and deeper experiences awaited him. A fuller insight into his own unworthiness, clearer views of Christ and his all-sufficiency, were needed before entering on the vocation to which he aspired with such awed and trembling expectancy.

His health being at last restored, he was sent to the Transylvania University, in Lexington, Kentucky, then under the administration of Dr. Horace Holley. After completing the studies of the junior year in this institution, he was transferred to Centre College in Danville, then just organized by the Presbyterians of Kentucky, and placed under the presidency of Dr. Jeremiah Chamberlain. The reason for this change was that the Presbyterians of the State, becoming dis-

COLLEGE STUDIES.

satisfied with the infidel principles of Dr. Holley, had withdrawn their support from Transylvania, and determined to build up an institution at Danville. Here he spent his senior year; and having now completed a full collegiate course, he graduated with the first class of Centre College in 1824, at the age of eighteen.

An insatiable thirst for knowledge and love of reading led him into paths of both philosophical and classical study not often trodden by youthful students. Every thing having a connection with the subject of his studies, or in any way throwing light upon them, was read voraciously, and incorporated with his accumulating stock of knowledge. The study of the human mind, its structure and capabilities, possessed from boyhood a wonderful charm for him. To the close of life he pursued these investigations. With the single exception of the contemplation of God's revealed truth, he believed there could be no higher and nobler employment of our faculties than in the study of the human mind. While still a college student, the writings of the Greek and Roman sages were perused by him with the ardor of cliscipleship. By this early and familiar contact with the acute and powerful thinkers of other ages, a living energy of thought was infused into his mind, which marked all his public discourses. The reader of the sermons in this volume cannot fail to see how full his mind, was of images of beauty aud sublimity, and how rich in treasures of wisdom and philosophy derived from the inexhaustible store-house of classical antiquity.

CHAPTEPw II.

Daxyille axd Pkixcetox, 1824 — 1832.

Choice of a Profession. — Deep Experiences. — Conflicting Plans and Purposes. — Becomes a Student of Law. — Then of Medicine. — Settles on a Farm. — Impediment of Speech. — His Marriage. — Death of his Wife. — A Pinal Decision. — Preparation for the Ministry. — Studies at Tale College. — At the Theological Seminary in Princeton. — Eecollections of Dr. Boardman. — Testimony of Dr. Judkin.

The time for a decision as to his great life-work was now drawing near. With the young man no problem is more important, and at times more perplexing. Thus far he had been sedulously disciplining his mental powers, and treasuring up, against the day of need, that elementary knowledge which was to give edge and temper to the weapons of life's warfare. But at the same time, the spiritual part of his nature was undergoing a deeper and far more important discipline. Though converted at an early age, his faith was subjected to almost every form of assault devised by the great adversary of souls for their destruction ; but from each dark abyss of doubt and despair into which he was plunged, it emerged brighter and stronger, and with a firmer grasp upon the Rock of Ages.