Life and writings of George W. Abell

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Preface

rriHE biographical portraiture presented in this volume is, we humbly hope, sufficiently comprehensive to give the reader a correct view of the life and labors of the eminently useful and self-sacrificing brother who is its subject.

We have suffered him and others to speak of his labors whenever we could, believing the reader would be better assured of correctness than from notes taken from memory. By this means we have authenticated statements and a greater variety of events presented than we could* have introduced. But we regret that we were forced to leave out many incidents con^ nected with his life, furnished by his own notes and the kindness of brethren.

In after time, this volume will furnish material for the historian to refer to churches which were

IV PREFACE.

planted and watered by George W. Abell, and also to men who were his co-laborers. He will be able to see events as they actually occurred and men as they really were, without calling' upon the imagination to furnish the material.

Wherein we have fallen short of the object in view, we ask the indulgence of the reader.

Introduction

GOD, in his providence, seems to furnish men for the needs and the emergencies of every period in the progress of His truth. As His truth advances evolutions ensue, and periods mark its stages, while God, by His mysteriously working power, raises up men, through whom He removes obstacles, and gives renewed impetus' to its movements. A mere sketch of His workings in this particular will suffice for an introduction to the subject of these pages.

In the fullness of prophetic time, the "Light of Israel" shone upon the hills of Judea, and after having finished His work among its inhabitants, by His own innate divine power ascended to the altitude of the universe, while His lesser lights, following in His track, shed their borrowed rays not only in Judea, but in Samaria, and from thence to Gentile cities;" but a more brilliant star was chosen to bear the light to the uttermost parts of the earth, to open the eyes of those in heathen darkness, and set at liberty those in bondage. So triumphant was the truth, and so general was its proclamation, that this latter agent, in the hands of God, said it had been preached to eveiy creature under heaven. Desolate places were made glad, and many a desert blossomed as the rose. The light of the Lord, for some years, shone upon the earth, but, in process of time, it became obscured by the dark clouds of the man of sin, and darkness reigned supreme over the fair face of Judea's hallowed hills and plains, and the whole of Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa. It was a darkness that could be felt. Men groaned beneath jts oppressions. But the ever watchful eye of Jehovah saw where the generating focus of that darkness was located, and he raised up a Luther, with giant mind and iron nerve, to weaken its power, by flinging the rays of celestial light into the Vatican, which caused the Pope to tremble in St. Peter's chair, and his cardinals to quake with fear. He was possessed of a determined will and of a spirit that was a stranger to fear. Opposition, and the rage of enemies, steadied

him for the conflict. In heart he was opposed to strife, but when and 2

VI INTRODUCTION.

where conviction led him he would discharge his duties, though demons stood in his pathway. But in his hours of respite he needed the mild, gentle and soothing consolations of a comforting voice, and to this end the God of all grace raised up a Melancthon. God often chooses the humble in this world to confound the mighty. These two agents, in the hand of God, were of humble origin ; the former was the son of a poor German miner, and the latter the son of an obscure smith ; but their names have become as imperishable as those of C?esar and Hannibal. Luther confined his great powers to the demolition of the corruptions of Romanists, and to the advocacy of the doctrine of justification by faith, without the deeds of the Jewish law and the pseudo works of the mother of harlots.

Time moved on apace, and other fields of divine wisdom remained untouched by the master minds of God's overruling providence. God had a work to be done; another blow had to be struck at the corruption of Romanism, and other truths had to be eliminated from tb,e arcanum of divine wisdom. And by divine evolution John Calvin stepped upon the arena, with such genius, scholarship and eloquence, as to call forth the admiration of his enemies, while they shrank with terror beneath his heavy blows. Nor did he confine his powers to the exposure of the corruptions of Romanism, but he espoused the theory of Augustine in regard to unconditional election, eternal reprobation, and final perseverance. While much in his writings, upon these and kindred subjects, is of questionable correctness, it must be confessed that his disciplined and well-stored mind enabled him, with his eloquent tongue and ready pen, to present most powerfully to his compeers truths hitherto unknown to them. From his labors a new era dawned upon the religious world. Surrounded as he was by men seeing through glasses darkly, and by theories corrupt and corrupting in their influence, it would have been strange indeed for him to have seen every ray of divine light with the clearness of an infallible eye. His mistakes, in the lapse of time, will find graves to which the hand of a resurrection will not point, while # the truths he drew from the hidden treasures of infinite wisdom will shine brighter and brighter until they are lifted far above every obscuring cloud. Calvin had his enemies; he has them now ; he had his faults and his errors ; but let any man read his life, and post himself as to his political, civil and religious surroundings, and he will be forced to confess that John Calvin was a great and a good man.

Men were more and more relieved from the bondage of Romanism, but as the tendency of the human mind is to observe forms and ceremonies

INTRODUCTION. VII

regardless of the deep-toned piety of the heart, the reformation, in manyplaces, consisted in a mere conformity to forms, regardless of the inward workings of the Holy Spirit. It was a crying evil, it blighted the joys and comforts arising from a meek and quiet spirit. It was as destitute of warmth as the iceberg that obstructs the Arctic ocean. The Lord looked from heaven upon this scene, and brought into active exercise the devoted John Wesley. It is true, at first, he moved with tardy steps, but it was only to survey his own heart and his surroundings. His aims were all good, and he struck a blow at Episcopal formalism, from which it has never recovered, and inaugurated a system which was grand in its designs, but too unbridled in its workings. Yet that great good was done, and is now being done by his efforts, all most joyfully admit; but the fiery zeal, undisciplined by divine precaution, imparted to his co-workers an enthusiasm that ripened almost into a total disregard to the form of sound words, and a disrespect for the ordinances delivered to the chosen Twelve. And this state of things spread to an injurious extent among other denominations, especially in America, during the early part of this century. They soon learned to speak of the ordinances of Christ as " mere forms, mere bodily forms;" and imitating those from whom they borrowed their fanaticism, they would in wild phrenzy, with uplifted hands and eyes, exclaim : 41 Give me the religion of the heart, the Holy Ghost in the heart; yes, give me heart religion, but as for your forms and ceremonies they are nothing, nothing, nothing." Thus were the divine ordinances, with all their loyaltytesting virtues and rich blessings, hooted into contempt.

But the Lord never slumbers nor sleeps. His eyes are ever open ; and he watches with tenderness his people, and guards his truth with faithfulness. But to meet the wants of his people and his truth at this time, a man must be raised up with the determined will and iron nerve of Luther, the genius, learning and eloquence of Calvin, and the devotion and piety of Wesley; he must also be an adept in debate, and he must have large administrative powers. That man was Alexander Campbell, of Bethany, Brooke county, Virginia. He entered upon his work in the fear of the Lord, and with a boldness never before seen among religionists in this western world. His scholarship and his powers as a speaker and a ready writer were admitted by all men of true scholarship. His honesty no one could question. His great aims were to unfold to his fellow men the precious truths in the scheme of redemption, to draw men from the wild and unscriptural theories of sectarianism to the word of God that liveth and.

VIII INTRODUCTION.

abideth forever, and to an intelligent faith in Jesus the Christ. He commenced a general exposure of sectarianism in all of its phases — from the cold and frigid rules of formalism, to the wild and unbridled fanaticism or the mourning bench ; from the hair-splitting abstruse questions of a lifeless theology, to a confused pseudo-religious animalism; and at the same time, with great ability, he urged a return to a pure speech, to the ancient gospel and the ancient order of facts, commands and promises, as set forth by Jesus and the sacred twelve. For these things he was attacked by the learned and the ignorant, and by the refined and the rude. Wit,, sarcasm, learning and burlesque, were brought to bear upon him with all their powers ; but he never wavered, for he knew he stood upon the truth of God, which was firmer than the hills of his own Bethany home. He was chosen of God for a mighty work ; and that work, by His grace, he was determined to do. But in all of his combats for the truth, he ever showed a life renewed by the Holy Spirit and sanctified by grace. And the Lord provided him with holy brethren, who were ever ready to comfort him in all of these struggles. One of these was his bosom friend,. Walter Scott; and another, who was ever his brother of consolation, still lives nigh u.ito Bethany. And during the latter part of these heroic struggles for the truth of God, there lived in eastern Virginia an humble, pious, holy man, filled with the Holy Spirit, having untiring energy, ever burning zeal, working by day and night for the conversion of sinners and the building up of the churches of God, and that man was George W. Abell, the subject of the following biographical sketch, to whom special attention will now be called.

Chapter I

Brother Abell's parents— his brothers — date of his birth — his training — his morals — his love of fun, mischief and truth — his school days. Incidents of his early life — his first religious impressions and confession of Christ — his immediate consecration to the ministry — entrance into the University — his health injured, by hard study — he is brought "nigh unto death."

Chapter II

The purposes of God in affliction. Brother Abell renews the study of the Scriptures — his "faith alone" doctrine shaken. He attends the preaching of R. L. Coleman, is convinced, and unites with the Disciples. His sectarian friends report him deranged — cold treatment — his meekness — exclusion from the Baptist church — an account of his change of temperament, or, what some called his " derangement."

Chapter III

He still attends the University of Virginia — close application to study — forgetting even his meals. An incident of his perseverance in study — a "rabbit" hunt for recreation. He graduates — strong in mind but weak in body. He "tries to preach" — expresses doubts of success — encouraged by brethren Coleman and Goss — says "he will die in the harness." His first preaching tour, accompanied by brother Goss — returned improved in health, and free from erroneous impressions.

Chapter IV

His visit to Scottsville — John Tyler and J. T. Barclay his companions — Tilt with a Baptist preacher. Visit to Nelson county —

X CONTENTS.

its good results. Visits his parents — their prejudices removed. Courtship and marriage. Resides three years in Charlottesville — teaches school and preaches occasionally — two children born to him. More affliction — its effect, upon him. Removed to Orange county and continued to teach — death of his little daughter — determines to abandon teaching and devote his whole time to preaching — accepts the appointment of "general evangelist." 31

Chapter V

Brother Abell's desire to do good — devoid of ambition — his sacrifice of home comforts — the trials and responsibilities of his wife. Letters of Alexander Fitzpatrick, concerning brother Abell's previous labors. Letters from brother Abell announcing the death of his child, and the success of his evangelizing efforts. 39

Chapter VI

Brother Abell commences his labors as general evangelist. Letters reporting his success in i850-'52. His success raised the ire of a Methodist minister, who challenges the immersionists. J. A. Cowgill's defence of "the truth." The modesty of brethren Abell and Hunter prevents them from reporting their labors. Brothers Jones and Cowgill report. Letter from G. W. Abell to R. L. Coleman. 49

Chapter VII

Reasons assigned for brother Abell's failure to report his success. He removes his family to Scottsville. More affliction — it hinders his work. He desponds over failure. His firm confidence that the Lord will spare him to work in His vineyard. Reports of his labors this year — 1853. Removal from Scottsville to Oak Forest, Cumberland, at which place he lost a child, and had one born to him. 64

Chapter VIII

Brother Abell's views af the liquor traffic. His annual report for 1854. Letters respecting his work in 1855— '6 — and his annual reports for i856-'7-'8-'9. 74

CONTENTS. XI

Chapter IX

No report between the Fall of 1859 and the Spring of i860. A successful meeting in Hanover. Characteristic incidents. Sketches of brother AbelPs character and life by brethren Walthall and Coleman. Partial reports of his labors during the late civil war. ' 99

Chapter X

Brother Abell employed in preaching to the army and teaching school from the winter of 1863 to the winter of 1864. Resumes evangelizing work in the spring of 1866. His eighteenth annual report — 1867. His horse falls and breaks his leg. His remarkaable character portrayed in his patience and perseverance under this affliction. Resigns his position as evangelist in May, 1868. 130

CHAPTER XL

Correspondence of brother Abell with the brotherhood in Virginia, through the Examiner, from June, 1868, to November, 1869. He debates with a Methodist. D. A. Snow's account of this debate. 147

Chapter XII

Brother Abell's evangelizing work during the year 1870, including a visit to east Tennessee. 175,

Chapter XIII

Brother Abell realizes answer to his prayers in the conversion of his children. A condensed report of his labors from the year 1871. He locates in Murfreesboro', Tennessee. Farewell address to the Virginia brotherhood. The last letter he wrote for publication. Brief account of his sickness, death and burial. 198

Chapter I

Brother Abell's parents — his brothers — date of his birth — his training — his morals — his love of fun, mischief and truth — his school days. Incidents of his early life — his first religious impressions and confession of Christ — his immediate consecration to the ministry — entrance into the University — his health injured by hard study — he is brought " nigh unto death."

IN the physical and moral development, much depends upon ancestry, and more depends upon the mother than upon the father, though both have the destinies of their children in their hands. "Bring up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it," is true as a general rule, and it is exemplified in the life of George W. Abell. His father, John S. Abell, enjoyed the benefits of a pious mother, and his life reflected honor upon her memory.

He was a worthy boy, an exemplary young man, a Christian gentleman, and a devoted minister in the Baptist church. He was not what is called an educated man, but of strong mind and of studious habits. He became a Christian at an early age; commenced preaching at twenty-five, but was not ordained until he was forty. His wife confessed her faith in Jesus at an early age, but was not baptized for some years after her marriage. This delay arose from the low estimate which was at that day placed upon what was then called " outward forms." The Baptists since then have learned better, and are approximating to apostolic usage. Father Abell died in 1859, and mother Abell in 1872. They had only three children, viz: A. P. Abell, George W. Abell and J. R. Abell, all boys. The first and the last are living, and are honorable and useful members of the Baptist church.

Father and mother Abell were very careful as to the morals of these three boys. But we will only speak particularly of our brother George W. Abell. He was born on the nth of December, 1 81 8, in Albemarle county, two miles west of the University of Virginia, where his father and mother resided, for fifty years. His parents, by precept and example, impressed him with religious reverence. He was taught to read and . to reverence the Holy Scriptures, and to offer up regularly his evening prayer. But it was not so much the custom then as now to make special efforts to teach children the Gospel, the plan of salvation, or the obedience of faith; consequently, very little, if any, in that direction was taught him. This arose not from the want of interest in his religious welfare, but from the want of a knowledge of the plan of salvation on the one side, and on the other a belief in a pseudo "divine influence." In that day, and in some localities more than in others, this doctrine was the source of much anguish to many an anxious parent's heart, and also the source of unspeakable unhappiness to many an inquiring sin-sick soul.

There were family prayers, and the reading ot the Bible with the "notes and practical observations" of Scott, which were greatly admired by his pious father, but which were not likely to teach little boys "the way of truth" in saving souls. But in a general manner, they were not without significance and a moral influence.

His morals were remarkably pure. He was full of life and of fun — exceedingly bright, witty, mischievous and active — the life of his companions and the family circle. To illustrate his juvenile love of fun: not seeing the moral nature of such an act, he on one occasion set fire to some "brush piles," near the mountain of his father's home, and gave the alarm of fire, so that he might enjoy the excitement of his father, the servants and the neighbors, and see them running from every direction to subdue it. On another occasion he acted similarly, but his father caught him soon after the fire had extended about a hundred yards, under suspicious circumstances; and though a lover of fun, yet such a lover of truth that, when questioned by his father, he frankly confessed that he had put fire to the "brush pile" then and theretofore ; and, as one of his old schoolmates says, " Wash got the flogging of his life for it, and he never used fire as a means of fun afterwards." This contrasts strangely with his solemn words and actions in after years ; but the reason of the change will be fully explained before we get through these pages.

He commenced attending school when he was seven years old, and had to walk two miles morning and evening. He was very much opposed to going to a country school. He regarded a country school-house as a place of torture, and a country schoolmaster as a monster; and he would try to convince his father and his mother that he ought not to be sent to any such house, nor to any such teacher : and it is said that his arguments had an effect upon his parents, and that they would not have continued him there if they could have done better. His arguments were divided somewhat as follows : i . It was too great a tax upon his strength to walk two miles, and then do justice to the demands of his mind. 2. The house was not the kind of house to teach school in. 3. The teacher was not the kind of a man to teach little boys.

It is very likely that this little boy, about eight or nine years old, had in embryo more knowledge of such things than many of the old fathers. He was a very determined boy in his convictions. One little incident must suffice, at this time, to illustrate this : one morning he commenced his oft repeated arguments to convince his mother and the servant that" he ought not to go to such a school; and while he was being dressed for his departure, the conflict became so warm that he broke from the servant, leaving his under garment in her hands, and ran off in a nude state and hid himself in a neighboring thicket, greatly to the amusement of the witnesses. Being found, he yielded to the persuasion of his kind mother, whom he most tenderly loved.

George was not particularly fond of physical work, especially in the Summer. After he got to be twelve or fourteen years old, he and his two brothers entered into a co-partnership to cultivate a lot in corn: All went on very well until a very hot day. They worked up to eleven o'clock; at last George called to his brothers to listen to a speech he would deliver to them.

They came to him; and he, resting upon his hoe handle, with the perspiration streaming down his face, said: "I cannot work in this hot sun, it is too warm for me. I am made for some other work; and these things being so, boys, I believe I will resign my commission and retire to the*- shade." So the co-partnership was dissolved.

He attended country schools only five or six years; but during this time he had made great progress in his studies, not because he admired either the schools or the teachers, but because of his aptness and his desire for knowledge.

There was one gift he possessed to a very high degree, viz: to use with readiness, whenever it was necessary, all he knew. He could talk or write it without any difficulty.

When he left the country school, he expressed himself as highly honored. He did this in order to enter a store in Charlottesville, where he remained for a while, and then became an assistant in the post-office in that town. But he soon left and entered a classical school taught by Pike Powers and Alexander Duke; and his desire for knowledge was so great that he engaged also the instruction of George W. Trueheart. He now brought into exercise all the powers of his mind. He advanced rapidly in his studies, and grew in favor with his teachers and all with whom he became acquainted, not only because of his studious habits, but also because of his high moral character. The veneration he had for his pious father, and his love for his Christlike mother, greatly endeared him to the citizens of Charlottesville.

Children have their likes and their dislikes, ' and they should be respected, else the otherwise sprightly boy may be regarded as stupid. George was not an exception to this rule; and it is a question, all the circumstances considered, whether it would not have been better for him not to have gone to a school he considered unfit for him to attend, and to a teacher he regarded unqualified to teach him. The greatest difference was observed in his whole manner after he entered the school of Mr. Powers. He felt the increased responsibilities • of his new school relations, and was determined to discharge them with credit to himself and to his parents. It is the opinion of some of the best minds that no man is qualified to teach any kind of a school unless he is a classical scholar. George, though a little boy, seems to have seen this by intuition. Hence his repugnance to what was called country schools, or old field schools. But great changes have taken place since that day in regard to the qualifications of country school teachers: we have now for such schools teachers of fine scholarship and admirable disciplinary qualifications.

When he was about sixteen years old, he became concerned about his salvation, but he was very reticent upon the subject, though his parents saw that he was deeply concerned. They had little or no conversation with him upon the subject, not because they did not feel an interest in his happiness, but they t knew he not only thought for himself, but would act out his own convictions. He was himself in all matters.

When convinced of his duty, he would perform it regardless of the opinions of others; and in religious matters this trait of character was conspicuously manifest. He was not very long in making a religious determination; and as soon as this was gained, he approached his brother A. P. Abell, and informed him of his faith in Jesus the Christ and his determination to be baptized. This gave much joy to his brother and to his father and mother. He was baptized forthwith by his father, near Charlottesville, and united with the Baptist church of that town. He had much comfort of heart in the assurance of pardon and the hope of eternal life. Up to this time he had cherished aspirations of a worldly nature for his future course; but such was the power of redeeming grace that he came to the determination to sacrifice all for the cause of Christ, by preparing himself for the Christian ministry. He commenced at once to exhort and pray in prayer meetings, and was regarded by the members of the church almost as a prodigy of learning; and he was encouraged by all laudable means to carry out his determination to preach the gospel.

While attending the classical school in Charlottesville he studied all the branches usually taught in such schools, and, as has been stated, made great progress in his studies. " He was well prepared to enter the University, which he did when he was about twenty years old. Here he showed the same determination of character that had marked his previous course. No Latin, Greek, or Mathematical difficulty was so great that he could not remove. He was what was then and is now called "a hard student." This he carried to such an extent as to impair his health. He seemed for a time to sacrifice everything for his studies; even his religious duties were neglected, and he partially if not entirely abandoned the high purpose of consecrating himself to the gospel ministry, at least for the time. His idea was somewhat in this wise: He would thoroughly educate himself, take a high position

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in the political world, by which he could command great influence, and, this being gained, he would turn all to the advancement of the cause of Christ. For this end he studied day and night, trespassed upon Lord's day, denied himself any relief or rest, and cruelly crushed his health, and his mind trembled beneath the pressure. But there is a Superior and Superintending Power, with sleepless eyes, ever looking upon his chosen ones. They may propose, but He disposes

"And works His gracious will."

He mercifully laid the hand of affliction upon him, and for many long months visited him with a wasting sickness; he was brought to the verge of the grave. His friends gave him every attention, and watched almost hopelessly for the result. But the same Power that had brought him so low raised him up chastened, refined, purified, and with all the devotion and zeal of his conversion to God.

Chapter II

The purposes of God in affliction. Brother Abell renews the study of the Scriptures — his "faith alone" doctrine shaken. He attends the preaching of R. L. Coleman, is convinced, and unites with the Disciples. His sectarian friends report him deranged — cold treatment — his meekness — exclusion from the Baptist church — an account of his change of temperament, or, what some called his "derangement."

/~^ OD works to bring about his will concerning ^-^ us, whether we be aliens, luke-warm Christians or apostates, but always through instrumentalities. His Word is the chief means to which all other means are subservient. He uses his Word through the church with all of its ordinances, severally and collectively, to work out his will, and also through his Providence. Hence we have preaching, exhortation, prayer, singing, the supper, Christian conversation, a shake of the hand, an expressive eye and countenance; also news favorable or unfavorable concerning persons and things, the sickness or death of friends, or of those not even within the circle of our acquaintance, the acquisition of wealth or the loss of property, and of our own sickness.