Memoir and writings of Mrs. Hannah Maynard Pickard; late wife of the Rev. Humphrey Pickard ...

Front matter

MEMOIR AND WRITINGS

OF

MRS. HANNAH MAYNARD PICKARD;.

Contents

Lntroduction . . . , . . . , Page 9 CHAPTER I.

Her parentage and birth. Removal to Concord, Mass. Early traits. Removal to Wilbraham, Mass. Character as a student. Revival of religion. Conversion. Baptism. Extract of a letter from the Rev. Charles Adams . . ■- 13

CHAPTER n.

Introduction

The claims of the subject of the following Memoir to the regards of the reader, rest not only on the exhibition of cherished and auspiciously developed affections and friendships, but also on their combination with strong points of intellectual, moral and Christian character.

To dwell upon social qualities, even of the purest and warmest nature, may, to some, savor of mere sentimentality. But I must confess that to me no character is lovely which does not exhibit the kind and friendly affections in native and growing strength. Amid the successes or disasters of perilous adventure and noble daring, the honorable pursuits of business and fame, the remarkable developments of genius and art, and the fascinations of beauty, the most essential element of a truly valuable character, is its twining social attachments and moral worth.

Many, we have reason to fear, have been raised by the breath of popular favor to be the objects of really undeserved admiration. Their social life has been execrable ; their

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INTRODUCTION.

spoiled temper and vicious habits have given only pain and anxiety to relatives and intimate acquaintances ; and it has been a source of wonder at the divine economy, how they should have become exalted and enshrined in the devoted attachment of the world.

The subject of these pages had a native character composed of the finest materials, which were but improved in delicacy by the touch of mental culture, and the influence of divine grace. And with all the genius which, in its opening brilliancy, gave delightful promise of future usefulness and fame, the sweetness of her disposition, and the purity and strength of her social virtues, constituted the peculiar charm of her society. Her love was cheering while yet she mingled personally in the circles of earth ; and now that she is gone, we can but grieve that her bright presence no longer blesses these mortal abodes. But " what earth has lost, heaven has gained and if only the pure and good, such as she, inhabit that better land, well may we desire to depart to join their hallowed company.

We shall witness in the recorded incidents of her course, and the delineation of her character, marked intellectual traits, a highly refined and cultivated taste, a decided moral purpose, an intelligent and Christian acquiescence in the arrangements of Providence, and signal success in the various relations and appointments of her life. I must not anticipate the details of this volume, but I may be permitted to assure the reader that, though the subject of this work had . not won any distinguished honors in the public estima-

INTRODUCTION.

xi tion, he will find, in the perusal of these pages, enough to awaken his gratitude that so worthy an example of human excellence was vouchsafed to earth ; and enough to teach him that, nevertheless, a due appreciation and employment of the advantages of his situation, will secure to him all that is valuable in character, and useful in conduct, in the relations to which divine Providence may call him.

Much in her correspondence that is characteristic and interesting to her personal friends, is unsuitable for the public eye. And I may add, that as none of it was designed for more than private reading, it may not possess all that variety of sentim.ent and richness of language which a mere literary taste may admire. Yet, in what will be presented, the reader will find, I think, traces of a well-disciplined mind, which has not been inattentive to the graces of style, even in her free and familiar intercourse with friends.

It seems that she only now and then kept a private record of her mental exercises and personal experience. As there was no rigid formality in this practice, we find these occasional musings to be the outpouring of a burthened heart or of exuberant spirits. We love to get such glimpses of the inner life ; and when, as in this case, they furnish so delightful testimonials of real excellence, we wish that they had been multiplied a hundred fold.

Having been requested by her excellent but deeply afflicted husband to collect and arrange her papers for publication, together with some notices of her life, I shrank from the task, as becoming some worthier hand ; but still I

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INTRODUCTION.

felt that friendship to the dead and to the Hving, would not permit a refusal of this request : and I have done what I could. The reader, I trust, will overlook the defects of my performance, if, at least, he can gain some tolerably distinct idea of the character of one whom it was good to know^ and whose " memory is fragrant J"^

M1LTON5 MasSo., July, 1845.

NOTE.

An erroneous statement is made near the foot of the 137th page, of sufiicient importance to require correction ; and I avail myself of this opportunity to give &■' word of explanation. It is there stated, that the Falls of St. John prevent the river navigation from reaching the wharves of the city. They do at low water ; and one who saw them at such a time, as I did, without knowing or remembering the great height which the tides reach, would not imagine that any craft, but a skimming boat perhaps, could ever pass them, even at high water. The fact is, however, that the tide rises usually thirty feet, and at high water vessels of any size may ascend and descend with ease and safety. This circumstance is, of course, signally advantageous to the country above, and to the city below.. E> O,

MEMOIR.

Chapter I

Her parentage and birth. Removal to Concord, Mass. Early traits. Removal to Wilbraham, Mass. Character as a student. Revival of religion. Conversion. Baptism. Extract of a letter from the Rev. Charles Adams.

Mrs. Hannah Maynard Pickarb was the youngest daughter of Ebenezer and Hannah Thompson. She was born the 25th day of November, in the year ISIS, in a romantic mountain region of the town of Chester, Vermont. When she was about three years old, her family removed to the town of Concord, Massachusetts. Here she resided ten years.

During these early years som.e traits of character, were exhibited which developed themselves in beautiful proportions in later life. She was then, as ever, remarkable for a cheerful and vivacious turn of mind. Her imagination was busy and bright, and her mem- 2

MEMOIR OF MRS.

ory peculiarly retentive and ready. She excelled her young mates in the delectable art of telling stories, which she easily learned, and narrated with absorbing interest. Her faculty of observation was uncommon, and she seemed animated with an eager desire, and persevering purpose, to acquire all the knowledge within her reach ; and hence the inquiries which she proposed to every one with whom she conversed were frequent and sensible, as her remarks were intelligent and interesting. She was also very fond of reading, so that from books, observation, conversation and reflection — the four great sources of knowledge — she acquired, as years passed on, somewhat extensive information of men and things, which was a fund of entertaining thought to herself in after time, and also of agreeable and useful intercourse with society.

She possessed a naturally amiable temper, and as soon as she had knowledge of good and evil, seemed religiously inclined. Beside the ordinary saying of prayers, to which the children of Christians are generally accustomed, she had, when a child, frequent seasons of prayer, and of reading the Bible by herself in her own room. She was favored with parents who taught her the fear of the Lord, and who were blessed in having their instructions followed by the influences of the Holy Spirit in the ultimate conversion of all their children. Three of their four children have died in the faith of Christ, and have now joined the glorified spirit of their mother in the paradise above. How blessed for a family so to live as to miss no one of their number in the bliss of heaven ! May the rest safely, though late, arrive in that '^continuing city,"

" Where immortal spirits reign."

Though Hannah was thus prayerful and serious, and, about her eleventh year, as she afterwards thought, felt some of the joys of religion, she did not profess to have experienced a change of heart, and the forgiveness of sins, until after her removal from Concord.

In the year 1826 her parents were engaged to take charge of the boarding establishment connected wdth the Wesleyan Academy at Wilbraham, Mass. This was soon after the opening of the school, and Mr. Thompson abandoned a lucrative business, and an agreeable situation, for the purpose of contributing to the success of this enterprise among New England Methodists, and especially of placing his children under decidedly religious influences. At great personal inconvenience he removed his family, and established them there, in the early spring of that year. It was at the time of their removal to Wilbraham that I first saw Hannah. I was on my way to the Academy. We had been travelling on the same route many miles, in different coaches, and I did not particularly observe her, till when, within about eight miles of our destination, we, and her two sisters were placed in the same coach together. She was only a child of thirteen ; but the lively interest which she showed in relation to the school, the good sense which she manifested in her inquiries and observations, the sweetness of her disposition, and the simplicity of her manners,

MEMOIR OF MRS.

impressed upon my mind a remembrance which was never efTaced, and which was blended with every idea of her which I subsequently formed.

At Wilbraham she attended school at the Academy, and was considered a successful and proficient scholar. She was particularly pleased with the difficult and higher branches which, to youth of her age, are usually so annoying. The Latin, Greek and French languages were her delight, and she would pursue the study of them out of school hours as a recreation. Algebra and Geometry were pleasurable rather than irksome ; and it was in the solid branches of knowledge that she excelled during her relation to the school as pupil. The admirable taste and art which she afterwards exhibited in various ornamental accomplishments, were much later acquisitions. By her previous studies she formed a character of persevering industry, acquired a nice discrimination of the beauties of nature, art and literature, disciplined her faculties, and prepared the way for her future delicate and beautiful exhibitions of taste and genius.

During the first revival of religion in the Academy, in which many of the students shared, her own religious feelings became deeply interested. This was the first season of general religious interest which herself and sisters had ever witnessed. They had been taught religion at home ; but in the town of Concord, where they had resided since their very early childhood, there was only occasionally evangelical preaching. The clergyman and church in the village were Unitarian. But though good morals were inculcated, they were

HANNAH M. PICKARD.

such as could be performed without the renewal and sanctification of the heart, and were considered not inconsistent with balls, assemblies, and parties of pleasure. In these a deeper interest was manifested by the people generally than in the subject of personal, spiritual religion. Though the sisters might sometimes have felt an inclination to seriousness in conversation with their parents, they drank into the spirit of gaiety, and the love of fashion, which pervaded the people of the place. Hannah, being the youngest, was indeed less exposed to such influences than the others, but she . had not become a decided Christian.

Mr. Thompson and his wife were now permitted to rejoice in finding their daughters brought under a religious influence, which awakened deeper feelings of regard for their own personal salvation, than they had ever before realized. It is true, these feelings of interest did not permanently affect them all from that time, though they may have given a direction to their views, which, together with other circumstances, led them ultimately to Christ. Hannah, however, ceased not to seek, until she obtained and manifested satisfactory evidence of pardon of sin, and peace with God. Her parents, convinced of the genuineness of her conversion, allowed her, though young, to unite with the Methodist Society, and to make a pubHc profession of religion. In the religious impression made upon the minds of their daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson hoped to reahze the fulfilment of their highest wishes.

How many parents, like them, have placed their chil- 2#

MEMOIR OF MRS.

dren in that Seminary, with the same fervent desire and hope of seeing them attain a truly Christian character. And the teachers and officers of the school were not wanting in endeavors to bring their young charge to Jesus, as well as to train them in useful knowledge and intellectual discipline. God has graciously heard the prayers of parents aqd teachers, and signally blessed the Institution with frequent and powerful revivals. O that they might be still vouchsafed 1 The time came when several of the young converts were to acknowledge Christ in the holy ordinance of baptism. Though Hannah's parents were Methodists, they had omitted what I conceive to be an important and interesting duty of Christian parents — the consecration of their infant children to God by baptism. It appears clear, that as infant children are in a state of absolute justification by the free gift which has come upon all men,* and are thus entitled to admission to heaven, dying in infancy, as well as to the blessings of God's kingdom here as far as they are capable of enjoying them,t it is the duty of Christian parents to recognize this great truth by the visible sign which Christ has appointed to shadow forth the justifying merit of his death. And it seems to me that the baptism of infants exhibits in a striking manner the great principle of justification by faith, in precisely the same way, and with the same significance, as circumcision did in the case of Abraham's posterity .J The sign

* Rom. vi. 18. t Mark x. 14.

HANNAH M. PICKARD.

applied to infants implies that it is " not by works of righteousness which we have done, but by his mercy he saved us." Tit. iii. 5. It indicates that it is the blood of Christ which washes away sin, by faith and not by works, when faith can be exercised, and without faith or works either, when neither can be exercised.

The rite was performed by Dr. Fisk, then Principal of the Academy. I remember the occasion well. It was on a pleasant Sabbath ; and was a deeply interesting season to the students generally, for several of their number were to publicly consecrate themselves to God in this holy ordinance. The place selected for the ceremony was a beautiful pond, a mile and a half from the village. The still air ruffled not the surface of the httle lake, and hushed the soul into quiet musing on the works and ways of God. The blessed sunlight of a summer Sabbath shed its glorious beauty over the face of nature; and the solemn services of the day prepared the spectators for a profitable contemplation of the scene. After suitable devotional exercises, the venerated and beloved servant of the Lord, in token of the washing away of sin, and as a living sacrifice to God, baptized her with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Then rose the hymn of praise ; then ascended the earnest supplication that the solemn covenant might never be forgotten ; then the apostolic benediction was pronounced ; and the multitude, who, with attending angels, had witnessed this delightful scene, dispersed, in silent meditation, or serious converse, to their homes.

MEMOIR OF MRS.

It was a novel and beautiful sight to behold one at her early age, publicly renouncing the amusements, the vanities and the friendship of the world, and devoting herself to her Saviour in a sacred and perpetual covenant. The vows she then made were ever afterward remembered ; and though seasons of spiritual darkness and declension occurred, she never resumed the offering which she had made of herself to God. Though young, she withstood the. temptations by which others fell, and retained her connection with the society till her death.

I take pleasure in introducing to the reader a letter received from the Rev. Charles Adams, now Principal of the Wilbrahan Academy, vv^hich contains some interesting reminiscences of our sister, a part of which I will here insert, as it is appropriate to this chapter of her earlier history. This tribute of memory is the more acceptable as it came unsolicited, and is the offering of an affectionate heart, which loves to treasure up the fond recollections of youthful days.

WiLBRAHAM, Nov. 25, 1844.

My dear Brother Otheman,

Since the death of your excellent sister, Mrs. Hannah Thompson Pickard, I have often regretted that my opportunities for her acquaintance were necessarily so limited ; for I have, for several years, been accustomed to regard her as one of those rare and select beings whom a gracious Providence vouchsafes to earth, to gladden and adorn, for a few days, the

HANNAH M. PICKARD.

circles of human society, and to remind mortals of that loveliness which, though too seldom seen on earth, yet blooms, in unfading beauty, in brighter worlds.

I saw that dear young lady, for the first time, in the summer of 1827, w^hen you and I first met amid the hallowed scenes of Wilbrahara, where we, together with herself and others whose names I would love to mention, were wont to associate and sympathize in the studies connected w ith our education, under the guidance and smiles of the now sainted Fisk. Hannah might be then about thirteen years of age, and faithful memory brings vividly to my eye her position in that interesting circle. Her father and mother, as you know, w^ere at that time the kind and beloved guardians of the Students' Boarding Hall ; and Hannah, of course, while she was recognized as a student, was, at the same time, contemplated as being at home, and in her father's house. Hence, if more liberties were allowed to her than to other students that were differently circumstanced, there was no jealousy. If, now and then, even in study hours," her buoyant step and sprightly laugh w^ere heard along the stairway, or as she tripped through the spaces, no student, as he bent over his lesson, thought of any disorder ; and had she, in one of her playful sallies, been encountered even by the serene and dignified Principal, I fancy he would but have smiled at her vivacity rather than have reproved her for what, in any one else, had, perhaps, been deemed irregularity.

Hannah was, as yet, a child — a child in stature and in years ; and yet she failed not to attract the notice

MEMOIR OF MRS.

of every one. Her beautiful simplicity, her uncommon sprightliness, her open yet modest smiles, her artless loveliness, all won for her the friendship and love of every student ; Vv^hile her more than ordinary intellectual qualities commanded the respect of those older, by several years, than herself. She was my companion in one of those mountain rambles in which, as you recollect, the young ladies and gentlemen of the Wesleyan Academy were accustomed, now and then, to associate : and my opinion of her superiority and worth, which I then received, remained from that day to the present. In short, my impressions of Hannah at the period named, are, with tolerable accuracy, expressed in an extract from a poetic effusion, delivered, not many years since, to the " Young Ladies Literary " of the Wesleyan Academy, and in which herself and the ramble just alluded to were briefly noticed.

" Of tender age was that sweet child ; And as she talked, and sung, and smiled, I seemed her dear — her elder brother, Son of her own beloved mother.

Her form was fragile as the blade That waved beside the path we strayed ; I could, nor weary once nor faint, Have borne her up that mountain height Within the arm on which she leant, So slender was she, and so light, And yet within that fragile form, Fair Genius was already dawning, Pure as the rays that circle warm The glowing brow of radiant morning."

HANNAH M. PICKARD.

Chapter II

Removal to Boston. Love of the City. Social and Sensitive Nature. Improvement in character. Connection with the Sabbath School. Her Writings. Death of her sister, Susan. Becomes Preceptress at Wilbraham. Letter to her Parents. Local Associations. First passage in her Journal. Winter at home. Letter to her Parents.

In the year 1828, her family removed to Boston, where she chiefly resided till her marriage. She spent a year at the Academy after her parents left, and then lived at home, w^ith the exception of the seasons w^hich she passed at Wilbraham as Preceptress. In Boston she was favored with peculiar advantages for the acquisition of knowledge, and especially for the cultivation of her taste and genius in the ornamental arts. She was very fond of natural, especially of rural scenery ; but she dearly loved the city for its privileges and associations. She highly enjoyed its literary and religious advantages, and formed here many valued and beloved acquaintances. She delighted to consider Boston as her home. Its cleanliness, its general moraUty, its numerous churches, its intelligent population, its hterary fame, its benevolent institutions, the public spirit of its citizens, its storied recollections of puritanic

MEMOIR OF MRS.

piety, and patriotic devotion, its safe and quiet homes, * all enshrined in it the ardent attachment of her heart. '

It was during her residence at home after her return ■ from the Academy, that her filial and social qualities ' were more fully developed. It was then, amid the endearments and the vicissitudes of the domestic circle, that she acquired such a heart-engrossing attachment to homey as rendered succeeding separations deeply \ afflictive and distressing. She suffered, however, sometimes, while surrounded by those dear to her heart, i from that exceeding sensitiveness which will, now and \ then, question the continued love of even devoted ' friends. Such a nature never forgets, when it has once ' loved, and dreads to be forgotten. But in those who ' knew her she failed not to inspire a fond attachment, and a high esteem of her intellectual and moral worth ' which secured that attachment. The exquisite delight ' which a sensitive nature frequently realizes in the exer- ' cise and assurance of friendship, is, on the whole, far preferable to that free and joyous confidence which ^ an easy disposition feels in the undoubted stability of ^ supposed admirer?. The steady love of years, which ' she experienced from her own relatives and long tried ' friends, was sufficient, however, to dispel all fear and doubt, and afforded her in later life a very large share of pure enjoyment. The following brief note, written ^ to her cousin. Miss Joanna Maynard, whom she ten- | derly loved, and with whom she spent many agreeable [ hours, reveals something of her taste and sentiment at this time of her life. It speaks of an interview which they had one evening.

HANNAH M. PICKARD.

" Joanna, we have been sitting this evening, watching the calm moonhght, as it fell softly, silently around us; we enjoyed its balmy air, and its soothing quiet together :— its hours have fled, and we can never sit again, as we then sat, overshadowed by the same clouds, and with the same light about us. Other moons have passed above us, other evenings, as much beloved, have glided by us, and are forgotten; and thus 'twill be of this — its transient interest, and of me. This evening is but an epitome of our lives — changing, changing and still changing. That little white cloud, how many forms it has already worn ; those shadows of our chestnut trees,* they are lengthening, varying as the moon retires; and soon these lovely pageants will be lost in the coming darkness. Is it not thus of those who, for a short time, mingle in our path, and whom we remember (if at all) but as the early evening shadows ? Must it be thus of me 1 No, I have loved you too much ! Let me not be remembered by you as the delicate shade, the beautiful cloud, or the waning moon ; but as the steady star, which shines on in cloud j and storm, although appearing to change its place, yet * I still looking upon you from the same orbit."

i During these years she acquired many excellent habits and qualifications, which fitted her for the responsible station which she was soon to occupy. She was not remarkable, at this time, for religious character. Indeed, though she forgot not her covenant with God, maintained an upright life, and, as opportunity pre-

* The Horse Chestnut is a favorite shade tree in Boston.

MEMOIR OF MRS.

sented, (it did but seldom,) was found in the class and prayer meeting, as well as at public worship, yet her mind seemed to be occupied with numerous concerns, and she allowed herself too little ^attention to the cultivation of inward holiness. This she exceedingly regretted afterwards ; and, especially, lest her deportment might have exerted an injurious influence on her associates. The latter years of her residence in |j Boston, however, were years of spiritual growth, of Christian labor, as well as of intellectual improvement. | This increased religious interest was stimulated, doubt- 1 less, by an event, to be narrated, which was calculated to revive and impress upon her mind all the obligations of religion, and all the solemn associations connected with her relation to another world.

She obtained, also, while residing at home, a sense and power of self-dependence, most important in discharging the duties of life. The perseverance with which she applied herself to the cultivation of her taste and talent in various branches of art and knowledge, was an excellent discipline for her mind, and requisite for ultimate perfection. I am well persuaded that for her success and reputation in future situations she was indebted not more to her native gifts, than to an untiring and determined habit of physical endurance and mental application. Difficulties and labors, which would have deterred many a delicate lady at her age, (and she was never robust herself,) were courageously encountered in the acquisition of valuable attainments, as though she were excited by the distinct assurance

HANNAH M. PICKARD.

of some dazzling advantage to be won by assiduous toil.

She was for some time connected, as teacher, with the Bromfield Street Sabbath School, and afterwards with the Blossom, now Russell Street Sabbath School. She manifested in these schools a strong interest for the welfare of her scholars. They, in turn, became fondly attached to her, and remembered her with peculiar tenderness when she was no longer able to be present with them. For their encouragement, as well as to contribute to the general interest of the school, she wrote several beautiful articles to be recited in the school and at exhibitions. Some of these articles will be readily recalled to mind by many readers of this volume, as they have been extensively used on similar occasions in other places.

The practice of writing for the children gave exercise and improvement to her pen. Though she never seemed animated with an ambition for literary fame, she furnished occasional contributions for several periodicals. Many of these productions are admirable specimens of fine writing. There is, in all her writings, a richness, yet chasteness of thought and expression, which marks her mind as exquisitely delicate in its perceptions and tastes. Her style is, in general, ornate, but adorned with true poetic thoughts and images, so as to entitle it to be called the Poetry of Prose. Several of these articles are deemed worthy of preservation in connection with her Memoir, and will be found in the latter part of this book. While in Boston, she collected the materials of several deeply interesting narratives.

MEMOIR OF MRS.

some of which were afterwards published in a couple of small volumes.*

In the month of March, 1834, a scene occurred of thrilling interest to her, which made an indelible impression upon her susceptible heart. When she was i but eight or nine years old, she was deeply affected by ; the death of her only brother— a very estimable and i promising lad of fifteen. For some years, however, the family circle had been unbroken ; and she went on unconscious of the change that awaited them, happy | in her associations, and gathering strength to her affec- |i tions from every day's connection with the remaining i; number. But her affectionate sympathies were now subjected to a most painful trial — a dearly loved sister, the one nearest her own age, bid, at this time, a last farewell to the hopes and joys of earth, and sought her home in fairer worlds above. Susan was a woman of unusual sprightliness and cheerfulness of mind, and of more than ordinary personal loveliness, and reciprocated the ardent attachment of her sister. She had been married about three years, and was now the mother of a lovely infant boy. During her sickness she had sought and found the Savior, and, though her bodily sufferings were most excruciating, she endured them, and died at last, in great ecstacy and triumph. It was heart-rending to hear her groans of bodily agony, and yet soul-inspiring to" witness the heaven of joy that beamed in her beautiful eye, and irradiated her dying countenance. Hannah's heart