The student-preacher: being a memoir with discourses of Daniel Johnson Glazier

II. Discourse On The Power Of The Cross

"But God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world." — Gal. vi. 14.

HI.

DISCOURSE ON THE HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN. "For great is your reward in heaven." — Matt. v. 12.

IV

DISCOURSE ON THE NEW CREATURE. " If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." — 2 Cor. v. 17.

V

DISCOURSE ON REGENERATION THROUGH CHRIST. " For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. — Eph. ii. 10.

THE

STUDENT-PREACHER.

It will be difficult for -the writer of the following brief memoir to convey, to strangers, an adequate idea of the charm of appearance, character and manner of his young friend and brother, whose sudden decease has awakened so deep a sympathy among all who knew him. He was tenderly loved by his intimate friends. Perhaps they were too blind to his faults, and dwelt too exclusively upon his virtues. But the more they knew him, the more they loved him. Even his imperfections gave a deeper interest to his high qualities. They were just of that character to awaken the profoundest sympathy. In fact, they were the ebullitions and exaggerations of a quick and generous nature. His death, too, has thrown 1

D THE STUDENT-PREACHER.

his faults into shadow, and brought into prominent view all his noble and beautiful traits. Of generous disposition, and lofty aims ; pure in life, and dignified in deportment; with a fine form, and gleaming eye ; a voice of music, whose tones thrilled the heart; a vigorous intellect highly cultivated, a sensibility strong and delicate, and a heart all aglow with the love of nature and of God, he was preparing for the holy work of the Christian ministry. And just as he was ready for the noble service, — -just as he had accepted a call to the pastoral care of a church, which had conceived for him the highest esteem and affection, he was cut down; like some noble tree, with its fresh, green leaves and golden fruit in the very heart of the garden. But the spot where he fell is hallowed. The very air is fragrant with his memory. It seems a duty to perpetuate his influence. Brief as was his life, it was not in vain. Unspeakable good has already come of it. His friends have gained a deeper sense of the value of religion, a nearer view of " the better land." Some of them have found it the means of a new spiritual life. The few sermons he preached produced a deep impression. They are full of the spirit of Christ, and may yet be the means of greater and more permanent usefulness. In this hope some of them are given to the public, accompanied by the following sketches and memorials.

Daniel Johnson. Glazier was born on the 11th of April, 1828, in "Wellington, a quiet village, hidden among the rocky hills of Connecticut. His parents were greatly esteemed among their neighbors and friends, for their good sense, piety, and integrity of character. They were members of the Baptist church in "Wellington, and adorned their profession by " a well-ordered life." Both of them died in early life. His mother was a woman of fine sensibilities, and impressed something of her own beautiful image upon her children. She was intelligent and amiable, and tenderly attached to her family and friends, and to the church of Christ. His father must have possessed more than ordinary force of character. His death, which occurred suddenly, after a very brief illness, when he was only thirty- two years of age, was yet peculiarly triumphant.

" Of his relatives," says a brief obituary notice of him, which appeared at the time, in the Christian Secretary, "he took a most tender farewell. His weeping wife and little children seemed to lay near his heart. To them he gave the counsels of a dying husband and father, and cheerfully committed them to the care and protection of that God in whom he had trusted. He frequently spoke of the glorious views which he had of the heavenly world. To the inquiries of his friends in regard to the state of his mind from time to time, he would reply, ' My prospects are bright and clear. My hope is in the Saviour, and my trust is in God. I have nothing to fear, and nothing to lament, only that I have not lived more devotedly to the service of my Redeemer.' Just before his death, and after a season of great bodily distress, on being asked how it was with him, he replied, in a low voice, ' I have got all over it now. I am in the happy land ! '"

The death of his mother, who survived her husband about fifteen years, was equally calm and holy. Thus, our young friend, amid all the bereavements and trials of life, from which,

MEMOIR OP DANIEL J. GLAZIER. 9

at times, lie suffered so keenly, like Cowper, in similar circumstances, could "boast" himself

" The son of parents passed into the skies."

His grandfather, Daniel Glazier, Esq., assumed the care of the orphan children. They could have found no better guardian, no better home. Daniel, who was warmly attached to this excellent and venerable man, ever spoke of him in terms of affectionate endearment. His attachment was fully reciprocated ; and as his grandfather perceived in him indications of energy and talent, he resolved to spare no expense in his education. He was a sensitive, warm hearted boy, with some obvious faults, like most other -boys of his age, and especially a quick and somewhat violent temper. Completely superior to everything like unkindness, his sensitive organization exposed him to sudden and lively emotions. But he was always honest and open hearted; and, in fact, prided himself, even when a boy, in doing everything frankly and fairly. On one occasion he had felt himself aggrieved by one of his young friends ; but would not inflict the deserved 1* chastisement till a relative of the boy appeared, in whose presence he administered one or two hearty kicks. In subsequent life he had a habit of " speaking his mind " a little too freely, sometimes, for the comfort of those " given to shams." He deeply regretted his too great sensitiveness of temper, and never failed, when he found he had wounded the feelings of a friend, to take the earliest opportunity of making some ample explanation or generous apology. Mellowed and subdued by religion, this quickness of temper had nearly disappeared, or rather, had assumed its proper place, as a repellant of every thing sordid and wrong. We mention it now, because it reveals his natural bent. His constitutional temperament was what is sometimes styled " nervous," as it possessed great delicacy and vigor, not unmixed with irritability. He belonged, in fact, to the race of the poets, having something of the refinement, sensibility, aspiration, and inspiration of that irratabile genus. Hence, also, his occasional melancholy, his profound dissatisfaction with himself, his passion for the ideal, his longing for perfection.

Still, as a boy, he was vivacious and fond of fun, generally sportive, and at times, hilarious. A vein of quiet humor ran through his conversation, giving it, at times, an inexpressible charm. A little shy with strangers, and apparently grave beyond his years, he was marvellously free and agreeable with his intimate friends. His lively talk and hearty laugh indicated the natural vigor and freshness of his 'feelings. As a boy, he was remarkably fine looking, with the lively aspect and ruddy glow- of health. In after years he complained of frequent indisposition. His nervous system, at times, seemed to act with too great violence. Always handsome, he looked a little languid and careworn, and complained of depression of spirits. His friends hoped this would pass off in due time, and, indeed, it was yielding rapidly to the mild influence of religion. Yet some who know him felt that he was scarcely fit for earth. Manly as he was in all his feelings, and anxious to battle with the stern realities of life, they feel now, that his true home lay far away in some higher sphere.

But a finer, manlier little fellow never went

12 tiie student-preacher:

to school. He made good progress in his studies, and after gaining all the instruction he could in his native village, he was sent to Hartford, to gain experience in his uncle's store. It was a question whether he should devote himself to business, or to some professional employment. At any rate, it was thought best he should gain some knowledge of practical affairs, and fit himself for future usefulness. This, indeed, was not his true sphere ; still it was a benefit to him in many respects. In due time, however, his grandfather, who hoped that some day Daniel might be truly converted, and devote himself to the work of the Christian ministry, gave him permission to enter the Connecticut Literary Institution, at Suffield, where he secured, in a high degree, the esteem of his teachers, by the excellence of his deportment, and the vigorous prosecution of his studies. His fellow students were warmly attached to him. They loved his frank and generous manner, his high spirit, and noble aims. Well does the writer remember that bright summer anniversary, when Daniel, with a group of as interesting young men as ever graduated from such an institution; spoke his oration, with a dignity, energy, and enthusiasm, which took his friends by surprise. His fine bearing, bright countenance and beaming eye, lent a peculiar fascination to his address, which he spoke with a precision, freedom and power quite unusual in one so young. The impression which he made upon his intimate associates may be learned from the following letter, written by a congenial friend and fellow student, now engaged in the active business of life.

"Hartford, April 20, 1855.

• "My Dear Pastor: — For such I love to regard you, although it is my lot to listen less frequently to you, than to teachings from strangers' lips.

" I did not count the cost when I gave you my promise to furnish you with some reminiscences of our dear friend Glazier. My feelings control my thoughts, and associations of sorrow shroud every memory. It is not for him that I am sad. For him, whose spirit, touched by divine love, panting beneath the load of earthly infirmity, ' ached for its heavenly home ) ' for him, ransomed from the captivity to evil, whose chains we still bear; for him ; who knows now what we can only dimly imagine, how fathomless the joy of sinless and immortal life ; I am glad for him.

"But for myself, without him, I am sad. Men go veiled through life. We know the names of those we meet in daily traffic; but the men we know not. He was one of whom I could say, he knows me ; and when I think, that while I may press my way any whither duty calls in life, my eyes shall seek him in vain; when I reflect, that his delicate sympathy must be remembered among my lost treasures, I feel as a stranger, and poor. It is a blessed thing, that whatever of pure friendship we are permitted to enjoy on earth, is never lost; it becomes immortal when the objects of it become clothed with immortality. It is subject to no earthly vicissitude : neither change nor diminution. Herein is the memory's most sweet ministry.

"I first became acquainted with Daniel at Suffield. Then the 'mantle of his destiny' did not seem to have settled upon him. He spoke of trade as the occupation of his future.

But suddenly, to the apprehension of his associates, his mind was aroused to a new activity ; a loftier ambition inspired him. He commenced a course of assiduous practice, which rapidly developed the graces of a rare elocutionary power. I seem to hear now the tones of his manly voice, as, alone in his room, he yielded himself, with ever increasing ardor, to his favorite study. He possessed rare power of imitation; and it was frequently brought into requisition for the amusement of his fellows. He would personify what is termed ' Yankee character' in a manner rarely surpassed. It was said of him, that he would attain eminence as an actor, were he to seek it. His fellow-students commonly regarded his future as that of a lawyer ; but there were, I think, secret whisperings within his own breast of a higher calling; and there were those of his friends who even then considered the pulpit his destined sphere of labor.

" One occasion is particularly mentioned, when, assuming the character of the Preacher, he pronounced a sermon, (by whom written it is not now recollected,) and so successfully was the part sustained, that a friend said of him, 'He will do that in earnest some day, which he now has done thoughtlessly.'

" As it is true, that the orator, like the poet, ' nascitur, non fit J it is not strange that he came, very soon, to be regarded as 'the best speaker at the Institution,' — a reputation which he sustained at college. For peculiar reasons I watched his progress in this respect with great satisfaction, and a feeling akin to fraternal pride. How great my hopes were for him, it is needless to say; — they are withered now, for they were earthly ! His tongue has learned a loftier service !

" With the facts incident to his conversion, and his subsequent determination to enter the ministry, you are, doubtless, better acquainted than myself. My recollections of this period of his history are full of interest to me, although they are of a nature which would, perhaps, render them uninteresting to those less intimately acquainted with Daniel than it was my happiness to be.

"What appeared to others to be his characteristics, I cannot tell ; to me he was a sincere and truthful friend; an agreeable companion, of keen wit and inexhaustible humor;

intelligent and refined. He abhorred shams and those miserable ' expediences/ which so dwarf manly development. He cherished lofty ideals. He never permitted that devil l public conscience/ so called, to guide his action. As a Christian, he acknowledged no formula, seeking to compel unquestioning assent ; but most earnestly did he seek instruction from the 1 Great Teacher/ in the truths which his word was designed to convey.

" I loved him, chiefly, for his quick and delicate sympathy with that l inner life/ which is our best and truest life; and for this, his rare gift, now lost, it is a privilege to be sad.

u I am conscious that I have very imperfectly fulfilled my promise to you ; but I offer what is written, simply as a manifestation of my desire to accede to your request. "Yours, sincerely,

"H. E. ROBINS.

"Rev. Robt. Turnbull, D.D."

After leaving Suffield, our young friend became a student in Brown University, and passed honorably through the usual course of 2 studies in that Institution. His attainments in classical and mathematical studies were respectable, though not particularly distinguished. His mind was powerfully attracted to English literature, rhetoric, mental and moral philosophy. By his assiduity, good conduct, and success in his studies, he gained the respect and affection of the professors and president, who have, in various ways, testified their approbation of his character and worth. He attracted, especially, the attention of Professor Gammell, at that, time the teacher of rhetoric, and now that of history and political economy. This amiable and accomplished gentleman saw in him the germs of eminent success as a public speaker, and took a lively interest in his success. Our readers, therefore, will peruse with interest the following admirable letter from his pen.

" Providence, April 27, 1855. " My Dear Sir : — I take great pleasure in communicating to you such recollections and impressions as I still retain of our young friend, Mr. Daniel Johnson Glazier, whose recent death has brought sorrow to so large a circle of friends. My acquaintance with him, I ought, however, to state, was limited to the last three years of his residence in college, and was withal restricted very nearly to the relations of instructor and pupil, which we then sustained to each other. Since his graduation — the period most interesting, perhaps, in his whole personal history — I have met him but seldom, and only for very brief intervals.

"Mr. Glazier graduated at Brown University, with the class of 1851; while in college, was under my instruction in rhetoric, general history, and other kindred studies. From some circumstances connected with his personal history at the time, "I contracted and continued with him an acquaintance, somewhat more familiar and intimate than usually arises between undergraduates and officers of instruction. There were at this time qualities in his character and mind that awakened in me an unusual interest. His person was of medium stature, of good proportions, and his manners, though among strangers he may have appeared retiring and shy, among his familiar acquaintances, were open, frank, and engaging.

They were the natural and unequivocal expression of an independent and manly spirit, which was free from meanness and distrust, and delighted in what is noble and generous. During a large part of his college residence, he was afflicted with a chronic determination of blood to the brain, which often became so violent and depressing, as to require the entire suspension of his studies, and almost to destroy his hope of being able to prosecute his education. But the manner in which he struggled with this most dispiriting and enervating malady, evinced the fortitude and energy which belonged to his nature. It was his persevering aspiration to secure for himself a liberal intellectual culture, that alone conducted him to the end of his collegiate course, in circumstances which would have dismayed most other young men of his age. He, however, steadily pursued the end he had in view, and graduated with honorable rank, and with an intellectual training which promised to secure for him wide usefulness, and early reputation.

" Of the native power of his mind, I had no means of forming an estimate, save such as were presented in the college exercises, which he performed under my direction. These always gave evidence of a mind liberally, and, as it seemed to me, harmoniously endowed, and, withal, filled with high and worthy aspirations. He had no exclusive bias in any one direction, and was wholly free from contempt for particular departments of knowledge, for which he had no special aptitude himself. He appreciated the various branches of learning which he was required to pursue, as means of a complete intellectual culture, though for certain studies he had a much stronger relish than for others. The malady with which he was afflicted often rendered him wholly unable to read a book, or even to fix his attention upon any subject of thought; yet the manner in which he acquitted himself when free from such visitations, indicated that he was fully equal to the successful prosecution of any — even the most difficult — of the studies embraced in the collegiate course. For some of them his aptitude was quite unusual; his success in their prosecution was of a high order. Among the subjects of study to which he gave his attention while in college, his preferences 2* were, unquestionably, for literature rather than for exact science, and his strongest tastes were for moral rather than for physical truth. " As a student, the highest success which he achieved, was undoubtedly to be found in his public exercises of speaking and writing. A natural taste, cultivated by select and careful English reading; an ear attuned to harmony and propriety of expression; a voice of rich and varied tones, and a manner, dignified, simple, and attractive ; all combined to qualify him for eminent success in wielding that noblest form of human power, — the power of the public speaker. It was in this class of efforts, — so intimately connected with the usefulness of a Christian minister, — that I anticipated for him a degree of excellence, far above what is now usually attained, or even aspired to in the pulpit. While in the prosecution of other studies, he was always earnest and diligent ; in this he appeared to be more than usually ambitious. His thoughts thus presented were just and correct, as well as generous and inspiring; and his exercises in college declamation never failed to awaken the interest of his academic auditory.

" Of his religious principles and spirit at this period of his life, I know little or nothing. I think he had not then become connected with any church, and did not class himself with religious men. He was, however, as I recollect observing, a regular attendant at public worship, as well as at the morning and evening exercises of the college chapel; and in his daily life, was always careful and exemplary. A high sense of honor characterized all his intercourse with others, and shone forth, as the occasion required, in every exhibition of his character which I had an opportunity to witness. His life, thus passing amid the seclusion and quiet of college studies, indicated a moral nature composed of fine elements, harmoniously combined, and gave to those who knew him well, high promise of a progressive culture and growth, and of a career of usefulness and honor. This promise, I think, had grown stronger and stronger with each year of his subsequent course, and was made especially sure by the decided religious faith, in which his mind became established soon after his departure from college. But of these later years of his life, I must leave those to write who were associated with him in his daily pursuits, and shared with him the hopes and plans which he had formed for the future. It is only as he appeared to me in the restricted and private relations of an undergraduate scholar, that I recall his amiable character, and the force of his interesting mind; it is only the impressions I then received, that I have attempted to communicate to you, who knew him at a later period, and in quite different relations. I regret that these impressions are not more adequate to his entire character; yet, such as they are, they link his name in my own mind, with the hopes and sentiments which an instructor most delights to associate with the memory of a pupil. In his early and sudden death, many of these hopes, lately so widely indulged in by all who knew and loved him, have been sadly blighted. His life ended with the period of promise : it had only reached, but had not entered, the period of actual performance. Its budding and blossoming were beautiful; but ere the season of fruit had come, it has been cut off forever, by the early frosts of death.

" With sincere sympathy for all those whose

MEM

OIK OF DANIEL J. GLAZIER. 25 hopes have been blighted, by the premature departure of this estimable young man, " I remain, my dear sir,

" Yery respectfully and truly yours,

"W. GAMMELL.

"Kev. Dr. Turnbull."

A few of Mr. Glazier's letters, written in all the confidence of friendship, and intended for no eyes but those to whom they were addressed, have come into our hands. He had great aversion to this species of composition; and imagined that his letters were " miserably " written. Nevertheless, unstudied as they are, they possess some excellent qualities, and give a pleasing insight into his character and ways. His estimate of college life, his diligence in the prosecution of his studies, and his high aspirations, appear in the following, written while at Brown University. They gave some discovery, also, of his moral feelings, and his occasional, perhaps frequent, convictions upon the great subject of the soul's immortal destiny.

" Brown University, Nov. 26, 1848.

"My Dear Grandparents: — Judging from the number of letters I have received from home this term that you are anxious to hear from me, I have seated myself for the purpose of gratifying that desire. I suppose that allowance should be made for you on the score of age and the infirmities thereof. I can conceive that it makes a great difference in respect to one's inclination to write. Time, which changes all things, in its noiseless flight, has covered your heads with the whitened locks of age, and decrepitude is fastening itself upon you. Hence it is that you write no oftener. I confess that my letters have not been too frequent, but you must make some allowance for me also. My health has been as good as usual thus far this term. I have had no sickness of any account; although I do not feel so strong and active as I could wish. Time passes off very rapidly — a pretty good sign that my time is occupied. My studies are not as hard as at the beginning of the term. But still they demand much time. I sometimes get tired out, and wish I was through with them. But my better genius cheers me on, tells me that nothing is worth having that is not worth working for, and that there is no excellence without great labor. Yet there is much pleasure in literary labor. We learn something daily; some new truth is discovered, some new field of thought is opened; and more than all, the angel Hope points us to the future where we shall reap our reward. If we never reach the temple of fame, education will smooth our pathway through manhood, cheer and comfort us in old age, and if rightly directed, help us to lay hold on eternal life. In comparison with the blessings and pleasures derived from education, untold wealth is utterly paltry.

" I like college life. It is a miniature world. Students are a peculiar set of beings. Some people think that they are lazy, roughish fellows. Doubtless some of them are lazy, and some of them are roughish; but this is by no means the case with all. We are separated from the world, and live by ourselves. We have common interests, are bound together by a common brotherhood. We are all striving for the same great end; we have our pleasures in common, and envy not those who pass their time in the gay society of the world.

" I have had an opportunity lately of hearing several distinguished men speak this term. Mr. Gough lectured here a few weeks since in his usual interesting manner. I also listened for over two hours, a fortnight ago, to a speech from Daniel Webster. His subject was the Constitution of the United States. More than 1700 persons were present. He is rightly called " the godlike." He is the most noble appearing man I ever saw, and when he speaks, there are no sleepy hearers.

" The term will close in about three weeks, but as I have decided to take that school, I shall not be at home till next spring. I should like to be at home Thanksgiving, but cannot. Please give my love to all friends, and write when it is convenient. "Your affectionate grandson,

" D. J. GLAZIER"

" Willixgton, Sunday Eye, April 15, 1849. " Esteemed Cousin and Friend : — For some hour or more I baYe been holding communion with myself. Scenes in my past life, and those with whom I haYe been connected, haYe been passing before me. I am somewhat inclined to reflection. As I take but little interest in the common topics of conYersation here, I rely almost entirely upon good books, and thought for profit and pleasure. Besides, Sabbath eYening is a time eminently adapted for contemplation and revery. Its peaceful quiet creates a corresponding feeling in the breast of eYery one. who is not entirely absorbed in business, in the pleasures or the Yanities of the world. All selfish and sordid thoughts are banished,, all low and trifling objects are forgotten. The spiritual and immortal part of our nature is awakened. The mind dwells upon the glories of the celestial world, and the boundless goodness of the great author of our existence. It o'erleaps the narrow boundaries of time, and loses itself in the limitless expanse of eternity. Then, too, memory and affection throw around us their 3 potent charm, call up the cherished forms of friends now living, and of those who after l . life's fitful fever ' sleep in the peaceful grave. How strong is memory ! How lasting is affection !

" But I digress. While I was musing on the past, my thoughts very naturally recurred to you. I say naturally, because I can ever cherish you as a friend. Though when I lived in your family I was wild and wayward, I had a heart susceptible to such kindness as I always received from you. Though by nature passionate and 'high-strung,' I can never forget a friend. Nor is it generally the case that the warmest heart beats under a cool and placid exterior. I have known men who never showed anger and always wore a smiling countenance. People praised them for the evenness of their temper, loved them for their gentleness, while in the end they proved the veriest hypocrites and blackest villains. There are of course honorable exceptions ; but when I see a man who is excessively pleasant and agreeable, and assents to every opinion I advance, I suspect that man. No ; give me the man who is