LIBRARY of \V. C. PRATT. Number J_0_ Cost /,^0 PITRC*IIA.SKI)_ A3 /^•ii CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 1 JACOB H. SCHIFF Endowment for Studies in Human Civilization Cornell University Library BX6495.S53A3 1865 Half a century's labors In the gospel, in 3 1924 006 440 949 Tt.Ca J. A. TJAGINSELLEB., ?B:t!U, No. 2J North Sixth Street, Phll«4elpLia, £4. r. - U PUBLISHERS' NOTICE. In sending this work to the press, it can truly be said that its subject has contributed his share solely to gratify many old and new friends, and in deference to their views of its utility rather than his own. He is responsible only for that which appears as his. The Sketch of his Life is printed as it fell from the venerated author's lips, except that verbal repetitions have been erased, a few omissions were afterwards supplied by him, and some narratives are so transposed as to make the whole as far as practicable appear in the proper order of time. The language — the forms of ex- pression — have been retained, so as to make the whole an exact representation of Elder Sheardown — as he WAS, AND AS HE IS. It is not issued as a literary recreation, but is de- signed to meet the wishes of very numerous deeply attached admirers of the man, and for all honest, hearty workers in the Lord's vineyard, who may open the volume. It is a deserved (though im- perfect) memorial of one of those self-denying, pio- neer ministers of the Gospel, whose abundant labors have been largely blessed in laying broad and deep the foundations of Christian Churches. His graphic por- traitures of godly, active church members, on both 4 SHEARDOWN S AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. sides of the Atlantic, may also, it is hoped, be of last- ing benefit beyond the bounds of his acquaintance. It may be asked, by some at a distance from the scenes of his labors, why a minister whose friends require this printed volume, even in his life-time, has not a more extended reputation ? The query will be answered in the contemplation of the unremitting efforts revealed in the following pages. Yet it may be well here to say, that, as far as the writer has known or heard, Elder Sheardown has always been content with his field, and, unambitious of distinction abroad, wished to be a counted faithful" at home. He had passed the " half-way house of life," and had the charge of a large family, when he was set apart to the work of the ministry — and then began, literally in the woods, to organize conferences, and churches, which claimed him as their under-shepherd. To those bodies, individually and collectively, he gave his heart and hands, with a characteristic affection, solicitude, and devotion. Those scattered flocks he could not leave, except as he extended his lines of labor beyond them. Prom a log cabin in the primitive wilds of Catlin, his circuit advanced on every hand, and absorbed all his time and all his heart. Year by year his Gospel range widened, but — like a true husband and father — he always returned to his own house for encouragement, and then undertook wider excursions. Taking the south end (or head) of Seneca Lake for the centre of his field, the outlines- of his " diocese," as Missionary or as Evangelist, extended to the borders of Lake Ontario on the north, to Binghamton on the east, to Jersey Shore (Pa.) church on the south, and to Whitesville, Allegany .County, N. Y., on the west — the most distant point not being one hundred miles from his original church. In Chapter VIII., the reader will find an inci- publishers' notice. 5 dental notice of temptations — to quit tho ministry, to vary his doctrines, and to seek a more popular and re- munerative field — which, were made and heroically sub- dued. These records will, it is hoped, be of material benefit, also, in showing that every field of labor affords sufficient material for any preacher's best endeavors. Thorough cultivation —continuous and unremitted — is as essential to success in the moral world as in tho physical. And there is force in the suggestion of a late aged minister, " "Whether, in view of the increasing ease with which is rent asunder the tender, holy, and confi- dential relation which should exist between pastors and people, God hath not a controversy with many of his churches ?" To the thousands who have heard the subject of this work from the stand or pulpit, no description of his person or manners is necessary. But, for the grati- fication and benefit of others — children of his former hearers, and entire strangers — it may be well to make a passing reference to his peculiarities, as gathered from persons who knew him best when he was in the meridian -of all his powers. Elder Sheardown is about five feet ten inches in height — compactly built, with no waste flesh — firm, flexible, strong of muscle — of a dignified, easy carriage, piercing eyes, and serious, commanding expression. He seems- to have been always temperate — unless his multifarious efforts to preach the "Word may have been excessive — industrious, frugal, constantly engaged in something practical, something useful. As a speaker, he had naturally a very strong voice, and exhibited proof of his mixed ancestry, combining some of the smoothness of English oratory with the bold fervor of the "Welsh. One minister, when asked to describe the nature of Sheardown's eloquence, said 6 SHEARDOWN S AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. he could not analyze it ; it appeared to him something like the sweep of a mighty whirlwind through a forest, prostrating in its course every tree, great or small, and giving living proof of irresistible powek. A brother who heard him at Seneca Palls, in 1840, states that he was fairly magnetized by the peculiar traits of the speaker. He had never heard of Elder S., pre- viously — but, from the outset, was rapt in admiration, not less with the solemn and momentous character of the truths presented, than with the torrent of burn- ing words that rolled continuously from his lips, and the vehemence of his emotions. Every part of his body -spoke with his tongue — the tears and perspiration seemed to mingle and flow from his face in streams — and there could not have been a dry thread upon his person. The amazing energy of his administration of the Gospel message, rendered it impossible for his hearers to be wholly careless or asleep. The impressions of his preaching were indeed powerful, and often lasting beyond his knowledge. Eternity only can reveal the fall fruit of his endeavors to win souls to the Eedeemer. His sermons were noted for their simplicity and evangelical character. The Bible was his standard of right and wrong. From it he found a lesson for saint ■end sinner, and each could understand the portion designed for himself. It is perhaps unfortunate that he never wrote a sermon — and to have reported one, when in the flush of his noon-day years, would have been as difficult as to have described thunder-peals while the rain was dashing upon one's roof. He studied his sermons, and had the subject-matter at command, but not the particular words, nor was the order always chosen before-hand. Some sketches of discourses taken down by others, are expected for the Appendix publishers' notice. 7 to this work, but with no hope of clothing them with the life and glow of their delivery. They are skeletons — but only skeletons, and mpy suffice as outlines of his sermonizing. The rich, original, world-wide illustra- tions, and his apt quotations {in prose and verse) must be left to the memory of those who heard, or the imaginations of those who read. Elder Sheardown was happy in choosing texts, and in selections for unexpected emergencies ; and his well worn Concordance, his ancient " breeches Bible," and various Scripture helps, rarely confuted the impres- sions of his tenacious memory. In the pulpit, he was perfectly at home, and self-possessed — scanned his audience critically, reading them through as though they were transparent glass — and became " all thiDgs to all men that he might by mil means save some." His public performances were rarely if ever prolonged so as to become tedious, for he knew when and where to stop — a knowledge of human nature quite desirable in this fast age. He was eminently and emphatically a man of prayer, and in that exercise was most importunate — pleadin g with God as a trusting child asks a loving parent for that which can and will be granted. He prayed in faith — believing — and this work' contains many in- stances of answers to fervent supplications. When singing, it was with a will. In public and private exercises, the same large-heartedness, and " whole- souled," straightforward devotedness, characterized him. His daily walk and conversation convinced even unbelievers that his were the sincere out-breathings of one consecrated, soul and body, to the service of a Master he truly loved. But the bow, always bent, loses its elasticity. He knew how to withdraw his mind in social relaxation 8 SHEARDOWN S AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. as well as how to concentrate it on the One Great Object. He can readily weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice. One of the most genial of companions, he has always attracted, as with "hooks of steel," personal friends, male and female, of all ages and positions in life. Considering the stern nature of his work — preaching the self-denying doc- trines of the Cross, so repulsive to the carnal mind, amid the antagonisms of evil and error he has encoun- tered on every side — God has graciously shielded him from great abuse and bodily harm^ and scattered much joy and gladness along his pathway. Should any be disposed to think " that great, little word, I," is used quite often in this work, let it be re- membered that it professes to be an auto-biography — that is, a record of one's li#3 as related by one's self. Prom its very nature, that which, in another work, might appear egotism, is not in this. Elder Shear- down is the subject, and was requested to prepare it, and therefore we would and should expect a book chiefly about Elder Sheardown. He has " stuck to his text" as literally as most preachers do, and could hardly have been less personal and at the same time have answered the object in view and the earnest desire of long-tried, exacting friends. His generous and spontaneous allusions to worthy individuals with whom he has been associated, although not; always essential to the main design, give vent to his intense feelings of love and gratitude, and show that he desires, incidentally, to place on record the labors of others as well as of himself. When we engaged to issue this work, we stated that it would appear " as soon as practicable, the coming Autumn," and "contain, probably, 400 pages, and be sold at $1.50 per copy." That was at the close of the PUBLISHERS NOTICE. 9 armed phase of the Eebellion, when it was believed there would be a fall in the rates for paper and for labor generally. Illness on the part of the Editing Publisher has delayed the printing, and the continued high prices of labor, paper, and everything connected with the publication, compel an increase in the price above what was intended. "While reading, it will be borne in mind, that, in the State of New York, the word " town" designates a sub- division of a county, and may include one or more vil- lages. Some of the latter are "incorporated," while others are unincorporated. In Pennsylvania, similar sub-divisions of a county are called " townships," while the word town means an unincorporated, and "borough," or "burg" an incorporated, village. In this work, localities in those States are generally given in accor- dance with the legal designations of each — "town," in •New York, being equivalent to " township," in Penn- sylvania. On every copy of this book, sold, a portion, satisfac- tory to Elder Sheardown, is secured to him or to his family. O. N. "W. IiEwiSBuitG, Pa., August, 1865. s PREFATORY REMARKS. For many years, there has been a strong desire, on the part of numerous friends of Elder Thomas Simpson Sheardown, that some records of his eventful life might be given to the public. Efforts made to secure the histories of Churches, and of Associations, in South- ern New York and in Northern Pennsylvania, in- creased that desire, for it was found that Ms history and theirs were to a great extent identical, as he had labored long and faithfully while planting and nourish- ing feeble churches in those regions. To the Chemung River Baptist Association, belongs the honor of projecting this work. The Minutes of their annual meetings, for 1863 and 1864, contain cor- dial endorsements of the effort, accompanied by the appointment of Brethren T. O. Lincoln, P. Olney, T. Mitchell, and D. Garthwait, as a committee to aid in the preliminary measures. Brethren of the Brad- ford and other Associations co-operated with those of the Chemung River, and their united efforts have cul- minated in the present book. It should be remembered, by the readers of the Auto- Biography, that although in earlier days its author wielded " the pen of a ready writer," yet, for many years, such has been the condition of his nervous 12 sheardown's auto-biographt. system that he has been unable to write at all. It therefore became necessary that he should deliver his narrative in the presence of a stenographer, who was occupied forty four days, first in jotting down in short- hand, and then writing out in fall, the subsequent pages. The details were mainly from memory, Elder Sheardown having unfortunately lost most of his private papers in 1854. Let any reader who would be critical as to dates, &c, bear that important fact in mind, and remember also that this severe and long- continued tax upon his recollections of the past seventy years, was made when the narrator was in the seventy- fourth year of his age. For that reason; all errors will be generously overlooked. The humble writer of this introductory notice, be- lieves that the request of his former pastor, that he should undertake so pleasant a part in the work, origi- nated in the conviction, on the part of Eider Shear- down, that the Writer knew him better — had heard him preach more sermons — and had (in attending protracted meetings, associations, councils, &c.,) traveled more miles with him — than any man now living. As a deacon in the first church of which Elder Sheardown was pastor, I was permitted to know him in all the intimacy which ever ought to exist between a pastor and the other officers of a church ; and most cheerfally do I testify to his prudence and wisdom as a counselor, and to his fidelity as a laborer in the work of the ministry. As an ordained minister, he commenced his career with a church gathered, by the Divine blessing upon his effort?, amid the privations of a new country, where he wrought with his own hands in clearing away the forest and providing for his rising family. Often did he preach three times on the Sabbath, requiring a walk PREFATORY REMARKS. 13 of twenty miles, returning home the same day. He very seldom failed to meet his engagements, and was usually on the spot half an hour before the time of meeting. When asked if he never stopped on account of the weather, he would say, " Not often. I make the appointments, and not the weather. It is my business to fill the appointments, and the Lord will take care of me and the weather." In estimating the value of the labors of our b'rother in the ministry, it is well to take into consideration the difficulties he overcame. A friend who has had the charge of preparing this work for the hands of the printer, in a letter to the writer of this chapter, makes a few sug- gestions, which I take the liberty of quoting in this place : " In reading portions of this narrative, we may be inclined to censure our Baptist fathers for their inflexi- ble determination to make all claimants of Christian privileges produce evidences of their trust- worthiness. .None .were more friendly, generous, and unsuspecting, than were those hardy, orthodox pioneers, when satis- fied of the merits of those desiring their confidence. Sixty, forty, and perhaps thirty years ago, the land was 'infested with unworthy strangers, claiming to be minis- ters of the Gospel. Associations annually warned their people against such characters — some of them, immoral men ; or of indolent habits, ' sponging' their living from kind, charitable families; and others, schismatics, and errorists of various sorts, dividing churches, and de- ceiving and misleading young and weakly members. Some of the early ministers of the Chemung Association were expelled from it, for grievous faults. In 1826, the Association advertised, by name, seven imposters, pre- tended Baptist ministers. In 1830, the same body " request our brethren not to invite a stranger to minis- 2 14 sheardown's auto-biography. ter in holy things, unless he exhibits credentials of re- cent date and unquestionable validity.' It is related that when Bugenio Kincaid — then a young man — first called on father Thomas Smiley, of White Deer Valley, the latter could not invite the former to the fall rites of Christian hospitality, until he had' catechised him to ascertain if he were sound in the faith, and had the proper credentials: (and on both points he was satisfied!) "'Of- later years, religious periodicals, and more ex- tended intercourse among members and -ministers, have combined to diminish the danger from imposters, and to make Baptists more harmonious in sentiment and practice. Our fathers were strict, necessarily so; and although they may sometimes have been over-suspicious, and were always liable to err in the execution of such difficult and delicate tasks of discrimination, yet their jealousy for the purity of the ministry, and the,safety of the flocks in their exposed condition, was defensible on the grounds alleged. Coming .among such people, from England, after the war of 1812, without even the form of a church letter, it is not singular that it took some time for Elder Sheardown to win the hold he did upon the entire confidence of the churches. " Far less to be justified was the former tendency, in- England as well as in America, to discourage rather than to encourage young converts in the improvement of their gifts, 'sermon-wise.' The harvest field of the world being ripe, and thousands perishing in their sins, we are taught, 'Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth- laborers.' 1 If we pray in the spirit of true prayer, we should look for evidences of answers thereto. Elder Sheardown was baptized when only twenty-one years of age, and seems to have had at once mental, spiritual, and physical adaptations for the ministry, as well as a burning desire to engage rREFATORY ItEMAHKS. 15 in it. Yet he was thwarted and hindered, instead of being aided and encouraged, and had reached thirty -eight years before he was ordained. Those who have heard him preach, and who know the measure of grace and gifts given him, can never cease to lament that a dozen or fifteen of the best years of his life were comparative- ly wasted, before he entered fully upon the joyful and all-important work for which he was so peculiarly fitted, £fnd in which he has been so much blessed." The reader will very naturally be ready to inquire how it-was possible for a man to succeed amid such dis- couragements and embarrassments as are hinted at in the foregoing extract, and revealed in the pages follow- ing. What was said of the lamented Dr. "William Carey, may, (with a slight change of words,) be applied to Elder Sheardown : "Yet, amidst all this, he 'abated not a jot of heart or hope.' Always serene, cheerful, and ready to benefit others, he pursued- the plan which he had marked out, with the same unruffled calmness as though every one cheered and encouraged him. The secret of his success resided in the constraining love of Christ — in energy of will — in unconquerable resolution — and in indomitable perseverance." From the beginning of the Slaveholders' Eebellion, Elder Sheardown exhibited a most ardent and out- spoken patriotism'. Thomas Mitchell, a neighboring pastor, well qualified to speak on this point, says : " Troy, (Pa.) being a military depot from the com- mencement of the war, Elder Sheardown has given much attention to the soldiers who gathered there, par- ticularly in the year 1861, and while a provost guard, (composed of invalid soldiers,) was kept in the place. He often preached to the volunteers, instructing them in the principles of religion, and inspiring them with 16 sheardown's auto-biography. patriotic ardor to go forth and battle for the right." Many of the soldiers desired the venerable Elder should accompany them as chaplain, but his failing strength — having accomplished his three score years and ten— forbade him that pleasure. He, however, gave three of his sons to the service of his adopted country — John, one of Sheridan's noble "fighting men," and Samuel and Almon as army surgeons. John and Samuel have returned safely. But Almon — the Benja- min of the family — fell a victim to the climate, and to over-exertions among the sick and wounded. The father's heart was wrung with anguish as he laid his youngest child in his early grave, yet he was comforted with the assurance that he had given his life to a just and holy cause — a cause, thank God ! now triumphant. The institution of Sabbath Schools, the promotion of Temperance, of Ministerial and Popular Education, of Domestic and Foreign Missions, and kindred efforts for the elevation of mankind — as well as the more direct work for the salvation of souls — always met a welcome in Elder Sheardown's heart, and aid from his hands as he found opportunity. The present year, while the younger members of his congregation are engaged in Sabbath Schools, he retains their fathers and mothers for instruction as a Bible Class. Although an inflexible Baptist, he has always secured and enjoyed~the good will and frequent co-operation of members of other churches. Numerous revivals of re- ligion in which he has participated, have swelled the ranks of Methodist, Presbyterian, and other denomina- tions, as well as that of his choice and conviction as nearest the divine original in its doctrines and ordi- nances. The truly pious, of every name and condition, are his companions, and he loves to walk with them as far as they can agree. PREFATORY REMARKS. 17 Elder Sheardown descended from a long-lived family, and yet, considering the amount and the variety of both physical and mental labor he has performed, it seems a special mercy that he has been spared to a serene old age. In weakness and trembling, yet with much force and persuasiveness, he yet proclaims, usually twice upon the Sabbath, the " unsearchable riches of Christ," and thanks God for sustaining him under all his cares and responsibilities so long. May his last, be indeed his best days ! And may these records of his protracted and toilsome pilgrimage, prove a source of consolation to his many friends, and inspire in every reader (and especially in the heralds of the everlasting Gospel) a desire to imi- tate his virtues, avoid his errors, and meet him in the better laDd! A. C. Mallory. Bexton Centre, N. Y , June, 1865. TO THE CHEMUNG RIVER - BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, WHICH CALLED FOE, AND INSTITUTED MEASURES FOR ITS INCEPTION AND completion; to'the CHURCHES WHICH HE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL, DURING HIS MINISTRY, IN RE ARIN U | TO THE MANY PERSONAL FRIENDS, WHOSE CONFIDENCE HE HAS SO LONG, SO INTIMATELY, AND SO UNINTERRUPTEDLY ENJOYED J TO ALL WHO LOVE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, gijji.s gtuto-Bfoigtsjij is jStMcattir BY ITS AUTHOR. AUTO-BIOGRAPHY, &o. CHAPTER I.— 1791 to 1814. My Birtli, Parentage, Education, Mercantile Employments, Conver- sion, and Baptism — Peculiar and Profitable Usages of the English Baptist Churches — invited to the Village of Skidby, and, with much trepidation, opened my mouth for Jesus — Called to Account by my Church — Received Approbation to Improve my Gifts for Speaking. BIRTH — PARENTAGE — CHRISTENING. I was born, November 4th, 1791, in Little Coats parish, near Great Grimsby, in the county of Lincoln, England. My father, John Sheardown, was pure English; my mother, whose maiden name was Ann Baby, was mixed with Welsh. Eeligiously, they were strict adherents of the Established Church, until a few years before I was born, when they were hopefully converted, joined the Dissenters, and became members of an Independent church, (a branch of believers who most resemble the Congregationalists of any church in America.) At my birth, however, they had me " christened," and I had my " god-fathers" and " god- mothers," according to the Episcopalian formula. Consequently, the clergyman of that church considered me one of his lambs, and under his watch-care. I dis- tinctly remember when he would take me upon his -2 BREAKDOWN S AUTO-BIOOKAniY. lap, and repeafto me the Catechism, in which I was taught, that, by my baptism, " I was made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven !" As /light broke in upon the minds of my parents, I was taken from under the charge of my ecclesiastical instructor. YOUTHFUL RELIGIOUS TRAINING. My father always read the Bible, and prayed, in his family. Prom his prayers, I gathered in my early childhood the idea of a God, but I had no^clear views of who or what He was. I thought Him to be some very superior Being, but where located I could not tell. Hearing my father ask God, in his prayers, for so many things that he needed, I was led to do the same. In my childish ignorance and simplicity, in little things that I wanted, of which I wus denied by my parents, I would ask God to give them to me. I remember when I was so small that I played with a bow and arrow, and, as I often lost my arrow, I would hide myself in the grass, and ask God to tell me where it was ; and, as I often found it soon after, that gave me encourage- ment always to go to Him for anything that I was greatly troubled about. My parents were very strict with their children, guarding them against all evil. The family always attended church on the Sabbath, and that day must never be desecrated by either children or servants. I recollect, one day, hearing one of my father's hired men using words to his team that I had never heard before. After.he was gone, I stood upon the same stone that he had stood upon, and re- peated his language at the top of my voice. My father heard me, called me to him, and asked me what I was saying, and where I heard those words? I told him, " from Eichard." He took me kindly by the hand, led me into the house, and told me those words were very EARLY LIFE IN ENOLAND. 23 naughty, and God was angry with, every individual who used them. He talked to me, and wept. The man was discharged, and that was the end of it — but, from that time onward, I dreaded profanity. Thus ■passed my early boyhood. MY FATHER'S DEATH— THE PROPERTY. My father died when. I was about eleven years old, and, having died suddenly, he left no Will : conse- quently, under the English law of primogeniture, there was no provision for any of the children except the oldest son. "When my mother died — which occurred after my removal to America — her Will was prosecuted in the Court of Chancery, and that used up the balance of my father's property. I do not know that any of the family reaped any benefit from it. MERCANTILE APPRENTICESHIP. My time was spent in school from my seventh to my twelfth year. For that day, I had obtained a tolerable knowledge of the English language, and made some little advance in Latin. In my fourteenth year, my mother bound me as an apprentice in a wholesale and retail dry-goods and grocery establishment. About two years after, my master failed in business, and I prevailed upon my mother, if possible, to get my in- dentures, which were kindly given up. She was then living in Great Grimsby, whore my father died. She had watched my morals with intense anxiety. I loved her — and to this day there is no word, except " Jesus," in the English language, so dear to me, as " Mother." At this old age, I have no recollection of ever design- edly doing anything that I thought would injure her feelings. TRY MY HAND IN LONDON — AM ROBBED. After my mother had got everything settled relative 24 sheardown's auto-biography. to my indentures, I concluded to launch out upon the world for myself. She assisted me, and I started for London, knowing very little about a large city, although the place where I had been was quite a market-town, a borough, and a sea-port. .Nothing of importance- occurred on my journey to the great Metropolis. Bat I had been in the city only a short time, when I found my pocket was picked. I had a number of guineas — seventy-five, I think — which my mother had carefully sewed up in a little pocket, inside my vest. To my utter astonishment, my vest was cut, and the pocket and guineas were gone. I soon found friends, and got into employ. For years, I never mentioned my loss to any individual, but concluded, if that was the way the world was to use me, I must look out for it. CULTIVATE MORALITY. I reflected, "Now, I am alone, and will mark out a path that 1 must walk in if I am ever to be anybody." The first point was, I will be punctually honest : who- ever shall be my employer, I will make his interests my own. I will never profane the Sabbath, but, under every possible circumstance, will attend church. I will never indulge in tippling, ganibling, nor swearing — and will see to it that I am never found in lewd company. These resolutions, thank God ! I was able to live up to. I was naturally light, vain, and fond of amusements. Perhaps my greatest sin was a passion- ate fondness for the theater. I was cured of that evil, by the following circumstance : A gentleman, on the stage, was performing his part in the " Castle Specter," and where he called upon God to strike him dead if he was not telling the truth, he fell lifeless upon the floor ! From that time onward, my great anxiety for the theater was gone. EARLY LIFE IN ENGLAND. 25 There was nothing in my daily life worthy of note as widely differing from that of other young men under like circumstances. I confined myself to the dry -goods business entirely, in a house that sold both by whole- sale and retail. RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS. Up to this time, I had always been the subject, more or less, of religious impressions, and at times was very much distressed in relation to my future state. I was unprepared to meet God, and often longed and wished that I were a Christian. While living in Brentford, seven miles west of London, I heard a very faithful minister, every Sabbath, and under every sermon felt worse. We had many clerks, both male and female, who would often speak about my being cast down, and would cautiously say they must rally me; when, in order to prevent them from thinking I was serious on the subject of religion, I would join with them in their merriment, and dissipate the feeling as soon as I could. MY CHRISTIAN BROTHER-IN-LAW, NOT FAITHFUL. My employer was also my brother-in-law. After going to church one Sabbath, on our return, as we were sitting in concert in the family circle, he said to me, " I am going down into the country, sir, and want to take the coach, at five o'clock in the morning, from Golden Cross, Chafing Cross." I asked, "What coach will you take ?" He replied, " I prefer to walk, sir, it being only about ten miles ; but I wish you to go with me. We will start about two o'clock in the morning — it will be a pleasant morning walk." I was much de- lighted with the idea of walking in comj>any with him, for he was a religious man, and prayed with us every morning and evening. I thought it would be a good opportKnity for him to talk with me about the interests 3 26 breakdown's autobiography. of my soul. Bat, alas! although I taxed all my powers to draw him into conversation on the subject of religion, it was an utter failure. His only tKeme was the business which was necessary to be done while he was gone. I was the particular and confidential clerk, therefore had to submit to all the instructions he had to give concerning the things of this world. When I returned home, I felt sick, for I did neither eat nor drink while walking the twenty miles. That left me rather feeble, but it would not have been so much the case if it had not been for the distress of my mind. I went to my room, and laid down. I was soon called upon by one of the servapts, who took to my sister the message that I was sick. She came, and tried to nurse me as best she could, but nothing that she could do would relieve the pain and anguish. Finally, one of the clerks came up to my room, and said I must get up, for there was a gentleman who .had some- business to attend to, and he wanted to have it done before the King passed through, on his return from Windsor to London, which would be in about an hour. Amidst the world of business, my convictions soon wore off in a great measure, and I resumed my former appearance. REMOVAL FROM LONDON TO HULL. Nothing especial occurred with me for quite a-length of time. My employer was a member of a London linen drapers' company, who were opening new estab- lishments in different cities and towns. One day he called me into his private room, where he told me he had bought an establishment in the city of Hull, and the stock would be ready to ship from London in a short time. He wanted I should take charge of the goods, get them all in order in the new store, and, when ready «to do business, write to him, when he would come with a set of clerks to open the house. .EARLY LIFE IN ENGLAND. 27 VISIT MT MOTHER— MUCH ENJOYMENT. The vessel in which I embarked, anchored at the mouth of the river Humber, opposite the port where my mother lived. 1 went ashore in the evening, and about nine o'clock found her, with her little grand- daughtei-, sitting around the table, with her daily com- panion — an open Bible. She embraced me With all the affection and love of a mother. When a boy at home, I used to read to her a great deal in that Book. While she was preparing me some supper, I took her Bible, and commenced reading at the place where it was opened, in the prophecies of Isaiah. I read several chapters. I never read the Scriptures with so much interest before. I thought my satisfaction in reading grew out of the idea, in my own mind, that it was be- cause she was pleased to hear me read again. When ready to retire for the night, she showed me into my room. She said the house was new, the doors were swollen, and would not shut close, and therefore she left mine entirely open. When I was laid away in bed, she came into my room, and I requested her to put my curtains to one side, as I had to leave at four o'clock in the morning. Her lodging room joined mine. When she retired, she kneeled down by her bedside and prayed. I never had such feelings in my life, before. My mind was in a state that I cannot describe. Some time elapsed. I thought I must pray, but had no hope that God would hear me. I thought, if I could only re- member some portions of my father's prayers, I might be heard ; but I could not call up in my mind words that I could so connect as to make any sense. Then, I tried to pray in my own way. A thought struck me, that, to lie in bed and pray, did not become one in my state of mind. I got upon my knees, and prayed, and while praying, all my trouble appeared to be removed. 28 sheardown's auto-biography. I fell into a sweet sleep, for a short time. Awaking, I arose, and bade farewell to that dear mother. I did not think, at that time, that it was any religious change, and I am not prepared to say, even now, that it was. DARKNESS OF MIND. My business called me to the docks, and about the ships, where I heard much profanity. It sounded more harshly in my ears than it had ever done before. But my cares and responsibilities soon wore away that blessed state of mind which I enjoyed when I left my mother's house. I punctually attended church, every Sabbath, hearing different ministers, but did not have much religious feeling. Afterwards — in immediate connection with a change of sentiments in a promi- nent minister — my mind became much interested in view of my condition. MR. ARBON BECOMES A BAPTIST. Eev. 'William Arbon, my favorite preacher in Dagger Lane, was a graduate of Lady Huntingdon's College, and followed the peculiarities of the clergymen in her connection. They wore the gown and bands, and used part of the liturgy, with other modes of worship, of the Episcopalians. At one time, having a number of chil- dren to sprinkle, he thought he would thoroughly investigate the subject. He was a Welshman, a ripe scholar, and had all the means for a close investigation. He proposed to base his sermon upon the First Epistle of Peter, 3d chapter, 21st verse : " The like figure whereunto, even baptism, doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, hut the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." But he found that, upon that point, he had always been in error. When he went to his chapel EARLY LIFE IN ENOLAND. 29 Sabbath morning, expecting to have the children pre- sented for christening, he told his congregation tbat he should not attend to it, then. Eeturning home, after service, he took his gown and' bands and threw them on the fire.. His wife said, '' William, you are crazy." He replied, " No, wife, I am clothed and in my right mind." In the afternoon, he preached on baptism, and told them it was his farewell sermon to them. WAS BAPTIZED— A NEW CHURCH FORMED. At that time, there were but two Baptist churcltes in the city, and they evidently saw that he was too good a man to be lost — consequently, they agreed to colo- nize a few members from their two churches, as a nucleus for a third. They at once rented a chapel in which there was no preaching, built a baptistery, and invited him to join tbem. A council was held, he told his Christian experience, was baptized, ordained, and called to be their pastor. He afterwards went down into the liquid tomb and immersed some who followed him from his original church, and also several converts who had not before made a profession of religion. All this had passed, unknown to me, until I heard that he wa3 preaching on Princess street. I imme- diately went and hired a sitting in his chapel, and my mind became very much stirred up in view of my con- dition. BROUGHT INTO FULL HOPE. A short time after this, I heard Mr. Arbon preach from Solomon's Songs, 6th chapter, 13th verse : '' Ee- turn, return, O Shulamite ; return, return, that we may look upon thoe. What will ye see in the Shulamite ? As it were the company of two armies." My eyes were opened. I did not only see men as trees walking, but I appeared to enter into the full-orbed light of 30 sheardown's auto-biography. the Gospel. Old things had passed away, all things had become new ; and I felt, then, that it would have been no sacrifice for me to make, if a person had said to me, " Now, Sir, if you will give all you possess, you may go into that pulpit and speak half an hour." I would have given it, freely. I must confess that I did not know what T wanted to say — but I saw such a beauty in the plan of God's salvation, that I felt I must say something about it. I went home from chapel, expecting everybody knew just how I felt. I did not know, then, that this was religion. I thought, if it was, Christians certainly would know about it, and they would say something to me upon the subject. But, alas ! not a word from any individual. My em- ployer was a Baptist by profession, and afterward became a member of that church, but he never con- versed with me upon the subject of personal, experi- mental religion. The idea appeared to be universal, in that day, when they saw a person who appeared to be under religious exercises, they must not say anything to him : God would do his own work. THOUGHTS AS TO MY DUTY. I was, otherwise, very happily situated. I had my own lodging room, where I could enjoy reading my Bible, praying alone, and meditating upon my situa- tion — not knowing what this great change meant. The blessed Spirit, in a great measure, was pleased to give me a ground of hope, from the reading of the Word of God, that I was a Christian. In the multitude of the thoughts that were within me, this one struck my mind with great power : ISTow, if you are a child of God, He has claims upon you that He has not had before. I believed that I had duties to perform, and commands to obey ; but I was ignorant of wbrt they EARLY LIFE IN ENGLAND. 31 were. I thought they must be revealed, somewhere ; and I was led to search, carefully and prayerfully, the New Testament. With my Testament open before me, and on my knees before God, I found it was my duty to be baptized; and Jesus revealed to me no other way, but immersion. I had never seen a person im- mersed. I had never heard what is called a Christian experience. I was continually passing through light and shade, no person saying anything to me relative to my condition. Sometimes I thought Christians knew all about the workings of my mind, but had no confi- dence in me as a Christian, and therefore withheld from me everything upon the subject. INQUIRY MADE— BUT NO PROGRESS. I was in the habit, after the business of the day was over, of taking a walk with my employer. One even- ing, while walking out pretty late, he remarked to me, " Sir, has not a great change come over your mind, in a short time ?" This opened the door of my lips : it was, indeed, as oil to my head, and marrow to my bones'. I told him many of the changes through which I had passed. We walked till a late hour, but I do not recollect, now, that he, as an individual, ever named to me the subject again, until I had become a member of the church. A aOOD DEACON HELPS ME. I did not know how to get my case before the breth- ren. There was a deacon of that church, whom I esteemed, very highly, as a great and good man. Being an upholsterer, he was doing with us a pretty large business. One day, while with him, I thought I would ask him some questions, but did not mean to betray myself. The first question was, what a person had to do, who wished to become & member of their Church ? 32 SHEARDOWN'S AOTO-BIOaRAPHT. He went on and told me, in the first place, the individual must make his request known to the pastor, or some of the deacons. In the next place, the pastor or some of the deacons would call upon the one thus requesting admission, and, when the individual had been converged with, if they thought best they would lay it before the church. The church would then appoint a committee to wait upon the individual, and converse with him, and he with them, and they mutually pray with and for each other. If there were religious individuals in the family, they would be inquired of by the committee to know what kind of a life the applicant had been living, what was thought of his moral character, &c. The committee, and the candidate, would arrange the times of meeting according to their own convenience; and, this was to be as often as circumstances would permit) for one month. Then the committee reported to the ■ church their progress, and their observations in the case, if they had any, with several other matters of minor importance. I had calculated, through this conversation, to keep myself entirely in the shade, but the good man read me all through. Immediately after the details were ended, he said : " Sir, you have been asking these questions on your own account?" and I had to own up the whole truth. BEFORE THE CHURCH. The month was passed through in this way, and I was notified to attend the next meeting of the church. On the appointed day I went, and met with several others, whose errand was the same as my own. We were put into a small room, or vestry, until the church had heard the reports of the committees relative to the evidence they had obtained of the genuineness of our conversion. "We were then taken before the church, EARLY LIFE IN ENGLAND. 33 one at a time. When in the presence of the church, we were kindly invited to give a relation of our Chris- tian experience. Here I stumbled. I told them I did not know what was meant by a Christian experience. A good old brother said, with an overflowing heart, " My dear young brother, it is very simple ; just begin where God began with you, and talk out familiarly your thoughts, and actions, up to the present time.'' I related , as best I could, the way that God had led me. After I got through, the deacon went with me into another side-room, where I awaited the decision of the church. Then I was permitted to return to the room where the church were. During the examination, no two candi- dates were permitted to be in the presence of the church at the same time, (so that they might not hear or use each other's phraseology in giving in their testimony.) The candidates were received, and, the next day, were baptized. At this time, I was in my twenty-first year. MY BAPTISM — PARTAKE OE THE LORD'S SUPPER. On the morning of the day of my baptism — which was in the fall of 1812 — the pastor preached a very strong and lucid sermon upon the subject. After bap- tism, the new members received the right hand of fellow- ship, from the pastor, with appropriate remarks to each individual. In the afternoon of the same day, the church celebrated the Lord's supper. It was a time Qf great interest, especially to the converts who were permitted for the first time to attend to that solemn institution. CONFERRING WITH NO ONE AS TO DUTY. Strange as it may appear, through all these important changes, I never so much as thought of advising with any individual, not even with my own mother, in rela- tion to what I ought to do, and what I ought not to do. I was taught by the Spirit, and felt myself amenable 34 SHEARDOWN'S AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. to God, and to Him only, walking in the footsteps that appeared to me to be marked out in the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. The New Testament had been my only guide thus far, and I felt to trust Gfod for the future. TWO CHURCH PAUPERS, RICH IN FAITH. Converts, in those days, were the same as now — babes in Christ, needing instruction from those in riper years. There were a very pious old brother "and sister, who, although supported by the church, were rich in faith, and heirs to the kingdom of God. Their little attic room was always the converts' home. They would pray with us, and we with them, and here we were schooled, and nourished up in the things pertaining to the king- dom of God. Although many ye^ars have passed since then, and those pious friends long, very long ago, have entered into their rest, they live in my memory fresh and green as when I sat at their feet for instruction. MEMBERS PUNCTUAL IN MEETINGS. It was expected that the members of that church should attend all its ' meetings ; if absent, they were supposed to be sick, or out of the city. Even if a mem- ber was missed from public worship on the Sabbath, it was seldom, if ever, that the deacons returned home without calling to ascertain the reason of the absence. We were indeed a band of brothers, striving for the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. Though my business responsibilities were great, yet, when in the city, I could always so arrange affairs as to be able to attend all the meetings of the church. For we were taught, in that day, to regard our religious duties as first, and business, secondary. CHURCH ACTIVITY AND FAITHFULNESS. Our pastor preached three sermons, always, on the EARLY LIFE IN ENGLAND. 35 Sabbath; held prayer meeting on Monday evening, when he recapitulated his Sabbath morning's discourse ; another prayer meeting, Wednesday evening; and such other meetings as were necessary, were appointed from time to time. If we were taken sick, the first thing was to drop a line to the pastor, or one of the deacons, informing them of our condition, and, if severely sick, a messenger was sent without delay. "We always had a prayer meeting on Sabbath morning, at five o'clock in thesummer, andat seveninthewinter, to pray especially for tbe pastor, and that God would be pleased to bless His word through the day, in his public administrations. Members of the church, going from home, were expected to send a line to their pastor, notifying him of their in- tended absence, requesting him, and the church, to pray, in the public congregation on the Sabbath, for God's special protection and care in their behalf. On their return, the pastor would give thanks to God, publicly, on Sabbath morning, for protecting them on their journey. Such things, with us, in this fast age, are obsolete. PRAYING, AND SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. We had also, in those days, very interesting social meetings. A few converts and friends would meet at a brother's house to spend an hour or two in prayer and reading the Scriptures. The one who read, was expected to explain that which he had read. The reader, having been appointed the week previous, had therefore more or less time to prepare his mind for the work assigned him. Others present would criticise the remarks made by him, why such things were so; and in doing this, we always did it with the most brotherly kindness and good feeling. If there were any questions that wo could not satisfactorily dispose of, they were generally referred 36 - sheardown's auto-biography. to the pastor, who gave his views upon the subject. There was great familiarity between the pastor and his people. If at any time they heard him announce a doctrine or sentiment which they did not understand, Lt was customary to appeal to him for further enlighten- ment upon the subject. It was no uncommon thing for the pastor to be present at some of our little family meetings, and take part in the services ; but never ta take the place of the reader, or to give any explanations of a text unless called upon so to do. Those were very interesting- seasons, and kept us from being alienated one from another. SABBATH SOCIAL EXERCISES. While a member of that blessed church, as I have said before, we had a prayer meeting at the vestry, every Sabbath morning. At that meeting, it was customary for some one to read a portion of Scripture, (more or less, as he chose,) and he was expected to give an ex- planation of what he had read. The reason for this was unknown at that time, to the junior portion of the church. The pastor, and older brethren, had adopted this plan in order to discover the gifts that were in the church. They generally arranged matters so that when it appeared to fall to the lot of an aged brother to read, he would very kindly invite one of the younger mem- bers to do it for him. Consequently, we never knew when we might be called upon ; and this induced us to search the Scriptures diligently, always try to have -a stock of information on hand, and to be ready on all occasions to meet such an emergency. This enabled the older brethren to notice the different gifts among the younger. When we erred in our exposition of any subject, the pastor, or deacon, or some one, would very tenderly endeavor to correct us. To these meetings, I EARLY LIFE IN ENGLAND. 37 am very much indebted, for what little amount of Bible knowledge I possess. INVITED TO HOLD A MEETING IN SKIDBT. While pursuing this course, one day, I met one of the aged brethren on the street. He said to me, M Tou are the very man I wanted to see." I asked him what he wanted of me ? He told me that there was a little village, by the name of Skidby, some seven miles from the city, and that its people were living in great igno- rance of the way of life. " Now, sir, I want you should go to that village, next Sabbath, and hold a meeting with them," remarking that there were but three or four in all the community, who might be said to be ex- perimental Christians. I replied, "Sir, that I cannot do. In the first place, I do not know where the village is, andsecondly, I have no acquaintances there." " That," he said, "will make no difference. I can give you the necessary directions." I told him, again and again, that I could not hold a meeting ; that I had no gift, or calling, for anything of the kind. He, however, argued, " Tou can sing, you can pray, you can read the Bible, and you can talk some from what you read; and that will be meeting enough, for those poor, ignorant people." Still I persisted in my former statement that I could not go. He then importuned, "Now, you go this time, and I will tell you where to call. Enquire for Mr. William Wilberforce ; he is a Dissenter, and he and his wife are very pious people. Tou need not fear, at all ; the house in which he lives is licensed, by the Bishop of the diocese, for Dissenting ministers to hold meetings in. And now, sir, you must say you'll go." He pressed me so hard that I said, " Tes, I will go." UNDERTAKE WHAT I DID NOT ANTICIPATE. After hearing, preaching the next Sabbath morning, 4 38 sheardown's atjto-biography. from my pastor, I went, afoot and alone, to the village, all the while pondering in my mind what course I should take. I had expected to meet only a few persons ; hut, to my utter astonishment, the house was not only full, but a number were on the green by the door and win- dows. The moment I went in, the gentleman named met me with all the familiarity of an old acquaintance. He showed me to a standing place, in one corner of the room, with a desk convenient for a speaker, and a beau- tiful white napkin spread over it, with a Bible, and Watts' old hymn book thereon. I had taken my own hymn book in my pocket, for I did not expect, in such a community, to find any Dissenters' hymn books. The very sight of that desk and Bible, impressed me as I had never been impressed before. Everything spoke, though in silence, yet louder to my heart than thunder tones, " This means that you are to preach." I took my seat behind the desk, thought a few moments, and came to this conclusion : " I will read, and sing a long hymn ; I then will pray, as long as I can ; then I will read a long chapter, (thinking I might be able to say something, from the whole of it, that would make a respectable talk ;) then 1 will read another long hymn ; and make a long, concluding prayer — and get out of this, the best way I can." LED TO SAT SOMETHING— BREAK DOWN. To my utter astonishment, when I had read the first hymn, they arose, and I saw there were three, four or more hymn books, and a group of youngerly folks who looked to me like singers. A man raised the tune, and gave the pitch, and they sang most heavenly ; I was so enamored with the singing, that my troubles subsided, at least for a season. I prayed, and then read another long hymn, after which I read part, or the whole, (I do EAKLY LIFE IN ENGLAND. 39 not now know which,) of the 3d chapter of Jeremiah's Lamentations. The first thing that I was really con- scious of, was, that I was in the highest state of perspira- tion, speaking from the 57th verse, which reads as fol- lows : " Thou drewest near in the day that I called upon Thee ; Thou saidest, Fear not." I instantly broke down, and said no more. I then proceeded to read the third hymn, prayed, and dismissed the congregation. ANOTHER APPOINTMENT — FEEL GRIEVED. To my utter astonishment, Mr. Wilberforce jumped up and said, " This man will preach to us again, next Sabbath, at half-past two in the afternoon. The word preach almost petrified me. I said, as soon as I could speak, " No, sir, I shall not be bere any more." But the old gentleman insisted upon it that I would be there, and told his neighbors and friends all to come out, for they would not be disappointed. I thought I was very much misused, so much so that I had some trouble to keep John Bull from showing his horns. The friends were very kind, and asked me to stay and have some refreshments, but I had so little fellowship with the old brother's conduct, that I would not stay with them even to eat, and went, home feeling very badly — sometimes, crusty. When I went to church in the evening, no one said to me, " Where have you been ?'' and I was glad they did not. RECONCILED. On Monday morning, more calmly and dispassion- ately reviewing the scene through which I had passed, I was rather glad than otherwise that I did go. By Wednesday of the same week, I felt as though I was not sorry that I had to go again the next Sabbath — and, if the old brother had not said " preach" to the people, I thought it would have been a privilege for 40 sheardown's autobiography. me to go, but I could not bear the idea of preaching. THE CHURCH CALLS ME TO ORDER. On Thursday, the same Deacon with whom I had had the conversation about what was necessary for an individual to do in order to join the church, came into the store, on business, and said to me, " We have a special meeting of the church, to-morrow night, sir, and we would be glad to have you attend, at six o'clock. You will be there, will you? The meeting is important, and we shall especially need you." I told him, if Providence did not hedge up my way, I would certainly be there. I thought of the thing after he was gone. I had heard of no notice being given for a special meeting, and could not think what it meant. HAVE TO TRY TO TALK AGAIN— BREAK DOWN. At the appointed hour, I left my business, and went to chapel. I was walking through the aisle, to my own seat — the minister and deacons were sitting in what was called " the deacons' pew," at the foot of the pulpit — but, as I came opposite the slip, about to turn to my left, one of the deacons beckoned to me. I turned to see what he wanted. He said, " Come into this pew, and sit down beside the pastor." This was indeed strange to me — I did not know what it could mean. After sitting a few moments, the meeting was opened by singing and prayer, after which one re- marked, "Shall we not proceed to business?" An aged brother looked up and said, "Our business is with you, Brother Sheardown." I arose and told them that I was not conscious of any wrong — I had not meant to violate any rules of the church, 1 or any principle of Christian propriety. The first thing that came to my ears, was, " You have been preaching, sir, without our authority ; and we do not suffer our brethren to run EARLY LITE IN ENGLAND. 41 around, preaching, -without our knowledge of it." I here referred them to the brother, then present, who induced me to go. They then said, " If you can preach to others, you can preach to us." I told them that I had not preached, and that I could not preach. They affirmed that I had preached, and that I must preach, to them, that night. When I saw that it was impossi- ble to get clear, I said to the pastor — whom I loved next to my life — " Brother Arbon, if I must speak, will you pray ?", His answer was, " If you are going to be a preacher, you must do your own praying." That, coming from the one who I claimed as my spiritual father, was the severest blow yet. I tried to pray, but know little or nothing of what it amounted to. They said, " Now, take your text." I named the 41st chap- ter, 10th verse of Isaiah, which reads as follows : " Fear thou not, for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." I felt pained, crushed, and dis- tressed in heart. I commenced making remarks from the passage. After awhile, I felt some freedom of utterance. This part of the text struck me with pecu- liar force : " Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God." Then arose in my mind something like this : " 'Now, you are telling the people that you are not going to fear, and that God is going to help you :" — and I was broken down, and stopped then and there. I then told them, if they would only forgive me for going to Skidby on the Sabbath and saying wbat I did to the congregation, 1 would never do the like again ; and I besought them with tears, to pardon me. THEY REQUIRE ME TO GO TO SKIDBY AGAIN. But nothing in answer to my petition. They said, 42 sheardown's atjto-biography. " You have another appointment there, and we do not allow our brethren to run at loose ends, and make appointments for preaching and not fulfill them." I told them I had made no appointment — then went on and recapitulated the conduct of the old gentleman who made the appointment, but that I did gainsay it, and gave bim to understand that I should not be there. " Well, but did he not say, in your presence, that you would be there ? that all might come ? that they would not be disappointed? Tou should not have allowed the appointment to go out." I begged of them not to urge it upon me, but they said, " You must go." CONTINUE SPEAKING AT SKTDBY AND BEFORE THE CHURCH. The next Sabbath I went, according to appointment, with a determination of heart that it should be the last time. I got along a little better, that time, than the first — but, as soon as I had got through with the services, Mr. Wilberforce made another appointment for me, the next Sabbath. My spirit was somewhat " subdued, and I made no resistance, for the church also had made an appointment for me to speak again the next Friday evening. This was in the latter part of the year 1813. I spoke to the church, once a week, for several months, and also continued going to the afore- said little village. FAILURE TO GET AT THE WORK. During this time, there was a young brother who wished to preach. He appeared to have the " preach fever." Kot so with me — mine was the chill, without the fever. This brother wished me to let him go with me to Skidby, and let him preach — which he did, to the best of his ability. He went again, and preached from Isaiah, 7th chapter, 25th verse, which reads as follows : " And on all hills that shall be digged with EARLY LIFE IN ENGLAND. 43 the mattock, there shall not come thither the fear of briers or thorns ; but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of lesser cattle." He was very much embarrassed, and talked pretty much all the time about digging with the mattock. It appeared to have made an impression on the minds of the children, for the next time he went they ran in the streets and cried out, " There comes the mattock man — there comes the mattock man 1" I do not recollect that he attempted to preach much afterwards. ENCOURAGED AT SKIDBT. That village had been noted for its immorality ; and it was very difficult for a Dissenting minister to go there, preach, and get away without personal insult. The clergyman of the Established church was also the Justice of the Peace in the place : consequently, it would have availed nothing to enter a complaint. But there^as not so much as a dog to move his tongue against unworthy me. SOME DISCOURAGEMENTS AT HOME. Brethren of our church would occasionally go over with me, to hear me (as they said) " preach." One who sometimes went along, would use all the effort in his power to prevail on me to quit. He would often say, " You disgrace yourself and your family." Know- ing, as he did, the situation in which I was placed, I thought it cruel in him. But it was the opinion of some good men, in that day, that if a young man could be induced to give up trying to preach, or by harsh means be driven, from it, it was a proof that he was not called of God to the work I DISTRESSED AS TO MY DUTY — THE LOAD REMOVED. I had, all this time, a great anxiety to do good — to be the means of saving souls — but had not the least 44 sheardown's auto-biography. evidence of being called to preach the Gospel. It wore upon my physical nature, so much so that the first inquiry of my friends was, " Are you sick, sir ? Tou look very poorly." My wife— for I was married, as I will hereafter narrate — was afraid that I would die. "While thus afflicted, both mentally and bodily, I was going to hear my pastor preach, one Sabbath morning, weighed down with sorrow, because I thought I was (like one of old) running, bat had no tidings. I can clearly see, in my mind's eye, now, the very spot, with its surroundings in the street, where this passage of Scripture came to my relief — Acts 9th chapter, 15th verse : " But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way : for • he is a chosen vessel unto me-, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel." I felt, at once, volatile as air. My trouble was all gone. I was as happy, it appeared to me, as it was possible for any one to be. I cannot describe the state, of my mind at that time. I took my accustomed seat in the chapel. I thought my pastor looked unusually lovely. When he arose and read his text, he took the same passage which had so richly relieved my own mind ! He appeared to enter into the very depths of my heart — and, before he was through, I had no doubt left that God designed I should preach his Gospel, as best I could. After that meeting was out, the brother who had en- deavored to dissuade me from ever standing up before the people again, said to me, " Are you going to Skidby, to-day?" I answered, "Yes, sir." Said he, "I want to go with you." "We agreed upon a certain corner of a street where we would meet. I was sorry that he proposed to go, for I feared he would mar my meditations, and disturb my sweet communion with God. He heard me speak, and I asked him to pray. EARLY LIFE IN ENGLAND. 45 After the service, lie appeared to be in very good spirits ; and when we had left the house to return home, he took hold of my arm, very familiarly, and said, " Brother Thomas, you will preach, in spite of all of us. You have preached, to-day. And now, sir, Ibid you God-speed." Prom that day onward, I had a com- fortable evidence that God had been pleased to appoint me to the work of the ministry. CHAPTER II— 1814 to 1821. Marriage — Enlarged Itinerating Labors — Hard Times in England — Business Changes — Gillites and Fullerites — Visit to the Con- tinent, with my Wife — Emigrate to America, and Settle in Seneca County, N. Y. — An Awkward Englishman, a Stran- ger among Friendly Yankees — Try to adapt Myself to the Ways of the Country — Arrival of my iamily — Good News from Skidby. OTTO MARRIAGE. As I have stated that I would say something in reference to my marriage, perhaps I may as well say it now as at any other time. "When I made up my mind to change my situation in life, I thought every- thing, as far as domestic happiness was concerned, depended upon the choice that I should make of a com- panion. I knew there was One who could direct me aright: therefore, I concluded to ask wisdom of God. It was my special prayer, for weeks, that He would direct me. I told the Lord just what kind of a person I desired. In the first place, she must be pious: in the next place, she must have the same denominational views with myself. I told the Lord, He knew all about my temperament of mind, and I wanted whoever should be best adapted to my circumstances and feel- ings in this respect. MY FIRST CHOICE. After having prayed long and earnestly, I saw a certain individual coming into church. The thought 48 sheakdown's auto-biographt. flashed across my mind, " That, I should conclude, is the very woman to suit me for a wife." But, somehow or other, I h'ad an impression that she was a married lady". I had often seen her, singing in the choir, but did not know her name. "When church was dismissed, I said to one of the members, " Can you tell me who that lady is?" The answer was, "Why! do you not know?" I said, "No, I do not." He then replied, " She is the daughter of Brother Glassam, one of our members." I continued, " She is a married lady, is she not?" The reply was, "No, she is a single lady." In the evening, when church was out, I shook hands with her parents, (for I was acquainted with them,) and said, " I am going to walk home with you." I offered my arm to the young lady, (Esther, by name,) ^according to the custom of the cqujatry, tarried about an hour, had a little prayer-meeting, and said to Esther, on leaving, " If it would be convenient, I would like to call upon you, Wednesday evening, at nine o'clock." She politely accepted the call.. I visited her but a short time that evening, and left with the prom- ise of another visit. When I went the next time — which, by the by, was only the third — instead of meeting the young lady, the father met me, and wanted to know my intentions in calling upon his daughter. I told him they were all right, but if I could spend an hour with her, I could then tell him more about my intentions. The mother showed me into a room adjoining the sitting room, and presently the daughter walked in. We talked over, in one (to me) important hour, all that we had to say, relative to a union for life. She said she also had been praying for direction from God, in view of such a change, and had been deeply impressed, when she saw me, that that would be the man of her choice if he was REMOVALS— SETTLE IN AMERICA. 49 not a married man. But I always walked with my sister — her husband being much from home — and many had taken us for husband and wife. I told her, that evening, in closing up our conversation, " Now, I shall not be in a situation to be married, under one year. Can you wait so long?" She answered, "Yes, O yes — anything that is best." I remarked, " Then, if God will, we will be married on such a day, one year hence, at eight o'clock in the morning. We can correspond at any time when we are absent from the city. But I never wrote a love-letter in my life, and probably never shall. I want all our correspondence to be of a spirit- ual nature. We will write in prose or poetry, which- ever suits the mind the best." The thing was settled, then and there. I then reported, to the old gentleman, our progress. We had a very pleasant year of cor- respondence, frequently walking and talking together as opportunity offered. I rented a house and had it furnished, ready to take her to, when she should leave her father and- mother. ECCLESIASTICAL IMPEDIMENTS. In those days, though the Toleration Act had taken off many, burdens from the Dissenters, yet they were not allowed to marry, or bury their dead, without the Episcopal service. We could only be married accord- ing to the formula of that church, and the ceremony could not be performed except between the hours of eight o'clock in the morning and twelve o'clock at noon. As we did not intend to have our marriage " published" — that is, read to the congregation, in the church, three Sabbaths in succession — we were obliged to marry " with license." Five guineas was the price for marrying in that way. The time had arrived. I went to the clergyman's house, about six o'clock in the 5 50 sheardown's auto-biography. evening previous to the day appointed, to obtain the license, which should be given twelve hours before cele- brating the ceremony. The vicar was not at home, but his wife informed me that he would be at home, in all probability, before eight o'clock. I told her my errand, and the necessity of being married in the morn- ing as soon as the clock had struck eight. She said, " Call again, sir, any time in the course of the evening." I called the second time— he was not in; the third time — all the same; the fourth time, at about ten o'clock in the evening — I knew, from what his wife said, that he was attending a party. I told her I would be in, about six o'clock in the morning, for my license, and mustr have it. She said, " Very well, sir — I will inform Mr. B." I knew that the responsibility rested on him, and not on me. The license granted at that hour would not be strictly valid, and, should it come to his Bishop's ears, the vicar must be the individual who must suffer. A DRUNKEN MINISTER. I went again in the morning, rang the bell, and soon a servant appeared who showed me into a small recep- tion room, saying that Mr. B. would be in shortly. I thought, at once, the thing was understood. He very soon made his appearance, in his morning gown— Apolo- gized for having been out so late over night — said he was at a party, and, while around the convivial board, had taken too much punch : " In fact," he said, " I got pretty tipsy." I told him that I knew that. Said he, "How did you know it, sir?" "I saw you, sir." "Where, sir ?" " Standing at the corner of Princess street, rest- ing your head against the wall." " Well," he said, " we will say no more about that." He went to a little closet in the room, where he had a case of old Madeira wine, •brought out a bottle, two glasses, and a corkscrew, and EEMOVALS— SETTLE IN AMERICA. 51 said, '< Won't you take a glass of wine, sir ?" I excused myself, by saying, " I never take wine in the morning." He said he did not generally do it, but, when he had been out over nighty in the morning he wanted a little to give tone and action to his .system ! "While writing out my license, I should think he took over one-half or two-thirds of the bottle full. But I got the paper, and started for the woman, with her mother, father, and sister, and, just as the clock struck eight, we were in the church, ready to appear at the altar. There was a word in the marriage ceremony which was " worship." It came in the clause where it is said, " With this ring I thee'wed, with my body I thee worship," &c. I was willing to love and cherish my wife, but was not willing to " worship" her. Therefore I substituted the word " serve," when saying over that part of the ceremony. He said, " worship." I tried it again, and gave the word " serve." He then turned his large Prayer Book the other side up, so that I could read for myself. I knew he was in my hands, for I could report him to the Bishop : therefore I read again, " serve." He said, " Very well, sir; serve it is, then; it will do just as well." So we passed on to the end. I took my wife to her new home, with her parents and sister. Our breakfast was waiting for us. I dropped a note of invitation to our pastor and his wife to take tea with us and spend the evening. I then went to my business, and attended to it until about four in the after- noon. Beturning to my home, we spent the evening in conversation, singing and prayer, when the friends retired, and we were left in possession of our own domicil. This was on the 23d of December, 1814. I shall have occasion again to refer to my wife, for she was my right hand, in affliction and sorrow, in joy and rejoicing. 52 sheardown's auto-biography. enlarged license to preach. While trying to preach, my labors were for a time confined to the little village of Skidby, and to the church. (And here let me say, that when I spoke be- fore the church, there were none present but those who were members of that body.) Things went on pros- perously with us, and, in 1815, I received permission from the church — or what is termed, in America, a "license" — to exercise my gift wherever God in his providence might open a door. SUFFERING AND CRIME IN ENGLAND. Those were times that tried both State and Church. The American and French wars were about closing. Breadstuffs were extremely high. Flour was two dol- lars^and twenty-five cents per stone, (fourteen pounds.) Bankruptcy and failures, of every kind, had been the order of the day, for some time. The poor tax of our firm in Hull, one year, was about eleven hundred dol- lars — a rate of taxation which Americans never yet endured. The operators in mills, factories, &c, were sore pressed to obtain the small pittance sufficient to keep them from starvation ; and many died of actual nunger. It was a common-place thing to see, in the daily papers, accounts of men being found dead : " Ver- dict given, Died for want of food." I saw, on one occa- sion, as estimated, one hundred and forty thousand operators, gathered at Manchester, parading the streets, emaciated and care-worn. Their banner was a bread loaf, dipped in blood, with an inscription of red letters upon black ground, " Bread or Blood." The soldiers were let in upon them, after they had assembled in St. P.eter's Square, Market Street Lane, to be addressed by a Mr. Hunt, who presented himself as one of the great reformers of the day. But the whole scene was summed REMOVALS— SETTLE IN AMERICA. 5o up in the utter dispersion of the motley crowd, by the swords and sabres of the military. Highway robberies, shop-lifting, house-breaking, and murder, were every- day occurrences. None but those who lived in that day, and witnessed the scenes, can form any adequate idea of the wretched state of the nation. NEW CHURCH ENTERPRISE. But I wish not to recall the picture of those dark days in England. Therefore I will return to that which concerns me most, and review circumstances more con- genial to my nature. About this time, our church had to give up their chapel — for what reason, I do not now remember, but my impression is that it was decided, in a suit which had been for many years in the Court of Chancery, against those from whom we had rented. "We then removed to a house, called Salt House Lane Chapel. Soon after that, it was thought best, by some of the church, that a few should take letters and build up a new interest in a low, wicked part of the city. "We obtained a building, and fitted it up, for a-place of worship. ' I was one in the enterprise. Our pulpit was supplied by such ministers as we could obtain. Part of the time it fell to my lot to do the public speaking. I also continued my labors in the little village previously alluded to. HOPES FRUSTRATED. A new thought came into my mind — that, if God would prosper me, as he had done, I might in a short time be able to preach the Gospel to the poor, anywhere and everywhere, as opportunity might offer, and sus- tain myself. But God's ways were not my ways, nor His thoughts my thoughts. For, though I had sailed, more or less, in different crafts, I had got my foot upon a ship that I had never sailed in before — that was a 54 sheardown's auto-biography. 'partner-ship. I became a junior partner in the firm, but very soon found the vessel was leaking, and the probability was that she would founder, sooner or later. In her, I lost a great portion of the earnings that I had been laying up for years. I concluded to leave Hull, and commence anew. REMOVE TO PONTEFRACT. In the spring of 1818, I located in the old borough of Pontefract, in the same county, doing some business on my own account, and some on commission, and making about a comfortable living. But my hope of becoming a minister of the Gospel, preaching to the poor, and sustaining myself, gave up the ghost. Yet I continued to preach, in villages near the city. There was no Baptist church in Pontefract, and the nearest was in Leeds, some eighteen miles away. But I felt that the poor villages needed the "Word of life. I also preached for ministers in the place, and ministers in the country. No matter, to me, what their denominational name might be, if they were only orthodox churches. TOO MUCH METAPHYSICAL PREACHING. Here permit me to relate a little circumstance which occurred while I was in that place. Some three miles distant, there was a village of several hundred poor and ignorant people, the men being generally barge-men and coal-heavers. But there was an Independent chapel in the place, with a pious church, and a minister whose soul was in the work. He was a man of good educa- tion, and well understood how to use that education in the field of his labors. He called upon mo, one day, to see if I could preach for him for three weeks ; he had obtained a supply for other three weeks, and was to be absent six weeks. The other brother he had obtained, was from the Bradford Theological Institution. I sup- REMOVALS— SETTLE IN AMERICA. 55 plied the church the first, and the young brother the next three weeks. After the pastor returned, he came up to town, to express his thanks for my labors. I was engaged in business when he came in, and asked him to walk up stairs into the sitting-room, where Mrs. Sheardown would visit with him until I was at liberty. Soon, I heard Bro. Lees laugh, most heartily — only as such good-hearted, whole-souled men know how to laugh. When I went up-stairs, I inquired the cause of the wave of merriment which had subsided. Bro. Lees said he had been relating to Mrs. Sheardown a circum- stance that occurred during the labors of his young collegiate, as given him by the brother himself. He thought he had preached a very big sermon. In that sermon, he had said a great deal about "metaphysics," and metaphysical reasoning. He was quite anxious to know what the people thought of his sermon : therefore, he concluded to mingle with the congregation, as they retired, hoping that he might hear their opinions. He was close in the rear of two good old mothers, who, with locked arms, were nudging along the sidewalk. One said, " 0, what a blessed sarment we had ! I never heered such a one." The other said, " What part did you like the best?" I liket it all, but that part I liket best where he told, us the G-os-pill was both meat and physic." The circumstance was so humiliating to the young man, that he told the pastor that, in future, he would try and use such language as the people whom he was addressing could understand. (If this should meet the eye of any aspiring young man, whose bumps of self-esteem are very large, may it be a word fitly spoken !) ITINERATE AMONG THE POOR. While residing in Pontefract, I had all the week-day evening preaching I could do, compatible with my busi- 5G sheardown's autobiography. ness. My great object was to present to the people, Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of sinners, and that He was able and willing to save to the uttermost all who came unto God by Him. The operatives in that manu- facturing district— in fact, in all the land— continued to be sorely pressed for food ; and it was to me a luxury to spread before them the bread of eternal life. DOCTRINAL DISSENSIONS. - At that time, there was great excitement in the Bap- tist churches, growing out of Gill-ism and Fuller-ism. Although the beloved Fuller had recently (1815) gone to his rest, he had tapped a new vein of theology, that ' was just beginning to pour out its light upon the world. Dr. Gill had long been the standard of divinity, and it was very hard for some to give up his favorite dog- matical theories, and many, both ministers and laymen, were deeply imbued with the spirit of hyper-Calvinism. But Fuller had hidden the leaven in the measure of meal, and it was working powerfully upon the minds of many, so that, when a minister was the subject of con- versation, the first question generally was, " Is he a Gill-ite or a Fuller-ite?" and the churches were much divided in their views. I recollect that Mr. Arbon once said in a sermon, " If faith ^s not a duty, then unbelief is no sin." Two or three of the old members imme- diately took their hats and deliberately walked out of the church, saying they would never sit peaceably and hear such Arminian stuff as that. VISIT TO FRANCE. While residing in Pontefract, in the early part of 1820, business called me to the continent of Europe. While in France, I learned more about the '{ mother of harlots and abominations of the earth," than I had ever known before. It would not have been-safe for me, REMOVALS— SETTLE IN AMERICA. 57 had it ever been known that I had a Protestant Bible in my possession. In traveling by the Diligence, it was almost a daily occurrence to have to take off my hat to the images of their saints, posted at the corners of the roads; and, on one great festival day, I had to bow my knees in the street until the Grand Costodia — the bust of St. Peter, and other relics, which were carried upon the shoulders of twelve priests — had passed by ! A LONE CHRISTIAN WOMAN.. "While in that land, I met but one Christian. That was a lady, whose acquaintance I made accidentally, while walking one morning on the beach of the Bay of Biscay. In passing her, I gave the customary saluta- tion, in French". She answered very politely, and, turning around immediately, she added, "Anglaise, Monsieur?" She detected my English accent in pro- nouncing the French. I entered into a conversation with her, in which she gave me a short history of her life. She was born in London. Her father, an English officer, was killed in battle. She and her mother were then in France, where the daughter married a Prench officer, and, subsequently, renounced her Protestantism, and became a Catholic. Afterwards, she became con- vinced of the great sin, (as she expressed it,) of re- nouncing the religion of her fathers. Her exercises resulted in her hopeful conversion to God. Seventeen long years she had cherished that htipe in secret, all the time conforming to the externals of Komanism. She said that I was the first person to whom she dared to divulge the fact; for, if her husband should know it, he would take the first opportunity to plunge his dagger into her breast. I spoke to her such words of consola- tion, and encouragement, as I could, under the circum- stances. I saw her no more, but hope she may be found 58 s.heardown's auto-biography. among the redeemed of the Lord, in that day when God shall make up His jewels. MRS. SHEARDOWN'S ADVENTURES. While in Prance, my wife came over, to make a short visit to the country that was then so bitterly hated by the land that gave her birth. Her introduction was very unfavorable. I had written her that I would meet her at Calais, on the given day and hour that the packet from England was expected to arrive. -The ves- sel came, in an hour or more before the expected time; consequently, I was not down to the port when it ar- rived. She could not speak a word of French, and as soon as the ship was hauled up to the dock, the gens-d'armes (armed police) came on board, demanded her baggage, and sent it away to the Custom House. She herself was taken by a class of men who looked, to her, the meanest set of ruffians she ever saw, and posted away, to a prison looking house, where they put her in the custody of some old French women, to be searched. She scolded, in her language, and resisted all she could, but they continued unpinning, &c, until they had searched her person thoroughly. They found nothing contraband Concealed about her, and she was released. I was waiting at the depot to receive her. She was so frightened, that she looked unnatural. I should have given her the particulars that would be required of her on her arrival, in my letter, had I not expected to have been present when the vessel came in. A few weeks taught her, that she was not in the land of her nativity. VISIT HOLLAND— THOUGHTS ABOUT AMERICA. My business was nearly done up, and we should soon have returned home, but I had to go to Dunkirk, in Flanders, and took my wife with me, that she might see more of the world. REMOVALS— SETTLE IN AMERICA. 59 For several years, I had been very anxious to visit America. I had read many exciting works respecting the land of liberty. A particular friend of mine, a dea- con of the church where I had my standing in the City of Hull, was induced to go to America by the flattering accounts, in English publications, of a Dr. Eobert H. Eose and others. I had got the impression that America was the garden of the world, and that the regions around Mont-Eose, in the " Beech "Woods," were the very flower-beds of that garden. My friend, the deacon, wrote me flattering accounts of the country, but did not like the Beech Woods, and finally moved to Philadel- phia. I had great confidence in him, for he was to me a brother beloved. But after I was married, and settled in life, I gave up the hope of ever seeing the new world. I could not endure the thought of tearing my wife away from all her friends, and taking her to a distant land, where, perhaps, she might never see them again. By doing this, I thought I should have a poor, broken- hearted wife. SHE PROPOSES EMIGRATION. But while we were at Dunkirk, con7ersing on our pillows, without any reference to America or any other foreign land, she broke off from the subject then under consideration, and said, "How long I have been wishing that you would take it into your head to go to America !" I was perfectly startled. I said to her, " My dear ! can you leave father, and mother, and friends, to go to a land where you may never see them again?" She answered, " If you think it best, I can." I said to her, " I can never take you to a country that I have never seen. Would you be willing to stay with our friends until I go over, and explore the land, and then, if it looks best for me to stay there, can you undertake the voyage 60 sheardown's auto-biography. across the Atlantic alone, with your two little children?" She said, " Yes ! The same God who protects me here, can protect me on the waters." I told her I would bring my business to a close as speedily as possible, and start for the land of promise. PREPARE TO SEE THE NEW WORLD. I finished my business, and went up to London to take ship. I found I had to wait there some two weeks for the vessel to sail. HINDRANCES. I found, also, that difficulties of a new cast would be liable to meet me. No individuals could leave Eng- land, at that time, who were mechanics, or who had served an apprenticeship to any kind of business. None but those who were farmers, or laborers, could get away, unless smuggled. However, I concluded to pay my passage, and enter on board as a passenger for New York. The vessel went down the river, some thirty miles below London, to Graves End, the final place of her clearance. Here I found that all the pas- sengers must come ashore and repair to the alien office. There the questions were of such a nature as I had not anticipated. While others were interrogated, I found that they must have a voucher, or recommen- dation, from some prominent individual, testifying that their object in going to America was to possess land and follow the avocation of agriculturists. Many of the passengers had vouchers from the overseers of the poor in the places where they had lived. Those were very readily passed. When it came to me, I frankly told the officer, that I did not know that I was required to have such a voucher, and had none ; but I would give him the address of an individual of high standing, in a certain rural district, who would answer all his REMOVALS — SETTLE IN AMERICA. 61 inquiries on the subject of the laud business. He did not appear to see through it : because, before he could get the information from that individual, I would be tossing on the Atlantic ! After we were all through, however, he ordered every individual to rise and stand before him, while he read to us the Alien Act — thereby alienating us for ever from his Britannic majesty, his Britannic majesty's government, and all his Britannic majesty's dominion — from any hope of protection by that government, from henceforth and forever! All safe on board, we weighed anchor and gave three hearty cheers for the land of promise ! OUT UPON THE OCEAN— STORMS, &C. After we bad cleared the river, and got fairly into the sea-way, we were busily engaged overhauling our sea-stock, &c. By-and-by, a request was sent to the Captain, from some of the cabin passengers, to have the decks cleared, and give them the privilege of hav- ing a dance. But, to an experienced eye, it was very evident there would soon be other business for the voyagers. In about fifteen minutes, a squall struck the vessel, with a greater degree of violence than any had expected, carrying away her fore-topsail, and using the ship rather roughly. All was bustle, as it ever is on such occasions. The dancing party had enough to do to wait upon their sea-sick stomachs, and we never heard another word about dancing through all the voyage. We parted with our pilot at the Downs, and laid our bows for the goodly land. The charge for a steerage passage was forty pounds sterling, and wo had also to provide our own sea-stock (provisions, &c.,) tor eight weeks, the voyage usually requiring six weeks on an average. Cabin passage was probably twice as expen- 6 62 sheardown's auto-biography. sive, at that time. Ours was an. American vessel, named The Criterion. She was an old vessel, but sailed fast, and nothing specially alarming occurred. REACH NEW YORK HARBOR. For several days, we were making a very good run, after which we experienced heavy weather, with some terrific gales, which kept the passengers, not accus- tomed to the water, snugly hatched down below. I always had the privilege of the decks. Having been on the water considerably, and never troubled with sea-sickness, I could always lend a hand, to help the men in any time of need. We left with our ship's com- pany one man short, and two were injured so that they were not able to do duty : consequently, a raw hand was better than none. "We made sight of land after four weeks' running, and put ship-about for the night, thinking, probably, the next day to be in Sandy Hook. But a very heavy gale of wind, blowing off the land, sent us out to sea ; and it was ten days before we made the sight of land again. The ship being old, and badly strained by stress of weather, began to make water pretty fast. The pumps had to be worked, day and night, and the male passengers had to take their turns at pumping. When we sighted land again, it was about ten o'clock at night, I had retired to the fore-top, where I could be alone and enjoy my thoughts. I saw from the fore-top that we were running the land down. I cried to the officer on deck that we were running right ashore. The word.speedily rang out from the officer on deck, " Topsail-sheets and halyards haul — ready about." As the ship came about, her keel grounded on the- bottom. We, fired several shots for a pilot, and got an answer about daylight in the morning. The pilot came on board, and ran us safely iDto the REMOVALS— SETTLE IN AMERICA. 63 Hook : and as soon as the wind veered, (which I think was not until the next day,) he brought us safely up to Quarantine. Here, our ship and passengers being examined, and all found right, wo proceeded up to New York. GO UP THE HUDSON. I spent but a short time in the city, and took a sloop for ISTewburg, not knowing where I should go, or scarcely what I wanted. But, after all my cogitations of heart, I made up my mind that I could proceed to Mont Eose, and see what I thought of the country after a personal examination. MEN FROJI THE LAKE COUNTRY. Landing in Newburg, late at night, I went up to a tavern or hotel to stay. There I fell in company with some good, honest sort of men, who said they were from the " Lake country." They informed me that the " Beach. Woods country" was a poor, barren, miserable region, and that it was not fit for " chip- mucks" to live in. I must confess I knew no more about what a "chipmuck" was, than a wild Arab knows about English grammar. But those, whom I had thus met, appeared to be very kind, and very com- municative. As they were in Newburg with teams, . they offered to give me a passage with them to their homes, " between the Lakes." I thankfully accepted their offer, and east my lot with them. I was deeply interested in everything I heard and saw, and in due time we arrived at the place of our destination — Covert Seneca county, New York — in October, 1820. BECAME A CITIZEN OF YORK STATE. Every one appeared to be friendly, open-hearted, and gave freely of what they possessed, (which, by the by, was abundant,) for eating and drinking. The 64 sheardown's auto-biography. father of one of the men whom I had traveled with, was an intelligent man, formerly from Long Island, < and pretty well posted in relation to the country. I made up my mind that I should stay in that place until the arrival of my wife. I wrote her several letters, but received none in answer. I was perplexed and troubled, but when I came to inquire of individuals, what they thought could be the reason that I received no answers, they looked upon England as being so far out of the world, that, if I got an answer in a year, I would do' very well The mails, from the Lake country to New York or Boston, were very uncertain in that day. The last letter I wrote to her, (which, happily, she received, and the only one she had re- ceived,) gave her a particular account of my where- abouts, and all the directions how to proceed until she got to Newburg. CHEAP LIVING— MY GREAT AWKWARDNESS. Having concluded that I should make that my stop- ping place, I asked th# gentleman with whom I was staying if he had anything that I could do, as I wanted to earn enough to pay my board. He told me board was nothing. I believe, at that time, wheat was selling at three shillings (37J cents) per bushel, and everything of an eatable nature about the same pro- portion. He said, if I had a mind to work some, I might go and thresh some wheat he had in the barn, and take care of the horses and cattle, which I was very glad to do". -I wanted to learn the ways of the country. I worked just as I pleased, but I had never threshed wheat with a flail, or taken care of cattle. He had to show me how it was to be done ; and he promised to give me all the wheat, pork, &c, that I should want for my family. REMOVALS— SE1TLE IN AMERICA. 65 One day he remarked to me, " Now, we must go to-day and get up some wood." The team was har- nessed, and everything ready; he then gave me a chopping axe, and took one himself, when we started. But I had never seen a chopping axe before, nor had I ever seen any individual cut down trees, American fashion. I had seen the English choppers prepare to cut down a tree. They would get some able man to climb the tree, take up a strong cable rope, and make it fast to the top T>f the tree; then put all the strain they could on the rope, and fasten it to another tree, if there was one, and if there was not, to a stake firmly driven into the ground. Then they would sit down on the ground, with an axe resembling what I should now call a long-bitted post axe. They would cut all around the tree, close to the ground, but when it was almost cut off, would be very careful to keep from under the side where the rope was made fast to draw it over. % told him how, ignorant I was about the chopping busi- ness. He said he would show me how it was done. I stood, and looked with astonishment to see how he made the chips fly. After the tree was felled, he said to me, " Now you cut off that limb, and let me see how you will perform." I thought I must strike very hard, and I expected to see the chips fly, but, instead of that, the axe flew out of my hands, two or three rods. I went and picked it up out of the snow, and he laugh- ingly said, "I dare not stay within a half mife of you." But he ventured to give me another trial. He told me I must hold to the helve with one hand tightly, and let the other slide up the helve. But my hand would not slide, therefore I had to let go with that hand entirely, so that, when the blow came, I had but one hand hold of the helve. He enjoyed my ignorance, and was very patient with me, appearing to think, if he 66 sheaudown's auto-biography. could learn me to chop (as he said) it would be a great feather in his cap ! Every opportunity, I would get an axe and go off alone ; and kept on trying, until such time as I found I was getting a little sleight. This encouraged me, and I felt determined to be a chopper. So in relation to all the business of the backwoods. I worked very steadily at one thing or another, until spring. I then bought three acres of land from the father of the man with whom I was boarding. It being cleared up, I could do nothing with it until the spring was fairly in. One day, the old gentleman said to me, "I want you ■ should come with me into the sugar bush." We went, and he showed me what was to be done, describing all the process of tapping trees and manufacturing sugar. He said to me, " Now I want you to tap all the maple trees in this piece of woods, and, when you get tired, come down home." I did not go home, though I was very tired. I thought I would set all the spiles we had taken up. He did not know what might have happened me; I might have cut myself, or something : so — at a late hour — be came where I was, and said, " Do the trees run good?" I told him, some run, and some would not run at all. He walked around with me through the bush, and I certainly had tapped three basswoods to one maple ! My friend concluded he might as well do the tapping himself. I had gained, through the winter, some knowledge of American husbandry, but more in theory than in practice. The old gentleman told me, one day, that I must plough a part of my lot, which had never been broken up, and put corn on it. It would have to be ploughed, he said, twice ; the second time, it would have to be cross-ploughed. I knew something about ploughing, from observation in my travels through the REMOVALS— SETTLE IN AMERICA. 67 country, but the labor part I had never performed. He lent me a plough and chains, and a neighbor fur- nished me a pair of oxen. But they were rather frac- tious — probably growing out of my awkward way of handling them. Sometimes the plough was in, but more frequently it was out of the ground ; some of the time I was holding to the handles ; at other times I was thrown on the ground. There were some pines on the lot : I would get the plough hitched to a small root, and then whip up the oxen, and the first thing I would know, the root would break, the ends spring back and take me on my shins; so that, before the day's ploughing was through, my shins were pretty well scarred, and bloody. But I thought, legs or no legs, I must have this part of the lot ploughed : so I persevered to the end. MY FAMILY ARRIVE. Now I will return to my wife's coming into the country. " In the letter of directions that I had sent her, I requested that she should write me as soon as she arrived at New York, then come up by boat to Newburg, which she did; but I received no letter from her, consequently she become tired of waiting. Sup- posing there might have been a failure in her letter, and finding some English people coming into the Beech Woods, (which would be on her way to the Lakes,) they engaged a team in partnership, and started on. One of them wanted to go to Great Bend, on the Susquehanna Biver, which was on her direct road. On arriving there, she wrote to me again, and waited some two weeks, but no answer came. She then hired a team to bring her and her two children from there to the place where I was stopping. One day (in the month of May, 1821,) I was stand- 68 sheardown's autobiography. ing in the door-yard, talking with the gentleman I was boarding with. We saw a team coming over a little rise in the Toad, some thirty or forty rods distant. He jokingly said, "Yonder comes your wife." I answered, " So she does," not realizing scarcely what I said. I waited and looked with intensity; and very soon, indeed, I saw that it was she. The driver had said to her, as they were passing over the little rise of ground, " There are two men yonder now, if one should be your husband !" She replied, " If he would only move, I should know him." Just at that time I moved down towards the road, when she exclaimed, " That is he, indeed I" It was a joyous and happy meeting, after having been parted more than ten months. She had had a boisterous passage, for something over six weeks. But, with all the toil and labor of the voyage, and traveling from New York city to Seneca county, she had never been discouraged ; her spirits remained buoyant to the last. That afternoon, a good old lady — who was, Yankee fashion, asking all kinds of questions — inquired of my wife if it did not almost break her heart to leave father, mother, brothers and sisters, perhaps never to see them again ? She said, " No. When parting with my friends, while they were all in tears, I had no tears to shed. My mother said to me, ' Esther, why don't you weep V I replied, ' I cannot weep — I am going to see my husband !' " LAST INTELLIGENCE FROM SKIDBY. For the purpose of bringing into view, at once, all connected with my Old World life, I will here narrate a fact somewhat out of the order of occurrence as re- gards time. During a long period, in America, I had much REMOVALS— SETTLE IN AMERICA. 69 trouble, not knowing what had been the effect of my labors in the little village where I first preached the Gospel. As I will hereafter notice, it rose up before my mind, by day and by night, that I did wrong in leaving there. I had no hope of ever ascertaining whether any good results had followed. But, after my ordination, I met one day, on the highway, a gentle- man, who said, "Elder, there is a letter in the Post Office for you." (We had but a weekly mail.) I re- plied, " Much obliged, sir — I am going down to the office." Said he, " The 'Squire told me to tell you it is a shipping letter — he thought you would be very anxious to see it." I passed on to the office, and called for my letter from over the seas. At once, I saw that it was not from any of my regular correspondents, for I did not know the handwriting of the superscription. I opened it, and was then convinced that it was from some one who had never written to me before. I cast my eye to the bottom of the page, and saw the signa- ture — " J. Jefferson." It did not strike my mind at the time, who that was. The next page seemed to be written by ah old fashioned writer — the characters looked very much like the round handwriting of my father. I saw, at the bottom, the name, " Wm. Wil- berforce." The next page was in the hand-writing of a female, and subscribed, " Jefferson." I then under- stood who the writers were. The old gentleman (Mr. Wilberforce) was the man at whose house I first opened my mouth for Jesus. The lady (Jefferson) was the daughter of Mr. Wilberforce, and J. Jefferson, was her husband. Those kind friends had inquired, and sought out my far distant residence, on purpose to in- form me as to what God had wrought in their midst. By those letters, I learned that Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson were both hopefully converted under my labors. The 70 sheardown's auto-biography. father named several texts of Scripture, from which I had preached, and under which a number of other individuals had been brought to the knowledge of the truth. Among these was a young man, a plowman for a neighboring farmer, who appeared to have talents, which, if cultivated, promised usefulness in Zion. He studied two years in Dr. Steadman's Institution, at Bradford. There had been built, in Skidby, a neat brick chapel, which was occupied by a church of about one hundred members, and that young man was their pastor. This information took away all the burthen from my mind — believing that God had done by me all that He intended I should do in that place. And I have never had any anxiety about them since. CHAPTER III.— 1820 'to 1826. Spiritual Declension — Difficulties in Obtaining Fellowship — Unite •with the Covert Baptist Church— Commence Speaking in Pub- lic—Remarkable Feelings in a Dangerous Illness — Hunting for ar-New Home in the Woods — Am Led by a Stranger, and Settle on Cole's Camp. As it regarded my ignorance of the ways and customs of a country so new and peculiar to me, I have hitherto been somewhat particular on several points, but will say no more at present, and now enter upon the darkest page of my history. RELIGIOUS OPPORTUNITIES. "When we had become settled, after paying for my three -acres of land, I had just seventy-five dollars to begin the world with. That was no discouragement to me. But my religious life was a great concern of mind. I attended church, the first Sabbath after I arrived at my stopping place. I thought it was the most singular congregation, and place of worship, that I had ever seen. But what astonished me most, was the preaching. I have no doubt of the goodness and piety of the min- ister, for God had done a great work by him, A short time before, he had moved Westward, and was then on a visit, to see his old friends, and attend to some unfin- ished business. I made some remarks relative to his preaching, when a gentleman replied to me, "Any per- son who finds fault with Elder T.'s preaching, cannot 72 sheaedown's autobiography. live in this community." But I thought I would con- tinue to attend meetings, and form acquaintances with the church members. I had not yet reflected upon my peculiar situation, for I had left England without a church letter. While absent from the city where I had my standing, the few brethren and sisters, before re- ferred to, who designed to form the fourth church, found that they were not able to sustain themselves ; upon which, they dissolved, and joined other churches in the city. My father-in-law wrote, soon after, to let me know what had taken place. But I was not concerned, because I knew that I could obtain a standing in any regular Baptist church, in England,-when God in his providence should cast my lot wherever there was such a church : all I would have to do, there, would be to prove my baptism, and give a relation of my Christian experience. I always said, when conversing with any of the members of the church, that I was a Baptist in my own country, and told them the circumstances under which I left; but no word of encouragement was given me, nor any invitation extended for me to become one with them. IN A BACKSLIDDEN" STATE. At that time, a strong temptation beset my mind, that I would say little or nothing more about it — at all events, I would never lisp the first word that I had ever preached — and get along as best I could. I found my religious enjoyment to be waning, though I con- tinued to pray in my family, and pray in my closet- but not so frequently as I had been in the habit of doing. Very soon, I became backslidden in heart, and too much so in life. Still, I continued to meet with the church every Sabbath, and occasionally attended their covenant meetings, but all was cold and dark. They would ask LIFE IN SENECA COUNTY. 73 me to speak, which I think I never refused to do ; but something all this time was whispering within, that I had better live more like a Christian, and say less about it. Those were most painful days to me, and I thought any place better adapted to me than the church of Jesus Christ. I would rally at times, and feel very anxious for a standing in the church, but whenever I made any move towards it, I was always answered, " You can never get into the church, sir, in this country, without you bring a letter." I had always been honest in telling them my real condition; that I could give them evi- dence, in letters which I had by me, that I was a member, in good standing, of a regular Baptist church in England ; also, that I could give them the name of a brother, a deacon in the church, who saw me baptized, and knew my Christian walk and character, and who might easily be communicated with, for he was then living in the city of Philadelphia. All that, they would answer, will not supply the place of a letter. I told them the reason I had none was because the church had disbanded in my absence, and I was left alone in the world — but that, if I was in my own country, I should have no trouble in obtaining a standing in any church of our order. They never asked me how I would, and I never thought it best to tell them, for I did not think it was my duty to dictate to them, or to introduce new laws among them. DISCOURAGEMENTS. There were brethren in the church who 1 esteemed very much, but only one with whom I was perfectly confidential. When I received letters from England, they always were of a religious character, and I let him have the privilege of reading them, as they delighted him much. I now had a new trial, or temptation, pre- 7 74 sheardown's atjto-biography. . sented to my mind : it was, that I had sinned against God in not remaining in the little village where I first preached, and that God had forsaken me because it looked as though I had forsaken them — and I could not return to my native land. In the first place, I had not the means to cross the Atlantic again. And in the second place, I had been alienated from the British government — from all support, recognition, or protec- tion thereof — according to law. Therefore (I came to the conclusion) God had left me to myself, to take my own way, and to walk after the sight of my own eyes. The bitterness of such thoughts can be realized only by those who have experienced them. It appeared to be a settled point, in my mind, that I never should divulge the fact that I had once tried to preach. ALMOST DETECTED. About that time, I received a very interesting letter from my father-in-law, in England. In it, among many other things to which he referred, was the effect of the last sermon he heard me preach before I left my native land. Upon meeting with Deacon Porter, (the brother previously alluded to,) I said to him that I had another letter from England. He asked me if I had it with me ; I told him I had. He said he would like very much to see it, if it was consistent. I said, " Certainly you can, my brother." I handed him the letter, having forgotten all about the preaching part until he had had it in his possession, long enough to read it almost through. I would have given anything I had if I could only have obtained it from him. But, strange as it may appear, not a word was said by him relative to the preaching. And, some years after, while conversing with him upon the subject, he told me that he thought it was some other individual whose preaching my father-in-law LIFE IN SENECA COUNTY. 75 referred to, instead of my own. I had feared, for some time, lest he would leak it out to some of his friends ; but, not hearing of it from any one, I concluded he had forgotten it, or must have overlooked it. I employed myself, part of the time, in teaching school, and the balance of my time in laboring at any- thing that I could do. The state of my mind became more and more depressed, and I was alarmed at my situation. The church was supplied by different minis- ters, the greater part if not all of whom I trust now are in the better world. They at last obtained a pastor — a man in years, and I thought a very good man — high in doctrine, and strict in discipline. He was more like a preacher, to my view, than any I had become acquainted with in this country. I thought, now, perhaps, this man can do me good. So I kindly invited him to come and spend a day with me. Ho gave me the promise, which he fulfilled. ANOTHER DISAPPOINTMENT. This, I think, was the Friday before covenant meet- ing. I frankly opened all my heart, and read to him my English correspondence, except the letter that spoke about the preaching. He had questioned me, and we had talked familiarly together. I had kept nothing back, in order that he might know my case just as it really was. Something, I do not now recol- lect just what, prevented me from going to the meeting. A good Dutch mother in Israel, with whom we were intimate as a family and neighbor, called at my house on Saturday evening, on her way home from the covenant meeting. I was busy cutting wood by the door. I went into the house to carry some wood, and found the old lady, weeping bitterly, and talking with my wife. I asked her what was the matter? She 76 sheardown's auto-biography. said, " I'm kilt, I'm kilt." I replied, " Sister L., what has killed you ?" She said, " Our minister." " Why, ■what has your minister done ?" She said, " He told us to-day, in meeting, that he had been to see that foreigner who calls himself an Englishman; he had had along interview with him ; he is a very smart fellow,'' said Elder W., " and is capable of doing good, or a great deal of harm; and I would caution you against having anything to do with him." I thought, then, the last blow had been struck ; that it was more than I could bear. Still, I continued to go to church on the Sabbath ; but it was very seldom that I went to any other meeting. RELIEF COMES, AT LAST. That good man died, soon after, and another pastor was chosen, in the person of Aaron Abbott. He very soon heard of me, and proved to be one of the most genial spirits I had ever met with on this side of the Atlantic. I found that he appreciated what I told him ; we wept, and prayed together ; and many of the dark clouds that were about my mind, were in a measure dissipated. He said to me, " Would it not be a privilege to you to belong to the church ?" I said, " Yes ; if I can not have a home in the church, I can not have any home on earth," for I told him I was entirely alone in this new world, (as far as kindred or connection were ' concerned,) except my family. Having made him acquainted with my situation, he said, "Now, my brother, is there any way that you know of, whereby you can become a member of the church?" I told him that I knew of a way, but I did not like to name it; it looked so much, to me, like pleading my own cause. He replied, " Name it to me ; what we say is confiden- tial." I told him the only way, as I viewed things, was that I should give proof of my baptism being legiti- LIFE IN SENECA COUNTY. 77 mate, and that, if the church gained evidence that I was a Christian, they could receive me into their fellow- ship. He answered, " That is it. Now, will you and your wife attend the church covenant meeting?" I told him we would. " Then I will try to open the way to them." WE JOIN THE CHURCH. "We attended. The circumstances were laid before the church, by the pastor. My heart was broken. I confessed my wanderings and alienation with bitter tears, I trust, of repentance. As soon as the brethren and sisters saw the thing in the light as presented by the pastor, they were astonished that they did not see it so before, and we were received into the church. That was a good day. Nevertheless, there were many thing that corroded my very heart; but nothing equal to the continual anxiety growing out of the idea that I bad excluded for ever all the pleasantness that I had enjoyed while preaching to the people in the little village where I first commenced. TAKE THE LEAD IN MEETINGS. The pastor was a great lover of the old fashioned conference and prayer meetings. He often appointed them at different school houses, invited me to attend them, and, if there was no leader in the meetings, to take the lead myself. I was delighted with the invita- tion, and was willing to go anywhere, because it gavo me opportunity to talk upon the .subject of religion. I was once in one of those little meetings, at the King- town school-house. God was refreshing my soul while speaking, when a good old mother, (Robinson by name,) exclaimed, " Why, this foreigner can preach I You have preached," shesaid, "haven'tyou?" I said I had always been in the habit of speaking on religion, more or less, ever since I was converted. 78 sheardown's auto-biographt. exercises during sickness. In 1825, I was taken severely sick, with what was called the " old lake fever." While confined to my bed, I had a great deal of reflection in reviewing my life. One day, my wife came to my bedside, and said to me, "Can you remain alone a little while?" I replied, "Yes, but where are you going?" She remarked, " I want to go down to the brook and do some washing." It was but a few rods from the house, and I told her by all means to go ; that she might not be troubled about me. "While she was absent, I passed through a scene that I shall never forget. I was looking at my watch, which was suspended where I could see it. It was just fifteen minutes to eleven in the morning. After this, whether asleep or awake I know not, but the first thing that appeared to me was every part of the known world in which I had ever been, either by sea or land. It appeared as distinctly as though it were drawn out upon a map in living characters before me. Immediately after this, I saw every sin I had committed, as distinctly and as clearly as I ever saw figures. The last and greatest sin of all appeared to be my neglect of preaching the G-ospel of Christ to perish- ing sinners. The next appearance was, that I was in impervious darkness. I then saw all the iniquity of my life, in mass together, piled up like one mighty thunder cloud ; and, rising up in the centre, was the sin of my keeping back from proclaiming the riches of Christ to my fellow men. At this moment, I appeared to be upon an inclined plane, about four feet wide. On my right hand, was a gulf more dark than the darkness that I was in ; and on my left, rising up like an immense mountain, was this black cloud of sins. The plane on which I was walking, inclined more and more towards the gulf; for it was a sidewise inclination. I thought LIFE IN SENECA COUNTY. 79 that I still tried to keep walking forward, but the path became considerably crowded with travelers like my- self. I could hear them dropping into the gulf, before me and behind me. Sometimes I thought I should lose my foothold, and fall into what I thought to be the bottomless pit. , When it seemed as if I could not keep my feet much longer, I saw a little light, not larger apparently than a pin's head. I thought something whispered, " Never mind your feet, but keep your eye upon the light." The light appeared to expand slowly. I do not recollect that I ever turned my eye from it. Suddenly, the plane became so inclined that my feet were just about to slip, when, instantly, the light shone with the greatest refulgence that can possibly be imagined; and at that instant, the darkened cloud fell just behind me, right into the gulf, with a tremendous crash. I appeared to be in universal space ; and as my eyes reached into the far distant glories that were before me, I said, "Lord, I shall live, and I will preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ I" At this instant, my eye was upon my watch ; it wanted twenty minutes to twelve. I was bathed in tears, and the subject of such abounding consolation as I had never experienced before. My wife came into my room a few moments after. I had turned my face the other way. She gently put down the covering, saw the situation in which I was, and exclaimed, "Are you worse?" her tears flowing in great profusion at the same time. I said, "No, I am better — I am better. Leave me alone. My choicest friends are only a burden to me." Such was the abounding consolation of soul and mind, the savor of which remained with me more or less through all my sickness. ECSTATIC ENJOYMENTS. My fever was of a very dangerous nature. It ran 80 sheardown's auto-biography. some thirty-one days before it arrived at its crisis. My senses were good, and my mind clear, all the time, with some very small exceptions. I was reduced so low that I could not raise my hand, and finally could not speak. While I was in this low condition, many of the brethren and neighbors were in to see me ; and several of them I could hear talking to my wife, saying that I could live but a short time. It grieved me very much to see her weep under the influence of their con] versation, for I felt confident that I should live, yet had not strength to speak and express my hope. I had had that assurance through all my sickness. One night there was standing by my bed-side, with others, my confidential friend, Dea. Porter. This was about eleven o'clock. I spoke out, the spectators said, in my usual tone of voice, saying, " Dea. Porter, pray." The deacon at once said, " "What do you want I should pray for, Bro. Sheardown ?" I proceeded to tell him. All present were bathed in tears. The deacon said, " Stop ! I am a child compared to you." Some said they thought I talked half an hour, others twenty minutes : but the most composed thought it might have been about fifteen minutes. "When I had done speaking, my strength was almost entirely gone, and I was perfectly exhausted. I always loved to hear the deacon pray; but, on that occasion, it appeared. to me that it was the most insipid prayer I ever heard. I could hear the people say to my wife, " It is a revival before death ; he will die about twelve o'clock." But, the next day, my physician pronounced me better : the fever was broken, and he saw no reason, with good care, why I might not recover. My faith was in God, yet I believed in all the means that could be used. I felt afraid, at times, that my watchers might make a mistake in giving the medicine, and that might end LIFE IN SENECA COUNTY. 81 my life. From that time, I began very slowly to amend; and, through the blessing of God, was finally restored to perfect health. DESIRE TO REMOVE MY HOME. This severe sickness did not appear to have under- mined my constitution, for in a few months I was as hale and rugged as I ever had been, from anything that I could perceive. But my mind passed through a great change, and I was desirous of leaving the place. I inquired of every person whom I met, or was ac- quainted with, if they knew of a good place where I could obtain wild land at a cheap rate. I was finally told that in a place called Windfall Settlement, beyond Ithica, there was land, that could be obtained on easy terms. I thought I would not move prematurely ; I would wait until I could see some person who had been there, in whom I could confide as giving me a correct account of the settlement. I had a great desire to locate in what was called a new country, providing I could find one that suited me. When I had been about eighteen months in America, I thought I would like to go and see some unsettled lands, but it was not worth while for me to go alone. Consequently, some time elapsed before I made a start. Unexpectedly, one of my neighbors said to me, " Some of us are going out to look out wild land: don't you wish to go along ?" I said to him, " Where are you going?" The answer was, "Somewhere west and south of the head of Seneca Lake.'' I concluded to cast in my lot with them. There were five of us. We shouldered our knap- sacks, stored with provisions sufficient to supply us when we got beyond settlers. They all had rifles, and told me I must have one too. I told them I might as 82 sheardown's autobiography. well take a broomstick as a rifle, for I was as ignorant of handling a rifle as a cow was of handling a musket. 80 we went forth, and came to where Havanna now stands. There were a few houses there ; one called a tavern, stood near the bank of the inlet. There .we made one meal, to save our provisions. We then pro- ceeded on our journey, and very soon found ourselves in a dense forest. Wandering along, toward night, we happened to come to a log house or shanty. The occu- pant was a Mr. Wakeman. He was very kind, and told us we must stay all night with him. He was poor as poverty, but entertained us with narratives of his own history and experience. He had fought in the last war, was taken prisoner by the British, and had been sent to one of the British Isles, where he re- mained three years a prisoner, which had very much broken down his constitution. In conversing with him, I found him a man of ardent piety ; a Free- Will Baptist by profession. He had squatted in the woods, commenced a little clearing^ and appeared very sanguine that he should get along in the world, and finally pay for his farm, (which he did, in time, and more too.) PROSPECTING FOR NEW SETTLEMENTS. In the morning, Mr. Wakeman gave us directions which way to go to find the best lands. We ranged the woods several days, and walked a good many miles. One lot of land he -pointed out as being very superior; if we followed down a certain stream, we should come to an Indian camp, called Cole's Camp. This, to be sure, was a beautiful little spot ; but I thought I would not live there for all the land I had seen. On our return home, night overtook us in a very dense forest, on what is now called Post Creek. LIFE IN SENECA COUNTY. 83 We were in a balsam swamp. The night became very dark, and drizzling with rain. We exhausted all our means in trying to get a fire, but failed, and de- cided we must locate so that each man might " tree" if the wolves should come upon us. Soon after coming to this conclusion, we heard a cow-bell, when we plucked up courage, and started where we thought the bell was. We stopped to listen, and found it was com- ing towards ub. It proved to be a boy with a yoke of cattle, and a small grist of corn meal in a bag hanging over the yoke. He had been to mill, at Printed Post, some fourteen miles from where his father lived. The oxen kept the path, and we followed on with the boy, making a very good rear guard for the little grist. These faithful cattle led us to the house of a Mr. Has- kins, where we tarried for the night. This must have been something above what is now called Beaver Dams, in the town of Catlin. We found one or two other settlers in the morning*. From thence we posted our way home between the Lakes. When 1 got home, my neighbors inquired how I liked the new country ; I told them 1 would not live there if they would give me all the land I had seen. ME. WAKEMAN, AGAIN. After this disgression, I will return to my prepara- tion to go out to see the Windfall Settlement, before referred to. Spring time having arrived, people told me that it was the time to go if I wished to commence in a new country. My wife and I had talked the thing up, and the day was set for me to start. But the workings of Divine Providence I knew nothing of, until they manifested themselves to me. My wife and I were both from home. I do not recollect whether we had gone to meeting, or where, but I think not 84 sheardown's auto-biography. both to the same place, for I was the first who got home. My oldest child told me that there had been a man there from Catlin, with whom I had once stayed all night. He left his name as Bradley Wakeman, saying that I must not (for he had heard that I was going to move from Covert) go anywhere until I had been at his house again. His mind was deeply im- pressed that that was the place for me, and that God would make me useful to the people. The idea struck me with power, that God must be in this. How the man should have heard that I was intending to move, 1 do not know. I told my wife that I should not go to the Windfall Settlement, but should start in the morning for Catlin, and, if I felt no better suited thau I did before, I would then go to the "Windfall Settle- ment, as I had intended. After I had started for the old gentleman's, I felt as though every step I took was like going home. Arriving there, I went out with him - into the woods, and looked about. A certain lot of land, called No. 5, that he had showed me when I was first there, he informed me, was taken up, but that there was plenty more quite as good. The land had been in market but a short time, and settlers were be- ginning to drop in. I saw nothing in the country of that forbidding character that appeared to me the first time 1 was there. I finally went and viewed the lot on which the Indian camp, or Cole's camp, was. It looked to me like a paradise, and I had no disposition to look any further. I immediately retraced my steps, went to the land agent, (who lived in Caroline, Tomp- kins county,) and articled for eighty acres, being one half of said lot. CHAPTER IV.— 1826 to 1830. Become a Pioneer Settler in Catlin, Chemung County, N. F. — Organize a Conference, which Becomes a Church — Hardships of Hew Settlements, and Kind Feelings between Neighbors — Enlarge my Field of Laboi — Am Licensed to Preach, and also Ordained to the Gospel Ministry — Elder Caton, and his Ox- Sled Trip — Seneca Association, and its Churches and Souses of Worship — " Bag with Holes," and " the Sound Thereof" — Elder Gillette, and the Big Flats Members — New Churches, and Branches of Churches — Purchase a Horse, and Extend my Travels — Management of Household Affairs — Plans for Pro- moting Christian Faith and Works — The Masonic Controversy ■ — Steuben Association — Elder Bennett — Elder Lamb and his Flock. This was in the Spring of 1826. Mr. C. had taken up the lot adjoining, and was about to move on it. I made my boarding place with that young, married family — a family which has always had a very warm place in my heart. He was the son of one of the deacons of the church to which I belonged, in Covert. OUR WILD-WOOD HOME. I went to work, with a will, on my new lot — where not a stick had been cat — built me a log house, cleared four acres smooth and clean, and sowed it to wheat that fall. I moved my wife and children into my new house, and we felt happier than we had ever done before since we crossed the Atlantic, although we lived that winter without either door or windows in our house. We had our cow, and she was permitted to range the large field without enclosure. 8 86 sheardown's autobiography. attend and address meetings. I think it was the second Sabbath after 1 went into the woods, in the spring, that I saw a man who asked me if I did not want to go to meeting? I replied, " Yes, but where is there a meeting ?" He said, " On the side of the mountain, this side of the inlet." That, I think, was about one mile and a half from the present village of Havanna. The old gentleman who was to preach, was Eld. Sted. He said some good things, and some very strange things. After the sermon, accord- ing to almost the universal custom of the day, a prayer was called for, and opportunity given for exhortation. The minister asked me my name? I told him, and then inquired, " Do you preach here again, next Sab- bath, my brother?" He said, "No, sir." 1 said to him, " Will you say to the people that I will preach here, if God will, next Sabbath, at two o'clock in the afternoon ?" He gave the notice that " Brother Shwo- venshear" would preach there next Sabbath at two o'clock. He got my name all wrong, but I did not stop to have him correct it. I found he had got a Shear into it, so I concluded it would answer every purpose. I felt in that little log school house, with a few people around me, that I was in the very height of earthly felicity. Prom that time onward, I preached wherever a few individuals could be gathered together. HUNT UP SCATTERED BAPTISTS. Shortly, I began to say to myself, " Is it not time that I began to look around and see how many Baptist brethren and sisters I can find?" The town was twelve miles by six in size. All I could see or hear of, were seven, with my wife and myself. I felt en- couraged, and thought'that presently I would get them PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 87 together and form tbem into a conference. Settlers began to come in pretty fast, and we finally formed a conference. "^Organized by appointing Eld. J. -Rey- nolds, Moderator, and Bro. T. S. Sheardown, Clerk. When the following brethren and sisters presented themselves : £rn. A. Yandeventer, J. Wixon, W. Dewith, P. Tanner, D. Weed; T. S. Sheardown ; Sisters A. Pierce, 0. Vandeventer, S. Lafever." Mrs; Shear- down was unable to attend that day, but joined after- ward. By this time, a great change had come over me. I was as familiar with the country as though my parents had been frontier settlers. Every few days, people were coming in, wishing to be taken into the woods, with the view of purchasing land. Ko matter what we were doing, when any person called on such an errand, it was always a rule with settlers to drop everything else and spend a day, and if necessary even more, in tracing lines and showing them what was for sale. I felt as much at home in such business as I ever did in the streets of a city in the old world. We were very anxious to have people settle among us, and never grudged the time that we devoted to such purposes. PECULIARITIES OF PIONEER LIFE. The first of the settlers were generally young married people, from between the Lakes. I had be- come practically acquainted with the labor of a back- woods-man, so that all the people were willing to change works with me. I could do a satisfactory day's work at chopping, and stood "A No. 1" as a logger. Of course, we had our privations, but we bore them with manly courage ; and this taught us how to appre- ciate and enjoy the few blessings by which we were surrounded, with thankfulness of heart. 88 sheardown's auto-biography. When we were in our incipient state as a settlement, we had a great distance to go to mill. One man pro- posed to build a grist mill, if the settlers would turn out and help, which they very willingly did, without pay or reward. This made it very convenient for us, providing we had anything to take to mill, (which was not always, the case.) I was solicited to teach three months' school, one winter, in the place known to this day as Crawford's Settlement. It was about two miles from where we lived, to the school house, the path (or sled road) the greater part of the way winding through the woods. The going was pretty bad, hav- ing had some snow and rain, and there were several slough holes in the path, which made it considerable of a labor, but nothing discouraging : all was bright and hopeful beyond these small difficulties. a day's work at mill, school, &c. One morning, Mrs. Sheardown said to me, " I have baked up the last meal we have got." I had two bushels of corn that I obtained from between the Lakes. I shouldered the two bushels of corn, and took it to the mill, (which was three-quarters of a mile or more, beyond the school house;) then came back, taught the day's school, and at night went and got my grist and backed it home, so that we could have some meal for supper: for this was all the bread -stuff we had in the house. This was hard work, but still we remained hopeful for the future. It was very common for me to commence chopping in the morning while the stars were yet to be seen in the sky, and, only spending a short time for dinner, at five o'clock in the afternoon quit, wash up, take some refreshment, go from three to five, miles, preach a sermon, then have a prayer meeting, and return home PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 89 the same night, to be ready for labor the day follow- ing. I would generally out down a large tree over night, and take it for my breakfast spell to cut it up in the morning, and often would kneel down by the side of the tree, in the gray of the morning, before I began work, and have a good time communing with my God. Then I would sing my favorite hymn : "In the desert let me labor, On the mountain Jet me tell, How he died, the blessed Saviour, To redeem a world from hell. ' ' My " stent" would often be dono before my wife gave the signal for breakfast. I was always in the habit, let what come that might, of attending family worship before breakfast; because I found my children, and any persons who might be in the family, would be on hand at meal times: consequently, I never was troubled with any scattering of the family after break- fast. RARE ENJOYMENTS. Perhaps there never was a more friendly, congenial class of people, than those who became settlors on that new tract. Although most of them were unconverted people, yet they were a kind, frank, sympathetic class of men and women. Aristocracy was unknown. We were very much alike as it regarded our means of living. "We often had " back- woods sociables," but they were very different from the " sociables" of the present day, for then we had no tattling, bickering, or backbiting. We appeared to know nothing but pure friendship and sociability, and seldom had an evening gathering but that religion was a topic of conversation. Even wicked men wanted to know something about the Bible, and they knew that I was willing to give 90 sheardown's autobiography. them my opinion, and the reason of that opinion founded upon the word of God. "We were blessed with a community (both males and females) who loved -to sing, and we would sing the songs of Zion with such power and pathos that a person might have thought we were training ourselves to sing in that better world. Then we attended prayer; ■ and, if very dark, we lighted our torches and wended our way through the sturdy forests to our respective homes, the fathers carrying the babes, and the mother's tongue con- tinually going, " Do see that that young one don't get cold — feel of its feet." Those were mothers indeed, very tender of their offspring. And a blessed thing that they were, as things have turned out, for they were doing a great business, which has only been de- veloped since the commencement of this wicked, Heaven-daring Eebellion. I have no doubt but many of those infant boys, that were thus carried in the arms of their fathers, have made their mark during this awful war, for I know of^some of them who have. ENLARGE MY FIELD OF LABOR. My mind continued to be more and more deeply impressed relative to the moral condition of the people. The sphere of my labors was all the time enlarging; for, wherever there were a few settlers dropping in, in the remoter parts of this new region, I used to follow up. All were glad to have religious meetings in their houses; and if there were but a few that could come to meeting, that few would always be there. The town of Jersey, lying westward of ours, was the greater part of it a wilderness ; and there were but very few ministers in all that region of country. I can call up in my mind, now, only one, and he was the old Mr- Sted, a Free- Will Baptist preacher, to whom I have PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 91 referred. There were, in his connection, some few brethren who would talk to the people, and try to do what good they could. I was acting as school commissioner. In the extreme northern part of the town, there was what was called a " half share school district ;'' that is, the school house was located in the town adjoining, and the district made up of parts of the two towns. This made a great deal of trouble. Judah would envy Ephraim, and Ephraim would vex Judah, and the commissioners from the two to-vpns were often called to settle some difficulty. On one occasion, it was so late before we got through with our business, that I had to stay all night, with Esq. Tracy, at whose house we met. After the other commissioners had gone home, I commenced talking with the 'Squire about the interest of his soul. I found him an intelligent man, free to converse upon the subject, and we talked until a late hour in the night. I felt, that night, as though, indeed, I was about my Master's business. He said to me, " Sir, don't you preach sometimes ? I think I have heard of your preaching in Crawford Settlement." I told him I tried to. In the morning, before I left, (which was very early,) he entreated me, with a great deal of tender- ness, to come and preach at his house. I told him I would be very glad to, and that, if I should be called there again on business, I would arrange to preach at his house in the evening; and I very soon had the privilege of doing so. I began to feel, then, that my field of labor was extending well ijp the north. Invitations began to come from the Beaver Dams, and from some parts of the adjoining towns west of us; so that I found myself under the necessity of going out several evenings every week. I had planted the banner of the Gospel at head 92 sheardown's auto-biography. quarters in Crawford Settlement, and that I always reserved for my Sabbath morning appointments. While thus engaged in preaching, one of the deacons from between the Lakes, (a member of the church where I had my standing,) came out to visit one of his children. He stayed over the Sabbath, attended meet- ing with us, and we had a good time. I felt strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, and was very much comforted by the presence of Deacon Cole. The church in Covert had heard that I was preaching, and at one of their covenant meetings it was proposed that I should be called to order because I had said nothing to them upon the subject. When they had made their remarks (some of them) about calling me to order, Deacon Cole arose and said, " My brethren, let Bro. Sheardown alone; God is with him, and he will ulti- mately do a great work in that new country." My old confidential friend, Dea. Porter, remarked, " I agree with Dea. Coles. I have long thought that Bro. Shear- down was just where God would have him; and, for my part, I believe all will come out right in the end." The Lord had sent in among us, here and there, a few Baptists. 'We appeared to gain a little strength, though there was nothing very elating, only that evesy individual who could, would always attend meeting, whether it was preaching or prayer meeting. We never wanted for a congregation, winds blow high or low. And thus all moved on, laboring at their daily avocations, and toiling in their moral calling as pro- fessed brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ. CONSTITUTION OF THE CATLIN tfHURCH. We concluded, when we numbered nineteen members, to organize ourselves into a church, to be known as the First Baptist Church in the town of Catlin. The pre- PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 93 liminary steps were taken, with much prayer, and great searching of heart. I wrote the Articles of Faith and Covenant, part of them by the light of my burning log- heaps at night. Having obtained letters from our respective churches, we perfected our voluntary organ- ization, May 31st, 1828. Next, invited a council, to see if they would fellowship us as a Baptist church in regu- lar standing. At the appointed time, (June 25th, 1828,) the council came together, in the barn of Bro. A. Van- deventer. It was a time of trial for me. I had been, to the Conference, as pastor and clerk ; in fact, all its business had gone through my hands. I wrote the letters of invitation, and signed them by the authority of the church. The council was principally gathered from between the Lakes. I think all the ministers, except one, were from that region. When the council was organized, and ready for business, one minister arose with a letter in his hand, saying he should never have stirred one inch to come there, if it had not been that he concluded that it was sheer ignorance of the individual who wrote the letter. I began to feel very intense upon the subject of ignorance. I was aware that I knew but little, but I was not aware that there was anything betraying ignorance, neither was there anything incorrect, in the letters that were sent. He was asked, by one of the brethren of the council, where the difficulty lay ? He replied, " Your letters can not be like mine, or you would have seen it at once." He then pointed to the letter, as he held it in his hand, and said, " See here !" (beginning to read :) " The First Bap- tist Church in the town of Catlin, to the Baptist church of [such a place,] sendeth Christian salutation. Beloved brethren, w«i invite you to send your pastor and chosen brethren to sit with us in council, to see if you can fellowship us as a regular Baptist church." " Now," 94 sheakdown's auto-biography. be said, "I never before saw such a letter as that, in my life. If they are a church, what necessity was there of sendiug for us ? I always thought that letters were sent to call a council to organize a church." I had been appointed by the body (the church) to be mouth for them. I told him, as I understood it, it was our business to "organize" the church, then to call a council to see if they could fellowship us as such ; but no council could make us into a church, if we were unwilling, on our part, to enter into that relation. There was a great deal of pro and con in the council, among the lay brethren ; the ministers said but little. Finally Eld. Abbott, of Covert, arose, and said to the objecting brother, " If you have come here with the intention of helping to make a church, you might just as well have staid at home." This led to further altercation ; but finally the council decided that the letters were correct. Then they called for our Articles of Faith and Cove- nant. There was one Article which embraced remotely the doctrine of the pre- existence of Jesus Christ. The brother who was in so much trouble about the letters, was now in more trouble about the doctrine, stating that whoever composed that Article was an Arian. The inquiry was made of some of the brethren, where they got the Articles of Faith. They told them that Bro. Sheardown wrote them. At once, the objector pronounced the doctrine to be heterodox. I told the council, that, inasmuch as I was responsible for the doctrine inculcated, not to get into litigation over me, but set me one side; and if the council thought best to expunge the article, or to alter its phraseology, all right; but to fellowship the 'little church, for that was my life. The council almost unanimously agreed that they could not fellowship the church unless I was an integral part of it. It was proposed by some of the PIONEER JOTS AND SORROWS. 95" council, that the objecting member should write an Article in place of the one that was the subject of dis- pute. It was written, and presented to me to see if it would meet my approbation as well as the one that was inserted in the church's Articles of Faith. I told them that the doctrine involved in the new Article was Uni- tarianism. This led to further debate. Eld. Abbott said he would write an Article that Bro. Sheardown and the council would all coincide in. It read as fol- lows : " We believe that Jesus Christ ever was, is, and will be the medium of communication from God to His people." I told them that I was perfectly satisfied with that, and thought it far better than the one I had written myself. Then the council moved on, and fellowshiped us as a churcb. This was indeed one of the hard days of my life ; yet, after all, a day that afforded the greatest satisfaction, perhaps, of any. LICENSED TO PREACH. At their covenant meeting in July, 1828, the church gave me a formal license to preach. FATHER CATON'S VISIT, AND RIDE. We-had in our little church a brother and sister from Ilomulus, Seneca county, where they had been under the pastoral charge of Eev. John Caton. Bro. Caton was a very large man, in body, mind, and will, and im- bued with all the spirit of the Bevolution. He was once on the staff of Gen. George Washington; and a man who had been so near the father of a nation, may well be considered of some importance. This brother and sister had been down to visit their friends, and they had told father Caton some of the peculiarities of the Englishman who was preaching to them in the woods. The old gentleman said to the brother, " Is your minister sound?" He replied, "I think he is." A short time 96 SHEARDOWN'S AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. after, the brother was going down again to see his mother, and said I must go with him, and preach to Eldv Caton's people. I concluded to go ; and the first thing after we had arrived in the place, the brother went to Eld. Caton, and told him that his minister was out with him, and, if he thought best, he should like very much to have him preach that evening. The Elder said : " My brother Abraham, is he sound ? There are so many of these young upstarts who are rotten. Arminians." The appointment was talked up, and the Elder concluded, as he was rather infirm, that he would have the services at his own house. He said, "I do not think it best to make much fuss about it; and if it was to be in the school-house, there would bo a great many people turn out, if they heard of it, who, perhaps, would not come to my house ; and I should like to hear the man for myself." I had made up my mind, if I preached, I should preach on faith and repentance; but I must do something to convince the old father that I was " sound.'' Consequently, after I had named my text, I employed, as an exordium, a long quotation from Paul to the Eomans and Ephesians, relative to the pur- poses of God, embracing the doctrine of election, and justification by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ. This lubricated the old gentleman's throat so effectually, that he swallowed down everythiug I said relative to man's accountability, and the sinner's obli- gation to repent of his sins, and believe on the only begotten Son of God, so that he might be the happy recipient of the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised in Jesus Christ before the world began. As soon as the remarks were ended, the Elder rose up in his majesty, and endorsed the doctrine, eulogized the young speaker, and told how thankful he was that he was not trammeled with Arminian stuff. PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 97 When we parted, lie promised, if Bro. Abraham would, come after him some time, he would make us a visit, and preach for a week, on condition that he could be carried from place to place, so that he might preach every day as long as he should stay with us. Of course, all this was agreed to. In the fulness of time, (December, 1828,) Bro. Abra- ham arrived with his former pastor. We were much rejoiced at the coming of the patriarch. All were ready to make him as comfortable as their circumstances would admit ; and he appeared to be well pleased with the attention paid him. He being very corpulent, as well as aged, we always minded to give him a good locality in the ox-sled, by which we moved him from place to place. After having attended a meeting in the afternoon, (when he preached plump two hours, if not a trifle over,) we were to travel two miles to the meet- ing' in the evening. Bro. Abraham figured largely among the friends, doing all he could to make every- thing go off 1 right, so that Eld. Caton would give a good account of us when he got home. We loaded up our precious freight — Domine, brethren, sisters, and chil- dren — (for we must always have the children along, and this was a very prolific place) — and commenced our passage to Bro. Abraham's, to be ready for the evening service. Our path lay all the way through the woods, just wide enough for a sled to pass, winding about amongst the trees. After we had reached the summit of a rise of ground, we then had a descent, some parts of which was very steep. The oxen found the draft was over, and, as the sled began to crowd a little, they had an inclination to run away. Abraham, the pilot, hallooed at the top of his voice, " Hwo ! hoi ! gee !" but the oxen minded not. Increasing their speed at every step, by some means they caught the sled against a 9 98 sheardown's auto-biography. sapling, which swept off the temporary box, and all the passengers, into the snow, except the minister. I started with all speed on the track, (for then I could run like Cushi,) expecting every moment to find our guest lying in the snow, if nothing more or worse. After having run three-quarters of a mile or more, I saw, on the plain below, the breath of the oxen rising up like the smoke of a furnace. They had stopped of their own accord, and lo and behold ! there sat the good old man with his feet stretched out before him upon the only bottom board left on the sled, with his hands clinched, almost with a dying grip, on each side of the board. He looked up with a perfect stare of amaze- ment, and before I could ask him if he was hurt, he exclaimed, "I didn't know but I was going into eter- nity, but I thought I would hold on to my board." And he had held on, for the perspiration was standing in drops upon his face. After we had loaded up again, and got the old gentleman to the house, he appeared to wake up to the circumstances through which he had passed, and exclaimed : " I have had a great many rides in my life, but I never before had such a ride as I have had this afternoon." However, he concluded, after all, that he had come out. the best of any of us, for he had ridden while we had to walk, and run after him through the snow. But this was about the summing up of his labors with us. He has long ago entered into his rest. SENECA ASSOCIATION— COVERT AND OTHER CHURCHES. Eecalling those incidents, leads me to notice, here, the situation of the Baptist churches in that garden of the State. I may often refer to circumstances that happened among them, inasmuch as it was the region of my first settlement in America. There are many things that are riveted upon my mind, some of which PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 99 I hope never to forget, in this world or the world to come. I think the church in Eomulus was the first Baptist church between the Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, and was organized in 1795. By whom gathered, I have not the means of knowing : but I do not think that that church ever sent out many branches. The Covert church appears to have been more fruit- ful. This church was organized in 1803. She covered a vast territory. In 1853, I was invited to attend her jubilee meeting, (the 50th year of her standing.) The pastor, Bev. C. Wardner, was requested to present a history of the church. I was requested to talk upon the subject of the Seneca Association, of which she was a member. I had known more or less of the movings of the Association from the day of its birth. I think I was present at its first annual meeting; but, being a stranger in a strange land — alone, while in the midst of hundreds, knowing no one, and but few knowing me — my spirits became depressed, and I returned home before the session closed. If my memory serves me, it was held in Farmerville, in 1822. I believe there was but one Baptist church building (or meeting house) between the Lakes, when I settled there. There might have been another, but I do not know of any except the one at Covert ; and that was a rare model of architec- ture for the time. The people went into the gallery from out of doors, going in at the gable end of the building. The first time I saw it, I could but admire the patch work. It was not, I believe, plastered all over : only here and there a patch put on, and everything else about it appeared to be in keeping with what is already named. The centre of the church was at Thomas' Settlement called so after their firs^ pastor, Miner Thomas. They had a covenant meeting, not only there, but they had 100 sheardown's auto-biography. another. at the house of Thomas Horton, at the head of Seneca Lake, about twenty miles in a south-west direc- tion. They had another, I believe, in Virgil, Cortland county, (in about a south-east direction,) which must have been some thirty miles from the common centre. I think they had another in Ovid, on the north, between Covert and Romulus. This certainly goes to show that that part of the country must then have been sparsely settled. It also implies that the pastor must have been a very laborious man. In the best sense of the word, Covert was a "mother church." She had begun to marry off her children just before I came into the country. In 1817, the church in Enfield was formed. The same year, the church in Mecklenburg also was formed. In 1819, the church in Trumansburg was formed. In 1820, the church in Newfield was formed. In 1821, the church in Lodi was formed. In 1828, the church in Ovid was formed. In 1838, the church in Danby was formed. There are others, the time of whose organization I do not recol- lect, neither have I any means of knowing. In looking over the ground, now, I am ready to say, " What hath God wrought !" If we commence at the head of the Cayuga, we find a good Baptist meeting house in Ithaca, and starting from that point we will pass through to the outlet of the Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. We find respectable meeting houses in the following places : Newfield, Mecklenburg, Bennettsburg, Trumansburg, Covert, Peach Orchard, Farmerville, Lodi, Ovid, Ovid Tillage, Romulus, Fayette, and Seneca Falls. There was one in Waterloo, but I believe, for want of good financiering, it was finally sold, and whether they have ever built another I do not know. Also one in Geneva. Truly, the Lake country is the land of Baptists. PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 101 Tlie greater part of this territory is covered by the Seneca Association; and although it is years since I have traversed that delightful portion of the country, yet the blessed scenes through which I have passed, in the school houses and barns, before many of those church buildings were erected, have left a deep impres- sion on my mind. I have preached in nearly all the meeting houses above named. Several of their dedica- tions I attended, and have held protracted meetings with them, the remembrance of which is as cooling waters to the thirsty soul. "When the churches of the Seneca Association took me by the hand, as pastor of the Catlin church, and gave me that hearty welcome, which spoke loudly to my inmost soul, with their hand I had their hearts also. And at this late day, notwith- standing so many of the older brethren and sisters have passed away, I love the churches still, and am ready to say, now, if I forget you, let my right hand forget her cunning. I shall have occasion frequently to look over that field so dear to me. MY ORDINATION TO THE GOSPEL MINISTRY. Eeturning to the church at home, I find that on December, 1828, (the same year I was licensed,) the church invited a council to confer as to my ordination. The council met and I was ordained. The proceedings of this council are appended to this narrative. LABORS IN THE TOWN OP READING. Having occasion again to go to Esquire Tracy's, on school business, an appointment was made for me to preach, the following Sabbath, at Miller's school house, within the town of Beading. I found an old gentleman there, a Presbyterian minister, who, though to me a stranger, proved to be a very fine man. He said, by right of appointment, it was for him to preach : but, 102 SHEARDOWN'S AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. inasmuch as the people had come together expecting to hear me, I must preach. That led me to leave another appointment. I continued to go to that school house, about once a month. My foreign accent, and my old country appearance, if nothing else, induced the people to come together. This was an older settlement than the one in which I lived, south of it, and the people very generally came out to hear. A Baptist woman in 'the congregation, made herself known; she lived four or five miles down the Lake ; she said her husband was unconverted, and she had long been praying for him. THE BAG WITH HOLES. In the congregation were two good men, originally from the Bast, where I believe they both held the office of deacon, or ruling elder. The great difficulty, here, was, that they wanted somebody to rule over, for there were but very few professors of religion in the place. On one occasion, I preached from the text, " And he that earneth wages, earneth wages to put into a bag with holes." As soon as I had concluded, one of these men arose and said, "If you have preached the truth, sir, I ain't a Christian — I ain't a Christian!" The answer was, " I do not know whether you are or are not a Christian, but I know I have preached the truth." Nothing more took place at that time. The Baptist sister was in attendance with her husband, and he, being a wild, jocose sort of a man, kept joking her, all the way home, about her religion being in a bag with holes. He said that old uncle D. found that all his religion had run out, and did not think he was a Christian. When the time rolled around for another appoint- ment, the man said to his wife, " Let us go again and hear that fellow who preached about the bag with PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 103 holes.'' They came, and she introduced him to me after the services. I said a few words to him about his soul, and the necessity of immediately seeking the sal- vation of God. I saw the muscles of his face twitch, and his chin quiver ; he turned his back, and abruptly walked away. I felt that God had fastened his own truth in his heart, as a nail in a sure place. "the sound thereof." The next time I spoke there, I saw a female, appa- rently about in middle life, very much exercised. Some times she would weep bitterly, and at other times would smile almost to laughter. As soon as I had said amen, she arose and exclaimed, " And thou shalt hear the sound thereof — and thou shalt hear the sound thereof!" Everybody was aroused by her apparent energy of expression, and (as they said) disturbing the meeting. It was with difficulty that I could get her so composed as to find out what she meant. She said, for many days she had felt herself such a sinner that there was no way for her but that she must go down to hell. She proceeded to give a relation of her trials, anH the course she had taken. She went to Eddytown, a small village about a mile from where she lived, to lay her case before a minister. He tol,d her to stop her crying — there was no necessity for her to be so — it was just as easy to get religion, as it-would be for her to turn her hand over: all (he told her) that she needed, was barely to resolve to lead a better life. She resolved, and re-resolved, but -felt worse and worse. When she got to her father's (for she was a maiden lady) her brother-in-law was there, and was telling about a strange kind of a man, preaching at the Milier school-house, near Irelandville, who had been telling the people a long story about -a bag with holes. She said to her brother-in-law, " I 104 sheardown's auto-biography. must go and hear him — when does he preach there ?" He replied, " To-morrow — and if you want to go, I will take my team and carry you, for I want to go, too." She remarked, that, all night long, she walked the room in the greatest agony of soul. The words she uttered in the congregation, came to her mind — "and thou shalt hear the sound thereof." She never thought whether they were in the Bible or not. As the time approached for her brother-in-law to call for her, she was- so fearful that he would not come in season, that she started afoot and alone, all the time having this impression — " And thou shalt hear the sound thereof." I think she said there was no one at the school-house when she got there. It pleased the Spirit of God to take of the things which are Christ's, and show them unto her. She went home rejoicing in the Lord, and told every one she saw what great things Jesus had done for her. She scattered the blessed fire for nearly ten miles along the Lake road. The next thing was, that invitations began to come in to preach in certain places on that road. The hus- band of the sister previously referred to, was under pungent conviction, and entreated me to make an appointment at his house, with which I had to comply. These were the first stores gathered from nature's quarry to be put into a new organization, for it was the starting period of the beloved church in Beading. Although I had a great many different places to preach at, and no way of going, then, except on foQt, I always preached three sermons on the Sabbath, mind- ing the places were not so far apart but that I conld reach them at the appointed time. VISITS TO AND FROM THE BIG FLATS CHURCH. Previous £o this, we received a visit from two PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 105 brethren of the Big Plats church', south of us. They had heard that there was somebody preaching in Moreland, and came ten miles to see what we were doing. They appeared to enjoy themselves, and when they left, said they would give a good account of the land. They promised to come again, on the day of our covenant meeting, the time and place of which we gave them minute directions, so that they might find the house of the brethren where it was to be held with- out trouble. On the day named, we were all assem- bled, except those who were sick or away from home ; for if any sisters^were unable to travel, some brother would go with his ox-team, bring them to the meeting, and carry tbem back again. Just after singing and prayer, behold! in came our visitors — Dea. John Brown and Cornelius Low. Bro. Low was quite an eccentric man, and always had much to say allegori- cally. In the course of his highly figurative conversa- tion, he said there was one portion of the Bible which he could never understand : the passage was about Ja- cob's flocks — the "ring-streaked, speckled, and brown." In looking at our sisters, he said it was all clear to him. I do not know as it regarded the " ring-streaked," but I do know that many of the female members were " speckled and brown," ,for they were to us, what God intended — help -meets — and were ready to acknowledge it. They spent a great deal of time out of doors, pick- ing up and burning brush, often helping their husbands to brand up their log heaps until midnight: and, to tell the truth (which we always wish to do) they were pretty dark complexioned, varying in proportion to their exposure to smoke, fire, sun, and wind. I have no doubt the good old brother often repeated his ex- position of Jacob's flocks. But we derived some very important information from our visitors. Wo heard of 106 sheabdown's auto-bio geapht. the state of religion in the valley, and got from them a description of their pastor, Rev. Philander D. Gillette — what a good work he was doing* — how everybody was following after to hear him preach — also that he was very desirous to come and see ns, but, like myself, he had a very large field, and pretty hard to till. He sent word that he wished to see me, and form an acquain- tance. PHILANDER D. GILLETTE. Subsequently, I determined to make his acquain- tance. Not knowing exactly where to find him, I inquired, and was informed he had gone up the river, probably to Bro. Bennett's. I steered my course in that direction, and met a man riding along the road in an old-fashioned wagon, driving a good horse, which Bro. Gillette always did. When he got almost to me, he exclaimed, " Halloo ! is your name Sheardown?" I told him it was. " I knew it was,'' he said—' 1 our brethren had described you so minutely, that I knew you must be the man : for there is not, I think, another drab coat like yours in the country." I preached for him, that evening, in a school house, and- arranged with him for an exchange. From that time onward, our hearts were knit together like the hearts of David and Jonathan. THE OLD SISTER'S CHASTISEMENT. But that exchange was a bad one forme. I preached to the people as well as I could. The very moment I closed, a good old mother in Israel was on her feet. With a shrill voice — (I had often been startled, in the woods, by the sound of the owl, but never did I hear, I thought, such a human voice : and perhaps, after all, it *In 1827, Big Flats church had 103 accessions by baptism, and 28 in 1828. PIONEER JOTS AND SORROWS. ]f>7 was not so much the voice, as the words she pro- nounced, or rather screeched) — she exclaimed: " O, Lord! I wonder if this is Elder Sheardown, I have heard so much about ? He has only said one word that I was glad to hear, and that was 'Amen.' O, my Lord !" she continued, " if Mr. Goff could rise from the dead, and hear such preaching where he had preached so often, what would he say ?" I was not only, as the sailors say, taken all aback, but I was in a sinking condition. There was about half an hour's recess, and then I was to preach again. The friends were very kind. One said, " Go home with me, and take some refreshments." Another said, "I live pretty near by — go with me." I told them I did not want to eat, and should not until I had preached again. I saw a pile of straw behind a barn, and crept into it, as well as I could, until my watch told me it was time for me to go to my meeting. How to go, I did not know. I thought I could never stand another such a volley. But I buckled up my harness, and bared my arm to wield the sword of the Spirit again, continually praying that the Lord would deliver me from the fear of the old sister. I preached from Paul's words, (Eom. 8th chap. 1st verse,) "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." I said a good deal about walking after the flesh. As soon as I said Amen, the good old lady was upon her feet again. I thought I was surely elected for another shot. But, instead of that, she exclaimed, " O, Lord I forgive me — forgive me 1 Such a whipping, I never took before. O, the man has paid me more than double interest!" She wept, and confessed — and I must say, I was very glad to hear her. It appeared as though she could not give up her walking after the flesh. She began to entreat every 108 sheardown's auto-biography. one to forgive her. I felt somewhat better — but I ac- knowledge that, from that time to this, I have feared an old woman more than all the Doctors of Divinity before whom I have ever preached. This opened the way for frequent exchanges with Bro. Gillette. And if, on any -occasion, I found him preaching-in any part of my large parish, it was all right: 'or, if he found me over the line in his diocese, it was all the same. We labored much together, aiding each other at every turn — neither of us jealous that the other would take the crow-n, but continually praying and preaching that the crown might flourish on Jesus' head. ITINERATING ON MEAD'S CREEK. After N this digression, we will return to the more im- mediate field of my own labor. I had established a preaching place on Mead's Creek; on Nash's Hill; atthe^ lower part of that creek I preached occasionally ; also in a region known as Knowlton's Settlement. These points were in Steuben county, ten to eighteen miles from my home. I had other appointments — one where Millport now stands, in Chemung (then Tioga) county, and another in the town of Reading, before referred to. ( My traveling was all on my own feet. One severely .stormy day — when it rained sleet and snow — I called at the house of a good' old Yermont brother, of Revolu- tionary memory, to take dinner, In walking through the mud and snow, I had caught one shoe under a root, and torn a large hole in the upper leather. After dinner, a son of the old gentleman (a man approaching middle life,) said, " Elder, is it not lawful to do good on the Sabbath day?" I answered that the Saviour had taught us that doctrine; " then," he said, " take off your shoe, sir, and hold up your foot." He took a rule from his pocket, and measured my foot for a pair of shoes. PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 109 " Now," said he, "I am going to make you a pair of Gospel shoes." I remarked to him that I had a pair of Gospel shoes that I had worn a great many years, and they were as good as they were the first time I put them on. But he waggishly replied, "They are not adapted to those feet, or otherwise you would not have had that large hole in your shoe, but I will make you a pair that shall fit your feet, and that will not tear by catching them under a root when they are wet." He made them, and such a pair of shoes ; I never had seen, nor worn before ; I never wore them out ; for after I had worn them long, I finally gave them away to a poor man who I thought was worse off than I was. COMMENCE HORSE-BACK LABORS. Soon after this, a door for more enlarged operations opened by a man offering to sell me a horse. Of course, it was a cheap one, but proved to be very good. I only gave forty dollars for the horse ; I borrowed a saddle and bridle ; and then felt, perhaps, as lofty and well pleased as some of our Generals do when they are fully equipped on their war steeds. Labor was increasing on my hands all the time, and there was nothing for me but to arrange so as to give my whole time to the vineyard of my Master. I could endure, physically, in those days, a great deal. I could walk twenty miles in a day, and preach three times. Often, my evening appointment would leave me some eight miles from home, and a great part of the time through the wilderness ; but there was nothing dis- couraging in that. One Saturday, I was in a very great strait. My ap- pointments were standing for the next day, and I could, not meet them short of traveling thirty miles about, and if I did that I must stay out from home over night, 10 110 sheardown's auto-biography. which I felt was not duty in the situation of my family. I said to my wife, " Now, I ought not to go to my ap. pointments to-morrow.'' She replied, " Yes, you must ; you can get back to-morrow night, late, can you not ?" I replied, " Yes, but it will be very late." Yet she encouraged my heart to go, and had my pledge that I would get back as soon as I could. I redeemed my pledge, and arrived home between ten and eleven o'clock, Sabbath evening. I felt tired, but. not tired out. I arrived home at a providential time, but had no rest that night I WINTER TRAVELING. I will not dwell, at present, longer upon my pedestrian excursions, but return to my horse-back labors. I occu- pied the saddle during spring, summer, and fall ; but in the winter I traveled in a cutter of my own making, which I could at any time build in about two hours. All I wanted was an axe and an inch auger. I traveled, generally, in a covered cutler, the cover nicely woven with hemlock boughs. Taking my auger with me, and a good jack knife, if I happened to break down, I could repair damages anywhere in a very short time, and pass on ag ain, never discouraged at the toils and the dangers of the way. DOMESTIC ARRANGEMENTS. ' Perhaps there may arise in the minds of some reader the inquiry whether I was " worse than an infidel" in that I did not " provide for my own household?" and what became of the wife and large family, all this time ? I will tell you my plan for providing for them. Brethren and sisters were able to do but very little towards their support, and I managed the matter as follows : I hired the best back- woods young man I could find, and gave him the best wages ! My object in doing this was, in PIONEER JOTS AND SORROWS. Ill the first place, to have a man capable of taking care of my family. In the next place, through the winter, he was chopping. I bought a good yoke of cattle, on a year's credit, but minded to buy in the spring of the year ;' then he was prepared for a summer's work ; he could break up some ground for potatoes and other roots, get in some oats, and a little corn. When the time came to burn the fallow that he had cut in the winter, he was prepared to aid those who had no teams : consequently, by changing work with himself and team, it brought in a great deal of labor in return ; and, as we always logged our fallows by changing work, he gen- erally got his seeding done in good season, from seven to ten acres of wheat. I had all the wheat, and the gifts of my brethren and sisters. So I was enabled to pay my hired man, and have provisions raised to meet all the real necessities of my family. "W hen I was at home, I always doffed the clerical dress, (which, by-the-by, was very simple,) and put on the tow frock and trowsers, and went at it myself, with all my energy, to aid the young man in anything he had to do, either at home or in paying work where it was due from us to any of our neighbors. I recollect, one season, hiring one of the most thorough- going men in all our region, but fearfully profane. My brethren said to me, " Why, Elder, what do you mean in hiring T. B. ? He is the worst fellow for profanity there is in all the region, and will spoil all your children." I told them, I thought not ! I never had any person around me who did swear, and I did not think he would use profane language with me or with my family. The reply was, " I should be very sorry to trust him." I remarked that I did my own hiring and made my own bargains. When I engaged the man, I said to him, " Now, 112 sheardown's auto-biography. Mr. E , you are just the man I want, a8 it regards your ' knowledge of business and your willingness to do v But there are some things that, if they must be done, I must do them; and there are other things which you must do. Now, 6ir, you are in the habit of using a grea't deal of profane language. I never have any swearing around me, or on my place, and I will not hire any man who is addicted to swearing." He looked* amazed, Btood a moment or two, then said, " It is a bad practice; I can quit it." "I know that, sir; now, will you do it?" He said, " Yes;" I replied, " Very well, sir ; I knew you could quit it ; therefore, it will save me trouble, for I was going to say to you, that if you must swear, leave it undone until I come home ; then tell we what you wanted to swear over, and, if I thought swearing must be done, 1 could, may be, do it better than you. But I am rejoiced that you conclude voluntarily to quit the bad practice. Now, sir, there is another thing: I don't want any individual to work for me who gets angry and unreasonably whips his team, or pounds his cattle with a handspike," &c. He said, " That I can get along with, very well. I know 1 have been addicted to doing so, but it is a bad way to treat a team." I then remarked to him, " Now, sir, there are other things. One is that the family must have all their wants sup- plied. If you are told by Mrs. Sheardown that milling must be done, or anything else of like importance, do just as I should, drop everything, and attend to it. There are little things about the house that I might speak to you about, but you have the acknowledg- ment of all that I am acquainted with, that you have always been, from a boy up, very good to your mother. This will lead you to notice the lesser things. And yet another point, sir, and that is, we try to bring up our family religiously. When I am at home, I read the PIONEER JOTS AND SORROWS. 113 Scriptures and pray with my family ; when I am ab- sent, Mrs. Sheardown does the same ; and I want you, sir, always to be in the house at the time of family prayer. Wow, if you are ready to make a bargain with me under tbese considerations, from the information I have received, and from my personal knowledge of you, I am prepared to hire you for one year. "W hat will you ask for your year's service, taking your pay at the end of the year, except what little you may need for your current expenses ?" He replied, " I do not know, Elder ; I wish you would say what you will give." I told him that " 1 bad never been found fault with for oppressing the hireling in his wages. I have never giv- en more than one hundred and ten dollars, and do the washing, boarding and lodging : but I think you will suit me, and you are capable of earning more than a common man ; 1 shall entrust all in your hands ; as to your labor, I do not want you to make a slave of your- self, and I will give you one hundred and thirty dollars for the year." He appeared to be abundantly satisfied, and so was I. Mrs. Sheardown said he was as kind a man as she would ever wish to have come into her family ; everything was done, and done in the time of doing it. Some time before the' year closed, he gave good evidence that he was happily converted to God. This was the plan I adopted to support my family, with the assistance of a few dear brethren doing what they could, so that I might give myself more untiringly to the work of the Lord. By this time, the older part of my children began to be very useful, both in-door and out : they were brought up to work, as soon as they were able to do small things ; and as soon as the boys were able to use an axe, they were employed in underbushing; those that were lesser, doing the out-doof- chores. The girls were equally 114 sheardown's autobiography. busy in the house, learning to spin wool. and flax, milk cows, &c. In the winter, those that were old enough, went to the district school ; and as fast as they grew up, I sent them away to school, or gave them the best advantages we had in our_own vicinity. So that, by a kind Providence, I was able to give them a good English education ; and my secluded location secured them from the contaminating and corrupting influences so prevalent in more populous places. I always en- deavored to impress upon their minds to necessity of preparing to rely upon themselves. We had twelve children, four of whom died in infancy. Of the eight who survived, five were sons, and ,three daughters. Through a merciful God, I am now able to rejoice that seven of the eight have a hope beyond the grave. I had made a beginning at Reading, and on the upper part of Mead's Creek, where I thought (under God) I should be able to raise two churches. It was not so clear in my mind that, in any other of my preaching places — whatever might appear in the future — I should succeed in building independent interests. DIVISION OF CHRISTIAN AND CHURCH EFFORTS. Perhaps I had as well, here, state something relative to my management in those places, remote from the church in Catlin, which was my grand rallying point. Therefore, I would say that, when any individual was converted, if it was possible, he came to the church, told his experience, and was baptized at our regular baptizing place*for the church in Catlin. After a few had been brought in, I called them a Conference in their own neighborhood, when, for the accommodation of families and those that had no means of conveyance, the church voted them the privilege of receiving mem- bers, in conjunction with a committee sent from the PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 115 church to act with them; then these were all consid- ered as baptized into the fellowship of the original church. Next, the church voted to grant them a monthly meeting, which we generally termed a cove- nant meeting, at which meeting as many of the breth- ren from the home church would attend as possible. The next move was, the church voted that the pastor should break bread to them, as a part or branch of the mother church. Under this process, they grew up, and our views as Baptists became better known in the neighborhood. My places of preaching were in barns, saw-mills, school-houses, private bouses, and in the open air, for we very often had such large gatherings that there was no building in the neighborhood capable of holding them. TOWNSEND SETTLEMENT CHURCH. About this time, we gave letters to some brethren and sisters to organize a new interest in the same town in which the mother church had been gathered. This church was known by the name of the Townsend Set- tlement Church. There were on Nash's hill, in Hornby, (a town lying west of Catlin,) a few brethren and sisters who had once been organized as a church under the missionary labors of Eld. T. B. Beebee; but they had no organiza- tion or visibility when I found them : they joined the Catlin church — consequently, those who were baptized were baptized into the Catlin church. All this time, I was gathering more or less at the rallying point on Mead's creek. In time, it was thought best for the brethren and sisters on the hill to join the few on the creek. This gave them strength enough to be recog- nized as a church. 116 sheardown's auto -biography. I had now on my hands three churches, besides two or three covenant meetings. The Conference in Beading continued to grow, and the Lord was working by his Spirit in all these places. TRULY LIVING CHURCH MEMBERS. The question may perhaps arise, how could one man do the necessary labor for the growth and best interest of those scattered over so large a field? In the first place, just as soon as persons were converted, we set them at work, and they worked with a will. They were live men and women. They would have two, three, or ^ore prayer or conference meetings in the week. All would sing who could, and all would pray and talk; and it was no uncommon thing, when the pastor passed his regular round, once in two weeks, or once in four weeks, that he would find, under the labors of those brethren and sisters, two or three hopefully converted to God. They worked, expecting that God would bless their labors. When they prayed, they believed that God would hear them ; and one peculiarity of the times was that we had no long prayers, no long talks. They knew when to stop, as well as when to begin. Their meet- ings were lively, full of the Spirit, and they attracted the attention of the unconverted; so that, whenever they held their little meetings, the house or school- house, whichever it might be, was generally well filled. So we continued to labor on. It was thought best to make an effort, through the brethren in Beading, to prepare for an organization there. There had been once a small church in Bead- ing, but it became scattered, and lost its visibility. There were a few old-school, anti-mission, anti-temper- ance, anti-everything good persons, who were trying to cling together, but who had no fellowship whatever PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS!. H7 for what they termed " New-Lights." In January, 1834, a chnreh was fellowshiped, by a council of breth- ren from between the Lakes. MASONIC EXCITEMENT — UNJUST ACCUSATIONS. With many mercies, the churches also had their times of trial, unknown at »this day, except by the older members I refer, now, to the days of William Morgan, when the Anti-Masonic and Masonic advocates were so belli- gerent. While considering the matter, I reflected, that, wherever evil existed, the only reformatory power is to be found in the Gospel of God's salvation ; when that is experienced, it works reform that will be permanent. I well knew that my bark was but small, and it would be safest to keep well in-shore, lest peradventure I should be swamped amid the fearful storms that were beating upon Zion. My desire was, as far as possible, to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. For some time, I met with very little opposition or trouble from either party, and thought all was going well. My aim was to run in the middle channel, and steer as clear as possible of arguments and conversations on either side. I desired to save our churches from ruin, for I thought there were good brethren on both sides of the question. I had a preaching place in the suburbs of a little church, within the bounds of my labors. A barn was prepared on purpose for worship through the summer season, with seats for the congregation, and a stand, elevated some two feet above the main level, for the speaker. One Sabbath afternoon, as I was going to this station, I left my horse about a mile behind, to feed while I was preaching, and took it afoot. Up a little rise of ground, in sight of the place of my appoint- ment, I savsf quite a crowd in the barn-yard. A brother 118 sheardown's auto-biography. was walking ahead of me a short distance ; when I came up with him, I said, " Why, what are all the people doing, out of doors, to-day?" He remarked, " Yon will find out, sir, that the people are not all out of doors. I presume the barn is full," and he said, I think, "you will find out what it means before you get through. If you ain't mobbed, to-day, it wiU be a wonder to me." I inquired, " What is the matter ?" '• Matter enough," he said. " The Anti-Masons have found out that you are a Mason, and they are determined not to hear you preach. The Masons are here from all around to pro- tect you, and have you preach. It is a well known fact," he added, " that you used to attend Masonic lodges in England." " Well, what next ?" "They say it can be proved that you have attended Masonic lodges in this country, and the public will put you where you ought to be." " Well, is that all ?" He answered, " No. They want to know what fellowship you have for Ma- sons who are Christians?" "Anything more, sir?" " JSTo. It will be best for you to find the other out by experience." I remarked- to him, " Very well, sir. I presume there will be no trouble about this thing." As I passed in through the people, I saw there was a good deal of whispering and blinking of the eye at me. I pressed forward, and, in the majesty of my reli- gion, took my stand, and laid out of my pocket, as usual, my hymn-book and Bible. There appeared to be some commotion, but not much. I remarked to them, "Now, I want to say a few words before I open religious services. Although my congregation, to-day, is much larger than usual, yet I feel a peculiar satisfac- tion, in looking it over, that I know almost every indi- vidual present. I have preached to you, in different places ; and I have always had this satisfaction, that, when I looked upon you, you always appoarSd as though PIONEEE JOYS AND SORROWS. 119 you believed what I was telling you was the truth. I have just learned, as I was walking up the hill, that there are certain statements made relative to me — first, that I am a Mason. Now, then, I tell you, candidly and honestly, that I am not, nor never was, though I have wondered perhaps a thousand times why I was not, for my business life always threw me more or less amongst the Masonic fraternity. I know nothing about them in their organic or individual relations to each other. I understand it is also said to be susceptible of proof, that I have attended Masonic lodges since I have been in this country. This is a grand mistake, or a palpable falsehood. As it regards there being any proof of my ever attending Masonic lodges in the old world, I do not believe that any such proof can be brought. I have yet to find the individual, on this side of the Atlantic, who knew me in my own country. I am not going to deny that I ever was" in Masonic lodges ia that country. It was very common with the fraternity to have their lodges open, on a part of St. John's day, for all those who wished, to go in and see their tables set, and the badges, medata, regalias, pic- tures, &c, which adorned the walls of their dining rooms. When passing those places, I have turned in with others, (for hundreds often went as curiosity seekers.) So that part of the -story is true, from my own confession, not from testimony. I have been in Masonic lodges, in my own country ; but never in the time of their sessions. There is another thing you desire to know, and that is whether I have any fellow- ship for Masons who are Christians. My answer to that, is this : I understand it to be God's work to change the heart of man, and turn him from nature to grace; and now, if God makes Christians of Masons, it would be vain for me* to undertake to undo God's work, and 120 sheardown's auto-biography. pull' down that which I am laboring so hard to build up. As it regards church fellowship for Masons, if a man has more fellowship for the Masonic fraternity than he has for the church of God, I have no fellowship for him as a Christian ; consequently, my church fellow- ship would rest on the same base. Now I feel that I have conscientiously declared to you the whole truth; and I read in your countenances, that this is an honest declaration of fact; we must believe the man. There- fore, I will now preach to you, as best I am able, with- out meddling with a vexed question that I know but very little about. My great object in coming among you, from time to time, is,, that I may do you good for eternity. The Lord bless - you. Now we will sing" such a hymn. My congregation was never more atten- tive, and I do not recollect that from that time onward I ever was called on publicly to say pro or con upon that subject.- *< CONFESSION MADE. I was aware that Satan had been,at work somewhere, but where, to me was unknown. About a year and a half, perhaps, afterwards, I was preaching in a school-- house, when a brother and sister, whom I was inti- mately acquainted with, were present. She appeared to.be very much affected, and said to me, after the eve- ning service, " I want you to go home with us, to night." The reply was, " It is too far. This has been my third sermon to-day. I have ridden some twenty miles, and my horse is tired and hungry. It is very dark and cold. You must excuse me." She replied, "I cannot." At this moment, her husband came up, repeating the same invitation, with great earnestness. From the visible excitement in which they both appeared, I con- cluded to go. Notwithstanding it was late when we PIONEER JOYS AND SORROWS. 121 arrived, we must have some supper. The woman appeared to be in tears all the time. She finally took her seat between myself and her husband, and ex- claimed, ." I can bear it no longer." Of course, I wondered what was coming. She remarked, "Do you not recollect preaching in such a barn, at such a time, when there was a great excitement about you relative to Masonry?" I answered, "O yes, I remember it well, though I have thought of it but very few times since it transpired." — "Did you ever learn, sir, who got up that report?" — " No, madam, nor I never cared ; and I do not want any resurrection of it." She exclaimed again, "lean not bear it any longer! I was the indi- vidual who raised that report, out of the rough. O, how it has pressed my conscience ! Do forgive me ! do forgive me I" I remarked, " That was very wicked. I hope and trust God has forgiven you. If so, I had much rather be taking my supper, than listening to any confession you may have to make to me." The dear woman had laid off the burden of her conscience, and I judged by her actions her relief was very great. After supper, we all kneeled down and prayed together, and it appeared to me, by her earnest prayer and broken heart, that God had been pleased to pardon her sin. I never loved them any less as Christians. To me, her conduct was conclusive evidence that God had put away her sin. STEUBEN ASSOCIATION. I shall always remember the first Association (except the Seneca) that I visited. It was good old Steuben. When I attended its sessions for the first time, it .con- vened in the old Baptist meeting-house in the town of Wayne, in Steuben county. I was almost a perfect stranger to every one present. There were two or U 122 sheardown's auto-biography. three, in company with me, who belonged to that Asso- ciation. I was wearing the old, veritable, drab coat, and was invited to preach. Some said I was an Eng- lishman, some said I was French, some did not know who I was, or what I was. I think it was the intro- ductory sermon that I preached. Why it was so, I do not know — whether they had omitted to appoint one, or whether the individual had failed to come. One of the friends with me pointed out a certain individual and said, " That is Eld. Sanford." When I had entered the pulpit, the good old man looked up and said, " Bow, you see what a great congregation of people you have to preach to. You young men are in the habit of mumbling, so that half of the people can not hear you. Speak out, young man ! don't be afraid." In those days, my lungs were very strong, and if showing zeal for the Lord of hosts could be manifested through sound, I was capable of convincing people that 1 possessed a good deal of zeal. When I was through, the Elder complimented me for having " spoken up." One reason why I loved always ft> meet with this Association, perhaps, is the fact' that I always had to work. Their gatherings were so large, that few if any meeting-houses in their bounds would comfortably hold the people. Therefore, while the Association was doing its business, my place was in a wagon, or under the shade of a tree, and sometimes in a little grove, if there was one near by. If there were two meeting-houses in the same place, we were sometimes permitted to occupy one of them, so that those might hear preaching who were unable to get into the house appointed for the sitting of the body. I acknowledge that I delighted in open air preaching, for it was so much in keeping with my labor at home. PIONEER JOTS AND SORROWS. I 23 ALFRED BENNETT. » On one occasion, the Association met in the town of Prattsburg. They had what is termed a log meeting- house, far too small to hold the hundreds of people who had come together, and we repaired to the woods. I was invited to preach the first day. Eld. Alfred Bennett, (so widely known, and so much beloved by the churches, not only as a pastor, but also as a missionary agent,) being present, I invited him to pray before sermon. The sky had been lowering, and there were indications of rain. The thunder muttered upon the distant hills. The good man, when in prayer, appeared to be talking with God face to face. He said, "Now, Lord, thou knowest all about us; in what a helpless state we are. We have no shelter to flee to. We are here to worship Thee. And now, do not let it rain upon us and scatter us; for what shoul dwe do ?" The thunder appeared to come nearer by — the blue-winged lightnings scathed the brow of heaven — everybody was looking for a severe drenching — but, to the utter astonishment, per- haps, of all present, there was not enough rain fell to cause a man to put his~ coat on, (for scores were in their shirt-sleeves,) while the rain continued to pomr down all around us, sometimes within a quarter or a half a mile of the place where we were gathered. It was proverbial for many years, in that region of coun- try, that Eld.' Bennett kept back the rain by prayer. OLD ELDER LAMB'S FAMILY. At night, a number of us went to tarry with that man of God, Eld. Lamb. He had raised a good many lambs, and the greater part of them had become shepherds. While conversing with mother Lamb in relation to her family of boys, she said she hoped they were all con- verted, except Thomas. If my memory serves me, he 124 BREAKDOWN'S ATJTO-BIOGRAPHY. w$s the youngest. She wept while talking about the dear young son — said he was a thoughtless boy, very shy of ministers, and had a peculiar aversion to having any one speak to him on personal religion. " I have," said the good mother, u but one hope of him, and that is, when I brought him forth, I know I dedicated him to God." I mingled my tears with hers, for her ex- pressions broke up the deep fountains in both head and heart. Upon inquiring how I could see the young man, that I might have some conversation, his mother in- formed me that she had found him in the barn-yard. I walked up the lane, and took a seat on the top bar of the fence, so that, if he came out, he must either climb the fence or crawl through underneath. As he came within speaking distance, I inquired, " How do you do, sir?" He made *a similar inquiry, firmly and kindly. I remarked, " Tou have got a pair of beautiful cattle, there." He replied, " Tes, very good, sir." I saw other stock that I could speak well of — for his father was a good farmer, as well as a good preacher — asked the age of a certain orchard, how long his father had lived there, and other things, until his embarrassment appeared to be gone. I spoke of his brother Eeuben — what a blessed thing it was that he had been converted in the days of his youth, and had concluded to be a minister of the Gospel! I found him perfectly spell- bound — talked to him about his own soul : he wept bitterly — his heart appeared to be stirred. When I re- turned to the house, he followed part of the way, and I continued my onward pace, pondering what the result of the conversation might be. When it was time to go to the evening meeting, the mother said she could not find Thomas. I said to her, "Do not be troubled about him. Tou will find him in some solitary place, in-door or out. Be of good courage. Pray on. God will give you your son." PIONEER JOTS AND SORROWS. 123- When the meeting in the evening closed, most of the people had passed out at the door, and — as in those days we were not blessed with beautiful chandeliers and fine lamps — the home-made tallow candles afforded us all the light we had. In the dimness, some one thought he saw a large dog in one corner, but, on going to drive him out, found it was a young man. I' overheard some conversation as I was exchanging words with a friend at the door, and, looking to see what was the matter, saw Thomas Lamb, so deeply troubled that he could not speak; his body almost prostrate, through the an- guish of his heart. I put one arm around him, and started for home, pointing, as best I could, to the Lord Jesus Christ as able and willing to save to the very uttermost. The night was very dark, and we moved slowly, for he was fall as much as I could sustain. We had come to the foot of quite a pitch or rise in the road, and I was almost ready to conclude that my strength would give out before I could get him up the pitch. All at once he lighted up, appeared to have recovered strength, and exclaimed, " How light it is I What a beautiful night !" He said his fears were all removed, he felt the burthen of his heart gone, and went home to greet that beloved mother who had consecrated him to God from his birth. Oa my return, Eld. Sutherland was quite anxious that I should take his road home. The good old gen- tleman, said I must preach in Penn Yan, Yates county. He had the use of the Court House. 1 do not know whether it was Court week or not, but there appeared to be a number of professional men there. I tried to preach from this text : " And be sure your sins shall find you out." I had a very healthful season for the soul, and plenty of labor. In 1838, Steuben Association reported 522 accessions 126 sheabdown's auto-biography. by baptisms, (of which 149 were in the Penn Yan Church,) and a total membership of 1891. CHAPTER V.— 1829 to 1836. Missionary Excursions into Pennsylvania, Varied with Abundant Labors in New York State — Back- Woods Narratives, viz : Ex- tensive Revival on Tioga River and Crooked Creek — Edsall Mitchell, Middlebury, Head- Quarters — Words with Eld. A., an Antinomian — My Deacon's Sole Missionary Tour — Camp- beliite General's Attack and Repulse — Baptism of Mr. Tuttle, Inn-Keeper, Aged Eighty-Five Years — Conversion of Mr. B., of Knoxville — Three Poor Families near or on Pine Creek — Two Females come Through the Thunder- Storm to Hear Preaching — Securing a Preaching Place in Tioga, ( Willards- burg,) — Relation of Eld. Broakman's Early Days — Renewal of Baptist Interest in Sullivan: Reynolds: Rockwell— Origin of Bradford Association : Eld. Dimock — Morgan Fdmily — <, Conversion of Von Puttkammer. Inasmuch as the Saviour gave commission to His disciples to "go into all the world, and preach the Gos- pel to every creature," I thought I must occupy as much of it as lay in my power. FIRST VISIT IN PENNSYLVANIA. In 1829, I was called into Pennsylvania, to sit with a council to recognize a little church at Middlebury, Tioga county. That, I think, was the first time I had passed the line of New' York State. Soon after, I was called to sit in council at Mitchell- town, (near what is now Tioga "Village, then known by the name of Willardsburg.) Elders P. D. Gillette and "Wise were the other ministers, who, with myself and chosen brethren, were to examine, and, if thought best, ordain, two candidates for the ministry. One of them 128 sheabdown's atjto-bio«raphy. boasted that he was a great linguist, and my fear was that he knew too much to be very useful. The other knew less, and could murder the English language equal to any other man, yet he was pious and earnest. In view of all the circumstances, and the destitution of the country, we thought best to ordain them. The first individual, so long as I knew him, never amounted to mucb, but the other has always been doing some good. Those two visits gave me something of a view of the vast destitution of that part of Pennsylvania; but I could not see how I could render them any assistance, for I had already more on my hands than it appeared possible for me to get along with. Bro. Bdsall Mitchell, of Crooked Creek, (Middlebury church and township,) wrote me a very urgent letter representing the destitution in Tioga county. My heart was pained within me. I did not know what to do. But God, in the plenitude of his mercy and grace, was raising ministers, while we were organizing churches. Among those I had baptized in-New York State, were a dear young man, named Wadsworth, and his wife. He was an Eastern man, who had enjoyed the advantages of a good New England school, and graduated, I believe, at the Musical Academy in Bos- ton. He was indeed one of the sweet singers in Israel — a man of rare talents, and commanding appearance — and my hearty desire and prayer to God was, that he might become a faithful minister of the New Testa- ment. While I wae praying, God was working by His Spirit upon his mind. It was always my aim to culti- vate a habit of familiarity with all my brethren, and especially where I thought I saw traits befitting a preacher of the Gospel. In conversing with him, one day, he told me, with .tears and trembling, the exer- cises of his mind relative to being enabled to do some- LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 129 thing more than he had hitherto been able to do for the conversion of souls. I gave him such advice, and such encouragement, as _I thought duty under the circum- stances. A second pressing letter was received from Brother Mitchell, urging me to go to his house, and he would show me something of the desolation of the land. 1 said to Bro. Wadsworth— who was in comfortable cir- cumstances — " Now, take your horse, and go with me into Pennsylvania." His inquiry was, " Where are you going ?" I told him I did not know, but showed him the last letter I had received from Middlebury. I also said, " I want to preach at Mitchelltown, on the river — then we will steer westward." EXTENSIVE REVIVAL ON TIOGA RIVER AND CROOKED CREEK. "We stopped and held the meeting on the Tioga- river, at evening, and from thence proceeded to Bro. Mitchell's, up Crooked creek. The good man met us at the door, but was so overjoyed and choked with tears that he could scarcely speak. I thought, surely, God must be in this. We had left another appointment, at Mitchell- town, for our return — and two brethren had besought me to preach at Willardsburg also. I gave them the day and the hour, so that they could give notice and obtain a place for preaching in. On the evening we reached Crooked creek, I tried to preach in the school- house. They wished another appointment on my re- turn, at the house of Dea. Keeney, in the evening — and an affirmative answer was given to that request, also. The next morning we proceeded, guided somewhat, in this to us unexplored field, by the information we received from the former-named brethren. We were told where we could find one or two Baptist brethren, on Pine creek. There was not much difficulty in ob- 130 , sheaedown's atjto-biography. taining places in which to preach, or people to hear, for it was a new thiDg to have a minister among them. By the aid of those few brethren, we had as many appointments as I could fill, aided by Bro. Wadsworth's praying, and talking after sermons. We were able only to approximate the region of real destitution, pressed on every side by the cry, " Come again ! come again!" Returning, we commenced filling our appointments. At Dea. Keeney's, it was a dark, lowery evening, but the house was filled to its utmost capacity. God ap- peared in our midst by the power of the Holy Spirit. In vain we strove to dismiss the meeting, for the people seemed unwilling to go away. After a season of prayer and exhortation, one rose up manifesting a hope in the Saviour ; another followed, and another, I think four or five in all. We thought we were ready to depart on the morrow, early in the morning; but God's ways were not our ways. Those individuals, after having been fellowshiped by the few Christians who* were present, wished to be baptized. I knew not what to do. The conversions seemed to be sudden, and yet the converts gave signs of a death unto sin and a quicken- ing by the Spirit of God. I felt anxious to get away early in the morning. When my mind was made up to baptize them, 1 asked Dea. Keeney if he had any pitch- pine ? if so, I would baptize them that night, for Crooked creek ran but a short distance in front of his house. But the good old man had no torch-wood. It was tben after midnight. I gave the people notice that I would preach at day-break, and baptize as near sun-rise as possible. We dismissed the meeting, and I retired to bed to re- view the scenes of the evening, and prepare for the morning. Next day, the people were in very early. I heard LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 131 them, but, suffering from an intense headache, I re- marked to the brother who was with me, " Get up, Samuel — go and pray with them. I thought 1 heard the sound of distress. I will be out of my room, shortly." Very soon I heard praying with great anxiety ; I could not remain on my pillow, but dressed, and went out into the congregation. There were two men on their knees, and Bro. Wadsworth was praying for them. I thought I knew one of them, and, from the account that had been given me of his character and opposition to religion, the probability was that he was profanely infidel, and what is commonly called "a pretty hard case.'' The other one I did not know at the time ; he was from the river, and had heard me preach at the ordination of the two brethren previously referred to, when I formed a little acquaintance with him and his wife. After my brother was through, I kneeled down behind the two men, laid a hand on the shoulder of each, and commenced praying. I was pressed to plead with God that they might not be beguiled and lose their souls by the inebriating cup. The first described man was but little moved. The other one — to me, that mo- ment, unknown — expressed himself, afterward, that he knew that that prayer was all meant for him. He appeared to be the subject of deep conviction. After prayer, I preached a short sermon, and then prepared for the water. The heavens bad cleared away their darkening clouds, and the king of day came forth from the chambers of the east in all his glory, just as I was going down into the creek with the first candidate. I baptized the believers, and they went on their way rejoicing. (And here let me say, I have no knowledge of any of those converts ever falling back. It was my privilege to see ono of those brethren, a few months ago. His whitened locks bespoke the great change 132 sheardown's autobiography. - which thirty years or more had made in his physical system, yet he was hoping that by-and-by he would lay hold upon eternal life.) We made some calls, and gathered fresh information from Bro. Mitchell, then wended our way down to Willardsburg, (now Tioga,) to attend the appointment given out through the two brethren, already referred to. When we peached the little 'burg, I saw those two friends, standing in the street. We rode up to them, and passed the compliments of the day ; but I saw, by the countenance of one especially, that he was much cast down. One of them, at last, remarked, " Eld. -Sheardown, you can't preach here. We have tried every way, to get a place for you to preach in, but we have failed." The other, an aged man; added, " I told you it would be so. The folks in Willardsburg won't come to hear preaching — and they never ought to have another sermon preached to them." This was a good man, but very stern in his way of expressing himself. The younger — a man with a family — began to weep. I said to him, " God help you, my brother ! don't weep. Where is the use of crying ? I will preach in this 'burg. Wadsworth, my brother! rein up your horse here beside mine. If there is nowhere else for mo to preach, I will preach sitting on my horse. Then, if the Anakims are likely to overpower us, it will be soon enough for us to flee, and we shall be already mounted." This was opposite the tavern. While I was turning the circumstances in my mind, a gentle- man came up to those brethren, and began conversation. I heard him say, " The man may preach in my bar- room, if he pleases.'' I remarked, " Thank you, sir. I am much better treated than my Master — he was not permitted a place in the inn." W"e turned our horses under the shed, and went into the house. The landlord LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 333 appeared to be kind and pleasant. But the notice was not spread, so the people did not know what was going on. I remarked, " If we have any persons to meeting, we must ring our own bell. Now, Bro. Wadsworth, sing one of the songs of Zion — something that we can both join in. We sang a piece or two, but none came in to hear. I walked out upon the platform in front of the house — a kind of piazza — without my hat, and com- menced singing at the top of my voice, walking to and fro. By-and-by, a little crowd came around, and once in a while I would hear it said, " He is a crazy fellow — he is a crazy fellow!" When I thought perhaps all were gathered that would be drawn to the poiQt, I said to them, "Come in — come in! I am going to preach to you." With this, they all entered; the landlord made ic just as comfortable as he could; and I preached from the text, ''Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to- day, and forever." It was a time when sinners felt, and felt intensely — one was under powerful conviction. Meeting being over, we proceeded two miles or more down the river, where the evening appointment had been left. There we found a different kind of a tavern from the one we had just left. It was a "Baptist tavern," kept by the ancestors of all the Mitchell family in that neighborhood. The old gentleman (Richard Mitchell, Sen ,) was without the church at that time, but mother Mitchell clung fast to the wreck. The first "Tioga, Pa." Church joined the Chemung Association in 1814. It was probably composed of members throughout the country, and held its meetings at different points. In 1822, the name of " Sullivan" ap- pears in the Minutes in the place where " Tioga, Pa.," had stood, with delegates from the vicinity of Sullivan — and the same year, a second " Tioga, Pa.," was received into the Association, with delegates from the vicinity of 12 134 sheaedown's auto-biography. Tioga. Elisha Booth, an ordained, and David Short, a licensed minister, and Bro. John Main. Elisha Tucker, D. D., was engaged in teaching school in Tioga, and there preached his first sermons, in 1816. But this new organization became scattered. There might have been more than one brother still living in membership, and, perhaps, six or eight sisterB. After refreshment, we had a season of prayer, and then went to the old school-house, which looked to me like a palace built for God. In the course of my sermon, I remarked that the waters of Crooked creek empty, above us, into the Tioga river — gave a short sketch of what we had seen, felt and enjoyed, up that creek, the night before, and on the morning of that day — and then observed, that, as the waters of the creek, in which I baptized that morning, flow into the river, so I believed the waters of God's salvation would flow to that people. A dear sister — the daughter of the good woman ta whose house we stopped — lived in the house adjoining the school-house. After meeting, she said to me, "Eld. Sheardown, it looks to me, sir, almost like blasphemy, to talk about God blessing such a wicked people as we are here." We were to tarry all night with her family. After singing and praying, I thought her husband ap- peared somewhat moved, but not powerfully. "We retired at a late hour. About one o'clock in the morning, some person awoke me out of a sound sleep, and I heard the expression — " dying !" I rose up quickly, and inquired, " Who is dying ?" He said, " Poor Thomas and his wife." I in- quired, " Where are they ?" He replied, " In my kitch- en — and, for God's sake, Elder! make haste." Partly dressing myself, I went to see what was the matter, and found the two kneeling down together, weeping bitterly, in great anguish, over a sense of their lost con- LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 135 dition. I prayed with them, tried to instruct, and to take from them every dependence but Jesus Christ. The man proved to be one of those for whom we had prayed in the morning at the meeting on Crooked creek. Before daylight, both husband and wife pro- fessed to have obtained the pardon of sin. The next thing was, they wished to be baptized. I was again deeply tried to know what was duty in the case. The first idea, almost, that struck my mind, was, baptize a rum-jug, and it is a rum-jug still. I retired to a joint in the fence, and there prayed that God would give me wisdom, and enlighten my path, so that I might do what would be well pleasing in His sight. While in this struggle, I thought I had an evidence that it was duty to baptize them. (Eld. Samuel Grrenell proved to be in the neighborhood, and, being a connection of the man and wife, he, I believe, baptized them.) "We were to start for York State as early as we could get breakfast. The dear brother, who had been weep- ing in Willardsburg because he could not get a place for me to preach in, came to bid us good-bye. But I remarked to him, " "We are not going yet, Bro. Adams. Here are two candidates to be baptized." He inquired " "Who are they ?" I answered, " Thomas and his wife." He appeared to be perfectly awe-struck. " "Why," said he, " it was only the other day that I saw him drunk." I replied, " I cannot help that. I believe G-od has con- verted him ; and, if converted publicans and harlots may enter into the kingdom of heaven — why not this man? Now, my brother, I want you to put a boy upon one horse, and send him up the river; and another on your other horse, and send him down the river. Call at every house, and tell everybody they see that there will be a covenant meeting this morning at nine o'clock, and that Thomas and his wife are to be baptized." The 136 sheardown's auto-biography. messengers went forth, and the people rallied to see this great sight. At the appointed hour, the school-house was a perfect jam. Weeping and anguish appeared to take hold upon some of the old members who had been excluded for intemperance. (Let me here say, that we acknowledged the few sisters, and Bro. A., as a church, for the women had always maintained their regular covenant meetings.) I talked to those who were de- sirous to return, as best I could, impressing upon their minds the magnitude of their sins. I told them I felt as though confession only was not enough to satisfy the community in the midst of which they had fallen. I in- quired for a temperance pledge. One was brought. I read it over again and again, and said to the brother that was to be baptized (if fellowshiped by the remnant of the church,) " Will you sign this pledge V He said he would. I then asked the same question to such as had fallen into bad habits and lost their standing in the church. They answered, " Yes." When we had got through that part of the service, I remarked, "Now, before you sign the pledge, and before I can advise this little body to receive or restore you, I wish to pray ; and while I pray, I want you to stand, and hold up your right hands as a token, that, by the grace of God, you will not violate this pledge." They were immediately upon their feet, and there was weep- ing aloud on every hand. After prayer, the pledge was signed, the converts related their experience, and the backsliders were restored upon their confessions. The former were received by the church, and baptized. After some of the best advice and instruction that I was able to give them, the benediction was pronounced, and we started on our journey about one o'clock in the afternoon. The next Sabbath, I was preaching in Reading, New LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 137 York, within a school-house known as Devins' school- house, at one of my regular appointments. Before I closed my sermon, I saw in the crowd, Bro. A., from Tioga. The tears were coursing down his cheeks. As soon as I had said " amen," I added, " Bro. A. tell your story; I know you are after me." He remarked that " the people in Tioga are in a dreadful state of mind ; weeping appears .to be all that many of them can do ; and I want you to go homo with me." I said, " Very well, sir, I am ready." He said, " When?" I told him, as soon as I had dismissed my meeting. I was sixteen miles from home, and had another appointment on my way. Arrived at home that night, and the next morning started for Pennsylvania. Arriving at father Mitchell's, on the river, I learned that a minister of another de- nomination had heard of the moving in the neighbor- hood, and on Sabbath made an appointment for Mon- day evening. Some of the people felt rather indignant, because he had been told that a messenger had gone out to York State, and they expected me back with him ; and although it was not certain, yet they had every reason to believe that I would be on the ground, Monday night. I told the friends to have no feeling on that subject; we would all go to meeting, and try to do good. We heard a sermon that appeared to be antago- nistic to Baptist sentiments and Baptist views, and many things were alleged, that, as a denomination, we have never believed or practiced. I knew the preacher personally, and he knew me, but he paid no regard to me. That, however, made no difference in may feel- ings in relation to the well-being of the souls that were gathered around us. He preached a very long sermon, after which he remarked, that " there may be some one, here, perharps who would be glad to speak, but we have 138 sheaedown's auto-biography. not the time to spare: I have some other things to say to this congregation, and especially to any- that may have been recently converted. I design having an or- ganization here.'' (That was not his word, yet it im- plies what he wislied to perform.) He told them, if they would do so and so, he could come there and preach to them as often at least as once in three or four weeks. The meeting held to a late hour, and he did all the talking. His last remark amounted to this : " Now, to-night, must determine whether I shall come here any more or not : if there are any who will comply with my wishes, I want you to manifest it by rising up." But none arose. He then came to a very righteous con- clusion, by saying, "I perceive I am not wanted here." I stayed with them several days, and had sometimes two meetings in the day, -and sometimes only in the evening. The blessed Saviour was pleased to claim the purchase of his blood in the conversion of many souls. I was under the necessity of returning to New York, but left an appointment when I would be there again. I do not recollect whether I baptized any that time or not, and the records of the church in these days are lost, (so I am told by the clerk,) up to the year 1845, so that I am deprived of obtaining the exact dates when and how many were added unto the church. This, how- ever, was the beginning of what is called to this day " the great revival on the Tioga river.'' The work continued to go on in my large charge in York State. Yet I saw very clearly that I must devote more time to the field in Pennsylvania than I had yet done. I find, by referring ,to the records of one of the little bodies where I was preaching, in New York, that they passed a resolution, that " we willingly relinquish our pastor for one-half of his time, to go and labor in the destitute regions of Pennsylvania," (and it is worthy LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 139 of notice that that little body had claims upon me for only two sermons a month.) This was a great relief to my mind, and there were one or two young brethren who could occupy the ground during my absence. For a length of time., every visit I made into Penn- sylvania, I baptized more or less — rising of forty, I think, in Tioga. But I kept Middlebury as my radi- ating point, and continued to make further inroads into those regions where they had no privileges of a Gospel nature. The father of my Bro. Edsall Mitchell was one of the first settlers in Tioga'county ; and the whole family (like others of that day) loved to hunt. Being thus extensively acquainted in the woods, he (the son) could conduct me to every settlement, however small. I rode with him a great many hundred miles, and the remem- brance of those excursions is very sweet to this day. I owe a great deal to him, for he conducted me sometimes through woods twelve or fourteen miles without a house. A few months ago, I had the privilege of spending some time with him, recapitulating the dealings jof God with us. He is now tottering on the brink of the grave, but rejoicing in the hope of the mercy of God. AN ANTINOMIAN TROUBLES OF ISRAEL. I recollect, one time, I had an appointment at the house of a Bro. Steel, on Pine creek. When I rode up, I saw a little, knurly kind of a man, holding a very fine horse by the bits. The first impression of my mind was that the man had stolen, the horse, for I had not seen such a one in all those parts. My congregation was together, with few exceptions, and I was just about to open my meeting, when the man came up to me, reached out his hand, and said, " I suppose I shake hands with Eld. Sheardown," I replied, " I suppose 140 sheardown's auto-biography. you do, sir." He said, " I am the far-famed Eld. A." The reply was, '■ Some men are famed for their good deeds, and some for their bad ones. Pray tell me, sir, on which of these grounds your fame has extended V He paused, and acted as though the shot had taken effect ; the reply was, " I suppose, for my bad deeds." He was answered by*my saying, " I suppose, then, sir, the greater part of what I have heard about you, is true. Now, when I am at home,_I keep good company; therefore, mean to when I am abroad." He said, " I have been waiting in this place twenty-four hours on purpose to hear you preach." I remarked, "Very well, sir ; my business is to preach to sinners." This ended the conversation, and I passed on to my services. I had another meeting in the evening, a short distance from there ; he was again present ; but, from that day onward, I did not see that he ever spent much time in waiting to hear preaching from me. FRIENDLY METHODIST FAMILY. One of my principal places of speaking, on that part of the creek, was at a tavern kept by one of the kindest, best-hearted men I have ever met with. His wife was a Methodist, and a choice spirit, amiable and kind. Since that time, that dear man has been converted, and is (for anything I know) a living member of the Metho- dist church. He has served as Sheriff of Tioga county for one or more terms. I never meet him but I receive smiles and tears. THE PEOPLE LOVED TO HEAR PREACHING. In those days, I would generally ring my own bell and make my own appointments, never thinking to ask whether they were desirous to have preaching, but taking it for granted that it was always welcome. I do not recollect, now, that I ever came near being "bluffed LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 141 off," but once, in all my travels — and that was in the case of Mr. Tuttle, which I will come to presently. CONVERTS, REMOTE FROM CHURCHES. Whenever I had evidence that souls were born of God, I baptized the converts, if there was not a Bap- tist church within fifty miles. Under such circum- stances, I gave them a certificate, stating that they were baptized by me, and recommended them to any church of our order. THE DEACON'S MISSIONARY TOUR. On one occasion, after my return home, while attend- ing covenant meeting in one of the little churches that I had' gathered, I was reciting some of the privations and difficulties I met with in these new and sparsely settled regions. While I am pleading with them to spare me a little more time to. devote to the poor, hungry souls, that" were so willing to receive the bread of life, I remarked that no one knew what a minister is exposed to, who travels through the little back places in Pennsylvania. One of the deacons — a right hand man to carry on meetings in my absence — tapped me on the shoulder, and whispered, "Stop, Elder — they won't believe you." I remarked, " If the friends are incredulous, I wish some would take a tour or two with me, and I think they will not consider the little things that I have named, are* exaggerations." He replied, " I should like to go with you." The answer was, " Do, my brother: go, and see, and feel for yourself." He said, " When are you going again V " In two weeks, . if God will." This deacon was a Dutchman-, and always kept an excellent horse. He concluded, at the appointed time, to explore the field, or part of it. As Providence would have it, it was to be one of my hardest tours, and — being about the middle of March — 142 sheardown's atjto-biographt. in about the worst time of all the year. Before I had returned from my last trip, two young men in Tioga county — unconverted men, yet who often traveled many miles to hear me — had said to me, " Now, Elder, we want you to go down to Blaekwell's and Lloyd's. We are going down there, and, if you will let us take appointments for you, when you come again, we will be at home and go with you.' ; One remarked, " It is a bad ride down there, and we should not like to have you go alone.'' I gave them the appointments, which were faithfully circulated. This appeared to me to be very timely in order to give my new fellow-laborer a large experience in a little time. The pastor and his deacon started on the trip. The latter looked proudly at his beautiful dappled steed, which had always been fostered in a warm stable with the best of care. He soon began to complain that his horse was losing flesh, but I endeavored to comfort him by saying, " We are not yet fairly in the field." " En- tertainment for both man and beast" every day becom- ing more scarce, instead of a good, comfortable stable, the horses would have to be hitched for the night under some old log shed. "We were riding about twenty miles, and I generally preached three sermons, each day. When we had come down off the mountain, wending our way to a certain creek, (the name of which I have now forgotten,) I preached at the house of a man named Braughton. It was agreed at what hour we should start, under the leadership of the two young men. The creek down which we traveled entered into Pine creek but a short distance above Mr. Blaekwell's, where my first appointment was. In passing down this little creek, we had to ford thirteen times in going about nine miles. The fordings were very difficult, for the creek was fro- zen on both sides, but open in the middle. The deacon LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 143 was always the last to put his horse in, and I really was amused, for I thought sometimes it was difficult to tell which was the highest — his head or his shoulders. He had evidently got what is generally termed his " back up." But the great struggle had not yet come. "When wo reached Big Pine creek, our guides declared it impos- sible to cross at the fording place, it being frozen on either side7 and open iu the middle, and the boys said, from the depth of water, we could not get out on the other side if we got in. My own experience and obser- vation confirmed the truth of the statement. What must be done? In looking at the situation in which we were placed,. I said to the deacon, " If God will, I shall fill my ^appointments." "How will you get there?" "I shall get there, some way. We can go down to the eddy, and cross afoot on the ice." But the second appointment was in the evening. Now, what must be done with the horses ? " Hitch them safe to some saplings, leave them, and let us take it afoot." The boys fell in with the idea. The deacon thought it unsafe to leave horses under such circumstances, with- out any feed or shelter, as the wolves might come and destroy them. But we were not to leave our animals thus. One of the boys said, "Now, Elder, between here and the Big Eddy, the creek will be open, but it is very swift, and the bottom very rocky, and bad to ford." We rode down to the place spoken of, and found it as described. "We concluded to take the ford and try it. It was agreed that I should go first, seeing that my horse was thoroughly trained to such adventures : for fording riv- ers and creeks, under almost all circumstances, was a part almost of his every day business. I made the passage, though it was very rough and difficult, for my 144 siieardown's auto-biography. horse, by the strong current of the water, and in wind- ing around the large stones or rocks, had gone down stream a great many rods. When I made the opposite shore, I called to the boys to put in higher up, as it appeared to be less dangerous. After we were all safely landed, one of the pilots found we were on an island — and the danger was not yet passed. The other branch of the stream we must cross, in order to get on the side on which the man lived in whose house our appointment was made. One said he would go down a little way and try the ice. In crossing, his horse broke through with its hind-quarters, and we feared for a second that horse and rider both would be lost. It was open water at the head of the branch, and to my mind it was much better to risk the open water than the treacherous ice. The place where we thought to cross, was not so very wide, but it might be deep : the water being muddy, we could not see the bottom: but the appointment must be filled. I therefore concluded, if the deacon must stay behind, 1 must in. I got on my knees on the saddle, crossing my feet (as I had often done) just behind the saddle, and put my horse in : he just made the passage, without swimming; the opposite bank was very bold, and, as soon as my horse's nose touched the bank, I jumped from my saddle, with the bridle in my hand, and, " chirping" to my horse, (as I was wont to do when I wanted him to make his best effort,) he came out all right. The other young man tried it next — then the good deacon — and we were all safe on the bank of deliverance. We had a blessed time at the meeting, without a thought of the dangers and trials through which we had passed. By the time we were ready to return, the stream, had fallen some, but still it was March traveling. We succeeded in filling all our appointments, and- re. LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 145 turned safe at home, after a tour of two weeks or more. The deacon's horse looked as though he had seen very- hard times, and truly he had, for he was not accustomed to "go on a mission." When the Deacon was questioned by the friends relative to the journey — whether he found it as bad as was represented by the Elder — I cannot say what would be his reply, but I dare say that the one- half of it he has never told. HOME RECREATIONS. Having arrived at home again, the ■ old field must be gone over. The little bodies, unconnected with the church, must be seen, covenant meetings attended, prayer meetings, preaching, and baptizing — for it was a rare thing, in those days, to pass a month without baptizing some. It was a common occurrence, when I reached my house, to hear, as the first item of news, that such a one is converted, and such a one. Fre- quently, from three to ten were reported, who had been brought into the kingdom in my absence. Some- times, on arriving home, I would find my wife with four or five young people, over whom she had been weeping and praying, having prevailed upon them, after the meeting was out, to come with her, that she might have an opportunity to labor with them. So my own dwelling was the spiritual birth-place of many souls brought to the truth as it is in Jesus. The dea- cons and other gifted brethren would give me an account of the interest of the meetings at the different points. The home work being done— which would re- quire about two weeks of incessant ministerial labor — then I would take the saddle again for the back-woods. BATTLE WITH A CAMPBELLITE. Those were the days when Oampbellism was making bad work, not only in the feeble churches, but was 13 146 skeardown's auto-biogkaphy. seriously affecting the minds of unconverted people. I remember having met a gentleman — for his title was " General" — not far from Wellsboro', whose wife's mother was a Baptist. I frequently stopped to refresh with the family, and preached occasionally. The General still lived with his wife's family, and would always endeavor to get into an argument with me, when there, about baptismal regeneration. Bat he was very much like Gen. Taylor's troops in 'Mexico — he did not know when he was whipped ! Having an appointment at his father-in-law's house, I concluded to talk truth to him : then he would not feel at liberty to answer while I was yet speaking. I had studied my sermon in my saddle, from the Saviour's words to Mcodemus: "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Te must be born, again." (John iii : 7.) The day was very rainy, and I was pretty well saturated, having had a long ride, the last part of it (about eight miles) through the woods. I cannot say that I had not a dry thread about me, but I was thoroughly wet, from head to foot. When I reached the house, I found the young folks, but the father and mother had gone to York State. The storm was such that I could expect but very few — perhaps a dozen people — at meeting. Had it been fine weather, I should have expected enough, from a distance, to have made quite a congregration. I made up my mind that I should have to take ano- ther hand-to-hand combat with the General. But, to my astonishment, the people came through the storm, and fille'd the room. It is seldom that I have felt more grateful to the God of all my mercies, than I did on that occasion. I preached my sermon, as best I could in my uncomfortable condition of body. As soon as I had said amen, the General arose, and controvert- ed the doctrine which I had advanced I said little or LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 147 nothing, but let him talk in peace until he was through, when I remarked, " Now, sir, I have very little reply to make. I have a few questions to ask, and that is all. Since I saw you last, I have learned that you have been baptized, by torch-light." He replied, " Yes, at twelve o'clock at night." — " Now, for a question or two. Do you really believe, that when you were immersed, your sins were all washed away V The answer was, " I do, sir." — " After that act, sir, do you now consider your- self in a state of perfection ?" — " As far as my sins are concerned, I do, sir." — " Did that act of baptism place you in an immutable state, so that there is no danger that you will ever sin again — or, in other words, that you are incapable of sinning?" The reply was, " I suppose not, sir." — " Then you are liable to sin, are you ?" — " Yes." — " Do you believe a sinner can enter the king- dom of heaven 1" — " No, sir." — "Now, then, what must you do, in order to be saved from the sins that you may commit after your baptism ?" — " I suppose, sir, I should have to be immersed again." — " Well, sir, after this second immersion, if you should fall away and sin against God — your conscience be smitten that you had done wrong — and, while thus reflecting, by a flash of lightning, or the falling of a tree, or some other casu- alty, you should be instantly killed : what would be- come of you?" — "I don't know, sir — I had not thought of that." I had but one more question to ask, and that was to my congregation. I said to them, " Now, all of you present, whether saint or sinner, who believe that I have preached the truth, and that the last speaker is in error, signify it by rising on your feet." I think there was but one (except myself) who did not rise, and the reader may guess who that was. THE AGED INN-KEEPER, CONVERTED. An unconverted man said to me, one day, <( I wish, 148 sheardown's autobiography. Elder, you would preach at Knoxville," (on the Co- wanesque river.) I told him I thought I would get an appointment there, but could not see my way clear to give them a sermon until I should pass through again. I did not always know how many appointments I. had to fill, until I arrived at Bro. Mitchell's on Crooked creek. That was my head-quarters and I had given him encouragement, that, if he saw any person from some remote little settlement, where no minister ever went, I would go there and preach, provided he made the appointment with the understanding that he should pilot the way. But I thought probable that, the next time I was through, I could preach at Knoxville, and therefore made an appointment, for a certain day, at half-past two O'clock in the afternoon. Notice was given out in the school. When the day arrived, a Baptist sister, who was passing through the village, heard of the meeting. She tarried to hear me, and, after sermon, came and shook hands as cordially as if she had always known me. She remarked, "Jtty name is "Weeks. I am a Baptist. Where do you preach to-night, sir ?" I replied that I had no appointment that night, but bad one for the forenoon of the next day, in Mixtown, or what was often called New Hector. She at once said, " You must preach for us, to-night." I inquired, " How far do you live from here ?" She said, about six miles. I remarked, " Why, that would be useless — your neigh- bors could not get the word, and I, perhaps, should have no persons to preach to." She replied, "Yes, you will have persons to preach to. To be sure, we are very scattered, but I am on horseback, and I will pub- lish it to every house as I go up the river, and I know who to tell to go and notify their neighbors; and when I get home, I will start the boys out, to let all my LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 149 neighbors know that there is. to be preaohing to-night. Now, I want you to understand that the preaching is not to be at my house. When we have any person who comes there to preach, they always .preach at Mr. Tuttle's. You cannot miss his house, sir — it is right on your road, up the river — a very large house, with red gable ends, and the front white. It is a public house, and has a large sign up — ' Entertainment.' You will most likely meet with the old gentleman: you may know him as soon as you see him, for he is palsied on one side. His wife is a very excellent women — but he himself is very crabbed and cross — and, if he .should abuse you some, you must not pay attention to that. I shall call and tell him of the appointment, so that you may not be quite a stranger to him; but do not feel bad, sir, if he scolds considerably." COOL RECEPTION. Having received this information, and the good woman having gone homeward with permission to ring the bell for me, I got my horse, rode along as directed, came to the house, dismounted, and went into the bar- room. There was the old gentleman, evidently armed and equipped to meet me. I said to him, " My name is Sheardown. Mrs. "Weeks said she would make an appointment for me to preach, here, to-night, sir." — "No sir," said he, "you ain't agoing to preach here. I wont encourage you lazy vagabonds, running around getting your living out of the poor folks, professing to be preachers." 1 replied, "I shall preach here. Have you a hostler, sir ?" — " ISTo !" he said, " not for such lazy fellows as you." I said to him, " Well, sir, if you have no hostler, tell me where I shall pat my horse." He replied, " I 150 sheaedown's autobiography. tell you, you shan't stay."— "I tell you, I shall ; and if you will not tell me where to put my horse, I will put him in the best place I can find." — " Then," he said, " take him across the road, and put him into yonder long barn." I took him to the tier of stables, found some good hay overhead, and let him go to eating. Going back to the house, I said to the old gentleman, " Now, sir, I am a good hand at waiting upon myself. Please tell me where I can find some oats, I want six quarts for my horse." — " "We haven't got any," he said. The reply was, " I know you have got plenty." He re- torted, " But you shall not have them." I replied, " I will have them. Your sign says to the traveling public, 'Entertainment for man and beast,' and if you do not let me have the oats, I will pull yeur sign down." He ex- claimed, with a word that I am not at liberty to use, " Take my keys, unlock such a bin on the stoop, and take what you want.'' I got my six quarts of oats, at the same time telling him that I always intended to pay my way. After returning from the barn, and conversing with Mr. Tuttle a short time, he appeared to be a little softer. I asked, " Have you no women around the house ? I want something to eat." He replied, " Yery well — go into such a room,and you will find the old woman — tell her what you want." I found the lady. She ap- peared like a mother indeed. The moment she knew who I was, she anticipated my wants, and brought on mince pie and other good things to meet the necessi- ties of the hungry body. I ate hastily, for the time of my appointment was near at hand. I preached that evening to quite a congregation, and felt the presence of the Lord very precious. The people appeared to be over-awed. I had another appointment soon, at the same place, LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 151 when everything appeared to go off smoothly. The old gentleman was good-natured, and ready and willing to let me and my horse have all that was necessary for our comfort, without fee or reward. < FRUIT IN OLD AGE. Some time afterwards, in making a tour over the mountains with my pilot, we found it very bad travel- ing, it being about the middle of March. There was much snow and ice in our paths. I said to Brother Mitchell, " We must make the best of it. I want to go down in the valley before school closes for the day in Knoxville, as I have no appointment for the night, and will preach there — it will be easier getting a congrega- tion." And I added, " Now, we must not stop at father Tuttle's" — for we were to pass his door, and if we stopped we should be detained so long that I could not be able to get my appointment circulated. However, both of us complained of our feet being very cold, and concluded we had better stop ten or fifteen minutes, see how the old gentleman was, and warm our feet. We had but just dismounted, when a son of the landlord came up to us, with an overcoat, and a whip in his hand, apparently fixed to leave home. I addressed him as " Brother Turtle" — for he was a Methodist class-leader, and I think an excellent man — and in- quired, "Where now — where are you going, sir?" The tears came to his eyes as he replied — " To York State ; I was going to see if I could find you." Seeing that he was so much affected, I thought perhaps the old gentleman was dead. He said something about his father, which his choking with heart-feeling prevent- ed our understanding. But he immediately took our horses, led them to the barn, and said, " Go in." We entered the- house, and found the old lady, and ar little 152 SHEARDOWN' S AtJTO-BIOGffiAPHY. grand-daughter, I think, with her. She raised her hands, and in her way began to praise God, and weep ; and the girl, sympathizing with her, wept too. Bro. Mitchell said, " What is the matter, mother Tuttle ? what are you all crying about to-day?" She tried to tell, but I was not yet able' to understand what was the cause of the apparent sorrow. The son returned from the barn, saying, " O, there is a God in this— there is a God in this I" We had not yet taken off our over- garments, because my motto was, onward to Knoxville ! He said, " Sit down, brethren, and I will try and tell you all about it. My father," he continued, "is con- verted. He has had a very severe attack of sickness, and is still quite unwell. He had desired me to go to York State, find Eld. Sheardown, and, if possible, have him come home with me, for he felt as though he must be baptized before he died. Now, you must stay and preach with us to-night, and we will see how things will turn out." I still plead that I ought to go on, but he overpowered me with his argument. I thought, Who am I that I should resist God ? So I concluded to stay and preach, and he sent off the runners to give general notice of the meeting in the evening at his father's. I said I should like to see father Tuttle. His wife and son, Bro. Mitchell, and myself, went into his room. He was in bed, but looked up and exclaimed, "It's him! it's him!" He got hold of my hand, and wept like a child. He said something like this to his son : " There, now, I feel better ; I want to get up ; I want to talk with Eld. Sheardown." We left the room, and they got the old gentleman into his large arm-chair. I conversed with him to see what evidence I could get that God had wrought a work of grace in his heart. He gave large evidence that he was dead to sin and alive to God. I .asked him if he thought he would be LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 153 able, after sermon, to talk to us, and tell us how the Lord had dealt with him, especially since the first time I had preached at his house. His reply was, " Yes, I want to tell all about it." MR. TUTTLE'S EXPERIENCE. There was a very general turning out in the epening, and after sermon I remarked, " Mr. Tuttle thinks he has experienced religion, and is going to tell us some- thing about his feelings — how he has felt, and how he now feels." The old gentleman had some two or three times of commencing, for something would strike his mind, relative to his change, that he had not named be- fore. He said he must tell everything ; he did not want to keep anything back. A death-like stillness prevailed through the congregation. After he had got through, I said, "If it is God's will, I shall baptize father Tuttle, early in the morning.'' I spoke after this fashion : '' Now, in the first place, I want to say to every individual present, who professes religion, whose hope is based upon repentance toward God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, if you can re- ceive the experience of this aged man, believing that he is converged — born again — rise on your feet." What few Christians were present, to an individual, arose. I then said to his pious son, (who was a man in th&meri- dian of life,) " Can you personally feel to fellowship your father as a Christian ?" He almost wept aloud, and said, " Yes." I then said to all present, " I do not care who you are, what you are, or how wicked you may have been ; if you think that Mr. Tuttle as a Christian man, rise up on your feet." They all arose. I was preparing to dismiss the meeting, (for it ap- peared that I had nothing more to say, except to give out the morning services,) when the old man broke out 154 sheaiidown's auto-biography. ancl said, " Don't go away yet ; don't go away yet ; I have not done confessing to my neighbors." And such a flood of confessions the old gentleman poured out, as is seldom heard. I then gave my appointment for the morning: at daylight, preaching, and after the sermon, we were to repair to the river, which ran but twenty or thirty rods in the rear of the old gentleman's house, for baptism. THE BAPTISM. In the morning, at the time of appointment, the house was crowded. When all was ready to repair to the Jordan, the first thing to be considered was, how we should get the old gentleman down. It was proposed to carry him in his arm chair. We had plenty of power, for there were a number of strong, athletic men, who were anxious and willing to do what they could. They fixed a piece of board or scantling underneath the chair, the bearers on either side, and some walking behind, steadying the sedan, until we arrived on the bank of the stream. After he was set down, he said, "Carry me under that buttonwood tree." They took him up, and carried him just where he wanted to be. "Thert," he said. " Here is the spot. When I knew not what to do with myself, I crawled down here ; here I prayed, here I felt- happy, and right there," pointing into the river, " I prayed that Elder Sheardown might baptize me." He was a very corpulent, heavy man. I do not know his age, but it was said by some that he was eighty-four ; others said he was eighty-six, but I did not ask any of the family his age. After singing and prayer, I said to the congregation, " You all see the difficulty that I am in. It is impossi- ble for me to get this palsied man in and out of the LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 155 river, alone. Now, who will go into the river with me, and, when I am ready, assist in this solemn business?" " I will," was responded all around me. But his son spoke out, " I will go in with the Elder and my father." I inquired something about the depth of the water, for the river was roily, and I did not know how the bar lay. Every individual appeared to be interested : one said, " It is so deep there, Elder ;" and another said, " It is so deep there," and pointed it out. I told them what depth of water I wanted, and the place was desig- nated by throwing a stone where they thought I should have the depth of water I desired. I went into the river, explored it, found the place I needed, and came out. Next, we got the old gentleman out of his chair, and I told his son how we must handle him, how we must get him in and out of the water, &c. . I told him when I said, " I baptize thee," (for that was always my last word, bringing the word and action together) — then he must let loose of his father ; but, the moment he saw his face coming to the top of the water, he should take hold of him with me, raise him up on his feet, and hold him perfectly steady. But the good brother, instead of obeying me, obeyed the impulse of his own warm heart; for, when he ought to have had hold of his father, he was clapping his hands, crying, " Glory to God I my soul is happy." But I was able to raise the old gentleman on his feet, and steady him a second or two, until the dear son got hold of him. "We locked him in our arms; he stepped with one foot, and dragged the other after him ; we got hrm safe back into his chair, and in carrying him to the house he said to the men, "Set me down, set me down; I can walk — I know I can walk." They said, " No, you can't walk." I said) " Give him that cane ; he can 156 sheardown's auto-biography. walk;- set him down." I suppose it was the action of the cold water on his palsied system, that might last him to the house, and it did; hut many published it as a great miracle. This was the last I saw of father Tuttle. He died some time' after this, (I do not know just how long;) his son told me that he died in hope of eternal life. ALL GOING WELL IN YORK STATE. My face was now turned towards home, filling my appointments, in Southern JSTew York, bordering on my mission field in Pennsylvania. Arriving at home, 1 as usual began to gather up the fragments, so that nothing might be lost. The brethren had enjoyed good seasons, throughout that field of labor. I seldom spent two weeks at home but I had more or less to baptize, some things to set in order at the different stations, my work- ing brethren and sisters to eneoura'ge, and lay out new labor for them while I should be absent on my next missionary tour ; and I had brethren and sisters who would work with a will, some who never faltered. Having straightened up the ship at home, and got her fairly on her course ; I was ready again to depart for another wilderness campaign. s * CONVERSION OE MR. B. Eiding through a neighborhood in Tioga county, six or eight miles from Knoxville, I was hailed by a man at whose house I had stopped once or twice by invita- tion. If there can he anything good in an unconverted man, who believed in annihilation, he possessed that quality, for he was very sociable and benevolent. He invited me to dine with him, and fed my horse, that I might be better prepared to go on my way. He asked me if I was going to Knoxville? I replied, " No, sir." — " Now," said he, " I wish you would let me make an LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 157 appointment for you there, because there is one indi- vidual in that village, who is a very wealthy man, but one of the queerest, wickedest men you ever saw. I thought that if I should go down there and have a talk with him, and tell him that I am going to make an ap- pointment for Eld. Sheardown, a particular friend o mine, he will come to meeting. He never goes" (I believe he said) " to any meeting ; but, if he can get a minister into trouble in any way, it affords him a great deal of satisfaction. One day," he said, " Eev. Mr. C. called at his store, and said, 'Mr. B., I want to see your wife.' — ' Very well,' he replied, ' she's a pretty woman, and I will go to the house with you.' He took the minister around, seated him in a cozy little room, and asked him if he had read the news ? Mr. 0. replied he had not, 'but,' said Mi-, B., 'I have got the paper in my pocket : here, sir, you take and read it until Mrs. B. come3 in.' He went out at another door, for there were two doors to the room ; one he went in at from the street, and the other led into the interior of the house. Mr. C. commenced reading, and waited more than an hour; becoming tired, he thought he would go and look up the lady ; but, behold ! the inner door was fast; he thought that some trick must have been played upon him, at which he took umbrage, walked out at the door he came in at, and went off, without seeing the lady. The secret was, Mr. B., when he went out, locked the door, put the key in his pocket, and never told his wife that a gentleman was waiting to have an interview with her. — Now I thought, sir," said the Esquire, " I can induce Mr. B. to come and hear you preach. I will go down with you, and use my best en- deavors to prevail upon him to come out and hear you." I told him to take his own course : he might make an appointment for a given day in the distance, at half- 14 158 sheardown's auto-biography. past two o'clock in the afternoon, and I would make it in my way to take dinner with him, and we would go down in company. I made my connection at an early dinner hour. The Esquire was very fast to inform me that the appoint- ment had been well circulated, and that Mr. B. had promised to come and hear me preach. Ho said his women folks were going down with him, and he wanted one of the young men shoulH ride my horse and I ride in the double wagon with him and his family. Any way suited me, therefore I piled in with the family. He left us at the place of the appointment, and I did not seeliim again for some time. He came just as the congregation had about got together and'said, " Mr. B. wont be here ; he is in one of his tantrums : I never saw him in a worse." I said to him, "He will be here, sir, I believe, and I wish I knew him personally, but I do not know that L have ever seen him. Now, sir, when he comes in, (for I believe he will,) I wish you would just draw your fore-finger across your brow, so that I may know him." He smiled and said, " Yery well." Mr. B. came in during prayer. "When I com- menced reading my hymn, I saw Esq. C. give the sign; he turned his eyes partly over his shoulder; behind him sat a tall, gaunt-looking gentleman, his hair standing every way like the quills of a porcupine. My anxiety to know the man, was, that I might see whether I could gain his attention or not. After meeting, his wife very kindly invited me home with her. I consented to go; she took me through the bar-room, and there was Mr. B. She introduced me ; ho started back a pace or two, and said, " Why, this is the man who preached to us." I said. " Tes sir." — " Well, wife," said he, " you take care of him ; you are the woman for ministers." She was a Baptist sister, LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 159 of exalted piety. One of Mr. B.'s peculiarities was that he always, in choosing a wife, (for this was his thirjJ,) looked out for a pious woman. The evening passed along ; I saw nothing of Mr. B. ; he was not in to tea ; but I should think about seven o'clock, he came into the sitting-room, running his fin- gers through his hair, and paced the room backward and forward several times without saying a word. He then went out, and after a while came in again, smok- ing a pipe. I remarked to him, " Mr. B., it looks quite sociable to see you smoking." He replied, " Would you like to smoke with me 1" — " I would, sir, if you please." He said to one of the children, " Go and get some clean pipes, and some of that best tobacco." He sat down, and I thought that he had taken, (in some measure,) the bait. I remarked to him, " Your saw-mills on Pine Creek are about in running order again." (This was after what is termed the great May flood, when mills as well as other property had been very much damaged.) He said to. me, "What do you know about my mills on Pine Creek ?" I told him I was very well acquainted there; that I stopped and preached to the hands, some- times, when I was passing by, when it was not likely to interfere with their labor; and went on to inquire after some other mills that he had on different streams. " Why, how the " (I liked to have said devil, but I won't say it,) " do you, as a minister, know so much about saw-mills?" I told him I always calculated to notice everything that I passed, and gather some infor- mation as I went along, and that some of my best preaching places were among such establishments. I found he was becoming quite tame. He said, " I am not known by the name of B. I pass, both in the coun- try and in the city, by the title of the Lounger of the West." sheabjdown's ^autobiography. He then endeavored to entertain me with a lengthy- anecdote relative to a scene through which he passed in the city of New York. " At such a time," he said " I was down to the city, buying goods. I bought some of my goods at the firm of a father and son : the father was very aged, but the son was a real business man, in the vigor of life ; they were- the most religious people, sir, you ever saw. I bought a great many goods of them; we always had a very good understanding. The son said to me, after I had made my purchases, ' Now, sir, I should be very happy to have you take tea at my house this afternoon, at such an hour.' I re- plied, 'I cannot do that, sir; I am here,"you see, as the Lounger of the West, with my cow-hide boots on, and everything else in proportion, and I am not fit to go into company, especially if there are to be ladies present.' He told me that it would be a little family te ta tee; in the course of the evening there might perhaps be a friend or two dropping in, but no one whom I need be troubled about. I finally promised him I would go. Then, the first thing was to get shaved, the old boots blaeked, coat brushed, and rig everything in the best style under the circumstances. To my utter astonishment, after tea, we were shown into another apartment, (a very beautiful, elegant room ;) soon after, gentlemen and ladies began to drop in, and the first thing I knew I was in the midst of a cotillion party. Of course, I must figure with the rest, and a pretty figure I was. Now," he said, " after all was over, I was waited on to my room for the night. It had then got to be twelve or one o'clock. I had not been long in my room before I heard this pious gentle- man praying. I thought to myself, good Lord, these people could not pray when I was up ! , How very pious they must be.'' LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 161 After he was through with his relation, I said to him, " Mr. B., I have learned two things, sir, from your anec- dote. The first is, you do not think much of people who keep you up till twelve or one o'clock at night at a cotillion party; the next is, sir, that you have no confidence in those who pray after you have gone to bed. Now, sir, I am in the habit of praying every night, when I go to bed, certainly, either before or after I retire." — " Why, would you like to pray now ?" — " Just as you please, sir ; but 1 shall certainly pray to-night, and I should like you to have a good opinion of my Christianity." — " Daughter," said he, to a lovely child, " fetch in some more candles. Now, maybe the man would like to read." — " I should, sir, if it is your plea- sure." — " Bring your mother's big Bible." While this was doing, I looked at my watch, and said, "It is very near twelve o'clock." I read a portion of Scripture, kneeled down, and prayed, after which I said I would retire. He took a candle and waited on me to my room. He said, " There, sir, this is the best bed and room I have got in my house. I hope you will enjoy it. Pleasant dreams to you, sir; good night." On my pillow, I reviewed the scene, from the time Esq. C. had solicited an appointment from me, with the understanding that he was to go and get this gentle- man out to meeting. I believed that God was in this movement, but how, I could not tell. I was always in the habit of rising early in the morning, and I found that they did the same. We had an early breakfast. After breakfast, I commenced conversation again in reference to large tracts of wild land that he owned, after which I said to hkn, " I should like, sir, to look over your establishment here. I have about an hour that I can spare. I was brought up, in early life, to business, and it always does me good to see a prosper ous man. 162 sheardown's auto-biogbaphy. He replied, "I shall be very happy to show you what little we have here.'\ He went on speaking of some conveniences about his house, the tavern where he lived, then took me to the store, from there (I think) to the tannery, and from there led me along to an old building in the mouth of a little ravine : at once he stopped suddenly, and said, " I won't take you any further this way; this is rather a bad concern; that building," he said, "is my still-house; it came very near being carried away by the freshet, and I wish it had." He said, " It is poor business ; I think I shall never work it again. Now,'' said he, "I must show you the grist mill." He took me into the grist mill, through every nook and corner, until I was almost covered with cobwebs and flour dust. Every once in a while, he would give the meal a brush off me with his hand, but (as his hand was always very mealy) he left me in a worse plight than I was before. Yet he was always very careful to say, " I am sorry, sir, that you are getting so much of this white upon your clothes." I told him it made no difference to me, as I was used to the rough and tumble of life, and if it was not white it was just as likely to be black, from helping some poor man who might be trying to get a black brand on to his log-heap — for I never rode by a man, and saw him in trouble in getting a log up on his heap, but that I jumped from my horse and assisted him what I could. "Why/' said he, "you are a queer fellow. I never met with just such a one before." After I had gone through, I said, "Now, sir, I will' have my horse, and pay my bill. * Have you got a boy around that will saddle and bridle my horse ?" — " Tes, I will do that." We went to the stable, and found my horse in as fine trim as though he had come out of the hands of a perfect groom. He saddled and bridled my LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 163 horse, and brought him out. I asked him how large my bill was ? He said, " Nothing at all, nothing at all." After I had got into my saddle, ho said to me, "Ah, now you must dismount, and go back with me into the house." I went back with him ; he took me into the bar-room, unlocked the bar, went to his decanters, first taking out one stopple and then another, smelling of the contents, finally took a bottle and glass, and set them down, stood a moment, put them back, and came and took a seat by me, and commenced conversation again. I thought then, and I think now, his great ob- ject in this manoeuvre was to get me to drink some- thing, but he was afraid to ask me. I then walked out to my horse at the post, and got into my saddle. He said to me, " Now, sir, whenever you come this way, make my house your home. The best I have shall be at your service." I said to him, "Mr. B., I am very much obliged to you. And now, sir, I expect you are honest in what you say, and I accept your invitation. But there are some things about this, that perhaps I should do well to name. It is reported, far and near, that Mr. B. is the most pro-, fane man there is in this country, and is in the habit of getting into what the people call 'tantrums.' Now, sir, if I should call upon you, and you should be in your business, I shall not come and interfere with you, for the sake of seeing you, for men never wish to be interrupted when they are crowded with business mat- ters; and I don't want, sir, that you should ever come where I am when you are in those tantrums. I pro- fess not only to be a Christian, and a Christian minister, but a gentleman, and when I call at your house, sir, if you can step aside from your business, I shall expect to have your company, and that we shall try to be sociable and do each other good. My great object is 164 sheardown's auto-biography. to benefit the children of men. Now, sir, I have said this to you in the honesty of my heart, and I hope we shall often meet to enjoy seasons of conversation to- gether." — "Go on, sir, go on; you are the queerest fel- low I ever saw in my life." The next time I staid all night there, he and his wife were away from home. I was well cared for, and in the morning asked the young man for my bill. " O," said he, "father told us, if ever Eld. Sheardown came here, and he was not at home, to let him have the best the house afforded, and never charge anything." I thanked him, talked with him a moment or two, and went on my way. The next time I was there, he was at home, and I had a very pleasant time. He said to me, with tears in his eyes, " Now, sir, if you will come and live in this village, I will find you a good house, to live in, and see that you lack for nothing, and I will build you a church in the corner of my orchard there — that beautiful place — that shall cost three thousand dollars. I will enter into bonds that" shall be perfectly satisfactory to you, to do all that I have said." I told him my calling was of such a nature that I could not settle anywhere. Things were assuming such features, in York State, that it was necessary for me to curtail my labors in Pennsylvania. The next I heard of Mr. B., a man rode up to my own door, soon after daylight, with a jaded horse, which looked as though he might have been going all night. I invited the man in, and called one of the boys to take his horse. He said he had come, on express from Mr. JB.'s, for me to return with him with all speed ; that Mr. B. was very sick, and the probability was that he could not live. I questioned the man in relation to how he was taken, what was the matter, what the LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 165 physician said about him, how long he had been sick, with a great many other inquiries. Prom the man's account, I gathered the idea in my own mind that his sickness would not be unto the death of the body, for everything indicated that he was under the greatest distress of mind for his sins. I told the man that I could not go ; that I had other engagements that I must fulfill, and that I could not save Mr. B.'s life. " But you return home, as soon as you can, and say from me to Mr. B., that no earthly power can do him good ; there is but the one Physician, and that is Jesus Christ. Tell Mr. B. to commit himself, soul and body, for time and eternity, into the hands of the Saviour, and he will be well enough." Por some years, I heard nothing from Mr. B. One day in 1854, my senior Deacon, who had heard me speak in reference to the gentleman, and knew some- thing of my anxiety to know his condition, said to me, " Your old friend, Mr. B., is living in Blmira. Would you not like to go down and see him ?4' I said, " Yes, indeed, I would." He replied, " To-morrow morning I will take you down there. I am acquainted with him. He is a very different man, now, from what he was when you first knew him." "We made the call, and found him at home. He was a good deal haggard with the toils and cares of a long and arduous business life, but I had scarcely entered the room before he recog- nized me, and embraced me with the greatest rapture. After we had talked a few moments, he said, " I want to pray. Let us all kneel down and pray together." The scene was what I can not describe ; the feelings of my heart no human tongue can tell. This was the last interview I had with Mr. B. How different from the first ! I hope and trust he now is in heaven. 166 sheardown's auto-biography. three poor families. I had been traveling some in Potter county, Penn- sylvania. When I came to a school-house, if there was school, I would arrange with the scholars, at noon, to run around and give notice to a few of the nearest neighbors, who, with the children, would make up quite a congregation, and I would try and preach to them Jesus and the resurrection. Then I would in- quire the course in which there was another school- house, and, if it was in my reach before school was dis- missed, would get out an evening appointment, then find somebody with whom I could stay all night. Thus pushing around from place to place, I finally crossed the line into Tioga county, and preached in a settlement where I had spoken a few times before. There I met with two or three . Baptists. After the meeting was out, a man came up, shook hands with me, and called me by name. I had to look pretty close, for all the light we had through the service was from a few slivers of fat pine, inserted in the jams of the old fash- ioned log-house fire-place. He asked me if I would not go home and stay all night with him. I told him I preferred not going any further, if I could stay where I was ; but he insisted that I should go with him. I asked him the distance. He said not over a mile. His wife was in company with him, and I concluded that if she could walk that distance through the pitch dark- ness, I certainly could ride. - They were both irreli- gious. I talked with them, prayed with them, and en- deavored to point them again to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. I had preached to them in York State. They appeared to be among the very poor, but what they had was free as water. My horse faired a great deal worse than myself, but he said nothing, had no fauit to find, for he had learned, no LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 167 doubt, that the mission field was often very scarce of provender. In conversation with the man, early in the morning, after haviDg eaten a very light breakfast indeed, we talked about the way to Phcenix Kun. He wanted to know how far from Pine Creek. 1 told him, as near as I could guess. " Well, now," he said, "Elder, you are a pretty good back-woodsman, and if you can keep the course through the woods as I will give it to you, you will strike the Eun at the foot of Bound mountain." I thought that there were so many mountains, and round ones too, that it was not a very definite direction. He said it was only eight miles through the woods, but there was no path, not even marked trees, by which I could be guided. He pointed out the direction, where the wind was, and said, if I kept the wind so and so, I would no doubt come out right. I concluded to try it, inasmuch as it was going to shorten, very greatly, my travel. Having got perhaps two miles into the deep wilderness, my horse made signs that there was some- thing around that he did not like very-well, for he was always afraid of wild animals. While talking to him I heard the brush crack. My horse jumped, and I looked around, but saw nothing. Very soon, I heard it crack again, and thought perhaps it might be a panther drawing his heavy carcass along; but, in a little open- ing to the right, I saw a man, and he saw me, and as we approached each other I hailed him by his given name, " Oliver ! what are you doing here, my "brother?" He was a young man whom I had baptized, with a number of others, some time before, on PiDe Creek. I asked him where- he was steering to? He said, " To the creek." — " Where do you calculate to strike Phoe- nix Kun?" He replied, "At Eound mountain." I asked, " Why do you call it Eound mountain ?" — " 0," 168 sheabdown's auto-biography. he said, " the people have names for almost all these mountains." I asked him if he had ever been through this piece of woods before ? He said, " Yes, once." I remarked, " I think you are bearing too much to the right, otherwise the wind has changed." He said he thought he was pretty near right, but would not be sure ; and as we kept talking and moving on, he added, if we are right, we shall come to a house, pretty soon. I said I had never heard of a house anywhere in that part. While we were talking, " There," said he, " I see the break, now, in the woods." We soon came to what back-woodsmen call a " slash fence :'' there might have been, perhaps, an acre, the timber of which had been cut down, and left on the ground just as it fell. As we could not get through this slash fence, we consulted which was the best way to get around it, and had just started to work our way, when 1 saw some children. They must have been playing at hide-and-seek, for those that saw us began to shout and scream, and' very soon I saw three or four more little ones crawl out of a very large hollow bass-wood tree that had been cat down but was lying up on other timber. I saw at once that they were not all children of one mother. While we were talking and amusing ourselves with the children, we arrived pretty near to the house. There did not appear to be a vestige of anything growing, but what had sprung up wild from the bosom of nature. I said to the brother with me, "Hold on, I want to stop at this house." I went up to a rude door that was partly open, and knocked, but no an- swer. I always had one question to ask first, when I called at an isolated dwelling, and that was, " Where is your spring?" I opened the door, and asked the question. There were two women in the house ; one LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 169 answered, " The spring's down by that hemlock tree ; the gourd shell is there, sir." I then told them my name, and that I was a Baptist minister - r I asked them if they knew the course I should have to take to strike Phoenix Eun, near the Round mountain. They told me that I was on a pretty direct course. All this time, I was surveying their habitation. I asked them how long they had lived there ? They replied, " Over nine years." I asked them where they were from ? They said they were from York State. I asked them from what part of York State, but got no answer. I asked them what county? No answer. What town? All silent. I then concluded that, very probably, they were like several others whom I had met with, in isolated places, who had left York State for a cause. I asked them if they had a Bible ? They said, " No." A Testament? "No, sir." Why, what books have you? "Not any." Haveyou not an Almanac? "No, we have not any books." I talked to them some in relation to the interests of their souls. They were in- telligent, looked tidy in their persons, their garments well patched. I put it down that those females had seen better days. They had but one room. The floor appeared to be made of split chestnut ; chamber floor, they had none; chairs, and tables, were not there. I saw a small quantity of crockery, more or less broken. They had no chimney ; the logs had long been burned out where the fire was wont to be built, and a very large slab-stone, standing edgewise, served for a fire- back. There were some small pieces of venison hang- ing in a little smoke. Blocks, like shingle-blocks, appeared to be their seats. Their bedsteads (one on either side of the room) were very rude, but conveni- ent: they had bored into the logs with a two-inch auger, and inserted cross-pieces, which were put into a 15 1.70 sheaedown's auto-biogkaphy. hole of tho same size, in what might be termed the bed-posts. One difference I observed, between the bed-posts of civilization and those that were on the borders, was, that while we have but two posts on a side, theirs appeared to have three, with the head part some inches higher than the foot. On the cross-pieces appeared to be laid slabs or boards, (I could not say which.) I inquired for their husbands. They said they were out hunting. I would have given them my Bible, but it was the only one I had with me, and it would have been very difficult for me to have made my way home without a Bible. My companion left me soon after vsre arrived on the Eun, and I continued my course. Judging my horse by 'myself, I knew he must be very hungry. I was passing a little log cabin, something like seven miles from the settlement below, where I calculated to take my dinner. I was somewhat acquainted with the peo- ple living in the cabin ; they were pious, good people, but very poor. I saw, amongst the boys laying around the house, some very nice fresh grass, which I did not see on the mountain, for it was now about the middle of May. I thought I would ask the privilege of turn- ing my horse loose there a short time. I inquired of two children if their father and mother were in. One said no, the other said yes. While I was speaking, the good woman came to the door, very glad to see me. I told her that I wanted to let my horse pick a little of that grass, and I would stop ten or fifteen minutes. She asked me what time of day it was; I told her, about eleven o'clock. She said, " Now, Elder, you must stop and take dinner with ub." I told her she must excuse me, for I must go on, very soon ; (and I knew that, if I stopped to eat, I should " eat the children's bread.") But she was so importunate, that the thought struck LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 171 me, if I do not stay, she will think that it is on account of their poverty : so I concluded to tarry. She said to two little boys, "Bun down to the creek, and catch some trout." They were gone but a short time, and returned with a good string of trout. I saw her dress them, nicely, and put them into an old-fashioned frying- pan, minus butter, lard, or anything of the kind. She baked them in her pan, and put them on her table. She said, " Now, Elder, I cannot give you what I have not got; this is all we have, eatable." I sat down with her, asked a blessing, and we partook of the fish. It was, indeed, a " fish dinner." She remarked, " We should not have been so badly off, had it not been that my husband went down the river, and he is detained at tide-water. We expected him back some three weeks ago, and are looking for him every day. You must not be discouraged, and not call again, because we have so little." My heart was deeply moved, and my eyes could not refrain from weeping. We kneeled down and prayed, and if ever I felt humbled in view of the many excuses that had been made around my own table, when we were abundantly supplied with the necessaries of life, it was on this occasion. I left that house, I thought, a better man than I was when I entered it. Proceeding on my way, I reached my appointment in the evening, seven or eight miles below. ANXIOUS HEARERS, THROUGH A THUNDER STORM. On another occasion, not many miles from that place, I had an engagement where there were a saw- mill or two, and three log-houses. Preaching was to be in the afternoon. I had about eighteen miles to ride, at ten o'clock, A. M. My first offset was through a piece of woods, perhaps eight miles. I had not been in the woods long, before I heard it thunder. It was 172 sheakdown's auto-biography. evident that it would be a shower of some magnitude, and, from the way it appeared to be coming up, I knew I could not escape. I rode through the whole of it, and the shower was traveling the same direction that I was. Arrived at my appointment in due time. My congregation, of course, was but small, but I had all that were around the establishment. They remarked, " The shower has been very heavy, sir." I said, "Yes." They said, "You must be very wet, indeed." " I am, but I am used to it." When we were together, I sang and prayed, preparatory to my sermon. After prayer, I saw that, during that part of my service, my congregation was increased by two females, apparently as much drenched with rain as I was. After service, I went into the adjoining room, (it was a double log house,) because there was a little fire there. When I entered, I found those two females standing by the fire. I said to one, " You had to come through the rain?" "Yes," she replied. "Ain't you sorry that you came to meeting ?" She replied, " No sir, for 1 have not heard a sermon, until now, since I left York State." — "How long ago is that?" — "Three years, sir." The other one, added, " Nor I, either; the last sermon I heard, was preached in York State." — "How long ago, madam?" — "Over five years." My heart began to grow tender. I was sorry I had not given them more of the bread of life. After conversing with them a short time in relation to the interests of their souls, they remarked, almost simultaneously, " We heard of this meeting by accident : a man was passing through, and, among other things, he told about a meeting being here, and we concluded to come." I inquired, " Where did you come from — from what part ?" — " From a little, new settlement, above, sir." I said, I did not know there was a settlement, anywhere above. One LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 173 remarked, "It is about'seven miles — seven miles, sir." "You came down on foot, did you?" — "O yes," was the reply, " and through the thunder storm." One said, " It was very severe, sir. . "When we got out to the clearing here, there were thirteen dry trees, burn- ing, on the side of the mountain ; they had been struck by lightning." I said to them, "You will not return, I suppose, until morning?" One looked me in the face, and, the tears brimming upon her eyelids, said, " We must go back, to-night, sir ; we have left our babies at home." That broke my heart, (and why should it not, as long as a parent's heart was beating within my own bosom ?) I said to them, " "Why, it is now five o'clock ; you cannot reach your home before dark, can you ?" — " Yes, sir, we shall get home, if all is well." — " I care nothing about it," said the other, " if we can only get through "Wolf's Hole before night sets in." I parted with them, never to see them again. But such thirst for the waters of life, as was manifested by those friends, ought to put to shame thousands of professing Christians, who live within sight and sound of God's sanctuary, who, if it is not just so pleasant, and just so convenient, appear to opiate their consciences, and make up their minds that they are not called upon to go out to serve God under such unfavorable circum- stances ! GETTING A PREACHING PLACE IN WILLARDSBURG. My face was very soon turned homeward, taking Middlebury and Tioga churches on my way. This was a time of great interest with the latter body. My mind was much exercised as it regarded a common centre for that dear church, now largely increased by a group of precious converts. Its original location was Mitchell's Settlement, two or three miles below the 174 sheabdown's auto-biographt. village. Naturally, where a church is first established, there is an attachment to the locality, which some who live in the immediate vicinity feel reluctant to give up. It is like moving the ancient land-marks. My judg- ment was, that, for the church to grow, it must eventu- ally have its rallying point in Tioga village, and for that I had thought, prayed, and labored. But when- ever it was remotely hinted at, that Tioga would one day become the common centre, you could very clearly see that it disconcerted the older members. An empty house in the village I caused to be obtained for preach- ing, thinking that finally the members' minds might be turned so that it would appear to them duty, there to erect the banner of the cross. I do not say too much, (and the older Christians will sustain me in the assertion,) that the village was the hardest place to obtain a congregation, anywhere in. that part of the country. Not that I mean to say they were sinners above all ; but they had formed habits of Sabbath dese- cration ; there was no charm in the Gospel to them ; and Jesus was as a root out of dry ground. It was very difficult, at my first outset, to obtain a place to speak in. But one gentleman, whom I have always highly esteemed for his kindness, said to me, if I Would preach in his wood-shop, he would have the upper part of it cleared, out, and he thought it would make a very comfortable place for meetings. I said to Mr. 0., the owner of the shop, " It is a great favor, sir, for which I am very grateful, to G-od and to you." My first effort in my new meeting house was very scantily attended. The next thing that absorbed my mind, was, how shall I get a congregation ? I hit upon this plan. Perhaps some of my brethren may think that there was too" much of the human hand in it, but thus it was: I was preaching up the river from Tioga, LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 175 down the river, and up Crooked creek, and my ar- rangement was for & simultaneous rally from those places, where I had good congregations, thinking per- haps I might provoke the people in the village to good works. I said to my friends in those localities, "Next Sabbath, at one o'clock, God willing, I shall preach in Mr. C.'s wood-shop, in Tioga. And now, can not a number of you, young friends, get up your teams, with as many as you can, and come into that place as near one o'clock as possible ?" When the time arrived, I was on the look-out. I saw the dust rising a short dis- tance down the river, and up the river, and up Crooked creek. They were driving like Jehu, showing their zeal for the Lord of hosts by their fast driving. They rounded to at the place appointed. Many of the people wondered what was the matter. The result was, I had a very large congregation, and from that day to this, whenever I have preaehed in that village, (which has been frequently,) I could never say that I wanted for hearers. This church, since the days referred to, has passed through a variety of changes. They had the elements of a strong church — members, wealth, and position; but the greater part were loeated near the old hive. After some time, they agreed, I believe mutually, to build a house of worship in the village. It is well lo- cated, and adapted to the size of the village. And had they only remained united among themselves, they might have been the most prosperous ehureh in any of these northern counties. But, alasl it has not been so. Difficulties of one kind or another would arise, and many became alienated in feeling. I thought, some- times, they would become moral cannibals, against whom Paul warned the Corinthians : " For, if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye are not con- 176 sheardown's auto-biography. siimed one of another." But I bless God, that, amidst all their changes, there have always been a faithful few who would hold on to the promises. They have had a great many pastors, some prudent, and some I fear im- prudent. Still, -by the grace of God, they continue to this day, and I think in a better state than they have been for many years. My anxiety for this church and community has been very great. And how could it be otherwise ? Here was the first door that opened to me in this State, and here God was pleased to give me a large portion of the richest sheaves I ever gathered for Him. BRO. BROAKMAN BROUGHT IN. In that first revival, while God was bringing in many of the more influential part of the community, there was one — a tall, lank-looking'lad — who professed to be converted, but who was rough, and unprepossessing in appearance as could be imagined. When we were hearing experiences, he told his, but there was an un- willingness, on the part of some of the church, to re- ceive him. Eld. Gillette had come from Elmira to aid me. I described to him the circumstances, and said, " Now, my brother, what shall I do ? I believe the boy is converted, but I doubt whether the church will re- ceive him. He wants to be baptized, and I am desirous to baptize him." He replied, it would not be exactly orthodox. But I would baptize him. I talked with some of the leading brethren, and told them what I should do. They remarked, it would be far better if all could be agreed. It appeared to me that they scarcely could help being agreed— that there could be nothing in the way to a just cause. He was received, and baptized. The poor young brother afterwards went to work in a lumber bush, and had one leg LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 177 broken, but was kindly cared for by a dear family in that region. I have walked in sight of that young man these many years, fieligion appeared to do everything for him, soul and body. He began to work at the carpenter's trade, and became a master mechanic — also a good English scholar (although a German) — taught school — was tried about his duty to preach — was licensed by the church in Tioga— -manifested con- siderable adaptation to the work of the ministry — and was finally ordained, in Catlin, Chemung county, Janu- ary 15th, 1851. I think, under the circumstances, he has become a good minister of Jesus Christ. He sur- mounted many difficulties, and remains to this day a brother (to me) much beloved. That wag no other individual than the present Eld. S. M. Broakman. THE REVIVAL IN SULLIVAN TOWNSHIP. Another circumstance, not far from this time, oc- curred, to me of some interest. Having gathered together one evening at the old school-house on the bank of the river in Mitchelltown, 1 saw in my congre- gation a brother and sister I had known between the Lakes. The man was a Methodist, and his wife was a Baptist, of talent, and piety. In our conference meet- ing, after sermon, she arose and spoke through her tears with great earnestness, beseeching the people to spare the minister to go up into their neighborhood and preach for them. The brother, after she had got through, made some appalling references to the desti- tution and moral condition of the place. It appeared that there was a Baptist church, so called, but the pas- tor was a whiskey drinker, and believed that every day was alike ; consequently, his children were often employed on the Sabbath, laboring, while the father was preaching. She concluded that they could not go 178 sheardown's auto-biography. home unless they had an appointment to take. I finally said to her, " My sister, have your kettle boiled, your tea-table set, and, precisely at sundown, I will, through Divine Providence, be at your house [on such a day.] Have my appointment for early candle-light." I had in company with me a young man who was studying for the ministry, and who kept an account of my appointments, when and where. He remarked to me, "You can't do it, Elder; we shall be in Potter county, the night before." The reply was, "I know that, my brother. But, if the Lord permits me, I shall fill my appointment as committed to those friends." When the morning of the day came, I knew that it was not far from fifty-four miles to the place of my destination in the evening. We took a very early start; there was some snow on the ground, and we were on runners. We made pretty good time, until we got into the township of Middlebury, where the snow left us, and the hubs were pretty sharp, but we made out to arrive at Bro. E. Mitchell's. I told him I wanted dinner, or something to eat, and my horse fed, as soon as he was in a condition to eat. I added, "Now, Bro. Mitchell, can you lend me a saddle and bridle ? I must be at Bro. .Reynold's, at sun-down, this afternoon." I said that I would leave, in exchange for the saddle and bridle, my cutter, harness, and Bro. Smith. I got on my faithful old pacer, and (as we generally say) " put him through.'' Just as the sun was dropping below the foot of the horizon, I arrived at the place of meet- ing, and found everything, that could be. desired, ready for myself and horse. It is seldom the missionary meets with a better home than was found there. I preached that evening to a very large congregation, in Bro. Beynold's house, and made appointments, after sermon, for the next day. LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 179 My impression is that I preached four sermons that day, (I know I preached three,) on the subject of faith and repentance. My sermon in the evening was at the same house where I preached the night before. It was a time of great breaking down. There were some present from the former named (would-be Baptist) church. They felt very intensely. One brother arose and said that he had been excluded for paying (I think it was) two-and-sixpence to the Tract Society ; another said he had been excluded for joining a Temperance pledge or society; and so on. It was very evident that God was doing his own work by his own appointed agency in that place. I left another appointment, but, before leaving in the morning, I said to Bro. Eeynolds, " Now, my dear brother, God is going to begin a good work among you, and I feel an assurance, that, if I live to come back, I shall find some precious souls converted. Amongst them, I shall expect to find your dear little daughter. And now, my brother, if she is converted, it would be pleasant for her to go with you; but I expect, if soundly converted, she will want to be a Baptist. Do not stand in her way, but let her take her own course, and God will bless you both." His heart appeared to be broken, his head a fountain of water, and his eyes filled with tears, as he replied, "I have never asked God where my children should go, or into what church; but I have asked Him, a great many times, that He would convert them/' We parted, I trust, well filled with the Spirit. When I returned to fill my appointment, I heard, be- fore I was well out of my saddle, from the lips of sister Eeynolds, (for she came into the door yard to meet me,) " Our daughter is converted, we hope," and such a one, and such a one. After the evening service, we 180 sheardown's auto-biography. heard the relation ^of their Christian experience, re- ceived the statements of some of the brethren who had been excluded, (to whom I have before referred,) and formed a kind of church nucleus, (I think we called it a conference.) In the morning I was to baptize. It was very cold, the streams hard frozen, and water near by was rather scarce. I got up early, and said to Bro. Eeynolds, " Now, where can we baptize those candi- dates .? The ice will have to be cut, and necessary pre- parations made." He said, " It is all done, sir. I have been and done it myself." ' That truly bespoke the character of the man. Prom that little gathering, I believe, the foundation of the Gray's Valley Baptist church, (in East Sullivan,) Tioga county, was laid. There was a Bro. Myron Eockwell, who had trials about preaching. He identi- fied himself, I believe, with this little body, and a son of the brother at whose house I preached, I believe had been baptized between the Lakes. Eld. Eockwell has preached for them a great deal, and the young Bro. Eeynolds for years has been a consistent Deacon of the church. The church on what is called the State Eoad, might be termed an offshoot from that in Gray's Valley. It was still impressed on my mind that my labors in Pennsylvania must very soon, in a great measure, come to an end, and I hoped the young man whom I have before referred to (then traveling with me,) would an- swer to fill'my place in that mission field. He had no 1 care's, but just himself and horse, (which, by-the-by, was a very good one,) and in this respect all appeared to be favorable. He was ordained in one of my churches in York State, in the town of Eeading. He entered upon his work, and I thought was pretty well broken in for a young man. But, some way, he failed LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 181 for want of adaptation to the field : when the rough and tumble was left to him alone, b*e did not appear to be equal to the emergency. I would not imply by this that he might not be adapted to other fields of labor. FORMATION OF BRADFORD ASSOCIATION. During those years, Campbellism, with its baptismal regeneration, was flooding Northern Pennsylvania, and the billows were making a desperate effort to run over into Southern New York. In 1830, I think, it made its appearance as far north as Trumansburg, be- tween the Lakes. There was an old organization, called the Chemung Baptist Association, which became a perfect wreck by Campbellism and Antinomianism. The churches in Bradford county, and part of Tioga, Pennsylvania, appeared to suffer most, and indeed all of them have not yet got entirely over those days of adversity and alienation. Bro. Gillette exerted his in- fluence to save the remnant of the churches along the border, by finding a home in the Seneca Association, in York State. I remember Eev. D. M. Eoot, from Troy, in Bradford county, and brethren from Middle- bury and Tioga in Tioga county, from Wellsburg on the Chemung, and from other places, sought an asylum in the same Association. When the storms of error had in some measure passed over, the churches in Bradford county (with some from Tioga) rallied and formed the Bradford Association, about 1835. I be- lieve I was present at its first annual meeting, which was held in Columbia township, Bradford county, in a school-house on what was called " Baptist Hill," not far from the present house of the Columbia and Wells church. The venerable Davis Dimoek, of Montrose, Susquehanna county, was present, and was chosen Moderator of the Association. Bro. E. Mitchell, of 16 182 sheaedown's auto-biography. Middlebury, had a connection living there, whom he desired to see, and invited me to accompany him. The Moderator was anxious that a sermon should be preached on Foreign Missions, and that a collection should be taken for the same. But it appeared there was no one ready or willing to preach on that subject. Bro. Mitchell arose and said he had with him a minis- tering brother, who, he thought, would preach, if in- vited. Eld. Dimock shook his head, and remarked that error was prevailing so much, he wished one of their own brethren would preach the sermon. He being in the chair — though not a member of the Association — and a man of extensive influence and known reputa- tion, his words had great weight. However, no indi- vidual was found ready to preach on the occasion. Bro. Mitchell again urged that the stranger with him should be invited. 1 thought, '•' Why should not Eld. Dimock, the chairman, preach it himself?" and pro- posed the thing. But that was waived, and I was asked some questions relative to my views of missions. I said little in answer, but remarked that I hoped, if! should preach anything heterodox on the subject, the Moderator would be kind enough to stop me, and I would willingly desist and thank him for his honesty. I received the invitation, and preached from Psalms, 72d chapter, 8th verse : " He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth." The collection, I think, amounted to a little over six dollars. It being their first effort, they felt much gratified at what they had done. The Moderator kindly and affectionately gave me his hand, saying, " This is the doctrine, my brother, which we want preached throughout all this region of country." I thought the Association parted under very encourag- ing circumstances, and hoped and prayed that their LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 183 benevolence might grow with their growth, and strengthen with their strength. I have lived to see the day when that desire and prayer are in a great measure answered. LINDLET AND LAWRENCE — MR. AND MRS. MORGAN. Another reminiscence of by-gone years puts my mind in connection with one I had known across the Atlan- tic. "When referring to my difficulty on coming to this country without a church letter, I stated that there was a brother, residing in Philadelphia, who was for- merly in church fellowship with me in the old country. I was almost as familiar, with his children, as with my own. In 1830, or thereabouts, I was much surprised by a gentleman and lady riding up to my door. Whom should she be but the daughter of my dear Bro. Bernard? She had married a gentleman called Col. A. C. Morgan. She had heard of me, and came to meet us again face to face. He had bought a large tract of wild land, and gone into the lumbering business at Lindley, near the State line. They gave me a very pressing invitation to visit them with my wife, and preach. In the course of time, a door opened, and for the first time, on that part of the waters of the Tioga river, I endeavored to speak for God. Col. Morgan was a gentleman of su- perior business talent, but was an unconverted man. "When passing up and down, making my tours into Pennsylvania, it was often convenient for me to call and try to pay my way in preaching. My heart was much moved in relation to the place. I received a line from Mrs. Morgan, stating, in language the most en- couraging, her hope that her dear husband was con- verted to God. I was going up the river very soon, when we had a pleasant interview. I left an appoint- ment to preach on my return, when God was pleased 184 sheabdown's auto-biography. in the multitude of His mercies to pour out His Spirit, and a number were hopefully converted. Things looked, to human observation, to be very fair for the growth of a comfortable little church. REV. AND COL. PUTTKAMMER. There was living with Col. Morgan, a German — a talented young man, of superior education — but his mind very dark as it regarded the plan of salvation. He had supposed he was all right, and safe for eternity, because the priest had made him a Christian when he was a little baby. However, it soon became evident that he was in trouble about his soul. I shall never forget the time when I took him by the arm, as we wended our way to the bank of that beautiful stream. Sitting on a fallen buttonwood tree, I endeavored to open unto him the way of eternal life through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He professed faith in Him. After some time, he left the employ of Bro. Morgan, and fell into the hands of another pious family. He soon became anxiously desirous to do something for the salvation of others, and would try to distribute tracts or anything in his power. But God appeared to have a duty for him, and to preach the Gospel became like a fire in all his bones. He became a member of the Lindley and Lawrenceville Baptist church. I had lost track of him for some years, when I heard that he was preaching to a German congregation in the city of Eochester. It was reported that he was the son oT a German prince, and was exiled from his home and his country in consequence of having placed his affections upon a young lady in whose veins did not run royal blood. I did not have this from himself, for I never pried into his secret affairs, and he always appeared to be very reserved when conversing about his home and LABORS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 185 the events of his younger days. The next I Ijeard from him was that he was the pastor of the German Baptist church in the city of Albany. But I have been informed that the same brother (Alexander Von Putt- kammer) has since honorably served as Colonel of the 11th New York Battery in the Union contest against the Eebels. CHAPTER VI.— 1830 to 1860. Formation of Caton Church— Three Days 1 Meetings: Views as to their Errors and Benefits — Labors as an Evangelist, Chiefly in New York State — A Variety of Revival Incidents and Peculi- ariaties — Chemung River Association — Protracted Efforts' in Caton — Trumansburg — Steuben County : Bunting Foxes up at Babcock's: Backslider Reclaimed— Howard Flats: the Uhi- versalist Preacher, Struck Dumb : a Pentecostal Deacon, Con- founded : Gunpowder Plot — Seneca Falls : Old Ship Zion — Big Flats : Roads Blockaded with Gates, and the Guilt Con- fessed: the Toung Horse- Racer and Gambler— Yates County: the Wicked Valley : Happy Change : Disturber Silenced — Crooked Lake — The Agricultural Sermon : the Card Player — Political Alienations : an Offended Member Prays Against his own Church : Another Confesses his Annoying Partizan Songs — A Church Opposes its' Pastor as to a Protracted Meeting, but Relents, and is Blessed — Rochester Meetings — How a Sign-Post was Torn Down — Personal Appeals, or Individual Efforts — Singing in Open Meetings. Having retired from my field in Pennsylvania in a great measure, I was next on the look-out for some other destitute place on the Southern tier of counties in York State. CHURCH IN NO. 1, (NOW, CATON.) I was conversing with a brother, in the town of Hornby, who tried to preach a little himself. He in- formed me that, in a remote settlement in what was then called " Number One," now known as the town of Caton, in the south-east corner of Steuben county, there were a few brethren and sisters who had moved in some years before. Eemembering the day of the 188 SHEABJDOWN'S AtPTO-BIOGRAPHT. covenant meeting of the church from whence they came, they met together, the same day, for conversa- tion on the dealings of God with them. There were but few Christians in the settlement, the major part of the people being unconverted. He entreated me to, go and see them, for it was a very rare thing for a minister to pass through that place. If I would promise to go, he would go with me. I could not state the time, but he said, when you get ready to come this way, call on me, and we will go over and see how they do. The first opportunity I. had, I called on him, and said, "Can you go to ' Number One ?' " — " Yes," he said, "do you want to go to-day ?" I replied, " Yes, if we can get there in time to circulate an appointment for the evening." He said, he thought we could. We were both well mounted, but the day wore away so fast that I was afraid we should not be able to get many out. He said, "We can expect only a handfull of people." I remarked to him, " If we do anything, we must make .a fuss about it." As we entered the settlement, he said, "We will stop here." The day was very cold, and we both needed a stopping place. We inquired for the man and woman, or the heads of the family ? They were not at home. There were some stout, lusty-looking young men,' and one or two of the daughters who were well able to, set the table. I began to talk about the state of religion, when one of the young men turned around to me and said, " We never h'ave any preaching here, scarcely, and I don't care much whether we ever have any more such preaching as we have had, or not." I asked him if he was a professor of religion ? He said he was. I told him I was glad of it, for I was a Baptist minister, and wanted to preach. He replied, " I don't think we shall care about hearing you. We have been taken in, EVANGELIZING — REVIVAL INCIDENTS. 189 here, too much, by strangers." I remarked to him that there must not be much time lost in getting out the appointment. " I shall preach, sir, and I shall not notify the peo- ple myself." He said, "I should like to see your credentials." I told him my credentials he had no business with. " You are acquainted with the brother who is with me, and by him you have been sending invitations for me to come over and preach. I am come, and there is no time to be lost, parleying about credentials. And now, sir, I want you to start, and start speedily ; and I want you should run, not walk, but run from house to house, just as fast as you can, and tell them that Eld. Sheardown is going to preach, to-night, at the Miller school-house. Now, don't you delay, sir." — "But I have not time," he said. "It makes no difference to me, sir, whether you have time or not. Tou have got to do as I tell you ; and now, make all speed, and just give the notice; do not stop a moment at any house to talk, but do up the work effec- tually." I finally got him started. And he went like a rolling ball before the wind. He called at a certain house, and said there would be preaching that evening at the school-house. The lady said, " Stop I I want to know by whom." — "I don't know," said he, "he is the queerest fellow I ever saw. He almost swore that he would preach." — " Is he alone ?" was the inquiry. " No, Bro. W. is with him."—" Well, then, it is Eld. Shear- down." — " I don't know, it is Shear-something ; but I must not stop, or he'll be after me, as no fellow before ever was after me." He did the work faithfully, excited every individual he saw, and himself was a per- fect eccentric. Perhaps no person who got the word, failed to be at the meeting that evening. My text was, " And thou hast well done that thou art come." 190 SHEABDOWN'S AUTO-BIOGRAPHT. RELIGIOUS MEETINGS FOB DAYS. That night was the entering wedge, that opened the way for my going again. I was solicited to go and preach three or four days, or as long as I could. They said the people would drop everything, and attend meeting, any time when I could make it convenient to come. I sent them word at what time I would be there. The appointment was made, and the few Chris- tians were ready to go to work. We had a blessed season. Several choice spirits were converted to God. It was remarked, by many, that there were not more than two or three men in the settlement who were not converted, or under pungent conviction, and those few were scoffers. One, especially, would tantelize the pious by saying, " yes, you have a great deal of feel- ing, now, for us sinners ; but, as soon as Sheardown is out of the place, there will be no more praying for sinners." A TEST OF FArrHFUENESS. Something like a year or more after this, one of my good deacons was with me as we passed through that settlement, and I preached over night, ready to depart early in the morning. We started not far from sun- rise. There was a little snow on the ground, the morning cold and chilly. Our course lay through a long strip of woods, on a road very seldom traveled. I saw some men coming towards us> and said to Dea- con Overbiser, my companion, " There, I believe, come some of our Number One brethren ;" and surely they were. We stopped and talked a few moments. I got out of my saddle and hitched my horse to a little sapling. The brother inquired, " What are you going at, Elder ?" — " I am going to have a prayer meeting here in the woods." I was x very desirous to know EVAN are the changes and improve- ments — I see no landmark by which I can determine where it was that I first labored, in this region. We passed on to the ever-hospitable abode of that large- hearted, beloved brother, the late £>ea. Jesse Edsall, of Columbia, (Columbia and Wells church.) DIGRESSION — THE MILLPORT, AND THE LINDLET AND LAW- RENCEVILLE CHURCHES. Before commencing my experience with the Troy church, I am wondering what has become of the church in Millport, and also that at Lindley and Lawrence- ville ! They used to have their place with the churches composing the Chemung Eiver Association, but of late years we do not see them. Both have been subject to fainting away, every once in a while, but I have never heard that either of them had entirely given up the ghost. For some time, I have doubted the ability of the brethren in Millport, to retain their visibility. Their location is not the best. Tet I have hoped that the interest in that place might live, providing the strong and wealthy church at the Horse-Heads would throw their arm around it, so that they might remain as a branch church if no more. \ But I see no reason why the Lindley and Lawrence- ville church should be in its present condition. Its location is good, with a community from which should be gathered a Baptist church of some strength. It was organized in 1841. I well remember its recogni- tion, when our venerable father, Alfred Bennett, preached from that memorable text, " The Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." HORNELLSVILLE— S0UTHP0RT— TROY. 31] They appeared to commence under favorable auspices — have had several pastors — and for some years kept up their meetings regularly. In relation to them, (as also to several other small churches on the southern tier of towns in New York, and the northern tier in Pennsylvania,) I have thought that the great failing has been the want of adaptation in their pastors to the work on which they have entered. They may all have been good men. But i^ demands peculiar talents for gathering churches. And to build up under such cir- cumstances, requires missionary habits of life, unshaken confidence in God, indomitable perseverance, and good common sense. LABOR ON, AND CONFIDE IN THE GREAT JEHOVAH. Moreover, I have often feared that many pastors cripple their own energy by doubting and fearing lest peradventure they may not be sustained. I know no other way but for a preacher to do his full duty and trust in God. I may be permitted to testify on this subject, because, in all the ministerial labor that I have done, and the churches which under God I have been enabled to build up, I never had anything from a con- vention or missionary fund, save in Jefferson and Hor- nellsville. . And we can erect our Bbenezer to-day and say, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us ! And now a few words in relation to the church over which God has permitted me to preside for four years past. First I would say, I have not accomplished all that I hoped to do, but I can truly add that I have done what I could. I have not kept back anything that I thought was for the glory of God and the best interests of Zion. I have tried to give my hearers the cream of my long experience and observation. I have thought as intensely, perhaps, as I have ever done, to 312 sheardown's auto-biography. bring forth things both new and old. In sickness and in health, I have received from them nothing but kind- ness and attention. I have some as choice brethren and sisters as can be found anywhere. They have my affections — they live in my heart and in my prayers. THE GREAT DEFICIENCY AMONG US, AS WELL AS AMONG OTHERS. But, as a church, we are not what we wish we were. Perhaps the principal lack is that of more ardent piety — more love and affection for each other — more the appearance of a unity of brotherhood, as one com- mon family. Not that I am disappointed in coming here. Many years ago, I learned that the great want of the church generally, in these latter days, is a strict discipline, and more thorough teaching in the' doctrines of the Gospel of Christ. We need to master the great fundamental truths of religion — vivid perceptions of the deep things of God, as revealed unto us in the New Testament — to see more clearly the necessity of divine sovereignty and human agency going hand in hand — with a good understanding of our peculiar views as Baptists — carrying out in our lives the Gospel we pro- fess — and walking up to our covenant obligations with God and one another. No doubt we are often weak, when we might be strong, were we better acquainted with God's claims upon us. And we can only attain to this by a growing knowledge of the will of God -con- cerning us, as revealed in the volume of divine inspi- ration. local history. For the early annals of the Troy Baptist church, I am indebted to its late pastor, and am grateful for the privilege of embodying it in this work — [see Appendix.] HORNELLSVILLE— SOUTHPORT— TROY. 313 THE BIBLE TOO MUCH OVERLOOKED. It appears to me that there is among the body of Christians a fearful lack in this one thing — we know by far too little of the Bible One great cause of this, is because we read almost everything but that "Book of Books." We hear in every church, in prayer circles, in conference meetings, in religious con- versations, but very few quotations from the sacred, Word — and many professed quotations from the Bible are made up from some other book, or something we have heard or formed in our own minds, and taken it for granted that the Bible says so I A PREACHER SADLY AT FAULT. When I hear such mis-quotations, it reminds me of a certain Baptist minister, who,- when he arrived at the place of his appointment, (which was in a school-house) ^ found that he had left his pocket Bible at home, and there was no Bible present. He said, very confiden- tially, "It makes no difference, friends : I shan't take a text that you won't find between the lids of the Bible. It is certainly there, though I can not give you the chapter and verse. Now my text is, ' Stripped for the race and harnessed for the battle.' " After the services were over, a Presbyterian deacon said to him, " Elder D., your sermon did very well. I have no fault to find with it. But your text is not in the Bible." The minister replied, rather short, " Yes, sir, it is in the Bible." — " Well, my brother," replied the deacon, " if you will find it, come to me, put your finger upon it, and let me read it, I will give you my horse and buggy for the information." The minister searched diligently, by the help of his Concordance, but could find no "Stripped for the race and harnessed for the Battle." The deacon saw him some time after, and said, " Why 27 314 sheardown's auto-biography. didn't you come for my horse and buggy ?" — " Why," he confessed, " I could not find the text."—" Do you know the reason, sir ?" — " I suppose," replied the min- ister, "it is not there." There was a preacher who was too little acquainted with his Bible, and here was a deacon, trembling upon the borders of the grave, with his mind so stored with God's Word that he knew assuredly the words the preacher used.for his text were not in that sacred volume. And here is the great difficulty with us at the pre- sent day. We do not read and treasure up in our hearts and in our memories, as our fathers did, the blessed promises of God's Word, the glorious truths of divine revelation. O, that we would make a simulta- neous start as Christians, and in this respect return to the good old paths of those who have gone before us ! GRATEFUL TO CHRISTIAN FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. I feel happy in my relation with my brethren here. I have always been conscious that the churches here had to bear more with me, than I had to bear with them ; and the only difference is, that the members have to bear with the failings of one, while the pastor has to bear with the failings of many. And I am very much indebted to this community. 1 have never found more friends, outside of my church, than I have found in Troy. As far as I am concerned, I do not think their equals can be found — unconverted people, and people of other denominations, give decided evidence that their friendship is of a genuine cast. You have stood by me, Christian friends and fellow- citizens ! in sickness in my family, and in death also. When my dear son died among you, so soon after his return from the army — on the 12th of January, 1864, (M& 25th birthday,) — you had tears to mingle with my HORNELLSVILLE— SOUTHPORT— TROY. 315 own ; you were ready with every act of kindness that human sympathy could prompt. And when — in the June following — my own breath was quivering upon my lips, and pulsation had so far ceased that it went abroad, (even to the Association, and to the public press,) that I was really dead, brethren, sisters, friends and neighbors never ceased in their kind administra- tions, by day or by night. APPENDIX. ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES. The foregoing is the continuous narrative of Bro. Sheardown, taken as described on page 12. In answer to points suggested, he has made the following addi- tional statements : Sow many believers have you baptized? — " Something over 1,400." It will be remembered that for eight years in England, and some time in America, he preached without ordination ; and in protracted meet- ings, and on some missionary fields, the pastors gene- rally attended to that ordinance. Sow many sermons have you preached ? — " I think, 12,000 sermons delivered by me during my ministry, would be quite a low estimate, and should not be sur- prised, if the exact number could be ascertained, if there were some thousands more. Between 1830 and 1836, while missionating, my sermons averaged nine a week — 468 a year. In protracted meetings, I often preached three times a day for weeks in succession. In Penn Yan, during one meeting, I preached 79 ser- mons, (from two to three per day,) there being but one sermon, by another brother, while I was preaching 318 sheakdown's auto-biography. those 79 — then, becoming somewhat exhausted, others preached alternately with me." As his public efforts cover half a century of time, and thirty years were most fruitful in varied labors, we should presume he may have made 20,000 religious addresses. How many different meeting houses, taverns, school and private houses, viills, &c, have you preached in? — "I could not undertake to say." Sow many churches have you been pastor of? — " I was active in originating seven churches, and in resusci- tating several others, of most of which I was" regarded as pastor, for a longer or shorter period. But, except- ing Troy, (and perhaps Southport,) I never settled as pastor over a church formed by others." APPENDIX. 319 DATA IN THE LIFE. 1791 — Born, near Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Eng- land. 1805 — Entered upon mercantile apprenticeship, aged 14. 1809 — Removed to London, aged 17. 1812 — Baptized in Hull, (Yorkshire,) aged 21. 1813 — Commenced public religious efforts. 1814 — Married Miss Esther Grassam. 1815 — Eeceived formal liberty to Itinerate. 1818 — Eemoved to Pontefract — Distress in England. 1820 — Spring. Visited Prance and Holland. " Fall. Settled in America, at Covert, Seneca county, N. T. 1821 — May. My family reached me. 1822 — Attended the first Seneca Association. 1824 — United with the Covert Baptist Church. 1826 — Settled in the woods of Catlin, Chemung county. 1827 — Gathered a Baptist Conference. 1828 — Organized Catlin Baptist Church — was Licensed. 1829 — Ordained to the work of the Gospel ministry. 1830 — Commenced Mission work in Pennsylvania. 1832— Caton Church formed (in "No. One.") 1834 — Re-organized the present church in Reading. 1844 — Removed to Reading as the pastor. 1848 — Engaged in new interest at Jefferson (Watkins.) 1852 — Engaged in new interest at Hornellsville. 1854 — May. Removed to the Plank Road in Southport. " July. Death of Mrs. Esther G. Sheardown. 1855 — Married Mrs. Lorrin A. Soper. 1860 — Pastor at Troy, Bradford county, Pa. 320 sheardown's auto-biography. ORDINATION SERVICES. [From page 17 of the Catlin (now Catlin & Dix) Church Book — then kept by A. C. Mallory, Clerk — we extract the following account of the proceedings of a Council held on the 11th of February, 1829.] PASTOR ORDAINED. By request of the Baptist church in Catlin, a council convened in the log-house of Anthony Pierce, consist- ing of the following delegates from sister churches : First Ithaca — Eld. John Sears, Bro. H. Wilson. First Covert — Dea. Lewis Porter, D. Wite. First Hector— Eld. J. Reynolds, S. Dolph. First Lodi— Eld. J. Fisk. First Elmira — S. Moore, Dea. J. Carpenter. The council organized by appointing Elder John Sears, Moderator, and J. Fisk, Clerk. After which the church presented Bro. Thomas S. Sheardown, for examination, relative to ordination. The council, after mature deliberation, unanimously Resolved, That we are satisfied with the Christian experience of the candidate, his call to the ministry, and view of Christian doctrine and practice. Resolved, That we proceed to the ordination of Bro. Thomas S. Sheardown. Resolved, That Eld. Sears preach on the occasion. Resolved, That Eld. Reynolds make the ordaining prayer, and lay on hands with Elders Sears and Fisk. Resolved, That Eld. Reynolds give the charge. Resolved, That Eld. Fisk give the right hand of fel- lowship. Resolved, That Eld. Sears address the church and society. The Benediction by the candidate. APPENDIX. 321 TEIBUTE TO MRS. ESTHER G. SHEARDOWN. BY A LADY WHO KNEW HER INTIMATELY. I rejoice to learn that God has spared the life of our revered father Sheardown, until he has completed the history of those labors .which were so eminently suc- cessful in the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. I hail its publication as a coveted heritage, which we shall delight to transmit to our children. But I remember, while I think of those untiring la- bors and sacrifices, of one who shared them all for many long years — not, indeed, before the public gaze, but, in the seclusion of her own quiet home, enduring hardships and bearing burdens, which must otherwise have rested upon- him, thereby preventing him from engaging in those labors. I feel that, as David of old required the spoil of battle to be divided with those who stayed by the stuff, making it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day, so some honor is due to her memory for those unostentatious labors. It is impossible for us, at this day, to have an ade- quate conception of the privations endured by the early- settlers of our country, even when most favorably situ- ated. But when we think of her living in a log house in the wilderness, often with none but her little chil- dren around her — feeding the cattle with her own hands, because no child was old. enough to doit — in case of sickness, doctoring and nursing and watching the children — yea, and in one instance, when sudden illness came upon one of them, and she . expected it must die before the morning, not daring to leave it, and, none of the others being old enough to go far for assistance in the darkness, preparing to lay out that 322 sheakdown's auto-biography. little one with its own mother's fingers — then we have a faint conception of some of the trials, which she cheerfully endured, that her companion might break the bread of life to the famishing. One point deserves particular notice. Let her sor- rows and privations in his absence be what they might, they were kept from him as much as possible, so that his mind should not be over-burdened with care. His return was always hailed with joy, by the whole family. But, much as she enjoyed his society, and necessary as might be his presence and aid to her comfort, she ever bade him go when those earnest Macedonian calls came — as they so often did — and followed him with inces- sant prayers for the blessing of God upon his labors. For many years, his salary or compensation for preaching, was very small, rendering it necessary for her to use all the economy and ingenuity which she possessed to meet the wants of an increasing family. She could remember when it was different with her : and cfoubtless there sometimes arose before her vision the scene of that bridal morning, when her husband conducted her to her new home, furnished, from garret to cellar, with ' everything essential to comfort, and where the wedding breakfast awaited her, prepared by her own servants. She could recall, too, succeeding days of prosperity. But, if the recollection of those by-gone days gave a keener edge to the privations she was enduring for Christ's sake, it was borne without repining. I do not believe a member of the church ever heard her boast of what she once possessed, or murmur on account of present privations. Patiently she strove to discharge every duty. Her family were always comfortably clad, appearing in the house of God neat and tidy in their apparel. While there were none of the family old enough to APPENDIX. 323 take charge of the rest, she was prevented from shar- ing her husband's labors abroad. But the church at home always enjoyed her presence and her co'unsels, in all its meetings, when it was possible for her to be there; and although we were sad because our loved pastor was absent, yet we were cheered by her exhor- tations and faithfulness in the service of Christ. The younger members of the church where she so long li7ed, looked up to her as to a mother in Israel, and many are the tender recollections of her loving kind- ness and anxious solicitude for their spiritual welfare, which some of them still cherish. She also strove to lead her own family in the narrow way, gathering them around the family altar in his absence, and com- mending them to a covenant-keeping God. As they grew in years, they shewed their affection for her by relieving her, as much as possible, from the burdens she must otherwise have borne — at times, taking the whole charge of the family, that she might accompany him in his labors of love, (a privilege which she much enjoyed, and well improved.) In the later years of her life, she had less of earthly care, and her religious privileges were greater, until finally she sunk to rest, beloved by all who knew her. Truly it may be said of her, " The memory of the just is blessed." J. E. H. 324 sheardown's auto-biography. FROM EBV. BENJ. E. SWICK. Adams' Basin, N. Y., Juno 19, 1865. Rev. Th. S. Sheardown, Troy, Pa. My Dear Brother — I have been thinking of you this morning, and concluded to write to you of the days that are past. On the 2d of January, 1831, I was buried in baptism, and, as I trust, came forth from that grave to walk in newness of life. From the first, I was impressed with the duty of preaching the Gospel, but was anxiously inquiring how one so unlearned, and so poor in the things of this world, as I was, could ever be put into the ministry, to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ. In the providence of God, you came to Wayne, Steuben county, and preached, in a school-house near the outlet of the Little Lake. Tou employed as a text, the words of our Redeemer, as recorded in Isaiah, 50th Chapter 4th Verse: "The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary." The earnestness of your manner in pointing out the wants of " the weary," and the knowledge of him to whom " the tongue of the learned" had been given, made an impression upon my mind that has never wholly passed away. Then and' there was firmly fixed in my heart the necessity of presenting important truths with holy zeal. From that time until I began, in much feeble- ness, to preach the Gospel, there 'vjas an almost hourly recurrence of my mind to the doctrine deduced from that beautiful verse, and to the manner of its enforce- ment. Although I have never used that particular text for sermonizing, yet, for more than thirty years, I have "kept in memory what you preached to me," and, as I hope, " believe not in vain." APPENDIX. 325 If time and space would allow, I should take pleasure in referring to your first field of labor, in Catlin. I once tried to preach to your people, when we, accom- panied by a number of brethren, retired to a log house, in that then new country. We spent the first hours of the night in telling what the Lord had done for our souls, and then laid our weary bodies down upon the floor, to rest for a few hours, preparatory to another day of toil and night of preaching — for it was a time of the outpouring of the Spirit in th.at place. I should like to refer at length to the time when " Old School- •ism" had well nigh swallowed up the church of which I was pastor, in Hector. God sent you to my aid, and made you his instrument as a deliverer. As you are nearer your home to-day, and as I hope to meet you again when we both have passed our Jordan, may I not ask you to pray for me that my faith fail not ? And may the God of all grace strengthen your heart, and, after you have suffered all his will, perfect and settle you in his heavenly kingdom ! Love to all. Truly yours, B. E. Swick. 326 sheardown's auto-biography. SKETCHES OP SERMONS. The following outlines of discourses were taken down, nearly thirty years ago, by a brother, who says in rela- tion to them, " These sketches may convey some idea of Eld. Sheardown's mode of treating a text, but I never knew him to take any written plan into the pulpit, or use one on any occasion. I do not believe he ever wrote one. He was among the most difficult of men to follow after, to make a report. I have many times taken pencil and paper, at the commencement of his sermon, and, after getting down perhaps two or three ideas, would become perfectly oblivious to all thoughts of writing, and find myself, at or near the close of the service, with mouth half open, and tears and sweat running profusely. Text — Isaiah 50, 11 . " Behold, all ye that kindle a. fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand, ye shall lie down in sorrow." Introduction. — The Christian has the promise of heaven and happiness— but these are not for the sinner. The word of God is compared to fire,"and its effects to a furnace. Those characters kindle a fire of their own — one which God has not kindled. But their fire has neither light nor heat. It is counterfeit, and coun- terfeiters grow, more skilful. Hence, ungodly men all have some creed. There are about seventeen hundred different systems of religious belief. We notice, I. Some of the fires which men kindle. 1st. To blunt conscience, some kindle the fire of Atheism. 2d. tilers, for the same purpose, deny APPENDIX. 327 such parts of the Bible as they cannot comprehend — yet they cannot tell which part is revealed, and which is not. 3d. Others deny the immortality of the soul. 4th. Some embrace Universalism. 5th. Some trust in their morality. 6th. Others expect to reach heaven because their pious parents had them sprinkled in in- fancy. 7th. Some trust in church membership, li£e Nicodemus, the High Churchman. But Jesus said, " Ye must be born again." Members of other churches satisfy themselves with the mere forms of religion. They enlist, but do not fight. 8 th. Some try to live religion alone — make no profession, &c. II. The consequences of so doing. "Ye shall lie down in sorrow." This term, "lie down," has reference to the end of a journey. 0; the sorrow of that soul that has expected heaven, and lies down in hell ! " They shall have it at God's hand" — no escape. Be not deceived ! ! Text — Zechariah 3, 9 : " Upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day." Introduction. — Jesus Christ is often spoken of under the figure of a stone. " Behold I lay in Zion for a foun- dation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone." Notice, that the eyes are not in the stone, but looking " upon" it. 1st. The eye of God was upon Christ, for the fulfil- ment of the covenent between them. -2d. The eye of divine Justice. 3d. Angels were looking ministers, $c. 4th. The eyes of wicked men — they recoiled, mocked, whipped, &c. 5th. Devils looked. 6th. Saints looked. 7th. The eye of Mercy was upon him. " I will engrave," &c. Anciently, the corner stone 328 sheardown's atjto-biography. had the initials of the architect engraved upon it. So Christ — and he showed the engraving when he said to Thomas, " Eeach hither thy finger," &c. " He hath upon his vesture and upon his thigh a name written." " Eemove the iniquity," &c. " Christ has become the end of the law for righteousness to every one that be- lieveth." " By his stripes we are healed." "Now no condemnation," &c. Christ has " spoiled death," &c. — He has dragged death and hell at his chariot wheels — when he rose, a mighty Conquerer, &c. His manner during pulpit ministrations was peculiar to himself, and no attempt at imitation could be made without spoiling the picture. Before service, he would walk the aisles, singing, and shaking hands with each one who came in. In prayer, he left the impression upon his hearers that he walked and talked with God. In reading hymns, and preaching, he gestured much. After reading his text, he usually laid the Bible upon the seat behind him, and, as he warmed in the work, would sometimes, lay off his coat, then his cravat and collar, and, for about an hour, would pour forth, in a manner indescribably attractive and impressive,' thoughts that, were a " wonder to many." A. C. M. APPENDIX. A FUGITIVE EPISTLE. [At the time of Bro. Sheardown's removal to South- port, his goods were sent to him from Havanna, but — very unfortunately — one box, containing his choicest private papers, &c, became mislaid, and he has since had no tidings from it. The loss to him, in preparing the sketch of his long and checkered life, was great, but has been very well supplied by his most remarkable memory of minute particulars as well as prominent events. There happens, however, to have been pre- served in the family, one letter, to the wife of his youth, which we venture here to insert, as a specimen of his yearnings for the endearments of home, even while his whole heart was engaged in carrying out the spirit of Paul's exhortation to Timothy : " "Watch then in all things ; endure afflictions ; do the'work of an -evange- list ; make full proof of thy ministry."] Walworth, January 10, 1813. My Dear Esther, — Having a few moments to spare, I have commenced another epistle to you, hoping you received my last in season. When we cannot see each other, it is good to converse in black and white, for thoughts on paper are better than none at all. Through the mercy of God, my health is good as usual. " The Lord is my portion, I shall not want." The field is a hard one, but God has done a good work here, and I hope will do more. I shall not finish this, until I sum up in this place. May the Lord bless you, my sister — good night ! Wednesday Evening. — Another day is past, and I am seated in my room, thinking about you and the dear children. When I think of home, in a moment I seem to be there. But, alas ! I will say no more about it,- or you will think I am homesick. You have always in- dulged me in my childish notions, and if I live to get home I expect you will still have to bear with me. Through mercy, my health is very good. Had a visit, 330 shbaedown's auto-biography. to-day, from Bro. Grriswold, the pastor witli whom I hold my next meeting. He is a good soul, "and has a precious wife. I think I shall have a good home, and this I know will be pleasing to you. I am as happy as circumstances will permit. My love to the children. Yours, my dear sister, in a precious Saviour — good night ! Thursday Evening. — "We have had a good meeting. I have labored hard, but my health holds out well. I have got two fine new flannel shirts, which you know I stood in want of, and how many more clothes I shall have to get before I come home I cannot tell, but you can trust me not to get anything but what I really want. What adds to the pleasure of the evening, is your letter, which came safe to hand just as the meet- ing was out The consolation it afforded, almost over- powered me, for I had been thinking, last night, whether you would answer my letter or not. Nothing could have been more seasonable to me. Do not ne- glect sending to the office, as I may write often. I would say something more, but I remember you showed my letter to the girls, so you must guess for yourself. Now, my dear sister, you know I love you. Good night, &c. Friday Evening. — The day and the night are both alike unto the Lord. My health is yet good, but I find my sheet is filling up, and I have said nothing about Bro. French and wife, who made their appearance in our meeting. The snow was going so fast they had to go home, but I visited with them about all night, and a good visit it was. I have found a better pen, so I thought I would write a little more this evening, for to-morrow night 1 expect to be very tired. Covenant meeting at one o'clock. It will be hard work to get the converts out, for there are few members in the church that have any musing qualifications. Tell John, if he is a faithful boy, he will have a suit of clothes for his name. I may go and spend a week with Bro. French before I come home. That, you will perhaps think, is too bad — to visit any one before I visit you. But I think you made me pr APPENDIX. 331 mise to do so: if not, I know you will forgive me, for you are aware that I never lay out many nights on my way home. I am thinking about old John Banyan's " Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners." That is the foun- dation of my hope. Now, my dear sister, what other pledge can I give you of my heart being yours, than you have had for nearly thirty years ? My love to the dear children and converts — good night ! Saturday Evening. — Have had a good day — the Lord be praised — four were received by letter, and twenty- one by experience, and 1 expect a few more in the morning. I hope the Lord will be in our midst. I hope you will have a good day in Catlin. I know not what to say about the business that is to take place on the 25th inst., only that I cannot be there. I feel for you, my dear Esther, but that will not relieve you. May the Lord support you ! I hope nothing will take place to injure the cause of Christ. You must give my love to the children : keep them as comfortable as you can, and dispose of everything to the best advantage. Let the girls manage, and you keep as still as you can. Don't let me come home and find you, as I did the last time, all worn out: if I do, it will almost kill me. Good night, my dear sister — may the Lord bless you I Sunday Evening. — This must finish. Have had a good day — twenty-three strong candidates were bap- tized, most of whom came out of the water rejoicing in the Lord. Bro. Bennett did up the business about right. I open to-morrow evening, if God will, at Marion. Expect to have a visit from Eld. Church, of Kochester, next Thursday. Tell Samuel to take good care of the stock. If you get tired of paying postage, you must say so. My love to the'converts, and breth- ren and sisters. I am, dear Esther, Tour affectionate husband, T. S. Sheardown. 332 breakdown's auto -biography. TO HIS CHILDKEN. [One of the daughters of Bro. Sheardown, has fur- nished a few letters from the father, while evangelizing, from which we make characteristic extracts :] January 31st.— Perhaps this is the most wicked place I ever saw. It contains about 2,000 inhabitants. The church was very low, and everything seemed against ub, yet the blessed Lord has, in great kindness, come down to His people. Seven were baptized yes- terday, and three have told their experience to-day. Our house was flooded to overflowing. May the Lord pour down' His Spirit upon this community, and save, from the wrath to come, a multitude of souls ! How much we need faith and unshaken confidence in God ! I expect to see a great display of redeeming grace in this benighted region, and the Lord of hosts in his war chariot of salvation riding through in great power and majesty, destroying the works of Satan. — February 1st. " The Lord (said David) is on my right hand: I shall not be greatly moved." My health is as usual — my lungs somewhat torpid. The pastor and his wife are Holy Ghost Christians — first-best workers — may the Lord make them a great blessing to this place ! Everybody comes to meeting. We are every day put- ting on more team : the Gospel plow is in to the beam, and if under God we can put on strength to take her through, shall cut a large and deep furrow. Holy Spirit, come ! You must excuse a short letter, as I am in great haste. I shall write to mother this week. My love to all the dear friends. Tell I am yet praying for her — she must see well to her soul. I am, dear children, Your affectionate father, Thos. S. Sheardown. APPENDIX. :j3:i April 14th. — According to promise, I drop you a line to say that I arrived safe in this place, up to the eyes in mud. But the situation of the roads was noth- ing compared with the situation of the. church, which is split up and divided, so that, out of one hundred members, often, not more than five brethren attend the meetings. There are large congregations of sinners in the evenings, and some are under conviction, but there is little strength in Zion. There are more unconverted people in the place than I ever saw for the number of inhabitants, and if we can get the church in its place, I shall expect a mighty revival, but at this time all is dark. — April 16th. Yesterday was something of a good day. Eight or ten members were out ; the rest were strangers, and people of other denominations. Evening, a large congregation; one soul converted, and some deeply convicted. " Lord, send prosperity." If there is a breach made in the walls of infidelity, I shall expect to see a mighty breaking down. Yisited a Deist yesterday, and asked the privilege to pray. He said he would not say that I should not pray in his house : I might pray for myself, but not for him. So I bowed down and prayed for myself and just such a man as he is. I think he must have thought, if it did not mean him, it must have meant his brother. He and his wife attend meeting, and I have a great anxiety for their conversion. — Sabbath afternoon. A full house, , this morning. Preached from Numbers 35 : 12. Had a conference with the brethren in the vestry, and they gave their pledge to attend this week more than they have done. Four souls are rejoicing in God, and I hope for many more. The ague is beginning to show itself here. My health is not very good, to-day. I have a very good home — accommodations just what I wanted — two good rooms, and a good bed with clean and warm flannel sheets. Pray for me. " All is well." 334 shbaedown's auto-biography. January 4th. — " Through the mercy of God, I con- tinue to this day." There is nothing I have ever known on earth that will compare with the season we have had here. . It required special meetings,- and help from sister churches, to remove the rubbish out of the way. Some members were excluded, and some re- stored. For an old place, I have never seen so much ignorance [in spiritual things.] One young man, a member of the church, when asked by the pastor, in a special meeting, if he meant to try to live religion, said he did not know — he had not made up his mind yet ! I thought, "what will come next?" At length, the Lord appeared for us. Last night, there were about sixty on the anxious seat — backsliders, and convicted sinners — and ten we hope have been converted. To- day we had a season of fasting and prayer. It is the middle of the third week, and we are only beginning to work. With a few exceptions, I have been preaching all the time to the church. Some new cases came for- ward to-night. May the Spirit of the Highest come down ! I have been loading and firing all the time, and am almost tired out. Lord, give me strength. — January 6th. Things are a little better — anxious in- creasing — some more conversions — but a great want of deep travail in the church. They want me at Palmyra, Webster, &c, &c. — January 9th. In the .multitude of business, I have delayed my letter until now. We have over twenty converts, and I expect to hear of more in the morning. Some went home much pressed down in spirits : may they find the Fountain of Life to-night! The snow is all gone, and we are in the mud as flat as a griddle, but I hope for more snow if it is the Lord's will. I am beginning to sound the converts about going into the water on Sunday next. If I do not get home until spring, perhaps may send for mother to visit-with me when I get through. APPENDIX. 335 January 24th. — God is doing a great work here — be- tween sixty and seventy converts — about 150 anxious — and this only the second week. — The , situation of things in Beading is all new to mo, and I am perfectly unprepared to say anything upon the subject. If I had any inclination to go there, I should bo the last man to manifest it until the ground were clear. I have always loved the brethren and sisters in Reading, but that is not to say that I should preach for them. I have no time to reflect upon such important engage- ments as long as 1 am in a protracted meeting. I expect to return home in March, if God will, and then will pay the subject the attention its. importance de- mands. My health is better than I could expect — for which I would be very thankful. Yours, &c. February 18th — I embrace a few moments, stolen from the time afforded me for rest and reflection, to in- form you that I am in rather better health than when I left you. My labor is of the hardest kind, but God is here. He has converted a goodly number of the youth, and is just beginning to pull down the tall oaks of Bashan. There is trouble in the camp of the enemy. The Prince of Darkness is full of wrath. He cannot break his chain, but 'tis frightful to see him gnaw his tongue for pain as we expose his hidden iniquities. We hope, by the grace of God, to strip the ,veil from his dark abode." We are at work against some of his strongholds, such as bar-rooms, gambling shops, houses of ill-fame, &c , and he begins to think it is hard times. His kingdom in this ungodly village must take a se- vere shaking. The pastor is a man after my own heart, and I have everything as it should be at my stopping-place. Thanks to my heavenly Father, " the lines have fallen to me in a pleasant place." You must bo satisfied with a short letter — so many aro dinging at 336 siieardown's auto-biography. me, some to hold a meeting, and others offering a large salary to become their pastor, &e. I seldom retire be- fore 12 or 1 o'clock, and arise by candle-light in the morning. My heart and hands are full, but God is with me. Love to all the dear friends. Tours, &c. February 22d. — Yours came to hand this morning, for which I was very thankful. Many things in it gave me much pleasure. That your family visit was harmonious and pleasant, was gratifying news. I should have been happy to have been at home, but I am about my Master's business. "We are holding upon the Arm of strength. The Lord is on our side, we will not fear what man can do. Souls are coming into the kingdom — some thirty-five converts, and a number of anxious. We had one baulky horse in the team, who threw himself and fell directly in the gateway, and we thought we should have to try to get him up or skin him on the ground — but, finally, put a rope to his leg. There are more churches than ministers. If it is my duty to come to Reading, the door will be opened by the brethren in season. My health has been very poor, but I feel smart again, and better than I have done for some months. Yours, &c. FOR A DAUGHTER'S ALBUM. Youth has fled, and manhood 's failing, Silvered locks, and furrowed brow, Trembling limbs and painful feelings — Think, think upon me now! Soon I'll pay the debt of Nature, Soon shall part with those I love ; Jesus smiles — 0, blessed feature ! All in all in Heaven above. Dear Eliza! you shall meet me Far in yonder world of light ; In Heaven above, I hope to greet thee Filled with rapture and delight. an, April ltth, W50. THOMAS S. ShEARDOWN. APPENDIX. 337 Mrs. ESTHER G. SHEARDOWN. [From the correspondence of Prof. Alexander Ten Brook, in the " New York Baptist Register,'' of Utica, we extract the following tribute to the memory of the model" wife of a pastor :] July 24, 1854. Having spent a day in visiting friends at Factory - ville, in company with my classmate, Rev. J. T. Seeley, now of Dundee, on the Seneca lake, I am again at El- mira. The principal object for which we came hither at this time, was to be present at the recognition of a church at Pine Woods. I alluded to it, once before, as made up of original members of the Elmira church, whose help at the village is no longer needed, and pro- mises to be very efficient in this new interest. The recognition was to have been on the 19th inst., but an afflictive providence defeated it. Mrs. Esther Sheardown, the wife of the chosen pastor, having been for some time very ill, and her death daily expected, died on the 20th, at the age of sixty-one years. She was born in the city of Hull, England, and there baptized, forty-six years ago ; and, forty years ago, married, in the same place, Rev. T. S. Sheardown. It is enough to say of her that she was the worthy wife of one, who, although he may not be reckoned among the great men of the world, (as he himself would doubtless object to this,) was neverthe- less the man whom, for the past twenty-five years, God has chosen to bless in the conversion of men, and the building up of the churches, beyond any man that has ever labored in this section of the ..State. Those churches, in Chemung, Steuben, Allegany, Yates, Seneca, and Monroe counties — for he has been greatly blessed in preaching several times of late in the city of 29 338 SHEABDOWN'SS AlKTO-BIOURAPHY. Rochester — little know how much they are indebted to his wife for the labor which he has performed. She made it her greatest care to so attend to the family, and even in some respects to the church, in his ab- sence, as to make it possible for hiih to be almost con- stantly engaged in those evangelical labors, at home and abroad, by which thousands have been made to rejoice. The same desire was shown on her death-bed, by inquiring, on the morning of her last Sabbath on earth, in the near prospect of death, about his readiness to go to his public duties. She expected to die, and had nothing to do but make arrangements for it. She called Rev. C. N. Chandler, pastor of the church in Bl- mira, and mentioned to him the text from which she wished him to preach, to the people, a sermon on the occasion of her funeral ; and on Thursday she expired, in the ever-brightening hope of a blessed immortality. She was buried, the following day, at Havanna, where one of her sons is settled. The sermon an the occasion was from Eev. 14, 13 : " Blessed are the dead," &c, the passage which_the deceased had selected. APPENDIX. 339 FROM EBEN B. CAMPBELL, Esq. Phelps' Milis, Clinton Co., Pa., Feb. 27, 1865. Rev. Thomas Mitchell : Dear Sir — I am glad indeed that the autobiogra- phy of my dear friend, Rev. Thomas S Sheardown, is about being published, and would wish to have at least ten copies. About the year 1841, 1 became acquainted with Bro. Sheardown, through my first wife ; and the late Bro. Elijah Be Pui, of Tioga, where I resided, always spoke of him in the most kind and feeling manner. After mov- ing to this place, about 1847, my wife urgently pressed me, time and again, to ask " father Sheardown" to come here and preach the Gospel. But it seems as if it had been ordered that my dear wife was no more to hear that voice call sinners to repent, and, ere he could arrange to come, she was called to her home on high. In the winter of 1860, father Sheardown came, and preached nine evenings at the Mills — aiding our pastor, Bro. J. Anderson Kelly, (now Agent of the University at Lewisburg.) In a short time, many of the work- men, their wives and children, became alarmed at their situation, and the result of the meeting was the con- version of some thirty precious souls. It was a re- markable work of grace, and we feel among us, to-day, the effects of that blessed season. Some of the converts have already gone to their rest, and I am truly happy to say that, out of all those spared, not one has turned again unto the world. One interesting conversion, which occurred about the time of that revival, I will give at some length. Three young men were about starting to school. One of them became deeply concerned for his soul's salva- tion. The time arrived for the school to open, and his 340 SHEARDOWN'S AUTO-BIOGRArHY. companions urged him to leave with them. He replied, "No— I will find Christ, first." He did find Him, united with the Jersey Shore church, and then went on to his studies. In April, 1861, he was among the first of those of our noblest and best youth, who volun- teered for the preservation of the flag of our country. He wrote home, often — and although, in his letters to his pastor, he said the camp was a hard place in which to lead a Christian life, yet he seemed thoroughly de- voted to his Saviour. In June, he was accidentally shot, by one of his comrades. He told them not to feel bad — it was all right — God was about to call him home — exhorted them to be prepared for death : and, in four hours after receiving his wound, he fell asleep in Jesus. The church brought his body home, and have erected a suitable monument in memory of Albert Kissell. Time presses me. I could give pages of interesting matter from scenes arising through those blessed meetings. Bemember us kindly to Bro. Sheardown and wife. Our earnest prayer is that God will lead him very gently down the declivity of life, and give him an in- heritance, incorruptible and undefiled, in Heaven, there to meet those redeemed souls whom he has been an instrument in bringing to the cross. I am yours very truly, E. B. Campbell. APPENDIX. 341 TESTIMONIAL OF CHEMUNG KIVEB, ASSOCIATION. [In the Minutes of the eighteenth session of this body, held with the church in Hornby, September, 1860, we find the following proceedings :] In place of the ^closing sermon, Father Sheardown gave some very touching and pleasant reminiscences of the Association, saying, he had been with it, from its birth, until now; had seen the churches planted and grow up, under the toil and watch-care of himself and his brethren ; and referred to the history of particular churches, and to the struggles and self-denial of indi- vidual members, in such a manner as to melt every heart, and bring tears from every eye. All felt that it was good to be there, as they sat at the feet of the father and received his benediction. The following preamble and resolutions were then unanimously adopted : "As our venerable father in the ministry, Eev. Thomas S. Sheardown, who has been for so many years a member of this body, and whose faithful and efficient labors have done so much in enlarging and building up the churches, is about to remove to another State, therefore " Resolved, That we look upon his removal from this body with deep. regret, and that we will ever remember him, in his relations to us, with feelings of pleasure and gratitude, especially as a safe counsellor, a valuable friend, a defender of the truth, sound in the faith, and abundant in good works. " Resolved, That we cordially recommend him to the confidence and fellowship of all of God's people, every- where, and especially of the church and community to which he is soon to remove." 342 sheardown's auto-biography. FROM A RETURNED MISSIONARY. Covington, Pa., July 17, 1865. Brethren Worden and Case : I have been so anxious to learn the principal facts in the history of Eld. Sheardown, that, I had resolved to make several journies, of twenty miles or more, to learn from his own lips some of the incidents of his remarkable life. I am thankful that the dealings of God with him are now recorded, and that a book is to be published which will permanently embalm what would otherwise perish with his mortal life. Since my return from Burmah, I have not only ad- mired him as a preacher, but loved him as a father. I shall never forget the prayer he offered after my first attempt to preach before the Tioga Association. His warm sympathy deeply affected me. And the prayer (as on other occasions) was so marked by directness, unction, fervency, and choice words, that almost the whole audience was bathed in tears. Since then, I have often heard him preach. His familiarity with the Bible, his profound knowledge of human nature, reasoning powers, glowing imagination, good voice, ease, and grace of expression, coupled with strong faith, devotion to his Master, and a yearning love for souls, render him a prince of preachers. His memory is a treasury of illustrations. On one occasion, wishing to show that plainness in preaching, though apparent severity, was real kindness, he spoke of an English ship, that was almost wrecked, a short distance from a certain fort. As the ship's crew were about to give up in despair, the guns of the fort opened upon them. " Alas !" cried those on board, " the howl- ing storm and hungry waves have almost destroyed us, and now our friends on the shore are about to complete APPENDIX. 343 our misery and destruction by firing upon us." But those were friendly shots — for, as they flew harmlessly over the ship, they conveyed to it the rope, by which the sailors were all brought safely to the shore. The ministers of Christ are like those friendly guns — start- ling and terrifying in their denunciations of sin, but aiming at the highest welfare of hearers in their eter- nal salvation. On another occasion, at a covenant meeting, a num- ber of candidates were received for baptism. A note of discord was sounded, which threatened to mar the harmony, and destroy in a measure the good effect of the meeting, if it did not lead to subsequent bitterness. "Stop, brethren," said Eld. Sheardown, — "we must be careful what we do and say in the presence of these converts. Two old sheep were quarreling — and, as they rushed to butt their foolish heads, a lamb in its innocent gamboling ran between them, and was in- stantly killed." The influence of this little story was most happy — the objectionable matter' was dropped, and harmony was restored to us. Tours, affectionately, G. P. Watrous. 344 sheardown's auto-bio graphy. INCIDENTS. The writer, conversing with Eld. Sheardown upon his pioneer experience, heard him state that coming home one night, late and weary, he found at his barn eight strange horses, to be fed and cared for. They belonged to persons coming to settle in Oatlin, or who had gone that way to spend the night in social inter- course. He went at the work cheerfully, accomplished it thoroughly, and only alluded to it to show the influx of population, and the peculiar demand for patience and large room often required by new settlers. When young in the ministry in America, and still wearing that serviceable English drab coat, he was in- vited to preach to a large congregation where he was not generally known. An aged sister asked who that man was who had just entered the pulpit ? She was informed that it was " the new minister, from Catlin." She sighed as she remarked, " "Well, we sha'n't have much from him — I don't know what he looks like." While the stranger, however, made strong and rapid progress in his sermon, the late hopeless objector kept jogging the elbow of the sister next to her with the information, " He's a perfect sing'd eat — a sing'd cat !" As an illustration of the arduous character and wide scope of country covered by his labors, this anecdote may suffice : A preacher (then lately ordained) under- took to carry out Elder Sheardawn's engagements, during one missionary voyage of something like a fort- night's duration. On his return, the substitute con- fessed : " I did the test I could to keep up with the Elder's appointments, but came out three days behind, although I wore the skin from the back of my horse, and my shirt was not dry for two weeks." Several persons were endeavoring to drive an unde- sirable mastiff out of a preaching place, when he ran to APPENDIX. 345 the desk where the Elder was standing. The latter coolly remarked, " Without are dogs," and gave an "ef- fectual" kick which sent the interloper out of doors. On one occasion, the Universalists had made extra- ordinary efforts to keep people away from a revival meeting — but in vain. The house was crowded, pulpit and all. While waiting for the moment to open ser- vices, Eld. Sheardown asked a convert, standing upon the pulpit stairs, to say a few words to the people, ex- pressive of his feelings. He had been rather a promi- nent man among the unbelievers, one of whom, stand- ing under the pulpit, looked up, and exclaimed audi- bly — probably, however, not intending to be uncivil, but astonished beyond measure — " It beats the Devil ! they've got Mr. !" (calling the convert by name.) The Elder brought his hands together pretty loudly as he rejoined, " I always thought the Universalists be- lieved there was a Devil !" Speaking of the late " beloved disciple," John Peck, of New Woodstock, N. Y., and of his two sons, Philetus and Linus, as all excellent men and superior preachers, Eld. Sheardown added, "Indeed, I never knew an Elder Peck who was not a full half bushel." A lady who was present, observed, " That is rather complimentary — my mother was a Peck." — " Very well," was the response, " then you are just half a Peck." One soweth and another reapeth. — In one case, Elder Sheardown felt almost cast down in view of the fact that he had seen but little fruit from a most earnest consecration of himself and Christian friends to the good of souls in a public effort. Not long after, while he was laboring quite a distance away, a precious revi- val was enjoyed on his late field, and many of the converts " dated back" their awakening or their con- verting exercises to the comparatively forgotten time 346 sheaudown's atjto-biographt. of Eld. Sheardown's preaching. This fact, related to us by the "reaper"' who gleaned the sheaves of the "sower" who had not that opportunity, should be an additional incentive for laborers to " sow beside all waters," and to trust in God that the fruit of sincere efforts for human good and divine glory will appear in due season. Good singing always had an inspiring' effect with Bid. Sheardown, and- his large fund of "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," enabled him to strike the right key-note at any stage of protracted or other re- ligious exercises. One of the most affecting and melt- ing prayers we ever heard offered, was in 1864, before the Baptist State Convention at Williamsport, Penn- sylvania, on behalf of a little company of superior singers, over whom his compassionate soul yearned, for the reason that some among them had never learned to sing, in spirit, the song of redemption. An incorrect or feeble performance of that part in worship, was sometimes a drag upon his mental activity. It is re- lated that in an instance of comparative failure, he observed — with the slight English accent which some- times marks his speech — " You must sing that hover." In his forgiving disposition, he has overlooked one personal misfortune. While preaching in Troy, one evening in the winter of 1862, he put his favorite young bay mare under the meeting-house sheds, from which she was taken away, with the harness, cutter, two robes, driving gloves, and whip. He has never since heard from the animal, nor from the graceless thief in that character. We do the latter (we hope) justice in venturing the opinion, that he could not have known Eld. Sheardown, and did not even guess that the finest establisment there, by him selected, be- longed to a poor old Baptist minister ! APPENDIX. ; '47 HISTORY OF THE TROY CHURCH. This body, situated in Bradford county, Pennsyl- vania, was originally known as the Burlington Bap- tized church. That part of Burlington township in which were most of its members, and where its house of worship was located, having been erected into a new township, called Troy, the church after a time changed its name, and, since 1822, has been known as the "Troy Baptist church." About 1799, a church of the same order was founded on the Towanda creek, and another also on Sugar creek. The latter was of short duration, and the former changed its name and location so often as to have almost lost identity. The same may be said of the Alba-Canton interest. So that the Tkoy church may perhaps be regarded as the old- est, and Smithpield, (organized two years after Bur- lington,) as the second oldest, continuous Baptist or- ganization in the county. In the Book of Records of the Troy church, are found these prefatory remarks : " In the year of our Lord 1808, a number of brethren and sisters came to this place, from Vermont State — among which, were Eld. Elisha Rich, and his son, a preacher — and dwelt in this wilderness a few months, feeling themselves as scattered lambs among wolves, and also feeling themselves weak and feeble. Finding a goodly number of professors in no Gospel travail, things were trying to their souls. They often desired a visit from the Holy Spirit of God, to gather them together. Eld. Rich and his son preached in the place — but nothing espe- cial occurred, until about the first of November, 1808, when Jesse Hartwell,* a missionary from the Massachusetts Baptized Society, visited us ; whose labors seemed to us Jike cool water to thirsty souls." An extract from Eld. HartwelPs Journal, as found in *Born in Rows, Mass., February 27, 1771— died in Lake county, Ohio, No- vember 21st, 1860, in -his 89th year. His son, Jesse Hartwell, D. D, born in Buokland, Mass., in 1795, died in 1859, while President of the UniverpHy at Mount Lebanon, Louisiana. Both were able and laborious ministers of the New Testament. 348 sheardown's auto-biography. the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Magazine,* will be of interest to the reader, as it contains a brief ac- count of travels in this region of country, and of the consummation of labors in connection with the organi- zation of the Troy (then Burlington) church : "Monday, Nov. 1, [1808.]— Rode from Tioga Point [Athens] up the Chemung river twelve miles to Eld. Goff's. Tuesday, Nov. 2, rode with Bro. Goff and others to a place called Sing Sing, fifteen miles further up the river. Nov. 3, preached be- fore the Chemung Association. "This is a very needy country, and calls most' loudly for missionary labor of any I know of in all the western part of our land. "Friday, 5th, rode up the Chemung river twelve miles to Post Town [Painted Post] —preached five times. Nov. 8, rode back to Sing Sing, and preached at 10 o'clock. Then rode eighteen miles to Eld. Goffs, and preached in the evening. Rode this, day thirty miles, and preached twice. , ' ' Tuesday, Nov. 9, rode seventeen miles, through dismal woods, with scarcely any road, to Sugar creek, expecting a meeting at 2 o'clock: but my appointment had not been re- ceived. I was fatigued, weary, and almost sick, and very glad to rest ; but I am not willing to live for nothing. "After preaching a' number of times on Sugar Creek, I crossed the Highlands to Towanda creek, and, following that down to the Susquehanna river, I went on preaching once, twice, and three times a day, until Tuesday, 15th, when I re- turned to Sugar creek. " On Wednesday, Nov. 16, after I had preached from Psalm 27th, 4, a number of brethren and sisters, lately moved into that wilderness, and some who had been long mourning in a lonely state, came forward with letters of their standing, made a rela- tion of their Christian experience, and adopted the ^andisfield Articles of Faith. _ By the advice of Eld. Rich and a number of brethren from a distance, I gave them the right hand of fellow- ship as a church of Christ, commending them to God and the word of his grace, which is able to build them up in the most *This was probably the second— if not the first— distinctly Baptist periodical in America, the first number appearing in September, 1803, in book form. Originally, it comprised only two numbers, of 32 pages each, per year. The issues were subsequently increased to three, four, and finally twelve, per year. It is still published, m Boston, as the American Baptist Missionary Magazine, devoted to the foreign mission work. The early numbers embalm many memorials of the self-denying ministers, sent forth to plant the stan- dard of the cross on our frontiers. It also narrates the conversion to Baptist views of Messrs. Judson and Rice — the growth of the mission spirit among our people — and the workings of the General Convention (and Union) ta-this time. APPENDIX. 349 holy faith, though in this wilderness. On this occasion, our hearts were enlarged, and our souls filled with brotherly love. It seemed somewhat, I imagine, like Paul's bidding his brethern farewell — we talked and prayed till midnight, and almost break of day. This was a season of comfort to many souls. I tarried the next day, and preached, and baptized an old man who was added to the church. * * * *_ •* * * * "I have been gone, on this journey, eighty-four days — have ridden ten hundred and seventy-six miles, preached one hundred and three sermons, and heard five — attended five church meet- ings — and seen much of the goodness of the Lord." In its constituent membership, the church was very small, (not exceeding Noah's family in the Ark.) It consisted of eight individuals, namely : Eld. Elisha Rich, Elisha Eich, Jr., Eussel Eoso, Moses Calkins, James Mattson, Phcebe Eich, Pegga Eich, and Lydia Eose. The spring after their organization, they resolved to select a burying ground, and erect upon it a house for the worship of Almighty G-od. On the 12th page of the old church book, we find this record : " Church met, March 25th, 1809.— After the usual devo- tional exercises, and the reception of two persons as candidates for baptism, voted to choose a committee to search for a place for a grave-yard, and a suitable site for building a meeting house. Aaron Case, Elisha Eich, Jr., John Barber, and Eli Parsons, were chosen as that committee." We turn over a leaf of this same book, and find the following suggestive item : " May 6th, 1809.— Church met in the meeting-house — opened by singing and prayer. ' ' It will be observed this last record was made just one month and thirteen days after the appointment of the building committee. The house was built of hewed logs, with galleries on three sides, and is said to have been a neat, oonamodious and substantial struc- ture for those times. The site of this original rallying place for the church, was within the limits of the old Cemetery, one mile 30 350 SHEARDOWN'S AUTO-BIOGRAPHY. east of the present village of Troy. The building has wholly disappeared, and with it all the constituent mem- bers of the church, as well as the greater part of those who in early times worshipped within its consecrated walls. In those grounds they repose, awaiting the coming of their Lord ; there are the treasured jewels of very many of the villagers, and of the inhabitants of the country around ; and to that spot look many of the living as the place of their final rest. The present, larger house of worship, in the southern part of the village, was constructed about 1832. The church has had mingled seasons of prosperity and adversity. Peace, 'and consequent advancement, crowned the first two years of its existence! During that period, its membership was increased from eight to ninety — sixty of whom were baptized into its fel- lowship — an increase not surpassed in t\ie history of our denomination . in this country, considering the sparseness of the population.* Since that time, the church has enjoyed other revivals, and many precious souls have been gathered into the kingdom through its influence. Including the present incumbent, it has had twenty-two pastors. May its coming years be more glorious than its former ! T. M. *In 1819, Smithfield reported 86 baptisms. The same year, Columbia re- ported 59 baptisms, and 28 the year following— 87 in two years. Those were indeed refreshing seasons in the respective churches. APPENDIX. 351 THE CHEMUNG ASSOCIATION, Constituted in November of 1796, was the earliest, and for a time the only Baptist corresponding body, in a wide extent of thinly-settled country now comprising many large bodies of the same faith and order. Its constituents were five small churches — Chemung, (near Wellsburg, in New York and Pennsylvania,) recognized in 1791 ; Fredericktown, (which had a meeting-house in the town of Wayne, east of Crooked Lake, N. Y.) founded in 1794 ; Romulus, (Seneca county, N. Y.) founded in 1795; New Bedford, (now Owego, N. Y.) organized in Feb. 1796 ; and Braintrim, (in Wyoming county, Pa.) organized in 17 — . Some information respecting this body is derived from a manuscript of the late Eld. Smiley, in the hands of his son, Dr. T. T. Smiley, of Germantown, Pa., and from a pamphlet of the late Eld. Joel Rogers, in pos- session of H. G. Jones, Esq., 133 South Fifth street, Philadelphia. From 1805 to 1830, (excepting for 1818,) are printed Minutes. The earliest pastors named are Roswell Goff, Peter Bainbridge,Ephraim Sanford, David Jayne, Amos Eaglestone, Samuel Sturdevant, Thomas Smiley, Jehiel Wisner. The sessions generally continued two days — sometimes, three. The progress of the Asso- ciation may be mostly traced in the following table : Jieoeption, Dismission, and Times of Where other changes among Annual Meeting, held. the Churches. ±1 1st— 1797— At Chemung 2d— 1798 do. —Received Bath, N. Y 3d — 1799 do. — Rec. Tawan-iaaad Sugar Creeh,both in Pa. 4th — 1800 do. — Rec. Chenango f Braintrim reported "dis- solved," (mostly joined "Eld. Jacob Drake's Connexion," in Luzerne county, Pa.) 5th— 1801— Chemung.— Sugar Creek extinct 6th— 1802— Romulus.— Chenango extinct 7th— 1803 do. —No changes 108 211 275 32(1 2«4 280 31 i 352 SHEARDOWN S AUTO -BIOGRAPHY. Times of Annual Meeting, held. Reception* Dismission, and other changes among the Churches. 8th— 1804— New Beaford, (Owego.)— Dismissed Romulus and Fred' ericktown to the Oyuga Association 9th— Oct. 30, 1805 — Tawanda.— Only two churches represented 10th— Oct. 29, 1806— Chemung —Wo changes 11th— Nov. 4, 1S07. — Owego.— Rec. New Toum. (afterward Almyra, or Elmira,) and Owego Greek, both in N. Y 12fch— Nov. 3,1808— New Town (Almyra.)— No changes 13th— Nov. 1, 1809— Chemung.— Rec. White Beer and Burlington. both m Pa 14th— Nov. 7, 1810— Burlington.— Rec. Alba. Pa., and Spencer and Hector, both in N. Y 15th— Nov. 6, 1811— Elmyra.— Rec. Smithfield, Pa 16th— Oct. 7, 1812 do. —No changes 17th— Oct. 6, 1813— Chemung & Elmyra.— Romulus restored. Che- mung took the name Chemung <& Elmyra 18th— Oct. 5,1814— Birrlington.— Rec. Columbia and Tioga, both iD Pa. Owego took the name Tioga, N. Y...*, 19th— Oct. 4, 1815— Elmyra —Alba reported disDanded 20th— Oct. 2, 1816— Tawanda-— No changes 21s1^0ct. 1, 1817— Burlington.— Rec. lAttle Muncy, (afterward Madi- son,) Pa 22d — Oct. 7, 1818.— Spencer. — Rec. Canton, (near Alba,) Pa „ 23d— Oct. 6, 1819— Smithfield.— Rec. Caroline. N. Y.— Dis. Bath to the Steuben Association 24th— Oct. 4, 1820— Tioga, N.Y.— Rec Berkshire,'!*. Y., and Defonar, and Orwell & Ulster, both in Pa.— Dis. White Deer and Little Muncy to the new Northumberland Association.— Again, dis, Romulus. — Towanda took the name Tow- anda db -FVa?ifcft?i,(and, afterward, Franklin) 25th— Oct. 3, 1821— Chemung & Elmyra.— Rec. Springfield, Columbia <& Wells, and Warren, all in Pa 26th— Oct. 2, 1822— Canton.— Rec. Asylum, Pa.— Burlington became Troy, Pa. Tioga, Pa., became Sullivan Pa., and the present Tioga, Pa., was rec'd.. 27th— Oct. 1, 1823— Big Flat.— Rec. Norwich Settlement.^ Elmyra became Big Flat. Orwell & Ulster became, Orwell <& Sheshequin, sometimes ''Orwell & Wysox," (and now, Some.) Dis. Spencer, Tioga, N.Y., Caroline, Berkshire, and Owego Creek, to the new Berkshire (now Broome & Tioga) Asso'n 28th— Oct. 6, 1824— Smithfield.— Dis. Hector 29th— Oct. 5, 1826— Tioga, Pa.— Rec. Athens <£ Ulster. Dis. Norwich settlement 30th— Oet. 4, 1826 — Troy.— Dis. Shippen, (Shipping, or Delmar) to Allegany Asso'n 31st— Oct. 3, 1827— Canton.— No changes -... 32d— Oct. 1,1828— Big Flat.— do 33ij Oct. 7, 1829— Chemung &Southport. — Rec. Windham,Pa,. Dis- Big Flat to Seneca Asso'n 34th— Nov. 6, 1830— Athens & Ulster.— No changes 272 73 143 173 185 382 427 457 697 719 753 833 10S0 721 7S1 756 SSI 901 763 *No. of baptisms in these years, not known. fin which State, not indicated. "Chenango" is supposed to have been near Binghamton, New York, and " Norwich Settlement" west of Tioga county, Pa. APPENDIX. 353 Our file ends with 1830. In the twelve years pre- ceding, thirteen of the thirty-two churches which had belonged to the Chemung, had been dismissed to other Associations on the borders of the original body. Campbellism and Antinomianism, at that day, were rending the churches. Prom time to time, the mem- bers seem to have concluded to disband the old organi- zation and unite with such others as would best promote their peace and the prosperity of the Ee- deemer's kingdom. In 1834, was formed the Canisteo River Association, and, in 1835, the Bradford — the latter embracing five churches of the county in its origin, (.the same number as constituted the original Chemung Association,) and soon absorbing nearly if not quite all of the regular Baptists in Bradford and Tioga counties, Pennsylvania. In the same year, (1835) a so-called " Chemung As- sociation," claiming to represent eight of the thirty-two churches which had owned that name, convened with a "Sullivan church," in Charleston, Tioga county, Pennsylvania. Of these eight churches, three were unrepresented, and one withdrew, leaving only four remnants of churches, with 246 members, as the real strength of the body. Eepresentatives of those 246 persons, however, proceeded to formally disfellowship " what are falsely called benevolent societies, founded upon a moneyed base." and by name exscinded from their "correspondence, the Philadelphia, Abington, Bridge- water, Franklin, Madison, Steuben, and all other Asso- ciations," guilty of aiding such organizations! The promulgation of that Bull seems to have been "the fore-ordained means" of arresting the growth of an erroneous claimant to the name of an old and honored but virtually disbanded body. The writer, at least, has not heard of any advancement by it for some 354 sheardown's auto-biography. years — while those Associations, which it excommu- nicated, have been signally strengthened and blessed by the great Head of the church. That the original Chemung Baptist Association was an earnest and efficient Christian body, its enlargement, and the precious revivals it enjoyed in its earlier and better days, abundantly demonstrate. A few references to some of its Minutes^ clearly show that its principles and practices were directly contrary to the do-nothing policy of the " falsely called" Old School order. The burden of the preaching of the Chemung's wil- derness pioneers, was the same as that of the first Baptist, who missionated over eighteen hundred years ago : " Bepent — believe — be baptized." We have the figures for twenty-eight sessions, which report 1338 baptisms — an average of nearly fifty, added to the churches, yearly, of such as it was hoped should be saved. Modern Old Schoolmen do not thus urge re- pentance and belief upon sinners, and baptisms as a result of religious reformations are lamentably uncom- mon among them. In 1807, Eld Eoswell G-off— the highly esteemed Patriarch of the Association — preached from the text, "We, then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God in vain" — a text most decidedly of the Eullerite type. Id 1808, Eld. Haf twell, from the Massachusetts Bap- tist Missionary Society, preached, and the Association sent by him a letter to said Society, " requesting mis- sionaries to come to this land, and meet with us at our associations." 1810, the Circular letter was a strong Scriptural argument for the temporal support of ministers of the Gospel by the church members. One of the Articles of Faith, (1822) reads: "We believe that they thatproach APPENDIX. 355 the Gospel shall live of the Gospel, and that it is the church's duty to communicate to their ministers, and all other church charges, by equality." In 1812, in reply to a query respecting a minister who had been " repeatedly intoxicated, repeatedly ad- monished by the church, yet still continues it, What shall they do, suppposing he would still wish to confess it ?" The Association promptly condemned trifling in such a serious^matter, by saying, " We advise you to put him from among you. See 1 Cor. v : 11." In 1813, "Bro. Smiley read a letter from Bro. Mathias to this Association, containing pleasing ac- counts from India, and also of singular outpourings of the Spirit of God in some parts of both our Eastern and Southern States. We rejoice in the reviving news. " Under a feeling sense of the ill success of the Gospel in many parts of our land, and of our being involved in War, we recommend to all our churches to set apart the fourth Wednesday of November next as a day of fasting and prayer." In 1815, " a letter was read from Bro. Luther Rice, agent of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, accom- panied with sixteen copies of their Beport. We wish the work to prosper, and have appointed Bro. Smiley a standing secretary to report for us to the Board, and to receive what intelligence it has to send us." This endorsement of missions among the heathen, is often repeated. In 1816, $41 were raised for Associational Missions,- and Brethren Goff and Eipley were engaged to labor as itinerants for one month each. In 1817, Bro. Smiley was recommended for compensation for similar ser- vices. In 1820, " a sermon was delivered by Eld. D. 356 sheardown's auto-biography. Dimock, and a missionary sermon by Eld. B. Corn- stock, and a collection taken." In 1821, was formed the " Chemung Baptist Mission- ary Society." The members and objects of the Society are defined in two sections : " 2. This Society shall be composed of such persons as shall subscribe to this Constitution and pay into its funds at least one dollar iinnually." (A " moneyed base," surely.) " 3. The object of this Society is to furnish the means of preach- ing the Gospel among the destitute within or near the the boundaries" of the Association . The Minutes for 1826 contain the financial report of the Society, which we copy to show that prominent supporters and recipients of " benevolent societies founded upon a moneyed base" were among those who afterwards condemned the same and would like to be accounted " Old School Baptists:" [See the next page.] The assistant treasurers were — John Knapp, Frank- lin ; Dea. A. Hibbard, Troy ; Eld. Jos. Beeman, Col- umbia & Wells; James G-erould, S mith field ; Wm. Evans, Esq., Springfield; Dea. I. Baker, Columbia; Dea. J. Luman, Eoulet ; Eld. H. "West, Orwell. 00 oo to to O! en > H > >rj c o & a p, - p* o'er r- o p E. o* » o 2. (p w] p « ^ f op o g"a e-s-s-e-'g i-3 H-d £ i-9 b '^ »5 S-S P ? P o CD O - 3 t3\ r s> n f S ra n ff w a. 8 2 3 o u . m a & p< & ^ ^ f* o o o o o o ^11 ^2^ a cl p. a p. p, » o o o p o o 3 H H o o a n c o H as I s Wj B ' 3 CO a E =° S" Q H -3 Kl o a ^ B M B 63 M W IB C3 id b 19 b< Oi ^ O) U en fcs ha ■sr ^ 9 og a a 3 B §■1! : £2 M H B r f ; P- p g " a £ g J a td td I >-5 >-1 •< ! ** S? 9 ' K) B B i»* a o 1 ^ ^ Sj" i P u o r. g o ts ! B B i g> ? 00 h a a a a 2. •< ■< << * Q a s ts ^3 g TO WOO MtOMI-'COMWJO** ta o oo a* o O —T 05 w 35§ sheardown's auto-biography. In 1830, (our last Minutes) it was " Voted to take up a contribution for the New York Baptist State Con- : vention," and that " we approve of the labors of Bro. James Clark (appointed by said Convention) among us." They also recommend that every church con- tribute at least one shilling per member 4 to support ministers from abroad. [Correspondence of the (Utica) " New York Baptist Register."] Columbia, Bradford county, Pa., August 18, 1832. Dear Brother — The Baptist church in this' place has been blessed with a shower of divine grace. Im- mediately after the Association, in October last, it pleased the Father of mercies to pour out his Spirit, in awakening professors from a state of lethargy, and sinners to a sense of their danger. Twenty- three have been added by baptism, and a number by letter. In May last, 1 visited the church in Eoulett, in Potter county, and found them in a low state. They had not met for one year. There was a meeting appointed, and the presence of the Lord seemed to be manifest. Prom that time the work increased, and seemed to inspire professors with new life, while the cry with the sinner was, " What shall I do to be saved ?" In July, I visited them again, and found many rejoicing in the love of a Saviour. The second and third Lord's day, I had the satisfaction of burying eleven in the waters of the Allegany, and Bro. Avery, three. May the great Shepherd of the church continue his blessings, until this wilderness shall bud and blossom as the rose: and unto His name be all the glory I Joseph Beaman. The foregoing references are sufficient to prove, that — in sentiment and in action — the real Chemung Asso- ciation harmonized with the first associated Baptists on this continent,* and with evangelical disciples everywhere. Earnest Christians have ever combined "faith- and works." The scriptural records of primi- *See the reprint of the first one hundred years' records of the Philadelphia (the oldest Baptist Association in America,) for sale at 530 Arch St., Phila. APPENDIX. 369 tive churches show, that the entire membership were expected to aid, by their time andby their means, in efforts for the world's regeneration. The Apostle Paul would compel no one, and would burden no one — "for God loveth a cheerful giver" — yet among his teachings of a practical nature we find these are most explicit: " If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap unto you carnal things ?" — " Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel.'' In the light of the facts, therefore — and with the figures before us — it seems clear that ■ the so-called " Old School" iS but a newly -formed " ism." It doubt- less embraces some sincere Christian friends : but does it not become all such seriously to inquire if they have not been misled from the good old paths ? They may occupy ground and claim names, hallowed by precious associations, and yet may have lost their first love, as truly as have those organizations on the sites of the seven churches of Asia. Let them return to the coun- sels and the walks of our heroic, faithful ancestors, who believed in the awfully solemn import of the last com- mand and proifiise of our Divine Eedeemer — " Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved ; but he that believeth not, shall be damned." — " And, lo, I am with you always, even unto, the end of the world." 360 sheardown's auto-biography. BAPTIST ASSOCIATIONS. ON AND NEAR THE GROUND OP THE OLD CHEMUNG. FORMED. STATUS LOCATED IN. CHURCHES. MEMBERS. 1796 — Chemung, in N. Y. and Pa — absorbed. — . 1801— Cayuga, in N. Y. 18 1793 1803— Drake's Yearly Meeting, Pa.— absorbed, 1818. . — 1807— Abington, Pa. . ' . 33 2384 1814— Ontario, N. Y. 15 1294 1817— Steuben, N. Y. 19 1887 1818 — Susquehanna, Pa — dissolved, 1826. ■ — 1821 — Northumberland, Pa. 31 2232 1822— Seneca, N. Y. . 15 2032 1824 — Berkshire — now Broome & Tioga, N. Y. 26 2463 1826— Bridgewater, Pa. . . " . 14 ' 1107 Allegany, ("probably Old School) location, &c. we know not. 1827— Cortland, N. Y 21 2121 1827— Monroe, N. Y. 26 3063 1834 — Canisteo River, N. Y. and Pa. 12 542 1835— Bradford, Pa 16 802 1842-^Chemung River, N. Y. and Pa. . 19 1910 1842— Tioga, Pa. . ... 15 776 1843— Wyoming, Pa. ... 1843— Yates, if. Y. . . . ~ . 17 1095 11 798 308 26.249 In 1791, appeared Chemung, the first Baptist church in that region — and, the same year, Bid. Sheardown was born, in far-distant England. let 1796, convened Chemung, the first Baptist Association in the Central portion of Northern Pennsylvania and Southern New- York. There are also, mingled with the above, several Welch, German and unassociated churches, as also Freewill and other orders of Baptists. It is a plea- sant thought, that within the probable out-stations of those five feeble, scattered, pioneer bands, there are now over 300 churches, with 30.000 members, and 150.000 adherents of Baptist congregations, gathered within the life-time of the subject of this work, whose labors have been more of less felt throughout much of the field. s CORRECTIONS. 301 CORRECTIONS. As the Editing Publisher was not able to read tho proofs, some errors have occurred in printing the fore- going sheets. Those merely typographical it is hoped will be readily overlooked. The following are deemed worthy of notice : Page 54, line 17, "villages" should bo villagers. "ever" should be eye??, omit the word "in." " keel" should be heel. " could" should be would. " Printed" should be Painted Post. " stores" should bo stones. " bad" should be hard. " 28" should be 38. "to necessity" should be iAenecessi ty . "country" should be county. "may" should be my. " am" should be was. " boys laying" should be logs lying. "appears" should be appeared. " of" should be or. "process" should be progress. " pin-head" should be pier-head. " corner room" should be lower rooms. omit " the" before " Siloam." "Smlthport" should be Southport. omit " an" before " infirmity." transpose 4th and 5th lines. " confidentially" should be confidently "our" should be over. " recoiled" should be reviled. " then" should be thou. insert other before " letter." "musing" should be nursing. insert some before " characteristic." 31 57, 1, 58, 9, 62, 31, 63, 10, 83, 11, 104, 25, 106, 27, (f 33, 114, 10, 133, 30, 137, 31, 141, 15, 170, 20, 191, 2, 195, 32, 213, 17, 217, 29, 252, 26, 257, 29, 281, 10, 300, 15, 307 313, • 18, 325, 16, 327, 31, 329, 15, 330, 22, ti 36, 332, 4, INDEX. PLACES REFERRED TO IN OLD WORLD. Bradford Theol. Inst. 54,70 Prance — Calais 56,58 Planders- — Dunkirk 58 Great Grimsby — Humber 23,27 Graves End— the Downs 60,61 Golden Cross — Charing 25 Hull] 26,40,53,74 Little Coates, Lincolnshire 21 London — Brentford — Windsor 24,26 Leeds — Pontefract 54 Manchester 52 Skidby 37,42,52,68,74 PERSONS REFERRED TO IN OLD WORLD. ArbonRevWm 28,41,56 Bernard Dea & family 59, 73,183 Episcopal clergyman 21,49 Esther Sheardown & chil- dren— 44,48, 58,67, 78, 88, 1 1 0, 113,145,261,268,295,300,321,, . 329,337 Grassam family 48,72,74 Hunt, Mr the reformer 52 King George 26 Lees Rev Mr 55 Jefferson J and Mrs 69 ' ' Mattock man' s" fajlure 42 Plowman becomes a preacher 70 Sheardown family ' 17,21,' 27,31,49 Steadman Rev Dr Wm 70 Stage actor's tragic end 24 SThe discouraging brother 43,45 Two rich paupers in Hull Ch. 34 Useful Deacon in do. 31,40 Wilberforce Mr Wm 37,42,69 NEW YORK STATE REFERENCES— PLACES. Allegany Asso'n 337,352,360 Broome & Tioga Asso'ri 352, 360 Chemung River " 11,281, 294,337,341,360 Canisteo River Asso'n 256,360 Cortland Association 100,360 Cayuga " 352,360 Franklin Association 353 Monroe " 337,360 Ontario* " 360 Seneca Asso'n 98,181,277, 337,360 Steuben " 121,125,337,360 Yates " 337,360 INDEX. 363 Addison Adams' Basin Albany Bath Berkshire Binghamton Benton Center Beaver Dams Bennetsburg 287 324 185 351 352,360 4,352 17 83,91 100 Big Flats 104,218,249,281,352 Buffalo 251 Caton ("No 1") 187,281,285 Covert 63,92,99,273 Gole's Camp 82 Catlin(&Dix) 83,92,114,281,344 Caroline 84,352 Crawford settlement 91 Cayuga Lake, Crowbar Pt. 214 Crooked Lake 232,351 Chenango 351 Chemung 351 Campbell & Irwin 281,283 Cobbs' barn 283 Cooper's plains 284 Conhocton valley 284 Danby 100 Devins' school-house 137 Dundee 337 Elmira ( Almyra-New Town) 165,281,291,293,309,337 Enfield 100 Eddytown 103 Farmerville 99,273 Fayette 100 Faetoryville 281,337 Fredericktown (Wayne) 121,324,351 Five Mile Creek 262 Geneva 100 Havanna 82,86,295,338 Hamilton 203 Hector 325,352 Howard Flats 205 Hornellsville 287 Hornby (Forks) 115,283,341 Horseheads (Fairport) 281 Ithaca 81,100 Ireland ville 103 Jersey 90 Knowlton's settlement 108 Kingtown 77 Lindley 183,310 Lodi 100 Lyons 243 Little Lake 324 Mecklenburg 100 Miller's school-house 101 & 189 Mead'screek 108,114,284 Millport 108,310 Marsh church 281 Marion 331 New York— Newb'g 62,160,214* Newfield 100 Nash's Hill 108,115,187 New Woodstock 345 Ovid— Ovid village 100 Owego (New Bedford) 216,351 Owego Creek 352 Ontario lake 4 Painted Post 83,348 Post Creek 82 Palmyra 2*9,334 Peach Orchard 100 Phelps 213 Prattsburg 123 Penn Yan 125,317 Kochester 184,228,249,338 Komulus 95,99,351 Reading 91,101,108,116,180 262,268,335 Bobbins' Hill 284 Seneca Lake 4,81,100,301 Seneca Falls 6,100,213 Southport, Pine woods 292,337 Sing Sing 348 Spencer 352 Tioga (N.Y.) 352 Townsend's settlement 115 Trumansburg 100,193,181,273 Thomas' settlement 99 Virgil 100 Waterloo 100 Whitesville 4,256 Windfall settlement 81 Walworth 329 Webster 334 364 siieardown's auto-biograph c* NEW YORK STATE REFERENCES-PERSONS. Abbott Eld Aaron 76,94 Barton Dea 249 Bainbridge Eld S M 293 " " Peter 351 Beehee Eld Thos B 115 Bellamy Alfred 269,276 Bennett Eld Alfred 123,310 " " I 213 331 " Bro, Big Flat *" 'l06 Beach Mr, Esq P, &e , 205 Brown Eld, Wellsburg 223 " Dea John, Southport 296,301,304 " " , Big Flat 105 Catlin Conference members 87 Caton Eld John 95 -Canfield Bro, Elniira 291 Cole Dea and family 85,92 Clark Eld Thomas 207 Chandler Rev C N 295,338 Church Rev P 331 Dudley Eld 246 Eaglestone Eld Amos 351 French John M 249,330 Freeman Rev Z 213 Gillette Rev PD. 106,127, 176,181,293,310 " Daniel H 29.3 GoffEldRoswell 107,348, 351 353 Grover Dea Joseph 283,291 296,304 Guinnip Senator George 265 Griswold Rev 330 Garthwait D 11 Hadley Mrs J E 323 Howell Dea David 296, 301 Hotchkiss Rev V R 251 Haskins Mr 83 Horton Thomas 100 Jackson Eld A 218,224,282 Jayne Eld David 351 Lamb Eld and family 123 Lincoln Rev.T O 11 Low Cornelius 105 KennedyMr 216 Mallqry Eld A C. 17,200,233,326 Ordaining Council names 320 Owen Bro and wife 287 01n.ey Rev Philetus 1 1 ,283 Overhiser Dea 190 Porter Dea Lewis 74, 80, 92 Peck Eld John and sons 345 Pierce Mr 283 Root Eld DM 181,205 Robinson mother 77 Revolutionary soldiers 108,264 Seely Rev I C 293 " «' JT 337 Sted Eld 86 Swick Eld Benj R 324 St John Dea 285 Sheardown Dr Saml B 16,295 Smith Dea 250 Stebbins Rev J H 225 Sanford Eld Ephraim 122,351 Stone Eld Marsena 2Q9 Sutherland Eld 125 Tracy Esq 91,101 Thomas Eld Miner 71,99 Ten Brook Prof A 337 Underwood Dea J 285 Von Puttkammer Rev and Col A 184 Wadsworth Samuel 128 Watrous Riggs 290 Warren Eld Obed 75 Wakeman Bradley 82 Wardner Rev C 99 Wolcott Bro 192 Wisner Eld Jehiel 351 Wise Eld 127 INDEX. 365 PENNSYLVANIA REFERENCES-PLACES. Abington Association 353,360 Bradford " 11,181,360 Bridgewater " 353,360 Chemung " 13,181,351,360 Ngrthumberl'dAssoo'n 352,360 Susquehanna " 360 Tioga " 360 Wyoming " 360 Asylum church 352,357 Athens & Ulster— Tioga Point 348,352 Alba— Canton 347,352,357 Burlington 347,352 Braintrim 351 Blackwell & Lloyd's 142 Charleston 353,357 Covington _ 342 Columbia — Baptist Hill^-r- Columbia& Wells 181, 310,350,352,358 Oowanesque River 148 Crooked Creek 128,134 Delmar (Shippen) 352 East Troy— Pond road 308 Gor man town 351 Great Bend 67 Jersey Shore church 4,339 Jackson 357 Knoxville 148,156 Lawrenceville 183,310 Lewisburg 5,339 Little Muncy— Madison 352 Montrose — Beech woods 59,63,67,181 Middlebury 127,178,181 Mitchelltown 127,173,177 Mixtown— New Hector 148 Norwich settlement 352 Orwell &, Ulster— Or. & She- shequin — Or. & Wysox — Rome 352,357 Philadel. 59,73,183,351,353,358 Potter county 166,178,358 Phoenix run — Round moun- tain 167 Pine creek 129,139,143,159,167 Phelps' Mills 339 Roulett 356,358 Tioga (Willardsburg) 127, 173,181,352 Troy 15,181,306,346,352 Smithfield 347,350,352 Springfield 307,352 Sullivan — East Sullivan — State road — Gray's Val- ley 133,177,352 Sugar creek 308,347,351 Towanda (and Franklin) 347,351,357 Warren, Bradford Co. 352 Windham " " 352 Wellsboro' 146 Wellsburg 181,222,351 Williamsport 309,346 366 sheardown's auto-biography. PENNSYLVANIA REFERENCES— PERSONS. Adams Bro (Tioga) 135 Avery Eld B G 357 Baldwin Eld Levi 357 Baker Dea Isaac 356 Beaman Eld Joseph- 356,358 Booth Eld Elisha 134 Broughton Mr 142 Broakmaii Eld S M 176 Case Andrus 309 Campbell E B 339 Clark Eld James 357,'8 Comstock Eld Elkanah 356 Dimock Eld Davis 181,356 Drake Mrs Katharine 357 De Pui Elijah 339 Edsall Dea Jesse 310 Evans Esq Wm 356 Grenell Eld Samuel 135 Gerould James 356 GreenleafWmJ 357 HartweU'Rev J and son 347, 354 Hibbard Dea Adriel 356 Jones Esq H G 351 Judson and Rice 348,355 Kissell Albert 340 Knapp John & Dea A 356,357 Kelly Rev J A 339 Kerns Capt Samuel D 280 Kincaid Rev Eugenio 14 KeeneyDea 129 Luman Dea John 356 Maine John 134 Mitchell Edsall 128,1,39,151,181 " EldThos. 11,15,3:10,350 " Richard and family 133 " Mrs Ruby 357 Morgan Col A C and wife 183 Mathias Eld Joseph 355 Otterson Miss Nancy 357 Parsons Eld James 357 Purinton Eld D B line 34, p. 5 Reynolds and family Rockwell Eld Myron Rose Dr Robert H Rogers Dea Roswell R Rogers Eld Joel Ripley Eld N H Rich Eld Elisha Smiley Eld Thos, " DrTT Short David Steel James Sawyer Eld John Sturdevant Eld Samuel Sheardown JohnM Esq DrAlmonC 16,314 Tucker Rev Dr Bf 134 Tuttle Mr and family 149 Troy church, first members 349 " Building Gom. 349 Watrous Rev Geo. P 348 Weeks Mrs 148 West Eld Hezekiah 356, ' 7 Worden Eld J B line 9, p. 5 177 180 59 357 351 355. 347 14,351,355 351 134 139 357 351 10 REFERENCES TO VARIOUS PERSUASIONS. Antinomians and Old School Baptists Arminians and Methodists 16,56,96, Campbellites Episcopalians Eld. Jacob Drake's Connexion Free Will Baptists Lady Huntingdon's Connection Infidels — varied Independents or Congregationalists Presbyterians Roman Catholicism Universalists and an Annihilationist 116,139,177,181,325,353 137,140,151,177,214,221 146,181,353 21,37,43,49 351,360 82,86,360 28 131,256,326,333 21,54 16,101,203,252,283,313 56,263 156,208,298,327,345 INDEX. 367 GENERAL TOPICS REFERRED TO. Dedication of this work, by Eld. Sheardown 19 Its object and manner of execution 3,9,12,294,317 Personal portraitures of Eld. Sheardown 5,16,328 His peculiarities as a public speaker 6,12,39,77,271,304,326,337 Early hindrances " 14,25,40,43,53,72 Baptist vigilance against errorists and imposters 13,73,96, 182 Attachment to own home and churches 4,88,109,145,298,329 Temperance and intemperance 16,50,131,162,179,252,277,355 In labors abundant 12,54,109,122,166,190,203,262,317 Missions at home and abroad 16,182,337,347,355 Christian Union so far as just to truth 16,54,272 Slaveholders' Rebellion — Eld. S.'s three sons' services' 15,90 Birth, parentage and early training 21,27,266 Rantismal Regeneration delusion 22,184,327 Baptismal " " 147; 181 Mercantile life and inclinations 23,26,54,161,297 Removal to London — pocket picked and guineas gone 23 ^Morality cultivated — religious impressions 24,28,30,43,74,79 Evening visit with his precious mother 27 Mr. Arbon's conversion to Baptist views 28 Unites with Mr. Arbon's church by baptism 33 Fidelity of members to their obligations as such 34,116,188 Sad time in holding a meeting at Skidby 37 Church calls to account — approbates his preaching 40,52 Marriage — Ctrurch-ly impediments — drunken vicar • 44,48 Great distress among the English operatives — riots 52 Too much "metaphysics" for poor sinners 55 Gill-ism and Fuller-ism alienations 56 Bowing to images and bones in France 57 Lonely Protestant lady " 57 Mrs. Sheardown did not like " 58 "Rose" -tinted accounts from the New World 59 While in Holland, Mrs. S. proposes emigration 59 None but agriculturists allowed to leave England 60 Eld. Sheardown' s voyage from London to New York — the dance postponed — storms and wreck — expenses 61 Diverted from the Beech Woods to the Lake country 63 Covert, Seneca county — living cheap and people kind 64 Awkwardness in chopping and plowing — tapping basswoods 65 Voyage and arrival of Mrs. S. and her two children 68 Satisfactory intelligence from Skidby 69 Religious opportunities and discouragements 71,75 Backsliding and temptations 72,74 New pastor aids in obtaining church fellowship 76 Renewed in spirit and again speak publicly for Jesus 77 368 sheardown's auto-biography. Rapturous enjoyments aDd remorse during severe illness 78 Looking out for a new home in the wilderness 81 Lost in balsam swamp at night — rescued by ox-team 83 Take up 80 acres at Cole's camp, Oatlin, Chemung county 84 Settle in the woods — no doors or windows the first winter 85 "Br. Shwovenshear" gets out an appointment ^ 86 Hunt up the scattered Baptists— Conference organized 87 Church recognized— debate over Articles of Faith &c. 93 Eld. Sheardown again Licensed — and Ordained 95,101,320 Lights and shades of pioneer life 85,89,166,321,324,344 Schools and school matters 16,88,91,101 Eld. Caton's visit, preaching and ox-sled runaway 95 Seneca Association meeting-houses, dedications &c. 98,181,360 Covert church and its numerous offshoots 100 Eld. S. extending his field of labor Northward . 101 "Bag with holes' ' — ruling elder makes a self-application 102 "The sound thereof" an effective sound 103 Expositions of Br. Low of Big Flat 105 The good women of that day •'help-meets" indeed 105 Bishops P. D. Gillette- and Sheardown arrange an exchange 106 Sheardown sharply criticised by an aged sister 107 Extending labors Westward— Mead's creek &c. 108 "Gospel shoes" — foot journeys — home in season 109 Promotion — buy a horse for $40— borrows saddle and bridle 109 Expert in making "cutters" for snow traveling 110 Hire men to attend to work at home— case of T. E. Ill Eight children — trained to help themselves 114 Townsend settlement — Nash's hill — Reading church 116 Accused of Freemasonry — falsehood confessed 117,121 Steuben Associational gatherings 122,125,353,360 Eld. A. Bennett's "praying the rain away" 123 Eld. Lamb's family — his son's conversion 124 "All the world" includes Northern Pennsylvania . 127 Two ministers ordained in Tioga county 128 Great Awakening on Tioga river and Crooked creek 129 Unhandsome intrusion overruled 138 A troubler in Israel rebuked 139 Preaching always welcomed 140,166,190 A doubting Deacon takes one back-woods Mission tour 141 Rotate between New York and Penn. — good times 145,156,180 Campbellite General's attack — is repulsed 147 The aged inn-keeper's hostility, conversion and baptism 149 Mr. B , the rich worldling, changed^ by grace 157 Description of three poor pioneer families . , 166 Two mothers walk seven miles to hear a sermon 171 Securing a preaching place in Tioga (Willardsburg) 174 The Tioga church^its varied ebbs and flows 1 33, 175 Conversion of a German lad, now a preacher 176 INDEX. 369 Kevival in Sullivan Twp. — the Reynolds' family 178 Bradford Association— Eld. Dimock 181,353,360 Col. Morgan — Lindley & Lawrenceville church 183,310 Alexander Von Puttkammer's conversion 184 Scattered members remember their covenant meeting day 187 Drumming up a congregation in Caton, or "No. 1." 188 Meetings day and night 1 30, 1 90,204, 325 Brethren faithful even after the preacher left them 191 An unkind husband brought to repentance 192 Three days' meetings — protracted efforts . . 193,198 The injudicious evangelist — false hopes 196 Church not in fellowship — " Hunting foxes " — go to Bab- cock's upper room 199 Four hundred conversions reported 203 Caviling fatalist, taken in .his own snare , 204 Universalist mischief-maker, confounded 207 Stick of fire-wood, charged with gun-powder 212 The Pentecostal brother, weak in faith 213 " Old Ship Zion" gains at least one passenger 217 Gates and rails, thrown across the roadway 218 The guilt confessed and exposed 220 Horse-racer and gambler, converted 221 Eld. Brown's death — a dream partly fulfilled 223 A wicked valley — the Gospel wins its way 225 Noisy backslider put to silence 232 Ice recedes for baptism at Crooked Lake 233 " Agricultural sermon" and convert 236 Young card-player, detected and confessed 239 Evil of partiality in granting Chapel for party use 242 Church oppose protracted effort — relent — blessing follows 243 Tantalizing by singing partizan songs — repentance 248 Happy seasons with Rochester members 250 Preach in a tavern — sign-post comes down 252 Appeals, personal, by, to, and with individuals — The young lady whose case was pronounced hopeless 254 The_ infidel who preferred hell to an anxious-seat 256 Adaptation in singing — hymns for particular times — Unconverted choir could not sing ''Judgment Anthem' ' 258 The gentlemen convicted under singing 259 Leave the dear old home in Catlin, for Beading 261 Spy out the land Southward — Jefferson, (Watkins) 262 Lectures on Romanism — unpleasant collisions 265 " the Mosaic laws 268 Remove to Jefferson — church organized 268,276 Struggles to build a house of worship 269,276,280 The benevolent Moravian visitors 273 Good times preaching to boatmen 271,277 Adverse winds blow away paper sermons 272 370 SIIEARDOWN's AUTO-BIOGEAl'IIY. Bethel — the Pennsylvania boat captain 277,280 Chemung River Association — its churches, &c 281 New field of labor. Westward— Hornellsville 288 Raise money, in Elniira, for building lot 291 Death of Rev. S. M. Bainbridge 293 Thoughts in old age— feeling my mortality 252,294 The old gentleman who thought to keep school 295 Elmira mission church, Pine woods, in Southport 292,295 Revival after dedication of its chapel — become pastor 296 Three temptations while in the Ministry — 1. To attend to merchandizing 297 2. To accept a more lucrative post • 298 3. To turatraitor to the truth 299 Death of Mrs. Esther G. Sheardown 300,337 Parsonage built by two Deacons indeed 301 Death of Dea. David Howell, a good man and true 303 Too heavy a burden on the willing Dea. John Brown 304 Happy seasons at out-stations 305 Reasons for desiring a change of location 305 Rempval to Troy, Bradford county, Pa. 307 Flood on Sugar Creek — Andrus Case loses heavily 308 Business activity of new home — varied recollections 309 Labor on, trusting in God _ 311 Our great deficiences as professed followers of Christ 312 We study the Bible far too little _ _ 313 An over-confident preacher's text outside of the Bible 313 Grateful to friends and neighbors 314 Death of youngest child— extreme sickness 314 APPENDIX. Answer to inquiries — number baptized, sermons, &c. 317 Dates of points of interest in the life _ 319 Names and order of Ordination council 320 An early neighbor's tribute to Mrs. Esther G. S. 321 Reminiscences of a brother preacher of former years 324 Skeletons of two sermons, thirty years old 326 Letter from Eld.S., while Evangelizing, to Mrs.Esther G.S. 329 " " " to his children 332 Prof. Ten Brook's Obituary of-Mrs. Esther G. S. 337 Letter from a member of Jersey Shore church 339 Testimonial to Eld. S. of Chemung River Association 341 " " a Home Missionary pastor 342 Incidents. — Preacher keeps a Baptist tavern— the Substi- tute falls behind time — the "sing'd cat" — an interloper ejected — a Universalist reveals his secret creed — Elder Pecks, good measure — fruit in due season — right singing appreciated— who stole Eld. Sheardown's horse? 344 History of the Troy (Pa.) Church — Hartwell's itinerating tour— extensive early revivals in Bradford county 347 INDEX. 371 Summary record of the original Chemung Association from 1796 to 1830 — accessions, changes, and dismissions of ohurches, its baptisms, &c.-^-its Missionary character — the Antinomian or Old School innovations 351 Table of neighboring Baptist Associations, Churches, and Members— progress within 70 years 360 TEXTS REFERRED TO. , 1 Pet. 3 : 21 — The like figure whereunto, even baptism 28 Sol. Song, 6: 13 — Return, return, Shulamite 29 Lam. 3 : 57 — Thou drewest near in the day 39 Isa. 41 : 10 — Fear thou not, for I am with thee 41 Isa. 7 : 25— And on all hills that shall be 42 Acts 9 : 15 — But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way 44 Hag. 1 : 6 — And he that earneth wages . 102 Rom. 8 : 1 — There is therefore now no condemnation 107 Num. 32 : 22 — And be sure your sins shall find 125 Heb. 13: 8 — Jesus Christ, the same yesterday 133 John 3 : 7 — Marvel not that I said unto you 146 Ps. 72 : 8 — He shall have dominion from sea 182 Acts 10 : 33 — And thou hast well done that thou 189 Luke 16 : 22 — The rich man also died and 207 Zech. 4: 7 — Who art thou, O great mountain 211 Ps. 107 : 3 — So he bringeth them into the desired 215 Heb. 6: 19 — Which hope we have as an anchor 216 Ps. 128 : 5— They who sow in tears shall reap 236 Josh. 7: 13 — Sanctify yourselves against to-morrow 245 Exo. 15 : 24— What shall we drink ? 253 Amos 6 : 12 — Shall horses run upon the rock 282 1 Tim. 3: 15— The church of the living God 319 Isa. 50 : 4— The Lord God hath given me 324 Isa. 50 : 11— Behold, all ye that kindle a fire 326 Zech. 3 : 9 — Upon one stone shall be seven eyes 327 Num. 35 : 12 — And they shall be unto you cities 333 Rev. 14 : 13 — Blessed are the dead which die in 338 Ps. 27 : 4 — One thing have I desired-of the Lord 348 2 Cor. 6 : 1 — We, then, as workers together 354 372 ADVERTISEMENT. Hgg=* The delay in the issue of this work has added to it several pages of matter. Had it been printed on the larger size of type as at first intended, it would have considerably exceeded 400 pages. Should any reader desire to propose any addition, correction, or advice — for the benefit of a revised edition if called for — please communicate freely to Eld. S., at Troy, Pa., or to 0. N. Worden, Lew- isburg, Pa. B. B. Case, of Troy, Pa., will personally attend to the sale of this work in certain regions where Eld. S. is best known, and will deliver it at Two Dollars. Those desiring it by mail or express, will please ad- dress 0. N. Worden, Lewisburg, Union county, Pa., giving very plainly their Post Office (or Station,) County, and State. Eeceipts will be taken from Post- master and Expressmen, for books sent by them at the risk of the purchaser. Sent by mail, pre-paid, for $2.23 per Volume. By Express not pre-paid, 2.00 " " do. do. 21.00 " 11 Copies do. do. 40.00 " 21 " None but National money received. For sums over $10, it is safer to send Post Office money-orders, or checks on the Lewisburg National Bank — payable to the order of 0. N. Worden.