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 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 ITHACA HERITAGE BOOKS 
 
 Endowed in 1976 
 
 BY 
 
 Alexis and Anastasia Romanoff 
 
 For the Benefit of Advanced Cultural 
 
 Learning in the Humanities 
 
The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924009634936 
 
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THE EVANGELIST; 
 
 OK 
 
 LIFE AND LABORS 
 
 REV.JABEZ S.SWAN. 
 
 BEDSTG 
 
 JlS ATJTOBIOGnAPHICAL EECOED OF THIS FAB-FAMBD PKBACKEB, 
 
 AND OF HIS WONDEBFDL SUCCESS IN TITB GONTEESION OF 
 
 MOBB THAN TEN THOUSAND 80TJLS IN THE 
 
 NEW ENGLAND AND MIDDLE STATES ;■ 
 
 WITH 
 
 ACCOUNTS OF SCOKES OF BEMAKKABLE EBVTVALS, SKETCHES OF 
 DISCOUBSES, IMPKESSIVE ANECDOTES, AND NOTICES 
 OF EMINENT PEESOHS. 
 
 PAPEES CONTEIBUTBD BY DISTINGUISHED 
 DIVINES AND MEMBEES OP DIPFEEENT DENOMINATIONS, 
 
 ILLUSTEATBD WITH STEEL PLATE POETEAIT AND 
 KNGEATINGS EEPEESBNTING ACTUAL SCENES IN HIS MINISTET. 
 
 EDITED BY 
 
 REV. F DENISON, A. M. 
 
 " HE WAS A BURNING AND A SHINING IIGHT."— JoHK V, 3t. 
 
 SECOND EDITION. 
 
 PUBIISHED BY WIllUI I, PECKHAI, WATEEFOP, COfi'KECIICni 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by 
 
 WILLIAM L. PECKHAM, 
 in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, 
 
 EleCtrotyped by E. B. Sheldon, Printed by Benlson, Qrenell & Bartea, 
 
 New Havaa', Conn. Ne^ Haven, Conn. 
 
TO THE CHURCHES 
 
 IN CONNECTICUT; 
 
 AND nS" THE ' 
 
 Madison Associations, 
 
 IN NEW YORK; 
 WHOSE FAITH AND LABORS, 
 
 RELATIVE TO REVIVALS, 
 
 DESERVE AN ENDURING RECORD; 
 
 AND AMONG WHOM 
 
 HAS BEEI^ SIG-]^ALLY MAI^IFESTED 
 
 .;lie p0IlTfr 0' 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Yielding to the continued solicitations of the thousands of his 
 spiritual children and his countless friends, the subject of this 
 volume was constrained, during tlie present 3'ear, to put upon 
 record the leading facts and incidents of his eventful life. His 
 reluctance to autobiographical writing was overcome by the just 
 argument urged upon him, that a record of his varied and remark- 
 able toils would be largely serviceable to the holy cause to which 
 his life had been devoted, and that his memory alone was the 
 custodian of the facts, names, and dates, necessary to give proper 
 fullness and complexion to the record desired. 
 
 We have aimed to arrange the materials thus furnished by his 
 pen, together with certain contributions from his friends, and to 
 fill here and there a niche with such historical statements, explana- 
 tions and reflections, as seemed necessary to complete^ the picture 
 and furnish it with an appropriate background. The task has 
 been far from an easy one. Relative to the method pursued in 
 
b PREFACE. 
 
 securing and arranging the material for the volume, our sufficient 
 explanation is, that no one felt qualified, from his single pbint of 
 view, to delineate the remarkable subject of the work, while it was 
 believed that a variety of testimonies, with their diffeient charms 
 of style, would present a more thorough view, and be more enter- 
 taining, instructive and valuable. The avails of the volume we 
 are happy to state, will accrue to the benefit of the evangelist and 
 his family; a fact which will surely bespeak for the work a gener- 
 ous reception. The editor has gladly contributed his literary labor . 
 
 Special obligations are acknowledged to "William L. Peokham, 
 Esq., at whose instance the work has been taken in hand, and who 
 has generously volunteered the labor and expense of publishing the 
 volume. Particular thanks are also expressed, for valuable papers, 
 appearing in the body of the work, from the pens of Doctors, B. M. 
 Hill, E. H. Neale, D. Ives, A- G. Palmer, S. D. Phelps, J. H. 
 Eaymond, J. N. Murdock, Prof. J. J. Lewis, Hon. W- H. Potter, 
 J. H. Crocker, Esq., Revs. K. E. Shailer, C. Willett, W. C. Wal- 
 ker, O. T. Walker, P. G. Wightman, A. 0. Bronson, A friend, 
 H. D. Pinney, Deacon J. Niles, Deacon G. O. Sumner, Deacon 
 L. Clark, I. Anderson, D. T. Richards, Josephine Tyler, and others, 
 
 Mention must also be made of indebtedness to"my daughter for the 
 labor of copying for the press Mr. Swan's Record, and our own 
 hasty pencillings. JSTor may we forget to state that the electrotyped 
 cuts were drawn and engraved by the veteran artist, John W. 
 Barber— member of the Connecticut Historical Society — now in 
 his seventy-sixth year — the well known author of many illustrated 
 historical werks. Expense and difficulties attended the restoration 
 of the old meeting houses. The unique scene of the Union Baptism, 
 
Preface. 7 
 
 ■was reproduced by tlie editor's pencil, guided by his memory, and 
 supplemented by the hand of the artist. Tlie symbolic terminals 
 also were suggested by the pencil of the editor and engraved by 
 Mr. Barber, Throughout, in the execution of the work, we have 
 studiously endeavored to combine reasonable taste with a wise 
 economy, considering the interests of the readers. 
 
 But the interest and value of the tolume will be found in Mr. 
 Swan's Record— readily traced by the'table of contents. If the 
 large number of truly valuable historical and personal memoranda, 
 incidents, principles, and reflections, furnished by him are duly 
 weighed, they cannot fail, we think to prove an inestimable blessing 
 to the disciples, and the cause, of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose we 
 are, and whom we desire to serve. 
 
 F. DENISON. 
 
 New Haven, Conn. , Novembeb 37, 1873. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 INTKODUCTION. 
 
 ACTOBS. — THEIR PAKTS. — OTJB TASK. — TEUTH IN BIOGEAPHIBS.— STTLE 
 OF Otm SUBJECT. — PREACHERS AND METHODS. — ODDITIES OF OITE 
 SUBJECT. — HIS TASTES. — RESTRAINT IN WRITING. — HISTORIC MEN.— 
 PREACHERS. — ME. SWAn's PART. — COMPARED WITH JACOB KNAPP. — 
 TYPE OP EEVrVAIiS. — OPPOSITIONS. — DIPFICULTIBS. — ECCENTEICI 
 TIES. — MrSISTBRIAL AIMS. — CRITICISMS. ^SKETCH OP MR. SWAN. — 
 HIS ASSOCIATES. — ENEMIES. — POLICY OP AGGRESSION. — MEN HONOR' 
 ED OP GOD. - - - 19 — 40 
 
 CHAPTEB I. 
 PARENTAGE AND EARLY LIFE. 
 
 Mr. swan's BIRTHPLACE. — HIS PARENTS. — THEIR FAMILY. — CITS- 
 TOMS. STONINGTON. EMPLOYMENTS. EDUCATION. ^BOM- 
 BARDMENT OF STONINGTON. MR. SWAN'S RECORD:— MOTH- 
 ER'S INFLUENCE. — SABBATHS. — DEEP RELIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS. — 
 DEA. B. FELLOWS.— CONVERSIONS. — DELAYS. — SEPTEMBER GALE. 
 •^DEFENSE OF STONINGTON. — PART ACTED. — REMOVAL. - 
 
 41—47 
 
10 . CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER II. , 
 CON'VEESION AND CALL TO PREACH, 
 
 CHRISTIANITY AN EXPEEIBNCB.— MR. SWAN'S RECORD;— HIS MOTH- 
 BE. — ^A FRIEND. CONVICTIONS. VAIN EFFORTS. STORM. — 
 
 NIGHT. — PRATER. — CHRIST REVEALED.— NEW LIGHT. DEACON 
 
 PERKINS. — A PLEDGE.— CONFESSING CHRIST.— STATE OF RELIGI ON.— 
 BAPTISM. — WINNING SOULS.— ANXIETY. — IMPRESSIONS. — iJuTY OF 
 
 PREACHING. ^-MISTAKES. ATTACKED. — DREAMS. — THE HORSE. 
 
 THE GIANT. . - - 48 55. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 PREPAEATION FOR THE MINISTRY. 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MINISTERS. MR, SWAN'S RECORD I FIRST 
 
 SERMON. — LICENSED. — ^LABORS WITH LBB CHURCH. — MARRIAGE. — 
 QUESTION. EDUCATION SOCIBTT. — SERMONIZING. — GOES TO HAM- 
 ILTON. ^EXPEOTATIOMS. — DISAPPOINTMENTS. — RETURN. — SECOND 
 
 EFFORT. ECONOMIES. HELPS. PREACHING. FRIENDS. 
 
 SUFFERING. OBJECT OF EDUCATION". THEOLOGY. FACING A 
 
 STORM. — -DR. KENDRICK. DISCUSSIONS. BIBLE. REASONS. — 
 
 E3CAMINATI0N. — ^DEBATE. — ^LEAVES HAMILTON, ANECDOTES. 
 
 56—68. 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PASTORATE IN STONINGTON, CONNECTICUT. 
 CHURCH IN STONINGTON. — 'PASTORS.-— MR. SWAN'S RECORD: — 
 ORDINATION. — SALARY. — ECONOMY.-PREPABATIONS. — QUEPTIONS.- 
 DrE'FICULTIES.--ANDREWFULLEfe."SERM0NONII, BAM. 1;19, 20. — 
 
 D6UBTS. -^-MEETING AT MELLtOWN.- ^REVIVAL. -^CHURCH.-' 
 
 COUNCIL.— NEEDS.— CONCLUSIONS.— REV. IRA HART.— CALL FROM 
 
 N. Y.— DEATH OF MR. HART.— TRIAL. — GOOD NEWS. SCOPE 
 
 WANTED.-LACK OF SUCCESS. -HELP. -CERTIFICATE. -G. TEUMBULL.- 
 
 GIFTS. ^PUBLISHED SERMON. CIRCULAR LETTER. —ANECDOTE. 
 
 ORDINATION AND ASS0CLS.TION. ... 69 83. 
 
CONTENTS. , 11 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 PASTORATE IN NORWICH, NEW YORK. 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD : — baptism. — eld. bandail. — s. pike. — 
 
 DEATH. NEW BIKTH. BAPTISM. FOUR DAYS' MEETING. 
 
 FATHEK LAWTON. ANXIOUS SEATS. ^WEATH. — OYEN FIRES. — 
 
 FIRMNESS. — ANGER.— EVIL SPIRITS. — CONFESSIONS. MEETING. 
 
 FALSE PROPHET. OXFORD. A BALL. — ANSWERS TO PRAYER. — 
 
 ELD. PARKER. - -UNIVERSALISTS. — CHARGES. — PAPERS. — SUCCESS. — 
 
 OPPOSITION.— SET TDIBS. — ORDER OF MEETING. — HAMILTON. 
 
 ELD. LEONARD. COUNCIL. — LIBERTY. — ^DR. BACON. — DR. EATON. - 
 
 PEAYER AND HEALING. — INGATHERING. - 84 — 107. 
 
 CHAPTER YI. 
 
 NORWICH PASTORATE CONTINUED. 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD; — decrees. — revivals. — tempeejUs^ce. — 
 
 THE DISTILLER. TESTS. — ^MODEL MAN. — SIGNALS. — OBSTACLES.— 
 
 PROTRACTEP MEETING. — HELPERS. SUCCESS. — VOW. — PRAYER. — 
 
 DXTMB DEVIL.— SATIRIST.— AN EVIL SPIRIT. — LAWYER. — QUESTION.— 
 
 BLESSING. EXPERIMENT. EXPL AJSTATIONS. GEN. GORMAN. — 
 
 FIELDS. CO-LABOEERS. SUPPORT. SACRIFICES. WEST CHES- 
 TER, TENN, ENEMT. ALL-NIGHT MEETINGS. CONCERT. 
 
 JUDGE. INDIAIT WOMAN. QUESTIONS. — TRUE IDEA. — PLAN. 
 
 PRAYER AND PASTING. — TEEKOES. TEXT.— PRAYER AT INN. 
 
 ADDITIONS. - - . . . 108—133. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 PASTORATE IN PRESTON, NEW YORK. 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD:— PRESTON, — plans.— rev. j. h. chamber- 
 lain. -EEVIVAL.-— -appeal. REV. P. PECK. CALL. — OWEGO 
 
 CHUECH. HAED WORK. TRIAL. DEACON WOLVERTON. HARD 
 
 EOCK. RAIN OP GRACE. — -ASSISTANCE. THE MORALIST. HIS 
 
 TRIAL. HIS WIFE. BAPTISM. DREAM. AN OPPOSER. — HIS 
 
 POLITICS. --BAPTISM. —EETXIRN TO PRESTON.— SABBATH SERVICES.— 
 
 BE VTVAl. HARVEST. — MEMBERSHIP. CONTEIBUTION. — UNIVBK- 
 
 BALIST. — COL. DANIEL NOTES. .... 134 — 143. 
 
12 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 PASTOBATE IN OXFORD, N. T. 
 MR, SWAN'S RECORD :— new okdeb.— baptisms. — oxfobd meet- 
 
 mOS. ■ONrVBKSAIilSTS. SQIJAI-LS. CLOSING SCENES. DEVIL'S 
 
 FOBT. COOPEKSTOWN. OFFER OF FBATHEKS. DETTL'S PED- 
 DLER. — THE nUSHMAN. -INSPIRATION. — CONTERSIONS. — SINGERS.— 
 CBLEBBATIONS.-LIGHTNING. — FIRE IN SUKANCB . — JOUENEY. —AID. - 
 
 RESIGNATION. EVANGELISTIC LABORS. NIAGARA COUNTY.^ — 
 
 OWEOO. — CASES OF LOSING STRENGTH. — MTJLTITtrDE CONVERTED.— 
 
 RIVER SCENE. — OPPOSITION SUBDUED. — THE BLESSED SOUND. 
 
 144-156. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 • ITINERAiSTT LABORS. 
 MR, SWAN'S RECORD ;— passage.— down hill.— work.— ladies.— 
 
 BUTCHER. DISOUSSIOS?. O. BENEDICT'S LETTER. OWEGO. 
 
 NEW FIELD. — REVIVAL. — SHEARED HORSES. — SWEDENBORGIANS.-^ 
 
 FRUITS. — -REVIVAL IN AUBURN. INTEREST. UNIVERSALISTS. — 
 
 OPPOSITIONS. PEPPER. BAPTISMS. INlJEPENDENT WOMAN. 
 
 PRAYERS. MRS. PINNEY. LABOR WITH J. S. LADD. — ^YOUNG 
 
 MEN. JEALOUSY. REMEDY. — ALL NIGHT MEETING. — WHISKY. — 
 
 ITS FRUITS. WARRANT.— COURT. NO BILL. DEVIL's HOST. — 
 
 FALSE REPORTS.— RESULT. - - 157 — 173. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 EVANGELISM AND REVIVALS. 
 
 BEVHTAL EPOCHS. REVIVALS IN EUROPE. AMERICAN REVIVALS.— 
 
 THE "set TEHES."-REAS0NS.— MISSIONS.— EVENTS ANTICIPATED BY 
 PROVIDENCE. — VARIOUS WORKMEN. — ANECDOTE OF A. LINCOLN. — 
 NEW MEASURES..— LIFE BETTER THAN DEATH. — HISTORIC TESTS. — 
 GREAT QUESTION.— MR, SWAN'S RECORD ;— RAINS OF GRACE.— 
 GLANCE AT REVIVALS. — OPPOSITIONS.— OBJECTIONS. — ^REMUNERA- 
 TIONS. — ELDER KNAPP. -^EXPERIENCES. - - 174- 18^. 
 
CONTENTS. 13 
 
 OHAPTEE XI. 
 
 REVIVAL IN STONINGTON, CONN, 
 MR, SWAN'S RECORD !—0PENma services.— eise op inteeest.— 
 
 PKIENDS. WATEU DEEPENING. FATHER CHEESBEO. — BENKETT 
 
 AND HIS EEPOET. ELDERLY PERSONS. BAPTISM. JOT. 
 
 CROWDED HOUSES. C0NGEEGATI0NALIST8. PRAYER AND SUC- 
 CESS. — WORK SPREAD. — VIEWS OP REVIVALS. — CHILDREN. — DEATH 
 CF CHILD. — WOPJi AMONG ADULTS. — NUMBERS ADDED. — REQUEST. 
 
 184—190. 
 
 OHAPTEE XII. 
 
 EEVIVAL IN MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT. 
 
 EOH. W. H. potter's LETTER. — ELDER S. A REVIVALIST. MINIS- 
 TEES. SUNDAY. THE WEEK. HOPEES. SECOND BAPTISM. 
 
 WORK GENERAL. DAILY BAPTISMS. HUNDREDS' BAPTIZED. 
 
 FELLOWSHIP. ADDRESS. SUPPER. JOURNAL. INTEREST. 
 
 LOSING, STRENGTH. UNION BAPTISM. ^BFPECTS. ^VIBWS. 
 
 SECRET. — AUBCDOTE. — PRAYER. — HABIT. — IMITATORS. — LESSON. — 
 NOTES. — E. G. AND S. G. — DOGS. — WRONG SHOP. — MR, SWAN'S 
 
 RECORD: — sermon. — c. morgan. — b. c. phelps. — baptism.— 
 
 tTNIVEESALISTS. — S. B. BAILEY. — C. 0. LEWIS. 191 — 217. 
 
 OHAPTEE XIII 
 
 REVIVAL IN NEW LONDON, CONN. 
 
 J. H. Crocker's letter. — meetings. — doubts. — crowds. — sue-. 
 
 CESS. CASES. PLAINNESS. ASSISTANTS. HUNDREDS CONVER- 
 TED. — MIDNIGHT BAPTISMS. IN THE STREETS. — CITY BLESSED. — •■ 
 
 SAILORS. — OPPOSEES. — UNIVERSALISTS. —INCIDENTS. — HUNTINGTON 
 
 STREET HOUSE. — ^DEDICATION. MAIN LAW.— SECOND CHUECH. ■ 
 
 CATHOLICITY. — PRUITS. — INPLUENCE. — DBA. J. NILES' LETTER. . 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD : — prayee eoom. — a. e. daeeow.— con- 
 versions. — UNIVERSALISTS. EXPLANATION. — BAPTISM. — LIES.-^ 
 
 LETTERS. — METHODISTS. — ^RESULTS, 3 18 — 236. 
 
14 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 BEVIVAL m ALBANY, NEW YORK. 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD: — the way peepaked. — the meeting 
 
 HOUSE. — ^MTLLERISM. — OLD TRUTHS. — GENEBAI. INTEHBST. — DEEP 
 WOKK. — ^LATE MBETESTSS. — CLOUD OP WITNESSES. — AGED WOEK- 
 ERS. — ^BAPTISTERY. — NUMBER OP CONVERTS.— S. M. PISH. — -DEACON 
 WASSON. — AN ATHEIST. — OTHBE CHURCHES. — REPOBTEES. — DAILY 
 
 PAPEES. DOCTOE ■WELCH. ^ RET. L. RAYMOND. RESULTS. 
 
 SALLYING TEXT. THREE HUNDRED. PARBWELL SERVICB. 
 
 fAETING. — ^year's WORK. 237 — 243. 
 
 CHAP'TER XV. 
 
 PASTORATE IN NEW LONDON, CONN. 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD ; — work. — s. u. association. pathbk 
 
 PECK. REVIVAL IN VOLUNTOWN. — FACTORIES. tfNCLB S AND 
 
 PAMILY. — REVIVAL IN NORWICH, CONN. — ^WORKERS. — REVIVAL IN 
 GEEENPORT, L. I. — ^VIEWS. — B. COOK. — WINDS. — THE SPIRIT. — ^DEA 
 HARRIS. — ^LETTING 60. -SEA CAPTAIN. — HOME.— SECRET SOCIETIES.- 
 LESSONS. — morgan's MUEDBB.— DIVISIONS. — COUNCIL. — N. L. ASSO- 
 CIATION. — SATAN'S FOOT.— BENEVOLENCES. 3-44 — 262. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 REVIVALS CONTINUED. 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD: — eevival in chaelestown, mass. — oppo- 
 sition. ^FEIENDS. ^EEVTVAL IN JEWETT CITY, CONN. THE 
 
 MILLS. — EESTILT. — EEVTVAL IN CHESTERFIELD. — EEVIVAL IN EAST 
 
 LYME. EEVTVAL IN WATEEFORD. DEACONS. — P. DAEEOW. 
 
 EBSULTS. ^EEVIVAL IN NORWICH, CONN. L. D. BENTLEY. 
 
 UNIVBESALISTS.^^ ^BAPTISMS. STREET PREACHING. FRUITS. 
 
 DEATHS OF P. B. AND L. M. PECK. FUNERALS. REVIVAL EN 
 
 OWEQO, NEW YORK.— RETURN. — ADDITIONS, 363—286, 
 
CONTENTS. 15 
 
 OHAPTEE XVII. 
 POWER OF PRAYER. 
 
 THE HIGHISST POWER. POSSIBILITIBS. QUERIKS. DANGERS. 
 
 FAITH. — MR. swan's MANNER AND STYLE.— HOW CRITICISED. — MR. 
 
 Vinton's death. — prayer at Hamilton. — ^prayer and propb-' 
 
 ecy. broken wheel. mr. d. speechless. unitersalist 
 
 meeting horsb. — prayer for rev. o. t. walker. — experience 
 op rev. w. c. walker,— case op mrs. richards. — incidents by 
 rev. p. g. wightman. — incidents by l. clark. 387 — 29§. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 OTHER PASTORATES AND REVIVALS. 
 MR, SWAN'S RECORD :— pastorate in albany, n. y.— pastorate 
 
 OF THIRD baptist CHTTRCH, NEW LONDON. — REVIVAI,. — REVIVAL 
 IN P'ROVIDBNCS:, R. I. — P. DAVIS. — REVIVAL IN NORWICH, N. Y. — - 
 DEATHS OF R. AND T. HARRIS. — REVIVAL. — REVIVAL IM OWEGO, N. 
 Y. — ^REVIVAL IN MERIDEN, CONN. — REVIVAL IN WILLIMANTIC.,— 
 PASTORATE OF SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, NEW LONDON. —RE VIVAL 
 IN CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH, NORWICH, CONN. — RE VI VAL IN TROY, 
 •N. Y. — REVIVAL IN WHITESBOROUGH, N. Y. 297—380. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 STATE MISSIONS AND NINTH PASTORATE. 
 
 MR, SWAN'S RECORD !— LABORS. WITH N. E. SHAILER. CONGRE- 
 GATIONALISMS. REVIVAL IN CORNWALL HOLLOW. REVIVAL IN 
 
 BRISTOL.— BAPTISMS. — REVIVAL IN WEST WOODSTOCK. — DANCING.- 
 PRATING. — REVIVAL IN WEST HARTFORD. — REVIVAL IN NEW HART- 
 FORD.^ REVIVAL IN CANTON. FATHER PHIPP^N.— -SEVERITIES 
 
 ENDURED. — PASTORATE IN WATERFORD. — REVIVALS.— DEATHS. — 
 
 REVIVAL IN HAMILTON, N. Y. THE INSTITUTION. DR. BROOKS. — 
 
 DR. BATON.- THE PROFESSORS. - - - - 331—358. 
 
16 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 LATER ITINEEACIES. 
 MR, SWAN'S RECORD ;— visit to noewich, new yokk.— death of 
 
 HELEN.— FtrarBKAL. — SOKBOW. — RBVrVAI; IN" NORWICH. — BAPTISM. 
 GENBEAL WOKK. — EBVIVAL IN OWEGO. — EAPTUBE. — POWER OF 
 
 GOD. CONFESSION.— BAPTISMS. HUNDREDS CONVERTED, THE 
 
 HIGHER LIFE. — SORIPTUEB TESTS. — ACCESSIONS. — W. H. KING. — 
 REVIVAL IN CAR3IEL, NEW YORK. — JOHN WARREN. — HIS SERMONS. 
 FORMER REVIVAL. — CHANGE OP TIMES. — DEACONS. — CONVERSION. 
 BAPTISMS. — GOLDEN WEDDING. — REVIVAL IN trNIONVILLE, NEW 
 
 YORK. — SICKNESS. RECOVERY. PREACHING IN NORTH LYME, 
 
 CONNECTICUT. — REVIEW. — GRATITITDE. — THOUSANDS BAPTIZED. — 
 MRS. SWAN. — HER LABORS. — HER CHARACTER. — THE FAMILY. 
 
 359—385. 
 CHAPTEE XXI. 
 
 CONTRIBUTED PAPERS. 
 
 FROM DR. PALMER. SONNET. FROM PROF. LEWIS. — REVIVALS. — 
 
 FROM DR. RAYMOND. QuIlITIES. FROM H. D. PINNEY. REVI- 
 VALS. — FROM DR. HILl. — EVANGELISM. — FROM J. TYLER. — RECOL- 
 LECTIONS. — FROM N. E. SHAILER. -INCIDENTS. — FROM DR. NEALE.- 
 
 ILLU8TRATI0N. FROM A FRIEND. FROM DR. IVES. STATE 
 
 MISSIONS. FROM DR. PHELPS. CHARACTERISTICS AND ANEC- 
 
 DOTIIS. — FROM O. T. WALKER. — REMINISCENCES- FROM DR. MUB- 
 
 DOCK.— FOREIGN MISSIONS. - - 386—418. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 DOCTRINE AND MANNER. 
 
 GROWTHS. — STANDARDS. — TESTS. — SPIKING A GUN. — VIEWS. — A BAP- 
 TIST. — ANECDOTE. — BEFORE THE S. U. ASSOCIATION. SONGS. 
 
 TESTIMONY. — DpA. O. SUMNER. — THE SPIRIT. — CAPT. C. C. LEWIS.- 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS. DIVINITY.- JONAH. CHARGE. — SOLDIERS. 
 
 SAMSON. SELECTION. CROOK. FAITHFULNESS. PRAYER 
 
 CHALLENGE. ..... 419 — ^Q, 
 
CONTENTS. 17 
 
 CHAPTEK XXIII, 
 CIVIL EELATIONS. 
 
 THE OLD ACCTTSATIOK". — rORTION OF THE FAITHI^UL. — POLITICIANS 
 AND THEIR rOLICIES. — MB. SWAN'S PEINCIPLBS. — REPUBLICAN- 
 ISM. — ^EQTTAL sights. — DUTY TO THE GOVERNMENT. — A REPUBLI- 
 CAN, TOO SMALL INDUCBMENT, — TESIPERANCB. DESERTS OP 
 
 ' RUM-SELLERS. ^PUBGATORT, DEVILS. ^MAENE LA"W. -^inGHER 
 
 OCCUPATION, — A DIVXNE INSTITUTION, — LACK OP BLOOD. — PILL- 
 MORE SQUASH. — HANGING. — PATBIOTIBM. 431 — 4CS. 
 
 CHAPTE R XXIV. 
 PULPIT PREPARATIONS. 
 
 QUALITIES AS A SBBMOXIZER.-CAST OP MIND. — A SBVEBE STUDENT. - 
 METHOD. — TESTIMONY. ARGUMENT AND ILLUSTRATION. — EXPLA- 
 NATION. — SECRET OP SUCCESS.— A COMPLAINT. — PREPARATIONS. ^- 
 THBIE FORM. — SPECIMENS OP SKELETONS. — BANK AS A SERMON- 
 IZBR. — CALL FOB HIS SERMONS. 4£S — 449 , 
 
 CHAPTE'R XXV. 
 
 DOMESTIC RELATIONS. 
 
 HOME REMEMBERED. — NO INTRUSION. SANCTITY OF HOME. — PROT- 
 ESTANT. — PAITH AND PKACTICB. — MRS. SWAN. — HER QUALITIES 
 
 AND SPHERE. CHILDREN. DEATH OP HELEN. MEMORrBS.— 
 
 EVENTFUL LIFE. — ITS ISSUES. ITS RECOED. DEATH OP MRS. 
 
 SWAN. - - - 450~-4'5!i 
 
 2 
 
18 CONTENTS. 
 
 ENGRAVINGS. 
 
 PORTRAIT, - - FRONTISPIECE. 
 
 LAW AND GRACE, . _ - 39. 
 
 OLD CHURCH, STONINGTON, CONN., - - 71. 
 
 THE UNION BAPTISM, - - - 201. 
 
 OLD CHURCH, NEW LONDON, CONN., - 231. 
 
 OLD CHURCH, WATERFORD, CONN., - - 272. 
 
 HUNTINGTON ST. CHURCH, NEW LONDON, CONN., 299. 
 
 PRESENT CHURCH, WATERFORD, CONN., - 349. 
 
 THE RIGHTEOUS. - - _ - , 458. 
 
 GENERAL INDEX, -.-..,. 459, 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 ACTORS. — THEIK, P.UITS. — OCliTASK. — TRUTH IX BI0GKAPB3BS.— STYLE 
 OP OUR SUBJECT. — PREACinSRS AND llETHODS. — ODDITIES OF OCR 
 SUBJECT. — HIS TASTES. — KESTK.UXT IN WRITING. — HISTORIC MEN. — 
 PREACHERS. — MR. SWAN'S PART. — COMPARED WITH JACOB KNAPP. — 
 TTF«B OP REVIVALS. — OPPOSITIONS. — DIFFICULTIES. — BCCENTKICI- 
 TIES. — MINISTERIAL AIMS. — CRITICISMS. — SKETCH OP JII4. SWAN. — 
 HIS ASSOCIATES.— ENEMIES. — POLICY OF AGGRliSSIUN. — MEN HONOR, 
 
 ' ED OP GOD. 
 
 What a multitude of actors the Lord is pleased to 
 call ont in every scene of the great drama of the ages. 
 Nor are any two actors alike ; some are strong, some 
 weak, some brilliant, some dull, some regular, some 
 eccentric. Variety in unity is the world's pleasing or- 
 der ; general patterns are infinitely varied. In a.ny 
 forest, no two trees, in truth no two leaves are alike. 
 Equal diversity reigns, by divine appointment in the 
 human family. How interesting, and instructive there- 
 fore becomes true history. Alas, that so small a pari 
 of what is written is really true. Truth fills a charming, 
 endless gallery. " Every man hath his proper gift of 
 God, one after this manner, and another after that." 
 
 Men are raised up for their times ; Cyrus for his age ; 
 Moses for his ; Paul for his generation ; Ctesar for 
 Europe ; Washington for America ; Judson for the 
 world ; Howard for the prisoner ; Lincoln for the bond- 
 man. What is true of representative men, is true of 
 
20 INTKODUCTION TO 
 
 the masses. It is a great thing for a man to know his 
 times and his work. This he can do truly only as he is ■ 
 guided, like a Joseph or an Ezra, by the Spirit of God. 
 Though not knowing all certainly, if he is a man of faith 
 and prayer, he will be guided aright ; and the genera- 
 tions following him .shall recognize the Divine Hand. 
 Genuine evangelists are ordained ol God as they are 
 needed, and sent to serve peculiarly amid the peculiari- 
 ties of their times. 
 
 We are invited to consider a singular and majestic 
 character, with the unusual part assigned him in the 
 important events of his age. How can we justly pre- 
 sent our unique subject ? Can words depict Mount 
 Washington or Niagara ? Will the view of any eye,, 
 from any stand-point, be an adequate one ? Facts 
 shall speak for us rather than words. The greatness iind 
 difficulties of our task will be apparent as we proceed. 
 
 All are pleased most with pictures from nature, and 
 instructed most by real examples. Profit and delight 
 accompany the study of true biography. Wise and 
 successful voyagers eagerly study the courses pursued 
 by their predecessors. Special value is happily put upon 
 tlie career of a brave and good man. His principles 
 and his cmJuct become an inspiration to every upward 
 striving spirit. Because our Creator has largely con- 
 stituted us imitative beings, the sentiments and esam- 
 ples of our fellows exert over us a controlling influence 
 for good or evil. Therefore should we select for our 
 study and imitation the worthiest models. With confi- 
 dence and pleasure we commend to widest study and 
 most careful reflection the life and labors of tho christian 
 man before us. Away with novels in tho presence of 
 enticing .facts. When the world abounds with real 
 
THE EVANGELIST. 21 
 
 charactei-s, why delude us with the creations of dreams ? 
 Can men paint better than nature ? Are human im- 
 aginings wiser than the thoughts and^ providence of Grod ? 
 
 Considerations of no ordinary deiicucy pertain to an 
 attempt at sketching the qualities, peculiarities, and 
 doings of the distinguished preacher before \m. Hnw 
 shall we fully describe a man of extraordinary natural 
 powers ; of brilliant and 'eccentric genius ; of acute 
 and robust reason ; of lightning-winged imagination ; 
 of quick and ready memory ; of sharp and double-eyed 
 wit ; of well-poised and herculean will ; of pure and 
 ardent piety ; of thorough biblical study ; and of a 
 physical frame with voice, gesture and manner suited to 
 the animating soul. 
 
 On the title page of our volume we have adopted the 
 metaphor applied to the harbinger of Jesus, since the 
 honored subject of our work was a John Cm Baptist 
 crying in the wilderness and preparing the way of the 
 Lord. Largely did he accept the ancient Baptist as his 
 model of faith, zeal an J labor. Often have we heard 
 liim quote this metaphor and express the pray- 
 er that all preachers of the gospel might be of like 
 spii'it and power with the first Baptist. 
 
 His stylo is graphic, epigramatic, pictorial, poetic in 
 Fpirit and often highly so in tbrm. The metaphors of 
 the Bible, the symbols abounding in nature, and the 
 impressive incidents of history supplied him with illus- 
 trations of his arguments, as the hunter's quiver sup- 
 plies his bow. But we shall vainly attempt to give his 
 real living style, as it flowed from his glowing heart 
 and ready lips in the hom-s of his true inspiration. 
 
 The larger portion of the powerful preachers and 
 evangelists of every age have been like the prophets, and 
 
22 INTEODUCTION TO 
 
 Christ/and the apostles, ia that they have sparingly 
 used parchment in their preaching. Some have Tvritten 
 not at all. The ex;g^lanation is twofold. Their thoughts 
 have been too rapid in their flow, and too epigramatical 
 in form to brook the restraints and little proprieties that 
 attach to a pen. And secondly, the speakers have been 
 unwilling to forego the use of their eyes and the freedom 
 of their whole bodies by confinement to paper. Indeed 
 everywhere, if men would powerfully move assemblies, 
 they will do best, after thoroughly mastering their 
 subjects, to leave their labored preparations out of sight, 
 and speak to men face to face as the spirit of wisdom 
 may give them utterance. Jonathan Edwards could 
 effectively use his manuscripts ; yet not unlikely he 
 might have done even better service at times without 
 them. The most distinguished preachers of our own 
 day, Charles H. Spurgeon and Henry Ward Beecher, in 
 their happiest efforts at least, use only the merest briefs, 
 and often nothing at all in the form of writing. For 
 their richest, raciest discourses we aie indebted to the 
 skill of phonographic reporters. However the remark 
 may militate against our own practice, we here empha- 
 size what we often have stated, that the world doubtless 
 would have been the gainer if never a manuscript had 
 been carried into a pulpit. Men can learn to think on 
 their feet as well as in their chairs, and can acquire the 
 habit of composing sentences on- the spur of the mo- 
 meat quite as effectively, if not always as elegantly, as 
 when allowed the quiet of the study, and long hours in 
 which to weigh the form of their words. It is alike an 
 art to compose whether with or without writing. And 
 is it not the noblest attainment when one can dispense 
 with the machinery of pen, ink and parchment .? More- 
 
THE KVANGELIST. 23 
 
 over the masses of the people are less movbd by excellent 
 , rhetoric than by vivid ideas. 
 
 We here recall the wise counsel of Dr. Wayland 
 whose words were always golden. "Think out your 
 subject clearly and fully. Be master of your position. 
 Preserve the power of writing so completely that you 
 can produce a discourse from your pen when needed. At 
 the same time maintain the ability and habit of speak- 
 ing without a manuscript." We think that many of 
 the students of Brown .University and tbe assemblies 
 that listened to the eminent thinker in the First Bap- 
 tist Church in Providence will testify that Dr. Way- 
 land often rose to his grandest heights of eloquence and 
 power as a preacher when speaking without the re- 
 straint of notes. 
 
 Eelative to some of Mr. Swan's oddities of expres- 
 sion two things may be said in explanation ; First ; 
 his mental constitution was unique ; his mind bent 
 towards forms of force ; Second ; he studiously aimed 
 to awaken and stimulate men to action. Not mere 
 sensation, but working effect, was his prime and laud- 
 able object. He could not be like other men. He 
 meant to be incisive. He did not care to clothe his 
 thoughts in the fashionable garb of any school. The 
 eagle does not covet the plumage of the humming bird. 
 
 Not that he underestimated true elegance of dic- 
 tion ; no man had a more accurate and lively appreci- 
 ation of fit and forcible language. In fact, in him the 
 poetic element was native and prominent ; but for his 
 life-work — to impress men with the truth — he valued 
 strength above mere ornament. Luckless indeed have 
 been copyists of his original style and manner. At- 
 tempting to imitate the Swan they became but geese. 
 
24 , INTRODUCTION TO 
 
 Could some of the discourses of tlie evangelist iave 
 been fully reported, they would be counted splendid 
 specimens of oratory, especially if that be reckoned or- 
 atory which powerfully moves the multitude. To know 
 their full effect however would require a knowledge of 
 the preacher's spirit, look, voice and manner. 
 
 A successful sculptor, or painter, or poet, must be 
 highly endowed with imagination — the image-forming, 
 picture-making, idea-sketching faculty. Not less is it 
 needed by a great orator or preacher. This rare and 
 well nigh regal power is prominent in him of whom we 
 speak. From this grand quality flows much of the 
 charm, vividness and force of his preaching. Delight- 
 ing in the metaphors, and master of the poetry, of the 
 Bible, he is often wonderfully felicitous in combining 
 the inspired word-painting witli the thread of his argu- 
 ments, and in carrying home his conclusions by the 
 loftiest poetic appeals. Had time allowed him to train 
 and chasten his imagination, he would have been a poet 
 of no inferior rank. 
 
 Such was his rapidity of thought and facility of 
 speech that he seldom put his pen to paper as an aid in 
 preparing his discourses, save to jot down what might 
 answer as a brief of liis arguments — mere bones to be 
 clothed by the spirit in the hour of prophecy. He how- 
 over always prepared by hard study. In style, manner, 
 ,".nd method, he was original and peerless. As we can 
 not adequately portray him in common formulas of 
 language, we shall hope to present some of the engag- 
 ing aspects of him by incidents of his life and character- 
 istic anecdotes. What is eminently picturesqe can best 
 be set forth by pictures. 
 
 Great delicacy and difficulty attach to the effort of 
 
THE EVANOELIST. 25 
 
 delineating an actor before lie has completed his part 
 on the stage. We may not fully comprehend his part 
 Until it closes. He himself may not clearly understand 
 it. No man is a perfect judge of himself No man is 
 an infallible interpreter of another. Steering as best 
 we may by a new method between Soylla and Charybdis 
 we hope the truth may suffer no serious loss from the 
 limitations under Avhich we are obliged to present it. 
 When the good and gifted man shall have finished his 
 work, an abler pen may impart to the picture its full 
 and proper colors. Yet the final shading of so rare an 
 original will be a difficult task. 
 
 We study the self-denying lives and fondly cherish 
 the names of the founders of cities and the planters of 
 states. Affectionately we sing of Plymouth and What 
 Cheer Rocks. But he who plants and nurtures the 
 principles and institutions of the gospel does the high- 
 est service to his generation and confers the most endur- 
 ing benefit upon his country. To elevate and purify 
 mankind is to deserve honor. To be a worker with 
 Grod in the moral husbandry of the world ; to act as an 
 ambassador of the world's Redeemer ; to toil publicly, 
 vigorously, ably, for more than half a century; to lead 
 thousands in the way of life ; to boldly and successfully 
 apply the laws of God to the habits, maxims and cus- 
 toms of men ; must be admitted to be a task of the 
 highest order, and one presenting a claim upon our 
 attention, persuading us to give it careful study and 
 to imitate as far as possible the noble worker. The 
 highest products of our world are its good men. What- 
 ever land can boast of true, pure, heroic spirits has its 
 
26 INTRODUCTION TO 
 
 historic fame secure. With equal force and beauty 
 
 wrote Wordsworth : 
 
 "Can earth afford 
 Sucli genuine state, preeminence so free, 
 As when arrayed in Christ's authority, 
 He from the pulpit lifts his awful hand ; 
 Conjures, implores, and labors all he can 
 For resubjecting to Divine command 
 The stubborn spirit of rebellious man." 
 
 Eastern Connecticut is not without such roll of true 
 honor. Many of her sons have acted worthily for her 
 and all our land. In trying'^days and amid scenes cal- 
 culated to make or mar the noblest qualities, true men 
 have appeared and honored their times. Secular his- 
 tory will give to Eastern Oonnecticut her roll of civilians 
 and military worthies. She has had as well her catalogue 
 of pure, gifted, effective preachers; Noyes, Owen, the 
 Wightmans, Backus, Strong, Pomeroy, Brown, the 
 Palmers, the Miners, the Burrowses, the Darrows. 
 These had their brave compeers and their worthy succes- 
 sors ; a good roll of pastors, teachers, evangelists, men 
 who laid strong foundations and built for God. The 
 spirit and faith of the old revivalists, Wesley, White- 
 field, Tennent, Wightman, Orowell, Backus, Baldwin, 
 Payson, have often reappeared to bless the world. East- 
 ern Oonnecticut stands conspicuous and honored as 
 having been the theatre of 'numerous and remarkable 
 revivals ; some in the early colonial days ; many during 
 the period known as the Great Awakening, Much of 
 the glory of the New Light shone from her hills. But 
 in all ,her history, among her native born sons, for ' 
 stalwart form and qualities, for fervency of piety, for 
 biblical understanding, for multitude of labors, for he- 
 roic sacriiices, and for success in winning souls, no one 
 
THE EVANGELIST. 27 
 
 has filled the commission of a preacher and an evange- 
 list more effectively than he of whom we now write. 
 
 In the semicentennial sermon . before the New Lon- 
 don Baptist Association (Sept. 1867) preached by liev. 
 S. G-raves, D. D. of Norwich, occurs this true testimony : 
 " And here too, is my brother in the desk, whose voice 
 has been the clarion of the Lord over all this field, and 
 whose life and labors form the most thrilling chapter m 
 our history for the last quarter of a century." Addit- 
 ional labors have now been performed both in Connecti- 
 cut and in New York. 
 
 Though names and numbers altogether inadequately 
 set forth the results of his ministry, yet it is suitable to 
 state that it is confidently believed from a survey of re- 
 cords, that in connection with his labors, and as their 
 direct fruit, about ten thousand souls have been added 
 to Baptist churches. Very many of course were con- 
 verted under his preaching who finally united with 
 churches of other denominations. A large number led 
 to Christ by him have become preachers of the gospel. 
 
 Not a few will associate the name of Jabez S. Swan 
 with that of Jacob Knapp. They were indeed kin and 
 ever twin in faith and evangelistic labors. Elder Knapp 
 was born in Otsego Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1799, and was 
 therefore but two and a half months older than Elder 
 Swan. He was licensed in 1822, studied theology at 
 Hamilton, received his diploma and was ordained in 
 1825. His first settlement, of five years, was in Spring- 
 field, N. Y., his second, of three years, was in Watertown, 
 N. Y. His career as an evangelist began in the antumn 
 6f 1833. 
 
 Elder Swan, born Feb. 23, 1800, was licensed May 12^ 
 1822, the same year with Elder Knapp ; entered Ham- 
 
28 INTEODUCTION TO 
 
 ilton in 1825, the year that Mr. Knapp left ; graduated 
 in 1827, in which year he was ordained. His first set- 
 tlement was in Stonington, Conn., and continued three 
 years, during which, the conviction came upon him that 
 he ought to enter the field as an evangelist. This it 
 will he noticed was at least three years before Mr. Knapp 
 commenced his evangelistic career. His second pastor- 
 ate, which continued eight years, was in Norwich-, N. Y., 
 during which he entered upon evangelizing labors in re- 
 gions adjacent. Large success attended his labors. A 
 third pastorate was in Preston, N. Y ., where he organized 
 the church and directed in the erection of a meeting- 
 house. A fourth settlement of about four years duration, 
 was in Oxford, N. Y. In all this time he was withal an 
 evangelist, meeting with wonderful success. He now 
 dropped pastoral relations and girded himself fully for 
 reaping in the broad field. In eighteen months he bap- 
 tized more than a thousand persons. 
 
 It is somewhat difficult therefore to decide between 
 Elder Swan and Elder Knapp, as to who first thrust in 
 the evangelizing sickle. Doubtless they, like the orbs 
 of heaven, mutually influenced each other. Priority in 
 leaving the pastorate for his work belongs to Elder 
 Knapp. In faith and zeal, as in strength and eccentri- 
 cities, they were however true yokefellows, and atdifier- 
 ent times in their ministry preached from the same 
 pulpit. Not long however did they toil alone as 
 pioneers in their peculiar labor. They were'immediately 
 followed and assisted , by such brave and gifted men as 
 G-eorge Benedict, J. H. Chamberlain, A. C. Kingsley 
 and Lewis Kaymond. Thus the modern type of evan- 
 gelism, dating from about 1830, may be said to have 
 been largely inaugurated in Connecticut and New York, 
 
THE EVANGELIST. 29 
 
 through the instrumentality of Jacob Knapp and Jabez 
 S. Swan. 
 
 We have spoken of the modern or late type of revi- 
 vals. Some explanation perhaps is necessary. All 
 revivals are wrought by the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit 
 employs different means at different times. One 
 method was chosen at Pentecost ; another at Philippi ; 
 another in the days of Luther ; another in the times of 
 Oranmer ; another in the times of Wesley. There were 
 revivals in New England prior to the Great Awakening, 
 but they differed from that great event in their modes 
 of manifestation ; they were unfolded in particular 
 churches and under the labors of settled ministers and 
 the body of the churches. Evening meetings and 
 traveling evangelists were unknown. Indeed the state 
 of the country, save in the few cities, would not admit 
 of such means. After the Great Kevival more was 
 thought of series of meetings and of the labors of itiner- 
 ant evangelists. Especially were these ia honor among 
 the Baptists as shown by the labors of Isaac Backus. 
 But since from the weakness of human nature, the pro- 
 gress of the world, including that of churches also, is 
 
 saltatory instead of steady and regular, the spirit of 
 revivals in the country, in the early part of the present 
 century had suffered serious abatement. Military, po- 
 litical and pecuniary excitements had largely engrossed 
 the public attention. Moreover certain doctrinal views 
 had erected themselves into a virtual barrier against 
 evangelistic efforts. Education and routine prevailed in 
 the churches of the Standing Order in Connecticut and 
 Massachusetts. Little opportunity was there for a John 
 the Baptist except among the Baptists and Methodists. 
 Alas, that the hands of some of the Baptist were tied 
 
30 INTEODUCTION TO 
 
 by AntJnomiauism and certain perversions of Calvinism. 
 Eeligious reformation was suffering an ebb. Protracted 
 meetings and fervent appeals to the wicked — the spirit- 
 ually dead — were suspected of machine-work and the 
 heresy of Arminianism. A holy horror was entertained 
 of man-made converts. 
 
 But the time at last came for lifting again the old 
 standard and blowing the trumpet of the Lord on the 
 hills. Of the part acted in the great rally by Jabez S. 
 Swan we shall learn in the chapters to follow. 
 
 Opposition to distinctively Baptist principles is what 
 might have been confidently expected from the old 
 dominant ecclesiastical party in Connecticut. The 
 majority in the state have been pedobaptists from the 
 beginning. The colony was planted by a peculiar class 
 of Presbyterians, whose descendants have become pro- 
 fessedly Congregational. Baptists have always been 
 congregationalists of the purest type. But their rejec- 
 tionof sprinkling and infant church membership has 
 barred them from the favor of pedobaptists. 
 
 It will not be a matter of wonder to the thoughtful 
 that even some of the Baptists hesitated to subscribe 
 to all the bold methods ventured upon by the evangelist. 
 Some men from constitutional peculiarities, and others 
 from habit and a deference to customs, look suspicious- 
 ly upon innovations. Of neccessity they judge of the 
 baittle of life from their own stand-point. Hence the 
 movements of a general whose views are more compre- 
 hensive than their own, are liable to be misunderstood 
 and unjustly criticised ; courage is deemed rashness ; a 
 bold attack is denounced as recklessness. E"ofc until 
 success crowns the brow of the valiant leader, do these 
 
THE EVANGELIST. 31 
 
 halting and doubting spirits join in the chorus of vic- 
 tory. 
 
 In some fields peculiar chronic difficulties were 
 encountered. Both ministers and churches had long 
 heen negligent of discipline and the practical application 
 of vital ecclesiactical principles. To use Mr. Swan's 
 own illustration, they had plowed and cultivated the 
 centre of the field, leaving a large margin on all sides, 
 of bushes and briars, concealing the fence and furnishing 
 a rendezvous for serpents, insects and vermin, with an 
 unmolested growth advancing toward the centre of the 
 field. His idea was to plow up to the fence. Brush, 
 vines, snakes and burrowing creatures belonged on the 
 outside of the enclosure. But it was hard work to put 
 the plow into these bosky, briery, serpent-haunted mar- 
 gins. Such courage met with opposition and not 
 unfrequently with peril. 
 
 By not a few he has been pronounced eccentric. But 
 what do men mean by this phrase ? Would they have 
 all men precisely alike ? Would they bar the Creator 
 from bestowing peculiarities upon us ? While the Lord 
 has made no two members, of the human family alike 
 (save the Siamese twins) in statue, features, voice and 
 strength, shall he not impart a like variety of intellect- 
 ual and spiritual gifts ? John the Baptist was eccentric. 
 Paul was eccentric. Luther was eccentric. Whitefield/ 
 was eccentric. No two heavenly, bodies move in the 
 same orbit. In fact every member of the great family 
 of man is eccentric. We admit that the subject of our 
 sketch had his eccentricities, but they were all of the 
 noblest type. To use his own expression, he worked " in 
 his own harness." What models he had were drawn 
 from the Scriptures, rather than from his own time. 
 
32 INTRODUCTION TO 
 
 He copied from Elijah and Grideon and Nehemiah and 
 Peter. If he leaped out of the old ruts and grooves of 
 custom it was to move in a higher sphere and to accom- 
 plish worthy ends. 
 
 Impartiality requires at least an allusion to the fact 
 that in two or three instances in his life, owing to his 
 herculean lahors by day and night, overtasking his pow- 
 ers of body and mind, the spirit, for brief seasons, 
 broke from its accustomed orbit. It is difficult to 
 speak of this martyr feature in language sufficiently de- 
 licate. What can any of us truly say of physical 
 disease or mental aberration of which we have had no 
 experience ! How far is one the author of the other ? 
 And does not the virtue of great labor and over-work 
 in a holy cause counterbalance the momentary misfortune 
 of abnormal mental conditions 7 Warriors lose limbs 
 and life also. In these hours however the flights of Mr. 
 Swan's mi&d were upward, and often mighty and" 
 majestic. Whoever contemplates the vast amount of 
 work he performed will only marvel that the mortal 
 frame of the man endured so well the heavy shock of 
 heroic battle. 
 
 His aims in life never included the acquisition of 
 property. Ambitious to give his talents, his bodily 
 strength, his time and his all, to the service of Christ, 
 he has been contented with a bare support. Traveling, 
 preaching, toiling unweariedly for fifty years, always 
 giving liberally from his scanty means, suffering no case 
 of real need to pass unheeded, sometimes receiving com- 
 fortably but always pouring out benevolently, he is still 
 dependent upon his labor for his living. Always plain 
 in dress,, economical in habits, and ceaseless in efforts, 
 the slate of his finances is a ])roof of his disinterested 
 
THE EVANGELIST. 33 
 
 spirit. Indeed lie lias seen times of real poverty, even 
 in the times of his most abounding usefulness. 
 
 The true preacher's ambition is often q[uite misunder^ 
 stood. Too frequently is it interpreted as a desire for 
 public life, a love of popularity, a passion for reputation 
 and fame, as in the case of many men of the world. It 
 may be that this is partly true of some who preach the 
 gospel, but not of the best and truest ministers of 
 Christ. They are more like their Master, aiming not 
 for the applause of men, but for the salvation of souls, 
 and for the restoration of the kingdom of God on earth. 
 They -seek assemblies that they may do good, and covet 
 the fame of men for the truth's sake. Not unfrequent- 
 ly, as in the case of the subject of the present work, they 
 are naturally the most modest and self-depreciating of 
 men. Their seeming confidence and boldness is a 
 moral courage drawn from Christ, to do their appointed 
 work as his ambassadors. Like tender John and wav-, 
 ering Peter, they are made strong and confident and 
 brave in their work, by virtue of the grace and Spirit of 
 their Lord, The heroic and invincible in them pertains 
 to the kingdom of God, and is inherited from Chifist. 
 For the gospel's sake and that they may win souls to 
 the cross, they often brave the tide of public opinion 
 and consent to have their names cast out as evil. Nobly 
 scorning sycophancy and flattery, and disdaining the 
 sinuous artifices of compromise, they stand by the 
 standard of truth though it may cost them the friend- 
 ship of rulers and people. They must deliver the 
 message of the Lord at all hazards. Hence the best of 
 preachers, in all ages, like Christ, and Paul, and Luther, 
 and Cranmer, and Whitefield have had the bitterest of 
 Kiemies. 
 
 3 
 
34 INTEODUCTION TO 
 
 Public men must never expect to escape the unpleas- 
 ant ordeal of criticisms. The more elevated and sacred 
 the office, the more exposed is the incumbent. Prophets 
 and evangelists especially have been subjected to the 
 trial of adverse judgments. Even our Lord when in the 
 flesh was accused of complicity with Beelzebub. 
 
 Jabez S. Swan has been obliged to endure his portion 
 of ill judgments. Men of the world have thought him 
 fanatical. Conservatives have deemed him a radical. 
 The cold and sluggish have counted him an enthusiast. 
 Timid souls and time-servers have pronounced him an 
 agitator. On the other hand the children of grace have 
 loved him for his zeal; the friends of progress have hon- 
 ored him for his championship of advancing ideas ; the 
 hopeful and brave have rallied to the banner he bore ; 
 and all the devout have given him the 'support of their 
 voices and their prayers. He was born for the van, and 
 had o[ualities given to him for a leader. The scars of 
 his service therefore are upon him, but not a scar in the 
 back. Never could his loemen unjoint his harness or 
 turn him back from his line of advance. Bold without 
 rashness, determined after duly considering resources, 
 strong not in himself but in the Lord of Hosts, he 
 often ventured where other men hesitated, and won 
 signal victories on fields th^t to less courageous souls 
 seemed utterly forbidding. 
 
 It must not be suspected that we claim faultlessness 
 for Mr. Swan. Only one blameless life has been known 
 on earth. If mistakes were 'made by Job, and Moses, 
 and David, and Paul, we may not reject Mr. Swan if he 
 sometimes erred in judgment, and sometimes unneces- 
 sarily differed in methods from his brethren. But at 
 least^thecore of his character, from the day of his 
 
THE EVANGELIST. 3i) 
 
 conversion has been eminently christian. And the 
 generations to come will judge him more leniently than 
 some of his cotemporaries. 
 
 Nor pen nor pencil may adequately describe him . 
 The oak of Bashan must be seen to be appreciated. The 
 motion and music ot a cataract were never transfered to 
 canvaSj though in a happy sense they may live forever in 
 the memory of one who has witnessed the wonder. A 
 pen sketch of a man is at best a faint thing. He of 
 whom we are speaking is above the ordinary stature of 
 men, indeed tall, yet erect and well proportioned. A 
 manlier form one may not find among ten thousand 
 With a face large, open, frank and pleasant; with eyes 
 large, bright and penetrating; with a voice full, round, 
 musical and rich in modulation, he wears all the nat- 
 lu-al requisites for a conspicuous public character, and a 
 powerful speaker, as he is. In manner and gesture he 
 is natural, easy, impressive, and always abounding in 
 earnestness. Never was he suspected of imitation or 
 pedantry. Never was a man more original or peculiarly 
 himself. Some may have regarded him as quite care- 
 less of things upon which most public speakers lay not 
 a little stress. His dress is always plain, substantial 
 and becoming, quite removed however from the preten- 
 sions of the latest fashion. He once said, " I could 
 never preach in a new suit of clothes till I had worn 
 them through a rain storm." Socially no man is more 
 easy, pleasant, free and entertaining. His society is a 
 perpetual feast. In his nature are wonderfully blended 
 the tender and the strong, the delicate and the robust, 
 the sympathetic and the decisive, the fraternal and the 
 administrative. Of sound judgment, of penetrating 
 sagacityj of lively humor, of keen wit, of iron logic, and 
 
36 INTRODUCTION TO 
 
 of remarkably ready power of illustration, he" is quali- 
 fied to move assemblies. His appeals are always open, 
 direct, persistent and mighty. At times the tenderness 
 of his feelings b^omes an irresistible power of. jDersua- 
 sion. Indeed he wins ho less with his heart than with 
 his intellect. But his great power lies in his faith in 
 God. He repeats the Scriptures as the present enunci- 
 ations of Deity. In prayer he takes hold of the arm of 
 the Most High. Not doubting his commission from the 
 Lord Jesus, he confidently addresses himself to the con- 
 sciences of all men, and proclaims with wonderful power 
 the invitations and warnings of the gospel. We have 
 never met with a man who answered more fully to the 
 idea of an "ambassador for Christ." 
 
 One should have seen him in the prime of his man- 
 hood, before a vast assembly, when the fullness of the 
 Spirit of the Lord was upon him and upon the people. 
 Perhaps his text would be "If the Lord be God, serve 
 him." It were almost pardonable to believe that Elijah 
 himself was present. Fact followed fact ; argument fol- 
 lowed argument; thoughts bloomed into fragrant illus- 
 trations; conclusions were crowned with Scripture nar- 
 ratives, incidents and commandments, till, rising in 
 fervor of faith and volume of voice, in the spirit and 
 power of Elijah, he seem(;d to call down upon the people 
 the power of the Highest. In such ministry was real- 
 ized the fact that the gospel is the power of God. 
 
 In the meridian of his ministry in Eastern Connecti- 
 cut, he was intimately associated with Eevs. Asa Bron- 
 sdn, Erastus Denison, Henry K. Knapp, Ira R. Steward, 
 John Greene, John H. Baker, B. F. Hedden, Alfred 
 Gates, Benajah Cook, Charles S. Weaver, Levi Meech, 
 D, D. Lyon, William Walker, 0. T. Walker, W. Man- 
 
THE EVANGELIST. Sf 
 
 g~!r, William Denison, J. P. Brown, E. T. Hiscox, J. R. 
 Stone, P. Q. Wightnaan, N. E. Shailer, A. G-. Palmer . 
 
 He had as well the confidence and support cf the 
 ministers generally throughout the State and in Rhode 
 Island, Massachusetts and New York. Not a few of 
 them in seasons of religious interest solicited and en- 
 joyed his evangelistic labors. Glad witnesses to the 
 efficiency of his ministry are found wherever he was 
 invited to preach. 
 
 Among his associates and co- laborers in the state of 
 New York were Alfred Uennett, John Peck, Nathaniel 
 Kendrick, Daniel Hascall, A. C. Kingsley, J. H. Cham- 
 berlain, Linus Peck, Philetus Peck, George Benedict, 
 E. Dodge, L. Raymond. In Albany he stood with the 
 famous evangelist, Jacob Knapp. 
 
 Ours is a world of antagonisms. Earth is a battle 
 field. Here good and evil grapple and contend for life. 
 Cain yet seeks the blood of Abel. The true prophets 
 were stoned. Christ was assailed by Satan in the wil- 
 derness, and crucified at last by human malice. His 
 followers have been made partakers of his suiferings. 
 
 What if the enemies of the cross — men of the world — 
 profane men — thieves, gamblers, drunkards, drunkard- 
 makers, the licentious, infidels, atheists, Universalists 
 and hypocrites, abused him in language and injured 
 him in property. They found no stain on his charac- 
 ter. They were powerless to pierce his heaven-given 
 armor. They only fell back from the onset, wounded, 
 defeated and disgraced. 
 
 In conducting some of his sacred campaigns, even 
 such of his measures as received severe criticism, were 
 far wiser than to most mere observers they seemed to 
 be. We refer to his sharp and startling attacks upon 
 
38 INTRODUCTION^ TO 
 
 errorists and men involved in wicked transactions. 
 Upon these he occasionally, in the progress of a genu- 
 ine revival which naay be compared to a campaign, 
 opened some of his heaviest and most effective artillery. 
 Both shell and solid shot were employed. Like that of 
 a wise general, his object was two-fold; first, to feel of 
 the enemy's front and draw his fire, that he might know 
 the position and strength of the force he must meet; 
 second, that by the effect of his shot or shell he might 
 expose masked batteries and dislodge them from their 
 vantage grounds. Not noise or excitement; but bold, 
 manly, open, effective work was his purpose. He aimed 
 to overthrow the strongholds of Satan. 
 
 Not that his preaching at any time was characteris- 
 tically belligerant; quite otherwise. In spirit and man- 
 ner persuasive rather than denunciatory; advancing 
 truth rather than condemning error; preaching a posi- 
 tive rather than a negative code; chiefly solicitous to 
 edify, and never demolishing except with the intent of 
 reconstruction, he was an agitator wholly in the interest 
 of reform and progress. He assailed Jericho not in the 
 love of desolation, but by the authority of Him who 
 denounced whited sepulchres, and that the land might 
 be brought under the dominion of truth and righteous- 
 ness. If his exposures of wickedness seemed well nigh 
 merciless, it was only in humble imitation of the faith 
 and zeal of the old prophet when he confronted the 
 votaries of Baal at Carmel, or of Luther when he 
 entered the lists and fearlessly unmasked the corrup- 
 tions of the Papal Power. Aggression is unquestiona- 
 bly the duty of all preachers of the gospel; preemi- 
 nently is this true of the successful evangelist. 
 ^ As to the school of critics, we have but one word to 
 
THE EVANGELIST. dl) 
 
 gugo'cst; let not tliosc avIio liave lieen reareil in palaces 
 despise tlie camel's liair and leathern girdle, if God lias 
 honored tlie ^vcarer, malvine' liim a man of niieht, full 
 of faith and the Holy Glidst. 
 
 In shiirt, Mr. Swan answered Avell to the high descrip- 
 tion of a preacher gi\-en hy Dryden : 
 
 " Till' proud lie tamed, tlie penitent he cheered, 
 Xor to rebuke the rich offender feared; 
 His preacliiiu; much, but more his practice wrought 
 A livins serinou eif the truth, he laucht." 
 
THE EVANGELIST, 
 
 OB 
 
 tiFE AND LABORS OF EEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 
 
 CHAPTEE I. 
 
 PAR'ENTAGE AND EARLY LIFE. 
 
 MR, swan's birthplace. — HIS PARENTS. — THEIB FAMILY. CUS- 
 TOMS. STONINGTOK. -EMPLOYMENTS. ^EDUCATION, ^BOM- 
 BARDMENT OF BTONINGTON. MR, SWAN'S RECORD i— MOTH" 
 
 ER'S influence. — SABBATHS. — DEEP EBLIGIOUS IMPRESSIONS. 
 
 DEA. B. FELLOWS. — CONVERSIONS. — DELAYS. — SEPTEMBER GALE. 
 — DEFENSE OF STONINGTON. — PAET ACTKD. — REMOVAL. 
 
 Jabez Smith Swan was born in Stonington, Conn., 
 February twenty- third, 1800. The house honored by his 
 birth is still standing, somewhat changed indeed, at a lit- 
 tle distance to the north-east of the Congregational meet- 
 ing house in Stonington Borough. His father, Joshua 
 Swan, was an industrious yeoman, ambitious chiefly 
 to fill his place among men of loil and character. 
 Brought up on a farm he also learned the craft of 
 shoemaking. The mother of Jabez, Esther (Smith) 
 Swan, was the daughter of Deacon Simeon Smith, of 
 
42 .EAELT LIFE OF 
 
 G-roton, Conn. Her father, her brother Eufus, and hi^ 
 Bon Simeon, were eminent christian men, deacons of 
 the Second Baptist church in Groton; her brother Eu- 
 fus adorning his office for fifty years. In piety and 
 gifts, Esther ranked with her brother, ready always to 
 speak and pray and sing in the social meetings of the 
 church. She was a power at home, and in the house of 
 God. Her words of rich experience, her fervent pray- 
 ers, and her wise exhortations are still mentioned with 
 honor. 
 
 The children of Joshua and Esther Swan were as fol- 
 lows: two daughters who died in infancy; Joshua, still 
 living; Betsey; Joseph; Jabez S.; William Henry, who 
 died young; William Henry 2d, and Charles, both lost 
 at sea. 
 
 StoninT;ton Borough at this time was but a small vil- 
 lage. The inhabitants of the township were chiefly 
 farmers. The serious question of " Sailor's Eights " 
 awaited adjustment with Great Britain, and was deter- 
 mined only by the war of 1812. Mechanical pursuits 
 wyre limited and mostly performed by hand. The peo- 
 ple lived by hard work, and reaped but small wages. 
 Toil was alike necessary and honorable, at the spinning 
 wheel, at the plow, at the forge, at the bench. Schools 
 in Connecticut, were common, free, and prized, but 
 they were very simple in form and range of studies. 
 But few realized more than a district school education. 
 
 Jabez enjoyed something more than an average of 
 educational advantages in the examples and precepts of 
 his parents, in the influences of kindred and friends, in 
 the schools of his native village, in the good books cho- 
 sen for his perusal, and in the religious services upon 
 which he regularly attended. Such was his craving f o? 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 43 
 
 knowledge and such, his application to books that even 
 limited advantages were made productive of large 
 and happy results. 
 
 With eager interest Jabez heard his devout and 
 instructed mother tell of the trials and labors of the 
 Baptists of the preceding century, their civil disabili- 
 ties, their ejection from assemblies and places of trust, 
 their imprisonment in New London, their scourging in 
 North Stonington, the distraints, fines and persecutions 
 they endured in almost every region, save Rhode Island. 
 Withal he heard of the marvelous increase of their num- 
 bers, and the progress of their principles. Thus early 
 he recognized in the Baptists the party who contended 
 for personal religion and civil liberty. 
 
 Though a mere lad when the British made their attack 
 upon Stonington August ninth and tenth, 1814, he 
 engaged patriotically in the defence of his native place, 
 and acted as he has said, the part of a powder-monkey 
 to thet artillerists. Be was especially active in the 
 repulse of the barges that attempted a landing on the 
 evening of the ninth. As these barges came up in line 
 towards the place, on the southeast, th& cannon mounted 
 on the Point, roundly loaded and heavily shotted, gave 
 them a terrible reception. One of them was so badly 
 torn that she could only be held afloat and borne off by 
 her companions. The boifibardment of the tenth from 
 the seventy-four gun ship Eamilies, from the bomb- 
 ship Terror, from the forty-four gun ship Pactolus, and 
 the brig .Despatch, was heroically and successfully 
 answered by the bravely manned batteries on the Point. 
 In all this the heart of young Jabez beat high, and his 
 hands were prompt to do what they might in support 
 of his country's defenders. The impulse given to his 
 
44- EAELT LIFE OF 
 
 patriotism by this event was never lost. His valor for 
 the rights of his countrymen only strengthened with his 
 years. But we gladly "turn to the record of his early 
 life as furnished by Mr. Swan himself 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD. 
 
 "Associated with my earliest recollections was a 
 desire for religion. My mother was a devoted christian, 
 and her life reflected clear light upon the minds of her 
 children, so that the moral sense of her household was 
 quickened early to discern moral obligations. At times 
 the children of the family were instructed and prayed 
 with by our mother. 
 
 " The gospel I heard in that day seemed to have but 
 little reference "to children, and there being no Sabbath 
 schools, our only source of vital instruction was the 
 home blessed with religious parents. The services of 
 the sanctuary were in the morning and in the evening; 
 the afternoon left an open door for wandering. A fam- 
 ily-law bound all of our household to remain at home 
 Sabbath afternoons. Yet under various pretexts I and 
 my elder brothers often wandered about and virtually 
 desecrated the holy day of the Lord, which I shall 
 regret to the end of my life. I now regard strict Sab- 
 bath observance as one of the mightiest bulwarks 
 against the floods of increasing_ evils which threaten 
 the destruction of the young. From what, in my early 
 life, was esteemed extreme tenacity in the Standin"- 
 Order in their Puritanic observance of the Lord's Day, 
 Baptists, to some extent at least, threw themselves into 
 the opposite extreme, and they have reaped the bitter 
 fruits in a sorry harvest. 
 
 " The first deep and lasting religious impressioa 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 4.5 
 
 made upon my heart was in my father's house at a con- 
 ference meeting. I was then seven or eight years of 
 age. As the meeting progressed, Deacon Elnathan 
 Fellows commenced talking, while nothing appeared 
 unusual up to that time. He at length broke out in 
 raptures of praise and. thanksgiving to God, accompa- 
 nied with clapping of hands. This was so difierent 
 from anything ever known of him before, that the 
 whole meeting presented such a scene as I never wit- 
 nessed. Elder Elihu Chesebro seemed to drink into 
 the same spirit; and all the disciples, male and female, 
 seemed baptised in one spirit. Deacon Fellows appealed 
 to two daughters of his in such a manner as was ren- 
 dered eifectual in their conversion to God. 
 
 " The audience filled two rooms; I, with perhaps five 
 and twenty others, mostly youth, was in one of the 
 rooms; and a memorable scene it was. Wailing over 
 sin, with cries to God for pardon, filled all the place 
 where we were assembled. A young lady was so 
 wrought upon that the attention of the meeting was 
 almost wholly directed towards her. Her lamentations 
 on account of having ridiculed religion, exceeded any- 
 thing I have over heard since. For a long time prayer 
 was offered seemingly in vain. The sighings of that 
 poor sin-stricken soul seem to reverberate in my ears 
 while I write : ' 0, I have ridiculed religion !' Very 
 late in tiae evening God appeared for deliverance. The 
 change in her was so visible, that her countenance 
 reflected the glory of God through the assembly. Many 
 years after I became her pastor; and on looking her up, 
 iound she had held on her way. I believe about all 
 _who were in that meeting at length came to the light 
 and united with the churches of Stonington. 
 
46 EAELT LIFE OF 
 
 " Meetings which followed for a considerable time 
 had much interest. Quite a number were converted 
 and came out clearly into the light. Others, and my- 
 self among them, were left in the twilight, and for a 
 course of years groped on in darkness and sin. My mind 
 was harassed with convictions -of sin and a conscious- 
 ness of ill, so that I enjoyed nothing for a long course 
 of years. My conscience harassed me perpetually, and 
 my life was like a troubled sea, whose waters cast up 
 mire and dirt. 
 
 " In 1815, in what is known as the September gale^ 
 I came near losing my life. I just escaped from a barn 
 which was thrown down by the flood. I retired to my 
 room and bowed and vowed to God, in view of his great 
 mercy, I would serve him; but the impression wore off, 
 and I fell again into unbelief and sin. Thus I lived far 
 from God till in my one and twentieth year. 
 
 " An event occurred to me in 1814 which arraigned . 
 my mind to the matter of meeting God. Our little 
 village of Stonington was attacked by a heavy naval 
 force of the British fleet, and the prospect was that the 
 place would be burned before a sufficient force could be 
 rallied to successfully resist them. The morning after 
 the enemy arrived, I went into the fort to assist in beat-- 
 ing off the enemy: While there powder was wanted for 
 a very exposed spot on the end of the Point below the 
 battery, and I offered my services. While on my first 
 trip down, it was forced upon me to settle the c[uestion, 
 What would become of me if 1 was killed; and I at 
 once determined I should be lost. Yet I was where I 
 was called upon to act for my country and my home; 
 and I determined to advance and leave myself to what- 
 pver might befall me. My steps took me into the very 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 47 
 
 face of death ; yet ' God shielded me in tho day of bat- 
 tle.' I had not been long in the battle before all fear 
 of consequences departed, and I thought of nothing but 
 the object I had before me. Thanks to the Lord,he 
 gave us victory without the loss of life, save one young 
 man (Frederick Denison) who was mortally wounded. 
 
 " Near 1816, my father removed with his family to 
 the town of Lyme, Conn. This was the first capital 
 trial of my life. I was taken from all my youthful 
 acquaintances and thrown among strangers. It was two 
 miles to a Baptist church, and they had preaching but 
 a portion of the time. 
 
 " I shortly commenced attending the Congregational 
 
 church where the Rev. Josiali Hawes preached, j 
 
 became personally acquainted with him, and very much 
 
 interested in attending on his ministry. Yet all the 
 
 means employed failed of leading me to Christ." 
 
 J. S. Swan. 
 JULY. 1873. 
 
CHAP TER II. 
 
 CONVERSION AND CALL TO PREACH. 
 
 CHRISTIANITY AN EXPBMBNCE. CONTBKSION A SCHOOL. MR, 
 
 SWAN'S RECORD: — a faithful mother. — ^a friend. — the 
 
 PROMISE. convictions. VAIN EFFORTS. JOURNEY AND 
 
 STORM. — PAINFUL NIGHT. — PKAYBB. — CHRIST RBVBAUED. — NEW 
 LIGHT AND LIFE. — DEACON PERKINS. — A PLEDGE. — THE MEET- 
 ING. — CONFESSING CHRIST, — STATE OF RELIGION ABOUND. — BAP- 
 TISM.— VflNNING SOULS, — ANXIETY FOR THE CHDROH. — IMPBBS- 
 SIONS — TlVrS OF PREACHING. — ^MISTAICBS. — NO BEST. — ^ATTACKBD 
 BY DREAMS. — THE HORSE, — THE GIANT. 
 
 On man's part, Christianity is an experience, a divine 
 life infused into his nature. Consciously to us it begins 
 with the new birth of the heart, a regeneration of spirit, 
 a change of the disposition and the life. " Born again," 
 " born of the spirit," " made new creatures," "created 
 anew in Christ Jesus," are the scripture formulas of 
 speech setting forth this important truth. " Born of 
 Grod," the believer grows in grace and knowledge and 
 all christian service — a branch of the vine, which is 
 Christ. The evidences of this change are repentance, 
 faith and obedience. Of this change in Mr. Swan we 
 will let him speak for himself 
 
 The thoughtful reader will not fail to observe in the 
 deep and peculiar experiences of Mr. Swan, the kind 
 and q[uality of preparation he needed for the evange- 
 listic career to which he was to be afterwards called. 
 His experience answers the great q^uestjonj How shall 
 
KEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 49 
 
 we be saved ? Let all inquirers ponder tMs weighty 
 subject in the light of 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD. 
 
 " When in the one and twentieth year of my age, I 
 stepped into my mother's sitting room after dinner for 
 a little rest. A christian lady was with my mother; 
 and they commenced with me upon the subject of reli- 
 gion. My mother took the lead, saying to the lady, 
 ' I fear my boy will go to hell.' I replied, ' I hope not.' 
 She said ' I fear you will.' So also I feared myself 
 As the interview closed, and I rose up to leave, the lady 
 arose and took me by the hand, and in a most melting 
 and affectionate manner, entreated me to seek the sal- 
 vation of my soul. I replied, it would do no good; and 
 I was honest; for I had tried it often and failed to 
 breast the current which I had to meet. She urged me 
 to pray; and I replied it would do no good; but she 
 insisted it would. At length she pressed me to prom- 
 ise her that- 1 would seek the salvation of my soul. I 
 finally gave her the pledge, that whatever the result 
 might be, I would seek the Lord. 
 
 ' " From that moment I began to ascertain the moral 
 distance between a holy God and my soul. I would 
 not say, as I have often heard persons affirm in the 
 commencement of prayer, that the more they prayed 
 the better they felt, for all was directly the opposite with 
 jne. My heart was as unyielding as a rock. My life 
 was mirrored before me in such a manner that all 
 attempts to yield myself in submission to God were 
 utterly futile; despair was upon me 'like an armed 
 man.' I tried to reform my life, — ^breaking from what 
 was offensive to God; and then would press my suit to 
 
 4 
 
50 CONVEESIOK OF 
 
 the mercy seat. But all was of no avail. Days and 
 ■weeks rolled on only to increase my sense of my deprav- 
 ity, and the bitter hopelessness of my condition. 
 
 " At the close of a most painful week I left home to 
 take the lady friend, to whom' I have referred, a few 
 miles to visit some friends of hers. It was Saturday 
 afternoon. On the way the darkest thunder cloud I 
 had seen lay over the north; the wind blew terrifically; 
 the forest shook under the terrible power of the wind ; 
 and a little lake we passed was covered with the dark 
 cloud, and the waters terribly agitated with the wind. 
 I said to the lady, it seemed to me that everything in 
 Grod's world was angry with me; and all was right, 
 hecause I had sinned against God. 
 
 " We at length arrived at our place of destination. 
 It was night on our arrival, and I soon retired to a room 
 assigned me for the night; not to sleep or rest, but to 
 bemoan my lost condition. As the night wore on, the 
 storra increased. The thunder was terrific, and the 
 glare of the lightning was frightful. God, I knew, rode 
 upon the storm, which seemed of awful import to me. 
 I prayed till it seemed as though my life was well nigh 
 exhausted, and then sunk in a despair that seemed like 
 the deep glooms of hell. I have no power to describe 
 the glooms of that terrible hour. 
 
 " While lying prostrate upon my face, hopeless and 
 lost, I became impressed once more to pray. I fell 
 upon my knees and besought God, for the sake of 
 Christ, to save my soul. While prostrate before God, 
 iu midnight darkness i-especting the mediation of the 
 Son of God, the law of God was spread before my mind 
 as never before. I knew I had broken it, and if -I was 
 eternally lost I could see that God was just. But how 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. swan; 51 
 
 to be pardoned and saved, I could find no light, till at 
 length Christ appeared before me in spirit, standing by 
 the tables of the law, asserting his death as fulfilling the 
 law, and reflecting upon me the true light, — that, to 
 thepi who believed, he had satisfied the law, and that 
 thus believing I could be saved. That view brought 
 salvation with it. Unbelief fell oft" like chains. Hard- 
 ness of heart seemed to melt away, and Christ was 
 revealed to my soul as precious. 
 
 " I was now happy for. the first time in my life. I 
 walked the room and sang praises to God in perfect 
 ecstacies. Morning at length came; and when the sun 
 arose to me it dressed God's world in perfect beauty. 
 I left for home on my way to meeting. The heavens, 
 the lake, the forest, all put off their formidable attire; 
 and ' holiness to the Lord ' seemed written on all things. 
 
 " On my way to my father's house lived an aged 
 Congregational deacon called Father Perkins, who had 
 prayed for me and counseled me to seek the Lord. I 
 called on him and informed him what God had done for 
 me. His joys were like my own, if not equal. When 
 we parted he said, ' My child, keep with God.' I left 
 and was soon at my home, and met my father and 
 mother and the family. God enabled me to tell what 
 great things He had done for me. 
 
 " In my struggles the previous night I had pledged 
 to God, if I found mercy, I would go to what is now 
 the North Lyme church and make known that I had 
 found mercy. I attended the meetings; heard a ser- 
 mon, after which the door was opened for exhortation; 
 and a number availed themselves of the opportunity. 
 I sat trembling for a long time; duty was impressed 
 upon me to confess Christ, and my vows which I had 
 
52 
 
 CONVEESIOK Of 
 
 made to God came up with mighty force, and yet it 
 seemed utterly impossible for me to arise and open my 
 mouth for God. The conflict was new. I supposed, 
 if fully converted, I should find a perfect pleasure in 
 serving God. Now, why this opposition, if indeedi I 
 believed on the Son of God .? But at length I arose 
 and found perfect freedom in confessing Christ, and 
 telling what the Lord had done for any soul. Perfect 
 peace followed the discharge of my duty. 
 
 " Religion was at this time quite low in the church. 
 They had preaching but a portion of the time. I was 
 impressed with the duty of baptism; but the state of 
 things in and aroundthe church looked forbidding. I have 
 seen since that my delay was wrong; and I suffered on 
 account of it. The sanctuary had to be closed in win- 
 ter, and the congregation was compelled to worship in 
 the school house, a very inconvenient place^ All the 
 external prospects of the church looked forbidding. 
 
 " I now arose and was baptized by Rev. William 
 Palmer, and united with the church. Previously to 
 this I had exerted myself to bring the young men of my 
 acquaintance to Christ. God blessed my efforts, and 
 converted several young men, who also united with the 
 church. My whole sold became solicitous for the sal- 
 vation of others, and for it I labored continually aa 
 opportunity occurred. Things began to brighten. Sev- 
 eral young ladies united with the church, who came 
 into it with gifts, which they improved for the edifica- 
 tion of the body. 
 
 " The question was now forced upon me, how could 
 the church obtain permanent preaching ? Occasionally 
 we had a minister who would spend a Sabbath with us, 
 but our financial condition, was such, that we could make. 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN,. 53 
 
 no one a proper remuneration for his work. While the 
 society was in this shape, I comm'enced to c.ill upon the 
 Lord to raise up some one to preach to us the gospel. 
 
 " Once in my approach to God in the early morning 
 on that subject, G-od rolled upon me the conviction that 
 it was my duty to embark in that very work. I was so 
 overpowered and filled with distress on the subject, that 
 for more than an hour I was overwhelmed with a kind of 
 distress to which I had been all my lifetime a stranger. 
 
 "From that time onward, those impressions would 
 'come upon me, with less distress than at the first, bat 
 always attended with deepening convictions of duty to 
 preach the gospel. The only response to those impres- 
 sions which I made was opposition. I could see noth- 
 ing in myself adapted to the work of the gospel minis- 
 try. I seemed wanting in every qualification. 1 had 
 an overwhelming desire for the salvation of souls, and 
 had had some success in leading a number' to Christ. 
 
 " In my opposition to what I now consider the lead- 
 ings of the Spirit of the Lord, I found my religious 
 enjoyment departed till my hope in Christ became 
 clouded and I became embarrassed in my public duties 
 in conference meetings. About this time my mother's 
 father visited us, and I. having great confidence in his 
 judgment, asked him if he thought the Devil ever tried 
 to induce a man to preach the gospel. He replied, ' 
 yes, often;' and offered this reason. That where the 
 man might be useful in another line, if Satan could 
 induce him to attempt that which he could not do, he 
 would ruin his usefulness. I determined on the spot 
 that such was my condition, and endeavored to banish 
 all idea of ever attempting to preach. Still my mind 
 was ill at ease. My whole soul v/as fully absorbed in 
 
54 MINISTEEIAIi CALL GF 
 
 the scriptures, when I -was not shut in by dismal clouds, ■ 
 which thickened or were broken as my opposition to 
 what seemed duty was cherished or opposed, till eventu- 
 ally all my joys departed. I had succeeded in conquer- 
 ing my impressions, and had effectually grieved away 
 the Spirit of the Lord from my heart. 
 
 "Grod finally attacked me with dreams, which were 
 terrible. About this time I dreamed that I was stand- 
 ing upon a fence attempting to bridle a white horse of 
 enormous dimensions. I had one hand upon the head 
 of the horse, and, with the other hand held the bridle^ 
 I saw a stream of fresh blood streaming out between 
 the animal's ears. I awoke filled with confusion and 
 deep distress. About this time I dreamed of a mighty 
 struggle with a demon. I seemed to be upon a large 
 threshing floor, and soon discovered the form of a giant 
 of astounding dimensions. His appearance was in form 
 as a man, bjjt in height and proportions, unlike any- 
 thing I had ever seen. His eyes were enormous and 
 fiery red, resembling the sun in Indian summer. My 
 first impression was that it was the Devil. We soon 
 came near each other, and he said, ' Swan, I can throw 
 you.' I replied, ' Tou can't do it.' He reaffirmed his 
 saying. 'Well!' replied I, 'I will lay you out.' We 
 took a square hold, and I laid out his tremendous car- 
 cass on the floor. As we both fell, I fell upon him, — 
 but he threw me from him and arose like a giant. 
 Nothing passed between us of words, till we had grap- 
 pled three tinies, and I threw him every time. In the 
 last fall I threw myself from him, and said, ' There ! I 
 have thrown you three times fairly.' ' Yes;' replied he, 
 ' but you couldn't hold me.' I then awoke with this 
 impression : with Grod's help I could throw the Grand 
 
BfiV. JABEZ s. swait/ 55 
 
 Snemy; but it would take a God to hold him. From 
 this I took a little encouragement. 
 
 " Duty in the line of preaching was now continually 
 upon me. My inability and utter unfitness for the 
 work was met in such a manner that I could no longer 
 urge them, and now the question was to be settled. 
 To attempt to live on in the state of mind I was in, I 
 could not. To engage in what appeared duty was im- 
 possible. None -but God can know the depth of my 
 sxifferings. Not only days dragged heavily, but ' weari- 
 some nights were appointed to me.' I at length arose 
 from my bed and went to my shop amidst tlie darkness 
 of the night, and bowed to pray, filled with unwilling- 
 ness to yield to God, till my attention was called to the 
 vows I ma.de to God on the night of my redemption. 
 ' The question was put to me, ' Did you not promise me 
 you would obey me in all things ?' my only reply was, 
 'I would preach»if I could; but I cannot.' This was 
 finally cut off by another question, viz.: ' Could not I 
 enable you to preach ?' Surrounded with the awfuL 
 darkness of the night, and with the overawing presence 
 of God, I was constrained to yield to God's demand, 
 and I pledged to Him my life, and service, with a prom- 
 ise to engage at once in the work of trying to preach 
 the gospel. My mind calmed down like the angry 
 waters of Genessaret at the command of Christ. A 
 sweetness of heavenly peace filled my whole soul." 
 
 J. S. Swan. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 PEEPAEATION FOR THE MINISTRY. 
 
 PKBPABATIOJr FOR MINISTERS. — THUSTGS ESSENTIAL. — MR, SWAN'^ 
 
 RECORD : first sermon. licensed. labors with thb 
 
 ELDER LEE CHURCH. WORKING AND PREACHING. JIAK- 
 
 RIAGE. — QUESTION OP DUTY. — EDUCATION SOCIETY. — ESSAY IN 
 SERMONIZING. GOES TO HAMILTON. EXPECTATIONS. DISAP- 
 POINTMENTS. — BAD AGENT. — RETURN. — SECOND EFFORT. — TAKES 
 
 HIS FAMILY. ECONOMIES. HELPS. PREACHING. FRIENDS. — 
 
 SUFFERING.— SPLITTING LOGS. — OBJECT OF EDUCATION. — THEOL- 
 OGY. — LOVE FOR IT. — PACING A STOR M. — DR. KENDRICK AND HIS 
 TIBWS. — ^DISCUSSIONS. — RESORT TO THB BIBLE. — REASONS. — EXAM- 
 INATION. — ^DEBATE. — ^LEAVES HAMILTON. ^ANECDOTES. 
 
 As there have been in the past, so dojibtless there will 
 be in the future, differences of opinion relative to 
 the preparation necessary for such as occupy the posi- 
 tion of christian ministers. While manifestly no large 
 catalogue of rules can be drawn that shall be applica- 
 ble at all times and in all lands, since the customs, cul- 
 ture and needs of the various peoples of the world are 
 ever changing, — though human nature in essential char- 
 acter remains unchanged,— yet a few qualifications may 
 be' regarded as everywhere indispensable. First; the 
 preacher must be a christian — a regenerate man. Sec- 
 ond; he must know the salient facts and fundamental 
 principles.of the gospel, — the way of salvation through 
 Christ. Third; he should be found naturally " apt to 
 teach," — quick to perceive and ready to communicate. 
 Fourth; he should feel that Grod by his Spirit commands 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWA^f. 57 
 
 him to the work. Fifth; he should furnish himself 
 with such measure of culture, such intellectual train- 
 ing, and such stores of general knowledge as shall fit 
 him to stand with respect and ahility among the people 
 to whom he is to minister; Philip for the eunuch; Paul 
 for Mars Hill; Massillon for the court of France; Knox 
 for Scotland; Africaner for his Namaqua brethren; 
 Obookiah for the swarthy sons of the Pacific; " diver- 
 sities of gifts," yet but " one spirit." 
 
 All true christians will be interested in tracing Mr. 
 Swan's intellectual and spiritual struggles; and all 
 scholars and preachers will read with profit his sketch 
 of the theological discussions of his early days. But 
 we hasten to 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD. 
 
 " Upon an evening I attempted to preach in the 
 school house in Pleasant Valley, ignorant of the cus- 
 tom among the Baptists in bringing young men into 
 the field. I proceeded without considting my breth- 
 ren, though they met me with a most cordial response. 
 In attempting to preach I had perfect freedom, and real- 
 ized wonderful help from God. Within the field of the 
 church I continued to preach in the different sections 
 of the society, and God wonderfully blessed my exer- 
 tions. Souls were saved. 
 
 "My commencement to preach was but a little over 
 a year from 'the time of my conversion. The church 
 voted me a kind of verbal license at first, and in a few 
 months they gave me, at the suggestion of Elder Wil- 
 liam Palmer, a written license, dated May twelfth, 
 1822. I preached almost v.'holly without pecuniary 
 reward, and exchanged with other ministers that were 
 
58 STUDENT TEARS OF 
 
 ordainddj iso that the church might enjoy the ordinance^ 
 of the gospel with some regularity. 
 
 "At length I began to supply the "Elder Lee 
 Church," in South Lyme, and was for a time the only 
 Baptist minister upon the Jordan. Having in those 
 days to work hard with my hands, I found an embar- 
 ra'ssment upon my ministry in attempting to follow a 
 worldly calling and preach the gospel at the same time. ' 
 Our Baptist tradition, bearing upon the ministerial life, 
 was for the minister to follow some honorable calling to 
 afford him support, and then preach, and, as was often 
 said to me, ' support yourself, and not live on charity.' 
 My relatives were mostly opposed to my leaving my 
 business to preach the gospel; for neither they nor my- 
 self were able, from our stand-point, to see how I could 
 possibly obf ain a support. Impressed with the idea that 
 I must hold on to a worldly calling, I was married to ■ 
 Laura GrifSn, of East Haddam, Connecticut, January 
 fifteenth, 1823, bought me a house, and settled down in 
 my worldly occupation, and preached as opportunity 
 presented, till the time came when I must either give 
 up preaching, or my worldly business. I was bound to 
 business by necessity; but to preaching by conscience, 
 and what I esteemed the will of God. 
 
 " Eventually the conflict was so severe that I left my 
 business, sold my house, moved my family back to my 
 wife's former home by the desire of her uncle and grand- 
 mother, by whom she had been brought up. Impressed 
 more and more deeply that, if ever I was successful as 
 a preacher, I must have more education, and be better 
 fitted for my work, I determined to visit Hamilton, 
 New York, having heard that the Literary and Theo- 
 logical 'Institution there, was ■ adapted to meet the case 
 
KEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 59 
 
 of young men in my situation. I therefore applied to 
 the Education Society of Connecticut for aid, supposing 
 it ■would be impossible to support myself in a course of 
 study. To derive aid from that Society I was required 
 to furnish certificates from three ordained ministers, and 
 a license from the church to which I belonged. 
 ' " On coming before the Education Board at Hart- 
 ford and presenting my documents,- I found another 
 requisition harder than all the rest, which was to preach 
 before them\ And here another difficulty appeared. 
 Another young man was present as an .applicant, and 
 time would not allow two sermons; so tbey required us 
 to divide up a text and both hitch to it. And so we 
 did. t went ahead, and he followed. I now insist if 
 ever a text was left uninjured, ours was. I am not able 
 now to see any wisdom in putting inexperienced young 
 men to such a test. In our earlier educational move- 
 ments in Connecticut, Baptists were filled with fears 
 lest they should aid men who were not true to Christ. I 
 admit that proper care is still demanded; but we should 
 not run upon extremes. 
 
 " The Board gave us recommendations to the Board 
 at' Hamilton. I went from East Haddam to Hamilton 
 on horseback in the year 1824 — a distance of some two 
 'hundred and fifty miles. I left home for Hamilton 
 with high expectations as to aid which I might receive 
 from the Society'. An agent from that Society had 
 deceived me and others. He proved afterwards to be a 
 very bad man. On my arrival I found beneficiaries 
 had to struggle against wind and tide. Instead of 
 being aided, as the agent had induced me to believe, 
 the Society had to struggle about as hard as the young 
 men they were helping. My health at this time was 
 
66 ST00E1TT TEAKS 0* 
 
 poor, and of course my resolution -weak. I in due time 
 went before the committee of the Society, and the said 
 agent was on hand, and threw all the discouragements 
 possible in my way, and advised me to seek some rear 
 ground with some little clrarch, and thus do what I 
 could. Not an attempt was made by one of the com- 
 mittee to counteract the agent, and I left for home. 
 
 " Leaving as I did, cost me the loss of a year of pre- 
 cious time, so far as preparation for the ministry was 
 concerned. The next spring, in 1825, my wife was 
 induced to accompany me to Hamilton with a view of 
 my commencing study. On arriving I looked about to 
 see what I could do to support myself I left home 
 with one hundred dollars, it being all I was worth, 
 except my traveling equipage. I at length found a 
 church twelve miles oif which could give me one dollar 
 a Sabbath for preaching. On those terms I engaged to 
 supply them. I hired a privilege in house and barn for 
 nine dollars a year, and set up house-kesping on a small 
 scale, and commenced study. 
 
 " My wants were few, and by my income from pulpit 
 efforts, and work upon the fields near the village, I kept 
 up with my expenses. I would enter the field, after 
 school closed, and work three hours, for which I received 
 thirty-seven and a half cents. My wife, diligent with 
 her needle in work principally for the students, pro- 
 vided well for herself. God raised us up friends, espe- 
 cially among the Congregationalists, among whom I 
 lived, and they did all in their power in both heart and 
 hand to assist me. God, in ways altogether beyond my 
 expectations, opened doors of friendship, and from these 
 I often derived aid to help me on in my work. The 
 time passed rapidly, as I was engaged with my studies. 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 61 
 
 " An event occurred about this time whicli opened a 
 door of comfort to me, which was permanent during my 
 stay at Hamilton. A student had an appointnient in 
 Lebanon to preach in a school house; but he, being 
 sick, requested me to fill it. An elderly gentleman sat. 
 near me while I was preaching, and he seemed to eye 
 me very closely. Months after I fell in with him, and 
 he asked me if I ever saw him before ! I said I had. 
 He asked me ' where !' I replied, ' At a school house 
 in Lebanon.' He then asked me what I thought of 
 him. I replied, I thought him a Universalist. He 
 replied, 'you was mistaken;' 'but,' said he, 'you had 
 for a text the very passage of scripture that was preached 
 from at the funeral of my brother, who was killed near 
 a saw mill ; and I was much interested.' He then asked 
 me what I asked for preaching a sermon. I replied, I 
 did not work in that kind of harness. He then pressed 
 me to come to Lebanon and preach. I went, and found 
 him to be a leading man of the town. He had a very 
 large family — one of the best I ever knew. He was a 
 kind of old hoper, and most deeply interested in the 
 church, and the salvation of souls. His family were all 
 wonderfully attached to him; and what he favored, they 
 all fell in with. So I became established in the friend- 
 ship of- the whole family. From the time I became 
 acquainted with this family till I left Hamilton, I 
 shared the friendship of them all, and very material aid 
 from them in meeting my expenses. 
 
 " The economy which I practiced was severe, and 
 what I had never known before. Yet I was prepared 
 to meet any amount of self-denial, ' for the joy set 
 before me ' of being fitted in some manner to preach' 
 the gospel of Christ acceptably. The study of every 
 
62 STUDENT YEAES OF 
 
 day was stimulated by t]ae thought that I should soon 
 be an acceptable preacher of the gospel. 
 
 " I bought my firewood in the forest standing, and 
 cut it and hauled it home myself. Time never dragged 
 heavily with me, for I found full employ. I once was 
 so near freezing my feet while chopping in the woods, 
 and unwilling to leave my work to remedy the diffi- 
 culty, that I pulled off my boots and stockings, and 
 wandered about in the snow for awhile, and then wiped 
 my feet with my handkerchief and put on my boots and 
 stockings and continued my work without inconvenience. 
 I was once in the woods at work sawing up into blocks 
 a very large hard maple tree. I had engaged Justus H. 
 Vinton to assist me. "When the sawing was over, we 
 attempted to split the blocks, but without success. I 
 went in search of a beetle and wedges, and on returning 
 found President Kendrick on the ground. He had 
 taken the axe and effectually demolished the blocks. 
 He said to me, ' I hired a man to split wood for me, and 
 he complained that the wood was too hard, he could 
 not split it;' and added, '1 told him he did not strike 
 hard enough.' My friend said of the President's work 
 'I never saw an axe lifted so near the. heavens before.' 
 
 "Study went hard with me in the beginnino-. To 
 learn how to think intensely, is one of the true features 
 of sound education. I knew that without acq^uirino- 
 that ability, I should be crippled in my life work. 
 When I had gained that at Hamilton, I was possessed 
 of a power, had I learn,ed nothing else, which would 
 have more than repaid me. Now, could I know to what 
 to apply thaf power, and properly and successfully 
 direct it, was the great question. In my general 
 studies, I was mortified to see how much ahead of me 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 63 
 
 many of my classmates were, and about all the consola- 
 tion I could find was in hope that when I came to the 
 study of theology, I should keep up nearer my brethren. 
 I was treated with perfect kindness on all sides, in the 
 Institution and out of it. 
 
 " In fact till I came to the study of the Bible, I was 
 never very much interested in branches which my teach- 
 ers trained me on. My anxiety to know of the way of 
 salvation was so far beyond anything else, that it put 
 the other studies in the shade. It is true I was very 
 anxious to be able to speak my own language correctly; 
 but I was well convinced then as now, that for me to 
 know which way the stars whirled round, or whether 
 they stood still, was a matter of little consequence to 
 me. The great question with me was to learn God's 
 method of bringing back a revolted world to himself. 
 Hence any study which involved any feature of that 
 plan found me at my work with enthusiasm. 
 
 "My brethren of the Institution, almost without 
 exception, were struggling for dear life. My circum- 
 stances temporarily were princely compared with some 
 of them. I had four dollars a month for preaching,' as 
 one source of income, and the privilege of riding one hun- 
 dred miles to get that. Some of those rides were in all 
 the severity of winter. My overcoat was little better 
 to secure me against wintry colds, than Universalist 
 religion is to warm a human heart. 
 
 '■' Sometimes to reach my preaching place was attend- 
 ed with extreme suffering from stern winter. Once I 
 left home in a storm of hail and sleet to reach my 
 appointment and preach, and get my dollar, and pushed 
 against the hail-storm till I froze up both eyes, and could 
 not see to keep on the track. My horse was as badly 
 
64 STUDENT YEAES OF 
 
 off as myself. I finally, after facing the storm some 
 four or five miles, found my road utterly blocked. I 
 stopped at a house and thawed out my eyes, and started 
 for home before the storm, having lost my opportunity 
 to preach, and failed of obtaining my doUarj which in 
 those days was a great loss. 
 
 " When I had gone through with my preparatory 
 studies as far as circumstances would permit, and 
 entered upon theology, my whole soul was aroused to 
 do all in my power. This branch was the hinge upon 
 which all my future prospects and hoj)es would turn. 
 On entering upon this course X anticipated a smooth sea 
 and nothing but favorable winds. But I found that 
 my teacher, Dr. Kendrick, an invaluable man, and a 
 giant in his calling, was unchangeably fixed in what was 
 termed 'limited atonement;' and that feature of his 
 theology ran through the whole school which he taught. 
 Several of my class soon came into his- views; but 
 myself and two others entertained the general view, 
 such as, I afterward found, fully vindicated by Kev. 
 Andrew Fuller. I am happy in knowing that the con- 
 test about the atonement has pretty much ceased. So 
 far as I know, all believed that the provision in the 
 death of Christ was equal to meet the wants of all who 
 believed on him, and the design of God- was to have 
 salvation by the gospel proffered to all. Such I think 
 is now the general view. 
 
 " Yet, while in my study of theology, the whole plan 
 seemed to be pursued with reference to this one ques- 
 tion: "Was the atonement, in the light of a provision 
 general, or limited ?' My view was then, and is now 
 that God's inspiration had settled it forever in scriptures 
 like the following : ' Who is set forth. to be a proj^ntia- 
 
BEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 65 
 
 tion, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteous- 
 ness for the remission of sins which are past, through 
 the forbearance of G-od. To declare, I say, at this time 
 his righteousness, that he might be just, andthejustiiier 
 of fiim that believeth in Jesus.' 
 
 " In the course of our study of the atonement, I found 
 myself in direct opposition to the Doctor in about all 
 that involved the death of Christ, in the light of pro-, 
 vision. The views I entertained I had not derived from 
 books or discussions, but from the Bible; they were a 
 part and parcel of my religion, and I was perfectly 
 invincible while I could rally the Bible to back up my 
 positions. I think no -mortal couJd esteem Dr. Ken- 
 drick higher than I did, and I was sorry I must occupy 
 the position I did. Yet the views I cherished of the 
 atonement grew out of the relation I held to Christ by 
 faith, and were strengthened by my search in the scrip- 
 tures. I would as soon have renounced my hope of 
 being saved, as to give up my views of the plan accord- 
 ing to which I had been saved. I knew, if I preached, 
 I had got to meet in the line of opposition all the force 
 of ' principalities and powers ' which were arrayed 
 against the gospel; and I was satisfied that with the 
 views I entertained, I could withstand the ' very gates 
 of heir if God should be with me. 
 
 " I well knew that I needed enlightening and enlarg- 
 ing, but of the main features and first principles of the 
 gospel, God anchored me upon those in my conversion. 
 Still I dreaded the conflict I had to meet; for whoever 
 attempted to stand up against the views of the Doctor, 
 had considerable to do. The Doctor seemed to show 
 all kindness towards the class, and we all towards him. 
 This made the thing harder for me. When the matter 
 5 
 
65 STUDENT YEARS OF 
 
 of atonement wns our (heme, (and it spreads over vast 
 sections oflhe field of theology,) things went hard with 
 me. Quite a principal stronghold with me was the 
 revealed fact that God had made men responsible for 
 rejecting the gospel, which could never be just, in case 
 no provision had been made for them. I could see how 
 a holy God could finally condemn men by the law to 
 eternal perdition, but to condemn them for rejecting a 
 provision never made for them, I could not discern 
 justice in such a sentence. 
 
 "During the theological year I preached considerably, 
 and with general acceptance, and I hope with some 
 degree of success. When I closed my, last year at 
 Hamilton, in the public examination preceding the 
 close, I was brought into a very close place before the 
 public. In the examination, it was assigned me to 
 answer the question as to the extent of the atonement; 
 which I did in the most open manner possible, and 
 closed the subject by stating that my belief was,-'' that 
 Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for 
 every man.' This answer subjected me to a kind of 
 cross-examination before the public. I answered as 
 well as I could, till the Doctor remarked, ' Brother 
 Su'an has high authority for his views; he has the 
 authority of Doctor Griffin of Williamstown college; 
 not so high as the Bible.' This set very heavy upon 
 me, and the more so from the fact that it was an entirely 
 new feature in the Doctor's treatment to me. I was a 
 little jarred by the way this was done, and, when calm, 
 asked if I could have the privilege of explaining, and 
 received the most cordial assent of the Doctor to do so. 
 I simply replied, I obtained my views from highei: 
 authority than Doctor.. Griffin, or any other doctor, and 
 
EEV, JABEZ S. SWAN. • 67 
 
 was happy to say I was able to maintain them.' I 
 presume some sixty or seventy ministers were present. 
 Quite a sensation was created, but ^finally it closed up 
 pleasantly with all parties. 
 
 " At this day it would be difficult for any one to 
 imagine the sanguineness with which the subject of 
 the atonement was discussed. The teacher feeling, in 
 all sincerity, that much depended upon right views on 
 this subject, and that his were those of inspiration; on 
 the other hand thoSe who diifered from him, that if his 
 views of the atonement were adopted they were theo- 
 logically Crippled for life. 
 
 '' In after years I frequently united with the Doctor 
 in revival efforts; in one of which two of his children 
 were converted. -All disposition had ceased on the part 
 of both to discuss the subject, which had so deeply inter- 
 ested both of us, while we united to lead lost souls to 
 Him who died for sinners. When I was about to leave 
 Hamilton, the diplomas for the class had been detained 
 in Albany, and I thought I must leave without any- 
 thing to show my standing. In this dilemma, I called 
 on the Doctor, and he very readily proposed to give me 
 a letter signed by the secretary of the Society, which I 
 very readily and thankfully accepted. I then asked 
 him if anything remained upon his mind in reference to 
 what had occurred in the examination at the hall, or 
 whether he ever doubted my respect for him; and 
 he replied, in the fullest manner, that all was right 
 with him. So we parted in deep sympathy for each 
 other, which remained between us till he was gathered 
 to his rest." 
 
 J, S. Swan. 
 
68 STUDENT TEAES OF 
 
 Eev. 'WUliam,C. Walker gives traditionally the 
 following illustration of Mr. Swan's readiness and tact 
 in an emergency. It relates to his first attempt at 
 declamation in Hamilton, 
 
 " The chapel had a raised floor. To reach the plat- 
 form, students descended one step and shortly ascended 
 the rostrum by three steps. Jabez was in the rear part 
 of the room when called. He walked calmly down 
 Ihe aisle, but, not noticing the descending slep, made 
 an unpleasant stumble. Recovering himself, he now 
 ascended the platform by taking two steps with one 
 foot, and at that, stubbed iiis toe against the third step, 
 a maneuvre that produced a merry sensation. At once 
 facing his audience, he placed his hand upon his breast, 
 and taking breath, said : ' I perceive that the fear of 
 man bringelh a snare,' and deliberately returned to his 
 ■seat amid roars of laughter from all present. " 
 
 Some of Mr. Swan's peculiarities of style and. argu- 
 ment were apparent in his earliest attempts at preach- 
 ing. Having by request "improved his gift" before a 
 congregation in a school house in Groton, Connecticnt, 
 where Eev. Eoswell Burrows, and Eev, John G. Wight- 
 man were present as hearers, one of them was asked 
 by the other how he liked the young preacher. The 
 answer was, " Well, he did very good work in the field, 
 but he didn't follow the rows." Probably he did not 
 I)!'oceed iu the old line of firstly, secondly, thirdly, and' 
 so on, to thirteenthly. Certainly never in his life did 
 he "follow the rows" of other men. But whatever 
 row he hoed had its weeds thoroughly cult. 
 
CHAPTEE IV. 
 PASTOR.VTE IN STONINGTON, CONNECTICUT. 
 
 CHUSCn IS STOIiriNGTOSr. — POBMBR pastors. — PASTORS IN EASTERN 
 
 CONNECTICUT.— MR, SWAN'S RECGRO : — settlement.— ordina- 
 tion. SALARY. ECONOMY. PULPIT PREPARATIONS. QUES- 
 TIONS. — TWO DI^PICITLTIES. — IIELP FROM ANDREW PULLER. -^SER- 
 MON ON II. SAM. 1 ; 19, 20. — SEEKING TEXTS. — DOUBTS. — MEETING 
 
 AT MILLTOWN. REVIVAL. CHURCH ORGANIZED.- COUNCIL. — 
 
 NEEDS. — CONCLUSIONS. — REV. IRA HART.— CALL FROM NORWICH, 
 N. Y. — DEATH OP MR. HART. — TRIAL OP MIND. — GOOD NEWS. — 
 
 SCOPE WANTED. DEPLORING LACK OP SUCCESS. PINANCIAL 
 
 IIELP. PUBLIC CEKTIPICATB. G. TRUMBULL. PRAYER 
 
 ANSWERED. — GIPT PROM A CAPTAIN. — PUBLISHED SERMON. — CIR- 
 CULAR LETTER. — ANECDOTE. — HIS ORDINATION AND THE ASSO- 
 CIATION. 
 
 T:iE Baptist church in Stonington Borough was or- 
 ganized April twenty-second, 1775. Its pastors, prior 
 to the ministry of Mr. Swan, had been John Kathbun, 
 Benson, Valentine W. Rathbun, William Gard- 
 ner, Thomas Spooner. Elihu Cheesbro, Gideon B. Perry, 
 an assistant of Mr. Cheesbro, and Asa Bronson, after- 
 wards widely known and honored in Connecticut, Ehode 
 Island and Massachusetts. 
 
 When Mr. Swan began his pastoral labors in Stoning- 
 ton, the Baptist pulpits in southeastern Connecticut 
 were honored by the services of not a few strong preach- 
 ers — John G. Wightman, Boswell Burrows, Jonathan 
 Miner, Asher Miner, Elihu Cheesbro, Levi Walker, 
 Levi Meech, George W. Appleton, Nathaniel Cole, 
 Luther Goddard, Levi Kneeland, Samuel West, Wil- 
 
^0 FIRST PASTORATE 01* 
 
 liam Palmer, Zadoc Darrow, Francis Darrow, Asa 
 Wilcox, John S terry, William Witter, Amasa Smith, 
 Simeon Dickinson, Daniel Putman, Jonathan ■Goodwin, 
 John Payne, Nathan Wildman. Near him in Khode 
 Island were Enoch Steadman, William Northrup, 
 Peleg Peckham. A valuable chapter of the history of 
 the Baptist church in Stonington Borough will he found 
 in the paper to which we now invite attention. 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD. 
 
 " I left Hamilton in June, 1827, having accepted a 
 call to settle with the' Baptist church in Stonington 
 Borough, Connecticut. I removed. to Stonington, and 
 was ordained, by request of the church, during the ses- 
 sion of the Stonington Union Association, June twentieth 
 1827. My salary per year was to be two hundred and 
 fifty dollars. I was now subjected to a more rigid 
 economy than when a student. If I needed a suit of 
 clothes, I obtained them piece a,t a time. I dared not 
 go a step beyond my ability to pay. My credit was 
 good, and I succeeded in keeping it so. The church 
 was small, our meeting house of the old style, and the 
 congregation small. 
 
 "I had supposed that in my theological researches I 
 had struck out a field, for thought and sermonising, 
 which would aflFord me abundance of material. But 
 when I came to the work, I found that my previous 
 studies were only of general benefit; the particular fit, 
 which I needed for my work, must come from intense 
 study of the Bible^ and most intimate communings with 
 G-od. Keligion was low in the churches around, and in 
 my own church. And the question, how to bring about 
 a better state of things, weighed heavily upon me. How 
 

 fB^fPTIST CHVUCH. 
 
 STOK(INGTON BOI\OUGH, CONN. 
 
 JUNE Sn, 1827. 
 
KKV. JABEZ S. SWAN,' 73 
 
 to rally tlie household of faith to takfi hold on God, I 
 knew not. My preaching was a discussing of various 
 doctrines of the gospel. This was my principal work 
 in the pulpit. Of necessity I had but few books. 
 Among these were the works of the gifted Andrew 
 Fuller, which I claim I have read with much profit. 
 
 "I met with two principal difficulties, which seemed 
 insurmountable barriers in my way. The first was, How 
 to get up sermons ; and the second, How to become re- 
 ligiously familiar with those with whom I associated — ■ 
 outside the church of God. I seemed embarassed in 
 coming to the unconverted easily, and pressing upon 
 them the great things of the kingdom of God. My 
 first trouble, about getting up subjects satisfactorily for 
 preaching, was formidable. When a text pressed itself 
 upon me, I would write it down ; then the question, 
 How to arrange it so that I could cover all that was in 
 it without a troublesome nurnber of heads. Andrew 
 Fuller was the first author that enlightened me on the 
 sub)ject ; and as he died before he completed 'his trea- 
 tises I was still in the dark. One thing however I de- 
 rived from him which was of incalculable benefit to me; 
 that was, when I had a text on hand, to hold myself 
 responsible to caption it with a statement in which I 
 should sum up its meaning ; and then I could almost 
 always arrange my sermon with two propositions. All 
 texts however will not admit of it. When I succeeded 
 in thus captioning my text the subject would readily 
 divide itself. When I had, by the mercy of God, 
 reached this point, the half of my work, and painful 
 work too, was done. With my two propositions united 
 as the blades of shears, with my text as the rivet, I 
 
74 FIESD PASTOilATE OF 
 
 found I eould cut garments to fit anything in inortal 
 shape, without serious difSculty. 
 
 " About this time it was not uncommon for portions 
 of Scripture to fall upon my mind ; and when I had in- 
 quired after the hang of them, the doctrines would ap- 
 pear. I had my mind tried very much while reading 
 the papers about the falls of capital men from their 
 faith, throwing an eclipse upon religion. I had judged 
 that, especially in religious journals, to herald the affair 
 was injurious, and determined, when the right time 
 came, I wo-uld preach against it. A text at length 
 occmed to me which seemed just adapted to that sub- 
 ject. The text is in II Samuel, I; 19, 20. The doctrine 
 that opened the soul of the text was this; The fall of 
 those who have been valiant for God, a cause of deep 
 regret ; 'more proper to be lamented at home, than pub- 
 lished abroad. My track of thought upon the doctrine 
 was as follows : 
 
 i. The fall of those who have been valiant for God. 
 
 II. Wherein is this the cause of deep regret. 
 
 III. Why more proper to be lamented at home than 
 published abroad. The answer is furnished by the text; 
 the effect upon^the daughters of the Philistines, and the 
 daughters' of the uncircumcised. I preached upon it 
 with freedom, and I hope with profit. Such visitations 
 became frequent, and the difficulty of getting up ser- 
 mons vanished forever. 
 
 " My habit was to look to God for texts with all the 
 earnestness that I did for his aid in preaching. To 
 the honor of God, I would record his aid in my life-work. 
 Preaching so frequently as I was called to do, but for 
 the allsufficient aid of the Lord I must have utterly 
 failed. I began from this time to fetjl a more full con- 
 
eeV. jabez s. swan. 7ij 
 
 fidence in God as the source of all supplies; and more 
 confidence in him to furnish texts upon which I was to 
 preach. It had been my habit, from my conversion to 
 comnait scripture to memory, and thus I had laid up a 
 vast store in my mind that I could call out at pleasure. 
 I found on approaching God for direction, when seeking 
 preparation for preaching, that the Lord always answer- 
 ed by rallying upon my mind texts with which I was 
 familiar. So I was kept in the field which I had ex- 
 plored. This led me to seek the enlargement of my 
 acquaintance with the word of God. 
 
 "My uniform course for years was, in my ordinary 
 scripture reading, whenever a passage seemed unusually 
 interesting to commit it to memory. When preaching, 
 those scriptures would occur to me without effort on my 
 part, and they would occur in a shape to nail or clinch 
 the idea I was seeking to confirm. 
 
 " Being among the few young men in the Association, 
 I was called out on different occasions to preach, when 
 I was well nigh crushed under my responsibility. I had 
 tried to preach before a number of our older ministers 
 before I pursued my course of studies, and gained very 
 little favor, because I knew so little; and when I was 
 somewhat enlightened by my opportunities, this class of 
 ministers gave me their confidence very slowly. I was 
 now wanted to labor with the very ones who at first 
 looked with doubt, not only on me, but all other young 
 men who esteemed themselves called of God to the 
 ministry of the gospel. 
 
 " Before I went to Hamilton, I tried to preach in a ' 
 school house with two of our aged ministers present. I 
 was afraid of them, and greatly embarassed. When I 
 was through^ one of them arose and took my text and 
 
76" TIEST PASTOEA.TE OF 
 
 preached from it, being careful to make no reference to 
 luo. I called on the other to close by prayer, and he 
 prayed that God would " bless the exhortations " they 
 had had; and so we closed. I heard from one of them 
 afterwards. A friend of mine asked him what he 
 thought of my preaching. He replied, '1 don't know 
 but he will make a preacher; but if so, he has got a 
 good deal to learn.' I replied, 'He was right in that.' 
 Now and then, I found an elderly minister who encour- 
 aged me to go forward. 
 
 " The place where I was ordained was the one where 
 I was born, and brought up. Of course it cost me much 
 effort to convince the people that I could preach. I 
 finally gained that point, and met with something lijvC 
 general acceptance. I was restless about the state of 
 things in my own church, and with the churches in 
 general. How to rally them, was the great question. 
 Efforts calculated to promote revivals were scarcely re- 
 cognized at that time. In my conversion to God, a 
 disposition was created within me to strive to save men 
 from perdition, and to desire, in the widest possible 
 sphere, to spread the plan of Christ before the churches 
 and a lost world. The feature of God's plan to ' seek 
 the Lord till he come and rain down righteousness' was 
 almost entirely out of sight. 
 
 KBVIVAL nsr MILLTOWN. 
 
 " I looked for some spot beyond my society where I 
 might strike for God, and salvation, with some promise 
 of success. I was at length directed by Providence to 
 the village of Milltown in North Stonington. I com- 
 menced preaching there in the fall of the year; and 
 once in each week visited the people and preached in 
 their school house. It very soon became evident that 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN, 77 
 
 the Spirit of the Lord was working in the congregation. 
 We were now where our condition coincided with one 
 article of the Baptist creed, viz; that when God ap- 
 peared to build up his cause, then was the time to work. 
 Accordingly a few faithful ones most perseveringly 
 called on the Lord for help. "Very soon the songs of 
 new-born souls were heard, till quite a number called 
 for baptism. At this time there was no Baptist church 
 in the place. I and others had long been of the opinion 
 that a Baptist church ought to be organized there. 
 Quite a number of members of different Baptist churches 
 were living in the village; and quite a number who had 
 professed to be converted, but had never been baptized, 
 we thought would come in, in case a church was formed. 
 We organized according to Baptist usage, and called a 
 council to see if we pould have fellowship as a regular 
 church of our order. The council was large, and unan- 
 imous in their- action to fellowship the church; with the 
 exception of the delegates from the Second church in 
 the town. They had delegates of the truest and best 
 men in their church; but they opposed the whole thing 
 with all their might. The council heard them patiently, 
 and then voted to extend fellowship to the church. 
 Elder William Bently was on the council, and Doctor 
 B. M. Hill of New Haven, who aided us materially. 
 Qur struggle was severe, with a kind of Baptists who 
 strive with great conscientiousness against their own b?st 
 interests. I soon commenced to baptize; and I think 
 some twenty were added by baptism. This was the 
 first revival that I participated in after my ordination. 
 My labors were attended with sacrifice and suffering. 
 The condition of my family was such that I had to 
 return after meeting, thus riding to and fro on horse- 
 
78 'first pastorate of : 
 
 back eight miles. Mor was I protected from the 
 weather, as I should have been, by a warm overcoat; 
 neither was I able to p"y for one. I preferred to nearly 
 freeze rather than to run in debt. Our meetings were 
 almost wholly in the evening, which subjected me to 
 the severity of the night air, in returning. 
 
 " I saw in this display of God in saving souls in Mill- 
 town, a kind of miniature view of what God would do 
 in a vyider sphere of action. I discovered his scheme of 
 blessing — clothing efforts with success; and success in 
 proportion to the amount of christian work performed. 
 Thus the principle is reached, of ' reaping as we sow;' 
 which is true of this life and of the life to come. The 
 church in Milltown, which commenced a small one, has 
 held her way, and still stands as a memorial of Christ's 
 faithfulness. It has been blessed with able pastors, the 
 last of whom. Brother J. W. Holman, has recently been 
 called to his rest above. 
 
 " I had some success on my home field, but it was 
 small. The Eev. Ira Hart was pastor of the Congre- 
 gational church of the village; a man of might in the 
 gospel. I esteemed him as a model preacher. He was 
 of the same type with Doctors Hawes, of Hartford, 
 Griffin, of Williams College, and William Lyman, of 
 East Haddam. Had Mr. Hart been ray father, he 
 could not have treated me with more kindness than he 
 did. His church and society followed a similar course. 
 In his charge, he, preached to a church out of the vil- 
 lage in the forenoon of each Lord's Day. This afforded 
 his people an opportunity to hear me in the Sabbath 
 services of the morning, which gave me a fair congrega- 
 tion. But with great uniformity my congregation in 
 the afternoon fell off nearly one-half. This was a most 
 
KEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 79 
 
 discouraging feature. I becanie uneasy, with anxieties 
 fur a wider iield, and one that would afford me such 
 support that I could expend more labor for the kingdom. 
 " In the middle of my second year at Stonington, I 
 had a call from the Baptist church in Norwich, New 
 York, to settle with them; but slowness on their part 
 prevented me from hearing from them till I had 
 engaged to the church at Stonington for the third year. 
 In the fall of 1830 I wrote to the church, inquiring if 
 they were supplied with a pastor, and had a reply that 
 they were still destitute, inviting me to spend a month 
 with them. At the close of the month I received a 
 unanimous call from the church and society to become 
 their pastor, and to commence work with them the next 
 spring. On returning home, and making known my 
 position, I found friends in the Congregational society 
 very anxious for me to remain. The anxieties of my 
 own people were quickened from proffered aid outside 
 of my church. I was offered six hundred dollars a year, 
 though I had been receiving but two hundred and fifty. 
 Eev. Ira Hart died about this time, which was an 
 affliction upon me, as well as upon his own people. On 
 a beautiful Sabbath morning, the last of Sabbath morn- 
 ings for him upon earth, he revived so far as to know- 
 it was the Sabbath, and sent Deacon David Smith, of 
 his church, to me, with a request that I would occupy 
 his pulpit in the afternoon of that day. I cordially 
 complied, and occupied his pulpit, and preached to his 
 people. It was an affecting scene when I alluded to 
 their faithful pastor, and mentioned- that, in all proba- 
 bility, he would appear before them no more. All 
 hearts seemed overwhelmed with emotion, for his people 
 loved him. Dr. A. McEwen, of New London, preached 
 
80 FIKST PASTOKATE OF 
 
 his funeral sermon, and the Kev. David Austin made 
 an address at the grave. Altogether it was one of the 
 most affecting scenes of my life. Mr. Hart's friends 
 VFere my friends, and with heart and hand were ready 
 to assist me, if I would remain in Stonington. 
 
 " All I was offered for salary in Norwich Was two 
 hundred and fifty dollars, though Elder Eandall gave 
 me encouragement of personal aid, which I at length 
 realized. I endured a great conflict in my mind at this 
 time. Providence had changed the general aspect of 
 things at Stonington, and just as daylight seemed to 
 break upon me, I was to change fields. My pledge had 
 been given in good faith, and to ask to be released I 
 could not; and yet to leave seemed impossible. I 
 learned at length that the last sermon which I had 
 preached in Norwich had rebulted in the conversion 
 of the youngest daughter of tl^e Hon. John Noyes; and 
 she was waiting for my return in the coming spring to 
 baptize her. This weighed very much upon my mind 
 and increased a drawing upon me to be on that field. 
 The church in Norwich was small, but surrounded by 
 an immense field without cultivation. Hosts surround- 
 ing the church were unconverted. I had told my family 
 before visiting Norwich, that I -must change my field 
 and I wanted to get where there were plenty of sinners. 
 I had determined to find one where I could wheel some 
 fire on six hundred Baptists without getting upon any- 
 body's toes. My mind was, to take the timber for a 
 house for God, out of forests which belonged to the 
 Master. In spending a month in Norwich I saw forests 
 sufficient to satisfy my utmost desire. 
 
 " After I had agreed to settle in Norwich I found 
 myself in a most peculiar attitude. I had a strono- 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 81 
 
 desire to be on my new field, and yet must labor on 
 with little hope of success where I was. In fact, how 
 to work for Grod successfully in winning souls, I did not 
 know. I had great freedom in preaching, and was 
 everywhere received with favor; but souls were not con- 
 verted. The additions to the church were few while I 
 was their pastor. I was dissatisfied with myself, and 
 often was filled with sorrow, that I so failed of success 
 in my work as a minister of Christ. 
 
 " The spring of 1830 arrived, and I made ready for 
 my removal to Norwich, New -York. When it was 
 generally understood that I was to leave, my friends of 
 the Congregational church and society made a special 
 effort to help me financially. Gentlemen of the place 
 signed a paper drawn by Gurdon Trumbull, Esq., 
 addressed to the inhabitants of Norwich, assuring them 
 that the reason why I left Stonington was not because ' 
 the people of the place did not desire me to remain. 
 This document was signed irrespective of society lines, 
 and by gentlemen of the best standing in the place. As 
 a testimony of their regard for me, set opposite their 
 names were several sums of money. The paper and 
 the money were delivered to me by W. W. Rodman, 
 Esq., a most benevolent christian man. Nearly all who 
 signed the paper have passed away. The kindness thus 
 showered upon me, and my family, made a deep impres- 
 sion upon me and mine. I was at the time of very 
 limited means. In my pastorate at Stonington I was 
 at times exceedingly straightened in my temporal affairs. 
 
 " I remember, on one occasion, of being quite in want 
 of a suit of clothes. I made my request known to God 
 as a last resort. I soon met a young man in the street 
 who belonged to the church. He informed me he had 
 
 6 ' 
 
82 FIRST PASTORATE OF 
 
 been absent upon the ocean for a long time, and had 
 done nothing for the cause of Grod ; and handed me ten 
 dollars. The next day I met him and be gave me 
 fifteen more, saying, he did not come up to duty in the 
 other gift. I recognized in this the hand of Grod, while 
 I did not forget the donor. About this time I met a 
 captain on the street, and he invited me to walk into a 
 store with him, saying, ' I was in to hear you preach ' 
 the other evening;' and added, ' it was a good republi- 
 can sermon, and I can afford to pay for it;' and gave 
 me a check for twelve dollars. He was not a professor 
 of religion. Why he styled the sermon republican I 
 knew not. In this I viewed the hand of Grod, in answer 
 to prayer." 
 
 J. S. Swan. 
 
 In the spring of 1828, Henry Miner, son of Deacon 
 Asa Miner, was drowned. The death of so fine a young 
 man, surrounded by, a large circle of friends, made a 
 strong impression upon the community. Mr. Swan 
 preached his funeral sermon, and the discourse was so 
 much prized that it was published in Stonington by 
 W. & J. B. Storer. We may also add that Mr. Swan 
 was the author of the valuable Circular Letter on 
 Church Harmony, found in the Minutes of the Stoning- ^ 
 ton Union Association for 1829. 
 
 We recollect hearing him speak of some of his anxie- 
 ties and doubts during his first pastorate, relative to 
 the best mode of preaching. Like other educated men,, 
 he began his pulpit preparations by writing many of 
 them in full. In delivering these discourses he felt too. 
 much confined; his mind and heart had insufficient, 
 play. He pondcjrod. the matter thoroughly, and prayedi 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 83 
 
 over it. He read over some of his sermons; they seerhed 
 sound and fair, so far as words went; but, as he phrased 
 it, "they lacked the snap." Finally, as he said, he 
 ■" took the broom and walked them into the fire." 
 
 There were present at his ordination, besides the 
 ministers of the Association, Eev. Kufus Babcock, Sen., 
 of the Hartford Association, Eev. Lucius BoUes, D. D., 
 Secretary of the Triennial Convention, and Eev. Wil- 
 liam Yates, returned missionary from Calcutta. The 
 Association then consisted of fifteen churches, with a 
 membership of two thousand eight hundred and forty- 
 five, though within the present bounds of the body 
 there were then but eight churches and one thousand 
 six hundred and five members, where now there are 
 seventeen churches and a membership of three thousand 
 five hundred and twenty-eight. And we might here 
 justly add, what our volume will yet unfold, that, since 
 1842, Elder Swan has been' the Lantern Hill in the 
 Stonington Union Association — towering above his fel- 
 lows — a lofty, weighty, jewel character. The body may 
 be proud of the fact that they assisted the Stonington 
 church in his ordination. 
 
CHAPTEK V. 
 
 PASTORATE IN NORWICH, NEW YORK. 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD :—kbmovai,.— baptism.— eldbb bandall.— 
 
 COKPEKENOBS. — CONVERSION. — SAMUEL PIKB. — (JUEET, — ^DBATH. — 
 NBTV BIRTH.^-BAPTISM:. — ^POTIR DATS' MEETING. — PATHEE LAW- 
 TON. — ANXIOUS SEATS. — ^WRATH CHANGED. — OVEN PIRBS. — ^PIRM- 
 NBSS REWARDED. ^ANGER ABATED. — EVIL SPIRITS CAST OUT. — 
 WEDDING. — CONFESSIONS. — FATHER RANDALL.— NEW STRENGTH. — ■ 
 
 RETURN TO PITCHER. — PROTRACTED MEETING. — ^DIPPIOtlLTIES. 
 
 INGATHERING. WORK SPREAD. — -EXTRA CALVINISM. A FALSE 
 
 PROPHET. CALL FROM OXFORD. A BALL. PRESSING TO THE 
 
 LORD. — ANSWERS TO PRATER. — ELDER PARKER. — BELIEVING. 
 
 ATTACK OF UNIVEESALISTS. CHARGES. PAPERS. COTINCIL.' 
 
 BAOItBRS.— ADVICE. — SUCCESS. — OPPOSITION. — SET TIMES. — ORDER 
 OF PROTRACTED MEETING. — PREACHING AND PRATING. — ^MEETING 
 
 AT HAMILTON. ELDER LEONARD. COUNCIL. "TOO MUCH." • 
 
 LIBERTY. — DR. BACON. — WEIGHTY MEN. — ^DB. ElATON. PSAYBR 
 
 AND HEALING. — GREAT' INGATHERING. 
 
 " In tlie early part of April, 1830, I left Stonington 
 for Norwich, New York, and made the journey with 
 private conveyance. On arriving in sight of the valley 
 where my station was to be fixed, coming upon a high 
 hill which overlooked the field of my future labors, I 
 was filled with fear and trembling. Grod only knows 
 the impressions which crowded upon me in view of the 
 results which would follow my settlement in Norwich. , 
 I met a very cordial reception, and entered on my work 
 happily. Though the church was small, the congrega- j 
 tion was large, and increased very much under my 
 labors. I soon baptized t\e daughter of Judge Noyes; 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 85 
 
 tad occasionally one after a.notlier was converted during 
 tlie year. One very peculiar conversion occurred. One 
 of my neighbors, a capital man, had a beautiful little 
 son scalded to death. This resulted in the father's 
 conversion, and aided in that of the mother's, so that 
 the parents were very soon added to the church. The 
 man was of great service to me and the cause of Christ. 
 Elder Eandall, myself, and two brethren, were all the 
 members we had in the village. Elder Eandall was 
 infirm as well as aged, and could not get out to evening 
 meetings; and neither of the brethren were disposed to 
 come, so that my prospects for a conference meeting 
 were exceedingly dubious. 
 
 " Yet I appointed conference meetings at a school 
 house every Thursday evening for a year. An aged 
 sister in the church said, ' I think Elder Swan has 
 missed it in setting up the meeting, for it will all run 
 down.' I replied that I thought we were out of danger 
 from that quarter, for we had not far to run, as only 
 three attended now, and if there was any run to it, it 
 would run up. To keep up the meeting I ofteu backed 
 the wood for fire from my home near by; and the 
 expense of lighting fell on me also. Still the meeting 
 kept up with a little increase. 
 
 " We commenced praying for some unconverted per- 
 son to come in, that we might have somebody to pray 
 for. At length one of my neighbors came, whose wife 
 was a member of the church. He was a smart, likely 
 man, but of great peculiarities. Being well acquainted 
 with him, he was about the last I should have looked 
 for as coming to our little meeting. As soon as he came 
 in I was satisfied Grod had drawn him there. Before 
 we closed I asked if any one present desired prayer. As 
 
86 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 he was the only one present unconverted, of course th^ 
 invitation was quite personal; He told me afterwards 
 that he tried hard to get on his feet but failed. Yet he 
 was soon converted, and added to the church. Very 
 soon a backslider was reclaimed to the church. 
 
 " An event occurred about this time yhich called out 
 Samuel Pike, Esq., to the meeting. A very particular 
 friend of his died in a very strange way, and, so far as 
 he knew, without hope. . I shall never forget the meet- 
 ing Brother P. attended at the school house, having 
 come from the death-bed of his friend. He acknowl- 
 edged he had been in a backslidden state for some 
 twenty years. He had been a member of a church in 
 the north part of the town, but was now living in our 
 village^ He now took strong ground for God, and most 
 deeply deplored his wanderings from Him. His coming 
 out at this time seemed to meet a want in the kingdom. 
 He was a man of unusual natural gifts, but his growth 
 was slow in christian duties; yet he never lost any 
 ground he had gained. 
 
 " Our meetings soon became full, and, compared with 
 our beginning, highly prosperous. About this time I 
 heard of a powerful revival in Stonington, Connecticut, 
 under the labors of Kev. Asa Bronson; and the inquiry 
 arose in my mind, ' Why did not the revival come 
 when I was there ? That question, with its settle- 
 ment, cost me months of the deepest sorrow. I charged 
 the whole difficulty upon myself My want of fidelity 
 to Christ was the cause. My shortcomings as a minis- 
 ter of Christ, while I had been able to maintain a fair 
 exterior, and peihaps above reproach, yet my failing to 
 win souls was upon me like the storm upon the ship 
 which contained Jonah. I fasted and prayed, and 
 
EEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 87 
 
 searched the scrijDtures, increased my labors, examined 
 my motives in the work, and the ground work of my 
 christian experience. I subjected myself to the most 
 strict scrutiny in my christian life, till all my joys were 
 dead. To get out of the ministry was suggested by, I 
 believe, the Devil; but my vows to Grod would not 
 allow that. I never had greater freedom in preaching 
 in my life. I pored over the scriptures with most 
 intense anxieties, and brought out sermons which sur- 
 prised me as well as others. Yet I was no sooner out 
 (of the pulpit than I was pondering my position, and 
 Want of success in winning souls to Christ. 
 
 "About this time Sister Noyes, — daughter of the 
 Judge of whom I thought so much, — sickened and died. 
 In her sickness, towards the close, her mind gave way 
 under the power ol disease, so that an eclipse was on 
 her religious hopes, till nearly the close of life. Just 
 before she departed the sun of righteousness rose upon 
 her in perfect brightness, and she passed off in triumph 
 to heaven. Now came a new trial. It was said her 
 religion and her baptism were the cause of her death. 
 At her funeral, knowing a host would be present, I had 
 a deep desire to vindicate religion from the imputations 
 cast upon it, and was directed to the text, ' Precious in 
 the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.' I was 
 never raore conscious of help from God. I was con- 
 ducted to the conclusion, in summing up, that a chris- 
 tian, however suffering from loss of reason, or any other 
 cause, must die a christian, and such a death was 
 'precious to God.' She died a few miles west of Nor- 
 wich village, but the funeral was attended in the village. 
 I led the procession to the meeting house, and when we 
 came in 'sight of it I pressed the subject of seeking 
 
S8 SECOND iPASTOEATE OF, 
 
 Christ upon a youth who accompanied me, a cousin of 
 Sister Noyes, afterwards the wife of Eev. 0. Wheelock, 
 till I obtained the promise that she would yield herself 
 to Christ. Shortly after, I saw her and found she had 
 fulfilled her promise, and was rejoicing in 'hope of the 
 glory of .Grod:' Her baptism seemed like ' baptizing for 
 the dead,' to take the place of the departed. This 
 death was a severe blow to me, and also to the churchy 
 as well as to the family connections. But God OYcr- 
 ruled it for good. After Betsey was quietly resting in 
 the bosom of infinite love, a young lady came to the 
 church, and proposed- to join, as she stated, to take the 
 place of Betsey Noyes, having been awakened by seeing 
 her baptized; The church most gladly welcomed her, 
 and she proved a ' bright and shining light.' 
 
 POTTR-DAYS' MBETLNG IN PITCHEK, KEW YOKK. 
 
 " My mind was quite unfettered in my public efforts. 
 Yet, lying like a canker upon my heart, was my want 
 of success. My house was crowded with hearers, and 
 they gave the best attention, but no break in the ranks 
 was realized. When I entered upon my second year in 
 Norwich, in the spring of 1832, I heard of what is 
 known as a four-days' rneeting, in the town of Pitcher, 
 in the west part of Chenango county, a distance of 
 twenty miles from my home. I had never been in such 
 a meeting, and was an entire stranger to the course 
 pursued. I determined to visit the place and see for 
 myself. I had preached in the place, so I was not 
 a stranger. On entering , the meeting house I was 
 impressed with a sense of God's presence. Quite a 
 number had been converted before I arrived, and inquir- 
 ers were numerous. When the meeting was dismissed 
 I retired to a dense forest and spent my intermission in 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 89 
 
 prayer, being pressed with doubts whether I ever was 
 truly converted. The preacher was a very young man, 
 not a ' head and shoulders above his brethren/ but so 
 owned of God that his efforts, either in or out of the 
 pulpit, seemed attended with the immediate power of 
 Grod. During my stay, which was but a few. days, I 
 most earnestly besought the Lord to bestow on me 
 that spirit which should qualify me for the work. I 
 attempted to ;preach, and also to pray, but was only 
 more and more convinced that I was above my work. 
 When I knelt to pray for the anxious it seemed to me 
 that I was somehow above them, and could not reach 
 down to them. In preaching I seemed like a man in 
 the hay field, with a good scythe and fixtures; but 
 every time I struck for the grass I struck a little above, ■ 
 so that the work was ineffective. I was deeply hum- 
 bled in view of my unpreparedness for my work. Yet 
 to stop making effort I could not. 
 
 " While a sense of my unfitness rested heavily upon 
 me, in one of our meetings. Father Lawton, an aged 
 Baptist minister, one of the pioneers of the country, and 
 a man_of unblemished life, came forward and said, " If 
 God should do me justice he would send me to hell for 
 my unfaithfulness.' A number of young ministers were 
 present who esteemed Father Lawton as a |^model man 
 and minister. While he confessed and so bitterly 
 mourned over his unfaithfulness we were thrown, in 
 our view, overboard, Jonah like. 
 
 " In the meeting, ' anxious seats ' were employed, 
 and several things which were new to me. Yet the 
 part which God took in the meeting so overwhelmed 
 me, that the ' ways and means ' had no effect to excite 
 my prejudice. It was a day of wonderful speculation 
 
90 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 atout new measures among high-geared Calvinisls and 
 Antinomians. The ungodly reviled and mocked . the 
 whole thing. But God rolled in a tide of divine influ- 
 ence like the ground swell of the Atlantic, which no 
 earthly power could successfully resist. 
 
 " One man, who was converted, told me that, while 
 passing the meeting house on his way to his home, if 
 he had had the power, he would have torn down the 
 meeting house, and killed every one in it. His wife was 
 a christian and a member of the church, and faithful 
 to the meetings. One evening she had retired after 
 having been to meeting, and her husband, full of bitter 
 opposition and wrath, entered the lodging room, and 
 said to his wife, ' Well, I should think you could ptay 
 well, after having been to meeting so much; I wish you 
 would get up and pray for me.' She asked, ' Do you 
 wish me to pray for you ?' He said he did. And she 
 arose and knelt by his side and poured out her soul to 
 God for him. God rolled such power upon his hard- 
 ened' soul as to prostrate him upon the floor, and he 
 was pressed to cry out to God for mercy, and found the 
 remedy which Christ had so fully promised. Inatances' 
 like this multiplied as the work rolled on. Faith in 
 those who were converted was strong beyond expression. 
 
 " A wife came to the church to apply for member- 
 ship, whose husband said if she was baptized he Would 
 roast her when she got home; and he got his wood and 
 commenced heating the oven before she left. She came 
 to me for advice as to what she should do. I advised 
 her by all means to obey the Loj-d, and if her husband 
 should kill her, the Devil was sure of him, and he Would 
 never then trouble her more, for she would find rest in 
 heaven. She promptly obeyed the Lord, and when, she 
 
BEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 9l 
 
 jgot home tlie oven fire had all burned out, and her hus- 
 band lay prostrate on the floor crying to Grod for mercy. 
 
 "Another wife, a most genial loving christian, 
 informed her husband of her intention to be baptized. 
 This so provoked his wrath that his soul — what he had 
 left^— for he was a drunkard — seemed like an uncapped 
 volcano, and poured out wrath like cinders and smoke 
 from hell. When the storm had partially subsided, 
 she in a calm tone said, ' Daniel, I love you as well as 
 I ever did, but shall be baptized to-day, and when I am 
 baptized, if you do not wish me to return home, I will 
 go home with father; he will be to meeting with the 
 family carriage.' This unexpected coolness and deter- 
 mination (Jisarmed the tiger, and he went out and 
 waited upon her to the water, like a gentleman, as he 
 once was, before rum had honey-combed his heart and 
 eaten out his manhood. 
 
 " Another case where a wife wished to follow Christ 
 in the ordinance of baptism, the husband said, 'I 
 never was drunk, but if you go, I will go to the tavern 
 and get drunk, if there is whisky enough to make me 
 so.' He put his horses, with the crack of the whip, for 
 the tavern; but, before arriving, he walked his team. 
 On arriving he drank no whisky. The wife returned 
 from church happy. He returned from the tavern with 
 the pains of hell hold of him. Night came on; the 
 family retired. His head seemed as if heated from the 
 fires of the pit. He arose, called on his wife to pray 
 for him, found mercy, and united with the same church. 
 I write some forty years from the scene of this class of 
 facts, but give them as in substance as I received them 
 at the time from the parties concerned. 
 " " Another case transpired in the meeting, of a young 
 
92 
 
 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 man who seemed bent on destruction, and dragging all 
 he could with him to the pit, setting at defiance God 
 and his ministers. He invited his associates, if they 
 were likely to give way to the pressure, to look to him, 
 he would keep them up. Yet I saw him leave the gal- 
 lery almost in the shape of the letter V, and he fled to 
 the woods in a most fearful state of mind. It seemed 
 as though hell was opening for him. He strayed about 
 in the forest late in the night, with God's displeasure 
 upon him, till he determined to go to the house of Elder 
 Lawton, call him up and confess to him. He called 
 up Elder Lawton; but before he could accomplish his 
 design Elder Lawton confessed to him, which doubly 
 riveted his convictions and weR nigh sunk him in 
 despair. He at length found mercy, and I baptized 
 him on profession of his faith. In the meantime the 
 work of God spread in every direction. Meetings were 
 crowded by day and by night, and a great ' multitude 
 were obedient to the faith.' The time came when I 
 must return to my home in Norwich. I left with great 
 reluctance, but obedient to the demand of duty. 
 
 " I had a wedding to attend some four miles north of 
 my home in the Chenango Valley, and called and mar- 
 ried the couple, and made an appeal to all who were 
 there to seek and secure eternal life, which seemed to 
 have a wonderful effect. On my way home, I thought 
 intensely upon what course I could take with my own 
 people to break the apathy which lay like the pall of 
 death upon the church and the whole valley. I deter- 
 mined I would take the pulpit and confess wherein I 
 had failed of my duty to God, and the church, and peo- 
 ple of my charge. I knew of no irregularity in my out- 
 ward life before the world, but felt a deep and awfuj 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 93 
 
 consciousness before God that I had not done my duty 
 in persistant toils to save souls. Then the thought was 
 forced upon me; If you confess in that style, it will . 
 ruin you; nobody will have confidence in you hereafter. 
 I had no precedent for the course which I intended to 
 take. I had only the example of Father Lawton. But 
 I determined, let the consequences be what they -might, 
 I should do it and trust in G-od. 
 
 " I arrived home on meeting-evening, and there came • 
 together a full house; and after meeting had begun as 
 usual, I gave a partial relation of what God was doing 
 in the town of Pitcher. The statement I made had a 
 wonderful effect upon the meeting, and when dismissed ■ 
 the young men seemed to leave with a rush, I followed 
 them out and took them by the hand and asked their 
 forgiveness for my unfaithfulness to them. Every one ' 
 whose hand I clasped was converted. Sabbath at length 
 came, and, after opening the meeting as usual, I related 
 what God was doing at the west, and stated what I had 
 seen and heard. I then opened my mind fully as to my 
 views of my neglect of duty, and asked both church and 
 congregation to forgive me, and pledged myself to dis- 
 charge my duty, if spared, in a different manner in the 
 future. I took my people wholly by surprise, and my 
 effort fell like a bolt from a clear sky. Father Kandall 
 followed in a wonderful confession. I can never forget 
 how he appeared, before the congregation. He wept 
 like a child,iiand his tall manly form, bent somewhat by 
 infirmity, trembled from head to foot. When he was 
 through, others folio we 1 by confession, till the time 
 came to close the meeting. We had no preaching in the 
 forenoon; and yet the loudest kind, in another form, 
 which I ever heard. The day passed off in deep solemn- 
 
34 SECOND PASTOEATE OF 
 
 ity, and impressions were made which can never die. 
 The tidings of what had occurred at the Baptist church 
 spread like wild fire. Opposition, the most complicated 
 and organized was apparent, and I was literally show- 
 ered with falsehoods, to which I paid no attention. I 
 was now ' walking at liberty,' and worked entirely free. 
 My views of God in his working through the gospel 
 were wonderfully enlarged. My whole soul seemed 
 girded with an inward strength which I never knew be- 
 fore. My anxieties for the salvation of souls were almost 
 overwhelming. 
 
 " I was called back to the field where I had of late 
 .seen such wonders, to baptize the newly converted. The 
 converts were principally young men and young women. 
 My impression now is that more than one hundred were 
 converted in the meetings at Pitcher. I believe I bap- 
 tized about fifty of that number. The church was 
 without a pastor, and the young man who supplied 
 them was not ordained. His name was S. E. Clark. 
 
 "I proposed to the churchy at home to have a four 
 days' meeting. The matter of worshipping God four 
 whole days in succession was entirely new to my people. 
 Nobody would oppose it; and only one brother would 
 vote for it. He said he knew nothing about that kind 
 of meeting, but if it was what Brother Swan said it 
 was, he wanted it. We therefore invited in the sur- 
 rounding nainisters and commenced. I think we had 
 preaching services three times each day, wvith prayer 
 meetings between them. God was with us from the 
 beginning. Inquirers after Christ increased continually 
 during the meetings, and some twenty professed con- 
 version; and our meetings in the form in which they 
 had been conducted, closed up. With the little expe.. 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN.. 95 
 
 rience I had had, I found it very difficult to manage 
 affairs so as to give satisfaction to the ministers. 
 They had not been accustoEaed to work together. Some 
 were extremely anxious to season their preaching so 
 high with rigid Calvinism, that, it would put into 
 eclipse the preaching which preceded. The man who 
 next followed was called upon to straighten up the one 
 before him, so that we lost a considerable water that 
 was pure and good, by its running over the dam. My 
 anxieties were to so conduct the whole affair as to con- 
 tribute the most possible to the glory of Christ. Never 
 did I witness four such days. Excitement ran high 
 outside. Malicious falsehoods were set afloat as usual 
 about some who came to help me, and the whole meet- 
 ing was scathed by the opposers as with lightning. Yet 
 day after day witnessed the conversion of souls to God. 
 Had we had sufficient experience to have continued the 
 meetings for a month I have no doubt hundreds would 
 have been converted. Though the meetings closed at 
 the end of four days, efforts were not discontinued; but 
 onward through the spring and summer, in the sanctu- 
 ary and in the school houses, persistent work was done; 
 and God followed with his blessing till about one hun- 
 dred were baptized into the church. 
 
 " The work begun by my people soon spread into other 
 churches, and, wherever the means were used, God fol^ 
 lowed with his blessing. I think at this time we had 
 but two ordained ministers in the Chenango Associa- 
 tion, viz". : Elder J. H. Chamberlain and myself We 
 harnessed up together and ranged the country, and 
 preached in the little churches; and during the year we 
 baptized in the churches of our Association some five 
 hundred and fifty. 
 
96 
 
 SECOND PASTOEATB OF 
 
 " When I commenced my work in Norwicli the gen- 
 eral tone of preaching was so highly seasoned with 
 double-extra Calvinism, that the power of Grod for 
 saving souls was almost wholly obscured. The old doc- 
 trine of repentance towards God, and faith in Christ, 
 being preached to those who were lost, was esteemed as 
 the worst kind of Arnainianism. It seemed to me that 
 some of the ministers around me judged of a state of 
 lukewarmness in the churches as more highly pleasing 
 to.Gt)d than the most effective efforts to pull sinners 
 out of the fire. 
 
 " An elderly Baptist minister called on me on his way 
 home from my four days' meeting to inform me how he 
 had been neglected in the meeting, saying, ' it would 
 not be five years before I could not get a congregation 
 to preach to in the county.' We had a plain talk, and 
 I assured him that if I failed of having hearers in our 
 county I would find them elsewhere. I finally said to 
 him, the trouble between us was we did not believe 
 alike. He insisted we did. To convince him we did 
 not, I asked him if he could address unconverted and 
 wicked men and tell them to pray ? He said no : they 
 could not repentr" Then I gave him the address of 
 Peter to Simon Magus, ' Eepent and pray to God.' 
 He tried to dodge the case, by saying, ' Simon belonged 
 to Israel.' I cut him off by showing that Simon was 
 pronounced by Peter as ' in the gall of bitterness and 
 bonds of iniquity.' In the fall of the year 1832 I had 
 occasion to preach in his meeting house at five o'clock 
 in the afternoon. At the close of preaching I asked 
 any present who desired prayers if they would rise. 
 Quite a number arose; others kept their seats, but 
 wept. The pastor worked hard to quench the fire 
 
BEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. ,_ , 97 
 
 thus kindledj and, succeeded for the time being. 
 
 "A few months later, one awfully dp.i-k 6tormy night,' 
 one of the brethren came up from Oxford, saying, 
 ' God has come to Oxford, and you arc wanted to come 
 down at once.' I repeatedly told the man I could not 
 go. I had just returned from a journey, and was full 
 of cares. He continued, 'I can't help that; Grod has 
 come to Oxford, and you are wanted there.' The mes- 
 senger rang those words in my ears till, amidst intense 
 darkness of the evening and dreary rain, I started out 
 and rode on horseback eight miles to Oxford. On 
 arriving I found God had really appeared in a most 
 wonderful manner. The Baptists at this time had no 
 meeting house, but occupied the upper story of a very 
 larga-store, which was seated for school purposes, but 
 now used for religious meetings. It was very large and 
 could accommodate a host. The power of God was so 
 displayed that the most wonderful answers to prayer 
 were experienced. Prayer was offered in reference to a 
 ball which was in full blast in the village, and one of 
 the dancers, a young man, left the hall and came to the' 
 meeting to seek his soul's salvation, and we judged 
 found it by submitting to Christ. 
 
 " In the course of the meetings, a middle-aged man 
 rose from the back part of the house, came over seats 
 and well nigh over heads, and stood before the pulpit, 
 and called out the leading men of the church to pray 
 for him; his wife also he called out to seek for him the 
 salvation of God. He called on his partner in business 
 to come with him to seek the Lord; and the call was 
 effectual. Piteous cries were sent up -to God from 
 broken hearts; and many believed on the Lord. The 
 anxieties arose so high that a great congregation would 
 7 
 
98 SECOND PASTORATE OP 
 
 be found in the house of Grod at fiye o'clock in the 
 morning, while it was yet dark. 
 
 " One peculiar feature of the meeting was the imme- 
 diate answers to prayer. After the regular services 
 were over we would seek among the multitude those 
 who desired prayer and offer special supplications in 
 their hehalf. Elder Parker, of Bainbridge, led the way 
 in this part of the work and while we were offering 
 prayer, God would redeem those on the spot for whom 
 petition was being made. I asked him, it being so 
 unusual for God to answer prayer so immediately, how 
 it was. He replied, ' I don't know; only I believe God.' 
 I told him I was satisfied that he believed God, and I 
 did not. The light of the saying, ' Let us draw nigh 
 unto God with a true heart, in full assurance of faith,' 
 had not dawned upon me. I pressed the request before 
 the Lord for assistance to believe him, so that when I 
 canie to the mercy seat for others, they might find at 
 once the blessing sought. I looked at the reasonable- 
 ness of the thing in the light of the scriptures, and was 
 convinced that God required that, whosoever cometh to 
 God must believe that he is the rewarder of all them 
 who diligently seek him. Very soon the Lord sent me 
 deliverance; after which I was enabled to hold on to 
 the mercy-seat till salvation came to the soul or souls 
 for whom prayer was offered. The meetings in Oxford 
 continued till it seemed as though the whole village 
 was shaken, and many were brought to Christ. 
 
 "About this time a violent persecution was raised 
 against me by Universalists, which frightened some of 
 my brethren. I had recently visited Westerly, Ehode 
 Island, and was induced to stop and preach a few times. 
 I found Universalism had taken hold there^ and quite a, 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 99 
 
 nitmber of men had become strenuous advocates of the 
 doctrine. In my preaching, I levelled my shots at the 
 battery of the Devil, -which 'was manned by TJniversal- 
 ists, and the shots took effect. A very hard man, of 
 that way ofthiaking, was hit and wounded in the heart. 
 For professed business purposes he left the place; but 
 the wound upon his heart was so deep tha"; he left his 
 business and went to the meeting, and gave ever after 
 the fullest evidence of sound conversion to Grod. A 
 gentleman of fine standing in the community became 
 obedient to the faith. A tavern keeper, with whom I 
 put up, was deeply wrought upon, and I sat up and 
 prayed with him. And his wife, who was a disciple, 
 joined in prayer for her husband; and we held on till 
 God converted him. Others turned to the Lord. This 
 rallied those of the order who contend that all will be 
 saved ; and one evening after the meeting was dismissed; 
 one of the Fire Insurance Order attacked me with a 
 storm of words against orthodoxy; and I plied his cita- 
 del with what power I possessed, supposing that would 
 be the end of it but was mistaken. 
 
 " On returning home to Norwich the attacking force 
 forwarded to Skinner and Grosh, of Utica, New York, 
 who were editors of a Universalist periodical, what pur- 
 ported to be a conversation between himself and me, 
 endeavoring to implicate me in slandering people in 
 Norwich. Lawyers were consulted and a committee of 
 Universalists was appointed to visit me, with interro- 
 gations drawn up by the lawyers, hoping to entangle 
 me in their devil-like plot. When I first heard of the 
 arrangement I made up my mind, aiter they were all in 
 my house, I would turn the whole lot of them out of 
 doors, supposing this would be the wisest course. On 
 
100 SECOND PASTOEATE OF 
 
 consulting Deacon Pike, who was wise in council, we 
 concluded to let them come; and invited a number of 
 my brethren in, who should be witnesses of the occa- 
 sion. The assailants had a document drawn up by a 
 lawyer, consisting mostly of questions touching the 
 affair at Westerly. I owned up so much that it rather 
 foiled them. One question was, ' Did you, or did you 
 not, say that, when a Universal ist minister preached in 
 Norwich, there was a general turn out of drunkards to 
 hear ?' I owned up to the truth of having made the 
 statement, and offered to prove it. One of the delega- 
 tion, — a gentleman whom I esteemed, — replied that he 
 had often been humbled on that account. I grappled 
 with their champion; and he stated that' 'n&thing a. 
 maK could do had any effect upon his future destiiy.' 
 I replied, I watttednothing inoue to do with a m4n who 
 a,dopted views 'that/ ouira^fed the laws of both Grod aind 
 rnafljn that.' style; ■; So- oiil- interview closed. When 
 they mad^i retuW to :thre lawyers they were told that 
 the statements; made by me at , Westerly, supposed to 
 relate to citizens of Norwich, -must be backed up by 
 proof, Then application, was maiie to citizens of Wes- 
 terly, Eho'die, Island, and vicinity, and fruitfdl results 
 followed. -4-. set of affidavits were procured, each sub- 
 scriber having his character ; backed by some' public 
 officer if possible; and on came) the whole package to 
 Nqrwich. , And; Such a tlmei as was had, mairchifng and 
 countermarching among tSid^Universalrsts, I think Wto 
 never seen ,i% vthe ,'y6,ll«y hefbreui . A laivyer, who was a 
 great tfri^nd iq rae,; but a Uiiiv'ersalist,;ap^lied to, to 
 assist-in^ the onslaugj^f. upon -merr(afe I wks informed)'' 
 said, .'I am' a JJniversalist^ and don't: believd ia a hell, 
 but, d— H you,, if I hadiithe power I^would inake one for 
 
iflEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. lOl 
 
 feucli d — d rascals as you are. Let Swan alone.' The 
 affidavits were a perfect jumble. I believe, witb one 
 exception, every man who sent an affidavit procured a 
 backer on his character. My opinion always was on 
 seeing a haystack propped, that it would not stand 
 quite as well without the prop. The lawyers, when 
 they had read the testimony, told their employers, 
 ' You can do nothing to Swan.' One of their number 
 replied, ' D — n him, we will publish him.' A lawyer 
 replied, ' Then, gentlemen, you will help him.' So 
 ended the whole scheme to batter down a character for 
 acting in a matter involving salvation, with independ^ 
 encCi I believe the climax of this sickly attempt was 
 my being published as dismissed from the Norwich 
 church. This stroke ended in calling a church meet- 
 ing, in which my salary was raised. So the smoke of 
 battle cleared up and left Swan alive, and Universalism 
 badly marred by its own supporters. 
 
 " The working of God with his people in Chenango 
 County, and the surrounding country, settled the ques- 
 tion as to the value of persistent efforts to build up the 
 kingdom of Christ. Churches were aroused to action; 
 and wherever bold attack was made upon the kingdom 
 of darkness, the church taking hold on the strength of 
 the Lord, converts were multiplied. Opposition to re- 
 vivals became formidable, and those who were opposed 
 to Grod readily marshalled their forces to overthrow 
 what the friends of God were attempting to accomplish. 
 A general impression among the Baptists prevailed that 
 there- were set times for God to work in pouring salvation 
 upon communities, and that any attempt at awaking 
 and trying to break up fallow ground was getting ahead 
 of God. None can now imagine tbe strength demanded 
 
102 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 to Break up those views wliicli would allow cturclies to 
 slumber on, waiting for God, notwithstanding his ap- 
 peal ' Awake thou that sleepest, arise from the dead, 
 and Christ shall give thee light.' 
 
 " In all cases where churches attempted to seek the 
 Lord till he came, He added his blessing and revived 
 them, and often made large additions to their number. 
 This became apparent, and ministers and churches arose 
 and ' came to the help ot the Lord against the mighty.' 
 The question, how to order the battle, was hard to set- 
 tle. As our protracted meetings multiplied, often six, 
 eight, or ten ministers would be present. Wishing to 
 treat them all well, attempts were made'to have them 
 preach, each in his turn; which we found worked un- 
 favorably. At length selections were made from the 
 number present, and some two or three ministers did the 
 preaching. We aimed to select our strongest men for 
 the pulpit, while others labored in different depart- 
 ments. This plan worked more successfully. But 
 dif&culties attended this course. Some of the ministers 
 would feel slighted, yet we found to give up the pulpit 
 to such would produce 'eddy-tides.' We found where 
 one man was equal to the task of doing the pulpit 
 work, it was better to keep him in the harness, and let 
 him do all the preaching, while others were ' hewers of 
 wood and drawers of water.' On giving this a thorough 
 trial we found God approbated wonderfully. 
 
 " A general course in the orderof our meetings, when 
 , they were fairly begun, was to commence at nine o'clock 
 with prayer meeting; at half-past ten preaching: In 
 the afternoon, prayer meeting at half-past one o'clock, 
 and preaching at half-past two. In the evening, pray- 
 er meeting at six, preaching at" half past seven. Before 
 
EEV. JABBZ g. SWAN. 103 
 
 each sermon, two brethren were selected to lead in 
 prayer with special reference to divine aid for the 
 preacher. These prayers were always short and right to 
 the point. When preaching commenced, other minis- 
 ters and brethren often fell upon their knees in prayer 
 and remained in silent prayer till the sermon was over. 
 Another feature of the order was to select some minis- 
 ter, who was mighty in prayer, to follow up the sermon 
 with melting appeals to the unconverted, and invite 
 them forward for prayers. Under this order of things, 
 I have seen the most astonishing display of God's 
 power. Once the power was so wondrous that about 
 all in the galleries came down, while others below 
 moved forward, till the hosts were prostrated before 
 Grod, crying for mercy. . 
 
 EBVIVAL IN HAMILTON, N. Y. 
 
 " About this time I was called to Hamilton, JT. Y., 
 by invitation of a committee of the church to assist in 
 a meeting. Elders L. Leonard and John Smitzer were 
 also invited. We all came on the ground and set about 
 our work. We soon found the committee appointed to 
 settle the preliminaries of the meeting, were appointed 
 to manage the meeting. No one of them was qualified 
 for such work, and everything dragged hard. At length 
 Elder Leonard , said to me, he had no freedom in the 
 meeting, and could not sing a verse without asking the 
 committee. I complained that the harness I was in 
 prevented my success in the meeting. After a while a 
 council was held at Deacon Umpstead's made up of the 
 committee and a large delegation from the hill. One of 
 my fellow helpers said, as we were on our way to the 
 council, ' Now you present the case before the brethren, 
 and I will back you up.' The church was without a 
 
104 SKCOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 pastor, and I declined, being the younger of the two, 
 and urged my brother to present the case. On his per- 
 sistent refusal, I was compelled to stand in front. One 
 of the committee said, ' if we urged the anxious seats too 
 much, certain ones in the congregation would take 
 ofl'ense.' I asked what was ' too much,' but could get 
 no definite guage to the thing. Deacon Payne and 
 Esquire Payne were all right on the question; so was 
 Deacon Umpstead; but some doubted, till on came my 
 backer who backed me up by backing out wholly and 
 said he never asked any one forward for prayers but once, 
 and was ashamed of that; so I appeared alone in the 
 whole matter of the difficulty. I then insisted on hav- 
 ing what I had asked for, viz., freedom to work; or I 
 would leave the^place the next morning for another field. 
 So I left the council. Deacon Payne returned home at 
 a late hour and r§ported to me that I was to have full 
 liberty in the meetings. The next day I preached the 
 most cutting sermon I believe lever preached in my 
 life on contemptible tinkering with the work of Grod. 
 It took effect; G-od sent it home. My doubting brother, 
 about anxious seats, came in to the conference which 
 followed the preaching and said that he was going in 
 the' line of hearty confessions of men in the churches, 
 and the general breaking down of the congregation, and 
 bowed his head and tears flowed from his eyes so as to 
 run upon the floor. We now had come to an end of 
 discouraging measures; all were for gathering a harvest 
 for Grod. Opposition outsjde ran high; but God rode 
 in triumph in the chariots of salvation. 
 
 "Doctor Bacon was supplying the church in the 
 absence of the pastor. God appeared in his family in 
 awakening a little girl belonging to the household; 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 165 
 
 and I think in the dead of night the child called out 
 for prayers. He gave an account of the event next day 
 in the meeting, weeping like a child; it was like an 
 electric shock upon the audience. The Doctor now 
 took hold with us with a power that was felt through 
 our whole meetings. The work deepened daily, and 
 spread all over the regions about us. I think some one 
 hundred were converted, the most of whom were bap- 
 tized. I speak from memory. 
 
 " Among the converts were several prominent citi- 
 zens, such as Colonel Bonny, who exhibited great decis- 
 ion in coming to Christ, and in following his Lord and 
 Master in being baptized. A prominent feature of the 
 meeting was the power of prayer. Deacons Umpstead 
 and Payne, with his brother. Esquire Payne, were the 
 mightiest men in wrestling prayer that I had ever met. 
 Nor have I up to this time found any who exceeded 
 them in strength of faith. Doctor Gr. W. Eaton from 
 the Institution assisted us in our meetings very much. 
 I remember calling upon him to pray for the anxious, 
 who had come forward. He was then a young man. 
 He complied, and bowed down his manly form like a 
 little child and mingled weeping with his supplications. 
 When he arose from his knees he remarked to me that 
 there was divine philosophy in the anxious seats. At 
 that time such seats underwent great discussions. Such 
 measures as coming forward for prayers were called all 
 sorts of names; and some ministers called them human 
 machinery, new measures, and the like. Still God put 
 his seal upon efforts to rally those without Christ. The 
 meetings continued for" four or five weeks with con- 
 stantly increasing power, till the churches were most 
 
106 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 thoroughly revived and ' very many were added to the 
 Lord/ and to the ranks of the army. 
 
 "An event occurred in the meeting which created 
 quite a sensation. Two brethren came in bringing a 
 lady, who belonged to the church, in a chair. She 
 appeared helpless, having been unable to walk for some 
 two years, having utterly lost the use of her lower 
 limbs. One of the men who assisted in bringing her to 
 the house of Grod, I think, was her husband. He made 
 a statement that the lady had been impressed that if 
 she would come to the meeting and get the ministers 
 to pray for her, she would be restored to activity. I 
 was in the pulpit at the time with a brother minister, 
 who said to me, ' I have no faith in that operation.' 
 I replied I had, and went from the pulpit and knelt by 
 her side and offered prayer that she might be healed. 
 I think it doubtful whether I had much earthly help; 
 yet I believed G-od would answer. When meeting 
 closed she was carried home, and I heard nothing from 
 her for years. Some time after I was at Hamilton in a 
 meeting, and, services being over, a lady came to me 
 with her face covered with smiles, saying, 'Do you 
 know me ?' I replied I did not. She referred me to 
 the time when she was brought there in a chair to be 
 prayed for. She, was perfectly able to walk and said 
 she had done her work for so.me three years. I inquired 
 how soon she was restored, and she replied she com- 
 menced walking in a few days after her return home, 
 and had done her housework ever since. I simply nar- 
 rate the fact, leaving others to discuss the thing. 
 
 " When the series of meetings closed it was on the 
 Sabbath. We had baptism', and the great number who 
 had been baptized during the meetings were called out 
 
KiEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 107 
 
 to receive the hand of fellowship. The line of converts 
 extended from the door by which we entered the sanc- 
 tuary to the rear of the house. It was the old house, 
 and quite the longest meeting house I ever saw. I had 
 not seen such a sight in my life. For age, the converts 
 ranged from the man of years dowji to the child. After 
 they were received the church celebrated the Lord's 
 Supper. A most interesting scene it was. God's 
 presence was wonderfully manifested. 
 
 " I had been from home a long time and was very 
 anxious to return, and accordingly left near night in a 
 snow storm. The distance was 22 . miles. I encoun- 
 tered severe traveling. The snow had fallen upon deep 
 mud, and I was on horseback. I could only ride upon 
 a walk, and slow at that. The cold was intense. I 
 had worn my overcoat into the water to baptize, and it 
 was wet, so my comforts were few, externally. In about 
 three hours I arrived at the house of an old friend, seven 
 miles distant from Hamilton, and was very kindly re- 
 ceived. The family, consisting of the parents, one son 
 and two daughters, were all members of the church in 
 the place. Several young people were with the family 
 from the neighborhood. 
 
CHAPTEE Vi. 
 
 NORWICH PASTORATE CONTINUED. 
 MR, SWAN'S RECORD : — decrees. — kbvtvalb. — temperance. — 
 
 THE DISTILLER. — DEATH, — TESTS OP EELIGION. — MODEL MAN. — 
 HIS BAPTISM. HIS FAMILY. SIGNALS. IMPRESSIONS. — OBSTA- 
 CLES. .PROTRACTED MEETING. HELPERS. SUCCESS. VOW. — 
 
 lad's prayer.— MAN OP WEALTH. ^ DUMB DEVIL. SATIRIST. — 
 
 UNITED PRATER. — AN EVIL SPIRIT. — THE LAWYER. — QUESTION — 
 
 HIDDEN BLESSING. EXPERIMENT. EXPLANATIONS. GENERAL 
 
 GORMAN. — ^PIE^/DS. CO-LABORERS. SUPPORT. — -SACRIFICES. 
 
 WEST CHESTER, PENNSYLVANIA, — AN ENEMY. — ALL-NIGHT MEET- 
 INGS. CONCERT. A JUDGE. INDIAN WOMAN. CONFESSION. — 
 
 QUESTIONS. — THE TRUE IDEA. — PLAN IN PREACHING. — PRAYER 
 AND FASTING. — TERRORS. — THE TEXT. — ^PRAYER AT THE INN. — 
 ADDITIONS TO CHURCH. 
 
 " Soon after my arrival the head of the family 
 inquired, ' Well, Elder, what have you been doing at 
 Hamilton .?' 1 replied, ' Carrying out the old plan of 
 preaching, praying, and baptizing converts.' Said the 
 Doctor, ' Why ! they were all converted before the 
 foundation of the world.' I answered, ' If so, some of 
 them had found it out, who were not sure of it when I 
 went there.' The Doctor was so imbued with Calvin- 
 ism that he was compelled to lean towards Antinomin- 
 ianism. I finally asked his wife if any one present was 
 without hope. She replied, pointing to a young man, 
 ' There is one without hope.' He appeared like a fine 
 youth; was cousin to her children. I commenced con- 
 versation with him and asked him why he was not con- 
 verted in the great revival ? i He replied, ' I was 
 
EEV. JABBZ S. SWAN. 109 
 
 awakened, and made some effort to obtain salvation. 
 
 but at length gave it up.' I said to bim, 'If you 
 rejected Grod in sucb a tide as went over this place, you 
 must be pretty near hell, and escape is doubtful.' I 
 then asked him if he was willing to kneel down for me 
 to pray for him ? He consented, and we bowed before 
 God to pray for him. I think it was about ten o'clock 
 in the evening. Prayer was made without ceasing till 
 near two o'-clock in the morning, when he begged for 
 himself, and Grod redeemed him on the spot. He 
 refused for a long time to call on the Lord, till finally 
 the Doctor told him to pray, and unless he prayed he 
 would be damned; though he himself did not believe 
 at the .commencement that a sinner had any ri^jht tb 
 pray. , When the young roian Was filled ■ifith Joy and 
 peace in believing, at a piJOfier iQoillent the l>'Octar 
 asked me if I thoughti he was co^vtel-ted. I replied, 
 ' Certainly,' and added, ' caH on Mia to lesad'the family 
 devotions in the morning,, and see) if he will fx^f.' 
 When all but the Dfoctbr aM myself had retired fo^r the 
 night,, he was so perfectly overwhelmed in view of what 
 God, had wrought, that he said tb mej 'Wl^tj^, ybu' 
 ought; to eat a. whole ox ih' 'a day to carry btit- ybur 
 wp;rk.',, .Uext mOirning the Doctor iflvited th^- ybltng 
 mftn to lead devotions ih th6 faraily, aiid h^ Without 
 hesitation read the Bible and dfferbd; prayer-. ' SV all 
 wei;e couipelled tb' admit that. God verily had bn- him 
 'bestowed repentance tintb life.' \ 
 
 "Though I was pastor ati Iffarwiah tiearl/ «ight 
 years, yet I ranged the churches up and dbWttthe ^ah 
 ley of Chenangb county, and, with my bpethriSh iii^;he 
 ministry, spread, the gosipel net, and very many -ffi-efe 
 converted ,i(0- God. A newocder of things Wa^ efeatud. 
 
110 SECOND PASTORATE OP 
 
 Family prayer had become common, whereas before the 
 protracted dispensation very few families throughout 
 the churches kept up family altars. ,One thing was 
 made very prominent in all our protracted efforts; that 
 was temperance. We brought all our guns to bear on 
 rum, with its concomitants. This generally raised a 
 breeze. At length we pledged every convert we bap- 
 tized. The churches came to incorporate the pledge 
 with church covenants, and God wrought greatly with 
 his people. Judgment apd temperance went together. 
 
 " I held a meeting with a church near by my own, 
 and in the course of the meeting a man was converted 
 who was running a whisky distillery. Being about to 
 offer himself to the church, he advised with me as to 
 what he should do. I told him, ' Sign the pledge 
 and put out the fires.' All this was done. As soon as 
 preliminaries could be arranged he was baptized. Such 
 howling as was heard on the part of whisky suckers was 
 never heard before, but the blow upon that hydra head 
 was irretrievably struck. I baptized the man who thus 
 promptly acted, with twenty-one others at the same 
 time. Opposition to the meeting was organized and 
 pushed with great force; yet, like the power of Saul, it 
 waxed weaker and weaker. The gentleman who put 
 out the fires of his distillery had a very remarjjable 
 conversion. He had a little son five or six years of age, 
 who had been to visit his uncle, who prayed in his 
 fajnily. On returning home he beset his father, early 
 and late, to pray, and followed it up till the father was 
 induced to call on the name of the Lord. 
 
 " The meeting held in this vicinity was attended with 
 very many conversions. One man whose wife belonged 
 to the churqh asked one of the brethren if he would 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. HI 
 
 take his wife to meeting; but lie made so trifling an 
 excuse, that he who made the request was offended and 
 declared he would do more for the meeting than any 
 member of the church. He therefore took his teams 
 and ranged the vicinity and brought many to meeting; 
 but was careful not to venture in himself. Finally his 
 passengers, many of whom became converted, sang so 
 delightfully on the way home, that he concluded to go 
 in and hear my sermon, and in so doing was induced to 
 seek the Lord, and found Christ precious to his soul. 
 
 "One poor man so opposed the work both in his own 
 house and everywhere, so far as he had influence, and 
 gave such evidence of being given over of God to perish, 
 that, in the light of one passage of scripture, I saw his 
 destiny, and foretold it; and it came to pass. I said 
 to a very prominent brother in the church, ' If God does 
 not kiU that man, the Bible is not a true book,' and 
 asked him to remember when the event came to pass 
 what I had told him. The passage which I saw mir- 
 rored the destiny of the man, is this : ' He that being 
 often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be 
 destroyed, and that without remedy.' The man was 
 one of the most determined Uniyersalists. As a man, 
 he stood well in the community, but was filled with 
 deadly opposition to the triumphs of the gospel. I 
 judged he climaxed his career by coming forward for 
 prayers with others. Just as soon as he was named in 
 prayer, and had opportunity,, he arose and said his 
 views were known as far as he was known, but he 
 esteemed it a privilege to be remembered in prayer; 
 then attempted to say, 'My views are' — and stammer- 
 ing, I saw him turn white about his mouth; and I 
 warned him to be careful what he said, reminding him 
 
112 SECOND PASTORATE OP 
 
 of the sin against the Holy Ghost; but he pressed 
 through and said, 'My views are just as they have 
 been.' I saw that he had taken the position he was in 
 to more successfully oppose the work of the Lord. In, 
 I should think, some two weeks, while the text I have 
 quoted was read from my own pulpit, as a subject for 
 preaching, the dead body of the man passed through 
 our village. He was hurried into eternity without 
 warning. Instances kindred to this were 'common in 
 those days, till the Lord terrified bold opposers. 
 
 " If the church of Christ will test trees by their 
 fruit, instead of digging up the roots and subjecting 
 them to a trial by fire, they will gain accessions from a 
 class who always make genuine workers when harnessed 
 for Grod. I once found within the bounds of my pas- 
 toral charge a man of middle age, and a model man 
 indeed. Try him by God's line of measuring charac- 
 ter, and when you come to the cross of Christ, — ^here 
 was the one thing he lacked. As a gentleman, citizen, 
 neighbor, he was all right; but to induce him to take a 
 step openly for, Christ, was impossible. He was on hand 
 to meeting, liberal in contributions, and a well wisher 
 to morality and religion. His wife loved the Savior 
 and strove for her husband's salvation; but he was 
 steadfast and immoveable in the wrong sense; always 
 abounding in reasons for remaining where he was. »He 
 had a son, a fine young man, who was without hope. I 
 pondered over his condition much, and was exceedingly 
 anxious to get him out. One day I had a kind of in- 
 spiration come over me to visit him and say to him, 
 'Come out and obey your God, or you will inevitably 
 be damned.' I made my way for him on horseback, 
 some seven miles, and found him by a field of wheat on 
 
REV. JABEZ g. SWAN. 113 
 
 his farm. He asked where I was bound.? I said, 'After 
 you; and have no other business.' I did my errand to 
 him as I received it; then invited him to come to cove- 
 nant meeting the next Saturday and tell his experience, 
 . and be baptized. By invitation I went into his house 
 and prayed with him and his family. . The next Sat- 
 urday he came to the church, related an experience of 
 eighteen years, full of intense interest, and closed by 
 saying, ' To live and die where I am, I shall be lost; 
 if the church will accept me I will unite 'with them.' 
 He was welcomed with a hearty good will. The next 
 day. Sabbath, he was baptized. Such a looking man 
 I had never baptized; his countenance was mantled 
 with deepest sadness; his moral troubles had become 
 chronic, aud to adopt a new course, up hill to all the 
 past, seemed like parting with life. Yet it proved as 
 dying and thus living. When I had baptized him he 
 exclaimed, 'Glory to G-od; I am relieved.' I respond- 
 ed, ' So I told you.' At the water's edge his wife met 
 him with tears of joy; and she very soon followed his 
 steps into tha baptismal waters. Soon an altar went 
 up in his house. He progressed in the faith. Having 
 staggered at the law, ' Thou shalt love thy neighbor as 
 thyself,' he now said he loved his neighbor ' better than 
 himself.' He was now under the law of love. 
 
 " About this time he and his wife left home for a 
 journey to the West.' Eeturning, they found their 
 little son, two young men, and a young lady, members 
 of his family, all converted. The sister of this gentle- 
 man, the housekeeper in their absence, while asleep 
 was aroused by a cry of distress. On going to the win- 
 dow she found her brother's son on his knees crying fir 
 mercy. He had been to meeting, where God reached 
 
114 SKCOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 his heart by the gospel. In prayer he said to God, ' I 
 will die here unless I find mercy/ , His aunt called the 
 two young men to hear him pray. They shortly turned 
 away to pray for themselves. The young lady was then 
 called, who, with a like broken heart, turned to seek 
 the Savior. John found salva,tion before he rose from 
 his knees; he took the kingdom by force. All under 
 the roof, except a little child, were rejoicing in tlie Lord 
 when the parents reached home. One of these young 
 men became a preacher of the gospel. Another gentle- 
 man and wifCj seeing this result, came oat and put on 
 Christ. The man had hoped for fourteen years, but 
 had followed his neighbor. His pattern had now left 
 liim. But he followed his neighbor and obeyed his 
 Lord. The moving of the first man knocked away all 
 his props. Thus one man leads another. 
 
 " God has hidden from the view of mortals what 
 results may follow simple obedience to his require- 
 ments. In 1834-5 God visited the church in Norwich 
 with a large shower of mercy, and numerous additions 
 followed. The ground is taken in the scriptures that 
 those in communion with God not only may know, but 
 it is their privilege to discern the time chosen of God 
 to bless; hence the reproof of God to Israel: 'The 
 turtle, the crane, and the swallow observe the time of 
 their coming, but my people know not the judgment of 
 the Lord.' Signals have been and are still given which 
 act upon the spiritual sight like the little cloud seen 
 by the servant of Elijah, upon the prophet; and as the 
 sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees upon 
 David, in reference to going forth to battle. 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN: 115 
 
 EEVIVAL IN NORWICH. 
 
 " At the close of the year 1834 I became convinced 
 that Gi-od was about to visit his people over whom I 
 watched, with salvation. Circumstances, in the provi- 
 dence of God, forced upon me convictions that now was 
 the time to call the church together, and entreat them 
 to take hold of work for God. One event especially 
 urged me to action. While making ready to attend 
 the funeral of a youth, who had died without hope, — 
 who had asserted that when the Lord called for her she 
 should be ready — a lady and her husband, members of 
 my congregation, called at my house. Neither of them 
 were christians. The lady remarked, 'You don't call 
 on us as you formerly did.' I answered, 'I did not 
 know as you wanted me to call.' She said, ' We do, 
 and hope you will come.' This was said in such a 
 way, and the woman's face bore such a sadness, that I 
 made up my mind God was coming to save souls. I 
 remarked to my wife, ' My dear, let us get ready; God 
 is coming, depend upon it.' The funeral was of one of 
 our dearest youth. To think that her sun had gone 
 down in a cloud was chilling to my soul. I made an 
 appeal to the church to arise, and to make with me 
 special effort to save the lost. In doing this I found 
 serious difficulty. A number of the strongest men in 
 the church objected. It seemed to me I should be 
 defeated. I then said to the church, ' Well, I am fully 
 convinced that a cloud big with mercy is overhanging 
 our place, and the largest blessing awaits us if we will 
 prepare the way of the Lord; and I am willing to enter 
 upon the work. If the church refuses I shall take hold 
 in some other spot, leaving those who oppose to go to 
 the judgment with the responsibility upon them. The 
 
116 SECOND PASTOEATE OF 
 
 brethren who opposed said they would not take the 
 responsibility, and so backed out of their position; if 
 the church saw fit to go forward they would not oppose.. 
 I then secured the best ministers I could and com- 
 menced meetings. My helpers were Eevs. Lewis Leon- 
 ard, John Smither, Alonzo Wheelock, Washington 
 Kingsley, and J. H. Chamberlain. Others, occasion- 
 ally with us, rendered essential aid. The power of God 
 followed the word preached, till the whole region was 
 affected with God's display of love and grace. In this 
 meeting the late Judge York was converted, who accom- 
 plished so much for God, but has now been called to 
 his rest. The lady friend and her husband, before men- 
 tioned, were converted, and became efficient workers in 
 bringing in others. Principal men and women of the 
 village, witb a multitude, bowed to the cross of Christ. 
 
 "A young- man, whose mother belonged to the 
 church, arose one evening aftfer the sermon, saying he 
 had been up where his brother lay dead, and, in the 
 room with the corpse alone, knelt down and promised 
 God he would come to the meeting and tell the people 
 he intended to serve God. After going home, as he 
 told us, he bowed by his bedside to pray, and his breath 
 stopped. He confessed he did not like to get down for 
 the blessing, but wanted God to hand it up to him. 
 I think the last phrase preeminently condenses the 
 desires of human hearts unsubdued by grace, yet the 
 work with him was effectual. 
 
 "The praying of those who sought salvation was 
 peculiarly direct, simple, and whole-hearted. A little 
 boy, eight or nine years of age, appeared among the 
 inquirers, and said in answer to the inquiry if he wished 
 to be saved, ' I do/ I asked, ' Will you pray ?' He 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 117 
 
 said, 'Yes,' and then prayed as follows: '0, God, I 
 don' t want to go to hell. Here is my heart. Take, 
 and do anything you have a mind to do with it, only 
 don't let the Devil have it. Amen.' Simple as this 
 may appear, that little lad grew up in the admonition 
 of the Lord, and did good service for his Master, and 
 has lately fallen asleep in Jesus. 
 
 "A gentleman of wealth and standing came into the 
 meeting in the afternoon to seek after his son, having 
 heard that he was anxious about his soul. Finding the 
 report true, he was so affected" that he came forward for 
 prayers, and a remarkable scene followed. We contin- 
 ued in prayer for him till it became so dark in the 
 house tliat we could not discern one from another. He 
 prayed most devoutly for himself, and went down to 
 his house justified by grace. His wife then came up to 
 the meeting with him, and was converted. Both united 
 with the Episcopal church, and were consistent mem- 
 bers till their death. He was one of the strongest and 
 most reliable friends I ever had. I think he lived some 
 thirty-five years to serve the Savior, and has recently 
 been -gathered to his fathers. 
 
 " One evening I was requested to step back into the 
 body of the house and speak with a young lady who 
 Was in great distress about her soul. It seemed that 
 despair had seized upon her with a^grasp that defied 
 all power to break it. I named the name of the Blessed 
 Savior to her as a remedy, and she started back like a 
 person bitten by a mad dog on seeing water. Said she, 
 'Oh don't name that name to me;' that is the very 
 name I have despised and ridiculed.' After a season of 
 prayer she was helped home, for she was unable to walk. 
 I was sent for to come to the house where she boarded. 
 
118 SECOND PASTOEATE OF 
 
 to pray for her. When I came to her she was leaning 
 back in a rocking chair, with her hands clasped upon 
 her breast, and gnashing her teeth as though she would 
 take tliem out of her head, and was past speaking. A 
 sort of suppressed sigh was all she could utter. As I 
 stood before her I gained a view of the finally lost in 
 hellj as represented in the parable of the rich man. All 
 my strength seemed to leave me; I trembled from head 
 to foot. While this trouble was upon me, a good 
 Methodist brother, seeing my condition, put his arms 
 about me and said, 'Don't give up; we had such a 
 devil as this at a camp-meeting, and we prayed him 
 out. It is a dumb devil; but God will cast him out.' 
 After a season of prayer I left, and, as I left, I- could 
 hear a kind of sigh as from the prison house of the 
 damned. I think she continued in this condition some 
 eight and forty hours, and then became calm, but 
 could not take a step without help. Finally hope tri- 
 umphed over despair. As unbelief gave way to faith, 
 she was clothed with the garments of salvation, and was 
 in her right mind. I heard her pray in a meeting, and 
 judged it exceeded all prayers I had heard. The way 
 she took hold of things that accompany salvation, indi- 
 cated the way she had fled for refuge and laid hold of the 
 hope set before her. Surely she was a brand plucked 
 6ut of the fire. The character of this work, evidently 
 wrought of Grod, led me to inquire about the person 
 thus wrought upon. I found her possessed of an 
 uncommonly sound mind, and in excellent standing in 
 the community, but gifted in the line of satire in an 
 eminent degree. This gift she had used well nigh to 
 her destruction, upon Christ and his friends. Now, 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 119 
 
 ■W^ith. a heart pervaded with the spirit of Jesus, she 
 sought to build up the faith she once destroyed. 
 
 "After this a lady of the church asked me if I 
 believed if two friends of Christ should make a cove- 
 nant to pray for a family for a j^ear, spending one hour 
 each day alone, yet in concert, that ferod would convert 
 them ? I replied that I did as much as I believed in 
 the resurrection. She then said, 'A lady friend of 
 mine at the West made a covenant with me, less than 
 a year ago, to spend one hour each day in prayer for a 
 .year that my children might be converted. Now the 
 year is not closed, and they are all converted.' The 
 seven children, and the hired man, were in the kingdom 
 of God. Six of them I had baptized, and the other 
 soon followed," making a household of faith. I went 
 home with the family to spend the night. The parents 
 having retired, we were surrounding the fire singing, 
 and, as quick as thought, the eldest daughter, a young 
 lady, pitched headforemost from her chair to the floor, 
 and cried out, ' pray for ine, for I am filled with 
 blasphemy.' We all fell upon our knees. TJie father 
 and mother heard the cries of their child, arose and 
 came to join us in prayer. After awhile the distressed 
 maiden calmed down and we retired. These attacks 
 returned at intervals for days; at last complete deliv- 
 erance was found. I then attempted to solve the mys- 
 tery. It could not be said the youth was excitable and 
 worked up her imagination till a frenzy followed. She 
 was not of that make, but cool, deliberate, and decided 
 in what she undertook. When the shock fell upon her 
 it was as sudden as a flash of lightning. 1 could only 
 account for this exhibition of satanic agency from the 
 fact that God: struck a stroke in the meeting which had 
 
120 SECOND PASTOK4.TK OF 
 
 driven out the strong man armed from Ms house; and 
 he, to recover a lost position, not heing driven out of 
 the country, followed our company home, and gave the 
 strongest exhibition of crippled power possible, suppos- 
 ing that I might take the hint to let his kingdom alone. 
 My conclusions may savor of poetry to some, but the 
 whole scene to me was one of startling reality, rather 
 than poetic imagery. That youth, so strikingly wrought 
 upon, lived for years to exemplify her faith in Christ, 
 and died in hope of eternal life. 
 
 " Converts were multiplied, and baptisms frequently 
 occurred during the meetings, till, I judge, more than 
 one hundred were enrolled as jewels for Christ. One 
 conversion Was so marked and peculiar that I will men- 
 tion it. A gentleman of a high order of legal talent, 
 and at the time of the meeting engaged in writing a 
 law commentary, on one occasion came hbme and found 
 me at his house, where' I had been invited by his. family 
 to take tea. His manner toward me 'was very cool. I 
 was glad to hear the bell ring to call me to 'meeting. 
 The wife and daughter were believers, and seemed to 
 feel very sorry. The course the gentleman pursued 
 reacted upon him, and he finally came to meeting with 
 his family. I went to him and asked him to go up with 
 us for prayers. He very respectfully declined. I often 
 asked him if he wished me to pray for him, and he 
 replied in the affirmative. I went back to my place 
 and offered prayer for others, and entirely forgot him. 
 After rising, I recollected and said, ' I have forgotten 
 one friend.' Again kneeling, I supplicated the mercy 
 seat for him, and dismissed the meeting. 'At the sug- 
 gestion of the gentleman I was invited to go home with 
 the family. In conversation with him he said he had 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 121 
 
 been in business with two men in New Orleans who 
 professed religion, but who cheated him out of all he 
 was worth, and he had made up his mind that religion 
 was all hypocrisy. I tried to convince him of his mis- 
 take, assuring him that true religion was a great reality, 
 and urged him to seek it. I spread before him the sim- 
 plicity of Christ's teachings on the subject, referring to 
 the grain of mustard seed, and the leaven hid in the 
 meal, showing how God could work out results from 
 small beginnings. He listened very attentively. I 
 closed the interview with prayer, and left him. When 
 I was gone he said to his family, ' I never heard any- 
 thing like this before. Now, if you will help me, I will 
 call on the name of the Lord.' His wife and daughter 
 promised to help him. All bowed together to seek the 
 Lord. And, calling on the name of the .Lord, he was 
 saved. In a few weeks Grod called him home. He was 
 just in time for the rewards of the eleventh hour. 
 
 " While the work was progressing, I had to meet a 
 question, which few in that day knew how to answer. 
 The question was, ' What to do with a class whose 
 sympathies were always encompassing the kingdom of 
 Grod, following up the church as near as possible by 
 exemplary lives, and yet, as they would say, never had 
 any conviction; wanting to be saved, while they would 
 follow no advice; a class right in our way. I made up 
 my mind they stood where the woman did who pressed 
 through the crowd and touched the hem of Christ's 
 garment, and was healed, but immediately hid in the 
 crowd; — a received blessing, but an unacknowledged 
 blessing. The blessing was as real in character while 
 hidden, as when she acknowledged it, but not so marked 
 in results; coming forth, and acknowledging it, gave 
 
122 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 the fact publicity, and secured still further blessitig. 
 Of the persons alluded to, I determined that they were 
 all of one type, and ought in some way to be pressed to 
 leave the crowd and acknowledge Christ. 
 
 " Of this sort was the sister of my brother-in-law, 
 with whom I was well acquainted. She had been well 
 educated, and her father's house had long been the 
 home of ministers, who had taken a deep interest in her. 
 Strangers accepted her as a christian. Her sympathies 
 were christian, and she seemed to live on them, yet all 
 attempts to induce here to come out on the Lord's side 
 failed. One Sabbath morning 1 saw her, and told her 
 I must withdraw all my sympathies from her, and even 
 my prayers. She was muchatfected saying, 'What 
 would you have me do.^" I replied, 'Advice will do you 
 no good; you will not follow it.' She answered, 'I will 
 do anything you say.' Then said I, 'Go to your young 
 lady friends and ask them to go forward for prayers, and 
 if they go up with you, bow down and pray for them.' 
 Said she, 'What; without any religion.''' I replied, 
 ' That has nothing to do with it ; if my advice is not 
 followed I shall adhere to my purpose.' Said she, ' I 
 will do it.' When opportunity came she commenced 
 her work, and her young friends followed her up for 
 prayers; and shortly they found mercy, and joined her 
 in soliciting others to come. Her influence was some- 
 thing like the shadow of Peter; healing to souls follow- 
 ed. Finally she asked for further advice. I said, ' Go 
 to the church and tell your experience, and, if they will 
 receive you, be baptized.' 'What,' said she, 'without 
 any religion ?' I refered her to the promise she had 
 made me, and said, 'Garry it out, or come no more to 
 me.' She complied. The church received her, she was 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 123 
 
 taptized, and a happier soul one might not find; The 
 chain of Satan was broken, and she saw the fallacy of 
 her past reasoning. She became wonderfully useful, 
 married a minister of the gospel, and was a most effi- 
 cient worker, till the Master called her to himself. 
 
 " On this subject, ministers and churches need light. 
 The above is a representative case. Thousands of them 
 are found around the churches, and are like Lazarus in 
 his grave clothes. I have had much success since my 
 first effort in this direction. I might name some 
 reasons why so many are in this state. 
 
 1. God always works upon our comprehension in 
 the redemption of souls; this is admitted on all sides 
 in regeneration ; but as to the time and manner, Grod is 
 denied. God put power upon John the Baptist so 
 early that I presume had he given in his experience to 
 the people of God — say to a church — he would scarcely 
 have been received. He would hardly have been able 
 to get into his account the first thrill of soul he ever 
 had from the power of God. Yet the facts concerning 
 this young miniature Baptist, are thrown into Revela- 
 tion, as an accepted fact. Any heart that is on the 
 side of God in its sympathies for religion, or intei-est in 
 christians, establishes the fact that some power must 
 have been employed to bring the soul on the side of 
 Christ. Keep in view that God alone has power to 
 sway the heart; hence, if love to him be found there, 
 however incipient in its state, the fact is fixed; as to 
 the modus operandi, it belongs to God. I never knew 
 one of this class to go back into bondage, under the 
 yoke which had been broken by power from on high. 
 
 2. God may have set his seal upon the soul so early, 
 that from childhood religion was loved above all else; 
 
124 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 like Timotty, from a child having known the scrip- 
 tures, and like him, having the faith of mother and . 
 grandmother. This is not given to prove that religion 
 runs in the blood, but to bring out the fact that it runs 
 on the line of faith, in conformity to which children 
 have been given of G-od, like little Samuel who so early 
 knew the Lord that latent enmity he never knew. 
 
 " A conspicuous politician had been in the state legis- 
 lature, and in Congress, but was a notorious infidel. 
 In July, 1832, when the ministers who came to help 
 me arrived, it was reported that this man said, we all 
 ought to be horse- whipped and sent home. But before 
 the meeting progressed far, he came in, and was the 
 first one converted. Though of a high order of intel- 
 lect, he had been so long led by the prince of the power 
 of the air, that light to him had become darkness.- As he 
 bowed in the house of God to pray, the words of Jesus 
 came to my mind, ' Except ye be converted and 
 become as little children, ye shall not enter into the 
 kingdom of heaven.' I looked to see if Christ's words 
 would be fulfilled, and I think they never had a clearer 
 exemplification. The gentleman bowed in a most child- 
 like manner, and would first appeal to Grod, and" then 
 address sinners, urging them to repent. To see Gen- 
 eral Gorman on his knees crying for mercy, astonished 
 everybody who beheld him. After meeting he invited 
 me home with him to dinner. At his house he said to 
 me, ' I was never choked down before; but in attempt- 
 ing to pray I choked down,' I ref lied^ ' If you had 
 made an eloquent prayer I should have concluded the 
 Devil was sure of you, but God has illustrated in you 
 the law of receiving the kingdom of God as a' little 
 child.' Nevertheless the coming down for him was 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 125 
 
 hard; he came down like a camel, a joint at a time. 
 He was clearly converted, and was baptized by his son- 
 in-law in the Chenango river, and united with the 
 Methodist Episcopal church, and I believe lived and 
 died in the faith of the gospel. 
 
 " I engaged in meetings among the churches in sev- 
 eral surrounding CQunties, and often preached twelve 
 times a week. I ranged from Norwich north as far as 
 Utica, south as far as Binghamton, and west to Oswego, 
 in connection with a number of ministers, most faithful 
 men of God. We broke the fallow ground, and sowed 
 the seed of the kingdom of God broadcast, and reaped 
 a glorious harvest. The brethren I worked with were 
 Harvey of Utica, Chamberlain cf New Berlin, Parker 
 of Coventry, and Washington Kingsley of Oxford. 
 . Never did I meet a more thorough class of workers. 
 Under our united labors God brought up the churches 
 from small bodies to become strong and healthy. Many 
 of them, till the protracted meeting dispensation was 
 inaugurated, were without sanctuaries. Now meeting 
 houses were reared, and the wilderness was made to bud 
 and blossom like the rose. 
 
 " I think in many of these years I spent some half of 
 my salary upon fields beyond my own church. My 
 income, from these fields, was next to nothing. One 
 year, with a view of helping myself, I raised quitfe, a 
 piece of corn. Wlien it was ripe, rains becoming fre- 
 g^uent and the weather hot and muggy, it commenced 
 to rot; but I was called to work away from home. As 
 a result, in seeking first the kingdom of God, I lost 
 the principal part .of my crop, traveled some hundred 
 miles, preached several weeks, saw the power of God' 
 
126 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 displayed in saving souls, received fifty cents for my 
 work, and a benediction from a wealthy man. 
 
 "WEST CHESTER, PBNN. 
 
 " I was once introduced into a field of labor in West 
 Chester, Pennsylvania. Being called out to pray in a 
 public meeting in Hamilton, New York, when prayer 
 was ended Kev. G. J. Miles, of West Chester, inquired 
 of a minister of Utica, who it was that had prayed; and 
 was told by the Utica protracted-meeting hater, ' That 
 is the chief protracted-meeting engineer of Chenango 
 Valley/ This sarcastic reply induced Brother Miles to 
 invite me to hold a meeting with him. I complied, 
 and saw the grace of Grod wonderfully displayed. I 
 believe in the Baptist church in the village of West 
 Chester there were but three brethren, besides the pas- 
 tor; hence very little work could be obtained. The 
 church was principally made up of ladies. We soon 
 found a heavy current setting in against us in the com- 
 munity; and I gave the pastor my opinion, that, unless 
 the ladies took hold in the meetings we must be 
 defeated. He replied, that they were unaccustomed to 
 such work, but approved of my endeavor to enlist them. 
 In the end they came to the help of the Lord, who fol- 
 lowed the effort with a wonderful blessing. A saying 
 became common among the converts in speaking pub- 
 licly, 'I am prepared to serve God at any expense;' and 
 this service was anything but poetry to some. 
 
 " A beautiful and highly educated young lady came 
 to the house of the pastor to inc[uire if he would bap- 
 tize her, and stated if he did, her father would kill him. 
 The father was a terrible man. The pastor said he 
 would baptize her. She promised, if possible, to be at 
 the water on Sunday morning. On Sunday her father 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 127 
 
 forced her to leave town. I heard no more of her. But 
 the word of the Lord grew and was naultiplied. I have 
 ■ Been instances where greater nnmbers were converted, 
 hut never beheld the grace of God more peculiarly dis- 
 played. Numbers were obedient to the faith. 
 
 "In the struggle of the kingdom of God with the 
 powers of darkness I introduced an all-night prayer 
 meeting at my residence. Besides members of my own 
 church I invited Deacon Chamberlain of the Congrega- 
 tional church, and Brother Stanton, a Methodist. We 
 had a room full, and held on all night in prayer and 
 supplication for the triumphs of Christ in saving souls 
 in Norwich. It was a remarkable meeting. A revival 
 had commenced, and it continued through the whole 
 summer. I saw and felt the influence of the all-night 
 meeting. After this, all-night meetings became quite 
 common. When all other means seemed to fail, 
 churches resorted to crying to God day and night. 
 
 "In one village I attended for weeks. It seemed 
 that the day would never break; sinners were unmoved; 
 the church failed of striking the current of salvation. 
 We appointed an all-night prayer-meeting, which was 
 fully attended; God broke the clouds and poured down 
 salvation like a flood'. During the night I requested 
 all who could pray for themselves vocally, to come up 
 and take the front seats; and eleven came. An aged 
 Methodist minister was present, who, when in unbe- 
 lief, was a prodigy of wickedness, and, when converted, 
 became mighty in prayer. I asked him to lead, and 
 requested any aged brother to follow him. Some one 
 said, " There is an aged brother of the church here, 
 but he is so broken by infirmity that he cannot pray 
 here.' I said I would risk him, and added that, in the 
 
128 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 time of Elijah, when fire fell upon the sacrifice, the 
 altar was built of old stones that had been used for that 
 purpose before. The infirm old man came np. The 
 Methodist led the way to the mercy-seat; but, before 
 he had proceeded far, the other commenced, and both 
 ascended the ladder together. Both had strong voices,' 
 and I think neither remembered that the other was 
 praying. I never before saw it on that fashion. I 
 called it a concert of prayer. When prayer was con- 
 cluded, on examination of those prayed for, ten out of 
 the eleven expressed hope in Christ. After this, the, 
 power of Grod increased upon the meeting till, one time, 
 a judge — a gentleman of excellent standing and family — , 
 was present, and before morning submitted to Christ, 
 and left the house converted to God. 
 
 " Before the protracted meeting closed I think about 
 a hundred expressed hope in Christ. Interesting events 
 occurred. While our prospect yet seemed dark, a mem- 
 ber of the church said, ' When Brother Williams breaks 
 down and the Indian woman prays, the work will go.' 
 At length I heard the old lady pray. Unable to read, 
 she was taught of the Spirit of G-od; she knew how to 
 prevail in prayer. One afternoon she rose, referred to 
 the preaching, and said it had ' shaken the old building, 
 but, thank the Lord, it has not stirred the foundation." 
 She then bowed and ofiered prayer. In her approach 
 to Christ, she said, '0 Jesus, you said it; you knOw 
 you said it; you did; you know you did; that when. two 
 or three are agreed.' Under this appeal the heavens 
 seemed to bow, and the Divine presence filled the place. 
 Brother Williams also broke down, and'such a break 
 down I never witnessed. His confessions and appeals 
 to his brethren, heightened the interest, till God rolled. 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 129 
 
 in a tide whose action was like the swell of the great 
 deep. From this time the word of the Lord, made 
 mighty hy his Spirit, triumphed gloriously. 
 
 " Ahout this time questions were raised about times 
 and methods of labor, such as, ' Ought a church to 
 engage in a protracted meeting without being thor- 
 oughly prepared ? What constitutes a suitable prepa- 
 ration ?' I was called to labor with one church, the 
 leading member of which said, ' The church is all ready; 
 you need spend no time with them.' We attempted to 
 reach the unconverted, but failed. We had to go back 
 and rally the church. 
 
 " In my view, the best step a church can take, where 
 religion is in a decline, and a desire exists for a revival, 
 is to set apart a time for fasting and prayer, and the 
 confessing of faults, and praying one for another. Heal- 
 ing will follow. But here a question arises: Suppose 
 the church, as such, will not come up ? But some will. 
 Begin with those who come. I had rather begin a 
 meeting with a handfull who are willing to do duty, 
 than a housefuU who imagine they are fitted up, and yet 
 have not the first qualification for work. A certain son 
 was called three times one morning before he appeared. 
 On being questioned about his delay, he said, ' I 
 dreamed I was up doing my chores.' Grive me a church 
 fast asleep to begin with, rather than one that dreams 
 it is up and about its work. Grod appeals to churches 
 as in a slumber, ' Awake thou that sleepest ! arise from 
 the dead, and Christ shall give thee light !' The duty 
 is to awake, and arise. The motive is, ' Christ shall 
 give thee light.' 
 
 " Once a capital man, all in kindness, opposed me in 
 reference to a protracted meeting. He argued that the 
 
 9 
 
130 SECOND PASTOEATE OF 
 
 church was not in a condition to take hold. But we 
 launched out, and God wonderfully blessed the effort. 
 In the course of the revival I took this brother to visit 
 an old friend of his, to converse and pray with him. 
 When we came back he said, 'Why, I used to think 
 that the church must wait for preparation before they 
 commenced work for God, but I find the worse oif they 
 are the more need they have of going to work.' I 
 answered, ' You have the true idea of the thing. Proph- 
 esying over dry bones has been demanded of God, and 
 proved a success in olden times.' 
 
 " If my ministry has been a success in building up 
 churches, and leading souls to Christ, it has resulted 
 from carrying out the rules of the Bible. I have fol- 
 lowed the Bible idea, ' When Zion travailed,' &c. I 
 have begun and ended with the church, believing that 
 when the church of God have their strength on, mighty 
 works are accomplished. When the people of God 
 stand in the light, as the angel which John saw stand- 
 ing in the sun, one will chase a thousand, and two put 
 ten thousand to flight. In a ministry of over fifty 
 years I have preached few sermons to the unconverted 
 exclusively. When the church stands firmly upon the 
 Kock of Ages, and throws her influence for good, sin- 
 ners will readily resort t9 Christ. David has given us 
 light upon 'this subject: 'Restore unto me the joy of 
 thy salvation; Uphold me by thy free Spirit; then will 
 I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be 
 converted to thee.' Until the church of Christ has 
 obtained favor with God they never can have power 
 with men. I believe this principle runs through the 
 economy of God in all th« diversified manifestations of 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 131 
 
 his grace to save souls, and consequently all attempts 
 •which ignore this established order will he fruitless. 
 
 " In a meeting of some four weeks, in which about 
 one hundred were converted and baptized, I preached 
 sometimes weeks almost exclusively to the church. I 
 remember a lady asked me if I had not got about 
 through preaching to the church. I replied, ' I have 
 just begun with them.' She sighingly said, ' dear, I 
 have got no hope left now.' Yet the power of God 
 upon the meeting was constantly increasing. In the 
 early action of the churches, in the time of continuous 
 labor to save souls, we; were sometimes defeated, after 
 the work of the Lord-had been begun and progresced to 
 some extent. Finally something out of our sight 
 blocked the wheels; and, counciling our fears, we closed 
 the meeting. We at length found a remedy in,a resort 
 to fasting and prayer. For the crying of the elect to 
 God day and night he avenged them. In a most tri- 
 umphant work of God I once witnessed, during some 
 six weeks, the church held about as many days of prayer 
 and fasting. One hundred and forty-six were added to 
 the church in the course of the meetings. 
 
 " The hand of the Lord became more and more 
 prominently developed till the village was electrified, 
 "^hile the powers of light and darkness were in a des- 
 perate struggle on a given evening, after preaching, 
 while efforts were put forth to bring up the inquirers, 
 one man was standing on his feet, and as it appeared 
 was resisting his convictions to go forward for prayers. 
 In the midst of his struggle against duty, he fell to the 
 floor as though struck dead. He was a man in middle 
 life, stood well in the community as a citizen^ but had 
 become encased in infidelity as in a coat of mail. His 
 
132 SECOND PASTORATE OF 
 
 Ml sent a thrill through the house. I went to him and 
 found him with his hands pushing against the edge of 
 the seat as though he was still fearful of falling. On 
 my asking what was the matter, he said, ' I am going 
 down to hell; don't you see it ?' He called for his wife, 
 who was a lovely christian woman. iShe wiped the 
 great drops of perspiration froin his brow, and most 
 tenderly commended him to God in prayer. Others 
 followed in prayer till he was able to rise upon his feet, 
 when hp said, ' I guess I can go to the anxious seat, 
 where I ought to have gone before.' When in the seat 
 he called upon the Lord most beseechingly for mercy. 
 After prayer was offered by others he arose, repeating 
 the text which he had heard preached from that even- 
 ing: 'Ho, every one that thirsteth ! come ye to the 
 waters.'„ He simply repeated the text without com- 
 ment, but every few moments would stop and pray, 
 and then repeat his text, and then call out the names 
 of citizens present to come. In his repeating the text, 
 sometimes the emphasis would be, 'Ho, every one;' 
 next, 'Every one that iliirsteth;' next, 'Come;' next, 
 ' Come to the waters.' I never saw such an effect pro- 
 duced by a Bible quotation before. I asked him why 
 he prayed so often ; and he answered, ' I saw the 
 burning bush right side of me.' When he left the 
 house in the evening for home, I could hear, clearly 
 ringing upon the night air, ' Ho, every one that thirst- 
 eth.' From this time- events were constantly transpir- 
 ing which heightened the interest of the nieeting, while 
 the marshalled host of the Devil howled like a pack of 
 wolves. The man's conversion well nigh threw the train 
 from the track. In fact it seemed like felling a hemlock 
 tree in the time of a deep snow, and dragging it out top 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. S-WAN. 133 
 
 first. There was a general cry, ' We never saw it on 
 tbis fashion.' I tried my best to keep the attention and 
 faith of the people steady, assuring them that greater, 
 things than these would come if we would but believe. 
 Still, by the event so wonderful in itself, their minds 
 were diverted, and it took days to recover our position; 
 At last we struck the trade-- winds of the kingdom again, 
 while Grod rode in awful majesty in chariots of salvation. 
 Power from God so fell upon our audiences that often 
 when the meeting was dismissed, it was difficult for 
 those who were pricked in their heart to reach their 
 homes. Often we were urged to hasten to houses to 
 pray with those who had just returned from the meeting. 
 " On one occasion several ministers were urged to go 
 to the public house to pray for the wife of the keeper. 
 Both the keeper and his wife were of high standing in 
 the community. The wife was in agonizing distress. 
 Before we prayed for her, she prayed for herself in the 
 most touching maner. She appealed to her husband, 
 saying, 'We have led our family far enough toward 
 hell.' No emphasis which can be put upon the last 
 sentence can do justice to its power as it fell from her 
 lips. When I saw her again she was meekly hoping in 
 Christ. 
 
 " I find, by the records of the church in Norwich, 
 that the whole additions to the body, during my pasto- 
 rate ol nearly eight years, were three hundred and three, 
 mostly by baptism." 
 
CHAPTER Vli. 
 
 PASTOBATE IN PRESTON, NEW YORK. 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD: — pkeston. — plans.— ebv. j. h. chambee- 
 
 LAKir. ^KBVITAIi. ^APPEAL. REV. P. PECK. CALL. — OWEQO 
 
 CHtmCH. HARD WORK. TRIAL.- — DEACON WOLVBETON. HARD 
 
 ROOK. RAm OF GRACE. ASSISTAJSTCB. THE MORALIST. HIS 
 
 TRIAL. HIS WIFE. BAPTISM. DREAM. AN" OPPOSER. — HIS 
 
 POLITICS.— BAPTISM.— RETURN TO PRESTON.— SABBATH SERVICES.— 
 
 REVIVAL. HARVEST. — MEMBERSHIP. OONTRLBUTION. — TJNIVER- 
 
 SALIST. — COL. DANIEL NOTES. 
 
 " In the fall of 1837, I resigned my pastoral charge 
 of the church in ISTorwich; a step directly against my 
 temporal interests. I was receiving for salary six hun- 
 dred and fifty dollars a year; by far the largest amount 
 I had ever received. My convictions were very deep 
 that I owed to God a duty to go to Preston, a field of 
 great destitution, covered with population mostly with- 
 out Christ. There had once been a Baptist church in 
 the town, but it had died with consumption. The 
 preaching which they had had was styled ' doctrines of 
 grace,' embracing the orthodox creed, with the pur- 
 poses of Grod, election, and predestination, and total 
 depravity; all of which were true; but they never 
 dreaaied that Grod had decreed them to Avork out their 
 own salvation, until, under a system of do-nothing-ism, 
 they gave up the ghost, and God buried them in their 
 own folly. In the town there were two small churches; 
 a Seventh-Day Baptist and Congregational church. 
 Preston joined Norwich on the west. Being without a 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAK. 135 
 
 meeting housej we liad no convenient place to meet for 
 Worship. I commenced meetings in the school-house, 
 and continued there till we could find a place more 
 commodious. We commenced building in the fall of 
 1837, and by February, 1838, had a house forty by 
 sixty, so that we could worship in it. I invited my 
 brother, J. H. Chamberlain, to come and preach for 
 me, and I think in some two weeks the Lord added to 
 the little church which we had organized of members 
 dismissed from surrounding churches, about forty newly 
 converted souls. So far as my financial prospects were 
 concerned, all was dark. I walked by faith, yet I 
 launched out, involving myself in expense directly and 
 indirectly, till all began to look cloudy about me. I 
 soaght the Lord for help, and appealed to surrounding 
 churches for aid. Here and there a friend responded 
 kindly, but in the main I was repulsed. I prayed to 
 the Lord for a way to open by which we might free our 
 house from debt; but for the present no effectual door 
 was opened. 
 
 KBVITAL nsr O'WBGO. 
 
 "While in the midst of my anxieties about the 
 meeting house, , Brother Philetus Peck came to my 
 house from Owego, to get me to come down and help 
 him in a meeting. I had been there about' a year 
 before and labored with the chu.'ch four or five we^ks; 
 and with their pastor, Eev. 0. Wheelock, baptized into 
 the church one hundred and one converts. I told 
 Brother Peck I could not go; I was praying for money 
 for my meeting house. ' Well,' he replied, ' my breth- 
 ren have heard that you were in rather a hard fix, and 
 have sent me after you, that they might help you.' I 
 finally promised to go. On commencing work, it 
 
136 THIRD PASTORATE OF 
 
 appeared to me the church had thought if they could 
 on!y get Swan there, all would be right, and the work 
 would go as a matter of consequence; and seemed to- 
 sit down with very much of that kind of ease, with 
 which Jonah sat down outside of the city of Ninevah 
 to see what would become of it. 
 
 " In our meetings everything dragged heavily and but 
 a few had been converted, principally children, — in fact 
 all, except one man, who 'had been very intemperate, 
 and of course, in starting out upon a religious course, 
 could have but a little influence. For some consider- 
 able time no more could be induced to come up for 
 prayers, except this little group of children and my 
 friend just named. I was well aware that my hope of 
 help for my meeting house depended upon the prosperi- 
 ty of my meetings, and a dark cloud seemed to over- 
 hang the whole scene. I was in trouble ; the Devil 
 would ring in my ears, _' Well, sir, if your meeting 
 don't go, you . wont get any help for your meeting 
 house;' and that sounded in my ears like the ringing of 
 the big bell of Moscow. I put up at the house of 
 Brother Peck, and God never created, f think, a purer 
 hearted man, or better minister. Deacon Wolverton, 
 living some distance from the church, sometimes put up 
 for the night with Brother Peck. After I had retired 
 one night, he came to my room and asked me if I was 
 asleep. I replied, 'No.' 'Now,' said he, 'I want you 
 to go to sleep on this passage; 'Let not your heart be 
 troubled; ye believe in God; believe also in me;' and 
 added, 'You must sharpen your drill. This is a hard 
 rock; but you must drill down thirty feet farther, and 
 charge the rock; and God Almighty will blow such a 
 bltirt as you never saw.' This somewhat comforted me, 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. IS? 
 
 but the Devil held me in a sort of witch-knot, and kept 
 up the drumming, 'If the work don't go, what of your 
 meeting house debt?' I finally told Brother Peck my 
 trouble, and that I was determined to break the spell of 
 the Devil. To work for the salvation of souls with a 
 motive to secure funds to pay off a debt on a meeting 
 house, I would not. 'Now,' said I, 'I am going to 
 remove Preston meeting house; that will go overboard.' 
 So I knelt down in his family, spread out the whole 
 thing before the Lord, and begged for help, promising 
 to stick by my work, meeting house or no meeting house. 
 God brought me up and bruised Satan under my feet. 
 I appealed to the converts of the revival of the winter 
 previous, and also to the church, and they came to the 
 help of the Lord effectually. 
 
 " Soon the cloud of mercy broke over us; and I 
 think near seventy were baptized into the church. The 
 work went on gloriously. God triumphed, and Satan 
 was defeated. For a month's labor I received one hun- 
 dred and thirty dollars; and, in another form, clothes 
 for myself and family. Being without a salary, I was 
 under a most rigid economy, and was not the owner of 
 a coat suitable to wear in the pulpit. One of the , 
 brethren came to me before I left, took hold of my coat 
 and asked, 'Is this your best coat !' He ordered a good 
 one; and this made a perfect suit given me by the 
 brethren. Brother Peck was so anxious about the 
 remuneration I was to have, that he said, 'My salary is 
 four hundred dollars; I can live where other men 
 would starve. I shall give you twenty-five dollars.' I 
 refused it. This was a great sum for him, being poor 
 as well as myself. Ee, however, forced upon me ten 
 dollars. He was a man of a large heart, and of the 
 
138 THIRD PASTOEATE OF 
 
 broadest sympathies for Christ's cause and the world. 
 "Included in the additions to the church, was a gen- 
 tleman converted the wintei" previous with his wife and 
 little son. The man had been the leading moralist and 
 infidel in the whole region. His conversion, as well as 
 that of his wife, was very remarkable. I had given out 
 that I would preach to moralists ; s'o he came up to 
 hear the sermon. And while I labored to prove J;hat they, 
 by the authority of Christ, were thieves and robbers 
 climbing up some other way, he left the house, saying, 
 'The worst of all is, the fellow proved it.' The sermon 
 was preached on Saturday evening. He came to my 
 room Sabbath afternoon following, looking like a dying 
 man, and said, 'I was in to heaj- you last evening. I 
 have been the leading moralist and infidel of this 
 region; but am now satisfied, unless God shall have 
 mercy upon 'me, I shall be lost. I have showed no 
 mercy to christians; and now I am exposed to perish. 
 I have come to inquire what I shall do.' I pointed him 
 to the Savior, and prayed with him. Very soon he came 
 to hope in the Lord's mercy. His wife, in her exper- 
 ience, related that her little son, converted when quite 
 youngi was taken violently ill, and was given up by 
 the doctors to die. She was not willing to- give him up 
 and thought of asking the Lord to spare him; but the 
 thought occurred, 'Why ask the Lord for favor ? You 
 have never done anything for him.' Still necessity 
 drove her to seek of the Lord the life of the child. She 
 retired to a secret place and poured out her heart's 
 desire unto the Lord. He heard her cry and spared 
 her child. "When the child was well and running about 
 the house, the thought came over her, 'You have never 
 thanked the Lord for the favor received.' She retired 
 
bEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 139 
 
 io tiiank him; and in so doing the Lord conferred sal- 
 vation; employing the words of Christ, 'Hadst thou 
 asked of me, how would I have given thee.' 
 
 "The head of the family, having waited a year 
 without professing his suhjection to Christ, gave as a 
 reason for tarrying, that he had marked out a line for 
 christians to walk in while he was in unbelief, which he 
 could not walk in himself; and if he went forward, he 
 should fare as those he had mercilessly opposed. But 
 husband, and wife, and little son, were all baptized on 
 one occasion and filled with peace. 
 
 " Another event rendered the commencement of our 
 meeting peculiar. The man referred to as reformed 
 from intemperance, dreamed, after he became sober, 
 that he was standing by the side of a huge moimtain, 
 and on its side was a moving ladder working upward, 
 and the machinery that worked the ladder was moved 
 by a heart on the top of the mountain. He became 
 anxious to ascend, but could not get upon the ladder. 
 After awhile he saw a man who helped him upon it, 
 and he ascended to the top. When there he found a 
 friend who took him about upon the table land and 
 showed him scenes of exquisite beauty. Then he took 
 him to the mountain's brink, opposite the ladder, and 
 showed him a terrible gulf of imagery indescribable, 
 and warned him against entering there. As soon as he 
 saw me, he said to a friend, ' There is the man who 
 who helped me on the ladder.' He was soundly con- 
 verted, and honored God, living and "dying. 
 
 " I was requested, before I left the place, to visit a 
 family where the wife wished to unite with the church, 
 but the husband bitterly opposed her. She was an 
 orphan when s'he married the thing she had for a hus- 
 
140 
 
 IHIRD PASTORATE OF 
 
 band, and aS slie had been brought up in the Congre- 
 gationalist order, preferred that meeting; but her 
 husband chose the Methodist. She fell in with the 
 proposition to attend there; then he was a sort of Bap- 
 tist and preferred the Baptist meeting. She so readily- 
 fell in with that suggestion that he swore (as I have 
 the account) she should attend no meeting. Sbe was 
 a little slender creature of much sensibility, and of 
 course was deeply grieved. She was now treated very 
 cruelly; turned out of the house in the dead of the night 
 by the husband, and, but for the tender mercies of 
 others, would have perished. I was urged to go and 
 see him, and was told he would doubtless turn me out 
 of doors. I went and knocked at the door, and was told 
 to come in. In a few . minutes he came in, in a rao-e, 
 and asked what business I had there. I would give 
 any reasonable sum if I had his picture, could it have 
 been taken at that time: then if any one wished to see 
 the profile of Satan I would give them so near a resem- 
 blance that they would recognize the family relation. 
 1 replied, 'The biggest kind of business.' Said he, 
 ' Will you baptize my wife if I forbid you ?' I replied 
 'Yes, and you may help yourself 'Don't you believe 
 in asking liberty to baptize ?' I answered, ' I some- 
 times do it; but it is not in my commission.' I assured 
 him that I was under a commission higher than the 
 state of New York, and could carry it out. Said I 
 ' What is your politics ?' ' Politics ?' he asked. 'Yes ' 
 said I, 'your politics,!' 'Well,' he replied, 'republi- 
 can.' 'Then,' said I, 'you have given your wife 
 a glorious exemplification of republicanism. Now, you 
 ought to be ashamed of yourself When that little 
 woman married you she neither surrendered her cod- 
 
EEV. JA.BEZ S. SWAN. 141 
 
 science nor her God. When you married her she was an 
 orphan; and you are the only one on earth to whom she 
 may look for protection.' 'Well', said he, ' if you hap- 
 tize her' suppose I sue you.' I replied, ' All right; I 
 always carry money enough with m'e to pay tlie dam- 
 ages of baptizing one convert. If my money gives out, 
 and you jail me, if the jailor is not converted, I will 
 have him out and baptize him before morning. Keplied 
 he, ' I guess G-od made you on purpose.' I said, ' He 
 did.' I went round that chap like a cooper round a 
 cask, tightening every time round, till he caved in. 
 The next Sabbath his wife was waited upon by him to 
 the water; he' went like a wolf with a trap upon him. 
 Wolves won't bite under such circumstances; but the 
 wolf is still there. His wife and her sister-in-law were 
 both baptized together by the pastor and myself 
 When raised from the water they fell upon each other's 
 necks and kissed each other, while tears and smiles were 
 mingled together on the part of those who stood on the 
 banks. When we reached the shore the lady who had 
 been sorely oppressed was asked, ' How is it with you 
 now T She sweetly replied, ' I feel as though I had 
 been baptized.' Of course she could 'go on her way 
 rejoicing.' She is in heaven now; but he apparently 
 sealed for another home. 
 
 " The time came at length for me to return home. 
 Brother Peck rode with me some miles out of the vil- 
 lage, and there we parted. He stood by the side of my 
 sleigh, and such weeping I scarcely ever witnessed; his 
 manly face was flooded with tears. ' 0,' said he, ' 
 ' Brother Swan, with the exception of my wife, there is 
 not another being in this world so dear to me as your- 
 self^ Our parting was like that of David and Jona,- 
 
142 THIED PASTORATE OF 
 
 than. It was a dewy time, and I left bim for my home 
 facing a pelting snow storm, while he turned towards 
 his home. On arriving at Preston my meeting house 
 was snowed in; no meetings had been held there in my 
 absence. I arose early on Sabbath morning, sought 
 Grod's grace upon me thai I might be convinced before 
 the day was over, if I was right in my mission, and that 
 God would show it to me. I then went to the sanctu- 
 ary, cleared oif the snow, dug the wood out of a snow 
 . bank, built my fires, and prayed again for evidence if 
 my mission was of God. When the people came 
 together they filled the house. After jjreaching I asked 
 if anybody in that house wanted to Be saved,, and 
 invited all such to arise, referring to those who had not 
 satisfactory evidence of being converted. One after 
 another arose weeping. One young lady who had come 
 on foot four miles was converted before meeting closed. 
 Now daylight was upon us, and God gave us a glorious 
 harvest. My hundred and thirty dollars mostly went 
 to pay our meeting house debt; but God took care of 
 me and mine. At the end of two years I left them 
 numbering some two hundred members, made up mostly 
 of newly converted souls. The church is alive now, 
 and maintains the doctrines and ordinances. For them 
 I spent two years' time, a deal of pains, and not a very 
 small sum of money for me to part with, and gave my 
 scrip of fifty dollars which I received from the New 
 York Baptist State Convention to aid me in my mis- 
 sion. I could have taken for the first year seven hun- 
 dred dollars; the next year I was offered six hundred 
 dollars by the Baptist church in Auburn, New York, 
 but declined all offers till I had fulfilled my mission 
 where I thought I was led by the spirit of God. I owe 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 143 
 
 it to God, as well as to my neighbors, to acknowledge 
 the great kindness of many who claimed to be Univer- 
 salists, for assistance to build the meeting house, and to 
 aid in keeping up singing. 
 
 " As far, as I am known, my views of Universalism 
 are well defined. I mingled with them in their family 
 circles and prayed with them, and did my best to lead 
 them to Christ. In their turn they loaded me with 
 kindnesses on every hand. A gentleman who offered 
 me great assistance about the house, was a son of the 
 late Judge John Noyes of Chenango. The son I refer 
 to is Colonel Daniel Noyes, whom I am happy to know 
 is indulging hope in a precious Savior," 
 
CHAPTEK VIII. 
 
 PASTORATE IN OXFORD, N. Y. 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD ;— new ordeb.— baptisms, — oxfohd meet- 
 ings. tWrVEBSAlISTk SQUALLS. CLOSrNft SCENES. DEVIL'S 
 
 VORT. COOPEKSTOWN. OFFER OF FBATHEBS. DBYIL'S PED- 
 
 DLEB. — THE IBISHMAN. -INSPIRATION. — OONVDESIONS. — SINGEES.— 
 OELEBKATIONS.-LIGHTNING.— FIBE ISStTBANCE. — JOTJONBY. — AID.-- 
 
 BESIGNATIONS. — EVANGELISTIC LABOBS. NIA6AEA COUNTY. 
 
 0"WEGO.— CASES OF LOSING 8TBBNGTH. — MtTLTITUDB CONVEETED.— 
 ErVEE SCENE. — OPPOSITION STJBDUED. — THE BLESSED SOUND. 
 
 " In the fall of 1839, I commenced to preach iu 
 Oxford, New York, and supplied the Baptist pulpit 
 half the time till spring, when I moved there and 
 became pastor of the church. Between my agreeing to 
 settle and my removal there, a difficulty arose in the 
 church, about a minister who had formerly preached to 
 them, and divided them, so that my salary, which had 
 been promised was reduced to three hundred and thir- 
 teen dollars. I think I was to have had five hundred 
 for the year. I never- saw a squall so effective in turn- 
 ing things in general upside down. None however 
 objected to me; so trusting in the Lord, I took the field. 
 
 " I was told in the begining, of the deadly hostility 
 of the region to revival measures, and that a first rate 
 Congregational minister was once drummed out of the 
 place, with tin pans. I made up my mind to meet the 
 conflict in the end, but went to work, first of all, to 
 secure harmony in our own ranks. Instead of resorting 
 to discipline, I struck for life in the church, hoping to 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN, 145 
 
 pour oil on the troubled waters, and thus smooth down 
 the commotion of the deep which had been so effectu- 
 ally stirred up. One favorable circumstance was, that 
 our meetings were well attended. My preaching was 
 confined to the principles of God's kingdom, and the 
 logical conclusions which must follow them, 
 
 " About this time I saw an account of a course of 
 meetings which had been held by an aged Baptist min- 
 ister in Courtland County, New York, after the follow- 
 jng order. He preaclied in school houses in the differ- 
 ent districts of his field, and then closed up with a 
 meeting in the centre, in the sanctuary. And God 
 crowned the work with signal success, 
 
 BEVIVAL EST OXFOED. 
 
 " I had pondered for some time on what course would 
 be the safest to pursue to bring the church into harmo- 
 nious action. To attempt to rally them to march 
 against the common foe, while not united among them- 
 selves, would bs vain. I therefore determined that I 
 would adopt the above plan. I named my purpose to 
 Deacon E. Main, father of the present Mrs. Doctor 
 Dean, of missionary fame; and also to Deacon Jere- 
 miah York, botli men of sterling worth. They seconded 
 my plan, and I commenced in a large stone school house 
 in the eastern district of our society. The meeting con- 
 tinued some six weeks. I think I was there every 
 evening but one. Very soon the Lord appeared and 
 poured down the Holy Spirit in a wonderful manner. 
 Converts were multiplied; the house was crowded; one 
 after another the disciples broke into the work, and the 
 whole community seemed stirred. 
 
 " My meeting house stood on the bank of the Che- 
 nango river, which ran through the place, affording a 
 
 10 
 
146 rOUKTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 most convenient place for baptism. Soon I commenced 
 baptizing on the Lord's Day. The community knew 
 not where the converts came from, and I was not care- 
 ful to inform them. So the saying became common 
 tiaat the candidates for baptism were not converted, but 
 came to Oxford to meeting, and ' Swan caught them 
 und baptized them.' I paid no attention to the San- 
 ballat operations, but kept about my work. In a short 
 time near fiity were baptized and added to the church.. 
 My second school bouse meeting I commenced in an, 
 adjacent district on the Chenango river, and held on 
 two weeks. If my memory is correct, about thirty were 
 converted, some of whom united with the Oxford and 
 Green church, others with the church in Oxford village. 
 My next school house meeting was in a district north 
 of Oxford village. I had preached but a few evenings 
 when the school house was closed against me by Uni- 
 versalists. I then preached in a dwelling house close 
 by. This was one of the hardest spots I ever found. 
 I was informed there never was a revival of religion in 
 that neighborhood since the country was settled. The 
 B trong man armed had had his own way so long that he 
 quite objected to being tormented before his time. Yet 
 tlie Lord appeared among them and converted souls, I 
 think some ten in number, in the course of the meeting. 
 I then struck in another direction from the village, 
 where was a small Baptist church, and in two weeks 
 baptized some forty. Some of my own young people 
 followed me to the meeting and sought the Lord and 
 found him. On my return home they came to the 
 church and were baptized into its fellowship. 
 
 " When through with this meeting I commenced in 
 our sanctuary in the village. By this time Satan was 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 147 
 
 fully awake to apprehend the danger to his kingdom. 
 From this time I suffered nothing for want of music to 
 march hy, till the next spring. The Universalists had 
 built a meeting house in the village, and, of course, 
 from their creed, saw no need of revivals, believing that 
 everything in sinners contrary to holiness will be pun- 
 ished out of them, either in this world or the world to 
 come. I had some strong friends among them who, 
 though esteeming me as in a mistake in my revival 
 notions, could never be induced to persecute me for my 
 views or manner of carrying them out. Others in their 
 ranks resorted to all sorts of warfare to impede me in 
 my work. The^ churches around me were in a luke- 
 warm state, and being opposed to revival measures, 
 they acted like the bondwoman and her son; they per- 
 secuted the son of the free. I never saw such a deter- 
 mination of dead professors in union with the ungodly, 
 to oppose the work of the Lord. Finally I invited all 
 opposers in and out of the churches, to turn out and 
 man the Devil's gun, and then it would be known what 
 brigade they belonged to. In fact when I entered that 
 village and settled there I shared no more consideration 
 from the professed christian community than a sheared 
 poodle would at a brigade training. Still I was known 
 to be of good standing as a christian man. The battle 
 waxed hotter and hotter, till about all around me took 
 sides somewhere. I was disturbed at the water when 
 baptizing, disturbed in the sanctuary, showered with 
 lies outside; and every painter who had served his time 
 with the Devil and could mix paint, and all who knew 
 how to handle a brush, were after me. I was never 
 happier in my work. True, my surroundings somewhat 
 resembled the sq^ualls of Cape Hatteras, but underneath 
 
143 FOUKTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 the storm was a ground swall that was doing execution 
 for God and his kingdom gloriously. 
 
 " God appeared in my family a,nd converted my two 
 little daughters, and they were baptized with others. 
 In the midst of the storm I baptized thirl y-six at one 
 time, in the bitterest kind of winter weather, and 
 preached twice that day, and gave the hand of fellow- 
 ship to nearly a hundred newly redeemed souls. The 
 church, at the communion that followed the baptism, 
 was seated in the body of the house; and there were 
 converts enough to encircle the whole church like a 
 rainbow. That evening I closed my protracted meet- 
 ings, which had continued some twelve weeks. 
 
 " Very happy was I to know that now I bad a united 
 church wliose heart was cemented with some one hun- 
 dred happy souls who had joined the army and enlisted 
 for the war. •'.The enemy seemed to withdraw his 
 forces; and when the clouds cleared off, God's Zion stood 
 very much like General Hooker's army upon Lookout 
 Mountain, when the clouds and smoke of battle were 
 gone. The rebels were driven, and the stars and stripes 
 were floating from the highest peak of the mountain. 
 
 EEVrVAL IN COOPERSTOWN. 
 
 "In closing my meeting Sunday evening I gave 
 notice of my intended absence for a month to take down 
 a fort belonging to the Devil in Cooperstown; but 
 assured the congregation that on my return the battle 
 would be renewed and pushed to the gate of the enemy. 
 What would transpire in my absence was wrapped in 
 profound mystery; but the demand of God was upon 
 me to be absent, and I rested all with him. I called 
 on a Universalist to do some marketing before I left on 
 Monday, and he incLuired after my health. I told him 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 149 
 
 it was first-rate. He said he wondered I was not dead. 
 ' Why/ said he, ' I could hardly stand it on the ice yes- 
 terday at the baptism while you was in the water.' 
 I told him the secret was I had a spot in my heart filled 
 with the love of God, which cold could not affect. 
 
 "I arrived, as I hoped, in Cooperstown and joined 
 Brother Lewis Raymond, who was pastor of the ehurchj 
 in a meeting of a month. The Baptist church wag 
 small, but made up of working members; At this time 
 the Universalists boasted of considerable strength, and 
 in fact the village was the stronghold of the Fire Insur- 
 ance Company. Our meeting was well attended. Min- 
 isters and brethren from surrounding churches came in 
 to assist us, and the work of the Lord shortly began to 
 put on the appearance of promise. Very soon those 
 who professed a universal benevolence and good will for 
 the human race, believing that all will, find happiness 
 in the future, though they are no way opposed to sub- 
 jecting the orthodox to a little temporary inconvenience 
 before they come to the happy state in reference to 
 which they so peculiarly felicitate themselves, began to 
 threaten us and so revealed themselves. 
 
 " A lady of that order offered if any persons could be 
 found to cover Swan with tar, she would cut up her 
 only feather bed to furnish feathers. I satisfied myself 
 that it was true, and then in the pulpit used it for her 
 benefit, and also the good of the order. I called that 
 diffusive benevolence, and asked what a sweet spot a 
 Universalist heaven would be, made up of such jewels 
 of benevolence.. Yet notwithstanding every way pur- 
 sued by the enemy of all righteousness and his devices, 
 God wrought wonderfully in the conversion of souls, 
 and very many were obedient to the faith. 
 
150 FOtfK'TH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 " In I the course of the meeting one young mail so tor- 
 mented me in a variety of half concealed forms of dis- 
 turbance, that my patience was well nigh worn out 
 with him. I finally took hold of his case in prayer and 
 asked the Lord to take hold of that Devil's peddler and 
 Convert him. He told me afterwards if he could have 
 got to me he would have killed me on the spot. Very 
 soon he ceased to have trouble with me, and turned his 
 attention to an account between himself and his Grod, 
 and was very soon in the kingdom. From that time 
 he became one of my most efficient workers, and is now 
 an effective preacher of the gospel of Christ. 
 
 "A very amusing affair occurred in the experience of 
 an Irishman, who thought very much of Brother Ray- 
 mond, by whom he had been invited to, come to meet- 
 ing. He came and was much delighted; and went and 
 invited a brother Irishman to come with him, assuring 
 him that the meeting was as good as a theatre. On 
 they both came; and the first fell under the word of 
 Grod, and was mad with Raymond and Swan: He would 
 whip them, ^t length he ascertained that the trouble 
 grew out of the fact that he had sinned against God, 
 and, unless he was forgiven, he must perish. He 
 resolved he would never eat again till he had first given 
 thank^ to God. On coming to his table with his voW 
 upon him, he dare not eat without fulfilling his pledge, 
 and how to preform he knew not. So he sat at his 
 table for hours dumb before God. At length he 
 thought a little child of his knew a little grace taught 
 him by his grandmother. He got the child to say that, 
 and that paved the way for him to say, '0 God, I am 
 thankful for this victuals.' He then ate his meal and 
 turned from the table to pray and find mercy. When 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. B-WANi 151 
 
 he appeared at tneeting again, he was through with his 
 trouble with Kaymond, having sought and found the 
 'peace of God that passeth all xiuderstanding.' A hap- 
 pier human being I never saw. At the end of four 
 weeks I left for home, commending chui'ch and converts 
 to God and the word of his grace. The church had 
 been greatly revived, and a goodly number of converted 
 souls were in their midst as lambs for them to nourish 
 up for God and the world's good. 
 
 " On my return to Oxford, I found all quiet,- and the 
 church pursuing her heavenward way, and the late con- 
 verts were working with wonderful order under the 
 genial influence of the reign of Christ. From this 
 time till I left Oxford, I was treated with all the 
 respect, as a gentleman and christian minister, that I 
 could desire. The community said that a true revival 
 of religion had for its object, not only the glory of God, 
 but the best good of all, even those who opposed it. 
 One of the happiest summers of my life, followed this 
 campaign. I uniformly preached three times on the 
 Sabbath, twice in my meeting house, again at school 
 houses in different directions within the field of my 
 labors. I sometimes returned from my third service so 
 as to attend conference at the meeting house. 
 
 " On one of these occassions while my brethren were 
 conducting the meeting, I sat perfectly exhausted, 
 thinking of my soul-poverty as though 1 was out of all 
 the spiritual grace I should possess. ' While thus mu- 
 sino' a kind of breath came over me like an atmosphere 
 from the hills of God. I arose and made an address 
 under the inspiration upon me. While talking, I saw 
 the head of a gentleman drop down; and a youth also 
 dropped her head. Before meeting was out, knowing 
 
152 
 
 FODETH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 the parties, I went and asked them to come forward iot 
 prayers. They declined. I invited the young lady to 
 my house; found her under deep anxiety about her 
 soul; held a prayer meeting; Mrs. Swan, my two little 
 daughters, and a youth in my family, all prayed. And 
 the anxious one for herself called upon the name of the 
 Lord, and found Christ precious. I then went after 
 Deacon Main to join me in seeking salvation for the 
 others. We went to the house where he lived and 
 kindly told our errand. The gentleman's wife was a 
 lovely christian and received us joyfully. Her husband 
 was all that could be desired, only he lacked one thing. 
 Before we left the house we all joined in prayer, and 
 held on to the mercy seat till God answered, and 
 redeemed the man whose salvation we sought. He, 
 and the youth converted at my house, both came to the 
 church and were received ; and I baptized them. 
 
 " My choir of singers I think numbered seventy dur- 
 ing the revival. All of the unconverted of their num- 
 ber were brought to Christ, except one. They had all 
 been iinder the instruction of a christian man and well 
 trained to sing. Their singing would seem to lift all 
 christian hearts to the heaven of heavens. 
 
 " In the course of the summer we had a grand rally 
 of the Sabbath schools in our vicinity, including our 
 own, to go up to Norwich on a celebration of Sabbath 
 schools and Temperance. We procured a band of 
 music and went up with a procession one mile in length. 
 Our turnout provoked many around us, and called out 
 strong and hard sayings. Before I returned, having 
 tarried at Norwich after the procession left, an awful 
 thunder storm swept across the valley and over Oxford; 
 and the lightning struck the Universalist meeting house 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN, 153 
 
 and well nigh destroyed it. I passed it in the evening 
 on my way home, and could see the ruin upon the exte- 
 rior; and I learned afterwards that the destruction 
 inside was much more than without. I heard from one 
 of the brethren of the establishment thus smitten, that 
 he never saw a man laugh so heartily as Swan did when 
 he saw the wreck. I met another of their members, a 
 whiskey distiller, who accosted me thus: 'Well, Brother 
 Swan, the Fire Insurance Building took a hard one 
 yesterday, and I shall begin to think there is something 
 to your prayers by and by. You have prayed to God 
 for three months to strike that house with lightning.' 
 I replied, ' You have got your pay for lying once. It 
 was the underpining of the creed that I vranted taken 
 out, not the house.' The house of course was not fit 
 for use till repaired; and that called for considerable 
 money. For several Sabbaths our meetings were 
 crowded by members of the congregation of the crippled 
 house. I never alluded to it in any shape, till one of 
 their number said, ' We expected to hare heard some- 
 thing from you on the subject of our house.' I told 
 him I had my way of dealing with Universalism; but 
 when Grod took it in hand I chose silence. A good 
 Methodist brother lived by the side of the house, and if 
 that had burned, his own would have been destroyed. 
 I gave it as my opinion that the house struck would 
 have been burned had it not been that the gentleman's 
 house was next to it, an ancient pledge of God being, 
 he would not destroy the righteous .with the wicked, 
 i "I remained working in Oxford near three years 
 much blessed in my labors. Towards the close of my 
 third year my health gave way, and I was compelled to 
 cease labor for a while. I concluded to visit my native 
 
154 FOURTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 town, ou the seaboard, in hopes to recover. I had very 
 little money, and before leaving home was much cast 
 down, as my absence from home would subject me to 
 expense, and my salary hardly afforded a living for my 
 family. My success in building up the church had not 
 done much for me in the line of additional income. I 
 finally committed myself and family to God, and left 
 for the sea-shore. But instead of growing better I grew 
 worse, and for a time it looked exceedingly dark about 
 my ever seeing home again. I however in the coui'se of 
 a few weeks recruited a little, so as to preach once be- 
 fore I left. Before meeting was dismissed, one of the 
 brethren arose, referred to my condition, and proposed 
 a collection. It was cheerfully responded to, and I 
 think about eighteen dollars were handed me. When 
 that money came into my hands, something seemed to 
 say, ' When you left home, you did not believe I would 
 care for you.' I at once reproached myself -for lack of 
 confidence in God. Before 1 left for home, some thirty- 
 five dollars in value came into my hands from another 
 quarter. Accompanying it was tne same reminder as 
 before, accompanied by the same self-reproach of lack 
 of confidence in God. On my way home, on the last 
 day, I fell in with a remedy which arrested my disease, 
 and I gradually recovered my health. 
 
 " In the fall of 1841, I resigned my charge in Ox- 
 ford, and removed to Norwich, with a view to labor as 
 an evangelist, if .my health would admit. In Novem- 
 ber, 1841, I set out upon my mission, commencing in 
 Niagara County, of which I have given some account 
 already. On my return I visited Owego again, and 
 united with Brother Peck in a meeting of weeks. This 
 
REV. JxVBEZ S. SWAN. 155 ' 
 
 meeting was tlessed of G-od in numerous conversions 
 and very valuable additions to the cliurch. 
 
 POWER OF GOD XS OWEGO. 
 
 " The power of G-od was so displayed as to cause per- 
 fect physical prostration. A lady fell to the floor in 
 the entry of the house while moving towards the door, 
 after meeting had been dismissed. After she fell, she 
 cried out to God most imploringly for help. She was 
 helped into a chair, and said, ' I knew this was coming ^ 
 upon me before I left the house. I ought to have gone 
 forward for prayers." We prayed with her and for her 
 until she became calm, and was able to return home. 
 The next morning she was in the meeting happy in the 
 love of God, and came out from her seat, before the 
 congregation, saying, ' I don't know but you thought 
 I was crazy, last evening. I was not crazy. It was 
 the power of God ; and now he has redeemed my soul.' 
 She seemed perfectly happy. Of her it could not be 
 said, she was naturally flighty, and had worked herself 
 into the frame she was in. She resisted the emotions 
 which were upon her soul, till she fell uqder the pres- 
 sure of conviction and the power of God. Moreover, 
 her standing in the comnunity was that of a fine speci- 
 men of a well balanced mind and excellent moral char- 
 acter. The same kind of power followed the meeting- 
 ing till it closed; 
 
 "Its next exhibition was upon a most elxcellent 
 youth just converted, and very happy. On the day she 
 was to be baptized, at the close of the morning service, 
 she could not rise up or move from her seat. She was 
 overwhelmingly happy, and was carried to the house of 
 Brother Asa Trueman, where the candidates for bap- 
 tism prepared, which was near the river. She sent for 
 
'156 
 
 FOtTETH PASTORATE OF 
 
 me to come where she was. I found her seated, and 
 unable to arise, yet perfectly happy. Said I, ' What 
 is your wish ?' She replied, ■ I want you to pray that 
 I may have strength to be baptized.' I repliedj 'God 
 will give it to you.' And after prayer, she arose and 
 was baptized. She was one of the most excellent 
 youths in the country. She is in heaven, now, for she 
 honored God until he received her to himself. 
 
 "This manner of God's manifestation was com- 
 menced in the Owego church, in the first meeting I 
 ■attended in the place. It began with a deacon of the 
 church, reported to be the most devoted christian in the 
 body. After our meeting commenced, he seemed to be 
 greatly exercised for a deeper work of grace within him. 
 I never heard more devout entreaties urged before the 
 Lord for being filled with the fullness of God. I was 
 told at his home as well as at the sanctuary, his cry 
 was perpetually for a higher conformity of heart and 
 life to the image and will of God. So far no lover of 
 Christ will doubt the appropriateness of his desire, or 
 its justification on Bible principles. While in the 
 sanctuary one afternoon, engaged in our devotions, the 
 good man became distressed so that his iQoanings and 
 sighings could be heard all over the house. I spoke to 
 him and urged him to pray. He replied, ' I cannot 
 pray.' He fell upon the floor and appeared to be 
 dying. The aged deacons, Wolverton and Spencer, 
 with their pastor, wept like children. We fell down 
 before God and implored delivering grace for his ser- 
 vant, scarcely able to interpret the vision. After prayer 
 his strength began to return, and he soon stood upon 
 his feet, but he was perfectly blind. His sight at 
 length returned, and the first man he saw he shook 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAK. 157 
 
 hands with, and then commenced clapping his hands 
 and shouting ' Glory to God.' He was now in perfect 
 ecstacies. It seemed as if he was enfolded in the very 
 atmosphere of heaven, and was enjoying the celestial 
 world. He calmed down at length, with a countenance 
 radiant with the beauty of holiness. So marty of us as 
 entered the cloud with him, shared in some degree the 
 joys he had so fully found. I record the fact. The' 
 philosophy of the thing I leave for others to discuss. 
 After this the brother thus exercised appeared like 
 a new man, and evinced that his experience was not a 
 cunningly devised affair, but was wrought of God in an 
 order higher than the ordinary process of transforming 
 into the divine image. Knowledge is incorporated with 
 growth in grace, and reaches higher than ordinary 
 christian experience. All experiences which heighten 
 the love of God upon the heart, and confirm the walk 
 with God, carry the evidence of their divine origin 
 with them, and display the power of God. 
 
 " Our meetings increased in power ; a great multi- 
 tude came up for prayers, and conversions and baptisms 
 were of frequent occurrence. One evening a young 
 man, now a pillar in the church, arose and asked if any 
 one could tell him what to do to be saved. I told him 
 I could, and asked 'Will you do it .?' He rejolied, ' I 
 wilL' Then I directed him to kneel down where he 
 was and call on the name of the Lord, and to submit to 
 Christ, pledging a life-service to him, whether saved or 
 lost. He complied and found salvation; for it was 
 coming to pass, as of old, that in Mount Zion there was 
 deliverance. Another youth made the same inquiiy, 
 was directed in a similar manner, complied with the di- 
 rections, and went down justified. Such manifestations 
 
158 FOURTH PASTOEATB OF 
 
 of God became frequent, both in the apprehending and 
 conversion of souls to Christ. 
 
 "A young lady, whose husband belonged to the 
 church, though religiously brought up, became terribly 
 disgusted with river baptisms. She had been taught 
 other methods of initiation into the church besides in- 
 troduction by the river. Instead of enjoying her own 
 mind peacefully, she became disturbed at the river 
 scenes, which were peculiarly happy to the recipients 
 of Grod's saving love. Her unhappiness increased as 
 the scenes of the river multiplied, and she fought it out 
 on that line, till the river and its scenes, and the God 
 who presided over the whole, conquered her, and the 
 victory was signal. One evening as I was about to en- 
 ter the pulpit a request came from her for me to come 
 to the inquiry room. I readily went where many were 
 seeking salvation. I asked her what her wish was. 
 She replied, 'For you to tell me what to do to be saved.' 
 I asked her if she would kneel down and pray. She 
 readily consented. I then suggested an outline of 
 prayer, such as saying, first, '0 Lord, I renounce every 
 thing that hinders my recei^dng Christ into my soul, 
 the hope of glory,' adding a pledge of service for life. 
 So she began, ' Lord, I renounce all that hinders the , 
 reception of Christ into my sovil,' and stopped for a few 
 breaths, with the question raised, 'What am I to re- 
 nounce ?' The reply followed immediately, ' Your 
 prejudice against my ordinance.' She at once said, ' 
 Lord, I give that up.' The rest of the outline of prayer 
 she failed to remember, only to entirely commit herself 
 to Cbrist. She then arose and said, ' Now I guess I 
 can go into the river,' and went down to the audience 
 room and told what the Lord had done for her soul. 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 159 
 
 Her trouble with the Susquehannah river was now at an 
 end, and its beautiful waters soon afforded her a relig- 
 'ious burying place. God had promised he would set 
 the hand of his Son in the sea, and his right hand in 
 the rivers. We certainly saw an exemplification and 
 abundant fulfillment of this in one of God's rivers. 
 Thousands lined the banks while the joyful shouts of 
 the converts, as they arose with Christ from the water 
 burial, fell like melodies from heaven upon the hearts 
 of the multitude. I think some one hundred and sev- 
 enteen were, in the course of the meetings, added to 
 the church, by the saving power of God. 
 
 " On one occasion while administering the ordinance 
 of baptism, using the formula, 'In obedience to the 
 Great Head of the Church, I baptize thee,' the words 
 ' Great Head of the Church ' fell upon the ears of a 
 husband and wife who were in a boat upon the river, 
 but hidden by a bend from the baptismal scene. The 
 wife said to her husband, ' Do you hear that ? Great 
 Head of the Church ! That is the voice of God to us.' 
 God rendered the sound effectual in the conversion of 
 both. So the Lord owns other means besides ' the still 
 small voice' for his glory. 
 
 " While our meetings were in the highest sense pros- 
 perous, and people were flocking in from all quarters, 
 and adjacent towns, God saw fit to send a flood which 
 inundated the whole country. I think the Susque 
 hannah rose some thirty feet. The village for a time 
 was shut in from the country on almost all sides." 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 ITINERANT LABORS. 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD ; — passage — down hill. — wokk.^ladies. — 
 
 BUTCHBB. DISCUSSIONS. G. BENEDICT'S LBTXEB. OWEGO. 
 
 NEW FIELD. — EEVrVAL. — SHEABED HOUSES. — SWEDENBORGIANS. — 
 
 FRDITS. REVTi^AL IN AUBURN. INTEREST. UNIVEESALISTS. — 
 
 OPPOSITIONS. PEPPER. ^BAPTISMS. INDEPENDENT "WOMAN- 
 
 PRAYBES. MRS. PEKKBT. LABOR 'WITH J. S. LADD. YOUNG 
 
 MEN. JEALOUSY. REMEDY. — ALL-NIGHT MEETING. — WHISKY. — 
 
 ITS FRUITS. "WARRANT. — COURT. NO BILL.- — DEVIL'S HOST. — 
 
 FALSE REPORTS. — RESULT. 
 
 " Being under obligations to Rev. George Benedict of 
 New York City to help him in a meeting, I left 0"wego 
 in the stage to cross the mountains to New Jersey, 
 where I was to intersect the railroad for New York. It 
 was now the dead of winter, and the roads had been so 
 washed by heavy rains and rendered rough during the 
 thaw, that we could only travel in an open lumber 
 wagon, and a board upon the box of the wagon was my 
 seat. This broke down in t.he course of the night, and 
 my position became more humble, and far more uneasy. 
 We had some hay in the bottom of the vehicle, or it 
 seems to me I should have perished with the cold. 
 Whenever we called to change horses we were behind 
 time, and the drivers, waiting for our coming, were out 
 of patience, and used language about our detention that 
 indicated they had been educated in the primai-y school 
 of the Devil. So we could never tarry to really get 
 warm. I, being the only passenger, had all the room 
 
■REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 161 
 
 to myself; and I occupied the whole at different times 
 esjoecially when the horses quickened their pace. It 
 was difficult to keep on board, and I needed to be lashed 
 to keep in any upright shape. When morning came 
 we exchanged our vehicle for a stage; and with a little 
 improvement in the roads we made a little better head- 
 way. Falling the great mountain slope from the back 
 roads of Pennsylvania, the horses ran with the stage I 
 should think for miles. That exceeded all rides I ever 
 took. I pinioned myself on the middle seat and awaited 
 the result with varying anxiety. Nothing was to bo 
 thought of but the business on hand. I judged, upon 
 passing ridges upon the hill, that the hind wheels must 
 have run clear of the ground some ten or fifteen feet. 
 As I was alone my thoughts were confined to the felici- 
 ties of the occasion. Gilpin's ride could scarcely come 
 up to this. When we were fairly at the bottom of the 
 siimmit we made a halt. The driver asked me if I went 
 fast enough. I told him that would do, and inquired 
 into the manner of the thing. He said his horses would 
 not hold back. 
 
 "I left Owego on Monday morning and arrived in 
 New Jersey Wednesday evening, too late for the cars to 
 reach the city that night. When I had obtained 
 refreshment and "repaired to. my room, if I ever enjoyed 
 bowing to God in prayer I did then. I had not had 
 opportunity to kneel to pray since I left Owego, and 
 sleep had been about impossible. My long fatigue in 
 a meeting of some four or six weeks, with this journey 
 upon the ba9k of it, had well nigh exhausted my life. 
 When I could think of my work which lay before me 
 in the city, I was cheered, for my mission towered aloft 
 above fatigues and being knocked about as a worthless 
 11 
 
162 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 thing. The joy set before me, the hope of leading lost 
 souls to Christ, was my joy and crown. The next day 
 I arrived at Brother Benedict's house, was kindly 
 received and was soon in the work of the Lord, which 
 had already commenced. Our meetings were crowded 
 with hearers from the beginning; inquirers multiplied, 
 and conversions to God were of daily occurrence. Brother 
 Benedict was a most genial man, of indomitable perse- 
 verance, and was willing to see the gospel plov/ put in 
 nearer the fence than he was able to plow. Yet I found 
 the old law still in being, ' Whoso breaketh a hedge, a 
 serpent shall bite him.' I tried it, and got bit before I 
 got through. Baptismal scenes were frequent. Every- 
 thing seemed full of promise, and the work of God 
 prospered. A Uuniversalist who had been enshrouded 
 in that creed as in a winding-sheet, was converted^ and 
 exchanged his foundation of sand for the Eock of Ages. 
 I named to the pastor that I thought we had better 
 ~ take some measures to open the way for the ladies of 
 his church to take part in our meetings, and suggested 
 an afternoon service in which I would preach to them 
 on the subject of their duty to Christ. He replied, ' It 
 will do no good.' I told him that would be my busi- 
 ness; if he would consent I would try it. It was not 
 exactly popular to attempt to carry out that feature of 
 Baptist polity. He finally consented, not I think on 
 the ground of faith, but of kindness to me. I made 
 the appointment for an afternoon meeting, announcing 
 my intention to preach to the ladies of the church, 
 though the meeting would be free to all who would 
 come. I hsld to equality and liberty. 
 
 "In the forenoon of the day of my first meeting I 
 went down to Fulton Market among my acquaintances. 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 163 
 
 While tliere a humorous mau suggested that there was 
 a pel-son there whom I might benefit. I named the 
 subject of religion to him, much to the amusement of 
 ' my humorous friend, and found a perfect iron-clad and 
 copper-fastened individual. Had I known him I should 
 have kept a proper distance, according to tbe proverb 
 about touching pitch and being defiled. Arrows of 
 gospel truth would rattle upon his shield like shot on 
 the scales of an alligator. But God turned it to good 
 account. A Fulton Market butcher was listening, and 
 appeared so much interested that I turned my attention 
 to him. He assured me he had been a very hard sin- 
 ner, and he felt he ought to be a better man. I invited 
 him to come up to meeting that afternoon; he promised 
 me he vi'ould, and came. After preaching, he, with 
 others, came up for prayers. I called on an aged sister 
 to lead in prayer; she consented, and other ladies fol- 
 lowed. The meeting was one of great interest. My 
 friend from the market appeared very broken-hearted 
 and gave me the fullest assurance of his intention to 
 peek and serve the Lord. When he returned to meet- 
 ing in the evening his wife accompanied him; both were 
 converted. At length a young lady, their daughter, 
 came and was converted also. The father became a 
 deacon of a Baptist church in Brooklyn, and did good 
 service for the Master. 
 
 "After my afternoon lecture began, everybody was 
 not pleased. Brother Benedict must go and see his 
 father, of which step I questioned the propriety. A 
 vestry meeting was notified the evening after he left,^ 
 following our meeting in the audience room. Discus- 
 sions were had about ways and means, and a vote was 
 taken whether to retain Swan or dispose of him. I had 
 
164 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 most reliable information on this subject. 'Not- so, 
 Lord,' did not die with 'Peter. The next day I was 
 summoned home to my family in Norwich, New York. 
 All four of my children were sick, some of them not. 
 expected to live. I sought before. I left the sympathy 
 of a neighboring pastor with whom my old friend 
 Chamberlain was at work in the city. Ho and pastor 
 Bellamy prayed for 'my family. When prayer was over, 
 Brother B. said, 'I don't know who is dead at your 
 house, but no more will die now.' At the moment of 
 prayed my youngest son lay, the doctor said, dying, in a 
 most distressing manner. His fever gave way so suddenly 
 that he came near dying before anything could be given 
 to rally him. After reaching home 1 received the fol- 
 lowing letter: 
 
 'Dear Brother Swan: — I had been hoping ere 
 this time to hear how it was with your family, and 
 whether you reached home in safety; but as yet have 
 heard nothing. I hope you will write immediately if 
 you have not done so. You may judge of my surprise, 
 on my return from the country, to learn that Brother S. 
 had left; but the will of the Lord must be done. 
 
 ' The work is going on pleasantly, although the meet- 
 ings are not as fully attended as on two or three of the 
 last evenings you were here. The disappointment 
 occasioned by your leaving is a great one to very many. 
 I think if you could have continued with us a couple of 
 weeks longer the result would have been glorious. We 
 hav'e received for baptism to-morrow forty-nine, which, 
 added to the sixteen baptized when you were here, and 
 the thirty-five the first Lord's Day in this month, make 
 the nuniber just one hundred since the commencement 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 165 
 
 of the year. '■' '-' '■' ■'•■■ We have forwarded by- 
 Brother Chamberlain a small compensation — fifty dol- 
 lars — which we beg you to receive as a token of friend- 
 ship from our brethren. * ■•■'■■ * 
 
 Your brother in Christ, 
 
 Geo; Benkdict. 
 New York, March 5, 1842.' 
 
 " My children being spared, and my affairs laking 
 shape so as to admit of my being from home, I left for 
 Owpgo, being impressed that I had something more to 
 do in that section; and, I had left my team there which 
 I wished to take home. I borrowed a horse of a friend 
 and drove down a distance of some sixty or seventy 
 miles. On arri\:ing at Owego Brother Peck informed 
 me of a church of our order which was quite overrun by 
 Swedenborgianism. The church was located about half 
 way between Owego and Ithaca. Brother Peck and 
 myself went and held a course of meetings in the Bap- 
 tist meeting house. While the church rallied God 
 appeared, and souls came to Jesus, and met a joyful 
 reception. This stirred the Swedenborgian nest. Some 
 of the cockatrice eggs got crushed, and turned to fiery 
 flying serpents, and made their attack upon the king- 
 dom of God somewhat formidably. I gave out at the 
 close of an evening meeting that I would preach the 
 next evening upon Swedenborg's creed and show its 
 union with Universalism. 
 
 " On the morning of the next day I awoke early, and 
 was impressed that something had occurred at the 
 barn out of the usual course. I went out and found 
 three horses sheared so as to make them resemble the 
 horses Swedenborg saw in his Jerusalem, in the parade 
 
166 ITINERANT LABOES OF 
 
 ground, with bobbed tails; only mine, and tbe othei* 
 two, bad shared more liberally the action of shears. 
 One of the horses was Brother Peck's and the other 
 belonged to a son of Judge Woolsey. Instead of horses ■ 
 and chariots of fire, we had horses Swedenborged and 
 put into nearly the image of his new Jerusalem steeds. 
 The imagery of the affair seemed to pass off with more 
 mirth than tears. I however gave the brethren of the 
 New Jerusalem the credit of the whole affair, and so far 
 as I know the whole enterprise sheared the Sweden- 
 borg-sTieep closer than they had done the horses. Grod 
 however wrought wonders, and a goodly number were 
 added to the church of those I trust who will be saved. 
 The Swedenborg charm had departed. 
 
 " On arriving at Owego on my way home I told the 
 brethren, so far as I was concerned, I had returned a 
 Baptist, but Charley had joined the New Jerusalem, 
 and got his badge. When I got home I found I had 
 traveled one hundred and sixty miles, worked three 
 weeks, received ^fourteen dollars and a pair of mitteng, 
 and paid twenty dollars damage for the shearing 
 enterprise. 
 
 REVIVAL IN ATTBUEN. 
 
 " I now was under obligation to vis.'t Auburn, New 
 York, and unite' with Brother Alfred Pinney, in a 
 meeting. When I left home, I was sick, and just able 
 to sit up, and I left in the rain, and had to combat rain 
 and mud, of the deepest order, till Saturday night 
 found me some fifteen or twenty miles from my desti- 
 nation. When night came upon me, I was wet with 
 the rain, and faint from weariness, among strangers, and 
 must by necessity disappoint my brethren at Auburn. 
 Under my complicated burdens* I wept,, and thought of 
 
EEV. jAbez s. swan. 167 
 
 my own friends, of my brethren in the ministry sitting 
 by their warm fires, and asked myself why I should 
 adopt such a suffering course while others chose a more 
 comfortable path. While thus musing I had a kind of 
 angel-visit from a passage of the New Testament, if 
 any 'have left houses or land, or wives or children for 
 my sake and the gospel, he shall have a hundred fold 
 in this world, and in the world to come life everlasting. 
 I was so impressed with the force of the passage, that 1 
 forgot all inconvenience about my work, or suffering, 
 and took heart and pushed on. I arrived in Auburn in 
 time to preach the next evening, and was welcomed by 
 my brethren for my Master's sake. 
 
 " I found the church in Auburn in a low state, but 
 desiring to be revived. Our meetings were well attend- 
 ed. God wonderfully favored us with his Spirit; 
 inquirers after Christ increased from day to day, and 
 soon were heard 'the songs of the newly converted. The 
 meeting house was very large, and though our congre- 
 gation was considerable, yet we had room for others. 
 When I thought the church was in a proper state to 
 take hold of the work of the Lord, I concluded we 
 would have the house filled up. The Universalists oc- 
 cupied the house formely used by the Baptists, and 
 claimed they had considerable strength in number and 
 means. Wishing to fill up my house, I gave their 
 creed a pretty thorough going over; and they set about 
 their work in reference to myself in full earnest. My 
 house filled up to its utmost capacity, and then I 
 poured upon them all the power that Grod gave mo of the 
 gospel of Christ, and said no more about Universalism 
 till my congregation began to thin down. Then I 
 would attend again to their creed, and we were crowded 
 
1C8 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 once more. I followed tliat course till the interest rose 
 so high that I no longer needed their help. With con- 
 verts multiplying, and God's people standing with full 
 armor on, the gates of hell found themselves foiled. 
 
 " The Devil now changed his tactics and began, 
 through his subjects, a course of disturbances in our 
 ipeetings; the climax of which was, when the house 
 was crowded, as we were about to commence preaching, 
 one of the baser sort threw a large paper of cayenne 
 pepper on the hot stove. But for its discovery in time 
 we should all have been driven from the house. T.he 
 effect however was to cause a universal gasping, sneez- 
 ing, and coughing, followed by a distortion of faces, 
 and struggles for breath, so that before the fumes reach- 
 ed the pulpit, I did not know how to interpret the 
 affair. Windows were raised, and doors thrown open, 
 and soon we were all right again. 
 
 " The meetings were attened with a kind of power 
 which it was difficult to gainsay or resist. I think on 
 one occassion we baptized some thirty. Brother Ladd 
 of Wells Port, and a Brother Smith of Niagara, ren- 
 dered me very essential aid at our baptismal scenes. 
 
 '•I found one member of the church sufficiently 
 independant to attend all our meetings from the begin- 
 ning to the close. She was a poor woman who sup- 
 ported several children by taking in washing. She was 
 never absent from the sunrise piayer meetings. Her 
 work was done before she came up. The pastor, Brother 
 Finney, and his wife, were always remembered in her 
 prayers, that they might walk in all the commandments 
 and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Brother Pinney 
 had married into one of the best of families, and his 
 wife had been brought up strictly in the Congregational 
 
REV. Jabez s. swan. 169 
 
 order, and up to this time had not seen fit to change 
 her church relation. She was devotedly engaged with 
 her husband to build up the cause of Christ in general, 
 and in particular the Baptist church. I used to ask 
 her how she liked to have that poor sister pray so for 
 herself and husband, that th£y_ might ' walk in all the 
 commandments.' '0,' she would say, 'I like that ; I 
 would not have her change her course on any account.' 
 The principles of Christ's kingdom had been' so deeply 
 impressed on sister Finney's heart in her early training 
 that, as a logical result, she would follow Christ as she 
 learned his will. She at length asked me, 'Why don't 
 you say something to me about baptism !' I replied, 
 'Because you are perfectly competent to ascertain your 
 duty yourself However strong in my views as a Bap- 
 tist, I always despised and hated oppression. I mar- 
 ried into a Congregational family myself Mrs. Swan's 
 grandmother, of most devout piety«, urged my wife to 
 join the Baptists with her husband. Said she, 'Laura 
 it is your duty.' I never myself urged her to do that; 
 she came willingly, or I would have objected. Sister 
 Pinney informed me of her conviction of duty, and soon 
 arose and was baptized. I write from memory; I think 
 some one hundred were converted in the cou;-se of the 
 meetings, the principal part of whom were baptized 
 into the Baptist church of Auburii. 
 
 KEVIYAL IN WELLS POET. 
 
 " In the course of my itinerant labors I attended a 
 meeting in Wells Port with Brether J. S. Ladd. I 
 was behind my time in reaching the place, detained by 
 sickness. While detained. Brother Ladd wrote me that 
 the proudest young lady in their village had arisen in 
 one of their conference meetings and asked for prayers. 
 
170 ,l*lNEEANt LABORS OI" 
 
 I could only regard that event as a signal of God's 
 aproach to bless, and save souls; and in the end was 
 not mistaken. As soon as my health would permit, I 
 took my place in the pulpit, and found meetings had 
 been in progress some two weeks, and a pew full of 
 young men were forward for prayers. Their heads were 
 up in prayer time, and when we knelt to pray for them, 
 they kept their seats. 
 
 " One evening while in prayer for them, I mentioned 
 the name of one in particular, as is common for me. 
 The next day another from the pew called on me at my 
 room and informed, me he felt slighted in the closing 
 prayer of last evening. He said the one I named stood 
 a little higher in the military than himself That one 
 was a colonel in the militia, while he was only lieuten- 
 ant; but he thought he was entitled to be named as 
 well as the other. Said T, 'You thought it a military 
 operation did you ? Well, I had no intention of slight- 
 ing you; but as you judged you were slighted, come 
 kneel with me, and I will offer one prayer exclusively 
 for you. He declined to kneel. I told the pastor that 
 his young men forward for prayers had come forward 
 out of compliment. I would adopt a course to drive 
 them all away from the seat. The unbending one 
 though professing anxiety, would curso our meetings. 
 Very soon the rest of them were missing. I then made 
 my statement that I wished none to come forward for 
 prayers unless they made that move as a pledge to seek 
 salvation. For quite a time all invitations to come 
 forward were treated .alike; no one would come under 
 the caption got up. But we held fast. 
 
 " The church determined to hold an all-night prayer 
 meeting, and wrestle with Grod until the day dawned 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 171 
 
 So we held the meeting, which was bil6 tiever to he 
 forgotten. Prayer and supplication, with strong crying 
 and tears, were offered till morning broke upon us. 
 When we came again to the sanctuary the tid^ of sal- 
 vation was setting in upon the church. Sinners, being 
 alarmed, began to move. Eveiy thing in the religious 
 atmosphere had changed, and very many were pressing 
 into the kingdom. The Devil, being foiled in his 
 attempts to keep his palace, sought redress by trying as 
 Bunyan would render it, to recapture the town of 
 Man's Soul. But his guns were too short. 
 
 "While we were at the water baptizing, a man, or an 
 apology for a man, frenzied with whisky, seized his 
 daughter with violence to drag her from the water. She 
 was among the candidates for baptism. I approached 
 him and, took hold of one of his arms and asked him to 
 desist, assuring him if he was opposed to her baptism 
 we should not press the matter. At the time I took 
 hold of his arm he was holding his daughter with both 
 arms clasped around her so as to well nigh stop her 
 breath. A peace officer was present, and instead of 
 arresting him vented all his spite at me. I know that 
 the law of the state recognized me as an officer of the 
 peace, and I was in the way of my duty to quell a difH- 
 culty which was disturbing a religious gathering. The 
 affair was evidently in sympathy with the disturber. 
 An interest in the kingdom of God was prospering 
 which he wanted retarded. Soon order was restored, 
 and when we arrived at the meeting house I made a 
 statement of the whole affair, throwing the blame where 
 it belonged, accusing the officer of taking sides with the 
 disturber of the peace, which gave him great offense. 
 He called at my room in great official dignity, and 
 
172 ITINEEAUT LABORS OF 
 
 threatened me, unless I corrected my statement. I 
 assured Mm I wpuld not do it, and invited lilm to do 
 his best; and he left me in much confusion. 
 
 " At length I had a call from the miserable specimen 
 of whisky-piclded humanity who had disturbed us at 
 the water, who invited me to settle with him. I asked 
 him to make out his bill, if I owed him, and I would 
 foot it. He said he wished me to settle with him for 
 the damage he ixceived from me at the water's side; he 
 was very lame. I told him I thought he must be badly 
 off to be so filled with the Devil and whisky as he was. 
 He then said, 'Unless you give me something I will 
 sue you.' I told him I would see the Devil have him 
 before I would give him a red cent; that I jirized my 
 character as of more consec[uence than such a drunken 
 wretch as himself. I then prayed with him and told 
 him I would wait for him to institute legal proceedings; 
 I should not run to get away. I had a warrant served 
 upon me, went to court, pleaded not guilty, and ap- 
 pealed to the county court. The grand jury had the 
 case and found no bill ; and the Devil's host had the 
 privilege of chewing their cud at their leisure. 
 
 " About this time the Universalists at home raised a 
 wonderful smoke and dust; had me in the State prison; 
 I had knocked a man down; I wore a stolen fur cap. 
 On returning home I found the village alive with these 
 reports. On Sabbath morning before service I read the 
 letter from Esquire Hilly, and announced I would read 
 it again in the evening at the close of the service. My 
 appearance there was a sort of insinuation that I was 
 not in prison, and Judge Hilly's letter set the assault 
 and battery case all right. All was straightened out 
 but the cap. Now for that. It appeared that a woman 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 173 
 
 in an adjoining town had taken up stealing from mer- 
 chants, and among other things had taken a fur cap. 
 I had a new cap which I had purchased and paid for in 
 the village. The deadly opposcrs of Christ and the 
 gospel worked up the matter of caps till they in report 
 had landed the stolen one upon my head. Before my 
 meeting closed I took up the cap and said, 'It is 
 reported that Elder Swan wears a stolen cap. ITow if 
 you wish to know where I obtained this cap, I bought it 
 of Brother Brown, who is seated yonder, and I paid him 
 for it. I presume you can get a certificate of this fact 
 by calling upon him. Now,' said I, ' Mr. Devil, your 
 bell is down, and the tongue gone; if you can rehang it 
 and make a tongue for it out of a fur cap, I want you 
 to ring or toll it at your leisure.' God refers to such 
 moral cannibals who riot upon character, and says of 
 them, " whose mouths must be stopped .?" Nothing 
 will more effectually do this work than to serve up their 
 malignant falsehoods for their own entertainment.' " 
 
 J. S. Swan. 
 
CHAPTEE X. 
 
 EVANGELISM AND EEVIVALS. 
 
 EEVrVAL EPOCHS. EE'\TS-ALS IX ETiKOPE. AMEBICAN HETTTALS. — 
 
 THE "set TIMES.'-F.EASOKS.— MISSIOKS.— EVEKTS akticipated by 
 PKOVIDEKCE. — VAEIOUS WOEKMEN. — AKECDOTE OP A. LUfCOLK. — 
 li^EW MEASTJEES. — LIFE BETTEK THAN DEATH. — HISTOEIC TESTS. — 
 GEEAT QTJESTION. — MR. SWAN'S RECORD ;—EAIKS OPGEACE.— 
 GLANCE AT EEVIVALS. — OPPOSITIONS. — OBJECTIOKS. — BEMUKEKA- 
 TIONS. — ELDEB KKAPP.— EXPEEIENCEB. 
 
 The world has advanced by epochs, separated from 
 each other by greater or lesser intervals; much like the 
 marches and halts of an army; or like the growth of a 
 forest, vigorously shooting forth in spring and summer, 
 but pausing to rest and consolidate fibre in autumn and 
 winter, preparatory to a future growth. Eevival eras, 
 not unlike the old geological epochs, and preceding the 
 civil marches of our race, have signally marked all 
 human history. We have only to recall the days of 
 Abraham, of Moses, of Ezra, and of Pentecost. The 
 plan of Grod goes forward. G-race has been poured upon 
 the nations. What dews descended, and what showers 
 of blessing fell upon the churches of Asia, and Europe, 
 after the departure of the apostles, and upon the Wal- 
 dehsian mountains and the homes of Gauls, Germans, 
 Normans and Britons, have been told in part by 
 Eusebius, Neander and D'Aubigne, but only in part. 
 The revivals in England in the days of Wickliff and 
 Knox and their followers, have a cherished place in our 
 English literature. The truest philosophy for our race 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 175 
 
 is found in the command of our Lord, ' Go ye into all 
 the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' 
 
 In our own land, from its first planting, these seasons 
 of the outpouring of the Spirit of God have been 
 laigely realized, so that America has, in an enviable 
 sense, become known as a land of revivals. Mention of 
 these spiritual baptisms may be found in the records of 
 the churches, and on the prized pages of Roger Wil- 
 liams, John Cotton, Jonathan Edwards, David Brain- 
 ard, and Isaac Backus. 
 
 It is now evident, as we studiously survey the past 
 and estimate the present, considering the forces that 
 have been at work in American society, that when the 
 spirit of evangelism came so remarkably upon Jacob 
 Knapp and Jabez S. Swan, another of "the set times" 
 to favor Zion and bless the land', had benignantly 
 dawned. French infidelity, brought to our shores on 
 the tide of sympathies and aids from France during our 
 Eevol,ution, and accepted by only too many prominent 
 men amongst us whose patriotic services gave them wide 
 influence, had at last brought forth its blighting and 
 baleful influences, in loosening the' faith and morals of 
 the people, to such an extent that the devout and intel- 
 ligent in our country were filled with sorrow and alarm. 
 The subtle evil had proved its poisonous character. 
 Tlie hour ,for reaction had come. And, as always in 
 such emergencies, the honor of inaugurating and carry- 
 ing forward the needed reform in the heart of the coun- 
 try was given to the people of God — the disciples of 
 Christ, ordained to be the light of the world. 
 
 To prepare the way for the more efi'ectual husband- 
 ing of the forthcoming harvests in the churches, the 
 spirit of missions had been breathed anew upon chris- 
 
176 evangelism: of 
 
 tians in the early part of the century, and both in out 
 own wilderness and in the jungles of Africa and Asia, 
 some of the solitary places had been made glad. The 
 way was prepared, and the time had come for the 
 increase of converts, treasures and new evangelisms, in 
 the Kingdom of God. Moreover the period was draw- 
 ing nigh when a great moral and religious question-^a 
 national principle — a question of life or death to free- 
 dom and republipanism — wa^ to be decided in our coun- 
 try, and decided not for the United States merely, but 
 as well far the whole American continent. The relic of 
 barbarism was provoking its own fatal battle. A host 
 consecrated to the right, animated by a spirit of self- 
 sacrifice, was to be raised up to lift the christian banner 
 of freedom and do effectual battle against the aggress- 
 ive legions of slavery. As the great Great Awakening 
 beginning near 1740 was a providential and gracious 
 preparation of the colonies for the struggle of the Eev- 
 olution, so the revivals of the present century, beginning 
 near 1830, were ordained' of God to prepare the people 
 for the fiery ordeal of the civil war. Verily, "there is a 
 tide in the affairs of men," but the Lord rides Tipon the 
 floods, and sends his breath to overwhelm the Pharaoh's 
 of sin. And in obeying Him and heralding his gospel, 
 men do a far greater work than they know at the time ; 
 they serve the present and lay up blessings for the 
 future. How devoutly will every christian, and every 
 studious patriot, now recall the outpourings of the 
 Spirit of God upon our land beginning near 1830 and 
 reaching their fullness in the great baptism of 1857 
 and 1858 when tens' of thousands were converted and 
 churches of every name drank in the pervading Spirit 
 of the Lord. How many were thus brought to Christ 
 
EEV. JABE2 S. SWAN. 177 
 
 and made ready for the service of their country and 
 the sacrifice of their lives^ will be known only at the 
 great roll call in the last day. 
 
 Let it not be supposed in the prominent mention we 
 make of the names of the evangelists who led out the elect 
 host in the revival epochs of our country, that we ascribe 
 to them undue influence and honor. We remember all 
 who did preparatory work; and all who stood valiantly 
 by their side as armor bearers or aids ; and all who fur- 
 nished them for the battle, and afforded them supplies ; 
 and all the faithful host of true souls who rallied at their 
 call and pressed the battles to glad victories. The 
 privates in the holy army may not be forgotten. With 
 a tender and tearful satisfaction we recall the hour, 
 amid the darkest scenes of the civil war, when, having 
 introduced two private soldiers to President Lincoln, he, 
 after warmly shaking hands with them, in paternal 
 affection laid his right hand upon the shoulder of one 
 and, with deep feeling, said, "These are the men we 
 have to depend upon after all." True ; what is a 
 General without an army ? what is an officer without a 
 command ? The Lord's people are his army for the 
 subjugation of this revolted world. 
 
 In their own circumscribed fields too, — divinely 
 chosen provinces beyond which they were not called to 
 labor, — ^many pure, devout, able pastors, and their 
 people with them, sowed and reaped for the Great 
 Husbandmain. And the full record for all, for overseers 
 and humblest toilers, for officers and privates in 
 the great host, has been kept on high and shall be duly 
 published in the hereafter when the whole church of 
 God of all ages shall enter in triumph through the 
 gates into the New Jerusalem. AU man's records will 
 13 
 
178 EVANGELISM OF 
 
 then be left behind, and the report of the Great Cap- 
 tain of our salvation will be hailed by all. 
 
 Doubts, fears and alarms always accompany revivals. 
 Not a few are excited about "new measures." But 
 excitements must come; they are periodical and neces- 
 sary. Human society somehow, like the earth itself, 
 needs winds and storms as well as calms and sunshine. 
 Occasionally even volcanoes and earthquakes are bene- 
 ficial in their final influence. 
 
 But many of the deprecated "new measures " in 
 society are only old measures revived, the restoring 
 of what had been lost. And the dreaded measures 
 that are really new, are frequently but the lifting 
 of men to heights and privileges before unknown. 
 Naturally communities and nations, like individuals, 
 left to themselves, allowed to follow their native biases, 
 slide backward and downward. They need to be 
 provoked to good works. They need excitements to 
 keep them awake, vigilant, and active against their 
 natural tendencies to deterioration. 
 
 Hence, by order of Providence, society must often be 
 stirred up. Agitation becomes a necessity and a mercy. 
 At one time the excitement is political and perhaps 
 culminates in arms. At another time it is pecuniary, or 
 educational, or scientific, or moral, issuing in a reform- 
 ation of thoughts and practice. Nations have been 
 tossed by these excitements as winds have stirred and 
 moved the Atlantic. At another time the agitation is 
 religious, breaking ■ the slumbers of churches, and re- 
 storing the knowledge of God to the people, and 
 rekindling fires on the altars of God. Slavery en- 
 croaches upon freedom till freedom rises to do battle in 
 self defense. Prerogative becomes conceited, haughty, 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 179 
 
 overbearing and oppressive, finally goading the injured 
 to break the heavy yoke. Intemperance brings forth its 
 loathsome debasements until common humanity recoils 
 from the monster vice and demands reformation. In 
 the state the "ins '"' abuse their power till the " outs" 
 rise up and supplant them. 
 
 In every generation New England has had its " new 
 measures," its excitements in society, its agitations in 
 church and state, its blessed reformations — its hard- 
 earned advances. Its political and financial struggles 
 are recorded with honor. Its religious history is even 
 more significant, and more valuable, by as much as the 
 franchises and interests of our souls are superior to 
 our merely secular affairs. Indeed, as the heart is in 
 the body, so is religion in human society; it is central 
 in its place, vital in its relations, and determining in its 
 functions; its derangement is disease; its ossification 
 is death; its agitation may be a hopeful augury. Hen- 
 ry Ward Beecher says, " No heresy is so damnable as 
 lethargy." Even fitful life is better than death. But 
 revivals are more than spasms of life. They are like 
 the rains on the mountains, swelling the streams, per- 
 haps inundating some valleys, but finally blessing the 
 far off plains with their richness. 
 
 Exclusive ecclesiastics, proud of robes, and bands, 
 may prate ■ of their " apostolic succession'' and the 
 monopoly of grace by their mother---" the church;" 
 but how are all their pretensions utterly shamed when 
 honestly brought into comparison with the faith, life 
 and labors of such men as Chalmers, Hall, Spurgeon, 
 Cartwright, Finney, Knapp and Swan. Churchianity 
 cannot escape the crucible of experience. Arrogance 
 is sure of being exposed and rebuked by history. 
 
180 EVANGELISM OF 
 
 Divine Providence will justify and defend cliristianity 
 against all theories of self-righteous churchism. The 
 Scripture rule, " By their fruits ye shall know them," 
 will forever hold alike again'st individuals and estahlish- 
 ments and reveal their worth. 
 
 The records of revivals from Pentecost to this day, 
 and especially of the seasons of spiritual refreshing and 
 religious advances since the Eeformation in the four- 
 teenth and fifteenth centuries, suggest to the studious 
 and devout a very weighty question. What, after all, 
 do christians know of the baptism of the Spirit .? How 
 much did the Lord mean in the old promise, "I will 
 pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your s6ns and 
 your daughters shall prophecy ? " What meant the 
 Savior when he said, "Ye shall receive power after that 
 the Holy Spirit is come upon you.?" Do we know this 
 power in its fullness ? Have the churches received 
 full baptism.? Have they been baptized "with the 
 Holy Ghost, and fire 7" Have they the faith in regard 
 to this divine power that they should have .? Are there 
 not heights and depths in this regard unmeasured by 
 our experience ? We cannot but look upon the glori- 
 ous displays of grace in the past, as auguries, earnests, 
 yea prophecies of the great baptism of the "Holy 
 Ghost and fire," yet to be realized. 
 
 As aids in studying this great, practical, vital ques- 
 tion, the life and labors of Mr. Swan, and the issues of 
 his prayers and preaching, cannot fail to be of special 
 worth. 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD. 
 " From Moses we have, ' My doctrine shall drop as 
 the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the 
 small rain upon the tender herb, and the showers upon 
 
REV. JABEZ s. Swan. 181 
 
 the grass.* Here is the rule for all times. In reference 
 to Christ and his mission, we read, 'In his days shall 
 the righteous flourish. He shall come down like rain 
 Upon the mown grass, and showers that water the earth . 
 
 " If God intended that 'the great rain' and 'gentle 
 showers,' should illustrate the different manifestations 
 of his love to bless and save the lost, happy will it be 
 for men to know God's mind in this matter. A glance 
 at the triumphs of Christ in the past confirms the 
 councils of God on revival economy, ^he life and work 
 of the Wesleys, of Jonathan Edwards, and of the 
 Nettletons, break like celestial light upon the churches 
 In our country, both east and west, we see what has 
 been done, by the blessing of God, under revival efforts of 
 evangelists with the pastors of the churches. 
 
 " Our Congregational churches were before the Bap- 
 tists in the order of time in large evangelical labors, 
 under such men as C. G. Finney, (Cong.) S. D. Burch- 
 ard, (Pres.) and others, until councils were brought to 
 bear upon them from their own denominations and dis- 
 cussions were held, in their ministry, by men of great 
 talents, upon the best method of managing revivals, — 
 men who had never enjoyed a revival in their churches, 
 and knew nothing of God's method of promoting one. 
 Evangelists were hampered ; some were kept back ; 
 others driven from the field. It should be borne in min,d 
 that Christ put evangelists between apostles, prophets 
 and pastors, that the church might take the hint. We 
 have no right to question the wisdom of God in joining 
 two and two as workers in the gospel field. 
 
 We may be pointed to long pastoratNCS as having been 
 very successful where no evangelist ever stepped his 
 foot. We answer, we know men entirely self-made, as 
 
182 EVANGELISM OF 
 
 the term is, never having seen the inside of a college oi- 
 academy; hut does this fact hrand institutions of learn- 
 ing as evil ? The axe must he ground somewhere, and it 
 has heen thought that some one to turn the crank while 
 another held on was better than to attempt to grind ' 
 alone. God has made some men giants physically and 
 intellectually, who can combine the genius of pastor, 
 evangelist and prophet; but such cases are exceptions 
 to the general rule. 
 
 "Finally, Baptist evangelists appeared. The most 
 of them began while yet pastors, reaching to the regions 
 beyond. Some forty years ago, when evangelists began 
 among the Baptists, there was quite a council of 
 ministers in the state of New York, to consult upon 
 missions. Two evangelists were present, ready to 
 embark in the enterprise. But the question how to 
 support them sunk the whole thing. The united wis- 
 dom of that mighty body of ministers could not devise 
 how to do it. I favored the evangelistic movement, 
 and with others tried to carry out the plan. In the 
 main we had to work at our own expense, relying upon 
 our already insufficient salaries. As a Specimen of 
 remuneration I may state that, from a large and able 
 church, with which I labored some six weeks, when 
 many were added to them, I received twenty dollars. 
 From another, for equal labor, I received twenty-two 
 dollars, and from a benevolent society two shirts, the 
 collars of which buttoned behind and which I wore hind 
 side before till a friend posted me in the philosophy 
 of the thing. Thus all I received would not make me 
 good for my wear and tear. 
 
 "Yet my love for 'souls inspired me with zeal, which 
 if it did not consume me, consumed my substance, and 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 
 
 183 
 
 kept me beyond hailing distance of temporal prosperity. 
 So it was with my co-laborers. Shot at by hypocrites, 
 despised by Antinomians, and mocked by the Devil and 
 his hosts, yet the tale of bricks was forthcoming. 
 
 " Till Eev. Jacob Knapp entered the field as an 
 evangelist, it was never demonstrated that an evangelist 
 could be supported in our denomination. He was at a 
 loss for a time, and his being properly rewarded, at last^ 
 cost him more trouble than his struggle with poverty. 
 Soon after he commenced, Grod brought up others who 
 developed traits of evangelists; and God converted thou- 
 sands by their instrumentality. All went well till they 
 were discussed, and the attempt was made to cashier 
 them. Brother Knapp was pitched into^ from a hatred 
 of the principle of evangelism, by one who led the way 
 in a persecution rarely equalled; but, thanks be to God, 
 neither the man assailed, nor his principles, died. Yet 
 his leading opposer now sleeps. Had the attempt to 
 destroy Elder Knapp succeeded Swan was to be the 
 next for the Devil's frying-pan; but want of success 
 with the former allowed me the privilege of keeping off 
 the coals." 
 
 J. S. Swan. 
 
CHAPTEE XI. 
 
 REVIVAL IN STONINGTON, CONN. 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD: — opENiifG sebvicbs.— kisb of inteeest.— 
 
 FRIENDS. WATEB DEEPENING. PATHEE CHEESBKO. — BENNETT 
 
 AND HIS EEPOKT. BLDEELT PBESONS. BAPTISM. JOT. 
 
 CROWDED HOUSES. CONGBBGATIONALISTS. — -PBATEK AND SUC- 
 CESS. — ^WORK SPREAD. — TEBWSOP REVIVALS. — CHILDBEN. — DEAT^ 
 OP CHILD. — -WOEK AMONG ADULTS.— NUMBERS ADDED. — BEQUEST. 
 
 " In June, 1842, 1 returned to my native town to hold 
 a protracted meeting, having received a letter from 
 Brother Peleg Hancox, saying that the church was in 
 a condition that demanded some spiritual eifprt, and 
 that a seriousness was upon the community caused by 
 peculiar providences of death among the inhabitants. 
 On arriving, I found that the friends of Christ, to some 
 extent, were seeking of God the outpouring of his Spirit 
 and the revival of his work. I commenced meeting 
 with them in a physically exhausted state, but with an 
 unflagging faith. I preached every evening on week 
 days and three times on the Sabbath. The meetingr 
 were well 'attended from the beginning. Being now 
 where I was brought up, and ordained, and held my 
 first pastorate, and being well known among the 
 churches, I had few prejudices to encounter in the 
 kingdom or out of it. But the weather was oppres- 
 sively warm arid the Dorr- War kept up an everlasting 
 clatter on the railroad that much annoyed us in our 
 evening services. Still the Lord was present working 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 185 
 
 with his people, and soon the work of conversion of 
 souls to God commenced. A number who had long 
 indulged hope in the mercy of Grod, arose and were 
 baptized. Our Congregational friends also united with 
 us in earnest efforts to save souls. Prominent among 
 them was Judge Pomeroy and Elisha Faxon, Esq., both 
 of whom have now passed to their heavenly home. 
 Ministers from surrounding churches came in, among 
 whom were Brothers Ira E. Steward, Erastus Denisonj 
 and Benajah Cook, all of whom now rest in peace. 
 
 " The report spread in different directions, and the 
 work of preparing to meet God became the prominent 
 topic. In part to accommodate those living out of the 
 village, we commenced meetings in the afternoon, which 
 were well attended. Thus an effectual door was opened 
 for the church to improve their gifts. Daily the tide 
 of life, like the water's of Ezekiel's vision, deepened, 
 till something like a general inquiry, ' What shall I do 
 to be saved ?' was heard among us. 
 
 " Father Cheesbro, so long the pastor of the church, 
 arose in strength while God came into his family and 
 made a number of his posterity heirs of the grace of 
 life. His eldest son came out with his wife, and both 
 were baptized. He dated his experience back to the 
 wonderful meeting in my father's house near forty years 
 previous, of which I have before spoken. 
 
 " On one occasion when we baptized about thirty 
 happy believers in the harbor near the Eobinson bury- 
 ing ground, Mr. Bennett, of New York Herald fame, 
 being in Stonington, was among the witftessing multi- 
 tude. He was also in our meeting on the Sabbath. In 
 his paper he gave a most amusing account of the scene 
 at the water, describing the whole proceedings in a 
 
186 itlNEftANT LABORS OF 
 
 manner peculiar to himself. I quote his words, from 
 memory, as they appeared in the Herald: 'Swan bap- 
 tized near thirty souls, body and bteeches; some of 
 them thirty years old in humanity and a hundred years 
 old in iniquity; all washed inside and out — inside by 
 the blood of Christ and outside by the briny waves of 
 Stonington.' Then he drew a contrast between Swan 
 and Knapp, the veteran evangelist.. He said ' Knapp 
 was a little short fat fellow, and the Devil would bury 
 him in his own fat upon his old gridiron, but Swan was 
 a tall bony fellow, and the Devil could not get him up 
 on the gridiron.' Still following up the contrast, he said 
 of Swan, he had more sense than Knapp, and more 
 nonsense, more brimstone and more nitric acid. I con- 
 sider this a fine specimen of the moral views entertained 
 by him who, with a Eoman passport, has gone to meet 
 his God. _ Men have their reward. . 
 
 " One feature of the work of the Lord in the place 
 was, that peculiar blessings were bestowed upon a class 
 of elderly ladies who had cherished hopes in the mercy 
 of God, but never were able to gather confidence to 
 come to the church and openly put on Christ. The 
 failure of such to profess their subjection to Christ, is 
 not altogether their fault. The New Testament recog- 
 nizes ' secret discipleship,' but does not encourage such 
 to remain in that state, but requires them to move on 
 to duty. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, secretly 
 being disciples, sent to Pilate and begged the body of 
 Jesus. It took the murder of Jesus to bring them out 
 fully for the 'Lord. The failure of the ministry to 
 detect that kind of discipleship has allowed thousands 
 to die in- twilight, out of the churches of God. I 
 found of this class some six or seven advanced in life, 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. ' 18'? 
 
 except one, and all widows. The son of one of the 
 number said, ' You will confer a great favor upon our 
 family, if you can get mother out and baptize her.' I 
 replied, I would do it, if he would stand it himself He 
 assured me he would. ' I adopted the following course. 
 It might seem severe to a looker on, but in the end it 
 proved a great blessing to her and her family. I called 
 one Sunday, on my way to church, and told her I had 
 come to bid her good bye. Said she, 'Why, are you 
 going to leave ?' I said, 'No, not the place, but to 
 leave you; I shall never offer another prayer for you. I 
 have done, and must turn my attention in another 
 direction.' She wept. So did I, inwardly. She replied, 
 'Why, you hurt my feelings.' I assured her I did not 
 intend that, but felt constrained to say what I did from 
 the fact that all attempts to bring her out on the Lord's 
 side had utterly failed, and my efforts for her must 
 cease. When I was about to leave she said, 'Elder 
 Swan, if you will hold on for me one day more, I will 
 be baptized if I live.' Said I, 'Well^ under that con- 
 sideration, I will hold on.' The next day, good as her 
 word, she arose and was baptized, and rejoiced in Grod 
 with all her house. On returning from the water she 
 sang, 'My soul is full of glory, inspiring my tongue;' 
 and, 
 
 ' O how happy are tbey who the Savior obey, 
 And have laid up their treasure above.' ' 
 
 Multitudes rejoiced with her thut her bondage had been 
 broken, and a daughter of Abraham had come into the 
 light of the gospel. I looked then after the others, 
 one by one, till the whole of the number named were 
 baptized aud came to the church and were received. 
 
188 ITINERANT LABOES OF 
 
 One of the aumber had not walked a step for years. 1 
 carried her into her baptismal grave in raj arms, and 
 baptized her, and returned with her to the shore, with 
 her countenance radiant with the smiles of Jesus. No 
 work did I ever attempt for my Savior which afforded 
 me greater joy. I believe they all are now enjoying the 
 rest of heaven. 
 
 " Our house became so crowded that we could only 
 bring into active service a portion of the friends of 
 Christ who were with us. The work had taken such an 
 extensive sweep in and around the town, that brethren 
 of the Congregational church thought it best to open 
 their sanctuary, and thus make room for those otherwise - 
 unprovided for. G-od appeared among them, and their 
 church and society shared a wonderful accession. 
 Though our meeting's commenced in the month of June, 
 they were crowded with hearers, and the people flocked 
 in from adjacent towns and carried away the spirit of 
 the meetings with them. 
 
 " In prayer offered to the Lord, the country north 
 was most earnestly remembered. It was often asked 
 of the Lord to send the revival power twenty miles 
 north and sweep over all the land with the breath of 
 heaven. Grod in this was true to his promise. More 
 than twenty miles on the north was reached by divine 
 and saving energy, and a general awakening was appar- 
 ent in all directions. 
 
 " The work went steadily forward without any eddy- 
 tides. This; of itself, is a great blessing. In case, 
 from any cause, a revival seems to be checked, the timid 
 take council with their fears, and think meetings ought 
 not to close on a receding tide; and often meetings have 
 been closed, fearing the present baffling winds, sent for 
 
KBV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 189 
 
 the trial of their faith. Id the natural world we have ■ 
 some heavy rains which commence with great power, 
 and progress in that manner till over; but such are 
 generally short. Other rains are more gentle, and distil 
 in showers. In the kingdom of Grod we have something 
 analagous to this. Pentecost exhibited a mighty flood 
 of grace demanded to glorify the mission of the Son of 
 Grod; and grand results followed this divine inundation. 
 Other exhibitions, under the early action of the gospel, 
 were like falling dews and gentle showers. If God's 
 pleasure is to appear in successive showers, the order 
 supposes intervals between; and in no ordinary interval 
 ^should it be considered that the cloud has disposed of 
 all its treasures. Successive showers have more eifect 
 in moistening the earth than the violent rain. Yet 
 both are from God, sent in season. 
 
 "In the progress of the work in Stonington, several 
 events transpired worthy of record. Some that were 
 very aged were converted; and others, who evidently 
 had been converted, had lived so long without growth 
 and increased vitality, that they had become like the 
 heath in the desert, and did not see when good came. 
 Such were aroused and came out decidedly for God. I 
 remember a little girl, perhaps nine years of age, who 
 came to the church and offered herself for membership, 
 and was pu.t off for the time by the pastor — all well in- 
 tended. Pastors differ very much in their estimation of 
 the religion of children. Christ was much in thair favor. 
 The child mentioned had an intemperate father on 
 whose salvation she had set her heart. One night, after 
 the father had retired, the little daughter made her way 
 into his room, knelt down and prayed for him. The 
 father said, when he came to the church, he had a mind 
 
190 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 'to get up and drive her away; yet this he could hardly 
 do. The child held on to the mercy seat; the father 
 broke down and was shortly converted; and father and 
 child were both 'buried with Christ' together. 
 
 " A lovely little daughter of the eldest Captain 
 Brewster became very much interested in the meetings, 
 and gave evidence of loving Christ. She was taken 
 suddenly sick and shortly died, while the revival was 
 progressing. I had told her of the conversion of my 
 daughter, whom I had baptized at seven years of age, 
 which so much interested her that she, with her moth- 
 er's approbation, had selected a small package of shells 
 for me to take home to my little Annie. Her fathei; 
 was at sea, and the mother had to follow her to the 
 grave in his absence. The event fell with great weight 
 upon the mother, as this was all the child they had. 
 
 "In this advancement of the Lord's work, much was 
 accomplished among middle-aged men and their fami- 
 lies. Blessings of grace falling from day to day upon 
 village and country, our happiness in ourselves and for 
 others became very great. According to my recollec- 
 tions the additions to the Baptist church were some one 
 hundred and seventy. Additions to the Congregational ' 
 church were also numerous. And both the churches in 
 the place, and friends from without, rendered liberal aid. 
 
 "Before the meetings in Stonington closed, Kevs. 
 Ira E. Steward and Erastus Denison, from the Second 
 and Third Baptist churches of Q-roton, Connecticut, 
 requested me to hold a meeting with their churches in 
 Mystic, proposing that the churches should unite in the 
 meeting. Considering the matter, I determined to com- 
 ply with their request, returning to them after visiting 
 my family in Norwich, New York." J, S. Swan. 
 
CHAPTEK XII. 
 KEVIVAL IN MYSTIC, CONNECTICUT. 
 
 HON. W. H. potter's LBTTBB. — ELDBB S. A REVTVAIIST. MTNIS- 
 
 TBKS. StUTOAY. THE WEEK. HOPEKS. SECOND BAPTISM. 
 
 WOBK GENERAL. DAILY BAPTISMS. HUNDREDS BAPTIZED. 
 
 T-ELLOTSHIP. ADDRESS. SUPPER. JOURNAL. INTBREST. 
 
 LOSING STRENGTH. UNION BAPTISM. ^BPPBCTS. VIEWS. 
 
 SECRET. — ANECDOTE. — PRAYBR. — HABIT. — ^IMITATOBS. — LESSON. — ■ 
 NOTES. — B. G. AND S. G.— DOGS. — WRONG SHOP. — MR. SWAN'S 
 
 RECORD; — sermon. — o. morgan. — b. c. phblps. — baptism. — 
 
 UNTVBRSALISTS. — S. B. BAILEY. — C. 0. LEWIS. 
 
 "Eev. Frederic Denison, A. M.: Dear Sir: — 
 I much approved of the design of Mr. W. L. Peckham 
 to undertake the publication of the Life and Labors of 
 Kev. Jabez Smith Swan, as proposed to the Stonington 
 Union Association at Groton Bank, in June; and I 
 have been especially pleased that he has since secured 
 your patient talent for research, and your ready pen, to 
 gather the details and compile them into an appropri- 
 ate volume. There is doubtless ample material to be 
 found, though to find, select, and combine it, will be no 
 small task; but it will be to you, I am sure, a labor of 
 love. It is fitting that such a work be done; for 
 Brother Swan has been A shining light — a conspicuous 
 and effective worker in Grod's cause; and much of the 
 current religious thought of our state, especially in 
 respect to revivals — those healthful fountains of spir- 
 itual life scattered at short intervals along the King's 
 highway for the refreshing of weary pilgrims — much of 
 
1^2 ITINERANT LAEOES OF 
 
 this faith, I repeat, bears, so to speak, his image and 
 superscription. Honor to whom honor is due. 
 
 " I believe Elder Swan has largely molded the par- 
 ticular cast of piety which has, during the last third of 
 a century, so often secured ' the times of refreshing from 
 the presence of the Lord ' — a piety and devotion whose 
 exercises have crystalized into the international ' week 
 of prayer ' — oftener weeks — observed by nearly all evan- 
 gelical churches in Christendom, and recognized as an 
 established rule, rather than an exceptional usage, in 
 Zion. All this is patent, and is a reason why Elder 
 Swan's arduous labors and great success should be put 
 on record in a permanent form. He is a part of this 
 history, as a great actor — a central figure in the fore- 
 ground of any faithful sketch which shall group the 
 strong laborers and successful reapers who have borne 
 the burden and heat of the day in the field. 
 
 " The few facts coming within my own observation, 
 concerning the great revival in 1842, in Mystic, I will 
 cheerfully attempt to give you, aided by a somewhat 
 full journal kept by me at the time. I began my resi- 
 dence in this village in April, 1840. It had then been 
 more than a year since the extensive revival under the . 
 labors of Eev. John G-reene, a Seventh-Day Baptist 
 evangelist; and I thought coldness again pervaded the 
 churches. But we were partially revived again in 1842, 
 when Elder Greene once more held meetings, and a 
 good number, were converted, many of whom united 
 with the churches. We had then heard of Elder Swan 
 as a revivalist. And his success at Stonington Borough 
 during the early part of summer, led Eevs. Erastas 
 Denison and Ira R. Steward, to unite in asking him to 
 labor here. This rec[uest had the acquiescence, it was 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 193 
 
 understood, of other denominations that filled, by agree- 
 ment, at times, the pulpit of the only meeting house 
 existing in the place — known as the Mariners' Free 
 Church — and also of the trustees of the house. In this 
 house then statedly officiated Eevs. I. E. Steward and 
 E. Denison, '(Baptist), N. B. Cook, (Congregationalist), 
 and B. C. Phelps, (Methodist). Elder Swan com- 
 menced his labors here on Sunday, the fourteenth of 
 August. By some it was thought to be unfortunate 
 that he should begin his meetings in the hottest por- 
 tion of the year, and there was a general impression that 
 little could be expected. 
 
 "No other indications of good appeared the first Sun- 
 day except a full house, but rather a proneness to 
 criticise his manner of presenting truth, and to pro- 
 nounce judgement upon his style, as rather extravagant. 
 A meeting was appointed for the next day which was 
 Monday, afternoon and evening, and those were unex- 
 pectedly well attended, and som'e surprise was felt at 
 the anxiety of the people to hear, and a deepening im- 
 pression was made, though the spirit of criticism 
 continued. Then he introduced a sunrise prayer meet- 
 ing. All the meetings during the first week were well 
 attended, and a solemnity prevailed. A nine o'clock 
 followed the sunrise service, on Sunday, August twenty- 
 first, at which time, Sister Fish, an old hoper, asked for 
 baptism, which was the first apparent fruit. At this 
 baptism was a large attendance, and as our sister came 
 up out of the liquid grave rejoicing. Brother Swan the 
 administrator, still standing in the water, proclaimed 
 with a loud voice, that yet there was room, and that it was 
 the duty of every old hoper to arise and be baptized. 
 The con3mand came, like the voice of God, to not a few 
 
 13 
 
194 ITINERANT LABOKg OF 
 
 halting believers, who were living, as the speaker said,, 
 'upon the Devil's common,' and were a hindrance to the 
 further progress of the work. At this moment Captain 
 Jeremiah Wilbur stepped forward and pulled off his coat 
 and offered himself as a candidate, and was baptized. 
 Captain Jesse Crarey followed, and Cajrtain George 
 Wolf also — three prominent, influential citizens. There 
 was little formality and little time to consult. • The 
 ministers and brethren present gave their cordial assent, 
 rejoicing that God had given their friends strength to 
 follow Christ in the initial ordinance, in the presence of. 
 so large assembly of his people. Returning to the house 
 of God, which was full to overflowing, the Evangelist 
 preached another powerful discourse, when two others 
 related their experience, as ' old hopers,' and were re- 
 ceived, and the congregation again repaired to the 
 water side, to witness their obedience to the faith. The 
 feeling of incredulity, as to the success of the meetings, 
 was at once changed, in the minds of believers, to that 
 of great confidence, and a willingness to labor. In the 
 evening the house was again thronged beyond its capa- 
 city, and sinners began to ask for prayers. Thus ended 
 the second Sabbath, and the eighth day of the meetings, 
 ^'jfrom that time the work went forward with a steady 
 and increasing power. Secular work began to be laid 
 aside, and men, women and cliildren gave their time to 
 the meetings of the sanctuary. The schools were closed, 
 and the haunts of business were gradually deserted. 
 Farmers with their families carne in their teams, from 
 the country, and staid till the evening meeting closed. 
 The sunrise prayer meeting was held in the open air in 
 front of the church, waking the whole village with songs 
 of praise and with fervent prayers. The nine o'clock 
 
EEV. JABKZ S. SWAN. 195 
 
 meeting was called an inquiring meeting, where converts 
 offered themselves to the church, while the afternoon 
 preaching service witnessed new penitents at the altar, 
 and was followed in the" evening by multitudes of 
 awakened sinners, crying for mercy. On one occasion I 
 recollect I counted forty men and sixty women at the 
 altar, filling the body seats and aisles, till at last it 
 became impossible to count them, and the work suffered 
 no abatement, for weeks. After the first baptismal 
 scene described, which took place August eighteenth, 
 daily baptisms occurred for twenty-six successive days, 
 and sometimes twice a day. Then two days followed 
 without visiting the water side ; and then for six other 
 days in succesion joyful converts were daily planted in 
 the likeness of Christ's death, and emblematically raised 
 in the likeness of his resurection. The voice of prayer 
 was heard in almost every house, and scarcely was 
 there any person you could meet that was not accessible, 
 indeed was oftener more anxious to converse about their 
 souls, than any thing else. At any hour of the night, 
 it was remarked, the groves and closets of the joyful 
 converts or the sighing sinners, sounded with the voices 
 of supplication or of praise. 
 
 " Without particularizing the intervening days, Sun- 
 day, the eleventh of September, was perhaps the most 
 remarkable. A powerful discourse on church building 
 and the terms of communion, in the morning, by Elder 
 Swan, was followed by the baptism of nineteen converts, 
 makin'g in all three hundred and twenty-four up to that 
 date. At two o'clock all the newly baptized present, 
 two hundred and fifteen in number, assembled in the, 
 form of a hollow square, the lines being two deep, 
 around the Conference House lot, with a multitude of 
 
196 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 spectators in the middle of the square or at any and all 
 accessible points of observation, when Elder Swan, 
 standing upon the Conference House steps, in sight of 
 the assembled multitude of spectators and converts, 
 addressed the latter as a father would his children. He 
 exhorted them to stand fast, and gave them an infalli- 
 ble receipt against backsliding; to be instant in prayer, 
 and not to take the first step backward. 'Take the 
 word of G-od,' said he, ' for your guide in all doctrines 
 and ordinances, and in your daily practice and walk. 
 Carry a copy of the New Testament, which is Christ's 
 Will; and on all occasions consult it for directions. 
 Thus armed as with the drawn sword of the Spirit in 
 your right hand, ready to meet the enemy at all points, 
 and with the shield of faith in the other hand, to 
 , quench the fiery darts of the adversary, march boldly 
 on to certain victory. Study the word of God upon 
 your knees, . mingling your earnest prayers with its 
 divine teachings. Hold communion with God. Be 
 conscious you are heard, and have faith in G-od's gra- 
 ,ciogs answers of peace. It is the first departure that is 
 fq] lowed by backsliding, and that departure will be seen 
 ' at the time if we watch as well as pray, at our secret 
 d&votiqns, which should never be so hurried as to 
 deprive the soul of the conscious presence of Christ, 
 and an answer of peace that stirs the soul so that you 
 shall feel his |)resence, quickening us to activity, to vigi- 
 lance and trust, making us active for duty and passive 
 and implicit in our trust. If any one sins, go to Christ 
 and confess, and iever rest till you receive pardon. Go 
 to Jesus for everything. His storehouse is full. He 
 keeps the armory and can arm you for every conflict, 
 and will go with you as a sure protector. Let him be 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. ] 97 
 
 your friend and companion, and you shall not fall out 
 by the way, whether you are among enemies or so-called 
 friends. But in asking God's favor and help, be sub- 
 missive and dictate not to God how he shall answer, for 
 we are but suppliants and lack wisdom to know what 
 is best for us; but he knows perfectly, and our wants, 
 if not our wishes, shall be all supplied; but for all that, 
 he will be inquired of. Difficulties must be expected. 
 T)iey are inevitable. And while we pray, "Lead us 
 not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," lest 
 strong temptations overcome us, yet with humble trust 
 and faith we must be ready to bear hardness as good 
 soldiers. This warfare is not a mere dress parade. It 
 is sometimes sore conflict; but that is what makes the 
 8oldier. The mariner would be useless in times of great 
 storm and peril if he had always seen fair weather, and 
 never had to reef a sail. While you do not covet dan- 
 ger or difficulties, remember when they come it is an 
 evidence we are his children; but we should be unwor- 
 thy of the name we bear if we did not endure. You 
 will find difficulties which it will puzzle you to recon- 
 cile. It is no evidence of wisdom to reject all you do 
 not understand, for otherwise much of nature's Avorks 
 and God's natural and eternal laws must be rejected. 
 " Charity beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth 
 all things, endureth all things; charity never faileth.'" 
 These and many other precious words were there 
 uttered, never to be forgotten. And when he stepped 
 down from his temporary pulpit, accompanied by Pas- 
 tors Denison and Steward, in behalf of their churches, 
 he and they, beginning with an aged brother who had 
 entered the vineyard at the eleventh hour, gave the 
 
198 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 newly baptized believers the right hand of fellowship, 
 welcoming them into the visible church. 
 
 "After this imposing ceremony was over, the Evan- 
 gelist and pastors, followed by all the ministers, dea- 
 cons, converts, brethren and sisters, led the way into 
 the meeting house, filling both the lower floor and the 
 galleries with communicants, when the sacrament was 
 administered by all the ministers of Christ present, and 
 the elements were distributed by the several deacons. 
 Surely it was such a communion of saints as had never 
 before, and has never since, been witnessed in Mystic. 
 Such grace sat upon God's ministering servants, such 
 love united all hearts, such joy filled the souls of his 
 saints, as made it truly ' a heavenly place in Christ.' 
 In recalling to mind this scene I cannot forbear quoting 
 a few lines from Elder Erastus Denison's private jour- 
 nal, in my possession, and now before me, written in his 
 study at the close of this ' day of heaven.' It reads: 
 
 " ' As Elder Swan addressed the converts in the open 
 square of our spacious Conference House lot with a 
 voice that reached every ear and thrilled all present, 
 every heart ■ accompanied his words in responsive accla- 
 mation, and in the half-subdued " Glory to God," 
 " Amen," which arose from hundreds of happy specta- 
 tors who never before saw it on this wise! 0, this, if 
 we are not mistaken, has been one of the most promi- 
 nent heavenly places in Christ Jesus that has been 
 witnessed in the present age of the church, in this or 
 any other country, especially when we contrast the size 
 of our village with others. As we passed slowly along 
 the lines, giving the hand of fellowship, Brother Swan, 
 leading the way, commenced with an aged friend then 
 just baptized, presenting his hand and giving excellent 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 199 
 
 counsel as lie passed the joyful converts, whose tears 
 fell silently on cheeks lighted up by the bright hopes of 
 immortality, flushing the conntenance of the redeemed 
 sinner with the noon-tide of glory, radiating the brow 
 and indicating a near relation to that part of the family 
 already in heaven; In the evening Elder Swan preached 
 agaiuj " The hand of the Lord being with him," and 
 multitudes of mourners thronging the anxious seats, 
 which sometimes extended over all the lower part of 
 the audience room. And so the meetings, went on dur- 
 ing the week that followed the great communion.' 
 
 " On the Thursday evening after a new feature 
 developed itself. Four lost their strength, and among 
 them Elder Steward, a man of great self-possession and 
 equanimity. One had to be carried home in a chair. 
 On Friday evening three more were similarly exercised, 
 somewhat resembling the features described by Presi- 
 dent Edwards in the great New Light Stir. Brother 
 Steward and others related of themselves, that they 
 were ineffably happy, having ecstatic views of their 
 heavenly home, and a willingness and a longing to go 
 home, or to ' sit and sing themselves away to everlast- 
 ,ing bliss.' Otherwise we could perceive no special dif- 
 ference between those affected, and those that were not. 
 
 " Brother Swan was similarly affected about this 
 time, though not so much overcome as to entirely lose 
 his consciousness of things without. It seemed to be 
 permitted to come upon him to satisfy his evidently 
 puzzled desire to account for this frame. It showed it- 
 self, I well remember in the midst of a sermon he was 
 preaching, and, if I recollect aright, at the moment 
 when his discourse led him to describe the glorified 
 state. He was physically, prostrated and so great 
 
200 ITINERANT LABOES 01' 
 
 was this power upon him, that he thought his time had 
 come, to ascend from his pulpit to glory ! From the 
 top of Pisgah, he saw the indescribable beauty and at- 
 tractions of the promised land, and began to take his 
 leave of earthly scenes and waiting friends. His friends 
 standing around and the congregation seemed to linger, 
 almost looking for the chariot of Elijah; but he rallied 
 to life and assured his friends that he had yet more 
 work to do, that Satan would be too well pleased to get 
 rid of him now, before Grod' s time. It however filled 
 him with rapture and a sympathy which he would not 
 otherwise have felt for those that fell into this condition; 
 for as an. Evangelist, he was not given to^ visions, 
 though he was not particularly disturbed by the noise 
 of simultaneous prayer, where deep conviction of sin 
 impelled awakened sinners, or corresponding anxiety 
 compelled the saints. 
 
 "Sunday, September eighteenth, five weeks from; the ■ 
 time our series of meetings began, it being the last 
 Sunday Elder Swan was to be present, he was indeed 
 ' in the Spirit upon the Lord's day,' preaching with 
 more than his wonted power. At the close of the 
 morning services the baptismal waters on G-ravel Street 
 were visited as usual, and on this as well as upon other 
 occasions four administrators went down into tbe water 
 at once, one of whom was the M. E., minister, Mr. 
 Phelps, all pronouncing the formula of baptism in the 
 name of the Trinity, in concert, together baptizing the 
 candidates, and simultaneously raising 'them from the 
 water as Christ rose from the tomb, and pronouncing 
 the loud 'amen,' as with one voice, when followed a 
 verse of some appropriate hymn by the brethren upon 
 the shore, and then other candidates stepped forward 
 
THE UjilOjv 'liJfpTISM, 
 
 IN MYSTIC PJYER, CONN. 
 
 SEPTEMBEr^ IS, lyji. 
 
REV. JABE2 S. SWAN. 203 
 
 and followed ths Savior's example in the sight often of 
 a multitude; for the people never seemed to tire of 
 these daily scenes. And such scenes, especially the 
 simultaneous administration of the ordinance, I had 
 never seen before, nor have I witnessed the like since. 
 They were unsurpassed in beauty^ solemnity, and im- 
 l^ressiveuess. And being in the warmest season they 
 reminded one of the multitudes that gathered at the 
 scene of the first Baptist's immersions, or that of the 
 day of Pentecost when the administrators were doubt- 
 less many." 
 
 (By the by, ma.ny readers may thank us for stating 
 that, in the Union Baptism scene, the crest of highland, 
 in the extreme background of the picture, is a portion 
 of the famous Pequot Hill, in Groton, where on the 
 twenty-sixth of May, 1637, as Doctor Benjaman Trum- 
 bull expresses it, "by seventy-seven brave men, Connec- 
 ticut was saved, and the most warlike and terrible 
 Indian nation in New England defeated and ruined." 
 F. D.) 
 
 " In the afternoon such converts present as had not 
 already been welcomed into the churches, assembled in 
 the conference lot, as before, seventy-eight in number, 
 and received the hand of fellowship. An incident oc- 
 curred on this day which, made a powerful impression 
 upon the minds of many believers. It was the presen- 
 tation of three prominent Congregational brethren from 
 an adjoining town for scriptural baptism. ' fle suffered 
 them,' and 'they went on their way rejoicing.' 
 
 "Elder Swan left Mystic, on Tuesday, September 
 twentieth, after he had been with us five weeks and two 
 days. Memorable weeks for Mystic ! More than four 
 hundred persons had- been baptized, and so thinned 
 
1^04 if INERANT LABORS 05* 
 
 * 
 
 were the ranks of unbelievers, and so completely had 
 they withdrawn from their opposition, that it was easy 
 to believe that the whole community had become or was 
 in a way to become experimentally acquainted with 
 pure and undefiled religion. Almost every house was 
 a house of prayer, and in many, the whole household, 
 from the child eight and ten years to the penitent octo- 
 genarian, had openly professed Christ, in baptism, and 
 thus become members of his visible church, believing 
 with all the house. All rum shops and rum drinking 
 ceased. Swearing and evil-speaking were no more 
 heard. Religion was the theme, and sinners were so 
 accessible as to give great encouragement to hopeful be- 
 lievers. In short, the morals and character of this 
 community were so improved as to give to those with- 
 out a most favorable impression of the effects of living 
 Christianity. The imperfections of christians, though 
 existing were no longer alledged as an excuse for reject- 
 ing Christianity. Its claims were admitted. Millenial 
 ideas, under such a condition of things, were fast gain- 
 , ing ground, and, among all, a better day for the church 
 of Grod, and a more general recognition of the ordi- 
 nances of God's house, obtained. 
 
 " It was at this time a rare thing to meet an open 
 defender of infant baptism, among even the pedo-Bap- 
 tists of this vicinity, for the point seemed to be con- 
 ceded in favor of immersion. Indeed, so strong a 
 Baptist was Brother Swan that he could not seem to 
 find any excuse for a well-read Bible christian professor 
 who should defend infant sprinkling, nor had he charity 
 for a pedoBaptist minister, who, in the face of the 
 recorded practice of the primitive christians, could 
 administer it. He asserted they were committing con- 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 205 
 
 structive blasphemy in pronouncing the formula of the 
 Trinity over so perverted an ordinance. He was equally 
 decided on the folly of open communion with unbap- 
 tized believers. Baptism, he constantly repeated, was 
 , the only door to the visible church, and every baptized 
 believer, walking uprightly, was entitled to the supper, 
 while persons that pretend to have a hope must either 
 obey the command " to arise and be baptized," or must 
 stay on what he called the " Devil's common," and 
 become a stumbling block to sinners. Either obey the 
 command or abandon all claim to Christianity, was the 
 substance of his address to this class. And it drove 
 most of them from their neutral ground to an open pro- 
 fession of their faith in Christ; for the evil had got to 
 be very great and the practice quite common in Elder 
 Greene's revivals, so called, to simply baptize converts, 
 without reference to church membership. He denounced 
 moralists as old Pharisees, and Universalists as willing 
 servants of Satan. He held up clearly the doctrine of 
 the final perseverance of real saints. He believed and 
 taught that every sheep would come back to the fold, 
 while only the goats preferred wandering, and isolation; 
 and then to prevent any consolation to the wanderer, 
 from this doctrine, while in disobedience, he assumed 
 that all hopes that did not at once lead to obedience 
 were spuriou*!, and exhorted all to abandon such hope 
 and get hold of one that had a motive in it to lead to 
 complete consecration and ijifetant obedience. Hence 
 the belief of the doctrine of election was stripped of all 
 possibilities of affording a refuge or excuse from imme" 
 diate repentance, active faith and positive obedience. 
 Hence many disbelievers in the doctrine were drawn 
 towards his pretiching, while the strongest predestina- 
 
206 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 rians,. who understood he was only, guarding against the 
 abuses of 'that doctrine, were among his best friends and 
 followers I cannot say I always thought his doctrinal 
 sermons were consistent with each other. But he man- 
 aged to retain the admiration of all except the absurdest 
 antinomians, if such there were. I am speaking now 
 only of his preaching during the great revival. He 
 developed a transcendant talent for promoting revivals, 
 and reaching the consciences, of both saint and sinner. 
 So much so, as to make the impression that he was 
 better adapted to that phase of labor in Grod's kingdom, 
 and by way of contrast, was not so weli adapted to a 
 regular pastorate. I shall not discuss it, but simply 
 say that those who talce that view have thought his 
 willingness to multiply churches where schisms existed, 
 confirmed their views and estimate of this man of God, 
 while on the other hand, his actual success as a pastor 
 has disproved his alleged weakness as a pastor, his 
 critics themselves being judges. But without endorsing 
 every act of our Evangelist as correct, or ascribing infal- 
 libility to any living minister, whether evangelist or 
 pastor, let me give you my opinion of the secret of 
 Brother Swan's success here, and of his power generally 
 as an evangelist, particularly during the first thirty 
 years of his ministry, but more especially as impressed 
 upon my mind upon a pretty close analysis of his 
 agency in the revival of 1842 in Mystic. My estimate 
 may be incorrect but is the result of both my first 
 impressions, and long subsequent acquaintance and 
 observation. 
 
 " I believe God raised him up, qtialified and sent him 
 forth on' the much needed mission of stirring up the 
 churches to the necessity of special efforts to save souls 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 207 
 
 and to awaken the careless and impenitent to the dan- 
 ger of delaying to seek salvation. But God' is not apt 
 to choose passive instruments, although of course he 
 can do it. But he chooses active instruments. Brother 
 Swan was not disobedient to the heavenly calling; and 
 God wrought wonderfully with him. 
 
 "He was a special defender of protracted meetings, 
 and he exemplified and demomstrated their importance 
 and practicability to the church. They have been to 
 us as a denomination what camp meetings were to the 
 Methodists who adopted them from the Cumberland 
 Tresbyterians and other christians of the West in the 
 days of the pioneers. 
 
 " But aside from the question of the best means of ' 
 promoting revivals and spirituality in Zion, upon which 
 good men even may dare to differ, there yet arises be- 
 fore us this question, which is prompted not by mere 
 curiosity, viz. 'What was the secret of his power, and 
 cause of his great success.'"' 
 
 "If he or we can give the correct answer to that 
 question, we shall greatly aid other laborers; for among 
 his many earnest imitators and followers, few, if any, 
 have been able to reach and wield that power over the 
 masses, which is a potent element of success, or to in- 
 spire the confidence which he received and which assured 
 his own success. 
 
 " Some have asserted that Brother Swan's power lay 
 in the uniqueness of his style, his startling paradoxes 
 which sometimes move the propriety of the pillars and 
 the pious sleepers in Zion, exciting as they say first 
 curiosity, which draws out the people; and then giving 
 them the gospel which becomes the power of God unto 
 their salvation. 
 
208 
 
 ITINEEAXT LABORS OF 
 
 "Others place his strength mainly ia his faith and 
 confidence in the effect of persistently using the means 
 which he believes Grod has ordained and approved; and 
 therefore he constantly expected and realized results. 
 
 " Others held that his discernment of human nature 
 enabled him to bring the proper motive to bear upon 
 the consciences of men. Others pointed to the simplic- ' 
 ity of his doctrinal truths, as he found them set forth 
 in the Holy Scriptures. And all agreed that his power 
 in prayer was great, sometimes marvellous. Doubtless 
 all these combined to give him success. 
 
 '^ But I thought I discovered the immediate cause, 
 the hidden spring, without which all these- other causes 
 were powerless. In conversation with him on one occa- 
 sion, he spoke with much feeling of George Whitefield's 
 success as an evangelist, and related this anecdote of 
 him. 'A certain admirer of Whitefield, resolved to find 
 out the secret of his great power over the masses, and 
 not discovering it in tiny thing he saw publicly, the in- 
 quirer followed him and sought acquaintance with his 
 habits in the secret chamber. He found that this 
 servant of God prayed always fervently before retiring, 
 and at once fell asleep, and ever as he awoke through 
 the night he dropped upon his knees, and conversed 
 with God; and when lie came from his room in the 
 morning, his countenance was - illuminated with the 
 light and love of Christ. Here was an inner life which 
 the world knew not, but the inquirer followed him no 
 longer to discover his secret; it was plain to him that it 
 lay in the closet.' With this clew, I made due inquiry 
 into Brother Swan's habits during the night, so far as 
 I could obtain information, and learned that what he 
 had told me of Whitefield was true of himself. He 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 209 
 
 prayed before retiring till God revealed himself, and 
 ever during the night when he awoke he touched the 
 wires that reached the throne, and always came forth 
 in the morning with a simple undoubting trust that 
 Grod had heard, and would answer and bless. With all 
 his apparent reliance on means, they were all insignifi- 
 cant and held as naught without the power communi- 
 cated in secret, and never for one moment lost sight of. 
 He appeared like other ministers before the people, but 
 he literally walked and conversed with Grod in his 
 closet, in a larger sense, at this period of his ministry 
 and his success, than any other servant of Grod I ever 
 knew. It was not so much with the people, as with his 
 God he had power. . His influence over the masses was 
 but the counterpart of, and subordinate to, his preva- 
 lence in prayer. His rough dealing with the masses, 
 and his denunciations of false doctrines, perverted or- 
 dinances and impenitence, arose not from the want of 
 the mild spirit of the gospel, but resulted from his con- 
 ception of the pattern shown him in the mount, and 
 like the meekest man described in the Bible, the sight 
 of evil, and obstructions to the work of God, at times 
 caused him in holy indignation to ' cast the tables out 
 of his hands,' and break them beneath the mount, much 
 to the concern of the staid elders and conservative 
 brethren; or to burn their idols in the fires of his de- 
 nunciation, or condemn sin however popular or dear, 
 which he, as it were, ground to powder, and strewed it 
 upon the water, and made God's sinning people, drink 
 of it; so that pious souls would sometimes turn up 
 their eyes in holy horror, at the quaint and forcible 
 language and startling figures of speech which he used 
 
 14 
 
210 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 in making bare God's neglected truths to men who had 
 been gospel hardened. 
 
 " At such times there was no escaping his fiery logic. 
 The sin was uncovered and spread out in all its hideous- 
 ness, just as the prophet said to the tall sinner of old, 
 ' Thou art the man.' And when he brought out his 
 terrible 'threshing instrument having teeth/ his sermon 
 did not breathe the smooth words or the peaceable 
 things which suited them that were ' at ease in Zion;' 
 but I believe he felt the promise which was given to the 
 prophet: 'Fear not, I will help thee.' And this con- 
 firms our belief that there was a power which he 
 received in the mount of God in answer to prayer, that 
 gave him such power over the hearts of men, and made 
 him perfectly fearless in the denunciation of all sin, 
 while, at the same time, he had within the sweetness of 
 a pure gospel full of real compassion, gentleness and 
 love, which those most intimate with him saw and 
 felt. 'He knew the power of God. 
 
 " How gentle and encouraging were his words to the 
 trembling sinners, and how ready was he to lead in 
 prayer for them after he appeared exhausted by the 
 labors of the day or evening, and how often did his 
 Master witness his faith by sending immediate deliver- 
 ance to many a captive soul. Or if any one was cast 
 down with grief or discouraged, no man could more 
 kindly, by sympathy and affectionate counsel, lift the 
 desponding soul into daylight and direct their feet 
 into the shining way. 
 
 " If I have not revealed the secret of his power, in 
 what I have said of his remarkable intercourse with 
 God in prayer, I have no doubt you will see my mis- 
 take; but I am persuaded of the correctness of this 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 211 
 
 view; and I am quite siife he luxuriated in the rich 
 pasture enclosed from the siglit of the worldling, and 
 yet invitingly opened by the beloved disciple, viz. 
 * If you ask any thing in my name I will do it.' 
 Brother Swan asked for great things, he expected great 
 things, and he labored for them, and his prayers and 
 expectations were answered. 
 
 " And here it seems to me lies a solution of the fact 
 that all his imitators have signally failed, for they failed 
 of that inner walk with God, that holy communion with 
 and communication from God, to which alone, with all 
 his labors, he ascribed his success. He glorified God 
 only, forgetting himself and his labors. They had all 
 the outward appliances, the quaintness, the startling 
 phrases, the denunciations, the bold niodulations and 
 high strains, and sometimes his length of discourse and 
 forms of prayer, and received the responses, touching 
 every apparent key and having certain results, but the 
 hidden key they never touched, for it is wholly inacces- 
 sible to any but the purest motive, the deepest humility 
 and absolute self abasement, and the nearest and most 
 confidential intercourse with Christ. And it was Christ 
 and his cross alone which he preached, for had he varied 
 or hesitated, he would it seems to me have instantly lost 
 his power with God and his power over the hearts and 
 
 consciences of men." „, „ -r. 
 
 Wm. H. Pottek. 
 
 Mystic Eiver, Conn. August 1, 1873. 
 
 To Deacon Potter's valuable paper we add a few inci- 
 dents belonging to the same season of revival. Mr. P. 
 alludes to the baptism of certain Congregationalists. 
 It was somewhat on this wise: As Elder Swan came up 
 from the tide with his last regular candidate, he paused at 
 
212 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 the river's margin, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, said, 
 " Lord, it has been done as Thou hast commanded, and 
 yet there is room." Then looking on the multitude he 
 asked, " Is there any other person here who is ready to 
 obey Jesus Christ in baptism ?" To the surprise of all. 
 Deacon E. Gr , an honored officer of the Congrega- 
 tional church in an adjoining town, who had previously 
 built the Mariners' Free Church and some of the best 
 residences in the place, and was everywhere known as 
 an active christian, stepped forward and said, " Elder 
 Swan, I want to be baptized." Nothing disconcerted, 
 the Evangelist turned to the vast assembly, and said, 
 " Brethren and sisters, of all the churches here repre- 
 sented; as many of you as know Deacon E. G , and 
 
 you all know him well, and think him worthy of bap- 
 tism according to his own request, please manifest it by 
 a show of hands." A multitude of hands went up. Said 
 the preacher, " Come on. Deacon.'' And they went 
 down both into the water, both the Elder and the Dea- 
 con, and he baptized him. And as they came up out 
 of the water the Deacon, with great emphasis and feel- 
 ing, said, " Now I am satisfied." The Elder raised aa 
 appropriate hymn that, caught by a thousand lips, 
 made the valley ring with joy. Then followed the bap- 
 tism of Mr. S. G , a member of the same church. 
 
 Both of these worthy men, as was afterwards learned, 
 had come from their homes for the express purpose of 
 obtaining "the answer of a good conscience toward 
 God." And they went home rejoicing. 
 
 During the same revival a Mr. B., a backslidden 
 Methodist, was bitterly opposed- to Elder Swan, and 
 seized every means and opportunity to defame and 
 annoy him. On one Sabbath the meeting house was 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 213 
 
 Crowded, and the Evannjelist was " in the Spirit." 
 Laying down the doctiine of his text, and drawing out 
 his propositions, and bringing in his proofs and illus- 
 trations he swept on to his weighty conclusion. . Pre- 
 paratory to his final appeal however, he paused and did 
 the uncommon thing of calling upon all in the house to 
 testify their assent to his argument and conclusion by 
 rising up. All in the house rose up save Mr. B., who 
 was sitting in the end of a body slip next to the south 
 aisle. He, instead of rising, slammed back the slip 
 door, slid out into the aisle and sat down on his feet. 
 Elder Swan, observing him, invited the congregation to 
 be seated. Then calmly, while his eye glowed with 
 animation, he spoke briefly of the children of God »as 
 sheep, and the Savior as the Shepherd. Then, lifting 
 up his stentorian voice, he , exclaimed, "Whoever in 
 God's world saw a sheep sit back on his haunches ?" 
 and at the same time imitated the posture o^ Mr. B. 
 Rising again, with double strength of voice, he added, 
 " Beware of dogs." The blow was effective. The 
 scoffer was dumb. He is now a preacher of the gospel 
 among the Baptists, and a friend and admirer of the 
 Evangelist. 
 
 Again, while standing near the meeting house, before 
 service, conversing with some of the converts, he was 
 rudely approached by a Mr. P. from Flanders, whose 
 breath indicated what spirit he was of, and who said, 
 " Elder Swan, I heard you was having powerful meet- 
 ings here, and I have come over to get some of your 
 good religion." The Elder, fixing his eagle glance upon 
 him, instantly and emphatically replied, " Well, sir, 
 you called at the wrong shop before you got here." 
 
^14 iTINEEANT LABORS OF 
 
 ifore leavitij 
 from 
 
 Before leaving this fielcl we must add some extracts 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD, 
 
 " As the iilterest increased, I inquired of the pastors 
 whether family prayer was generally observed, and was 
 informed that it was too much neglected. I preg,ched 
 upon the subject what I called my serpent sermon, and 
 Elder Denison told me the next day that he should 
 think a hundred family altars were reared the night 
 after the discourse. My text was Ex. iv.: 2, 3, 4, 
 ' And the Lord said unto him (Moses) what is that in 
 thine hand ? And he said a rod. And' He said. Cast 
 itj,on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and 
 it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. 
 And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thy hand and 
 take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand and 
 caught it, and it became a rod in his hand.' 
 
 " My drift of thouglit was on this theme; the dread- 
 ful results following the prostration of holy things. 
 
 " Moses' rod was an emblem of God's power. When 
 cast down it turned to a serpent. So with the prostra- 
 tion of holy things. Among holy things are : 
 
 I. Fallen vows; vows made when redeemed to Grod; 
 and vows made all along the line of religious life. 
 
 II. The prostration of altars erected to offer sacrifices 
 to Grod. Secret altars, family altars, public altars. All 
 thesfe are sacred things. The prostration of all, or 
 either of these, turns the whole into a brood of serpents 
 which pursue him who casts them down. 
 
 " Flight is vain. A serpent will outran a man. The 
 rod to Moses and Israel was a banner when properly 
 erected and firmly held. In the battle between Israel 
 
KEV. JABEZ S. SWANi 215 
 
 and the Amalekites, while Moses held up the rod, Israel 
 prevailed; when it fell down, Amalek' prevailed. 
 
 "So in the christian life, the things which honor God 
 when elevated and kept high and strong above oppos- 
 ing forces, constitute a banner of salvation; but when 
 thrown down are turned to terrible annoyances; Where 
 a man's family altar is prostrated troubles multiply like 
 stinging serpents. If in visiting a friend he is invited 
 to lead in family prayer, the serpent begins his stinging 
 reproach, ' You don't pray at home ! you don't pray at 
 home!' 
 
 III. The only way to get out of this sorrowful 
 dilemma is to take hold of the serpent. A hard duty. 
 But as soon as the hand is firmly on it, it turns back 
 into the rod of God. Altars must be reared up. Vows 
 must be paid. Then God will appear. All will be 
 turned to instruments of power again, and victories will 
 be won for God. 
 
 " Our Brother Calvin Morgan rendered the meetings 
 essential aid. His fasting and prayer of forty days had 
 prepared him to attempt great things for God, and to 
 expect great things from God. For some ten hours of 
 the day he prayed each hour. Often his season of 
 prayer would come into my sermon. He would ask, 
 ' Brother Swan, will you stop a minute while I pray '^' 
 I always complied. He would lead off after this man- 
 ner, ' Lord, Thou who makest thine angels spirits, 
 and thy ministers a flame of fire, bless Brother Swan; 
 fill him with thy Spirit, and send down the power on 
 the congregation. Amen.' 
 
 • " Adding an amen, I would resume my sermon. As 
 much was said, I made inquiries about him, and found 
 he was much esteemed before his conversion, and after 
 
21(5 ITIXERAN* LABORS 01* 
 
 it had honored God by an irreproachable life. In respect 
 to his fasting forty days, he told me that he put a little 
 salt upon his tongue occasionally and drank water, but 
 never took a particle of food. I inquired of Doctor 
 B. P. Stoddard, a valued citizen and christian man, 
 ■whose word was never at a discount He said he saw- 
 him every day of the fast; and after sixteen days made 
 up his mind he would live. J told Brother Morgan to 
 go ahead in our meetings, and I would back him up 
 with all the power and character I had. He gave his 
 shout, ' Glory to God!' and said ' You are the first 
 minister that ever endorsed for me.' 
 
 " A grove northwest of the meeting house was called 
 'Paradise.' Thither Brother Morgan, after meetings, 
 would retire for prayer. Often others resorted there 
 with him. My Brother 0. Packer, %vith whom I made 
 my home, would sometimes come in and say, ' Well, 
 Elder, Paradise rings to-night; Brother Calvin and 
 others are praying.' 
 
 " Rev. B. C. Phelps, the Methodist minister, and his 
 people came in with us heartily, and the Lord came 
 with them. I asked him if he believed in immersion. 
 He replied, 'Yes, as strong as you do; I was baptized 
 in the river.' Thereafter Brothers Steward, Denison, 
 Phelps and myself, descended together into the river, 
 each with two converts, one on each arm, and repeated 
 together the baptismal formula, and together baptized 
 four happy converts at a time. 
 
 " The Universalists attempted to do something, but 
 were like unhappy Samson who, as Doctor Watts has 
 it, ' made feeble fight, and lost his eyes.' Brothe? S. 
 B. Bailey, who had been their leader, came over on the 
 Lord's side during the refreshing, and has since done 
 
EEV. JABEZ & SWAN. 217 
 
 Valuable service for the Kedeemer. A Mr. Bradford, 
 formerly a Methodist class-leader, but who had some- 
 how fallen from his elevation, and was opposed to me 
 and my measures, was finally siibdued by the truth. 
 
 " At our sunrise prayer meeting I found, before the 
 time arrived, Doctor Stoddard and Captain C. C. Lewis 
 seated on the rocks in front of the church. My heart 
 was moved for my friend Lewis, whose family I knew 
 and loved. I asked him to kneel with us in prayer on 
 the rocks. He consented. Our meeting lasted till 
 about nine o' clock. Friend Lewis was converted, as his 
 after life proved, and before that year was out he com- 
 menced his life-work of preaching the gospel, in which 
 he had signal success. His first happy labors were in 
 Key West, Florida, where he assisted in organizing a 
 Baptist church, and where he was ordained on the inde- 
 pendent platform of Baptists, as the church had none 
 to assist them." 
 
 J. S. Swan. 
 
CHAPTEE Xllt. 
 REVIVAL IN NEW LONDON, CONN. 
 
 J. H. CBOCKER'S letter. MEETINGS. — —DOUBTS. CROWDS. — -SUC- 
 CESS. CASES. PLAINNESS.- ^ASSISTANTS. HUNDREDS CONVER- 
 TED. — ^MIDNIGHT BAPTISMS. IN THE STREETS. — CITY BLESSED.' 
 
 SAILORS. — OPPOSEES. — UNIVEESALISTS. —INCIDENTS. — HUNTINGTON 
 
 STREET HOUSE. — DEDICATION. MAIN LAW. — SECOND CHURCH. 
 
 CATHOLICITY. — FRUITS. — ^INlJlLUBNOE. — DEA. J. NILBS' LETTER.: 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD : — prayer room. — g. e. dabrow.— con- 
 
 V15RSI0NS. — UNIVEESALISTS. EXPLANATION. — BAPTISM. — LIES. — 
 
 LETTERS. — METHODISTS. — ^RESULTS. 
 
 We are the more pleased witli the paper now before 
 us that the writer is a layman and a Congregationalist. 
 Not alone the important facts found in it, but the 
 spirit it breathes, and the proof it gives of a catholic 
 christian fellowship, make it worthy of study. 
 
 " A religious interest began in New London early in 
 the autumn of 1842, and measures were taken by some 
 of our churches to promote a religious revival. The 
 First Baptist church under the pastoral care of Kev. 
 H. K. Knapp, secured the services of Eev. Jabez S. 
 Swan who came to our city early in October. It was 
 evident that a large and increasing attention to religious 
 matters was pervading the community, and the inquiry 
 of many was, what can we do to promote the cause of 
 God in our midst. Such was the feeling when Elder 
 Swan came to New London. 
 
 " Elder Swan's first appearance at the First Baptist 
 church, was the cause of gathering large audiences of 
 people. His manner of presenting the truth was dif- 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 2l9 
 
 ferent from what the people had been in the habit of 
 hearing, which caused at first not a little surprise and 
 wonder. He attacked those professors of religion whom 
 he considered as asleep and cold, in such a way as often 
 to draw down upon himself the condemnation and 
 denunciations of that class of people. The community 
 at large suspended their judgment whether to approve 
 of his mode of operation or not; but when the people 
 became acquainted with him, their prejudices gave way ^ 
 and Mr. Swan was acknowledged to be not only an 
 able christian minister, but his only desire was to win 
 souls to Christ, and if he ,was used as the humble in- 
 strument of so doing his desire was to give God the 
 entire glory. < 
 
 " During the series of meetings, which lasted ten 
 weeks, we think, large crowds of people attended. It 
 was two or three weeks before any very decisive fruits 
 were manifest.' Large numbers began to be interested 
 and became deeply concerned for their spiritual welfare, 
 and many new born converts began to testify to the 
 joys of pardon, and to ' ring up,' as the Elder would 
 say, a risen and crucified Savior. The work spread 
 over the city, until every Evangelical church, to a 
 greater or less extent, felt the power of an intense 
 religious interest. Backsliders in large numbers were 
 reclaimed, and many of the hardest and most hopeless 
 cases in the city were heard to ask what they must do 
 to be saved. 
 
 " Being a man of very positive views, as a matter of 
 course he was positive in what he said. Truth, as he 
 understood it, was earnestly and uncompromisingly pre- 
 sented; and scepticism, infidelity, and what he con- 
 ceived to be dangerous error, often staggered under his 
 
220 ITINERANT LABORS OJ* 
 
 sledge hammer blows. Universalism and a cliristless 
 religion found no sympathy with him. 
 
 "Prominent among thpse who assisted him in his 
 meetings were Deacons Isaac Harris, Eichard Harris, 
 Deacon Weaver, and Mr. Douglass Harris all of whom 
 have gone to their reward ; their record is on high; 
 the love and affection and efficiency of those excellent 
 men were of great service to the evangelist; and the 
 christian community remember with sincere and lively 
 thankfulnfess, the godly example and self-sacrificing and 
 zealous activity of those Fathers in Israel. Th'ey have 
 passed away and are safe on the Shining Shore. 
 
 " From 280 to 300 were taken into the church 
 during the revival (so we are informed). Among the 
 many interesting scenes connected with its history were 
 the midnight baptisms. On several occasions converts 
 went from the church to the water side and were bap- 
 tized at midnight. This was a new and to some a 
 curious feature in that great religious interest. We 
 happen to know some of those who were baptized under 
 those circumstances, and they at this time are among 
 the most steadfast and exemplary christians to be found 
 in the church. One gentleman whose name 'We might 
 give is extensively known in New London as an upright 
 citizen of influence, and the weight of whose name car- 
 ries with it respect and confidence. Others might be 
 mentioned in connection with this. These instances 
 alone are sufficient to vindicate the practice resorted to, 
 although at what, some might think, an unreasonable 
 hour. It was a peculiarity of that time, and perhaps 
 under the circumstances was all right. At any rate, 
 if the seal of the Head of the Church was set upon it, 
 we should be content. Other incidents connected with 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 221 
 
 this revival were, inarching the street of our city late at 
 night after the services at the church had closed. This 
 happened on one or more occasions. Tliis may seem 
 fanatical, and not in place, at first; but still it had 
 good effect. The singing did much to arouse the slumr 
 boring to a sense of their condition and to impress on 
 the minds of the people the fact that other interests 
 than ordinary ones could claim their attention. Those 
 processions would form at the church, march through a 
 given number of streets in an orderly manner, close 
 with prayer, and the people retire to their homes. On 
 one occasion the procession- passed up Main street; 
 through Church street, Union street, returned to the 
 First Baptist church, descended to the foot of the 
 hill near the residence of Deacon Isaac Harris, where 
 all joined in prayer, and then the people retired to their 
 homes. 
 
 " This was not the first midnight march in New Lon- 
 don. More than a hundred years previous to this, a 
 similar state of things occurred in our town. Kev. Mr. 
 Davenport, who was at that time holding meetings in 
 the town, placed himself at the head of a large number 
 and marched about the place, singing and shouting at 
 midnight, 'Come to Christ! Come to Christ!' This is 
 narrated in Miss Caulkins' History of New London. 
 A great religious revival was in progress at that time. 
 Much good doubtless resulted in both instances, 
 although seemingly odd and out of place in the opinion 
 of many. 
 
 " One remarkable feature of the revival alluded to, 
 was the ingathering of an unusual number of adults into 
 the difi'erent churches. This was the great character 
 of the mterest; and for a number of weeks in passing 
 
222 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 the streets of the city at night from almost numberless 
 dwellings, the voice of prayer might be heard, often 
 mingled with praise from those who were rejoicing in 
 new-born hopes. It seemed sometimes as if the whole 
 city was moved by the power of the eternal world. 
 
 " It is estimated that the number of those who 
 became subjects of grace in New London and vicinity, 
 was not less than one thousand. .Instances might be 
 mentioned where those on board of vessels in the river, 
 and strangers in the place, would suddenly become 
 interested and converted under th-e most remarkable 
 drcumstances, so much so as almost to confound even 
 those who had the fullest confidence in the work. 
 Sometimes the appeals of Elder Swan from the pulpit 
 were such as to draw especially the attention of those 
 who were sceptical in their opinions. We remember on 
 one occasion a person occupying a position in the gallery 
 of the church, taking notes of the sermon. This being 
 noticed by the preacher, he directed some characteristic 
 remarks to the person in question, which quickly turned 
 the attention of the audience in that direction. The 
 person was one well known to be an opposer of religion, 
 and was not the gainer by this uncalled-for exhibition 
 of his hate to Elder Swan and the cause he advocated. 
 
 " On another occasion several persons attended one 
 of the Elder's evening meetings, and as soon as there 
 was an opportunity one of their number arose and 
 began to talk on subjects not in accordance with the 
 object of the meeting. He was requested to desist; but 
 he continued in spite of all that could be said. He was 
 removed from the house, and much condemnation was 
 showered upou the heads of the Baptist church in con- 
 sequence. But that those persons went to the meeting 
 
EEV. JABEZ g. SWAN. , 223 
 
 on purpose to bring themselves into notoriety, and to 
 court what they would call persecution, is- certain. 
 
 " On another occasion during the meetings, a large 
 crowd of young men and boys came into the middle 
 aisle of the church and showed some contempt for the 
 services, and a disposition to make disturbance, wearing 
 their hats. At the time they were severely reproved, 
 and deservedly so, by the preacher, and they were glad 
 to beat a hasty retreat to save themselves from the 
 clutches of the law, which should have been meted out 
 to them for their infamous conduct. 
 
 " The opposition to Mr. Swan and the cause he advo- 
 cated was very decided and bitter about this time. The 
 Universalist society purchased a lot of land on Hun- 
 tington street and erected a house of worship; and it 
 was said by many that Elder Swan's denunciations of 
 Universalism did much toward its erection; and it was 
 also claimed that the Elder said, in reply to those asser- 
 tions, that the time would come when an orthodox 
 gospel would be preached from the pulpit of the house 
 ia question. Be that as it may, in due time the ortho- 
 dox faith was proclaimed from the pulpit by Elder 
 Swan himself, and the house is at present the property 
 of the Huntington Street Baptist church. 
 
 " We have thus'far given a hasty sketch of the revi- 
 val which followed the coming of Elder Swan to New 
 London, with a few of the many incidents that took 
 place; but it is only a small part of what happened at 
 that time. Should any one undertake to give a minute 
 history of the revival in question, such an one would 
 have a chance to fill a volume. Should the self-sacri- 
 ficing labors of such men as the Deacons Harris, Wea- 
 ver, Latham, and a host of others, be given to the world 
 
224 ITINERANT LABOES OF 
 
 as they were, it would appear tliat a much greater work 
 was performed than we have any real idea of. This 
 was thirty years ago; but many of the most faithful 
 and exemplary christian men and women to be found in 
 the evangelical churches in our city to-day, look back 
 to that time as the crisis of their lives when they chose 
 the good part. 
 
 " After his pastorate of the First Baptist churcl^, Mr. 
 Swan was for a while in Albany, New York, where his 
 labors were crowned with success. Subsec[uently he 
 returned to New London and became pastor of the 
 Huntington Street Baptist church, where his ministry 
 was highly successful, and large numbers were added to 
 that church. 
 
 " We remember being present at the dedication ser- 
 vice at that church; and among other clergymen present 
 was the Eev. Mr. Cook, of Jewett City, an able and 
 zea,lous laborer in the cause, remarkable for his bold- 
 ness in preaching. There was a sort of novelty attend- 
 ing this dedication, as it had recently been purchased 
 from the Universalists^ under circumstances which gave 
 rise to much speculation respecting the train of circum- 
 stances which brought about the change. This was not 
 at all to be wondered at, when we take into considera- 
 tion the feeling which existed between, the two denomi- 
 nations in New London. 
 
 "An incident in connection with the Elder's ministry 
 with this church must not be forgotten. Just pre- 
 viously to the April election, the great issue was the 
 MaineLaw question. On the morning of Election day, 
 quite early, there was a prayer meeting at this church 
 for the success of the Maine Law ticket. Among those 
 Dresent were Deacon Isaac Harris, and a Brother 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 225 
 
 W . This Brother W , a democrat, was about 
 
 to engage in prayer, and was observed by Deacon 
 Harris, who said aloud, in a style peculiar to himself, 
 ' Lord help the democrat to pray.' The meeting was ■ 
 of course a good one, and was well attended by a host 
 of Temperance men and women. 
 
 "The last settlement of Mr. Swan as a pas .or in 
 New London was with the Second Baptist chiirch, 
 which was his third pastorate in the city; he having 
 served all three of Baptist churches; a very unusual 
 circumstance, which shows conclusively how much he 
 was loved and esteemed by the people of the city. His 
 ministry with this church was of shorter duration than 
 with the other two, though it was crowned with his 
 usual success. Elder Swan was often found in other 
 pulpits than his own. His catholicity of spirit toward 
 other christian bodies, has always made him a favorite 
 and popular preacher. The Congregationalists .and 
 Methodists frequently sought his council and advice, 
 and occasionally secured his services in their pulpits.- 
 Beside that, his services were called for frequently out 
 of his own town, as an evangelist. Norwich, Mystic, 
 Jewett City, and other places in their vicinity, and at a 
 distance, found in him one who was untiring in his ex- 
 ertions to preach the gospel to allclasses and conditions 
 of men. 
 
 " The last place of his pastoral care was in the town 
 of Waterford, in New London county, over the church 
 where the good Elder Darrow labored for many years. 
 Here his labors have been greatly successful, and large 
 numbers have been baptized and added to the church. 
 This church is a prominent one in the denomi];iation, in 
 eastern Connecticut; and from this sprung the Baptist 
 15 
 
226 ITINEEANT LABOBS OF 
 
 church in New London. Those churches in and ahout 
 this part of New London county, have always been 
 considered as firm in the faith and order of the de- 
 nomination, exerting a large influence in the religious 
 welfare of the communities where they are situated; 
 and the name of Mr. Swan has become fitly associated 
 with that of Darrow, and Burrows, and West, and 
 others who have passed away, and left a rich legacy 
 behind, by their lives of devotion and fidelity to the 
 christian ministry. 
 
 " Although Eldsr Swan belongs to the Baptist de- 
 nomination, and is a Baptist in every sense of the 
 word, yet he is a liberal man, and to a large extent 
 belongs to the people. Every christian denomination 
 can claim him as a staunch advocate of the doctrines 
 and principles held in common by evangelical chris- 
 tians. All have shared in and been benefited by his 
 labors. It has been estimated that he has baptized 
 nearly or quite 8,000 persons, and full 10,000 have 
 been converted during his ministry. Of these, many 
 hundreds, of course, connected themselves with other 
 denominations, carrying with them zeal and activity 
 which lighted the fires of de.votion on hundreds of altars 
 which otherwise never would have burned so brightly; 
 and in this way his spirit, zeal and power have been felt 
 very generally. His eccentric way of expression, and 
 bis peculiar style of preaching, have contributed largely 
 to his usefulness, and served in an eminent degree to 
 forward the work for which he ?s justly celebrated. 
 
 " We have said that Mr. Swan was a friend to every 
 one, and was sometimes placed prominently where this 
 was appreciated by all; and th*? people without de- 
 stinction of sect or party, showed their respect for him. 
 
HE 7. JABEZ g. SWAN." 227 
 
 He was ofton called to preside at conventions, associa- 
 tions and ordinations. In his own denomination, defer- 
 ence was shown him from all. He was one of the 
 hearers at the funeral of'Eev. Doctor McEwen the 
 former beloved pastor of the First Congregational 
 church in New London, a man of great ability and 
 profoundly respected by all who knew him; and it has 
 been said by some that Doctor McEwen's mantle had 
 fallen upon the shoulders of Elder Swan in his being 
 the next oldest and most venerated minister in New 
 London. 
 
 "To show how true it is that the love and affection 
 of the christian citizens of New London are with him, 
 we need only say that on the fiftieth aniversary of his 
 marriage, or golden wedding as some call it, hundreds 
 were present, including the pastors of two Congrega- 
 tional churches, Doctor Daggett and Doctor Fields with 
 many of their people, and left a large and generous 
 contribution as a token of friendship and esteem. 
 Other christian bodies were freely represented, and 
 left substantial evidence of their Igve and appreciation 
 for him. These things go to show how this good man 
 is venerated in the community where for thirty years 
 he has devoted much of his time in preaching the gos- 
 pel, and pointing men to the Lamb of God who taketh 
 away the sin of the world. 
 
 "But the people will not forget Elder Swan, long af- 
 ter he shall have gone to the grave ; his sayings, his 
 doings, and his examples, will live, and his name will 
 long be associated with every ' christian movement cal- 
 culated to elevate and bless mankind. His ministry 
 from the time he began to preach to the present time, 
 has been crowned by a success rarely granted to any 
 
228 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 man. In season and out of season, he lias preached the 
 gospel to all classes, and conditions of men. Through 
 storms and sunshine he always larbored seeking the 
 glory of the Master rather than his own; and we think 
 that few ministers of Christ will at last have more stars 
 in their crown of rejoicing that Elder Swan. 
 
 "Mr. Swan is one of nature's noblemen. In him is 
 combined, to an unusual extent, the graces which make 
 the man and the christian. These secure for himself 
 the confidence, esteem and affection of all who know 
 him. In conversation he is at home on , almost any 
 subject. In his public intercourse he is the personifi- 
 cation of the true gentleman. No one, however humble 
 will go from his presence without receiving that atten- 
 tion and deference which his generous nature accords 
 to every one. No subject worthy of notice will be 
 passed over lightly by him without receiving that re- 
 gard of which it is deserving. And no person ever 
 wetot to him in distress, either in body or mind, but 
 they had their full share of kindness and sympathy 
 from him. In short he shows in an eminent degree the 
 real greatness of a christian gentleman, blended with a 
 childlike simplicity, which must command the admira- 
 tion of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. 
 
 " Elder ' Swan is now, August twenty-fourth, 1873, 
 supplying a pulpit in New London for a short time in 
 the absence of the pastor, and preaches with all the 
 energy of twenty years ago; and although more than 
 three score years and ten have passed over him, he is yet 
 smart and active, ready to labor as ever. He has dur- 
 ing the last few years in New London, preached more 
 or less in revivals to great acceptance, and we hope the 
 time is far in the future when he will be obliged to retire 
 
feEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 229 
 
 from the field. May' the great head of the church, who 
 has watched over him and crowned his labors with so 
 much success, still be his support, and . be with him 
 through the changing scenes of life, that at its close he 
 may be like one of old, and say, ' Lord now let thy 
 servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy 
 salvation.' 
 
 " In April, 1867, Eev. J. D. Potter held meetings 
 for several days with the Second Congregational church 
 in our city, during a powerful revival. Elder Swan 
 attended several of the meetings, and assisted in the 
 services, to great acceptance, and was in full fellowship 
 with the movement." 
 
 John H. Crocker. 
 
 New London, Conn., August, 1873. I 
 
 We here add the testimony of Deacon John Niles, 
 a worthy officer of the Congregational church in Salem, 
 Connecticut: 
 
 " I owe my conversion to Elder Swan. In 1842,- at 
 the time of the great revival in New London, I drove 
 some stock to Uncle Isaac Harris, the butcher, deacon 
 of the Baptist church. Having driven some distance, 
 arriving about noon, I was asked to dine with him, and 
 consented. At his house he introduced me to Elder 
 Swan, saying, 'AH this man lacks is the grace of Grod; 
 for he deals uprightly between man and man.' Elder 
 Swan asked me if I did not think it was time I began 
 to think of the salvation of my soul. I told him 
 that I always intended to get religion at some time, but 
 had not found time yet. After dinner Elder Swan said, 
 ' We never allow unconverted persons to come here and 
 go away without having a season of prayer with them.' 
 
230 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 'S 
 
 He then asked me to go up into his room, where was 
 Eev. B. Cook, Deacon Harris and wife and daughter. 
 These all prayed for me. Before Elder Swan prayed 
 he wanted me to do all I could for myself, and I prom- 
 ised him I would. He urged me to promise that I 
 would set out in earnest to seek my salvation, and I 
 gave him such promise. He then prayed, and asked 
 the Lord, among other things, thaj; I might obtain fire 
 from Grod's altar, and go home and set the standing corn 
 of the Philistines on fire.' 
 
 " I went home with a heavy load on my heart; that 
 prayer was sounding in my ears. I told my wife my 
 determination was to seek Christ. A few evenings 
 after, the Methodists had a watch meeting, and I 
 reached the meeting near its close. The cLuestion was 
 asked if there was any one present who wanted to be 
 prayed for ? I arose. They asked me what. I wanted. 
 I replied, I meant to seek salvation, and wanted a meet- 
 ing appointed at my house the next Tuesday evening. 
 I " The meeting was held; and then I was converted. 
 And it resulted as Elder Swan had prayed. The fire 
 was carried into the standing corn. Many of the stout 
 hearted were converted, and we had a blessed time in 
 that neighborhood that winter. I give God the glory, 
 but there was a human agency, and that was Elder 
 Swan." 
 
 John Niles. 
 
 August, 1873., 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 
 
 
 As supplementary to the foregoing ],iapers we sele-et 
 a fe\v pertinent paragraphs from 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD. 
 " I commenced with the First Baptist churuh in 
 New London on Bahhath, in the ohl house ou tlie rocks. 
 
 i 
 
 m 
 
 
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 - . ■■■■■■■':. 
 
 '3'' 
 
 ':'"! 
 
 IMlilPSiESgg: 
 
 
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 JLZ 
 
 "_ _ -~~z^^- — '_ 
 
 ^^^^4^ 
 
 j^^ 
 
 ^^lirr 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 S^^ 
 
 ^^^fe 
 
 ^^^^ 
 
 ^^ 
 
 ^S"* 
 
 
 
 *^^- 
 
 SJj'JS^'^-i-^--^^ : ". -■■ 
 
 FMlST ^J'T'TIST CHUrRCH, 
 
 iN(EW LONDOlNi;, CONN. 
 
 OCTOBER, \M% 
 
 My first text was 'Before honor is limnility.' Ecv.^ 
 Henry R. Knapp was the pastor^ a most devoted ser- 
 vant of Christ. The churchy during tlje two preceding 
 
232 ITINEKANT LABORS OF 
 
 years, had enjoyed two precious revivals, and the com 
 verts were full of active life. To set apart time in the 
 third year for special efforts, looked a little like the 
 ' plowman overtaking the reapers.' Yet the church 
 seemed intent on launching out into the deep and let- 
 ting down the net for another draught. 
 
 "All sorts of reports were soon raised about our 
 meetings arid myself All Satan's old tactics were 
 brought into requisition, and some of a new variety. 
 At the close of the iirst month, however, we had bap- 
 tized, I think, one hundred. 
 
 "At the time of the meeting we had no Baptist 
 church on the opposite side of the! river — Groton Bank. 
 Conversions there multiplied to such an extent that 
 shortly a church was organized, now the Groton Bank 
 Baptist church, having a happy and flourishing life. 
 
 " My home at this time, in New London, was with 
 Deacon Isaac Harris, from whom, as also from his most 
 amiable wife and family, I received the utmost kind- 
 ness. Into this house the salvation of God frequently 
 came. Kev. George E. Darrow, then a young man, 
 was a member of the family, an interesting young man, 
 but unconverted. Great anxiety was felt for him. We 
 had one room in the house called the prayer room, to 
 which inquirers also were often invited. George at 
 length gave evidence that God had really apprehended 
 him. Increasing prayer from the family went up to 
 God; late into the hours of the night, and at the break 
 of day, the cry was heard for George; once it continued 
 till two o'clock in the morning. Finally George yielded 
 his heart to Christ, arose in joy and followed Christ 
 into the baptismal grave. 
 
 "A brother of Deacon P. C. Turner was invited to 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 23Si 
 
 Our prayer room, and there found salvation. Deacon 
 Richard Harris invited a gentleman of his acquain- 
 tance to the same Bethel room, after the services had 
 closed in the church, the man promising to give himself 
 to Christ. For him we held on in prayer till about one 
 o'clock in the night, when Grod brought him into liberty. 
 After the ancient example, though a little later in the 
 night, we resorted to the river, sang praises, offered 
 prayer, and baptized him who had believed. 
 
 " A man, on board a United States gun-boat in the 
 harbor, standing watch on deck, heard the singing and 
 praying, and was led to seek his Grod. He came on 
 shore and followed his Lord' s example in baptism on 
 the sacred spot where the high praises of God were rung 
 out under the stars, on the serene stillness of night, 
 like the song of the shepherds in concert with a portion 
 of the choir of heaven. 
 
 " The Universalists were offended with our work, 
 and especially with me for alluding to their creed. 
 They did their utmost in opposing us and the measures 
 we took to save souls. I could never see, if all men are 
 to be saved, why any should oppose their salvation. 
 But while we were at work day and night to turn men 
 away from their sins, these Universalists became more 
 and more opposed to us. At lei^gth they purchased a 
 lot and commenced to build a meeting house. The 
 timid now exclaimed, 'Elder Swan has done more to 
 build up Universalism than all that was ever done 
 before.' I replied, 'Wait till I have done with it.' I 
 did my utmost, in my way, to have them go ahead, as 
 they themselves will testify. I said when it was done 
 I would preach and hold a protracted meeting in it, as 
 I finally did. 
 
234 ITINERANT LABORS 01* 
 
 " In my work Id seeking to save men, I have followed, 
 as I still intend to follow, the truth of God as it is re- 
 vealed. I have often said, if Universalism is true, the 
 clause of the sermon on the mount which reads, 'Wide 
 is the gate, and hroad is the way, that leads to de- 
 struction,' and many there be which go in thereat; 
 while strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that 
 leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it,' ought 
 to be translated. Wide is the gate, and broad is the 
 way, that leads to heaven, and all will go there; while 
 strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth 
 to destruction, and no one can find it. Abner Knee- 
 land, in his translation of the New Testament, failed of 
 giving the passage this rendering. 
 
 " It never gave me pleasure to oppose any class of 
 my fellow men for religious views. But on the other 
 hand, I am honest in my views as a preacher of the 
 gospel. I should be a traitor to God and men, and even 
 unfaithful to Universalists, if I did not oppose their 
 whole scheme as fallacious and destructive. In this I 
 stand like all my evangelical brethren. The only ques- 
 tion is, as to the best way to sap the foundation of 
 errorists, and give to them a better hope than one built 
 upon sand. 
 
 " I think those who remember the revival of 1842, 
 will testify that all was done to oppose us which human 
 ingenuity could invent, led by the Prince of the power 
 of the air. The end of the second month of the meet- 
 ing witnessed about one hundred more added to the 
 church. Some of the churches around us engaged in 
 the good work, and the interest became general. A 
 marked feature of the work was in the conversion of 
 men of the sea, and among them some of the noblest 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 235 
 
 inen that ever sailed the ocean. Many too came from 
 the region round about, some even from Norwich, and 
 found the salvation of God. 
 
 "I remember the case of one gentleman of good 
 standing in the community, who came into the meeting 
 and said, ' I have been trying to attend to my business, 
 but am compelled to leave it and come to the house of 
 God. If hell is any hotter than my bed, I pity those 
 who are there.' He was converted and baptized. His 
 wife immediately followed him, and her baptism was 
 remarkable. She insisted on going right forward , 
 though I thought the sea, on account of the heavy 
 southeast storm, was quite too rough. She would not 
 be put off. We resorted to the harbor amid' falling 
 rain and raging winds. As we descended, she walked 
 ahead of me, nothing intimidated by the breaking 
 waves. And as I buried her with Christ, by baptism, 
 into death, an incoming wave submerged us both, and 
 we were 'baptized in the cloud and in the sea.' All 
 passed off in order, and we all praised the Lord in full- 
 ness of heart. Then husband and wife were happy, 
 being joined to the Lord, and of one spirit. 
 
 " Eeligion became the topic of conversation every- 
 where. Everybody was for or against it. I was the 
 chief target for marksmen. Some of the lies put in 
 circulation were amusing. One was that I left my 
 family in Norwich, New York, suffering for the com- 
 forts of life. Another was, that my friends were boxing 
 up dry goods and sending them to my family. I 
 wheeled the two falsehoods face to face, like two of the 
 kine which «wam the river in the time of Pharaoh and 
 fed on the meadow — one extremely lean and the other 
 fat. Another of the lies set afloat was, that I had made 
 
236 JTINEEANT LABOfeS OB* 
 
 a contract with the church to receive, for every five con^ 
 verts, one barrel of sword fish. I remember the man 
 who put this in motion and sent it abroad; and I can- 
 not forget the way in which he closed up -with earth. 
 
 " Letters were written to Norwich, New York, about 
 my character and standing there. Q-eneral DeForest, 
 an Episcopalian, a most worthy christian gentleman, 
 responded, endorsing me and my work. Another gen- 
 tleman responded who had been a Universalist, and 
 who, they supposed, still belonged to that order. His 
 reply gave an account of his conversion to God, and 
 contained a recommendation such as a christian heart 
 would dictate. 
 
 "So the walls of God's spiritual building went 
 steadily up. Great multitudes resorted to the water 
 to witness the ordinance of baptism. Husbands and 
 wives, parents and children, put on Christ. 
 
 " The interest was much increased by the union of 
 our Methodist brethren with us in our baptismal scenes. 
 Their pastor, church, and converts, mingled freely at 
 the water side, whither they had come to bury the 
 obedient with Christ in baptism. 
 
 " I believe the meetings continued about eleven weeks, 
 and the additions to the church were nearly three hun- 
 dred. Our meetings closed on a full tide. The last 
 communion season, before the meetings closed, was very 
 impressive. Some three hundred newly added members 
 were seated with the church. All hearts seemed filled 
 with the fullness of God." 
 
OHAPTE-K XIY. 
 
 EEVIVAL IN ALBANY, NEW YORK. 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD! — the way phepaebd. — the MBBTma 
 
 HOUSE. — MILUEEISM. — OLD TBUTHS. — GENERAL INTEBBST. — DEEP 
 WOItK. — LATE MEETINGS. — CLOUD OF WITNESSES. — AGED -WOKK- 
 BES. — BAPTISTERY. — NUMBEB OP CONVBBTS.— S. M. PISH. — DEACON 
 WASSON. — AN ATHEIST. — OTHER CHURCHES. — BBPORTBRS. — ^DAILY 
 
 PAPERS. DOCTOR "WELCH. EEV. L. RAYMOND. ^RESULTS. 
 
 RALLYING TEXT. THREE HUNDRED. PAREWBLL SERVICE. 
 
 parting; — ^year's WORK. 
 
 " Shoktly after closing my labors in New London, 
 Connecticut, I commenced a protracted meeting with 
 the Green Street Baptist church in Albany, New York. 
 I never had my way so effectively prepared for a suc- 
 cessful effort in my life. Those who were interested to 
 blight my hopes and annihilate my influence for good, 
 had collected all they could find which had been pub- 
 lished in the Universalist paper, at Utica, called the 
 ' Gospel Advocate and EvangeKcal Magazine ' — more 
 properly the Gospel Libeler and Diabolical Machine — 
 which with all sorts, gathered from all quarters, was 
 bound up in pamphlet form and distributed through 
 all the rum shops and dens of iniquity, and spread 
 broadcast in the city. I presume had I expended a 
 thousand dollars in advertising, I could not have aroused 
 such an anxiety to hear him who was reported as com- 
 ing to turn things upside down. 
 
 " The Green Street meeting house was very large, 
 having been built for a theatre. While it was in pro- 
 
238 ITINERANT LABOES OF 
 
 ' gress, as I was told, an elderly lady, a member of the 
 First Baptist Churcli in Albany, was passing through 
 Green street, and when she reached the mass of build- 
 ing materials, . the thought came over her that her 
 church had no sanctuary, and here the Devil was at 
 work building for the purpose of destroying souls. She 
 stopped where she was and sent up a cry to God to give 
 that building to the Baptists. True to his word, God 
 answered prayer. Of course Satan, by some means, 
 found out how that engine for the damnation of souls 
 was wrested from his grasp by the power of prayer, and 
 strove mightily to oppose building up Christ's cause on 
 that spot which he had foreordained as a highway to 
 hell. The church was now well united and prepared 
 for welcoming refreshings from the presence of the Lord. 
 " The year 1843 had now commenced, and the Mil- 
 lerite excitement was upon the country with all its 
 force. Notwithstanding all the unhappy results which 
 followed it, a general awakening was produced which 
 favored an effort to rally the people to go up to hear 
 the gospel. An excitement was in Albany when we 
 commenced. Instead of attempting to work with the 
 Millerite excitement I began with the church on the 
 first principles laid down by Christ. For some two 
 weeks I held to such truths as this, ' Restore unto me 
 the joys of thy salvation, uphold me by thy Spirit; then 
 will I teach transgressors tty ways, and sinners shall 
 be converted unto thee;' — preparation — teaching — 
 converting results. 
 
 "A tide of life began lo flow through the church. 
 But every thing outside was acting with a hurricane 
 power. The Millerite meetings were thronged by mul- 
 titudes of the devout from the different denominations, 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 239 
 
 praying for the conversion of men, and exulting in view 
 of the immediate appearing of Christ. With these 
 forces all at work, and the powers of the pit bent in 
 to oppose, a remarkable state of things was produced. 
 Notwithstanding all this, in our sanctuary deep solemn- 
 ity prevailed. The work advanced with steadiness. The 
 power of the Holy Spirit was upon the church binding 
 them to the cross of Christ and to his work, as gravi- 
 tation binds together the parts of the material universe. 
 " One of the hardest things to control was to induce 
 our congregation to retire from the sanctuary when our 
 meetings were dismissed. Many tarried till ten and 
 eleven o'clock at night. In the church at this time 
 were many aged pilgrims, such as Deacons Woodruff, 
 Wasson, and Salden, men full of the Holy Spirit and 
 of faith, men of great steadiness, firmness, and confi- 
 dence in God. The coming up of the anxious for 
 prayers was like the rising of a cloud of witnesses to 
 the power of God; and the testimony of converts to 
 the goodness of the Lord was mingled with our devo- 
 tions; and larger numbers were soon asking for ad- 
 mittance to the church. 
 
 " The church was furnished with a v§ry commodious 
 baptistery, having room for two administrators and two 
 candidates at the same time. In a short time one 
 hundred happy souls were baptized into the church on 
 profession of their faith. The converts were mostly 
 youth, with here and there one in middle life, some 
 husbands, some wives. The old Green Street church 
 was wonderfully steadfast, immoveable and abounding 
 in the work of the Lord; nothing terrified by their ad- 
 versaries. The surface waters were exceedingly troubled, 
 
240 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 but beneath all there were depths heaving in a ground 
 swell that set at defiance the very gates of hell. 
 
 " Finally men of might began to bow and break 
 before God's mighty forces. I was called on, with a 
 friend, to visit Mr. Sands M. Fish, a man of great 
 positiveness of character, a man formerly of my own 
 state (Groton, Conn). We called on his family in the 
 afternoon, before he came in from his business, and 
 freely conversed with them. His wife had long pro- 
 fessed religion, but never prayed in the hearing of any 
 mortal. I could not get a pledge from her to pray with 
 her husband, but a kind of silence warranted the hope 
 that she finally would. When Mr. Fish came in I in- 
 formed him of our conversation and our desire to 
 engage in prayer especially for him that he might be 
 converted to God. Consent was soon given. After we 
 had prayed, his wife led on in a most fervent supplica- 
 tion for her husband. When her prayer closed, Mr. 
 Fish commenced, and a more penitential petition I 
 never heard. When he closed, he called on the sister 
 of his wife, a young lady, who hesitated for a moment, 
 then broke out and entreated the Lord for mercy. I 
 believed then, and was afterwards assured by their 
 lives, that God redeemed them on the spot. Soon the 
 voice of Mr. Fish was heard in our meetings. And his 
 efforts with his fellow merchants were followed with 
 wonderful success. Of that class of men many were 
 obedient to the faith. 
 
 " Conversions multiplied daily. When those desiring 
 prayers became very numerous Deacon Wasson asked 
 me to go with him to see a friend, a gentleman who 
 bad attended the Green Street meetings for forty years, 
 contributing to sustain the church and permitting the 
 
KEV, JABEZ S. SWAN. 241 
 
 church, to tax him for its support. He seemed like 
 Joseph of Arimathea. His heart gave way, and he 
 bowed to Christ and found redemption. 
 
 " One bold atheist was converted. He avowed to me 
 that he utterly disbelieved in the existence of a Grod, 
 I pressed him to go up for prayers, and he finally con- 
 sented. Finally his wife came with him. He would 
 rise up occasionally and say that he felt no differently, 
 but came forward on the invitation of Elder Swan, 
 His wife soon found Christ and manifested much joy. 
 One evening on returning from meeting she induced him 
 to join her in prayer. As his wife was praying for his 
 salvation, it was more than he could endure. Convic- 
 tion seized him like an armed man. He called on the 
 Lard and his cry was heard, and salvation came down. 
 When fairly in the light he was the happiest of men, 
 I have found it of great benefit to very many to take a 
 step in the right direction while they expressed a dis- 
 belief of the whole thing. The blind man saw his 
 account in being in the highway when' Jesus passed by. 
 Others have been similarly blessed, 
 
 " While the work of the Lord moved on trium- 
 phantly with us, other churches opened their sanctua- 
 ries, until it was reported that fourteen protracted 
 meetings were in progress at the same time; and in all 
 three thousand were reported as converted to God. 
 The papers of the city often noticed the progress 
 of the work. A couple of dailies kept reporters in 
 our meetings, and their reports were distributed broad- 
 cast over the whole region. And the reports were 
 of just the character calculated to create an anxiety 
 among the people to come and hear for themselves. I 
 presumed the editors owed neither me nor the meetings 
 16 
 
242 ITINERANT LABORS OF 
 
 any- ill will, but they saw reasons for giving the meet- 
 ings a setting out which could not easily be surpassed 
 by poet or painter. 
 
 " On one occasion we baptized sixty-two converts. 
 Eev. B. T. Welch D. D., came in to see us, and, as 
 this large display of grace was in the church of his first 
 pastoral charge in Albany, he seemed deeply interested. 
 Finally he opened his sanctuary and obtained an 
 evangelist, Eev. Lewis Eaymond of revival fame, and 
 God poured salvation upon the people. The current of 
 life . swept on in all directions and great were the 
 triumphs of Him who is mighty to save. 
 
 " One evening I preached from the text, 'Lay hold 
 on eternal life.' While preaching, one poor broken 
 hearted sinner did lay hold of Christ by faith, and, at 
 the close of the sermon, published his faith and joy. 
 The pastor of the church, Eev. J. M. Coley, was so 
 moved by the subject that he went into the gallery and 
 cried in the ears of all, 'Lay hold on eternal life !' The 
 power of Grod followed the appeal, and strong men 
 were bowed to the scepter of Christ. Before the meet- 
 ing closed, we baptized the three hundredth convert 
 into the Green Street church. 
 
 " The time at length came for me to turn from all 
 that fruitful interest to elsewhere seek a bride for piy 
 Master. The morning I was to leave it was thought 
 best to meet at the church for prayer and a kind of 
 farewell service. When I arrived there the lower part 
 of the house was well nigh full. When the service was 
 over, the company took to the side walk, and I think 
 more than a thousand fell into the procession to accom- 
 pany me to the cars. Eeaching the depot before car- 
 time, I obtained leave of the station keeper to occupy^ 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 243 
 
 the depot for religious services. Among the multitude 
 ■were many ministers, and eminent men, and chief 
 women not a few. Friend Humphrey of honorable 
 memory was present. Here in the depot God also re- 
 vealed his presence. Our parting was like the ancient 
 parting of converts with Paul when he knelt upon the 
 sho're of the sea and committed them to Christ, though 
 the apostolic scene was in advance of ours. 
 
 " I found, on looking over my year's work, that be-, 
 tween twelve and fourteen hundred had hopefully found 
 Christ under my labors. The most of these I assisted 
 in baptizing. Besides these very many were converted 
 who united with other evangelical churches of differ-: 
 ent denomina,tions,'' 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 PASTOEATE IN NEW LONDON, CONN. 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD ; — woek. — s. u. association. father 
 
 PECK. EBTTVAL in VOLUNTOWN. — FACTORIES. —trUCLE S. AND 
 
 FAMILY. — BBVrVAL IN NORWICH, CONN. — ^WORKERS. — REVTVAI, IN 
 GEBENPOET,L. I. — ^VIBWS. — B. COOK. — WINDS. — THE SPIRIT. — DBA. 
 HARRIS. — LETTING GO. -SEA CAPTAIN. — HOME.— SECRET SOOIBTIES.- 
 LBSBONS. — morgan's MDRDBR. — DIVISIONS. — COUNCIL. — N.L. ASSO- 
 CIATION. — SATAN'S FOOT.— BENEVOLENCES. 
 
 "Before I left Albany, a committee from the First 
 Baptist church in New London, Connecticut, came and 
 invited me to accept a call to become pastor of that 
 church. Taking time to consider the matter, I finally 
 wrote to the church that I would consent and enter 
 upon my labors in the following spring. I made them 
 a visit however before my settlement. Finally in the 
 early part of May, 1843, I commenced my pastoral 
 duties under the heaviest responsibilities I had ever 
 assumed. The church received me with great Idndness 
 and christian aifection. We soon districted the church 
 and had conferences in different localities, as all could 
 not meet in the vestry for want of room. Our meet- 
 ings were full and all were ready to engage in the work 
 of the Lord. 
 
 " In June following I attended the Stonington Union 
 Association which met at Voluntown. For the degree 
 of interest, no such meeting had ever been held in the 
 seventy years of the Association's history." (The 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 245 
 
 aggregate additions were eleven hundred and forty- 
 eiglit, of which nine hundred and forty-three were by 
 baptism- Four new churches were present, knocking 
 for admittance.' W. H. Potter.) " Our active and 
 devoted revival ministers were on hand, Ira K. Steward, 
 Nathan Wildman, Levi Meech, Benajah Cook, Erastus 
 Denison, Henry E. Knapp, C. S. Weaver, CO. Lewis, 
 A. G. Palmer, Peleg Peckham, Alfred Gates, Bradley 
 Miner, John H. Baker, William Palmer, Oharles Ean- 
 dall. Among the visiting ministers were Eev. Archi- 
 bald Maclay, D. D., Father John Peck, and John M. 
 Peck, D. D., all of whom have received their welcome 
 to the heavenly home. And if ever the messengers of 
 the churches were the glory of Christ, they were this 
 year. The meeting and greeting of so many devoted 
 friends of Christ reminded us of the meeting at 
 Antioch in the days of the apostles, where, seeing the, 
 grace of Godj they were glad. The interest of the 
 meeting was great in the beginning, and whatever order 
 was pursued, all contributed to render the cloud of the 
 divine presence more manifest, and to cause it to settle 
 within and abound the sanctuary. 
 
 " Father John Peck, it will be remembered, was 
 very feeble during the last years of his life. With a 
 pale countenance and difficult respiration he now looked 
 like a dying man. I suggested that we suspend busi- 
 ness and pray for him. Brethren Steward, Cook, 
 Wildman^ Gates, Weaver and myself with others 
 offered prayer for his healing. This season of prayer 
 seemed like a baptism from heaven, as though the scene 
 of the transfiguration was re-enacted. When supplica- 
 tion ceased, Father Peck looked like another man; his 
 whole appearance was changed; and the smile that lit 
 
246 fii'tH pastorate 01* 
 
 up his countenance seemed like the ointment poured on 
 the head of Aaron. He declared that while prayer was 
 being offered, he felt healing come into his body, and 
 we know that for years following he did noble service 
 for the Missionary Society he had so long served and 
 loved." 
 
 REVIVAL IN VOLDNTOWir, CONNECTICUT. 
 
 " Awhile aftpr the Association meeting, in an inter- 
 view with Eev. 0. S. Weaver, the pastor of the Bap- 
 tist church in Voluntown, he- said to me, ' I was in the 
 woods the other day and saw fifteeii men on their faces 
 upon the ground praying Grod to send you to Volun- 
 town.' This place in the woods was a bower of prayer 
 where brethren resorted. The Association had left 
 blessings like fragments that needed to be gathered up. 
 The thought of these fifteen men praying in this way 
 had made an impression on my mind that followed me 
 day and night, till finally I laid the matter before the 
 church, stating my conviction of duty to go to Volun- 
 town, and asked them to sen.d one of the deacons of the 
 church with me. The church consented and gave me 
 Deacon Grilbert Kogers as a. fellow laborer. On. the 
 Monday following we left, and arrived in Voluntown 
 near night, in a rain storm. Yet information was cir- 
 culated in the two villages that I would preach in the 
 evening. We concluded to appoint meetings for after- 
 noons and evenings during the week and trust Grod and 
 set up our banners. A profound solemnity was appa- 
 rent; a hearing ear had been given. . 
 
 " In a short time Elder Weaver and myself were sent 
 for to come up to Captaia Treat's factory, being told 
 that God had appeared in the mill. We found a large 
 comnany of young people grouped together near the water 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 247 
 
 wheel crying to God for mercy. The noise of the water, 
 as the wheel was still, was so great that all were invited 
 to the upper room of the mill, which was convenient 
 for a meetmg. . There all hands in the mill assembled, 
 and prayer was offered hour after hour with suitable 
 conversation, for about five hours. At the close. Elder 
 Weaver baptized in the mill pond about five, who were 
 converted. We then dismissed to meet in the afternoon 
 at the church. On my way to dinner I called at a 
 christian home, where two young ladies were deeply 
 anxious. I spoke and prayed with them, and both 
 prayed for themselves, and God appeared for their 
 deliverance on the spot. The meeting in the afternoon, 
 like that of the morning, was crowned witli the power 
 of God; and again we repaired to the water, where 
 other joyful converts followed their Savior into the 
 emblematic grave.- From this time a sea of divine 
 influence seemed stirred to its depths, and wave aftSr 
 wave rolled over us in the sanctuary and into all the 
 homes around us. We sometimes hear of the ' old-fash- 
 ioned revival spirit.' I claim that God here favored his 
 people with that spirit in all its genuineness and power. 
 " An elderly lady, named Lillibridge, from Khode 
 Island, of the Roger Williams type, improved her gift 
 in prayer and exhortation, and her voice, and tears ren- 
 dered the scene like the valley of Baca. Captain Treat 
 had the gates of his mill shut <lown to afford his help 
 an opportunity to secure the salvation of their souls. 
 A different course was pursued at another mill where a 
 host of youth were employed. On a beautiful day a 
 part of the machinery broke down, which precluded the 
 running of the mill till it was repaired. (An account 
 of this will be found in another place. F. D:) In the 
 
24S FIFTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 interim I was sent for to visit the mill, and the help 
 belonging to the premises were called together for 
 prayer. Here followed a scene no pen can describe. 
 Young men, young ladies, boys, girls, and some older 
 persons, all under a visitation from Grod, similar to what 
 Elijah witnessed when in the mouth of the cave. T.er- 
 rors had taken hold on men. There were exhortations, 
 prayers, and shouts of the redeemed. Many from that 
 mill were soon in the fold of Christ. 
 
 " The work spread in all directions. Business was 
 quite generally left like the water pots at the well of 
 Samaria, that others might be invited to Christ. I 
 judge some one hundred were converted to God, most 
 of whom were added to the church. To gather this 
 harvest was work indeed. The heat of summer was 
 upon us; our house was crowded to its utmost capacity; 
 and our meetings were early and late. 
 
 * " A man known as ' Uncle S ' was among the 
 
 converts. He should not be forgotten. He had some 
 good sense when you come down to it, though he lived 
 back of the utmost edge of civilization, and recognized 
 neither Grod, nor Sabbath, nor commandment. If he 
 had ever been in the house of God before I presume he 
 had forgotten it. The team with which he dragged 
 wood to market, a steer yoked with a heifer, and him-' 
 self, were, like the Dutchman's plow, ' ugly handsome.' 
 He and his surroundings would have outdone Barnuin's 
 happy family. Yet he had a heart to be reached, and 
 a family— wife and children — to become jewels for 
 Christ. In looking for the anxious, I found him on 
 the gallery stairs, with his hat muxed up under his 
 arm, and asked him where he was going. He said 
 ' I am going down to be prayed for.' I encouraged him 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 
 
 k^ 
 
 to gq on. I think he was barefooted; and precious 
 little water had lost its transparency by contact with 
 his face or hands or feet. Yet on he went, having 
 fonnd out that he was ruined by sin, and that Christ 
 came to save such sinners as himself. The pastor and 
 church took a deep interest in him, and fervent cries 
 were sent up to God for his conversion. He followed 
 up his honest resolutions till he found reconciliation 
 with God. When he came out the change was very 
 perceptible, as from darkness to light, from death to 
 life, from the power of Satan unto God. The inward 
 change changed him outwardly. When he came up to 
 the house of God again he had a change of raiment for 
 soul and body both. All who loved- Christ welcomed 
 him on the highway to heaven. Very soon his wife and 
 some grown-up children accompanied him to the house 
 of God. Equal interest was felt for these, who were 
 shortly in the fold of Christ. I welcomed no family in 
 that land to my heart and the blessings of the sanctu- 
 ary with a greater warmth. To see this group seated 
 together, neatly attired, in the house of the Lord, inter- 
 ested in the great salvation, called out the exclamation, 
 ' What hath God wrought ?' 
 
 " Keligion improves homes as well as hearts. The 
 improved condition of the soul works outward. Mr. 
 Beecher says the house-dog will find out if his master 
 has been converted. A man once told me that before 
 his conversion he could not get his cattle into the sta- 
 bles, and had "to pall upon Jus neighbors to assist him, 
 but after the lion was changed to the lamb, the cattle 
 became so well aware of it that they readily took their 
 places at night without fear. Such is the power of 
 Christ to transform human character; the lily takes the 
 
250 FIFTH PASTORATE 01* 
 
 place of tile thorn, and the rose of Sharon the place of 
 the infesting briars. 
 
 EBYIYAL IN UOKWICH, CONNECTICTTT. 
 
 " In the fall of 1843, I was called to assist the First 
 Baptist church in Norwich, Connecticut, to whom Eev. 
 William Palmer, was then preaching. The church had 
 so far run down that it was a question whether they 
 would continue. I was assisted by Kevs. B. Cook, and 
 D. D. Lyon. Father Palmer was deeply anxious for 
 the church to live and b'e built up. We continued the 
 meetings about four weeks, and some fifty expressed 
 hope in Christ, a large number of whom were baptized 
 into the church; and others united with the Central 
 Baptist church in. the city. The meeting was well 
 attended and resulted in wonderful revivings. The 
 church and those who were added gave evidence of first 
 giving themselves to the Lord, and then by the will of 
 God to each other. The work wrought was evidently 
 of God, but it went slow. The members of the church 
 were few, but christian friends outside of our denomi- 
 nation contributed of their substance, which we turned 
 wholly into the hands of Father Palmer. A Congre- 
 gational friend when a collection was being taken, put 
 in (supposing it was for me) a check for twenty dollars, 
 which I cheerfully handed over to Elder Palmer. I 
 think I never worked harder a month in my life, and 
 my brothers Cook and Lyon, both hearty workers, did 
 their best. For a financial reward, one of the ministers 
 received fifty cents for the month's work; another noth- 
 ing; and I received from tw.o sources one dollar and 
 twenty-five cents, just about enough to pay repairs on 
 my carriage which I broke while in the service. I 
 regarded our efforts as a preparatory work like 'casting 
 
BEV. JABBZ S. SWAN. 251 
 
 bread upon the waters ' which might be received ' after 
 many days.' In this I was not mistaken as I will at 
 length show. While the meetings were in progress two 
 of the Eev. Alvin Ackley's children attended; viz. his 
 only daughter who was a member of her father's 
 church, and a son, a lad some sixteen or seventeen years 
 of age, who was converted and returned to his father 
 at Greenport, Long Island, to report what God had 
 done for him. Soon the daughter returned home so 
 much revived in mind that she became deeply anxious 
 for the salvation of the multitude around. 
 
 EBVrVAIi ET GRBBNPOBT, LONG ISLAJtD. 
 
 "After our meeting closed at Norwich some of the 
 members of my church at New London having attended 
 and drank so deeply into the spirit of the work,, were led 
 to feel deeply for the cause of Christ inGreenport, Long 
 Island. Elder Ackley had been pastor of the First 
 church in New London in former years, and still stood 
 firm in the confidence of his brethren. His son's con- 
 yersion, and the interest of his daughter for her home 
 acquaintances, called out deep sympathies for Green- 
 port. Brother Ackley stood high as a preacher of 
 the gospel, but his doctrinal views were so highly sea- 
 soned with Calvinism that he was led to doubt and 
 fear lest Evangelical efforts for the revival of God's 
 work would somehow infringe on the doctrine of grace, 
 of which he was an able advocate. In this view he 
 was not alone; all men when converted to God are not 
 converted into the genuine plan of God in revival 
 work. Some men are right from the very beginning of 
 their religious experience on the plan of God in saving 
 sinners. But in the case of some others the mind of 
 Christ in ' saving others with fear pulling them out of 
 
252 
 
 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 the fire,' nevei- entered their head or heart. On this 
 point if they are never converted into it, whatever else 
 may be true of their ministry, they will never be suc- 
 cessful in saving souls. Paul did not hesitate to tell 
 Timothy that in a full compliance with his charge ' he 
 would both save himself and those who heard him.' I 
 think whoever read the epistle to the Romans, or the 
 first chapter of Ephesians, would never doubt Paul's 
 respect for the doctrine of grace as the very Gribraltar 
 of the sea of salvation. I heard of a minister who 
 worked on one spot fourteen years and never saw a soul 
 converted. He was at length invited to join a union 
 noon-day prayer meeting, but gravely replied, 'What if 
 there should be an excitement, and a spurious convert; 
 how should I stand .?' To me his position was like a 
 man who was a fisherman and dared not put his line 
 overboard for fear of taking a dog fish. • It would take 
 more thunder, lightning and earthquakes to arouse such 
 a man than it did to arouse Elijah when he fled from 
 the wrath of Mrs. Jezebel. 
 
 " In my early revival eflbrts I used to be accused of 
 getting ahead of God; and was often told that I should 
 wait for Grod to begin the work; then take hold. My 
 reply to such sayings was, that my Master, Jesus always 
 sent men ahead of him. He sent the disciples, two 
 and two, into all the* cities whither he himself would 
 come. This was not merely incidental, but settled law. 
 A man may be an idol shepherd, with his right eye ut- 
 terly darkened, and his right arm utterly dried up. 
 Paul taught Timothy, who was a bishop, that instead of 
 ranging the gospel field confirming those who had 
 nothing to be confirmed in but their sins and a frozen 
 theory, he ought to do the work of an evangelist, 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. ' 253 
 
 "On a beautiful Sabbath morning in our prayer in 
 the sanctuary, the church and pastor seemed wonder- 
 fully led out in prayer for the Greenport church, their 
 pastor, and that section of country. In a few days a 
 dispatch came from the Island to me to come to Green- 
 port without delay for God was there, and I was wanted. 
 Just before the messenger arrived, I had promised to 
 spend a week at Colchester: Brother J. K. Steward was 
 at work there, and somehow the work of God had come 
 to a stand. I informed the messenger that I must 
 spend the week as above, and then I would come. I 
 requested the messenger to go after Brother Cook and 
 assure him I would join him at the end of a week. 
 Elder Cook returned with the messeUger, and Deacon 
 Eichard Harris joined him, and they entered upon the 
 work. When Sabbath came I preached three times; 
 left Monday for Colchester and preached in the evening, 
 and every successive afternoon and evening till Satur- 
 day, and left the work of the Lord triumphing; returned 
 home and preached three times on the Sabbath. I was 
 on hand and took my place in Green port the Monday 
 following to battle for God. I arrived in the afternoon; 
 a meeting was in progress which left an impression 
 never to be effaced. Deacon Eandall, very highly 
 esteemed in the church, while engaged in prayer said to 
 God, in substance, if it was necessary, in order for the 
 work to prosper, for his life to be taken '0 Lord take it.' 
 The hand of God was evidently upon him at once and 
 he spoke but once afterwards. He was carried home 
 and, I was told, as he entered the house he said this . 
 was for his family, and spoke not again. His funeral 
 was attended in the midst of our meetings;, and a more 
 solemn scene I never witnessed. Time will never erase 
 
254 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 from my memory the solemnity at the grave as we 
 buried the good man. How to interpret the event was 
 the question. Universalists there said, 'Swan killed 
 him/ But the fact was he was carried from the house 
 before I entered it. Sometimes we thought he ventured 
 upon ground where he ought not to, somewhat like 
 Uzzah who put out his hand to steady the ark of God. 
 At other times we deemed the event as a full expression 
 of Grod to further on his work; and indeed salvation 
 came to his house; a beloved daughter was converted. 
 I saw her baptized on a beautiful moonlight evening; 
 and in a few months she joined her father in the beauti- 
 ful land. 
 
 " We saw the work of the Lord advanced mightily 
 from the day we buried the man of God. I attempted 
 to return to New London to spend the Sabbath and 
 went on board a sailing vessel. The mariners hoisted 
 sail, but the wind was under orders not to blow. All 
 was a dead calm; so Brother Cook and myself stayed 
 over till the next Sabbath, though we attempted to re- 
 turn on the next Saturday, but the wind blew so high 
 our Captain dared not venture. We bowed submis- 
 sively to the will of Providence and went on. with our 
 work. The Lord has charge of the winds. 
 
 " I ought not to pass by a few things very, marked in 
 the beginning of this work. On the Lord's Day while 
 we were praying in New London for Greenport, Elder 
 Ackley was praying in his pulpit on Long Island. The 
 power of God fell on him in a most wonderful manner, 
 _ and at the close of his prayer he began to confess to 
 his church and said, ' Swan is right, and I am wrong.' 
 Very soon the house seemed filled with the divine pres- 
 ence. His daughter, now in heaven, when her father 
 
EEV. jABEz s. Swan. 255 
 
 ceased to speak, arose among the singers in the gallery 
 and confessed her coldness and affectingly appealed to 
 the unconverted. Deacon Latham. followed, and so did 
 others, on the same line, till all in the house were 
 moved. Deacon Richard Harris was present and gave 
 me the facts which I now write. The day was one of 
 power never to be forgotten. 
 
 " Deacon Richard Harris crossed from New London 
 to Greenport in a little boat called 'The Baptist,' which 
 he willed to the Huntington Street Sabbath school 
 when he was nearing the shores of eternity. No other 
 man would have ventured in so small a craft that dis- 
 tance; but he had a mission, and was persuaded that 
 God would be a life preserver to him while he em- 
 barked to fulfill a mission, especially in the family of 
 Deacon Latham. His was the first house Brother Harris 
 entered, and in the end all in the house who were un- 
 converted were brought to Christ. Among them was 
 the dauo-hter of Deacon Latham, afterwards the wife of 
 Rev. D. D. Lyon; a woman of precious memory, who 
 after having served her generation by the will of God 
 has fallen asleep. 
 
 " In the progress of the work of the Lord in Green- 
 port, a wide and deep divine influence went out over a 
 large field. Individuals came from considerable dis- 
 tances to hear the word of God, and were savingly ben- 
 efitted. One man and his wife came on foot some four 
 miles, who had not heard of the meeting, but, being 
 without hope, were impressed to come to Greenport. 
 The man hud been case-hardened in sin, and God so 
 uncovered his life to him that he got a knife and 
 attempted to dispatch himself, but was prevented, and 
 
256 FIFTH PASTOKATE OF 
 
 finally with his wife came to the meeting;, and they were 
 both converted. 
 
 " While Brother Benajah Cook was preaching upon 
 submission to Christ, he illustrated his theme by a 
 child that slipped from the ridge of the house and slid 
 down till he caught hold on the eaves- trough and hung 
 suspended over destruction while the father was below 
 with his arms extended calling to his child to let go, 
 assuring him he would catch him. The child held on 
 till his hold broke and he fell into his father's arms. 
 The child then said, ' If I had known you would have 
 caught me, I would have let go before.' The speaker 
 then drew the comparison between the above case and 
 an immortat being suspended over perdition, with 
 Christ standing to embrace and save if he will loose his 
 hold from that to which he is clinging and fall upon 
 his arms. At that moment a youth among the singer? 
 in the gallery jumped upon his feet, clapped his hands, 
 and cried out, ' ! G-od, I let go.' And sure enough 
 he did let go, and Christ caught and saved hirn. His 
 life did good execution for God; he became a deacon in 
 the church, and purchased to himself a good degree and 
 great boldness in the faith. Now he rests with him 
 into whose embrace he fell. 
 
 " I learned after reaching home that while the work 
 of the Lord went forward in G-reenport, a whaling cap- 
 tain who had been a most determined Universalist was 
 converted. He arose in a meeting and stated what he 
 had done to further Universalism, and then confessed 
 that God had appeared to him in early life, and what 
 the Lord then did for him; proceeded to acknowledge 
 his sinfulness and to solicit prayer for himself. While 
 thus engaged God poured salvation upon him. He 
 
BEV. JABEZ S. SWAN, 257 
 
 then ranged the hoase and induced some seventeen to 
 go up for prayers; then fell down upon his knees and 
 prayed for them; and if I am correct in memory fifteen 
 out of the seventeen hoped in Christ when they arose 
 from prayer. The converts 'then sang, ' There is a 
 better land, The other side of Jordan.' The Captain, 
 now subject to Christ, said in ecstacies, ' I see it.' So 
 the word of the Lord triumphed. I believe some one 
 hundred were converted during the revival, most of 
 whom united with the church. 
 
 " On returning home I found the church so much in 
 the revival spirit that they had done their own preach- 
 ing in my absence, that God had converted two, and the 
 church had received them preparatory to baptism. At 
 the close of the evening meeting we repaired to the 
 water and baptized them. Of that meeting I should 
 make more than a mere reference. I called on some 
 one to open it, and before I could get a chance to pray, 
 I think twenty-two led the way to the mercy-seat; and 
 when we resorted to the water to baptize we were all 
 conscious of being baptized into one spirit, as we were 
 one body. Happy is it for a pastor who is sustained by 
 a church where communions with God are such that 
 they can often send off their pastor to preach the gospel 
 in the regions beyond, while they abide at home to fol- 
 low him in prayer for his success. We remember in 
 the old law that such, as staid by the stuff shared a part 
 of the spoils. The church was this year blessed with 
 frequent ingatherings to Christ. 
 
 " My leading members in consultation with their pas- 
 tor determined in view of the encroachments of secret 
 societies upon the kingdom of God, that the pulpit 
 should bo outspoken against all secret, oath-bound soci- 
 17 
 
258 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 eties, as they considered them opposed to republican 
 institutions and hostile to the interests of religion. With 
 this view my best earthly counsellors said, ' Now come 
 out decidedly against them, and the church -will back 
 you up.' I had early entertained exalted opinions of 
 Free Masonry as an institution, knowing its utility 
 under various circumstances, and sharing largely favor 
 from individual members of the order. I supposed it 
 would add largely to my facilities for doing good, which 
 was my principal object in life. With this view, I 
 determined when my course of study was done, I would 
 offer myself to the lodge. Before I was ready, the 
 famous Morgan murder came off, which is now a his- 
 toric fact. He, for violating his oath-seasoned vows in 
 disclosing the secrets of the order, was abducted and 
 murdered. I tried for a time to disbelieve the report, 
 but was compelled to admit the fact from the results of 
 our highest legal tribunals. I often asked Free Masons, 
 ' Has your order niurdered Morgan for disclosing Ma- 
 sonic secrets T and got an affirmative reply with the 
 remark, ' they served him right.' I have been told the 
 same thing in New London by an adhering Mason, and 
 a great admirer of the institution. I hoped that men 
 of that order would tell me that those who did the deed 
 were a set of madcaps who had perverted the laws 
 which governed the institution, and put a construction 
 upon by-laws which was not legitimate. Instead of 
 this I obtained evidence of a sanction of the order of 
 one of the most outrageous murders which can be found 
 on the records of crime. I made up my mind then that 
 my sentiment ever after should be, as has been expressed 
 in better language than I could frame, ' my soul, 
 come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, 
 
KEY. JABEZ &, fclWAN. 259 
 
 mine honor, be not thou united; for in their anger they 
 slew a man, and in their self-will they digged down a 
 wall/ 
 
 " Eesiding in New York state at the time of the 
 
 Morgan murder, where excitement ran high, I saw 
 
 churches wrecked, and a general rally; and Masonic and 
 
 anti-Masonic were the rallying signals for the hattle. 
 
 Seven churches in one locality had sundered, and all 
 
 excluded their ministers, who were adhering Masons, 
 
 I was selected with N. Kendrick, of Hamilton, New 
 
 York, and Doctor Lewis Leonard, of Cazenovia, New 
 
 York, as referees to settle the 'matter. Free Masons 
 
 were being visited with a perfect tornado of bitterness 
 
 and persecution. My own church contained persistent 
 
 Masons and anti-Masons that -came up to white heat, 
 
 backed as by the fires of Nebuchadnezzar's furnace. 
 
 My church was large and had been remarkable for their 
 
 union. Pastor and church stood shoulder to shoulder 
 
 in campaigning against the forces of evil. I saw the 
 
 storm in other localities and knew the direful results in 
 
 its power to quench the spirit of religion. My former 
 
 friendship for the order led me to strive for the good of 
 
 its members, while in my inmost soul was an eternal 
 
 hatred for its principles. In my friendship for them, 
 
 of which they knew, I gave my advice to them to cease 
 
 their walk with lodges for the time being, thinking that 
 
 lesser good should always be sacrificed for the greater 
 
 where the interests of religion demanded it. On the 
 
 other hand anti-Masons demanded that Masons not only 
 
 renounce it, but also to denounce it. In this I opposed 
 
 them, urging that it was enoiigh for sinners to forsake 
 
 their evil way. I held firmly to my position, and men 
 
 on both sides of the question had confidence in me. Bj 
 
260 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 the blessing of Grod I was able to keep my clmrcli in 
 harmony, while waters like a. boiling caldron were roll- 
 ing in angry fury all around me. I record it to the 
 honor of God that he so blessed me with his favor that 
 I was able to retain the confidence of the churches 
 around me so that they sought and followed my advice 
 in a day of awful trial; and our own Association was 
 savad from the dreadful schism which in other localities 
 was like a fatal sirocco. 
 
 " With these facts and experiences fully before me I 
 should have proved a traitor to God and man to have- 
 closed my mouth when my brethren requested me to 
 bring out a Bible view of the whole matter of secret, 
 oath-bound societies. Odd Fellowship, I claim, as a 
 secret order is rightly named. The apostle asks what 
 fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness. 
 
 " After I had preached upon the subject the church 
 took action, not immediately, but in due time, and 
 decided by a majority of votes not to receive any person 
 into the church who was a member of a secret society, 
 without their receding from it. I was instructed to put 
 the question to every man who presented himself for 
 membership, ' Are you a member of any secret society .? 
 If so, you must recede from it, or you cannot become a 
 member here.' My sermon, and the subsequent action 
 of the church, stirred up elements outside and inside 
 for a time, but the church held firmly to the ground 
 they had taken. 
 
 "At length the matter came up in the New London 
 Association. A committee of three were appointed, 
 consisting of Elder F. Darrow, Eev. Mr. Leonard and 
 myself, to report on the subject.' When together we 
 were all of one mind. The only question was one of 
 
BEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 261 
 
 expediency upon the subject. I pressed upon the com- 
 mittee to act and with outspokenness. I told them 
 they might draft anything, no matter how strong, and I 
 would sign it. Or they might draft anything, no mat- 
 ter how weak, if it only went against 'secret orders, and 
 I would sign it. We finally agreed to condemn the 
 course of christian men for alliance with such orders, as 
 being contrary to the gospel, and also to recommend the 
 members of our churches to abstain from such organi- 
 zations. I have given the substance of our report. 
 When the report was read all was as silent as death. 
 Very many were there who would vote for the adoption 
 of the report, but none would venture to open the ball. 
 The lot fell on me, and I led the way with a short 
 speech, after which we had no lack of music from more 
 than one side of the question. The ground the advo- 
 cates of the orders took was that the secrets of the 
 numerous orders were proof that we could not act 
 against them, for we knew nothing about them, forget- 
 ting the maxim of Christ, that ' a tree is known by its 
 fruit.' I considered Morgan's murder as more than 
 mere blossoms; and a tree that bears such fruit must 
 be bad inside. I remarked that Satan had one good 
 straight foot, but the other was reported cloven. That 
 he was always willing to exhibit the first, but when 
 called upon to show the other, he would put it be- 
 hind him and say, 'It is a secret.' Finally the 
 report was adopted by an overwhelming majority, and 
 ordered to be printed in the minutes. 
 
 " It is known that for some forty years I have been 
 outspoken on slavery, intemperance, and oath-bound 
 societies, whatever name they assume. What I have 
 suffered from different quarters for my anti-slavery 
 
262 FIFTH PASTOKATE OF 
 
 views, and my utter hatred of all oath-bound organiza^ 
 . tionSj eternity alone can reveal. I have never receded 
 the first iota, from the moment my eyes were opened 
 upon their evils, which my vows to G-od bound me to 
 oppose. No storms of hail, or vivid lightnings' glare, 
 or manufactured human thunder, has had any effect 
 upon me, only to cause me to nail my colors, believing 
 that Grod and human rights demanded a bold and 
 unflinching front. I never have made a hobby of either 
 of the above, or allowed them to eat out my heart reli-' 
 giously, but gave them ' Hail Columbia,' as I came to 
 them, and pressed to meet my wide obligations to Grod 
 and the human race. I have Jiad a conscious ability to 
 vindicate the Bible from aspersions cast upon it, and to 
 meet the ground of the South and Northern-Southera- 
 ers who have' referred to the Bible as upholding the 
 most damnable, G-od-provoking, soul-destroying evil 
 the world ever saw. 
 
 " In my pastorate with the First Baptist church I 
 had the satisfaction of knowing that the cause of benev- 
 olence grew in their esteem. When our Foreign Mis- 
 sion treasury was embarrassed with the forty thousand 
 dollar debt, I appealed to my brethren, and on one occa- 
 sion they raised some eight hundred dollars to meet the 
 emergency. The revival of the previous year had so 
 affected the churches of our order in New London 
 county that in a short time after we raised as much 
 money in our county for benevolent purposes in one 
 y-ear as all the Baptist churches raised for years before. 
 A revival that will lead men to feel in their pockets and 
 hand over to God's cause liberally, needs no endorsers. 
 The fruit tells the story. " 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 REVIVALS CONTINUED. 
 MR, SWAN'S RECORD ; — kevtvai in charlestown, mass. — oppo- 
 
 SITIOK. -FEIBKDS. EBVTVAl IN JB'WETT CITY, CONN. THB 
 
 MILLS. — RESULT. — REVIVAL IN OHBSTBRFBELD. — REVIVAL IN EAST 
 
 LYME. REVIVAL IN WATERPORD.~I)BACONS. — P. DARRO"VV. 
 
 RBSTTLTS. REVIVAL IN NORWICH, CONN. L. D. BENTLBY. 
 
 UNIVERSALISTS. ^BAPTISMS. STREET PREACHING. BRmTS. 
 
 DEATHS OP P. B. AND L. M. PECK. PUNERALS. REVIVAL IN 
 
 CWBGO, NEW YORK. — RETURN. ^ADDITIONS. 
 
 REVIVAl IN CHARLESTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 "I WAS mvited early in my pastorate hereto visit 
 Charlestown, Mass., to hold a protracted meeting with 
 the Frst Baptist church of that place. Eev. H. K. 
 Green, the pastor, wrote me that the church was unan- 
 imous in the request. On arriving there I was shown 
 letters written by Baptist ministers to the church 
 warning them against me, and giving advice to not let 
 me come into their meeting house. One of those men 
 is now dead; some are alive yet, and so is Swan. I 
 commenced my meetings with honest purpose, and soon 
 found I was on the hardest spot I ever found. Several 
 men were in the church who had once left it and, as I 
 was informed, ran an open-communicTn establishment 
 for some twenty years till they ran it into the ground, 
 and then returned to the church and were taken back, 
 much to the grief 6f some. These men were down on 
 the pastor, and of course any who should be converted 
 would be likely to add strength to the pastor' s hands 
 
264 FIFTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 which they wished weakened. These leaders had their 
 backers and in the midst of our work did what they 
 could to defeat all efforts that could be put forth. I 
 found at every step deadly opposition to everything I 
 could do. I found also thaj; I had struck coanter cur- 
 rents which were a sort of counterpart of the revival 
 
 under the labors of Elder Knapp. Doctor S had 
 
 preached his great sermon against evangelism. Doctor 
 
 had done his best to saddle upon Brother 
 
 Knapp all the claimed unhappy results which followed 
 the revival. Some of the ministers had left their 
 flocks and been to Europe to recruit their exhausted 
 energies, and in their absence the enemy came in like a 
 flood and devastation followed among the lambs. _ To 
 strike for salvation with all those surrounding^ required 
 marvelous faith. Doctor Nathaniel Colver, just like 
 himself, came to my help. Deacon Wilbur and others, 
 of precious memory rallied around me. But th( 
 ' Princes ' did not favor me. I had no more than com, 
 menced my work, when a paper printed in the ' Hub- 
 of God's creation appeared, having at its head a literal 
 swan with the head of a man, and Brother Colvei 
 mounted on one of Balaam's mules sitting upon hi& 
 haunches, with ' Go ahead ' in capitals high over his 
 head. To me a man who could put forth such an ex- 
 hibition was worthy of a diploma. I received a letter 
 dated 'Hell's Corners' and signed by 'Otis Clapp, prima 
 agent of the bottomless pit.' This I read from the 
 pulpit which called out another dated in ' Hell ' and 
 signed by the Devil, with a request to read it, which I 
 did not find time to do.\ 
 
 ^5 The work of God in" conversions soon began and 
 pioved on with wonderful power. , All the power' of the. 
 
feEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 265 
 
 ''Hub' united could not control the arm of God. 
 Boston papers advertized me as having left and gone to 
 Lowell every now and then, so as to keep members back 
 from meeting. Finally the church with whom I was 
 laboring called a meeting in the vestry, while I was 
 preaching above, and dismissed the pastor; and threats 
 were made to close the house against me. The Uni- 
 versalists I was informed said if they shut the house 
 against me I should have their house. 
 
 "They had trouble about receiving converts into the 
 church. No convert could be received without first 
 going before a committee, and if they approved them, 
 by waiting some three weeks they could be baptized. 
 The committee were principally our worst opposers, 
 and if any one of them objected to a convert, that was 
 a complete bar against the applicant. Having never 
 learned that way of doing business, either from Christ 
 or the Apostles, I objected and the church called a 
 meeting and abolished the by-laws. We then com- 
 menced baptizing according to New Testament usages, 
 and at length some one hundred and twenty-five were 
 baptized into the church. Our opposers had very much 
 business in Boston to consult about, and always re- 
 turned with fresh vigor to oppose the work of God that 
 was advancing with a power that the most formidable 
 opposition could not overthrow. TJniversalists " and 
 Unitarians treated me with marked kindness, which 
 could not have sprung from any sympathy which they 
 judged I had for the creed of either of the orders. 
 But as lovers of equal rights, as citizens, their sym- 
 pathies were turned towards one who was enduring 
 bitter persecution from his own denomination, not as a 
 whole, but from that portion which had been educated 
 
266 FIFTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 up to hatred of all who cast out devils but did not 
 follow them. A portion of their ministers who had re- 
 cuperated their exhausted energies returned from 
 Europe to apply those energies in scathing evangelists. 
 Our meeting house was crowded with anxious listeners 
 of iateligent middle aged people and youth, from all 
 the surrounding regions. But the opposition waxed 
 hotter and hotter. The conversion of men to Grod had 
 no more eifect upon our opponents in the church, than 
 a delightful piece of music well played upon a harp 
 would have upon a coop of owls. Boston D. Ds lent 
 their influence to work the Devil's trip hammer so that 
 when prodigals returned to God we had music and 
 some dancing. It finally became my duty (as I appre- 
 hended) to 'answer a fool according to his folly,' and I 
 said I knew what ailed the Boston Ministerial Gentry; 
 they had been the tour of Europe, leaving wolves to 
 come in and devour their flocks, and had undergone a 
 drenching of German neology till they finally had re- 
 turned as much bigger than the twelve apostles, as 
 God's creation was bigger than my psalm book. On 
 their course I now claim that I freed my paind, accord- 
 ing to an old law among Baptists. 
 
 " I found a large class in our denomination who en- 
 tered into the work with me with all their hearts but 
 the ■' Nobles put not their neck under the yoke.' An 
 editor of a secular journal in Boston came over and 
 heard me, and on returning to his post most ably vindi- 
 cated me from the aspersions cast upon me. I know a 
 church sprang up from this revival formed principally 
 from the converts and such other members of the sur- 
 rounding churches as chose to cast in their lot with 
 them. I returned to the old church in New London 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 26? 
 
 alive, and liave never heard of being overhauled for 
 obtaining goods under false pretenses for a financial re- 
 ward. My reward is with Grod. 
 
 " In the church at home a spirit of supplication to 
 God for the outpouring of his Spirit upon the church 
 and world kept up a delightful union of souls among 
 ourselves and created a willingness on the part of the 
 church to let their pastor go abroad to assist churches 
 who were desirious of building up the waste places of 
 Zion. Almost continual accessions were made to the 
 church which seemed like a return of bread which they 
 had cast upon the waters. 
 
 KEVrVAIi IN JEWETT CITT, COJOTTECTICUT. 
 
 " In the second year of my settlement here I attended 
 a meeting in Jewett City with Eev. Benajah Cook of 
 immortal memory. It was in the midst of summer. 
 The streams which carried the mills were so low that 
 the help had abundant opportunity to attend the meet- 
 ings. Our beginning was with no uncommon promise, 
 but we acted on an old principle, that it was ' time to 
 seek the Lord till he come and rain down righteousness.' 
 Early in the commencement of our meetings my eldest 
 sister, who lived in the place, informed me of a youth 
 who was her neighbor, who had told her if she could 
 hear me preach one sermon (though she had never seen 
 me) she should be converted; and she had talked of 
 coming to New London to hear me. Her mother was a 
 christian and was very anxious to have her family con- 
 verted. I induced my sister to go to their house and 
 introduce me to the family. I saw the young lady and 
 asked if she had told my sister as reported; and she 
 said she did. I asked her if she would pray; she replied 
 she did not know how. I told her I would tell her, and 
 
268 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 she conSentetl to kneel down and say the prayer of the 
 Publican, while I shouM pray for her. Young lady 
 hoarders were all around at the time, and disposed to 
 treat the subject with levity. When I had offered 
 prayer, she said, ' Grod be merciful to me a sinner,' 
 the quickest I ever heard it repeated, and immediately 
 rose up. I left, urging her as she had commenced, to 
 go forward till she found salvation. When I had gone, 
 the mother told her she had offered that prayer hypo- 
 critically, which produced a terrible effect upon her, 
 and threw her well nigh into despair, though she 
 declared her sincerity in praying. In a short time she 
 came to relinquish all for Christ and found him pre- 
 cious. Her conversion sent an influence abroad among 
 the youth which was sweeping, and conversions from 
 their ranks were frequent. 
 
 " After this a young married lady experienced a 
 change from ' death to life,' and on returning home 
 prayed with her husband. She arose five times in the 
 course of the night and offered prayer for her compan- 
 ion. This was more than he could endure; and he too 
 became obedient to the faith. A gentleman by the 
 name of Brown came to me and said there was an 
 understanding between him and the pastor that he was 
 to assist the pastor financially but nothing was to be 
 said to him about joining the church. The part he had 
 committed himself to do had been well done, and with- 
 out which the pastor could not have stayed upon the 
 field. I assured him I should be bound by no such 
 agreement, but that he must come out and be baptized. 
 He secretly had been 'a disciple. He at length most 
 nobly gave himself to the church, and his influence told 
 wonderfully upon the interests of the meeting. 
 
EEV. JABEZ b. SWAN. 269 
 
 " A middle-aged man came six m;iles to attend the 
 meeting, who had also been a hoper; and we spent well 
 nigh the whole of one afternoon on his case in prayer, 
 and counseling and telling him our experiences, till 
 before the sun went down he arose and was baptized, 
 and in six weeks went down to his grave, in the full 
 triumphs of faith. 
 
 " The work of the Lord was wonderful in one of the 
 large mills. On one occasion the superintendent of the 
 mill shut the gate, called all together to hear instruc- 
 tion as to what they should do to be saved, and also to 
 hear prayer. All came, and among them a class of 
 young ladies and a hoist of little girls, with their heads 
 all covered with cotton. They, with men and boys and 
 the overseer, all bowed before God to seek salvation. 
 No pen can describe the interest of that scene. Angels 
 must have viewed it with interest. Half stifled sighs 
 from the multitude well nigh drowned the voices of 
 those who led in prayer. Deacon Harris said those little 
 girls shed the largest tears he ever saw fall from human 
 eyes. Indeed their tears seemed like crystals, through 
 which rays from the sun of righteousness were reflected 
 and refracted till a kind of rainbow encircled the whole 
 scene, baptizing the penitent group as in a cloud of 
 glory. Christian efibrt was followed with the influence 
 of the Holy Spirit. In a few weeks some one hundred 
 had professedly found the 'pearl of great price.' In 
 the meeting the church seemed to be renewed in the 
 spirit of their minds. Our closing up of the meetings 
 was like life from the dead. 
 
 " In the course of two years from my settlement in 
 New London I baptized into Baptist churches outside 
 of our city,_aided by Brother Cook and other men in 
 
270 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 the ministry, some five hundred joyful converts. Look- 
 ing over the field in a review, I see how exceedingly 
 timely our meetings were in reference to many who were 
 converted, who in a very short time were in eternity, 
 and in human view would have met God without prep- 
 aration but for the special labors which were put forth 
 for their redemption. 
 
 BEVIVAl IN CHBSTEKPIBLD, CONNEOTICUT. 
 
 "I attended a meeting in Chesterfield of great inter- 
 est. Eev. J. J. Gardner was pastor of the church. The 
 meeting was greatly blessed in quickening the church 
 and in numerous additions. The meetings continued 
 about one month; some eighty were baptized. Among 
 them quite a number who had been buried up and hid 
 among the stuff till refreshing came from the presence 
 of the Lord, arose and followed Christ. 
 
 EBVIVAL IN BAST LYME, CONNBCTICUT, 
 
 " The cloud which overhung Chesterfield at length 
 extended to East Lyme, where the Eev. P. G. Wight- 
 man was pastor. I found the church there much fet- 
 tered .with internal trouble. The church were feeling 
 the effects of an unsuccessful former ministry, and the 
 wheels were badly blocked. 
 
 " Some amusing things occurred in the progress of 
 the work. A lady was converted whose husband was 
 violently opposed to religion; and to get up a sort of 
 demonstration, he took his tea kettle and smashed it; 
 and stamped his crockery to make to himself a sort of 
 music for his disconsolate little heart. His wife moved 
 on, was baptized, united with the church, and left him 
 to drink his tea without steeping, and gather up the 
 fragments of his mighty display among the crockery, 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 271 
 
 and console himself with, the thought that the Devil 
 had made a fool of him. The Lord appeared in the 
 factory near the church, and a goodly number employed 
 there were converted. I was invited into the mill to 
 see the help by the owner, Mr. Loomis, who took a deep 
 interest for the salvation of those he employed. All 
 were called together and listened to instruction regard- 
 ing the things pertaining to the kingdom of God; then 
 we bowed in prayer and committed owner and superin- 
 tendent and operatives to Christ. I trust that many 
 who bowed there in supplication to Christ will be found 
 in the great day at the right hand of God. 
 
 " Before our meeting closed Elder Francis Darrow 
 with a number of his brethren came up to join me in 
 the work of the Lord, and rendered us essential aid. In 
 return God remembered him and his people. When 
 he and his brethren returned home the revival spirit 
 attended them. Ere long the sound of rain was heard 
 in his field of labor. Our meeting in East Lyme lasted 
 some four or five weeks, and I believe near one hundred 
 expressed hope in their Savior. The church were Jiow 
 moving on in harmony, and converts were rejoicing in 
 God; and Satan's forces were defeated. 
 
 EBVIVAL IN WATBBFOED, CONNBCTICTIT. 
 
 " God had paved the way by the meeting in East Lyme 
 for a work with Elder Darrow's people. I was invited 
 to come and help them, and very gladly complied 
 with their request. The church were then in their old 
 house where God had long delighted to come. The 
 church possessed the old-fashioned revival elements; 
 and when they moved in God's work they were a host. 
 At that time their older deacons were alive and active. 
 
272 
 
 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 -J^Ji 
 
 i: [^ 
 
 W A T E R P O E D , CONN., JUNE, 1835. 
 
 Deacons Elislia Eeckwith, Gilbert Eog-ers and John 
 Smith; all men of strength who knew the naethod of 
 God in working, and were flimiliar with the leadings of 
 G-od's Spirit, both ordinary and extraordinary. Il 
 never took Father Darrow lor.g to strike the current ot 
 life; he lived so near the stream. He, v/ith the deacons 
 young and old, with the church as a body, came to the 
 help of the Lord. Soon anxious souls came forward to 
 seek eternal life, and their rejoicings at length height- 
 ened the anxieties of others to come to Christ. A par- 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN, 273 
 
 ' ticular feature of the meeting was the conversion of 
 young men, some of whom are still alive, while others 
 have fallen asleep. 
 
 " One remarkable conversion I will mention. A lady- 
 was wonderfully anxious about her mother. The 
 daughter's anxieties became so deep, and her soul so 
 absorbed in her mother's salvation, that she went to 
 see her. On coming up to the door of her father's 
 house she found her mother standing in it. She 
 addressed her in the following manner: 'Mother, if it 
 would be the means of your salvation, I would lay my 
 head down upon that block, and have it chopped off.' 
 This address proved effectual. Said the mother to me, 
 ' I thought if I had a child that was so anxious about 
 me as that it was time I had some anxiety for myself.' 
 From that time overwhelming anxiety possessed the 
 mother's soul, till she laid all at the Savior's feet, and 
 found salvation's joys. Of that daughter, be it remem- 
 bered, she not only had anxieties, but expressed them. 
 Had they remained shut up in her own soul, the mother 
 might have perished. In how many instances christian 
 anxieties remain shut up; no vent given them;, like 
 smouldering fires they must go out and only leave the 
 soul they possessed like a burned out volcano, their 
 affections reduced to cinders and emit only smoke 
 instead of that vivid fire which purifies the heart. We 
 cannot doubt but that God in the equality of his ways 
 creates a sufficient amount of anxieties in christian 
 hearts, if they were worked out, to keep alive the flame 
 of heavenly devotion perpetually, and make devoted 
 souls as the ancient altar whose fires never went out. 
 The hiding or concealing of divine impulses given for 
 
 religious upbuilding, wars with the councils of God, 
 
 18 
 
274 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 and secures a palsy on at least one side of the heart. 
 It was anciently said, ' I have not hid thy righteousness 
 within thy heart; I have declared thy faithfulness, and 
 thy salvation; I have not concealed thy loving kindness 
 and thy truth from the great congregation.' 
 
 " I might here speak of Elder Francis Darrow, pastor 
 of the First Baptist church in Waterford. In the very 
 beginning of our meetings he was very broken-hearted, 
 and confessed, and wept over his unfaithfulness, in such 
 a way as to break down all around him. He being of 
 blameless life, and walking with God, as Enoch did, 
 forced home the conclusion upon those who heard, that 
 it took a very near approach to Grod, indicated by Job 
 when he said, ' now my eyes seeth,' to show a righteous 
 man fully to himself; hence the abhorrence of one's self 
 anS repentance as in dust and ashes. • Living otherwise 
 than near to God, will never admit of such views of our- 
 selves. If they are assumed, it amounts to only a mask 
 to cloak hypocrisy. 
 
 " Elder Darrow was the pastor of the church some 
 forty years, during which their revival record, taking 
 the whole time, exceeds any among the Baptist churches 
 in the state. I think few such men have been known 
 in the nineteenth century. He was educated not at the 
 feet of Gamaliel, but at the feet of Jesus. He was wise 
 in council, tender of heart, upright in life, possessed of 
 a mental and moral power rarely equaled in our pulpits, 
 and clad, like his Master, with zeal as a cloak. God's 
 love in his soul was such that it kindled to a flame when 
 the breath of heaven blew upon him. In prayer few 
 equaled him in wrestling power. In timgs of distress- 
 ing drought he called his church together to pray for 
 rain, and God sent it down at once. In one instance 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 275 
 
 one of his strongest men in the church informed me, the 
 church met for prayer, when' almost every green thing 
 was withered. The aged pastor led the way to the 
 mercy-seat for rain, and was followed by others; and in 
 less than twenty-four hours Grod commanded the clouds 
 and they gave rain. 
 
 " In prayer and preaching he had one aim, which was 
 to take his hearers to the wells of salvation, and he 
 never seemed willing to stop till the buckets returned 
 with abundant supplies. A uniform peace prevailed in 
 ,the church, and to a great extent his own hands min- 
 istered tp his necessities. He was a man of wonderful 
 physical frame, well adapted to a soul so large. Faith^ 
 hope and charity put up with him ; never mere visitors 
 and never homesick. Cheerfulness was chiseled into all 
 the lines of his face. _ To be interested in his friendship 
 was to possess an incorruptible inheritance, as near as 
 we find it this side the great river. He had his trials, 
 but they were to him what the furnace is to the gold. 
 He loved his church with surpassing tenderness and 
 strength. His heart was capacious, and all filled with 
 divine life. 
 
 " As he drew near to death, he said to his watchers, 
 'Get me up, that I may get down on my knees and have 
 one more breakdown before God before I die.' They wish- 
 ed him to pray upon his bed, but that would not do. The 
 good men helped their aged pastor to kneel before God. 
 Of his prayer, one of the watchers said, it exceeded 
 anything he ever heard in his life. His principal errand 
 to the throne of God was for the church he had so 
 long watched over. His heart struggled upward with 
 his church, as the eagle beareth her young upon hei 
 wings, till he well nigh sank in death. In a few brief 
 
276 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 days he was gone. 'Mark the perfect man, and hehold 
 the upright; for the end of that man is peace.' 
 - " G-od rolled on -his work till it spread beyond the 
 Niantic river; and its results were felt even in New 
 London. Many of my own members joined us and 
 bTought home the spirit of the work in their hearts. 
 As Father Darrow was unable to baptize all of the 
 converts, I assisted him in the delightful work. I be- 
 lieve those who expressed hope in this meeting, and the 
 former two, were about three hundred. 
 
 " I was in the evangelistic harness some three months 
 in succession. My friends being sick at home I was 
 often (though in dead of winter) compelled to return 
 after evening meeting. Leaving a heated house and 
 coming out late at night in the severe cold, greatly en- 
 dangered my life; 'yet as dying, behold I lived.' The 
 clock on Dr. McEwen's church often struck twelve 
 while I was putting out my horse. 
 
 " When the work of those meetings was over, and I 
 again resumed my duties as pastor, I was so lame that, 
 one morning, I attempted to rise from my bed, but was 
 unable. It occurred to me that water had been a great 
 repairer for me (indeed my name, for what I know, came 
 from a waterfowl; at all events it is synonymous with 
 the bird that loves that element); so I determined to 
 rise up and hasten to the dock, and try to repair up. 
 It was now the month of March, and the winds were 
 high and chilly; but I found the dock and plunged 
 overboard; and followed this up, in the early mornings, 
 till I was in complete running order, and was soon in 
 harness again, good as new, physically. 
 
 " My work accumulated upon my hands. And in but 
 one instance, in some six years pastorate with the First 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 277 
 
 clmrch, had I any pulpit assistant. With my nearly 
 forty years revival experience, it has fallen to my lot to 
 do the preaching in protracted meetings at home; not 
 from choice, but from necessity. Men have been hard 
 to find who could preach from sixty to ninety evenings 
 in succession, together with the Sabbath work, and 
 baptizing, and attending meetings of inquiry. 
 
 " When I look back upon my life it seems a miracle 
 that I am alive and I ascribe all to the Lord who once 
 said, 'As thy day is, so shall thy strength be.' In mak- 
 ing this record, it is not to magnify Jabez S. Swan, but 
 the grace of God that he put within me. 
 
 SECOND EEVrVAL DST NOKWICH. COIDSECTICUT. 
 
 " In process of time God opened the way for me to 
 make another effort with the First church in liforwich. 
 A young man. Perry Potter, who led the choir, had 
 taken a deep interest for the church, and it was nearly 
 sustained through his influence, and he not a professor 
 of religion, but doubtless, as the sequel proved, he in 
 heart was in communion with God. Kev. M. H. Eis- 
 ing, then a young man, was pastor of the church, and a 
 most effective worker. The meeting house had been 
 sold for fifteen hundred dollars. Father Kellyhan, a 
 godly and devoted Methodist, bid the house off and 
 held it for the purpose of letting the Baptists have it if 
 they could raise the money. He said he wanted Baptists 
 to live to keep the precious ordinance of immersion in 
 the world, because other denominations cared nothing 
 about it. His was a noble heart. 
 
 "I went to Norwich and preached twice to crowded 
 houses made up mostly of young people. As I appre- 
 hended God was about to do a great work, I invited all 
 christians to unite with us who could work under the 
 
278 FIFTH PASTOKATB OF 
 
 motto of ' God and salvation/ and assured tHem that 
 the meetings should he free for all the lovers of Christ 
 and the gospel. If any wished to shout they had the 
 privilege, or to pray loud or low. Congregationalists, 
 Methodists and some Episcopalians, and numerous 
 Baptists of different churches cheerfully responded: and 
 for some three months, we had harmony in christian 
 action without a jarring note. I also stated when any 
 were converted who wished to unite with the Baptist 
 church we should haptize them, as we all believed bap- 
 tism a gospel ordinance. With these preliminaries 
 fixed we entered upon the work of saving souls, recog- 
 nizing Christ as the 'Alpha and Omega.' Two young 
 men first moved to seek Christ, found mercy and took 
 a noble stand for God. Soon inq[uirers increased and 
 the word preached profited, being mixed with faith in 
 them that heard it. I think God combined in the work all 
 expressed by Paul when he said, 'I know that this (the 
 preaching of Christ) will turn to my salvation . through 
 your prayer and supply qf the spirit of Jesus Christ.' 
 Prayer, preaching, and the needed supply of the spirit 
 of the Son of God, can never fail of success. As the 
 meeting progressed God wrought great wonders in 
 prominent conversions. 
 
 " While the tide of life rolled on and God's arm was 
 stretched out to save, Mr. L. D. Bentley was converted, 
 of whom I have somewhat to say. He had hosts of 
 friends who became exceedingly anxious for his salva- 
 tion ; and prayer was made to God for him without 
 ceasing. At length God appeared to him and convinced 
 him of sin. His prominent sin seemed to be using the 
 name of God profanely. He told me he had sought 
 retirement, and bowed and asked God to help him to 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN; 279 
 
 stop swearing and lie felt that God lieard an answered. 
 Then he asked Grod to convert him. But God seemed 
 to say, 'No; you have sinned openly, and you must re- 
 pent openly; go up to the sanctuary and seek the Lord.' 
 He came, and for hours plead for mercy. With us were 
 Elder Curtis Keeney, one of the most remarkable men 
 in prayer I ever knew, and Deacon Kichard Harris, a 
 man mighty in struggles for the redemption of the lost, 
 besides other strong men and women. They sought by 
 prayer and supplications with tears the salvation of our 
 friend Bentley, but for the time without avail. We 
 s ent for his father who had long preached the gospel ; 
 who came up and offered prayer for his son. Still the 
 fetters of unbelief were on him. He wept and prayed 
 for himself, and made pledges of fidelity to God 
 if redeemed. He would say to God, ' I deserve to be 
 cut down where I am and sent immediately to hell, but, 
 God, save me._ I will work for thee;. I will make all 
 my interests subserve religion; I wiU accept the small- 
 est hope a live man ever had if a good one; Lord, 
 save me.' In the course of the meeting he became 
 calm, but expressed no joys. I think, in the course of 
 the following night, G-od appeared to him in full re- 
 demption of his soul and brought him into his mar- 
 velous light. When we heard from him again in the 
 house of God, it was to publish to a crowded house 
 what Christ had done for him. His conversion was so 
 marked that it shook the masses with surprise. 
 
 " About this time a gentleman of this city came to 
 me with a volume of sermons written by a Universalist 
 minister, picked out one on the final judgment, and 
 said, ' If you will answer that, and prove from the 
 Bible that there is a day of judgment after death, I 
 
280 FIFTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 will seek the salvation of my soul.' He added, ' GUI' 
 family is large, and all are christians but me; but I 
 have got more religion than all of them. I believe in 
 the salvation of the whole human family.' I told him 
 I would answer the sermon if I lived 'and would take 
 the underpinning out from the doctrine which it advo- 
 cated. I gave notice that I would preach on his 
 subject on a given evening, and would examine Univer- 
 salism and prove that the Devil was at the bottom of 
 the whole creed. When the evening came the gather- 
 ing might properly be termed a mass meeting. It 
 seemed as though the house was literally packed. A 
 great many good people were there; and I think be- 
 sides them we had all sorts that were represented in the 
 sheet Peter saw, and especially the creeping things. A 
 prayer meeting was held at Deacon Breed's in reference 
 to the meeting and especially for me, that as I had 
 roused the old lions, God might chain them; and the 
 horned cattle of Bashan would be out, whose horns, 
 with God's hammer, I intended to jar, if they were 
 not knocked off. I went to the house of God with 
 perfect confidence that He would help me, as the effort 
 of the evening would be a hinge on which momentous 
 things would turn. Christian hearts seemed welling up 
 with the waters of life. I think my sermon was one 
 hour and three-quaters in length, and was listened to 
 in silence that was impressive. At the close of the 
 sermon we opened the door for the anxious, and a 
 multitude came up, and among them a gentleman who 
 said he had paid one hundred dollars a year for sixteen 
 years to support Universalism, and alluded to the 
 dismal effects he had experienced from the doctrine. He 
 came out openly, renounced the whole creed, confessed 
 
KEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 28l 
 
 to men whom he employed, and before the meeting 
 closed invited me to come down to his foundry the next 
 day at noon and have religious services there for the 
 benefit of his workmen. I went down and was intro- 
 duced by him to his men and found very many citizens 
 in to witness and enjoy the services. The owner's wife 
 and other ladies took part in the devotions. One of the 
 workmen was converted in the closing of the meeting. 
 
 "After my sermon on Universalism an elderly man 
 came to see me where I put up, who had been terribly 
 shrouded in infidelity, and I think, as a last resort, had 
 hoped Universalism could save him. When he saw 
 their platform shivered and blown away like chaff, he 
 came 'SO far to himself as to be interested in the little, 
 struggling Baptist church in Norwich. He said he 
 remembered the church when it was flourishing, and 
 the time when numbers left there to work elsewhere to 
 keep up with the spirit of the age. Now said he, 
 ' What have Baptists to do with the spirit of the age ? 
 They have always professed to go on humility and spir- 
 ituality. Now if the Baptists will buy the house back 
 so that the church may have it, 1 will pay for a seat in 
 it as long as I live.' I assured him I would do my 
 best to free the house and secure it to the church for all 
 time. By the assistance of numerous friends the object 
 was accomplished. Brother Joseph Tyler took a very 
 great interest in the affair, and finally the little church 
 rejoiced in a permanent dwelling place. 
 
 " On a beautiful moonlight evening I baptized my 
 friend Bentley into the church with the understanding 
 that if he should desire it he would be dismissed with 
 a certificate of his standing to unite where he pleased. 
 He was at length dismissed and joined the Methodist 
 
282 t-lFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 church, wliere he has done and is still doing work for 
 the Master in preaching the gospel of Christ. 
 
 " Our baptizing often brought us to the water in the 
 evening, and sometimes after the ordinary services at 
 the sanctuary had closed. It was not very long before 
 one hundred happy souls had put on Christ by visible 
 profession. All who set out with us proved steadfast in 
 working under our motto, ' G-od and salvation.' Many 
 from other denominations, were converted, and returned 
 home to their own congregations to put on Christ, while 
 some with the consent of their friends united with the 
 church on the hill. 
 
 " I spent several nights in the course of our meetings 
 with Brother Joseph Tyler, who lived about a mile from 
 the meetinghouse, whose doors were always open, and 
 who, with all his family, always welcomed Grod's friends 
 to their home. , On a given night, when a room 'full of 
 friends were at his house, we bowed around the altar for 
 our evening devotions before retiring, and one after 
 another followed on till morning came, before our meet- 
 ing broke up. We drank of a spring, before morning, 
 pretty high up on the hill of Grod. One special object 
 prayed for was that God would block the river near by, 
 so that water wheels might, stop and allow the help to 
 come out and seek salvation. G-od, in this respect, an- 
 swered prayer, and many who were liberated from their 
 work came up to seek the Lord. Brother Tyler and 
 family went from their home to the other side to meet- 
 ing ninety nights in succession. 
 
 " During our meetings I preached on the east side of 
 the city, in the streets in different localities. I was one 
 day on Water street, (more pi'operly, rum street,) con- 
 versing with a friend, and such a multitude gathered 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 2S3 
 
 around to listen to our conversation, that Brother Tyler 
 suggested the idea of preaching in that locality. I asked 
 the gentleman with whom I conversed if he would let 
 me have room to stand on to preach. He pointed to 
 the scales and said, ' I own them, and you may have 
 them to preach on.' I made an appointment to preach 
 there the next morning, and h,ad a large congregation. 
 At the close of the sermon I invited all anxious persons 
 to come forward on to the scales and we would oiBfer 
 prayer for them, assuring them they all would finally be 
 weighed, and now was the time to make preparation. 
 A young man came up and Grod converted him on the 
 scales. I found afterwards that he was the only one of 
 his father's house who had not believed, and said if 
 there was a hell he wanted to go there. He informed 
 me that prior to his coming out for prayer, for three 
 days and nights, Grod kept hell before his mind contin- 
 ually, till he got hell enough. He indeed 'fled for 
 refuge to lay hold on the hope set before him.' While 
 I write he still holds on his way in pilgrim life. 
 
 " On one Lord's Day I baptized at three different 
 times. It was communion day with the church. A 
 lady was received whose husband had been opposed to 
 the work of the Lord, but when he saw his wife received 
 into the church, it was a death blow to him. He left 
 the house and hurried home, and in weeping and lamen- 
 tations for his sins, cried to God for mercy, and also 
 sent for me to pray for him. I went with several of my 
 brethren and pointed the man to Christ, and we contin- 
 ued in prayer for him till God redeemed him. He arose 
 at length, and with two others was baptized. 
 
 " In harvesting, sometimes the sheaves are housed 
 the day they are reaped. Frozen professors were led 
 
S84 tirTH PASTOKATB Off 
 
 to find fault, and the friends of Satan were awfully feaf^ 
 ful that the converts would not hold out. As we 
 worked on the authority of Christ, and were backed by 
 the examples of the Apostles, we went on while satyrs 
 danced to the music of the pit. Some of the seasons of 
 ' prayer in the sanctuary were very much like the Episco- 
 pal service; all prayed at once. It came upon us like a 
 baptism from heaven, as the cloud and sea of salvation. 
 Pentecost exhibited mighty excitement and almighty 
 power ; much crying out and much noise ; yet out of it 
 came some three thousand converts. After some three 
 months of labor with the church, I left them with their 
 arrangements perfected for securing their house of wor- 
 ship. Other denominations beside our own were built 
 up and additons were made to them of such as had 
 been added to the Lord. 
 
 " I found on again taking my pulpit at home a most 
 excellent state of things in the church. Quite a num- 
 ber of the members had been with me in the work and 
 a new proof was given that those who water others 
 shall be watered themselves. The years which followed 
 were very much like their predecessors; prosperity as a 
 general thing was true of the church till well nigh six 
 years terminated my relation as a pastor. 
 
 " In the autumn of 1847, learning that my friend 
 Rev. P. B. Peck, was sick unto death, I hastened to 
 see him, if possible, before he died. Oa reaching 
 Hamilton, N. Y., I foimd that his funeral and the fune- 
 ral of his brother, Eev. Linus M. Peck, were to occur 
 the next day. These were the sons of the Rev. John 
 Peck. Linus had stood over his dying brother till he 
 took the same disease and died before him. The deaths 
 of these two effective and promising ministers, in the 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 285 
 
 full vigor of their manliood, called out a host from the 
 region round about, to pay their last respects to the 
 loved and departed. Some twenty ministers were pres- 
 ent, and ministers were the bearers of the bodies to the 
 house of God, and then to their -final resting places. 
 Philetus B. had very successfully served the church in 
 Owego twelve years. Linus M. had just entered upon 
 the pastorate in Hamilton. 
 
 EEVrVAl m OWBGOj NEW YOKE. 
 
 "Father Peck requested me to go to Owego and 
 preach a funeral sermon to the church in view of the 
 loss of their pastor. I obeyed the request. On reach- 
 ing the place, as all were not ready, we made a future 
 appointment; but I told the brethren we must have 
 meetings during the week or I could not content my- 
 self to remain. The meetings increased in interest till 
 the Sabbath. Then came the multitude to hear the 
 funeral sermon. After preaching we repaired to the 
 river and baptized three happy converts. In the eve- 
 ning, at the close of the service, about thirty came out 
 for prayers. The anxious entreated me to stay with 
 them. But my sense of duty led me to return home 
 the next morning, not however without giving some en- 
 couragement that I would visit them again and assist 
 in reaping the ripe harvest. After reaching home I 
 received a letter requesting me to return, and mention- 
 ing the prospect of a great ingathering of souls. I laid 
 the matter before my church, and begged to be allowed 
 to go back to Owego; but all in vain. As only one 
 person voted for it, I gave it up. God only knows the 
 sorrow of my heart when I mailed the letter saying I 
 could not come. After this I had not my usual access 
 to God. A dampening effect upon the church was also 
 
286 
 
 FIFTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 visible. After a while Deacon Weaver came to me and 
 said, he feared they had sinned against God in their 
 decision. I now feel that I made a very great mistake 
 in not going back to Owego; for during the winter there 
 was a great work there. About two hundred and 
 seventy-five were baptized into the church by two 
 diiTerent administrators; while my church at home was 
 like the dry fleece of Gideon. In the mean time 
 Brother Trueman, of Owego, died from overwork. 
 ' "During my pastorate with the First Baptist church 
 in New London, four hundred or more were added to 
 the body." 
 
 , J. S. Swan. 
 
CHAPTEKXVII. 
 
 POWER OF PRAYER. 
 
 TILE HIGHEST POWER. POSSIBILITIES. QUEKIBS. DAHGEKS. 
 
 FAITH. — MB. swan's MANNER AND STYLE. — HOW CRITICISED. — ME. 
 
 Vinton's death. — ^pkayer at Hamilton. — ^prayer and proph- 
 bgt. broken wheel. mr. d. speechless. dniversalist 
 
 meetinghouse. — ^PRAYER EOR REV. O. T. WALKER. — EXPERIENCE 
 OP REV. W. 0. WALKER.— CASE OP MRS. RICHARDS. — INCIDENTS BY 
 REV. P. G. WIGHTMAN. — INCIDENTS BY L. CLARK. 
 
 It will be conceded that the highest exercise of hu- 
 man power is to prevail with God. Just this is involved 
 in true prayer. Thus Jacob became a prince, and ob- 
 tained the name of Israel — a name of imperishable re- 
 nown. At least, exaltation of heart and greater purity 
 ^of hfe belong to all who know and use the heavenly 
 privilege of prayer ; the world within, if not always the 
 I world without, is fubdued and brought into harmony 
 J with the throne of God, Genius, knowledge, riches, 
 office, worldly glory, are nothing compared with this 
 relation and privilege and power of prayer ; with it the 
 poor are made rich, and the weak are made mighty. 
 iThis honor have the children of God. 
 
 The possibilities of prayer seem to be little understood. 
 What are they among holy beings in other worlds ? 
 What were they to our first parents before their fall "^ 
 JjWhat are they now to us through the mediation of 
 Christ ? ;^ Here is a depth of theology that has not 
 been fully sounded. \ To what extent may trust in God 
 ^be exercised ? What is it tofuUy believe his promises ? 
 
288 INTERCESSOKY GIFTS OF 
 
 How mucli is He pleased to have us understand in his 
 commands, and invitations, and promises ? 
 
 Many in these last days wonder, if they do not also 
 doubt, in regard to what is recorded of some of the 
 prayers of the ancients. What with German neology, 
 compounded with materialistic and pantheistic theories, 
 suited to the blind and worldly side of human nature, 
 has started a popular notion that prayer is of no par- 
 ticular avail beyond the m^ind of the petitioner, and 
 that the Biblical accounts of prayer as a power between 
 earth and heaven, often moving the arm of God, 
 together with all the miracles, including those of 
 Christ, are the records of an old superstition, and should 
 properly be catalogued as myths. Here lies one of the 
 perils of our day. It is not to be disguised that the 
 queries — doubts rather — ^of Professor Tyndall, find 
 many sympathizers among those who profess the 
 christian faith. 
 
 But true men of God know that prayer takes hold of , 
 the divine throne, and is an experience that cannot be 
 expressed in words. It is man's highest privilege ; and 
 in it lies man's highest source of power. In the Ufe of 
 Mr. Swan this subject has some striking and instructive 
 illustrations to which we invite attention. 
 
 By the way, here as elsewhere, Mr. Swan's individu- 
 ality and originality of manner, were conspicuous. Ke- 
 specting the order and phraseology of his prayers, we 
 hazard nothing, as all who ever heard him will testify, 
 in saying that no one ever did or ever wiU pray like him. 
 His prayer is usually as natural, as direct, as simple, as 
 impassioned, as the petition of a needy child to a parent, 
 or of a friend to a friend. He adores ; he praises ; 
 he thanks ; he pleads ; he argues ; he trusts ; he in- 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 289 
 
 sists ; he quotes the promises ; he holds fast ; he prom- 
 ises submission ; he pledges obedience ; he confesses ; 
 he importunes. In all he uses the common vocabulary 
 of life, and the speech of the common people. At times, 
 however, when strongly moved and hfted up by the 
 Divine Spirit, he reaches the majesty of the old proph- 
 ets and the lofty beauty of the Psalmist ; his lips 
 become clothed with the noblest forms of speech. Lis- 
 teners were sometimes moved to astonishment, some- 
 times to smiles, sometimes to tears. The devout would 
 feel that the man was conversing with God, and an awe 
 would fill the place. Formalists and such as depended 
 upon a prayer book, have accused him of irreverence, 
 and presumptive familiarity with the Most High. Some 
 have been shocked and offended with his expressions. 
 The preacher, however, does not believe that Daniel in 
 the lion's den, or Jonah in the whale's belly, or Peter 
 sinking in the sea, or Paul and Silas in the jail at 
 Phihppi, had or wished to have prayer books. Nor 
 does he understand that the Lord criticises the rhetoric 
 of any man's petition. He admires such prayers as 
 those of Job, and Nehemiah,- and the thief on the cross. 
 When occasion demands, he can repeat or imitate even 
 the imprecatory petitions of David. He believes in 
 naturalness, sincerity, earnestness, faith, importunity. 
 He calls persons, things and causes by their common 
 names, thus setting the needed example to all the peo- 
 ple to pray in their own words and their own idioms. 
 Nor does be despise the homely but expressive meta- 
 phors and allusions best felt by his audience. Oratori- 
 cal and metaphysical prayers he studiously avoids, yet 
 sometimes in the pathetic and touching he is unequaled. 
 The throbs of his heai't, both earthward and heaven- 
 19 
 
290 INTERCESSORY GIFTS OF 
 
 ward, are sometimes revealed in language that no other 
 man might think of employing. 
 
 To illustrate : Eev. A. C. Bronson, of WaUingford, 
 furnishes the following: "When, in 1858, the State 
 Convention held its sessions at Southington, the deegly 
 affecting fact that Eev. J. H. Vinton had recently died 
 in India, was brought prominently before the meeting, 
 and Elder Swan, who had been his life-long friend, was 
 deeply affected by the intelligence. In offering prayer 
 at the close of the first day's session, he told God what 
 a superior man and missionary Mr. Vinton had been — 
 ' one of the best that had ever been on the field ; and 
 heaven's gates never swung on their golden hinges to let 
 in a better saint.' Then, refering to the difficulties 
 which had existed between the Missionary Board and 
 Messrs. Vinton, Kincaid, and others, in which much 
 had been said about the constitutionality of the course 
 pursued by the missionaries. Elder Swan, in his charac- 
 teristic style added, ' Lord God, we thank thee that 
 Justus H. Vinton had a constitutional right to go to 
 heaven." 
 
 In one of his prayers at Hamilton, during the agoijies 
 of the civil war, he as usual remembered his country, 
 and said, " Lord God, have mercy upon our suffering 
 land. Grant us deliverance from the great crime of 
 oppression, and teach us thy fear, and show us thy 
 salvation. Pour out the Holy- Spirit upon all the 
 churches in all the loyal states ; as to the rest, we don't 
 know anything about them." 
 
 May it not be said of the prayers recorded in the 
 Scriptures as examples for our own, whether they relate 
 to individuals or to the great household of faith, that 
 they may be looked upon as prophecies whose ful- 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 291 
 
 fullment we may claim ? Is it not God's purpose to 
 bestow what he directs us to ask? And this may apply 
 not alone to what he directed of old, but equally to 
 what we may be led by the Holy Spirit to ask for in 
 these last days. When we are impressed by the Spirit 
 to pray, ought we not to feel that our prayer is a pro- 
 phecy and will surely be answered; this would be pray- 
 ing in the Spirit, and having faith. '% Marvel not then 
 if we sometimes meet with petitions of a remarkable 
 character that have often been followed by the most 
 remarkable answers. 
 
 The following account was received from persons 
 who were present on the occasion. A series of meetings, 
 under direction of Elder Swan, were in progress at 
 Voluntown, Connecticut, in 1843. So deep was the 
 interest, that day and evening were occupied by the 
 church and by the most of the people. In the village 
 was a factory controlled by Mr. D. Grreat anxiety was 
 felt for the operatives in this mill, who, from the press 
 of work, were unable to attend the meetings. Urgent 
 biit unavailing application was made to the proprietor 
 of the factory for liberty for his help to attend some of 
 the religious services. Ordinary means thus failing, 
 Mr. Swan, deeply burdened with the case of these 
 operatives, introduced the matter into a morning prayer 
 meeting. Explaining the circumstances and unfolding 
 his feelings, he proposed that special prayer be offered 
 that the Lord wcruld intarpose for the salvation of these 
 unpriviledged souls. He quoted the Scripture, "All 
 things are possible with Grod." Leading in prayer him- 
 self in the course of the meeting, he told the Lord 
 what had been said and done, and how much was felt 
 for these unsaved toilers. Eising in faith as he drew 
 
292 INTERCESSORY GIFTS OF 
 
 nearer the throne, he cried "0 Lord God, thou knowest 
 best; and what shall we do ? Let these souls have 
 liberty to hear the gospel that they may be 'saved. If 
 we can do anything more, lead us to the effort. But if 
 no others means may avail, Lord, of thine own al- 
 mighty strength break down that big water wheel that 
 turns all the machinery, and that wUl let them out 
 to meeting." In that very hour, the huge iron bar 
 running through the great shaft of the wheel broke 
 squarely off, though it was without a flaw. The 
 factory was still, and weeks transpired before it was 
 again in operation. Meanwhile the operatives attended 
 the evangelist's meetings and a large number of them 
 were converted and baptized. 
 
 Another remarkable instance of the power of prayer 
 occured during the revival of 1842, in New London. 
 Mr. N. D , once a Baptist minister, became a per- 
 vert from the faith, and joined the Universalists, among 
 whom he was accepted as a leader and champion. 
 Accompanied by his new confreres,^ all "breathing out 
 threatenings" against Elder Swan and the church. Mr. 
 
 D attended the meetings and seized occasions, 
 
 when liberty for exhortation was given, to dispute, and 
 condemn the statements of the evangelist. At one 
 meeting he appeared with hi^ usual body guard, evi- 
 dently intent upon a grand attack. The Elder, deeply 
 moved for the honor of the truth, ' and for the welfare 
 of the people, made the opposer the subject of a special 
 prayer. Persons who were present recall this prayer 
 with a thrill. Awful was the solemnity. The man of 
 Grod had his hands oi; the horns of the altar, and would 
 not let go. Finally he prayed, if other means were in- 
 sufficient, that the Lord would lay his hand directly on 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 
 
 29^ 
 
 the persecutor, "and seal his lips, and take him out of 
 
 the way." Instantly Mr. D was smitten with 
 
 paralysis, rendered speechless, and had to be assisted to 
 his home by his friends, where he lingered in life but a 
 short time. By all the people the dumbness and death 
 were interpreted as an interposition of Grod. 
 
 TJpon the evangelist, at times, there seemed to rest 
 something of the power of prophecy. While Universa- 
 lists of New London were engaged on thfl plans for 
 their house of worship, he, in a public meeting, seeing 
 some of vtbem present, addressed them to the following 
 effect; "Now^'plan and build a good house. Do your 
 best. Build no small and mean thing for the Lord. 
 Show your religion and your taste, if you have got any, 
 Spare not in the cost or the style. It shall be for the 
 Lord. I have prayed the Lord to overrule your design 
 as he did Saul's journey to Damascus. The Baptists 
 shall yet possess the house, and I expect to stand in it's 
 pulpit and preach that he that believeth and is bap- 
 tised shall be saved; and he that believeth not shall 
 be damned." 
 
 [ A fine house was erected, but it was- encumbered 
 with a heavy debt. In due time it fell into the hands 
 of the Baptists. A new Baptist church entered it, and 
 Elder Swan preached the dedication sermon, and long 
 occupied the pulpit, and repeatedly the glory of the 
 Lord filled the house. This is now the Huntington 
 Street Baptist church. 
 
 S Kev. 0. T. Walker relates that while he was pastor 
 in North Stonington, he was dangerously ill and 
 thought to be nigh unto death, his father, Kev. Levi 
 Walker and Doctor Stephens watching with him day 
 and night. Providentially Elder Swan, passing that 
 
294 ' INTEHCESSORT GIFTS OF 
 
 way, stopped to see him, and felt moved to pray fot 
 liim. He began his prayer thus, "0 Lord God, there 
 are three thousand destitute Baptist churches in our 
 land. Now, Lord, don't let this young man die, if he 
 can be of any service." The form of the petition 
 caused it to be remembered Mr. Walker adds, "I 
 began to mend from that hour." 
 
 We add an incident from the pen of Eev. William 
 0. Walker, another of Mr. Swan's fellow laborers. 
 
 " While connected with the army, I was lioine, in 
 New London, on a sick furlough, extremely sick with 
 southern fever and so low that my life was despaired of. 
 Indeed the report upon the street at one time was that 
 I was dead. No person was permitted to see me lest 
 the shock would be too much for me. Brother Swan 
 called to see me. The question was asked, 'Will it do 
 to let him into the room.?' I had my reason then, and 
 said, "Yes; I will risk it.' At my request he read the 
 twenty-third Psalm and prayed with me. So far from 
 my being overcome, the effort had the happiest effect. 
 I have felt ever since that I was raised up in answer to 
 prayer. Brother Swan told me afterwards that my re- 
 covery seemed like a miracle. In a few days after his 
 visit I wa;s able to walk out upon the verandah, and in 
 twenty days from that time I went back to my regi- 
 ment. As a man of prayer Elder Swan has been 
 wonderful." 
 
 We add one more testimony, as the subject is one of 
 so much importance. It is from the pen of Mr. D. S. 
 Richards, of Preston, Connecticut : 
 
 " In the spring of 1869 my mother, Mrs. Mary Kich- 
 ards, was taken very sick; and so severe was her illness 
 that her life was despaired of; and her children were 
 
SEV. JABEZ &, SWAN. 295 
 
 telegraphed for, and came, in hope to see her before her 
 death. A council of physicians was held, the decision 
 of which was, that she could not live more than two 
 days at the farthest. Elder Swan, hearing of her sick- 
 ness, and her house heing one of his stopping places 
 in his evangelistic labors, came to see her and prayed 
 with her. The power of God was present to heal. She 
 said she knew "from that hour she should recover. She 
 began from that time to amend. She is still' living, and 
 enjoying comfortable health, at the age of seventy-nine 
 years. Other incidents, of like character, of answers to 
 prayer, might be mentioned, if needful." 
 
 Eev. P. G-. Wightman writes: " While Kev. Mr. 
 Boice, pastor of the Second Congregational church in 
 New London, was very ill, a member of his society, 
 passing the residence of Brother Swan, overheard him 
 in family prayer pleading very earnestly for the life and 
 restoration of his sick brother minister. This being 
 reported to the sick man, he sent a request to Brother 
 Swan to come to his chamber and pray with him. He 
 went, but, by mistake of the servant, did not gain 
 admittance. The mistake was not discovered till the 
 loved minister breathed his last." 
 
 He adds another incident. " While I was pastor in 
 East Lyme, Connecticut, in the winter of 1846-7, we 
 had a series of meetings, and after our meetings had 
 commenced. Brother Swan came to assist us. A young 
 lady seemed very indiiferent and gay, and declared, when 
 invited forward, that she had no interest or feeling, yet 
 she consented to go with others for prayers. While 
 others were deeply anxious and weeping, she refused to 
 kneel, and sat proudly looking around. Brother Swan 
 bowed to pray, and this careless one was the burden of 
 
296 
 
 INTBECESSOKY GIFTS OF 
 
 his petition. For more than half an hour he lifted up 
 his petition for her in awful strains of earnest pleading. 
 The careless smile gave place to deep solemnity of coun- 
 tenance. Then the head was bowed down; and right 
 before our eyes the answer to prayer came; and the 
 scornful young lady became an earnest seeker, and soon 
 found peace in believing.' ' 
 
 Deacon Lyman Clark, of West Meriden writes, "Dur- 
 ing the revival season in the church up town (First 
 Baptist church) under the charge of the lamented 
 Harvey Miller, the Spirit of the Lord was sent aq a 
 mighty rushing wind. For some time the services were 
 held in the large basement room which had a bare floor. 
 Elder Swan complained at length that he wore his 
 knees very much on the hard floor, and said that his 
 life and strength were worth more to God and his cause 
 than the carpet in the audience room above. Shortly 
 into the upper room he went. One man/ in time of 
 prayer was so absorbed that he seemed lost, till the 
 Elder spoke to him; and he afterwards said he did not 
 know as he should ever paused if he had not been 
 spoken to. Elder Swan preached as if he possessed 
 the strength of a giant. At times his enjoyment 
 seemed very great. One night, on leaving the house, 
 he said to me, 'I have had a benefit to-night. It is not 
 often that a preacher gets a benefit; but the Lord has 
 given me one to-night.' Almost at any time during 
 the night watches, the Elder might be heard up and on 
 his knees in earnest prayer to God." 
 
OHAPTEE XVIII. 
 
 OTHER PASTORATES AND REVIVALS. 
 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD i— pastorate m albakt, n. t.— pastorate 
 
 OF third baptist church, new LONDON. DEDICATION. 
 
 REVIVAL. — BENEVOLENCES. REVIVAL IN PROVIDENCB, R. I. — P. ' 
 
 DAVES. — HOME. — REVIVAL IN NORWICH, N. T. — DEATHS OF R. AND , 
 T. HARRIS. — REVIVAL. — REVIVAL IN OWEQO, N. T. — EEVTVAL IN i 
 MBRIDBN, CONN. — INCIDENTS. — ^REVIVAL IN WILLIMANTIC. — SPIRIT [ 
 RAPPERS. -PASTORATE OF SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, NEW LONDON.- '' 
 REVIVAL IN CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH, NORWICH, CONN. —REVIVAL 
 IN TROT, N. T. — REVIVAL IN WHITESBOEOUGH, N. Y. — MR. SHBLDBN. 
 
 " In 1848, having received a call from the High Street | 
 church in Albany, I accepted it and entered upon my ' 
 labors in November. I had a large and commodious 
 meeting house, and a strong and working church who 
 were ready to follow and sustain me in active measures 
 to build up the cause of Grod. In the winter following 
 we commenced a protracted meeting, which continued 
 for the most part till spring. Eev. B. Cook^ of Jewett 
 City, came and preached for me one month, and the 
 Lord was with him. The church was much quickened 
 and numbers were added to us. The work extended 
 into the Normal School in Albany, and quite a number 
 of young ladies were" added to our church. 
 
 " In the course of the winter a delegation frem New 
 London visited me to inquire if I would return to that 
 city and become pastor, if a new Baptist church was 
 
298' • SIXTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 formed and the Universalist meeting house (which 
 was now offered for sale) was purchased. My obligation 
 was such in Albany that I could see no way by which I 
 could be released from, my present charge till my year 
 was out. So I could say little by way of encourage- 
 ment to the delegation from New London. Though 
 with a revival in progress where I was, and surrounded 
 by a inost interesting field for work, and for the first 
 time in my life a bright prospect for my finances, from 
 the time I heard that the house referred to was for sale 
 I became restless and unhappy to a great extent. My 
 brethren detected in me a change, and one of my strong- 
 est and best men came to me and asked what the 
 trouble was; whether I wanted more salary, and added, 
 ' We voted to support you, beginning with one thousand 
 dollars. If you want more money, say so, for we have 
 it.' I said, 'No; my salary is ample for my support.' 
 When I left New London I was fearful that my whole 
 duty was not done, though when I resigned my pastoral 
 charge I had a sort of consciousness that I was moving 
 in the right direction. ' , 
 
 "For one made up as I am and have been from the 
 time of my conversion to God, a permanent ' pastorate 
 is impossible. My object was never to fit up a nest to 
 live and die in. Yet on general principles I believe 
 God intended the pastorate as a permanent and life 
 relation. Our forefathers considered it like the relation 
 of marriage. True adaptation of a minister to a people, 
 and of a people to a minister, should be sought, and if 
 the case be a fit, my convictions are the relation should 
 be permanent. Oar Congregational churches have set 
 the example; and happy are they in my judgment who 
 follow it. How many of their most effective men have 
 

 '''''*''*'"'||llff'Fii™i!!!l!|li 
 
 S''':,!l;'B!»;ii:!iail!iil!iii!iiiia 
 
 HUJ^TIjYGTOjY ST. ^J^'TIST CHV^CH. 
 
 NEW LOWDOr':[, CONN. 
 
 Ar(,;rsT, is" 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 301 
 
 held their pulpits from forty to fifty and even sixty 
 years; as in the cases of the venerable Doctors McEwen 
 of New London, Hawes of Hartford, and Todd of Pitts- 
 field. In our own denomination we have the Wight- 
 mans, Silas Burrows, Simeon Brown, Nathaniel Cole, 
 and Francis Darrow of Waterford. Here are samples 
 of names which stand high on the roll of religious fame. 
 
 PASTOKATB OF THIED BAPTIST CHURCH IN NEW LONDON. 
 
 " The Universalist house was finally purchased by a 
 church formed to occupy it, and my church in Albany 
 released me to take my position as pastor in New Lon- 
 don in the spring of 1849. I left Albany in the month 
 of March to preach the dedication sermon. 
 
 DEDICATION AND KBYIVAl IN NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT. 
 
 " My Brother Cook was with me, and after the dedi- 
 cation services were over he preached one of his most 
 powerful sermons. After his sermon I asked who was 
 willing and desirous to be the first person converted in 
 that house; stating that there had never been a soul 
 converted there, and never would have been under the 
 creed that had been preached thei-e; but now the house 
 was dedicated to G-od, and I thought he had recorded 
 his name there; and he would come and bless. A little 
 girl rose up at my invitation. She was nearly twelve 
 years old, the youngest child of Brother Kichard Eogers, 
 and was the first who received the seal of salvation 
 under that roof. Others came up with her who soon 
 rejoiced in the salvation of God. At the close of the 
 week, on Saturday, we had our covenant meeting, and I 
 think some one hundred and eighty were heard in 
 renewing the covenant they had recently adopted. Men, 
 women and children. Wept and bowed to God and 
 rejoiced in Him for the exhibition of His grace so early 
 
302 SEVENTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 bestowed upon the infant churcli. The following Sab- 
 bath was a day of days to the church. The ordinances 
 seemed to be attended with fresh manifestations of 
 divine favor. The tide of salvation rolled in with such 
 power that a multitude began to inquire the way to 
 Zion. Instead of being able to return to my field in 
 Albany I was detained almost a month, during which 
 some one hundred were hopefully converted, most of 
 whom were added to the church. 
 
 " Rev. D. H. Miller united with me in the labor of 
 gathering the harvest and was of great service to us in 
 preaching the gospel with great power and in leading 
 inquiring souls to Christ. 
 
 " The surrounding evangelical churches sympathized 
 with the little church in their new enterprise. From 
 our Congregational brethren we received material aid 
 in paying for our house. We had bound ourselves to 
 pay twelve thousand dollars for the house, and our 
 mind to work exceeded our financial resources. At the 
 end of about one month from the dedication of our 
 house, I was compelled to return to Albany to finish 
 up my work there, and make provision to return to New 
 London. 
 
 " On my return I was received with open hearts and 
 arms and had a very welcome reception by ray fellow 
 citizens. The following summer was one of the happi- 
 est of my life. Our house was crowded with anxious 
 hearers. The church was made up of those who acted 
 on the voluntary principle in casting in their lot with 
 us, and the newly converted seemed filled with the love 
 of God. On embarking in the new enterprise we were 
 compelled to shoulder a heavy debt, which we hoped 
 God would assisi us to wipe out. 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 303 
 
 " From this time onward we were able to contribute 
 some four or five hundred dollars a year for missions, 
 Home, Foreign and Domestic, as well as to meet lesser 
 demands for the providential calls, for huilding meeting 
 houses, and the like. Our regular annual expenses 
 were from fifteen to sixteen hundred dollars a year. 
 Simply to meet the claims upon us for our house of 
 worship we had a dit-ect tax from year to year upon the 
 church of from five to eleven hundred dollars. All was 
 met with cheerfulness. 
 
 KBVrVAL m PROVmBNCB, RHODE ISLAND. 
 
 " Being anxious to meet our obligations promptly in 
 paying for the house, I determined to rnabe a special 
 efibrt outside of our own society. I saw my old friend 
 Perry Davis, a man of good report and uncommon large 
 heart, and solicited aid of him for my object. He re- 
 plied, if I would come to Providence and preach where 
 he belonged, he would give me a lift for my meeting 
 house. I complied with his wishes, and entered upon 
 my work in a protracted meeting which was very suc- 
 cessful. Large numbers attended and many were 
 brought to Christ. I put up with Brother Davis who 
 was a man of extensive acquaintance and very many 
 were drawn to his house; and those who came there 
 unconverted went away rejoicing in hope of the glory 
 of God. Among others who came was a young lady 
 related to the family of Mr. Davis, who, not knowing 
 the religious interest that was providentially in and 
 around her uncle's family, to avoid the influence of her 
 Sabbath School teacher who was urging her to submit 
 to Christ, had left her home hoping to elude the influ- 
 ence which annoyed her. She was converted the day 
 of her arrival. 
 
304 SEVENTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 " The Pain Killer factory -was in the basement of the 
 house where Brother Davis lived and he had a number 
 of men in his employ who were unconverted. In a very 
 short time God came in among the workmen with a 
 power that terrified them and swept through all the de- 
 partments so as not to leave a single soul unconverted. 
 Among the converted was his son-in-law. Joy and 
 gladness were fully realized now in the home of Brother 
 Davis. His faith was not in vain. 
 
 The place where we held our meetings became so 
 crowded that the inhabitants complained they could 
 not have the privilege of the meetings for the want of 
 room. Brother Davis went and hired Howard Hall, 
 which was said to seat four thousand persons, but had 
 never been filled. The first evening it was crowded, 
 and the interest was very great. Numbers came for- 
 ward, for prayers. The second evening the hall was 
 filled. About preaching time the cry of 'fire' was 
 rung in upon us, and company that we could well 
 spare rushed out, and the doors were closed so that they 
 could not get back. While the cry of fire and the rat- 
 tling of engines were heard, a temporary agitation was 
 produced; but we continued singing and. praying till 
 the rowdies were wearied putting out fire where there 
 was none, and left and returned to the dens where they 
 had fired up to disturb our meetings. I suggested at 
 the close of the service, that we take up a collection to 
 aid in paying for the hall, which was thirty dollars an 
 evening, only about half the usual charge. The col- 
 lection was taken, and beyond what our own congrega- 
 tion gave there was but a mere trifle contributed, and 
 quite a portion of that was in tin sixpences and metal 
 buttons. 
 
KEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 305 
 
 "This contribution of tin and buttons so affected 
 Brother Davis that he desired no more collections should 
 be taken. He would pay the whole rather than any 
 man should damn his soul by paying God off in tin 
 money. I concluded we would return to our little 
 sanctuary. If those who came up would insult God 
 and his friends by offering to him worse than the halt 
 and blind, we would seek a^ better kind of timber for 
 the house of God. 
 
 " As the report went abroad of what God was doing 
 a class of aged friends of Christ came in who seemed 
 to possess the old fashioned spirit of revivals. In their 
 prayers and exhortations the genuine spirit of former 
 days could be discovered. Our baptismal scenes were 
 attended with great interest. Middle aged men, youth 
 and some of tender years, were buried with Christ in 
 baptism into death, in Providence River where Eoger 
 Williams immersed converts before us. 
 
 "In the course of the meetings I became impressed from 
 the multitude of visitors which thronged the house of 
 Brother Davis, and the horses he had to maintain which 
 belonged to the visitors, that too much burden was be- 
 ing laid upon one man, and sought an opportunity to 
 open my heart to him. I finally told him I thought I 
 had better q[uit; that the burden was too great upon 
 him. He heard me for a while, and then said, ' Are 
 you through ?' I said 'yes.' He then said, 'That is 
 none of your business. I want you to stay as long as you 
 can; and when you go home, you will have five hundred 
 dollars to pay in for your meeting house, and be blessed 
 in the name of the Lord and sent home.' All of this 
 I realized. His son gave me one hundred and fifty 
 dollars, and he paid the balance, He also said, 'When 
 20 
 
306 SEVENTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 I was poor, the Devil abused me the worst kind. I 
 was burned out twice, and the last time saved nothing 
 but two beds. Now,' said he, 'I have got the Devil where 
 I can pay him. I was once so poor I had not clothes 
 to go to meeting for six months. My life is insured for 
 some ten thousand dollars, and my wife has promised, 
 if she outlives me, to carry out my plan. This meet- 
 ing shall be continued till every man in Providence who 
 wants to be converted shall have the opportunity.' 
 
 " While I put up with him, solicitations were con- 
 stantly made of h,im for aid; and the cheerfulness with 
 which he responded to all such, indicated the fullness 
 of his heart. After some two months and a half of 
 labor in Providence, I returned to New London with 
 my five hundred dollars, and paid them into the treas- 
 ury of the society. And having picked up in personal 
 presents enough to pay the supply of my pulpit in my 
 absence, I closed up that account with my Brother 
 Morgan, then a Methodist minister of this' city, who 
 very reluctantly took this reward for his work. 
 
 " The church were in perfect harmony of views 
 regarding God's general requirements, and evinced a 
 readiness to take hold of the work of the Lord in what 
 ever direction called by providence. Additions were 
 made to the church very frequently, and christian love 
 pervaded every heart. Our Heavenly Father crowned 
 the year with his goodness. We were favored with won- 
 derful answers to prayer in our vestry meetings as well 
 as elsewhere. 
 
 I received a letter from a gentleman in Salem, Con- 
 necticut, asking me to pray for his sick son who was 
 unprepared to die, that his life might be spared, and 
 his soul saved, adding 'I am not a professor of religion, 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 307 
 
 but have heard of jour faith in prayer.' I took the 
 letter to our conference meeting, and reading it, urged 
 the matter upon the brethren. If the person had been 
 present the interest would not have been greater. In a 
 short time ' after I had a letter from the father saying 
 his son was well, and was converted to God. The let- 
 ter abounded in gratitude to me, and I think in grati- 
 tude to Grod. 
 
 llKVrVAL, 
 
 " I think in the second year after we came into pos- 
 session of our house of worship, being impressed with 
 the importance of more efforts to secure the salvation 
 of souls, we set apart a day of fasting and prayer. We 
 came together at ten o'clock in the morning and com- 
 menced prayer and held on steadily for seven hours in 
 earnest cries to God for his coming to bless and save 
 souls. We then opened our house and commenced a 
 protracted meeting which held over a month. More I 
 believe than seventy were converted. It was a most 
 blessed meeting. All our hearts were revived and 
 ' converts came into the liberty of the gospel. 
 
 KETIVAL XN NORWICH, NEW YORK. 
 
 "I was at length invited to come back to my old 
 field in Norwich, New York, to hold a meeting, and 
 complied with the invitation. The first meeting was 
 in the afternoon, and one anxious soul came forward to 
 seek Christ. My mother was with me and joined in 
 prayer for the lady who came up, who soon found rest 
 to her soiil. I think we commenced on Wednesday, 
 and on the next Sabbath I 'baptized eleven rejoicing 
 converts. Having been pastor in Norwich so long, 
 when I came to the place of baptism where I had buried 
 hundreds in years gone by in the name of the Triune 
 
308 SEVENTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 God, it most deeply affected my heart as well as other 
 hearts. Near this spot is the literal burying ground, 
 where very many whom I had watched over as pastor 
 were now sleeping, waiting for morning to come. Fully 
 believing that their sleep was in Jesus, it kindled a 
 warmth in my soul which burned like a fire. The 
 work rolled on with power. Conversions occurred- 
 daily. Multitudes came in from all quarters to hear 
 the word of God. 
 
 " In the midst of all the interest that surrounded me 
 I was called home. Deacon Eichard Harris was sick 
 unto death. I was now in a great strait. On the one 
 hand, a life was fast wasting away, and friends wished 
 me , to return to mingle my sympathies with the old 
 soldier who was in his last battle. On the other hand^ 
 God was riding in his chariot of salvation, conquering 
 hosts and sealing them for the day of redemption. In 
 early morning I left the place with most conflicting 
 emotions. After riding a, few miles I met Deacon 
 Newton of the Congregational church of Sherborn, and 
 he asked me where I was going. I told him. Said he, 
 'Did not your Master say let the dead bury their dead;' 
 and added, 'There is not a man in the world that can 
 take the work where you leave it; it will suffer.' I 
 told him that was the hardest commandment I ever 
 tried to keep; that once under similar circumstances I 
 tarried, though called home to a funeral, and it gave 
 such offence in the fami^ly where death had come, that 
 they were never reconciled to me. Yet with the light 
 I now have, if it was my own father that desired me 
 under such circumstances to leave my work and come 
 to him, J could not do it. 
 
 " On arriving home I hastened to the house of my 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 309 
 
 friend and found him on the verge of dfeath. Very- 
 soon he. passed away. While he was able to work he 
 exhorted all who came near him who loved Christ to be 
 obedient to him; and all without hope to flee for refuge 
 and lay hold on the hope set before them. It was 
 dying work for me to part with one with whom I had 
 toiled in the kingdom so long, and in whose friendship 
 I had had such an unbounded portion. To bury him 
 was like parting with a right arm. At his burial, we 
 as a church wept, and God revealed himself to us as 
 we poured out our hearts to him at the grave's mouth. 
 A strong man in Israel had fallen. The remerhbrance 
 of the godly man serves yet to give new springs to 
 christian activity to build the kingdom of God upon 
 the earth. 
 
 "Upon the stone at the head of his grave is written 
 ' I have loved the habitation of thy house, the place 
 where thine honor dwelleth.' All who ever knew him 
 will acknowledge the fitness of the inspired word ap- 
 plied to him. The wonderful Cecil said he thought, 
 'If when the dead were finally raised, men remained 
 before they went up long enough to read the epitaphs 
 upon their gravestones, some would think they had got 
 into the wrong graves.' Not so with the Deacon, if he 
 stays to read his. Unless his power to shout is lost, he 
 will read and re-echo, 'That's a fact,' and then join the 
 upward moving throng with delight. His departure 
 seemed a forerunner of the departure of his brother, 
 Deacon Isaac Harris, who with a long lingering dis- 
 ease was wasted away. As a man of prayer he had 
 few equals. 
 
 " In the protracted meeting, I held with the First 
 Baptist church my home was with Deacon Isaac. His 
 
310 SEVENTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 business required liim to rise early. Every morning I 
 was awakened by the sound' of his voice in prayer. I 
 often arose when awakened by his voice and went down 
 and joined him, much to the edification of my own soul, 
 tie was a man of power as a christian, not perfect, but 
 always reaching towards 'the prize of the high calling 
 in Christ Jesus.' I called on him with his old friend 
 Deacon Rogers. He was very low, and the Deacon 
 pointed to me and asked if he knew me. He replied, 
 ' I guess I do, and never followed a man by day and 
 night, by sea and land, in prayer to Grod as I have 
 him.' I knew that was true. When he really came 
 to the crossing, he lifted his voice above the roar of the 
 waters and shouted 'Victory ! Victory !' and so he . 
 passed over the river. 
 
 "All that Aaron and Hur were to Moses, those broth- 
 ers were to me, and in parting with them, Heaven only 
 knows my sorrowing and my loss. Very soon his jewel 
 of a christian wife follo.wed him to his new home above. 
 Meekness, humility, patience and fidelity to Christ, 
 with a broad sympathy for the suffering, and a life 
 pervaded with the love of God, were the peculiar 
 features of her life and character. The companion of 
 ■ Deacon Richard Harris died at a later period. The 
 wives of these two godly men were sisters, and in most 
 respects alike in christian virtues. Godliness was the 
 vein which ran through the life of both. 
 
 EEVn'AL. 
 
 " Years whicii followed the death of those eminent 
 disciples differed but little from the ordinary experiences 
 of the church of Christ, till we came to the ninth and 
 last year of my pastoral relation. I appointed meet- 
 ings for conference and prayer in all directions about 
 
EEV, JABEZ S. SWAN.' 311 
 
 che church. God soon appeared and the houses where 
 we gathered were crowded. After a few weeks of those 
 conferences we removed the meetings to the sanctuary. 
 I then preached nearly every evening and on the Lord's 
 Day, for five consecutive months. I iwas out of meet- 
 ing but two evenings for the whole time. My days 
 were spent in visiting from house to house, conversing 
 and praying with individuals and families. The church 
 came into the work slowly, but as a body they at length 
 put on, as near as mortals do, 'the whole armor of God.' 
 When we commenced there was no appearance of a 
 revival in the city, but before long other churches 
 'caixie to the help of the Lord,' and a gracious work 
 generally prevailed. 
 
 "Among the converted were cases of peculiar interest. 
 I was told of a young man who had been in the 
 United States navy, who was now a constant attendant 
 of our meetings. The account given me of him stated 
 that he possessed fine talents, but was terribly profane. 
 I was so much interested in the young man that I 
 sought him and told him I had heard of him and 
 thought that he was a kind of matter of fact man and 
 would dare to do right if he knew what it was. He 
 replied, I had a better opinion of him than he had of 
 himself. On one occasion I invited him, and he went 
 up with me for prayers. When I had prayed for him, 
 he followed in a most broken hearted manner, beseech- 
 ing the Lord to have mercy upon him, and closed by 
 saying, '0 Lord, if there is a sin in me so deep that its 
 eradication would take my life, Lord, take it from 
 me.' When he arose from his knees he looked up and 
 said, 'My friends, if a platform was reared high in the 
 air, and its supports were such that to remain there was 
 
312 SEVENTH PASTORATE OE 
 
 highly dangerous, would you hire out to work upon it? 
 I have been there; but thank God I am off of it.' 
 From this hour he was a new man. His saying was 
 set home upon the heart of a young man standing in a 
 remote part of the house, and Grod rendered it effectual 
 in his salvation. 
 
 " Before the meeting closed most of the youth of 
 our congregation were converted. When those who 
 had been baptized were received into the church, hus- 
 bands and wives stood in front of the pulpit from wall 
 to wall across the house, while a line of young men ex- 
 tended down the aisle to the door. A row of young 
 ladies extended down the other aisle nearly to the door. 
 Ninety-nine were baptized before the meeting closed, 
 and a large_ harvest of souls was gathered into the 
 churches of the city. When five months continuous 
 labors had closed, we had arrived near the month 
 of March, 1858. 
 
 hbvival in owbgo, new yobk. 
 
 " I then left to fulfill an engagement in Owego. 
 God had appeared, and near one hundred and fifty had 
 expressed hope before I arrived. The church had dedi- 
 cated a new house and the Lord had poured down the 
 Spirit from on high, according to his promise. I 
 commenced preaching, near the close of February 1858, 
 and the interest took a new start, and salvation rolled 
 in wave after wave from the gr^at sea above. 
 
 " On one occasion a gentleman and his wife came up 
 for prayers, exhibiting deep feeling. Of the husband I 
 had heard that he had consulted his uncle who was in 
 the church, as to what he should do to be saved, and 
 was advised when invited, to go up for prayers, and 
 kneel down and never get up till converted. He fol- ' 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 313 
 
 lowed the advice, and before the meeting closed, they 
 were both translated into the kingdom of God's dear 
 Son. On the same occasion a young lady of the church 
 came up the aisle leading her aged father, I think over 
 seventy years old. Both wept as they came, the father 
 aloud, with tears streaming down his face. He found 
 Christ and I baptized him in the river. Such power 
 attended the meetings that if mea wished to avoid be- 
 ing converted they had to stay away. It was not 
 uncommon for a hundred and twenty-five to come up 
 for praye"rs at the close of the evening service. I 
 worked with the church a month, and returned home, 
 leaving at the close of my last meeting at twelve 
 o'clock at night. Of one hundred and twenty-five who 
 came up for prayers, almost all had expressed hope in 
 Christ. 
 
 REvrvAi nsr jibkidbn, coiw. 
 "While I was at work in Connecticut for the Maine 
 Law, I delivered two addresses in Meriden, one in the 
 First Baptist church and the other in the Congrega- 
 tional church on the west side of the railroad. I put 
 up for the night with Deacon Lyman Clark. Deacon 
 Richard Harris was with nie. On returning from my 
 second lecture in the evening, a yotmg man went with 
 us. When he arose to go home. Deacon Harris fol- 
 lowed him to tlie door and appealed to him on the sub- 
 ject of the salvation of his soul, and impressed upon him 
 the importance of seeking Grod ' without delay. The 
 next morning when the family arose and came together, 
 I, commenced conversation with the oldest daughter of 
 Brother Clark, with whom I was well acQ[uainted, about 
 the salvation of her soul, and confessed to her for not 
 doing my duty by her when she was in New London. 
 
314 SEVENTH PASTOKATE 04- 
 
 She felt deeply, and asked for prayers. We all engaged 
 in prayer for her, and while praying, the young man 
 with whom the deacon conversed the night before, came 
 in deeply anxious, and shared a remembrance in prayer. 
 Both prayed for themselves, and before the interview 
 closed, both gave themselves to Christ in a covenant of 
 everlasting life. 
 
 " I expected to return home that day, but the pastor 
 of the First Baptist church. Brother H. Miller, hearing 
 of what Grod had done at the house of Brother Clark, 
 came to see me and insisted that I must stay over the 
 Sabbath and preach for him, and he would take my 
 place in New London. I fell in with his proposal and 
 stayed over, and in fact remained about four weeks, 
 during which some one hundred and forty-six were 
 added, to the church. The work of G-od moved on with 
 such power that it was difficult for the church to keep 
 up with it. The tide of salvation often roUed broader 
 and deeper outside of the church than in. 
 
 " With a view to bring up the church more fully to 
 the work of the Lord, we had from week to week days 
 of fasting and prayer. Such meetings were very fuUy 
 attended by the church and society. The power of God 
 was so displayed in the days of fasting, that the other 
 meetings were greatly quickened. A great number of 
 remarkably intelligent youth thronged our sanctuary, 
 and among them the Lord wrought his wonderful works. 
 It was not uncommon to see a hundred youth in the 
 seats for prayer. 
 
 " A young lady sitting near the front seat, under the 
 deepest distress, rose to her feet, and extending her arms 
 towards heaven, cried as though her soul was dying, 
 ' ! God ! have mercy on my soul !' and sat down 
 
EEV. JABBZ S. SWAN. 315 
 
 again. She had no sooner reached her seat than she 
 sprang again to her feet, with arms uplifted, and shouted 
 like the ancient inhabitants of the rock, ' Glory ! Grlory ! ' 
 The pastor had not been familiar with this fashion of 
 work, to see God melt off chains of prisoners and give 
 them salvation at the same instant. He said, ' Elder 
 Swan, that is a regular Methodist conversion,' and ex- 
 pressed a lack of confidence in the genuineness. But I 
 replied, ' Thank God ! lightning has struck once straight ; 
 but there were not lightning rods enough to carry it off.' 
 " Among the first that came forward for prayers were 
 a great company of youth. Among them were three 
 young ladies, two of whom were sisters. One evening 
 while prayer was being offered for the multitude who 
 came forward, I determined to make a last effort to 
 bring these three to let go of all el^e and give them- 
 selves without reserve to Christ.. The oldest knelt by 
 the door of the seat. I moved along silently and kneel- 
 ing by the seat where she was, said, ' Jane ! I have made 
 up my mind that you will go to hell. You will hear to 
 no advice ; you refuse to pray for yourself ; and noth- 
 ing that is being done has the least effect upon you. I 
 have come to bid you good by. I shall pray for you no 
 more. You will be eternally lost.' That was plain 
 talk ; but I knew, if God's word is a fire and hammer, 
 there comes a time when the hammer should be apphed. 
 She raised her hand in an agony and cried, ' ! God ! 
 have mercy on my soul ! ' Under this cry, the heart 
 yielded to Christ, and she arose and went where her 
 sister had knelt, urged her to pray, and prayed for her ; 
 and the sister was converted. Then they went after the 
 third, and the same result -followed. Thus the three 
 found the shelter of the Great Kock in a weary land. 
 
S16 SEVENTH PASTOEATfi OF 
 
 My justification for suda a course I find in the examples 
 of Jesus, and of Paul, who when all was done that 
 could be done, and no favorable response realized, turned 
 away from men, but not without awful warning of the 
 ultimate consequences of rejecting God's proffered sal- 
 vation. 
 
 " It is not at all uncommon in large revivals for a 
 class of a pecuKar type to linger through a whole re- 
 vival. They always come forward for prayers, but can- 
 not be induced to speak or pray. Some are deterred 
 through diffidence ; others stumble at the cross ; others 
 cling to idols of some sort ; and all stop at the straight 
 gate. In one case an uncommon youth, the idol of her 
 unconverted father came forward for prayers. The father 
 had lavished upon his child aU that wealth could bestow, 
 which had fostered pride, and immersed her soul in 
 worldly pleasures, till religion had come to be esteemed 
 of lesser worth than jewelry, and costly apparel, and 
 the pleasures of this life. Yet beneath all this, a desire 
 lived in her heart to become a christian. Time after 
 time, she came to the room with enquirers, but found no 
 relief. I asked if there was anything to which her 
 heart was clinging that she was unwilling to relinquish 
 tor Christ, and she replied, ' yes.' I asked ' What is 
 it '? ' She answered, ' Dancing.' I then asked which 
 she had rather do, dance and go to hell, or give it up 
 and go to h«aven. She replied, ' I had rather give it 
 up and go to heaven.' Now said I, ' Tell God that.' 
 And she exclaimed, ' ! God ! I give it up !' and she 
 found deliverance from sin, and peace with God. 
 
 " Another youth was stopped at the straight gate by 
 general pride, wliich was indicated by costly array in 
 which she appeared in the house of God ; and while 
 
REV. JABEZ &. SWAN. 317 
 
 with the anxious, her whole appearance suggested to 
 herself the opposite of humility. When she came 
 again to church she came in a plain cahco dress, and 
 had changed the high bonnet and plumes for a plain 
 hood. She found the hood better to pass the gate in 
 than the tall bonnet. I am of the opinion that God 
 dehghts to see the human body, which is a temple built 
 by himself, properly adorned, from the fact that he has 
 made a reference to it as illustrative of his clothing up 
 the soul in habiliments of life. But the adornment of, 
 a meek and quiet spirit must be held infinitely above all 
 external decorations, though the latter may illustrate 
 the former. Yet whatever proves a snare to the soul 
 should be destroyed, as Moses destroyed the golden calf, 
 wliich came from melted jewelry profanely employed, 
 instead of being changed for laudable purposes. 
 
 " The work in Meriden reached the neighboring 
 churches and a large ingathering of souls was realized. 
 The daughter of Brother Clark, who was first to bow 
 to Christ, in about three months found an early graA^e, 
 but died in fuU anticipation of the heavenly rest. Her 
 funeral sermon was preached by the pastor, Eev. H. 
 Miller. I was present and saw her laid away in her 
 long home, to await the call of the resurrection morning. 
 Her bearers were all young men who had been converted 
 in the same revival in which she sought and found 
 the riches wliich endure unto life everlasting. Elleu 
 found her grave in hfe's early morning, but enjoyed the 
 blessing of departing and being with Christ, which is 
 far bettfir. Not long after her burial, I, together with 
 many of my brethren in the ministry, laid away the 
 loved pastor, Eev. H. MiUer, where multitudes of those 
 whom he had led to the ' Eock of Ages ' had been laid 
 
318 SEVENTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 before hiin. How ' unsearchable are G-od's •judgments, 
 and his ways past finding out.' 
 
 " In the spring of 1858 I relinquished my pastoral 
 charge of the Huntington Street church, terminating a 
 relation of nine consecutive years, the hardest thing I 
 ever did in my life. It was at the close of a sweet and 
 precious communion season, surrounded with a church 
 of some five hundred members, the most of whom I had 
 ded to Christ and buried with him in baptism. My re- 
 .signation fell upon the church like a millstone, and sobs 
 and sighings were abundant. If all the solemnities of 
 all the funerals I had ever attended had been condensed 
 into one and thrown their mantle over me, I could 
 hardly have been more crushed. The work of that day 
 will never be forgotten. The people of my congregation 
 were well nigh all converted. My son, Charles Y., now 
 in the ministry, and his little sister, Helen P., then of 
 tender age, now in heaven, were among the group, and 
 with us at the parting scene. In the nine years, by the 
 blessing of God, our house of worship had been paid 
 for, and the church numbered five hundred, and the 
 house filled with hearers. There had been added dur- 
 ing our church existence, four hundred and thirty-one, 
 mostly by baptism. I was called to the church in their 
 infancy to be their pastor so long as I was able to preach. 
 I entered upon the pastorate with them for a life-work, 
 and expected to die with them, and by them to be 
 buried; I had struggled with them in all the variety of 
 events common to our churches, and my whole soul was 
 absorbed in the deepest affection for. them ; and had it 
 been possible they would have plucked out ' their eyes 
 for my sake. To part with them was the trial of my 
 life. Yet I considered my course as duty. I had hoped 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 319 
 
 for a clear sea and pleasant breezes to waft us home- 
 ward. My fears are now stronger than my confidence 
 that I was right in resigning. If I was mistaken, I 
 acted honestly. Kesigning threw me out upon a broad 
 sea, exposed to more trials and hardships, but possibly 
 into greater usefulness. 
 
 KEVTVAL IN WTLLIMANTIC, CONNECTICUT. 
 
 " After my resignation in the spring of 1858, I went 
 to Willimantic, Connecticut, to fulfill an engagement 
 to supply them for a Sabbath. I had preached the 
 dedication sermon of their meeting house, and God 
 made use of it to awaken and save souls. I have 
 preached dedication sermons all through my ministry, 
 but never heard from one after preaching till now. I 
 found a very interesting state of things in the church. 
 Converts had been multiplied and many were inquiring. 
 I entered into the protracted meeting at once. I had 
 engaged for the six preceding months in meetings with- 
 out interruption and felt fresh for the conflict. For 
 months I baptized every Lord's Day. My family were 
 remaining in New London, so I was without cares 
 on my field, except cares for the kingdom of Christ. 
 I ranged over a wide field, visiting from house to house, 
 and generally preaching in the evening. On the Sab- 
 bath I preached twice at the sanctuary, and then for a 
 third service preached in an adjacent town. I also vis- 
 ited factories and conversed with all within my reach; 
 and the Lord crowned the united efforts of the church 
 with blessings of salvation. 
 
 " In the month of June I left my field to attend the 
 Stonington Union Association, which met at Mystic 
 Kiver. The report from Jewett City church gave 
 information of an unusual number of deaths. Accord- 
 
320 SEVENTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 ing to custom, when the deaths were announced, busi- 
 ness was suspended and prayer offered for the church, 
 and especial entreaty to God to pour his Spirit upon 
 Jewett City and the region around it. While we bowed 
 before the Lord in prayer, a gentleman living in the 
 vicinity of Jewett City, was in his field, and the Spirit 
 of God fell upon him. He at once became overwhelmed 
 in trouble. He said to himself ' I have never wronged 
 anybody;' but a reply came to him, ' That is not the 
 difficulty. It is between you and your God.' He left 
 his work, returned home, sought the Lord, and found 
 him. I was permitted to meet him on my way home, 
 and found him trusting in the Lord, together with his 
 companion. 
 
 " When the Association was over, the interest had 
 been such during the session, that the two Baptist 
 churches determined ori a union meeting, and invited 
 me to remain with them and preach for a season, which 
 I did, and the Lord wrought with us, and souls were 
 led to Christ. Some who had long delayed being bap- 
 tized, arose and followed their Lord's example. 
 
 " When I returned to Willimantic I found God had 
 carried the work on in my absence. For seven months 
 God's work moved forward. Our, house of worship was 
 literally jammed with anxious listeners. For the first 
 time in my life I found myself surrounded with spirit- 
 rappers. Taking them altogether, I think they would 
 have taken the shine off the inmates of Peter's sheet. 
 The sheet Peter saw was let down from above. The 
 spiritualistic sheet seemed to have come up from the 
 ■depths below. Their religious robes seemed formed of 
 'the winding sheet of the Witch of Endor and the sacer- 
 idotal robes of Judas Iscariot, and the coat of Simon 
 
KEY. JABBZ S. SWAN. 321 
 
 Magus, worked up into shoddy to lay fools out in for 
 bell. I stirred up their nest so as to keep them tictive. 
 They poured out their vials of wrath upon me, and 
 drove multitudes to hear the gospel who might never 
 have been inside of a sanctuary but for them. 
 
 PASTORATE OF SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, NEW LONDOK. 
 
 " At the end of seven months, I accepted a call from 
 the Second Baptist church in New London, to become 
 their pastor, and entered upon my work in the fall of 
 1858. The church had been in a low state for some 
 time, and causes had been at work to cloud them in 
 adversity. I worked for them two years. The first I 
 considered as preliminary, and hoped, as we entered 
 upon the second, to see the salvation of God. When 
 the second year was about half out, we moved to fix up 
 our house of worship. I proposed, if the church would 
 raise fifteen hundred dollars, I would beg five hundred 
 more. The work was commenced, supposing that iii 
 six weeks we should be able to occupy the house. In- 
 stead of six weeks, it took about six months; so we 
 occupied the vestry during that time. I went over 
 much ground to get my five hundred dollars, and, 
 through the mercy of God and the kindness of christian 
 friends, many of whom were in churches outside of the 
 Baptist denomination, I obtained and paid over to the 
 society's treasurer the sum pledged. I think when my 
 two years were over, the church was in a better state 
 than when I commenced with them. They treated me 
 with great kindness. 
 
 REVIVAL IN PEHTRAL BAPTIST CHXTRCH, NORWICH, CONN. 
 
 " During the first year I attended a meeting of weeks 
 at Norwich, Connecticut, with the Central Baptist 
 church. Eev. F. Denison was their pastor. Our Con- 
 
 31 
 
322 EIGHTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 gregationalist brethren- very kindly came in with us and 
 were blest and were made a blessing. Indications were 
 very clear that God was about to build up Zion; anx- 
 ious souls were inc[uiring the way to Christ, and a num- 
 ber had been converted. The church seemed to readily 
 enter upon the work, and the Lord's presence was glo- 
 riously manifested. 
 
 "Some cases transpired which I will relate. I put 
 up with my old and life-long friend, Joseph Tyler. 
 One Sabbath evening, when we were about to go to the 
 sanctuary, we bowed down before the Lord and sought 
 his presence to be with us, and made ready to go up; 
 but I was stopped by an impression that we should pray 
 again before we departed; and all bowed before the 
 Lord again, and plead that he wojild go up with Us. 
 Our meeting was deeply solemn. At the close the anx- 
 ious came up, and among them was a lady who had 
 clung to Universalism. She had heard me preach 
 while I was a resident of Albany and was unmoved, 
 but now her heart became affected by the truth. She 
 returned home in deep distress; and I learned the 
 following morning she had found the Savior. I called 
 on her and found her rejoicing in the Lord. The 
 next evening she stayed with her little children, and 
 her husband came up and God converted him. I found 
 three I think in the course of the week who traced their 
 apprehension by Christ to the sermon of Sabbath evening. 
 
 " A most peculiar feature of the work was the con- 
 version of husbands whose wives had long been mem- 
 bers of the church. One of them had taken much pains 
 to aid his wife in coming to meeting; a most commend- 
 able "course ; for in seking her religious good, he at 
 length being in the way, the Lord met him and led 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 323 
 
 him to the house of his Master's brethren. When he 
 came up for prayers he had a great struggle in starting, 
 and we looked for him soon to be in the kingdom, yet 
 he lingered. I at length said to his pastor, ' Brother 
 Denison, let us go and help our friend out.' We went 
 to his house and soon learned he was morally in chains. 
 He informed us he could not pray, and said he went 
 into his lodging room and knelt down on returning from 
 the meeting the previous evening and remained on his 
 linees for a half hour, but could not pray. I asked him 
 If he opened his mouth and tried to speak to God. He 
 said, ' No, but I cannot pray.' I said, ' You did not 
 try. When you tell your story again, say I will not 
 pray; that will be the truth.' I told him the Devil 
 would lie a man out of his christian name if possible; 
 that his only hope was in complying with G-od's terms: 
 ' All they that call upon the name of the Lord shall be 
 saved.' We urged him when we should have prayed, 
 to open his mouth and attempt to say, ' God be merci- 
 ful to me a sinner.' When all had oifered prayer for 
 him, he broke out in the language of the Publican, and 
 God appeared for his deliverance upon the spot. We 
 then had joy and rejoicing in that home. 
 
 " I have found in all cases in my ministry that where 
 anxious souls can be induced to pray, we are furnished 
 with the best ground to hope that they will be saved ; 
 I mean not merely to pray when they are alone, but to 
 pray with others. It ' is according to the Bible, and 
 hence God's method of saving. 
 
 " In one of our afternoon meetings, three girls, whose 
 ages would average some fourteen, came up together to 
 the anxious seats. Two of them had found peace in 
 believing^ and came -with their little friend to seek the 
 
324 EIGHTH PASTOKATB OF 
 
 Lord in her behalf. The three bowed together in 
 prayer. The hoping ones led the way, in substance, in 
 the following child-like language : ' ! Lord ! here is 
 our little friend who wants a new heart, and she wants 
 it now ; and she says she can't wait, she wants it now. 
 ! Lord ! she says she can't wait.' The second fol- 
 lowed in about the same strain. When they were 
 through, the anxious one called on the name of Jesus 
 in the same manner, and said to the Savior, ' I want a 
 new heart now.' When prayer was over, she arose and 
 said, ' The Lord has given me a new heart ; he has 
 answered my prayer. Girls, I thank you for praying 
 for me.' IJany eyes were bedewed with tears around 
 that little group who so early found the way to prevail 
 with God. 
 
 " While the work was advancing, I invited a man 
 whom I met in the street, to come in to our meetings, 
 assuring him that we were having good meetings. He 
 was a man of considerable standing, though not perfect. 
 He turned upon me in the most contemptuous manner 
 and said, ' Do you think I would go in there among 
 that set of Black Eepublicans ? No !' I ventured 
 once to try the wisdom of Solomon upon him, who has 
 said, 'Answer a fool according to his folly.' I replied, 
 ' If you will find anything blacker this side the bottom- 
 less i^It than a rum-pickled loco foco, I should like to 
 see him.' I think the meeting was a wonderful blessing 
 to the city. I called one day to pray with an anxious 
 seeker after Christ, and she informed me that our hon- 
 ored Governor, W. A. Buckingham, had called at theii- 
 house and offered prayer for a weary soul who was strug- 
 gling to find the way to the cross. 
 
 "After I returned home, I was invited to rettirn to 
 
KEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 325 
 
 Norwicli and baptize a young man into the Congrega- 
 tional churcli, of which Dr. J. P. GruUiver was pastor. 
 I laid the request before the church at home, and they 
 voted me their approbation. I consulted the church ; 
 not but that I claimed the right fi'om my commission so 
 to do in such cases, but for the purpose of fellowship. 
 The commission to preach and baptize is older than the 
 churches, and neither church, nor ordination, nor any 
 power beneath the heavens, has a, right to interfere. I 
 complied cheerfully with the request, and, in the pres- 
 ence of a multitude, with the pastor of the church and 
 leading members, I buried the young man by baptism 
 into death. It was a beautiful scene, and near the set- 
 ting of the sun, which threw a kind of halo of glory 
 around the host who had gathered to see a feature of 
 the last requirement of Christ exemplified. 
 
 REVIVAL rsr TKOT, HBW YOKK. 
 
 " In the second year of my pastoral relation with the 
 Second Baptist church in New London, I was invited 
 by Dr. Sheldon, of Troy, New York, to attend a meet- 
 ing with him. I commenced my work there in the 
 winter. His church never had been familiar with pro- 
 tracted meetings, and, being uninured to that kind of 
 business, required breaking in before much else was 
 accomplished. For a time, we bad to rely upon a few 
 to aid us, who had seen service before they became 
 members in Troy. I pursued my usual course in first 
 seeking a healthful state of things in the church; know- 
 ing Grod's method of bringing salvation out of Zion. 
 , Persistent efforts in that direction gave offense to some, 
 and for a time our attempts were something like ancient 
 attempts to ps-ss through the high lands on the Hudson 
 with sailing -vtssels. We met baffling winds and secret 
 
B26 EIGHTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 currents. Dr. Fields, of New London, who was formerly 
 a re^sident of Troy, was written to, to inquire of my 
 standing as a minister. Just like himself, he gave a 
 good report of me, as I was informed, which acted like 
 oil on troubled waters. 
 
 " A motion was finally made that all scruples be laid 
 aside, and that all take hold and go to work for Grod. 
 This prevailed, and a deputation was sent to the pastor 
 on the Sabbath to inform him of the fact. This action 
 on the part of the doubting acted like the course of a 
 Dutchman, who was found boring holes through the 
 side of his barn, and offered as a reason for it, that he 
 meant to let the dark out. This resolution was gener- 
 ally carried out, though some still doubted. Any man 
 who is converted to the decrees of Grod, instead of to 
 Christ, is wiser in his own conceit than ten men who 
 can give a reason. He will esteem his calling and elec- 
 tion sure without any effort on his part to make it so. 
 Grod's plan is to secure, first' of all, an imperishable alli- 
 ance to Christ by faith, and then bring on the decrees 
 and purposes of heaven as the mightiest incentives to 
 develop christian graces. Where a man goes into the 
 kingdom of God, with a hold of the wrong link in the 
 divinely wrought chain, it will require more power from 
 God to put him right and make an effectual worker of 
 him, than tha,t which melted the heap of stones which 
 Jacob had for a pillow on the night of his conversion. 
 
 " A class of little girls and boys were brought into the 
 fold of Christ, who developed a wonderful amount of 
 talent for their early years. Among them were the 
 children of the pastor, who gave decided evidence of 
 conversion to God. Children, who have come to years, 
 need conversion as much as others, though a gentle 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 327 
 
 breath from heaven fans up spiritual life in theii- souls ■ 
 while'the sturdy sons of the forest require whirlwinds of 
 the south to bring them down. For a time few came 
 up for prayers except children. At length Grod took 
 hold of an older class, and quite the p"rincipal man in 
 the society, of amiable character and fine sta'nding, but 
 who possessed no heart-religion, came up with the chil- 
 dren, to seek the Lord. I remarked to the pastor, the 
 evening previous to his conversion, that "he would be 
 baptized next Sabbath evening, while as yet he had 
 made no open move in the direction which would lead 
 to it. Just as I said, the next Sabbath evening he was 
 baptized. Dr. Baldwin, after seeing him baptized, 
 remarked: ' There, Swan, that is the greatest victory 
 Grod ever gave you in protracted meetings.' Men of the 
 first rank and standing followed in the line of this man's 
 example. 
 
 " A very remarkable experience of one of the prin- 
 cipal men of the church, I will narrate. He stood 
 deservedly high among his brethren, but had never 
 come into those measures immediately adapted to bring 
 men to Christ. , He was a worker in a kind of arms- 
 length labor, but had never learned how to save others 
 with fear, pulling them out of the fire. One evening, 
 after meeting had closed, I, in passing out of the vestry, 
 fell ia with him, and asked how he got along ; he 
 replied by saying: ' I don't believe in sending every 
 man to hell who don't believe just as you do.' I insisted 
 he did not comprehend me; and he repeated his saying. 
 I said to his pastor, 'That man is under conviction, and 
 will be converted.' The following night he laid on his 
 face, and prayed all night. The next day was a day of 
 days to him; he had struck the current which acted 
 
328 EIGHTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 upon him like the trade-winds upon commerce. It 
 took him some half an hour to tell his struggle and 
 deliverance. Being now converted, he strengthened his 
 brethre"n. 
 
 "Before the church came into the revival spirit fully, 
 I was for a time as anxious to get away from Troy as 
 some of the members were to have me. A few had 
 been converted, and for a time we came to a sort of 
 stand-still. 
 
 " After the church was fully enlisted, God' s work 
 was like a resistless flood. Husbands and wives were 
 brought in, and many precious youth. A husband and 
 wife were among the converts, who had helped run the 
 Devil's spirit-rapping train, till the car the wife was in 
 became uncoupled, and she showed a 'disposition to 
 leave the vehicle. She appeared at our meetings, dressed 
 in deep mourning for the loss of her children. Seeking 
 communion with the dead, and what the New Testa- 
 ment calls seducing spirits, she was under temptation 
 to commit suicide, and told me the sad story of hei 
 sorrows. She said she would awake in the night and 
 find herself stroking her head with her hands, to drive 
 away the spirits. It is so seldom that God converts 
 one from among wizards that peep and mutter, thai 
 my faith is not the strongest kind for the conversion o: 
 such. Finding that she had not gone into the dam 
 nable folly willingly, and knowing a difference betweei 
 selling one's self to do evil and being kidnapped anc 
 sold, I ventured to lead her out of the dreadful stat( 
 which she had found by adhering to the magi of hell 
 After a while she determined to press her way to 
 Christ, and He who pities the lost' saved her with an 
 everlasting salvation. Her husband was out of the city 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 329 
 
 during the week teaehiDg, but returned on Friday even- 
 ing and spent the Sabbath at home. After his wife's 
 conversion he accompanied her to meeting, and- she in- 
 troduced me to him. 
 
 " She had previously informed me that her husband 
 was a spiritualist, and I think, a medium. I learned 
 that his father and mother were of Connecticut and liv- 
 ing members of the church of God. I said to him ' You 
 have done up a great work for your wife and have 
 driven her upon the verge of suicide,' and said further, 
 ' you are worse than the Devil ; you have adopted for 
 religion what has well nigh destroyed your companion ; 
 you are a medium of the Devil.' I referred him to the 
 Devil's work when cast out of the men of the tombs. 
 When he could not find human beings sufficiently low 
 for mediums he chose the swine, and every devil who 
 ever rode a pig mounted his steed and leaped the preci- 
 pice for a cold bath. I poured upon his creed all the 
 ridicule I could command, and left him. Grod set home 
 the appeals and he soon joined his wife as a follower of 
 the Lamb, and left the mystery of iniquity to be worked 
 by those whose foUy could not be beaten out by mor- 
 tar and pestle. The meetings, on the whole, were a 
 wonderful success. Some one hundred and fifty vvcre 
 baptized into the church, and the work extended into 
 other churches of the city. 
 
 RBVrVAL IN WHITBSBOKODGH, NEW YORK. 
 
 " It will not be out of place here to refer to a m,eet- 
 ing I attended with Dr. C. P. Shelden, when he was a 
 young man settled in Whitesborough, New York. I 
 asked him what the trouble was with his people. He 
 replied, ' They are asleep, and I can not wake them up.' 
 I assured him they would wake up if we went to work. 
 
330 EIGHTH PASTOEATE 6f 
 
 " Our meetings were well attended from the begin- 
 ning. Our brethren hired teams and ran to New York 
 Mills to bring and carry the young people from the 
 meetings. Our meetings were both day and evening, 
 and we went steadily on with no marked external suc- 
 cess for a time. I beheve the first convert was a poor 
 ilian, who was passing our house with his saw and buck 
 upon his back ; on hearing the sound of prayer he came 
 in and was awakened and converted. A neighboring 
 clergyman acted towards him as eagles act towards fish 
 hawks. Eagles never fish ; they ambush for the hawk, 
 and when he is returning with a fish for his family they 
 will contrive to secure it. 
 
 " The revival went forward with great power. Some 
 of the finest young people were converted, and the Lord 
 gathered a glorious harvest of souls. On one occasion, 
 a young man was among the candidates, whose father 
 swore if I baptized his son he would shoot me on the 
 spot. I sent him word to come on ; I would risk him ; 
 I would as soon go to heaven from a baptismal scene as 
 from any other spot. When the time came the gentle- 
 man of threats said he would be caught in no such com- 
 pany. He acted the better part of valor. We at one 
 time baptized some thirty. It was dead of winter and 
 severe weather, yet the converts were firm as well as 
 happy. Brother Shelden is one of the most effective 
 ministers I ever knew. He was a thorough worker when 
 a yoHing man, and still possesses those quenchless ardors 
 which, with the divine blessing, ensure success. I 
 think more than one hundred converts were the fruit of 
 the revival, and I left the church with their slumbers 
 thoroughly broken up. •• 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 STATE MISSIONS AND NINTH PASTORATE. 
 MR. SWAN'S RECORD !—LABOEs WITH N. b. shailee.— faith.— 
 
 DILAPIDATION. — DISTEU-ERIBS. — ^BAPTISM, — KUM SELLBKB.— CON- 
 6KBGATI0NALISTS. — BEVTVAL DT COKNWALL HOLLOW. — SUCCESS. — 
 KBVrVAL IN BRISTOL. — BAPTISMS. — DESTITUTE FIELD. — KEVTVAL 
 m WEST WOODSTOCK. — DANCING.— PRATING. — REVIVAL m WEST 
 HARTFORD. — REVIVAL IN NEW HARTFORD, — REVIVAL IN CANTON. 
 — FATHER PHIPPEN. — TRUE WORKERS! — SEVERITIES ENDURED. — 
 PASTORATE IN WATERFORD. — REVIVALS:^ — DEATHS. — REVIVAL IN 
 HAinLTON, NEW YORK. — ^WORKERS.- — DANCING DEVIL. — THE INSTI- 
 TUTION. — DR. BROOKS. — DR. EATON.— THE PROFESSORS. — SUCCESS. 
 
 "On resigning my charge of the Second Baptist 
 church of New London, I accepted an appointment 
 from the Board of the Connecticut Baptist State Con- 
 vention, to labor as a domestic missionary in connection 
 with Eev. N. E. Shailer. I entered upon my labors in 
 November, 1860, and worked on that line three years 
 and seven months. According to a journal I kept, I 
 baptized about four hundred into churches of our 
 denomination. The baptizing fell to my lot, because 
 my brother Shailer, from lameness, was unable to 
 administer the ordinance. Our field was of course 
 peculiar. We literally wrought on the waste places in 
 Zion. The changes in the rui-al districts have been 
 such, from the departure of our young men to business 
 pursuits in cities and towns, that a vast amount of 
 labor is necessary to keep up the churches. In one 
 locality in Litchfield County, I think some nine families 
 ' moved away in one year, and, as a consequence, the * 
 
332 NINTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 church to which they belonged could not sustain 
 preaching. Our convention came to take the right 
 view of the importance of sustaining churches few in 
 number and of small financial ability. Most of our 
 ministers come from feeble churches. In one very 
 small church in our state, within a few years, five or 
 six young men were licensed to preach the gospel. The 
 cities are dependent upon the country for their minis- 
 ters. Comparatively few young men are raised up in 
 the cities who finally come into the ministry. The 
 reason why is not for me to dwell upon, 
 
 " Our general colirse of labor was to hold protracted 
 meetings wherever the state of things demanded such, 
 and preach constantly in the evening, and often in the 
 afternoon, and then visit from house to house over the 
 whole region round about. In one locality the congre- 
 gation had ranged all the way from fifteen to thirty, 
 and the church had passed through trouble which had 
 diminislied their numbers till really their light was 
 quite eclipsed. We commenced our meeting with them 
 under circumstances which promised but little. Faith 
 in God has little to do with circumstanced, though to 
 some they are often magnified into mountains which 
 obscure the glory of Christ. I remember to have heard 
 at the close of the war of 1812^ that some soldiers 
 returning from Canada called at a house for refresh- 
 ments, and a very aged lady ministered to their wants, 
 who finally asked if they had any news. They replied 
 that the Indians were at work prying up one of the 
 large lakes, and were about to upset it on the country 
 and drown it out. The aged lady, being in her second 
 childhood, was in trouble, and sent for the minister, 
 ,who, on coming, found that reasoning with her was of 
 
EEV. JABBZ g. SWAN. 333 
 
 no avail, so he referred to the promise of God, that he 
 would never drown the world again. ' yes,' said the 
 aged daughter of Ahraham, ' I know the promises of 
 God are all right; but those plagey Indians.' With 
 multitudes, forbidding circumstances occupy the |>lace 
 of those plagey Indians, and nothing that God has 
 j^romised will weigh against their forest forces. 
 
 "Very soon after we commenced, the people rallied 
 i.nd filled up the houses of worship. The church was 
 nade up in the beginning of seren members, as I 
 Understood, who came off from an old church which 
 had formerly been one of the strongest country churches 
 in eastern Connecticut. But in their section, cider- 
 brandy distilleries had taken the place of prayer meet- 
 ings; and the inci-ease of wealth unemployed for Christ 
 t.ad ruined the church. Intemperance and a general 
 Eeglect had spread a cloud over the cause of God as the 
 darkness of Egypt. The meeting house, where once 
 resounded the high praises of God, and from whence 
 went forth 'light as brightness and the salvation of 
 God as a burning lamp,' had become so dilapidated 
 that a floor had been laid over the gallery and the upper 
 part used as a town house. The roof of the horse-sheds 
 had fallen through, and the most striking emblem of 
 the whole was the old hearse on which they had borne 
 the dead to their final resting place, and which was as 
 nearly crumbled to dust as the departed dead. But 
 the brandy distilleries were in full blast, and ' isms ' 
 had taken the place of correct views; under the circum- 
 stances, seven choice spirits, bound to the abstinence 
 principle, banded together to set up a standard for 
 God. 
 
 " In my first efforts, to preach with them, I felt 
 
334 NINTH PASTOHlTE OF 
 
 called upon to clear up what is called close communion, 
 and set that subject in the true light of the New Testa- 
 ment. After the close of the sermon an aged lady came 
 to me and said, ' Why did you preach thjat sermon ? 
 If yon had not preached it, I could have got along with- 
 out being baptized ; but now I shall have to come out 
 and be baptized.' I told her she must settle the ques- 
 tion with God. Though advanced in. life, she came out 
 and was baptized. Her obedience at her time of life, 
 sent a thrill through the whole region. No one can tell 
 the influence which a simple act of obedience, due to 
 Christ, will have upon those around them. God is en- 
 titled to not only real submission to his requirements, 
 but a submission professed. 
 
 " About this time, in conversing with a youth who 
 had cherished some degree of hope, I asked her if she 
 ' loved Christ, and obtained the reply, ' Yes, I could die 
 for him.' Then said I, ' come out and be baptized.' 
 She did come. Her father was a member of the church 
 but her mother and only brother were unconverted ; 
 both of whom followed her example. In another in- 
 stance, where a brother and sister made their way to 
 Christ and were baptized, the father and mother follow- 
 ed them. When the youth expressed at home their 
 desire to foUow Christ, the father said to his son, ' I 
 tell you there is nothing in religioi).' Though he did 
 not forbid, he poured out his displeasure in full. Yet 
 the children pressed their way forward. The daughter 
 was baptized with other young ladies in a snow storm ; 
 and after baptism God covered them all with fleecy 
 snow as a lively emblem of what their hearts were, now 
 cleansed by the blood of Jesus, and their bodies washed 
 in pure water. The fleecy robe seemed becoming jewels 
 
! EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. ' 335 
 
 ' I ■ 
 
 of Christ in a kind of bridal attire. Shortly after the 
 baptism of the children, I called at their house and 
 asked the father if he thought he had ever experienced 
 religion. He replied, ' Yes, twenty years ago, and all 
 the time since 1 have been impressed to pray in roy fam- 
 ily, but have never attempted it till this morning ; and 
 all the while have been advocating Paine's Age of 
 Eeason.' 0, the deceitfulness of human hearts. His 
 wife had all this time hoped in Christ, but it tools: the 
 move made by the children to bring the parents thor- 
 oughly out. At a communion I saw the father and 
 mother and their youthful son and daughter seated side 
 by side at the table of the Lord. All their countenan- 
 ces were radiant with the smile of Christ, while the hope 
 of eternal life anchored them by the side of the cross. 
 
 " When our meetings commenced the wives of two of 
 the deacons had never professed religion, but both now 
 came out and followed Christ, and the salvation of God 
 came among their children. When the work began to 
 move on with power, it seemed that nothing could suc- 
 cessfully oppose it. Our house was crowded with anx- 
 ious listeners to the word of Grod, and many bowed to 
 the sceptre of Christ. In the congregation there were 
 two who sold rum. In our preaching we gave the rum 
 traffic no quarter. The brandy distilleries, on the hill, 
 we had to reach at long shots ; but the two men were 
 within easy distance, and before the meeting was over, 
 both, who. sold the fiery liquid, shut down the gate 
 upon the black traffic. , 
 
 "The influence of our meetings spread into three 
 Congregational societies, and all three of the pastors 
 went down into the water and buried converts in the 
 likeness of Christ's death, according to the divine 
 
336 NINTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 method. I met with one of the pastors, and saw him 
 baptize seven in a mill-pond. At his request I assisted 
 him, opening the service with prayer. Grod smiled upon 
 the scene. I had a very cordial meeting with another 
 of the pastors. As we parted he said, ' Elder, put them 
 under water.' I assured him that was my intention. I 
 often referred to the advice which he kindly gave me. 
 
 " Our meeting lasted near six weeks, and I baptized 
 between eighty and one hundred persons. The revival 
 tide rose high and flowed out over the hills in many di- 
 rections, but never entered the immediate section of the 
 distilleries. From the burnt district of the Devil's dye- 
 house, where characters were colored black and war- 
 ranted fast colors, some came to the meeting, but not a 
 single one was converted. Some interesting youth from 
 those sections came to hear the word of life, but all ar- 
 guments were counteracted by home influences. An- 
 ciently children were sacrificed to devils ; and the crime 
 has not altogether ceased. Though the altars are some- 
 what changed, the sacrificial offerings are not. 
 
 EKVIVAL m CORNWALL HOLLOW. 
 
 " One of our most successful meetings was held in 
 Litchfield County, at Cornwall Hollow. We found the 
 church in a very low state. One thing contributing to 
 block our way was the prevalence of the spirit of seces- 
 sion. By this, for a time, our efforts were baffled. I 
 determined at length to fray away the lions. The 
 effort was attended with considerable music, not very 
 harmonious, but with some success. The church had 
 no pastor. By request of the church, one man came 
 there as a candidate for settlement. On the Sabbath, 
 he prayed for his country, asking Grod to succeed the 
 right, for which he- was vetoed by the society's commit- 
 
BEV. JABEZ S. SWAfr. 337 
 
 tee. An aged inan in this region contended that liberty 
 ■belonged to the whites, and slavery to the blacks. 
 Elder Shailer asked him what he would do with a man 
 half white. He answered: ' He would be entitled to hig 
 freedom half the time, or in proportion to the degree of 
 his white blood.' 
 
 " I was told of a family in 'the place, the head of 
 which had been removed by death, but who, while liv- 
 ing, was a principal means of building the meeting 
 house where we worshipped. I sought out his children, 
 who were without hope, feeling that if he had labored 
 so faithfully to have a sanctuary where souls might 
 come and seek the Lord, his family ought to share our 
 attention, that they too might have an inheritance 
 above. I saw a daughter of his, a youth of much' 
 promise, and appealed to her, for her father's sake, to 
 seek the Lord, ^he was much affected, and gave me 
 the pledge that she would seek the Lord. In a few 
 evenings she arose and informed me that she had found 
 the Savior, and invited others to come to Christ and 
 live. Shortly a brother eame; and so great blessings 
 came to that house. Our meeting was held while the 
 severity of winter was upon the country; and a winter 
 upon the heights of Litchfield means something. Yet 
 people came many miles from all directions, and the 
 word of the Lord had free course and was glorified. 
 One evening I saw a lady passing out of the house, 
 leading a little girl, and I said to her, I hoped she 
 would not lose her reward for coming to meeting. She 
 said, ' We have come eight miles, and we have to turn 
 out of the traveled roads on account of the snowbanks, 
 and shall not get home till midnight.' 
 
 "We at length commenced baptiziing, and in the 
 23 
 
338 NINTH PASTOEATE OB* 
 
 course of about six weeks, I think, near sixty converts 
 put on Christ. In the course of the meeting, a man 
 who had formerly belonged to the church, but for years 
 had not "walked with it, arose and asked me if I would 
 pray for him. I told him I would, and asked him to 
 come forward. He declined, saying, he thought G-od 
 would kill him, and we could get him out rather handier 
 where he was than if he went up. I told him Grod 
 would have mercy on him; and bo he came up and 
 found peace to his soul. An old matter lay back between 
 him and the church about pew-rent. After he was 
 fairly in the light, he came up and brought the specie, 
 (not easily obtained at that time, during the war,) and 
 thus wiped out the old account, and took his place in 
 the raiiks again. 
 
 " Our work as missionaries, in the winter season, was 
 hard. We traveled with our teams; e0,ch had his own. 
 Crossing the country in the dead of winter, our suffer- 
 ings were extreme. Yet nothing hindered us. No 
 weather arrested our progress, unless the roads were 
 blocked with snow. We met with generoils receptions 
 wherever we went, receiving both hospitality and Jiorse- 
 pitality, for we had our teams with us. 
 
 BBVIVAIi TS BKISTOL. 
 
 " During my work for the Convention, they consented 
 that I should comply with an invitation to labor for a 
 time with the church in Bristol, then without a pastor. 
 I ceased journeying with my brother Shailer for a sea~ 
 son, and spent about six or seven months exclusively in 
 Bristol. Our meetings for a time were thinly attended, 
 especially our conferences. For months, our cry was, 
 ' Lord, revive thy work.' The Lord appeared accord- 
 ing to promisCj and, as he always does, took his own 
 
, BEV. JABEZ S. SWAN, 339 
 
 way to do it. We had long looked to the hills from 
 whence cometh Kfe, desirous that we might see the sal- 
 yation of God. 
 
 " A youth, whose parents belonged to the church, 
 arose one evening and requested prayers, saying that she, 
 while on a visit to the West, had experienced religion, 
 and thought she would return home before she made a 
 profession. On coming home, she found religion so low 
 around her, that she delayed, and had at length been 
 thrown in the dark. This was indeed a signal of day- 
 , break to us. She very soon found her salvation's j*oys 
 restored, and we heard from her frequently in our meet- 
 ings. When about to be baptized, her brother, a very 
 interesting lad of perhaps fifteen years of age, became 
 very anxious about his soul, and much wished to accom- 
 pany his sister in putting on Christ, if he could be pro- 
 perly qualiiied for the ordinance. The Saturday night 
 arrived previous to the Sabbath on which his sister had 
 determined to be baptized. At the close of the meet- 
 ing, George was in deep distress ; he had not found 
 Christ, as he had hoped. The time drew near when a 
 dividing line would be drawn between himself and his 
 sister, unless he was prepared to go with her. I assured 
 him, if he pressed his way to Jesus, he would find him 
 ere the morning came. That night will never be for- 
 gotten by him. Ere the day dawned, he knocked at the 
 door of his Other's room, and was welcomed in to tell 
 how he had found the Savior. The next day was 
 bright in many respects, but especially so to him, for 
 he and his sister both followed their. Savior in baptism 
 unto death. The scene of the baptism of these two 
 dear children can never be effaced from the memory of 
 those who stood by.^ ,The spirit of their angel mother,' 
 
340 NINTH PASTORATE OF; 
 
 who was called away when her children were youngs ■ 
 must have beheld that ohedience of those who once 
 clung to her heart with rapturous delight. 
 
 " The work of the Lord now began to increase, and 
 the youth of the congregation were moved by the Spirit 
 of the Lord like the forest when fanned by the winds 
 of heaven. In two seasons of baptism six young men; 
 and six young ladies at each time put on Christ. The 
 last was a season never to be forgotten. Another came 
 and bowed to Grod in the ordinance. , The day was one 
 of extreme rain. After preaching, the storm prevailed 
 to such an extent that the congregation kept the house, 
 and we spent the afternoon in conference and prayer. 
 The mother who was baptized was made the special 
 object of prayer, that the Lord would bring her from 
 home to obey him. God literally answered our prayer. 
 She left her home, related her experience, and was per-r 
 mitted to put on Christ. Grod caused the rain to cease 
 near the going down of the sun, so the converts enjoyed 
 what we had asked for, the blessed opportunity to obey 
 Christ. I believe some sixty were added to the church 
 by baptism. I never saw more direct answers to prayer. 
 Those who were aroused to see their lost condition had 
 clear views of the nature of sin, and also ' of the only 
 remedy God had provided for their recovery. Hence 
 the time was short between their apprehension by 
 Christ and their effectual laying hold on their Eedeemer 
 by a living faith. Children were also brought into the 
 kingdom, who gave the clearest proof of having 
 embraced him who gave such distinguishing evidences 
 when on the earth of his love for such. Eternity will 
 reveal an amount of good accomplished beyond what 
 man can write. _. 
 
REV. JABBZ g. SWAN. 341 
 
 " Once, in the course of my missionary labors, I went 
 out as Abraham did, not knowing whither I was going. 
 I was deeply impressed regarding the direction I should 
 take, and that was all the clue I had as to my journey 
 or its results. I finally arrived in the vicinity of a 
 small Baptist church which had been without preaching 
 for some two years, but had kept up a conference 
 meeting, and had maintained a Sabbath school. In 
 this locality I heard of one person inquiring after the 
 Savior. I stopped and went to look after the inquirer, 
 and found she had obtained hope and was a clear case 
 of conversion. I commenced preaching from evening 
 to evening and spent several weeks in the place, visiting 
 from house to house, and seeking out the lost and 
 pointing them all to Christ. In a short time inquirers 
 multiplied and conversions were soon realized. 
 
 "One evening after the congregation had been 
 dismissed, a young man, a member of the church, said, 
 pointing to a pew filled with young men, ' These young 
 men would have gone up for prayer had they been asked. 
 One of them was brought up in our family and we 
 think very much of him, and are anxious for his con- 
 version.' I went directly to the seat where they were, 
 conversed with them, and found them very attentive, 
 and the one specially designated appeared deeply 
 wrought upon. They all knelt with me in prayer, and 
 before the next morning the one most anxious was con- 
 verted. He' stayed at home fhe next evening to take 
 care of a little child while his wife came up to meeting, 
 to seek her soul's salvation. She told me that while 
 she stayed at home for her companion \o come to meet- 
 ' ing, she (though without hope herself,) prayed for bim, 
 !l think, five times. She soon found the Savior, and 
 
342 NINTH PASTOKATE OF 
 
 both of them were baptized. I spent a few weeks irl 
 the place and baptized thirty-two rejoicing converts. 
 
 BBVTf AL IN WEST WOODSTOCK. 
 
 " I had heard of a work of grace in West Woodstock, 
 and a few expressed hope in Christ. I went up and 
 found Brother Worthington, who was pastor of the 
 church, and spent a few weeks with him. The work 
 that had been done was in an extreme corner of the so- 
 ciety, but after my arrival we opened the meeting 
 house and I preached to them. The church came up 
 nobly, and very soon the work of the Lord became 
 general in the congregation. At our first season of 
 baptism, several middle aged persons were baptized who 
 promised large usefulness in the church. Some of them 
 had long cherished hope, but delayed being baptized, j 
 Generally such have all the blame of their delay 
 saddled upon themselves. It is often true that they 
 find in the church, and often in their own homes, those 
 who council delay. Such council falls in with the dis- 
 position of their own hearts and the temptation of 
 Satan. The result in all cases is loss to their souls and 
 the church of Grod. The next who came out were youth, 
 and a large number were converted. Satan attempted 
 one of his old plots to direct attention from the work 
 of the Lord to a dance. We held a prayer meeting, I 
 believe, as long as they danced. Grod triumphed, and 
 the dancers were def^ted. In the progress of the 
 revival a large class of youth were made the happy 
 subjects of God's redeeming love. According as I re- 
 member, some fifty or sixty were baptized before I left 
 the field. 
 
 KEVIVAl, m WEST HAETFOED. 
 
 ' "I, with my Brother Shailer, held meetings jn South 
 
BeV.' JABEZ S. SWAN. 3.43 
 
 Colebrook, West Hartford", and New Hartford. In 
 West Hartford our meeting was of necessity. We 
 were blocked in by snow and could get nowhere, and so 
 went to work with, our beloved Brother, Eey. E. 
 C ashman. Good was done, and some souls were con- 
 verted. Our dearly beloved, and now lamented. Brother 
 Joseph Sisson was then alive, and in full acJtivity in his 
 christian career. I must always remember how unflag- 
 ingly he wrought, with his heart and hands, to aid on 
 the meeting. He went from evening to evening with 
 his team when the roads were well nigh impassable, to 
 carry us to the different school houses in West Hartford, 
 that we might preach the gospel of Christ. 
 
 KBVrVAIi IN NEW HAHTFOKD. 
 
 " Our meeting in South Colebrook was a success,' 
 and quite a number were added to the church. In 
 New Hartford the Lord wrought mighty wonders in 
 turning'many to righteousness. Grod arrested an infidel. 
 When he came to the meeting to seek his Grod, he was 
 led up the aisle, walking behind one of the brethren,' 
 with his arms extended over the shoulders of him who 
 supported him; he thus appeared to lay himself down 
 upon the altar of the living Grod who is ' rich in mercy 
 to all who call npon him.' Very soon he was clothed 
 and in his right mind. ,. His conversion sent out an in- 
 fluence over the region round about vastly in favor of 
 the faith which the new converted man had sought to 
 destroy. The church in New Hartford was small at the 
 time of the meeting, and met in a school house large 
 and commodious. Weeks rolled by while the meeting 
 lasted, and from day to day souls were added to the 
 Lord. This meeting was wonderfully successful in 
 bringing to_tfee Savior quite a nuroier^who had. Ipng 
 
S44 NINTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 ■withstood the calls of Christ. The only son of Brother 
 Bentley who had made so many sacrifices for the little 
 church was converted. A goodly number were added 
 to the church of such as we trust will he saved. 
 
 EBTlYAi nsr CAHTON. 
 
 "I preached a few sermons in Canton, and the Lord 
 brought out a number who were baptized. Among them 
 was the wife of a gentleman in the neighborhood, who 
 was converted under the following circumstances. She 
 had a brother who died of consumption. In his anxie- 
 ties about his soul he would call upon his sister to pray 
 for him and with him. She loved him with inexpressir 
 ble tenderness, and his beseeching her for prayer, over,- 
 came her; and while seeking the salvation of her brother, 
 she found her own. The venerableFather, Eev. George 
 Phippen, was pastor of the church. He was now about 
 eighty years of age; yet still actively laboring for 
 Christ. The church had some very valuable members, 
 who tried to stay up his hands, while God sustained his 
 heart. He lived in a parsonage owned by private par- 
 ties as a sort of joint stock company. He kept" his 
 books in a kind of entry over the front door; the only 
 place in the house where they could be secure from rain. 
 In a storm, his washtubs were set in his lodging-room,, . 
 and, ; I should judge, would sometimes secure water 
 enough to do an ordinary washing. Both his salary 
 and his congregation were small. A spot on the roof 
 of the meeting house, about as large as a dining-table, 
 allowed the rain to come through, so as to render several 
 pews untenable in a storm. Yet the firm and true 
 man of God was always in his place, with peculiarly 
 ■erect form, broad chest, a wonderfully developed head, 
 a remarkably, dignified bearing, yet as meek and uncom,- 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAif, 345 
 
 plaining as a lamb. Some of our ministers who go to 
 Europe to secure health, would he quite restored if they 
 could take such a place as that of Father Phippen's for 
 a month, thus saving the expense of the voyage and 
 learning how some Baptist ministers, who live on the 
 shady side of the hill, get up their breakfasts as well as 
 their sermons. In ancient days, Father Phippen would 
 have been taken for a Koman senator. He had exhausted 
 the strength of early life in the work of the Lord, and 
 now, in advanced age, was compelled to be allured into 
 sleep in a storm by the music of the pelting rain from 
 without and the melodies of pattering drops as they 
 fell in his washtubs in his lodging room, having the 
 consolation that he should not soon be out of rainwater. 
 That kind of experience takes the shine all oif of stand- 
 ing on the crater of Vesuvius, or studying German 
 neology to brighten American genius; and learn how to 
 rock a religious cradle, in which a Laodicean church 
 sleeps, so as not to disturb the slumberers. On one 
 occasion, after I had preached. Father Phippen offered 
 prayer, and said: ' Lord, we have had the gospel to- 
 day, not exactly as we have been wont to have it; but 
 it is the gospel. Lord, bless it.' 
 
 "A book made up of the life and labors of Father 
 Phippen and his class of fellow- workers, in their times, 
 would be of great value to our present ministry. Inven- 
 tion and God-given genius served them instead of libra- 
 ries, which were beyond their reach. Their advocacy 
 of Bible truth was mighty, their views were transparent; 
 and to run them ashore on theology would be as futile 
 as to attempt to bail the Atlantic dry with a teaspoon. 
 By diligent search in the mine of divine truth, they 
 brought up gems unsurpassed for beauty and utility, I 
 
346 NINTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 Their training of the churches in Bible truths, a strict 
 adherence to which constitutes us Baptists, was such 
 that, when christian characters were set up after their 
 understanding of the divine model, no power beneath 
 the heavens could turn them into anything else. They 
 were men of broad charity, although their strict adher- 
 ence to our denominational views drew down upon them 
 the charge of bigotry. All honor to pur advanced civil- 
 ization, our general intelligence, and our happy facili- 
 ties for fitting ministers for positions of honor and 
 usefulness; yet the Lord was God while the ark dwelt 
 in curtains, a fact which should never be lost sight of 
 when the ark has its resting place in the temple. I 
 once heard Elder Samuel West say, while the subject 
 of ministerial education was under discussion: ' No 
 man can preach without study. If a man thinks he 
 can, he either studies when he don't know it, or else he 
 thinks he preaches when he don't.' Neither Booth's 
 Eeign of Grrace, nor Baxter's Call to the Unconverted, 
 nor Jonathan Edwards' Theology contained sounder 
 doctrines than those early veterans of Grod's army her- 
 alded forth to the world. 'The high praises of Grod 
 were in their mouths, and a two-edged sword was in 
 their hands, wherewith they bound kings in chains and 
 their nobles in fetters of iron. This honbr had they 
 with all Grod's saints.' 
 
 " The multitude of claims upon Brother Shailer and 
 myself, as missionaries, would not suffer us to toil 
 together upon the same fields, save a portion of the 
 time. Always in harmony, however, we went forth to 
 our work, to cheer the disconsolate, to stay the things 
 that remained, and to strengthen the hands that hung 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN 34'7 
 
 down, and to point tlie lost to tne Lamb of Grod who ' 
 taketh away the sin of the world. 
 I' " Finally, at the end of three years and seven months, 
 I declined a reappointment by the Convention. No 
 years of my life had known so hard service. One horse 
 could not stand my driving through the year. When 
 a part of the year was over, I turned out the wearied 
 animal, and bought another, and drove him till the first 
 was recruited. This course I followed while in the Con- 
 vention's service. I worked myself harder than I did 
 my horses." [Mr. S. had an eye for a good horse, and 
 was a tender-hearted owner. — F. D.] " On one occa- 
 sion, to reach my field and meet my appointment, I 
 faced a driving snow storm all day, riding upon wheels 
 which made my case the worse. In two other instances, 
 I traveled forty-two miles in a day, through drenching 
 rain from morning till night. 
 
 "One of the hardest rides I ever had Elder Shailer 
 gave me in his sleigh. The earth wore a hard finish of 
 ice, and on it was a heavy fall of snow, blown into heaps, 
 blocking up the highways. Over the whole God sent a 
 mighty rain which reduced the mass to a kind of syrup. 
 The wind was northwest and cold and we faced it. Our 
 point lay twelve miles distant. So on we went, by ice 
 and snow, and part of the time by water. But nothing 
 could daunt Elder Shailer. He had sent on an appoint- 
 ment for preaching. Eeaching the place we found an 
 anxious assembly ready to hear the gospel. Without 
 refreshment, I had to thaw out a little, and then took the 
 pulpit and preached. Another appointment awaited 
 me in the evening, which I was able to meet. And the 
 next day, at one o'clock in the afternoon, I preached 
 again on the field we left the day before. The above ia 
 
S4S NINTH PASTORATE 01" 
 
 a Bort of specimen of tlie exceeding felicities of domestic 
 missionary life in Connecticut. 
 
 " Wken I had finished my work for the Convention, I 
 •was very Mridly treated by that body. A resolution was 
 drawn up by Dr. S. D. Phelps, of New Haven, expres- 
 sive of their appreciation of my labors, and was unani- 
 mously adopted by the Convention. 
 
 PASTOBATB IN ■WATEHPOBD, COlfNECTICTrT. 
 
 " My health was now down. I counted myself unable 
 to enter into pastoral relations, and my way home from 
 the Convention was dark. If my body had been as 
 heavy as my soul, my horse would have found it difficult 
 to have taken me home. On my way home one of the 
 pulpit committee of the First Baptist church in Water- 
 ford hailed me, and asked me if I would supply their 
 pulpit the next Sabbath. I consented. I met the 
 brethren and they gave me a hearty welcome; but the 
 aspect of the congregation was forbidding. The multi- 
 tudes I had formerly met there were not present. The old 
 church, gray with the honors God had put upon her, was 
 now in trouble. The adhesive power of brotherly love had 
 been weakened, and roots of bitterness had sprung up. 
 I was in a poor condition for the work before me. 
 
 " But I have an article in my creed, obtained from the 
 scenery of G-enessaret, that has served me as an anchor in 
 times of darkness. Christ had ordered the disciples tp 
 launch out and go over to the other side of the sea. 
 When in the middle of the lake a terrible storm was 
 upon them. They understood their peril but were 
 without help till Christ appeared. From this I derived 
 the article in my creed which is — to follow the course 
 •prescribed by Christ, though it may involve darkness, 
 storm and danger. When dangers are thickest Christ 
 
"I I 
 
 ^^fcSrm.S3!i?i:f!^i4^fiaii«^^«i 
 
 (BAPTIST CUU(PXH. 
 
 WATEf(FORD, COK(N. 
 
 AUGUST, 1M3, 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 351 
 
 will appear for deliverance. This thouglit has been a 
 buckler to me. 
 
 " The committee proposed that I supply them for a 
 few months, and then for a year. They asked me for 
 my terms. I said I had none. They named five hundred 
 dollars, and a donation, which last, finally amounted to 
 a hundred and fifty dollars. And this was during the 
 high prices of the war; hence it cost the church a 
 struggle. Moreover the church was in debt, and the 
 pew rents had failed to pay their expenses. I had 
 always been on the best of terms with the church; yet 
 I held views in reference to which all could not go with 
 me. They knew that heaven and earth would testify 
 that to build Christ's church and. save souls was my life- 
 work. As pastor, I never enjoyed more perfect harmony 
 with any church. In preaching I dwelt upon truths 
 adapted to bring the church out of darkness and into 
 the Hght. Soon our congregations began to wear their 
 old aspect, and the house finally filled up. 
 
 EBVrVAL 
 
 " My pastorate commenced in June, 1864; and in the 
 next winter the Lord Almighty set down the foot of 
 his power among us. The order and Kfe with which the 
 vision of Ezekiel wound up, could hardly exceed what 
 we beheld in the triumphs of the grace of God. 
 AKenation died out among brethren; and the revelation 
 of God's power to save had more attraction to draw the 
 family of Christ together than a thousand committees 
 would have had, though good in their places. As 
 months roUed by, new victories of the Son of God were 
 achieved in the conversion of the youth, many of them 
 our most promising young men. Near one hundred 
 
352 NINTH PASTORATE OP 
 
 were converted, the most of whom were added to the , 
 church. 
 
 ' " During the nearly eight years of my pastoral 
 relation to the church, peace reigned in our hearts and 
 pervaded the body. We had three principal revivals in 
 wliich two hundred and twenty-three were added to the 
 church. To me the last year was the most trying of 
 my whole ministry. Deacon Gilbert Eogers and Deacon 
 Isaac Avery died; both men of good report who pur- 
 chased to themselves a good degree and great boldness 
 in the faith. Brother Manassah Leech also died, who 
 was a man of great power in prayer and exhortation, 
 and whose gifts edified the body of Christ. To fill my 
 cup of sorrow. Brother Daniel. Stanton, while on his 
 way to a Sabbath school gathering in a grove, was 
 thrown from: his wagon and instantly killed. The mul- 
 titude had gathered at the table, I had just asked a 
 blessing, when the message came " Daniel Stantoi is 
 killed." Never a heavier blow fell upon my heart. 
 The day was pleasant, and the forest wore its full 
 beauties; but a cloud fell upon us like the darkness of 
 Egypt. Every leaf of the forest seemed to respond 
 "Brother Stanton is dead;" and all the surrounding 
 scenery joined in the mournful echo. The christian, 
 the friend of men, the lover of Sabbath schools, the 
 happy husband, the endeared parent, the servant of the 
 chnrch of Grod and the supporter of missionaries, was 
 dead. 
 
 " I asked of the church a respite of a few months, 
 and it was granted, that I might devote more time to 
 my now suffering companion, and, by change of scenery, 
 regain my own strength. After about six weeks Mrs. 
 Swan went to Brooklyn, N. Y., to spend the winter 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 353 
 
 •with, her daughter; and I decided to visit my only sur- 
 viving brother and only sister, both residing in Central 
 New York. 
 
 " In November, 1871, I arrived in Hamilton, N. T., 
 traveling with my own conveyance. I met with almost 
 all sorts of obstructions on my way, till my detention 
 suggested that G-od had work for me on .the read; and 
 I awoke to attend to it. When night overtook me, I 
 usually stopped in taf ems, in all of which strong drink 
 was sold, though in some sparingly. I reasoned with the 
 innkeepers on intemperance, and prayed in their houses, 
 wherever a door was opened, and never got but one 
 answer, from those to whom I named Christ, that 
 savored of vinegar. 
 
 BEVIVAL IN HAMILTON. 
 
 " I spent the Sabbath in Hamilton, and preached for 
 Dr. W. K. Brooks, and had a very pleasant day and 
 evening. Our meetings were crowded, being held in the 
 vestry, as the audience room was undergoing repairs. 
 In the course of the week, my sister invited a number 
 of her friends and mine to spend an afternoon at her 
 house. Among them were Dr. Ea,tDn, Professor A. M. 
 Beebe, H. Harvey, and J. J. Lewis, together with their 
 wives. In the interview, the state of religion in Hamil-' 
 tcfn was a subject of thought. All admitted it was 
 low and needed to be revived. I was asked if I could 
 remain, in case a meeting was held. Having come 
 with no design of staying, I could say but little. It 
 was thought a meeting ought to be held and com- 
 menced at once; but painters were at work on the sanc- 
 tuary. Finally, Brother Brooks and. Brother Lewis 
 called me aside, and asked my opinion. I answered 
 them as follows: I once preached on the language Pha-' 
 23 
 
354 NINTH PABTOEATB OF 
 
 raoh sent up to Jacob, ' Kegard not your stuff; for the 
 good of all the land of Egypt is before you/ I said the 
 old king knew if they remained tinkering among their 
 old furniture, they would never get to Egypt; I also 
 told them my doctrine, deduced from the text, was 
 ' Lesser good should be sacrificed for the greater, when 
 the good of Grod's kingdom demanded it. Now,' said 
 I, ' your condition of things at the church is all stuff. 
 Let the whole repairs lie over; let the painting be dis- 
 missed, and the carpet replaced; and when obligations 
 to God are met, then fit up the sanctuary,' They 
 siniled; and the next day repairs on the house ceased, 
 furniture was returned, and when Sabbath came we 
 had room for the host to come in, and for work also. ■ 
 ': "A vote was taken to hold a series of meetings; and 
 from that time, for nearly five weeks, we were engaged 
 in using means to revive the work of the Lord. A 
 church never knows how far from God they have gone 
 , till they launch forth to let down the net for a draught. 
 It is not uncommon, at the end of a week, to feel as 
 though they had not so much religion as they had to 
 start with. . So it was with us. In the great revival 
 of two years previous, under the labors of Elder Knapp, 
 many were added to the church; and, among the con- 
 I verts, some had strayed away from the fold. Our first 
 , two weeks of the meeting were weeks of heart-search- 
 ing, supplication, confession and humiliation before the 
 Lord. My old aids. Deacons Umpslead and Payne, 
 and Esq. Payne, with others, had passed to their rest. 
 \ And now the workers, some at least, had never been 
 inured to my manner of working. Yet, when some two 
 „ weeks had passed, the church began to strike the revival 
 current, andjiaylight began to break over us. Those 
 
KEV. JABBZ S. SWAN. S55 
 
 who had been in polar circles began to come up under 
 *the sun. 
 
 " We have, as a denomination, been acc[uainted with 
 the variety of evils which contribute to backsliding; 
 but of late, a sort of Dancing Devil has got in among 
 our churches, of such strange character, that it takes a 
 long series of revival meetings, attended with the power 
 of Grod, to cast him out. Yet God triumphs, notwith- 
 standing human frailty. Dancers among Baptists are 
 generally cured, when they come to themselves. ^ It has 
 proved a costly thing to chant to the sound of the viol 
 in the kick-ups of the Devil, falsely called 'hops.' 
 Among the wanderers from the church were some who 
 had chosen dancing scenes before the prayer meeting, 
 and yet not gone beyond the sound of the voice of the 
 Great Shepherd. , 
 
 " When the work of the Lord began to move with 
 power, it reached our Institution on the adjacent hill. 
 The Professors in the . institution, including President 
 Ebenezer Dodge, came in with all their heart, and took 
 hold of the work of the Lord. Young men from the 
 hill, who had backslidden from God, began to return to 
 their father's house; and God appeared in their prayer 
 meetings at the institution. Dr. G. W. ,Eaton, now 
 departed to his home above, was in feeble health, and 
 could do but little to assist in gathering in the harvest; 
 yet his whole soul was swallowed up in the glory of 
 Christ, as it stands connected with the redemption of 
 the lost. God also appeared in the schools of the vil- 
 lage, and converts were multiplied in those seats of 
 learning. 
 
 " The custom has long prevailed in Hamilton, when 
 a general effort is made to save souls, to visit not only 
 
356 KINTH PASTOEATE OF 
 
 the village but the whole region round about. This 
 was carried out as I never saw it before. As we might 
 expect, the inhabitants flowed in from all quarters; and 
 from the host God gathered Jewels. I never saw a 
 more excellent company of youth than the Lord redeem- 
 ■ed, in the course of the meetings. I never had so many 
 effective workers in a meeting, when -they were thor- 
 oughly broken in. The pastor. Dr. Brooks, drank deep 
 into the spirit of the meeting, and God brought salva- 
 tion to his house. 
 
 " Of Dr. Eaton, I ought to say more than to merely 
 refer to him. I knew him for nearly forty years. God 
 built him for service. His soul had large room to work 
 in; I mean in his earthly house. He combined the 
 most distinguished qualities of character I ever knew in 
 one man. His friendship was as pure as it was strong; 
 and his sympathies ran in the broadest channels which 
 a human heart could feel; and his heart was like a river 
 with banks always full, often to overflowing. I knew 
 him better as a preacher, a christian and a sympathizer 
 in my work for God, than as a professor in his more 
 general calling. Abler pens than mine have done him 
 justice in those relations. His love for the Institution, 
 in which he spent his strength, surpassed the love of 
 women. When its life was struck at with erring hands 
 and addled heads, he threw all his powers on the side 
 of righteousness and bent in the faith of God's elect, in 
 appealing to heaven for the defeat of schemes to run off. 
 with our educational ark. 
 
 " I was with him in one season of prayer, which he 
 thought turned the scale. As a preacher, he was pecu- 
 liar; he required considerable ground to turn in. When 
 he beat up oil for the sanctuary, it took a vessel as 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 357 
 
 large as his to contain it. When in his best moods in 
 the pulpit, he would ful-nish his hearers with a meal as 
 effective as that brought to Elijah by the angel, on 
 which he was sustained forty days, till he reached the 
 mount of G-od. His theological views threw a charm 
 over the whole field of divine truth. He came into the 
 forest of God's Lebanon, and displayed a genius in 
 unfolding the beauty of the hill of G-od, that few ever 
 equaled; and his general range of thought if you fol- 
 lowed him, took his hearers as in a walk among the 
 trees of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the 
 nations. His uprightness was like a palm tree. With 
 some giant minds we get kinks in the will, while some 
 powers are of Samson growth, and combine weakness 
 with strength; and, like Samson, with weakness in 
 the will, lose their locks by some fascinating Delilah; 
 and the Philistines have thera. But not so with the 
 Doctor. Each power of soul seemed balanced by cor- 
 responding powers, enabling him to work the whole 
 mental and moral machinery so as to draw trains of 
 thought freighted with the fruits, fragrance and beauty 
 of the Jerusalem above. His sympathies with student 
 life were a marvel. While he could not be beguiled 
 into an approval of wrong, yet he would find in the 
 boys, though a little wayward, some good thing regard- 
 ing the God of Israel. If he ever erred, it was on the 
 side of mercy. His humility was a sort of girdle which 
 bound about the whole religious dress. His shaking of 
 hands was better than a whole sermon upon recognition 
 in heaven. The last time I met him was while he was 
 prostrate by sickness, of which he finally died. He 
 was so enfeebled that it was thought questiong,ble 
 whether I had better see him. I insisted he should 
 
358 NINTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 decide. When he found I was in the house, he would 
 not be put oiF; I must come in. I went to his bedji 
 and he clasped his long arms around my neck, exclaim- 
 ing: ' ! Brother Swan, the New Jerusalem ! The, 
 New Jerusalem!' We wept in each other's arms, like 
 David and Jonathan. I then bowed with his weeping 
 family, and led in prayer for his life, if possible, to be 
 lengthened out; and Grod did partially restore him, to 
 wait a season longer. He walked with God, and God 
 took him. 
 
 ( "Of the Profeijssors in the University I ought to S3^y, I 
 never knew such an effective force for the active work 
 of God in leading souls to Christ in any college upon 
 earth. Their power with God in prayer and their influ- 
 ence, not only with students, but beyond the halls of 
 the University, were mighty. May the Lord open tho 
 eyes of the students there to appreciate the advantageo 
 they have under the training of such devoted men. > 
 ■ " The church came nobly to the work. Backsliders 
 returned. , Old hopers took up the cross. Before I left, 
 I witnessed several seasons of baptism. The other 
 denominations stood aloof, with the exception of, here 
 and there, an individual; yet they were invited. I never 
 united in revival measures with any denomination with- 
 out reaping a benefit. I think, when Christ passes 
 through a place, and a portion of His friends shut their 
 doors upon him, when they open to let him in, he may 
 be gone. Those who want rain water, had not better 
 tear down their eaves-troughs, because the sound of 
 rain does not come in the way they expected. When 
 Elijah heard the sound of rain, he made all arrange- 
 ments conform to it." 
 
CHAPTEK XX 
 
 LATER ITINEEACIES. 
 MR, SWAN'S RECORD: — ■visit to Norwich, new tokk.— death of 
 
 HELEN. — FUNERAL.— SORROW. — REVIVAL IN NORWICH. — BAPTISM. 
 GENERAL WORK. — REVIVAL IN OWBGO. — RAPTURE. — POWER OF 
 
 GOD. CONFESSION. —BAPTISMS. HUNDREDS CONVERTED . THE 
 
 HIGHEB LIFE. — SCRIPTURB TESTS. — ACCESSIONS. — W. H. B3NG. — 
 REVIVAL IN CARMBL, NEW TORK. — JOHN WARREN. — HIS SERMONS. 
 FORMER REVIVAL. — CHANGE OF TIMES. — DEACONS.; — CONVERSION. 
 BAPTISMS. — GOLDEN WEDDING. — REVIVAL IN TINIONVILLE, NEW 
 
 YORK. — SICKNESS. RECOVERY. PREACHING IN NORTH LYME, 
 
 CONNECTICUT. — REVIEW. — GRATITUDE. — THOUSANDS BAPTIZED. — 
 MRS. SWAN. — HER LABORS.— HER CHARACTER. — THE FAMILY. 
 
 " Aftee closing nfy work at Hamilton, I went to 
 Norwich, New York, my former residence, to hold a 
 protracted meeting. Arriving on Friday, I found a 
 letter from home, stating that my youngest daughter 
 had been very ill, but was now considered out of danger. 
 The church in Norwich had been waiting for me with 
 anxiety, and seemed to be ready to enter into the work 
 of the Lord. When the Sabbath arrived, a host came 
 together to hear the word. It was a day of remarkable 
 interest, and closed with deep solemnity, and I gave out 
 my appointments for the week. 
 
 On Monday morning I received a telegram to come 
 immediately home. No explanation was given. I 
 feared the worst, and started at once. A hard snow 
 storm prevailed all day, and dark clouds were on the 
 hills and valleys. the pain of my suspense ! I reached 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. and the house of my son-in-law, Mr. ' 
 Phelps, where my wife was, and learned that Helen, my 
 
360 NINTH PASTORATE OF 
 
 youngest daughter, was dead. She died December 31, 
 1872. My wife was too feeble to return with me to my 
 home to bury our dear, dear Helen. I reached home 
 the next day. None of my family were present when 
 Helen died, save my oldest daughter. Here were the 
 three little children of the departed left now without a 
 mother. The star of our hopes had gone down, not to 
 rise again tiU the trump of Grod shall sound to call up 
 the dead. Helen mourned that I was absent, and would 
 often exclaim, ' 0, when will father come.? ' The power 
 of that exclamation upon my soul will never die till I 
 have passed from earth. Through the hopefulness of 
 our family physician and friends, the real danger in 
 Helen's case was kept from me till death came in full 
 reality. The submission I had preached to others I was 
 now called to practice myself Neighbors and christian 
 friends, in the most tender manner, mingled their sym- 
 pathies with me and my afflicted family. At the 
 funeral, my brethren in the ministry, Bevs. N. P. Foster 
 and J. P. Brown, and others attended; and I can never 
 forget how they exhibited in the services the genuine 
 spirit of christian love, and opened to us the fountain of 
 Grod's consolations, and bore us, in our sorrows, by 
 prayer to him who bore our sorrows and carried our 
 griefs. At the grave, I stood with my family as never 
 before. Helen ! dear Helen ! we had to leave for the 
 wintry snows to cover her bosom — the bosom we once so 
 happily clasped to our own. 0, that moment to me ! 
 The trouble of my whole life condensed would have 
 been like the small dugt of the balance compared to 
 this sorrow. Deep cried unto deep', like the waves of 
 the ocean responding to each other in the moaning notes 
 of the surf. .. . 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. swan. 361 
 
 " While I turned from tlie grave, feeling as thongli 
 my heart had ceased to beat, Grod revealed himself to 
 me as never before, according to the promise, '1 will 
 manifest myself unto you, as I do not unto the world.' 
 My field in the Chenango Valley which I had left rolled 
 up before me, and the harvest to be reaped there caught 
 away my heart from my sadness. I returned with my 
 family to my home, borne up by a mighty uplifting 
 tide, which for power exceeded anything I had before 
 known. Now came another trial. My oldest daughter, 
 on whom must devolve the care of the three little chil- 
 dren her sister had left, informed me that she could not 
 stay at our home for the winter, as I must be away, but 
 desired to take the children to her sister's in Brooklyn, 
 where b^er enfeebled mother was. To conform my affairs 
 to this, and close my house, was a new feature. I had, 
 in all my former absence from home, looked towards 
 that spot of all others on earth most dear. I must now 
 look back upon it as a place where silence reigned, aud 
 gloom and night held perpetual sway. No other door 
 being opened, I made haste to conform my plans to the 
 wishes of my daughter; and soon the remaining mem- 
 bers of my household were on their way to Brooklyn, 
 and I was left to close my house and hasten to the work 
 I had left. 
 
 " When all were gone, at evening, I repaired to the 
 room where, when I left home previously, Helen and 
 her little children were grouped together and happy. 
 There I bowed, and wept, and prayed, and then passed 
 out of 'my house, locking it up. I left for a walk of 
 some three miles, to where I had held a happy pastor- 
 ate for nearly eight years. That walk was the most 
 peculiar one I ever took. I had passed over this road. 
 
862 lATES ITIlTERACIEg OF 
 
 from my home to Waterford, to attend the funerals of 
 my members, and a number of my deacons, in times of 
 distress, but never knew a season like this. My eyes 
 were nearly blinded with tears; my heart beat heavily, 
 and, at times, it seemed as though my limbs would give 
 way beneath me. I had come into a new order of expe- 
 rience. I had witnessed it in others. Perhaps few men 
 in the ministry had taken more pains in attending fune- 
 rals, and visiting the sick and dying, and endeavoring 
 to comfort those who mourned. Now the time had 
 come for me to practice what I had preached to others, 
 and to let them see how I could trust in God in a dark 
 day. Such grace, I think, was given. 
 
 " On the next morning I arose early and called' on 
 the Lord, and found some relief from the oppressive 
 weight upon my heart. Then, for the first time since 
 the death of Helen, I gave way to my feelings in weep- 
 ing and lamentation. The more I indulged this, the 
 more distress came upon me, till it seemed I should die 
 unless I ceased to mourn. Finally, I determined to lay 
 all upon Him who has said: 'Cast all your care upon 
 Him who careth for you.' Eelief came; and it being 
 the Sabbath, I went up to the house of God and 
 preached, feeling great freedom in dwelling upon the 
 wisdom and goodness of God. 
 
 EEVIVAIi IK KOKWICH, NBW YOUK. 
 
 " On the following day I started for my field in Nor- 
 wich, New York. In the middle of the week I entered 
 upon my work of preaching the gospel of Christ. • The 
 church had held to the mercy seat while I had been 
 absent, and everything seemed to promise a glorious 
 harvest. Our meetings increased in interest; and soon 
 inquiring souls were found pressing their way to the 
 
EEV. JABBZ S. SWAK. 363 
 
 feet of Christ. The late Judge York was then alive, 
 and, though infirm, was able to meet with us in the 
 afternoon meetings. His presence was a power among 
 us. His counsels and prayers greatly increased the 
 interest of the meetings. Between four and five, weeks 
 God wrought wonders in the conversion of many. Be- 
 fore I left, I assisted in baptizing twenty-one happy 
 believers in Christ. The baptistery, which is a modern 
 institution among Baptists in this country, was out of 
 order; and I was not sorry, as necessity brought us for 
 the administration of the ordinance of baptism to the 
 ancient place, which G-od had provided, where I had 
 resorted with converts during nearly eight years of my 
 ministry. It was winter, and the spotless snow was 
 about us; but the converts were peculiarly happy. If 
 those who love God could trace out the connection of 
 the right discharge of their duty with the good of oth- 
 e"rs, they would become dead to all hesitation about 
 performing their duty, though clouds might surround 
 jthem and wear a threatening aspect. 
 ' " A lady belonging to our congregation had indulged 
 hope in Christ, but had not been baptized. One even- 
 ing, on returning from meeting, she requested her hus- 
 band to take their little child and retire with it. After 
 he had retired, he heard her open the bookcase door, as 
 he supposed to take a. Bible to read. He was right. 
 She read and prayed. The noise of the opening of the 
 book-case, and the object of it, were more to that hus- 
 band than all the gospel he had ever heard, and all 
 personal appeals to serve the Lord. God riveted this 
 upon him so that conviction deepened, till hfe left all 
 for Christ; and he and his companion were among the 
 twenty-one who were the first fruits of the revival. ' 
 
364 LATER ITINERACIKS OF 
 
 " The conversions were principally among tlie youth; 
 a few were children. The work was deep and thorough ', 
 and when any came to the light, they came strong in 
 the Lord and in the power of his might. The churches 
 in the village were affected by what God accomplished, 
 and meetings were held with the Congregational, Meth- 
 odist and Free-Will Baptist churches, and all were 
 blessed. The great amount of conversions before I left 
 were with the Baptists. I looked most hopefully for a 
 general breaking down in the ranks of the ungodly, and 
 directed my efforts accordingly. The church acted with 
 me to a considerable extent. The overwhelming wave 
 did not come till after I left. There was a mighty 
 stirring up in the village, but the strong man, armed to 
 a considerable extent, kept his palace. After I left, 
 my brother, Rev. J. D. Potter, the Congregational evan- 
 gelist, a man of great worth to the cause of Christ, and 
 who devotes his whole life to it, came in, and the four 
 churches above named joined in a union meeting, which 
 was greatly blessed, and converts wei;e multiplied. God 
 showed that unity and diversity might be combined in 
 the work of .salvation. Tall cedars of Lebanon were 
 bowed before the Lord as he advanced with his host 
 of the militant kingdom. 
 
 EEVETAL nr OWBGO, NEW TOKK. 
 
 " My next effoi-t was made with the Baptist church 
 in Owego, Tioga County, New York. In anticipation 
 of my coming, the church had commenced meetings, 
 and several had beeu converted and baptized. Tliere 
 is a class who may -be won over to Christ, as Lydia of 
 I Thyatira, and readily embrace Christ in the dawning of 
 a day of salvation. So it was in Owego, when I com- 
 menced to preach Christ to the people. After that 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 365 
 
 class have been gathered, a more thorough course is 
 generally demanded, drawing down the lines of divine 
 truth, and wielding that truth as the sword of the Spirit 
 and the hammer of the Almighty, till the heart is 
 broken in contrition before God. Very soon, the ^ word 
 of the Lord began to have free course and to be glori- 
 fied. Our seasons for public meetings were in the after- 
 noons and evenings. In the afternoon meetings I gene- 
 rally remarked upon some one feature which pertained 
 to christian character, and directed my remarks to that 
 one point, endeavoring to bring all the graces of the 
 religion of Christ to that state of completeness essential 
 to christian manhood, to secure the measure of the 
 stature of the fullness of Christ. I never realized such 
 success. The lovers of Christ who heard me seemed to 
 drink in the doctrine drawn from the oracles of God; 
 and wherein incompleteness was detected by them in 
 any grace of their religion, there was a struggling and 
 wrestling on their part to be perfected in love, and to 
 build up christian character after the model of Christ. 
 While pursuing this course week after week, the waters 
 of life arose till they were swimming deep. For a long 
 time there were no afternoon meetings without more or 
 less obtaining hope through Christ. 
 
 "In one of those meetings a brother came in who 
 seemed to be filled with the Spirit, God having come 
 into his family in a most wonderful manner and con- 
 verted all of his children. A son, a young man, 
 residing in the village, was in the meeting and had just 
 come into the kingdom, and was Very happy. The 
 father, in* speaking, referred to what God had done in 
 his home and his neighborhood, and while speaking fell 
 into a kind of rapture, and commenced to clap his 
 
366 LATER ITINEKACIES OF 
 
 hands and sliout, 'Glory to God !' While so doing, 
 the whole room was filled with the fragrance of heaven. 
 I never saw the like before. I had never before been on' 
 a spot where in prayer, or praise, or remarks, I could 
 give vent to my inward joys. On this occasion I 
 raised all the ventilators of my soul; but instead of 
 feeling relief from oppressive joy, the more expression I 
 gave the more joys were compacted in my heart. I 
 was not alone in this. Others tried to bring out the 
 high praises of God, and to extol Christ; but in refer- 
 ence to exhausting their joys, they were more and more 
 filled with the Spirit. There were no loud demonstra- 
 tions, but utterances were replete with the love of God 
 and his cause. 
 
 " Brother Derbonn, whom I have known for more 
 than forty years, a very remarkable christian, walked 
 the room clapping his hands and praising God, with 
 the tears flowing down his face, declaring he never was 
 in such a frame before. I believe we spent more than 
 an hour in a kind of millenial glory. All in the room 
 who were not converted seemed of a mind to go with us 
 to heaven. At the close we invited the anxious to 
 come up; and I believe all who came were converted on 
 the spot. When we rose up from our knees and sang, 
 then the Lord poured upon us another shower of his 
 grace. From this time our meetings, especially in the 
 afternoon, conformed to the one above described. 
 
 "The joy of God's salvation was restored to those 
 who cried to God for it, as never before, and it was joy 
 intensified compacted, and verified in fullness, till there 
 was no more room in the sou.1 to contain it, unless they 
 who were the possessors were enlarged. 
 , " Our afternoon meetings became so crowded, though 
 
EEV. JABBZ S. SWAN. 367 
 
 OHr room was a large one, that we had hardly space to 
 work. After that baptism of joy, all seekers were 
 converted who came up for prayer. Our evening meet- 
 ings for preaching soon came to partake of the same 
 religious emotion. A multitude would come forward 
 after preaching to seek the Lord. After prayers, we 
 would open the doors for the converts to speak, and God 
 made their appeals to their fellows effective in turning 
 their feet into the Lord's testimonies. 
 
 " To show how tenacious our blessed Redeemer is to 
 sustain his own plan to save, and how utterly unsuc- 
 cessful mortals are in attempting to Compromise with 
 him, the following will demonstrate : A young man 
 arose one evening and said, ' I have been praying daily 
 in my family for some two years, but can find no effect- ' 
 ual rehef to my soul. I have been impressed to confess 
 Christ openly but I have failed to do it, and have been 
 in perpetual bondage.' No sooner had he confessed 
 with his mouth the Lord Jesus, having in his heart be- 
 lieved that God raised him from the dead, than he came 
 into the gospel liberty; and he and his wife both arose 
 and were baptized. 
 
 " Our seasons of baptism were most precious. The 
 Baptist church in Owego have the best baptistery in their 
 sanctuary that I have ever seen in a meeting house. It is 
 in the rear of the desk, and is entered by a passage which is 
 out of sight of the 'Congregation. The administrator 
 and the candidate are both out of sight tiU they obtain 
 a suitable depth of water for the ordinance, but both are 
 in view of the congregation when the ordinance is ad- 
 ministered. . The ladies who were baptized were young, 
 and dressed in white, a beautiful emblem of the moral 
 state of the soul when cleansed by the blood of Christ, 
 
368 XATER ITINERACIES Ot 
 
 answering to the robes of Jerusalem whicli is above. 
 One bundred and twelve were baptized during tbe re- 
 freshing which was sent from the presence of the Lord. 
 Among them were eight husbands and their wives. I 
 was with the church between three and four weeks. Tak- 
 ing into account the three meetings held in succession, 
 viz: in Hamilton, Norwich, and Owego, with the num- 
 ber converted in them, and others converted where the 
 work begun in these and spread and triumphed; — I was 
 informed that the converts numbered between seven 
 and eight hundred. 
 
 THE HIGHER LIFE. 
 
 " I wish here to draw a contrast between a faith per- 
 fected by works, as was the faith of Abraham — a life 
 made effectively active by a replenishing of the heart 
 with grace, — a girding of all the christian virtues upon 
 the soul, so as to work effectively for God, and that 
 pretended higher-life religion which, so far as I know, 
 expends all its force upon one's self. I understand the 
 higher-life theory is, that to come into the sphere of 
 our joys here, is only to believe, and all is accomplished. 
 To me, the notion of this higher-life is' a perfect delu- 
 sion, and I think it will work evil in the end, for the 
 following reasons: 
 
 I. " The theory militates against God's plan in pro- 
 ducing and qualifying effectual workers in his vineyard. 
 To qualify such, we have spread' out in the Scriptures 
 God's entire method, as follows: 'According as His 
 divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain 
 to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him 
 that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are 
 given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; 
 that by these ye might be partakers 'of the divine 
 
EEV. JA.BEZ S. SWAN. ' 369 
 
 nature; and ' giving all diligence, add to your faith vir- 
 tue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, tem- 
 perance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, 
 godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to 
 brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in 
 you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither 
 be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is 
 blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that 
 he was purged from his old sina. Wherefore the rather, 
 brethren, give diligence to make your calling and elec- 
 tion sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. 
 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abun- 
 dantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
 Savior Jesus Christ.' Herein is developed the begin- 
 ning, progress, and perfection of christian character, 
 and a triumphant entrance into heaven. The apostle 
 leads off in noticing the ground work of all true religion 
 as springing from divine power ; all that pertains to 
 life and godliness; and this through the knowledge of 
 him that calleth. In conformity to this, is given prom- 
 ises exceeding great and precious; and thereby men are 
 made partakers of the divine nature, which points to 
 regeneration by the Holy Spirit. Here is the beginning 
 of the soul-saving work, which remains to be perfected 
 after God's own plan: ' We all, with open face, behold- 
 ing as in -a glass, the glory of the Lord, are changed 
 into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the 
 Spirit of the Lord.' I understand that glass to be the 
 gospel, and the executive agent is not faith, but the 
 Spirit of the Lord. In the category of attainments, 
 faith takes the lead, but the filling up is made in a 
 manner which presents the individual temple built up 
 24 
 
370 LATEK ITINEEACIES OF 
 
 of graces, as lively stones, till each grace blends in with 
 the whole body of graqes combined in christian charac- 
 ter, stimulating to work and do those things which, 
 secure both the calling and election. All this com- 
 bined, is not for the simple production of indiridual 
 joy, but for effectiveness in work for Grod. A sort of 
 compelling power is apparent in the above combination, 
 which makes the possessor that he shall neither be bar- 
 ren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ. Confi- 
 dence of the final good estate, and security against fall- 
 ing, follow all this, and not barely simple faith. The 
 eunuch had faith, and was baptized, and went home, 
 according to Josephus, and went to work. After genu- 
 ine conversion to Grod, Paul prayed for the church, as 
 follows: ' That he would grant you, according to the 
 riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by 
 his Spirit, in the inner man. Thajt Christ may dwell 
 in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and 
 grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all 
 saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and 
 height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth 
 knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness 
 of God.' Now follows the ascription, ' Unto him who 
 is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we 
 ask or think, according to the power that worketh in 
 us, unto Him be glory in the church, by Christ Jesus, 
 throughout all ages, world without end.' It is notice- 
 able how Christ accomplishes all this according to the 
 power wrought in them; in harmony with the power 
 already conferred, and acting with it; never departing 
 from it. Christ dwelling in them by faith, is but one 
 of the rounds in the ladder. To hang all upon this for 
 the completion of christian character, would becloud the 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 371 
 
 agency of the Spirit, and prevent being filled with all 
 the fullness of God. 
 
 II. " Another feature of the method of Christ, in the 
 perfection of christian character, is utterly at war with 
 the new theory of the higher christian life by simply 
 believing. .We admit that 'he that believeth that 
 Jesus is the Christ, is born of God;' but this is the 
 starting point. The reason is this, 'When he ascended 
 up on high he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto 
 men;' and grace flows to all who are saved through 
 faith, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 
 'And he gave some apostles; and some prophets; and 
 some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for 
 the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the minis- 
 try, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all 
 come, in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge 
 of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the 
 measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.' All 
 this was woven up by Christ a» essential, in all its fea- 
 tures, to the completeness of a man in Christ Jesus. 
 Now to urge simple faith as all that is essential to come 
 into all this, ignores both the wisdom and power of 
 God, and puts an extinguisher upon Christ's apostles 
 and prophets.. 
 
 III. " The new order of the. higher life attainment 
 stands out at war with the experience of those who have 
 attained to walk with God. Daniel obtained his won- 
 derful advance in the divine life by praying tiU his 
 comeliness was turned to corruption. Isaiah obtained 
 his by beholding the glory of God so that he said, ' Wo 
 is me, for I am undone; mine eyes have seen the King, 
 the Lord of Hosts.' He remained in this state tiU he 
 heard from God that something was to be done, and he 
 
372 LATER ITINERACIES OF 
 
 arose and said, 'Here am I, send me.' God has one 
 law regarding those lie would exalt: ' Before honor is 
 humility/ Job obtained a view of God which led him 
 to say, •' I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.' 
 His view of God as seeing him, accomplished the work. 
 The Hebrews to whom Paul wrote come at knowing 
 ' that in heaven they have a better and more enduring 
 ■ substance than earth afforded, by taking joyfully the 
 spoiling of their goods, and by terrible suffering for 
 Christ.' Being strengthened, settled, and established, 
 was after they had suffered awhile. Now to overlook 
 this, in a professed higher life, looks like putting pro- 
 fessed disciples where the accusations of Christ -^vere 
 put, in Greek, Latin and Hebrew over the head of the 
 Son of God, who was given to be head over aU things 
 to the church. 
 
 IV. " The higher life people in their creed utterly 
 deny the truth of the imagery chosen by Christ to 
 illustrate the great salvation. ' First the blade, then 
 the ear, then the full corn in the ear.' Here are three 
 stages- of grace; its beginning like the blade of corn; 
 the* process in its growth towards perfection; and its 
 ripeness. If this imagery was happily chosen, it gives 
 true light. Now try to jump the corn in- the blade to 
 the ear, supposing it had faith. The same God that 
 established the law for corn, has established his law for 
 grace to reign-through righteousness unto eternal hfe. 
 The leaven in the measure of meal is equally in point. 
 The contact of the leaven is essential, and its process 
 must be earned out, to leaven the whole. No matter 
 how simple the faith of her who would leaven the bread; 
 no faith can dispense with the process, and leaven the 
 whole immediately, by the contact of the leaven and 
 
EHV. JABEZ e. SWAN. 373 
 
 10(^1. Take another figure, that of a tree, "To give 
 beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the 
 garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they 
 might he called trees of my righteousness, the planting 
 of the Lord, that he might be glorified,' A tree has its 
 beginuing, growth, and perfection. By no process can 
 you change the order and push it from the twig to the 
 fuU proportioned tree. Suppose you attempt to jump a 
 learner in the alphabet into aU the science of which the 
 alphabet is the key. Take the learner from simple ad- 
 dition into the rule of three by a simple faith, ignoring 
 the often painful process, on the same principle that a 
 simple belief even on Christ will accomplish the whole 
 thing. This reflects on the wisdom of Grod in ordering 
 all things in the kingdom of grace. You may get a 
 gourd in a night, if you are related to Jonah and would 
 prefer to go to Ninevah by the way of the whale and the 
 bottom of the mountains; but this unnatural growth 
 had a worm at the root, and the first day of itS' existence 
 it fell, and left the one who sought comfort from it to 
 perhaps desire another sea voyage, with the whale ex- 
 cepted. Jonah wanted the gourd for his precious self. 
 Nineveh might perish for all he cared, if he could only 
 have his head protected from the sun. I. have no doubt 
 that God can fit a man to go to heaven from a cross ; 
 but I am dealing with Grod's process and the plan by 
 which he will work in us both to will and to do of his 
 good pleasure. Paul was a man of genuine faith ; 
 
 but a faith adapted to the fight. ' Fight the good fight 
 of faith,' was his direction to Timothy. My choice is to 
 sit down under the shadow of him who was as the apple 
 tree among the trees of the wood, rather than to have 
 all the comforts from gourd protections, knowing that 
 
374 LATER ITINERACIES OF 
 
 Christ's perfected plan will succeed when the wisdom 
 which is crooked will be defeated. 
 
 "Before I left Owego, I saw baptized from, I believe, 
 all the evangelical churches of the village, members 
 which had come to the Baptist church for admission. 
 Neither Brother W. H. King, nor myself, made any 
 efforts to induce their members to come, unless a sim- 
 ple preaching of the truth as it is in Jesus might have 
 contributed to that end, and their seeing others put on 
 Christ by baptism. In one instance, a young lady 
 came to the Baptist church and requested to be ad- 
 mitted and -baptized, saying she had been converted 
 among the Methodists, and was told, with other candi- 
 dates, that she might be baptized any way she chose, 
 and when she said, ' I wish to go into the riyer and be 
 baptized,' she was told, by the pastor, that it was 
 dangerous, and moreover he should not go in. She 
 made this statement, and gave a relation of a sound 
 christian experience, and was received and baptized in 
 the river. She added, when her experience had been 
 told, ' I am prepared to be baptized in the river if it 
 costs me my life.' When raised "up from the watery 
 grave, she looked up into heaven and said, '0 splendid ! 
 0, splendid V 
 
 " It was nothing new for me to work with Brother 
 King. I had been with him before, and with him 
 seen the glory of God. I am not alone in considering 
 him one of the strongest men in Bible-faith I ever met. 
 He seeks, in his researches after Christ and divine 
 knowledge, into the utmost depth of the great sea of 
 truth, and finds the coral beds, and the choicest pearls, 
 which he gathers for the bosom of his Master, Jesus, 
 and the church. Though always open to conviction^ i 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 375 
 
 yet when by deep research, and long and prayerful pon- 
 dering the way of truth, he becomes fixed in the divine 
 fastnesses, no enemies' shots can dislodge him. Yet I 
 always foi;ind him meek and gentle, like his Great 
 Exemplar. His effort in the anti-slavery cause virtu- 
 ally revolutionized his county, for his shots at the 
 Moloch of slavery were like the rumored action of 
 Grilmore's Swamp Angel upon the statue of Calhoun 
 in Charleston. He suffered for those who were bound, 
 and lived to see them free. Always ready to take 
 decided ground against all wrong, he was careful to 
 ,kaow the strength of his own battery, before he planted 
 himself against the gates of hell and the stronghold 
 of the dark castle. I always found him genial .and 
 simple-hearted as a child, and yet, in the doctrine of 
 Christ, rooted and grounded. When his physical 
 strength was not adequate to the work 'to be done, he 
 most readily welcomed help to carry out the plan of 
 Christ in saving souls. 
 
 KBVTVAL m CABMBIi, NEW YOBK. 
 
 " The summer of 1872, following my efforts in Owego, 
 was to me one of great trial. I had hoped to be able 
 to rest somewhat when the heat of the summer was 
 upon me, but having failed to attend a meeting in Car- 
 mel, Putnam county. New York, as I hoped, I was 
 induced to supply the pulpit there for some seven 
 months. Mrs. Swan lay sick at home, in a very dis- 
 tressed condition, and I was compelled to return from 
 Carmel on Monday of each week, and then on Satur- 
 days go back again. This was severe and exhausting ser- 
 vice, and the more so, because of the constant hardship 
 of the previous winter. At length Mrs. Swan revived 
 somewhat, and I was able to stay on my field for two 
 
376 LATEB ITINEKACIES 01* 
 
 Sabbaths, which gave me a little rest. My field in 
 Carmel was the one formerly occupied by the late Elder 
 John Warren, who was pastor of the church about 
 twenty years. In my work of visitation around the 
 town, I everywhere found evidences of the fidelity of 
 Father Warren. , He raised a large family. His salary 
 was small, and he owned and worked a large farm. He 
 preached funeral sermons all over the regions round 
 about. His early opportunities were limited, so that 
 in entering upon the ministry he was compelled to 
 accept the great work of the Master as the Master found 
 him. He possessed uncommon strength of mind, and 
 was peculiar in strength of memory, and sound judg- 
 ment. His heart was as large as his judgment, and as 
 sound, and stable. What he provided for the sanctuary 
 was served in a lordly dish. When fitted for the pulpit, 
 his sermon was none of your thirty-minutes essays; but 
 would require some two hours in delivery. And, after 
 a brief intermission, he would again open to his people 
 a subject that required nearly another two hours. His 
 people came considerable distances to hear the word, 
 and were hard workers during the week. But when 
 Sabbath came, they went up to the sanctuary for a 
 feast of fat things, full of marrow, and wine on the lees 
 well refined. They returned from the house of God 
 with souls overflowing with the fullness of the gospel, 
 and strengthaned ' like a strong man to run a race.' It 
 generally took Father Warren some fi[fteen or twenty 
 minutes to get all his powers of soul in running order, 
 after he had read his text; and then he would seem 
 like a man plunging into a deep sea; and at every 
 plunge would bring up choice pearls from the ocean of 
 Grod's abountiiug grace. 
 
REY. JABEZ b, SWAN.' '377'; 
 
 "His people were struggling to bring up their fami- 
 lies. Many of them were in debt for their land, and 
 had to work hard, and were despised by those who had 
 . their portion in this life. Yet God was with them. 
 They were often blessed with large outpourings of the 
 Spirit of the Lord, and large accessions were made to 
 the church. The revival of all others most peculiar, 
 under his ministry, was ushered in and carried forward 
 under truly wonderful circumstances. One evening. 
 Father Warren was on his way to meeting; and two of 
 his brethren, from different directions, were on their 
 way to meeting also. While pursuing ' their course, 
 they all heard singing in the heavens over them. The 
 whole canopy was filled with salvation's melodies. Very 
 soon a meeting was called in the sanctuary, and, to the 
 astonishment of all, the house was filled to overflowing. 
 They had no preaching ; but while prayer was offered, 
 all the house knelt simultaneously, and near sixty are 
 reported to have been converted before they arose from 
 their knees. Sinners bewailed their condition, and 
 saints wept over their departure from God. The work 
 thus begun, spread in all directions, and God's glory 
 was revealed, so that hosts saw it together and were 
 made glad with exceeding joy. 
 
 " Father Warren has been gathered to his rest, and 
 things have changed. A sermon now of one hour is 
 counted tedious, and with some is not to be endured. 
 The business of the community now requires the break- 
 ing down of the Sabbath law ; and the daughters of 
 music are brought low. Many men in the church and » 
 society were in the milk business, and the milk had to 
 be taken to the cars on the Lord's Day. As a result, 
 all sacredness was well nigh gone from the day, and , 
 
378 LATER ITINERACIES OF \ 
 
 work and visiting were both common. Large ingather- 
 ings of souls to Christ, which was once the order of 
 things, are no longer realized; and God is dishonored, 
 and the land is under the curse. The few who are 
 exceptions to the above course, mourn over Zion's deso- 
 lation. It was said of Israel of old, ' their land is full 
 of gold, and silver, and also of horses, and chariots; and 
 their land is also full of idols.' The land of Carmel 
 is full of wealth; but the Spirit of the Lord has been 
 grieved away. I was genei-ally treated with great kind- 
 ness, but found myself tied hand and foot in reference 
 , to* accomplishing what I had hoped. My first engage- 
 ment was for six months, simply to supply the pulpit 
 on the Sabbath. Yet, when I was able to spend time 
 upon the field, I visited the sick and afflicted, and from 
 house to house, as though I had been pastor of the 
 church. 
 
 " When my six months were nearly out^ the condition 
 of my family was such, owing to the extreme feebleness 
 of Mrs. Swan, and utterly despairing of success, I asked 
 to be relieved; and my request was granted. I preached 
 what I expected would be my last sermon in the meet- 
 ing house, and went to a large' school house to preach 
 in the evening. I had held a few meetings in this 
 house, and one poor weary soul had arisen and asked 
 for prayers. A lady had buried three children out of 
 four, who were taken away by ecarlet fever. She asked 
 that we would pray for her, that she might be prepared 
 to meet her children in heaven. In the meeting now 
 held; G-od appeared and the congregation was not dis- 
 missed till eleven o'clock at night. God displayed his 
 grace and love in such a manner, that souls were con- 
 verted, while saints were much revived. At the close 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. B'WAS'. 379 
 
 of the meeting, the Deacons, Hopkins and Fowler,' 
 pressed me to return and fill my three Sabbaths, which 
 would make out the six months. I determined to do 
 so, from what seemed, to be a rec[uirement of G-od. As 
 I left the house, I spoke to a gentleman by the door, 
 and asked him if he did not think he could help us 
 some. He replied he did not know but he could. 
 
 "I returned from meeting with Deacon Hopkins, 
 and after retiring to my room, I poured out my soul to 
 Grod in prayer for the friend whom I had called on for 
 help. I fell into a partial sleep, but awoke about one 
 o'clock, much distressed for my friend. I arose and 
 prayed for him with all my heart. While I was engaged 
 in prayer for him, he dreamed that God appeared to 
 him and asked him if he was prepared to meet him. 
 To which he made no reply; and the question was put 
 to him again, and he answered ' No;' and awoke in deep 
 distress of mind for his soul. I left the next morning 
 for home, but was soon followed by a letter, informing 
 me of the conversion of this gentleman and his wife. I 
 soon returned, and found the work had wonderfully 
 advanced; and I labored for some seven weeks, and bap- 
 tized my friend and his wife, and another gentleman 
 and his wife, and a class of most interesting youth.' 
 Before I left, there was baptized into Carmel church 
 and the little church at Dykeman Station, some twenty. 
 I found most choice spirits coming to the help of the 
 Lord, who were of the Father Warren type. For my , 
 principal home, during my stay at Carmel, I was wel- ' 
 corned to the hospitality of Deacon Hopkins and his 
 wife. Yet everywhere I was kindly received among the 
 people. 
 
 " After leaving Carmel, I was permitted to welcome 
 
S80 LATER ITINEEACIES' OF 
 
 to my 'home in Newliondon, a 'host of friends to join 
 my family in celebrating :my Golden Wedding. My 
 house was filled .during the afternoon and evening of 
 the day, January 15, 1873, with generous friends; and 
 the gifts they bestowed, together with various donations 
 received ffrom different parts of the country, amounted 
 to some twenty-one hundred dollars; principally in 
 money. I never saw such a gathering before. The 
 christian denominations of the city were generally 
 represented. A most generous expression was made to 
 me and :my family, not only from the pastors and 
 churches, but from my fellow-citizens. Stonington, 
 Norwich, New York, Brooklyn, Eochester, Hamilton, 
 Gwego, and .parts of New Jersey, were represented in 
 the gathering. Adverse circumstances had thrown me 
 into ^embarrassment in my pecuniary affairs. I regarded 
 all which was bestowed upon me and mine, as the gift 
 of God, as well as the gifts of kindly inclined friends. 
 Expressions which accompanied these gifts, both in 
 writing and from the lips of numerous friends, quite 
 overcame me. We closed up the meeting with prayer 
 -for 'the good of all, and rendered thanks to the Lord, 
 and also to those who had so liberally remembered us. 
 That -the richest of all blessings may rest upon them all, 
 is my ;prayer. 
 
 HEVIVAI, m UNIONTILLE, OTSW TOKt:. 
 
 " I soon left home for a meeting in Unionville, Or- 
 ange County, New York. Brother Morse, the pastor, 
 an old friend, received me kindly, and we soon com- 
 menced meetings which resulted in great good to the 
 church, and were attended with the conversion of souls 
 to God. The region is terrible for the amount of snow 
 •which falls there in winter. The roads are often 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 381 
 
 impassable, and this seriously affected our meetings; 
 yet, when it was possible for the people to come out, 
 they rallied to attend with us. I had not worked long 
 before I asked the pastor, if any difficulty existed in 
 the church which tended to prevent harmonious action 
 for building up the cause of Christ; and found that 
 trouble had been experienced which marred the peace 
 of Zion, and tended to hamper united action. We 
 then set about a settlement of the whole affair. I 
 never saw the hand of God more promimently dis- 
 played in bringing the hearts of brethren together. All 
 seemed to exhibit the Spirit of the Savior, and every- 
 thing was completely renounced which had marred 
 their peace and prevented their church progress. Grod 
 had begun his work in converting souls previous to the 
 removal of the troubles; and now that they were swept 
 away, the work moved on with more interest; and our 
 meeting was a success. I c[uote from a paper put into 
 my hands by the pastor to show how my work was 
 esteemed by the church. 'We, the members of the 
 Orange Baptist church, Unionville, hereby express our 
 high appreciation of the services of Eev. J. S. Swan in 
 the series of meetings, which, with our pastor, he has 
 held in Unionville, and which we believe has resulted 
 in great good.' 
 
 " On my way home from Orange County, I called at 
 Carmel to see my friends; and while visiting Deacon 
 Hopkins and his family, I was taken with typhoid 
 pneumonia, and was very sick. I was never so sick 
 before in my life. My mind was so affected with over- 
 powering disease, that I could not collect my thoughts 
 so as to pray. On obtaining relief for my head, my 
 mind, acted again with its wonted regulaprity, and I 
 
382 LATER ITINERACIES OF 
 
 found sweet rest to my soul in calling upon God. For 
 some seven weeks I was confined to my room, and 
 suffered intensely. Once I supposed my time had come 
 to die. I said to Deacon Hopkins and his family, who 
 came to my room to attend family worship, 'I wish to 
 say that, if this is my last morning on earth, there is 
 not a cloud between God and my soul; all is transpar- 
 ent between my room and heaven.' I had no flights 
 of joy; but a steady flow of peace from God into my 
 whole soul, which was like a river. Everything was 
 beautiful, as I looked towards my heavenly home. 
 What passed over my soul for sweetness and consum- 
 mate blessedness, must be known to be appreciated. 
 Christ was all and in all. 
 
 " But my work was not done. I soon began to im- 
 prove, and, at the end of nearly two months, ventured 
 out into the open air. God's friends came in and prayed 
 with me. Eev. Mr. Kirkham, Deacons Smith and 
 Fowler, and others, were extremely kind. It seems now, 
 but for the wonderful care of Deacon Hopkins with his 
 family and their relations, on whom I leaned in the day 
 of trouble, I must have died. May the Lord reward 
 them in the resurrection of the just. 
 
 " I left for home in a very feeble state, and took a 
 relapse. I was then in a still more doubtful situation ; 
 yet the Lord had mercy upon me. The second attack 
 was followed by a cough, which was perfectly unyielding, 
 and by great distress in breathing, and also by a swell- 
 ing of my limbs, which seemed to portend my approach- 
 ing doom. I moved about too soon^ which aggravated 
 my symptoms very much. I finally resorted to my old 
 method, of working upon land, and followed it for 
 
EEV. JABEZ S/ SWAN.-- 383 
 
 months, -fill my cough abated,' and I was restored so as 
 to resume preaching the first of last May. 
 
 " I have spent the last summer in preaching at North 
 Lyme, where I preached my first sermon more than fifty 
 years ago. I have resorted to the very place where I was 
 baptized by the Kev. Wm. Palmer, over a half century 
 ago, and administered the ordinance of baptism to two 
 young ladies of the congregation. I am now preaching 
 as God opens the way to destitute churches. My health 
 is very good, and I hope yet to be of service in the 
 Master's cause. 
 
 " On a review of all the way in which the Lord our 
 Grod has led me, I have much to rejoice over and much 
 to lament. Of the kindness of the Lord towards me it 
 wiU take an eternity to express it, with the great love 
 he has conferred upon me and mine. I have been 
 -blessed with hosts of friends, both -in and out of the 
 church of Grod. No mortal has been more highly 
 favored in this respect, My lot has been peculiar. I 
 have suffered for Christ's sake and the gospel; and yet 
 have plead with all my heart for mercy upon my bitterest 
 opposers; and shall carry in my onward journey to the 
 bar of God, ill will for none, praying God to help me to 
 forgive as I hope to be forgiven. 
 
 " For want of fidelity to Christ, regrets are numerous. 
 I owe it to him to love him as he has loved me. My 
 labors have been arduous, but pleasurable. Trials have 
 been sharp, but tempered with timely mercy shed on me 
 through the infinite benignity of Christ, to whom be all 
 the glory for the success with which he has crowned my 
 poor services. I have reason to believe that more than 
 ten thousand souls have been, brought to Christ through 
 
384 'lateb itineeacies ojf 
 
 the gospel lie has enabled me to preach; and a large 
 proportion of these I have baptized. 
 
 " My heart compels me to speak of my wife who has 
 been the companion of my toils. I owe it to God and 
 to her, to say she has ' borne the burden and heat of the 
 day.' My duty has called, and kept me from home a 
 great portion of my married life. She has been a keeper 
 at home. I have always tried to divide her cares, and 
 have done all in my power to lighten her burdens. Yet 
 in the discharge of my duty, the labors of the family 
 in sickness and in health, have fallen chiefly upon her. 
 She never recLuested me to remain at home when duty 
 pointed me away; and in the severest trials which have 
 overtaken us, she has given me the example of trust- 
 ing in God, which indicated where her soul's reliance 
 was. I claim that my wife has done the duty of the 
 wife of a minister, about which so much is being written 
 at this day. She has served God, and taken care of me 
 and the family. She never was president of -any society 
 except the society at home, where her duty has been 
 fully met. My house has been a pilgrim-home all the 
 years of my ministerial Hfe. We have been careful to en- 
 tertain strangers, and in so doing have entertained angels 
 in one form, though not unawares. Mrs. Swan is still 
 feeble, though able to move about the house. Four of 
 the five children God gave us are still living. Helen P. 
 Swan, God has' called to himself. She belonged to God, 
 who gave, and has now taken her away. 
 
 " P. S. Bkothek Denison; May the Lord give you 
 wisdom to get- out the whole matter you propose for the 
 honor of Him ' by whom all things consist.' " 
 
 J. S.' Swan. 
 
 New London, Conn., Oct, 18, 1873. 
 
CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 CONTRIBUTED PAPERS. 
 
 mOM DB. PALMER. SONNET. FEOM PROF. LEWIS. — REVIVALS. — 
 
 PROM DR. EAYMOETD. QUALITIES. PROM: H. D. PfflNET. ^REVI- 
 VALS. — PROM DR. HILL. — EVANGELISM. — PROM J. TYLER. — RECOL- 
 UECTIONS. — PROM N. E. SHAILER.-nsrOIDENTS. — PROM DK. NBALE.- 
 
 ILLUSTRATION. PROM A PRIEND. ^PROM DR. IVES. STATE 
 
 MISSIONS. PROM DR. PHELPS. CHARACTERISTICS AND ANEC- 
 DOTES. — PROM O. T. WALKER. — REMINISCENCES- PROM DR. MUR- 
 
 DOCK.— FOREIGN MISSIONS. 
 
 A PORTION of the papers kindly contributed to aid us 
 in our work, have been introduced, in whole or in part, 
 in preceding chapters, as suited to the order of time and 
 events. To most of those remaining we now devote an 
 entire chapter, which cannot fail of appreciation and 
 deep interest to the reader. The small liberties we 
 have taken with some of these contributions, omitting 
 addresses, avoiding redundancies, and adjusting them 
 to the whole work, will be readily pardoned by their 
 authors. Some generous letters, calling for the volume 
 and cheering us in our work, we omit entirely, on the 
 ground of modesty, and for the want of space. 
 
 Be it remembered, the object of these papers is not 
 to furnish endorsements of Mr. Swan's character and 
 views — a work of supererogation — "carrying coals to 
 Newcastle" — but to furnish certain side views of a 
 unique and historic man, and to preserve incidents that 
 Mr. Swan has omitted, and supply anecdotes that the 
 editor could not otherwise obtain. _ By these charming 
 
386 PAPERS BELATIVE TO 
 
 contributions the historic value of the volume is greatly 
 enhanced. 
 
 JABEZ S. SWAN. 
 " A mau of God, than whom, in these last days, 
 If measured by his faith and lore and zeal, 
 His earnest care for souls, and Zion's weal, 
 No greater prophet has arisen: — In ways. 
 Unlike all other men; in thought and speech, 
 Manner, and tone, and illustration rare. 
 Humor and pathos, mightiness in prayer; 
 'In doctrine incorrupt,' and 'apt to teach,' 
 ' In labors more abundant,' such as few 
 Of Christ's ambassadors have strength to bear. 
 'Neath sorrow's night and poverty's cold share; 
 Yet ever at his post unshrinking, true — 
 Elijah-like, he now but waits to rise 
 In chariot of flame to Paradise." 
 
 A. G. Palmeb. 
 SioNiNGToif, CoKN., Sept. 32, 1873." 
 
 » » » u On Sunday, November 26, 1871, Elder 
 Swan preached in the Baptist church in Hamilton. 
 The brethren consulted and invited him to conduct 
 meetings, though at the time there were no indications 
 of unusual interest in the church and congregation. 
 Cordially all united in the work. How great the con- 
 trast in the attitude of the church, and the professors 
 in the theological seminary during this revival, from 
 the position of the same parties relative to the first 
 great work Elder Swan led in Hamilton in 183-. Forty 
 years ago, the church and the professors either opposed 
 "protracted meetings," or questioned their scriptural 
 sanction. 
 
 " Mr. C. C, Paine relates that, just before the first 
 great revival, Elder Swan and two other preachers were 
 engaged to hold a ' four days' meeting.' Each had his 
 time allotted; and the two others had been carefully 
 
KEV. JABTi!Z S. SWAN. 387 
 
 instructed as to what they might preach, and how far 
 they might go. Elder Swan's turn came; and he receiv- 
 ed his instructions.' But the instructing party had a 
 different man to deal with. He concluded a vigorous 
 refusal by reminding them that the 'Word of God' 
 was not bound; he would not be bound. He said to 
 Mr. Paine: 'I shall harness up and go in the morn- 
 ing. I won't stay.' Said Mr. P., 'You must stay.' 
 Said Mr. S., 'No; I won't.' Said Mr. P., 'Yes, you 
 must; pray over it to-night.' The Elder was up twenty 
 times praying in the night. He prayed out; and staid; 
 and during the iirst sermon, the power of Grod so rested 
 upon the people, that opposition began to faint. In 
 due time, the most of the professors were melted, and 
 began to confess and break down. People flocked in 
 from ten miles around, until the condition accorded with 
 the Elder's expression, 'the old meeting house was 
 crowded full, as red herring in a box.' 
 
 " We cannot adequately describe the power of that 
 great work. Men were smitten down as by lightning. 
 The results demonstrated the work of the evangelist in 
 the kingdom, at a time when the church was opposed 
 to the use of such means, and a Hyper-Oalvinistic spirit 
 limited the preaching of the word. In the protracted 
 meeeting, the Spirit of Grod surprisingly manifested his 
 converting power. Both students and professors, in the 
 main, received new light. 
 
 ( " In his own way, the Elder expressed the condition 
 of the church, about this time, in the Chenango Valley. 
 ' I asked my people if they were willing to have a four 
 days' meeting. One consented. Others opposed. The 
 ministers were generally opposed. There was Elder 
 — ; five thousand tons of ice. ^ Down here in the val- 
 
388 PAPERS EELATIVE TO 
 
 t 
 
 ley, the Baptists were sound — sound asleep ; hearts 
 warm as an anyil. Brother Chamberlain and I belonged 
 to the Chenango Association; it had been turned out 
 to die. In one year, we baptized five hundred and 
 fifty.' 
 
 '• The subsequent revival in 183-, conducted by him 
 was another mighty work, not only in Hamiltctoi, but in 
 the neighboring towns. Both were as the blasts of an 
 archangel, pealing through all the churches of the vil- 
 lage, and awakening town after town. The spirit of 
 refreshing fell upon communities far away, and notable 
 days of the Lord were known. 
 
 " The revival of 1871 was not so general for several 
 reasons. Elder Knapp had preceded him by two or 
 three years, when a very large number had been added 
 to the church. However, the Spirit of God again moved 
 the people, and about fifty were converted. Through 
 sis weeks Elder Swan preached with great vigor,, often 
 preaching one hour and three-quarters. When he had 
 taken his text, then all he wanted was unlimited time. 
 The subject glowed and sparkled. Once the brethren 
 suggested that the sermon be shortened. The next 
 evening he announced that he would preach a short 
 sermon. He spoke for forty-five minutes; but that was 
 the last short sermon, 
 
 " We give a brief memorandum of part of a discourse 
 from Mark V. 15, _' And he could do there no mighty 
 works,' etc. 
 
 ^." Clrrist is full of friendship toward our world. This 
 is demonstrated by warnings. These always in the 
 language of kindness. Universalists, led by their master, 
 the Devil, mock at warnings; God has assured them, 
 when their calamity Cometh he will mock back again. 
 
REV. JABEZ g. SWAN, 389 
 
 ' He that being often reproved * « shall 
 
 suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.' 
 
 ' Whom we preach warning every man.' We ought 
 not to leave any man without warning. My purpose is 
 to inquire, wherein the might, employed of God, merits 
 the approval of reasonable creatures. 
 
 " One peculiar feature of might employed by Grod on 
 the human soul, is the conviction of sin. Note the com- 
 mission of Paul. The church was afraid of him; and 
 if I had been pastor, I'd said, ' We'll quarantine you.' 
 I believe he'd been damned but for the prayer of Stephen 
 the only one of the whole lot, so far as I can see, who 
 had any faith. 
 
 " Sometimes the Spirit of God moves as the wind 
 over the boughs. There's Lydia; her heart opened like 
 a rose on a June morning. But when God converted 
 the jailer, he introduced him to thunderbolts and an 
 earthquake at the same time, and both in the dead of 
 night. But he was converted and he held out. 
 
 " Universalists think they Hke mercy; but let one of 
 the family be converted, and they'll howl like the Devil. 
 They'll follow a child to the grave, and wear a weed on 
 the hat and be confortable; but let one of their kin be 
 converted, and how they'll howl ! 
 
 " Eeferring to conversion he said, read it out of the 
 fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah, ' Ye shall go out with joy, 
 and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the 
 hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all 
 the trees shall clap their hands,' etc. Here you see, are 
 evergreens on either side of the way, — balsam and fir 
 tree, and myrtle for fragrance; and trees of the forest 
 back of them to clap their hands. And here is the 
 
390 PAPEKS EEIiATlVE TO 
 
 jonnj converts to start in the way. 0, how Grod uses 
 up figures to show the beauty of the other world ! 
 
 " The Elder often turned in his discourse to express 
 a thought hke the following: ' If I was going to take 
 up carnal weapons against any one, I'd first find out 
 whether God thought any thing of him. When Peter 
 drew his sword and struck oif the gentleman's ear, he 
 didn't strike to do that, I'll warrant you. I know thei 
 man too well. 
 
 " Speaking of Paul's shipwreck, he said, ' Paul put 
 the decrees where G-od placed them; except these abide 
 in the ship, ye cannot be saved.' 
 
 "Again: ' The love of the world is the Jeff. Davis of 
 the kingdom; when that is gone, ' On to Kichmond.' 
 If I had a theological class, I'd teach them to pray half 
 the time, and commit scripture to memory the other half 
 
 " Alluding to his own conversion, he said, ' the 
 first thing I knew, I was packed solid full of the love 
 of God.' 
 
 " Speaking of the man who tempts others to back- 
 slide, he said, ' He's got a soul so small and so hard, 
 if one of God's arrows hit him, it would split on him.' 
 
 " In our Baptist churches, three men are now famil- 
 iarly known as Evangelists. Brethren Swan, Knapp, 
 and Earle. Each has been abundant in labors, and 
 each has been wonderfully successful. Each labors in a 
 different manner. Brother Earle, if not convincing is 
 pursuasive; he has marvelous tact. Elder Knapp is 
 Thor. Woe to him who comes before his sledge hammer. 
 He preaches with clenched fists; albeit, he said in a 
 sermon, ' I never struck a man; I'd never strike a mos- 
 quito if he wouldn't sing before he'd bite.' Elder Swan 
 is mighty in the scriptures, and an archangel in prayer. 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 391 
 
 Just the man is he for Tyndall. The appearance of the 
 man; his fervor and sincerity; the rememhrance of his 
 heaven approved labors; the blamelessness of his life ; 
 all conspire tcf impress a reverent mind with a feeling of 
 veneration. One might feel, here is a friend of God. 
 God knows him. And for all of any qiiaiatness in 
 occasional expression, the great underlying, awful seri- 
 ousness of the man is apparent. 
 
 " At times there is a certain brilliancy of thought 
 which proves no common brain. Fancy, imagination, 
 and memory united, so aid in presenting and illustrating 
 the scriptures that the old appears as new. In prayer 
 he seems to lay hold on God; and his faith communi- 
 cates itself to his brethren. One said. ' He seemed to 
 lift us all up; the great arms of his faith seemed to lift 
 the whole assembly to a safe place before God.' 
 
 "To crown all, there was a beautiful simplicity, so 
 that when speaking of himself and of former times, no 
 one thought him boasting; there remained the conviction, 
 ' He is lost in his Master's business.' 
 
 "He preached in Hamilton in sore distress, at the 
 last. His daughter (Helen) died before he could reach 
 her; and other troubles pressed sorely. He spoke of his 
 daughter with deepest affection, and sorrowed as a man 
 before God. But against all these troubles in his 
 old age, he presented his usual sturdy spirit, and the 
 power of a mighty faith. God bless the, old saint." 
 
 Hamilton, N. Y., Oct. 4, 1873. J. J. Lewis, i 
 
 » » » » * "If I had the leisure, it 
 would give me much pleasure to recall the memories of 
 Elder Swan, and the remarkable scenes connected witii 
 bis revival meeting in Hamilton, and to endeavor to 
 
392 EAPKRS RELATIVE T6 
 
 analyze my somewhat mixed conceptions of that ex- 
 traordinary and interesting man; but leisure is a word 
 that does not belong to my vocabulary. 
 
 " In general, I can say that he impressed me at th© 
 time as a man of unique and extraordinary power; of 
 intense earnestness; of unbounded faith; and, in the 
 moments of his inspiration, of brilliant and eifective 
 eloquence. In nothing was there a display of culture 
 or elaborate preparation; all was the outpouring, or 
 rather, the outilashing of native genius, kindled by a 
 vivid apprehension of the worth of the souls for which 
 he was laboring, and of the infinite interests he saw 
 hanging on the decisions of the hour. His natural 
 power was less intellectual than moral; it lay in his 
 immense earnestness, and the impression (conveyed by 
 his remarkable manner) of an absolute sincerity in his 
 dealings with men on the most important of all themes. 
 No one could listen through a succession of days to his 
 sermons, exhortations, and prayers, and escape the con- 
 viction that he believed all that he said, and was in 
 dead earnest to produce practical convictions of the 
 same in other minds. Add to this singular energy, 
 directness, and fervor of importunate prayer, and you 
 have an explanation of his wonderful success, so far as 
 it depended on any natural causes. As a young disciple 
 of Christ, and minister of the gospel, I derived many 
 lessons from him which have been of great value to me 
 since. Though I have met him but rarely of late 
 years, I always felt myself drawn to him by ties of 
 peculiar and strong attachment. I am glad you have 
 undertaken to prepare some permanent memorial of him; 
 and wish I could make a more valuable contribution. 
 
 Vassae College, Oct. 11, 1873. J. H. Eaymond. 
 
IlEV. JABEZ s. BWAisr. 393 
 
 ss a- » « jij-Q evangelist could. haVe a better record 
 than Brother Swan has with us. His fidelity to truth, 
 and his unwearied labors with us in five protracted 
 ■meetings, have been wonderful. Many most interest- 
 ing incidents connected with his labors might be men- 
 tioned, had we space for them; such as the baptism of 
 a lady who was sick nigh unto death with consumption, 
 and had to be carried down into the river; and the con- 
 version of a little girl nine years of age, while riding 
 home from one of the meetings, late at night; and who 
 said, when relating her experience before the church: 
 ' I hungered and thirsted after God.' The most won- 
 derful manifestations of God's glory and powpr always 
 accompanied Brother Swan's labors. 
 
 " His first special labors with this church commenced 
 about the twentieth of December, 1837, with the pas- 
 tor, Kev. A. Wheelock. On the Sabbath, December 
 thirty-first, our Jordan, the beautiful Susquehannah, 
 was visited, and twenty-three converts were baptized. 
 January 7, 1838, fifty -one more were baptized. In a 
 short time, about eight weeks, one hundred and thirty 
 were added to the church by baptism, and many more 
 by letter and experience. Never before had such scenes 
 been witnessed in this part of the country. The whole 
 church was in prayer and labor, visiting from house to 
 house. There was violent opposition on the part of the 
 world and some surrounding churches, but all was in 
 vain. Sectarianism, which had its root in selfishness, 
 could not cope with the truth. 
 
 " The next revival labor of Elder Swan with this 
 church began December 23, 1838, under the pastorate 
 of Eev. Philetus B. Peck, who had succeeded Eev. A. 
 Wheelock, On January sixth, 183 9, twelve were bap- 
 
394 PAPEES EELATIVB TO 
 
 tized ; on January thirteenth, thirty more ; January 
 twentieth, thirteen; January third, eight; in all eighty. 
 The pastor proved to be a man peculiarly adapted to 
 this field, having the confidence of all the people. 
 
 The church extended to Elder Swap a third invita- 
 tion to labor with them. The meetings commenced in 
 January, 1841. The baptisms were: January twenty- 
 ninth, twenty-two; February fifth, twenty-one; Febru- 
 ary twelfth, thirty-eight ; February nineteenth, seven- 
 teen; and afterwards, fourteen more; making in all one 
 hundred and nineteen by baptism. 
 
 " Again, by invitation, he visited and labored with 
 the church in 1858. He came about the last of Febru- 
 ary, and toiled about three weeks ; and over one hun- 
 dred united with the church by baptism. The meetings 
 had been in progress about two weeks before his regular 
 labor began. " 
 
 " Once more he was invited to come and help the 
 church in 1871, after finishing up his labors at Norwich 
 and Hamilton, and after our meetings had been in pro- 
 gress about four weeks. He was with us about four 
 weeks, in a most blessed work, resulting in the baptism 
 of one hundred and ten. Brother Swan's peculiar man- 
 ner of presenting gospel truth has always attracted 
 great crowds both from the village and the surrounding 
 country. H. D. Pinnet. 
 
 OwEGO, N. Y., Nov. 4, 1873." 
 
 * * * " You ask of me reminiscences of Eev, 
 J. S. Swan. Such have been my stations and labors 
 in life, that others can speak of him more fully than 
 niyself. Yet I have met him on special occasions, 
 where, caution in procedure was very necessary, and was 
 
SEV. JAEEZ S. SWAN. 395 
 
 pleased to find him reliable as a counselor. With spe- 
 cial gratitude, I remember other times, when in pro- 
 tracted meetings, his preaching was made to those who 
 were called the power of God and the wisdom of God. 
 
 " During my pastorate of the First Baptist church 
 in l^ew Haven — I think, in the year 1827 — I visited 
 Stonington and vicinity, in Connecticut, to solicit aid 
 for my church to pay the debt contracted in building 
 their house of worship. I then made the acquaintance 
 of Brother Swan, and became attached to him for his 
 kindnessj his social qualities, his warm, christian sym- 
 pathies, and his ardent devotion to the christian minis- 
 try. Evidently he was held in much esteem by his 
 church and congregation, and by the inhabitants of 
 Stonington; and by none more so than by gentlemen of 
 high standing and large influence among the Congrega- 
 tionalists. Of this I found ample evidence in the liberal 
 aid which I received from several of them through his 
 introduction. 
 
 " You also ask of me some recollections of early evan- 
 gelism in the present century. My personal interest in 
 the subject commenced in the latter part of the year 
 1813, when a revival of religion was in progress in 
 Thompson, Connecticut. Eev. Pearson Crosby was 
 then pastor of the Baptist church in that town. From 
 his pen an account of the revival was published in the 
 Massachusetts Missionary Magazine in 1814. It was 
 a very reinarkable work, affecting powerfully the Bap- 
 tist, Congregationalist and Methodist churches; spread- 
 ing wonderfully into other towns; extending its influence 
 to surrounding counties, and resulting in the conversion 
 of a large number of souls. 
 
 " No particular minister was considered a special in- 
 
396 
 
 PAPERS RELATIVE TO 
 
 strument m producing the revival; nor were the minis- 
 trations of the pastors of churches credited with extra- 
 ordinary efficiency in the work. Their labors attracted 
 large audiences. So did the conference and prayer 
 meetings. The people generally seemed to be moved 
 by deep-seated convictions of their need of religion, by 
 some, to them, unseen and unknown influence, until they 
 yielded to the Divine authority, to repent of sin, and 
 rejoiced in the mercy that revealed to them the way of 
 salvation. They were then soon heard exhorting others 
 to forsake their sins and seek the Savior. 
 
 " Several private christians were known to have .been 
 for a considerable time praying with special earnestness 
 for the conversion of the impenitent; but, as a general 
 thing, the churches were taken by surprise, by seeing 
 the prayer meetings crowded by. attentive, serious-look- 
 ing people unaccustomed to be there; and especially so, 
 when hearing them speak of their great change of mind 
 and heart respecting religion. Ministers and church 
 members, from other towns, visited the place to witness 
 the effects of the revival rather than to aid its progress, 
 and returned soon to enjoy similar blessings at home. 
 The converts seemed to be the principal instruments in 
 the conversion of others. They were in reality the 
 evangelists of that time, and were faithful in the per- 
 forniance of their work. 
 
 I have witnessed revivals since; some in churches un- 
 der my pastoral care, when to considerable extent some 
 of the same characteristics were apparent, but when 
 the preaching of ministers was the principal means of 
 Conversion. 
 
 In either case, usually success followed plain, faith- 
 ful declarations of the sinful charater and dangerous 
 
KEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 397 
 
 condition of the impenitent; tlieir great need of the 
 Savior; the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ; with 
 earnest, aifectionate appeals to repent of sin and believe 
 in him. 
 
 Thus the glorious Eedeemer taught his disciples to 
 preach, and assured thera that such, and only such, as 
 obey, shall be saved. These solemn declarations form 
 the foundation of all efficient evangelism. My expe- 
 rience of more than half a century in ministrations of 
 the gospel, and my observation of others' labors, have 
 convinced me that, without them, all efforts for man's 
 spiritual and eternal benefit, can at best only enlighten 
 the mind; they cannot win a soul for Christ. 
 
 May true evangelism become more prevalent. 
 
 B. M. Hill. 
 
 New Haven, Conn. Oct 3, 1873. 
 
 * * * " I am pjieased that you are preparing 
 to give to the public a record of the life of Eev. Jabez 
 S Swan, that great heart among the soldiers of Christ. 
 He has conducted many a pilgrim through trying paths, 
 engaging against giants in their defence; and he has 
 attended them even to the borders of the dark river. 
 
 " He was the beloved friend of my departed parents, 
 and for many years frequented our home familiarly. I 
 find his social and religious influence so inwrought with 
 my childish and maturer experiences, that it is hard to 
 resolve recollections of him into detailed incidents, or to 
 coolly anatomize his character. 
 
 "It is easy to imagine an Elijah, or a John- the 
 Baptist, breasting the ' floods of ungodly men,' boldly 
 rebuking sin, and scorning obloquy, yet bearing away 
 the popular heart; when one has known Elder Swan. 
 
398 PAPERS RELATIVE TO 
 
 " It has been said that he is rough in manner. So, 
 at times, are most of those who 'tumble mountains 
 about with words.' But ' I have thought him the 
 gentlest of men in the private walks of life. I havft 
 seen his tenderness at the bedside of the sick, and known 
 his yearning sympathy in their behalf. I well know one 
 who believes his ' fervent effectual prayer ' of faith raised 
 her from her bed of sufferiag, when far advanced in 
 years, and apparently in almost the last stages of 
 disease. 
 
 " I remember in my childhood and in my youth, he 
 has pointed out work for me among my companions. I 
 know that he is ' instant in season and out of season,' 
 forgetting neither cliild, foreigner, nor servant, in his 
 search after souls. 
 
 ' I recollect hearing him dwell with great emphasis on 
 the seldom quoted exhortation ' Condescend .to men of 
 low estate.' This command he has been ready to obey; so 
 that the memory of his kind ministrations must dwell 
 largely in the minds of the lowly and obscure. 'The 
 common people heard him gladly.' 
 
 " While thousands can attest with what power he has 
 been enabled to preach the word, the most of them have 
 not been permitted, as I have been, to witness wonderful 
 manifestations of his gift of supphcation around the 
 family altar. 
 
 "He is a man of prayer; the closet is his armory 
 from which he comes forth with weapons, mighty through 
 God to the pulhng down of strongholds. 
 
 ■' In the great revival at Norwich, Connecticut, more 
 
 ; than a quarter of a century since, Elder Swan labored 
 
 as an evangelist. He sojourned then at my father's 
 
 house, and it is a household reminisence that, before 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 399 
 
 the work reached its height, he, with several others, 
 continued all night in prayer to Godin our sitting room^ 
 until as he has said, referring to the vision of Elijah at 
 Samaria, they ' saw chariots and horses ' round about 
 and were assured that the' Lord would give his children 
 a victory in Norwich. 
 
 " His conversation is charming to those who love to 
 hear of the 'things of the kingdom.'' His rich expe- 
 rience furnishes incidents of great interest, and he has 
 the peculiar power to place them in a happy light. But 
 woe to the object of his keen, witty criticism, or stern 
 invective. 
 
 " It seems that to each whom the Master calls into the 
 ministry, there is given some part or parts of his truth, 
 which they are especially adapted to inculcate; and the 
 one gospel as it passes different lips', seems impressed 
 according to the various natural endowments of the 
 speakers. The same air may vibrate across a lute' in 
 gentlest murmers, yeat peal from the pipes of a grand 
 organ with far^ other effect; each instrument lending 
 its own peculiar tones. Elder Swan appears gifted to 
 talk of the majesty of God's kingdom, of the terrors of 
 his law, and of the unmeasured depth of his love. He 
 chooses the sublime features of truth, being, if one may 
 so speak, at home among the mountain heights. A. friend 
 said of his mind, that nothing was ever great enough to 
 fill it, except the kingdom of God. 
 
 " With what impressive enunciation, have we heard 
 him repeat certain portions of the Bible, such as ' He 
 shall come down like rain upon the mown grass; as 
 showers that water the earth; ' ' There shall be a hand- 
 ful of corn, in the earth upon the top of the mountains- 
 the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon; ' and how 
 
400^ PAPERS RELATIVE TO 
 
 the eclio of his noble voice must blend in memory with 
 those grand old hymns he has so often sung, for instance, 
 ' Blow ye the trumpet, blow; ' ' Our bondage it will 
 end ' ' Where now are the Hebrew children.' 
 
 " Doubtless there is enough of imperfection in any 
 man to forbid hero worship. But Grod says ' them that 
 honor me I wiU. honor,' and if the Lord honors his 
 faithful servants, shall not we ? Let us then honor 
 Elder Swan; let us sympathize with him in the trials 
 he may have to bear, and rejoice in all the blessings and 
 success that attend him; praying that at last to him an 
 ' entrance may be administered abundantly ' into heaven, 
 when to use the language he so often sings, he shall 
 ' burst the chains in glad surprise, and in his Savior's 
 image rise.' 
 
 Josephine TtjuEr. 
 
 Norwich, Conn., Sept. 1873. 
 
 * * * " I kave known Brother Swan more 
 than forty years, and have been very intimate with him 
 for thirty years, and have witnessed much of his work, 
 and the way in which he has done it. 
 
 " I have ever regarded him as one of the most labor- 
 ious, untiring and efficient ministers I ever kiiew, I 
 have been with him under a great variety of circum- 
 stances, in prosperity and in adversity, and he always 
 (when in health) proved himself equal to any emergency. 
 Strong physically and mentally, and what is more, 
 strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus, he has 
 done much to build up the Kedeemer's kingdom. He 
 always relied on the agency of the Holy Spirit for suc- 
 cess! He has a way peculiar to himself in working.. 
 While this is true of all who have any originality, some 
 
 of Brother Swan's ways are very peculiar. To^ give a 
 1 — 
 
EEV. JABEZ s: 'SWAN. 401 
 
 specimen of his way of doing things; T visited him 
 thirty-one years ago, during the great ingathering of 
 souls in Mystic and vicinity, and witnessed his preach- 
 ing and that mighty work of God that spread through- 
 out Groton and into adjacent towns, the result of which 
 
 may be seen to this day in many sections of Eastern 
 Connecticut. 
 
 " At my first visit I learned he had been preaching 
 two or three weeks, and had not preached a single ser- 
 mon to the unconverted. Every sermon had been 
 directed to professors of religion. I was ready from my 
 own experience and observation, to heartUy endorse that 
 feature in his way of working. But some of the good 
 people seemed a little chafed, and in a few days he was 
 requested to hold up a little in regard to the people of 
 God, and turn his attention to the unregenerate, 
 
 "After several urgent requests of this sort he men- 
 tioned, at the clpse of a meeting, that he understood 
 the wishes of some of his friends, and that in the even- 
 ing he would preach from the text ' How can you escape 
 the daronation of hell.' It was remarked by some of 
 ithe church members, ' We shall be let up now. The 
 Elder has changed his course.' 
 
 " In the evening I was in the pulpit with him, and 
 with others, really supposed the preaching would 
 be particularly directed to the unconverted. He read 
 his text, and very soon, without much exordium, an- 
 nounced his theme. The gloomy prospects of the un- 
 godly; while the human agency God has appointed, in 
 .connection with the Divine, was not adapted to work in 
 a way to save men. 
 
 " It was the most searching, scathing sermon I ever 
 heard. The illustrations he gave_were very strijiing, 
 26 
 
402 _ FAPEESiEELATITKlTO 
 
 and well calculated j^to stir the soul . of every one who 
 heard it. After that evening, it seemed the ploughing 
 and breaking up the fallow ground had been done, and 
 the time to sow '. the seed of the kingdom had come. 
 Very soon -scores and hundreds were awakened and 
 brought to the knowledge of God and Christ. 
 
 " In reference to the Elder personally, I have always 
 observed that two elements of character meet in him, 
 which are seldom found in the same person. I mean 
 sympathy and severity. I have been with him when 
 many thought him severe; and so he was. But in all 
 cases that have come under my observation, I think it 
 was justifiable. Let him be annoyed beyond certain 
 limits, as he sometimes has been, and the element of 
 severity would be quite prominent, and sufiicient to 
 remove annoyances out of his path. I never knew this , 
 element developed for his own personal defence, but 
 for the cause of revealed religion. And now in refer-; 
 ence to the other element that of sympathy. Not 
 unfreq^uently when he had been slandered and abused, 
 let those who had been guilty simply admit they had 
 been wrong, or might have been -wrong, and he would 
 be perfectly satisfied. Under the head of confession he 
 was satisfied with a very small percentage. 
 
 " Brother Swan was with me as an evangelist or mis- 
 sionary for several years, and I have known his anxie- 
 ties and toils by day and by night, and of his success in 
 preaching Christ and salvation. Very appropriately he 
 may say, ' my record is on high ' There is one thing 
 more in reference to Brother Swan, about which I wish 
 you would write, — a delicate subject, and yet one that 
 ought to be referred to, — I mean the prostration, at 
 times, of his nervous system. I have been with him 
 
BEY. JABEZ S. SWAN. 403 
 
 previously to these seasons of debility, and while he was 
 prostrated. Some have supposed they were hereditary; 
 but those who knew his ancestors know this is not true. 
 
 " In one instance he had been preaching every evening, 
 for weeks, and I was knowing to his visiting upwards 
 of twenty families in one day, praying with and for 
 nearly, if not quite, all of them, and preaching in the 
 evening, doing without sleep; enough to break down 
 any man. Overwork, without sleep and rest, induced 
 this prostration of the nervous system. In every in- 
 stance, a cessation of labor, a few nights' sleep, and his 
 nerves would be quiet ; but a general weakness fol- 
 lowed, from which it took time to recover. I think he 
 has erred in prosecuting his work of preaching when he 
 could not sleep nights. He was at my house a few days 
 since, in usual health, and, as ever, much interested in 
 pteaching the gospel, and very hopeful in reference to 
 his present field of labor. May his days be prolonged, 
 and the last be his best. N. E. Shailek. 
 
 DeepKiver, Conn., Oct. 19, 1873. 
 
 * * * " I am gratified to hear that it is pro- 
 posed to publish a memoir of Eev. Jabez S. Swan. In 
 the circumstances there is no impropriety in doing this, 
 even before his death. His has been an eventful life. 
 His friends will be glad to have reminiscences of his 
 history and ministerial experience; and they will be all 
 the more welcome if furnished, as I trust many of them 
 will be, from his own pen. 
 
 " His countenance and character have been familiar 
 to me for many years. He has ever sustained an unsul- 
 lied reputation. Greatly beloved as a pastor, he has 
 yet been much occupied in labor as an evangelist. 
 Whatever department of' Christ's cause he has entered 
 
404 PAPERS EELATIVE TO 
 
 upon, he has been distinguished for going into it with 
 all his heart. There is not a lazy joint in his frame.' 
 He never needed the spur, and seldom the bit or bridle, ' 
 except to prevent his working himself to death. I have 
 heard many anecdotes about him, some true, and some 
 very likely apocryphal, but all characteristic. Nothing 
 low or mean is ever told of him; and nothing indicating 
 intentional levity in the pulpit. As an ambassador of 
 Christ, he answered happily to Cowper's well known 
 description of the true pastor : ' Serious in a serious 
 cause;' but in his earnestness there would sometimes 
 spring out, irrepressibly from his lips, a laughable illus- 
 tration. 
 
 " The following incident is authentic, as I had the 
 account of it from the late Dr. Ide, of Springfield, who 
 was present on the occasion : Said Dr. Ide, ' Elder 
 Swan was holding forth in his grandest strain, on the 
 duty of obeying Grod.' Said the Elder : ' We must 
 follow close in the line of the Spirit, and never seek our 
 own ease, when the Lord has work for us to do. There 
 was Jonah, a Baptist preacher; Grod told him to go to 
 Ninevah and hold a protracted meeting; but, like some 
 other ministers, Jonah doubted whether there could be 
 a revival of religion in the summer time ; and so my 
 gentleman goes off on a voyage to Europe. But he did 
 not get off as easily as he expected. A terrible storm 
 arose, and threatened to send the recreant prophet and 
 aU on board to the bottom of the deep. The sailors, 
 heathen as they were, held a prayer meeting. Jonah 
 ought to have improved the opportunity, and talked to 
 them about the Grod of Heaven. But no; he was tak- 
 ing his ease, fast asleep, down in the sides of the ship. 
 And then what a rebuke they gave him: ' Arise, and 
 
EEY. JABEZ S. SWAK. 405 
 
 call upon thy God, that we perisk not.' At the sug- 
 gestion of the shipmaster, the men cast lots, in order to 
 find out whose deity was offended ; and the lot fell 
 Upon Jonah. 
 
 i " 'The poor fellow now came to himself, and made a 
 full confession, and felt that it was right that he should 
 he thrown overboard. The seamen were unwilling to 
 do it; but as the storm continued, they threw him into 
 the sea. The Lord, however, had an eye on him. He 
 had some work for him to do yet. 
 
 " 'He prepared a great fish — whale, or shark, or some- 
 thing of the kind — which, following in the track of the 
 ship, seized Jonah and swallowed him down alive. But 
 I tell you, the shark got mistaken that time; he had 
 got a load on his stomach such as he never had there 
 before. A backslider is nauseous anywhere, sickening 
 to both man and beast. The great fish splashed, foamed 
 and pitched up and down, here and there, and every- 
 where, to get rid of his burden. At length, growing 
 more and more sick, as well he might, he made for the 
 shore, and vomited the nauseous dose out of his mouth. 
 
 " 'Jonah, finding himself once more on dry land, was 
 ready to streak it for Ninevah, and he held a protracted 
 meeting there^ and had a great revival, and in the sum- 
 mer time too.' 
 
 " The above, Mr. Ide told me, was delivered with 
 such imperturbable gravity, that the people listened to 
 it with perfect seriousness. ' Indeed,' he said, ' I did 
 not think of laughing myself, till I got out of doors; 
 but I have since scarcely been able, day or night, to get 
 that image out of my mind — ' Jonah streaking it for 
 Ninevah.' E. H. Neale. 
 
 Boston, Mass., Oct., 1873. 
 
406 PAPEES EEIATIVE TO 
 
 A liiglily-est6emed clergyman, too modest to allow nA 
 to mention his name, gives us the following illustration 
 of Mr. Swan's tender, fraternal, condescending spirit: 
 
 * * * "Suffering from a wounded, painful 
 foot, I was visited by Elder Swan, who insisted upon 
 seeing my suffering limb. After carefully examining 
 it, he went out and diligently gathered medicinal herbs^ 
 from which he prepared a wash, and proceeded to ten- 
 derly bathe the wound and swollen foot; thus acting 
 the part of a nurse; even kindly refusing the aid of my 
 wife. Hpw like his Master in washing the disciples' 
 feet." 
 
 * * * " You inform me that a volume is to 
 be prepared, giving the life and labors of Kev. J. S. 
 Swan, and request me to contribute a paper on his 
 ministry, as related to State Missions. It would afford 
 me very great pleasure to contribute any thing which 
 might add to the completeness, interest, and usefulness 
 of the contemplated work; but it will be impossible for 
 me to express my estimate of the labors of Brother Swan 
 in this or in any other department of his ministerial 
 work. Nor can it be expected that those now coming 
 upon the stage will appreciate what has been done in 
 the work of domestic missions in this State, during the 
 last thirty years, by those who have been leaders and 
 laborers in the cause. 
 
 " It has been my privilege to be associated with 
 ■Brother Swan during all this period, in prosecuting 
 this mission. And among those who have been prom- 
 inent in directing and carrying forward this work, no 
 one, in my judgment, has done more or better work 
 than Brother Swan — if we except our excellent Brother, 
 
KET. JABEZ S. SWAIT. 407 
 
 Rev. N. E. Shailer, who, as our senior, and most of 
 that time our only, missionary, has had no peer as a 
 counselor, and in his labors and sacrifices in the cause 
 of domestic missions in Connecticut. With this single 
 exception, I know of no pastor in the State, whose 
 labors in this department have been more abundant, or 
 more useful, than those of Brother Swan. In attend- 
 ing the meetings of the Board,* of which he had been a 
 standing member, and in pleading for the support of 
 feeble churches, and for destitute fields, before conven- 
 tions and associations; in preaching the gospel to the 
 poor; in holding protracted meetings, and in direct mis- 
 sionary labor, his name occupies a most conspicuous 
 place in the history of our domestic missions. And 
 while he was interested and efficient in regard to every 
 other denominational enterprise, domestic missions stood 
 first, and lay nearest his heart. 
 
 "And as a fellow-laborer, this one characteristic, 
 especially deserving of notice, was very prominent; that 
 notwithstanding his position as a pastor, and his popu- 
 larity as a preacher, if, in a matter of policy or of ways 
 and means of carrying on the work, he chanced to difier 
 in judgment from his brethren, he never insisted on the 
 adoption of his particular views or measures, but readily 
 acquiesced in the decision'of the majority, and always 
 worked harmoniously and earnestly with his brethren. 
 No care or effort was required not to offend Brother 
 Swan, or to conciliate his favor, to secure his co-opera- 
 tion in the work of domestic missions, or in any (jther 
 christian work. And this, by the way, is not only a 
 distinguishing characteristic of true greatness, but a 
 most important element of success in all associated chris- 
 tian effort. 
 
408 PAPERS RELATITE TO 
 
 "Without encumbering space with particular inci- 
 dents, which might be better occupied with anecdotes, 
 that others can relate far better than myself — for I 
 never could tell a story well — I am happy to bear this 
 general testimony to the labors of Brother Swan in our 
 State Mission. I am frank to confess that, aS I recall 
 my long and intimate acq[uaintance with him, and his 
 herculean labors, and kis wonderful success in every 
 department of the christian ministry, he rises before my 
 imagination in such colossal grandeur, that I hesitate to 
 lay my poor oifering at his feet ; but, as it is the offers 
 ing of one of his most devoted friends and admirers, 
 you are at liberty to give it a placb in the record of his 
 life and labors. D. Ives. 
 
 ■ SuFFiBLD, Conn., Aug. 13, 1873." 
 
 " I consider myself fortunate in having been brought 
 into intimate relations with the many excellent ministers 
 in our State, whom I have so often met at our religious 
 anniversaries and other gatherings, during my ministry 
 in New Ha^en, which embraces twenty-nine annual 
 meetings of the Connecticut Baptist Convention, every 
 one of which I have attended. Prominent among these 
 ministers, and always and everywhere a man of mark 
 and influence, has been Kev. J. S. Swan, of whom you 
 ask some reminiscences from me. 
 
 " I recollect hearing of him when I was a student in 
 Brown University in 1840-4, and of the wonderful 
 revivals and the numerous baptisms in connection with 
 his labors at l^'ew London, Mystic, and Stonington. 
 The secular press as well as the religious, made frequent 
 allusions to these great awakenings and their results. The 
 former set forth the characteristics of the revivalist, and 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. ffWAU. 409 
 
 repeated some of his alleged strong and sharp . utter- 
 ances, especially in his controversies with Uuiversalists. 
 
 " I think the first time I saw him he was presiding in 
 his somewhat free and quaint way at a meeting of the 
 Convention. Whenever he addressed that hody on the 
 Education Society, there was at once a great eagerness 
 to hear. No speaker among us could gather and hold 
 an assembly like him. In addition to 'his good sense 
 and earnestness, his original way of putting things, his 
 apt, pithy, and facetious illustrations, and his rich fund 
 of personal experience, always commanded attention 
 and generally conviction. He is a true genius in power, 
 thought, brilliant imagination, impressive utterance and 
 tender pathos. Speaking on one occasion of his recep- 
 tion to the patronage of the Education Society, he said 
 it was the custom then to give the candidate a text and 
 hear how he could preach upon it. As there were two 
 of them and not time to hear a sermon from each, the 
 Board divided a text, giving each a part, one to lead off 
 and the other to follow. ' The brother's name,' said he 
 ' was Pilgrim, (Thomas J.) and mine Swan — he ran 
 in one direction, and I jlew in another; and so we got 
 through.' Again alluding to some of the scanty means 
 of some of the students at Hamilton, and their trials to 
 get along, he said a good brother near the village, a 
 farmer, allowed such ministerial students now and then 
 to go into his pasture and take a lamb from the flock 
 for their use. Having done this several times, ' those 
 sheep,' added Brother Swan, 'could tell a theological 
 student as far as they could see him, and had to give in 
 that they themselves were candidates for the ministry.' 
 
 " At a meeting of the Convention in my church in 
 1852, an extra session was held that we might have the , 
 
410 PAPERS EELATltE TO 
 
 privilege of hearing a sermon from Brother Swan. The 
 hour, I believe, was eight o'clock in the morning, hut 
 the house was full, and the sermon admirable, full of 
 deep and tender interest, on the power of afflictive 
 scenes to develop christian character, being founded on 
 the service rendered by Joseph and Nicodemus to the 
 dead body of their Lord. There was one passage, how- 
 ever of enlivening wit in it. Christ, he said, was faith- 
 ful in all things, even to tribute-paying, and he once told 
 Peter to go to the lake and cast in a hook, and the first 
 fish he drew up would have in his mouth the required 
 piece of money. ' How the silver coin came to be there, 
 I don't know,' said Brother Swan, ' but I guess God 
 drowned some stingy old miser, and sent that fish to 
 pick his pocket.' 
 
 " When he was appointed State Missionary, I as 
 one of the Board, hesitated, thinking that, as the other 
 laborer in the field had eccentric qualities, the denomi- 
 ination would be somewhat over-represented in this regard. 
 But I soon heartily acquiesced; seeing how devotedly he 
 labored, and what good and gracious results followed. 
 Speaking of his missionary labors at a meeting of the 
 Convention, and alluding to some of the hardships en- 
 countered amid the; wintry storms on the Litchfield 
 county hills, he used one of his sometimes exaggerated 
 expressions which, with the connection, only conveyed 
 strongly the truth he wished to utter. 'Why,' said he, 
 ' I have traveled over those hills in such storms, that, if 
 the snow which froze to my person and clothing were 
 spread out in a line, it would make good sleighing a 
 mile and a half!' At the same meeting; I think it 
 was, some measure or organization was proposed for 
 adoption, which his strong common sense and keen 
 
REV. JABEZ h. SWAN. 411 
 
 J)ractical conception of things, saw at once would 
 be unwise and end in failure. After expressing hia 
 opinion of it, he closed with an illustrative story. An 
 Irish workman had a difficulty one time in making a 
 fire in the little shanty where he lived. He put the 
 sticks upon the live coals, hut they were slow to kindle. 
 Taldng a keg of blasting powder that was at hand, he 
 began to pour some of it upon the embers, when instantly 
 it exploded, and both shanty and its occupant were blown 
 to atoms. His fellow laborers thought some legal report 
 must be made upon his death. So gathering up what 
 little fragments of the body they could find, they formed 
 themselves into a jury of inquest. After puzzKng them- 
 selves for a long time they came to this result: 1. They 
 couldn't call the event a visitation from God, because he 
 wasn't struck by lightning. 2. He didn't die for want 
 of breath, for he hadn't anything to breathe with. 3. 
 It couldn't be said he committed suicide, for they had 
 no evidence that he meant to kill himself. 4. There- 
 fore their verdict must be, ' That he came to his death 
 for the want of common sense.' 
 
 "In his wonderful prayers as well as impressive* 
 sermons, this eminent servant of Grod loves to dwell on 
 the Divine presence and power. I heard him once 
 allude to a sceptical explanation of the earthquake at 
 the Phillipian prison, as being only the imagination of 
 the keeper. Brother Swan put these words into the 
 mouth of the jailer. ' Ah ! you needn't teU me any 
 such stuif. I remember how God shook that old jail 
 to its foundations, and made all its walls crack. 'Tis'nt 
 repaired yet. 
 
 " In social conversation, as in his public addresses, 
 his native, overflowing wit and fund of anecdote, made 
 
4l2 tAPEES ■RELATIVE TO 
 
 his company joy- and gladness. He was a powerful 
 advocate of temperance, and against those engaged in 
 the 'liquor traffic. I recollect speaking in his presence 
 of a young minister, as accepting a challenge to meet in 
 dehate a rough, burly defender of the traffic. 
 
 '"I hope he will have help and success,' said Brother 
 Swan; ' but it reminds me of a country fellow, who, 
 going through a piece of woods alone, came suddenly 
 upon a huge black bear. The bear rose up at once 
 upon his hind feet to challenge battle. The young man 
 dared not run, he was so near, and yet dreaded a con- 
 test. He thought something must be done, and in his 
 dilemma prayed thus : '0 Lord, you are about to see 
 one of the greatest bear fights you ever did see. Now, 
 Lord, help me if you can; but if you can't help me, 
 don't help the bear.' 
 
 " It has never been my privilege to witness the labors 
 of Brother Swan in the midst of a powerful revival. 
 But I readily believe the testimony of those who have 
 been with him in such scenes, and who speak of the 
 marvelous power of his sermons and his prayers. It has 
 been my pleasure, however, to entertain him several 
 times at my house, and I gratefully recall his sweet, 
 christian simplicity and cheerfulness, his entertaining 
 conversation, his hearty singing, and his tender and 
 earnest supplications at the family altar. Such men 
 are a rare gift to the Church of Christ; and I am glad 
 that the memorials of a life so interesting and useful 
 are to be preserved. S. D. Pheips. 
 
 New Haven, Conn., Nov. 18, 1873." 
 
 * '■■' * "As pastor cotemporary with him in 
 New London, for six years, I can bear testimonv to his 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 413 
 
 brotherly love, his genial nature, and kindness of heart. 
 His interest in my family -was always tender and affec- 
 tionate. On one or two baptismal occasions, we united 
 in administering the ordinance. He was in his glory. 
 He must pray. He was just the. man to pray, with the 
 heavens for his sounding-board, and the hills his side 
 galleries. 
 
 " A captain of a vessel told me he heard him off Fort 
 Trumbull, full a mile away. 
 
 " We were thrown into each other's society officially 
 and otherwise. We rode through the country, to visit 
 the sick, deliver temperance addresses, and preach the 
 gospel. Elder Swan did not preach politics, as such; 
 but had a wonderful gift in letting people know upon 
 which side of the fence he stood. 
 
 " I do not undervalue the labors of others, when I 
 say thff-t Elder Swan has been sought for in attending 
 funerals, making addresses, and preaching on public 
 occasions, more than any other man in Connecticut. If 
 the number of such services could be given, it would 
 ■surprise himself. We can only say of him, 'abundant 
 in labors.' Elder Swan has great conversational pow- 
 ers. But very few persons can interest a company of 
 ladies and gentlemen as he can. Eeady in wit, appro- 
 priate in words, smooth in diction when he chooses to 
 be, genial in temper, ready in reply. One has remarked 
 that Elder Swan is a Lord Chesterfield in conversation. 
 We regard him, measured in the line of his profession, 
 and in many other respects, a representative man of his 
 time; wholly original in thought and expression; bold, 
 clear, decisive. He has had many imitators,, but no 
 master, no equal. To unfold a subject, to drive home 
 a truth, to hit the nail on the head, to clinch a conclu- 
 
414 PAPERS EELATIVE TO 
 
 sion, he has no superior. He makes his text preach as 
 but few men can. His aim — his ruling passion — is to 
 save men. His arguments, his illustrations, his anec- 
 dotes, and his glowing exhortations, are remarkable; 
 calculated to awaken men and bring them to Christ. 
 
 " He used to say, the best way to catch cLuails was to 
 now and then throw in a handful of chaff with the 
 wheat. So, while he offered the old corn of the gospel, 
 he occasionally told a story, or related an anecdote, to 
 arrest the attention, — to catch and hold his hearers 
 through a sermon of an hour and a-half. The people 
 never wearied, but were sorry when he closed. To do 
 this, he was not monotonous; now he would speak in a 
 colloquial manner ; now, in a subdued, mellow tone ; 
 then, in one of his awfully grand flights, he would carry 
 his hearers away amid the thunderings of his eloquence. 
 At times, in the tenderness of a mother's words and 
 tones,, he would come down and talk with his audience 
 so sweetly, that you would suppose you were quite on 
 the verge of heaven. Thus his hearers were entranced; 
 but never went away saying, ' what beautiful poetry;' 
 but rejoicing in the glorious gospel, which to them was 
 the power of God unto salvation. 
 
 " His powers of endurance were almost miraculous. 
 He could preach every evening during the week, two or 
 three times on the Sabbath, and pray only as Elder 
 Swan could pray; often passing sleepless nights, as on 
 one occasion, at my house, he said he could not sleep — 
 * the frogs praised God all night.' 
 
 " He was the friend of education and an educated 
 ministry; though sometimes, from his remarks or allu- 
 sions, one might suppose the contrary. There was 
 nothing he more admired than a cultivated mind. Ou 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 415 
 
 hearing a very fine scholar preach at one time, he was 
 asked how he liked the sermon. He replied: 'I am 
 reminded of a neighbor of mine who had a good axe, 
 which he persisted in grinding until the steel was all 
 gone.' 
 
 " It must not be forgotten that Brother Swan pos- 
 sessed, in a large degree, the missionary spirit, and at 
 times made most powerful appeals infavor of the cause. 
 While he was a flaming evangelist for his own land, his 
 heart went out to the ends of the earth, and his prayers 
 and contributions followed our beloved missionaries to 
 their far-off fields, ^hat was a memorable scene in the 
 Huntington Street Baptist church, on the eve of the 
 departure of the beloved Justus H. Vinton and wife for 
 Burmah. The house was densely crowded with a deeply 
 interested congregation. Brother Swan was worn and 
 weary with incessant labor. He was strengthened, how- 
 ever, for the odcasion. He spoke and prayed as he was 
 inspired of Grod. He took the missionaries in the arms 
 of faith and prayer, and bore them safely over the ocean, 
 and landed them joyfully on the field of their future 
 labors. Mr. Vinton rose from his knees, his countenance 
 shining like' that of an angel, and said: ' I go bound in 
 spirit to Burmah, and from Burmah to heaven.' So it 
 came to pass ; he never more returned to America. 
 After heroic toil and valiant service for hi^ Master, he 
 went up on high, as he predicted. The meeting was 
 glorious. It seems photographed on my mind, as but 
 of yesterday. Many a heart was consecrated from that 
 evening to the cause of missions; and many have gone 
 to their reward that were present on that day; among 
 whom was Deacon Isaac Harris, 
 
 " If any man has earned the honorary title of Doctoj 
 
416 FAPEES EEIATIVE TO 
 
 of Divinity, it is Jabez S. Swan; and the college that 
 shall give him that degree will honor itself, and recog- 
 nize hard, noble, successful work. Honor to whom 
 honor is due. Let the general who has won the battle 
 receive the honors. 
 
 "I have no doubt, those who will write of Elder 
 Swan, will refer to his power in prayer. I do not think 
 Professor Tyndall's theory will ever disturb the equili- 
 brium of the Elder. I can imagine how he would treat 
 him, if they should ever meet. His first sentence would 
 be: "Let us pray;' the second would be: '0 Lord 
 Grod, smash up this infidel theory of the professor.' 
 
 " Brother Swan will never submit to the innovations 
 of these days of degeneracy, lack of nerve, laxity in 
 doctrine and practice on the communion question and 
 revivals of religion. He stands firm on the old founda- 
 tion of the gospel, and in the primitive order of advo- 
 cating it. He gives all to understand that they must 
 beheve and be baptized. He is a positive man, with 
 but little conservatism in his nature, radical in his ten- 
 dencies, and hence has been and is now the pioneer of 
 the churches; the herald-preacher of the nineteenth 
 century. 0. T. Walkee. 
 
 Meeiden, Conn., Oct. 21, 1873. 
 
 From Eev. J. N. Murdock, D.D., we orally ob- 
 taine.d the following account. Near thirty years ago, at 
 a meeting of the American Baptist Missionary Union in 
 Albany, N. Y., when the question was before the body 
 whether to continue or abandon the Teloogoo Mission, 
 Elder Swan thus spoke in substance upon the affirm- 
 ative side, ' I recollect a story, in an old book admired 
 by my mother, and somewhat regarded by myself, about 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN, 417 
 
 a certain man in former tiuxL's, who obtained a convic- 
 tion that he was called to a foreign mission. Laboring 
 under this impression he addressed three of his friends 
 and pursuaded them to join him in the mission enter- 
 prise, though these friends had some c[uestion in their 
 minds about their success. They started for Europe, 
 then considered in heathendom. They reached a certain 
 city and commenced operations. A little pleasant suc- 
 cess soon followed their efforts. But immediately the 
 Devil induced a certain person to follow them and 
 endorse them in mockery, saying, " These men are the 
 servants of the most high God, which show unto us the 
 way of salvation." In overcoming this Devil they got 
 into difficulty. Two of them were arrested, publicly 
 accused, stripped and whipped, and cast into prison. 
 Finding themselves in the deep dungeon of the prison, 
 torn and bleeding, in the night, with their feet griped 
 into great rugged stocks, one of them whose name was 
 Silas, said to the leader of the mission whose name was 
 Paul, " Well Paul, what do you think now of your 
 mission.? The Devil has endorsed you, and we have 
 got whipped, and here we are in this dark, cruel, heathen 
 prison. Do you think this looks much like success.? " 
 "Hold on," said Paul, "we haven't seen the end of 
 this enterprise yet. I think the Lord sent us, and will 
 somehow stand by us; although just now the outlook to 
 human eyes is dark. You know it is said of the Lord, 
 ' clouds and darkness are round about him.' By the 
 way, where is your psaiim book.? Let us sing and then 
 pray. Turn to the forty-sixth psalm, and give it a 
 good pitch. ' God is our refuge and strength, a veiy 
 present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear. 
 * * * * Be still and know that I am God; 
 
 27 
 
418 PAPERS EELATIVE TO 
 
 I will be exalted among the heathen; I will he exalted 
 in the earth. Now let us pray.' As their psahn and 
 prayer ra;ng through the dungeons and cells of the old 
 prison, the foundations began to tremble and move. 
 ' Sing again/ said Paul, ' The heathen raged, the king- 
 doms were moved; He uttered his voice, the earth was 
 melted.' So the Lord sent an earthquake to help the 
 missionaries. They were soon out o.f prison, and held a 
 revival meeting the same night in ihe jailer s house. 
 And the jailer and his staff of assistants were converted 
 and baptized straightway as they ough\''' to have been. 
 And thus the Lord planted a church in that heathen 
 city. It seems that the Lord had an' eye t ^n ^^^^ J^^-^^'^ 
 and chose these missionaries and theiV-' ku. ^ermgs and 
 the voice of ah earthquake to bring about his conversion. 
 I rather think that jailer made a good deacoa - ^^^ ^^^ 
 experience a good sernion. So brethren my ©tj. '1™oii ^^ 
 that we had better sing a psalm, an^ hold on ia% ^°^ ''^^ 
 Teloogoo mission.' ' 
 
 . Adds Dr. Murdock, ' that speech as I now reca -^ ^t, 
 and I often recall it, ranks among the prophecies, i •'°» 
 what hath Grod since wrought in the Teloogoo ]\Iissioii . 
 
 A friend writes to the publisher from Steuben 
 County, New York: ' My I'ecollections of the dear good 
 man, and of his family, are of the sweetest and -tenr- 
 derest character. 
 
 "When God's Spirit was being poured out, and', 
 souls were flocking to Jesus, and I was weary ' with . 
 over- work, he came to my help and faithfully labored, 
 with me in gathering precious souls, in to the kingdom. 
 
 '" My heart is cheered that there is a prospect of' 
 some day possessing in an enduring forp a memorial of 
 one whom I highly esteeni."' -. ■ - 
 
CHAPTEE XXII. 
 
 DOCTRINE AND MANNER. 
 
 eROWTHS. — STAKDARDS. TESTS. — SPnaKG A GTIN. — VIEWS. — A BAP- 
 TIST. — ANECDOTE. — BEFOHB THE S. V. ASSOCIATION. SONGS. 
 
 TESTIMONY. — DEA. O. SUMNEB. — THE SPIRIT. — CAPT. C. C. LB-WIS.- 
 
 ILLUSTKATIONS. DIVINITY. JONAH. CIIABGE. — SOLDIERS. 
 
 SAMSON. ELECTION. CROOK.— FAITHFULNESS. PRAYER 
 
 CHALLENGE. 
 
 Evert growth has its vital principle, with its appro- 
 priate laws of organization and development. The . 
 germ in the acorn — -a miniature tree — unfolds into 
 roots, and trunk, and branches, and foliagfe, maturing 
 at last into the monarch of the forest. So is it in the 
 growth and development of human character. Em- 
 phatically so is it with the christian. There must be 
 the " seed " — the divine germ — the roots of faith, the 
 branches of doctrine, the foliage of devotion, and the 
 fruits of piety. Doctrines then hold an important 
 ]ilace in every man's life. A just rank was awarded to 
 t hem by the thinker and preacher of whom we speak. 
 
 He krhew no authoritative standard of religious truth 
 save the Bible. His commission was from Christ, and 
 his doctiinal text book was the New Testament. His 
 favorite theologian was Paul. His inspiring precedents 
 for evangelistic efforts were John the Baptist, Christ, 
 and the apostles. Yet he was a careful and discrimi- 
 nating student of the ablest theological writers since 
 the era of the Reformation. Socinianism and its 
 cognates he abhorred. Arminianism and its train he 
 
420 DOCTRINE AND MANNER OP 
 
 denounced. Antinomianisra and its lotus fruits he vehe- 
 mently eschewed. CalvinisEi, as interpreted by Andrew 
 Fuller, received his hearty endorsement. His views of 
 grace in re^-eneration corresponded with those of Bun- 
 yan, Whitefield, Edwards and Payson. He offered the 
 gospel to men as freely as Wesley, yet preaclied the 
 sovereignty of God and his election by grace as 
 thoroughly as C. H. Spurgeon. He admired the doc- 
 trinal statements of Dr. Lyman Beecher, and Dr. 
 Francis Wayland. Like Paul he emphasized faith, 
 like James he emphasized work, and like John he 
 emphasized love. 
 
 His well poised lance was always against Eomanism, 
 High-churchism, Universalibm, Deism, and the lesser 
 pernicious heresies that skulk and multiply around the 
 borders of, Christianity like serpents in a hedge. Fel- 
 lowship with Christ and holiness of life wei-e the prime 
 tests he applied to all professors and all systems of 
 religious belief. Dr. E. Dodge, President of Madison 
 University, who, in a private note, says of Mr. Swan, 
 "I love the man, and honor him for the good work he 
 has done," after listening often and earnestly to his 
 preaching in a time of revival, heartily subscribed to 
 his doctrinal views and said, " That is the theology 
 needed in this nineteenth century." 
 
 While laboring in a series of successful meetings in 
 Norwich, New York, he was brought into contact with 
 
 a Mr. M , whose religious opinions were of the 
 
 " cast iron " type, though at heart he was a Universa- 
 list. This man met all ministers and others who 
 sought religious interviews with him, by announcing 
 his belief in the decrees of Grod; that all things were 
 determined beforehand by the purpose of Jehovah and 
 
EBV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 421 
 
 could not be altered or modified ; a«d that all things 
 whatsoever would eventuate in the glory of God and 
 the final good of all his creatures. As his dauiijhler 
 became interested in- the revival and experienced re- 
 ligion, his opposition to revival meetings and measures 
 was greatly intensified. To prepare the way for the 
 daughter to make a profession of her faith, tlie evange- 
 list visited Mr. M. v«'ith the view, as he expressed it of 
 " spiking his guns." The conversation in substance, 
 was as follows: 
 
 Mr. S. "You believe that all things and all events 
 follow the fixed decrees of God." 
 
 Mr. M. " 1 do, sir; God is a sovereign and does his 
 will with all his creatures." 
 
 Mr. S. "Have you no doubt about such a Adew ?" 
 
 Mr. M. "None at all, sir." 
 
 Mr. S. "Then you believe in such meetings as we 
 have been holding here, and in all that has been said 
 and done." 
 
 Mr. M. " No, sir; I don't." 
 
 Thus the fatalist spiked his own gun. 
 
 His ecclesiastical views, to which his practice rigidly 
 , conformed, may be stated in brief, as follows: Kegener- 
 ation by the Holy Spirit precedes baptism ; baptism 
 precedes church relation; church relation precedes the 
 observance of the Lord's Supper ; all churches inde- 
 pendent bodies; all church members equal in rights; 
 ministers ordained and deposed by churches; but one 
 order of the clergy, whether teachers, pastors, or evan- 
 gelists. 
 
 He has always been a Baptist, — strict, regular, true, 
 consistent. Holding from John the Baptist, from Christ, 
 and from the apostles, " the faith once delivered to the 
 
422 DOCTEISfE IND MANNER OF 
 
 saints,"* he has found no occasion to alter his creed of 
 modify his practice. Never ashamed of his principles; 
 never apologizing for his adherence to the New, Testa- 
 ment, he has everywhere and boldly proclaimed and 
 advocated his Baptist sentiments. He conld never 
 " daub with untempered mortar." He never could go 
 down into " the plain of Ono," or enter into negotia- 
 tions with Eome. Suificient for his authority were the 
 commandments and examples of the New Testament. 
 Beyond a "Thus saith the Lord," he hesitated to ad- 
 vance in things strictly ecclesiastical. He knew no 
 marching orders, save from the Head of the church and 
 his original legates. 
 
 Yet no man more thoroughly respected and ardently 
 loved all true christians who differed from him in their 
 views. What he holdly demanded for himself, he cor- 
 dially conceded to others — the right of private judg- 
 ment. Unswerving from the old Baptist doctrine of 
 liberty of conscience, he could even highly esteem all 
 those who conscientiously followed Christ in paths and 
 manners differing from his own. In worship and work, 
 he especially fraternized with the Congregationalists, 
 for their firmness; and the Methodists, for their fervor. 
 Dr. Joel Hawos, of Hartford, was always delighted to 
 listen to him, and to have him speak in his pulpit. 
 Frequently would Mr. Swan solicit pulpit exchanges 
 with both Episcopal and Wesleyan Methodists; and at 
 times he would shout and sing with the most emotional 
 and devoted of them. 
 
 As an opportune confession of his faith, we give the 
 anecdote related to us by Mr. Isaac Anderson, of New 
 Haven. "During his first pastorate in the State of 
 New York, — ^being providentially in the city of New 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 423 
 
 York, lie attended a conference meeting of the First 
 Baptist church in that city, under the ministry of Dr. 
 Parkerson. The meeting was opened by the deliberate 
 reading and long-drawn singing of a lengthy hymn. 
 Then came the ceremonious reading of a very Ion"- 
 chapter. This .was followed by another hymn like the 
 first. This was succeeded by a routine prayer reaching 
 through fifteen minutes or more. By this time, the 
 young evangelist began to feel, as he expressed it, " the 
 chilis of death" creeping over him. Kising, therefore, 
 he said: "My name is Jabez S. Swan. I am a Baptist 
 minister from Norwich, Chenango county. New York. 
 I believe in God the Father,; and God the Son; and 
 God the Holy Spirit,; and protracted meetings;" and 
 resumed his seat. The word protracted bad a double 
 edge in such a meeting. 
 
 Only in the times and modes of applying truths did 
 te differ from the best instructed evangelical ministers 
 around him. While they believed in waiting for the 
 waters to be troubled, he believed in troubling them by 
 ■prayer and labor. Some supposed revivals could, occur 
 only at long intervals; his faith embraced annual har- 
 vests. Some regarded winters as the divinely selected 
 •seasons for spiritual ingatherings: he claimed that the 
 Lord's seasons were not set down in the secular calen- 
 dar. As confirmations of his faith, the powerful reviv- 
 ■als ip Stonington Borough, at Mystic Bridge, at Volun- 
 town, and in Albany, were in the summer. 
 
 For the last thirty years, it has hardly been felt by the 
 Stonington Union Association, that the regular annual 
 exercises have been observed, if Elder Swan has not 
 preached to the multitude one of his characteristic ser- 
 mons. Should one look over the minutes of that body/ 
 
424 DOCTEINE AND MANNER OF 
 
 and collect the texts chosen by him, he would not fail 
 to discover in them the peculiar bent and spirit of the 
 preacher. The sermons, however, never were, and never 
 could be reported. Usually, the best hour — we ought 
 to say two hours, or, at least, an hour and a-half — was 
 given to the spiritual feast. The interest felt has always 
 been betokened by a 'crowded assembly. Often a mul- 
 titude would surround the house, some seated in car- 
 riages, and some on the ground — some eagerly peering 
 through doors and windows, all silent and eager listen- 
 ers. As the preacher warmed with his holy theme, his 
 voice, deep and rich, compassed the vast assembly within 
 and without. If the day was excessively warm, he laid 
 off his coat and loosened his cravat. Thus he laid aside 
 every weight that he might do his sacred work. Illus- 
 trating his propositions by his own experiences and the 
 experiences of others he had known, using freely names, 
 dates and events, and most felicitously employing the 
 narratives and incidents of the Old and New Testaments, 
 he would bear away the whole assembly upon the tide 
 of his argument. Stoical natures alone could dispense 
 with the use of handkerchiefs. Down the hardest cheek 
 would occasionally steal a tender tear. What other 
 preachers would seldom dare to attempt, and we might 
 add, seldom had the power to accomplish, namely, the 
 arousing of hearers by the power of sacred mirth, he 
 frequently and successfully effected. Often upon the 
 faces of his hearers might be seen smiles and tears at 
 -the same time. Student of mental and moral philoso- 
 phy, as he was, he well knew how to touch all the deli- 
 cate cords of the human organism. Unique in his 
 methods, strangers at first might misinterpret him. 
 Shortly, however, they would be conscious that he was 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 425 
 
 dealing truly and faithfully witli their hearts, and seek- 
 ing their good. 
 
 His manner, his voice, his spirit, his evangelistic 
 power, can only he understood hy those who were 
 favored to be present in seasons of revival, where he 
 freely breathed the " blessed winds of the heavenly 
 kingdom.' ' Thousands will remember with delight the 
 look of his upturned face, and the round and rallying 
 tones of his voice, as, in his inimitable way, he usually 
 led in the spiritual song: 
 
 " Where now are the Hebrew chilclren ? 
 Where now are the Hebrew children ? 
 They went up from a fiery furnace; 
 Safe now in the promised land." 
 
 Or, that other favorite of all pilgrims to the better 
 
 shore: 
 
 " On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, 
 And cast a wishful eye 
 To Canaan's fair and happy land, 
 Where my possessions lie." 
 
 In moments of tenderness, he would raise the hymn: 
 
 ^ ' ' There is a fountain filled with blood, 
 Drawn from Immanuel's veins ; 
 And sinners plunged beneath that flood, 
 Lose all their guilty stains.'' 
 
 Or the prized hymn of Wesley: 
 
 ■' Jesus, lover of my soul. 
 Let me to thy bosom fly.'' 
 
 With wonderful pathos, in hours of general awaken- 
 ing, he would lead in the hymn: 
 
426 doCteine and mannee of 
 
 " To-day the Savior calls: 
 Ye wanderers, come ; 
 O, ye benighted souls, 
 Why longer roam ?" 
 
 Deacon George 0. Sumner, M. D., of New Haven, 
 
 writes as follows: 
 
 * -••• * " Some years ago, I was at tlie house of 
 Brother Edward BoUes, in Hartford, in company with 
 Kev. Ira K. Steward and Eev. Alfred Gates, when the 
 conversation turned upon Elder Swan and some of his 
 peculiarities of speech. Brother Steward said: 'When 
 I was pastor in Groton, during the revival of 1812, 
 some of the people wished me to speak to Elder Swan 
 about his extravagancies, which offended certain tastes, 
 I accordingly mentioned the matter, when he very 
 kindly said: ' Brother Steward, I am aware of the^e 
 blemishes in mj' preaching, and have often set myself 
 to guard against them; but as sure as I put myself 
 under constraint in this respect, I am shut up and can- 
 not say anything satisfactorily. I have to sail away, 
 and let come what will; and if anything amiss occurs, 
 it never answers for me to go back to pick it up and try 
 to mend it: if I do, I always make it worse. But this 
 is not what troubles me most. What especially annoys 
 me, is that there are young preachers springing up in 
 the country who are trying to imitate me in the very 
 things that I would avoid if I could.' 
 
 Speech may not adequately emphasize the depend- 
 ence the evangelist placed upon the Spirit of God. A 
 case may somewhat illustrate this. When, in 1842, 
 Captain Charles C. Lewis — afterwards Kev. Mr. Lewis, 
 of dear memory — was brought under deep and painful 
 convictions by Elder Swan's pungent preaching; and, 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SiTA'S: 427 
 
 aa a consequence, indulged in loud and extravagant 
 speech in regard *to the meetings held, — the Elder, on 
 having his attention called to the fact, calmly observed: 
 "Let him alone; pay out warp; let him run; he has 
 got a harpoon in him; the Lord will bring him up." 
 
 In reminiscences furnished us, Eev. A. C. Bronson 
 says: "Elder Swan's latest version of Jonah's voyage 
 we heard at the last meeting of the Stonington- Union 
 Association (1873) at Groton Bank. Alluding in his 
 sermon to Peter and the tribute-money found ' in the 
 mouth of the iish, he took occasion to say, ' This is one 
 of my proof texts to establish the Divinity of the Lord 
 Jesus Christ. If he was not Divine: 1st. How did he 
 know the fish was there to be caught ? 2d. How did 
 he know that money was in his mouth; fish don't gener- 
 ally carry money about in that way? 3d. How did he 
 know there would be just enough to pay the tax.^ and 
 4th. How did he know Peter would catch the fish ? 
 fishermen don't always catch at the first bite. Peter 
 once fished all night and caught nothing. Christ's 
 divinity is established by this Scripture beyond a doubt " 
 "Then in one of his digressions he said, 'We read 
 in the Bible, of other fish which God used to accomp- 
 lish his purposes. There was once an old Antinomian 
 who undertook to cross God's arrangement, and the 
 Lord took a fish, large enough to fit up a state room in, 
 for Jonah to occupy all alone. But I don't think Jonah 
 liked his accommodations, for he said, ' Out of the belly 
 of hell I cried unto Thee.' He was glad to get ashore, 
 and did not care to try another voyage of that sort. 
 The Lord taught him a lesson that he did not forget." 
 His terseness and vigor of style are shown in the 
 charge he gave to his son Charles Y. Swan, when about 
 
428 DOCTKINE AND IttANNEK OF 
 
 leaving home to pursue his studies at Hamilton. Lay- 
 ing his hand on the son's shoulder,' the father said, 
 " Charlie, gird on the sword of the Lord against rum, 
 hell, and Universalism." 
 
 He believed in direct and constant work to save 
 souls. He regarded christians as soldiers, and churches 
 as making up an army, with orders to advance against 
 the enemies of God. While preaching once in a city 
 (N. H.,) to a church whose house of worship cost 
 above a hundred thousand dollars, and who had 
 strength of numbers and wealth, he said to them : 
 " Perhaps you think you are a success, because you 
 have a splendid meeting house; and think you are 
 strong because you have a grand roll of members, and 
 can wear fine uniform. But what of tents, and roll, 
 and uniform ? What could General Grant have done 
 towards capturing Vicksburg by dressing up in his regi- 
 mentals, and stepping out before the enemy's works, 
 and reading over the splendid- roll of his army.? It was 
 the fighting that gave Jeff fits." 
 
 Speaking once of the unwise alliances too frequently 
 entered into by the children of God, he illustrated his 
 view by a condensed presentation, in his own original 
 and naive style, of the sto'ry of Samson and his afiilir 
 ation with the Philistines, and concluded by saying : 
 " For one, I was never exactly reconciled to Samson's 
 marrying into that family." 
 
 The same happy and plain way of meeting a grave^ 
 practical matter, occurred when once handling the old 
 doctrine of predestination. To impress upon his hear- 
 ers the absurdity of promulgating the ofiensive dogma, 
 he said: "These predestinarians seem to reckon them- 
 selves as elected of God to sit like watch dogs at the 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 429 
 
 strait gate, to prevent the non-elect from dodging 
 through." 
 
 An anxious christian mother once aslced him if he 
 would advise that ber son be educated for a minister. 
 Ho replied: "Well, madam, yoahave an excellent son, 
 and I think he will make a very good and useful man; 
 but I cannot advise you to try to make a minister of 
 him." " Why not.?" urged the somewhat disappointed 
 mother. " To be honest with you," said Mr. Swan, 
 "he hasn't got the natural crook." 
 
 In a certain town, he delivered a temperance lecture, 
 in which he keenly and severely portrayed two conspi- 
 cuous politicians, T. P. VY— , M. D., and L. H— , Esq^., 
 who were leagued with the anti-temperance party. Dis- 
 iCovering some of their friends present, he concluded by 
 saying: " Now, you go and tell these men all I have 
 said, and make a faithful report; and then add. Elder 
 Swan don't care. I am sorry they are not present to 
 hear me." The report was made. Shortly after, Esquire 
 H — met Mr. Swan, and thanked him for his honest, 
 manly defense of his views, and closed by saying,: 
 "Elder, I always esteemed you; and, as it is some time 
 since I have had a chance to do you a favor, please 
 accept a small present;" and handed him ten dollars. 
 
 A writer of items has recently mentioned the Baptist 
 church in Preston, New York, as follows: " Their house 
 of worship is being modernized. It has been cut down 
 twice. It was originally built by Elder Jabea S. Swan, 
 and was big enough for a New York tabernacle. The 
 Elder went into the woods with some brethren, to get 
 out timber for this house— more than thirty years ago — 
 and as he came to a tree of proper proportions for use 
 in the building, he struck his axe into it and said; "Let 
 
 -■ioJ 
 
430 DOCTBINE AND MANNER OF 
 
 US pray." And he did pray earnestly and loud, till the 
 woods rang with his fervent supplications for success in 
 his undertaking; and the neighbors for a mile around' 
 heard him." 
 
 Eev. H. L. Dietz, the German Baptist minister in 
 New Haven, tells us of an incident related to him by 
 Mr. Swan, in reference to a challenge the Elder had to 
 fight. A, certain gentleman became exceedingly en- 
 raged with the Elder, who was about to baptize the 
 man's wife and daughter, and threatened the Elder's 
 life, in case he persisted in administering the ordinance. 
 The madman, who was at the water side when the sacred 
 rite was duly performed, advanced with clenched fists 
 to meet the Eldei- as he came up from the tide, and 
 vehemently challenged him for a fight, using epithets 
 and adjectives familiar to men of his grade. The Elder 
 coolly listened to the chivalrous Goliath, and then 
 remarked that, as he was somewhat engaged for the day 
 he would accept the challenge to meet him the next 
 day, at nine o'clock in the forenoon, in the main street 
 of the place, in front of a certain well-known office. 
 As, by the code of honor, the time and place rested with 
 the challenged party, the challenger could do no less 
 than to accept the terms. The hour came; so did the 
 Elder, the challenger, and a crowd of spectators. Said 
 the Elder: " Are you ready .?" The pugilist replied: 
 " I am." " But," said the Elder, " I always begin my 
 work with prayer. Let us pray." He knelt, and prayed 
 only as J. S. Swan could; and the prayer broke down 
 the pugilist, and all the crowd of witnesses, and cleared 
 the groundj leaving the Elder a victor. 
 
CHAFTEK XXI I'l. 
 CIVIL RELATIONS. 
 
 THE OLD ACCUSATIOiq-. — rORTION OF THE FAITHI'ITL. —POLITICIANS 
 AND THEIR POLICDSS. ^->IR. SWAN'S P3UNCIPLES.— E.BPUBLICAN- 
 ISII.— EQUAL BIGHTS. — DITTY TO THE GOVERNMENT. —A KEPUBLI- 
 
 C.4.N. TOO SMALL INDUCEMENT. — TEMPERANCE. DESERTS OF 
 
 RUM-SELLERS. PURG.VTORY. DEVILS. MAINE LAW. — HIGH ER 
 
 OCCUPATION. — A DIVINE INSTITUTION.— LACK OP BLOOD.— FILL- 
 MORE SQUASH. — HANGING. — PATRIOTISM. 
 
 Every man called of God to bless the world by his 
 preaching has encountered the charge of "meddling 
 with politics." This accusation cast Daniel into the 
 den of lions, erected the gallows for Mordecai, stoned 
 the faithful among the Hebrews, beheaded John the 
 Baptist, crucified the Prince of Peace. The Hamans, 
 the Jezebels, the Herods, the Neros, are not all dead. 
 Edward Wightman went to the stake, John Bunyan lay 
 in Bedford jail, Koger Williams was driven into the wil- 
 derness. "For worshipping God contrary to law," Bap- 
 tists were incarcerated in jSTew London. " Principalities 
 and powers " are not yet reconciled to God. 
 
 Not until jDoliticians cease to be sinners, should the 
 ministers of God cease to preach against their sins. 
 Not until the Idngdoms of this world become the king- 
 ■ dom of Christ, will there be accord and peace between 
 politics and true religion. The offense of the cross 
 must remain while men remain self-righteous, and while 
 iniquity enthrones itself in the high places of the earth. 
 The Gibralters of wickedness can be shaken only by 
 
432 CIVIL EELATIONS OF 
 
 the thunders of Sinai. Wo to a land when its prophets 
 become " dumb dogs," or crouch submissively at the 
 feet of purpled, or ermined, or mitred ungodliness. 
 Who leads the host of the Lord but a day's march 
 from Egypt, must expect to be pursued by chariots and 
 horsemen. It is the old ciy of Pharaoh, "G-et you 
 unto your burdens," and be but slaves. God, however, 
 says, " Let my people go." 
 
 Both from his early education in the peculiarly free 
 principles prevailing in his native town and his pure 
 home, and from his study of the spirit and principles 
 of Christianity, Mr. Swan has always been thoroughly 
 republican in his views of society; holding that the 
 divinely appointed organizations for mankind are fam- 
 ilies, churches, and states, all to be formed voluntarily. 
 To these necessary and obligatory organizations, schools, 
 and various benevolent associations are to be added as 
 auxiliaries, when circumstances require them; and in 
 these the voluntary principle is to be strictly observed. 
 He was never the patron, but rather, from clear convic- 
 tions, the stem oj)poser of all secret organizations, 
 whether in the state or in the community. An open 
 field, an open Bible, and open methods of procedure in 
 all things, have been his favorite canons of faith. 
 Decidedly has he deemed all secret organizations, no 
 matter how labelled by smooth and specious names, as- 
 altogether anti-republican and repugnant to the spirit 
 and principles of the New- Testament. Like our Lord, 
 he has always " spoken openly to the world," and in 
 secret has he "said nothing" that he v/as unwilhng to 
 have "proclaimed upon the housetops/" Holding all 
 men as brethren, he has stoutly contended for equal 
 privileges to all, deploring all spirit of caste. Whenever 
 
EEV. JABEZ S, SWAN, 433 
 
 lie deemed that our professedly free and voluntary 
 political parties, or benevolent associations, or even mi s- 
 sionary societies, were untrue to their original professions 
 and platforms, especially if they were chargeable with 
 favoritism and the abridgement of inalienable rights, he 
 fearlessly, faithfully, vehemently lifted up his voice 
 against them. When the God-given rights of men 
 have been invaded, or a great moral or religious princi- 
 ple has been assailed, nothing has been sufficient to 
 bribe or intimidate liim. Much is there in him of the 
 spirit and faith of the furnace-tried Hebrew children, of 
 whom he fondly speaks and sings. 
 
 Though not a politician in the common acceptation 
 of that word, he was yet never indifferent to the interests 
 of his state and his country. When a lad, as we have 
 seen, he took an active and brave part in the defense of 
 his native town against the attack of a foreign enemy. 
 Against all the foes of human freedom at home and 
 abroad, and all corrupters of society, or disturbers of 
 civil tranquility, he stood with equal strength and 
 courage at all times. Unambitious of name or place in 
 state affairs, except what pertained to a good citizen, he 
 aimed simply to perform his duty. His text of faith 
 and conduct was " Kender unto Caesar the things which 
 are Caesar's; and unto God the things which are God's." 
 
 Deeply interested, when young, in the discussions, 
 resolutions and petitions of the Baptists in behalf of 
 perfect religious liberty, which was finally securely 
 reached in the hew State Constitution of Connecticut in 
 1818, he never ceased to feel a lively interest in all legal 
 affairs pertaining to rights and morals. He hated 
 slavery and intemperance with a perfect hatred. Though 
 once a Jeffersonian democrat, of strict lines he was 
 28 
 
434. , CIVIL JIELATIONS OF 
 
 quite oblivious when great moral questions were before 
 the country. Latterly he has been known as an ardent 
 republican,because this party has been the antagonist of 
 slavery and the friend of order. Sometimes, when 
 absent from home, he has incurred both fatigue and 
 expense of travel to reach the polls. Pro-slavery men 
 and the rum party have accused him of political parti- 
 zanship, but nothing has daunted him in the discharge 
 of his duty as a citizen. 
 
 It is told of him that on the eve of an exciting 
 election, in which the temperance question was involved, 
 an ambitious office seeker, Mr. W., the anti-temperance 
 candidate, aware of the Elder's influence in the county, 
 as a stroke of policy sent him twenty-five dollars; to 
 which donation, the Elder instantly gave the laconic 
 reply, "It is not enough: Judas received itAiriy pieces." 
 From its inception in the form of the old half-way 
 pledge of abstinence from distilled liquors as a beverage, 
 through all phases of its progress and through all its 
 struggles with custom, and law, and selfish interests, 
 the beneficent temperance reform found in Mr. Swan 
 an ardent friend and a fearless champion. Many a 
 lance did he unerringly hurl through the mail and into 
 the heart of the enemy. Master of wit and satire, as 
 well as of facts and logic, he was a prodigious force 
 against the makers, venders and drinkers of the poison- 
 ous beverage. He regarded rum-sellers much as he did 
 thieves, highwaymen^ pirates, and murderers. Once, 
 • speaking of the worst cases among them, he said they 
 were "fit only to be hung, though not from any decent 
 tree. They ought to be hung in the night, in a swamp, 
 from a pepperidge.'', 
 , In the movement for the so-called Maine Law, his 
 
EEV. JAEEZ S.- SWAN. 435' 
 
 voice rang out like a trumpet. Pressed to speak, as his- 
 other duties would allow, throughout New Londou 
 county, and in different portions of the State, multi- 
 tudes, charmed by his arguments and eloquence and 
 wit, thronged to hear him. Believing that hell and 
 rum were in league, he gave the " rummies " no quar- 
 ter, but thrust them through with the sword of the 
 Lord. 
 
 Says Kev. Charles Willett, formerly settled in New 
 London: 
 
 "In the early days of the Maine Law agitation. 
 Elder Swan, in common with most of the pastors of 
 New London and Norwich, was a member of the execu- 
 tive committee of the New London county temperance 
 society. At a meeting of the committee, in which each 
 pastor stated his convictions as to the vote of his parish. 
 Elder Swan expressed a fear that, through political 
 influence, some of his people would vote against Maine 
 Law representatives. Said B. W. Tompkins (a worthy 
 layman of Norwich) : " The Catholic priest of our place 
 tells me he shall secure the votes of nearly all his flock, 
 though most of them, if left to themselves, would vote 
 against the law;" and then asked: " Why can't you 
 Protestant ministers manage your people as well as the 
 priests.''" After a brief pause, the Elder replied: "Give 
 me the management of purgatory for six months, and 
 I'll fetch 'em." 
 
 He insisted, on one occasion, that the State ought to 
 adopt the Maine Law as a measure of self-defense. Said 
 he, " If the devils are cast out of the neighboring States, 
 as we pray God they may be, and we are defenseless, 
 every one of them will mount a hog and start for Con- 
 necticut, and you will see pig-riding and music enough; 
 
436 .CIVIL RELATION^ OF. 
 
 for the devil is never so muck at lioine as when he gets 
 charge of a hog." 
 
 Often was the blade of his argument whetted to the 
 keenest edge of irony. In one of his campaigns, he 
 made an appointment and promised to answer the argu- 
 ments presented by the liquor-party against the pro- 
 posed legislation. The hour came; the house (in Groton) 
 was crowded; the tide of interest ran high. According 
 to promise, he took up the pleas of his antagonists and 
 showed their weakness and unsoundness. One position 
 was met in the following manner: " You say that the 
 proposed la,w would destroy your business, and so pre- 
 vent you from getting a living. You really make two 
 points; first, that you ought to live; second, that you 
 must have business. Now, in the first place, I am not 
 sure that you ought to live; but, for argument's sake, 
 we will allow that you ought. Next, in regard to busi- 
 ness, I can suggest bigger and better business than you 
 are now engaged in. I commend to you the honorable 
 and useful, profession of poultry-raising. And to expe- 
 dite the business, relieving the fowls from a waste of 
 their time in the process of incubation, and to avoid 
 the expense of the new French system of employing 
 steam and hot air, I suggest that you liberally furnish 
 the posterior sections of your pantaloons with tar and 
 feathers, and devote yourselves to hatching hens' eggs." 
 
 Once, while discussing the slavery c[uestion, he also 
 considered the arguments of his opponents. With 
 great adroitness, he would successfully turn the tables 
 upon them. Thus, on the occasion referred to, he said: 
 "You pretend to think that slavery is right. You con- 
 tend that it is a divine institution. Very well; for the 
 .sake_of argument, we grant it. So is hell a divine insti- 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. S-WAS.^ 437 
 
 tiition, g,s only too many -will find out; but we don't 
 propose the extension of either." 
 
 He followed principles and not men; and he dealt 
 peculiar blows against whatever he conceived to be 
 morally and religiously wrong. When a portion of the 
 old democratic party swerved from the old Jeffersonian 
 anti-slavery line, he lifted up hand and voice to correct 
 them. In one of his animated addresses, he expressed 
 himself as follows: "You call yourselves democrats; 
 but you are not; you are nothing but locofocos. I am 
 a democrat; but of the regular old school — not one of 
 your new-fangled democrats, recreant to the old faith. 
 You may take all these perverts from the faith — these 
 renegade democrats — locofocos, true blue — here in New 
 London county, and put them into the hands of a steam 
 doctor, and steam them three weeks, and then bleed 
 them, and you would not get genuine democratic blood 
 enough out of the whole batch to dot an t." 
 
 Nothing was foreign to him that was related to the 
 welfare of men. ' In the presidential campaign of 1856, 
 at the immense mass meeting on the Plain — now Wil- 
 liam's Park — ^in Norwich, (October 15,) we recollect 
 that he was present, and, by urgent request, addressed 
 the meeting. ■ Above albthe orators of the day, he com- 
 manded and delighted » the multitude. His speech 
 abounded in pith and dharacteristic illustrations. Of 
 course, he spoke for Fremont and freedom, as against 
 Buchanan and slavery. As, from his nature, he never 
 could look complacently upon compromises where prin- 
 ciple was involved, or upon half-way men and measures, 
 he was particularly sarcastic upon the then third party 
 in the field, headed by Fillmore. By the following 
 illustration, he expressed his estimate of that party: 
 
43S CIVIL EELATIONS OF 
 
 "A few mornings since, I was inspecting my gardenj 
 looking after the prospects of a crop. Among other 
 things, I noticed a vine had departed from my premises, 
 running through the fence into my neighbor's garden. 
 Where it passed through the fence, it had blossomed 
 and set into fruit, but the fruit had grown exactly be- 
 tween the pickets, swelling out to the pickets and pro- 
 truding on either side, so that it could not be moved 
 one way or the other. In looking at this ambitious, 
 wandering, impaled fruit, I inquired : To whom do 
 you belong.'* On which side are jou? How are we ever 
 going to get you out ? Where do you think you are ? 
 You are a regular Fillmore squash." 
 
 In the days of the Kansas excitement, he was thor- 
 oughly outspoken against the enemy. On one pccasion 
 he said: " These pro-slavery, border ruffians ought to 
 be hung. And only one tree on the face of the earth is 
 mean enough to hang them on; that is a pepperidge, 
 which looks as though it grew against the will of God." 
 
 When the civil war broke upon the land by the rebel 
 attack on Fort Sumter, the faithful preacher recognize^ 
 the nature and magnitude of the strife. Having fore- 
 seen the gathering storm, and confident- that it would 
 finally overthrow slavery, he lifted up his prayers 
 and his voice for the Union. Freedom's war-girded 
 sons advancing to the field received his benediction, and 
 he almost longed for youthful strenp-th, that hemight 
 accompany them. His heart beat high to the march of 
 liberty; and his loud amen went up to God when he 
 read President Lincoln's proclamation of liberty to the 
 bondmen. He wept like a father for the loyal slain 
 and shouted for the ransomed sons of Africa, and for the 
 future of his Gountry. 
 
CHAPTEE XXIV. 
 
 PULPIT PREPARATIONS. 
 
 QUALITIBS AS A BEEMONIZBB.-CAST OF MESTD. — A SEVERE STUDENT. -- 
 METHOD. — TESTIMONY. AEGtTMENT AND ILIiUSTRATION. — ^EXPLA- 
 NATION. — SECRET OF SUCCESS.— A COMPLAINT.— PREPARATIONS. — 
 THEIR FORM. — SPECIMENS OF BliELETONS. — RANK AS A SERMON' 
 IZER. — CALL FOR HIS SERMONS. 
 
 In Ms preparation and delivery of sermons the evan- 
 gelist fully proved his great native strength of mind, 
 and his superior skill in execution. He evinced splen- 
 did original genius, and rare attainments in the mastery 
 of great principles. Kude, as some polished scholars of 
 courtly schools might have deemed him, he had that 
 massive intellect, that power of perception, that acute- 
 ness of discernment, that skill of analysis, that wisdom 
 of arrangement, that aptness of expression, that glow 
 of soul, that true enthusiasm in his work, that made 
 him a man and a worker of the noblest order. If he 
 lacked the charms of a Ohrysostom, he had the force of 
 a Boanerges. If he was wanting in the rhetoric of an 
 Everett, he abounded in the logic of a Webster. Few 
 'men had such power to draw, and hold, and move 
 assemblies. Nor was this done by sensational arts and 
 ■eccentricities, b\it rather by strength of arguments, 
 weight of conclusions, and force of illustrations. It is 
 sufficient proof of his ability, that it has sustained him, 
 and borne him victoriously through the heavy labors 
 and conflicts of more than fifty years of public life. 
 
440 PULPIT PEEPAEATIONS OF 
 
 He has been a close, constant, severe, "successful 
 student. He never spoke without preparation, and the 
 best preparation he could make under the circumstances. 
 To really discerning hearers, his discourses, though 
 delivered from a brief and adorned with freshest utter- 
 ances, betrayed the consumption of midnight oil. He 
 never went to the battle without armor and ammunition. 
 
 In his record of his pastorate at Stonington he has 
 given us some hints and clues in regard to his sermon- 
 izing, that all sermonizers will study with interest, and 
 we think with advantage. He began liis wo]-kwith 
 prayer, prosecuted it with prayer, and ibllowed it with 
 prayer. As he tells us, he looked to God for texts as 
 he did for aid in arranging his discourses and in 
 delivering them. That his work might have point and 
 eifect, he studied "how to cover" his text with a 
 thought that should express its meaning in a form suit- 
 able to be presented as a subject or theme; that is, using 
 his own language, " to caption it with a statement 
 which should sum up its meaning " in a practical form 
 for pulpit use. Then he labored to arrange, if possible, 
 the argument in "two propositions," or at most in 
 three. His propositions were then subdivided and illus- 
 trated in a manner suited to time and occasion. Having 
 heard him often, and on various occasions — indeed he 
 has repeatedly assisted us in times of revival — -and hav- 
 ing closely examined, as was necessaty in preparing the 
 present sketch, great numbers of his skeletons, briefs, 
 and fully written preparations, we are prepared to 
 speak of them in highly appreciative terms. They 
 reveal the man of prayer, the close and penetrating 
 thinker, the toiUng student, the independant man, the 
 original genius, the workman endowed with strong 
 
EEV. JAEEZ S. SWAN. 441 
 
 power of construction. ThougL. in tlie delivery of his 
 sermons he abounded in illustrations, many of which 
 were pre-arranged and many of which were impromptu,' 
 there lay beneath all, and around all, and over all, and 
 pervading all, a body of logical argument that made 
 his discourses an irresistible power. The frame of his 
 argument was massive and grand as are the great mag-| 
 nolia trees of the South; and his illustrations were as' 
 abundant and enticing as the peerless magnolia blooms.' 
 His grand scriptural propositions blossomed into capti- 
 vating illustrations. 
 
 If to any he ever seemed to speak with such freedom 
 and readiness as betrayed no previous study, we might 
 explain the matter by saying of him as he once said of 
 on old Baptist minister of power who was ever ready to 
 preach, "he always carried a hundred sermons in his 
 head." By the power of brainwork his sermons were 
 set in his head and electrotyped in his memory. As a 
 fabricator of sermons he was always a hard working 
 man: hence his efficiency and success. On all his dis- 
 courses might be written in large letters, work ! v/ork ! 
 work ! 
 
 Shall we inquire further into the secret of his success 
 as a sermonizer.? Consider: he 'felt called of Jesus 
 Christ, who had saved him, to publish his priceless 
 gospel to the perishing; he asked his texts from the 
 Lord; he believed the Lord gave him his, subjects; he 
 asked for help in comprehending and unfolding his 
 texts; he believed he received such help; he asked that 
 the Holy Spirit might guide aU his powers, and he laid 
 all his powers upon the divine altar; he believed that 
 Christ meant to save souls through his ministry; he 
 felt that he was a worker with Christ. Wonder not 
 
442 PULPIT PEEPAEATIONS" OF 
 
 then tliat lie exhibited such, devotion to his work; that 
 he bent himself with such energy to it; that he glowed 
 with such enthusiasm; that he exercised such faith; 
 that he met with such success. 
 
 The only complaint worthy of notice we have ever 
 heard respecting his discourses, has been in reference to 
 their length. Sometimes he would occupy from one to 
 two hours in unfolding the burden of his thought. He 
 brings no light and trivial message. He speaks of 
 eternal things to immortal beings, and makes httle 
 account of an hour. With glowing, heart and radiant 
 face he brings down from the mount of his converse with 
 the Lord, tables of law and chapters of beatitudes. 
 Thus the objection of length is counterbalanced by 
 weight of thoughts and wealth of illustrations. Only 
 dainty souls and admirers of dUettanteism weary or 
 become impatient in his audiences. '( If he detains his' 
 hearers. more than ordinary preachers, he also, more 
 than they, gives to the multitude loaves and fishes 
 before they retire. 
 
 We hasten to give specimens of his pulpit prepara- 
 tions. We have before us about five hundred of his 
 skeletons and briefs. Erom these we select, almost at 
 random, a few with which to show his general method 
 and his skill. By the way, we find great uniformity of 
 merit in this large collection from which we must select. 
 A few of his sermons were written out in full. The 
 greater number are briefs occupying about two pages of 
 letter paper. Keaders, and especially preachers, will 
 notice with interest his method. 
 
 First we will give a somewhat lengthy skeleton. We 
 select the one marked "Huntington St. N. L. The 
 sermon vrhich. offended." The word "offended" here 
 
REV. JABEZ S. SWA3!T. 443 
 
 Till suggest the time and the spirit of which the ser- 
 mo speaks. 
 
 " Nehemiah iv, 5, 'For they have provoked Thee to 
 anger hefore the builders' " 
 
 Doctrine. Grod's builders, and the course they are 
 bound to adopt when God's prerogative is invaded. 
 
 I. In what sense are the people of God builders. 
 
 II. The course they are bound to adopt when God's 
 sovereign prerogative in their work is invaded. 
 
 I. In what sense are the people of God builders ^ 
 
 1. They are builded together for a habitation of 
 (jrod — ^lively stones — workers, etc. 
 
 2. One part of their work is to repair the breaches 
 and inroads made by opposers, etc. 
 
 3. Work belonging to God's house. 
 
 4. The re-establishment of religious usages which by 
 vicissitudes have become impaired. 
 
 5. The recovery of ground which may have been 
 lost, etc. 
 
 6. They are to build one another up, in faith, in 
 liberty; liberty not misjudged; liberty not used as a 
 cloak of maliciousness, etc. 
 
 7. Builders in contending for the faith once delivered 
 to the saints; in that faith is the whole system of revealed 
 religion; in it are found the immunities secured by 
 Christ to men, such as liberty and the pursuit of hap- 
 piness. 
 
 II. The course which God's people are bound to 
 pursue when God's sovereign prerogrative in their work 
 is invaded. 
 
 1. We inquire, when is God's prerogative invaded .? 
 
 a. When the work God has called on his people to 
 
 perfonn is mocked and despised by hostile enactments 
 
444 PULPIT PREPARATIONS OF 
 
 claiming to be laws — Nebuchadnezzar's laws — Herod's 
 laws, etc. 
 
 6. When laws are made and enforced by earthly gov- 
 ernments, which tend to the annihilation of moral obli' 
 gation, and which strip the laws of Christ of all their 
 dignity. 
 
 c. To foster slavery under the pretext of saving the 
 Union, a fugitive slave law is introduced as a iinality, etc. 
 
 2. The course Grod's people are bound to pursue. 
 
 a. To seek redress from God himself — prayers, etc., as 
 Esther; as Elijah called fire, etc. 
 
 b. To attempt to advance their work by trowels and 
 if need be by sword, etc. 
 
 c. To look with contempt upon, and treat with in- 
 dignity all attempts to invade Grod-given rights; not 
 worship the image; Daniel broke the law, etc. 
 
 d. Bound to use all laudable means to break up such 
 usurpation. (Quotation.) The Continental Congress in 
 1774 agreed that our struggle should be for universal 
 liberty, and not for a class; the rights of human nature. 
 Jeiferson in his original draft of the Declaration ar- 
 raigned the King for sustaining the execrable traffic in 
 slaves, etc. 
 
 Now comes the question of sanctioning by federal 
 legislation a system at war, 
 
 (1.) With every right of humanity. 
 
 (2.) With every principle of our Constitution. 
 
 (3.) With all that is glorious and virtuous in our 
 history. 
 
 (4.) With every interest and hope of our country. 
 
 (5). With every precept of the Bible. 
 
 " The questicm is to be submitted to the ballot box of 
 legislating into new territory a system that robs man pf 
 
EEV. JABBZ S. SWAN. 445 
 
 his manhood and woman of her chastity. Tremendous 
 events hang upon that day." 
 
 However this sermon " offended," who now will say 
 that the preacher was not a true prophet ? 
 
 We will now give one of the shortest skeletons we 
 can find. 
 
 " Mat. ix. 37, 38, ' Then saith He to his disciples.. 
 The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.'" 
 
 I. The lordship of Christ over the souls of men. 
 
 II. The method devised hy Christ to secure sufficient 
 lahorers to gather the harvest. 
 
 III. The motives by which disciples are moved to call 
 on the Lord of the harvest. 
 
 I. The lordship of Christ over the souls of men. 
 
 1. God has given Him power over all flesh. 
 
 2. He died and rose again, that he might be lord 
 both of the dead and the living. 
 
 3. Such lordship reveals his compassion for the mul- 
 titude. 
 
 4. Such lordship indicates his ability to meet the 
 needs of the harvest field, &c. 
 
 II. The method devised by Christ to secure sufficient 
 laborers to gather the harvest. 
 
 1. He will supply the field in answer to prayer. 
 
 2. Thus He throws the responsibility of supplying 
 the field on the disciples. 
 
 3. Thus He would teach them thp-t the proper kind 
 of reapers are those alone which Christ himself sends. 
 
 4. Thus all who are sent will be welcomed by those 
 already in the field. 
 
 5. Thus they are prepared for greater union to Christ 
 and for the efforts which the demands of the field excite. 
 
446. PULPIT PKEPARATIONS OF 
 
 III. Motives, by which disciples are urged to call on 
 the Lord, &c. 
 
 1. The plenteousness of the harvest, &c. 
 
 2. The fewness of actual laborers, &c. 
 
 3. The ability of Christ to send laborers. 
 
 4. The consequences to the harvest if the sickle is 
 not put in." 
 
 We will now give a few texts and the propositions. 
 The reader will readily imagine the propositions drawn 
 out in appropriate points, after the manner of the pre- 
 ceding skeletons. We take the briefs almost as they 
 come to hand: 
 
 " Exodus xxxiv, 29. — " When he came down from 
 the mount, Moses wist not that the skin of his face 
 shone," &c. 
 
 I. Communion with God assimilates to his likeness. 
 II. Likeness to God can exist, though in obscurity 
 to its possessor. ^ 
 
 " 11 Chronicles, xxxi, 21. — 'And in every work he 
 began in the service of the house of God, and in the 
 commandments,' &c. 
 
 A just respect for the house of God, a»perfect security 
 of religious prosperity. 
 
 I. What is a just respect for the house of God. 
 II. The prosperity which it secures. 
 
 " Job xxiii, 14. — ' For He performeth the thing that 
 is appointed for me, and many' such things,'' &c. 
 I. The character of God's appointments. 
 
 II. The certainty of their fulfillment. 
 "Matthew xiv, 30. — 'And when, he saw the winds 
 
 boisterous, he was afraid, and beginning io sink,' &c. 
 . I. Attention diverted from Christ forebodes evil, 
 II. The remedy found in reclaimed attention. 
 
REV. JABEZ &. SWAN. 447 
 
 " Mark xxvi, 20. — 'And they went forth and preach- 
 ed everywhere, the Lord working with them,' &c. 
 
 Doctrine. Industry in religion secures corresponding 
 success. 
 
 I. The industry which religion demands. 
 
 II. The manner wherein Grod has secured its success. 
 
 " Luke V, 5. — ' Nevertheless, at thy word, I will let 
 down the net.' 
 
 I. The commands of Christ the law of christian action. 
 
 II. Compliance with Christ's commands secures ample 
 succes?. 
 
 " Luke xiv, 19. — ' I pray thee have me excused.' 
 I. The character of excuses for rejecting gospel pro- 
 visions. 
 
 II. The danger of excuses excluding those who make 
 them ffoni heaven. 
 
 "John xxi, 17. — ' He saith unto him the third time, 
 Simon, son of Jonas lovest thou me.' 
 
 I. The necessity for this kind of interrogation among 
 Christ's professed friends. 
 
 II. The reply which true religion will furnish. 
 
 " Acts 1, 8. — ' And ye sliall re>ceive power after that 
 the Holy Spirit is come upon you.' 
 
 I. The proper qualification for a religious intere&t. 
 
 II. The object to be accomplished by men thus 
 qualified. 
 
 "1, Cor. vi, 20. — ' For ye are hought with a price ; 
 therefore glorify God in your body and spirit, wtiich. 
 are Ms.' 
 
 I. A christian belongs to God by purchase, both 
 body and spirit. 
 
 II. The object of God in this purchase. 
 
 III. The purchase paid, the motive to, action. 
 
44S PTTLPIT PKEPAEAIIONS OF 
 
 "llj Thes. iii, 1. — ' That the word of the Lord may 
 have free course,^ &c. 
 
 I. The position God lias assigned to bis word in the 
 triumphs of salvation. 
 
 II. The duty of the church to promote its circulation. 
 
 "Heb. vi, 9. — 'Things which accompany salvation.' 
 I. Things which accompany salvation in its attain- 
 ment. 
 
 II. Things which accompany its enjoyment. 
 
 " Eev. iii, 16. — 'So then because thou art luhewarm.' 
 
 Doctrine. Eeligious indifference. 
 I. Its criminality . 
 
 II. Its offensiveness to God. 
 III. Its danger. 
 
 " 11, Cor. vi, 9. — 'As dying and heliold we live.' 
 
 Doctrine. In the kingdom of God, death the har- 
 binger of life. 
 
 I. The death which is the harbinger of life. 
 
 II. The life which follows death. 
 
 These briefs of pulpit preparations need no explana- 
 tions or encomiums. They reveal a workman who 
 needed not to be ashamed-, rightly dividing the woi-d. 
 If the dry bones themselves have no flavor of " locusts 
 and wild honey," be it understood that the flesh with 
 which they were clothed, had it. If such was the frame of 
 discourses, what must have been the muscle, and nerve, 
 and spirit.? - Those who heard the sermons can answer. 
 Such study and prayer, such labor and ability, were not 
 without signal success. As a sermonizer, Mr. Swan 
 holds no inferior rank among the justly celebrated 
 preachers of our land. He had the analytic tact and 
 power of an Edwards, and the zeal and fire of a Tennent. 
 If he had negligence of scholastic taste and an unusual 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 449 
 
 daring in phraseology, lie yet had point and energy and 
 pathos and power, and stands, of his kind, quite unri- 
 valled for effectiveness. His proficiency in homiletics 
 will command the respect of all strong thinkers. 
 
 In 1857, a writer, "not a member of the Baptist de- 
 nomination,'' sent a paper to the Christian Secretary, 
 urging the publication of a volume of the evangelist's 
 sermons, afi&rming that " very many of his sermons are 
 justly deserving an enduring existence, on account of 
 their unusual excellence, as clear and logical expositions 
 of the sacred te!xt. As bold, forcible and eloquent de- 
 lineations of sacred history and biography, many of them 
 have no parallel, even in the history of New England 
 preaching; and, if carefully selected and prepared, they 
 would well deserve a place in the same category with 
 those of Whitefleld and Spurgeon." He also suggested 
 that "the revenue from the sale of the work, would 
 prove of advantage to him when age and infirmity pre- 
 vent him from performing further duty as a preacher." 
 This last reason. We fondly hope, maybe in some meas- 
 ure answered by the volume that now engages our 
 attentiou. ~ 
 
 29 
 
GHAPTEK XXV. 
 
 DOMESTIC BELATIONS. 
 
 HOME BBMElfBEEBD. — NO INTETISION. SANCTITY OF HOMB. — PBOT- 
 
 ESTANT. — FAITH AND mACTICB. — MKS. SWAN. — HEK QUALITIES 
 
 AND SPHERE. CHILDKBN. DEATH OF HELEN. MEMOBIES. — 
 
 EVENTFUL LIFE. ITS ISSUES. ITS BECOBD. DEATH OF MKS. 
 
 SWAN. 
 
 While with so jnuch profit we have traced the re- 
 markable steps, and read the impressive record, of the 
 evangelist, think not that we have forgotten his worthy 
 and cherished home. Often, from his tender allusions, 
 and its own pure attractions, have our own eyes been 
 turned upon it. 
 
 Into the privacy of domisstic life we have neither the 
 right nor the disposition to intrude. ' Some referenca 
 to it in tliis case however seems appropriate and indis- 
 pensable. The public man had a home-aid whose 
 name and virtues should be ever coupled with his own. 
 
 Man is a domestic as well as a public actor. The 
 first and most sacred school on earth is that of the 
 family. It is more than a school; it is a sanctuary; 
 and parents are priests. Eightfully Protestant minis- 
 ters claim their relation in the family; they may assume 
 the position of husband, and father, and teacher, and 
 ruler, in the kingdom of home. Unschooled and in- 
 experienced in this sacred realm, we are unprepared to 
 teach and direct in the wider relation of the com- 
 munity. Despite the dogmas of the Papacy, borrowed 
 
EEV. JABEZ S. SWAN. 451 
 
 from the blind austerities of paganism, the experience 
 of men, not to quote the teachings of the Scriptures, 
 has proved that religious teachers should know, by 
 personal knowledge, the loves, endearments, toils, re- 
 sponsibilities, anxieties, sanctities, trials and rewards of 
 home, if they would be skilled in touching, with truth 
 and sympathy, the cords of all human hearts, winning 
 them to the harmonies of God. 
 
 In Laura Griffin, (born October 2, 1797,) daughter 
 of Zebulon Griffin, of East Haddam, Mr. Swan found 
 a true woman, a true wife, and a true christian — ■ 
 qualities and relations not easily expressed. What of 
 Eden now belongs to earth, the preacher found in his 
 home. From the toils of the field he had a happy, 
 cheering bower to which he could res.ort. Though 
 obedient to calls of duty that often took him far and 
 detained him long, no man more prized the quiet en- 
 dearments and peace of his home shrine. His wife 
 was worthy of the ardent love she received. Words 
 may not describe how much, by her care, her tender- 
 ness, her councils and prayers," she, as a true partner, 
 girded him for the battles to which he was summoned. 
 We have seen that she accompanied and cheered him 
 in his studies. By her own skillful and diligent hands 
 she bore her full part in providing for all needs. 
 Through all the eventful years — now numbering more 
 than fifty — her house has been strongly characterized 
 by piety, industry, hospitality and benevolence. Few 
 women have equally with her illustrated the unosten- 
 tatious, sacred, influential sphere of woman. Her 
 rights have been her duties, and her duties have been 
 her rewards. One in love, life, labor and hope with her 
 husband, their record should be one. Although history 
 
452 DOMESTIC RELATIONS OF 
 
 as men writa it and repeat it, may not emblazon her 
 name or lift it to human notice as prominently as the 
 name of the evangelist, the record of her loves, and 
 prayers, and deeds, is sure in the hook of divine 
 remembrance. 
 
 The children of Jabez S. and LaUra Gr. Swan have 
 been, 
 
 Elizabeth L., born in Stonington, Ct., Feb. 19, 1829. 
 
 Ann Augusta, born in Norwich, N. Y. May 29, 1832. 
 
 Samuel P., born in Norwich, N. Y., May 20, 1837 
 
 Charles Y., born in Oxford N. Y., Aug. 5, 1840 
 
 Helen P., born in N. Londoti, Conn., Sept. 11, J 845. 
 
 The last, the loving mother of three children, has 
 passed to the other shore. She died in New London, 
 Conn., Dec. 31, 1872. A thousand hearts were deeply 
 affected by the death of this fair, young christian. 
 She was read}', through faith in Christ, for her heavenly 
 home; yet her maternal heart turned to her little ones, 
 as the following lines, found among her choice papers, 
 will indicate. 
 
 " O little feet; that such long years 
 
 Must wander on through hopes and fears; ; 
 
 Mustache and hleed heneath your load; 
 I, nearer to the wayside inn 
 Where toil shall cease and rest begin, 
 
 Am weary, thinking of your road." 
 
 The day of her death — the last of the year — and the 
 hour of her death — as the sun was setting — recalls 
 another stanza that she had selected and preserved, as 
 if prophetieof the hour of her departure. 
 
 " O, when our sun is setting, may we glide 
 Like summer evening down the golden tide'; 
 And leave behind us, as we pass away, 
 Sweet starry twilight round our sleeping clay." 
 
EEV. JABEZ'S. SWAN, 453 
 
 The tender and truthful sentences subjoined are from 
 the lieu of a member of the family: 
 
 " For forty-nine years no coffin has passed our thres- 
 hold. In common with the experience of all earthly 
 homes, we had had severe illness, with days and nights 
 of painful solicitude, and weary watching, but the 
 death angel ever passed on, and left us an unbroken 
 circle for nearly a half-century. 
 
 " The peculiarly afflicting circumstances of -her sick- 
 ness and death can never be written. Father was absent 
 in the State of New York, engaged in a great religious 
 awakening. Mother, in a precarious state of health, 
 was with her son-in-law, in Brooklyn. The eldest sister 
 was left almost alone to grapple with the dreadful dis- 
 ease — besides caring for three little children, and the 
 other duties of the household. A sister's love, fortified 
 by that faith which is an anchor to the soul, alone enabled 
 her to pass this terrible ordeal. 
 
 " Eulogy is unnecessary for those who knew the dear 
 departed. It need only be said, that she was a true 
 daughter, wife and mother. She had early in life pro- 
 fessed her father's faith; and though her j^rofession was 
 in deeds, rather than words, when the supreme hour of 
 trial came, she was enabled to bear all with christian 
 endurance. When the death-angel had set his seal upon 
 her fair, young brow, we knew that all was well. A 
 beautiful light, like the foregloams of the morning land, 
 seemed to illumine her countenance in her last moments, 
 which came to us as a beautiful fisal token, when the 
 poor lips failed for utterance, that she was with her 
 Savior. 
 
 Three score and ten years are the full measure of 
 man's life. Beyond that period, the toiling preachu 
 
454 DOMESTIC KELATIONS OF 
 
 has now advanced. His retrospect of life must be im- 
 pressive. No common satisfaction must spring from 
 the reflection that for more than fifty years he has labored 
 far and near, with his full strength, continuously, and 
 joyously, and successfully, in the purest, highest, noblest 
 employment permitted to man; and that his successes 
 have won for him a place in his country's history. 
 
 But who may presume to trace the issues of such a 
 life.'' What part did this man act in the great economy 
 of God.^ What cords, great and small — all of death- 
 less vibrations — did he touch .'' How many perishing 
 souls have been won to Christ through his ministry.? 
 How many thousands of Grod's Israel have been quick- 
 ened in their faith and led to gird on the armor of 
 righteousness and go up to the battle of life under his 
 Inspiring call? How many, converted under his preach- 
 ing, and called of God into the ministry, have become 
 able preachers of the everlasting gospel P By his glad 
 hands, what scores of hundreds have been "buried with 
 Christ in baptism," and raised to newness of life? 
 How many assemblies has he gathered, and how many 
 churches has he been instrumental in founding? What 
 a great number of eagerly accepted sermons he has 
 preached to immense congregations, at ordinations, 
 dedications, associations, conventions and great general 
 gatherings? 
 
 A ministry so len-gthy, comprehensive, and peculiar, 
 in an age fraught with such activities, changes, and 
 issues, must have, beyond all apparent fruits, a great 
 train of consequences that only the future and the divine 
 record may disclose. Interlocking with the holy past, 
 jt will also link itself with the sacred hereafter. 
 
DEATH OF MRS. SWAN. 
 
 With sadness we arrest the work of tlie printers to 
 add to our volume a brief obituary cbapter. For want 
 of space we shall confine ourselves to the substance of 
 a note just received from the sorrowing evangelist. 
 
 "Deae B-rothek Dknison : I have a most trying 
 subject to write about. You have heard of the death 
 of my beloved wife, some account of whom you alieady 
 have. Let me add : She was converted in her youth, 
 but did not publicly profess her faith in Christ till after 
 we were married. Her relatives being of another de- 
 nomination (Congregationalists), the way was not clear 
 for her to unite with the people of her choice till loca- 
 ted among Baptists, though she was never opposed by 
 her relatives, and the Congregationalists have ever been 
 among our best friends. 
 
 " Her life has been one of unceasing toil and labors 
 for Christ. She was diffident of her ability to work 
 openly in the kingdom ; but, till prevented from at- 
 tending conference meetings by home cares, ' she did 
 what she could.' When T was ordained, my salary was 
 but two hundred and fifty dollars a year ; and it did 
 not exceed that for about six years. Only the most 
 rigid economy enabled us to live on our income. But 
 for the peculiar faculty of Mrs. Swan to make a little 
 
456 OBITtT ARY NOTE 
 
 go a great way, I must have been driven from the 
 pulpit to support my family. Pardon an illustration 
 of her thoughtfulness. Through her economy and 
 planning, during the second year of my settlement, we 
 saved enough to buy her a silk dress. She was small 
 of stature, and fashion favored our poverty. We went 
 twenty miles to reach a cheap store, and paid nine dol- 
 lars for nine yards of blue-black silk; and it was deemed 
 an ample pattern. We were never as hapjiy, before or 
 afterwards, on account of silk. When in health, Mrs. 
 Swan did all her work, and took the utmost pains to 
 always have my affairs so arranged that I could go at 
 the bidding of Providence. 
 
 " In the great revival of 1832, in Chenango county 
 and the surrounding regions, I deeply felt the impor- 
 tance of being more effectually girded for my work, and 
 desired Mrs. Swan to join me, before my large congre- 
 gation, in a statement of what we intended to do, with 
 the help of the Lord. Together we stood before the 
 multitude, and made acknowledgments, and tried to 
 take a stand for Grod, that the way might be open for 
 others. Then we knelt together in the sanctuary, and 
 poured out our hearts to God for the salvation of the 
 lost. The effect was remarkable. The revival rolled 
 on till near one hundred were converted to the Lord. 
 
 " While, in the multitude of my toils, I have been 
 much from home, Mrs. Swan has uncomplainingly looked 
 after the home affairs. But few women have endured 
 more trials, borne more crosses, and suffered more from 
 the burdens and heat of the day. The last five years of 
 her life have been specially full of trials and sufferings, 
 as her nervous system seemed to be broken. In tte loss 
 of Helen, the trial wag such, that she sank almost into 
 
OF MRS. SWAN. 4SY 
 
 the valley of death. Yet for the last few months her 
 health in a degree returned, and she exhibited her 
 wonted cheerfulness. 
 
 " About ten days ago she was taken ill, but we were 
 unable to ascertain that her case was alarming till within 
 twenty-four hours of her decease. She suffered some 
 from thirst, and before we were aware of it she was struck 
 with death. I asked her if I should pray. As she 
 readily assented, I spent a few moments in asking God 
 for help. I inquired if she had requests of any kind to 
 make. Her answer was, she had none. Almost the last 
 • words that fell from her lips were: "Had I possessed 
 .more ability, I should have done more for Christ." 
 When really in the valley of the shadow of death, over 
 her seemed to dawn the day that breaks from the Delec- 
 table Mountains, liefore she departed, she repeated 
 two passages of Scripture, as follows: ' I have fought a 
 good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the 
 faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 
 righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous jadge, 
 shall give me in that day; and not to me only, but unto 
 all them also that love his appearing.' The other was: 
 ' My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength 
 of my heart, and my portion forever.' In a few moments, 
 she fell asleep as quietly as an infant in the arms of a 
 fond mother. Her departure to the celestial home was 
 on Friday, (December 19, 1873,) between five and six 
 o'clock. On Sunday, (December 21,) we tearfully fol- 
 lowed the body to the cemetery, to await the great day. 
 
 "Thus has passed from earth one whom Jesus loved; 
 one who has borne bereavements in a wonderful manner; 
 a devoted wife, a tender mother, a friend to all, and, I 
 may add, beloved by all. And her death is felt among 
 
45S 
 
 OBITUARY NOTE 
 
 the poor, whom slie was always forward to rememter. 
 She was se%'eaty-six years of age. 
 
 " 0, how changed is my home! May the Lord give 
 me grace to fiiiish my course as she finished hers, and 
 as fully, at last, to lean on the arm and the bosom of 
 the Lord Jesus. J. S. Swan." 
 
 New London, Conn., Dec. 22, 1873. 
 
 t«^..JrVj.-.^-.u:i:iWi^..^l..A.r.-'-^:...-.n,--VAt^t:ro'iWSH-'.cWjU.^i.V: .,;:Jfl.-t.Z7?' 
 
 B>y.::7';-» w 
 
 The one, on the hill-tops, the trumpet has blown, 
 And led lo the battle the host of the Lord. 
 
 The ornER defended the home tower alone. 
 Deserving, with palm-bearers, honor's award. 
 
 New Havem, Coxx., Dec. 25, 1ST3. 
 
 F. D. 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 A.ckley, AMn, 251. 254. 
 Actors, 19. 
 Aa dress, 196. 
 Anderson, Isaac, 6. 422. 
 Ahecdotes. 
 
 A doubter, 120. 
 
 Axe grinding, 415. 
 
 Baptism, 836. 
 
 Baptisms 159. 
 
 Betsey Koyes, 87. 88- 
 
 Bear-flght, 412. 
 
 Catching quails. 4L4. 
 
 Cecil, 309. 
 
 Conferences, 85. 
 
 Confessions, 92. 93. 
 
 Creed, 423. 
 
 Crook, 429. 
 
 Decrees, 108. 421. 
 
 Devil's peddler. 150. 
 
 Democratic prayer, 225. 
 
 Declamation, 68. 
 
 Distilleries, 336. 
 
 Divine institution, 436. 
 
 Dumb devil, 118. 
 
 Doctrinal views, 65. 66. 
 
 Dr. Kendrick, 63. 66. 
 
 Eagles, 330. 
 
 E. Fellows, 45. 
 
 Feathers and tar, 149. 
 
 Fillmore- squash, 438. 
 
 Pishing, 253. 
 
 Frogs, 414. 
 
 Fur cap, 173. 
 
 G Whitefield,208. 
 
 Hanging, 434. 
 
 Hatching eggs. 436. 
 
 Harpoon, 427. 
 
 Ice, 387. 
 
 Inquest, 411. 
 
 Jailer, 411. 
 
 Jonah, 373, 404, 405, 427. 
 
 Letting go, 256. 
 
 Liberty, 337. 
 
 Locofocos, 437. 
 
 Military rank, 170. 
 
 Miser, 410. 
 
 Music, 266. 
 
 Model man, 112. 
 
 Paul, 389, "416-418. 
 
 Peter, 390, 410. 
 
 Perry Davis, 306. 
 
 Philippian joUer, 411. 
 
 Pig-riaing, 435. 
 
 Pilgrim and Swam, 409. 
 
 Politics, 140. 
 
 Powder, 411. 
 
 Predestinarians, 428. 
 
 Presumption, 111. 
 
 Preaching, 59, 68, 75, 83, 89. 
 
 President Lincoln, 177. 
 
 Purgatory, 435. 
 
 Quails, 414. 
 
 Eivairy, 111. 
 
 EoU-call, 428. 
 
 Samson's marriage, 428. 
 
 Sheep, 209. 
 
460 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Sheep and dogs, 213. 
 
 Sheared horses, 165. 166. 
 
 Silas, 416-418. 
 
 Sleep, 388. 
 
 Sleighing, 347. 410. 
 
 Sraall soul, 390. 
 
 Soldiers, 333. 
 
 Spiking a gun, 431. 
 
 Tea ketUe, 270. 
 
 Ten dollars, 439. 
 
 The challenge, 430. 
 
 Thirty pieces, 434. 
 
 Tribute money, 410. 427. 
 
 Universalism, 153. 
 
 Woman healed, 106. 
 
 Washing feet, 406. 
 
 Wrath and prayer, 90. 91. 
 
 Wrong shop, 313. 
 Appleton, G. W.,69. 
 Austin, David, 80. 
 Avery, Isaac, 352 . 
 
 Babcock, Rufus, 83. 
 Bacon, Dr., 104. 
 Bailey, ^. B., 210, 
 Baker,J. 11., 36.345. 
 Baldwin, Dr., 327. 
 Baptism, Cong'l, 825. 335. 
 Baptism, Methodist, 200-208. 
 Baptism, at night, 220. 
 Baptism, thorough, 285. 
 Barber, John W., 6. 7. 
 Bear fight, 413. 
 Beckwith, Elisha, 372. 
 Beecher, H. W., 22. 179. 249. 
 Beebe, A. M., 353. 
 Bellamy, Rev.,, 164. 
 Bennett, Alfred, 37. 
 Bennett, J. G., 185. 
 Bentley, L. D., 378-379. 281. 
 Bentley, William, 77 
 
 Benedict, George, 28. 37. 160. 162. 
 
 163. 165. 
 Benson, Rev., 69. 
 Blessings, hidden, 131. 
 Black Republicans, 334. 
 Bolles, Lucius, 83. 
 Bolles, Edward, 426. 
 Boice, Rev., 295. 
 Bonny, Col., 105. 
 Bradford, A., 212. 217. 
 Brainard, David, 175. 
 Brewster, Capt, 190. 
 Breed, Dea., 280. 
 Brohson, Asa, 36. 69. 86. 
 BroDson, A. C. , 6, 290. 427. 
 Brown, Simeon, 301. 
 Brown, J. P., 37,360. 
 Brown, Mr., 268. 
 Brooks, W. R.,353, 355. 
 Buckingham, Gov., 324. 
 Bunyan, John, 420, 431. 
 Burrows, Silas, 301. 
 Burrows, Roswell, 68, 69. 
 Burchard, S. D.,'l8l. 
 
 Cartwright, Peter, 179. 
 Caulkins, P. M.,231. ' 
 Certificates,. 81. 
 Chamberlain, J. H., 28. 37. 95. 
 
 116. 125. 135. 164. 165. 
 Chalmers, Dr., 179. 
 Charge to C. Y. Swan, 428. 
 Chamberlain, Dea. , 127. 
 Children, 133. 189. 190. 
 Chesebro, Elihu, 45. 69. 185. 
 Chenango Association, 8. 95, 
 Circular Letter, 82. 
 Clark, B.R,94. 
 Clark, Lyman, 0. 296. 313. 317. 
 Clark, Ellen, 313. 317. 
 Clapp, Otis, 364. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 461 
 
 Cook, N. B., 193. 
 
 Cook, Beniijah, 36. 185. 224. 230. 
 
 245. 250. 253. 256. 267. 269. 
 
 297. 301. 
 Colby, J. M.,243. 
 Cole, Nathaniel, 09. 301. 
 Colver, Nathaniel, 264. 
 Uongregationalists, 278. 302. 
 Conviction, 50. 131. 
 Conversion of J. S. 8., 51. 390. 
 Council, 77. 
 Cotton, John, 175. 
 Craiy, Jesse, 194. 
 Crosby, Pearson, 395. 
 Crocker, John H., 0. 218-229. 
 Cumberland Presbyterians, 307. 
 Cushnian, Elisha, 343. 
 
 Daggett, Rev., 237. 
 
 Dancing, 316. 
 
 Darrovv, Zadoc, 70. 
 
 Darrow, Francis, 70. 260. 271. 273, 
 
 374. 376. 301. 
 Darrovvr, George R., 233. 
 Davis, Perry, 303-306. 
 Davenport, James, 231. 
 DeForest, Gen.,336. 
 Denunciations, 310. 
 Denison, Frederick, 47. 
 Denisoa, Erastus, 36. 185. 190. 
 
 193. 193. 197. 198. 314. 216. 345 
 Denison, Frederic, 7. 191. 203. 
 
 331. 323. 384. 455. 
 Denison, William, 37. 
 Denison, Fredrica, 6. 
 Dedication, 301. 
 Derbonn, Rev., 366. 
 Devil's Peddler, 150. 
 Dietz, H. L., 430. 
 Discipline, 31. 
 
 Dickinson, Simeon, 70 
 Dorr War, 184. 
 Dodge, Ebenezer, 37. 355. 430. 
 Dryden, John, 89. 
 
 Early Piety, 133. 124. 
 
 Earle, A. B.,390. 
 
 Eaton, G. W., 105. 353. 355. 356- 
 
 358. 
 Economy, 60. 63. 63. 
 Education Society, 59. 
 Edwards, Jonathan, 33. 181. 199. 
 Election, 438. 
 Episcopalians, 378. 
 Evangelism, 174. 180-183. 252. 
 
 297. 
 Evangelists, 28. 
 
 Faithfulness, 49. 
 Fasting forty days, 316. 
 Faxon, Elisha, 185. 
 Eellows, Elnathan, 45. 
 Fellovi'ship, hand of, 107. 313. 
 Fields, Rev., 337. 336. 
 Pish, S. M., 240. 
 Finney, C. D., 179. 181. 
 Foster, N. P., 360. 
 Fowler, Dea., 379, 383. 
 Foreign Missions, 263. 416-418. 
 Free Masonry, 258-263. 
 
 Gallup, Erastus, 213. 
 Gardner, William, 69. 
 Gates, Alfred, 36. 245. 436. 
 Gentry, Ministerial, ?66. 
 Golden Wedding, 880. 
 Goddard, Luther, 69. 
 Goodwin, Jonathan, 70. 
 
462 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Graves, Samuel, 37. 
 Gray, Sliapley, 213. 
 Greene, John, 36. 193. 
 Green H. K., 363. 
 Griffin, Laura, 58. 
 Griffin, Dr., 66. 78. 
 Griffin, Zebulon, 451. 
 Grosh, Sliinner &., 99. 
 Gulliver, J. P., 335. 
 
 Hall, Robert, 179. 
 
 Hancox, Peleg, 184 
 
 Hascall, Daniel, 37. 
 
 Hawes, Josiah, 47. 
 
 Hawes, Joel, 78. 301. 433. 
 
 Harvey, Rev. 135. 
 
 Harris, Isaac, 330. 1321. 339. 230, 
 
 233. 333. 808-310. 415. 
 Harris, Richard, 220. 353. 355 
 
 269. 279. 308. 310. 313. 
 Harris, Douglass, 330. 
 Hart, Ira, 78. 79. 80. 
 Hell's Corners, 364 
 Hedden, B. F., 36. 
 Hilly, Judge, 173. 
 Higher Life, 368-374 
 Hill, B. M., 6. 77. 394-397. 
 Hiscox, E. T., 37. 
 Holman, J. W., 78. 
 Hopkins, Dea., 379. 381. 383. 
 Humphrey, Friend, 248. 
 Hub, 365. 
 
 Ide, Dr., 404. 405. 
 
 Inquest, 411. 
 
 Infidels, 134 181. 132. 138. 
 
 Imagination, 24. 
 
 Ives, Dr., 6. 406-408. 
 
 Jailer, at Philippi, 389. 411. 
 Jefferson, Thomas, 444 
 Jeff. Davis, 428. 
 Jonah, 373, 404-405. 427. 
 
 Keeney, Curtis, 379. 
 KeEyhan, Mr., 377. 
 Kendrjck, N., 37. 62. 64 65. 66. 
 
 67. 359. 
 Kingsloy, A. C, 38. 37. 
 Kingsley, Washington, 116. 135. 
 King; AV. H., 874-375. 
 Kirkham, Rev., 383. 
 Kincaid, Rev., 290. 
 Knapp, Jacob, 37. 38. 37. 175. 183. 
 
 186. 364. 388. 390. 
 Knapp, H. R., 86. 218. 231. 245. 
 Kneeland, Levi, 69. 
 
 Ladd, J. S., 108. 
 Latham, Daniel, 333. 
 Latham, Dea., 255. 
 Lawton, Rev.," 89. 93. 
 Leech, M., 353. 
 Leonard, Rev., 360. 
 Leonard., L., 103. 116. 259. 
 Lewis, J. J, 6. 353. 386-391. 
 Lewis, C. C, 317. 245. 426. 
 Lincoln, President, 177, 488. 
 LiHibridge, Mrs., 347. 
 Loomis, Mr., 271. 
 Losing strength, 155. 199. 200. 
 Lydia, 889. 
 Lyman, W., 78. 
 Lyon, D. D., 36. 350. 355. 
 
 MoClay, A., 345. 
 Main, R., 145. 153. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 463 
 
 Mai'riap-e, 58. 
 Masonry, Free, 258. 263. 
 McEwen, A., 79, 327. 301. 
 Meech, Levi, 30. 69. 345. 
 Meetings, four clays, 88. 94. 
 Meetings, protracted, 103. 103 
 
 135. 
 Meetings, liampered, 103. 104. 
 Methodists, 325. 230. 236. 378. 
 MtUerism, 238. 
 Miller, Hervey, 314. 315. 316. 
 Miller, D. H., 303. 
 Miles, G. J.,126. 
 Miner, Jonathan, 69. 
 Miner, Asher, 09. 
 Miner, Bradley, 345. 
 Miner, Asa, 83. 
 Miner, Henry, 83. 
 Ministerial Gentry, 266. 
 Ministerial Aims, 33. 
 Ministerial ambition, S3. 
 Missions, Foreign, 415. 416-418. 
 Missions, State, 331. 406-408. 
 Morse, Rev., 380. 
 Morgan, 258. 261. 
 Morgan, Calvin, 315. 316. 
 Murdock, J. N., 6. 416. 418. 
 Munger, W.,86. 
 Music, 366. 
 
 Neale, R. H.,6. 408-405. 
 
 Nettletons, 181. 
 
 New York Herald, 186. 
 
 New London Association, 3. 27 
 
 360. 
 Newton, Dea., 808. 
 Niles, John, 6. 339. 230. 
 Noyes, Daniel, 143. 
 Noyes, Betsey, 87. 88.- ' 
 Noyes, John, 80. 84. 143. 
 
 Northrop, W., 70. 
 
 Odd Fellowship, 360. 
 Ordination, 70. 83. 
 Oxford, 97. 144, 148. 
 
 Packer, C, 216. 
 
 Paine, C. C, 386. 387. 
 
 Palmer, W., 53. 07. 70. 245. 350. 
 
 883. 
 Palmer, A. G., 6. 37. 345. 386. 
 Parker, Rev, 98. 125. 
 Parkerson, Dr., 433. 
 Pastors, 36. 37. 
 Pastorates, 298. 
 Payne, Dea., 104. 105. 354. 
 Payne, John, 70. 104. 105. 
 Peckham, Peleg, 70. 245. 
 Peckham, W. L., 1. 2. 6. 191. 
 Peck, J. M., 245. 
 Peck, John, 37. 245. 284. 285. 
 Peck, L. M., 37. 384. 
 Peck, P. B., 37. 135. 136, 137. 154." 
 
 105. 284. 393. 
 Pequot Hill, 203. 
 Perkins, Dea., 51. 
 Perry, G. B,, 69. 
 Phelps, S. D., 6. 348. 408-412. 
 Phelps, B. C, 193. 200. 216. 
 Phelps, Mr., 359. 
 Phippen, George, 344-345. 
 Pinney,H..D., 393-394. 
 Pinney, Alfred, 166. 168. 
 Pinney, Mrs.,169. 
 Pilgrim, S. J., 409. 
 Pike, Samuel, 86. 100. 
 Politics, 413. 
 Politicians, 431. 
 Pomeroy, Judge, 185, 
 
464 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Potter, Perry, 377. 
 Potter, W. H., 6. 191-311. 345. 
 Potter, J. D., 229. 364. 
 Prayer, power of, 387-396. 
 Prayers, Remarkable, 81. 98. 113. 
 
 114. 116. 117. 119. 131. 138. 150. 
 
 308. 333. 338. 245. 246. 347. 357. 
 
 368. 369. 375. 383. 283. 390. 391. 
 
 393. 393. 394. 395. 396. 307. 314. 
 
 315. 330. 323. 334. 340. 377. 399. 
 
 415. 430. 
 Preaching, 33. 36. 414. 433. 434. 
 Protracted Meetings, 433. 
 Putnara, Daniel, 70! 
 
 Eanclall, Rev. 80. 93. 
 . Randall, Dea., 353. 
 Randall, Charles, 345. 
 Rathbun, V. W.,69. 
 Ratkbun, John, 69. 
 Raymond, J. H., 391-393. 
 Raymond, L., 38. 37. 149. 150, 
 
 343. 
 Remedy, for churches, 139. 
 Repairing up. 370. 
 Revivals, type of, 39. 
 Revivals^ 176. 180-183. 
 Revivals In 
 
 Albany, N.Y.,337-243. 397-298. 
 
 Auburn, N. Y., 166. 
 
 Bristol, Conn., 338. 
 
 Carmel,N.Y., 375-379. 
 
 Canton, Conn., 344-345. 
 
 Oharlestown, Mass., 363-267. 
 . Chesterfield, Conn., 370. 
 
 Gooperstown, N. Y., 148. 
 
 Cornwall Hollow, Conn., 336 
 838. 
 
 Colchester, Conn., 353. 
 
 East Lyme, Conn., 370-271. 
 
 Greenport, L. I., 351-356. 
 
 Hamilton, N. Y., 103. 353-858. 
 386-391. 
 
 Jewett City, Conn., 267-370. 
 
 Meriden, Conn., 313-317. 
 
 Milltown, Conn., 76. 
 
 Mystic, Conn., 191-217. 401. 
 
 New Hartford, Conn., 343. 
 
 New York City, 163-165. 
 
 New London, Conn., 318-236. 
 301-303. 307. 310. 
 
 Norwich, Conn., 350-351.377- 
 383. 821-335. 
 
 Norwich, N. Y., 115. 307.-363- 
 364. 
 
 Owego, N. Y., 135. 155. 385- 
 386. 313-313. 364-375. 393-394. 
 
 Oxford, N. Y., 97. 145. 
 
 Pitcher, N. Y., 88. 94. 
 
 Preston, N. Y., 135-143. 
 
 Providence, R. I., 3^)3-306. 
 
 Stonington, Conn., 45. 86. 184- 
 190. 
 
 Thompson, Conn., 395-396. 
 
 Troy, N. Y., 335-339. 
 
 UnionviUe,N.Y., 380-381. 
 
 Voluntown,Conn. , 34S-349. 
 
 Waterford, Conn., 371.277. 351. 
 
 "West Chester,Penn., 136. 
 
 Wells Port, N. Y., 169-173. 
 
 Whitesborough, N.Y., 339- 330. 
 
 ■Willimantic, Conn., 319-331. 
 
 West Woodstock, Conn., 343- 
 343. 
 Rising, M. H., 277. 
 Richards, D. S., 6. 394-395. 
 Richards, Mrs., 394. 
 Rodman, W. W., 81. 85. 
 Rogers, Richard, 301. 
 Rogers, Gilbert, 346. 372. 353. 
 
 Sabbaths, 44 
 
INDEX. 
 
 465 
 
 Balden, Dea., 339. 
 Secret Societies, 357-363. 
 September Gale, 46. 
 Sermons, 57. 59. 61. 68. 74. 83. 83. 
 
 314. 388. 401. 443-448. 
 Sermonising, 73. 74. 439-449. 
 Severity, 37. 38. 
 SJaailer, N. B., 6. 37. 381. 337. 388. 
 
 343. 346. 347. 400-403. 407. 
 Shelden, C. P., 335. 339. 330. 
 SisRon, Joseph, 343. 
 Skinner & Grosh, 99. 
 Slavery, 337, 436. 438. 
 Smither, John, 103. 116. 
 Smith, David, 79. 
 Smith, Amasa, 70. 
 Smith, Simeon, 41 
 Smith, Rufus, 43. 
 Smith, Dea., 383. 
 Sonnet, 386. 
 Songs, 435. 
 Spencer, Dea., 156. 
 Spirit Rappings, 330-331. 338.339. 
 Spender, Thomas, 69. 
 Spurgeon, 0. H., 33. 430. 
 Stage ride, 161. 
 Stanton, Daniel, 353. 
 Stanton, Mr., 137. 
 Steadman, E., 70. 
 Sterry, John, 70. 
 Steward, I. R., 36. 185. 190. 193. 
 
 193. 197. 199. 316. 345. 353. 436. 
 Stoddard, B. F., 316. 317. 
 Stonington Union Association, 3. 
 
 83. 191. 344. 319. 433. 434. 
 Stone, J. R., 37. 
 Stonington, attacked, 43. 46. 
 Storer, W. A. J. B., 83. 
 Street Preaching, 383-383. 
 Sumner, G. O., 6. 436. 
 Success, secret of, 130. 307. 308. 
 Swan, Joshua, 41. 43. 
 
 39 
 
 Swan, Esther S., 41. 43. 49. 153. 
 
 Swan, Betsey, 43, 
 
 Swan, Joseph, 43. 
 
 Swan, Jabez S., 43. 
 
 Swan, W. H., 43. 
 
 Swan, Charles, 43. ' 
 
 Swan, Laura G., 353. 378. 384. 
 
 451-453. 455-458. 
 Swan, Elizabeth L., 361. 453. 
 Swan, Ann A. , 190, 453. 
 Swan, Samuel P., 453. 
 Swan, Charles Y., 818.437. 453, 
 Swan, Helen P. , 318. 360-361, 384. 
 
 391. 453-453. 
 
 Temperance, 110. 153, 
 Testimony, 37, 
 Text weighty, 183. 
 The Baptist, 355. 
 The Challenge, 430, 
 Todd, Dr. 301. 
 Tompkins, B. W., 435. 
 Treat, Captain, 346. 347. 
 Trueman, Asa, 155. 386. 
 Trumbull, Gurdon, 81. 
 Trumbull, Dr. 303. 
 Turner, P. C, 333. 
 Tyler, Joseph, 381. 383. 333, 
 Tyler, Josephine, 6. 397-400, 
 Tyndall, Prof., 391. 416. 
 
 Uncle S., 348. 
 
 Unitarians, 365. 
 
 Union Baptisms, 301-303. 313. 
 
 336. 335. 336. 
 Universahsts, 98. 99. 100. 14B. 146. 
 
 147. 149. 158. 163. 167. 316. 333. 
 
 333. 334. 387. 356. 565, 379-381. 
 
 393. 333. 888. 389. 
 Umpstead, Dea., 103. 104. 354. 
 
466 
 
 IHDEX, 
 
 Voice of God, 159. 
 Vinton, J. H., 63. 290. 415. 
 
 Walker, Levi, 69. 
 Walker, W. C, 6. 56. 68. 294. 
 Walker, O. T., 6. 36. 293.413-416. 
 Warren, John, 376-877. 
 Wasson, Dea., 239. 240. 
 Wayland, Francis, 23. 
 Weaver, Wanton A., 230. 286. 
 Weaver, C. S., 36. 345. 246. 247. 
 Welch, B. T., 242. 
 West, Samuel, 69. 
 Westerly, 98. 99. 100. 
 Wheelock, Alonzo, 116. 398. 
 Wheelock, O., 88. 135. 
 Whitefield, G., 308. 
 Whisky, 173. 
 Wightman, Edward, 431. 
 Wightman, Valentine, 36. 801. 
 Wightman, Timothy, 301. 
 
 Wightman, J. G., 68. 69. 301. 
 Wightman, P. G., 6. 37. 370. 295, 
 Wilbur, Jeremiah, 194. 
 Wilbur, Dea., 264. 
 Wilcox, Asa, 70. 
 Wildman, Nathan, 70. 245. 
 Willett, Charles, 6. 435. 
 Williams, Roger, 175. 805. 431, 
 Williams, Bro., 138. 
 Winds, under orders, 254, 
 Witter, William, 70. 
 Wolverton, Dea., 186. 156. 
 Woodruff, Dea., 239.. 
 Woolsey, Judge, 166. 
 Wordsworth, W., 26. 
 Worthington, Kev., 343. 
 
 Yates, William, 83. 
 York, Judge, 116. 
 York, Jesremiab, 145. 
 
I, I '' <l 
 
 f 1