BX 7260 .H89 A4 1835 
 Hyde, Alvan, 1768-1833. 
 Memoir of Rev. Alvan Hyde, 
 D . D . , of Lee , Mass 
 
Digitized by tine Internet Arcliive 
 in 2014 
 
 https://arcliive.org/details/memoirofrevalvanOOIiyde_0 
 
Pahlis^ied, by Pe-rh-ri^ MarYm& Co, Boston . 
 
MEMOIR 
 
 OF 
 
 REV. ALVAN HYDE, D. D. 
 
 OF 
 
 LEE, MASS. 
 
 BOSTON : 
 
 PUBLISHED BY PERKINS, MARVIN, & CO. 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 HENRY PERKINS. 
 
 1835. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1834, 
 By Perkins, Marvin, & Co. 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. 
 
ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 This volume presents to the public the diary 
 and letters of one whom the Lord honored as a 
 useful laborer in his vineyard. As it was very 
 remote from his feelings, while living, to seek his 
 own glory, or to take any pre-eminence among 
 his brethren, so it is no part of the design of the 
 compiler of these papers, to exhibit him before his 
 readers as an extraordinary man. In his diary, 
 which is but little more than a brief notice annually, 
 of some of the providences of God toward him and 
 liis family, with his reflections upon them, are such 
 feelings expressed as every man, under similar 
 circumstances, may be supposed to indulge ; and 
 
iv ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 his letters are such, as grew out of the occasions 
 that called them forth — the effusions of faithful 
 friendship, or parental kindness. 
 
 It was at first designed to arrange all his letters 
 according to the time in which they were written, 
 but on examination, it was thought better to let 
 his communications to his children, occupy a separate 
 portion of the volume. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 His Diary, giving an account of his Parentage — His Col'egiate Life — 
 His Letters vvlnle in College— Teatlies a School in Northamptoa 
 — His i^ickncss uhile iji that pldce, 13 
 
 CHAPTER H. 
 
 Commences his Professional Studies — License to Preach — His first 
 labors as a Preacher — His Call to settle in West Stockbridge — 
 Preaches at Clinton, New York — His Ordiuatiou in Lee, ... 20 
 
 CHAPTER 111. 
 
 Revival soon after his Ordination — His Theological Sentiments — His 
 
 Marriage— His Letters till 1800 27 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Second Revival — His Letters — Death of his Father — Letter of Condo- 
 lence to bis Mother — Other Letters, 42 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Commencement of the Third Revival under his ministry — Birthday 
 reflections — Inciters — Peelings (or hiat'hildren — Joy on the Hope- 
 ful Cojiversion of his oldest £)un, . , , 50 
 
vi 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Death of his son Charles Packus— His ow;i si(kiie5S in 1813— His 
 viRvvs of enlire Dependence and per fect Atconuiabilily — Diary 
 and Letters to 1819, 70 
 
 CHAPTER Vn. 
 
 Birthday reflections for 1819— Letters— Attends the Ordinaiion of his 
 son in Ohio— An Appeal to a friend on a sick bed — Other Letters— 
 Another Revival in coinicclion with his laliors— Sickness of his 
 ^ ohiest son — Counsel to a correspondent dissatisfied with his minis- 
 ter — Feelings for his Children, 81 
 
 CHAPTER Vnl. 
 
 His Afflictions in the Death of his Children, Alvan, Harriet, Lucy and 
 
 Cbauncey, 107 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 His Labors in Revivals amoncf his People — His Trials near the close 
 
 of his IMinistry — His Views of the labors of Evangelists, .... 134 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Letters to his Children, 169 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 His Prenchins; — Theological Instruction — Pastoral Labors — Connec- 
 tion wiili Williams College, 320 
 
 CHAPTER Xir. 
 
 Revivals under his Ministry, 355 
 
 CHAPTER XHL 
 
 Brief Notice of his Published Writings, 372 
 
CONTENTS. vii 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 Domestic Character— Letter of a Son, 381 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Last Sickness and Death, 391 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Notices of Dr. Hyde, showing the estimation in which he was held 
 — Letters of Condolence to the Widow, from Drs. Humphrey and 
 Porter, 395 
 
MEMOIR. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 HIS DIARY, GIVING AN ACCOUNT OF HIS PARENTAGE 
 
 HIS COLLEGIATE LIFE HIS LETTERS WHILE IN COL- 
 LEGE T51ACHES A SCHOOL IN NORTHAMPTON HIS 
 
 SICKNESS WHILE IN THAT PLACE. 
 
 It has been sometimes thought that there is no propriety 
 in writing a memoir of any man unless he has been so 
 distinguished as to impress his character upon the age in 
 which he has lived — been of larger stature than his con- 
 temporaries — and struck out some new trains of thought. 
 They who have been thus distinguished, ought indeed to 
 have some memorial left of their greatness : but are there 
 no reasons why men of common stature, who have with 
 usefulness filled humble stations, who have delighted in 
 doing good, without being renowned, and been patiently 
 attentive to every-day duties, should also have some 
 memorial of what the Lord was pleased to do by their 
 instrumentality? Few can follow the brilliant path of the 
 great, while multitudes may have a sympathy with such as 
 moved in more ordinary spheres, and may find in examples 
 within the reach of their imitation, motives, which from 
 that very circumstance, come home more effectually to 
 their hearts. It is not even questionable, whether the 
 
14 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 cause of vital religion has derived most benefit from the 
 recorded history of the great men who have laid their 
 splendid talents and acquisitions at the feet of Jesus, or 
 from the unpretending memorials of eminent piety in the 
 common walks of life. 
 
 Such a work as the Biography of Hallock, or Payson, 
 or Emerson, is a blessing to the world, and will be read 
 by ministers with as much profit as if the subjects of them 
 had given shape to the ecclesiastical history of the times 
 in which they lived. If that heavenly principle does pos- 
 sess an intrinsic value, superior to that of the most shining 
 talent or profound erudition, why should not the pure gold 
 be thought worthy of preservation and become a part of 
 that circulating medium which enriches the world? 
 
 The reader will find in the following extracts from the 
 diary and letters, some of the prominent incidents in the 
 life of him who wrote them, and all who were acquainted 
 with the writer, will see, in the simplicity and unfeigned 
 humility breathing through the narrative, the likeness of 
 the man. 
 
 "Records of the providences and mercies of God experi- 
 enced in my life, with some reflections occasioned by them. 
 
 " I, Alvan Hyde, was born at Norwich, in Connecticut, 
 February 2, 176S. My father, Joseph Hyde, was a 
 farmer of a reputable character in that town, a friend to 
 religious order and religious institutions, a constant 
 attendant on public and family worship ; but not a pro- 
 fessor of religion. From him I received much good 
 advice in my early years, which by the blessing of God 
 had great influence on my conduct. I loved him with 
 tender affection, and ever felt myself bound to obey all 
 his commands. Of my mother I have but a faint recol- 
 lection, as she died when I was but six years old. 
 
 " January 6, 1783, I commenced the study of the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 15 
 
 enjoyment of the whole would not make him happy with- 
 into college under the instruction of the Rev. Samuel 
 Nott,* the worthy clergyman on whose ministry my father 
 attended. About a year after I began to prepare for 
 college, and when my heart was much engaged on having 
 a public education, it pleased God to deprive me of my 
 health. My complaints were such that my life was con- 
 sidered in imminent danger for a number of months. In 
 the time of this sickness I had a sight of the vanity of 
 this world and of my lost and ruined condition as a sinner. 
 I sought the Lord with many cries and tears, but with an 
 unhumhlcd heart, being ignorant of the nature of religion. 
 These serious impressions were continued and increased 
 after my health was restored and I had resumed my 
 studies. 
 
 "September, 1784. After being examined, I was 
 received as a member of Dartmouth college. This was a 
 year of great trials, occasioned by want of health and the 
 expectation of being obliged to relinquish my beloved 
 pursuit ; but I have ever since viewed it as a memorable 
 year of my life, the year of my spiritual birth. I then 
 cherished a hope that my trials were sanctified to me, and 
 that, vile as I found myself to be, I had become a partaker 
 of the grace of God." 
 
 Brief extracts from his letters, written during his resi- 
 dence at college, will here be inserted, showing his trains 
 of thought at that early age, and illustrating the charac- 
 teristics of that hope vvliicli he then cherished. 
 
 "Dartmouth University, Dec. 17, 1785. 
 
 "Kind Sir, 
 
 " While opportunity offers, I cannot forbear writing to 
 you, whom gratitude bids me esteem as a friend. Although 
 
 * This venerable man is stiU livings, and active in the ministry. 
 
16 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 learned languages, and began to prepare for admission 
 I have delayed writing so long,, yet I assure you it is 
 not without reason, and I doubt not your ingenuous 
 mind would forgive me should you know the reasons — the 
 one is for want of health, and the other for want of an 
 opportunity. 
 
 " I enjoy at present a good degree of health ; al- 
 though I have been very sick and was brought almost 
 to despair of life for several days. It was trying to me 
 to be sick from home, but I endeavored to reconcile 
 myself to my lot, and be resigned to the will of heaven. 
 * * * I like the situation here well, and manage- 
 ment of affairs among the students. They constantly 
 attend upon prayers twice a day in the hall — a conference 
 every Saturday night for reading, praying, and singing of 
 psalms. Religion is here accounted all-important." 
 
 " Dartmouth College, June 2, 1788. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Your letters arrived in safety, and the perusal of 
 them gave me peculiar satisfaction — the last informed me 
 of your better health. May God perfect his begun good- 
 ness to you, above all things may he grant you those 
 spiritual blessings which shall never fail, and may you be 
 made a true subject of divine grace. 
 
 " My journey was very agreeable. I was accompanied 
 by Messrs. J. and S. I found my circumstances at col- 
 lege more favorable than I expected. I have a good 
 room and an agreeable room-mate. With regard to re- 
 ligion, I believe the vacation was not friendly to it, for 
 since the return of the students many have shown their 
 attachment to this world who before were under very 
 serious impressions. M. is still without hope of his good 
 estate. He is now under great concern of mind, he 
 talks much of the vanity of this world, and says, that the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 17 
 
 out an interest in the Redeemer's kingdom. For my part 
 I think he is in a mucii better way than those who feel 
 secure in sin. There are a number who really make a 
 business of religion, and by their conduct give great 
 evidence, of their being true disciples of Christ. We 
 have conferences every Sabbath after meeting, and every 
 Thursday afternoon, beside on Saturday we write and 
 talk upon questions in divinity. Dear sir, do you not 
 admire our privileges ? Do you not desire to participate 
 with us? We are truly distinguished. Heaven grant 
 that we may make a good improvement of our opportu- 
 nities, and that they may not serve to increase our con- 
 demnation." 
 
 These letters show what subjects and what associates 
 interested tliis youthful member of college at the time he 
 was laying the foundation of his usefulness in the profes- 
 sion he had chosen. His diary will afford further proof. 
 
 " July, 1786, I made a public profession of the religion 
 of Jesus Christ, and solemnly dedicated myself to the 
 service of my Maker. Being in college, I united with 
 the church which was connected with it, of which one of 
 our professors was the pastor. During the whole of my 
 collegiate life, I attached myself, from choice, to those 
 students who were of a religious character; and was 
 forward- to encourage religious meetings in college. 
 
 " September 17, 1786, I was honored with the 
 degree of Bachelor of Arts. Being now disconnected 
 
 CD o 
 
 from college, I went into the wide world, not knowing 
 what would befall me. With respect to a profession, I 
 had never been wavering. My eye and my heart were 
 fixed upon the ministry, for which I ardently hoped, in 
 God's own time, to be prepared. 
 
 "November 6, 1788. Having been previously en- 
 2 * 
 
18 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 gaged, I commenced instructor of the town school ia 
 Northampton, where I continued about ten months. I 
 had not been in my school more than a month, before I 
 was violently attacked with the pleurisy, and was brought 
 even to death's door. This sickness, though distressing, 
 was, by a kind and gracious Providence, overruled fcff 
 my good. It occasioned my having many more friends in 
 the town than I should otherwise have had. Many 
 religious persons came to see me in this time of trouble, 
 whose readiness to minister to my body and soul, I de- 
 sire ever gratefully to remember. I feel an obligation 
 particularly to record the daily attention and unwearied 
 kindness of Mrs. Strong, whose pious instruction and 
 counsel were, by the blessing of God, of great service to 
 me. I experienced tokens of her friendship as long as I 
 continued in the place." 
 
 The following extract from a letter gives a more par- 
 ticular account of the sickness to which he alludes in his 
 diary. 
 
 To Mr. G. 
 
 Xorlhampton, Feb. 26, 1789. 
 " Dear Friend and Benefactor, 
 
 " Both of your letters came safely to hand. Mr. B., 
 the bearer of the former, tarried with me over night. 
 Mr. K. I did not see. Nothing but reasons peculiar could 
 have prevented my writing to you at a much earlier period. 
 Be assured then that my situation has been such since 
 I came here, that at the relation of which, you will 
 rather be excited to pity, than censure me. I have much 
 to communicate to you, but must be content with an 
 abridgment. Before I begin my narrative, let me tell 
 you I have a song of salvation put into my mouth. 
 
 " I had scarce been in this town a month, before I was 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 19 
 
 violently seized with the pleurisy — was soon deprived of my 
 reason, and rendered a helpless, miserable object. The 
 disorder was so very irregular in its progress towards a 
 crisis as almost entirely to baffle the skill of my physician. 
 My life was despaired of by all who were spectators of 
 me. In the meanwhile I thought myself sometimes out 
 in the woods, exposed to the roughness of the weather, 
 abandoned by my friends, being not insensible of my 
 weakness, and talked accordingly. In this situation I 
 more than once yielded to death, and even thought myself 
 expiring. But how faint and inadequate were my ideas 
 of that great change through which I have yet to pass ! 
 In my then weak and irregular state of mind, death ap- 
 peared with far less horror. When at the poorest, I one 
 night jumped out of my bed and inquired of my watchers, 
 if one Hyde did not live there, and appeared to be anxious 
 about his health as a near friend. The time I recollect, 
 for I thought myself, I know not how, to be friend G., 
 inquiring after my other self This is truly paradoxical, 
 but I have thought much of it since it was told me that I 
 really asked after myself as another person. Much more 
 I have to say relative to my illness, which must be de- 
 ferred for the present. I only add that I have been led 
 to experience much of the kindness of my heavenly 
 Father's care. How soon Providence may again frown, 
 I know not. Heaven grant that I may be prepared for 
 the various scenes through which I have yet to pass, and 
 that I may not be allowed to complain under those suf- 
 ferings which are inseparable from the present state of 
 man. My health is now good and situation agreeable — 
 have been successful in my school, &c. Do write again, 
 and it shall be esteemed a peculiar favor hy your much 
 obliged friend." 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 COMMENCES HIS PROFESSIONAL STUDIES LICENSE TO 
 
 PREACH HIS FIRST LABORS AS A PREACHER HIS 
 
 CALL TO SETTLE IN WEST STOCKBRIDGE PREACHES 
 
 AT CLINTON, NEW YORK HIS ORDINATION IN LEE. 
 
 "Oct. 9, 1789, I placed myself under the instruction 
 of the Rev. Charles Backus, of Somers, Connecticut, as 
 a student in divinity. With him I continued until the 
 first of June 1790, when 1 was licensed to preach the 
 gospel by the association of Tolland county, in the State 
 of Connecticut. After preaching two years as a candi- 
 date in different places, I was ordained, June G, 1792, 
 to the pastoral care and charge of the congregation in 
 Lee, Massachusetts. While preaching on probation, at 
 Lee, I resided a part of the time in the family of Rev. 
 Dr. West, of Stockbridge, with whom I pursued my 
 theological studies. This situation was peculiarly favor- 
 able to my improvement, and I trust, was truly beneficial 
 to me in obtaining a more correct and thorough knowledge 
 of the system of doctrines contained in the word of 
 God." 
 
 It may be suitable to insert in this place, some sen- 
 tences from his letters written between the dates contained 
 
MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 21 
 
 in the last extract from his diary, affording a more particu- 
 lar history of his labors as a preacher previous to his 
 ordination. 
 
 " Bennington, Sept. 10, 1790. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 "At length the long wished for time has arrived, and 
 I am once more permitted to send my friend a few lines. 
 I knove you will be glad to hear the history which I am 
 about to give. I have been conversant with ncta scenes, 
 have had new trials, and have shared in pleasures which 
 have arisen from netc sources. Since I left you I have not 
 failed preaching a single Sabbath. My health has been 
 poorer this summer than usual. The influenza affected 
 me more than I was aware. To keep journeying I found 
 was the only remedy for the disorder to which I was 
 exposed. At Sunderland I tarried four Sabbaths, then 
 visited my friends at Northampton, and preached for 
 Mr. W., since which time I have been constantly employed 
 in vacancies in the county of Berkshire. The people to 
 whom I have preached have generally manifested great 
 kindness and friendship towards me. I have received 
 from them many more favors than I have deserved. It 
 appears to me that I meet with a chosen few in every 
 town in which I form acquaintance. This gives me 
 great satisfaction, I take courage from it. I love to 
 preach where people are attentive. A faithful minister 
 cannot be dull and lifeless while his hearers discover a 
 fondness for truth. In many of the towns in Berkshire 
 county there is an uncomm_on attention to religion. 
 The churches of Christ in this quarter are enlarging ; 
 sinners feel uneasy, many I hope are inquiring the way 
 to Zion. I am now visiting my friends at Bennington, 
 propose to preach here next Sabbath ; shall then go on to 
 Tinmouth, where I have an invitation to tarry a few weeks. 
 
22 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Thus I have given you a short narrative of what has taken 
 place since I left you. Remember me to all friends, and 
 believe me, as usual, yours." 
 
 " JFest Stockhridge, June 30, 1791. 
 
 " Dear Friend, 
 
 " I know not how to go from this quarter without 
 leaving a few lines for you. I am persuaded it will gratify 
 you to hear from your friend once more. Through the 
 mercy of God I yet live and enjoy my usual health. How 
 strange it is that so. great a sinner as I am, such an ob- 
 stinate and heaven-daring creature, should receive any 
 favor from the hand of a holy God ! Why does my Maker 
 suffer me to live, since I am continually dishonoring his 
 great name? Why are my privileges continued, since 
 they have been so repeatedly forfeited? It is entirely 
 owing to the infinite mercy of God exercised towards me 
 a vile wretch through the mediation of his Son Jesus 
 Christ. I believe it to be a truth, that every favor which 
 we receive, and that every moment of time we have to 
 enjoy comforts out of complete misery and utter despair, 
 are the purchase of the blood of the Son of God. If 
 Christ had not given himself a ransom, instead of being 
 what we now are, prisoners of hope, we should have been 
 perfectly wretched and desponding creatures. 
 
 " Before I finished the four Sabbaths which I had en- 
 gaged to preach at West Stockhridge, there was a town 
 meeting, and the people gave me a call to settle among 
 them in the work of the ministry. The union was so 
 great, that I thought it to be duty to take the matter into 
 consideration. I told the people that I would preach to 
 them four Sabbaths more, after which I would give them 
 an answer. Last week I made known to them the result 
 of my deliberation, I have answered them in the 
 negative. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 23 
 
 " Being under no engagements to any people, I have 
 thought best to improve this opportunity to be inoculated 
 for the small pox. This is the fourth day since I received 
 the infection. What the event will be is known only to 
 Him in whose hands my breath is, and whose are all my 
 ways. Should I be carried through, I think of journeying 
 to the westward up Mohawk river, but it is not certain. 
 I have invitations to preach at a number of places. The 
 people in this town have renewed their invitation. Lee 
 and Benson have done the same ; but you know I have 
 objections to each of these places. Lee is in a divided, 
 broken state, and Benson is subject to the fever and 
 ague." 
 
 " Lenox, August 9, 1791. 
 
 "Dear Friend, 
 
 " This letter begins where the last left off. I repaired 
 to the pesthouse the same Saturday which I proposed. 
 But as Providence designed it, the infection put into my 
 arm had not taken. I was therefore inoculated a second 
 time, but it was as ineffectual as in the first instance. 
 Mr. R.'s by this time began to break out, and my anxiety 
 was great lest I should take it the natural way. But the 
 third time the doctor took fresh matter from Mr. R.'s arm, 
 which operated very soon and very favorably. After I 
 came out of the hospital, being not very well, I was de- 
 termined to go and see what friend A. was about, though 
 at the distance of thirty miles from Nobletown. I found 
 him unable to preach, afflicted with fever and ague, 
 and something low in his spirits. My visit was season- 
 able, he appeared to be glad to see me, and shook off 
 some of his melancholy. I tarried a number of days 
 with him, and preached for him. He is among a kind 
 people, though exceedingly stupid and ignorant of the 
 doctrines of the gospel. They are much attached to him, 
 and wish him to be their minister. 
 
24 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "While I was at Nobletown, tlie church and congrega- 
 tion at West Stockbridge gave me a second call to settle. 
 I assure you, sir, it was hard to deny them, but the diffi- 
 culties appeared so great, that I have done it a second 
 time. I have now preached three Sabbaths at Lenox, 
 they urge me to stay longer, but I feel obligated to go to 
 Clinton. This morning, by the leave of Providence, I 
 propose to set off on my journey. Notwithstanding I am 
 going into the wilderness, at a great distance from my 
 friends and from all ministers, yet I am pleased with the 
 prospect which is before me — my heart is much set 
 upon it. They need preaching in that country, it is rare 
 that candidates launch out so far. Mr. AVest proposes to 
 go up in September for the purpose of forming a church. 
 I hope God may use me as an instrument of doing good, 
 that he will enable me to be faithful, and that I may not 
 bestow on them labor in vain. In the hands of God the 
 cause of Zion is infinitely safe. He is able to show him- 
 self superior to all opposition." 
 
 " Clinton, State o/Mw York, Sept. 21, 1791. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Before I left the county of Berkshire, I wrote you 
 one or two letters, but could find no direct opportunity to 
 send them, and I think it is probable they never reached 
 you. Now I am deprived of health, which renders me 
 unable to w-rite any thing more than just to let you know 
 my situation. The intermitting fever has been preying 
 upon me almost four weeks. It has torn off my flesh, 
 taken away my strength, and reduced me to a very feeble, 
 helpless, and dependent state. However, in the midst 
 of judgments I experience mercies innumerable. The 
 people in this place have been kind to me, and have 
 spared no exertions to administer to my comfort. This 
 place is not called unhealthy ; the people all appear to be 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 25 
 
 remarkably robust. But I need correction ; I deserve the 
 rod ; and it is no wonder that God sends down his judg- 
 ments upon me. Oh, that I may be enabled to say from 
 the heart, 'It is good that I have been afflicted,' that 
 God's judgments may not be sent down upon me in vain. 
 
 " This is an excellent country of land ; such a tract as 
 there is here, is not to be found in New England, you 
 may depend. But it is the State of New York, and the 
 regulations are such as I do not like. In every letter I 
 request you to write to your friend." 
 
 " Lee, June 5, 1792. 
 
 " Honored Father, 
 
 " By Mr. N. I expect an opportunity to convey a 
 letter to you, though I must say, I entertain some hope 
 that you will accompany him to the ordination. I am 
 full of company now, so that I can write but a few lines. 
 I have enjoyed my usual health since I left you ; have 
 been preaching at Salisbury and at this place. Provi- 
 dence has so ordered things in regard to me, that ii 
 appears plainly to be my duty to settle in the work of the 
 ministry in this town. It is now almost two years since 
 I first preached here, and at that time I had not the most 
 distant thought that it would ever be best for me to settle 
 here ; but God, whose providence is universal, and who 
 governs the world in infinite wisdom, has ordered differ- 
 ently from what I expected. The church and people are 
 happily united in the affair of my settling, and have made 
 proposals, in regard to support, which are comfortable. 
 They give me *.£200 as a settlement, and ,£00 salary the 
 first year, to be increased £6 a year till it arrives to =£80 
 a year, which last sum is to be the permanent salary. 
 They also give me my wood, and to encourage me about 
 
 * This was to be paid in annual instalments of £50 each year, for 
 four years. 
 
 3 
 
26 
 
 MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 building, individuals have obligated themselves to pay 
 more than .£30 in labor and materials. 
 
 " But my thoughts are more employed about the great- 
 ness of the work in which I am about to engage, than the 
 manner in which I shall be supported. The work of the 
 ministry appears greater and greater to me. I am some- 
 times almost ready to sink under it, and to cry out ' Who 
 is sufficient for these things ? ' But these words, ' My 
 grace is sufficient for thee,' are sometimes comforting. 
 The burden on my mind, at the present time, is very 
 great. To-morrow is appointed for my ordination, and I 
 have solemn and affecting scenes before me. It is a 
 great thing to take the pastoral office over a church, and 
 to be set as a watchman. I need the prayers of all God's 
 people. I hope you, sir, will remember me at the throne 
 of grace. 
 
 " I want to see you, and to talk with you on the 
 subject which was introduced, at the time when we last 
 parted. I feel inexcusable that I have said so little to 
 you on that subject. The thought affects me — it greatly 
 affects me, that you should be the parent of so many 
 children, and never dedicate them to God. It is your 
 indispensable duty. The word of God points it out to you 
 in a very plain manner. I feel afraid that you will pass 
 through life without ever complying with the ordinances 
 and institutions which Christ hath appointed for \\\s fol- 
 lowers, and in which all Christians take delight. I can 
 do no less than to call up your attention to this subject. 
 I hope, sir, you will think of it with seriousness and 
 candor." 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 REVIVAL SOON AFTER HIS ORDINATION HIS THEOLOGICAL 
 
 SENTIMENTS HIS MARRIAGE HIS LETTERS TILL 1800, 
 
 Such were the feelings with which the youthful pastor 
 entered upon his work. The church, over which the 
 Holy Ghost had made him overseer, had been some years 
 destitute of a pastor — had been greatly opposed and sorely 
 tried ; and the religious aspect of the community not the 
 most encouraging. But the minister, as appears from an 
 examination of his sermons written at that period, com- 
 menced his labors by a very plain and full exhibition of 
 the discriminating doctrines of the Bible ; those, too, 
 which are most offensive and trying to the natural heart. 
 In his diary recording the mercies and providences of 
 God towards him, we find the following account. 
 
 " In a few weeks after my ordination, it pleased God to 
 excite a very general and solemn attention to the things 
 of religion, among the people committed to my charge. 
 The Spirit of God came down upon us, and, in its effects, 
 was like a rushing, mighty wind. There was great con- 
 sternation among the people. Some were in distress, 
 some were filled with joy ; but the finger and power of 
 God were so clearly evinced in the work, that none pre- 
 
28 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 sumed to make opposition to it. This revival of religion 
 was of long continuance, and exhibited marks of great 
 purity. It occasioned an accession to the church of more 
 than one hundred persons. I record this as a token of 
 the rich and astonishing mercy of God." 
 
 The following very brief extracts from his letters, 
 written during the progress of this revival, contain all the 
 additional particulars which have been collected from his 
 own pen, except what are contained in his general view 
 of the revivals during his ministry, published with Dr. 
 Sprague's Lectures. 
 
 Lee, Dec. 4, 1792. 
 
 " Sir, 
 
 " There is a continuation of the religious awakening 
 among us, though it has considerably abated. The num- 
 ber of those who entertain hopes of their being brought 
 out of darkness into marvellous light is large. More than 
 seventy of this description have come to my knowledge ; 
 with the most of whom I have had some conversation. 
 Since my ordination,^ fifty-two persons in this town have 
 made a public profession of the religion of Jesus, and 
 joined the church of whi'ch I have the charge. You will 
 easily see that this must make my labor great ; for our 
 mode of admission is by examination before the whole 
 church. God hath done great things for us in this place, 
 and the glory is all his due. What demands are made on 
 us for grateful hearts '. " 
 
 " Lee, April 1, 1793. 
 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 " Since my last letter I have been in good health. 
 My labor is very hard. The serious attention is not yet 
 wholly abated, though it is much less than what it has 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 29 
 
 been. The number of the church is continually increas- 
 ing. We have now received into our communion since 
 my ordination, about ninety. There are a number more 
 who propose to join. Happy event if all endure to the 
 end." 
 
 Dr. Griffin, the president of Williams College, in a 
 sermon preached September 2, 1828, at the dedication of 
 the New Chapel, has the following paragraph, which may, 
 with propriety, have a place in connection with this 
 revival in Lee, 
 
 " The year 1792, it has often been said, ushered a new 
 era into the world. In that year, the first blood was 
 drawn in that mighty struggle, which, for more than 
 twenty years, convulsed Europe and began the predicted 
 destruction of the apocalyptic beast. In that year, the 
 first of those institutions which modern charity has plan- 
 ned and which now cover the whole face of the protestant 
 world, arose in England. And in that year, commenced 
 that series of revivals in America, which has never been 
 interrupted, night or day, and which never will be, until 
 the earth is full of the glory of the Lord as the waters 
 cover the sea. * * * 
 
 " For many years I supposed I had been permitted to 
 see, in my native neighborhood and in my father's house, 
 the first revival in the series. But it was with many 
 deeply affecting associations, that I learned the other day 
 that the vice president* of the college, now in office, was 
 allowed to take part in two revivals that same year ; one 
 of which was certainly earlier than that which I wit- 
 nessed." 
 
 From these brief sketches of that period of his labors, 
 
 * The subject of this Memoir. 
 
 3* 
 
30 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 it appears that while the pastor of the church of Lee was 
 yet in his youth, and without any experience as a minis- 
 ter, and early, if not the earliest in that series of the 
 wonderful works of God by which New England was 
 more richly blessed than it had previously been for half a 
 century, the Lord was pleased to bring upon him responsi- 
 bilities immensely great. With what feelings he met these 
 responsibilities, and engaged in these labors, his letters and 
 his sermons show. He came to his work trembling in 
 view of his unfitness, and putting all his trust in almighty 
 grace. Perhaps it is an act of justice due to the memory 
 of a man whose theological tenets have been much spoken 
 against, to say, that the articles of faith in the church in 
 Lee, were drawn up by Dr. Hopkins, and that it was 
 under the preaching of these doctrines, thai this church, 
 and several others of the most prosperous churches in 
 Berkshire county grew up ; and if we are to look for the 
 causes, which, for a long period of time, rendered that 
 county one of the fairest and most fruitful fields of Zion, 
 we are compelled to refer it to a course of reHgious in- 
 struction, which it is very much the fashion of the present 
 day to represent, as calculated only to shut souls out of 
 the kingdom of heaven. 
 
 The pastor of the church in Lee fed his flock with the 
 sincere milk of the word. The entire depravity of the 
 natural heart — the necessity of being born again — the 
 fullness and freeness of salvation through the atonement 
 made by Christ— the sovereignty of God in the application 
 of Christ's blood to those who become interested in it — 
 and the duty and obligation of sinners to comply imme- 
 diately with the terms of the gospel, were themes on 
 which he dwelt with great plainness and frequency. 
 
 In his preaching, and all his efforts, especially in his 
 own example, there was nothing calculated to excite a 
 periodical, fitful state of feeling. He remembered that 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 81 
 
 his hearers had understandings which needed to be en- 
 lightened, as well as passions to be moved, and that the 
 great truths of revelation were the facts which God had 
 given for both these objects. 
 
 He commenced at that period a series of labors which 
 he continued with very little variation for more than forty 
 years. Weekly meetings were attended in different sec- 
 tions of the town, and familiar expositions of scripture, 
 where the auditors were encouraged to make inquiries 
 and state their views, were among the labors most pleas- 
 ant to himself and instructive to his people. All parts of 
 his parish were thus visited by the pastor every few 
 weeks, during the whole of the time in which he was 
 connected with it. He watched for souls. In the early 
 part of his ministry, the irregularities of the new-lights, 
 as they were tiien called, had e.xcited such a reaction 
 from the more stable and enlightened part of the commu- 
 nity, that there were suspicions respecting the measures 
 he adopted. Attempts were made to dissuade him from 
 being righteous over much ; and he was told that so 
 many conferences would diminish the interest in the 
 Sabbath. 
 
 But by the blessing of God upon his persevering labors, 
 all objections soon subsided ; he acquired tiie confidence 
 of those for wliose salvation he was striving, and secured 
 it, not by any brilliant efforts, or by substituting paroxysms 
 of deep feeling, for religion, but by the discharge of 
 every-day duties, in a still and unobtrusive manner. 
 There was no attempt made to be thought great in the 
 sight of men ; but a course was pursued which impressed 
 all acquainted, that the minister walked humbly with God, 
 and expected to give an account for his ministry before 
 his judgment seat. 
 
 " April 25, 1793. I was married to Miss Lucy Fessen- 
 
32 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 den, daughter of Mr. Benjamin Fessenden, of Sandwich, 
 and granddaughter of the Rev. Benjamin Fessenden, 
 who was pastor of the church in that place. She was 
 born Nov. IG, 1770. 
 
 " Dec. 17, 1793. Having built me an house, I moved 
 with my wife into it, and began to live in family state, 
 resolving to acknowledge God in our house, and to be 
 constant in the morning and evening sacrifice." 
 
 In connection with this short extract from his diary, a 
 few words may be added respecting his seasons of family 
 devotion. The resolution thus made on the day he en- 
 tered his new dwelling, " to acknowledge God in his 
 house," was not a mere theory, but a part of the delight- 
 ful business of his subsequent life. There was a rare 
 combination of excellences in his deportment at the 
 family altar. No one could have been an inmate in the 
 circle assembled there, without having this impression 
 made, that the head of the household was peculiarly 
 happy himself in leading the minds of those around him 
 to the mercy seat, and fixing their attention upon the 
 invisible realities presented to the eye of faith. It was 
 his family altar which eminently constituted his home. 
 There were no appearances of raptures in these exercises, 
 nothing which could be marked as distinguished for 
 originality ; but there was a sweet, childlike, reverential 
 fellowship with heaven, which seemed to open that world 
 and bring it very near. The devotional exercises were 
 neither hurried through as a form, or prolonged so as to 
 become tiresome to those who joined in them. By brief 
 remarks upon the portions of scripture, forming the morn- 
 ing and evening lessons, by questions proposed to the 
 children and to others occasionally present, and by an 
 indescribable charm in the manner, while making distinct 
 though delicate allusions to the condition of every indi- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 33 
 
 vidual, all took a part in the exercises, and none could 
 have the impression that they were insulated, or could 
 remain as mere spectators. This was a peculiarity in the 
 prayers and praises in the family, commenced as the 
 above extract intimates. God was enthroned in that 
 family, and the homage of the heart was rendered to 
 him. 
 
 "June 18, 1794. We received a great blessing from 
 the hand of God, in the birth of a son. 
 
 " July "27. We dedicated our son to God in baptism, 
 and called his name Alvan." 
 
 In expressions conveying sentiments resembling the 
 above, the birth, and dedication to God, of the eleven 
 children which the Lord gave these parents, are noticed 
 in his diary. It was considered a great event to receive 
 such a treasure from the hand of the Lord ; and the 
 earnest and ceaseless prayer offered to God in behalf of 
 the immortal being comi^iitted to their care, formed a 
 striking feature of family worship in that household. 
 
 The following are extracts from a correspondence with 
 a brother in the ministry, whose theological speculations, 
 on several points, were not, at that time, in exact accord- 
 ance with his own.* 
 
 « Lee, April 30, 1794. 
 
 " Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 " Your obliging letter by Mr. S., I received and read 
 with peculiar pleasure. The candor with which it ap- 
 pears you perused Mr. B.'s manuscript dissertation, and 
 your approbation of the leading sentiments it contains, 
 
 * It is believed tliat a very cordial friendship subsisted between 
 the correspondents, from their first acquaintance, till the last day of 
 Dr. Hyde's continuance in the church militant. 
 
34 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 more than rewarded me for the trouble of transcribing it. 
 I am now confirmed in what I fondly hoped was true, 
 from conversation I had with you at Sandwich, viz. that 
 you are a believer in the doctrine of divine agency, in the 
 Hoplcintunian sense, of it. The observation you made, 
 that ' there is a peculiar pleasure in finding the ideas of 
 others meet our own,' from my own experience I know 
 to be just. 
 
 " In page I'^th of the dissertation, the author says, 
 ' Hence we see God's foreknowledge is founded upon his 
 decrees.' The propriety of the sentiment conveyed in 
 these words, you call in question. I am inclined to think 
 you did not notice a distinction which was here in the 
 author's mind, and which he meant should be obvious to 
 the reader. The term, foreknowledge, strictly speaking, 
 cannot be applied to a being who has no succession of 
 ideas, and with whom there is no such tiling as jjast or 
 future time, as is clearly represented to be the case with 
 God, in the dissertation. When Mr. B. spoke of God's 
 foreknowledge, he did not mean to be understood in a 
 sense, which, in any measure, admits of your objection. 
 He evidently introduced this, and some other terms, in 
 condescension to the weakness of man's capacity. You 
 are, no doubt, sensible that there are some, who believe 
 in the foreknowledge of God, or that he hath a perfect 
 knowledge of every thing which is future, and yet deny 
 his decrees. To combat the notion of such, was probably 
 his aim in making the observation on which you have 
 remarked. The foreknowledge of God, as mankind use 
 the term, is evidently founded on his decrees ; for how 
 could he possibly know beforehand that an event would 
 take place, which was undetermined, or which was 
 uncertain ? Shall we assert, that he foreknows what 
 will take place by chance ? To such a sentiment, I am 
 confident, you will not accede ; for it effectually takes 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 35 
 
 the government out of his hands. When the author 
 used this term, which he did only in condescension 
 to the common notion and language of mankind, he 
 meant to keep up a distinction hetween that and simple 
 perception. You have compared his words from page 
 12th, with others from page 11th, with a view to make 
 him appear inconsistent. In page 11th he says, ' A de- 
 termination of mind implies something, respecting which 
 the mind is determined ; or upon which the determina- 
 tion is fixed,' &c. Here he was speaking of the simple 
 perception of an object, in distinction from foreknowledge 
 as the term is used, which distinction he meant should be 
 obvious to the reader. You have also compared the same 
 words with what he says in page 2d, ' Rational exercises 
 must exist, previous (in the order of nature if not of time) 
 to voluntary exercise ; and we cannot love or hate an 
 object before it exists or is perceived.' I cannot see the 
 least propriety in your adverting to this passage, and 
 querying whether it is not inconsistent with what you 
 before remarked upon ; for here he was not speaking of 
 divine agency, but of that moral agency of which man- 
 kind arc possessed. Thus I have defended the author as 
 well as I have been capable. 
 
 " I am sorry it has not been in my power to procure 
 you the loan of Mr. Jones's treatise on the doctrine 
 of the Trinity. I know of but one in the county, and 
 that belongs to a library-company in this town, the rules 
 of which are such as renders the lending of books, to 
 non-proprietors, impracticable. It is very probable that 
 this treatise may be obtained at Thomas &. Andrews's 
 bookstore, in Boston, for it is a modern production, and 
 but seven years since it was printed in London. I feel, 
 perhaps, as much satisfied with the arguments of this 
 author in support of the doctrine of the Trinity, as you 
 can with, those of , in support of his favorite doctrine. 
 
36 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 But, in regard to this point, I may be wholly in the dark, 
 and so full of prejudice as to be unwilling to come to the 
 light. However, I really wish to make it a subject of 
 more strict inquiry and examination, than I have hereto- 
 fore done, and shall be thankful for all the aid and 
 assistance which you may see fit to afford me. * * * 
 That the present is an age in which no subject is thought 
 too sacred for free and candid discussion, is truly matter 
 of rejoicing to me, no less than it is to you. I consider 
 it as one of the greatest blessings of the present happy 
 age. * * * 
 
 " You requested me to remark on the CcdecJiisin you 
 have lately published. — To enable myself to do it, I have 
 perused it a second and a third time, and still have not 
 many remarks to make upon it, at least by way of ob- 
 jection. I think it ingeniously executed, and to contain 
 the first principles of incty and viorality, thrown into a 
 very natural and happy arrangement, and brought down 
 to a level with the capacities of those for whose benefit it 
 was more immediately designed. The ideas which you 
 have exhibited in it, of God's character and government, 
 of the character and work of the Mediator, and of the 
 duties we owe to God and each other, appear to be just 
 and scriptural. Had you made a small addition to the 
 number of pages, and in regard to some doctrines been 
 more particular, it appears to me you would have in- 
 creased the real value of the performance. — You may 
 wish to know what those doctrines are, which as I suppose, 
 are not clearly enough exhibited in your Catechism. I 
 will mention two, viz. the character and state of man hy 
 nature, and the terms of acceptance loith God. A knowl- 
 edge of these is important, and peculiarly calculated to 
 prevent self-deception and hypocrisy. It is true you have 
 opened a door to exhibit light on these points in some of 
 the questions to which no answers are annexed, in the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 37 
 
 fourth part, particularly the 14th and 16th, and perhaps 
 that was the best way you could have done. I should 
 have been highly gratified, in reading your answers to the 
 last proposed questions, as I view some of them very 
 important, but, if you are led to do it, as you catechise, in 
 a way more profitable to those for whose benefit the book 
 was immediately designed, the end is answered, and all 
 room for objections is excluded. * * * In sum ; the 
 more I have attended to this little publication of yours, 
 the more merit I find in it. I heartily wish it may prove 
 a blessing to the lambs of your flock, and that it may be 
 a mean, in the hands of God, of promoting the knowledge 
 of the truth, wherever it may be sent." 
 
 " Lee, Dec. 9, 1794, 
 
 " Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 " Much more time has elapsed since your letter, by 
 Mr. Dillingham, came to hand, than I intended should, 
 before it was answered. My apology for this delay is 
 multiplicity of business, and the many unavoidable avoca- 
 tions to which I have been subjected. 
 
 " You request me to confine my observations in this 
 letter, principally, either to the question concerning divine 
 agency, proposed in the first part of your letter, or to the 
 subject which occupied the last pages of it. On both of 
 these subjects, I have some thoughts, which I am not 
 backward to communicate, though it is possible they may 
 be altogether erroneous. * * * 
 
 " You were so good, in your last letter, as to draw, 
 under four particulars, what you consider the great out- 
 lines of our Lord's character, as mediator. To the ideas 
 suggested under the three last particulars, I fully accede; 
 but from those expressed under the first, I frankly own, 
 that I dissent. * * * 
 4 
 
38 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " The question concerning divine agency, remarks on 
 which I intended should liave occupied a part of this 
 letter, must, for want of room, be postponed. 
 
 "Our difference of opinion on some doctrinal points is 
 so far from giving birth to the least desire in me to drop 
 the correspondence, that it is a real motive, in my mind, 
 for its continuance. From a man of reading and thought, 
 who differs from me, I shall be more likely to receive 
 benefit, than from one who walks exactly in my path. 
 Had I not undoubted evidence of your candor, these last 
 observations would not have dropped from my pen. 
 
 "Imploring the divine blessing to rest upon yourself, 
 your lady, and the people of your charge, I subscribe 
 myself, 
 
 " Your fellow-laborer in the vineyard of Christ." 
 
 The following extracts from letters to his parents and 
 other friends, may illustrate his affection and fidelity to- 
 wards those with whom he corresponded. 
 
 « Lee, Jan. 25, 1796. 
 
 " Honored Father, 
 
 "We have hitherto had great peace in the church, 
 but a difficulty has now arisen with a brotlier which wears 
 a threatening aspect. How it will terminate, must be left 
 to the disposal of Him \\\\o is the great Head of the 
 church, and who has the disposal of all events. The 
 church in this world is in a militant state, and every friend 
 of Christ's cause should be willing to labor for its support. 
 I have had many trying feelings in reflecting on your 
 situation, as not professing religion and walking in the 
 ordinances of the gospel. Nothing appears more evident 
 to me than that we all ought to be religious, and to profess 
 to be religious, or in other words, that we should have the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 39 
 
 love of the truth in our hearts, and let our light shine 
 before others. * * * 
 
 " From your much obliged son." 
 
 " Jan. 7, 1798. 
 
 " Dear and honored Father, 
 
 " I have heard that you have had a second and violent 
 attack of the pleurisy since I saw you. From Mr. P.'s 
 information, who tells me he saw you, I am led to hope 
 you may now be in good health again ; but am not without 
 great anxiety. Oh, my father, how true it is that we must 
 all die, and how important that we be prepared ! An 
 interest in the Saviour is worth ten thousand worlds. He 
 can bestow upon us that peace of soul which the world 
 can neither give nor take away. I hope and trust your 
 thoughts are much upon these things. * * * 
 
 " From your son." 
 
 ''May 8, 1799. 
 
 " Honored Father, 
 
 * * * " Religion is in a low state. The great 
 things of eternity do not lie with that concern upon our 
 minds, which answers, in any measure, to their vast im- 
 portance. I hope, sir, the things of religion have the 
 most important place in the meditations of your heart. It 
 is a great thing to live upon the mercies of God. It is a 
 great thing to be prepared to exchange this world for an 
 eternal state. We must all appear before the judgment 
 seat of Christ. O let us choose him for our portion, while 
 the precious opportunity lasts. Wishing you the blessing 
 of God, whose favor is life and whose loving kindness is 
 better than life, I subscribe myself as ever, 
 
 " Your affectionate son," 
 
40 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " .4pn7 4, 1800. 
 
 "Honored Fatlier, 
 
 "My family, through the great mercy of God to a 
 sinner, has been favored with unusual health from the 
 first beginning of it. I have often wondered it should be 
 so; and I have reason to be very humble, that my im- 
 provement of the mercy has been no better. I have now 
 the same number of children which my mother left when 
 she died. I find there is great need of wisdom, prudence, 
 and patience, to bring up children. When I look upon 
 my children, I am led often to think of the trials of mind, 
 which I may have occasioned you in my younger years. 
 
 " This people are about to build a new meeting-house, 
 and have already drawn the timber. I fear it may be a 
 mean of breaking up the harmony of the town. We 
 have been unusually happy in this town for a number of 
 years ; what is to be in future we know not." 
 
 In a letter to another correspondent, an event not un- 
 common in a pastor's experience is thus described : 
 
 " June 15, 1800. 
 
 "Dear Sir, 
 
 " Through the great mercy of God to a sinner, I 
 found on my return from F. my own family in usual 
 health; but all my neighbors, and I may say almost all 
 the town, were pained on account of the distress and 
 anguish of poor E. W. In a few moments after I entered 
 my house, I went to see her. The house was thronged with 
 people who had come to see her die. She knew me, but 
 Dr. L., her attending phpician, was very unwilling that 
 she should attempt to speak, though she uttered a few 
 words. The next morning I conversed with her fifteen or 
 twenty minutes, and her language was most moving. She 
 lamented her stupid, vain, and irreligious life — she was 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 41 
 
 afraid to die, and had no heart to ask for raercy. She 
 lived till about 4 o'clock, and expired. The scene was 
 enough to melt the heart of a stone. In this event let us 
 hear the voice of God's providence, and be excited to 
 prepare to meet God." 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 SECOND REVIVAL HIS LETTERS DEATH OF HIS FATHER 
 
 LETTER OF CONDOLENCE TO HIS MOTHER — OTHER 
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 At the close of the year 1800, the following sentences 
 were inserted by him in his diary. 
 
 " This year, I enjoyed with my people another season 
 of refreshing from the Lord. It was indeed a precious 
 season. It pleased the Lord to make this display of 
 sovereign grace soon after the setting up of a weekly con- 
 ference with particular reference to the young people, and 
 it was noticed that the subjects of the work were confined 
 almost wholly to tho.se who attended this conference. 
 God appeared to indicate in his providence that he owned 
 and blessed this new effort for the salvation of souls. The 
 great body of the people were not affected and solemnized 
 as they were in the first awakening ; but the convictions 
 of the awakened were clear, rational, and pungent ; and 
 those who received comfort, appeared understandingly to 
 embrace the soul-humbling doctrines of the cross, and 
 exhibited satisfactory evidence of having passed from 
 death unto life. This little revival occasioned an acces- 
 sion to the church, in the space of one year, of twenty- 
 
MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 43 
 
 one persons, the most of whom were between tlie ages of 
 sixteen and twenty-four." 
 
 " Jpril 10, 1802. 
 
 " Honored Parents, 
 
 " The last information I had from you was by a letter 
 from my friend J. G., dated in February. He gave me an 
 affecting account of the death of J. B. O, what an un- 
 certain world is this ! — how important to be prepared for 
 our great and last change ! I find that if life be spared 
 a few years longer, I shall be an old man — I shall be 
 where you are now. I hope the great change which 
 awaits you and all of us, lies with weight upon your 
 minds. He that believeth, shall be saved. He that be- 
 lieveth not, is condemned already. 
 
 " Wishing you the comforts of religion which consist 
 in the holy enjoyment of God, I subscribe myself your 
 affectionate son." 
 
 ".4pn7 26, 1802. 
 
 " Honored Sir, 
 
 *' I have heard indirectly by way of Mr. W., that you 
 have had another turn of the pleurisy, but have not had 
 particulars. This intelligence has made mo often think 
 of you, and has increased my desire of seeing you. The 
 measles are again spreading in these parts, and as I never 
 had the disorder, it is probable I may now have to encoun- 
 ter it. We live in a dying world and have no abiding 
 place on the earth. We are also sinful and sinning 
 creatures, and must perish unless God is pleased to forgive 
 us. We have no claims on him for the least favor. 
 What a display of mercy will God make, if any of us are 
 subjects of the gospel salvation ! " 
 
44 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The foregoing extract was the last communication to 
 his father. 
 
 In his diary is the following record. 
 
 " May 28, 1802, I was taken sick with the measles and 
 was kept from preaching three Sabbaths. Previously to my 
 having this disorder, I had never been prevented from 
 discharging the public services of the sanctuary, nor from 
 preaching any lecture which I had appointed, from the 
 time of my ordination, which was a period of ten years. 
 I note this as a monument of the great goodness of God 
 to the very chief of sinners. 
 
 "August 11, 1802, my honored father departed this 
 life at Franklin, formerly a part of Norwich, after an 
 illness of a little more than two days. He attended public 
 worship on the Sabbath, in his usual health, and died the 
 Wednesday following, having just completed sixty-six 
 years. I am now deprived of both my earthly parents. 
 May this providence be sanctified to me and my family ; 
 and may the Lord, of his infinite mercy and through the 
 teachings of his Holy Spirit, give me to feel more than 
 ever, the importance of putting my whole trust in him." 
 
 To my bereaved mother and to all my brothers and sisters. 
 
 " Lee, August 23, 1802. 
 
 " Afflicted Friends, 
 
 " Mr. G.'s and sister C.'s letter, bringing the heavy 
 tidings of the death of my honored father, reached me on 
 Wednesday last, being just a week after the melancholy 
 event took place. I never experienced such a shock in 
 my life. The intelligence was entirely unexpected, and 
 I felt the wound in my very heart. Having lost my 
 mother when I was a child, my father has always ap- 
 peared exceedingly near to me ; but now an holy God 
 has taken him from us all. You, my friends, were spec- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 45 
 
 tators of liis agonies in death ; you all, I suppose, had 
 opportunity to see him close his eyes upon this world, and 
 to follow his corpse to the grave. These must have been 
 very affecting scenes indeed. I pray that God may 
 sanctify this solemn providence fo you all — and that he 
 would he the widow's God and tlie father of the father- 
 less. May he send his Holy Spirit to hind up your 
 broken hearts, and may some important good to your 
 souls come out of this affliction. The shortness of his 
 illness and the very sudden manner of his death, teach us 
 the importance of being prepared for our own departure 
 from this world. O ! let us be careful not to boast 
 ourselves of to-morrow, for we know not what a day may 
 bring forth. It is a great thing to die. Death will intro- 
 duce us to that world where there will never be any 
 alteration of character or state. In the holy scriptures, 
 God has plainly told us that a life of sin, is connected 
 with an everlasting separation from him and from all holy 
 beings. Let us therefore break oif from sin, turn unto 
 him by repentance, and be ready to receive the summons 
 which the king of terrors will bring us. 
 
 " Our father and friend who has now gone to his eternal 
 home, has left us an example, in many respects, worthy of 
 our imitation. He was steady and punctual in the duty 
 of family religion, a friend to the public worship of God, 
 a strict observer of the holy Sabbath, and unusually kind 
 to the sick and distressed. Wherein he appeared to fol- 
 low Christ, we ought to follow him. 
 
 " The first children of the family were left motherless 
 in an age when they greatly needed a mother ; the second 
 children are now left fatherless, when they greatly need a 
 father. The children at home are all minors and some 
 of them small. I feel much concerned for them ; I hope 
 they will be obedient to tlieir mother, and that God will 
 provide for them. I plead that there may not be any 
 
46 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 difficulty ill regard to the settlement of the estate of our 
 departed friend. He was a lover of peace in his day, and 
 it would be grievous to have his descendants fall into 
 contention. * * * 
 
 "I subscribe myself your son and brother." 
 
 " Oct. 10, 1802. 
 
 " Honored Mother, 
 
 * * * "Through divine mercy I found on my 
 return, that the Lord had protected my family. My wife 
 has been permitted to attend public worship, and we gave 
 up our infant son in baptism by the name of Joseph Hyde, 
 to perpetuate the memory of my dear father who is now 
 in the grave. 
 
 "I have thought much of your situation, since my re- 
 turn, and am sensible it must be lonely, and in many 
 respects trying. I hope the Lord will be with you, and 
 that you will find by your experience, that he is indeed 
 the widow's God and husband, and the father of the 
 fatherless. Give my love to the children, and tell them it 
 is my earnest wish and counsel, that they be steady at 
 home, attentive to business, kind to each other, obedient 
 to their only parent, that they read in the holy scriptures 
 every day, and attend constantly upon public worship. I 
 hope they will never forget their father who is now no 
 more. * * * Wishing you the best of heaven's bles- 
 sings, I subscribe myself 
 
 " Your obedient son." 
 
 The extracts which have been made from his diary and 
 letters, exhibit the writer in his daily routine of duties, 
 attentive to his work as a minister, and blessed during the 
 ten years of his labors with two seasons of refreshing from 
 the presence of the Lord. In a letter bearing date 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 47 
 
 earlier than the last extract he thus writes to one of his 
 intimate friends : 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " By Mr. W. I have an opportunity of forwarding a 
 letter directly to you, and cannot neglect it without doing 
 violence to my own feelings. I shall always feel my- 
 self obligated for that friendship which you have been 
 pleased to manifest for me and my family. The thought, 
 however, frequently passes in my mind, that my friends 
 have mistaken my real character, and that I may yet live 
 to make them ashamed of the confidence they have re- 
 posed in me. My heart appears to myself, at least at 
 times, to be a sink of iniquity ; and could you, or any of 
 my friends, see it as it is, probably I should lose your 
 charity. But I did not take up my pen to write about 
 myself * * * 
 
 " I have nothing specially new to add on the old subject. 
 I wish I could have as frequent conferences with you on 
 that point as I used to have. The importance of it does 
 not diminish, but increases, in my mind. Should I obtain 
 light, either from my own researches or from others, I will 
 endeavor, agreeably to your desire, to communicate it to 
 . you. A free correspondence with you, will be agreeable 
 to your friend and humble servant." 
 
 Under date of Feb. 2, 1S03, these sentences are found 
 in his diary. 
 
 " I am this day thirty-five years of age. O, how insen- 
 sibly I have been carried down the current of time ! I 
 have now seen the one half of threescore years and ten, 
 which seems to be marked in scripture as the common 
 boundary of human life. On a review of my conduct the 
 year past, T find many aggravated sins to confess. I am, 
 
48 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 in some measure, sensible of having greatly dishonored 
 God in my private walk; I have been unfaithful, and dis- 
 honored him as the head of my family, and also as a 
 minister of Jesus Christ. O, that I may be enabled to 
 say from my heart, ' God be merciful to me a sinner.' 
 Though I have not been without trials, the year past, yet 
 the mercies I have received from the hand of God are 
 innumerable. Alay the Lord give me a heart to praise 
 him and to be more faithful in all the duties of life ; and 
 may I be prepared for the events of another year. 
 
 " Feb. 2, l5;04. Another year of my mortal life is 
 gone, and not a moment of it can be recalled. I desire 
 gratefully to notice the goodness of God towards me, the 
 chief of sinnersj in that I am continued among the living, 
 while many of my acquaintance and several of the people 
 of my charge have been summoned into the eternal world. 
 On a review of my conduct the past year, I see abundant 
 cause for self-abasement. How unfaithful I have been in 
 every relation of life ! Lord, pardon me, for mine iniquity 
 is great. By having lived another year, I am more de- 
 serving of divine wrath than ever, having misimproved so 
 many privileges and mercies." 
 
 « .ipril 4, 1805. 
 
 "Dear Sir, 
 
 " By Mr. E. H., I have opportunity to send you a 
 letter. I esteem it a favor, as I do not recollect of having 
 an opportunity since the return of Mr. G. T., though it 
 has been greatly desired. This is my apology for my long 
 silence. The affection which you have long manifested 
 for me and my family leads me to suppose it will give you 
 joy to hear of our health. 
 
 "It seems sometimes as if the most of my friends were 
 gone, and yet I have friends left. I often wonder that I 
 have any friends, and that I should be treated as one of 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 49 
 
 Christ's ministers. Almost thirteen years have rolled 
 away since I was consecrated to the great work of the 
 ministry. You and I shall very soon be reckoned among 
 the old men, that is, if divine patience is extended to us, 
 and what is more, our bodies will soon be deposited in the 
 grave, and our souls will be in the world of spirits. Let 
 us live as if we were looking out for this." 
 
 " Lee, July 6, 1805. 
 
 My dear Niece, 
 
 " By Mr. D., your aunt received a letter from you, 
 and I received one from S. In these we noticed the 
 melancholy tidings of your dear brother J.'s death, of 
 which we had before seen an. account in a Boston paper. 
 Doubtless this dispensation of Providence has been very 
 trying to you all ; especially to your mother. Her heart 
 is deeply wounded. She feels as none of the rest of you 
 can feel, because of the peculiar relation in which she 
 stood to him. She was his niotlier; she nursed him in 
 his infancy ; she watched him in his growing years, and 
 carried him on her heart from his birth until she heard 
 he was no more among the living. And even now, her 
 thoughts are much upon him, as having gone to his long 
 home, and as existing in the world of sjjirits, where she 
 cannot but be sensible that she must ere long meet him. 
 It appears that his death must be the more affecting to 
 her, as the time had nearly arrived, when she expected he 
 would once more mingle with her family from which for 
 so many years he had been separated. But the all-wise 
 Governor of the universe had otherwise ordered. He was 
 to find his grave some hundreds of miles from her, and 
 pass through the scene of dying without having a mother, 
 or any near relative, to administer a word of comfort to 
 him. Mysterious Providence ! But, though now mys- 
 terious, it will hereafter be explained to her. You will 
 5 
 
50 
 
 MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 present to your afflicted mother, our cordial salutations ; 
 and tell her from me not to mourn so as to dishonor that 
 God, who has seen fit in great faithfulness to correct her. 
 Through the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit, I 
 hope and pray that this event may be a mean of weaning 
 her and all the rest of you from this fading and dying 
 world, and of quickening you to prepare for another and 
 better world where tears will be wiped from the eyes of 
 all, who are so happy as to be admitted into it. Write 
 often, and oblige yours, &c." 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 4DOMMENCEMENT GF THE THIRD REVIVAL UNDER HIS 
 MINISTRY BIRTHDAY REFLECTIONS LETTERS FEEL- 
 INGS FOR HIS CHILDREN JOY ON THE HOPEFUL CON- 
 VERSION OF HIS OLDEST SON. 
 
 ■"Lord's day, Sept. 21, 1806. This was a memorable 
 Sabbath. Being called to preach a funeral sermon on the 
 death of a young man, a promising youth, I spoke from 
 the following words : ' He, being dead, yet speaketh.' 
 The attention and solemnity of the people were very 
 visible. Many were in tears. I found afterwards that 
 more than twenty were struck under conviction on this 
 Sabbath, who afterwards exhibited evidence of a work of 
 the Holy Spirit on their hearts. A precious harvest- 
 season followed, and my labors, as a minister, were abun- 
 dantly increased. 
 
 " Feb. 2, 1807. I have this day completed thirty-nine 
 years, an<l am a monument of the wonderful mercy and 
 patience of God. I desire to bless God that he allows me 
 to stand at the head of a family, and that he has hitherto 
 saved me from the painful feelings of parting with any of 
 my children — and that he yet allows me to stand as a 
 laborer in his vineyard. How unworthy I am of standing 
 in s.uch relations ! On a review of my conduct as a 
 
53 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 parent and as a minister of the gospel during the year 
 past, I see more to condemn, than in any former year of 
 my life ; yet I have witnessed greater mercies than usual, 
 particularly in the outpourings of the Holy Spirit on the 
 people of my charge. This good work which began in 
 September still continues, and it has rendered the past a 
 memorable year of my life. May God have all the glory ; 
 and may he enable me to devote myself more unreservedly 
 to his service." 
 
 In a letter to one of his correspondents he gives a few 
 more particulars respecting the revival, to which allusion 
 is made in the e.xtracts from his diary. 
 
 ' «^pn7 24, 1807. 
 
 "Dear Sir, 
 
 " I thank you for your favor of November last. Can 
 you accept an apology for my long silence? I can as- 
 sure you that this delay has occasioned me no small grief; 
 because I never wish to disappoint a. friend, nor do I feel 
 willing to forfeit the character of a punctual man. All I 
 have to say, by way of apology, is, that my time for the 
 last six months has been unusually occupied in attending 
 to the people of my charge. I have been obliged to neg- 
 lect some of my numerous correspondents, and to write 
 letters only in cases of necessity. 
 
 " You will recollect that we had meetings for prayer, 
 on Sabbath evening, for several years. Our number was 
 so increased the last summer, that we were under the 
 necessity of leaving our scliool-house for the meeting- 
 house. The work of the Holy Spirit began the latter 
 part of the summer and became visible and astonishing 
 in October. Divine influences came down upon this 
 barren, guilty people, like a mighty shower, and continued 
 through November, December, January, February, and 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 53 
 
 March, and I hope some drops are falling yet. The 
 people became eager for instruction. The most of tliis 
 time, we have had meetings, in some part of the town, 
 every evening in the week, except Saturday evening. 
 My time has been wholly taken up and pleasantly em- 
 ployed. * * * The new converts appear understand- 
 ingly to embrace the distinguishing doctrines of Chris- 
 tianity. Intelligence of this kind will be pleasing and 
 animating to you, and I trust will excite you to unite with 
 us in praising Him who has mercy on whom he will 
 ,have mercy. 
 
 "In your letter you request my thoughts on Acts ii. 17. 
 — 'Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither 
 wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see coiruption.' I well 
 recollect your asking my opinion of this passage when 
 you lived in Berkshire ; but cannot now call to mind all 
 that passed between us on the subject. The exposition of 
 the text, which appears to me the most rational and scrip- 
 tural, is the following, viz. that the soul is put for the 
 person, as we find is the case in Rom. xiii. 1 — ^Lct every 
 soul be subject unto the higher powers. Ezek. xviii. 4 — 
 The soul that sinneth it shall die. Therefore we may 
 consistently with otlier scriptures, consider the person as 
 saying. Thou wilt not leave me in hell. By lull, I under- 
 stand grave, ox the state of the dead. I acknowledge 
 that the word Hades, here translated heU, is either put foi 
 the grave, or the place where the damned are punished. 
 But, seeing these words are introduced by the inspired 
 writer, in proof of Christ's resurrection, and seeing also 
 that Christ's soul was in paradise where he promised to 
 the penitent thief, that he should be with him on the day 
 of his crucifixion, it is most natural to suppose that by 
 hell, in this passage, is meant the grave, which according 
 to. this prophecy could not hold the body so long, as that 
 it would see corruption. By this exposition, you will see 
 5 * 
 
54 
 
 MEMOIR or 
 
 that I mean to guard against the popish doctrine of the 
 descent of Christ's soul into the hell of the damned. 
 
 "Mr. W.'s situation, according to your account, is truly 
 unhappy. I fear he is doing hurt to the cause. He has 
 been too long in the ministry, and too long an eminent 
 missionary, to be thus in doubt respecting the mode of 
 baptism. It has grieved me to think he has refused to 
 administer the ordinance. What is he doing with his 
 ordination vows, in which it was understood, that he en- 
 gaged to administer the ordinances to proper subjects 1 
 Will he excuse himself by saying that God has not been 
 sufficiently crpUcit, on the point in his \vord ? I should 
 not dare to say this. Christ says to him, and to all his 
 ministers, Go teach all nations, baptizing them, &c. Now 
 will it do for us, in this age of the world, to say, we do 
 not know in what manna- to baptize ? You are at liberty 
 to communicate my thoughts on this subject to Mr. W. 
 when you see him." 
 
 To a kinsman in whose welfare he had manifested 
 special interest, he writes thas : 
 
 "April, 1807. 
 
 " I have received two letters from your hand, for which 
 I wish you to accept my sincere thanks. They were 
 peculiarly pleasing to me, because you so frankly acknowl- 
 edged the importance of religion, and appeared to inquire 
 with so much interest respecting the awakening in this 
 town. In your last I noticed some expressions relative to 
 your own feelings, which almost led me to hope your own 
 eyes had been opened, and that you saw an excellency in 
 religion of which you used to be ignorant. I do not 
 make tliis remark to encourage you to hope without 
 foundation, but to excite you to examine your heart, and 
 to compare yourself with the only standard — the word of 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 65 
 
 God. Can you say that you love the Lord Jesus Christ 
 in sincerity ? Are you willing to forsake all to become 
 his humble follower? Have you been convinced of your 
 lost and ruined state, and that the salvation of your soul 
 must be a fruit of mere mercy ? If you can from the 
 heart answer these questions in the affirmative, you have 
 reason to hope you have become interested in the atone- 
 ment of Christ. No event respecting you, could afford 
 me so much satisfaction as to hear of your exhibiting 
 evidence of being a Christian. Of all titles which we 
 can bear, this is the most honorable. 
 
 "The awakening among my people has been powerful, 
 and still continues. More than fifty exhibit evidence of 
 a saving change, the greatest part of whom are young 
 people." * * * 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " July 15, 1807. 
 
 "If you can say from your heart, that you have been 
 made to loathe your own past stupid life — that divine and 
 eternal things appear to you in a new and interesting 
 point of light — and that you feel resolved to take God for 
 your portion, it is more, yea infinitely more, than if the 
 whole world were made over to you. If these are your 
 I'cal feelings, it must be the fruit of something besides the 
 nativ6 workings of your corrupt heart or of any human 
 teaching. It must be the fruit of the Spirit of God, and 
 a display of sovereign mercy towards a great sinner. 
 This you will readily acknowledge, and you will be con- 
 strained to say, Let God have all the glory. 
 
 "From your letter I have drawn the conclusion, that 
 you Jiupe the Lord has revealed himself to you, and by the 
 influences of his Spirit is drawing you away from sin, and 
 inclining you to walk in the way of his commandments. 
 Now I wish to olTer you some advice, and I trust you will 
 
66 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 weigh it as coming from one who has no little interest in 
 your spiritual welfare. Freely make known your feelings 
 and views to your pastor, if you have not yet done it, and 
 converse with him on the subject of making a profession 
 of religion. I hope you will see it your duty to unite with 
 the church. You ought to avail yourself of all the privi- 
 leges which a gracious God places within your reach, 
 and to be careful not to put your light under a bushel." 
 
 To llie same. 
 
 « Oct. 7, 1807. 
 
 " I perceive you have not followed my advice on the 
 subject of conferring with your pastor. Is it not obvious 
 that we may unreasonably shut ourselves out from privi- 
 leges which are important to our souls, and that by so 
 doing we may be instrumental in keeping ourselves in 
 darkness? In this world of sin and temptation we need 
 all the privileges and all the restraints which a gracious 
 God brings within our reach. I hope you will no longer 
 delay the opening of your mind freely to your pastor on 
 the all-important subject of religion. Candidly attend to 
 his advice. If the Lord hath revealed himself to you, be 
 not backward to acknowledge it. I long to see you, and 
 to become acquainted with your present views." 
 
 Birthday reflections. "Feb. 2, 1808. The mercy and 
 patience of God towards sinners who live under the light 
 of the gospel, and towards me especially, are wonderful. 
 I have lived forty years upon the goodness of God, of 
 which, owing to the baseness and unteachableness of my 
 heart, I have so little sense, that I have reason to humble 
 myself at the footstool, as being the most ungrateful of all 
 his creatures. I can review no part of my life, without 
 having the feeling that ' shame and confusion of face 
 belong unto me.' But vile and ungrateful as I am, I do 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 57 
 
 feel at. times that I discern an excellency in religion, 
 which attaches my soul to it, and excites in me an ardent 
 desire to promote it, aS my only portion. The past has 
 been with me a year of great mercies, not only with 
 respect to health in my family, but with respect to the 
 increase of the church of which I am the pastor. O that 
 God would give me a heart to bless and praise him, that 
 he yet allows me to stand at the head of a family, to 
 preach to my fellow sinners the unsearchable riches of 
 Jesus Christ, and to witness the blessed work of the Holy 
 Spirit among the people of my charge. Nothing appears 
 to me so desirable as to live near to God ; and yet, what 
 is very strange, in nothing am I so deficient. I have been 
 wont in years past, to resolve to be more faithful in all the 
 relations in which I stand, and wish still to make the 
 same resolution ; but, alas, I know not how to place the 
 least confidence in myself. God must work his own 
 work in me, or I shall sink into stupidity and miserably 
 perish. May it be my constant prayer, that God would 
 not leave me to harden my heart, and to die an unfaithful 
 parent, and an unfaithful minister." 
 
 To some of his early friends, he expresses similar 
 sentiments, as appear in extracts from his letters. 
 
 ''March 14, 1808. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I thank you for your friendly letter of February 29, 
 which was put into my hands last evening. I read it with 
 eagerness, and was much affected with its contents. It 
 announced to me the death of several persons with whom 
 I was particularly acquainted in my youthful days. These 
 events were full of admonition and warning. Wonderful 
 are the mercy and patience of God towards me, in sparing 
 my life amidst the ravages of death which I have wit- 
 
58 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 nessed. I lament my ingratitude, unteachableness and 
 stupidity, when God has been so faithful in warning. It 
 is a solemn thing to die, especially solemn for one who is 
 appointed to watch for souls. 
 
 " There are now comparatively few of my old acquaint- 
 ance left in Franklin. It will be twenty-three years in Sep- 
 tember since I left that place, which I have visited only 
 occasionally, and of late years, but very seldom. Since 
 then, the fathers have mostly gone down to the grave, and 
 a multitude of those who were my companions in youth. 
 Great must be the loss which you sustain in the death of 
 Mr. E. T. He was a supporter of religion and good 
 order, a valuable member of society. May God, in mercy 
 to the people, incline some of your youth to step forward 
 and supply the places of those who are removed. For a 
 blessing so important, let your prayers daily ascend unto 
 Him who holdeth all hearts in his hands. 
 
 " The special awakening among my people has nearly 
 subsided. We have received between sixty and seventy 
 into the church, of which the greatest part are young 
 people. There are now one hundred and twenty mem- 
 bers in this church. This will lead you to see that my 
 charge is great." 
 
 "March 18, 1608. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " You give me much proof of your friendship, of 
 which I desire to have a grateful sense. Among the tokens 
 of divine goodness towards an unfaithful and unworthy 
 creature, I esteem the many Christian friends with whom 
 I am favored, as none of the least. Often am I led to 
 admire this mercy from God. Why it is thus ordered, I 
 know not. Perhaps it is to prepare the way for my greater 
 mortification and condemnation, if not in this world, yet 
 in the world to come. I am a poor, weak mortal, and 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 59 
 
 vulnerable on every side. If I am conscious of any thing, 
 it is this; tliat I have no strength of my own, and must 
 be kept, if kept at all, by the mighty power of God. 
 Every heart knows its own bitterness. * * * Our 
 time is short — great events with respect to us all are fast 
 approaching. May God prepare us for the coming and 
 kingdom of his Son." 
 
 "February 2, 1809. Having obtained help of God, I 
 continue to this day, and have completed forty-one years ; 
 a long period to live upon the mercy and patience of Him 
 who has a perfect knowledge of all my ingratitude and 
 vileness. I now desire to call upon my soul, and all 
 within me, to offer unfeigned praise to the Lord for the 
 health and strength with which I have been favored, and 
 that I have been allowed to stand another year in defence 
 of the gospel of the divine Redeemer. Through sovereign 
 goodness, my family have been preserved from sickness, 
 and my children all shielded from the arrows of death. 
 My heart has been much pained with the appearance of 
 stupidity among my people the year past, and still more, 
 with the consciousness of my own remissness in duty. 
 Forgive, O Lord, my great unfaithfulness, and my multi- 
 plied and aggravated sins, for the sake of Jesus Christ, 
 thy dear Son." 
 
 In the following letter, addressed to a friend in affliction, 
 we see in what manner he fulfilled the command, " Weep 
 with them that weep." 
 
 « June 31, 1809. 
 
 " Dear and afflicted Sister, 
 
 " The death of your affectionate husband has been 
 announced to us, in a letter from Mrs. F., and the tidings, 
 though not unexpected, have filled our minds with grief 
 His connections and acquaintances, in his removal from 
 
60 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 this world, have lost a valuable friend. The town which 
 gave him birth, is deprived of one of its most active 
 citizens, cut down in the midst of life and usefulness. 
 Mr. B. will be greatly missed in all the relations in which 
 he stood. If I am correct in the opinion I have formed 
 of his general character, the indigent and distressed have 
 lost an important benefactor. But the feelings which his 
 death has occasioned among his numerous friends and 
 acquaintances, are as nothing compared with those which 
 must have been excited in his own family. On you, 
 madam, and the bereaved children whom he has left 
 behind, tlie stroke has fallen with a weight which is 
 indescribable. You are deprived of your nearest earthly 
 friend, your husband, your society, the partner of your 
 joys and sorrows. He has left you burdened, I suppose, 
 with cares, and full of grief; and has gone to another 
 world, never more to return and sympathize with you 
 under the troubles of life. Your children, in their tender 
 years, and in the forming period of life, are called to 
 sustain a loss, which the world can never make up to 
 them. 
 
 " But, afflictive and distressing as is this providence, 
 there is an ample source of consolation left, and your 
 friends can do no better thing for you, than to point you 
 to it. Do you ask where you shall look for this ? You 
 will find it in God. He lives, and will continue to live, 
 unchangably the same, when all our earthly friends are 
 consigned to the grave. To all believers, he is a present 
 help in trouble. You may cast all your cares and burdens 
 upon him, for he is able and willing to sustain you. It is 
 true you are now called to learn a new and hard lesson, 
 what it is to stand in this world, a sorrowful toidoio ; but 
 even in this situation, God can support you, and greatly 
 ■promote your spiritual interests. If you have faith, you 
 will find him to be the widow's God, and a father of the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 61 
 
 fatherless. That you may be kept from fainting, now you 
 are rebuked, will be the prayer of all your Christian 
 friends. It shall be the prayer of him who now addresses 
 you on this solemn occasion. * * * 
 
 " It would afford me much satisfaction to visit you, at 
 this time, but the distance renders it impracticable. I 
 trust your house is frequented by your brothers and sisters 
 who live near you, and that they do every thing in their 
 power to alleviate your sorrows. Mrs. H., L. A., and the 
 children, unite with me in every mark of condolence, of 
 which we are capable, without drinking of the same 
 cup." 
 
 "Junki, 1811. 
 
 " Rev. and dear Sir, ; • 
 
 " I thank you for three letters lately' received "bjr 
 different hands, which, in a measure, make up for your 
 long silence. I rejoice to hear of your health, and tliat of 
 your family. Your trials are new to you, but the-most of 
 them are common to ministers. The dissatisfactidn which 
 you feel with respect to yourself, your performances, (Ji/C.', 
 is no bad symptom. It would be well, if we all felt mudh 
 more di.ssatisfied with ourselves than we do. B'irt:thiB 
 may be felt without any real amendment. Oar con- 
 sciences may speak loud and trouble us, but if our ^le'arts 
 are not humbled, and we are not excited to pray fervently 
 for grace, what will it avail? You have embarked. on the 
 boisterous ocean of life, and must expect to meet with 
 some rebuffs, and to experience many tossings. Put on, 
 my brother, the whole armor of God, and you will finally 
 come off conquetor." 
 
 "June 9, 1811. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 * * * " Nothing material has transpired since I 
 wrote you last, excepting the formation of a church in thi? 
 6 
 
62 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 town, consisting of four members from my cliiirch, and tlie 
 same number from Mr. Shepard's, who are removing to 
 the State of Oliio. Tlie scene was very solemn and truly 
 interesting. About forty souls are expecting to leave this 
 town, the present week, or the beginning of the week 
 after. It is a great loss to us ; but I hope they will do 
 much good wliere they are going, and be instrumental 
 of extending the Redeemer's kingdom to that distant 
 region." 
 
 The last extract has been made, not because there 
 was any thing unusual in the occurrence, or rather in the 
 emigration of his flock; for during his ministry very great 
 numbers left his church to people the west. In all these 
 he continued to feel a pastor's interest, not considering 
 the relation to have ceased by their change of residence ; 
 and, as far as circumstances permitted, still continuing to 
 watch for their souls, addressing to them letters of Chris- 
 tian counsel, and by all other means in his power, seeking 
 to promote their highest interests. lu a number of in- 
 stances, his watchful regard for these colonists from the 
 community of which he had the spiritual oversight, was 
 instrumental of procuring for them the blessings of a 
 stated ministry. Several cases of his attention to the 
 wants of new settlements are now recollected, in which 
 his agency led to the location of young men who had 
 pursued their theological studies under his direction ; so 
 that he may emphatically be said to have been the father 
 of many churches in the west. Perhaps we could hardly 
 find a more interesting illustration of a good man's in- 
 fluence than in the widely diffused blessings which are 
 now emanating from these churches, some of the most 
 flourishing and healthful in New York and in States 
 further west. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 63 
 
 "^Vou. 22, 1811. 
 
 " Dear Friend, 
 
 " The difficulties in S., and the unusual height to 
 which party feelings and prejudices have arisen there, 
 have filled my mind witli grief. Almost all the informa- 
 tion I have had on the melancholy subject, which I could 
 look upon as correct, has been received from Mr. B., 
 Mrs. N., and yourself, excepting what your father com- 
 municated to me. From all I can learn, your situation 
 as a church, and as a people, is truly affecting. Our 
 particular friends are divided in opinion, some adhering 
 to one party and some to another. It all appears like the 
 work of the adversary of souls; and the influence of this 
 division must be unfavorable to the spiritual interests of 
 the people. During this heat of party zeal, I have thought 
 best to be silent, well knowing that no advice is accepta- 
 ble in a certain stage of such difficulties. The mind 
 must have opportunity to reflect ; for people without 
 knowing it, become, as it were, distracted. There is no 
 ssuch thing as reasoning with them. I have trembled for 
 the ark of God at . S. * * * 
 
 " There must be mutual concessions, a spirit of forgive- 
 ness which is mutual. Shall the cliurch of Christ in S. 
 be rent in twain ? Shall the town become proverbial for 
 its divisions? Shall posterity rise up and condemn the 
 conduct of their fathers of the present generation ? Shall 
 they have occasion to say. If it had not been for the dis- 
 putes and quarrels of our fathers, we had been more 
 respectable as a town, and had fairer prospects for re- 
 ligious instruction ? I sometimes feel an ardent desire to 
 address the church and people in S. as I have done in 
 years past, and to beseech them, in Christ's stead, to be 
 reconciled to God and to one another. Such desires, 
 however, I repress, knowing I am a feeble worm of the 
 dust. Let us, my friend, be comforted from this thought, 
 
64 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that God is greater than all hearts, that he can make tlie 
 wrath of man praise him, and the remainder of it he can 
 restrain." 
 
 24, 1811. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 * * * "I have lately been a journey to Boston 
 and Salem, and had opportunity to visit the state prison 
 at Charlestowii. I preached in prison to more than two 
 hundred convicts, several of whom are sentenced there for 
 life. The scene was truly interesting to my mind, par- 
 ticularly as I found some of the convicts under serious 
 impressions. One of them by tlie name of E., who told 
 me lie was born in N., had obtained hope of the pardon 
 of his sins, and of a saving knowledge of Christ. He 
 conversed like a humble man. Perlinps you may have 
 knowledge of the family, and may have opportunity to 
 communicate the pleasing intelligence to his friends. The 
 name of his father I do not recollect, though he informed 
 me. His conversation reminded me of what the apostle 
 said, ' The word of the Lord is not bound.' " 
 
 Here is an incidental mention of having preached once 
 on a journey. He seldom passed any distance, in any 
 direction, without preaching at least once each day. And 
 when his brethren in the ministry called on him he took 
 it for granted that they came in the fullness of the blessing 
 of the gospel of peace, and were ready for every good 
 work. If the hour was suital)le, tlie bell of the church 
 announced a meeting, and among his own people, \\ith a 
 few moments' notice, without aiiv knowledge of the person 
 who was to address them, a large auditory were together 
 to hear the gospel from whomsoever God had sent to 
 them to deliver his message. He seemed always to bear 
 in mind the apostolic direction to preach the word in 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 65 
 
 season and out of season. He was never weary of his 
 work ; but opportunities to preach, were regarded as a 
 privilege and improved with delight. They were luxu- 
 ries — they were spoken of as proof of the kindness of his 
 heavenly Father, when on a journey he had opportunity 
 to preach Christ in places where he tarried but a few 
 hours. It was his happiness to learn that in many in- 
 stances these occasional services were signally useful. 
 His practice in the particular to which allusion has been 
 made, forms a contrast to that of many ministers who 
 seem anxious to be excused from every extra service, and 
 make it an object to do as little, rather than as much as 
 they can, assigning as a reason, that their minds are 
 dissipated, and are unfitted to preach from being on a 
 journey. 
 
 " Lord's day, Feb. 2, 1S12. This day completes forty- 
 four j'ears since I first breathed the breath of life. As in 
 all former years, so in the one which has just closed 
 upon me, I have been constantly sinning, and constantly 
 abusing the goodness and mercy of God. A conscious- 
 ness of this has occasioned much grief in my soul, and I 
 hope some degree of godly sorrow. I can see most evident 
 tokens of the divine care over me. My health is yet con- 
 tinued and my reason is preserved. I am yet allowed to 
 stand in the vineyard of my Lord as a laborer, and to 
 preach to my people the unsearchable riches of Jesus 
 Christ. I have been enabled to make great exertions 
 the year past, by attending numerous religious meetings 
 among my people, beside the stated worship of God upon 
 the Sabbath ; but I have to lament, that these exertions 
 have been made with a criminal indifference to the glory 
 of God. The past year has been a time of general stu- 
 pidity and coldness among my people, and of few ac- 
 cessions to the church. Wickedness has appeared to 
 G * 
 
66 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 increase, and evils have been sent upon us, wliicli have 
 evidently evinced the divine anger. 
 
 "God has been very merciful, in sparing all niy chil- 
 dren, now nine in number ; but what ought to be my 
 constant grief and lamentation is, they all appear to be in 
 a state of sin, and strangers to the love of God, though 
 they manifest as much obedience to their parents, and are 
 as orderly in their behavior, as children in general. O 
 that I might be humble, that I might have a heart to 
 devote myself more sincerely and more unreservedly to 
 the honor of my Maker, and to pray more fervently for my 
 children, that. Christ, the hope of glory, might be formed 
 in them. I desire once more, as in the presence of that 
 Being who knows all things, to consecrate myself to the 
 work of the ministry, and to give up all my children to be 
 the Lord's forever; desiring to leave it wholly with Him, 
 to dispose of them, for this and the future world, as he 
 shall see best. 
 
 In a letter to one of his most intimate friends he writes 
 thus : 
 
 <* March 10, 1812. 
 
 "Dear Sir, 
 
 " I begin to fear we shall grow unmindful of that 
 friendship which early subsisted between us, and which 
 has been to me a source of much happiness. For more 
 than twenty years, I believe there has not been so long a 
 space without an interchange of letters as the present. I 
 have been the most delinquent, but my apology is, I have 
 been uncommonly burdened with cares. You have had 
 your cares ; but you have had it in your power to with- 
 draw from them, and, at some seasons, to be master of 
 your time. 
 
 " Through divine mercy, my numerous family are all 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 67 
 
 yet among the living, and ill conifoi table heaitii. All my 
 children have perfect bodies, are tolerably active, and 
 possess common sense, for which I have great reason to 
 be thankful. But I have to lament before my heavenly 
 Father, that they all appear to be in a state of nature, 
 unsanctified, and unhumbled. I do not mean that they 
 are vicious, but they do not appear to possess religion. 
 My consolation is that they are in God's hands, who will 
 dispose of them for his own glory. 
 
 " I was at W. last week, and am happy to inform you 
 that there is a very promising religious appearance in that 
 town. I spent some days there and preached four times. 
 The labors of Mr. N. were apparently blessed among that 
 people, and probably he has left numbers, who will be 
 seals of his ministry and crowns of his rejoicing in the day 
 of the Lord." 
 
 Such were the feelings he expressed at the commence- 
 ment of the year 1812, respecting his children, and such 
 the grief ou account of their giving no evidence of piety. 
 It was not his practice to' hold long discourses with 
 them on the subject of personal religion, but to com- 
 municate instruction from facts as they occurred in divine 
 providence, and more especially from the truths of God's 
 word, as they were able to bear it. He did not overload 
 the minds of the youth with the technical phraseology of 
 religion, but he had the faculty of rendering his religious 
 exercises seasons of pleasure to his children. For more 
 than thirty years it was his practice to appropriate an 
 hour during the Lord's day to an extra devotional exercise 
 with his household, besides his regular family worship. 
 Portions of scripture were read, questions were proposed 
 to each one present, remarks were made, devotional songs 
 were sung, and all this performed with such pleasure 
 and cheerfulness on the part of l,hc parents, with such a 
 
68 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 peculiar aptness to teach on the part of him who presided 
 in the circle, that there were rarely any indications of 
 weariness on the part of the children. 
 
 "Maij 8, 1812. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Your son called on me this morning at a time when 
 I had company from abroad ; and though he has been 
 here several hours I have had no time with him alone. I 
 have broken away just to tell you, that the Lord is yet 
 patient and merciful towards us, in sparing all our lives, 
 and in favoring us with health. 
 
 " But I have a greater blessing to speak of than the 
 health of my family. 1 have received information that 
 Alvan, who is a member of college, is rejoicing in the 
 Saviour. Dr. F. has given me a short statement of his 
 appearance and manner of conversing, from which I am 
 led to hope in his case. I rejoice though with trembling. 
 All this prospect of good may be preparatory to some 
 keen disappointment with respect to him. But we are all 
 in God's hands." 
 
 "Sept. 27, 1812. 
 
 " Dear Sister, 
 
 " It is a long time since I have written to you, and 
 sometimes I have been afraid you would think yourself 
 almost forgotten. My only apology is the multitude and 
 pressing nature of my cares. We now stand at the head 
 of a very numerous family, liaving ten immortal souls 
 committed to our care. They are all depending under 
 God upon us, for their support, and for religious instruc- 
 tion. To provide for their temporal wants is a great task 
 — to guide them as candidates for eternity is far greater. 
 I feel myself exceedingly deficient, and criminally negli- 
 gent. Alvan, we hope, has embraced the Saviour, and 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 69 
 
 coniinciicoci the Christian race. This, if real, is an in- 
 finite l)lessinir in our family. He now stands propounded 
 to the church. O that we may have grace given us to 
 make a wise improvement of this distinguished favor of 
 God to an unworthy family. Through divine mercy our 
 children are all in health, and all appear to be as promising 
 as children in general. What the Lord designs to do 
 with them I know not. I desire to leave them in his 
 hands, and at his disposal. 
 
 "I have mentioned the greatness of the task devolved 
 on us — but how much greater must be yours. You have 
 a number of children under your care without the aid and 
 assistance of a father to guide them in the forming period 
 of life. I know your cares and anxieties must, at times, 
 be overwhelming. You need much wisdom and grace. 
 May a kind and gracious God be your husband, and their 
 father. 
 
 "Give my love to them, and tell them, from me, to be 
 obedient and good children, and then their heavenly 
 Father will provide for them. The present is a world of 
 changes. Truly nothing on earth is abiding. Let us 
 then look out for another and a better country." 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 DEATH OF HIS SON CHARLES BACKUS HIS OWX SICK- 
 NESS IN 1813 HIS VIEWS OF ENTIRE DEPENDENCE 
 
 AND PERFECT ACCOUNTABILITY DIARY AND LETTERS 
 
 TO 1819. 
 
 In the preceding extracts from the diary and letters, we 
 have heard this parent alluding to his family as in a state 
 of prosperity till the Lord committed ten immortal beings 
 to the liands of parents who felt a deep responsibility for 
 their souls. We have heard the father mourning over the 
 impenitence and stupidity of those so dear to him, and 
 lamenting his unfaithfulness ; and finally rejoicing with 
 trembling when it was announced to him that his first- 
 born indulged some hope of an interest in the only 
 Saviour. We have seen the father, renewing again and 
 again the dedication of the children to the Lord, and 
 leaving them at his disposal, and exhorting others to be 
 looking out for a better country. The next date in his 
 diary is as follows : 
 
 "In the month of February, 1813, the people in this 
 town were visited with an epidemic sickness, denominated 
 the lung f( ver, which proved mortal beyond any thing I 
 ever witnessed. It prevailed about two months, in which 
 
MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 71 
 
 time seventeen adults and the most of them heads of 
 families, died. On the 5th of March my second son 
 Charles Backus was seized with this fatal disorder, and 
 on the 20th of the same month, he died. This was to me 
 and my dear companion, a new and trying scene. I had 
 frequently been with the sick and dying, and had wit- 
 nessed the anguish of parents, when they saw their chil- 
 dren struggling in the agonies of death ; but never did I 
 enter into their feelings, till God in his providence opened 
 this scene before my eyes. This visitation of God was, 
 however, connected with uncommon mercies, for it occa- 
 sioned a great increase of prayer in ray house. Many of 
 my Christian friends, who came to see me under this rod, 
 prayed with great apparent fervency for my distressed son, 
 and for all my family ; and I am not left without hope 
 that the prayers which were offered up, on his behalf, 
 were heard. He exhibited some hopeful marks of peni- 
 tence and humility, though there was not opportunity for 
 his character to be proved. I leave that child in the hands 
 of that Being who gave him to me and who has taken 
 him away. 
 
 " On the day succeeding the death of this son we fol lowed 
 his remains to the grave, on which solemn occasion the 
 Rev. Mr. Shepard, of Lenox, preached a sermon from 
 Job i. 21 — Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and 
 naked shall I return thither ; the Lord gave, and the 
 Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the 
 Lord. 
 
 " The distressing sickness of this son, together with 
 the numerous calls at this time and for many weeks after 
 to visit the sick and dying by night and by day, reduced 
 me to a very feeble and alarming state of health. My 
 lungs became so weak, that I was under the necessity of 
 suspending my public labors, for a number of weeks. 
 But through divine mercy, I had strength generally to 
 
72 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 meet with my people on the Lord's day, and to guide the 
 public services, though I did no more than to read the 
 psalms, call upon some of the brethren to pray, and a 
 suitable person to read a sermon whicii I had selected, 
 and also to jyronounce the blessing. This was a season 
 of great tri.al, but the Lord graciously supported me." 
 
 In a letter to one of his most intimate friends he gives 
 some additional particulars. 
 
 March 2S, 1813. 
 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 " In our house we have had a most distressing scene. 
 I have a desire to give you all the particulars of my dear 
 son's death, but it would occupy sheets of paper. Some 
 general things I must .state to you, as I know you will feel 
 deeply interested in our afflictions. Charles was attacked 
 with the disorder a fortnight ago last Friday night, at the 
 house of Mr. P., with whom he lived. lie lodged alone 
 in a chamber, and so violent was the attack, that he was 
 not able to get out of bed and dress himself, though he 
 attempted it several times. I suppose he lay, shaken and 
 tortured with severe agues, for eight or ten hours, before 
 his case was known to any one. About ten o'clock on 
 Saturday, I brought him home in a sleigh, and aided him 
 into the study, from which he never went until he was 
 carried out in his coffin. He never was able to sit in liis 
 chair. He lived fifteen days in the most extreme distress 
 I ever witnessed, and died on Saturday, the 20th inst., 
 twenty-five minutes past three, P. M. On the fourth day 
 of his sickness, I had a council of doctors at my house, 
 all of whom pronounced his case a hopeless one, and gave 
 it, as their opinion, that lie would not live twenty-four 
 hours ; though he survived ten days and more afterwards. 
 Several times, in the course of his sickness, we gathered 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 73 
 
 around his bod of distress to witness the parting moment. 
 When it came, we had anguish of soul wiiich I sliall not 
 undertake to describe. But, I desire to bless God for the 
 precious opportunities for prayer and free conversation 
 which I had with Charles. My house was resorted to by 
 Christian friends, and prayer M-as almost unceasingly 
 made for him. For the last ten days of his sickness, he 
 became calm in his mind, and expressed confidence in 
 God, and hope in his mercy through Jesus Christ. He 
 was truly remarkable for his patience during the whole 
 scene, and greatly endeared himself to his attendants and 
 watchers. He apparently met the king of terrors without 
 dismay. * * * Thus, my dear friend, I have given 
 you some account of this afflictive, yet righteous dis- 
 pensation of divine Providence towards me and my family. 
 I have felt much support through the trying scene, for 
 which I am indebted wholly to the goodness and mercy 
 of God. I have thought also, that my dear wife has borne 
 the affliction with wonderful fortitude, though she has had 
 to endure great bodily weakness." 
 
 In other letters, there are the following allusions to the 
 same scenes. 
 
 'Mug. 20, 1813. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 "By Mrs. B.'s letter, written, I conclude, at your 
 house, we have been informed of the renewed obligations 
 you are under to the Giver of all blessings ; partic^ularly, 
 for the birth of another son. When the" letter came to 
 hand, we were at Mr. D.'s. Mrs. H. first opened and 
 read it ; but before she had read many sentences, I found 
 she was in a flood of tears, and concluded that the king 
 of terrors must have entered some of your abodes. On 
 perusing the letter, my fears were removed ; for I saw at 
 7 
 
74 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 once, the occasion of her weeping. Slie was deeply 
 affected to see the name, Charles Bacltus Hyde, given to 
 your new born son. Our minds were led to a review of 
 past scenes of affliction, when our heavenly Father made 
 so heavy a breach upon us. We seemed to realize afresh 
 that our son was gone, and that our ffiends were attempt- 
 ing to perpetuate his memory, and in that way to console 
 us. We thank you for your kind remembrance of our 
 grief, — we are pleased with the way in which your sym- 
 pathetic feelings for us are expressed. Your son will be 
 endeared to us, on account of his name. But let what 
 will be done, by our friends, the place of our dear Charles 
 can no more be filled. He is removed to another world — 
 to his long home ; and the Lord who gave him to us, has 
 done it. Our duty is to submit, and to bless the name of 
 the Lord. It is my fervent prayer that you may live to 
 see some good thing toward the Lord in your child, who 
 is to bear up the name of our deceased son." 
 
 "Z>ec. 21, 1813. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I suppose it will give you great alarm, with respect 
 to my health, when I tell you that I have not been able to 
 preach since the first Sabbath in November. The Lord 
 has seen it best to put a stop to my labors, at least for the 
 present, and whether I shall ever resume them again, is 
 known only to Him whose prerogative it is to dispose of 
 us all for time and eternity. You will recollect that my 
 health was feeble when you last saw me, in September. 
 It gradually yet sensibly failed, until I was obliged to 
 yield, and tell my people that I had not strength to speak 
 to them. I had a very troublesome cough, accompanied 
 with more or less fever, loss of appetite, and great weak- 
 ness in my lungs. For eight days I was confined to my 
 house. Since then, I have attended public worship on 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 75 
 
 the Sabbath, and when we have not had preaching, I 
 have presided in the meetings, and read the psalms. I am 
 now in a convalescent state, but am a poor feeble crea- 
 ture. O that I may be enabled to imitate the blessed 
 Saviour, and learn obedience by the things which I am 
 called to suffer. I now reflect with wonder on the good- 
 ness of God, in favoring me so long with such excellent 
 health. For nearly twenty-two years, I have been able to 
 make constant exertions, and to be out in all the 
 vicissitudes of weather, by night and by day. My calls 
 have been numerous this fall, both at home and abroad; 
 but I have been obliged to deny, and throw off all the 
 cares and burdens which I possibly could. Such have 
 been my habits, that you will naturally conclude I have 
 had a season of trial. During this time, there have been 
 evident tokens of increasing attention among my people. 
 How unsearchable are the ways of God ! Since Septem- 
 ber, we have received eighteen into the church, and 
 expect to receive a number more the next communion. 
 The attention is principally among the youth. We hope 
 for a rich harvest of souls ; but we are perfectly depend- 
 ent on that holy Being, who has mercy on whom he wiH 
 have mercy. 
 
 " I thank you for your letter which came duly to hand. 
 I rejoice that you are now in a situation so favorable to 
 improvement. You are under the care of able instructors, 
 and your society, collected as it is, from the virtuous and 
 religious students of various colleges, must be as good as 
 can be expected in the present age of the world. I hope 
 you will not be wanting to yourself, nor unmindful of your 
 obligations to your divine Benefactor, in whose rich 
 bounty you have remarkably shared. Bo willing often to 
 retrace the footsteps of divine Providence with respect to 
 you. It may be profitable, because it may increase your 
 sense of obligation. It may be pleasant, because it may 
 
76 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 be the means of making you more grateful, and of givinf 
 you more refined enjoyment. Never forget tlie rock 
 whence you was hewn. Mingle frequent and fervent 
 prayer with your researches after theological science. 
 Resist every temptation of the adversary, for I fear he is 
 at A., and will be busy with you. He will, if possible, 
 persuade you qot to go forward, because you have no 
 talents, or no gifts, or no grace, or too feeble health, or 
 the expenses will be too great. In view of every sugges- 
 tion of the kind, look out for the adversary and resist him. 
 And uliile you resolve to persevere, beware that you da 
 not glory in your learning — in your theological learning. 
 As well might you glory in your fine clothes. ' Thus 
 saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom.' 
 The work for which you are preparing, is great ; it is 
 honorable. The great apostle of the gentiles said, ' He 
 that desireth the office of a bishop, desireth a good work.' 
 But remember, that a bishop is to be a servant for Jesus* 
 sake. 
 
 " A. came home last week, and returned on Friday 
 of this week. I hope you will continue your correspond- 
 ence with him, and endeavor to do him all the good you 
 can." 
 
 " Jan. 6, 1815. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I know from my own experience, how prone we are 
 to mislmprove both afflictions and mercies. He who 
 chastises us, must sanctify the rod, or we shall remain the 
 same heedless and rebellious creatures as before. AVe 
 shall even increase in hardness of heart. May God of his 
 infinite mercy prevent this in your case and in mine. 
 * * * Our national prospects are gloomy in the ex- 
 treme. The God of our fathers has evidently a contro- 
 versy with us, and without repentance and reformation. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 77 
 
 we may not again hope for liis favor. The people in this 
 county are uniting their exertions to effect a reformation 
 of morals, particularly to prevent the gross violation of the 
 Sabbath. In this dark time there is one source of conso- 
 lation left, and it is an unfailing source ; it is this — The 
 Lord reigneth. 
 
 " When I reflect on the degenerate and deplorable state 
 of our country, I tremble for the rising generation. I 
 tremble for my own numerous offspring. But present duty 
 is what I have to discharge, and to leave all events with 
 him who is infinitely wise and good. ' Sufficient unto 
 the day is the evil thereof " 
 
 In a letter of a date earlier than some of the last ex- 
 tracts from his correspondence, he expresses the following 
 sentiments : 
 
 "Dea. J. was here a few days ago, and showed me a long 
 letter from you, which gave him some uneasiness. He 
 fears your inquisitive turn of mind, unless it is very cau- 
 tiously managed, will land you in some gross errors. God 
 grant that this may not be the case. My dear friend, the 
 government of God, as extending to the hearts and 
 thoughts of men, has been a stone of stumbling in the 
 world, ever since the days of the apostles. In my opinion, 
 all intermediate links between the agency of God, and the 
 positive exercises of moral agents, however ingeniously 
 framed, are among the inventions of men, and only serve 
 to perplex the inquiring mind. They relieve none of the 
 supposed difficulties whatever. I suppose the holy exer- 
 cises of saints are produced by the immediate influence or 
 agency of the Spirit, and yet these exercises are praise- 
 worthy. I can just as well conceive that contrary exer- 
 cises are the immediate effect of divine agency, and yet 
 such exercises are blameworthy. Do you plead for a 
 7 * 
 
78 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 principle, antecedent to exercise ? This principle must, 
 in the nature of the case, be either active or inactive. If 
 inactive, neither praise nor blame can be predicated of it, 
 any more than of your hand or foot. If active, distinguish 
 it, if you can, from exercise. 
 
 " Pardon me, sir, I did not think of attempting a vin- 
 dication of Dea. J.'s sentiments in opposition to yours. 
 
 " Have you read Dr. Buchanan's Christiaii Researches 
 in Asia ? , If you have not, I wish you would. No book 
 has interested my feelings more for many years. I have 
 been making some feeble exertions among my people in 
 behalf of the poor heathen idolaters, and have collected 
 forty-four dollars. Four young men will sail in a few 
 weeks for Asia. May the Lord accompany them." 
 
 In another letter he speaks of his health in these words. 
 
 " I desire to be thankful to the Father of all mercies, 
 that I am able to inform you that I am once more in a 
 convalescent state. From June to October, my health 
 was very poor indeed, and the prospect of my continuance 
 m the vineyard, as a laborer, very small. I am now able 
 to preach ; and it appears to be a great privilege to speak 
 for Christ, in this fallen world. May God enable me to 
 be faithful while I am suffered to live. 
 
 * * * "I received a letter from Dr. W., about 
 four weeks since, informing me of the proposed concert 
 of prayer for the convention which is to meet at Hartford. 
 I circulated the information through the county, as soon 
 as possible. Next Thursday we propose to assemble at 
 the meeting-house for that object." 
 
 Birthday reflections. "Feb. 2, 1815. On a review 
 of God's dealings with me, the year past, I desire grate- 
 fully to acknowledge that he has followed me with his 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 79 
 
 goodness and tender mercy. He has spared my life, and 
 restored me to comfortable health, when I have been 
 visited with threatening complaints. He allows me to 
 stand at the head of my numerous family, and to preach 
 the gospel of Jesus Christ to the church and people of my 
 charge. In my distresses he has given me many friends, 
 whose kindness, expressed in many ways, has greatly in- 
 creased my obligations to be thankful and more devoted 
 to his service. When I look at myself, and take a retro- 
 spect of my walk, I am astonished at my unfaithfulness to 
 my family, to my people, and to my God. I am con- 
 strained to condemn myself and lie low in the dust. 
 
 " Nothing appears more evident to me than that I can 
 have no dependence for salvation on my own doings. 
 Lord, enlighten my mind more and more in the knowledge 
 of the truth, and teach me to rely wholly on the merits of 
 Jesus Christ ; and as I draw nearer to the grave, and to 
 the eternal world, may I be quickened in prayer, and be 
 more engaged for the salvation of immortal souls, and 
 especially for the spiritual good of my children.'' 
 
 " Ftb. 26, 1817, 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Your letter by Mr. W. reached me three days ago, 
 and was very acceptable. I thank you for remembering 
 me and my family with so much affection and friendship. 
 
 " It seems you have been reading Dr. Bellamy's ' Wis- 
 dom of God in the permission of sin,' and find in the work 
 many objectionable things. Not only the general plan of 
 that work fails of meeting your approbation, but you object 
 to some of his expressions, illustrations, and arguments. 
 The most of your criticisms, if not all of them, I tliink are 
 well founded. ' Dr. Bellamy was a man of strong intellect 
 and ardent feelings, and he was considered in his day, as 
 distinguished for orthodoxy ; but his compositions are 
 
80 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 rather rough hewed, containing many unguarded ex- 
 pressions, and some undigested ideas. I should suppose 
 his work would not be very pleasing to a man of your 
 critical taste. But though he was an imperfect man, he 
 was raised up to fill an important place in the church. I 
 have a great respect for his memory. 
 
 * * * " As to the question whether the Jewish 
 minors eat of the passover, I have nothing to communicate 
 which will be new to you. I do not feel so positive with 
 respect to this point, as I do with respect to many others, 
 on which I have bestowed some thoughts. It is, however, 
 evident to my own mind, that neither the Jewish women 
 nor children were commanded to appear before the Lord, 
 at the three great yearly feasts. See Exodus xxiii. 17. 
 It is, however, probable, that the women did sometimes 
 attend, 1 Sam. i. 2, but not invariably, and perhaps not 
 generally. Samuel, when a child, was not carried. 
 When the passover was celebrated the second time, which 
 was in the wilderness, there were many uncircumcised 
 children, who certainly were not qualified to eat of the 
 passover. And, further, from the consideration that our 
 Saviour did not go up to Jerusalem after the custom of 
 the feast, until he was twelve years old, I have drawn the 
 conclusion that before this age, young persons never went 
 up to the passover. 
 
 " All the males of suitable age, were commanded to eat 
 the passover ; and there were certain requisite qualifica- 
 tions for this feast : viz. they must be circumcised them- 
 selves, and all the males in their household. In case of 
 the neglect of this institution, they and their children were 
 to be cut off." 
 
 In another letter to the same correspondent, he writes 
 thus upon this subject : 
 
 " You inquire for evidence from scripture that the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 81 
 
 ' Jewish father did not bring his household to the ordi- 
 nance of the passover.' I have not much evidence to 
 exhibit, in proof of tiiis point. In conversation with you, 
 I believe I asserted that it was doubtful whether little chil- 
 dren and infants ate the passover. The incapacity of in- 
 fants to partalce of the paschal lamb, is one thing which 
 renders it doubtful whether infants were brought to this 
 ordinance. Another consideration is the peculiar manner 
 in which the passover was to be eaten. See Exodus xii. 
 11. 'And thus shall ye eat it : with your loins girded, 
 your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand : and 
 ye shall eat it in haste, it is the Lord's passover.' I have 
 only to ask. Do these requisitions appear to be of such a 
 nature as to be extended to infants ? But I am not dis- 
 posed to be positive in this matter ; for in my mind, it is 
 doubtful. Admitting, however, that the father brought 
 every soul of his household to this ordinance, not except- 
 ing the infant of ten days, it ought not to influence our 
 conclusions respecting the proper subjects to be at the 
 table of the Lord. The passover was no part of the Abra- 
 hamic covenant. It belonged to the ritual institution." 
 
 "June 9, 1817. 
 
 " I returned from Boston on Tuesday evening of last 
 week, having been absent a little more than a fortnight. 
 My journey to and from Boston, was remarkably prosper- 
 ous and very pleasant. I saw many dear friends, and 
 among the rest my class mate D., whom I had not seen for 
 almost thirty years. The meeting was mutually affecting 
 and even melting. I heard him preach an excellent 
 sermon, wliich was full of divine trutli and was delivered 
 with solemnity. He heard me preach before the conven- 
 tion. This was to me a tremendous occasion. I found 
 myself surrounded by men glorying in their talents, and 
 their learning, and yet opposed to the great doctrines of 
 
82 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the cross. But I was carried through the scene — was 
 enabled to deliver my whole soul, and now the effect must 
 be left, as infinite wisdom shall order it. I have only to 
 lament that my mind was not more entirely under the 
 influence of that religion which I attempted to exhibit in 
 my sermon." 
 
 "Dec. 13, 1817. 
 " By a letter from Mrs. F., I learn that the all-wise Dis- 
 poser of events hath again brought you and your family 
 into the furnace of affliction. Your dear son, T., who, I 
 recollect, was a sprightly and promising child, is numbered 
 with the dead. From my own experience, I know that 
 the scenes through which you have been called to pass, in 
 his sickness, death, and burial, have been very trying and 
 overwhelming to nature. You have stood in special need 
 of that support which divine grace alone can impart. I 
 hope you have not been left to murmur, nor to contend 
 with Him who never afflicts without sufficient reason, nor 
 in measure exceeding our demerit. The Lord gave you 
 that son to be trained up for him ; and the Lord hath 
 taken him away because he was his own, and not yours — 
 and now may he give you grace to say, and to say it, as 
 being the language of your heart, ' Blessed be the name 
 of the Lord.' The anchor of your soul in this day of 
 trouble must be submission to the will of God. You have 
 not a husband to share with you in your grief, and to 
 bemoan with you the loss of a dear departed child. You 
 are a sorrowful widow ; but remember that the Saviour 
 lives, and that he is represented in the sacred volume, as 
 being ' afflicted in all the afflictions of his people.' I pray 
 God to sanctify tills bereavement to you and your surviv- 
 ing children, that the fruit of it may be to you all the 
 taking away of your sins. Mrs. H. and I can sympathize 
 with you ; for we have been made to drink of the same 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 83 
 
 bitter cup. Accept from us this expression of condo- 
 lence." 
 
 « Jan. 4, 1819. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 " The swift wings of time, on which we have been 
 borne, protected by divine mercy, have wafted us through 
 another year. O that we may have hearts to praise the 
 Lord, that the destroying angel was not commissioned to 
 arrest any of my numerous family. On the morning of 
 new-year's day, we had a meeting for prayer and praise 
 at the meeting-house, just as the sun arose, attended by 
 nearly five hundred people. It was truly a solemn hour. 
 The same has been our practice for several years. On 
 the Sabbath I preached a new-year's sermon to a very 
 crowded audience, probably not much short of a thousand. 
 May God, by his grace, prepare us for the changes and 
 trials of the present year^ which are now wisely hidden 
 from us. 
 
 " It gave us much joy to learn that you had received a 
 letter from your son W., and that he was in health when 
 he wrote. You will fall into transgression, destroy your 
 own peace, and offend your Maker, if you refuse to cast 
 that dear absent child on that holy and wise Providence 
 which controls the boisterous ocean, no less than the 
 affairs of the domestic circle. Let your solicitude for him 
 be expressed in fervent humble prayer. 
 
 * * * 'CWe both, my dear friends, have large 
 families, and are involved in weighty cares. It is not for 
 us to know what is before them in life, what changes they 
 may experience, what portion of influence they may 
 possess in society, or what trials they may bring upon us 
 before we go down to the grave. Let us teach them to 
 acknowledge God in all their ways, and then he will 
 direct their paths." 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 BIRTHDAY REFLECTIONS FOR 1819 LETTERS ATTENDS 
 
 THE ORDINATION OF HIS SON IN OHIO AN APPEAL TO 
 
 A FRIEND ON A SICK BED OTHER LETTERS ANOTHER 
 
 REVIVAL IN CONNECTION WITH HIS LABORS SICKNESS 
 
 OF HIS OLDEST SON COUNSEL TO A CORRESPONDENT 
 
 DISSATISFIED WITH HIS MINISTER FEELINGS FOE HIS 
 
 CHILDREN. 
 
 Birthday reflections. " Feb. 2, 1819. Four years 
 have elapsed since I have made any particular record of 
 the providences and mercies of God in which he has been 
 continually passing before me. For this omission I feel 
 myself condemned ; because, on a serious review, it ap- 
 pears to be evincive of a want of a feeling and lively 
 sense of the astonishing goodness and mercy of God, in 
 continuing me in the land of the living and a prisoner of 
 hope. Notwithstanding this, I humbly trust that I have 
 been attempting, though in a very poor and imperfect 
 manner, and with a criminal languor of affections, to 
 follow on to know the Lord. And if I am not greatly 
 deceived, I have had seasons of abasing myself before 
 him on account of my unfaithfulness and vileness, and 
 also of high satisfaction in his service. During this 
 period I have been called to pass through some very 
 
MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 85 
 
 trying scenes, in cases where I have felt it my duty to 
 decide and to take a stand in opposition to the strong 
 prepossessions of those who had been my Christian 
 
 friends ; particularly in relation to the troubles at , 
 
 and at , having had my name cast out as evil by 
 
 those who have differed from me in opinion. God has 
 taught me, by my own experience, what it is to -go through 
 both good report and evil report. 
 
 " I desire to bless God that he has given me health and 
 strength to preach every Sabbath, during the past year, 
 and to attend an unusual number of religious meetings 
 among my people, averaging, at least, three in each week. 
 I trust that God has given me some souls to be the seal 
 of my ministry, during the past year. The Lord, in his 
 tender mercy, has remarkably blessed my family with 
 health, so that we have not had occasion, during the year, 
 to call for the aid of a physician. My two eldest children 
 are now hopefully brought into the kingdom of Christ, 
 and have publicly professed religion ; and my oldest son 
 is a missionary of the cross. I feel it to be a great honor 
 to have one of my family improved as an instrument of 
 extending the Redeemer's kingdom. I now renew the 
 dedication of myself and all my children to God, desiring 
 to feel, that we are all strangers and pilgrims on earth — 
 that time is short, and that inconceivably great scenes 
 await us. May God prepare me, by his grace, for the 
 duties and trials of life, and for the enjoyment of himself 
 in the realms of light and glory." 
 
 " Feb. 20, 1819. 
 
 "Dear Friends, 
 
 " Your letter of the 8th instant duly came to hand, 
 and gave us new occasion for rejoicing in the Lord. 
 What blessing can be so great to any people as to have 
 8 
 
86 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 their affections broken off from the vanities of this world 
 and placed upon the durable riches, purchased by the 
 blood of the Son of God ? The good work of grace 
 which the Lord has begun among you, appears to have 
 been uncommonly rapid in its progress ; for you intimate, 
 that not less than fifty, exhibit some evidence of having 
 passed from death unto life. 1 thank you for giving me 
 so early information of this new and rich display of the 
 mercy of God through Jesus Christ. I hope and pray 
 that the effect on my own mind may be salutary. 
 
 * * * "I desire to bless God, that we are not 
 without some tokens of his special presence in this place. 
 In some parts of the town there is unusual solemnity ; 
 and I trust five or six withiii a few weeks, have tasted and 
 seen that the Lord is good. 
 
 " To your lot as w ell as to ours it has fallen to have the 
 charge of a numerous family. How important and inter- 
 esting is the present season to your dear children who are 
 with you. I hope you will be able to say more than that 
 their minds are solemnized. God grant that their hearts 
 may be changed, and that a new song may be put into 
 their mouths. If this should be the case, your family 
 would become a little church, and the Lord would dwell 
 with you and bless you. While Christ is passing through 
 your town, dispensing his rich blessings to one and an- 
 other, you, the parents, should be very solicitous to have 
 him come under your roof, and make a gracious visit to 
 your family. Why did B. leave S. so soon after the Spirit 
 of God was shed down among you ? I know God can 
 change his heart at C. as well as at his father's house. 
 But what a privilege it would have been to witness the 
 triumphs of the Redeemer in his native place ? An in- 
 terest in the Saviour is an infinitely better portion than 
 literary fame." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 87 
 
 ''Dec. 18, 1819. 
 
 "Dear Sir, 
 
 " I tliank you for your letter of the 13th ult. and for 
 the ingenious and pertinent apologies which you have made 
 for my long silence. Selecting that which has had the 
 most influence in interrupting our correspondence, I shall 
 .say, that the state of your society in relation to Mr. O., 
 your late minister, is the one; and the one which T sup- 
 posed would occur to your reflecting mind. I have passed 
 through a siege, of two or three years' continuance, 
 occasioned by the almost unprecedented difficulties in 
 
 . There are times and seasons when it is wisdom 
 
 to be silent ; and he, who can govern his tongue or his 
 pen at such times, displays more true valor, than he who 
 conquers a city. While your troubles were pending, I 
 was even afraid you would write to me on the subject. I 
 had no call, in providence, to meddle with them. Know- 
 ing that you was considered as the head of a party, any 
 representation which you might make of them to me, 
 would render my approbation, or disapprobation of any 
 measure relating to them, altogether improper. * * * 
 Enough respecting apologies. 
 
 "In answer to your question, 'What is all this mighty 
 stir in the Christian world about religion ? ' I reply to 
 you as thus : I see much human frailty and imperfection 
 in all these movements — much display — much which tends 
 to evil, and will unavoidably issue in it, if God do not 
 prevent. Many are burying trutli, as fast as the Jews did 
 before the advent of Christ, while they are full of zeal. 
 Important distinctions are overlooked ; and it is probable, 
 that it will not be long, before it will be necessary to have 
 another president Edwards raised up to make a mighty 
 effort to rescue the truth, as it is in Jesus, from the mass 
 of rubbish gathering around it. 
 
 At the same time, I see many cheering and animating 
 
88 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 things — many preludes of the happy day so fully predicted 
 in the scriptures. The current is now running a particu- 
 lar way, and no human influence can stop it. I expect 
 the imperfection of man will be made to appear ; but the 
 counsel of the Lord will stand, and all his promises will 
 be fulfilled. He to wliom will be all the glory, will over- 
 turn, and overturn, and overturn, producing great and 
 unexpected changes in the political and religious world, 
 until the set time to favor Zion shall come. Let us, my 
 friend, rejoice that the Lord reignetli. * * * 
 and our companions have entered upon the evening of 
 life ; and whether we are prepared or not, the time of our 
 departure is at hand. I suppose you are not far from 
 sixty years of age. What remains now of life will prob- 
 ably be filled up with suffering. Our Saviour charges us 
 to watch and pray. How happy we might be, if we only 
 regarded the divine promises as yea and amen in Christ 
 Jesus. We know better than we do, we acknowledge in 
 words more than we feel, we believe facts from divine and 
 human testimony in which we do not and will not feel 
 interested. Hence gospel faith works by love." 
 
 Birthday reflections. " Feb. 2, 1820. Revolving time 
 has brought me to see another anniversary of the day on 
 which I commenced existence. Wonderful have been 
 the goodness and patience of God towards me and my 
 family. In view of which I desire to erect a monument to 
 his praise with this motto — ' Hitherto hath the Lord 
 helped me.' My health has been preserved, my reason 
 continued, and my ministry prolonged. I am yet suffered 
 to stand as the pastor of the church, which was committed 
 to me as an under-shepherd, in my youth. In no instance 
 during the past year, have my stated labors been inter- 
 rupted by ill health, or by any other providence. I de- 
 sire to be humble before God, that while I have been 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 89 
 
 active among my people, and liave addressed tliem in 
 public and in private, on the concerns of their souls, I 
 have had no more regard to his honor and glory. 
 
 " Mv heart has been filled with pain, in witnessing the 
 stupidity of my people, and the unusual languor and 
 coldness in the members of the church. How evident it 
 is, that we must all perish, minister and people, unless 
 sovereign mercy interpose, and turn our hearts unto the 
 Lord ! 
 
 " During the past year, I have been enabled to perform 
 several journeys of considerable length, and one of five 
 hundred and fifty miles to attend the ordination of my son 
 Alvan, at Madison, Ohio. 'This was a scene, which I 
 met with gre^t trembling; but I desire to bless God, that 
 I have lived to see that son so honorably settled in the 
 great work of the gospel ministry, where he has a fair 
 prospect of being u.<=eful. I now renew the dedication of 
 myself and all my children unto the Lord, to be his for- 
 ever and ever." 
 
 "Jlpril 11, 1820. 
 
 " My dear afflicted Friend, 
 
 '* I address a few lines to you, though very doubtful 
 from the representations made to me of your situation, 
 whether you will ever have opportunity to peruse them, or 
 to hear them read. The last particular account I had 
 from you, I received from Mrs. C, who spoke of your 
 departure from this world, as being then probably near. 
 This discouraged me from writing; but as it is possible 
 you may yet bo continued among the living, and a 
 prisoner of hope, my anxiety for you has compelled me 
 to take up my pen, to communicate a few thoughts to 
 you. 
 
 " I speak to you as a dying man, to whom this fading 
 world has no comfort to impart. My friend, what is the 
 8 * 
 
90 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 state of your soul? What are your prospects for tiie 
 future world? If you have liope in Christ, aud have 
 found a portion in hini, an excliange of worlds will be 
 your gain. You have liis testimony in the following 
 words — 'He that believetli shall be saved.' To comfort 
 you on any other ground than that of a union of soul to 
 Christ, I dare not. You must have that faith, which will 
 make Christ appear to you infinitely excellent and all- 
 sufficient. This faith will disarm death of all its terrors, 
 and j)resent eternity, not as being gloomy but joyful. I 
 would fondly hope, that you already know this by happy 
 experience, and that though you may be on the borders 
 of eternity, you are comforted witli that hope, which is 
 an anchor to the soul. If the case is otherwise with you, 
 I once more exhort and entreat you to cast yourself upon 
 the mercy of God in Christ while the expiring lamp of 
 life holds out to burn. Say not that your sins are too 
 numerous and aggravated to be pardoned ; for Christ 
 came to save the very chief of sinners. His precious 
 blood can wash away all our stains. Say not that \ou 
 have delayed repentance until it is too late ; for the ])ar- 
 doning mercy of God is sometimes extended to the sinner 
 at the eleventh hour. Call to mind the case of the thief 
 on the cross. When death had begun his work upon him, 
 he was heard to J'ray, ' Lord, remember me, when thou 
 comest into thy kingdom.' Ilis soul being humbled in 
 him, he had a gracious answer of peace. You, my dear 
 friend, may have a ))ortion in Christ, OTdy for asking, 
 with a feeling sense of your dependence. You may have 
 peace and quiet in your soul, as a dying man. But you 
 must be humble, you must loathe your sins — you must be 
 willing to be dependent on God, and feel a pleasure in 
 being wholly at his disposal. How happy you may be, if 
 you are only willing to cast yourself upon (he mercy of 
 God, and can feel that submission to his will is your 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 91 
 
 highest privilege. I pray God to lift upon you the light of 
 his countenance, and shine into your heart, that you may 
 have some foretaste of the joys of the heavenly world. As 
 to the time and manner of the closing scene, which you 
 probably have in expectation, leave it all with God. He 
 knows infinitely better than you do, what is best. Com- 
 mit also your dear wife and children into his hands, for he 
 can take care of them without your aid. 
 
 "This is the substance of what I should say, if I were 
 to have a personal interview with you. I accompany the 
 whole with my fervent prayers, that your heart may be 
 opened, by divine grace, to receive the counsel which I 
 have given you. * * * 
 
 " And now, dear sir, I take my leave of you, com- 
 mending you to the mercy of God, and pleading that you 
 may find all that support which you need as a sinner, and 
 as one who is near the eternal world." 
 
 "Jan. 8, 1821. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 "By Mr. L. B., of this town, I liave opportunity to 
 forward a letter to you, and I gladly emljrace it. It is 
 more than a year since I have received a line from you. 
 I do not like to forget my old friends, nor to be forgotten 
 by them. * * * 
 
 " How incompetent are we to carve for our cliildren ! 
 I sometimes tJiink that I feel a degree of cheerfulness in 
 leaving them wholly in the hands of that great and good 
 Being to whom I have publicly dedicated them. The 
 interesting relation in which I have long stood to these 
 immortal beings, never comes into my mind without a 
 conviction of great imfailhfulness on my part. 
 
 " In the church and town we have as much tranquillity 
 and peace as fall to the lot of churches and towns gen- 
 erally, and as much as can be expected among a people 
 
9-2 
 
 ME.MOIll OF 
 
 so destitute of the life and power of religion. During the 
 last summer and autumn, I trust that some few of the 
 young people of niy charge were liberated from the 
 reigning power of sin. For several years, the number of 
 members in the church has not varied much from two 
 hundred, notwithstanding the ravages of death, and the 
 spirit of emigration which has prevailed. 
 
 " I have at no period of my life experienced such 
 tremblings of mind for the State of Massachusetts as I 
 have since the separation of Maine. This event has 
 caused the meeting of a convention for the revision of our 
 constitution. I have feared that God would take away 
 wisdom from us, and leave us to choose to do what might 
 seem right in our own eyes. The task before the con- 
 vention has been arduous, the session long — already eight 
 weeks; but I hope and trust, after all their strugglings, 
 they will leave the constitution essentially tlie same which 
 it has been for forty years. As it will come from their 
 hands, it will lose one feature of no little consequence in 
 my mind. It will not make a belief in the Christian 
 religion a requisite qualification for the ofiice of governor, 
 &c. This I lament, because it appears to be an evident 
 departure from the word of God. It affects our religious 
 character as a State. It is an abandonment of the ground 
 on ^hich we have stood for two hundred years. It is 
 saying our fathers were foolish. Having read nearly all 
 the debates iiv the convention on the various subjects, I 
 must acknowledge that there are now in Massachusetts 
 many men of distinguished talents. I will venture to 
 name to yoUj without disparagement to many others, 
 Prescott, Parker, Webster, Saltonstali, and Wilde. George 
 Bliss, Esq. has been the chairman of one of the most im- 
 portant committees, and has acquitted himself as an 
 honest, discerning, and firm man. 
 
 " With respect to the religious state of Massachusetts, 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 93 
 
 there are some cheering things, and many that are glootny. 
 Cliaritabie societies are multiplying, and the aggregate 
 sum collected yearly for benevolent objects in this single 
 State, is immense. Religious intelligence is diffused in 
 every part of the State, and by almost every newspaper ; 
 but after alJ, I greatly fear, many, by reading these papers 
 weekly, as they vvould some interesting novel, are rapidly 
 losing their relish for more solid reading, and that the 
 distinguishing. doctrines of the cross, so .ably defended by 
 Edwards, Bellamy, Hopkins, and many others now no 
 more, are beginning to be crowded into the background. 
 * * * But the King of Zion reigns. 
 
 " I have now, my dear sir, had a little chat with you, 
 through the instrumentality of my pen — and it has had 
 some faint semblance of an interview of half an hour, 
 when we should naturally touch upon a variety of topics, 
 without thinking of discussing any of them." 
 
 Birthday reflections. " Feb. 2, 1821. I desire to bless 
 God that there have been some instances of special 
 attention among my people, and that some have hopefully 
 experienced a work of saving grace on their hearts during 
 the past year. This appears the more wonderful to me, 
 as I feel conscious of great unfaithfulness in my work, 
 and have been often ready to consider myself as standing 
 in the way, of the descent of blessings. I have many 
 outward trials, but none worthy of being compared with 
 my deserts, and none so great as those which have been 
 occasioned by my own departures from God. Sometimes 
 God has brought me to the footstool, so that I have been 
 compelled to cry for mercy." * * * 
 
 "March 13, 1821. 
 * * * "You inform us that B. has commenced 
 preaching. O that he might make an evangelical 
 
94 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 preacher — an able defender of the great doctrines of the 
 cross — an instrument of winning souls to Christ. I have 
 much anxiety respecting him, lest he may preach another 
 gospel. But did you ever read ' Scott's Force of Truth'? 
 I wish B. would give it an attentive perusal. God can do 
 with him as he did with Mr. S. He can make him love 
 the truth as it is in Jesus. 
 
 " I cannot describe to you the anxieties I have felt for 
 my son, who is a preacher, both before and since his 
 ordination. How responsible is the place of one who 
 stands as the guide of souls ! " 
 
 " Feb. 2, 1822. This day, I have renewed occasion to 
 call upon my soul and all within me, to bless and praise 
 the Lord for his numerous benefits to an ungrateful 
 creature. He has preserved my life, and continued my 
 health and strength another year. It has been a year of 
 very great mercies. Blessed be God, that I have witnessed 
 another precious harvest season among the dear people of 
 my charge, surpassing any other season during my min- 
 istry, excepting one with which we were favored, the year 
 of my ordination. From the month of June, to the 
 present time, I have attended religious meetings nearly 
 every day, which have been remarkably thronged. I have 
 reason to believe that great numbers of this people have 
 been convinced of the evil of sin, and have given them- 
 selves to Christ. More than a hundred have expressed a 
 hope that they have passed from death unto life. Fifty- 
 four, of different ages, united with the church in one day. 
 This was to me an overwhelming sight. I desire to 
 ascribe this work wholly to the sovereign mercy of God, 
 and to consider myself an unworthy instrument— an im- 
 perfect creature, as much dependent on the mercy of God, 
 as the vilest soul under my charge. The work is still in 
 progress. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 95 
 
 " Amidst all my mercies, I have been visited with some 
 very trying providences, especially the dangerous sickness 
 of my son, in Ohio, and my not being able to visit him, 
 in his afflictions, on account of the distance. My soul 
 has found no quiet but in entire submission to the will of 
 God. — I have also had a trial in parting with my daughter 
 Harriet, who is placed at the head of a family three 
 hundred miles from me. She was very dear to me, and 
 was almost every thing I could desire in a child. 
 
 " I have to record a greater trial than either of these ; 
 that my own children at home, while so many of the chil- 
 dren of my neighbors are called into the kingdom, should 
 remain secure in their sins. But, God is just ; and I 
 desire to commit rnyself and all my children, with every 
 other interest, to his disposal. Enter into thy rest, O my 
 soul ! " 
 
 « Feb. 28, 1822. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I thank you for your friendly letter by Mr. P. It 
 is true, as was stated to you, that the ' Lord has appeared 
 in his glory, by building up Zion ' in this, and many other 
 towns in this county. The work of divine grace, in 
 turning open scoffers and proud moralists from the error 
 of their ways, has been very wonderful. Many of my 
 people who lived at a great distance from God, and who 
 seemed to be entirely unaffected with their condition, 
 have been brought to a solemn pause, and have appeared 
 to contemplate "their ingratitude, their vileness, and their 
 danger, with deep interest. Convicted of their perishing 
 condition, many ,have felt themselves compelled to seek 
 refuge in Christ, and are now rejoicing in hope. 
 
 " The first appearance of this work of grace was in the 
 church. A few members began to think of their own 
 heedless ways, and inquire one of another what they 
 
96 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ought to do, to promote the salvation of their impenitent 
 families and neighbors, whom they saw living in carnal 
 security, and for no better purpose, than to fill up the 
 measure of their inicjuity. In the month of July last, we 
 instituted a weekly meeting of the church for prayer, 
 which has been very fully attended from that time to the 
 present, and with a fervor of spirit heretofore uncommon 
 among us. I proposed to the church, soon after this 
 meeting was instituted, that we should accompany prayer 
 with some special efforts, and that we should speak to the 
 people on the concerns of their souls. A committee of 
 the church was appointed to visit every family in the town, 
 and call the attention of the people to the neglected 
 subject of vital religion. This labor of love was per- 
 formed in the month of August, and was followed Avith 
 very considerable excitement. The impression made on 
 the minds of many, was this: — the church are really in 
 earnest, and if they have such a concern for our eternal 
 welfare, we certainly ought to have a concern for ourselves. 
 These religious visits have been made to every family 
 in the town four times, and usually the service has been 
 performed in one day, by twenty-eight members. They 
 have prayed in almost every house each time. To facili- 
 tate the business, I have given public notice of the day of 
 visiting, that the people might calculate to be at home. 
 We observed a day of public humiliation and prayer in 
 September, which called all the people together, so that 
 our large house was filled ; and we had another such day, 
 the present month, which was equally well attended. The 
 solemn stillness of our assemblies on the Sabbath, and on 
 other occasions, has been very noticeable, and remarkable ; 
 evincing that the Lord was indeed present. My labors, 
 as you may suppose, have been abundant by night and by 
 day. More than a hundred persons of different ages, 
 exhibit some evidence of having passed from death unto 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 97 
 
 life, and fifty-four have already united themselves with the 
 church. A number of striking instances of a change of 
 feelings and views, have occurred within a few days. The 
 genuineness of this work is to be tested by the future 
 lives and conversation of the subjects. The Saviour has 
 apprised us of this, in the following passage : ' By their 
 fruits ye shall know them.' Of one truth I feel assured, 
 that to God I ought to ascribe all the glory. * * * 
 
 " My own children have been passed by at this interest- 
 ing time. 
 
 " Though we are favored in this part of the land with 
 great blessings, yet I am looking forward to a time of 
 great dissensions among us. The churches in Massachu- 
 setts will be violently assailed by the enemy in a garb 
 something new, but Zion's God reigneth. 
 
 " From your old friend." 
 
 "Juhj 25, 1822. 
 
 " Dear Friend, 
 
 " We have been in a state of great anxiety for many 
 months, on account of the sickness of our son in the State 
 of Ohio. He has at length reached his native place, and 
 has performed a journey of five hundred miles on horse- 
 back, in a very feeble condition. This he accomplished in 
 eight weeks, riding slowly, and making frequent stops for 
 several days in different places. I had expected that I never 
 again should have seen that child, but a merciful God has 
 brpught him under the parental roof His trial was great in 
 leaving a united church, and an affectionate people, among 
 whom he had successfully labored for three years, and for 
 whom he had strength to do no more. He is attended 
 with a cough and great weakness at the lungs, yet he is 
 able to ride abroad, when the weather is pleasant. I view 
 his case as being very critical, and yet am not without 
 hope, that a merciful God may restore him to health. I 
 9 
 
98 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 beg an interest in your prayers for him and for hisparents. 
 We all need submission to the will of God. You have a 
 large family of children, who are beginning to scatter, and 
 can the more easily ent6r into our trials. How comfort- 
 ing are these words of the blessed Saviour, ' My grace is 
 sufficient for thee.' 
 
 " We have been favored with an interesting season of 
 the outpourings of the Holy Spirit, and the church is 
 greatly enlarged. I fear the harvest is past, and if so, I 
 know that many are left out of the kingdom. None of > 
 my own children have shared in this work. This has 
 been a great trial to me. 
 
 "Please write soon, and confer an obligation on your 
 friend." 
 
 Birthday reflections. " Feb. 2, 1823. Having obtained 
 help of God, I continue to this day, and am suffered to be 
 not only a prisoner of hope, but an ambassador of Jesus 
 Christ, and the pastor of the church committed to my care 
 more than thirty years ago. When I review my life, now 
 protracted to a period quite beyond the meridian of the 
 days of man, I cannot reflect upon the patience and for- 
 bearance of God, but with astonishment. I desire to call 
 upon my soul, and all that is within me, to bless and praise 
 the Lord, whose mercy has been extended to me another 
 year, and that I have been made to differ from so many of 
 my friends and acquaintances, who have been summoned 
 into the eternal world. O that the Lord would bless me 
 with a grateful, humble, and penitent heart. Why should 
 a creature so unworthy, so constantly prone to dishonor 
 God, and to abuse his mercies, be suffered to continue so 
 long in the highly responsible places of a parent, and a 
 minister of Jesus Christ ? To recount all the mercies of 
 the Lord, bestowed on me the year past, would be to write 
 a volume. He has blessed me with uniform health, so 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 99 
 
 that my public labors have not in a single instance been 
 inten-upted. The religious attention among my people, 
 which was so general in 1821, has been continued during 
 the whole of the succeeding year, and has not entirely 
 subsided at this time. Almost a hundred persons, and 
 the most of them from among the youth, have publicly 
 professed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This gives 
 me reason to hope, that this branch of the church may 
 live, after my decease. 
 
 " The Lord has not suffered me to go through the year 
 without heavy afflictions. He has laid his hand upon my 
 eldest son, who entered the ministry with uncommonly 
 fair prospects, but whose health is now so impaired that 
 he can do nothing for his people nor for himself. During 
 the whole year, both while in the State of Ohio, and since 
 his return to my house, seven months ago, I have been 
 afflicted in his afflictions. Not a day has passed, when I 
 have not felt myself to be under the rod. I have also bur- 
 dens to endure on account of my other children, four of 
 whom have now gone from under my care. One, T., has 
 narrowly escaped from instant death. The Lord has been 
 teaching me, that I must not place my dependence on my 
 children. He claims them as his own. And now, O my 
 God ! I resign them ail into thine hands, to be disjxysed 
 of as thine infinite wisdom shall direct, for time and for 
 eternity, humbly praying thee to increase my faith, and 
 prepare me for thy coming and thy kingdom. Amen." 
 
 " Feb. 19, 1823. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 " Your very welcome letter came safely to hand, and 
 was rejoicing to my heart. I will not imitate you in 
 delaying the acknowledgment of so acceptable a favor. 
 The copious extract from your son S.'s letter, was truly 
 refreshing ; far more so than to have heard he had been 
 
100 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 brought into the possession of annual millions. If his 
 feelings accord with his expressions, we may charitably 
 hope he has chosen the good part which will never be 
 taken away from him. And how can yon, the parents, 
 who love your children, be sufficiently thankful for this 
 token of divine mercy to your first born? I was particu- 
 larly pleased to notice the decided manner in which he 
 bore testimony to the great truths of the gospel, without 
 seeming to have any intention of doing it. I see he is 
 
 interested in the work of God's Holy Spirit in -, 
 
 and expresses a hope that his wife is a partaker of spiritual 
 blessings. I had entertained fears that he would fall in 
 with the popular- errors in that region of country, and be 
 left to deny the Lord that bought him. Now I hope he 
 will build on the Rock of Ages — the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and be a pillar in the church. To his brothers and sisters, 
 his letters, if they breathe the spirit of what I saw from 
 his pen, must be powerful preaching indeed." 
 
 " jYov. 18, 1823. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I have just finished the perusal of your kind letter 
 of the 7th inst., received to-day, and will not suffer a 
 single mail to pass without forwarding my acknowledg- 
 ment of the favor. I thank you for the spirit of friendship 
 which it breathes, and for your promptness in complying 
 with my request. How little do we know the designs of 
 Jehovah I and how incompetent are we to choose for our 
 friends or for ourselves. Wben I arrived at O., and found 
 you there a laborer, ready to enter that part of the great 
 vineyard of our Lord, I felt something as Sarhuel the 
 prophet did, when Jesse presented his eldest son to him. 
 Such were the indications of Providence, in directing you 
 to that place, at that interesting time, that I fondly cher- 
 ished the hope, that you was designed to be a great bles- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 101 
 
 sing to that people. But it appears from your letter, that 
 the Lord hath not chosen you for that purpose, for you are 
 about to close your labors in O. I still hope, however, 
 that your labor has not been wholly in vain. The seed 
 you have sown, may, in many instances, have fallen on 
 good ground, and the happy consequences may be dis- 
 closed in the great day. 
 
 " I feel tenderly for you, and also for the people who 
 have been favored with your labors. The Lord, I trust, 
 will direct you to some other part of his vineyard, and I 
 earnestly pray that he may provide one to take your place, 
 who may be the dependent and humble, yet honored in- 
 strument of building up the broken walls of that part of 
 Zion. 
 
 " The death of , was truly affecting and awful ; 
 
 but the will of the Lord concerning her is done. At her 
 funeral you was called to preach on a trying occasion, and 
 I hope God enabled you to be faithful to her surviving 
 friends and acquaintances. The thought has occurred to 
 me that in selecting the words from which you spoke, 
 you might not have been altogether judicious. The text 
 of a funeral sermon is long remembered by mourning 
 relatives, who retain not the weighty instructions drawn 
 from it and ably enforced by the preacher. I make this 
 remark, without knowing, or having any intimation, that 
 you gave the least offence on that trying occasion. ' Fcr- 
 bum sapienti sat est.' " 
 
 "Jan. 27, 1824. 
 
 " My dear Sir, 
 
 " You have now to cultivate a smaller portion of the 
 great vineyard of our Lord than you did have, and I hope, 
 through divine grace assisting you, you will cultivate it 
 faithfully, and be the honored instrument of rendering 
 every part of it fruitful. I presume you will find enough 
 9 * 
 
102 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to occupy your mind, and to call forth all the exertions of 
 which you are capable. You cannot fail of deriving some 
 benefit from past experience. The recollection of your 
 own deficiencies, imperfections and want of wisdom, as 
 the pastor of a church, I hope will influence you to seek 
 diligently and fervently for a fresh unction from the Holy 
 One ; that you may be inspired with zeal, and be guided 
 from on high, in all your intercourse with the people of 
 your charge. If you would be useful to your people, you 
 must love them, and you must bear them on your heart 
 before God. You must make the impression deep and 
 abiding on tlieir minds, that you seek their highest and 
 eternal good. And if you are yourself conscious of aim- 
 ing at this, it will help you wonderfully in your work, and 
 render it agreeable, however arduous. 
 
 " But why should I, though your senior, who liave been 
 so awfully deficient in discharging the duties of a minister, 
 attempt to give counsel to another? I forbear to add any 
 thing more on this subject, only that I hope God will make 
 you more devoted, more humble, more skilful in handling 
 the word of life, and more successful in your work, than 
 ever I have been. 
 
 "We have some encouraging things among us, especially 
 in the church — more appearance of a spirit of prayer — 
 more action, and more concern for the welfare of Zion. 
 We have had a season of special prayer, and designated 
 three brethren to each of the school-houses in town, 
 making twenty-one, who were to meet the people in the 
 various districts at the same hour. The meetings were 
 interesting and solemn. Remember us in all your ap- 
 proaches to the throne of grace, and forget not my 
 afflicted son Alvan. 
 
 "That the Lord may bless you, and make you a rich 
 blessing to your charge, is the prayer of your friend and 
 fellow-laborer." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 103 
 
 Birthday reflections. "Feb. 2, 1824. The goodness 
 and mercy of my heavenly Benefactor have been extended 
 to me and my family another year, of which I here make 
 a record as a monument to his prai.se. Through hi5 
 patience and forbearance, my healtii and reason are con- 
 tinued, and I desire to praise him, that my labors, as a 
 minister, have not been interrupted by sickness during 
 the year. Every Sabbath, I have been permitted to go to 
 the sanctuary, and to proclaim to my people the unsearch- 
 able riches of Jesus Christ. I have also been allowed to 
 attend not less than three meetings each week, beside my 
 more public labors on the Sabbath. Though it has not 
 been a year distinguished for the effusions of the Holy 
 Spirit upon my people, yet we have been favored with 
 peace in the church and town. Several have been added 
 to the church. 
 
 " The Lord has enabled me to perform a number of 
 journies, and to visit different parts of his great vineyard. 
 I have been brought under great obligations to praise him, 
 for granting me opportunity to visit my children, at 
 Ogden, and to encourage the feeble church in that place. 
 By request, I preached at the dedication of their new 
 meeting-house, administered the sacrament of the Lord's 
 supper, baptized a number of children, and among others, 
 a child of my daughter. This visit, and my many labors 
 among the people, were peculiarly interesting to me. On 
 this journey I had the satisfaction to meet many dear 
 Christian friends, whom I had not seen for many years. 
 
 "I am yet afflicted in the afflictions of my eldest son, 
 who has never seen a well day for two years and a half, 
 and whose labors among his people have been entirely 
 suspended. A greater trial than this T have experienced 
 — that so many of my children appear to be strangers to 
 a life of godliness, notwithstanding their many privileges. 
 And yet I desire to bless God for the restraints he lays 
 
104 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 upon them, and that they are decent and regular in their 
 external deportment. May the Lord give me grace to be 
 wise in all my relations, and faithful even unto death, and 
 to him shall all the praise and glory be given." 
 
 "Mi?/ 14, 1824. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I rejoice to hear that the churches in your vicinity 
 are blessed witli seasons of refresliing from the presence 
 of the Lord, and that there is an increase of feeling 
 among the members of the church with which you are 
 connected. May the Lord warm your own heart, and 
 make you wise in winning souls to Christ. Of nothing 
 do we, as ministers of the gospel, stand in more need, than 
 to be cured of our self-importance. Relying too much 
 on our own strength and wisdom, we do not make suf- 
 ficient account of the Saviour. We are" not enough in 
 earnest when we attempt to press upon our people the 
 importance of believing in him, as their only hope. 
 Neither are we sufficiently clear and pungent in laying 
 open to them their perishing condition. I fear, that we 
 are aiming and studying too much, perhaps insensibly, to 
 be accounted acceptable and popular preachers. 
 
 " E. has informed us, and the same has been repeatedly 
 confirmed by letters, that Harriet's health is very feeble. 
 Her symptoms are truly alarming. She has a severe 
 cough, attended with general debility. We hope the 
 Lord will be merciful and spare her ; but we are entirely 
 ignorant of his purposes, and also of what is, on the 
 whole, best. My only refuge is, submission to his will. 
 
 " Alvan's flesh and strength are gradually wasting ; yet 
 he rides more than he has done, and ventures further from 
 home. In his case, we have a long continued chastise- 
 ment from the rod of our heavenly Father, but I desire 
 to feel that the strokes are lighter than our iniquities 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 105 
 
 deserve. Pray for us. Pray fervently for my family. 
 What a blessing it would be to have all my children 
 brought into the kingdom ! 
 
 " Write often, and let us know your joys and sorrows." 
 
 "May 27, 182i. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Among my people, even among the members of 
 the church, there is but little religious feeling at the 
 present time. We are all in a luke-warm state, and 
 witness the prevalence of sin with criminal indifference. 
 Yet we are suffered to live in as much tranquillity, as can 
 be expected in such a state of things, and where the fear 
 of God is so generally cast off. 
 
 " Let any people have their own chosen way, and they 
 will soon deprive themselves of all the means which God 
 has appointed for their spiritual and eternal good. IIow 
 thankful we ought to be, for the restraints which are laid 
 upon us, and for the patience of God towards such proud 
 and rebellious creatures ! 
 
 " I hope it is a time of religious prosperity with you, 
 and that no roots of bitterness are springing up in the 
 church, or in your society. I perceive, by your letters, 
 that you are not exactly suited with the preaching of your 
 minister, and I have had some fears, lest your feelings 
 may influence you to prevent his being so useful to you 
 as he might be. I never saw the man, and know very 
 little more of him, than what I have learned from you, 
 I know, however, that like all others who enter into the 
 ministry, he is an earthen vessel — an imperfect man, and 
 falls far short of the standard, which you find in the word 
 of God. But he is your minister, placed over you in the 
 Lord, and though he may not be in all respects what you 
 wish him to be, yet let him be as useful to you and to 
 others as possible. Pray for him daily, that he may have 
 
106 
 
 MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 a. fresh unction from the Holy One, and an increase of 
 divine light. Tliough lie is an imperfect instrument, pray 
 fervently for him, that his labors may be blessed, and that 
 through him, God may be glorified in the salvation of 
 sinners. You will excuse these thoughts from a friend. 
 We are all liable to err, and ought to be thankful for any 
 cautions which are suitably administered to us. 
 
 "Through divine mercy, we are all yet alive. My 
 eldest son remains in a very feeble state, and is less 
 capable of e.vertion than he was a year ago. We need 
 the prayers of all our Christian friends. I trust you re- 
 member us and him, and all my family, in some of your 
 approaches to the throne of grace." 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 HIS AFFLICTIONS IN THE DEATH QF HIS CHILDREN ALVAN, 
 HARRIET, LUCY, AND CHAUNCEY. 
 
 In the preceding extracts, we have had illdstrations of 
 the parental feelings of the writer of the letters and 
 birthday reflections, while the rod of God was held over 
 him. We have heard him speak of his being afflicted 
 in the afflictions of his children, earnestly imploring his 
 friends to pray for him and for his family, and saying that 
 his only refuge was submission to the will of God. We 
 have seen with what fervor he dedicated himself and his 
 children to God, acknowledging that his children were 
 not his own, and renewing the dedication of them from 
 year to year, with devout aspirations for the influence of 
 the Holy Spirit to be his guide, and ^prepare him for his 
 holy will. 
 
 In the extracts which are to follow, we have opportu- 
 nity to learn how he appeared when the rod actually fell 
 upon his family, and the children for whom he had 
 prayed so often, and whom he loved so tenderly, were 
 taken away. The first is an extract from his diary, which 
 is without date, but probably written near the close of the 
 year 1824. It is as follows : 
 
108 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " I here record some peculiar dispensations of divine 
 Providence towards me and my family, in removing, by 
 death, two of my children in the short space of nine 
 weeks. Having been repeatedly informed of the low and 
 declining state of my daughter's health at Ogden, and of 
 her strong desire to come home, with the hope of recover- 
 ing her health, 1 had many consultations with my family, 
 respecting the duties we owed to so dear a child. Our 
 eldest son had long been languishing at home, and our 
 eldest daughter was now declining at a place three 
 hundred miles distant from us. The result of our many 
 anxious consultations was, that I, with my daughter Lucy, 
 should go to Ogden, and accompany her sister to her 
 native place, if she should be able to journey. Accord- 
 ingly, on Monday, the 9th of August, 1824, we took the 
 stage at my door, and reached Ogden on Friday the 13th ; 
 hoping and expecting that my son would survive, and that 
 we should see him again, as he was able then to ride out; 
 but it was otherwise ordered. He died suddenly, on 
 Thursday the 12th, the third day after our departure. 
 This opened a most trying scene to my wife and children 
 at home, from which God, in his providence, had separated 
 me and Lucy. The kind attention and sympathy of 
 neighbors and friends were manifestetl to my afflicted 
 family in my absence, which I record as a new token of 
 the goodness of God. At the funeral of my son, the Rev. 
 Dr. Shepard of Lenox preached a sermon from 1 Tim. 
 iv. 7, S. A number of my brethren in the ministry were 
 present on the mournful occasion. Six of my children, 
 viz., Joseph, AVilliam, Edward, Chauncey, Theodore, and 
 Alexander, with my wife, followed this son to the grave, 
 while I was ignorant of the bitter cup of which they were 
 all made to drink. Nor had I any knowledge of the 
 event, until I had been with my sick daughter, at Ogden, 
 one week, whom I found extremely enfeebled by disease. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 109 
 
 The tidings of the death of my son, transmitted by mail, 
 was overwhelming to me and my children, as our sorrows 
 before were seemingly as great as our frail natures could 
 endure. God, I trust, was our refuge and strength, and a 
 present help in this day of trouble. My dear daughter 
 Harriet, who was then unable to walk, on being told that 
 her brother was dead, fell into tears, but immediately 
 checked herself, saying, 'I must submit to the will of 
 God.' — Her desire to commence the journey to Lee was 
 too strong to be resisted, though repeatedly told that the 
 issue must be considered as doubtful. She said she was 
 prepared to die by the way, if it should be the will of 
 God ; but still her hopes and expectations were strong, 
 that she should reach her father's house. 
 
 " On Monday, the 23d of August, having united with 
 my children in prayer, and committed ourselves and our 
 great undertaking, to the direction and disposal of God, I 
 set out with my sick daughter, her husband and child, 
 and my daughter Lucy, and entered a packet-boat at 
 Ogden. Never, on any occasion, was my mind so loaded 
 with anxiety. Towards the close of the following day, 
 Harriet's nerves were so affected with the motion of the 
 boat, and the passing of locks, that she became deranged, 
 and we were compelled to go on shore among strangers. 
 This was a scene which I never can describe to any 
 person. Here, at the distance of eighty miles from her 
 home, and two hundred and twenty from my own home, 
 I expected to part with this dear child, and to seek for her 
 a grave among strangers. But God was better to us than 
 our fears. After three days, she so far revived, that we 
 resumed our journey and took passage in another boat ; 
 and finally, through a merciful Providence, we were all 
 brought home in the space of about ten days from the 
 time we left Ogden. This was peculiarly gratifying to 
 her, as she could have the daily attention of her parents. 
 10 
 
110 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 At times, we indulged some faint liopes of her recovery ; 
 but God in his providence had otherwise ordered. Seeing 
 this daughter wasting away with a nervous consumption, 
 which rendered her incapable of enduring much con- 
 versation, or even of seeing many friends, we were truly 
 brought into the furnace of affliction. Her nerves were 
 often so irritable that she could hear only small portions 
 of God's word at a time. But she had found a resting- 
 place for her soul many years before ; and when reminded 
 of the all-sufficiency of Christ, and of the wisdom of God's 
 government, she was calm. Often was she heard to say, 
 ' I must submit to the will of my heavenly Father.' Her 
 life was prolonged in this state of bodily suffering more 
 than seven weeks after she was brought home. In some 
 of her last days, there was some abatement of her nervous 
 affections, which enabled her to see a few of her friends, 
 and to converse more. Persuaded myself that I must 
 soon part with this dearly beloved child, I seated myself 
 by lier side, and asked her if she felt divine support under 
 her great trials. She calmly replied, ' I think, if I am 
 not deceived, I have an anchor to my soul, both sure and 
 steadfast. I think I can give up myself, my husband, my 
 child, my parents, and all that is dear to me.' These 
 were some of her last words. On Thursday morning, 
 October 14, she died without a struggle or groan, being 
 the same day of the week, and nearly the same hour of 
 the day, that her brother died. This was an over- 
 whelming scene to myself and family. So unexpected 
 was the event at that time, that we were almost alone 
 when her immortal spirit took its flight. And to record 
 what was peculiarly trying, Mr. C, the husband of my 
 daughter, was absent ; nor did he reach my afflicted 
 family until after her interment. On Saturday, Oct. 16, 
 her funeral was attended by a great concourse of people, 
 when a sermon, adapted to the occasion, was preached by 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 Ill 
 
 the Rev. Dr. Sliepard of Lenox, from Prov. xiv. 32 — 
 ' The righteous hath hope in his death.' This was a 
 seasonable and consoling sermon, under our repeated and 
 heavy trials and bereavements. I have now parted with 
 two children, who were settled in life, and who had fair 
 prospects of being useful in the world. They were both 
 professors of religion, and had often accompanied me to 
 the sacramental table. I am now left without a child who 
 is visibly in covenant with God. May the Lord sanctify 
 these peculiar dispensations of his providence to me and 
 my companion, and to niy surviving children ; and may 
 they all be inclined to enlist under the banner of Christ, 
 that I may yet have the unspeakable joy to see them 
 walking in the truth." 
 
 The extract from his diary above, was written some 
 months after the events transpired. In a letter to his 
 wife, dated at Ogden, immediately after receiving intelli- 
 gence of his son's death, we see the heart of a Christian 
 parent while in the furnace of affliction. 
 
 " Ogden, Aug. 21, 1824. 
 
 " My dear and afflicted Wife, 
 
 " Yesterday's mail brought me a letter from our 
 friend Dr. B., which announced to me the heavy tidings 
 of the death of our first-born son and child, with whose 
 trials we have so long been conversant. It was almost 
 too much for my frail nature to sustain ; but I trust God 
 has been my help and supporter, in this furnace of afflic- 
 tion. I had strongly hoped that I should again see that 
 dear son, though my fears and anxieties were very great, 
 when I left you, and him in your care. It is a mysterious 
 Providence which carried Lucy and myself away from a 
 distressing scene, which was so soon to open to you and 
 the dear children with you. When I reflect upon the 
 
112 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 greatness of your trial, in the events of the week in vvliich 
 I left you, my heart is full. I have no language to ex- 
 press my feelings. O that I could have been with you, 
 and took a part in your grief, in witnessing the dying 
 struggles of our departed son, in uniting with you in 
 pleading for him, and commending him to the mercy of 
 God, and in accompanying you and the surviving chil- 
 dren to the solemn place of interment ! But, for some 
 wise reasons, hereafter to be explained, God has ordered 
 otherwise. I desire to submit to his holy will. I hope, 
 my dear companion, that you have been supported by the 
 same hand which has laid on this rod, and that God will 
 bring you very near to himself, and that the children may 
 see in you a pattern of Christian mourning. I had, in 
 the first place, a trial in communicating the news of 
 Alvan's removal to Lucy, as I knew it would be over- 
 whelming to her. At this moment Mr. S. came in, and 
 we united in prayer, which was a precious season in 
 calming our minds. Several hours after, I sat down by 
 our dear Harriet, and endeavored to prepare her mind to 
 come to the knowledge of this dispensation of Providence. 
 Her nerves are very irritable, and the least thing over- 
 comes her. In view of her case, it was the hardest task 
 I ever undertook ; but having brought God's holy govern- 
 ment into view, she seemed to be prepared to hear the 
 heavy tidings." 
 
 In the following extracts from his letters, there is some 
 repetition of the thoughts contained in the paragraphs 
 above, but as some additional details are given respecting 
 the trials with which the family was visited, and the 
 feelings of the father, as the providence of God opened 
 these scenes to him, it is thought they will not be un-. 
 acceptable. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 113 
 
 "^fp/. 4, 1824. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 " The trials in my family, the last four weeks, have 
 been indescribable, though they have been such as infinite 
 wisdom has marked out for us. Submission to the will of 
 our heavenly Father is our duty and our privilege. We 
 had heard that our daughter Harriet was very feeble in 
 health, and considered to be in a rapid decline. It is 
 nearly four weeks since Lucy and I sat out to go and see 
 her. At that time, Alvan was as comfortable as he had 
 been for two or three months ; and though weak and 
 much emaciated, was able to ride four or five miles at one 
 time. He, however, died suddenly the fourth day after I 
 left home, and never had a watcher until the night before 
 he died. He was favored with his reason to the last 
 moment, and was entirely calm, as he had been during 
 his long sickness, saying that he rejoiced in God, and that 
 the Saviour appeared precious to him. Mrs. Hyde and 
 the smaller children met this heavy affliction when Lucy 
 and I were hundreds of miles from them, unconscious of 
 their being called to drink of such a cup of sorrow. Our 
 friends in town were very attentive to them, and did every 
 thing in their power to assuage their grief 
 
 " We found Harriet very low indeed, having less 
 strengtii than Alvan had when we left home. She was 
 desirous of making an attempt to return with us in 
 a packet-boat on the canal, and could not be denied. 
 Never did I contemplate an undertaking with so much 
 anxiety and trembling. Indeed, I expected we should be 
 compelled to return after riding in the boat one day ; but 
 through much fatigue we have all been brought to my 
 house, and she has as much strength as when we left 
 home. The prospect of her recovery, or even of her 
 continuing long, is very faint. 
 
 "You see from this short account, that we are in the 
 10 * 
 
114 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 furnace of affliction ; and I trust you will be excited to 
 pray fervently that God's grace may be sufficient for us. 
 In years past God has given us great prosperity as a 
 family, and we have been ungrateful. Now he is laying 
 on the rod, and O that we may be humbled. 
 
 " Harriet is in a calm and sweet frame of mind, which 
 is an unspeakable mercy." 
 
 " Oct. 12, 1824. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I thank you for a short letter by Mr. S. Since 
 that time I have been placed, by a wise Providence, in the 
 furnace of affliction, and there I am still continued. The 
 Lord removed my first-born son from the world, at a time 
 when 1 was not expecting the event, and when I had no 
 opportunity to administer a word of consolation to him, in 
 that trying hour when he was conflicting with the king of 
 terrors. Though the providence appears to be mysterious, 
 yet I desire not to murmur. My two eldest children, who 
 first had a place in my affections, as a parent, have entered 
 the eternal world. My dear daughter Harriet, is rapidly 
 sinking to the grave. For a few weeks after her return 
 to my house, she appeared to be more comfortable, and 
 we cherished a faint hope of her recovery ; but for ten 
 days past, the indications of Providence have been plain 
 that we must part with her. She is calm, and appears to 
 have a sight of the loveliness and all-sufficiency of the 
 Saviour. This is an unspeakable mercy, and 1 desire 
 that I may not, in the midst of my grief, undervalue it. 
 We need the pity and the prayers of all our Christian 
 friends. Will you not come and see us in this day of 
 adversity 1 Come soon, if you can, and if you wish to 
 see Harriet in this world. 
 
 " From your afflicted friend." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 115 
 
 Birthday reflections. "Feb. 2, 1825. I have renewed 
 occasion, this day, to recognize the goodness of God, and 
 to 'call upon my soul, and all that is within me, to bless his 
 holy name.' I desire to feel that he has redeemed my life 
 from destruction, and crowned me with his loving kind- 
 ness and tender mercies, though my trials the year past, 
 have exceeded any that I have before experienced. There 
 has not been a single day, during the whole year, when I 
 could say, ray family were all in health. I have been 
 called to mourn the early death of my two eldest children, 
 who had entered on spheres of active usefulness. These 
 events I have contemplated, as being among the mysterious 
 providences of God, and yet I have already noticed many 
 mercies, connected with these heavy trials and sore be- 
 reavements. These dear children have been taken into 
 the eternal world before me. I am conscious, that the 
 time is drawing nigh, when I must follow them. I need 
 special communications of divine grace to prepare for the 
 interesting scenes which await me. This day, I lament 
 before God, who knows all my neglects of duty, and all 
 my sinful wanderings, that I have been no more solicitous 
 to receive spiritual profit in the furnace of affliction. In 
 his great faithfulness God is still correcting me, and put- 
 ting my confidence in his government to the test, by con- 
 tinuing sickness in my family. Since the removal of my 
 two eldest children by death, I have had great anxiety 
 on account of the feeble health of my only surviving 
 daughter. 
 
 " The past has been a year of unusual mortality 
 among my people. We have been- visited with some very 
 awful providences by the explosions of powder-mills in the 
 town, which occasioned the sudden death of six men, in 
 the prime of life. I have to lament that these providences 
 have been witnessed by my people, and by my own family, 
 without arousing any one from the sleep of sin, or exciting 
 
116 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the interesting inquiry, ' What shall I do to be saved ? ' 
 Never did I notice greater and more general unfeeling- 
 ness on the subject of religion, in this town, than I have 
 witnessed since God has spoken so loudly in these provi- 
 dences. The same thing has been apparent in the church 
 as a body. Difficulties have arisen among the professed 
 followers of Christ, which it seems impossible to heal. 
 Truly my heart has been pained, and I have had occasion 
 to mourn in secret places. Sometimes I have been ready 
 to conclude, that I could no longer be instrumental of 
 good to the people of my charge. Yet, if I know my own 
 heart, I desire to be humble, to feel my dependence, and 
 to follow on to know the Lord. 
 
 " I once more renew the dedication of myself unto the 
 Lord, to be his forever. O that he would have mercy on 
 me, and on the surviving members and branches of my 
 afflicted family, for the sake of the Redeemer. Amen." 
 
 In a letter dated May 28, in which he speaks of absent 
 children, he says : 
 
 " Children know not the solicitude of parents, which is 
 doubtless often, too often, excessive and criminal. How 
 much happier we should be, if we could learn the impor- 
 tant lesson of submitting all our concerns to God." 
 
 In his diary is the following record : 
 
 " June 12, 1825. My daughter Lucy died at Sand- 
 wich, in the house of brother William Fessenden, being 
 the same house in which her mother was born. This 
 dear child rode with me to Boston, in a chaise, where we 
 arrived on Monday, the 23d of May. She had long been 
 feeble, but was then comfortable, and was very desirous of 
 continuing her journey to Sandwich, hoping she might 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 117 
 
 derive benefit from the sea air, and sea food. My son 
 Joseph, had arrived at Boston, in the stage before us, and 
 on the 24th of May, they set out for Sandwich. She was 
 cheerful ; but my own mind was filled with anxiety on her 
 account. I gave her the parting hand in Boston, at the 
 door of John Houston, Esq., where we had been hospitably 
 entertained. It was with very great reluctance, and with 
 much trembling, that I consented to her taking this course, 
 as she would be with those, who, though friends and rela- 
 tives, would be strangers to her complaints. Never can I 
 describe the burden which I felt at that time. She per- 
 formed the journey without much fatigue, and was so 
 comfortable that her desire was to be left there. Her 
 brother continued with her a week ; but soon after he 
 parted with her, she had a violent attack of the disorder, 
 which had long been wasting her strength, and it soon 
 became evident that her dissolution was rapidly approach- 
 ing. She retained her usual serenity and calmness until 
 her death, which took place on Sabbath morning. She 
 was an affectionate and lovely child, and was tender on 
 the subject of religion, though she was not a public pro- 
 fessor, nor could she be persuaded to believe that she had 
 experienced a renovation of heart. Nevertheless she said 
 her meditations on her moral state, and on the necessity 
 of a personal interest in Christ, had been different for a 
 year. She expressed submission to the divine will, in a 
 clear and aflfecting manner, saying that ' all was as it 
 should be.' 
 
 " I have now buried three children in the short space 
 of ten months, and have now no daughter to solace my 
 declining years. The last was the heaviest stroke of them 
 all. Under all my bereavements, T desire to bow in hum- 
 ble submission to the will of my heavenly Father, who 
 gave me these pleasant and amiable children, and who 
 has taken them from me. Lucy had just completed 
 
118 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 twenty-one years. She was beloved by her numerous 
 acquaintances, and her death occasioned great mourning. 
 May the Lord sanctify this providence to me, to my com- 
 panion, and surviving children." 
 
 " Junz 16, 1825. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 " Your letter, communicating to us the very afflictive 
 tidings of the unexpected death of our dear and only 
 daughter, reached here yesterday. I was myself at Pitts- 
 field, attending the meeting of the Berkshire Association 
 of Ministers. Mrs. Hyde was called to endure the shock 
 alone, with the three youngest children. A messenger 
 Avas immediately despatched with the letter to me, which 
 I received in the meeting-house. Though your former 
 letters had greatly excited my fears, yet the intelligence 
 of the sudden departure of that dear child, was more over- 
 whelming to me, than any of the scenes through which I 
 have lately passed. It is a mysterious providence, that 
 she should go to such a distance from her parents and 
 brothers, to meet the king of terrors, and to find her grave ; 
 but the reasons for this additional trial will be explained 
 hereafter. God has done right. All the circumstances 
 of her sickness and death were ordered in infinite wisdom. 
 She was to die in your family, and before your eyes, and 
 the eyes of your children, and other relatives, while we 
 were ignorant of the distressing scene. I desire to submit 
 to the will of my heavenly Father, and to be humble 
 under this repeated and heavy stroke. 
 
 " I lament my unfaithfulness to her, and now God has 
 taken her away from my care, no more to return to me. I 
 know he has disposed of her in righteousness ; I have no 
 comj)Iaints to make, though I feel greatly bereaved. The 
 Lord alone can support my companion and myself under 
 this ailiiction. We beg for an interest in your prayers. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 119 
 
 and the prayers of all our friends in S., who know the 
 way to the throne of grace. I can say in the language of 
 Job, ' Have pity upon us, have pity upon us, O ye our 
 friends ! for the hand of the Lord hath touched us.' 
 
 " The visit of my dear child at S., on which she had 
 long reckoned, instead of affording you joy, has occasioned 
 you much care, anxiety, and distress. You have stood 
 over her dying bed, and with other relatives followed her 
 mortal remains to the grave. I pray God to reward you all 
 for your kind attention to her whom you will see no more, 
 until you meet her in another world. I pray God to sanc- 
 tify the whole scene to your family, and to all the kind 
 relatives who ministered to her. Accept my thanks for 
 every token of your sympathy and kindness to one who 
 was so dear to us." 
 
 Extracts from other letters, written as these scenes 
 were opening to him and his family, though they contain 
 some repetitions, will here be inserted. 
 
 " June 18, 1825. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 " Yesterday I received your letter, giving us an ac- 
 count of the funeral solemnities of our dear departed 
 daughter, which, while it is deeply affecting to our hearts, 
 and has caused the tears to flow, has brought us under 
 renewed obligations to you, and other friends who have 
 taken such an interest in our uncommon afflictions. 
 * * * Perhaps God has denied us the privilege of 
 ministering to her, and giving our counsel in the last mo- 
 ments of life, because we were so unfaithful to her when 
 she was with us and in health. * * # i have thought 
 her death might be the means of saving some of your 
 family, or some of her relatives in Sandwich, though the 
 mournful scene was hidden from the eyes of my family. 
 
120 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 It is my fervent prayer that it may be sanctified to us all, 
 and though at present grievous, it may hereafter yield 
 the peaceable fruit of righteousness. 
 
 "Tuesday morning, June 21. On the Sabbath our 
 meeting-house was filled to overflowing, and Rev. Mr. Burt, 
 of Great Barrington, improved the affecting death of our 
 daughter, by addressing us from Psalm xlvi. 1 — 'God is 
 our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.' 
 It was a consoling sermon, as the only unfailing source 
 of comfort was presented to us. We have a satisfaction in 
 witnessing the attentioii and sympathetic feelings of so 
 many friends ; but we are not to expect, that our loss can 
 ever be made up in this world. The places which once 
 knew her, in our family and elsewhere, will know her no 
 more forever. But God can bestow upon us that which 
 is far better than sons or daughters. Let us have a daily 
 interest in your prayers, and let all our friends know that 
 we ask the same favor of them. 
 
 " That the Lord may be your portion, is the prayer of 
 your affectionate but afflicted friend." 
 
 ''July 17, 1825. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 " In this day of affliction and bereavement, we have 
 been constantly passing from one scene to another, all of 
 which have been fitted to excite the tenderest emotions in 
 our wounded hearts. On Friday of last week, Mr. B. 
 arrived with our dear departed Lucy's trunk and clothes, 
 and on the same day and nearly the same hour, our dear 
 Harriet's trunk and clothes were brought to us from 
 Ogden, which Mr. Church had desired Lucy to preserve 
 for his little daughter. It was a wonderful providence, 
 and yet it was almost too much for our frail natures to 
 endure. We could look on the garments which they once 
 wore, but were compelled to think of them, as being in 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 121 
 
 their graves, and forever gone from this world. Nothing 
 could calm our minds but a consciousness that the Lord 
 had done it. Our house is a house of mourning. It is a 
 lonely place, and yet God's mercies are very great. 
 
 " The debt of gratitude which I owe to you and to our 
 numerous other friends in S., for your unwearied attention 
 to the distresses of our daughter, is one I can never dis- 
 charge. Do accept our thanks ; and do express to them 
 all the sense of obligation which we feel. The trying 
 situation of our beloved daughter excited your pity, and 
 caused you many anxious hours and wakeful nights. I 
 pray God to sanctify the solemn and affecting scene to 
 you all. I have repeatedly read every letter, and watched 
 every expression relating to her sickness and death. I 
 feel an obligation to all our friends, who have written. 
 May the Lord reward them. I feel an obligation to Mr. H. 
 for his kind and faithful visits to her, and also to Dr. L. 
 for all his services gratuitously bestowed. * * * 
 
 " How little we know of what is before us ! I am 
 sometimes ready to say— O that Lucy had returned with 
 me from Boston, or that I had accompanied her and Joseph 
 to Sandwich, that I might have been with her, in the last 
 conflict. Infinite wisdom saw it not to be best. I must 
 be still. I think I do not murmur, though I have lost a 
 child dear to my heart, beyond the power of language to 
 describe." 
 
 « Aug. 25, 1825. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I have not written to you since the last shock we 
 experienced in the death of our dearly beloved daughter 
 Lucy. On many accounts this was the heaviest stroke 
 which has fallen upon us, and coming so soon after the 
 other heavy bereavements, in the removal of Alvan and 
 Harriet, it has beeri seemingly more than my frail nature 
 11 
 
122 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 could endure. She died from home, and though kindly 
 attended by sympathizing relatives, they were all strangers 
 to her. Not one of my family witnessed the distressing 
 scene. Lucy has gone, no more to return to us. That 
 near earthly tie which gave her such a place in my affec- 
 tions, is forever broken. She was a desirable child, and 
 amiable in her disposition, but I had not that evidence of 
 her union to Christ, that I had in the case of her sister. 
 I know that God has disposed of her in righteousness, and 
 I desire to be still. It is a humiliating thought that I 
 should need such repeated and heavy corrections. It 
 becomes me to walk softly all the days of my life. God 
 has done right, and he must be my ' refuge and strength' 
 jn this day of trouble. My house is lonely, and probably 
 will never again appear to me as formerly it did. I am 
 now sensible that I lived in great prosperity for many 
 years, and was criminally insensible of God's goodness to 
 me and my family, O that we may all derive lasting 
 profit, by being brought into the furnace of affliction. 
 Let us have an interest in your prayers, that God may be 
 glorified in us and by us, now we are brought under his 
 mighty hand," 
 
 "Sept 17, 1825. 
 
 " My dear Companion, 
 
 "While I seat myself to write you a single line as a 
 token of affectionate remembrance, I trust if God in his 
 providence has enabled you to prosecute your plan, you 
 are on your way from Boston to Sandwich. I have 
 however had my fears, that riding in the cold damps of 
 the evening and morning might affect your health. As 
 no information has been sent back, I hope that all is well. 
 Still I desire to be prepared for the events of Providence, 
 whatever they may be. My house has for many months 
 been lonely, and almost every object reminds me of the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 123 
 
 great changes which have taken place. Since you and 
 J. left us, we have been mercifully preserved. We pro- 
 ceed with our usual order and regularity. Cousin L. takes 
 your place in managing and superintending the concerns 
 of the family, and gives full proof of her fidelity, activity 
 and skill. A. is my companion in the silent hours of the 
 night, and sleeps as sweetly, as if the world had no sor- 
 row in it. Our granddaughter is as happy as ever, and 
 has no more to say of her grandmother, than she had of 
 her aunt Lucy when she left her to return no more. 
 
 " Your visit at Sandwich must be such as you never 
 before made. I pray God to support you, and to keep you 
 from dishonoring his holy name. You will doubtless hear 
 from sympathizing friends many things respecting our 
 dear departed child which have not been communicated 
 in letters. You will see the room from which her immor- 
 tal spirit took its flight, and the rising earth which covers 
 her once fair form. But, my dear, you must look beyond 
 these mournful objects, and keep in mind that the Lord 
 Jesus has declared himself to be, ' the resurrection and 
 the life.' All earthly scenes will soon pass away, and 
 we shall be where these ties which bind us so strongly to 
 earthly friends will be dissolved. I desire to feel more 
 sensibly that I am a pilgrim and stranger in this lower 
 world. I hope that you, and your son who is with you, 
 will greatly profit by going to Sandwich, though the deep 
 wounds will be opened afresh. Let it appear to our 
 friends, who have borne such a part in our afHictions, that 
 you truly mourn, but mourn without murmuring. 
 
 " From your affectionate but afflicted husband." 
 
 Birthday reflections. " Feb. 2, 1826. I have renewed 
 occasion this day to record the goodness and tender mercy 
 of my heavenly Father, which have been extended to me, 
 the chief of sinners, another year. My unprofitable life 
 
124 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 has been precious in liis sight, and he has enabled me to 
 pursue the work of tlie- ministry, though my health, at 
 times, has been very feeble. One Sabbath I was not able 
 to attend public worship, which has been a rare occur- 
 rence during my connection with this people ; there having 
 l)een only six Sabbaths in thirty-four years, in which I 
 have been detained from the house of God, in consequence 
 of sickness. The past has been a year of great trials. 
 The long sickness of my beloved daughter occasioned me 
 many days and nights of much anxiety, and her early 
 death has been a sore bereavement. But hitherto God 
 has supported me, and, if I know my own heart, has kept 
 me from murmuring. I have less to attach me to this 
 world ; and yet none of my bereavements, nor all of them 
 combined, have diminished the excellence and importance 
 of the kingdom of Christ. Though earthly friends, and 
 those on whom I have placed great dependence, have 
 failed me, yet I find the Saviour is the same, yesterday, 
 to-day, and forever. 
 
 " I desire to be thankful, that I have seen the unhappy 
 difficulties in the church, which have occasioned me 
 much grief, brought to a termination, by public confessions 
 of the brethren in fault. The church has since had many 
 pleasant and profitable meetings, and I have hoped to 
 witness a revival of religion. 
 
 " The correspondence which I have maintained with 
 my absent children has been a source of comfort to 
 me, and with one of them, , it has been truly re- 
 freshing, as he uses a new language. I fondly cherish a 
 hope, that he has passed from death unto life. Such 
 blessings are among the richest which God ever bestows 
 upon a family. — I record with tears of lamentation, the 
 consciousness I have of great unfaithfulness in all the 
 relations of life. May God forgive me for Christ's sake, 
 and by the special communications of his grace, make me 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 125 
 
 more faithful, more humble, and more disposed to live in 
 constant readiness to close my labors, and give up my 
 account. To him let all the glory be given." 
 
 « J^efi. 25, 1826. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I rejoice to learn that you still have some tokens of 
 the gracious presence of Christ among your people. I 
 hope the Lord will make you humble, and inspire you 
 with wisdom and zeal. We are earthern vessels, and can 
 do nothing of ourselves. It is not in cur power to make 
 an awakening among our people, which will result in 
 lasting good. We are bound to be faithful ; but we must 
 ascribe all the glory of saving an immortal soul from 
 death, to Christ and the power of his grace. 
 
 "Since you was at my house, I have been more encour- 
 aged with respect to my own people, than I have been for 
 three years past. Many of the church are much awake. 
 Our meetings have been interesting and frequent, and 
 very solemn. I proposed to the church, a fortnight since, 
 to visit every family in the town, and call upon every 
 individual to attend to the concerns of the soul. The 
 church unanimously consented. In this work we have 
 been engaged for some time, and it has been truly a 
 pleasant work. I have myself visited nearly thirty families, 
 conversed and prayed in them all. At a meeting of the 
 church, yesterday, we had returns from the visiting 
 brethren, whose faces, as it were, shone as they related 
 what they had seen and heard. We hope for blessings — 
 though we are unworthy." 
 
 "May 19, 1826. 
 
 " Dear Madam, 
 
 " I have heard of the providence of God, which has 
 a second time deprived you of a partner, and written you 
 11 * 
 
126 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 a widow, to be a mourner the remainder of your daysv 
 I heartily sympathize with you under this new and sudden 
 bereavement, which, by reason of age and feebleness of 
 body, you will sustain witli more difficulty than when the 
 rod was laid upon you in younger life. The event, though 
 deeply afflictive, has taken place according to the appoint- 
 ment of infinite wisdom. You was suffered to live with 
 your late husband, and to experience his kind attention 
 more than thirty years, which you ought to esteem a favor 
 from your heavenly Father. He reached a good old age, 
 and could not have ministered to you much longer. You 
 will soon follow him, and I hope his removal, and the 
 circumstances attending his death, will be the means of 
 quickening you to prepare for the great change. We are 
 all imperfect and sinful creatures ; transgressors of a 
 righteous law, and our only hope of pardon and salvation 
 must be founded on Christ, the rock of ages. I trust you 
 believe in him as an almighty Saviour. Though you have 
 no son to lean upon in the decline of life, yet you have 
 three daughters, who will do every thing in their power to 
 render your life comfortable and happy. 
 
 " I find, as you do, that the number of my early friends 
 and acquaintance, is now rapidly diminishing. Great 
 changes have taken place in my own family. My two 
 beloved daughters have been cut down in early life, and 
 while enjoying the fairest worldly prospects. Two of my 
 sons are also sleeping in the grave. 
 
 * * * " I know you will all be glad to see my son 
 W., for his parents' sake, in whom you will see some of 
 the features of his father, though he has less than E. He 
 will visit the grave of his dear sister Lucy, the recollection 
 of whom always calls forth a sigh. 
 
 "I remain, as ever, your affectionate friend." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 127 
 
 ''Aug. 22, 1826. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 " A holy and righteous Providence has again brought 
 me and my family into the furnace of affliction, and our 
 distresses and anxieties, for some weeks past, have been 
 indescribably great. Our dear son Chauncey, who has 
 been residing with S., at Farmington, in the State of 
 New York, two hundred and seventy miles from here, 
 was attacked, the first of this month, with the typhus 
 fever. In its commencement it was mild — but it soon 
 prostrated his strength, and deprived him of his reason and 
 the power of speech. We immediately sent his brother 
 W. to assist S. in taking care of Chauncey, who found 
 him much lower than he had anticipated. He apparently 
 knew nothing that was passing. My son E. and Mr. C. 
 reached the place before W. Last Saturday, we e.xpected 
 the mail would have brought us the heavy tidings of his 
 departure from this world ; but he was alive on Wednes- 
 day morning, the 16th. We- are now anxiously and 
 tremblingly waiting the arrival of this day's mail. What 
 message the Lord has for us, we know not; but our hopes 
 are very faint indeed of receiving a favorable message. 
 
 " You liave now an imperfect view of our present trial 
 Let us have an interest in your prayers, that we, may be 
 sustained under the repeated chastisements of the Lord. 
 Should we hear that Chauncey is living, and like to 
 continue, Mrs. H. and I propose to set out to-morrow and 
 go to his assistance. The journey is long, and the season 
 of the year will render it tedious ; but we must rely on the 
 mercy and protection of our heavenly Father. Acquaint 
 our friends in S. with this new trial which we are called 
 to endure, that we may have their sympathy and theii 
 prayers." 
 
128 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "■ Aug. 29, 1826. 
 
 "Dear Friends, 
 
 " I wrote you last week, informing you of the new 
 and heavy trial which God, in his holy providence had 
 brought upon us, in the distressing sickness of our dear 
 son Chauncey. We were kept in suspense, not knowing 
 what message the Lord had to send to us, until last Satur- 
 day, when the mail brought us the deeply afflictive tidings 
 of his removal from this world. W. wrote us that he 
 closed his mortal life as the sun arose, on Friday morning, 
 the 18th inst. It does not appear that he ever recog- 
 nized W., though he had been with him ten days, and 
 coiistantly ministered to him. S., W., E., and Mr. C, 
 were present to witness the affecting and heart-rending 
 scene, and followed his mortal remains to the grave. 
 
 ^' How mysterious is this dispensation of Providence ! 
 Chauncey had not reached the age of sixteen. He was 
 one of the most promising of my children — intelligent, 
 iactive, and obedient, and a perfect picture of health. But 
 the Lord has cut him down in the biid of life, and I have 
 no doubt he has done it in righteousness, and in his great 
 faithfulness to our souls. The world, which appeared 
 empty before, now appears more so. I desire to be still, 
 and to walk softly before the Lord all the days of my life. 
 Truly I have been trained up in the school of affliction, 
 and I hope none of us may fail of being partakers of God's 
 holiness. 
 
 "On the Sabbath, Dr. Shepard was with us, and 
 preached a funeral sermon to a very great concourse of 
 people, who appeared to sympathize deeply with us, as I 
 trust you all will, on hearing the mournful intelligence. 
 * * * The bodies of our dear Lucy and beloved 
 Chauncey are sleeping in their graves, four hundred and 
 seventy miles apart. These events wear upon our frail 
 natures, and we need constant support. Do entreat all 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 129 
 
 our friends who know the way to the throne of grace, to 
 pray for us." 
 
 Such were some of the letters written by this father 
 while in the school of affliction. In his diary is this 
 record : 
 
 " August 18, 1826, my son Chauncey died at Farming- 
 ton, Ontario county. New York. He was attacked by 
 a fever, the last of July, and about the beginning of 
 August he was entirely confined. His brother Stephen, 
 with whom he lived as a clerk, gave me early notice, by 
 letter, of his sickness, though he was not apprehensive of 
 his being in danger. My own mind was at once greatly 
 alarmed. I saw the rod of Jehovah again lifted up, and 
 anticipated another heavy stroke from his holy hand. 
 Fear and trembling came upon me. Chauncey was a 
 beloved son, and now sick at the distance of two hundred 
 and seventy miles. He was amiable and affectionate, and 
 a child of much promise, but I had no evidence of his 
 adoption into the family of the Redeemer. I was con- 
 scious of having greatly failed in my faithfulness to him, 
 as a sinner, as a candidate for eternity, and as a child 
 committed to my care. Neglected opportunities I could 
 not now recall. I was brought into great straights, and 
 my soul was in anguish. I could not see him, but I at- 
 tempted to carry his case to the throne of my heavenly 
 Father, and there to plead for him. I thought I could 
 leave it wholly with God to decide with respect to his 
 living or dying. I was compelled to say, ' Thy will be 
 done.' For three weeks I was kept in a state of painful 
 suspense. At length the heavy tidings reached me that 
 he was dead. The voice of God, in this event, was like 
 a peal of thunder ; yet the hand which smote me, sus- 
 tained my deeply afflicted soul. Though greatly bereaved 
 
130 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and often bereaved, I feel disposed to justify God and be 
 still. I had long before acknowledged myself and my 
 children to be at the disposal of the Lord, both for time 
 and eternity. To murmur, therefore, I durst not, and I 
 could not. I have now been called to part with five of 
 my children, and all of them at an interesting age, and 
 four of them in the short space of two years. Chauncey, 
 though large in stature, and of a mature mind, had not 
 reached the age of sixteen. The last five years of my 
 life have been filled up with important changes in my 
 family, and with scenes of affliction, which have been 
 peculiar. On reviewing them, I am often led to adopt 
 the language of Job — ' Lord, show me wherefore thou 
 contendest with me.' " 
 
 « Oct. 24, 1826. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I thank you for your short but excellent letter of 
 the 3d inst. It is one of the many tokens of our having 
 sympathizing friends, far and near, under the repeated 
 and heavy chastisements which we have experienced from 
 a faithful God. I have not language to describe to you 
 the scene of affliction through which T passed during the 
 month of August. The distressing sickness of my be- 
 loved son Chauncey, commenced about the beginning of 
 the month, of which I was early apprised ; and then the 
 arrival of every mail from the west, produced tremblings 
 of heart, which showed me my weakness, and my want of 
 that entire resignation to the divine will, which adorns 
 the Christian character. It was a time of e.xtreme anxiety. 
 The struggle was great. The death of that healthy, ac- 
 tive, and promising child, was an event unexpected. I 
 was not prepared for it. But the dear child is gone, never 
 more to return. I need not inform you that I feel greatly 
 bereaved. In the short space of two years, I have beeu 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 131 
 
 called to part with four children of mature age, and under 
 circumstances peculiarly trying. I know the Lord hath 
 done it. He is infinitely wise and cannot err ; he is infi- 
 nitely good and cannot be unkind. I desire to bow to his 
 will. These heavy strokes from his holy hand, I have 
 deserved. My children were affectionate, and in my own 
 eyes lovely, and I have doted too much upon them. I 
 have loved them too much as being my own, when I had 
 given them away to God. I think I do not murmur, 
 though I feel sensibly the smart of the rod. I attempt to 
 justify God in all the dispensations of his providence, and I 
 delight to do it. The world looks very empty, and my 
 house is a lonely place. I expect it will always appear so, 
 as long as I am permitted to occupy it. 
 
 " All my surviving children, six sons, have returned to 
 the paternal mansion, and spent some time with us. They 
 have often been at the domestic altar with their parents, 
 and they have accompanied us to the house of God. 
 They have united with me in singing his praises. This 
 has been an interesting and comforting scene. But they 
 have finished their visit and have left us. What changes 
 have come upon me ! 
 
 " There is an interesting state of religious feeling among 
 my people. Last Friday we observed a day of fasting 
 and prayer. It was appointed for the church, but it was 
 understood that others might come to the public meeting, 
 many hundreds assembled. The meeting was solemn. 
 Last week there were two hopefid conversions. We are 
 looking for a shower of divine grace, though we are in- 
 finitely unworthy of such a favor. 
 
 " I rejoice in the mercies of God to you and your 
 family ; but I hope you will not forget that you live in a 
 dying world. 
 
 " That you may be a faithful and successful minister of 
 Christ, is the prayer of your affectionate friend." 
 
132 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " Oct. 24, 1826. 
 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 " I thank you for your kind letter, by deacon F., 
 • which he gave me with his own hand. It is a comfort to 
 be remembered by others when we are in trouble, and 
 especially by old friends, I have known you from my 
 youth, and you have known something of the prosperity 
 of my family, in years which are gone. 
 
 " My children, eleven in number, were all healthy, active, 
 affectionate and obedient, and all lived to mature age. 
 Five are not. I have felt the disruption of many near 
 earthly ties. My cliildren I loved with strong affection ; 
 but they were not my own. This I acknowledged in the 
 most public manner soon after their birth. Some of my 
 deceased children gave me every reason to hope they had 
 an interest in Christ, and they all knew the way of salva- 
 tion, and often, in health, manifested tenderness of mind 
 when addressed on the subject. But we are poor judges 
 of the hearts of our children and of others, and of our 
 own too. Though I felt such an interest in these children, 
 I fully believe God had the best right to them. I know 
 he has disposed of them in righteousness,, and for his own 
 glory. I dare not murmur. If I know my own heart, I 
 do not murmur. In his great faithfulness God has afflicted 
 me, and all will be well, if thereby I may be a partaker 
 of his holiness. I have six sons living, all of whom have 
 spent some time with me this fall. The eldest, S., was 
 married a few weeks since, and is connected with a hope- 
 fully pious young lady. 
 
 " There has been, for months past, more than ordinary 
 attention to religion among my people. Four were added 
 to the church the last communion. Others are rejoicing 
 in hope. Our meetings are frequent, they are thronged, 
 and solemn. To say the least, there is considerable ex- 
 citement, and we are hoping many will be persuaded to 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 133 
 
 forsake all for Christ. No saving effects, however, will be 
 produced without the influences of the Holy Spirit. I 
 have a deeper sense than I formerly had of the entire 
 depravity of the human heart. But I fear many, who 
 have much zeal in religion, at this day, are losing sight 
 of this truth which is clearly taught in the holy scrip- 
 tures. 
 
 " You have alm.ost arrived to the common age of man, 
 and though at present active, must view your departure as 
 drawing nigh. I hope you will abide firm and unwavering 
 in the doctrine of Christ. Since the death of Dr. Catlin, 
 who had completed sixty-eight years, I have been the 
 oldest pastor in the county of Berkshire, though I am not 
 yet fifty-nine. As we advance in life, we should imbibe 
 more of the spirit of Christ, and learn of him, who was 
 meek and lowly in heart. I believe with the apostle, that 
 charity, or holy love, will lead us to esteem others better 
 than ourselves. 
 
 " Mrs. H. unites in Christian salutations to you and 
 Mrs. W., with your friend and servant." 
 
 12 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 HIS LABORS IN REVIVALS AMONG HIS PEOPLE HIS TRIALS 
 
 NEAR THE CLOSE OF HIS MINISTRY HIS VIEWS OF 
 
 THE LABORS OF EVANGELISTS. 
 
 Birthday reflections. " Feb. 2, 1827. Having seen 
 the close of another year, and witnessed its changes and 
 trials, I would now record as a memento for myself, the 
 goodness and forbearance of God in continuing me a 
 prisoner of hope. I have again been put into the furnace, 
 but he has kept me from being consumed. He has en- 
 abled me to stand in my lot, as a minister, and to do 
 something to promote his cause. Several of my people 
 have been hopefully renewed, and have taken the vows 
 of the most high God upon them. I have witnessed an 
 increasing attention to the concerns of the soul for some 
 months past ; and now, while I am writing, the dews of 
 divine grace are falling upon my people. Indeed I may 
 say there is an appearance which, as to the effects, resem- 
 bles ' a rushing mighty wind.' The people assemble in 
 crowds whenever there is a religious meeting, eager to 
 hear every word that is spoken. It has become a solemn 
 and critical time. As there are now, in this land, and 
 especially in some churches in the western part of the 
 State of New York, many novel measures adopted to 
 
MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 135 
 
 promote revivals, and many errors prevailing, I rejoice 
 with trembling. I feel that I need much wisdom, much 
 grace, and not a little bodily strength. My rejoicing is, 
 that the Lord can carry on his own work — that he has 
 mercy on whom he will have mercy, and that he can bless 
 the weakest means. To him I again commit myself, my 
 family and my people." 
 
 « March 28, 1827. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " I have received three letters from you, since I have 
 written. My time has been so completely occupied for 
 three months past, that I have been obliged to neglect my 
 correspondents, though I love you and the rest of them 
 as much as ever. The attention among my people began 
 with the commencement of the year, and for two months 
 has been the most powerful I ever witnessed, and resulted 
 in more conversions than I have ever known here, or in 
 any other place. We seemingly have had one continued 
 Sabbath. The members of the church, male and female, 
 have devoted themselves to the work, and I have attended 
 two and three meetings, in some part of the town, every 
 day during two months, and have been in a meeting every 
 evening excepting Saturday, and yet I am alive. Deacon 
 
 , of , labored with me nearly three weeks, and 
 
 wrote the account of the work wliich you saw in the 
 Observer. Mr. — — was here longer, and it was more 
 difficult to guide him than all the others. I am now 
 alone, and the work as powerful as ever. I never per- 
 formed so much labor in three months, and never felt so 
 much solicitude for my people ; but hitherto the Lord has 
 sustained me. I have sometimes felt that I should sink 
 under the weight of labors, cares and anxieties. More 
 than two hundred express a hope of having passed from 
 death unto life. I have had an inquiring meeting every 
 
136 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 week since January, at which there are generally not less 
 than one hundred souls. There has been so much ex- 
 citement, that it has been exceedingly difficult to guide. 
 I do not expect that all who have expressed a hope will 
 endure. It will be strange if they should. Some appear 
 remarkably well. In many instances whole families are 
 rejoicing in the Lord, and the number of new praying 
 'families is increased beyond any thing I have ever 
 known. 
 
 " Mrs. Hyde unites with me in Christian salutations to 
 you and your wife." 
 
 « July 26, 1827. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 " I have heard nothing from you for several months, 
 and am ignorant of your joys and sorrows. Having 
 children abroad, I suppose your time for letter-writing is 
 principally devoted to them. My own time has been so 
 occupied among my people for six months past, that I 
 have written but few letters to distant friends. The labors 
 I have performed, and the anxieties I have endured, have 
 much impaired my health, and rendered me incapable of 
 any extra service. # * * j am now gathering into 
 the fold the hopeful subjects of divine grace, during the 
 great revival in this town the present year. On the first 
 Sabbath of this month, we received fifty-two into the 
 church, thirty of whom were heads of families. Seven- 
 teen more have been examined and propounded. AVe 
 expect another large accession the next communion. Our 
 meetings are still frequent and solemn, though there is an 
 abatement of that engagedness which we have witnessed 
 in months past. The Lord hath done great things for us, 
 and our obligations to praise him for his sovereign mercy, 
 are immense. 
 
 "When I think of S., my heart is deeply affected. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 137 
 
 There my once beloved daughter Lucy finished her mor- 
 tal course ; there lie her once active limbs mingling with 
 their native dust; and there are the kind friends who 
 ministered to her in her last struggles. May the Lord 
 bless you all. 
 
 "Sometimes I wish to visit the place where she drew 
 her last breath, and the grave-yard where her emaciated 
 body was deposited ; at other times, I feel as though the 
 scene would overwhelm me. You, my friends, have 
 hitherto been preserved from drinking of such bitter 
 cups as have been presented to us. I hope you will be 
 thankful. 
 
 " Write soon, and gratify your affectionate friend." 
 
 " Dec. 17, 1827. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " It is a long time since I have seen you. Why did 
 you not come to my help during the season of refreshing 
 from the presence of the Lord, which we enjoyed last 
 winter and spring ? I know you saw some obstacles in 
 the way ; but I thought you would not be unmindful of 
 my age and infirmities, and that I should see you and 
 have your assistance. My labors and anxieties during the 
 whole year, have been very great. We have been gather- 
 ing into the fold the subjects of this work, and have 
 received to our communion one hundred and seven. All 
 these I have visited, in person, and some of them repeat- 
 edly, before I introduced them to the church. It has been 
 a laborious task, though interesting and pleasant. Rarely 
 have I been out of this town for a year. My health has 
 become considerably impaired ; though I have stood in 
 my lot, and attended several meetings every week. The 
 present number of this church is three hundred and fifty. 
 When I think of having all these under my pastoral care 
 12 * 
 
138 
 
 MExMOIR OF 
 
 and watch, I am ready to exclaim, as the apostle did, 
 ' Who is sufficient for these things ? ' Hitherto, the 
 Lord has sustained me under my labors and trials, and I 
 desire to bless his holy name. 
 
 " I have noticed with pain the dismission of ministers 
 in your vicinity and in other parts of the country. The 
 Head of the church is frowning upon us. Are you aware 
 that errors and delusions are creeping into the church? 
 What work men are making of the religion of Jesus 
 Christ ? I greatly fear the consequences of the new 
 measures to promote revivals of religion in the western 
 part of the State of New York. The division has begun 
 among ministers, and among those who are called evan- 
 gelical ministers. The evil is incalculable. Some very 
 popular ministers, called orthodox, in your State and in 
 this, are rapidly verging towards Pelagianism. Never did 
 I sec the church in greater danger, though it is an age of 
 revivals, and of unparalleled missionary efforts. May the 
 Lord preserve us from going with the current. We 
 must watch and pray." 
 
 Birthday reflections. "Feb. 2, 1828. The patience 
 and forbearance of God have been exercised towards me, 
 threescore years, notwithstanding all my ingratitude and 
 abuse of his goodness. I am now classed by my juniors, 
 and must class myself, among the aged ; though it seems 
 but yesterday that I was a youth. I desire to record the 
 goodness and mercy of God, and to praise his holy name, 
 that during another year of my pilgrimage I have been 
 favored with so much health and strength. I have been 
 permitted to witness another wonderful work of divine 
 grace among the people of my charge. This has greatly 
 increased my labors and anxieties ; and though I have had 
 many trials to encounter, and some which have arisen 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 139 
 
 from quarters that I did not expect, yet the Lord has 
 sustained me, and suffered me to stand as a watchman. 
 To gather the converts into the church has been a great 
 work, far greater than after any former revival — espe- 
 cially to lead them cordially to acquiesce in that part of 
 the Confession of Faith adopted by the church, which 
 makes the sinner wholly dependent on the sovereign 
 mercy of God. There is at this time, so far as I can 
 learn, a prevailing desire throughout the land to have this 
 all-important truth explained away. Many young preach- 
 ers, who are zealous and popular, give instructions to 
 sinners which savor too much of Arminianism, and the 
 influence of such instructions is spreading. It has been 
 felt among my own people ; but God is above men, and he 
 can, and will, support his own truth. Notwithstanding 
 this influence, I have been instrumental of bringing one 
 hundred and sixteen souls into the church, since last 
 July. I trust more will come forward and join themselves 
 unto the Lord. Others, I expect will go back to the 
 world ; and some have already done it, who for a time 
 were confident of their good estate. I have lived to 
 embrace a number as disciples of Jesus, of whose conver- 
 sion I had nearly despaired, as they had lived through 
 so many revivals. Truly may I say, ' The Lord has mercy 
 on whom he will have mercy.' I once more resign myself, 
 my family, and people, into the hands of Him who work- 
 eth all things according to the counsel of his own will. 
 May his grace be sufficient for me." 
 
 "SepLU, 1828, 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I received, some weeks since, by the hand of 
 Mr. H., a very valuable present from you, The Remains 
 of our dear departed friend. Rev. C. Wilcox. It is an 
 interesting volume, and will be read with pleasure and 
 
140 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 profit by all men of taste and piety. Mr. Wilcox, as an 
 epistolary writer, as a poet, and as a divine, was pre- 
 eminent for one of his years and advantages. His sermons 
 far exceed my expectations. Though dead, he has often 
 spoken to ray people at the third meeting on the Sabbath ; 
 and he has been heard with deep interest. 
 
 "On the last Sabbath I received a short letter from 
 you, giving an account of a work of divine grace among 
 the dear people of your charge. This intelligence, if I 
 mistake not my own feelings, has greatly rejoiced my 
 heart. May the Lord guide you at this important time, 
 when every word you speak, and every measure you adopt, 
 will have such a lasting influence on immortal souls. 
 Gladly would I spend a few days with you, to be an eye- 
 witness of what the Lord is doing for you and for your 
 people ; but I have been so much from my own people of 
 late that I must deny myself the pleasure. 
 
 " Bear us on your heart, when you approach the throne 
 of grace." 
 
 «Z>ec. 18, 1828. 
 
 " Very dear Sir, 
 
 " Your last letter relieved my mind from much 
 anxiety respecting your health. From the accounts I 
 had received, I concluded you would be laid aside, as a 
 broken vessel, for this winter, if not finally. It seems the 
 Lord of the harvest has suffered you to resume your work. 
 I hope he gives you grace to be very humble and grateful. 
 You have seen a season of ' refreshing from the presence 
 of the Lord,' among your dear people, and I trust the 
 number of praying persons is considerably increased. 
 Give God all the glory. Human wisdom and human 
 efforts never humbled the proud heart of any one of 
 Adam's fallen race. 
 
 " I have exactly the same views of the best means of 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 141 
 
 promoting a revival of religion, which you so cautiously 
 expressed in one of your late letters. Foreign aid, at 
 such times, is often very dangerous. A faithful, praying, 
 exemplary minister, is clothed with salvation, and his best 
 aid in a time of revival, and at all times, is a praying and 
 active church. The plan of sending out evangelists, as 
 revival men, where there are settled pastors, is no i>art of 
 that wisdom which is from above ; it comes from a bad 
 source. If pursued, it will distract and rend the churches. 
 It is to me strange, that some of my brethren, whom I 
 highly value, should advocate this plan. 
 
 " We are about to publish a statistical account of Berk- 
 shire. This has led me to take a retrospect of some 
 events which have occurred during my ministry of more 
 than thirty-six years. In this time 624 have died, of 
 whom forty-four had passed 80 years. Two male mem- 
 bers of the church only remain, who were in town when I 
 was called to be the pastor. I have received 634. The 
 present number is between 350 and 360. Four stand 
 propounded. The thought of having such a charge is, at 
 times, overwhelming. Some of those who appeared to 
 run well, begin to wander. This gives me great pain. 
 To watch over so many souls as are committed to my 
 charge, requires much wisdom, much grace, and more 
 bodily strength than I now possess. I attend several 
 meetings each week, and, at this season, am obliged to 
 be out evenings. The Wednesday evening conference, 
 which has been maintained ever since my ordination, as 
 it is a movable conference, carries me some distance 
 from home. 
 
 " I have mourned over the unhappy case of Mr. , 
 
 but I have always supposed that you overrated him. You 
 once expressed a wish to me that he might be honored 
 by some of our colleges. There is no knowing what his 
 
142 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 religious sentiments will be ten years hence, if he should 
 live. He has begun to go off in a tangent. Lord, what 
 is man ! ' Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth 
 sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that 
 are his.' " 
 
 Birthday reflections. "Feb. 2, 1829. This day, I 
 stand a witness for the holy God, of his wonderful 
 patience and forbearance exercised towards the chief of 
 sinners. In his great mercy, he has borne with my in- 
 gratitude and unfaithfulness, as a parent and as a minister 
 another year. I desire to record his goodness, in pre- 
 serving my health and activity, so that I have been able 
 to enter his courts every Sabbath, and to dispense his 
 word, and to attend, on an average, three meetings, 
 besides those on the Sabbath, every week. In his good 
 providence, he has given me opportunity to attend many 
 interesting meetings abroad, especially the anniversaries 
 in the city of New York, and the General Association of 
 Massachusetts. On the last mentioned occasion, I had 
 a call to preach, in the hearing of a large number of 
 ministers. 
 
 " During the year, I have been instrumental of re- 
 ceiving more than thirty into the church. But the 
 Lord has not left me without some severe trials, occa- 
 sioned by an unchristian spirit in some of the members of 
 the church, and by the backsliding of some of the young 
 converts. 
 
 " I have witnessed a remarkable check to the progress 
 of intemperance among my own people, and throughout 
 the land, in which, the hand of a wonder-working God 
 has been visible ; and also a check to the open violations 
 of the Sabbath. 
 
 " The Lord has graciously preserved the lives of my 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 143 
 
 companion and six sons, and has not suffered death to 
 enter my family circle. 
 
 " And now, as in his presence, I renewedly dedicate 
 myself and my surviving children to him, to be his forever 
 and ever. May the Lord have mercy on us, and save us 
 with an everlasting salvation. To him let all the glory 
 be given." 
 
 " July 6, 1829, 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 * # * (( fpjjg floodgates are now open, and the 
 desolating evils, which I have long expected, are begin- 
 ning to be realized. Many churches have lost their sta- 
 bility of character, and purity of doctrine. The hands of 
 ministers are weakened, in consequence of a certain 
 course of things ; and a spirit has gone abroad, against 
 the influence of which, all reasoning is without avail. I 
 have heretofore spoken my mind to you freely on this 
 subject. The Lord in his great faithfulness is correcting 
 his people, and we deserve it ; for we have not given him 
 the honor and glory, when we have been eye-witnesses of 
 the great things he has done for us. Old errors are 
 springing up again to try the faith of God's people. But 
 Zion's God reigns." 
 
 "Jan. 18, 1830. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " I had a few moments with Mr. B. on his return, 
 who gave me a short letter from you, for which accept 
 my thanks. I rejoice to hear of the health of your family, 
 and regret to learn, that you are still suffering from the 
 complaint, which attended you many years ago. I hope 
 you are enabled to view it as Paul viewed his thorn in 
 the flesh, a needful correction ; and that you will be 
 abundantly consoled, as he was, with the promise, ' My 
 grace is sufficient for thee.' 
 
144 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "I perceive you have some trouble among your people, 
 growing out of temperance movements and sectarian zeal. 
 This is not strange in this fallen world, and should not 
 operate as a discouragement. Such battles we must ex- 
 pect to fight ; and to hope for suceess, we must put on 
 the whole armor of God. We are too apt to put on Saul's 
 armor, and rely on our own wisdom and strength. When 
 we do this, w'e must expect defeat and mortification. 
 * * * It is a time of great security in sin, throughout 
 this section of country so far as I know. I tremble for 
 the churches, because there is such indifference mani- 
 fested, with respect to the peculiar doctrines of the cross. 
 It is dangerous to spread their sails, they have so little 
 ballast. How much reason, however, we have to rejoice 
 that Zion's God reigneth, and that he is overturning, and 
 preparing the way for the exhibition of a holy kingdom, 
 purified from error and dross. * * * Remember your 
 children are mortal. Once you stood alone, now you are 
 a broad mark for trials." 
 
 Birthday reflections. "Feb. 2, 1830. The anniver- 
 sary of the day in which I first drew the breath of life 
 and commenced an immortal existence, has returned. On 
 a review of my pilgrimage, which has been protracted 
 beyond the most of those who came on to the stage with 
 rae, I find innumerable mercies to acknowledge, all of 
 which have flowed to me, an unworthy and vile sinner, 
 through that wonderful channel whioli my Lord and Saviour 
 opened, when he died on the cross. I think I have 
 been enabled to have a brighter sense of the character 
 and mediation of Christ, and of my amazing indebtedness 
 to him, the year past, than in any former year. Truly 
 Christ crucified is the wisdom of God and the power of 
 God. Not the least ray of hope can I discern for myself 
 or others, only on the ground of his righteousness. To 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 145 
 
 his atonement and intercession am I wholly indebted for 
 the blessings I enjoy, both temporal and spiritual. And 
 now, as in the presence of God, I call upon my soul and 
 all that is within me to bless Him, who is the author of 
 my existence and the preserver of my life, that I am con- 
 tinued in the world until this day. I here record anew 
 his mercy and patience, in favoring me with health, 
 activity, and reason, beyond what is common to those who 
 have reached my age. I desire to bless him that I am 
 allowed to officiate as a minister of Jesus Christ, and to 
 guide the flock committed to my charge when but a 
 youth ; and that I have witnessed its increase, notwith- 
 standing the ravages of death. Some special providences 
 have occurred in relation to certain individuals in the 
 church, who for some years have manifested an unchris- 
 tian spirit, and occasioned many anxieties in my mind. 
 I desire to keep his hand in view in all the changes I 
 witness from year to year, and pray that I may be kept 
 humble, and be guided by his Holy Spirit. One genera- 
 tion has passed away since I commenced my labors in 
 this town, and I am now attempting to guide and instruct 
 a new one. O that a sense of my responsibility might be 
 deeply impressed upon my mind, and may his grace be 
 sufficient for me." 
 
 "April 13, 1830. 
 
 "Dear Sir, 
 
 * * * "I notice with much trembling the progress 
 of error in this land and in the churches of New England. 
 The New Haven scheme of theology is a broad step-stone 
 to ArminianrSm. You may possibly live to have your 
 attachment to the Lord Jesus Christ brought to a severe 
 test. The doctrines of sovereign grace are more and 
 more discarded. But let us stand fast in the Lord. 
 Zion's king is greater than men." * * * 
 13 
 
146 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "July 8, 1830. 
 
 " My dear Friends, 
 
 " I learn by a letter from S. A. to her sister, that you 
 have once more been brought under the chastening hand 
 of the Lord. Sickness has been sent into your house, 
 and death has invaded your family circle, and another 
 promising grandchild has fallen. Your sufferings, your 
 anxieties and your bereavements have all been the order- 
 ing of that holy God, who has been faithfully teaching 
 you, all your days, to be wise for eternity. If he had not 
 seen it necessary, he would not have laid upon you this 
 rod. Perhaps you are all making too great account of 
 this world, and too much undervaluing Christ, who died 
 for you. In my own case, I have thought it to be a 
 mortifying and humiliating consideration, that I needed 
 so many corrections. May the Lord sanctify to you and 
 your children the dispensations of his providence, so that 
 you will all soon say from your hearts, ' It is good we have 
 been afflicted.' " 
 
 On the same occasion, he wrote to the parents as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 " Afflicted Friends, 
 
 " I sincerely condole with )ou in the sore bereave- 
 ment you have experienced. The Lord has again blighted 
 your fondest hopes, in taking from your arms and from 
 your bosom another dear and promising son. I pity you 
 — I know how to feel for you, having been called to drink 
 repeatedly of similar bitter cups. I hope these trying 
 scenes will be sanctified to your souls, and that you will 
 no longer neglect the great salvation. All the glory of 
 this world is as the flower of the field, but the word of the 
 Lord endureth forever. Go, my friends, to the Saviour 
 for comfort. Accept our love and sympathy." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 147 
 
 « Oct. 8, 1830. 
 
 " My dear Friend, 
 
 " I thank you for your letter of the 17th ult. by 
 Mr. L. You had not before written me for many years, 
 and I began to draw the conclusion that you had entirely 
 laid aside your pen. When I was at F. last, I saw you 
 but a few moments, as you was occupied with some 
 public business. Once we were young together, but now 
 we are old and grey-headed. I have passed through many 
 changes and trials. The Lord gave us eleven children, 
 and I have many times come around the family altar 
 with ten. My daughters Harriet and Lucy are both 
 dead, and three of my sons, Alvan, Charles, and Chaun- 
 cey. Only one son is now with us. You have had no 
 family of your own, yet you have followed to the grave 
 the most of your early acquaintance, and I believe all 
 your father's brothers and sisters. The grave, my dear 
 friend, awaits us. You have now reached the age of my 
 father, when he died, viz. sixty-six. The day of reckoning 
 will certainly come. And what should we do as sinners, 
 were it not for Jesus Christ ? I hope you have that peace 
 which he gives, and which he alone can give. 
 
 " That you may have much of God's presence in the 
 evening of your days, is the prayer of your old friend and 
 servant." 
 
 "JVor. 16, 1830, 
 
 " My dear Nephew, 
 
 " I thank you for the catalogue of your college lately 
 received. Ours is not yet printed, or I would send you a 
 copy. Your cousin A. is now a member of college, and I 
 have many anxieties for him, as he is in a new situation 
 and surrounded with many temptations. I hope you feel 
 the importance of sustaining a reputable character, both 
 as a scholar, and as a youth looking forward to some 
 
148 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 useful sphere in life. Your parents have done much for 
 you, and if you should disappoint their hopes, by any 
 untoward beliavior, or by neglecting your present advan- 
 tages, you will bring their grey hairs with sorrow to the 
 grave. I know their solicitude for you, by my own ex- 
 perience. If you love them, as I presume you do, let 
 them have the consolation of knowing, that you are watch- 
 ful of your conduct, and that you have the esteem of your 
 instructors and of all the members of the institution. 
 Avoid the company of those who cast off the fear of God, 
 and who indulge in habits of dissipation, as you would 
 shun a contagious disease. You are now passing through 
 an interesting period of your life. Fail not of being a 
 close student, and of forming correct habits. Do this, 
 and you may be assured of being beloved and respected. 
 On the other hand, if you disregard the counsel of those 
 who feel an interest in you, evils inexpressible will follow. 
 You will lose all the advantages which have been bestowed 
 upon you, and grieve the hearts of your friends. 
 
 " I write as freely to you, as I do to my own sons, and 
 I feel an obligation to do it, as you bear up the name of 
 one of my sons, who departed this life at the age of seven- 
 teen, and a little before your birth." 
 
 «/?ec. 9, 1830. 
 
 " Rev, and dear Brother, 
 
 " I have often thought of you and Mrs. P. since the 
 death of your beloved son at W., whom I highly esteemed, 
 and whose increasing usefulness was noticed by his and 
 your friends with great satisfaction. It was truly a myste- 
 rious Providence, in view of which I know your mind can 
 find nothing to assuage grief, but in humble submission to 
 the divine will. I have tasted repeatedly of similar cups, 
 and on that account, can say with more readiness and 
 freedom, I sympathize with you and your bereaved family. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 149 
 
 Such events are wisely fitted to show us the emptiness of 
 tliis world, and the importance of resting all our hopes on 
 the blessed Saviour. He is unchangeably the same. * * * 
 " You and I are now among the oldest ministers on the 
 stage. I suppose you must have passed the common 
 bound of human life, threescore years and ten. How 
 astonishing is the patience of God towards us ! and I 
 must add, Irow little have I done for his glory ! " 
 
 « i>ec. 24, 1830. 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 "By letters from cousin L. A., I have had knowledge 
 of God's dealings with you^ in the long and distressing 
 sickness of your beloved son J., which has finally resulted 
 in his removal from your care, and from this world. He 
 has gone to give up his account to the righteous Being 
 who made him, and he will no more return to you. It is 
 the first breach among your numerous offspring, and you 
 will find it to be a great one indeed. I know from my 
 own experience, that your, minds have been filled with 
 anxious solicitude, while he was struggling with the dis- 
 ease which terminated his life, watching all his symptoms, 
 and eagerly catching at the least gleam of hope in his case. 
 When you saw the hand of the Lord laid upon him, you 
 were doubtless convicted in your consciences of great 
 unfaithfulness to him, while in health and when under 
 your immediate care, as parents. That promising son, 
 God in his faithfulness has taken from you, arid your next 
 meeting will be at the judgment-seat of Christ. Such 
 thoughts must revolve in your minds, as you contemplate 
 this solemn event. I have sensibly felt for you, I have 
 pitied you, and I have often attempted to pray for you, 
 that you might be sustained under this righteous rebuke, 
 and be kept from dishonoring God. The sickness and 
 death of J., as he was from home, brought fresh to my 
 13 * 
 
150 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 mind the peculiar providences of God in relation to us, 
 in the sickness and death of our dear children, Lucy and 
 Chauncey, the former of whom languished and expired 
 in your house, and before your eyes. In view of such 
 scenes, how empty and fading all earthly things appear ! 
 But, my dear afflicted friends, they are manifestations of 
 God's faithfulness to our souls and the souls of our sur- 
 viving children. I hope and pray that this heavy trial 
 will be sanctified to you all, and that it may be the means, 
 through the agency of the Holy Spirit, of your being 
 quickened in duty, and saved from your sins. 
 
 " Your dear deceased son was twice at my house, and 
 I found him to be an uncommonly active and intelligent 
 youth. He rendered himself very agreeable to us, and 
 I have supposed his worldly prospects were as good as you 
 could desire ; but they are all blasted, and the disappoint- 
 ment is great. To comfort your souls, I must point you 
 to Christ, the believer's portion, who is the same yesterday, 
 to-day, and forever. 
 
 " Accept from me and my wife our tender sympathies 
 and Christian salutations." 
 
 Birthday reflections. "Feb. 2, 1&31. The long suf- 
 fering of God, which I cannot sufficiently admire, has 
 protracted my life until the return of another anniversary 
 of my birth. When I consider how ungrateful I have 
 been during my whole pilgrimage, and how unfaithful in 
 all the relations of life, especially as a parent and as a 
 minister of the gospel, I cannot but view his patience 
 and loving kindness manifested towards me, as being 
 wonderful. To the mediation and intercession of my 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I am wholly indebted, 
 that I have not been cut down as a cumberer in his 
 vineyard, and that I have been favored with so much 
 liealth and strength, and enjoyed so many precious gospel 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 151 
 
 seasons. On a review of God's mercies the year past, I 
 feel constrained to praise him, that my labors as a min- 
 ister have not been interrupted by ill health. I have 
 been able to preach every Sabbath, at home or abroad, 
 and to attend three and sometimes four meetings between 
 each Sabbath. God has enabled me also to perform 
 several journeys, and to visit my sons at the west, and to 
 preach the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ in several 
 places where .1 never before had spoken. In the church 
 committed to my care, there has been an uncommon 
 quiet, though but little spiritual life. Few have been 
 added to our number. I have often trembled to witness 
 the coldness and indifference manifested by the church, 
 with respect to Christ and his cause, and the salvation of 
 souls. I have also been conscious of partaking largely of 
 the same unholy spirit, which has sometimes been a great 
 burden to my soul. To the mercy of God I once more 
 commit myself, my family, my church, and people ; and 
 to his rigliteous disposal, I commit my poor imperfect 
 labors. O that I may have a brighter, and more abiding 
 sense of his glory ; that for me to live may be Christ, and 
 to die may be gain." 
 
 " Feb. 26, 1831. 
 
 "My dear Sir, 
 
 " The Lord Jesus, in his infinite compassion, has 
 again come into this place by his Holy Spirit, and is 
 favoring this ungrateful and sinful people with another 
 gracious visit. I have seen tokens of his presence for 
 four or five weeks. The last two weeks have been re- 
 markable for the frequency and solemnity of our meetings. 
 Several obstinate sinners, perhaps sixteen or seventeen, 
 have expressed a hope of having passed from death unto 
 life. At the anxious meeting, last Monday evening, more 
 than seventy were present in the lower room of the school- 
 
152 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 house, while the cliurcli were praying above. Many of 
 them had but a faint sense of the exceeding wickedness 
 of their hearts ; but some had deep feelings. Greater 
 excitement I have never seen among my people ; but 
 W'hat the result will be, I know not. I have been speak- 
 ing all this week, from morning till nine o'clock at night. 
 I am alone, and greatly desire you would come and assist 
 me a few days. I write in haste, as t have soon to meet 
 an appointment this morning. Pray for your fellow- 
 laborer, now aged ; pray for this church and people ; pray 
 that we may be all guided by the Holy Spirit, and that we 
 may not fail to give the glory to God." 
 
 " Sept. 19, 1831. 
 
 "Dear Sir, 
 
 " Most gladly would I be with you and your people 
 the present week, and try to aid you, if I could do it con- 
 sistently ; but I have been so much from home the past 
 summer, that I feel compelled to decide against going. 
 Duty calls me to attend to my own neglected vineyard. I 
 have attended protracted meetings in si.x different places, 
 reckoning one with my own people. They may be very 
 useful, if properly conducted. They have been appar- 
 ently blessed in many instances; but there is great danger 
 of depending on means, and of losing sight of the testi- 
 mony of God, where he says, 'Not by might, nor by 
 power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord.' 
 
 " The church and world are in a state of commotion. 
 While there is great excitement in almost every place, there 
 is a disposition to pull down. The watchmen must stand 
 firm, preach faithfully, and pray fervently. We all need 
 to be chastised with many stripes, to be mortified to all 
 worldly applause, and brought down into the valley of 
 humiliation. May the Lord be with you, and all your 
 brethren in the ministry who may be aiding you the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 153 
 
 present week ; and may your efforts and movements be 
 guided by the Holy Spirit. 
 
 " Last week we had an anniversary of our Sabbath 
 school, which was very interesting and cheering. More 
 than four hundred youth and children were present, who 
 were attached to the Sabbath school." 
 
 " Oct. 19, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 "I have been informed by Miss S., who attended 
 one day, during the protracted meetings at E., that the 
 efforts apparently excited but a little interest among your 
 people, until near the close. This was wisely fitted to 
 show you your dependence on God, and the great danger 
 of relying on means, in opening the eyes of those who 
 were born blind. I hope it had this effect on your mind, 
 and on the minds of your praying people. The disease 
 of the heart is too deeply rooted to be cured by human 
 skill. 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, 
 saith the Lord of hosts.' Miss S. thinks you had more 
 tokens of God's presence the week after these special 
 meetings, than when you were making your greatest 
 efforts, and that quite a number expressed a hope of 
 having passed from death unto life. If this be a fact, let 
 God have all the glory. None is due to you, nor to any 
 arm of flesh. 
 
 " I learn that continued meetings are to be holden, 
 the present week, at F., and have been requested to be 
 present. I should truly be glad to speak to my kindred 
 according to the flesh, and the children of my early 
 acquaintance, on that occasion. But I am stationed as a 
 watchman on this part of Zion's walls, and I find much 
 to do. It is not easy to break away from my staled labors. 
 We have received thirty-nine into the church since July, 
 and we shall probably receive several more in November. 
 
154 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 I have been making an effort to rescue the Sabbath from 
 profanation, and have obtained in this town five hundred 
 subscribers to a pledge, that they will abstain from all 
 violations of that sacred day, and use their influence to 
 have their families and others do the same. Such a step, 
 as you probably know, was recommended by the General 
 Association of this State. I think it may result in good. 
 
 " Two of the churches, in this county, are now without 
 pastors — Otis and North Stockbridge. In the former 
 place there is at this time unusual attention to religion, 
 under the preaching of a Mr. P. Mr. W., of Sandisfield, 
 is on the borders of a dismission, and will probably be 
 broken up. The people imagine he is not great enough 
 for them. The minister of E. is nearly discouraged — but 
 as he came to consult me, I labored to dissuade him from 
 his purpose. Thus you see we have evils to encounter. 
 We deserve them — and we need them. Berkshire has 
 long been a favored spot, and we have gloried in our 
 union and strength, and I fear we have provoked God to 
 come out against us, and to stain the pride of our glory. 
 
 "I have this day been to visit Judge W., who appears 
 to be drawing near the close of life. He has very little 
 mind left. It has been an instructive lesson to me. 
 O that I may profit by it. He is only sixteen years older 
 than myself, and is entirely worn out." 
 
 " Jan. 30, 1832. 
 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " I have a desire to know how you succeed in the 
 great work of the ministry at E., and this induces me to 
 take up my pen and to entreat you to write me at length 
 on the subject. You have now been there long enough 
 to understand something of the state of the field in which 
 you are called to labor, and what efforts are peculiarly 
 necessary for a hopeful prospect of doing good. That 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 155 
 
 you have your trials and discouragements I have no 
 doubt. No minister is without them, nor would it be 
 safe for any one of them to spend his days in constant 
 sunshine. I hope you will bear with the ignorance, 
 apathy, and opposition of the people, as becomes a good 
 soldier of Jesus Christ. Your field is sufficiently large, 
 and I hope God will give you wisdom and strength, and 
 patience and perseverance, to cultivate it. Let me exhort 
 you to keep the example of Christ before your eyes, and 
 also to remember, that it is fidelity and not success, which 
 he will reward. 
 
 "The death of your class mate. Rev. C. ,J., is an 
 affecting providence to me, and probably more so to 
 you. He was licensed to preach, at my house, thirteen 
 years ago. I always admired his modesty, and regarded 
 him as a man of uncommon intellect, refined taste, and 
 unaffected humility. He stood high among his brethren. 
 The church has sustained a great loss in his early re- 
 moval from this world. I may say the same with respect 
 to the death of Rev. Mr. M. of N., and Rev. Mr. S. of P. 
 They were all prominent men, and all in the midst of 
 their days. 
 
 " I am yet continued a laborer in that part of the vine- 
 yard which I entered in my youth. I am, however, trying 
 to do good to another generation, having done with those 
 who were first committed to my charge. Many of the 
 grandchildren of the early members of the church are 
 now among the most active and efficient members. For 
 more than two months past, beside preaching on the Sab- 
 bath, I have attended four and sometimes ,five evening 
 meetings every week There has been something of a 
 waking up in the church. I have called the church 
 together in the various districts, and have conversed with 
 the;m individually on the subject of personal religion. It 
 has been a pleasant but arduous work. I found some of 
 
156 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 them exhibiting signs of life, but many of them asleep, 
 and almost dead, but none of them willing to give up their 
 hope in Christ. Next Thursday, we have a day of fasting 
 and prayer. I wish you could be with us. There are 
 some instances of special feeling. 
 
 " I am now advanced in life, having nearly completed 
 sixty-four years. I know that I must soon retire from my 
 labors, and go the way of all the earth. I am ready to 
 say as deacon W. of D., on his death-bed, said to me — 
 * I have been, in some measure, active, but I have spoiled 
 all I have done, by having no more regard to the glory 
 of God.' Or as Dr. Manton — ' Perdidi vitam nil operose 
 agendo.' " 
 
 Birthday reflections. "Feb. 2, J 833. This anniver- 
 sary of my birth has not occurred, without an affecting 
 sense of the rapid flight of time, and of my near approach 
 to eternal scenes. I can adopt the words of the Psalmist, 
 ' We spend our years as a tale that is told.' A season of 
 fasting and prayer, which I have observed with the people 
 of my charge, has added to the solemnity of this anniver- 
 sary. I have heard one and another of my brethren pray 
 earnestly for their pastor, as being an old man, whose 
 work is almost done. Of this solemn fact may I have an 
 abiding sense. Though advanced in life, my health is 
 continued, and during the whole year I have not been 
 kept from preaching a single Sabbath, nor have I ever 
 attended more meetings on week days, in any one year of 
 my ministry. It has been one of the years of the right 
 hand of the Most High. A cloud of mercy has come 
 over us, and blessings have been showered down upon us. 
 I have been permitted to witness a number of striking 
 instances of conversion from sin to holiness, in which the 
 sovereign power of God has been wonderfully displayed. 
 In the course of the year, forty persons have united with 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 157 
 
 the church. This has rejoiced my heart ; though I have 
 never seen so much reason to humble and condemn 
 myself, as I have the last year. All my labors have been 
 full of imperfection — full of sin. Wliat should I do, if it 
 were not for the atonement and intercession of Christ ? 
 Lord, help my unbelief Lord, cleanse my heart. My 
 rebellion against God has brought upon me many severe 
 trials, which I do not make known to others. 
 
 Yet I desire this day to remember and to record some 
 of the peculiar mercies of God, manifested to me and my 
 family, the year past. Two of my sons, W. and E., have 
 appeared openly on the side of Christ, and have publicly 
 professed religion. I have heard them pray in my family, 
 and in social meetings for prayer. I now greatly value 
 their correspondence, and desire to be thankful that the 
 Lord who bereaved me of my praying children some 
 years ago, has raised up others to pray for their parents. 
 I desire also to bless God, that my son J. has chosen for a 
 companion a professed disciple of Christ, who, I ardently 
 hope, will be instrumental of saving his soul. 
 
 "I now give up myself, my companion, my children 
 and grandchildren, my church and people, and my all, to 
 God, and desire to glory in him alone." 
 
 <*Jlpril6, 1832. 
 
 " My dear Sir, 
 
 " On Monday evening, after the concert, I took up 
 the newspaper at Mr. T.'s, and saw a notice of the death 
 of your son E. It made a deep impression on my mind. 
 I was conscious, at once, that you and your wife had been 
 cajled to pass through a scene, to the pains of which, 
 God had suffered you to be strangers. I knew nothing of 
 the circumstances, nor was this very important. Death 
 had entered your family, and you had drunk of a cup, of 
 which you had never before tasted. One of your number, 
 14 
 
158 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 an immortal being, was gone. I attempted to bring your 
 case before God, and interceded with him to sustain you, 
 by keeping your minds on that which is of more impor- 
 tance than children. Little did I think, that a second 
 stroke from the rod, and still heavier, would be seen by 
 Him, who had lifted it up, to be necessary. During the 
 intermission on Thursday, the day of our Fast, your 
 letter was put into my hands, informing me of what God 
 had done in your house, and that you had followed two of 
 your children to the grave. At the close of the meeting, 
 I read this letter to the congregation, that the people to 
 whom you are known, might have knowledge of your 
 trials, and think of you in their prayers. 
 
 " I hope you have a clear discernment of the hand of 
 a holy God, in these unexpected events, without which 
 you will mourn so as not to be comforted. I think I can 
 feel for you, having myself tasted of ' the wormwood and 
 the gall ' more than twice. There is nothing which can 
 bind up hearts thus broken, but a belief in the excellency, 
 all-sufficiency, wisdom and faithfulness of Christ. He 
 does all things well. Christ is better than children, and 
 we must love him more tlian we do our children, or we 
 shall certainly be tossed like a vessel at sea in a storm 
 without rudder or compass. I once stood with a fond 
 mother, by the dying bed of her son, and I attempted to 
 point her, while witnessing this scene, to the great and 
 unfailing source of consolation. She listened to me for a 
 while, and at length said — ' I love my children, but I love 
 Christ better.' I saw at once she was fully sustained by 
 Him who was correcting her. It was enough. I left her 
 to her own meditations. 
 
 " I trust your afflictions will make you a better minister. 
 Christians will pray more for you, and so will your 
 brethren in the ministry, and the Lord will sustain you, 
 if you will only cast your burdens on him. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 159 
 
 " I have been writing a narrative of the several revivals 
 which have taken place under my ministry, with a state- 
 ment of my method of proceeding in these interesting 
 seasons." 
 
 Birthday reflections. " Feb. 2, 1833. The wheels of 
 time, wliich apparently revolve with increasing rapidity, 
 have brought me to see another anniversary of my birth. 
 I find myself to be the same sinful and sinning creature ; 
 and on reviewing my labors as a minister, and my walk 
 as a professed Christian, I am constrained to condemn 
 myself, to take a low place, even in the dust, and exclaim, 
 ' my leanness, my leanness.' Never did I more feel my 
 need of being washed in the atoning blood of my Lord 
 and Saviour, which cleanseth from all sin. But vile as I 
 am, and imperfect as my labors have been, the mercies of 
 God from day to day, through the whole year, have been 
 extended to me in a wonderful manner. My health, 
 strength and activity, have been continued, so that I have 
 •been able to preach every Sabbath, and to fulfil my 
 weekly appointments almost without any exceptions. I 
 have enjoyed many pleasant meetings with my people in 
 the different sections of the town, and have witnessed 
 some degree of Christian feeling ; but it has not been a 
 year of the shedding down of divine influences upon us, 
 nor of the ingathering of souls into the kingdom of Christ. 
 I have seen, with much solicitude, the inroads and efforts 
 of sectarians, and the flocking of my people to hear them. 
 Sometimes I have been ready to view myself as standing 
 in the way of the continued union and prosperity of this 
 people. I see plainly, that aged ministers must endure 
 some trials — trials of a peculiar nature. May the Lord 
 guide me by his Holy Spirit, and prepare me for his holy 
 will and pkasure." 
 
160 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "^prU 23, 1833. 
 
 " My dear Sir, 
 
 " I have long been indebted to you for a letter, and 
 I have opportunity, by Miss M. S., to acknowledge my 
 fault, and to give you a token of my continued affection. 
 The winter is past, and though I have labored hard, and 
 been exposed to all kinds of weather, I seemingly have 
 labored in vain ; for I am permitted to see little or no 
 fruit unto life. Rarely have I ever witnessed among my 
 people so long a season of stupidity and hardness of 
 heart. The professed children of God are worldly-minded, 
 lifeless, and inactive in religion ; and yet not alarmed at 
 their situation. We are filling up with a now population, 
 and in many instances, their influence is not such as to 
 aid the kingdom of holiness. The Lord alone can 
 save us. 
 
 " With all these discouragements, the cause of Christ 
 is as precious as ever, and I know it will prevail. We 
 need correcting and sifting. A restless spirit has gone 
 abroad, and it is a lying spirit. The watchmen are re- 
 moved one after another from their posts, but Christ is 
 doing his own work. 
 
 " I have adverted to these things, that you may know 
 that troubles are not peculiar to your section of country. 
 It is our duty to stand fast in the evil day. Let us, then, 
 rely on the arm of Jehovah, for it is as strong as ever : 
 and he will not suffer one of his promises to fail. 
 
 " The number of my old friends is rapidly diminishing ; 
 and among those who have recently departed this life, is 
 Dr. F., with whom I was long associated. That I cannot 
 long stay behind is evident, and at times real, yet I am 
 strangely prone to be absorbed with things earthly, and to 
 my great grief. 
 
 " While writing this letter, the heavens suddenly gath- 
 ered blackness, and the power of God has been wonder- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 161 
 
 fully and fearfully displayed in the lightning. The large 
 and beautiful maple-tree, just back of my barn, was 
 struck, and rent in a moment. If it had been my house, 
 it would have been torn to pieces, and some or all of us 
 might have been ushered into eternity. But we are 
 spared, and praised be the name of the Lord." 
 
 ''Mmj 16, 1833. 
 
 " Dear Sister, 
 
 " I recollect when I was at P., you requested me to 
 write you a letter, which I have neglected to do for want 
 of an opportunity. L. is now in this vicinity, and says 
 he will forward one to you. I have reflected with plea- 
 sure, on the short visit I made you and your fajnily with 
 my son W. last fall ; particularly as I found your mind 
 seeking after heavenly and divine things. You have 
 entered into covenant with the Lord God of your fathers, 
 and I pray that you may have grace to adorn the solemn 
 profession you have made, by a life of holy obedience. I 
 hope you may be guided by the Holy Spirit, and be made 
 wise in winning the soul of your dear husband to Christ, 
 tliat you may be heirs together of the grace of life. In 
 order to this, you must - maintain a close and intimate 
 walk with God, and your every day conduct must evince 
 to him, that your home is not on the earth, and that you 
 are really looking out for another and a better country. 
 Being the mother of a number of children, who are 
 immortal beings, committed to your care, you have 
 weighty duties to discharge to them. You have obli- 
 gated yourself to bring them up for God. And do 
 remember that they are looking to you for an example, 
 and are actually forming characters for a never-ending 
 eternity, under your influence and guidance. This has 
 often been to me an overwhelming thought, and I pre- 
 sume it is to you. I have been criminally deficient in 
 14 * 
 
162 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the discharge of parental duty, and now my day is almost 
 over. Your children are yet in the forming period, and I 
 hope God will give you grace to be more faithful. I 
 rejoice to hear that you go with your children to the 
 house of God, and bring them under the influence of 
 Sabbath school instruction, and that your husband is 
 ready and forward to aid you in this good work. 
 
 " I was much interested in your daughter E., and hope 
 she will lose no time in choosing the good part which 
 shall never be taken away from her." 
 
 « SepL 18, 1833. 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " You speak of the stupidity and indifference of your 
 people, with respect to the all-important subject of reli- 
 gion, as being alarming. But be not discouraged; for 
 the welfare of Zion lies near the heart of Him who is 
 over all and above all, and whose word is pledged that 
 his faithful ministers shall be sustained, and his church, 
 in his own time, rise above all opposition. 
 
 " Among my people, it is now a time of uncommon 
 religious excitement. I have attended meetings every 
 day, for the week past, and they have been very full. I 
 have had conversation with twelve young people, who 
 think they have experienced religion. But I was never 
 more solicitous for my people, than at this time; and 
 never saw the churches in Berkshire so threatened with 
 an inundation of error and with divisions. 
 
 * * * " I am now studying to guide and feed my 
 flock, after such scenes as we have passed through. I 
 need wisdom from on high, to preach, and pray, and talk, 
 seemingly, more than I ever did before. In God, I desire 
 to put my trust. 
 
 * * * <( You now see the nature of the excitement 
 in this town and vicinity. I feel assured that the Head 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 163 
 
 of the church will overrule it ail for good. There may 
 be some real conversions ; and if this should appear to be 
 the case, I shall as readily embrace the new disciples, as 
 if they were converted under my ministry, or that of any 
 other man. This unexpected and heavy trial, is such an 
 one as the ministers and churches have needed. We 
 have been unfaithful. The hand of the Lord is in it, no 
 less than it was in raising up Jeroboam, who made Israel 
 to sin." 
 
 « Oct. 4, 1833. 
 
 " I have neglected writing to you on account of the great 
 increase of my labors and the constant and inexpressible 
 solicitude which I have felt for my people for three or 
 
 four weeks past. Mr. 's meeting at , continued 
 
 fourteen days, and then he went to , where he op- 
 erated the same length of time. I never before witnessed 
 such an excitement, especially after the meeting com- 
 menced in . The people from tliis and the neigh- 
 boring towns flocked there in countless numbers. I was 
 urged again and again to go and hear the man, and to 
 invite him into my pulpit ; but I kept my ground. I 
 finally called a meeting of the church, and stated at 
 length my reasons for not doing it. Some were satisfied, 
 and many were grieved. Perhaps I never so much tried 
 the, feelings of a majority of the church and people. The 
 
 great argument in favor of my co-operating with Mr. , 
 
 was the wonderful success, which attended his labors. He 
 proclaimed his success by numbering some hundreds of 
 converts as the fruit of his labors. I have already seen 
 and conversed with at least thirty young persons in this 
 town, who are cherishing a hope of having been converted 
 under his ministry. You can easily conceive how I stand 
 in their view. What the result will be, I know not. 1 
 have attended a meeting every evening for three weeks, 
 
164 
 
 MEMOIR OP 
 
 besides several in the daytime. I must do what I can, 
 and leave the event with God. I have sent for help, and 
 among others, have sent for Mr. N., but he writes me that 
 he cannot come. I hope, my son, you will have a heart 
 to pray for me. ' 
 
 « Oct. 7, 1833. 
 
 " I conclude you have thought rae very negligent of 
 late in writing you ; but the truth is, my time has been 
 completely occupied in efforts to keep my people together, 
 and my mind has been full of solicitude, lest we should 
 
 be torn to pieces and desolated. Mr. labored two 
 
 weeks in South Lee, and the same length of time in 
 one of the factories in S. He rarely preached a sermon, 
 without throwing out something which was calculated to 
 destroy the influence of ministers in the county, and to 
 bring into discredit their doctrines and ecclesiastical 
 regulations ; yet he drew together great assemblies frons 
 all the neighboring towns. There has been a wonderful 
 excitement, occasioned by the novelty of his manner, and 
 he has proclaimed his success, as having made hundreds 
 of converts. I never before witnessed such infatuation. 
 Perhaps some have been really converted, but in most 
 cases, it is likely the impressions will be of short continu- 
 ance. I have never heard the man, nor have I even seen 
 him, though I have been pressed beyond measure to at- 
 tend his meetings. Such has been the excitement, that I 
 have met the people, in some part of the town, every 
 evening for the last three or four weeks, and have labored 
 to instruct and guide them in this distracted state. Hith- 
 erto they have been kept from falling into division, and I 
 ascribe it all to the merciful interposition of God, in a 
 dark and portentous time. 
 
 " In addition to my increased labors, I have not had 
 my usual sleep, which has somewhat impaired my health : 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 165 
 
 but I view tlie whole as a needful correction, and desire 
 to be humble under the rod, which my heavenly Father 
 has laid upon me. I have deserved it all, and much 
 more." 
 
 « Od. 17, 1833. 
 
 "My dear Friends, 
 
 " It is a long time since I have recei^-ed a letter from 
 either of your hands, and perhaps as long since I have 
 addressed a letter to you, though I am called to write many 
 letters every week. Five of my children are living at a 
 distance from me, with whom I keep up a regular corres- 
 pondence. But though this occupies considerable time, 
 it embraces but a small part of my epistolary writing. 
 My son E. has been called to drink of the cup of affliction, 
 and in his affliction we have been afflicted. He was 
 expecting to have been married to a Miss W. of H. the 
 first week in September, a most amiable and pious young 
 lady. But it pleased God to remove her from this world, 
 the same week in which they expected to have been 
 united in the bonds of matrimony. He stood over her 
 bed of languishment six weeks, previous to her death, and 
 witnessed in her the triumphs of faith. During this time, 
 I went to see him, and do what I could to comfort him. 
 I am happy to say he appeared to enjoy the consolations 
 of religion, in anticipation of his great disappointment. 
 
 " My wife and I have lived together more than forty 
 years, and the whole of the time in the same house, where 
 we have enjoyed mercies innumerable, and where we 
 have been repeatedly chastised. The time of our de- 
 parture is drawing nigh. O that God, by his grace, would 
 enable us to live in readiness to obey the summons. Very 
 few of our early friends remain. Our children are all 
 kind and affectionate, and have ever been. They all 
 sustain reputable characters, and three of them are public 
 
166 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 professors of religion. As to their accumulating riches, 
 it is of little consequence. 
 
 "I have for several weeks attended a religious meeting 
 every evening, and the meetings have been thronged. 
 We have been encroached upon by one of the irregular 
 preachers from the west, who has advanced some errors, 
 and nearly infatuated many by his new measures. I trust 
 the Lord will overrule his proceedings for good ; but I 
 have had a great trial. Doubtless it has been a needful 
 one." 
 
 « Oct. 30, 1833. 
 " My time has been completely occupied for many weeks 
 past in attending meetings, and looking to~ the spiritual 
 concerns of my people, in this trying time. Never did I 
 witness such an agitated state of feeling in the public mind ; 
 some carried away with the doctrines preached and the 
 unscriptural measures pursued, and others filled with 
 disgust. More than thirty persons, and the most of them 
 young people, express a hope of having passed from death 
 unto life. Some of these appear to have seen very little 
 of their hearts, and I suspect will endure but for a while ; 
 and others, who have before been instructed in the great 
 truths of the gospel, appear more like genuine converts. 
 Among others, and think they have ex- 
 
 perienced religion. They have been scoffers. If they 
 hold out, as they are confident they shall, it will be 
 wonderfid mercy indeed." 
 
 "JVoD. 2, 1833. 
 I acknowledge the favor of two letters from your hand, 
 since I have written to you. My time and my thoughts 
 have been very much occupied, for the last six weeks, in 
 laboring and watching among my people. The influence 
 of Mr. in this region has been something like a tor- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 167 
 
 nado ; unhinging minds, and tossuig them to and fro, and 
 breaking down all ecclesiastical order. I believe we should 
 survive the shock, in this place, if he would leave the 
 county. But he has had admittance into the meeting- 
 house in , and to-morrow, I understand, he is to 
 
 commence his operations in — — — , where he has been 
 invited by Mr. T., the present minister of the place. After 
 
 this, he is to come to , at the request of , 
 
 who introduced him to . All this keeps the man 
 
 and his measures in view, and the ears of people con- 
 stantly itching. What will be the result, I know not ; but 
 I rejoice that Zion's God is on the throne, and has prom- 
 ised to sustain and build up his cause. For a time, I had 
 to stand almost, alone ; but some of the people are coming 
 to their senses." 
 
 "Mv.^,1833. 
 
 " Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 " Your letter of Sept. 30, was duly received, and 
 I thank you for it. I also received your letter of 
 Aug. 17, 1827, containing some resolutions which you 
 proposed to be passed by the Berkshire Association. This 
 letter I read to Dr. S. and others, who, as they then 
 viewed the state of things, judged it inexpedient to bring 
 forward the resolutions, hoping that the zeal for new 
 measures would abate, and the churches be preserved 
 from their ruinous influence. We continued in a state 
 of quiet in the county until last spring, and were favored 
 more or less, with special tokens of divine mercy. The 
 
 churches were increased. The course which has 
 
 taken since he came into the county, is, in my appre- 
 hension, much to be deplored. Though he and his 
 friends proclaim his success, as being very great, he 
 weakens the hands of the settled pastors, and even does 
 what he can to destroy their influence. 
 
168 
 
 MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 " There is at the present time considerable excitement 
 among my people, and they will attend as many meetings 
 as I can appoint in the course of every week. For the 
 last two months, I have attended, at least, six meetings 
 between each Sabbath, in different parts of the town. I 
 greatly need help, and I know of no man who could do 
 this people so much good, under God, as yourself. Many 
 of them remember you with affection. If consistent with 
 your feelings and engagements, I earnestly request you to 
 make us another visit, and to come as soon as you can. 
 It might be of great service to the cause of Christ in this 
 place, at the present critical time, and not only in this 
 place, but in this region. * * * j fully accord with 
 you, in the views you have expressed in both letters, 
 respecting evangelists, and have long been of the same 
 opinion. ' If ever needed,' as you say, ' it is more for the 
 purpose of helping settled pastors in taking responsibility 
 in excluding what are called neiv measures, from our 
 churches, than for all other reasons.' * * * 
 
 " From your affectionate brother in Christ." 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 LETTERS TO HIS CHILDREN. 
 
 In the part of this memoir which has preceded, we 
 have seen how the affectionate and laborious pastor was 
 employed among his charge, during the period of his 
 ministry, till he entered his last record in his diary, and 
 wrote the last letter ; we have seen, too, how deeply he felt 
 under the chastisements which God in his holy providence 
 brought upon him in the sickness and removal of five 
 children. But it will be noticed, that in all the extracts 
 which have been made from his letters, none were ad- 
 dressed to the children whom he loved with such tender 
 affection. These letters, as they form so large a propor- 
 tion of the correspondence which has been collected, and 
 as they exhibit most prominently the likeness of the man, 
 and what is more important still, illustrate the qualities of 
 his mind as sketched by himself, have been reserved for 
 a separate portion of the volume, and are here presented. 
 
 " Lee, March 20, 1812. 
 
 " Dear Son, 
 
 "We furnished a packet of letters for you, last 
 Saturday ; but as the post came at an earlier hour than 
 usual, we failed of sending them. I shall now substitute 
 15 
 
170 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 a short letter for the one I then wrote, and inclose it with 
 others to be forwarded to-morrow. We confidently ex- 
 pected letters by the last post, but were disappointed. 
 Our disappointment will be still greater if none reach us 
 to-morrow. S. and J. were much pleased with their letters 
 from you, and have written, each a short letter, expressive 
 of their acknowledgments. I hope you will gratify them 
 by writing often. A free and familiar correspondence 
 will be of considerable advantage to them, and no dis- 
 service to you. As your parents are going into years, you 
 must study to be useful to the younger branches of the 
 family. 
 
 "It has been to my mind a very pleasing and an- 
 imating consideration, that you are now in a place where 
 God is exciting the attention of stupid sinners, and where 
 there is a hopeful prospect of a harvest of souls. It may 
 be, that sovereign mercy will reach your case, and that 
 He, who alone is able to forgive sins, will open your eyes 
 to see your lost state by nature, and the only remedy in 
 the precious blood of Christ. No intelligence respecting 
 you would give me equal satisfaction. From a conviction 
 that seasons of awakening are indescribably important, I 
 advise you to attend the religious meetings as often as 
 possible, and see that you do not make light of the one 
 thing needful. Acquaint yourself with the progress of 
 the work, and write me particulars respecting the state of 
 the people and of the college, as far as you may obtain 
 them. 
 
 " I trust you will apply as diligently to your studies as 
 your health will admit. There is more to be hoped for, 
 as to good scholarship, from close application, than from 
 genius. Treasure up this remark, as a maxim which 
 may be of use to you. Read what you can, and let it be 
 your object in reading to improve your mind. Never go 
 to the recitation-room with your lesson half gotten. Be 
 
ALVAN HYPE. 
 
 171 
 
 thorough in the classics. Accustom yourself to close 
 thinking, which you must do in order to make any pro- 
 ficiency in the higher branches of mathematics. 
 
 " I have penned this letter in very great haste, and as 
 I have protracted it to a length almost unreasonable, I 
 will only add, that I am, as ever, 
 
 " Your affectionate parent." 
 
 17, 1812. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " The letter of which you made mention, at L., 
 reached me on the Saturday following. I have been 
 much pleased with the contents, and have been induced 
 to give it repeated perusals. It was matter of grief to 
 hear of the evident tokens of tlie departure of the Holy 
 Spirit, from the college and from the town ; but I had not 
 a little satisfaction in finding that you spoke of this with a 
 degree of lamentation. ' Blessed are they that mourn, 
 for they shall be comforted.' The institution of the 
 prayer-meeting, between the hours of one and two, as a 
 substitute for ball-playing, afforded me much pleasure. I 
 hope you will be a constant and devout attendant upon 
 this exercise, and may the Lord make it a rich blessing 
 to your soul. It seems there has been some happy fruit, 
 particularly in the hopeful conversion of D. 
 
 " While you embrace religion, as the one thing needful, 
 yea, that without which you can live to no good purpose, 
 I hope you will be diligent and successful in your studies. 
 Be wise in the improvement of your time, and be mindful 
 of your health. Rise early in the morning, and be prompt 
 in meeting the usual routine of exercises ; and that you 
 may do this with safety, retire early in the evening. You 
 know I am a strong advocate for punctuality in all en- 
 gagements, and for decision of character. 
 
 " I left Harriet at P. when I returned from ordination, 
 
172 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and brought home a daughter of Dr. J., to attend our 
 school. We have now three children from home, and two 
 of other families domesticated with us. These arrange- 
 ments have increased our cares and anxieties ; but, if you 
 will reflect, you will see from all this what burdens parents 
 take upon themselves, for the sake of their children. But 
 parents should remember that it entirely depends on God, 
 whether their children shall survive them, and whether 
 they will be a comfort or a grief to them. Children also 
 should remember their obligations to their parents, and 
 study to requite them, by being ready to supply their 
 wants, and to protect them from oppression in their old 
 age. 
 
 " An awful event took place, yesterday, at Tyringham. 
 Seven young persons, instead of observing the day of 
 fasting and prayer religiously, went to sail in a pond. 
 Three of them, two young women and one young man, 
 were drowned. A solemn admonition to the living ! Sic 
 transit gloria mundi. 
 
 " From your affectionate father." 
 
 "A'ov. 19, 1812. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 I wrote you a few lines, last week, which were 
 forwarded in a bundle directed to Esq. D. Before this 
 time, I hope you have had the perusal of them. I have 
 been greatly afflicted with an inflammation in one of my 
 eyes, and have not experienced much relief until to-day. 
 Though unable, I preached on the Sabbath, and have 
 attended all the evening meetings. E. is considerably 
 better, and begins to go out of doors. From all this, I 
 hope you will be led to reflect, that God is still merciful 
 to us, and have a heart to unite with your parents in 
 suitable feelings of gratitude to the Giver of all our bles- 
 sings. Were we to make returns, in any mea.sure pro^ 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 173 
 
 portioned to tlie mercies we receive, we should be daily 
 and constantly engaged in the pleasing work of offering 
 praise to God. But, in this, we are criminally and 
 awfully deficient. How happy we might be, my son, if 
 we were only faithful to ourselves, and if we sought that 
 peace, which Christ is offering so freely to give ! I hope 
 divine grace will keep you from being under the dominioa 
 of sin. You are yet in the morning of life ; you have the 
 day before you ; and if you are only diligent and perse- 
 vering, you may acquire much knowledge, and lay a 
 foundation for usefulness in the world. But, if this pre- 
 cious period of life should pass away unimproved, or if 
 you are contented with the bare name of a Christian, and 
 with a mere superficial knowledge of the studies which 
 are designed to fit you for activity and usefulness in the 
 world, you will find yourself, in middle age, a mere 
 drone among the disciples of Christ and also among men 
 of letters. You established, the last year, a desirable 
 reputation, as a scholar of order. You was pleasingly 
 attentive to all the routine of college duties. I hope yon 
 are not less attentive, this year. If you unnecessarily 
 absent yourself from public prayers, in one instance, 
 Satan will get an advantage of you. 
 
 "I have no doubt, that your room-mate will be both 
 orderly and studious. I hope you will be faithful Mentors 
 to each other. I recommended to him the practice of 
 social prayer in your room, and designed to have had 
 particular conversation with you on that subject." 
 
 "Z>cc. 10, 1812. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " We have lately been reading, in the family, the 
 Life of Mrs. Ramsay of Charleston, written by her hus- 
 band. Dr. David Ramsay, author of the History of the 
 American Revolution'. I have been uncommonly enter- 
 15 * 
 
174 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 tained and delighted with this little volume. I wish you 
 could have opportunity to give it an attentive perusal ; for 
 I cherish a hope that you would imbibe some portion of 
 her excellent spirit. She was early devoted to the inter- 
 ests of religion, and was eminently qualified to fill the im- 
 portant place of a wife and a parent. The volume 
 contains a number of letters, which she wrote to her son, 
 when a member of Princeton college. In one of them 
 she writes as thus : ' Dear David, I hope you are doing 
 yourself credit, and preparing yourself for future useful- 
 ness in life. I feel a deep and a growing anxiety about 
 you ; — sixteen, seventeen, eighteen ! ah, what important 
 years are they iu a young man's life ! How uninformed 
 is his judgment ! How false his views of most things 1 
 What but heavenly guidance can steer him safely through 
 the perils to which he is exposed from within and with- 
 out ? and yet what an age of confidence — of self-conceit ! 
 How seldom is the eye turned to heaven, or the ear open 
 to the admonitions of experience, wisdom, or friendship? 
 Even the remonstrances of conscience, the reproofs of 
 paternal authority, the counsels and entreaties of maternal 
 tenderness, are scarcely heard amidst the turbulence of 
 youthful passions, and incitements to irregularities. My 
 tears flow, and my heart aches, while with the mingled 
 emotions of hope and fear for you, I thus pour forth its 
 sensations. You are now far from me ; 1 can no longer 
 direct your individual actions ; I can only give you good 
 advice in general, and pray to God for you. One great 
 guard of youthful virtue is industry. Be, then, indus- 
 trious, and employ every moment of your time to some 
 valuable purpose.' Thus wrote Mrs. Ramsay to her 
 absent son. My heart reiterates the same sentiments, 
 while writing this letter. 
 
 " Mrs. B. died on Tuesday, and is to be buried to- 
 morrow. She met the king of terrors with great com- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 175 
 
 posure, and even expressed a strong desire to depart and 
 be with Ciirist. In a short time, your parents will leave 
 all worldly concerns. And the same solemn scene is 
 before all our children. O, let us feel the importance of 
 being prepared. 
 
 " I must entreat you, my son, to write more frequently, 
 and to be very particular with respect to your studies, 
 your trials, and your comforts. You have never yet men- 
 tioned the name of T. Is he at college ? Is he doing 
 well 1 Is he comfortably situated ? You recollect the 
 urgent request of his father." 
 
 ''May 5, 1813. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " We had much pleasure in reading your letters of 
 April 3d and 22d, particularly in witnessing the serious 
 and religious complexion of them. It seems you do not 
 forget the afflictive, but just providence, in the early death 
 of your brother Charles. That dear child has been in 
 his grave almost seven weeks, while you and the other 
 children are spared for some wise purpose. But you are 
 a frail creature, and I hope you have derived special 
 benefit from the lesson of mortality, presented to you 
 under your father's roof. Memento mori. I have pro- 
 cured for Charles's grave, a very decent set of monumental 
 stones, and have erected them to mark the spot where his 
 body lies. 
 
 " Before this time, you have doubtless heard of the 
 death of that excellent man. Dr. Jones, who has been so 
 active and useful in this time of general distress, and 
 whose friendly aid and assistance we so largely experi- 
 enced, while the life of Charles was held in suspense. 
 Dr. Jones died like a Christian, relying on divine mercy, 
 and even in the triumphs of faith. I was called to preach 
 at his funeral, and it was to my mind one of the most 
 
176 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 affecting scenes I ever witnessed out of my own family. 
 Tiiis county, perliaps, never sustained a greater loss in 
 the deatli of any physician, or even citizen." 
 
 "JVov. 28, 1813. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I wrote you a few weeks ago to send by D., but 
 the letter has been returned to me. I now forward it by 
 Mr. R. I have been very unwell ever since you left 
 home. The hand of the Lord has been again laid upon 
 me. My symptoms have been threatening. My voice 
 and my strength failed me, and I have been obliged to 
 cease from my labors, as a minister. For eight days I 
 did not go out of my gate, and scarcely did I go to the 
 door. Through divine mercy, I have been convalescing 
 for about a week, and am now cherishing a hope that I 
 may be able soon to resume my labors. Such have been 
 my complaints, that I have thought it probable I should 
 be called to leave you all, and to enter upon an eternal 
 state. The consideration of this has been interesting and 
 solemn, beyond ray ability to describe. Nothing but 
 divine grace affords any support when my mind is pre- 
 sented with such a prospect. May God sanctify his 
 dealings towards me, that I may be quickened in the 
 Christian race. 
 
 " I received your letter, and the catalogue, by H. The 
 contents of your letter were gratifying to me, and to your 
 mother. We take it for granted that your health is good, 
 as you made no mention of it. I pray God to implant his 
 fear in your heart, and dispose you to be faithful to your- 
 self, that you may hereafter be useful to others." 
 
 "■Aug. 2, 1814. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your last favor by S. came safely to hand. It 
 affords me pleasure to receive your letters, because you 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 177 
 
 express in them all, a sense of obligation to your parents. 
 It is our prayer, that the exertions we have made for you 
 may not be lost, as we have seen in the cases of some 
 young men, for whom much had been done. Our hopes 
 will be answered, if you should be active and useful in 
 your day and generation. 
 
 " My health is very feeble, and it is impossible for me 
 to make such exertions for my family or people, as I have 
 done. I desire to be patient and submissive. I am but 
 a pilgrim on the earth, living upon forfeited mercies 
 continually. Improve well your time, be watchful over 
 all your conduct, and keep your heart with all diligence. 
 
 " That the blessing of God may rest upon you, is the 
 prayer of your ever affectionate parent." 
 
 « June 29, 1815. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your collegiate life is drawing to a close,, which 
 must fill your mind with many solemn reflections. Proba- 
 bly you are conscious of not having made that improve- 
 ment of your time and opportunities, which you might 
 have done. But what is past can never be recalled. The 
 only way to redeem time, is to make a wise and diligent 
 improvement of what remains. Let the glory of God be 
 the governing motive in all your plans, and in all your 
 exertions for the acquisition of knowledge. Form your 
 plans judiciously, and pursue them without wavering. 
 
 " That you may be forming for usefulness in the church, 
 and may be an humble instrument of good to the souls of 
 your fellow-creatures, and thereby glorify God, is the 
 prayer of your affectionate parent." 
 
 "Dec. 5, 1815. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "Your letter of the 18th ult., I duly received; and I 
 can assure you it gave me much pleasure, as it relieved 
 
178 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 niy mind from no little anxiety respecting your journey. 
 Our abrupt separation at S., occasioned nie many more 
 pangs than it did you, because it seems a kind Providence 
 immediately presented to you the path of duty ; but I was 
 entirely ignorant of the manner in which you was disposed 
 of. Not confiding, as I ought to have done, in the good- 
 ness of that Being to whom I had attempted to commit 
 you, I was left to imagine many evils and disappointments 
 which you might experience. I desire to bless God, that 
 your journey was so prosperous. Why you did not ac- 
 company L. from W. I do not learn from your letter. 
 
 " You are now enjoying great advantages for improve- 
 ment, in doctrinal knowledge and experimental religion. 
 As you have commenced the study of the Hebrew lan- 
 guage, in which the greatest part of the sacred oracles 
 was originally written, by men inspired by the Holy 
 Spirit, I hope you will feel the importance of acquiring a 
 thorough and correct knowledge of the language. Let 
 nothing escape your mind, which, by diligent and perse- 
 vering study, you are capable of attaining. Indulge not 
 the thought, for a moment, that it is a dry study. You 
 are now laying the foundation, on which, I fondly hope, 
 will hereafter be erected a noble superstructure. Lay this 
 foundation well. Your room-mate has a taste for the 
 languages, and is a correct scholar, which induces me to 
 hope you may derive no little benefit from him. Study to 
 be equally serviceable to him, in return. 
 
 " You ask my advice on a very interesting subject, viz. 
 How grace, when imparted to the soul, can be nurtured 
 and become great? This is not exactly your language, 
 but it expresses your idea as I receive it. Though every 
 degree of holiness in man is a fruit of the Spirit of God, 
 yet growth in grace is a duty, and is attainable. Means 
 are to be used ; and every instance of eminent piety and 
 devotedness to God is the result of peculiar faithfulness in 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 179 
 
 the new-born soul. The means are numerous ; — I will 
 mention tlie following : frequent and fervent prayer ; the 
 reading of the holy scriptures, with reference to the state 
 of our own souls; meditation and self-examination; watch- 
 ing and guarding against easily-besetting sins ; humbly 
 confessing, and immediately forsaking our sins, as soon as 
 they are discovered ; carefully observing what we see of 
 the spirit of Christ in others, not merely for the sake of 
 admiring, but also of imitating ; a strict and conscientious 
 attendance on all the institutions of God ; laboring for an 
 abiding sense of the divine presence, whether in company 
 or alone ; and, in short, making it our constant study to 
 glorify God in all our undertakings. If the young dis- 
 ciple of Christ attend to these things with the zeal and 
 perseverance manifested by the men of this world in 
 pursuit of perishable objects, he will become a burning 
 and shining light in this dark and sinful world. He will 
 have that which is indeed worthy of possession. 
 
 " Let the first question with you, my son, be this : Have 
 I evidence of being a subject of the new birth? If you 
 have, the above directions will be seasonable and salutary. 
 If you have not this evidence, all is wrong with you. 
 Nothing but repentance will save you from perishing. I 
 pray the Lord to direct you in the path of life. 
 
 "The good work of the Lord, in this region,, is pro- 
 gressing ; but we, in this town, are unmoved. We are 
 left to wither and die like the herbage on a dry and 
 parched land. How certain it is, that nothing but the 
 power of God can awaken stupid sinners, or arouse slum- 
 bering Christians. I hope there is mercy in store for this 
 people, and that I may yet live to see the church here 
 increased and beautified. 
 
 " I have something to communicate which will deeply 
 affect your heart, as it has mine. Mr. King of Williams- 
 town is dead ! He died almost instantly, last Friday, at a 
 
180 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 religious meeting. He preached a thanksgiving sermon, 
 the day before, in usual health. He had read a psalm 
 and prayed, at the meeting, on Friday ; after which, he 
 was heard to exclaim, in faltering words, ' I want help.' 
 The people went to him, but the functions of life had 
 ceased, and the immortal part had taken its flight. Truly 
 he had a quick and easy passage over Jordan ; and we 
 have reason to hope, that he exchanged the imperfect 
 worship of saints on earth, in which he was engaged, 
 for the pure and sublime worship of the heavenly world. 
 * Having lived in his family, you know their state, and I 
 hope will be induced to remember them at the throne of 
 grace. 
 
 " I must draw to a close, though I do it reluctantly. 
 Through divine mercy, we are all in comfortable health." 
 
 ''Jan. 12, 1816. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your letter of the SOth ult. reached us the fifth day 
 from its date, and afforded us all much joy. It was none 
 too long, as every page of it was filled with interesting 
 matter. I am induced to hope, from the manner of your 
 writing, that you are entering more feelingly and under- 
 standingly into the Christian life, and that 3-our mind is 
 more deeply impressed with the importance and solemnity 
 of the work for which you are preparing. I desire to 
 bless God, the author of your being, for placing you in a 
 situation so favorable to growth in grace, and to the 
 acquisition of divine knowledge. You must have the 
 best of society, as your fellow-students all profess to love 
 the Lord Jesus, and to be under the influence of his holy 
 precepts. It seems you notice a great difference in the 
 apparent piety of the students. This is not unexpected 
 to me. It would be strange if some of you are not total 
 strangers to vital religion, while there is a visibility of 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 181 
 
 attachment to Christ and his cause. You all have your 
 characters, in the view of the professors. Your appear- 
 ance, at all times, they carefully watch; and, doubtless, 
 for some of you their hopes are strong, and for others 
 faint. I hope, my son, you will associate particularly 
 with such as appear the most humble and the most 
 devoted to the interests of religion. Let your instructors 
 uniformly witness in you a teachable mind, and never 
 pretend to understand what you do not ; for this habit, 
 while it will betray a want of sincerity, will inevitably 
 make you superficial in all your studies. 
 
 " The influences of the Holy Spirit, on this part of the 
 vineyard of our Lord, are still continued." 
 
 " Jlpril 5, 1817. 
 
 " My dear Soji, 
 
 " Your letter of the 20th ult. did not reach me until 
 the 3d instant. I rejoice that God, in his holy providence, 
 has so early opened a door for your feeble and imperfect 
 labors. I call your labors feeble and imperfect, for I trust 
 they appear so in your own eyes. It has been my daily 
 prayer, that God would keep you from wounding the 
 precious cause of the Redeemer, and that the ministry 
 may not be blamed through your want of sobriety, discre- 
 tion, knowledge, or zeal. Give yourself to prayer, self- 
 examination, and close study. Be diligent in acquiring a 
 knowledge of the holy scriptures ; and may the Lord 
 bless you, and make you a blessing to others. I feel for 
 Mr. E. I have been in his case. The Lord must be his 
 support. It is too early for him to visit the springs. The 
 air is too cold and damp, and the ground too full of water. 
 He had better postpone visiting the springs until May, 
 and even then use the waters cautiously at first. Exer- 
 cise, by chopping wood, if he can bear it, may be 
 salutary. 
 
 16 
 
183 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " I am now reading the Life of the Rev. Andrew Fuller. 
 He was a wonderful man. By divine grace, and by his 
 own diligence, he became one of the greatest men of his 
 time." 
 
 ''July 30, 1817. 
 
 "^My dear Daughter, 
 
 " I conclude it is full time for you to be looking out 
 for a letter from home, and being unwilling you should 
 feel a disappointment, I now sit down to write you a few 
 lines. Your letters, I believe, have all reached us, and 
 they have afforded us great satisfaction, not only as you 
 have been enabled to assure us of your health and con- 
 tentedness, but we have been not a little pleased in the 
 proof you have given of possessing talents for letter- 
 writing, beyond any thing we had conceived. I know 
 not how much correction your letters have undergone, by 
 the hand of Miss P., or Mr. B. ; but as they come to us, 
 they are very well formed for one of your age. After all, 
 there is one important thing wanting in them, I mean the 
 spirit of religion. I fear, my daughter, that your thoughts 
 have not been seriously turned upon your condition, as a 
 sinful, dying creature ; and that you are not yet persuaded 
 to forsake all for Christ. This I must recommend to you 
 as the pearl of great price. Learning, without the love 
 of God in your heart, will never make you truly wise, nor 
 prepare you to live in a better world. I pray God to 
 manifest himself to you, as he doth not unto the world. 
 If the Lord should return you to us with a new heart, 
 and possessing the spirit of adoption, it would be an 
 unspeakable mercy." 
 
 ''March 26, 1818. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " The longer you are gone from us, and the more we 
 hear from you, the stronger is our desire to have frequent 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 183 
 
 communications from your hand. Your last letter was 
 dated the 28th of January. A small pamphlet has 
 reached us since, -dated Feb. 5th. Before this time, I 
 trust you have received three letters from me, one by 
 Mr. I., one by Mr. F., and one by mail. It has occasioned 
 great joy to me, and many others, to hear of the com- 
 mencement of a divine work in one part of the field of 
 your labors. It has encouraged me to plead the more 
 fei'vently for you, that God would impart to you all that 
 wisdom, grace, and strength, which you may need, to go on 
 with your work. I hope God will make you the humble 
 instrument of calling many souls into the kingdom of his 
 Son, which may hereafter appear to be the seal of your 
 ministry, and the crown of your rejoicing. I sometimes 
 think of you, as witnessing a plentiful shower of grace, 
 and surrounded by the young and old, proposing to you 
 the anxious inquiry, 'What shall we do to be saved?* O 
 how important to stand as the guide of souls, at such a 
 time ! Every word that is spoken by a spiritual teacher, 
 has great effect, and will be followed by coiisequences, 
 which will be as lasting as eternity. Possibly the promis- 
 ing appearances, in Burrell's settlement, have all vanished, 
 and Satan has gotten some great advantage, through some 
 unfaithfulness or imprudence of your own, on account of 
 which the friends of Zion are mourning. I hope, how- 
 ever, 'better things of you, though I thus speak.' Look 
 daily, my son, to the great Fountain ; ask for wisdom with 
 the earnestness which a hungry child manifests in asking 
 for bread, and the Lord will direct and keep you." 
 
 " Jan. 12, 1818. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Yesterday the sufferings and death of our divine 
 Saviour were commemorated by the church in this town. 
 Of two hundred members, about one hundred and seventy 
 
184 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 were present on the occasion. Judging from my own 
 feelings, and the appearance of the communicants, I think 
 we never had a more interesting and solemn season. 
 Truly it seemed good to be there. Two were added to the 
 communion, one by letter, and one by profession. 
 
 "On Saturday, I received a letter from Mr. E., inform- 
 ing me of his dismission from his pastoral charge, and 
 apologizing for not attending to your reasonable request, 
 before you left New England. The poor man is bowed 
 down with his debts, and with hypochondriac affections. 
 His case, my son, is very instructive. I hope you will 
 profit by it. Constant and systematic exertion of body 
 and mind are absolutely necessary to the health, quiet, 
 and usefulness of a minister. It is a habit of diligence, 
 wisely directed, and not native strength of intellect, which 
 makes men useful in the world. A young man of mod- 
 erate talents, if he is only faithful to cultivate them, by 
 reading, writing, and a judicious intercourse with men of 
 information, will gradually rise to eminent usefulness in 
 almost any profession. This brings to my mind your 
 present situation. Though I esteem it a great honor, that 
 my first-born son is deemed worthy of being sent out as 
 a missionary of the cross, and to publish the glad tidings 
 of salvation to the destitute, yet I exceedingly regret, that 
 at such an important period of your life, you are cut off 
 from so many sources of knowledge. To improve your 
 fragments of time, you cannot take up the Panoplist, the 
 Recorder, nor any of the periodical works of the time, in 
 which you live. But, my son, you have the word of God, 
 which is the fountain of knowledge. Make yourself 
 mighty in the scriptures. God has erected a throne of 
 grace in those new settlements, and is as ready to impart 
 divine blessings there, as in any part of the world. Be- 
 fore this throne, be a humble and constant supplicant, and 
 you will find your account in it. Difficult as it may be, I 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 185 
 
 must insist on your writing sermons, as frequently as pos- 
 sible. Should you lose the habit, and consequently the 
 facility of composing, you will sustain a great loss 
 indeed. 
 
 " As to your intercourse with the people, let nothing be 
 seen in your conversation or deportment, in the course of 
 the week, which may be inconsistent with your instruc- 
 tions, on the Sabbath. I have been gratified, with the 
 accounts I have received from you thus far. 
 
 "And now, my dear son, after committing you to the 
 all-wise disposal of Him, who brought you into existence, 
 and imploring for you the rich blessings of the new cove- 
 nant, I subscribe myself your affectionate father.'' 
 
 "April 28, 1818. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "Col. B. is expecting to set out with his family for 
 the State of Ohio, the forepart of next week, by whom 
 we intend to forward letters to you. I have read a letter, 
 which you wrote to Mr. B., and also one to Dr. B. and 
 Mr. T., from which I learn, that He, in whose service 
 you profess to be engaged, has favored you with health, 
 and that you are still pleased with the country, and with 
 your employment. You have now been absent from us 
 more than seven months. I hope you have been instru- 
 mental of doing some good, in comforting and strength- 
 ening the saints, and enlightening the impenitent. I had 
 indulged the hope, that in Burrell's settlement a work of 
 divine grace had commenced, which would be powerful 
 and extensive, and that the Lord would give you many 
 .souls, as the seal of your ministry ; but as you made no 
 mention of its increase, in your communication to Dr. B., 
 I fear that the Holy Spirit has been grieved away. If 
 only one precious soul has been delivered from the do- 
 minion of sin, through your instrumentality, it will amply 
 16 * 
 
186 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 compensate you for all your labors and fatigues. The 
 conversion of one sinner, is an infinitely greater good than 
 the acquisition of all the wealth in New Connecticut. I 
 have had a longing desire to witness your intercourse, 
 your manner of preaching — of conducting conferences, 
 and visits, among that people. The influence and success 
 of a missionary depend greatly on his life and conversa- 
 tion. H5 must be uniformly grave and devout — admin- 
 istering conviction to the young and old, that he himself 
 feels the weight of those truths whicii he inculcates in 
 his preaching. He must be eminently a man of prayer." 
 
 " Sept. 26, 1818. 
 
 " My dear Lucy, 
 
 " Though your mind is now occupied with scenes 
 which are new, and I hope profitable to you, yet your 
 parents cannot easily be forgotten, nor the family circle 
 in which you have been nurtured. Nearly two weeks 
 have elapsed, since you so suddenly took your departure 
 from the parental roof I barely had opportunity to give 
 you the parting hand. My heart was full, and my desires 
 were ardent, to store your mind with some salutary coun- 
 sel and advice, as a little guide and directory for your 
 general conduct, in your present situation. Nor could I 
 have been reconciled to the idea of parting with you, as 
 I did, were it not for the full confidence I reposed in the 
 dear Christian friends, who kindly offered to be your 
 benefactors, and to whose watchful care I resigned you. 
 Scarcely had I left you, for the purpose of attending the 
 funeral, before the thought occurred, that I had omitted 
 to tell you to procure for yourself a Bible, in N. or H. 
 Attend to this, my child, immediately. Let not a day 
 pass without reading with careful attention at least four 
 chapters of the precious word of God. In that sacred 
 book, God speaks to you on the concerns of your soul. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 187 
 
 Read it, therefore, witli solemn awe, remembering that 
 its contents are far more interesting to you than every 
 thing else. You have often been instructed on the nature 
 and importance of prayer. If you wish to be an obedient 
 child, and share in God's blessings, you will let these in- 
 structions have an influence on your practice. 
 
 " Let all your treatment of Dr. and Mrs. P. be marked 
 with the attention and respect which a dutiful child will 
 manifest to an affectionate parent. Never be absent from 
 their seasons of family devotion. If there, are young 
 ladies boarding with you, let all your intercourse with 
 them in the family, and in walking to and from the 
 academy, evince your sobriety and discretion. If you 
 should become thoughtless and gay, you will bring re- 
 proach upon your parents who have taken so much pains 
 to guide you, in childhood, and you will also do an irre- 
 parable injury to yourself 
 
 " Be diligent in the improvement of your time ; be stu- 
 dious, and cultivate your mind, that you may be useful in 
 the world. Encourage the preceptress, or your instructor, 
 to do you good, by your willingness to be taught. 
 
 ""Write often to some of us, and let us know your trials 
 and your joys. 
 
 " And now, after commending you to God, I subscribe 
 myself your affectionate father." 
 
 " Oct. 13, 1818. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " For a number of weeks past, we have been in a 
 state of suspense, with respect to your return, not know- 
 ing what might be your determination, after receiving 
 some of my last letters. It was, on the whole, our pre- 
 vailing belief, that you would make your calculations to 
 reach Massachusetts by the first of October. On Satur- 
 
188 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 day last, your letter of September 25th came to hand, 
 giving us a detail of your labors and apparent success, 
 from the first of August to the close of your first appoint- 
 iDent, and of your determination to continue six months 
 longer, agreeable to the proposal of the committee. I 
 dedicated you to the service of God many years ago, and 
 consistently with this, I could not call you away from the 
 present field of your labor, while I had so much evidence 
 that your labor has not been wholly in vain in the Lord. 
 On reading your letter, however, there was a struggle be- 
 tween parental affection and a conviction of duty. Your 
 journal, as far as you gave a view of it, was very interest- 
 ing to me, and to others who have heard it. I read it 
 publicly, after the religious exercises, on the Sabbath. 
 Your collections, on your mission, though not quite equal 
 to the encouragement given by the people, exceed my 
 most sanguine expectations. The sum is more than 
 double the amount which any other missionary from our 
 society has received in the same time. While you have 
 encouraged the society, you have taught the people iu the 
 new settlements to help themselves. This will be training 
 them up to support the gospel and its institutions, as soon 
 as they shall be able. I desire that God's holy name may 
 be praised by me, and by all my family, and especially by 
 you, in giving you so much health and strength, during 
 the whole of the last year, and in enabling you to accom- 
 plish so much, as a missionary of the cross. From the 
 united testimony of many, I learn that your labors in 
 Dover and its vicinities, have been acceptable. I hope 
 that your fidelity and success will not be less in the 
 present field of labor. You must not lean to your own 
 understanding, but rely on the grace of Christ, which, if 
 fervently implored, will be sufficient for you, in every time 
 of need. I once more commend you to the grace of 
 God." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 189 
 
 "AW 17, ] 818. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I hope that your long absence from us will not be 
 in vain to yourself, nor to the numerous souls whom you 
 have opportunity to instruct in the great things of the 
 kingdom of Christ. It has afforded me unspeakable satis- 
 faction to learn, that you have been so active as a mis- 
 sionary of the cross, and, that no report, unfavorable to 
 your character, has been wafted to my ears. I must 
 again, as I have attempted often to do, commit you to the 
 disposal of the great Head of the church, whose servant 
 you profess to be. I cannot desire to have a son in a 
 better or more honorable employment, than the one in 
 which you are engaged. But while I rejoice in your 
 labors and apparent success, I regret that you are deprived 
 of so many advantages which you need to increase the 
 stock of your theological and literary knowledge. I fear 
 that you will insensibly fall into a loose and unconnected 
 way of preaching. Guard yourself against this, as much 
 as possible ; which can be. effected only by close applica- 
 tion to study. I hope the deficiency of external advan- 
 tages will be more than made up to you, by the commu- 
 nications of divine grace ; so that if I should live to see 
 you again, and to hear you preach, I may witness with 
 pleasure the excellency of your spiHt, and the unction 
 with which you may write and speak. 
 
 " I have passed through many very trying scenes, since 
 I saw you ; some of which have been almost too much for 
 my feeble frame. , The last trial, of a public nature, which 
 I have had to encounter, relates to the removal of Wil- 
 liams college. This subject has pressed hard upon my 
 mind for more than two months. A special meeting of 
 the corporation was called last week, to attend to the 
 subject. The president signified that he should resign 
 his office, in case we refused to remove. Many gentle- 
 
190 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 men from Hampshire appeared before us to state their 
 respective claims, and among the rest, N. W., Esq. We 
 finally resolved to remove Williams college to a more 
 central part of Massachusetts, whenever sufficient funds 
 shall be 'raised to effect the object, and there shall be 
 union in the public sentiment with respect to the place, 
 together with the sanction of the legislature. To guide 
 the corporation in locating the college, we have appointed 
 a committee to select the place. The committee are the 
 following gentlemen, viz. Chancellor Kent, of Albany ; 
 Hon. Nathaniel Smith, of Connecticut ; and Rev. Dr. 
 Payson, of New Hampshire. This decision has e.xcited 
 great opposition in Williamstown, as you might naturally 
 suppose. What the result will be, must be left with Him, 
 who holdeth all hearts in his hands. 
 
 " With respect to the state of religion in the county, I 
 have nothing to communicate which will be cheering to 
 you. It is a stupid, melancholy time. God is withhold- 
 ing the influences of his Spirit, and many brethren in 
 different churches are falling out by the way. My own 
 health and that of your mother is comfortable, but we are 
 rapidly advancing in age. Accept from us all the most 
 tender salutations. Present the same to Esq. L., Deacon 
 B., and Mr. C." 
 
 « Dec. 10, 1818. 
 
 " My dear Lucy, 
 
 " We have received no intelligence from you, since 
 the return of Mr. P. This has occasioned some anxiety 
 in the minds of your parents. Shall we attribute your 
 silence to ill health ? This would be attended with 
 anxiety. Shall we conclude that new friends have dimin- 
 ished your attachment to your parents, and the family 
 circle, in which you was nurtured ? This would give us 
 all great pain indeed. The most favorable con5truction> 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 191 
 
 Avhich we put on your neglect of writing to us, is, that 
 your studies so fully occupy your attention, as to leave 
 little time for letter-writing. But, we recollect, that you 
 have had a vacation of a fortnight or more. We say to 
 each other, Why did not Lucy improve some part of this 
 time, in writing a good letter to her parents, to gladden 
 their hearts, in her absence from them t To this inquiry 
 we know not what answer to make. 
 
 "I wrote you, by private conveyance, on the week of 
 Thanksgiving, and gave some <lirections relative to your 
 studies this quarter. Harriet wrote a part of the sheet, 
 containing my letter. I have some fears that the packet 
 has not reached you. 
 
 " If you have made a visit to N., as Mrs. H. kindly 
 designed you should, I hope the polite attentions you 
 there received from your father's old friends will be no 
 injury to you. Remember, my dear child, that man's 
 best portion, the fear of God, is oftener found in the 
 humble cottage, than in the spacious mansions of the 
 rich. All, who will finally dwell with Christ in heaven, 
 are made willing not to lay up their treasures on the 
 earth. Religion is a more important attainment than 
 riches, or learning, or honors, or any thing else. It is 
 my daily prayer, that this may be your happy portion. A 
 kind Providence, my child, now presents you with supe- 
 rior advantages for the cultivation of your mind, and for 
 the acquisition of that knowledge, which is the health of 
 the soul. The best proof you can give of appreciating 
 these advantages, is to be very diligent in the improve- 
 ment of them. " 
 
 "Jan. 26, 1819. 
 
 " My dear Daughter, 
 
 " Your letter to your sister H., dated the 18th inst., 
 reached us on Saturday, the 23d inst. I desire to bless 
 
192 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 God, for his great goodness in favoring you with health to 
 pursue your studies. It seems that your opportunities for 
 the cultivation and improvement of your mind are such, 
 that with proper diligence and assiduity, you may lay a 
 good foundation to be useful in the world. Be assured, 
 my daughter, that without close application to your books, 
 your knowledge will be superficial, even with the best 
 advantages. Spare no pains to understand the branches 
 of study marked out for you, and let it be no satisfaction 
 tojour mind to go, with others, over ground which you 
 have not thoroughly e.xplored. 
 
 " It was particularly gratifying, and T may say animating 
 to my mind, to read your account of an increasing atten- 
 tion to religion in H. The richest of all blessings, 
 bestowed on mortals, are the sanctifying influences of the 
 Holy Spirit. O that this good work, of which you make 
 mention, might greatly increase in that place, and that a 
 multitude of perishing sinners, convinced of their lost 
 state, may take refuge in Christ. Your soul, my child, 
 is no more precious than that of another ; though, on 
 account of the privileges you have enjoyed from your 
 earliest years, your future condemnation will be far more 
 aggravated than that of many others, if you spend your 
 days a stranger to Christ. I cannot but indulge a hope, 
 that God has mercy in store for many of the dear youth 
 in the academy, and that, if it may be consistent with his 
 eternal counsels, you may be brought to the saving 
 knowledge of the truth. As you frequently attend reli- 
 gious meetings, you hear much of Christ, and much of 
 the danger of a life of sin. When the spirit of religion is 
 revived, the mouths of all faithful ministers are opened, 
 and all true Christians awake from their slumbers. Can 
 you, my daughter, be an unconcerned spectator of the 
 anguish of soul, which you hear others express, in view of 
 their exceeding sinfulness, and the danger of falling 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 193 
 
 under tlie wrath of a holy God ? Seasons of awakening 
 and turning from sin unto the Lord, are liarvest seasons. 
 Possibly God has opened a door, in his providence, for 
 you to be at H. at this time, to receive a blessing from 
 your Saviour, and that you may return to your parents, a 
 spiritual child, to be endeared to us by ties surpassing 
 all earthly ties. I once more commit you to the disposal 
 of Ilim, who gave you to us, and whose mercies are 
 boundless. 
 
 " That you may feel your obligations to God, for rais- 
 ing you up friends in the family where you reside, and 
 that you may rejoice in redeeming love, and be to Christ 
 for a name and praise, is the fervent prayer of your affec- 
 tionate father." 
 
 "March 8, 1819. 
 
 "My dear Son, 
 
 "On my return from West Stockbridge, where I 
 preached yesterday, by exchange with Mr. S., I found 
 a letter from you, which I have perused with pleasure. 
 Particularly interesting to my feelings was the information, 
 relating to the increasing attention to religion in Williams- 
 town, and the appearance of solemnity in the college. 
 Such news is very important and animating. If it should 
 please God to cause a shower of grace to fall upon the 
 college, and bring into his kingdom the greatest part of 
 the students, it would be a rich and extensive blessing to 
 the church. The happy subjects would think of nothing 
 but to prepare to enter, in due time, the harvest, which is 
 so plenteous. I hope, my dear son, that you, and your 
 room-mate, may not be left in a state of stupidity and sin. 
 Be cautious of making light of the solemn appearance 
 and convictions of others. Remember, that notwithstand- 
 ing you have been an obedient child, you are, by nature, 
 an enemy to the purity of God's law, and can never be 
 17 
 
194 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 saved without a change of heart. You must Icarn to 
 glory, hot in your own attainments, but in the cross of 
 Christ; or you will be unhappy in this world, and unhappy 
 forever. A revival of religion is always attended with 
 a great increase of privileges to those who witness it. 
 There will be more prayers, more instruction, and more 
 to convince one of the importance of immediate repent- 
 ance, than in other places. I hope you will redeem time 
 to attend the religious meetings as frequently as possible. 
 If the Lord should open your eyes to see your danger, and 
 the excellency of religion, it is probable you will wonder 
 I have not spoken to you more frequently, and with more 
 earnestness, on the subject. 
 
 " I must, once more, commend you to the guidance 
 and holy keeping of Him, who, in his providence, has 
 prepared the way for you to become a member of college. 
 Diligent and persevering study, and not reliance on 
 genius, makes the useful scholar." 
 
 " Dec. 12, 1819. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I have received two short letters from you, since 
 my return from Ohio, the last of which was dated Oct. 17. 
 In this time, I have forwarded two for your perusal, one of 
 which was accompanied with three copies of my Sketches, 
 &c. of Dr. W. It was peculiarly gratifying to mc, that 
 you was able to state in your last, that nothing had tran- 
 spired to interrupt the harmony of your new relation. I 
 noticed some collision of feelings respecting the place of 
 meeting, on the Sabbath, which gave me some anxiety. 
 Before this time, I trust the town-house has been com- 
 pleted, and those feelings wholly subsided. You made 
 mention of the hopeful conversion of a youth, since your 
 ordination. This was joyful news to me. The recovery 
 of one sinner from the ruins of the fall, is a greater event 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 195 
 
 than the temporal prosperity of a whole town, or even of a 
 whole nation. Such an event diffuses joy in heaven. I 
 hope the case of the youth, to which you referred, will not 
 prove like the morning dew ; but be a prelude to a rich 
 harvest of souls in Madison. 
 
 " Not a day passes, without bringing your responsible 
 situation full to my view. I sometimes tremble for you : 
 at other times I am much comforted, especially when my 
 mind rests upon the promises which Christ has made to 
 earthen vessels. Relying u])on these promises, you may 
 ■do some good as a minister. But, my son, remember that 
 means and ends are connected ; and that success without 
 ■diligence is no more to be expected by the minister thah 
 by the farmer. Give your mind, then, to study. A few 
 of the first years will give a cast to the whole of your 
 ministry. May God make you humble, give you wisdom 
 and prudence, draw you nigh unto himself, and bless your 
 labors. 
 
 "The remainder of this sheet will be occupied with the 
 Charge to a Deacon. 
 
 " Brother J. B, You having been chosen, by the 
 brethren of this church, as being in their view a meet 
 person to fill the office of a deacon, and having, after 
 suitable time to weigh and examine this call to the dis- 
 charge of new duties in the kingdom of Christ, manifested 
 your acceptance of the appointment, and having been 
 consecrated to the office, by prayer — it is proper that 
 something be said to you respecting the nature of this 
 office, and the new obligations it devolves upon you. A 
 few thoughts addressed to you, on this occasion, may be 
 for your benefi^t and quickening, and for the instruction 
 and edification of those who have witnessed your conse- 
 cration. Wlien pur blessed Saviour ascended on high, 
 he graciously provided for the church, by giving apostles, 
 prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Apostles 
 
196 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 were special witnesses of tlie resurrection of Chrrs(, 
 having actually seen the risen Saviour. Bishops, elders, 
 pastors and teachers, are the ministers who statedly 
 exercise their office in a particular branch of the visible 
 church. These terms are promiscuously u.sed to express 
 the same office. He who is a bishop, is an elder and 
 pastor ; and he who is a pastor, is a bishop and elder. 
 The holy scriptures speak of but one more office in the 
 church, which is that of a deacon. Accordingly, the 
 apostle Paul, in addressing the church at Philippi, men- 
 tions particularly the brethren, with the officers of the 
 church, viz., bishops or pastors, and deacons. His words 
 are these — ' Paul and Timotlieus, the servants of Jesus 
 Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus, which are at 
 Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.' The word 
 deacon, is used to signify an officer in the church, chosen 
 from among the brethren, whose business it is to serve 
 in distributing the elements at the Lord's table, and 
 to provide for, and minister to, the wants of the poor. 
 When ihe conveits lo ilie Clirioiian Tdith \vere exceed- 
 ingly multiplied at Jerusalem, 'there arose a murmuring of 
 the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows 
 were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the 
 twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, 
 and said. It is not reason, that we should leave the word 
 of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye 
 out among you seven men of honest report, full of the 
 Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over 
 this business. But we will give ourselves continually to 
 prayer, and to the ministry of the word.' This is the 
 scriptural account of the origin of deacons. In the 
 apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy, he minutely de- 
 scribes the qualifications of the officers of the church. 
 He begins with those of a bishop or pastor, and proceeds 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 197 
 
 immediately to those of a deacon. ' Liliewise must the 
 deacons be grave, not double-tongued,' &c. 
 
 "With these scriptures before us, relating to the office 
 of a deacon, and pointing out the duties and qualifications 
 for the office, I am led to charge you, dear brother, to be 
 blameless, sober, grave, temperate and faithful — and to 
 rule well your own house, having your . children under 
 subjection. Let your light shine in this office, and cheer- 
 fully discharge the duties of it. Let not the hopes and 
 expectations of your brethren be disappointed. Be a man 
 of prayer, and feel your obligation to lead in prayer, in 
 conferences, and other religious meetings, as occasion may 
 call. Give yourself to reading and meditation, that you 
 may be enabled, by divine grace, to perform to the edifica- 
 tion of those who unite with you. Be willing to make 
 worldly sacrifices, that you may be useful in this important 
 office, yea, may magnify it, and impress the minds of the 
 members of the church, tliat you are willing to serve them, 
 at the table of the Lord, and on other occasions. Let 
 your eyes be open to discern the wants of the poor, and 
 labor to aflford them relief, in private charities, and in the 
 wise and faithful distribution of the charities of the church. 
 Having used the office of a deacon well, may you pur- 
 chase to yourself a good degree, and great boldness in the 
 faith which is in Christ Jesus. Long may the church in 
 this place rejoice in your light, in your holy conversation, 
 in your zeal, in your humility ; and God grant that this 
 office may never, through your unfaithfulness, be re- 
 proached. To the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, be all the 
 glory forever. Amen." 
 
 "Feh. 1, 1820. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "It is almost four months since I have received any 
 letter from you ; and you must not think strange if we 
 17 * 
 
198 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 begin to be somewhat impatient to become acquainted 
 with your present situation. In two or three instances, 
 however, wo have had some indirect account from you. 
 Yesterday I lieard a letter had been received by Mrs. B., 
 from Madison, communicating the interesting tidings, that 
 God was ' reviving his work ' among the people of your 
 charge. The gentleman, who informed me of this, said, 
 he understood that the church had received an accession 
 of twelve persons. No intelligence from Madison could 
 animate my feelings equal to tidings of this kind. I have 
 ardently hoped, and frequently attempted to pray, that 
 such an event inight take place. If, my dear son, the 
 Lord has graciously begun to impart divine influences to 
 that people, and to call from among them his elect, how 
 important it is, that you give him all the glory. It is not 
 within the limits of your power, nor that of any other 
 man, to make one stupid sinner think seriously of his lost 
 condition, or of his need of a Saviour. God has mercy 
 on whom he will have mercy, and he can make use of the 
 feeblest instruments to effect his eternal purposes, in the 
 salvation of men. Still, no honor can be so great, as to 
 be the liumble and dependent instrument of saving souls 
 from eternal death. If what I have heard be true, your 
 labors must be greatly increased and doubly arduous; yet 
 they must be pleasant indeed. O that the tokens of 
 divine mercy, which you have witnessed, may not be 
 as the drops of the morning dew. On the contrary, I 
 hope a work of grace has begun, which will increase like 
 the cloud big with the rain of heaven, and which may 
 issue in a rich harvest of souls. Perhaps, while I am 
 writing and meditating on. this interesting subject, the 
 Lord is making bare his almighty arm, not only in rescu- 
 ing from the pit of pollution, sinners in Madison, but in 
 all the region round about you. I know ' his hand is not 
 shortened that it cannot save, nor his ear heavy that it 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 199 
 
 cannot hear.' I desire to rejoice that all hearts are in his 
 hands. May God impart wisdom, grace and strength to 
 you, equal to all your necessities. Preach plainly as 
 Christ did, and keep your garments pure from the blood 
 of souls. 1 trust that if there is a revival of religion 
 among your people, you have the aid and counsel of the 
 brethren, C, L., S., S., and others more remote. To all 
 these brethren, and to others when you see them, I wish 
 to be affectionately remembered." 
 
 " Feb. 9, 1820. 
 
 " My dear Daughter, 
 
 "We have heard interesting news from Madison, 
 though we have received no letter from Alvan since you 
 left Lee. There is something of an awakening in that 
 place ; but I am not able to state particulars. Perhaps I 
 have had representations made more favorable than is real. 
 But the intelligence is animating to me. And I hope, my 
 dear daughter, it will affect your heart. Do you not 
 sometimes fear, that the best part of your life will be 
 spent in abusing the mercies of God, and neglecting the 
 care of your soul ? If you suffer your youthful days to 
 pass away, without embracing the Saviour, the probability 
 will be small indeed, that you will ever be brought to the 
 saving knowledge of him. Consider the worth of your 
 soul, and be wise. In a few years, at the longest, you 
 will be in the grave, as your brother Charles now is, and 
 all gospel seasons will be forever at an end. You need 
 the trusting place, which Mrs. F. appeared to have, who 
 lately died, in this place. She commenced a walk with 
 God, when she was about your age. Conscious that she 
 loved her Saviour, and that his promises were all sure, 
 death had no terrors to her." 
 
200 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "July 1, 1820. 
 
 " My beloved Son, 
 
 " I liave liad the perusal of a short letter from you 
 to your sister H., from which I inferred that you enjoyed 
 health. The heat is now very oppressive, and you must 
 take the best possible care of yourself, by temperate ex- 
 ercise in the cool of the day, especially in the morning, 
 and by taking a sufficient quantity of food. Knowing 
 that you have to prepare for an exhibition in August, I 
 have felt uncommon solicitude for your success. You will 
 feel a responsibility, on that occasion, to which, on all 
 other occasions, you have been a stranger. But, my son, 
 be not discouraged. You may not be satisfied with your 
 first, nor your second, nor your third attempt. With 
 reference to your subject, read and write with great care 
 and patience. Examine and re-examine the arguments 
 you design to introduce in support of your position. 
 Arrange your arguments skilfully, and be sure to close 
 with the most weighty and conclusive. Let your com- 
 position be free from high-sounding words, introduced 
 without much meaning, and without any point or force. 
 Let it be pure and classical. To attain this object, you 
 must bestow on your piece much of what rhetoricians call 
 limcB labor. Your first essay for public hearing, if it 
 bear the marks of a scholar, will give a turn to all your 
 future compositions. It may keep up your courage, when 
 I tell you, that I spent one full month in writing my first 
 sermon. 
 
 " H. and I have visited Pittsfield and Richmond, the 
 present week. At both places, I preached to solemn 
 assemblies. There were not less than five hundred 
 people, at an evening lecture, when I preached at Pitts- 
 field, and more than a hundred attended a prayer-meeting 
 just after the rising of the sun. I hope, my son, you do 
 not hear of these displays of God's power and grace with 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 201 
 
 indifference, but with deep interest. I must remind you, 
 that now is an accepted time, a most favorable time to 
 give yourself to Christ, to be his servant forever. Nothing 
 relating to you would rejoice my heart so much, as to hear 
 of your coming into the light and liberty of the gospel. 
 Alvan has recently written to S., and mentions that there 
 is unusual attention at Madison. He has established a 
 Sabbath school in that town, consisting of one hundred 
 and eighty scholars. He appears to have some perse- 
 verance." 
 
 " Sept. 30, 1820. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your mother and I returned, last evening, from 
 Franklin, the place of my nativity and of the sepulchres 
 of my fathers. On my arrival home, I found a letter 
 from you, which was refreshing to my wearied mind. 
 The Head of the church has suffered jr^^outo stand one 
 year, as a bishop of souls ; and I would hope without 
 giving special occasion for the ministry to be blamed. It 
 is matter of thankfulness and praise. Our friend, Mr. S., 
 did not pass this way, and I know not how to account 
 for it. On my journey to Connecticut, I saw two of your 
 class-mates, Rev. O. F., and Mr. K., both of whom 
 wished to be cordially remembered to you. There has 
 been an extensive and a very pleasing work of the Holy 
 Spirit at P., under the preaching of Mr. F. In this town, 
 I fear the good work is subsiding, and that we have 
 grieved away the Spirit of God. No new instances of 
 conviction have been discovered, for several days. We, 
 however, hope for further displays of divine grace, among 
 us, though w e are infinitely unworthy of such a favor. 
 
 " I rejoice to hear, as I have from various sources, that 
 you have the affections of your people. You must never 
 consider your mountain strong, nor preach yourself^ but 
 
202 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Christ Jesus the Lord ; nor commend yourself, but the 
 truth, to every man's conscience. You have a library; 
 read much. You have leisure; study much. Many a 
 young minister, of fair prospects, has failed of retaining 
 his standing among his people, by neglecting his studies. 
 I hope you will be wholly devoted to your work." 
 
 " Oct. 26, 1820. 
 
 My dear Son, 
 
 " I read, with pleasure, your letters to II. and S., 
 though I found not a line to myself But I will excuse 
 your inattention to me, as long as you write to any of the 
 family. From some intimations in your letter to H., I 
 fear your health is not very good. Esq. N., however, 
 seemed to think you was entirely sound, and in good 
 spirits. I am aware that you have now advanced so far 
 in the field of science, that all your powers of mind must 
 be called i«i(r>/ .igorous exertion, and that there is danger 
 of keeping the bow bent too long. While you make 
 close application, you mu=t endeavor lo preserve the tone 
 of your body, by frequent exercise judiciously used. It 
 seems you are now the sole lord of your apartment, as 
 your chum has left you for a season. I hope you will not 
 spend a single hour, in a dull and torpid state ; but when 
 you are not intensely engaged in the investigation of 
 knowledge, seek for bodily exercise. Consider it as no 
 disparagement to be seen chopping your own wood, and 
 conveying it to your room. 
 
 " Dev.ote such a portion of your time to your daily 
 recitations, that you can acquit yourself not only decently 
 but honorably, before your tutor and the class. Strive to 
 become ijrim us inter pares, in every branch of science. 
 You must have system in the books you read, and not fall 
 into a desultory course. Finish what you begin, unless 
 you unhappily begin a work of no merit. Make yourself 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 203 
 
 master of your author's arguments, and be not contented, 
 for a moment, to be a superficial reader. Take particu- 
 lar notice of his style, and mark the excellencies and 
 defects of it. I have often intimated to you, that one of 
 the most difficult attainments for the scholar, is, the art 
 of composing correctly and elegantly, so that the reader 
 or hearer of what he writes, will not fail of being pleased 
 and edified. No one reaches this point, without much 
 patient application. In acquiring the character of a good 
 writer, if ever you attain to it, you must not think strange 
 if you are sometimes led to rank your talents below those 
 of the meanest of your acquaintance. But, remember, 
 my son, perseverance will remove the greatest obstacles. 
 
 " To be a respectable scholar, however, is not the 
 pearl of great price. You may excel in scientific ac- 
 quirements, and be a wretched man at last. A disposi- 
 tion to improve, to the glory of your Maker, all your 
 talents and acquirements, is more important than every 
 thing else ; and without this, every thing bestowed upon 
 you will be lost, as to yourself, whatever benefit others 
 may derive from you. I hope you will not soon forget 
 the interview we had together, in your chamber, when 
 you was last at home." 
 
 "May 15, 1821. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "I wrote you last week by Mr. M., and now I have 
 opportunity to forward a letter to you by Mr. P., who, 
 with his wife, intend setting out to-morrow for Ohio, on a 
 visit to their daughters. They will spend a day or two in 
 Madison. I hope you will see them, and not fail of writ- 
 ing by them on their return. Acquaint me with all your 
 concerns, as I feel a deep interest in every thing relating 
 to your ministry, whether prosperous or adverse. I am 
 
204 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 naturaUy led to propose the following interrogatories — Is 
 your own soul in health? Have you that evidence of 
 your adoption into the family of Christ, which inspires 
 you with humble boldness, in standing as God's mouth to 
 the people of your charge ? Do you give yourself to 
 study, to reading the books of the wise, the learned and 
 the faithful, and to a critical examination of the word of 
 God ? Is it your aim to bring weekly into the sanctuary 
 beaten oil ? Do you enter into the spiritual concerns of 
 your people ; and especially, do you look well to the 
 spiritual state of the church, of which, under the great 
 Shepherd, you are an overseer ? Is the church in a quiet 
 and healthful state ? And have you reason to hope that 
 you are feeding some of the sheep and lambs of Christ's 
 fold? 
 
 " While you are ministering to your people in spiritual 
 things, are they disposed to keep you from being straitened 
 and embarrassed in your worldly affairs ? Have you been 
 enabled to pay for the whole or for a part of your farm ? 
 I know, my son, you have your trials; for no man, in any 
 situation in life, is exempted from them. But pray for 
 wisdom, patience, and discretion. Meet your trials with 
 fortitude. ' Acknowledge God in all your ways, and he 
 will direct your paths.' 
 
 " I should rejoice in hearing that you had found a 
 fellow-helper in your work, a pious and discreet com- 
 panion, a wife that would unite her efforts with yours in 
 promoting the cause of Christ, and one who would ' do 
 you good and not evil all the days of her life.' This 
 would contribute not a little to your usefulness. It would 
 preserve you from contractedness and rusticity, which are 
 spots in a minister's character, and would promote expan- 
 sion of feelings and urbanity of manners." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 205 
 
 "■July 3, 1821. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I acknowledge the favor of two short letters from 
 your hand, within a few weeks, in both of which you 
 make mention of uncommon seriousness among your 
 people ; and, in the last, of a number of hopeful con- 
 versions. This was pleasing and animating news to me. 
 In the .triumphs of the Redeemer, and the salvation of 
 souls, we ought always to rejoice. To this occasion for 
 joy, was added another, viz. that your ministry should be 
 so early blessed. This could not but alfect the heart of 
 a parent, who has felt much anxiety for you, cspe'cially 
 while prosecuting your studies under my direction. I 
 hope the work of divine grace in Madison has become 
 general, and that great numbers have been liberated from 
 the bondage of sin and Satan. I have had a strong 
 desire to be with you at this interesting time, and to 
 afford you some assistance, by preaching and by visiting 
 with you from house to house ; but such a thing cannot 
 be. I hope the Lord will be with you, and that you will 
 be constantly asking counsel and wisdom from Him, who 
 giveth liberally. 
 
 " It is a remarkable time in New England, especially 
 in Connecticut. In that small State, we have reason to 
 believe some thousands of souls have recently been 
 brought into the kingdom of God's dear Son. The 
 work has been powerful in N. II., under the ministry 
 of our friend Mr. Y. I have been an eye-witness of it 
 in that place, and in some others." 
 
 « Sept. 1, 1821. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " My anxiety respecting your health has been con- 
 siderably excited since I received your last letter. A 
 constant cough, occasioned by too much speaking, is a 
 18 
 
205 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 bad symptom, and not easily removed, especially if the 
 lungs continue to be used. You very well know that I have 
 suffered much in this way, and did but just escape a fixed 
 consumption. On this account I tremble the more for 
 you. I hope your health is restored, and that you are 
 again ministering to your people, without serious injury. 
 You have been favored with no inconsiderable harvest of 
 souls. I rejoice with you in this interesting event. On 
 the morrow, the happy subjects are to be received into the 
 church. I hope to remember you and your people, at the 
 throne of grace, and may the Lord add his blessing to the 
 solemn scene, that a more plentiful harvest may succeed. 
 
 " I witness at the present time, in this town, the won- 
 derful mercy of God. The church has been gradually 
 waking up all summer. A number of tire members are 
 now quite alive and very active. There is more attentiors 
 and solemnity in the town than I have witnessed for many 
 years. You would be astonished to witness some of our 
 crowded meetings, consisting of impenitent sinners of 
 every age and description. Many are anxious — some are 
 under deep conviction — and some are rejoicing in God 
 their Saviour. The appearance is truly encouraging and 
 animating. My labors, as you will readily suppose, are 
 greatly increased ; but they are truly pleasant. How long 
 this work will continue, and what will be the final result, 
 is known to Him alone, who holdeth all hearts in his 
 hands. Let this intelligence excite you to remember the 
 people of your native town, and the family in which you 
 was nurtured, when, as a suppliant, you approach the 
 throne of grace. 
 
 " Next week is the commencement at Williams college. 
 We have no president. Two have been chosen who have 
 declined accepting the office. Several of the trustees have 
 again urged me to consent to be elected ; but I consider 
 myself too far advanced in life to engage in labors so new 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 207 
 
 and so responsible. If I were fifteen years younger, I 
 might think more seriously of changing my situation ; 
 especially w ith a view of educating my younger sons. 
 
 " Two years. ago, this -day, I assisted in your ordination. 
 I have never regretted my having made that effort, though 
 it was a fatiguing and expensive journey. It would be 
 pleasing to me to see your people once more, that I might 
 be an eye-witness of your standing among them. The 
 journey appears far less formidable to me, than it did be- 
 fore I performed it. I should feel a stronger inducement 
 to visit you, if you had a companion. Why do you so 
 long delay an attention to this subject? May the Lord 
 direct you with respect to this important concern." 
 
 ''Bee. 12, 1821. 
 
 My dear Son, 
 
 " I have had much anxiety on your account for many 
 weeks, and I can truly say, that I am ' afflicted in your 
 afflictions.' Submission to the holy will of God is my 
 only relief. When Messrs. P. and W. returned, they ex- 
 cited some hope in your case, as you was then considered 
 1o be at least more comfortable ; but I have been milch 
 -acquainted with lung complaints, and know them to be 
 very hazardous, especially in public speakers. They 
 assured me that you had every possible attention from the 
 family of Esq. L., and from other friends. My son, you 
 must be very careful of youtself Refrain from using your 
 lungs, as much as possible, and from the least exposure to 
 take cold ; and yet do not unnecessarily lose the benefit 
 of good air. Use exercise, when the weather is unfavora- 
 ble, in your room, and be very attentive to your diet. 
 Your life and health are of importance to yourself, and 
 your church and people. All proper means for your re- 
 covery ougiit to be used ; and then the event cheerfullv 
 left with God. I know his counsel with respect to yo 
 ivill stand; and you afforded me much comfort who 
 
208 
 
 AfEMOIR OF 
 
 you intimated in your last letter, your confidence in the 
 wisdom and rectitude of God's government. I pray daihv 
 that the promised grace of the dear Redeemer may be 
 sufficient for you. As you are now called off from minis- 
 terial labor, devote what strength you have to the care of 
 your own soul. E.xamine carefully the evidences of your 
 sanctification and adoption. ' My son, despise not the 
 chastening of the Lord, nor faint, now you are rebuked of 
 him.' Will it not be some consolation to you, to be as- 
 sured that you are at this time, a subject of many prayers ? 
 My heart has been deeply affected to notice the interest 
 which the people of this town take in your affliction. 
 Hundreds of prayers have been offered up to God for you, 
 in the space of a few weeks. The neighboring ministers 
 are praying for you and your dear people. 
 
 " If the season of the year were favorable, I should go 
 immediately to you ; but I am too far advanced to en- 
 counter the hardships of a winter's journey. I have had 
 many thoughts of sending S., who is now engaged in a 
 school, in case your health should finally fail. Your sister 
 H. informs me, by letter, that she has written to you, as a 
 small token of her solicitude for you. You are our first- 
 born, and had our first affections as parents ; and you 
 must naturally conclude, that our hearts are tried, when 
 we think of you, as being sick, at such a distance from us. 
 But submission is our duty and our privilege. 
 
 " The work of the Holy Spirit, in this town, has been 
 powerful, and still continues. More than a hundred are 
 rejoicing in hope — twenty-two have been examined. We 
 shall probably receive into the church more than forty, at 
 the next communion." 
 
 "^^n7 22, 1822. 
 
 " My dear Dauglrter, 
 
 " Your very welcome letter of the 11th inst. reached 
 us on Saturday. We perused it with eagerness, but with 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 209 
 
 a mixture of feelings, occasioned by the expressions of 
 doubt, as to your accompanying your husband to the 
 paternal mansion, when he shall make his tour to New 
 York. Our expectations have been greatly raised, with 
 the hope of seeing you this spring, and we shall feel a 
 painful disappointment if you should not come. I have 
 thought the journey would contribute much to your health, 
 and it would be pleasant for you to attend some of our 
 meetings, and especially to go with us to the table of our 
 Lord, on the second Sabbath in May. But, if Infinite 
 Wisdom should order otherwise, I desire to submit, Of 
 this, however, he assured, we all, from the oldest to the 
 youngest, ardently desire to see you. I hope the expecta- 
 tion of seeing your brother Alvan at Ogden will not 
 detain you ; because you may see him here, or he may not 
 reach there until after your return. 
 
 " I rejoice, my dear child, that your house is a house 
 of prayer, and that it is opened frequently for religious 
 meetings. You suggested a thought which was cheering 
 to my soul, respecting the time of our devotions, and the 
 sameness of our petitions to our common Parent in heaven. 
 It seems you are without a minister, and I pray the Lord 
 to Bend you a faithful, able, and discreet, spiritual guide. 
 I feel deeply interested in all the movements of the church 
 and people in Ogden. I hope you will all look to God 
 for direction, in the important affair of obtaining a 
 pastor. 
 
 " The attention of the people in this town to the in- 
 teresting subject of religion still continues. It is wonder- 
 ful to see how they flock to meetings. All the families in 
 town are again to be visited on Thursday of this week. 
 Forty-two of the members of the church have been de- 
 signated for this important work, and prayer will be 
 offered up in every house. We hope for a blessing. We 
 have received sixty-three into the church, and fourteen 
 18 * 
 
210 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 more have been propounded. Several of this number are 
 younger than L. or even W. But your dear and only 
 sister, and all the other children, remain in a state of 
 security. My hopes, with respect to them, have been 
 raised, and then they have been blasted. This has been 
 a very great trial to me ; but God is just. I have given 
 my children to him. None of Mr. C.'s family have shared 
 in this work." 
 
 " July 19, 1622. 
 
 " My dear Daughter, 
 
 " The return of Mr. C. occasioned much joy in our 
 family circle, as he brought a rich freight of letters from 
 those who are very dear to us. You know with what deep 
 interest I peruse letters from my children., I am led to 
 infer from your communications that E. coritributes to 
 your happiness. It was for your sake principally, that I 
 consented to so wide a separation from a child, at his 
 forming period of life. His departure occasioned me 
 many a pang, which cannot be described ; but I then 
 hoped, and still hope, that you and your companion will 
 study to be useful to him. Your letters to S. reached 
 this place yesterday; and I desire to bless God, that you 
 are all yet favored with health. I opened S.'s letter, and 
 saw tlie hand-writing of my two children. 
 
 "Your brother Alvan arrived on Saturday, the 6th 
 inst., with his fellow-traveller. I rode, on Wednesday, to 
 Albany to meet him ; but, as he had gone to the springs, 
 I was obliged to return without gaining any information 
 respecting him. In two or three hours after I left Albany 
 he came into the city from Troy. He has ihore bodily 
 strength than I had expected; but his lungs are very weak, 
 and his cough is wearing. No one thing seems to lay 
 such a tax upon his .strength as conversation, and nothing 
 will sooner exhaust him. He can ride thirty miles in a 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 211 
 
 day, witliout special inconvenience, and has been to 
 Becket, Great Barrington, Pittsfield, and Lanesborough, 
 since his return. He is able to attend public worship, 
 and has made a short prayer in the meeting-house. How 
 God will order in his case, we know not. He will con- 
 tinue to ride, as the most salutary course he can take, and 
 the event must be left wholly with our heavenly Father. 
 I regretted very much that he did not make Ogden in his 
 way ; but he was so feeble at that time, that he did not 
 think it best, after he had reached A., and especially as 
 he was in company with an invalid. I hope you will 
 excuse him. We are all in comfortable health. S. has 
 been at home, the present week, and enjoys better health. 
 I think he will visit Ogden, when he has closed his 
 school. 
 
 "Our house has been very much thronged with com- 
 pany since you left us. We have scarcely been alone a 
 single day." 
 
 " Oct. 22, ] 822. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I was detained from the association at Lanes- 
 borough ; but your letter by Mr. G. reached me, last week, 
 and afforded some satisfaction to my mind. You have 
 now arrived at an interesting crisis in your life, and have 
 begun to form a character in a literary institution, as a 
 scholar and as a man. Your success depends very much 
 on your own e.xertion and prudence. If you should fail 
 of making close application to your studies, you will soon 
 find yourself in the poorest half of the class, and your 
 mind will feel a discouragement from which it will not 
 easily be recovered. Improve the study-hours with all 
 the diligence with which the thorough farmer makes hay 
 when the sun shines. Nor will it answer your turn to 
 squander the other part of your time. Make yourself a 
 
212 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 complete master of all your studies, and let it appear in 
 the recitation-room, and before your tutor, that you have 
 been faithful to yourself The diligent and persevering 
 scholar is like a forehanded man, who is not embarrassed 
 and mortified with debts. You must never suffer yourself 
 to be idle, nor to be seen walking the streets, when it is 
 not necessary. Give yourself to reading, and be very 
 careful that you do not form a taste for frivolous books, 
 and unprofitable conversation. Your turn of mind will 
 soon be estimated by your class, and by the faculty of 
 college. My son, an amiable character, such as I desire 
 you to form, is of great worth. 
 
 " I find you left home without taking a Bible. This 
 has occasioned me many sorrowful reflections. T shall 
 send you one the first opportunity, not to be laid aside as 
 useless, but to be perused every day. 
 
 " And now, my dear son, I once more commit you into 
 the hands of God, praying that he may open your heart to 
 receive the truth, and dispose you to live to his glory. 
 Your mother, and A., and little brothers unite with me in 
 much love to you." 
 
 ''Jan. 12, 1823. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I wrote you a letter, several weeks ago, in which 
 I acknowledged one favor of the same kind from you. 
 Since then, I have impatiently waited to hear again ; but 
 have received no intelligence from you, excepting by way 
 of O. I conclude my letter , failed, or you would have 
 more promptly noticed it. We have all felt extremely 
 anxious for you, in your new situation, particularly as 
 your expectations and hopes, with respect to the academy, 
 have not been answered. But, that holy God, who gave 
 you existence, and who has hitherto made you a favored 
 child of his providence, has some important purpose 
 
ALVAN HTDE. 
 
 213 
 
 to answer, by placing you over the institution at G., 
 in its depressed state. Often have I reflected on our 
 ride to Stockbridge, when we were deliberating on 
 the subject of your removal. We were both at a 
 stand, and hardly knew what decision to form. Your 
 mind preponderated to the side of an exchange of situa- 
 tions. I consented with trembling, and committed you 
 to Providence. Nor am I yet discouraged. Tiie Lord 
 will take care of you, and I hope is preparing you for 
 eminent usefulness". You will be unwise to manifest or 
 indulge aay depression of "spirits. Be no less assiduous 
 to acquit yourself, as an able and faithful instructor, than 
 if the school was in a very flourishing state. 1 have 
 lately been reading the Life of the justly celebrated Dr. 
 Scott, who rhade his entrance on the stage of life, under 
 every embarrassment. For the reputation he finally ac- 
 quired, he was indebted to the obstacles which Providence 
 cast in his way. These called forth the energies of his 
 mind, and were the means of forming his habits, teaching 
 him the necessity of patience, diligence, and persever- 
 ance, and guiding him in the way to eminent usefulness, 
 and even to that greatness of character, which, perhaps, 
 has been surpassed by no one of the present age.. H^d 
 he been dandled in the lap of ease and affluence, and 
 introduced hastily and prosperously into public life, he 
 would have appeared a very different man. You see, at 
 once, why I am induced to make these remarks. They 
 are designed to keep you from being discouraged, and to 
 influence you to watch the footsteps of Providence. My 
 daily prayer is, that you may be induced to ' seek first 
 the kingdom of God and his righteousness,' and then all 
 necessary worldly prosperity will be imparted to you. 
 
 " My dear son, remember your Creator in the days 
 of your youth ; and that the Lord may bless you, is the 
 prayer of your ever aflfectionate father." 
 
214 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 « Feb. 9, 1823. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "I have just returned from the public services of the 
 sanctuary, where I have been attempting to present to 
 the people the evidences that Christ's kingdom will in- 
 crease on the earth, and will forever increase in the 
 future world. From which consideration I have been 
 urging, with all the powers of my feeble eloquence, the 
 importance of a personal union to Christ. The subject 
 is worthy of your serious attention. Who can sufficiently 
 prize the privilege of being a Christian 1 Who can 
 adequately describe the consequences of living without 
 God, and without hope in the world ? My son, hearken 
 once more to the entreaties of a father, and be wise, by 
 exchanging the perishable objects of this world for a 
 portion in Christ. You have already long delayed ; but 
 it is not yet too late to choose the good part, which will 
 never be taken away froni you. 
 
 " It is now a most interesting time to the friends of 
 religion in many towns in the county of Hampshire, par- 
 ticularly in all the Hamptons, Hadley, and Norwich. 
 The Lord .is now, also, pouring out his Spirit upon 
 Boston, and the appearances are very encouraging. This 
 event will, probably, produce great convulsions among 
 those churches and ministers who have embraced the 
 Unitarian system. Several people, in these congrega- 
 tions, have left them for the sake of hearing the truth, as 
 it is in Jesus. I never wished to visit our capital so 
 much as I do now ; but the Lord can carry on his work 
 there, and in all other places, without my aid." 
 
 " On Wednesday last, I assisted in the ordination of 
 Mr. D. C, at B., and presided on the occasion. The 
 union of the church and people is great, and the prospects 
 pleasing. This occasion brought me to a particular ac- 
 quaintance with Mr, S., at whose bouse I lodged. I 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 215 
 
 found him and his companion agreeable, and hopefully 
 pious. They inquired very particularly after Mr. C. 
 and family, at O. I am called, the present week, to 
 assist in the dismission of Mr. W., and n the installation 
 of Mr. B., at G. B. Mr. W.'s health is very feeble, and 
 probably he will never preach again. 
 
 " From Capt. B. and Capt. F., I have learnt some par- 
 ticulars respecting your school. Their account is very 
 gratifying to the heart of a parent. I hope you will con- 
 tinue to be successful, in the very important station 
 which you are called to fill. From a clause in your 
 sister's letter, I fear you may not exercise enough, espe- 
 cially in the morning. I sometimes wonder you do not 
 write oftener to your parents, as you well know how 
 highly we estimate letters from our children. Your 
 mother's health is not very good, but she has attended 
 public worship this day. Your brother Alvan remains 
 feeble ; yet I think he rather gains strength. I have 
 lately addressed a letter to his church and people, who, 
 as might be expected, begin to be discoufag-ed. His 
 trials are very great, and we must share in them. The 
 Lord orders wisely. 
 
 " Monday morning. I hope you will study to admin- 
 ister comfort to Harriet, and to be useful to your brother 
 E., who is in the forming period of life. Encourage him 
 to improve his mind, by reading, and watch over his 
 morals. Exercise him, when you have opportunity, in 
 parsing his native language, and assist him in acquiring a 
 knowledge of figures. 
 
 " Wishing you the divine blessing, whicji is better than 
 life, I subscribe myseff your affectionate father." 
 
 " Feb. 24, 1823. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " If you knew the feelings of a parent's heart, your 
 communications to us would certainly be more frequent. 
 
216 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 You suffered so long a space to intervene between the 
 packet forwarded to you by B., and the letter addressed to 
 your sister L., tiiat we began to clierisli unpleasant feel- 
 ings. We feared that you might either be unwell, or 
 be laboring under a depression of spirits, which rendered 
 you incapable of making any effort. Your letter to her, 
 of course, afforded us much pleasure. It was very pleas- 
 ant to notice the expressions of tender affection for that 
 sister. I also indulge the hope, that you are better 
 satisfied with your school than you was at the date of your 
 last letter. But in no part of your letter did I feel so 
 deep an interest, as in that which relates to the hopeful 
 appearance of a revival of religion in G. I have 
 mourned, that you should be located among a people 
 where the spirit of religion was hardly visible, and where 
 you would feel so little moral instruct^on. My heart 
 leaped with joy when you made mention of meetings 
 every day, which were crowded, attentive, and solemn; 
 because the intelligence excited a strong hope, at once, 
 that the Lord was there, by his Holy Spirit. If a con- 
 siderable number of that people, especially of the youth, 
 should be renewed in their minds, and become interested 
 in the great subject of religion, the aspect of things will 
 be very different indeed. There is nothing wbich can 
 render a people so happy, as to have them brought under 
 the influence of the religion of the gospel. My dear son, 
 I have been led to reflect on the mercy of God, in com- 
 mencing this work where you are stationed. He presents 
 to you another precious opportunity to secure the good 
 part which will never be taken away from you. There is 
 no describing the importance of a season of refreshing 
 from the presence of the Lord. My fervent prayer is, 
 that you may not fail of the great salvation. If there is 
 to be a harvest of souls in that place, I entreat you not to 
 stand at a distance from the work, and to consider yourself 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 217 
 
 an uninterested spectator. Be attentive to tlie meetings — 
 hear the instructions communicated, with self-application. 
 Look seriously and faithfully into your own heart. Let it 
 not be said, that the Saviour has come to Greenville, by 
 his Spirit, and the preceptor of the academy is unmoved, 
 and unites not with others in bidding him welcome. You 
 see a father's feelingis on this subject. I desire you to 
 write immediately, on receiving this, and let me know the 
 state of things ; and may the Lord furnish you with 
 tidings, which may cheer our hearts." 
 
 "March 18, 1823. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I duly received, and read with uncommon interest, 
 your letter of the 9th inst., as it gave me some account of 
 a hopeful appearance of a revival of religion in college. 
 I ardently hope and pray, that this token of mercy to that 
 institution will not be as the morning cloud, which soon 
 passeth away, without watering the thirsty ground, but as 
 a cloud big with the rain of heaven, and which may 
 produce a * season of refreshing from the presence of the 
 Lord,' happy in its fruits, and long to be remembered. 
 On reading your account, my anxious thoughts, as you 
 will suppose, were immediately turned to your case, know- 
 ing that you had enjoyed great privileges, and had ever 
 appeared criminally indifferent to them. I said to myself, 
 O that I might have that joy in my son, which president D. 
 has had enkindled in his breast, by the happy tidings from 
 his son ! Of such a favor I know I am wholly unworthy ; 
 but I am constrained to plead for it, looking to the merits 
 of Him who died for the chief of sinners. If the Lord 
 Jesus has come into the college, by the awakening and 
 converting influences -of the Holy Spirit, I hope none of 
 the students will practically desire hin^ to depart, as many 
 did when he was on the earth, lest they refuse an oppor- 
 19 
 
218 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 tunity of receiving his blessing, which they may never 
 again enjoy. My dear son, I desire you to regard this 
 season as being emphatically a day of salvation. Many 
 prayers have of late been offered up for the colleges — and 
 many for Williams college ; and it is animating, that there 
 are any indications of so early an answer to them. I call 
 upon you, with all the tenderness of a parent, to think of 
 the worth of your soul, the multitude of sins which you 
 have committed against God, the vastness of eternity, the 
 awful hazard of living in a state of impenitence, and the 
 precious opportunity you have to escape the deserved 
 wrath of the Almighty. Do the students meet for prayer? 
 Indulge not a thought of being absent, if your attendance 
 is consistent with their feelings and regulations. You 
 have the Bible in your room. Do not incur the guilt 
 of neglecting it, at such a time as this. Read it with 
 attention, and with reference to your own case. You 
 have a closet, which your Saviour calls upon you to 
 remember. But why, my son, need I urge upon you 
 those things, the performance of which, in a right man- 
 ner, would secure your own eternal interest? 
 
 " Present my affectionate regards to the president, and 
 inform him that we all feel a deep interest in the tidings 
 we hear from college, and, I trust, the saints in this and 
 other places, are praying for a rich harvest of- souls, from 
 among the youth committed to his care. 
 
 " I rejoice to learn that you find in B. a safe and 
 pleasing room-mate. He has been called to drink deep 
 of the cup of sorrow. Mr. H., who came from Williams- 
 town here, informs me that he saw his father just before 
 his death, and that he was a valuable man, and an affec- 
 tionate parent. May God sanctify this heavy stroke, and 
 sore bereavement, to his son, to whom I wish to be 
 remembered. I hope the room you occupy together will 
 be a Bethel, and be distinguished for good order, close 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 219 
 
 application to study, and for proficiency in classical 
 pursuits. 
 
 " Write every week, and let me know all your wants, 
 and what the Lord is doing in college." 
 
 "May 5, 1823. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I never parted with you, when I felt more solici- 
 tude for your happiness and welfare, than I did on Friday 
 morning last, at Greenville. I had been particularly con- 
 versant with you a number of days. I had seen where 
 you had been residing, and where you expected to reside 
 during the summer. I had seen the displays of God's 
 grace among the people, and the lively interest which 
 many of them appeared to take in the all-important subject 
 of religion. I had seen you placed at the head of an 
 academy, which had not shared in the influences of the 
 Spirit — and a review of the whole, excited emotions in my 
 heart not easily described. When you left my carriage, 
 and gave me the parting hand, I drew many a sigh for 
 you. I know you must feel the responsibility of your 
 station, and that the eyes of many are upon you, at this 
 time, longing and waiting for you to step forward in the 
 cause of religion, that your pupils may be blessed. My 
 dear son, you cannot be without your reflections, nor 
 without anxiety. Never was you before brought into 
 such a situation, where it seems every thing conspires to 
 induce you to embark in the cause of religion. I entreat 
 you, as your earthly benefactor, and as your father, who 
 tenderly loves you, not to suffer this opportunity to pass 
 unimproved. Let not your heart make one excuse; for 
 there is none. You have only to decide whether you will 
 have your portion in this world, or in that kingdom which 
 is to endure forever. That you never can be saved with- 
 out faith in Christ, I know you will readily admit. Then, 
 
220 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 my son, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ Count all 
 things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of 
 your Redeemer. Say not in your heart, that you design 
 to do this at some future period. Do it now, that in your 
 next letter you may announce the happy tidings to me. 
 You have the prayers of many for you, and I hope and 
 trust they will not be unavailing before that God who 
 knows your case perfectly. Before this lime, I hope that 
 your heavenly Father, who seeth in secret, has seen you 
 on the bended knees of your soul, pleading for mercy, 
 and that you may share with others in the blessed in- 
 fluences of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 " May G. Having progressed in my letter thus far, it 
 was mentioned to me, that the stage had passed. This 
 stopped my pen, which I now resume. After parting with 
 you, I was soon brought to Mr. L.'s, at whose house I was 
 detained two hours, waiting his return from a walk. With 
 him my opportunity was very short. It was twelve when I 
 was on the river ; at four o'clock I was in Chatham, and 
 before the family had returned from the Friday evening 
 prayer-meeting, I was safely seated in my own house, 
 having rode fifty-three miles. This effort was made with- 
 out any design, and without any special fatigue on the 
 part of my horse or myself The goodness of God to me 
 and my family are very noticeable, and O that I might 
 have a heart to praise him. 
 
 " Having been to G., I can look at the family in which 
 you reside, the room which you occupy, the academy 
 where you instruct your pupils, and the house of prayer 
 which you frequent." 
 
 ''July 1, 1823. 
 
 " My dear Daughter, 
 
 "Your very welcome favor of the 24th ult., we re- 
 ceived on Friday last. It was perused and re-perused 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 221 
 
 witli much pleasure. I desire, to cherish a grateful sense 
 of the goodness of that God, whose you are, and to whom 
 we have dedicated you, that he has directed your steps to 
 a place so pleasant to your feelings, and at the same time 
 so favorable both to the cultivation of your mind, and to 
 the attainment of that knowledge of the Saviour, which 
 infinitely concerns you. I hope and fervently pray, that 
 the faithful instructions of Mr. II. will not be neglected 
 by you. The object in sending you abroad was, that 
 being liberated from all domestic cares, you might have 
 uninterrupted time for the acquisition of knowledge, and 
 be enabled to lay a foundation to be something more than 
 a cypher in the world. Another season so favorable 
 for the attainment of this object, you probably will not 
 again enjoy. The period of youth is with you rapidly 
 passing away. I trust you will consider your time to be 
 very precious, and that your application to your studies 
 will be such as will be honorable to yourself and to your 
 parents. Your teacher has, by this time, formed his 
 opinion of what you are capable of acquiring, and of your 
 disposition to be faithful or unfaithful to yourself My 
 dear daughter, be not willing for a moment to be consid- 
 ered a superficial scholar, nor one that is deaf to spiritual 
 instruction. In either case you will bring reproach upon 
 yourself, and upon those who have attempted to guide 
 you in your tender years. If, in your absence, you should 
 choose Christ for a portion, you will return to us doubly 
 endeared, and by one bond of union never to be dissolved. 
 Are you willing to deny us this happiness ? Are you 
 willing to deny yourself this happiness 1 " 
 
 " My 15, 1823. 
 
 " My dear Lucy, 
 
 " Knowing, that in one respect, at lea.st, you are like 
 your father, fond of receiving letters from friends, and 
 19 * 
 
222 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 having myself a few moments leisure, I cheerfully devote 
 them to you, that I may bring your thoughts to your native 
 place, and to the paternal mansion. I begin by way of 
 reproof, and say that your letters are quite too short. We 
 hardly get interested in reading them, before we find the 
 closing sentence. We wish to be acquainted with all your 
 joys and sorrows. You state that your advantages are 
 great, and that you are much pleased with your instruc- 
 tor. What progress are you making in your studies? I 
 have had some fears, lest your long inattention to study 
 should prove somewhat embarrassing to you. But I hope 
 you will acquire the habit of close application, and close 
 thinking. Before this, I conclude you have made several 
 efforts at composition, and have read before the school. I 
 hope you are never hasty in these productions, because 
 they do more to develope the mind, and at the same time 
 to strengthen and expand it, than almost any other exer- 
 cise. You may commit to memory without much expense 
 of thought; but when you sit down to write composition, 
 your mind must be collected, and all its powets brought 
 into action. If you succeed well in one attempt to put 
 your thoughts on paper, though it cost you much labor 
 and anxiety, your mind will begin to acquire confidence in 
 itself. This is an important point to gain. Many have 
 not patience to make such an effort, and of course, never 
 acquire the art of composing. Fail not of profiting by 
 this hint. 
 
 " It affords me much joy to learn that Mr. H. is atten- 
 tive to the spiritual interests of his pupils. You intimate 
 that his addresses on this all-important subject are very 
 solemn and impressive. Then, my child, you must incur 
 additional guilt to remain stupid and impenitent. O that 
 you might be wise, and improve the present favorable 
 opportunity to break off from sin, and to become one of 
 the friends of Christ. Why can you delay 1 Let me 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 223 
 
 know, in your next, vvliether you will not hearken to the 
 entreaties of a father, and let him receive you as a spiritual 
 child." 
 
 « March 9, 1824. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I was very much gratified with the perusal of your 
 letter by Mr. P., which was more of an epistle than you 
 have usually sent, and considerably enriched with ideas, 
 expressed in correct language. It seems you begin to 
 have the conviction which I have had for many years, 
 that a great part of the enjoyment of man, in this life, 
 arises from the anticipation of good, and not from present 
 possession. This, however, is less true of those who have 
 been renewed by the Holy Spirit, than of others ; because 
 they estimate things more as they are. They expect less 
 from the world, and see enough of God's goodness, in 
 every passing event, to excite constant admiration and 
 praise. The great apostle of the gentiles said, 'I have 
 learnt, in whatsoever situation I am, therewith to be con- 
 tent.' I believe the Christian does not want for enjoyment 
 in any situation, if he is only satisfied that God has placed 
 him in it. This blessed portion, I hope, through grace, 
 you may speedily find, and be maturing for eminent use- 
 fulness in the world. 
 
 " The day of prayer for the colleges, which was on the 
 27th ult., was well observed in this town. Many petitions 
 were offered for Williams college, and for the members of 
 it belonging to this town, that they might share in the 
 influences of the Holy Spirit, and be the honored instru- 
 ments of ushering upon the church and world, the ap- 
 proaching day of glory. 
 
 " I was glad to learn that you found your room-mate, 
 fcfr whom I have an esteem, and to whom I wish to be 
 remembered. I trust that from him you will contract no 
 
224 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 bad habits, nor imbibe any corrupt sentiments. I pray 
 God to make him an instrument of the salvation of your 
 soul. Be thankful for any tokens of his faithfulness to 
 you. 
 
 " I hope you are pursuing your studies diligently, and 
 with increasing profit. If you love your books, and feel 
 the importance of becoming a systematic and thorough 
 scholar, you will covet no leisure time, only what is 
 necessary to unbend the mind, and recruit the body. It 
 is of great importance, in regard to your health, to be 
 regular in your hours of sleep, your exercise, which should 
 be as much as possible in the morning, and in your meals. 
 I trust there are religious meetfngs in college, which you 
 will countenance by your attendance. At such, you will 
 have divine trtiths presented to your mind, which may 
 prove a blessing to you. 
 
 " Be wise in the choice of your associates. It is an 
 old adage, but a true one, ' Pares cum paribus facillime 
 congregantur.' " 
 
 «^pn7 16, 1824. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I M ill lose no time, in acknowledging your very 
 welcome favor of the 4th inst. So much time had elapsed 
 since any communication had been received from your 
 hand, that I had began to indulge considerable anxiety 
 lest your health or spirits had entirely failed. From the 
 tenor of your letter, I perceive that you have enjoyed both 
 in an unusual degree. This has been a favor for which I 
 desire to bless God, on your account. But God in his 
 providence has carried you away from the means of grace, 
 and I greatly fear the consequences. The alarming fact, 
 stated in your letter, that you had not heard a sermon, for 
 the last five months, has drawn many painful sighs frbm 
 my heart. It has led me to reflect with seriousness, on 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 225 
 
 that solemn interrogatory of our Lord and Saviour — 
 'What shall it profit a man, if he should gain the whole 
 world, and lose his own soul ?' My son, it seems you are 
 in a heathen land, as respects the privileges of the gospel, 
 and at an interesting period of your life. I fear, that the 
 holy Sabbath, which God has given as a sign between 
 him and his people, is a weariness to you, because you 
 have no opportunity to go into the assembly of the saints, 
 and into the courts of the Lord. But, I exhort and warn 
 you not to engage in worldly business, nor turn your 
 thoughts upon any thing which may draw your heart 
 away from a solemn regard to that divine institution. 
 Look not at your day-book, nor your ledger. Indulge no 
 company in your store. 
 
 " I have hitherto been disappointed in my expectation 
 of sending you the Christian Spectator, which might afford 
 you suitable employment for the Sabbath. There was not 
 a sufficient number sent into the county for subscribers. 
 I have now made arrangements to send you the- work 
 soon, beginning with the present volume. The Recorder 
 I have sent regularly, after we have perused.', it in the 
 family ; which may afford you some instruction and en« 
 tertainment." 
 
 " Spencertoien, June 12, 1824. 
 
 "My very dear Sons, 
 
 " I reached this place, last evening, a little before 
 the setting of the sun, having been protected by the same 
 kind Providence which rendered my journey out so pros- 
 perous. Mr. S. is very desirous of having me spend 
 the Sabbath here, to which I have consented. 
 
 " When I parted with you, my heart was full. I left 
 you in a family whose attention and kindness you will 
 doubtless experience, but in which you will not enjoy those 
 
226 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 religious advantages which appear to me of immense im- 
 portance. I had supposed that Mrs. B. was one of the 
 visible fold of the Redeemer, and that you would often 
 have your attention invited, by her, to the interesting 
 things of religion. When I found that you was embo- 
 somed in a family, where there was not even the form of 
 religion, nor one to speak in its favor, my heart was pained. 
 I have had to endure uncomfortable sensations, ever since, 
 because you are so much excluded from the means of 
 salvation. I have dedicated you both to God, and am 
 desirous of guiding you to peace and happiness in this life, 
 and to a seat at the right hand of Christ, in his kingdom 
 of glory. I spoke to you of reading the word of God 
 together daily, and of sanctifying the Sabbath, and of 
 encouraging religious meetings, by your personal atten- 
 dance. One of you is known there, in a very responsible 
 station, as an instructor of youth, and you are both re- 
 garded as the sons of a minister of the gospel, from whom 
 it is doubtless expected you have received the best of 
 instruction. The fruit of this I desire you to manifest 
 at all times. I have thought you may spend a few weeks 
 together in a manner both interesting and profitable to 
 you. Possibly you may never again enjoy such an oppor- 
 tunity to fan the flame of fraternal affection. You are 
 brothers nurtured by the same parents, and I hope 
 you will be brothers indeed — the joy of those who con- 
 sider you as an honor to them. Situated as you now are, 
 the elder has the forming of the younger — as to habits of 
 industry, habits of speaking, of civility and politeness, 
 and of almost every thing which makes up a character. 
 The weight of obligation, I trust, will be duly appreciated, 
 the opportunity of guiding one in such an interesting 
 relation, eagerly embraced. And I fondly hope, that such 
 will be the returns of gratitude, and so successful will bo 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 227 
 
 the efforts, that the whole will be reviewed with pleasure, 
 in a future day. 
 
 " My sons, do you wish to cause the heart of your 
 father to rejoice in you 1 Then walk circumspectly in 
 the fear of the Lord. Seek that honor which is from 
 above. You have not long to mingle with the cares, 
 pleasures and honors of this world. Do your great work 
 quickly — do it in earnest. May God bless you, and make 
 you blessings to each other and to the world. 
 
 " I write these few lines, because I have a few moments 
 of leisure, and because my thoughts are constantly going 
 back to you, and particularly as I shall not be at home, 
 in season to mail a letter which will reach you next week. 
 Deo volente, you shall hear from some of us, the week 
 succeeding. 
 
 " That you may be happy in each other, and walk 
 together in the strait and narrow way, is the desire and 
 fervent prayer of your affectionate father." 
 
 • « June 17, 1824. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "In this mutable world, we are constantly passing 
 from one scene to another, and we are alternately de- 
 pressed and elevated, in our feelings, because we are so 
 easily affected with the prospects which this world pre- 
 sents. But there is no created good, however eagerly we 
 pant after it, and however successful may be our efforts 
 in its acquisition, which can afford us permanent enjoy- 
 ment. We shall remain restless creatures, until we can 
 ' count all things but loss for the excellency of the know- 
 ledge of Christ Jesus.' This is man's best portion, yea, 
 the only portion, which can satisfy an immortal mind. I 
 have often recommended this to you, and am compelled 
 still to do it, with all the earnestness of which I am ca- 
 pable. The period of youth is with you rapidly passing 
 
228 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 away, and my heart is frequently pained, when I reflect, 
 that at this interesting period of life, you are so remarkably 
 excluded from religious privileges, and Christian society. 
 I greatly fear the consequence, because with respect, to the 
 salvation of our souls, as is the fact in all other things, 
 means and ends are connected. But you have heard 
 much instruction in your day, which may sometimes be 
 recalled. You have also the word of God, which I 
 entreat you to read daily and attentively, and with self- 
 application. You receive regularly, I trust, the Recorder, 
 and Christian Spectator, by the careful perusal of which, 
 you may become acquainted not only with the progress of 
 religion, but with the various improvements in science 
 and literature. I wish you to inform me whether you 
 have received all the volume of the Christian Spectator. 
 The March number I know you have not received, as it 
 has not yet reached me, having been mis-sent. My dear 
 son, guard against tlie sentiments, the dialect, and the 
 habits of the people with whom you are surrounded. The 
 spirit of the gospel they do not discern. Knowing that 
 they are not correct in their views of some of the es- 
 sentials of religion, I am induced to speak thus freely ; 
 and as we insensibly become assimilated to those with 
 whom we are daily conversant, the caution I have given 
 may be the more necessary : you will receive it as 
 coming from a father, who is deeply interested in your 
 temporal and spiritual prosperity. 
 
 " We all wish you to write more frequently and more 
 copiously. Let us know all your joys and sorrows, and 
 especially the state of your mind, in relation to the all- 
 important subject of religion. I am unwilling to believe 
 that your mind is as destitute of all thoughts on this 
 subject as are your letters. Yet the Saviour has laid 
 down this maxim, ' Out of the abundance of the heart, 
 the mouth speaketh.' 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 229 
 
 *'Your mother has about her usual health, though 
 afflicted with the rheumatism. We have much company 
 and many cares, and we are both almost worn out. The 
 evening of life has come upon us, and our active days are 
 drawing to a close. 
 
 " Wishing you the best of heaven's blessings, I sub- 
 scribe myself your affectionate father." 
 
 « July 24, 1824. 
 
 " My dear and afflicted Daughter, 
 
 " I received Mr. C.'s short letter, yesterday, and it 
 has afforded us no relief in regard to your case. He was 
 not so particular in stating your complaints, as we wished. 
 No language can describe the anxiety we all feel, on 
 your account. We know not what is the wisest course 
 for us to take, in your behalf; but we are willing to do 
 any thing, that may minister to your comfort, both of 
 body and mind. We hope for a letter to-morrow, in 
 answer to mine, which must have reached you two weeks 
 ago, and to be able to decide on some plan, after having 
 a more minute account of the state of your health. If 
 possible, it is best for you to come down, and some of us 
 will go to accompany you, and your little daughter. 
 Your mother is willing to go ; and so is Lucy, and so am 
 I. J. and E. are now here on a short vacation. If 
 necessary, E. will go back, for Mr. C. to come down with 
 you. We shall come to some decision, as soon as we can 
 know what is best, and we hope to-morrow. Remember, 
 my child, the all-sufficiency of the Saviour, and let not 
 your heart be troubled. I commend you and your dear 
 husband and little child, to the mercy of God. 
 
 " Accept much love from your parents, L. and your 
 brothers, also for Mr. C. His friends are well. 
 
 " From your ever affectionate father." 
 20 
 
230 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " Oct. 14, 1824. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " I hope God will prepare your mind for the heavy 
 tidings I have to communicate. Your beloved sister H. 
 expired yesterday morning, at half past eight o'clock, 
 without a struggle or groan. She had been rapidly fail- 
 ing for several days, and we did not think, on the morn- 
 ing of Thursday, that she would continue until the setting 
 of the sun ; but she sunk into the arms of death sooner 
 than we anticipated. Her mind was calm, and her hopes 
 of acceptance were founded on the Saviour. It is a 
 heavy stroke indeed to us; but I desire to fee], that her 
 early removal from this world, is a righteous rebuke ; and 
 I pray that it may be sanctified to the bereaved parents 
 and afflicted children. I regret very much, that Mr. C, 
 her husband, was not here to witness the scene of parting 
 with so near and dear a friend ; and now I greatly fear, 
 that the funeral will be attended before his arrival, which 
 is to be to-morrow, at one o'clock, P. M. Dr. S. is to 
 preach on the affecting occasion." 
 
 "^Vozj. 16, 1824. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " The providence of God, in removing my three 
 oldest children from this world, has greatly endeared to 
 my heart those who survive. My mind is continually 
 dwelling upon them, and cherishing ardent hopes for 
 their prosperity and usefulness in this life, and their hap- 
 piness, when time with them shall be no more. I would 
 not write a single letter to a child, without making the 
 impression on his mind, that I consider an interest in 
 Christ, as the pearl of great price, or the ' summum 
 bonum ' of all possible attainments. It is an unspeak- 
 able consolation, when I contemplate the early decease 
 of your brother and sister, whom you followed to the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 231 
 
 grave, that I have ground to hope they are now among 
 the redeemed of the Lord, uniting in songs of praise with 
 the spirits of the just made perfect. And now I desire 
 more than ever, that the dear children, who are yet pris- 
 oners of hope, may be so wise as to commence the 
 Christian race. 
 
 " T rejoice, that you and your brother W. are so favor- 
 ably situated, not only for the cultivation of your minds, 
 but to strengthen those ligaments which bind you to 
 «ach other, as members of one family. You are the 
 oldest brother, and have passed, with honor to yourself, 
 the various stages of a collegiate life, and may be incalcu- 
 lably useful to him. I trust you feel a d€ep interest in 
 his success, as a scholar and as a man. I often think of 
 the free conversations, which you must have together, 
 when secluded from all other society, especially after 
 closing your books for the night. So far as I can learn, 
 you have made a successful beginning as a tutor, and I 
 hope your mind will be richly imbued with wisdorn and 
 discretion, that you may meet every occasion without sub- 
 jecting yourself to painful reflections, or the reproach of 
 others. 
 
 "I was exceedingly gratified with the spirit of W.'s 
 last letter, as well as with its correctness. If it will afford 
 you any pleasure to make your parents happy, and to 
 render the paternal mansion less gloomy, then you must 
 both write very frequently. 
 
 " I forward to you the Christian Spectator for October. 
 Accept the warmest affections of your parents, your sister 
 and little brothers, and present the same to W." 
 
 "JVov. 17, 1824. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Not a word have we heard from you, since you last 
 left our mournful house. We have impatiently expected 
 
232 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 a letter from you, and from my dear son E., for whom I 
 have many anxious feelings. The great loss we have sus- 
 tained in our family circle, is every day rendered more 
 real, by the recollection of former endearments. My faith- 
 ful correspondent has forever left her pen, I trust for a 
 more sublime employment. God has brought this heavy 
 affliction upon us, and let us quietly submit. Your little 
 daughter is a perfect picture of health, and is very active 
 and something busy, and needs our constant watchful- 
 ness." 
 
 "June 6, 1825. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " This day completes thirty-three years since my 
 ordination, which is a length of time much longer than 
 ministers usually are suffered to continue. Yesterday I 
 noticed the event in public. I desire to be thankful that 
 God has been so patient with me, when I have so con- 
 stantly fallen short of my duty. I now can see, that I 
 have enjoyed many years of prosperity in my family and 
 among my people, while I have been criminally insensible 
 of it. The last year has been peculiarly a year of trials. 
 God, in his great faithfulness, has corrected me. He has 
 blasted some of my fondest hopes. The deaths of my two 
 children I cannot forget. Greatly do I feel the loss of the 
 correspondence I had with my dear departed Harriet. 
 Her letters, which I received more frequently than from 
 any of my absent children, were always a cordial to me. 
 They were affectionate, and tiiey breathed a spirit of piety. 
 She never wrote a letter to me, which \jas not richly 
 fraught with evidence of her entire confidence in God, 
 and her reliance on the merits of the Saviour. I am more 
 and more sensible of the greatness of the breach in my 
 family. But I desire to be still under the mighty hand of 
 God, and to be thankful that he gave me such a child. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 233 
 
 and to be kept from murmuring now he has removed her 
 to a better world. 
 
 " Your little daughter has had a hard cold, which has 
 affected her more than any one she has had since she has 
 been here ; but she is now better. At family prayers, she 
 takes her litlie Bible, and imagines herself to bear a 
 part in the e.xercise. I think she has not been from home 
 since you was here. I have myself been riding with Lucy 
 the most of the time, since you left us. After returning 
 from New Haven, I accompanied her to Boston, and from 
 thence J. rode with her to Sandwich, where she has many 
 relatives. We are now extremely anxious to hear from 
 her, and expect a letter to-day, and hope to witness their 
 safe return to-morrow. She was comfortable when she 
 reached Sandwich. May God prepare us all for the 
 events of his providence." 
 
 "June 17, 1825. 
 
 My very dear Son, 
 
 " We ought always to be in that frame of mind, and 
 to have that confidence in God, as not to be afraid of evil 
 tidings. One of the most painful tasks of my life now 
 devolves on me, to announce to you the death of your 
 beloved and only sister, and our dear and only daughter, 
 whom we hoped would be the solace of our declining years. 
 She was called to close her probationary state, and to bid 
 adieu to this vain world, at Sandwich, and in the house 
 where her mother was born. This is a mysterious provi- 
 dence. Though among relatives, she was at a great dis- 
 tance from her parents, and from all the members of our 
 family. My heart is too full to write what I wish on this 
 mournful subject, yet I have just closed a letter of some 
 length to Mr. C. I rode with her to Boston, and from 
 thence J. accompanied her to Sandwich. He left her on 
 Wednesday, the first day of June, comfortable and cheer- 
 20 * 
 
234 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ful, with a hope that a short residence there, would be 
 salutary to her health. It was not according to my 
 judgment to have her left; but it was her wish, and that 
 of her friends, and I have nothing to say by way of com- 
 plaint, though it would have been a great mercy to have 
 been with her, and to have had her at home. The day 
 after J. left her, she was seized with a severb pain in her 
 bowels, which prostrated her strength at once. The mail 
 soon brought tidings of her situation, which fdled our 
 minds with anxiety and distress, but encouraged us with 
 strong hopes of her recovery. A second mail brought us 
 still more favorable tidings ; but on Wednesday, when I 
 was at Pittsfield, attending the Association, the mail 
 brought the mournful and deeply afflictive account of her 
 having exchanged time for eternity. She died Sabbath 
 morning, at a quarter past eight o'clock, the 12th instant. 
 We have been conversant with great afflictions ; but never 
 did we before receive so heavy a shock. The Lord hath 
 done it, and it is our duty and privilege to submit and be 
 quiet. Her funeral was attended on Monday of this week 
 at five o'clock. Our house has been thronged since with 
 sympathizing friends. Rev. Mr. B., of G. B., is to preach 
 her funeral sermon next Sabbath, in my desk. It would 
 be pleasant and comforting indeed, to have all my surviv- 
 ing children present to bear a part in our afflictions, but 
 you are scattered. 
 
 "Lucy was favored with her reason to the last, and was 
 the same patient child she had ever been. She was 
 favored with the instruction and prayers of Christian 
 friends, in her distresses, and particularly of Mr. H., the 
 minister. She said it was all right, though she felt afraid 
 to die. 
 
 "Oh, my dear son, I know the contents of this letter 
 will cause the tear of grief to flow from your eyes ; but I 
 hope you may be influenced, through the agency of the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 235 
 
 Holy Spirit, to seek first the kingdom of God and his 
 righteousness. Pray for yourself, and pray for your af- 
 flicted parents. I will still say to you, that I justify God, 
 and desire to acquiesce in his will. Your cousin L. A. 
 returned with J. from N. B., and will spend some time with 
 us. This appears to be one of God's great mercies, in 
 this day of affliction and bereavement. She enters feel- 
 ingly into our situation. Your mother and little brothers, 
 with this cousin, unite with me in much love to you. 
 The mail will soon arrive, and I must hasten to a close, 
 after thanking you for one letter since you left us. May 
 the Lord bless you, my dear son, and bring you to the 
 saving knowledge of the truth. 
 
 " From your afflicted father." 
 
 "June 21, 1825. 
 
 "My dear Sons, 
 
 " You have knowledge of the mysterious providence 
 of God, in removing by death your dear and only sister 
 Lucy, in a few days after her arrival at Sandwich. I 
 need not say to you, that this is the heaviest stroke which 
 has fallen upon your afflicted parents, and upon the family, 
 as we relied very much upon her company, which was 
 always pleasant, and rendered doubly interesting, since 
 the decease of Harriet. She was taken more unwell the 
 day after she was left. Dr. L. was called to see her, and 
 to minister to her. From the effects of this ill turn she 
 never recovered, though she was able, on the Sabbath 
 following, to sit up the greatest part of the day, and con- 
 tinued, in a measure, comfortable, until the Thursday 
 following. On Saturday, the 11th, being alarmed, our 
 friends sent for Dr. T., of Plymouth, who arrived about 
 five o'clock on Sabbath morning. Our dear Lucy had a 
 very distressing night, and no parents or brothers to 
 minister to her ; and yet the kindest of friends. Your 
 
236 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 aunt F. and N. A. watched with her, but could do little 
 to alleviate her pains, which were extreme. When Dr. 
 T. came he said he could do nothing. Lucy had her 
 senses to the last, and was the same patient and placid 
 creature that she ever had been. She did not make 
 herself unhappy because she left home; nor because she 
 could not have the attention of her parents ; but said all 
 was as it should be. N. A. writes that she was as patient 
 as a lamb. On Friday night, Mrs. R., of N. B., watched 
 with her, and continued with her the most of the time 
 until the affecting scene closed, and her immortal soul 
 departed from its clayey tenement. She told Mrs. R. she 
 was afraid to die. Mr. H. visited her frequently and 
 prayed with her, which I rejoice to hear. Dr. T. said 
 her disorder was on the liver, and that no medicine she 
 had taken had ever reached it. She died on Sabbath 
 morning, the 12th, at a quarter past eight, the same day 
 of the week on which she was born. On Monday, five 
 o'clock P. M., her funeral was attended from your uncle 
 F.'s, and her mortal remains were followed to the grave 
 by thirty of her relatives, and many others deeply affected 
 by the solemn scene. I was at P., when the letter, re- 
 ceived on Wednesday, announcing her death, was sent to 
 me. The shock was almost too great for my frail nature 
 to sustain. Dr. G. heard the letter, and I requested him 
 to state to you all the particulars he could recollect. I 
 hastened home to the afflicted mother and children, and 
 had no time to write. Before I departed, the Association 
 united in prayer for me and my family. I found my 
 house thronged by sympathizing neighbors, to whom the 
 letter was read, which occasioned much weeping, and 
 many sighs. Last Sabbath Rev. Mr. B. preached a 
 funeral sermon in my desk to a great concourse of people. 
 I regretted that you both could not have been present. 
 The text was the forty-sixth Psalm, first verse — ' God is 
 our refuge,' &c. 
 
ALVAN HYM. 
 
 237 
 
 " It is probable, that if Lucy had attempted to return, a 
 more distressing scene would have been opened, for she 
 might have sicker>ed and died among entire strangers. 
 How insupportable, my son J., this would have been to 
 you ! I see great mercies in the midst of our heavy 
 afflictions. 
 
 "That beloved child and sister has left our society, 
 closed her state of probation, and entered upon an eternal 
 state. I have to lament my unfaithfulness to her ; but no 
 neglected opportunity can I now recall. I desire to be 
 more faithful to my surviving children, all of whom I have 
 attempted to instruct on the all-important subject of re- 
 ligion. I have not said enough to you on the danger of 
 delaying repentance. My dear sons, let me have the joy 
 of seeing you in earnest to comply with the requisitions 
 of the gospel, and to secure the good part which shall 
 never be taken away. Believe me to be in earnest, when 
 I urge you to this. It is a most reasonable thing, and it 
 is for your life. 
 
 " I wish very much to see you, for we are lonely ; and 
 but for the society of cousin L., we should be much more 
 so. Her coming to us, at this time, has been to me a 
 striking providence. Your mother is as well as could be 
 expected under such a sudden and heavy bereavement. 
 She with your brothers unite with me in much love to you 
 both/' 
 
 "JVov. 23, 1825. 
 
 " My dear son Chauncey, 
 
 " I have had more anxious thoughts for you, than I 
 ever had fojr any child, on leaving the. paternal mansion. 
 When E. left me, I was comforted from the thought that 
 he would be embosomed in a family of religious principle, 
 where he would daily enjoy the privilege of having his 
 attention called to the word of God, and social worship. 
 
238 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 You must be under the necessity of being conversant 
 with anotlier sort of people, who have different religious 
 principles. But you have had the advantage of much 
 counsel and instruction, while with your parents, and you 
 have carried the word of God with you. This I entreat 
 you, with all the solicitude of a fond parent, to r«ad daily 
 and attentively. From this book, God speaks to you, on 
 the concerns of your ."^oul, and if you will onlv regulate 
 your life by it, you h ill be made wise unto salvation. Few 
 persons of your age have attended more religious meetings 
 than you have, or had a better opportunity to understand 
 the holy scriptures. The return of the Sabbath, without 
 your former privileges, must deeply affect you ; but I pray 
 God to keep you from losing all sense of the sanctity of 
 the Sabbath. I hope your brother will go with you as 
 often as possible to the meeting at P. When this shall 
 not be convenient, devote yourself to religious reading, 
 and remember that the Bible is the fountain of all true 
 wisdom. I shall continue to send to S. the Recorder, 
 which you have been accustomed to read, and Spectator. 
 Never be seen walking the streets on the Lord's day, nor 
 mingling in any company. Way the Lord guide you, my 
 dear son, and keep you from sin. Improve your time 
 diligently, and cultivate your mind. Avoid all trifling 
 conversation, and be faithful and strictly honest in your 
 brother's business, and let it be a pleasure to him to in- 
 struct you. Then you will be mutual helps to each 
 other. 
 
 " I have read your letter to cousin L., and was not a 
 little pleased with it. The account of your journey was 
 very comprehensively and happiiv written. I could easily 
 follow your movements the whole of the way, having re- 
 peatedly passed the same route, excepting the last three 
 miles. To-morrow is the anniversary thanksgiving in 
 Massachusetts, on which occasion you never was absent 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 239 
 
 from your father's table. We shall be very much alone, 
 though we have Mr. A., the converted Jew, with us. I never 
 saw a young man so eager to acquire an education in my 
 life. lie has an ardent desire to do good to his countrymen. 
 He, however, will not succeed in obtaining a school in 
 this town. I recommend it to you to take particular pains 
 to improve your penmanship, and to retain your knowledge 
 of orthography and grammar. Advance also in your 
 knowledge of figures, that you may be fitted for a man of 
 business. Write me very frequently, and I shall cheerfully 
 pay the postage, if I find your letters are written with 
 attention and care. Be assured, my dear son, that you are 
 on my mind every hour in the day, and I am often attempt- 
 ing to pray for you ; and be entreated, my son, to pray 
 for yourself" 
 
 " Dec. IQ, 1825. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I now enumerate weeks, and I believe months, 
 since I have received a single line from you. This total 
 silence has occasioned much solicitude, lest your health 
 may have failed. The only reason I can assign, which 
 satisfies me in any degree, is, that Mr. H. has been absent 
 much of the time, and, when at home, has been engaged 
 in entering into his new establishments. This has left 
 you no leisure for writing to your friends. I will hope for 
 the best. Daily I endeavor to commend you to the mercy 
 and guidance of your heavenly Father. I hope, my son, 
 you attempt to do the same for yourself Amidst all your 
 cares, remember that 'one thing is needful,' and that you 
 will be unkind to yourself, if you neglect the care of your 
 soul. The precious word of God you possess, and this is 
 able to make you wise unto salvation, through faith in 
 Christ Jesus. I cannot tell you how much it would rejoice 
 my heart to hear of your walking in the truth. Associate 
 
240 
 
 3MEM0IR OF 
 
 with the virtuous, and have no intimacy with those who 
 cast off the fear of God. Let your conversation be as 
 becometh the gospel of Christ. 
 
 " I have lately been to W., where there is an appear- 
 ance of a revival of religion, not only in the town, but in 
 the college. ' The students are very solemn, and some of 
 them are beginning to rejoice in hope. What a mercy it 
 would be, if your brother W. should sliare in this work, 
 and become a decided follower of the Saviour? He 
 evidently is more serious, and is attentive to the meetings. 
 O that the Lord would have mercy on him, and on all my 
 children. If one of them should seek after the Lord, I 
 should hope he might be instrumental of the conversion 
 of the others. Once I had children who accompanied me 
 to the table of the Lord, and whom I embraced as spiritual 
 children. Those are removed to a better world. Now I 
 have not a child who has entered into covenant with 
 God's people. I hope and pray, that this may not long 
 be my lamentation. You live, where you may have great 
 privileges, and I hope you are eager to enjoy them." 
 
 " Dec. 13, 1825. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " We have been at a loss to account for your total 
 silence, since you left the paternal mansion. You well 
 know with what avidity your parents read letters from 
 their absent children. We bear you on our hearts, every 
 day, and are too much inclined to indulge unreasonable 
 anxieties on your account. When your letters reach us, 
 fraught with what we call good nacs, our hearts are made 
 to rejoice. We feel unspeakable relief from anxiety. 
 
 " C. has written one letter to his cousin L., informing 
 us of your safe arrival. This she immediately answered, 
 in my absence. I have written to him since, but have 
 had no returns. Through divine mercy we all have been, 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 241 
 
 and still arc, favored with health. By appointment of the 
 Association, I have performed a missionary tour, accom- 
 panied by Mr. F. We were directed to visit Pittsfield, 
 Lanesborough, and Williamstown. In each of these 
 places we both preached and exhorted, laboring to arouse 
 the professors of religion from their criminal slumbers. 
 At Williamstown, a revival has commenced, and it begun 
 in the college. I have not seen such solemnity in that 
 institution for many years. Many of the thoughtless and 
 vain youth seemed to be convinced that they have trifled 
 with their immortal interest long enough. Some have 
 deep feelings, and five were rejoicing in hope, ten days 
 ago. W. is not without his feelings, though he speaks of 
 his heart as being harder than the nether millstone. I 
 had an interesting conference with him, and he seemed 
 disposed to listen to my advice. What the event will be, 
 God only knows. He now is favored with powerful 
 means. He is urged from every quarter to press into the 
 kingdom. I have been led to compare his situation with 
 yours, where you have not even the ordinary means of 
 grace. God is now using a hundred times the moral 
 influence with him, that he is using with you, and yet he 
 may be left to perish in his sins. I ardently desire to 
 have all my children personally interested in Christ. If 
 this should be the case, they would be rich indeed. 
 
 " All the churches in the county have enjoyed similar 
 visits from two ministers. Last week, Mr. B. and Mr. B. 
 visited us. Both preached, and both exhorted. The 
 people' were generally togetlier, and the meetings were 
 very solemn. I hope we shall have an ingathering of 
 souls into the kingdom. In G. B., there is considerable 
 excitement, and it appears in the village. A few of the 
 youth are cherishing a hope. I can name only the 
 daughter of Mr. B. Mr. B, feels some encouraged with 
 respect to S. 
 
 ^1. 
 
242 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " I desire you both to cultivate a taste for reading ; 
 otherwise you will not be men of information, nor will 
 you be entitled to the society of men of taste and refine- 
 ment. And you, my son, must set the example. I do 
 not recommend the reading of novels. To the immortal 
 mind they are light food indeed. It is important, to ac- 
 quaint yourself, as far as possible, with facts relating to 
 the moral, religious, and political state of our country. 
 This knowledge is to be derived from the newspapers 
 and periodical works of the day. To aid you in acquir- 
 ing this knowledge, I have been induced to send you the 
 Recorder and Spectator, both of which contain a sum- 
 mary of the political, literary, and religious facts of the 
 day. You will see a notice of all the essential improve- 
 ments which are made, and all the valuable books which 
 are published, in our country. Treasure up these facts, 
 and they will always furnish matter for conversation, in 
 such company as is worthy of seeking. 
 
 " Little L. is well, and is able to tell where all her 
 uncles are. You must write oftener, and you must en- 
 courage Chauncey to write. May the Lord guide you, 
 my son, and make you a blessing in the world. Your 
 mother and brothers, Avith cousin L. and little L., unite 
 with me in much love to you and C. 
 
 " From your affectionate father." 
 
 " Dec. 21, 1825. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Rarely did I ever read a letter from any of my 
 children, which interested me more than yours of the 
 15th inst. It seems that the Lord has been working 
 marvellously in the college, since I was there, and has 
 gotten to himself a great name, in the conversion of many 
 youth, and of numbers who heretofore could scoff at the 
 self-denying religion of the Saviour. Truly by these 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 243 
 
 events, convincing evidence is furnished, that God holds 
 all hearts in his hands, and that he has mercy on whom 
 he will have mercy. The harvest already has been great, 
 and the most of those who had been living without God, 
 and without hope, have been shaken, and have been com- 
 pelled to take refuge in Christ, as the only ark of safety 
 from the impending storm of divine wrath. I know, my 
 son, from your manner of writing, that you have not been 
 an idle, nor an uninterested spectator of this glorious 
 work. Indeed you inform me explicitly that you have 
 been convinced of your lost and ruined condition by 
 nature, and that you must be forever undone, without 
 renouncing your sins, and embracing the way of life by 
 Jesus Christ. Often have you been assured of this, though 
 you apparently heard the whole, without a single emotion 
 of fear or anxiety. When at Williamstovvn, I apprised 
 you of the momentous crisis to which I saw you was 
 coming. Never did I tremble so much for you, fearing 
 that your proud heart would let the Saviour pass, when 
 he was so evidently present by his Spirit, without applying 
 to him to heal the maladies of your soul. You never had 
 even a shadow of an excuse for your unbelief; and if you 
 should resist the light you now have, and the pressing 
 entreaties from your class-mates and fellow-students which 
 you now daily hear, aggravated beyond description must 
 be your condemnation. You say you are convinced of 
 your entire sinfulness : then flee to Christ. Other 
 refuge have you none. You are not too sinful, nor too 
 helpless to be saved by him ; for he gave his life a ransom 
 for creatures totally ruined. Unite yourself with the happy 
 number whose delight it is to praise him for redeeming 
 love. Before this, I fondly hope you have renounced, 
 with all your heart, the vanities of this world, and bowed 
 at the foot of the cross. Some expressions in your last 
 letter, which I have read over and over, seemed to me to 
 
244 
 
 MEMOIR or 
 
 savor of a change of mind — a change of treasure. You 
 do not speak with confidence, nor would it be proper, for 
 the heart is deceitful above all things. I know you have 
 beffun to pray, though you do not say it. To restrain 
 prayer, with the feelings you express, would be impossible. 
 Many prayers are offered up for the college in this place ; 
 and in our more private circles I have heard many fervent 
 petitions for my son, who has lived to witness such a day, 
 and to enjoy such powerful means. O that they may be 
 heard and answered. Knowing something of the deceit- 
 fulness of the heart, I am compelled to exhort you to 
 search it daily, and to search it deeply. Be conversant 
 with those whom you esteem as the friends of Christ. 
 Visit Dr. G., as he requested you through me, and lay 
 open your whole heart to him. Read the precious word 
 of God, not with indifference, but as for your life. Read 
 it with fervent supplication. When I shall see you agaia, 
 I hope to embrace you as a spiritual son. On receiving 
 this, write me immediately, and refresh my heart, which 
 has been so deeply smitten with sorrow, in the removal of 
 dear children. Write to all your brothers at the west, and 
 tell them plainly what the Lord has done, and is doing in 
 college. Tell them that you are convinced that you and 
 they need a better portion than can be found in this 
 world. A word from you, fitly spoken, may be blessed to 
 them. I am anxious for S. and C, who do not Jive among 
 the people of God. They have all lately written, and are 
 well. I must, however, except J., who has long been 
 silent. Some of the professors, in this town, are more 
 awake. We hope the Lord will have mercy on us." 
 
 "Dec. 22, 1825. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "This day I received " your letter of the 16th inst., 
 and thank you for it. Your remarks on the revival of 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 245 
 
 feiigion in Williams college pleased me much. I had 
 noticed, with deep regret, the lukewarm state of the 
 professors of religion in that institution for many years, 
 and I have perceived the very unhappy influence it had 
 on all the students, and even on the ofiicers of college. 
 My heart was often pained when you was a member of 
 college, and when yon was there as tutor, in witnessing 
 the influence which this lamentable state of feeling had 
 on your mind. The scene is now reversed, and great 
 iadced is the change in the moral aspect of the institution. 
 Divine Providence has so ordered, that you should be sent 
 away before these blessings should be showered upon your 
 alma mater. This has given rise to many serious reflec- 
 tions in my mind. I am sometimes ready to say, O that 
 J. had been inclined to continue another year in the 
 tutorship, and to have witnessed this display of divine 
 power and grace ! I have no doubt, my son, that God is 
 now exerting more llian a hundred times the moral influ- 
 ence on the minds of the youth there, than he did a year 
 or si.t months ago. This is always the case, when the 
 Holy Spirit is imparted. Every subject of grace, and 
 every awakened sinner, becomes a powerful preacher. I 
 have received a letter from W., written since the one you 
 received from him, which informs me that the work is 
 progressing, and that more than twenty of the careless 
 students were rejoicing in hope ; and since I commenced 
 this letter, I have been informed that the number of 
 hopeful converts is twenty-seven. This is the Lord's 
 doings, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Never did I 
 receive a letter from W. that breathed such a spirit as his 
 last. His heart appeared to be full. He has evidently 
 had a sight of his entirely lost state, and from some 
 expressions which he used, I was led to the conclusion 
 that a radical change — a change of treasure, had taken 
 place, though he did not say it. I find that the pious 
 21 * 
 
246 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 students embrace him as one of the spiritually borii. 
 O, my son,' this has alpiost overwhelmed me with joy. I 
 am aware that the supposed change may prove fallacious, 
 and that my fond hopes, with respect to him, may be 
 blasted. Since the deaths of my oldest children, I have 
 had none to accompany me to the sacramental table — 
 none to write to me on the interesting subject of religion. 
 This has been my grief. If the Lord has begun to show 
 mercy to my surviving children, I hope he will have com- 
 passion on them all, and that my joy may yet exceed 
 my afflictions, which have been very great. It is an 
 unspeakable privilege to have Christian relatives, and 
 especially Christian children. My son, why will you not 
 give me this joy I " 
 
 "i^ci. 26, 1826. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I sincerely thank you for your good letter, by 
 Mr. C, and by the same hand I forward a few lines to 
 you. It filled my heart whh joy, when I read the account 
 you gave of the prospect of a revival of religion , in A. 
 No blessing ever conferred upon a people is to be com- 
 pared with the influences of the Holy Spirit, convincing 
 them of sin, and turning them from their sinful courses 
 to serve the living God. Before this time, I hope many 
 have been compelled to bow to the sceptre of Christ, and 
 to enlist under his banner, who will hereafter be eminent 
 soldiers of the cross. Among these, I ardently hope my 
 dear E. is numbered, or will be numbered. I fear your 
 pressure of business will too much occupy your mind, and 
 keep you from attending the weekly meetings. Your soul 
 is of more importance than your body, and your prospects 
 for the future world, than all earthly gains. My son, go 
 to God, who is every where, and humbly confess your sins, 
 and keep nothing back. Christ died for the chief of 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 247 
 
 sinners, and if you will only forsake all for him, you will 
 be pardoned and saved. 
 
 "Wishing you the divine blessing, I subscribe myself 
 your affectionate father." 
 
 « March 4, 1826. 
 
 " My dear son Chauncey, 
 
 " It gave me much pleasure to learn, tliat you had 
 attended public worship at P., and also that you had 
 spent a Sabbath at O. There you saw a number of your 
 old acquaintances, and I conclude, tarried at the house 
 where your beloved sister Harriet lived a few years. ' I 
 never think of that dear child, and my other dear children, 
 who are gone, without experiencing emotions which 
 language cannot describe. O, my dear son, you can 
 never forget them. Here, I must ask, have you read the 
 lines in the Recorder, relating to our family ? You did 
 not even mention them, in your letter to Lucy. 
 
 " The Sabbath never returns, without bringing your 
 case and that of your brother S. very fresh to my mind. 
 We have many meetings every week, and they are well 
 attended. T. waits upon me, generally, when I go to, the 
 extreme parts of the town, as you formerly did. I trust 
 you read the Bible on the Sabbath, and other books cal- 
 culated to keep your thoughts away from this world. I 
 lately sent, by mail, Mr. Y.'s sermon for you both to read. 
 I fear you will forget the catechism, which I have so often 
 heard you repeat, and which I consider an excellent com- 
 pendium of the doctrines of the Bible. Remember the 
 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes. Repeat it to your brother. 
 As he has lived in this world of sin and temptation longer 
 than you have, let him be your counsellor, as I trust you 
 find in him a faithful friend. 
 
 " I hope, my dear son, you are improving your time 
 well, and feel the importance of sustaining a character, 
 
248 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 which will not be reproachful to your parents. Read 
 much and with great care. If you mean to be respected, 
 you must cultivate your mind with great diligence. I 
 must insist on your writing me more frequently. It will 
 be a great source of improvement to you, and a comfort 
 to me. Your mother unites with me in much love to you 
 and S." 
 
 "March 14, 1826. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I received yours of the 9th inst. last evening, and 
 also one from Dr. G. C. D., who is here, says he expects 
 to go soon to Williamstown. By him I have written to 
 Dr. G., and as he delays setting out, I will write a few 
 lines to you. Having seen several letters from P., which 
 communicated animating news, respecting the religious 
 appearance in college, since the return of the students, 
 my hopes have again been brightened, in regard to you. 
 I have been uncommonly anxious to receive a letter, and 
 have cherished strong desires and expectations, that you 
 would comfort my heart, by stating definitely, that you 
 was not only almost, but altogether persuaded to forsake 
 all for Christ, and to be a Christian. The state of your 
 feelings, as expressed in your letter, has drawn many 
 sighs from my heart. Take heed, my dear son, lest you 
 be found among those, of whom it is said in scripture, 
 'Behold, ye despisers, and wonder and perish!' You 
 have now reached a most interesting crisis. The Lord 
 has wrought a great work before your eyes, and many of 
 your associates have been compelled to come to the foot- 
 stool of the cross, and there they tell you they have found 
 peace. Why do you stand idle? Are you willing to 
 have no part nor lot in Christ? Shall it be said of my 
 son, that he was an eyerwitness of the wonderful work of 
 divine grace in college, which will render this year mem- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 249 
 
 orable in the history of the institution, and yet neglected 
 the great salvation ? I cannot but feel and tremble for 
 you. Never did you before resist so great light, never 
 have you furnished before such evidence of hardness of 
 heart. Do you not reflect on the exceeding weight of 
 guilt you are incurring ? Do you not look forward to the 
 day, when you will need a Saviour to befriend you, whom 
 you now undervalue? I once more entreat you, my son, 
 to be wise, and to attend to the things which belong to 
 your peace. May the Lord have mercy on you, in this 
 accepted time. 
 
 " There is an increasing attention, in this town, and 
 more engagedness in the church. Two persons are be- 
 ginning to hope that they have bowed to Christ. It has 
 been a sickly and dying time, since you left us. A 
 stranger died, this morning, at Dr. B.'s. He was a man 
 of property, talents and education, from one of the West 
 India islands, and returned with Dr. B. from B. in a 
 languishing state of health. He appeared to have resig- 
 nation to the divine will, and to rely upon the righteousness 
 of Christ alone for salvation." 
 
 " ^pril 20, 1826. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I sincerely thank you for your letter by P., which 
 I perused with great interest, and with a mind full of 
 anxiety, having repeatedly heard something of the im- 
 mensely critical ground on which you had stood for some 
 weeks. Before this time, I hope you have come to a 
 decision, and resolved to take up your cross and be a 
 follower of Christ. There is nothing in the way. The 
 proffers of pardon and eternal life have been made to you, 
 through the atoning blood of the Redeemer. His blood, 
 my dear son, cleanseth from all sin. Your having lived 
 all your days in the violation of God's law, and in conse- 
 
250 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 quence of it, your deserving his wrath, presents no obsta- 
 cle, if you are only ready and willing to condemn your- 
 self as the law condemns you, and to be forever indebted 
 to Christ for your salvation. Do you view yourself a lost 
 creature ? Are you shocked at the sight of your moral 
 pollution ? Such, and only such, Christ came to seek 
 and to save. Think not, that any of your past sins, how- 
 ever aggravated, separate between you and Christ. To 
 indulge a thought of this kind, would be a criminal rejec- 
 tion of divine testimony. The provisions of the gospel 
 are ample. Nothing separates between you and Christ, 
 but present unbelief and present unwillingness to give up 
 all for him. He stands with open arms ready to receive 
 you, as soon as your heart is ready to count all things but 
 loss for the excellency it may discern in him. On this 
 ground, can you hesitate a single moment ? Why all this 
 delay 1 Why this unaccountable indecision in a matter 
 so plain, and of such infinite moment ? Can you see any 
 thing in this world, which you can rationally prefer to 
 Christ ? You will promptly say, no ; at least with the 
 convictions you now have. Then, my son, what must 
 your heart be, how vile and obstinate to remain where 
 you are, in a state of indecision, or to return to your 
 former listlessness and stupidity, and shut your eyes 
 against all the evils which are hastening upon the un- 
 godly ? You are shut up to the faith. But one course 
 can you take which will be safe. The Saviour is waiting 
 to be gracious, and probably in a short time, he will 
 depart from the college and from Williamstown, or cease 
 to use the powerful means, of which you have been an 
 eye-witness for many months. If you should be so un- 
 wise, as to let this favorable opportunity pass, gloomy 
 indeed will be your prospects. I entreat you, with all the 
 solicitude of a parent who has dedicated you to God, and 
 who loves you with tender affection, not to delay longer. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 251 
 
 On reading this letter, make an unconditional surrender 
 of yourself to God. Be not faithless, but believing ; and 
 may the Lord show you mercy, by bringing you into the 
 light and liberty of his own beloved children. 
 
 " Last week I preached at the funeral of my old friend, 
 Rev. Dr. C, of New Marlborough. I have preached 
 at the funerals of five of my senior brethren in the min- 
 istry, which is an uncommon occurrence. I am now the 
 oldest member of the Berkshire Association." 
 
 ''Jlpril 29, 1826, 
 
 " My very dear son Chauncey, 
 
 " I have selected two small books, of great intrinsic 
 value, from the library of your deceased brother Alvan, 
 which I wish you to read with careful attention, and pre- 
 serve as your own, and as a memorial of him. The 
 division has not yet been made of the whole. When it is 
 done, you will have more. I rejoice to hear so favorably 
 of your attention to business. May God bless you, by 
 sanctifying your heart, and influencing you to seek a 
 portion in Christ. It is a great trial to my mind, that you 
 do not statedly attend on divine institutions, and that you 
 have no more intercourse with those who feel the im- 
 portance of vital and experimental religion, and of the 
 sanctity of the Sabbath." 
 
 "May 25, 182G. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " We have been expecting a letter from you, for 
 several weeks, but the mail brings none from you. I 
 know that Mr. H. has gone to New York, and that you 
 are, at this time, very much occupied in managing his 
 concerns. To lighten your burdens, in some measure, 
 and that you might be favored with an agreeable compan- 
 ion, I took some pains to introduce R. S. to your store. 
 
252 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 I hope he will answer all your expectations, and relieve 
 you from much care. lie has been educated in a religious 
 family, and has been trained up to regard the Sabbath, 
 and to attend public worship, as well as religious confer- 
 ences, and meetings for prayer. I trust he will not lead 
 you into bad company, nor influence you to seek for 
 amusement on the Lord's day. Probably you both sleep 
 in the store, and I recommend to you the practice of read- 
 ing together a portion of God's word, before you lie down 
 to rest — and how suitable it would be to unite in prayer 
 to your Maker for the forgiveness of your sins, and for his 
 merciful protection. You are doubtless thinking of your 
 prospects for this life, but it is much more important to 
 think of your prospects for the future world, to which you 
 are more rapidly advancing than you are aware. 
 
 " Yesterday I attended a conference in the south part 
 of the town, and had opportunity to read a letter from 
 R. S. to his brother, in which he speaks of you in favora- 
 ble terms. I desire to be thankful, that you have been 
 enabled to gain the confidence of Mr. H., and the good 
 esteem of the people in A. My son, ' acknowledge the 
 Lord in all your ways, and he will direct your paths.' I 
 hope it will not be long before I shall have the joy to hear 
 of your being a decided and open follower of Jesus Christ. 
 Have you ever visited at Mr. L.'s ? You mentioned in 
 one of your letters, that he had given you an invitation to 
 call on him, and I have hoped you would comply with it. 
 There is an advantage to be derived from the conversation 
 of those who are superior to us, in years and standing. — 
 The books I sent you, I trust will have your attentive 
 perusal. Much excellent instruction is contained in them. 
 If you read with care, you will be a man of information, 
 and your company will be sought and valued by the wise 
 and virtuous. 
 
 " About this time, I expect you will have a visit from 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 253 
 
 your brother C, as S. promised me to grant him the favor. 
 I hope you will have a pleasant visit together, as dear and 
 affectionate brothers. As you have had the most expe- 
 rience, you will give him such counsel as may be useful 
 to him. I long to see that dear son, and have had many 
 anxieties on his account, as he has not the religious privi- 
 leges which you enjoy." 
 
 « Jime 20, 1826. 
 
 My dear Son, 
 
 "I have recently received one letter from yon, and 
 one of later date from C, both of which I perused with 
 great interest. It gave me pleasure to learn that you 
 were both in health, and that C. had made a pleasant visit 
 to his brother E. The consideration that my children are 
 so far separated from each other, and from their parents, 
 sometimes fills my mind with gloom. I have never con- 
 templated your destitution of religious privileges, but with 
 pain, and my anxieties have magnified since I have two 
 sons excluded, as it were, from the ordinary means of 
 grace. I have written and said much to you, on the sub- 
 ject of sanctifying the Sabbath, and of making exertions 
 to attend the public worship of God. It was on this con- 
 dition, that I gave my consent to have C. reside with you. 
 From your last letter, I perceive your own mind has been 
 more deeply impressed with the importance of religious 
 privileges, and that you have actually been influenced to 
 seek for them. Your remark is true, my son, that we are 
 ' not sent here to enjoy the goods of this life ordy.' There 
 is a future state of being to prepare for, which ought to be 
 our first and main object. In spiritual as well as temporal 
 things, means and ends are connected. You wish for my 
 advice, with respect to your removing from F. I have 
 never supposed you would take up a j)ermanent residence 
 there. This thought would be painful indeed, and the 
 22 
 
254 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 more so, when I reflect on your having a family. But 
 you may ask, When will be the best time to remove ? 
 With respect to this point, you have the means of judging 
 more correctly than- 1 have. It will be your duty to effect 
 a removal with as little loss as may be, and to the best 
 advantage. In selecting a place, you will need much 
 wisdom. I trust you will be influenced by a regard to 
 good society, and the privileges of the gospel. These are 
 more highly to be appreciated than tlie acquisition of 
 wealth. On many accounts, yea, very many, it would be 
 agreeable to have you nearer your parents ; but we shall 
 not continue long to enjoy the society of our children. It 
 would be gratifying to me to see you located with a family 
 in old Massachusetts, where there is as much of the puri- 
 tanic feeling and habits, as in any part of the world. I 
 love my children, and I think it would afford me pleasure 
 to visit them often, while I shall be able. I can visit you 
 with great facility where you now are. In case of your 
 removing, I cannot direct as to the place. My son, may 
 the Lord direct you, in this, and in all matters. Let it be 
 your fixed principle and habit to ask counsel of him, and 
 he will direct your path. I very much wish to hear from 
 you again on this subject, and without delay." 
 
 "Aug. 7, 1826. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " By Saturday's mail, I received your letter of the 
 2d inst. It has filled my mind with deep concern for my 
 beloved son Chauncey, as I have already passed through 
 so many heart-rending scenes. He has not been absent 
 from my mind a single hour, since your letter came to 
 hand. I hope for the best, and pray that God in mercy 
 will spare his life and restore his health. Tell him, that 
 his case, being among strangers, and at a great distance 
 from home, excites all the tender sympathies of his parents. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 255 
 
 I feel constrained to plead earnestly for him, that he may 
 be sustained, and especially that he may be prepared for 
 whatever may be the result of his sickness. I hope God 
 will sanctify this providence to him, and dispose him by 
 his grace, to seek speedily an interest in Christ, who is 
 able to save the chief of sinners. He has had much in- 
 struction, with respect to the way of salvation, and I trust 
 he has not forgotten the counsel he has so often heard. 
 Entreat him, from his father, to commit himself into the 
 hands of that good Being, who has watched over him, 
 from his birth. May the Lord teach him to pray for hijn- 
 self, and to take refuge in Christ,- whose blood alone can 
 cleanse his soul. 
 
 "Let him have the nursing of an experienced hand, and 
 the best medical aid, and do not yourself be wanting in 
 your kind attentions to him. I shall anxiously wait for 
 intelligence, and hope to hear from you again on Tuesday, 
 or Thursday. If his sickness should increase, and his 
 symptoms become alarming, some one or more of the 
 family will immediately repair to you. W. returned with 
 me, last week, from Williamstown, and has a leisure time 
 of a few weeks before his commencement Possibly I 
 may think best to send him to your relief. But I have 
 matured no plan. I hope for favorable tidings. 
 
 " J. is now at home, and will probably tarry a number 
 of weeks. We all think much of you and Chauncey at 
 this time," 
 
 "^ug. 11, 1826. 
 
 ■' My very dear son Chauncey, 
 
 " Your parents are now deeply afflicted in your afflic- 
 tions. The hand of the Lord is laid upon you, but we 
 hope your sickness will be sanctified to you, by causing 
 you to see your dependence and your lost state by nature, 
 and the necessity of pleading for mercy through the me- 
 
256 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 diation of Christ. He died for the chief of sinners, sad 
 if you will only forsake all for him, he will be your 
 Saviour and everlasting friend. Your parents cannot 
 repent for you. This is a work you must do for yourself, 
 and I hope you will do it immediately. Many calls yon 
 have had before, in the sickness and deaths of your 
 brothers and sisters. Now God has come very near to 
 you, and I pray that you may learn obedience to him, by 
 the things you are called to suffer. My son, cheerfully 
 give up yourself to God. You are his creature, and oh, 
 that you may be fitted, by his grace, for whatever is before 
 you. Acquaint yourself with him, on this bed of sickness, 
 and resign all into his hands. He knows what is best, he 
 is infinitely holy, and will do you no injustice. I hope to 
 hear favorable news the next mail."' 
 
 "^ug-. 18, 1826. 
 
 My dear Son, 
 
 "E.'s letter of Saturday, and yours of Monday, were 
 both received yesterday, and have filled our minds with 
 such anxiety as cannot be described. They have left me 
 but faint hopes, that my dear Chauncey is now among the 
 living. His appearance, Monday morning, inspired me 
 with a little hope that he might survive. We are expect- 
 ing a letter to-morrow, and we need divine grace to be 
 made acquainted with the tidings which you may com- 
 municate. May the Lord, in his infinite mercy, prepare 
 us all for the events of his providence. You have been 
 in a very trying and responsible situation. O that it might 
 be sanctified to you and to us all. I rejoice to learn, that 
 Mr. C. and E. are with you, to bear a part in this deep 
 affliction. I trust also W. is with you. We try to pray 
 for you, and to beg of God to spare the life of your sick 
 brother, and especially to extend mercy to his soul. It is 
 affecting to hear he has not the exercise of his reasoD. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 257 
 
 Mr. C, I trust, prayed with him and for him many times. 
 You must al! pray for him, if he is a subject of prayer. 
 I feel conscious, that while I am writing this, my beloved 
 child may be beyond the reach of prayer. The will of 
 the Lord be done. We all remember you daily. Your 
 mother, brothers, and cousin L. unite with me in tender 
 salutations to you all. I hope Chauncey is living to re- 
 ceive a part Little L. is very well and sends her love. 
 I know not what may appear to be the path of duty, after 
 receiving the next intelligence. Adieu, my children, 
 may the Lord God of your fathers be with you, and com- 
 fort you. From your afflicted father." 
 
 ''Aug. 21, 1826. 
 
 " My dear and afflicted Children, 
 
 " No language can describe the trembling and 
 anxiety which we have felt on your account, and espe- 
 cially for Chauncey, in his distressing sickness, during 
 the last fortnight We impatiently waited for the mail, 
 on Saturday, and yet such were our anticipations of the 
 tidings it might bring, that paleness sat on our counte- 
 nances. We had but little expectation of hearing that 
 Chauncey was among the living; but your letters brought 
 him along, through several days of extreme suffering, 
 until Wednesday morning, when he was alive. What 
 has transpired since, is entirely out of our sight. That 
 holy Being, who has so long watched over our family, and 
 who cannot err in his dispensations, has done right in this 
 case. May we all acquaint ourselves with him, and bow 
 to his will. S.'s letter, which was the last, inspired us 
 with a faint hope that he might be spared. The last 
 Friday evening meeting was at my house, and most 
 fervent prayers were offered for him, and for you in your 
 trying situation, and for the whole family. Yesterday we 
 requested public prayers for him, and for you, and for all 
 22 * 
 
258 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the members of the family. I thank you, my dear chil- 
 dren, for being so particular in your statements of the 
 case of your suffering brother, and I rejoice in having 
 your united testimony, that he has had the best of care 
 taken of him. Let nothing be wanting to make him 
 comfortable, though he cannot make his distresses known. 
 It appears to be an extreme case, ordered that we might 
 all profit by it. O that we may be humble, and be induced 
 to secure an interest in Christ, while we ha^\e opportunity. 
 If I had wings, how soon should I be with you, and bear 
 a part in your toils and watchings, as I now do in your 
 anxieties ! We have been much at a loss as to the path 
 of duty, for us, your parents. Sometimes we have thought 
 it best to set out on the long journey ; and then have 
 concluded to wait another mail. If we should hear to- 
 morrow that Chauncey is living, and that any hopes of his 
 continuance are indulged, I think we shall make an effort 
 to repair to your relief. Should the fever leave him, he 
 will be like an infant in strength, and will need the most 
 careful watching. Your mother stands ready to go — and 
 she could stay, that W. might return to his commence- 
 ment. May the Lord direct us all, and bring great good 
 out of this new and unexpected trial." 
 
 "Aug. 28, 1826. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " We have all again been called to drink deep of the 
 cup of afflictipn and sorrow, and you have been an eye- 
 witness and an ear-witness of a scene of suffering, in the 
 sickness and death of your beloved brother Chauncey, 
 which you never can fully describe. O that God may 
 sanctify to you and to us all this unexpected event. It 
 has made a wide breach in the hearts of your parents ; 
 but God has done it, and we must not murmur. He was 
 indeed a promising youth — and has been cut off in the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 259 
 
 bud of life. All I can say is, ' The Lord gave, and the 
 Lord hath taken away; ' — and what he has taken, though 
 dear to us, was his own. I cannot be sufficiently thankful 
 that you repaired so early to the scene of suffering, and 
 that you staid by your dear brother until the last. It was 
 gratifying to learn that you all went to Ogden, where 
 you were known, and desired publicly an interest in the 
 prayers of God's people. We received the intelligence of 
 Chauncey's death on Saturday. I sent immediately to 
 Dr. S., who came yesterday, and preached a funeral 
 sermon to a very great concourse of people. Your uncle 
 and aunt D. were present. I fear you will not accompany 
 W. here, as you have been absent a few weeks from your 
 business — and this leads me to write to you. My son, 
 we have a strong desire to see you, in our afflicted and 
 bereaved state, and know not how to be denied. I think 
 the journey might contribute to your health." 
 
 "Abr. 1, 182G. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " It gave us much pleasure to receive and peruse 
 yours of the 15th ult. ; particularly to be informed of your 
 safe arrival at A. I reflect on your visit, and that of your 
 brothers at the same time, with mixed emotions. I rejoice 
 that I have seen you all together under the parental roof 
 and around the domestic altar, and yet have pain, that I 
 was not more faithful in inviting and entreating you to 
 become the decided friends of the Lord Jesus Christ, who 
 is able to save you from your sins. That which is more 
 important than every thing else, we are prone to neglect. 
 I long to have my children real Christians, and uniting 
 themselves with the followers of the Lamb of God. Could 
 I have assurance of their being on their way to the 
 heavenly world, it would be enough. Then I could hope 
 in their case, if I should hear of their sickness. Your 
 
260 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 privileges at A., I conclude, are great. The Spirit of the 
 Lord is there, converting sinners, and I hope you will be a 
 partaker of divine blessings. Choose for your intimates 
 those who fear the Lord. 
 
 " I need not inform you, that we have been very lonely 
 since so many of our sons left us. But we have had 
 much company from abroad, and this has greatly occupied 
 our thoughts and attention. Through divine mercy we 
 are in comfortable health, though not without complaints. 
 You was the first to write to us after we were left. 
 
 " We have had many interesting meetings since you 
 left us, and there appears to be some attention ; and I 
 trust there have been a few conversions among this people. 
 I hope there will be a great harvest of souls. It is a time 
 of general health. There has not been a death in town 
 since about the middle of August. 
 
 " I once more charge you, my dear son, to take care of 
 your health. Exercise in the open air daily. Retire 
 early to rest, and dismiss all your cares. Never write, or 
 attend to mercantile business, after ten o'clock at night." 
 
 "Jan. 12, 1827, 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your long silence had excited many fears, lest you 
 or your dear companion might be laid on a bed of sick- 
 ness ; and these fears were rather increased on hearing 
 that neither J. nor E. had received any communication 
 from you. It was not unnatural to suppose you might be 
 in some liglit aflliction, with which you was unwilling to 
 trouble your distant friends. I now desire to praise the 
 Lord, that I have once more heard that you are both in 
 the enjoyment of health, and that E. has suffered no more 
 in consequence of her being so widely separated from her 
 parents, and from the society of her Christian friends. I 
 have felt much on her account, as well as yours ; but I 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 261 
 
 hope her many privations will teach her the necessity of 
 living near to God, and seeking communion with him in 
 her closet. May the Lord comfort her heart, and make 
 her wise in winning to Christ the soul of him, for whose 
 sake she has left father and mother. If she should find 
 in you a real friend to Christ, she would find a blessing 
 indeed, for which no worldly prosperity could be con- 
 sidered as an equivalent. My son, give God your heart, 
 and your dear companion will have this blessing. Already 
 have you too long delayed this important matter. 
 
 " In your letters, you have made no mention of the 
 manner in which you spend the holy Sabbath ; nor of the 
 pleasure you have in reading the scriptures together. Be 
 more particular in your next. 
 
 "There is great attention to the subject of religion in 
 this and many of the adjacent towns, particularly Lenox, 
 Richmond, Canaan, and Green River. We have religious 
 meetings in some parts of the town every evening in the 
 week, which are fully attended and solemn. Several of 
 my people are rejoicing in hope. Others are convicted 
 of their lost state by nature, and are inquiring what they 
 shall do to be saved. These are among the greatest 
 blessings which we can ask from God. 
 
 " You cannot forget that dear brother who was com- 
 mitted to your care, and who died before your eyes. 
 That the Lord may sanctify this providence to you and to 
 us all, is the daily prayer of your affectionate father." 
 
 " March 15, 1827. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "Your letter of the 8th inst. I have received, and 
 thank you for it. It seems you have had an ill turn, 
 similar to what you experienced last summer, owing I 
 presume to long and intense application to business. You 
 must relax your exertions, and use more bodily exercise. 
 
262 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 It is impossible to preserve health, and the vigor of our 
 bodies, without having recourse to this method. My son, 
 you must hearken to counsel, in regard to this matter, and 
 especially as the spring season is opening. Chop wood, 
 or saw wood, or do something to call your muscles and 
 nerves into exercise. Avoid the evening air, and all the 
 balls and parties of the village in which you live. They 
 only serve to dissipate the mind and drain the purse. 
 More important things should occupy the mind. 
 
 " I never witnessed more universal attention to the sub- 
 ject of religion in any place, than I have witnessed here, 
 for two months past. The excitement is truly wonderful, 
 and the number who express a hope of being reconciled 
 to God, and of feeling the joy of pardoned sin, is not short 
 of two hundred. The reality of the change must be 
 evinced by their fruits. Doubtless some will prove them- 
 selves insincere, and return to their former courses. 
 Family worship is now instituted in almost all the houses 
 in this village. I have, for several weeks, attended fifteen 
 meetings each weekj exclusive of the regular meetings on 
 the Sabbath. This has been very wearing to my con- 
 stitution, which was much impaired before ; yet I have 
 had strength equal to my day. I have greatly desired to 
 have all my children here to see the work and to share in 
 it. Though, as you intimate in your letter, the Spirit of 
 the Lord is not limited, yet his saving operations on the 
 soul are experienced, where means are used. I fear your 
 mind is too much occupied by things perishable in their 
 nature, and that your condition, as a lost sinner, is too 
 much kept out of your view. How can you feel the 
 necessity of repentance, when you bestow few or no 
 thoughts on your wickedness? I hope, my son, you will 
 neglect the great salvation no longer. You gain nothing 
 by delaying; indeed you are involving yourself deeper and 
 deeper in guilt, and increasing the hardness of your heart. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 263 
 
 I am praying for you, every day, that I may have you and 
 my other children, for spiritual children. It has been 
 mentioned to me, by a friend, that your mind is not so 
 tender on the all-important subject of religion, as the 
 mind of S. This affected me very much. Does he attend 
 religious meetings which you do not ? Is he inquiring 
 after the salvation of his soul, while you are practically 
 neglecting yours? -My son, your parents cannot repent 
 for you — it is a work which you must do for yourself, and 
 the sooner you do it the better. This evening, I expect 
 to meet the young converts, and no others. I have had 
 several' such meetings, and they are very solemn and 
 interesting. At the last meeting, -one hundred and eleven 
 were present. Now the passing is very bad, and the 
 number will doubtless be smaller. 
 
 " Mr. is yet laboring with me, and is very 
 
 active ; but he is not a thorough preacher. I feel very 
 anxious for the people, as I know I cannot long be accep- 
 table to them. He is full of words and very popular, and 
 it will be difficult for me again to satisfy them ; but I 
 must leave the event." 
 
 "Sept. 30, 1827. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "I have just returned from the public worship of 
 God, and though fatigued, I will address a few lines to 
 you, as I would if you were here, address you with my 
 voice, on the Sabbath, I greatly lament my unfaithfulness 
 to you, when I had daily opportunity to speak to you on 
 the importance of an interest in Christ. You went from 
 under the parental roof, at an earlier period than any of 
 my children, and I have had but little opportunity with 
 you since you was thirteen. It never entered my mind, 
 when you went away with H., that you never would come 
 back to live with me again. You have been led along 
 
264 
 
 MlEMOIR OF 
 
 from step to step, as by an invisible hand, until you have 
 entered your twentieth year. I greatly fear you may 
 suffer your youthful days to pass, without securing the 
 good part, which can never be taken away. You are now 
 the first clerk in a great store, and your mind so occupied, 
 that you are in danger of forgetting that you are mortal, 
 that you are a sinner, and that you need an interest in 
 Christ. I tremble, lest you contract some habits which 
 may blast your future prospects, and especially make you 
 indifferent to religion. Your present situation brings you 
 to an acquaintance with the fashionable part of society, 
 who are fond of dress and regardless of expense. Re- 
 member, my dear son, you have been trained up to be 
 frugal, and that you cannot expect much aid from your 
 worn-out parents. Cultivate your mind. Read much, 
 and especially read the precious word of God. S. appears 
 to love you. Mr. C. speaks well of you ; but remember 
 you have to approve yourself w ith God. I long to see you, 
 and have indulged the hope that you would be here this 
 fall." 
 
 ".Yov. 7, 1827. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " The departure of my much-bcloved grandchild has 
 made another great breach in my family. I miss her 
 more than I had anticipated. She was always ready to 
 meet me, when I returned home, and with a lovely and 
 affectioaate smile, she was full of her mquiries, and in- 
 teresting in her remarks. She uniformly bowed the knee 
 by my side, when engaged in family prayer. She was 
 more company for me, than any child I ever saw of her 
 age. She was company for us all. I bear the separation 
 from her, as well as I can, but it brings a gloom over my 
 mind, when I think of her being three hundred miles from 
 me, forming new attachments, and forgetting the place we 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 265 
 
 all have had in her affections. I have heard of your safe 
 arrival with her at Ogden, and of her health and happi- 
 ness. I trust you and your wife begin to feel the weight 
 and responsibility of your new charge. Look unto God 
 for wisdom and grace, that you may guide that lovely and 
 interesting child aright. Make her a subject of your daily 
 and fervent prayers. She is so full of imitation in this 
 forming period, that all your conversation will have an im- 
 portant influence upon her character. I trust that her 
 mother has entered upon the business of instructing her. 
 With a little labor, judiciously directed and persevered in, 
 she will soon read intelligibly. The worst is over ; and 
 to bring her where she is, has been the fruit of much exer- 
 tion, and no little patience. You will both see the neces- 
 sity of system, in the cultivation of her mind. May the 
 Lord bless her, and bless all your efforts for her good. 
 She is the only child of a daughter who was very dear to 
 me, and who, I trust, gave her into the hands of a cove- 
 nant-keeping God. Tell her that her grandparents re- 
 member her, and love her, and pray for her. Tell her 
 that her cousin L., and uncles W., T., and A., send much 
 love to her. Her uncle A. intends writing to her soon 
 She often promised to write to me, but whether I shall 
 live to receive a letter of her own writing and composi- 
 tion, is uncertain. 
 
 " We have had another addition to the church, making 
 one hundred and five that we have received. Eight stand 
 propounded, and more are expecting to offer themselves 
 as candidates." 
 
 "April 21, 1828. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your last letter gave me considerable anxiety, on 
 account of your health, as it appears you was suffering 
 from debility when you wrote. I have always feared you . 
 23 
 
266 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 would make exertions beyond your strength, and deprive 
 yourself of the proper hours for sleep, and fail of taking 
 sufficient exercise in the open air, both of which are 
 essential to the preservation of the vigor of the body and 
 mind. On this subject I have written yOu several times. 
 I wish you could break away from your confined labor, 
 and come to Lee, and visit us, and recruit your strength. 
 We should all be much pleased to see you. On tiie im- 
 portant subject of religion, you have less to say than for- 
 merly. I hope you are not unmindful of your relation to 
 another world, and of your need of an interest in the 
 Saviour. Here I will adopt the language of a minister 
 who has lately addressed the young men of his congrega- 
 tion, and published his address. ' One thing is plain — 
 either God must change, or you must change, or you can 
 never behold his face in peace. This subject must be 
 thought of. It is in vain to think of always keeping it at 
 a distance. You may put it off to-day, and to-morrow, 
 and next day ; but, as God is true, you cannot put it off 
 always. It will come home sooner or later ; it may come 
 suddenly, and come in circumstances only to tell you that 
 your term of probation is closed, and your soul lost forever.' 
 I design to send you the book from which tliis extract is 
 taken, as I think it to be a very useful work." 
 
 " Od. 23, 1828. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Mr. L. C. returned from N. Y. this evening, and 
 has informed me that he had seen you in health ; but that 
 you was not coming to look at your parents in our lonely 
 state. This has been to us a great disappointment, for we 
 had depended on a short visit from you, on your way to 
 or from New York. I trust your reasons are such, as are 
 consistent with a proper regard to those who nurtured you 
 in your tender years. We are neither of us in very good 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 267 
 
 health. We are making great exertions in this town, to 
 promote the sanctity of the Sabbath, according to the 
 requirements of God's law, and as the means of saving our 
 country from ruin. In this I take an active part. If any 
 of my family travel on the Sabbath, it will be known, and 
 proclaimed to my disadvantage, and also to theirs. The 
 period has arrived, when we must all take a stand. I as- 
 sure you, my son, I consider this new effort among the 
 friends of the Sabbath, as one of vast importance." 
 
 " Jan. 15, 1829. 
 
 " My dear Granddaughter, 
 
 " I now write a short letter to you, which I hope you 
 will be able to read, or at least to understand, if your 
 father should read it to you. God has kept you alive until 
 you are almost six years old. He has been very kind in 
 giving you good health. You must fear God, and love 
 him, and pray to him every day. You must love Jesus 
 Christ, who died for you, that your sins might be forgiven, 
 and that you may be prepared to go to heaven, where I 
 trust your dear mother has gone. She died in my house, 
 when you was too young to remember her. Your father 
 was not present. Her death was a great affliction to your 
 grandparents, and your loss was very great, for she was 
 the most tender and affectionate of mothers. My heart 
 was full of grief and pity on your account. But God saw 
 it to be best, that I should be bereaved of a much beloved 
 daughter, and you of a kind mother. You lived with us 
 afterwards three years. Do you remember your grand- 
 parents ? Do you remember your uncles S., J., W., E., 
 T., and A., and your cousin L. ? I am unwilling you 
 should forget us. Do you remember going to meeting 
 with us on the Sabbath, and hearing me preach ? Now 
 you have another mother, and you must love her and obey 
 her. You must read the Bible every day. If you do any 
 
268 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 thing wrong, God will know it, for he sees you wherever 
 you are, and knows all your wicked thoughts. I pray for 
 you every day, that you may be a good child, and be early 
 sanctified by his grace. I shall expect your father will 
 bring you down in the spring, to spend the summer with 
 your grandparents, and go to school. I have seen your 
 cousin H. F., this week. She is well. She rode in the 
 sleigh with me. 
 
 " Your grandmother, and uncles, and cousin L., unite 
 with me in much love to you. If you have begun to write, 
 I hope you will send me a letter. 
 
 " From your ever affectionate grandparent." 
 
 "■JVov. 16, 182a 
 
 " My. dear Son, 
 
 " Your very acceptable letter of the 9th instant, 
 came safely to hand ; and such was the effect which a 
 perusal of it produced on my mind, that I am compelled 
 to make a speedy return. I cannot express to you the 
 gratification I feel, when I notice the tokens of filial 
 affection and tender sympathy for your parents, in almost 
 all the letters you write to us. You seem to think much 
 of our being in the decline of life, and needing something 
 special to solace us, as we see our sun is setting. This is 
 truly a fact. It is not with us as in years gone by. We 
 are now among the aged, and have buried the most of our 
 early friends, and the new generation among whom we 
 now live, are less interested in our welfare, than were 
 their parents. Our bereavements have been very great. 
 Often do I think of the endearing ties which I once felt 
 to those children who are in the eternal world. My 
 surviving children are mostly at a great distance from me. 
 On you, all my affections are strongly placed, and in your 
 prosperity, temporal and spiritual, I feel greatly interested. 
 No greater joy could I have, than to hear of your bccom- 
 
ALVAiN HYDE. 
 
 269 
 
 ing the decided follower of Christ, and taking some 
 humble part in building up his cause, while you live. I 
 very much approve, my son, of the course you have taken, 
 in making up your mind to continue with Mr. H. until 
 next spring. You are constantly acquiring a more perfect 
 knowledge of your business, and Mr. H. will take you 
 into partnership with him. My concern is, that you may 
 suffer for the want of relaxation, and that, before you are 
 aware, your health may fail. Will it not be wise to come 
 home and be with your parents a week or fortnight, and 
 live as we do, in New England? We should be happy to 
 see you, on our thanksgiving occasion, which will be 
 the 2Gth instant, or any time after, when you can best 
 be spared. 
 
 "This day is the anniversary of your mother's birth, 
 and she has entered upon her sixtieth year. Should I 
 live until February, I shall reach sixty-two, and yet I do 
 not relax from my former exertions. I preach every Sab- 
 bath, and attend several meetings each week, in different 
 parts of the town. All this I shall not be able to do 
 long." 
 
 ".Vov. 17, 1829. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 "As I love to gratify my children, by writing to them, 
 I again take up my pen to address a few lines to you ; and 
 I desire to be thankful, that I have no heavy tidings to 
 communicate. We are all yet spared, monuments of 
 divine mercy, and we are also favored with comfortable 
 health. Greatly are we reduced in number, which ren- 
 ders us rather lonely. I know that we who have so long 
 stood at the head of this family, must expect to diminish 
 in activity and influence ; but I hope the blessing of God 
 will descend upon our children. You are the only one 
 now standing at the head, of a family. I feel greatly 
 23 * 
 
270 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 interested in you, and in your companion, and in your 
 little daughter, and in all your household. I long to have 
 yours a house of prayer and of religious order. Train 
 up your child for God, and then you will be happy in her. 
 Let her not grow up ignorant of the Bible, nor of her 
 Saviour. She is now in the forming period of life, and 
 the moral influence you have upon her is amazing. Do 
 ^peak to her often of her grandparents at L., as well as 
 at S., that she may have some knowledge of us. I hope 
 to see her another season, if the Lord will. Give our 
 love to your wife and to E, I often think over your 
 family ; and I remember Miss H. and E., to whom I wish 
 to be remembered." 
 
 " March 20, 18S0. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " This day is the anniversary of the death of your 
 brother Charles, and yesterday was the anniversary of the 
 birth of your dear sister Harriet. Seventeen years have 
 rolled away since the former event took place, which was 
 deeply afflictive ; and thirty-two since the latter, which 
 was very joyful. In that sister of yours, I had comfort 
 indescribable. She was a great help to me in many 
 respects. The evidence of her piety was uncommonly 
 clear, and she was remarkable for her prudence and dis- 
 cretion. I often sought her counsel indiiectly, when she 
 was not aware of it. You, my son, cannot be sensible of 
 the strokes which have come upon your parents in the 
 early deaths of our children, though you have not been 
 without your feelings. 
 
 " At the age of life which I have reached, I find the 
 number of my early friends is rapidly diminishing. The 
 death of Esq. B. is to me a monitory lesson. I knew him 
 when I was a youth. We commenced public life near 
 together. He was a lawyer, and I was a schoolmaster. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 271 
 
 He was no ordinary man in old Massachusetts, for he 
 possessed a good portion of the puritanic spirit ; and, at 
 the same time, was a man of a higher order of mind, and 
 of more solid erudition, than most of his cotemporaries. 
 He has closed life at the age of sixty-five, just one year 
 after judge H. Rev. J. Christmas I never saw, but I 
 esteemed him as a precious man. He also is gone, and a 
 great breach is made among the watchmen in New York. 
 I thank you, my son, for giving me such early notice of 
 the mournful event, and also for sending the masterly 
 speech of W. in the senate of the United States. Mr. W. 
 is a prodigy of human intellect. He would make the 
 champions in the British parliament tremble ; but he also 
 must bow to the king of terrors. ' The tall, the wise, the 
 reverend head, must lie as low as ours.' 
 
 " I call to mind no minister in the whole State of New 
 York, who has so long officiated in one place, as I have 
 in this town; and very few in New England. This is to 
 be ascribed to a kind Providence, and not to any wisdom 
 of mine. 1 have nearly completed thirty-eight years of 
 pastoral duty. The Lord has given me an influence over 
 this people, and more quiet in my ministry, than is usually 
 enjoyed by my brethren. A generation is coming on, 
 who will have little knowledge of Jlhe efforts I have made 
 in past years, and by whom I shall probably be set at 
 nought. But I desire to remember the words of Christ, 
 ' Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.' 
 
 " I see in the Observer, that Dr. S. has been delivering 
 a series of sermons on the Sabbath, of which you have 
 made no mention. I trust you are a constant attendant 
 on . his meeting, and not going from place to place, and 
 hearing all kinds of preaching. Such a course would be 
 dissipating to the mind. I hope, my son, you are atten- 
 tive to business, and rising in weight of character." 
 
272 ■ MEMOIR OF 
 
 ''March 25, 1830. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your kind letter of the 19th inst. I received yester- 
 day. It gave me joy to hear of the health of your family, 
 and especially that our little grandson was living, and 
 making progress in flesh and stature. He has, it seems, 
 a name, to which I hope he may be an honor. When 
 you was one of my numerous family, you had no concep- 
 tion of the care and anxiety of your parents. Now you 
 are beginning to learn by experience. It was my study 
 to impress on the minds of my children a spirit of subor- 
 dination, and to be known as the head of the family. I 
 never kept a rod in my house, yet I would have my chil- 
 dren obey me. I presume you have no recollection of 
 my ever correcting you, but you was taught to mind me 
 early, before you had numbered two years. In guiding 
 my children, I was greatly aided by the daily return of the 
 morning and evening sacrifice, which you never knew me 
 to omit. In this service you ought to engage, if you mean 
 to have a well regulated family. 
 
 " The Lord yet favors us with health. We send much 
 love to you and your wife and children. I forget none of 
 the family anniversaries, and never fail of mentioning 
 them. Yesterday was the anniversary of the birth of 
 Charles and yourself You are now thirty, and have 
 reached the age of your brother Alvan." 
 
 [To liis son-in-law.] 
 
 "Jubj 5, 1830. 
 
 '< Dear Son, 
 
 " When I returned from the west, I found your 
 mother more feeble than common. A week ago this 
 morning, I called to see her, when she was nearly con- 
 fined to her bed, but perfectly rational, and ready to 
 express her love to the Saviour, and her hope of accept- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 273 
 
 ance on account of his mediation and righteousness. She 
 was cahn and resigned — spoke of the approaching com- 
 munion with great interest, but concluded she should not 
 be able to attend. She continued gradually to fail through 
 the week ; but yet not so sick as to have a watclier until 
 Friday night. On Saturday she was inclined to a stupor, 
 which became alarming, yet had her senses perfectly, and 
 said she heard every word of the prayer I offered. I saw 
 her again Sabbath morning, at the rising of the sun. It 
 was then with difficulty that I could arouse "her so as to 
 be conscious of any thing ; but when I did, she knew me. 
 I now told her that the Lord was about to take her to 
 himself, and asked her if we should unite once more in 
 prayer. She opened her eyes, and with a smiling look 
 replied, O yes. We attempted to commit her soul to 
 God. She appeared to listen for a few moments, but the 
 flesh was weak. Before the prayer was closed, she be- 
 came entirely insensible. She has never spoken since, 
 nor has she swallowed even any liquids for many hours. 
 We none of us expected that she could live until this 
 morning, but she still breathes. Probably this is the last 
 day of her life. It is a very trying time at your father's 
 house. Your father and brothers and sisters are in the 
 furnace of affliction, while you have no knowledge of their 
 case. Your father appears as calm as could be expected, 
 while he sees the companion of his youth, and his nearest 
 earthly friend, in this dying state. Your sister II. is 
 almost overwhelmed with the scene. And I know I 
 am now communicating heavy tidings to you and your 
 brother and sister. May the Lord sustain you all, and 
 prepare you for the events of his holy providence. You 
 are about to part with the best of mothers. We all 
 esteem her, and know not how to spare her ; but the 
 Lord reigns." 
 
274 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " Od. 22, 1830. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " I rejoice to learii that your time passes pleasantly, 
 and, as you think, profitably. I see you have enough to 
 do, and I entreat you to make yourself master of every 
 recitation and every book to which you turn your attention. 
 Let your books for private reading, be well selected, and 
 then aim to understand them. Avoid works of mere 
 imagination, for they are not favorable to the discipline of 
 the mind. Labor for solid literature. Form habits of 
 punctuality, and be always seasonable at the recitation- 
 room, and at the morning- and evening prayers. I hope 
 you will persevere in early rising, and that tardiness in 
 you will never be marked by the faculty. In these things 
 I was always particular at college, and the habits there 
 formed have had an influence on all my subsequent life. 
 
 " It is gratifying to be informed, that H. has noticed 
 you, as he is a youth of uncommon promise, correct in 
 his deportment, studious in his habits, and taking a right 
 course to be not only a useful but a distinguished man. 
 Such associates are of great worth, in forming a character ; 
 but after all, the Bible furnishes you with the best model. 
 Read the life of Daniel, and of Joseph, and see how they 
 were influenced, in all their movements, by the fear of 
 God. I am also gratified to learn that C. has joined our 
 college, and sincerely hope he will never regret the choice 
 he has made between the institutions he has visited, and 
 the more so, as you say he was somewhat influenced by 
 my advice. 
 
 " Memento lavare denies. Be frugal of your expenses, 
 as I have many to help. Keep your boots and shoes 
 clean, your room neat, and every thing about you. A 
 pure mind will always tend to a pure exterior. Do not be 
 unmindful of your Bible a single day. Salute for me C, 
 I., C, &c. Accept much love from us all. Write as 
 often as once in two weeks." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 275 
 
 " Dec. 25, 1830. 
 
 " My dear Son^ 
 
 "Your short letter, by Mr. I., was handed to me 
 last evening, and one previously by Mr. B. I thank you 
 for the history of the MS. committed to your care, of 
 which I was before entirely ignorant. I have sent copies 
 of the essay to my friends in every direction, and from 
 some of them have had returns, expressing entire appro- 
 bation, particularly from Dr. P. I thank you also for 
 your attention to your brother T.'s business, and for the 
 good advice given him. I am not a little gratified to 
 notice proofs of your promptness and particularity in the 
 execution of what is committed to your trust. If the 
 same runs through all your concerns, I think you will not 
 fail of having the confidence of those to whom you are 
 known. 
 
 " The death of your cousin J. F., is an instructive 
 providence. L. A. early apprised me of his sickness, 
 which in its commencement was a slow fever, but in the 
 last stage of it, was distressing in the extreme, being 
 emaciated to a mere skeleton. His mother was with him 
 constantly five or six weeks ; his anxious father, though 
 often there, was not present when he died. L. has given 
 me no information respecting the state of his mind, as the 
 parents had not returned when she last wrote. He ex- 
 pired the loth inst., and his remains were entombed the 
 17th. His parents, S. B. and C, were present to witness 
 the heart-rending scene. I have written a letter of con- 
 dolence to the afflicted family, knowing myself what it is 
 to drink deep of such a cup of sorrow, and that repeatedly. 
 This event has brought fresh to my mind the heavy 
 and inexpressible trials I was called to endure, in the 
 sickness and death of Lucy and Chauncey. Your dear 
 sister languished and expired at the house, and as it were, 
 in the arms of those now afflicted parents. I feel for 
 
276 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 them ; I pity them from my heart. J. had the fairest 
 prospects of any of their sons, and they doted upon him 
 in their dechning years. He associated with Unitarians, 
 and suffered himself to be ignorant of the only way of 
 salvation. Twice he visited us, and I was pleased with 
 his activity, his intelligence, and his politeness, but when 
 I introduced the all-important subject of religion, he was 
 silent. He has gone into eternity ! O, my dear son, 
 profit by this solemn warning. I entreat you with all the 
 solicitude of a parent, to take your stand on the side of 
 Christ, and be. his decided friend and follower, while you 
 have health, and while you are yet a youth. Look at the 
 character of T. F." 
 
 "Jan. 9, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your very acceptable letter of the 22d ult., re- 
 lieved all our minds from much anxiety. I could not 
 account for your long silence, after you had been written 
 to by your mother and myself, without being brought 
 to the conclusion, that you must be too much enfee- 
 bled, by your excessive labors, to write a letter. But 
 I desire to be thankful that my fears were ground- 
 less, and that you speak of your health as being uncom- 
 monly good, and that you exercise much care to preserve 
 it. Many a young man has found an early grave, in 
 consequence of imprudence, or neglecting to take proper 
 care of himself, before his constitution liad acquired ma- 
 turity and firmness. Do not forget, my son, that you 
 have been raised from a state of great debility, and be 
 ready to acknowledge your debt of gratitude to your 
 Maker. 
 
 " It is highly gratifying to me, to notice in your letters 
 such expressions of respect and tenderness for your pa- 
 rents, and such solicitude for their comfort and happiness 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 277 
 
 in their lonely state. If my children desire to smooth my 
 path, as I go down the steep of age, they have only to be 
 virtuous, affectionate, and the decided friends of the Lord 
 Jesus. So far as I know, my sons are all considered as 
 moral and reputable in society; but I wish to see in 
 them something more than all this. I long to see them 
 active Cliristians, members of the family of the Re- 
 deemer, and walking in all the ordinances of the gospel. 
 Though you have left your father's ministry and house., 
 you have a fair opportunity to be that active Christian, 
 which I want you to be. Your situation is more fa- 
 vorable than that of any of my absent sons. I plead 
 with you not to misimprove your privileges and oppor- 
 tunities. You have many valuable friends in A., who 
 would rejoice with me to see you among the followers of 
 Jesus Christ. It seems you adhere to the old society, 
 and take an active part in their singing, even to officiate 
 as chorister. I hope you will do honor to the station ; 
 but you must be careful not to sing too much. I regret 
 that you have not yet formed any acquaintance with Mr. 
 H., to whotn I would send salutations if you was known 
 to him. There will be more stability of character, and 
 more doctrinal knowledge, in tliat society, than in the 
 new." 
 
 "/an. 17, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Though letters received from your hand are ' few 
 and far between,' I desire to furnish continued proof that 
 you are not long out of the mind of your father, and that 
 I feel a deep interest in your little family. I recollect 
 putting into your hands, when you was last under the 
 parental roof, a book on family religion, which I ardently 
 hoped you and your wife would read with attention, and 
 which might be the means of inducing you to erect, 
 24 
 
278 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 without delay, an altar in your house. When I think of 
 the reasonableness of this duty, and of the immense 
 importance of it to your dear children growing up around 
 you, and forming characters under the influence of your 
 example, I feel that you must be prevailed upon to walk 
 in the steps of faithful Abraham. Perhaps you have 
 already begun to call upon God in your family. If you 
 have, I rejoice, and would encourage you to persevere. 
 If you have not, I entreat you not to delay the perform- 
 ance of a duty, which is so calculated to promote the best 
 interest of your household. 
 
 "Not long since, I sent you some tracts to be distrib- 
 uted, and I should be pleased to know whether they 
 reached you, and whether they met a welcome reception. 
 I also wish to know whether your wife has united with 
 the church at P. My son, how important that you should 
 go with her, and encourage her heart. Present much 
 love to her and your children from your parents. Tell 
 the little ones that we remember them, and greatly wi>-h 
 to see them. 
 
 " What astonishing events are taking place in Europe? 
 Who can foresee the result of these mighty revolutions? 
 Our own country is in a very critical state. We are 
 divided among ourselves, and like to be inundated by the 
 Roman Catholics, whose influence is greatly to be dreaded. 
 One source of comfort is always left, viz., the reins of 
 government are in God's hands." 
 
 "Feb. 18, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " You have been absent from us almost two weeks, 
 and I must say that I greatly miss you in the family circle. 
 The alleviating consideration in view of being separated, 
 is, that you are prosecuting your studies, acquainting your- 
 self with the sciences, and laying a foundation for future 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 279 
 
 usefulness in the church. At the present time I am not a 
 little comforted with the thought, that you are residing in 
 a place where God is pouring out his Holy Spirit. I hope 
 Williams college will share largely in this work, and that 
 you, my dear son, will become the willing and obedient 
 subject of the Lord Jesus, who died for you. I am com- 
 pelled to say, that I have had many anxieties on your 
 account, as you have appeared to manifest so little con- 
 cern for your immortal interest. Redeem time to attend 
 religious meetings, and to be better acquainted with your 
 heart. Despise not the great offer of pardon and eternal 
 life, freely made to you on the condition of forsaking your 
 sins. You never will find true peace, until you prefer 
 Christ above every thing in this world. I do hope to hear 
 of your becoming his decided friend. 
 
 '•There is increasing attention in this town, and since 
 you left, several have begun to rejoice in pardoned sin. 
 On the day of fasting and prayer, last Thursday, the 
 meeting-house was full. All our meetings since have 
 been thronged and solemn. Last evening, I held a meet- 
 ing at the house of Mr. O. He has been in trouble of 
 mind for a week. He trembled in view of his situation 
 like a reed shaken with the wind. When I spoke to him 
 after meeting, he cried out, as would a little child with a 
 limb broken, and it affected all the assembly. I have not 
 heard from him this morning. 
 
 " On my return from the meeting, I was told that Mr. 
 F.'s house was consumed by fire towards evening yester- 
 day. I. have not as yet learned any particulars, how it 
 caught fire, nor whether little or much of his effects were 
 saved. I greatly fear he has lost his library. It is indeed 
 a heavy calamity. The family are deprived of a dwelling 
 in this inclement season, and are greatly to be pitied. 
 They must be assisted. Possibly you may be the first to 
 inform his son of the distressing event. You will do it 
 
280 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 soon, and communicate the intelligence in a proper 
 manner. 
 
 " Your class-mate H., is well, and very attentive to his 
 business. lie appears to be an upright man, and if he 
 lives, will do much good in the world. I wish you, my 
 son, to write me more frequently than you did the last 
 term, and let your letters carry marks of attention to com- 
 position, penmanship, and orthography. You know I take 
 pleasure in looking them over with reference to all these 
 things. Be particular with respect to the revival, and the 
 state of college. Let all your wants be known." 
 
 "Feb. 18, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I thank you for your good letter, by Mr. S., and 
 for Dr. F.'s discourse which accompanied it. The peru- 
 sal of the discourse affected me very unpleasantly, and I 
 conclude you could not have expected it would have my 
 approbation. I must say, that I have now a much less 
 favorable opinion of the author, than I had before, and 
 his having been so much noticed and caressed, is to be 
 lamented. He openly and strenuously avows and defends 
 Arminianism, in its full length and breadth. He writes as 
 if he expected to be believed by all his readers, and with 
 an air of triumph. But, my son, I trust the discourse will 
 not shake your belief in the great doctrines of the Bible. 
 This will be a popular book among the enemies of the 
 cross of Christ, and I have no doubt it will be industri- 
 ously circulated. Its errors ought to be exposed, and, I 
 think, will be. 
 
 " There is, most evidently, the commencement of a 
 revival of religion in this town, indications of which I 
 have seen for four weeks. On Thursday of last week, we 
 observed a day of fasting and prayer. The meeting-house 
 was full and the assembly solemn. I am in a meeting 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 281 
 
 attempting to instruct and guide the people almost every 
 evening in the week. Several are rejoicing in hope, and 
 some who appeared to he very far from righteousness. It 
 is a time of great interest with us, and yet a critical time. 
 It requires great wisdom, much patience, and more 
 strength, than I now possess, to meet all the exigencies of 
 such a time. The prospect, however, is now fair, tliat we 
 may have another harvest of souls. The attention to 
 religion is, at this time, great at Williamstown. I have 
 just finished a letter to A., entreating him to take refuge 
 in Christ, while he is so near. The city of New York is 
 also visited by the influences of the Holy Spirit. It is my 
 earnest prayer, that J. may now be called into the king- 
 dom." 
 
 ^ March 2i, 1831. 
 
 "My very dear Son, 
 
 *' I received your letter of the 20th inst. in due time, 
 and it was cheering to my heart, though you give me 
 no information respecting the state of your own mind, 
 at this interesting time. Have H., and D., and H., and 
 many others, named in your letter, chosen the good 
 part and resolved to devote themselves to Christ, and can 
 you withhold your own heart? My son, be wise and no 
 longer hesitate, when Christ calls so loudly to you, and 
 with such a melting voice. Delay not to submit yourself 
 to him, while he is so near, drawing reluctant hearts to 
 him. Can you ever expect a more favorable time 1 On 
 reading this letter, retire and fall on your knees and plead 
 with him to forgive your ingratitude, your unbelief, and 
 hardness of heart. Hearken to the entreaties of a father, 
 and spend at least one hour in looking seriously at your 
 case, and in begging for mercy. Though your exterior 
 has been regular, yet if your heart is not humbled and 
 sanctified, and if your whole dependence is not placed on 
 24 * 
 
282 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Christ, you are in a wretched condition. How can you 
 escape, if you neglect so great salvation? 
 
 " It is a most interesting time in this town. The ex- 
 citement is great almost beyond a parallel. My labors 
 are incessant. I usually attend three meetings every day, 
 and they are thronged and very solemn. The church and 
 anxious sinners follow me from one neighborhood to another. 
 The number of converts I will not presume to state with 
 accuracy. I should think, however, not less than fifty 
 have expressed a hope, and the most of them belong to 
 the factories, and are transient persons. It has been with 
 us a continued Sabbath for many weeks. Last evening 
 Mr. F. preached for me, which is the first help I have had 
 from neighboring ministers, by way of preaching. Hith- 
 erto I have been remarkably sustained, and I have thought, 
 guided also by the Holy Spirit, in my movements and 
 multiplied labors." 
 
 "^;?n7 12, 1831. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " I seize a leisure moment, amidst my pressing cares 
 and labors, to address a few lines to you, and to thank you 
 for your letter of last week. I rejoice to hear that the 
 revival in college had received a new impulse. You speak 
 of others as having bowed to the sceptre of our blessed 
 Lord, but you are silent respecting the state of your own 
 feelings. Can you, my son, be an unfeeling spectator of 
 the work of the Holy Spirit, and of the great change 
 wrought in your associates, bringing them into the king- 
 dom of light ? Can you be indifferent, v, hen you think 
 of the wide separation which commences between those 
 who enter into the kingdom, and those who remain in 
 unbelief? It is a tremendous separation, because it will 
 be widening forever. I entreat you, as a tender father, to 
 suffer nothing to hinder you from turning your undivided 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 283 
 
 attention to the state of your soul. Enter, while there is 
 room, and while the Spirit strives so powerfully, and while 
 so many of your friends are entering. You have been 
 almost persuaded, and half resolved, long enough. Should 
 you let this precious opportunity pass unimproved, the 
 effect on your mind will be lamentable. You will prob- 
 ably feel a discouragement and fall into darkness, of 
 which you now have no conception. Seclude yourself 
 from the world for one day at least, and look into the state 
 of your heart. Give yourself to Christ. Beg of him to 
 forgive your apathy and ingratitude, and to receive you, 
 as one who deserves not the least favor. To stand all the 
 day idle, in this time of harvest, is more than unreasonable 
 — it is madness. You would consider it in this light, if 
 you only viewed things as they are. I will address you in 
 the language of the Holy Spirit to the ungrateful Jews, 
 ' Why will you die 1 ' My son, I deal thus plainly with 
 you, because you are very dear to me. My bowels yearn 
 over you. I have now no child who openly professes faith 
 in Christ, and it is sometimes an overwhelming thought. 
 J. and E. live where God is now pouring out his Spirit in 
 a powerful manner. I hope they will be made willing, in 
 this day of God's power, to exchange the perishable objects 
 of this world for an interest in Christ. W. has a good 
 deal of feeling at this time, and his letters are uncommonly 
 interesting. 
 
 " The revival continues in this place. More than fifty 
 have attended the meetings of young converts. I attend 
 meetings every evening, and many in the daytime, and 
 yet I have some strength left. The Lord has remarkably 
 sustained me." 
 
 April 2\, 1831. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " Yours of the 14th inst. I received yesterday. I 
 never was more overcome with joy, on reading a letter 
 
284 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 from any of my children. You have been much on my 
 mind, all winter, especially since hearing of the revival in 
 A. Often have I attempted to pray for you, and in all 
 our meetings many fervent supplications have been offered 
 up by the members of the church for the children of 
 their pastor. It was known that three of you were living 
 in places, where the influences of the Holy Spirit were 
 shed down, in copious showers. I have hoped and trem- 
 bled for you, well knowing that such seasons have an as- 
 tonishing influence on the minds and future prospects of 
 those who witness them. When I came to the expression 
 in your letter, ' I hope I have found my Saviour,' I was 
 obliged to stop, and give vent to my feelings. I could not 
 proceed for some time. Tears of joy gushed from my 
 eyes. Your mother wept. I called for T. We all sat 
 down in silence. At length I read the whole letter ; and 
 then we fell down on our knees, and gave thanks to God 
 for the joyful tidings he had sent to us, an unworthy family. 
 It has been a humiliating thought to me for a long time, 
 that I had no child to pray for me, in my declining 
 years — none to accompany me to the table of the Lord — 
 none to take an active part in building up the kingdom 
 of the Redeemer. JMy dear son, if you have found the 
 Saviour, you have found the ' pearl of great price.' The 
 whole world, if made over to you, would be as nothing 
 compared with this. Give God all the glory, for you have 
 resisted much light and instruction, and many entreaties. 
 Now, I trust, you will seek your happiness in serving the 
 Lord. Be an active, yet humble Christian. I will say to 
 you, as I do to the young converts here. It is of vast im- 
 portance to your growth in grace and your usefulness, that 
 you early form good Christian habits — such as constancy 
 in prayer, and a daily and careful perusal of the word of 
 God. I rejoice to hear of your praying in the meetings of 
 young men. O that you may be guided by the Holy Spirit 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 285 
 
 in all your movements. I thank your friend, Mr. S. for 
 all his faithfulness to you. Present my salutations to him. 
 May the Lord reward him tenfold. 
 
 " J. and A. I hope and pray will be brought into the 
 kingdom. Do write to them, and beseech them to aban- 
 don their pride, and rise up and follow Christ. 
 
 " We have had a very interesting time in Lee, for two 
 months, and I have been laboring night and day, attend- 
 ing generally as many as twelve meetings between the 
 Sabbaths. More than fifty have attended the meetings of 
 young converts. 
 
 " I want to see you more than I ever did, and feel a 
 disappointment that you conclude not to come home this 
 spring. The death of J. B., Jr. is very affecting — but 
 wisely ordered. 
 
 " Your mother and brother unite in much love to you, 
 with your ever affectionate father." 
 
 "^jriZ 27, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 I have received a letter from your brother E. which 
 lias occasioned more joy in my heart than all his flattering 
 worldly prospects, and more than all the temporal favors I 
 ever received in my life ; because, if he is not deceived, he 
 has been brought into possession of an inheritance, which 
 is permanent, which will be always increasing, and en- 
 dure forever. I have no time to write to you, at any 
 length, on this interesting intelligence ; but I will send 
 you a short extract from his letter, that you may see how 
 he feels, and why my heart is filled with joy. ' The Lord 
 is carrying on a great work in this place, and I rejoice in 
 telling you that I hope I have found my Saviour. Oh, the 
 pride of my heart I trust has been subdued — but God's 
 Spirit strove with me many days before I was willing to 
 give myself up into his arms. It was indeed a struggle for 
 
286 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 me to give up the world, and the pleasures of it, and hum- 
 bly imploring God's forgiveness, and promising that the 
 rest of my life should be spent in his service. I desire to 
 be thankful that God has spared me as long as he lias ; and 
 now I am determined no longer to serve the great enemy 
 of souls, but to glorify God the rest of my days. I never 
 knew what pleasure there was in prayer, until within a 
 week. It is my soul's delight to come before God on my 
 knees, and implore his Spirit to rest upon me. I some- 
 times feel that it is all my su])port, and I do hope ray 
 prayers have been heard in heaven. IIow many souls 
 have been lost, by the pride of the heart ! I am convinced 
 that it was my pride that prevented my willingness to be 
 on the Lord's side, for I have long known the path of duty. 
 It is strange to me, that under all the instruction I have 
 received, I have not seen the lovely character of God, as 
 I now think I do. I want very much to see you to tell 
 you how much I have disregarded your pleadings.' 
 
 " His letter, a whole sheet, closely written, is filled with 
 such language, and not a word on his business, or any 
 worldly subject. His heart is full. I pray God to sanctify 
 this interesting intelligence to your soul. You have long 
 hesitated, doubted and delayed, and kept yourself unhappy, 
 when you might have had the satisfaction of doing much 
 for Christ," 
 
 ''Jpril 29, 1831. 
 
 "My very dear Son, 
 
 "I thank you for your letter of the 25th inst., which 
 I rec€ived yesterday. When I broke the seal, I said 
 within my heart, O that A.'s letter may afford me the 
 same joy which his brother E.'s did, received a few days 
 before. Never was I so overwhelmed with joy, on 
 perusing any letter from my sons. E. hopes he has found 
 Jiis Saviour, after a severe struggle with the pride of his 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 287 
 
 heart. He is now very clear in his views, and wonders 
 he never before discerned the loveliness of God's char- 
 acter, and the happiness there is in drawing near to God 
 in prayer. His heart is full of joy and peace in believing. 
 It melted my heart in noticing his humble confessions to 
 me, for turning a deaf ear to my counsels. He is now 
 active in the cause of Christ — prays in the meetings of the 
 young men in the village, and of the young converts, of 
 whom there are one hundred and fifty. That .son appears 
 to feel on the subject of religion, just as I want all my 
 sons to feel. He is convinced — he is decided — he is deter- 
 mined to devote the remainder of his days to the service 
 of God. He says, he thinks A. must now come out from 
 the world, as God is pouring out his Spirit upon the 
 college. I want you should read all he has written, and 
 I trust you will have the opportunity in a few days. You 
 intimate that there is a decrease of attention and solemnity 
 in college, and it is painful to hear of it. Y., it seems, has 
 disappointed the hopes of his friends, and is running a sad 
 career. My son, I entreat you not to let such occurrences 
 have the least bearing in your view, on the importance of 
 religion. They have often taken place in our fallen world, 
 and are calculated to make all spectators cautious, and to 
 look well to their foundation. Even in the days of the 
 apostles, there were some apostates, as Simon the sorcerer. 
 But the foundation of God standeth sure. 
 
 " I perceive an evident decline of attention in this town, 
 but I hope the Holy Spirit has not wholly forsaken us. 
 Several have been examined, and will be received on the 
 approaching Sabbath. Many more, I trust, will come 
 forward in due time." 
 
 "■Juhjl, 1831. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 "I duly received your letter of the 24th ult., and 
 now thank you for it. In your prosperity, both temporal 
 
288 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and spiritual, I feel greatly interested. You have given 
 me a statement of your situation, as to outward things, 
 and I am pleased with your arrangement, all things con- 
 sidered, and think that the distance of your boarding- 
 house may be conducive to your health. There will be 
 no need of other exercise. I hope you will not be seen 
 with the ball-club in your hand this summer. Find your 
 pleasure and amusement in your books. While vou aim 
 to be a thorough classical scholar, and entire master of all 
 your recitations, you must read what you can ; but not 
 works of imagination. Be very choice in the selection of 
 your books, and as you read, take time to reflect. What 
 is excellent, as to style, labor to imitate. Let all your 
 compositions be the result of close study and much care. 
 If you find it very difficult to satisfy yourself, and have 
 patience to write and re-write, to expunge, add and alter, 
 as you transcribe, I shall hope you will eventually excel. 
 
 " I watch for some expression of the state of your feel- 
 ings, in all your letters. I wish you were more frank to 
 disclose to your father the state of your mind, in relation 
 to the great subject of religion. Here is my greatest 
 solicitude for you. My son, let me have the joy of em- 
 bracing you as a disciple of Christ." 
 
 "August 10, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Yours of the 5th inst., reached me yesterday, and 
 has been perused with pleasure. I rejoice to hear of the 
 health of your family, and that E. remembers lier friends 
 and her visit in New England. We often speak of your 
 dear children, and lament that they have not the privilege 
 of being trained up where the worship of God is regularly 
 maintained on the I'cturn of the Sabbath. To make up 
 this defect, as far as possible, you and your dear compan- 
 ion must be the more devoted to their religious education. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 289 
 
 Let them see you reverence the Sabbath, and let them 
 early have the impression, that you value the word of God 
 above any thing in this world. Read it daily before them, 
 and be not unmindful of the duty of praying with and for 
 them. E. is now a proper subject of daily instruction. 
 Teach her the catechism as I taught you, and in a short 
 time she will aid you in teaching the little son who bears 
 my name. My elder children, now no more, were a great 
 help to me in training up the younger, when they were 
 insensible of it. This was especially true, in the case of 
 your dear sister Harriet. You say not a word about 
 going with your family, or any part of them, to Palmyra 
 to hear the word of God preached, nor do I know whether 
 E. has united with that church. You know I have been 
 very desirous of having her walk with the people of God, 
 and of having you appear openly with her on the side of 
 Christ. 
 
 " Your brothers continued under the parental roof 
 one week, and J. and his wife some days longer. The 
 visit was very interesting to your parents. We are 
 much pleased with the appearance of our new daughter, 
 J.'s wife. She is modest, unassuming, and hopefully 
 pious. It is the understanding fully, that she will attend 
 Dr. S.'s meeting, and become a member of his church. 
 The assurance she gave me of doing this was very 
 gratifying to my mind. W. and E. both led repeatedly in 
 the devotions of the family. They also prayed in our 
 religious meetings. I called my neighbors to my house 
 one evening, while your brothers were here, and we spent 
 the time in prayer and singing praises to God. This I 
 called the second day wedding." 
 
 "^ug. 25, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Yours of the 20th inst. I have received and read 
 with avidity, as I do all the letters I receive from you and 
 25 
 
290 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 your brothers. The interest I feel in the prosperity of 
 my children, is very great. Of this I am sensible, every 
 time I open a letter from any one of them. A kind of 
 solicitude which is indescribable, is at once awakened in 
 my breast as I break the seal. I think of your health, 
 which is easily impaired, and of the multitude of ways by 
 which your characters may be tarnished, and your pros- 
 pects for usefulness darkened. The most of your brothers 
 have come on to the stage of life, and are establishing, to 
 say the least, decent reputations. Two of them, W. and 
 E., have cheered my heart very much, by the open and 
 decided part they are beginning to take, with respect to 
 the kingdom of Christ. You, my dear son, are yet in the 
 forming period, in a very critical age ; and being asso- 
 ciated with the students of college, surrounded with a 
 thousand dangers. In some unguarded moment, you may 
 be drawn away from the instruction and counsel you have 
 received, and find your mind corrupted, and your morals 
 debased. My son, watch and pray, and read the word of 
 God, that you may not be thus ingulfed in the vortex of 
 vice seen at every college. I repeat what I have often 
 said, that you cannot be too careful in selecting your com- 
 panions. While you extend civility to all, see that you 
 do not establish habits of intimacy with any who are 
 suspected to be loose in sentiment and practice. Every 
 person is known by the company he keeps. 
 
 " With all the tenderness of a father, I entreat you to 
 be wise — to establish the character of a sober youth — to 
 be diligent in the improvement of your time — to be 
 thorough in getting your recitations, that you may come 
 out a good classical scholar — to be punctual, as you know 
 your father has always been, in every thing expected of 
 you — to give yourself to reading, by picking up the frag- 
 ments of time ; and not to read novels, lest you form a 
 bad taste, but to read that which will enlarge and improve 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 291 
 
 your mind, and make you better. Above all, I entreat 
 you to give your heart to Christ." 
 
 " Aug. 27, 1831. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " In the morning of this day I vrrote you a short let- 
 ter to forward by Mrs. L., expecting she would leave early. 
 Since I closed it, your letter, filled with expressions of 
 filial affection and tenderness, has reached me. I thank 
 you very much for this token of love, which almost melted 
 my heart. But before I had perused the one half of your 
 sheet, my solicitude on account of your health was 
 increased to a great degree. I regretted that when 
 you was here, apparently convalescent, you did not tarry 
 longer. The present state of your health requires imme- 
 diate attention, and entire relinquishment of business for 
 a time. You must not even think of continuing under 
 that weight of care which now devolves upon you, as your 
 health now is, lest you soon fall a victim to disease. It is 
 a duty you owe to yourself, to your aged parents, and to 
 all your relatives, and now to the church, to relax imme- 
 diately from business, and devote yourself to the restora- 
 tion of your health. You ought not to regard any worldly 
 sacrifice you may be called to make, in checking the pro- 
 gress of that disease with which you are attacked. The 
 delay of one week may be of great consequence. I think 
 it expedient for you to come directly to your parents, 
 under whose roof you know you can be retired from the 
 world, have good air, good food, and kind attention. All 
 this, I know, may fail of restoring you. We are always, 
 and altogether, dependent on God's blessing ; yet it is our 
 duty to use means, and then leave the event with Him, 
 who orders all things well. I hope, my dear son, you feel 
 all this, and that you consider submission to the divine 
 will your duty and privilege. If you feel rather better 
 
292 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 than you have done, still you had better leave your busi- 
 ness for a season, and come to your father's house, and 
 bring the cloak with your own hands, as Paul directed in 
 one of his letters. You have now presented to vou the 
 feelings, the anxieties, and the advice of your father and 
 mother. I once more commend you, my dear son, to the 
 mercy of God in Christ Jesus, and subscribe myself, as 
 ever, your affectionate father." 
 
 « Oct. 21, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I thank my friend Dr. O., for taking the pains he 
 has to look you up. He has once more presented to you 
 directly the subject of entering into covenant with God, 
 before the world. You are called upon, by this proposi- 
 tion, to take your stand. A decision must now be made, 
 whether you will be for or against Christ. Too long have 
 you already doubted with respect to a duty of the highest 
 importance. It has been the means of keeping you in 
 the dark, and influenced you to shape your course, as you 
 otherwise would not have done. My son, the only way to 
 have spiritual enjoyment, is to be faithful and obedient to 
 God. Every step you take in the service of Christ, from 
 a desire to honor him, will increase your evidence and 
 your peace of mind. How full of important meaning are 
 the following words of Christ — ' If any man will do his 
 will, he shall know of the doctrine,' &c. Religion is a 
 practical thing. You could not expect to have bright 
 evidence of your good estate, in the course you have 
 taken. Your indecision on this subject has been some- 
 what alarming to me, because I have marked your prompt- 
 ness and decision in other matters, involving consequences 
 infinitely smaller. But I have been sensible for some 
 time past, that if brought to the trial, you would determine 
 to go forward. The incipient step towards entering the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 293 
 
 fold of Christ, I trust, is already taken. If there is a 
 spark of grace in your heart, it will now begin to kindle, 
 like fire which has long been covered, when furnished 
 with fuel. Be humble, be active, but not enthusiastic. 
 Nothing will balance the mind, and preserve from enthu- 
 siasm, like a clear view of divine truth. May the Holy 
 Spirit guide you in the great undertaking before you. 
 
 " The paper you conduct I receive regularly, and it 
 more than answers my expectations. It advocates good 
 things, and will be patronized and be useful. Show your- 
 self a chaste editor. So far you have had nothing to do 
 with foolish anecdotes." 
 
 [To bis son's wife.] 
 
 " Od. 31, 1831. 
 
 " My dear Daughter, 
 
 " Your letter of the 20th inst. came safely to your 
 new parents, and has been perused with much pleasure. 
 We thank you for the kind and affectionate manner in 
 which you speak of your visit at the house, where your 
 husband first breathed the breath of life, and where the 
 years of his childhood and youth were watched, and all 
 hi.s movements guided, by those whom you now address 
 as parents. I have now a new correspondent, endeared 
 to me, not by long acquaintance, and the strong ties of 
 nature, as in the case of my dear deceased daughters, but 
 by being brought into a union with a much beloved son. 
 Fully aware that his hnppiness and usefulness must very 
 much depend on your being to him an amiable, discreet, 
 and judicious companion, I ardently hope and pray that 
 you may be such. It has afforded me much pleasure to 
 notice not only the spirit of friendship but of piety, which 
 your letter breathes. When I conversed with you here, 
 your language evinced an acquaintance both with the 
 precious truths of God's word, and with the religion of 
 25 * 
 
294 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the heart. The same things appear in your letter. It is 
 a blessing too great to be estimated, to have a son so 
 closely united with one, who is a disciple of the meek and 
 lowly Saviour. May your mind be richly imbued with 
 the spirit of Him, who gave his life a ransom for us. I 
 fondly cherish the hope, that you rnay be the humble 
 instrument of winning your husband to enlist under his 
 banner. This would greatly increase your own happi- 
 ness, and add unspeakably to our joy. 
 
 " My son W. has come to the important decision, that 
 he will consecrate his time, his talents, and his all, to 
 Christ, and I suppose intends making a public profession 
 of religion on the next Sabbath. E., you know, has 
 already taken this step. 
 
 " I now commend you and your husband to the guid- 
 ance and keeping of Him, by whose providence you are 
 constantly sustained, and subscribe myself your affection- 
 ate father." 
 
 "Jan. 25, 1832. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " It is seldom, indeed, that I hear any thing from 
 you and your dear family, though I feel deeply interested 
 in your prosperity. Not a day passes, however, when 
 you are not in my mind. If you sliould write oftener, 
 you would please me better. Death has made such 
 ravages in our country, since the commencement of cold 
 weather, especially among children, that I have thought 
 much of your little ones, and of the severe trials which a 
 holy Providence might bring upon you and your compan- 
 ion, as well as upon other parents. Instances liave been 
 frequent, where two and three children, in one family, 
 have fallen victims to the prevailing diseases. I pray 
 God to prepare you, by his grace, to sustain all the trials 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 295 
 
 of life. My dear children, do not be so unkind to your- 
 selves as to provoke God to come out against you, by 
 neglecting him and casting off his fear. Train up your 
 beloved and promising children to fear the Lord, to rever- 
 ence the Sabbath, and to be obedient to you. They will, 
 then, rise up and call you blessed. 
 
 " The winter, thus far, has been with us uncommonly 
 severe ; but we have not suffered, because we have had a 
 plenty of good wood, and have proportioned our fire to 
 the intensity of the cold. Besides preaching every Sab- 
 bath, I have generally attended meetings four evenings 
 each week, and frequently five. I go, as formerly, to 
 every district in the town. From this you will infer that 
 my health and strength are continued. I can endure 
 more in tlic winter than in the summer. Your mother is 
 now comfortable, though she has been unwell, and has 
 been kept from meeting a number of Sabbaths. She 
 never goes out to evening meetings. The subject of 
 religion is regarded here with considerable interest yet, 
 and for some time past, with increased interest. I feel 
 that I must make great efforts, or the adversary will get 
 an advantage. The factories occasion a great influx of 
 irreligious people, and many foreigners." 
 
 " March 8, 1832. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " I have delayed writing to you much longer than I 
 intended, when yon went away, and there has been a 
 special reason for it. I was severely attacked with the 
 bilious colic soon after you left us, and endured ex- 
 treme pain for twenty hours, before I obtained the least 
 relief. No medicine seemed to take hold, and indeed it 
 was difficult to retain any in my stomach. Never did I 
 experience such a sudden prostration of strength. I did 
 
296 
 
 MEMOIR or 
 
 not walk as far as the gate, for a fortnight, yet I rode to 
 the meeting-liouse every Sabbath, and guided the religious 
 exercises; and on one of the Sabbaths, administered the 
 Lord's supper to the church. In this time I was unable 
 to take up my pen, and wrote no letters. Since last 
 Friday, I have been regaining my health and strength. 
 On Tuesday, I rode to P., to attend the installation of 
 Mr. Y., to whom I gave the charge. There I saw Mr. G., 
 but he knew nothing about you. 
 
 " I have been admonished, by this sickness, that I am 
 a frail man, and must soon go the way of all the earth. 
 In my distresses I often thought I should never see you 
 again, and my other absent children — but God has gra- 
 ciously spared me. I hope this correction will be sancti- 
 fied to me and to us all. 
 
 "I received a few lines from you, by Mr. L., but where 
 you board I know not, as you had not then decided. Do 
 write me soon, and let us know every thing respecting 
 your situation, your health, your studies, your hopes and 
 your fears. Remember, my dear son, that you are living 
 for eternity, and now passing through the most interesting 
 period of your life. The character is formed, and the 
 habits generally fixed, in this period. O be wise, and 
 and make my heart glad. Nothing do I desire so much, 
 in respect to my children, as to have them become the 
 followers of Christ. You are now forming a character in 
 college. If you are a thorough student, it will be known, 
 and you will be respected ; if you are idle, superficial 
 in your studies, and not diligent and persevering in your 
 researches after classical and general knowledge, your 
 deficiencies will soon be known, and it will operate greatly 
 to your disadvantage. I hope you will be influenced to 
 do well, in all respects, and be one of the bright orna- 
 ments of your alma mater." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 297 
 
 "March 19, 1832. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I thank you for your interesting letter of tlie 15th 
 instant. The account you gave of the meeting at L., and 
 particularly of the sermons of Dr. H., I read with attention 
 and pleasure. Powerful as was his instruction, and 
 solemn as were his appeals to the consciences of sinners, 
 there was no efficiency in them to remove or lessen the 
 depravity of the heart. The conversion of men from sin 
 to holiness is the work of the Holy Spirit. Of this im- 
 portant truth, people in general, and even the ministers of 
 Christ, are in great danger of losing sight, and when this 
 is the fact, they rely on their own efforts, measures and 
 management, and the Spirit of God is grieved, and the 
 results are unhappy. There may be great excitement, 
 and many spurious conversions, but time will show that it 
 was the work of man, and not the work of the Lord. 
 
 " In my late sickness, which was the bilious colic, I 
 endured more severe pain, and my strength was more 
 completely prostrated, than has been the case with me for 
 forty years. I did not walk as far as my gate for a 
 fortnight; yet I was conveyed to the meeting-house, every 
 Sabbath, on the day of the sacramental lecture, and when 
 we had the concert in music, and guided the meetings. 
 Through the mercy of God, I am now free from disease, 
 and have nearly recovered my strength. O that I may 
 suitably improve this dispensation of providence. 
 
 "The decision of the supreme court of the United 
 States, in favor of the missionaries, filled my heart with 
 joy. I desire to praise God, that the life, and health, and 
 intellect, of chief justice Marshall, have been spared to 
 this most interesting crisis in our nation. The conse- 
 quences of the decision are yet to be developed. All our 
 hope must be in Him who is the ruler of nations, and 
 who has hitherto regarded this people with so much 
 favor. 
 
298 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "I have had a visit from John Ridge, the distinguished 
 Cherokee youth, who has been in town more than a week. 
 He has been at my house several times, and spent a night 
 with us. On Friday night of last week, I called the 
 people together to hear him give a statement of the suffer- 
 ings of his nation. The meeting-house was full above 
 and below. He spoke more than an hour with great 
 fluency and pertinency, and not only kept his large 
 audience still, but excited deeper and deeper interest 
 as he progressed. I have been astonished to see how 
 much general knowledge he has treasured up. He under- 
 stands the characters of all our public men, and has a 
 view of all their movements. He is of the age of your 
 brother J., and straight as an arrow." 
 
 [To his son's wife.] 
 
 " March 26, 1832. 
 
 " My dear Daughter, 
 
 " Your very acceptable letter of the 12th inst. came 
 safely to hand. It was truly a cordial to me, at a time 
 when I stood in great need of it, having been nearly con- 
 fined by sickness, for a number of weeks, and called to 
 endure much bodily pain. This rod was laid upon me 
 the beginning of the present month. During the fore- 
 part of the winter, I had been remarkably healthy and 
 vigorous, and never performed more ministerial labor, in 
 any period of my ministry. Notwithstanding the severity 
 of the cold, I attended no less than five meetings, in dif- 
 ferent parts of the town, between each Sabbath, and the 
 most of these were in the evening. At tlie time referred 
 to, I was suddenly attacked by the bilious colic, and was 
 twenty hours in extreme pain, before any medicine used 
 had the least effect, and even then the relief was only 
 partial. I have not had my strength so completely pros- 
 trated for forty years. For two weeks, I did not walk as, 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 299 
 
 far as my gate, yet I was conveyed to the meeting-house 
 every Sabbath, and on several other occasions, and guided 
 the religious exercises of the sanctuary. It seemed at 
 times that the Lord designed to remove me from my labors 
 and from this world, nor could I indulge a murmuring 
 thought, if it was his pleasure to do it. When my health 
 and strength began to return, your kind letter was brought 
 to me, and it came in a good time. It was a great help 
 to me. I felt a desire to bless God, that though he had 
 taken to himself both of my daughters, with whom I once 
 delighted to correspond, he had given me another, who 
 could write to me so feelingly on the interesting subject 
 of religion, and be an instrument of comforting my mind 
 in the day of adversity. 
 
 " I rejoice to hear you have become a member of Dr. S.'s 
 church, and ardently hope you will be a devoted disciple 
 of Christ, and a bright ornament among the sisters of that 
 communion. Why did not my beloved son, your husband, 
 embrace the favorable opportunity then presented to him, 
 and consecrate himself to the service of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ ? Repeatedly did I remind him of what he ought 
 to do, and not suffer the interesting crisis to pass unim- 
 proved. The importance of religion he has always readily 
 acknowledged, and he has appeared to have correct views 
 of the v. ay of salvation. How much it would add to your 
 happiness, to the happiness of his parents, who gave him 
 up to God and nurtured him in his tender years, and to 
 his own happiness, if he were the decided friend of Christ! 
 I do not despair of having in him this blessing, You are 
 both remembered daily at the throne of grace. On Sat- 
 urday evening, the article in the Christian Spectator, 
 Vol. iv. No. 1 , relating to the life and death of Mr. A. 
 Pettingell, was read in the family, to which I attended 
 with deep interest. When the reading was finished, my 
 first words were, O that J. could have opportunity to 
 
300 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 read this ! His mother responded in unison with iny 
 remark. Perliaps he will read it, and doubtless Dr. S. 
 takes the work, from whom he might have the loan of 
 the book." 
 
 « March 29, 1832. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " I thank you for the interesting letters you have re- 
 cently written to us, the last of which was dated the ]2th 
 inst. I feel it to be a mercy, that God disposes you to 
 remember your parents, from whom you have long been 
 separated, with so much tenderness and filial affection. 
 Especially do I feel it to be a mercy unspeakable, that I 
 may regard you as a spiritual child, renewed in the 
 temper of your mind, and living with reference to the 
 %vorld of light and glory. Your last letters seemed to 
 furnish increasing evidence of your keeping in view the 
 solemn vows which you have taken upon yourself. When 
 you approach the mercy seat, as a suppliant, bear on 
 your mind the case of your parents, in their declining 
 years, and of your brothers, some of whom are presuming 
 to live without an interest in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 " The connection which you have formed with Miss 
 W. and the prospect of your taking her, as the com- 
 panion of your joys and sorrows, while performing your 
 pilgrimage on earth, has presented a subject to my mind 
 of deep interest. I perceive from your letters, that she 
 has your affections, and that you regard her as being 
 truly pious and much devoted to the cause of Christ. To 
 be united with a companion who has commenced the 
 Christian race, is a blessing which cannot be sufficiently 
 appreciated. I certainly can have no objection to your 
 marrying, if you are only wise in your choice, and see 
 your way to support a family. I have a distinct recol- 
 lection of Miss W., and of your accompanying her to H. ; 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 301 
 
 but I had not, at the time, the remotest idea, that the 
 connection now contemplated would ever be formed. I 
 trust we shall all prize her highly, when we have op- 
 portunity to become acquainted with her. And when, 
 my son, will that be? When do you think of being 
 united in the bonds of matrimony ? On this part of the 
 subject, you have been silent. In your next, I hope you 
 will be more explicit, and let us know all your heart, re- 
 specting the time and place of the solemnization of the 
 union of your hearts. 
 
 " I hope you will give us opportunity to see you under 
 the parental roof,, this spring. We have your portrait, 
 and highly value it, but we want to look upon the origi- 
 nal." 
 
 " April 9, 1832. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 "I have received many letters from you, and have 
 always read them with avidity, and have been gratified 
 with the expressions of filial affection and respect, but I 
 have ardently desired to see something more in them. 
 They have not breathed the spirit of the letters which 
 have recently been written by your brothers W. and E. 
 But your last, received on Saturday, gave me more joy 
 than all the letters which I have ever before received from 
 you. I have no language to express the feelings excited 
 in my breast, as I progressed in the reading of your 
 communication. When 1 came to the clause, ' My desire 
 and purpose is to glorify God,M could read no further, 
 without lifting up my soiil to the Father of all mercies in 
 an offering of praise and thanksgiving. Nor was I dis- 
 appointed to hear you say, ' You had seen enough to 
 know youf heart is deceitful above all things and desper- 
 ately wicked.' I rejoice, my dear son, that you have seen 
 something of the exceeding wickedness of your heart. 
 26 
 
302 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 If the Lord has opened your eyes, you will see yet more 
 of it, and feel more and more the perisliing need in which 
 you stand of a Saviour. Where could such an ungrateful, 
 self-blinded creature, as you have found yourself to be, 
 look, but to the Lord Jesus Christ, for relief, for pardon, 
 and acceptance ? What a glorious way of salvation the 
 gospel proposes! How exactly suited to the condition of 
 ruined men ! You know I once cherished a faint hope in 
 your case, but the evidence did not increase with your 
 years. If your heart is now renewed by the Holy Spirit, 
 you will condemn yourself, not as "being a small sinner, 
 but a great sinner, for you have resisted great light, and 
 much importunity. You will feel humble, the law you 
 have broken will appear infinitely holy, and Christ will 
 appear very precious. You will no longer shun the com- 
 pany of devoted Christians, but you will desire to be with 
 them, and you will take up any cross to honor your divine 
 Redeemer. The Bible, which I fear you have criminally 
 neglected, will unfold to you wondrous things, such as 
 will dispose you to read it with interest. 
 
 "I rejoice to hear that B. has also chosen the good 
 part. This event you ought to regard as a great blessing 
 to you. Now, I presume, you have begun to pray together 
 in your room, and to take a part in the religious exercises 
 in college. My dear son, set out in the Christian race 
 aright, and follow on to know the Lord. Keep in view 
 your entire dependence on God, and shrink not from the 
 discharge of any duty. Resolve to form good Christian 
 habits, that your growth in grace may be promoted. The 
 adversary will prevent your pressing forward, and being 
 faithful to yourself and others, if he possibly can. Suffer 
 not yourself to be ignorant of his wiles. Devote yourself 
 to the great and good work of the ministry with all your 
 heart, and let not your mind be wavering. I have at- 
 tempted to renew the dedication of you to God in the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 303 
 
 service of liis Son. I suggest only one thing more at the 
 present time, and I wish you to carry the subject and 
 spread it before your heavenly Father ; and that is, that 
 you publicly espouse the cause of Christ, at a proper time, 
 and not delay. Under existing circumstances, it may pos- 
 sibly be expedient for you to do it during the next vaca- 
 tion, and while at home. May the Lord direct." 
 
 £To his son-in-law.] 
 
 ' • April 10, 1832. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Yesterday was brought to me a letter from your 
 hand to your brother L., containing the afHictive intelli- 
 gence of the sudden death of your wife. That holy God, 
 with whom you profess to be in covenant, has seen fit to 
 lay his chastening rod upon you and your family repeatedly. 
 I hope you have an abiding conviction that he does all 
 things well, and that however dark and mysterious his 
 providential dealings may appear, as they pass, they are 
 the result of infinite wisdom and goodness. I mourn with 
 you ; I pity you ; I have tried to pray for you and your 
 bereaved children. I cannot say that I feel exactly as I 
 did when my dearly beloved daughter, your first Com- 
 panion, died. She was endeared to me by many strong 
 ties, and after she left the parental roof, was my faithful 
 correspondent. Her memory is still precious. She was 
 the mother of a child, rendered dear to me, not only by 
 the ties of nature, but by the care I had of her, and the 
 many anxieties I endured on her account, in the first years 
 of her. life, when she was unconscious of the great loss 
 she had sustained. With your late companion I had 
 little acquaintance. I rejoice to learn from your letter, 
 that she departed this life rejoicing in God her Saviour. 
 What more could you ask for ? Though in the midst of 
 her days, she had finished her work. No more had she 
 to do for you, or for the motherless children. The Lord 
 
304 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 who gave )'ou this companion has taken her to himself, 
 and if her heart was united to the blessed Saviour, her 
 condition is far better now, than when she was with you, 
 engaged in caring for things temporal. Submit to the 
 will of God, he knows what will promote the best interest 
 of your family, better than you do. Let not this provi- 
 dence, though deeply afflictive, unfit you for any duty. 
 
 "I have for several weeks past thought of writing to 
 you, on the subject of Lucy's coming down this spring, 
 and going to school. It is nearly two years since I have 
 seen her. I took up my pen for that purpose, yesterday, 
 before your letter was brought to me, but was interrupted 
 by company. She needs greater advantages than are 
 afforded at the common district schools, which are gen- 
 erally full. Miss K., of B., has a select school of young 
 misses, under the best regulations, and favored with the 
 best of instructipn. She will take a great interest in her, 
 having been long acquainted with my family, and knew 
 her mother. I have conversed with her on the subject. 
 Lucy can board with her cousin, Mrs. W., and lodge with 
 one of her daughters, who is a pious young lady, and very 
 discreet. I could then frequently see her, and extend 
 some watchful care over her. Or, if you should choose, 
 she can attend our school, and board with us. We have 
 a select school for smaller scholars, and I have written to 
 my son S., to bring E. down to attend that, and we have 
 a school for larger scholars of both sexes. Write me as 
 soon as you can, and let us know your determination." 
 
 « Jlpril 27, 1832. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I thank you for your welcome letter of the 17th 
 instant. Truly I can say I feel a new interest in your 
 letters, because you seem to dwell upon a new subject, 
 and one which ought always to have occupied your 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 305 
 
 thoughts. They are not only the letters of my own natu- 
 ral son, but I trust of a spiritual child, endeared to jne by 
 a new tie, and if real, never to be broken. I rejoice to 
 notice the remark from yaur pen, that ' the Christian's hap- 
 piness, as well as usefulness, depends much on an elevated 
 standard of piety, and that this standard is greatly affected 
 by the commencement of his warfare.' Let this truth 
 have daily and constant influence on your every move- 
 ment. See that you do not follow Christ at a distance. 
 Come near to him ; never be ashamed of him who died 
 for you, nor backward to stand in your lot and plead his 
 cause. I pray God to make you a faithful follower of the 
 Lamb, an humble instrument of building up his kingdom 
 long after I shall have done with earthly scenes." 
 
 " May U, 1832. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " I suppose you have had much to divert your mind 
 from the all-important subject of religion, as you have 
 drawn near the close of the term. But, my son, you must 
 watch and pray, as the Saviour directed. This is an en- 
 snaring world, and very imposing, as viewed in some situ- 
 ations. Let it appear as it may, it is nothing, compared 
 with an interest in Christ. I hope you will run the Chris- 
 tian race with patience and delight. Should I live a few 
 years, I may have the unspeakable satisfaction to see you 
 invested with the office of ambassador of the Prince of 
 peace. I cannot but think of this, though it may never 
 take place, and though if it should take place, I am not to 
 see it. O that the feeling of my heart may be, with re- 
 spect to this, and every other thing, ' Thy will be done.' " 
 
 ''July 11, 1832. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I wrote you a fortnight ago, and sent the letter to 
 Stockbridge, to be forwarded by Mr. F., of New York ; 
 26 * 
 
306 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 but I suspect it has never reached you, or you would 
 have answered it before this time. The ravages of the 
 cholera in our land, and its entrance into the city of your 
 abode, have filled our minds with anxiety for you, and 
 your wife and child, and all your friends. It is a sore 
 calamity sent upon us for our wickedness, and to what 
 e.xtent it may be suffered to rage, the Lord only knows, 
 against whom we have sinned. Our only safety is to 
 break off from our transgressions, and turn unto him by 
 repentance. I think it will be expedient for you to leave 
 the city with your little family, as soon as possible, and 
 repair to the mansion where you commenced your exist- 
 ence. We are, as yet, healthy in this town, and we have 
 in our dwelling, fine air, and in our well, pure water, 
 which are to be regarded as important ingredients for the 
 preservation of health. But I am aware that the pesti- 
 lence will go, where the Lord sends it. 3Iuch pains are 
 taken in all places, to remove filth of every kind, and to 
 cleanse what is visible to the eye, or offensive to the 
 senses. All this is well. O that we were equally vigi- 
 lant to remove all moral pollution, and to abandon every 
 thing, in thought, word, and deed, which is offensive to 
 infinite purity. So far as I can learn, people of dissi- 
 pated habits are most likely to fall victims to the ' pesti- 
 lence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that 
 wasteth at noonday.' 
 
 " On Monday evening of this week, a minister and his 
 wife, directly from Albany, called on us to partake of our 
 hospitality. Between twelve and one, I heard him call 
 loudly and earnestly for a light and for help, saying he 
 believed his wife was dying. I was soon in the chamber 
 with a light, and found the woman entirely insensible, 
 breathing laboriously, and frothing at the mouth. The 
 first thought which arose in my mind, was, that we had a 
 case of cholera under our roof Theodore ran for a 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 307 
 
 doctor. We were all up, throwing water in her face — her 
 jaws being fast closed — rubbing, &lc. I said nothing to 
 your mother respecting my fears, till she herself expressed 
 the same thing. We had some hours of distress. The 
 stranger remained wholly insensible for more than an 
 hour, when, after various applications, reason began to 
 return ; and by morning light, she became quiet and 
 calm. Never could a person express more gratitude than 
 she did, for our kind attention. On making inquiries of 
 her, I found she had suffered all the afternoon of the 
 previous day, in consequence of her dinner between here 
 and Albany, consisting of ham; hard and dry, and eggs 
 boiled until they were alike hard and dry. This ex- 
 plained the phenomenon. But the woman would, doubt- 
 less, have died, had she been alone." 
 
 "JVov. 6, 1832. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I returned from my journey to Connecticut, the 
 week after I parted with you. I found your brother W. 
 in good health, and ready, as he had before promised, 
 to accompany me. We went by E., where your uncle 
 resides, to Franklin and Norwich. I visited the sepul- 
 chres of my fathers, and found the most of my relatives 
 and early acquaintances lying around them, sleeping in 
 the dust. I read many of their monuments, and was 
 deeply impressed with the brevity of human life. I called 
 together the few remains of my relatives, and their neigh- 
 bors, and spent one evening in preaching Jesus Christ 
 to them. They were attentive, and for the time, very 
 solemn. My visit, as I expected, was a gloomy one, and 
 yet full of important instruction, and I hope it may be 
 sanctified to my soul. 
 
 "On my return, I found E. was left in our care, and 
 as happy as ever. She then had the company of her 
 
308 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 cousins L. C, and C. II., the third daughter of your 
 uncle L. We sent them all to school, while Miss 11. 
 continued, and they enjoyed themselves together finely ; 
 and then they amused themselves in keeping school at 
 home. Her cousins have now gone, and E- keeps school 
 alone. She is perfectly well and entirely contented. Her 
 cough has left her. There is not yet any school estab- 
 lished, though I think there will be one beside the district 
 school ; but I doubt whether Miss H.'s place will be 
 wholly supplied. We cannot do as well by her in the 
 winter as in the summer. We will do the best we can. 
 She reads and spells every day. I find no difficulty in 
 governing her. She is more easily guided and restrained 
 than even her cousin L. C. 
 
 "I conclude your wife was disappointed, when you 
 returned without her, but she must commit her into the 
 hands of God, and daily pray for her. This privilege 
 you both may enjoy, and should not fail of improving. 
 I long to hear tliat your house has become a house of 
 prayer. 
 
 "Nothing special has occurred since you was here. 
 I have, however, learned to-day, that Mr. M. B. of P., 
 has failed. This reminded me of a question which you 
 proposed to me, just before I left home, viz., 'what would 
 you think of my leaving the mercantile business, and 
 locating myself on some farm?' I have bestowed many 
 thoughts on the subject. The occupation of a farmer is 
 an honorable one — it is one of the most safe, and the 
 most free from temptations. A good farm, in a well 
 regulated town, and among a religious people, is a better 
 earthly inheritance, than the fluctuating business of a 
 merchant. May the Lord direct you in all your concerns. 
 I will, however, add one word — go no greater distance 
 from your parents. 
 
 "As a nation, we have reached an awful crisis. I 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 309 
 
 tremble, when I think what may be the result of the 
 approaching election. We are a sinful and ungrateful 
 nation, and we must expect to experience the frowns of 
 a righteous God. 
 
 " E. wants I should seal my letter, with the impression 
 of her little bird, which her uncle T. gave her, and I 
 have consented ; but I fear you will break the seal before 
 you will see it. 
 
 " I remain, as ever, your affectionate father." 
 
 "jVoy. 20, 183'i. 
 
 "My dear Son, 
 
 "Yesterday, I received your letter of the IGth inst., 
 and was reminded of my obligation to bless God that I 
 have such a son, whose deportment, as a man of business, 
 as a member of community, and as a professed follower of 
 Christ, has hitherto been marked with so much discretion. 
 I consider, that you have been under the guidance of that 
 great and good Being, who directed the steps of Joseph in 
 Egypt, and made him such an honor and blessing to his 
 father, and to all his father's house. When I read your 
 letters, I am always deeply impressed with the expressions 
 of filial affection and tenderness, which T notice in them. 
 You know I have been very solicitous for your health ; 
 but I rejoice in your being able to say it has been for 
 some time past uncommonly good. Would you have the 
 blessing continued, and your life and usefulness pro- 
 tracted, you must be very prudent, and not overact, nor 
 deprive yourself of seasonable refreshment by sleep, and 
 at the proper hours. 
 
 " Your brothers have all written to us within a few 
 days, and they are all favored with health. J. and W. 
 encourage us with the hope of being with us on the day 
 of our State thanksgiving, which will be the 29lh inst. 
 It would rejoice my heart to see you at our table on that 
 
310 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 occasion. I have lately made a journey to my native 
 place in Connecticut, where I had not been for twelve 
 years. Your brother W. accompanied me from S., and 
 ue were both highly gratified with the ride. I have not 
 had so pleasant an opportunity with W. for several years. 
 He was very kind and attentive, and withal very good 
 company. He assisted ine in some meetings which I 
 attend£>d. 
 
 " The state of our country is truly alarming ; but, my 
 son, God is above men, and in this great truth, let us 
 comfort ourselves. Write oftener than you have done, 
 and save us from an.\iety." 
 
 "Jan. 31, 1833. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your last letter excited some solicitude in my mind 
 respecting your health ; and knowing your proneness to 
 go beyond your strength, I feel that you are in great 
 danger of prostrating yourself entirely. I entreat you, 
 with all the tenderness of a father, to take care of your 
 health, and use all proper means to prolong your life and 
 usefulness. The acquisilion of property sliould be with 
 you a subordinate end, for nothing of this world can be of 
 any avail to us, when we sink into the grave, whither we 
 are all going. God has greatly prospered your efforts thus 
 far, and given you favor in the sight of your fellow-men, 
 for which I desire to bless Him. But none of his dealings 
 with you have so much affected my heart, as his (^ening 
 your eyes to beiiold the importance and loveliness of the 
 Saviour. When I thijik of your being in the fold of 
 Christ, and taking an active part in building up his cause, 
 it is comforting and cheering to my soul. I do hope you 
 will not be an inactive professor of religion, but a growing 
 and devoted Christian. 
 
 Your mother and I enjoy comfortable health, con- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 311 
 
 sidering the years which have rolled over our heads, and 
 the anxieties and fatigues we have endured. If my life 
 should be spared two days longer, I shall complete sixty- 
 five years. My days of exertion are drawing to a close, 
 and I desire not to be unmindful of it. Your mother was 
 greatly pleased with your presents, by the way of New 
 York, and they add much to her comfort. 
 
 "Do, my son, send us letters more frequently than you 
 have done of late, and let us know all your trials and all 
 your joys — particularly let us know your plans respecting 
 the contemplated change of your situation, and how it is 
 
 with , in whom I already feel a great interest. 
 
 May the Lord guide you." 
 
 «m 22, 1833. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 "Your kind and affectionate letter of tlie 17th inst. 
 has been received and perused with uncommon interest. 
 It seems you begin to discern from experience the truth 
 of what you have often heard me say, that the wheels of 
 time roll rapidly. You are now on the last half of your 
 collegiate life ; and the whole of your life, be it longer or 
 shorter, will glide away .with the same rapidity. Do you 
 realize this? If you do realize it, you must feel a power- 
 ful motive to use all diligence, not only to lay a good 
 foundation for usefulness, but 'to make your calling and 
 election sure.' In some of your late letters, I have 
 noticed with pleasure, resolutions to make a better im- 
 provement of your time, and, in the prosecution of your 
 studies, to dig deeper. I trust your friend F. will 
 encourage you in this, by his own example. 
 
 " I rejoice in the evidence furnished by your remarks 
 on sermons, that you see where the great truths of the 
 gospel are assailed, and that your own mind appears to 
 be on the watch against error. I have never seen a day, 
 
312 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 when I have trembled more for the church, and for young 
 men, who are looking forward to the ministry, than the 
 present. The whole current of the public mind is set 
 against such preaching as resembles that of Christ and 
 his apostles. I have great trials among my own people. 
 But, my son, let not these remarks discourage you, in the 
 least, for Christ is at the helm. 
 
 " Last week on Thursday, your brother W. sent a 
 portrait-painter here from Springfield, to paint my likeness 
 and your mother's, if she would consent. I began to 
 sit for this object on Friday morning, and yesterday he 
 finished the picture, which is spoken of by the few who 
 have seen it, as an uncommonly good likeness of your 
 father, and as being- executed, in all respects, with skill 
 and taste. This intelligence, as you love and respect 
 your parents, will doubtless be pleasing to you, and it 
 would be doubly pleasing if I could add, that he painted 
 your mother's. But she could not be persuaded to sit for 
 the purpose. I acknowledge that it was not pleasant to 
 me, to sit and be gazed at, by the piercing eye of a 
 stranger, day after day, and for an hour or two at a time; 
 but I sat to gratify my children. The young painter is 
 not yet twenty-three — is in a measure self-taught — dis- 
 covers a great taste for the fine arts, and will rise to 
 eminence if he takes a right course." 
 
 « Feb. 25, 1833. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " Your letter of the 19th inst. was richly stored with 
 good news, and was a cordial to my mind. I have had 
 many fears, lest your health should entirely fail, amidst 
 your multiplied cares and labors, knowing that your con- 
 stitution is not the most firm. But I desire to praise God 
 for restoring you so often from threatening complaints, and 
 that at the date of your letter, you enjoyed comfortable 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 313 
 
 heakh. You inform me of an extensive and powerful 
 work of divine grace, in the village of A., of which I had 
 heard nothing before. It seems the Holy Spirit is shed down 
 upon you, in a wonderful manner, and many are brought to 
 bow at the foot of the cross. I rejoice to notice tokens of a 
 revival in your own soul. This I discern, in your acknow- 
 ledging a consciousness of languor of love for Christ, and 
 remissness in duty, for some time past. The carelessness 
 and apathy of Christians, in running the race set before 
 them, is exceedingly sinful, because it evinces great in- 
 gratitude to Him who gave his life a ransom, and is calcu- 
 lated to ruin the souls of others. I do hope God has 
 aroused you from your criminal slumbers, and that you 
 will never again follow Christ afar off. The interesting 
 state of things in A., I see has called you into action, and 
 you have been visiting from house to house, conversing 
 with your fellow-sinners on the great subject of religion. 
 I felt this to be an honor to an unworthy parent. 
 
 " Protracted religious meetings should be conducted 
 with great prudence, otherwise evils will result from them, 
 which are not anticipated at the time. When there is 
 great excitement, the adversary will be busy, and there is 
 danger that false hopes may be multiplied. I do not think 
 it wise to have meetings continued so long, as the one has 
 been with you. The human mind will not endure it. I 
 have great confidence in the wisdom of Mr. H., your pas- 
 tor, but I hear he has a Mr. there, who may not 
 
 be equally judicious. I hope and pray that you may all 
 be guided by the Holy Spirit, and be made to feel your 
 dependence. 
 
 " I am too old to increase my exertions, and cannot 
 attend as many meetings as formerly. I sometimes think 
 it is my duty to stop, and give way to a younger man. I 
 hope you pray daily for me, that I may be directed and 
 supported." 
 
 27 
 
314 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 « March 20, 1833. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I thank you for your favor of the 9th instant, and 
 for the Dissertation of Dr. S. which you sent with it. I 
 read without delay tlie Dissertation, and I read it with 
 great interest, as it is the discussion of a subject on « hich 
 I wrote a short essay. Dr. S. takes exactly the ground 
 which I did, and has ably defended it. But error has so 
 widely spread in the churches and among ministers in this 
 land, and taken such deep root, that I expect multitudes 
 will dissent from him. I have been surprised to see what 
 progress corrupt sentiments will make in a very few years, 
 and what mischief may be done hy a few men. It is a fact, 
 both in religion and politics, that men are credulous, and 
 public opinion is easiFy turned. It is not a little gratify- 
 ing to me, that you appear to keep correct in your reli- 
 gious views, and stand by what may be called some of the 
 fiindamental doctrines of our holy religion, in this day of 
 excitement, and when tliere is such a fondness for new 
 things. But, my son, rest not in mere speculation. The 
 best and only security against error and corruption, is, to 
 have the heart right. Will you read the following passage 
 in 1 John v. 10 — ' He that believeth on the Son of God, 
 hath the witness in himself.' A renewed heart comes 
 into the gospel system and abides in it, because it loves 
 the truth. This is the teaching of the Spirit, making the 
 heart accord with what the Spirit reveals in the Bible. It 
 is an inward testimony to the truth, always followed by an 
 unshaken confidence in the gospel. I do hope you may 
 be thus taught, and then your foundation w^ill be sure. 
 This would rejoice the heart of your beloved companion 
 and bosom friend, and the hearts of your parents, and of 
 many others who feel an interest in you. 
 
 " My health has not been good for the last three or four 
 weeks, and it has been very difficult for me to discliarge 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 315 
 
 the ordinary duties of my ministry — and, in this time, 
 sectarian efforts have been unwearied. We have now, as 
 you well know, a mixed population, and it is an arduous 
 task to guide them. I am too far advanced in life to meet 
 the difficulties which arise; but I cast myself upon Him, 
 who has hitherto been my guide. 
 
 " Your mother enjoys indifferent health, but has rarely 
 failed of attending public worship this winter.. All your 
 brothers have recently written us — all are well, except- 
 ing hard colds — and all appear to be active. There 
 has been a very great religious excitement at A., and E. 
 seems to be much aroused. He thinks there have been 
 four hundred converted, as the result of a late protracted 
 meeting in the congregation to which he belongs. The 
 meeting continued thirty-three days. This I think was 
 not wise, and I fear the consequences of such movements. 
 How much reason we have to rejoice, that the God of 
 Zion reigns ! " 
 
 "^ug. 12, 1833. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I thank you for your favor, received on Saturday. 
 I expected you would have written before, agreeably to 
 my request. Days of examination in college are very im- 
 portant, and I hope you will sustain the approaching one 
 with honor to yourself, and elevate your standing in the 
 class, which, if I have been correctly informed, has ever 
 been respectable. The progress of many students, through 
 their own neglects, is often retrograde. 
 
 "Your brother E. is passing through a scene of heavy 
 affliction, which you anticipate at once. Three weeks 
 ago last Saturday, he received a letter, informing him of 
 the rapid decline of Miss W., and on the Monday suc- 
 ceeding, he sat out for the east, and reached Albany 
 Tuesday evening, where he wrote me a line. Soon after 
 
316 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 he reached Hartford, he wrote me again, informing me 
 that she was in the city, under the care of Dr. N., and 
 much l&wer than he expected, and would never be re- 
 moved to her mother's. In a second letter, he earnestly 
 requested me to visit him under his troubles, saying he 
 never needed my presence, and counsel, and prayers, 
 more. A week ago last Saturday, T took the stage and 
 went to H. I found her a very interesting person, and in 
 a happy frame of mind, expressing <i;hristian resignation. 
 E.'s prospect of disappointment affects him deejjy, but he 
 seems to rejoice in the calmness of ]\Jiss W., and her 
 willingness to part with him, and with the world. I hope 
 and pray he may be supported from on high. I tarried 
 with him until Monday afternoon, having preached twice 
 on the Sabbath for Dr. H. W. has been down to see E., 
 and to comfort him. I fear the effect of his confinement, 
 anxiety, and want of sleep, on his own health. 1 hope 
 you will find it in your heart to pray much for him. He 
 received your letter just before he left A. I wish you 
 would write him again immediately, and direct to H." 
 
 "Aug. 13, 1833. 
 
 " My very dear Son, 
 
 " The trials into which you are brought, by the holy 
 and wise providence of God, are much in my mind, and 
 influence me daily to make supplication to the Father of 
 mercies in your behalf, that you may not dishonor him. 
 I received your letter on Friday evening, and was much 
 rejoiced, to hear that your amiable and pious friend was 
 then alive, and though greatly enfeebled by her disease, 
 was happy and tranquil in her mind. I think I shall 
 never regret going down to see her, as I have now some 
 personal knowledge of the dear object of your attachment, 
 and can feel more sensibly for you, in the prospect of your 
 great disappointment. You have, doubtless, been in 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 317 
 
 danger of suffering this dear friend to rob the Saviour of 
 your affections, and this would certainly be unreasonable 
 and criminal. If she is yet living, you will, in a proper 
 manner, present salutations to her from your parents, who 
 cannot but be afflicted in your afflictions. Remind her 
 from me, of the apostle's words, where he says — ' For I 
 reckon, that the sufferings of this present time are not 
 worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be 
 revealed in us ' — meaning all those who are united to 
 Christ. 
 
 " My journey home was prosperous ; but as W. was 
 unwilling to have me leave him so soon, and to. rise so 
 early in tlie morning, I did not leave S. until the afternoon 
 ■of Tuesday, and of course, did not reach my family until 
 Wednesday. 
 
 " I trust my visit to you has made your trial known to 
 more friends in H., and will occasion more sympathy, and 
 call forth many more prayers in your behalf, and for your 
 languishing friend. I shall expect another letter from you 
 this week, and I hope we may be prepared for whatever 
 intelligence the .Lord may send by your hand. Your 
 trying situation is daily before us, and you have our 
 sympathy. We all send you much love." 
 
 "JVov. 13, 1833. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " Your favor of the 2Sth ult. was duly received, for 
 which I thank you. I rejoice to hear that the Lord pros- 
 pered your way, with your household, to Palmyra, the 
 place of your residence for a season. The time of your 
 continuance there, the success you are to have in busi- 
 ness, and the trials with which you are to be visited, are 
 known to Him only, who is the God of all the families of 
 the earth. Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he 
 will direct your paths. You now have opportunity, with 
 27* 
 
318 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 your family, to honor the Sabbath, and to enjoy the priv- 
 ileges of the sanctuary. I hope and trust you will be 
 among the constant attendants on the public worship of 
 God, and cheerfully bear your part in supporting divine 
 institutions. Let your deportment, at all times, evince to 
 your rising family, now in the forming period, that you 
 act in the fear of God, and that religion is the one thing 
 needful. You cannot have, in the most important re- 
 spects, a well regulated family, without family worship. I 
 entreat you to erect a family-altar, that your dear children 
 may have the benefit of an example so important to a re- 
 ligious education. 
 
 " I trust that E. and A. are located in a good school, 
 and much engaged with their books, and that you take 
 them to the house of God every Sabbath. I think they 
 both will remember their grandfather and grandmother 
 Hyde. C. was too young to have any impressions left on 
 his mind with respect to us. 
 
 " Through divine mercy, your mother and I enjoy com- 
 fortable health, yet she has been for some time more 
 feeble than common. I have attended religious meetings 
 every evening, excepting Saturday evenings, for two 
 months; but it has affected my health, and worn off my 
 flesh. The peculiar state of this people has induced me 
 to make these efforts. 
 
 " Miss B. came here the same week you left, and we 
 find her the same intelligent and agreeable person as 
 formerly. She unites with your mother, T., and myself, 
 in much love to you, your wife and the children.'' 
 
 "A'ov.21, 1833. 
 
 " My dear Son, 
 
 " I thank you for your kind favor of the 13th inst., 
 in which I discover your feelings of tenderness for your 
 parents in their declining years. Your mother completed 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 319 
 
 the sixty-third year of her mortal life, last Saturday, and 
 I desire to bless God that her health has rather improved 
 since I wrote last. She rode with nie to New Marlborough, 
 a few days ago, where I was called to preach, and we 
 tarried at the house of my deceased friend. Dr. Catlin, 
 and were hospitably entertained by his son and family. 
 The ride was evidently beneficial to us both. 
 
 " Miss B. took the stage for Albany, .yesterday, having 
 been with us more than six weeks. We greatly hoped to 
 have kept her longer, but her brother had written, and 
 urgently solicited her return, as she was much wanted at 
 the female seminary. The prospect of the speedy closing 
 of the canal, induced her to go before our thanksgiving. 
 She is a person of much intelligence and discretion, and 
 has a well-cultivated mind, and an uncommonly correct 
 taste. We found her to be very companionable, and a 
 pleasant inmate in the family. It was with reluctance, 
 that we parted with her. 
 
 "I have not preached in the meeting-house for si. v Sab- 
 baths. The removal of so large a building has been a 
 great and difficult job, and adverse weather has retarded 
 the business. Though the house is far from being finished, 
 we hope to meet in it next Sabbath. During all this 
 time, my labors have been very great, having been obliged 
 to hold all my meetings in the school-houses. I have been 
 holding a ^meeting in some part of the town almost every 
 evening for two months. T. has generally waited upon 
 me, or I could not have done it. I hope God will bless 
 him for this service, which he has rendered me. 
 
 " The pastoral letter has not yet come from the press, 
 though I expected it more than a week ago. 1 will fur- 
 nish you with a copy, when you visit us next week, of 
 which you have given us some encouragement. It will 
 be very gratifying to see you on the day of thanksgiving, 
 especially as we have of late had so much company, and 
 now are left alone." 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 HIS PREACHING THEOLOGICAL INSTRUCTION PASTORAL 
 
 LABORS CONNECTION WITH WILLIAMS COLLEGE. 
 
 The efforts of Dr. Ilj de, as a preacher, were marked with 
 peculiar clearness in the exliibition of trulii, and a man- 
 ner which made the impression upon tlie minds of his 
 hearers that he felt that he was God's ambassador, 
 addressing them on subjects of immense responsibility. 
 His great object was to deliver God's message, and this 
 he believed to consist in a scriptural exhibition of the 
 doctrines of revelation, and the duties there ejijoined, 
 in something of the proportions in which these are found 
 on the pages of the written word. His hearers had oppor- 
 tunity to see that there was in his pulpit labors, no in- 
 distinct resemblance to those who could say, "Therefore, 
 seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, 
 we, faint not ; but have renounced the hidden things of 
 dishonesty ; not walking in craftiness, nor handling the 
 word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth, 
 commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the 
 sight of God." His sermons were the result of patient 
 study, careful investigation, commenced and prosecuted 
 and closed with earnest a])plication to Him who hearcth 
 prayer. He fully believed that it was a great sin, danger- 
 
MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 321 
 
 ous to the preacher and ruinous to the hearers, to serve 
 God with that which cost him nothing. His best hours 
 were employed in preparation for tlie pulpit, and his 
 faculties were put in requisition for this one object — to 
 declare all the counsel of God, to take heed unto himself, 
 and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost had made 
 him an overseer, to feed the church of God whicb he had 
 purchase^'d with his blood. 
 
 His sermons were distinguished for lucid exhibitions 
 of the doctrines of grace. While-there was a classic 
 purity, that rendered his discourses eminently acceptable 
 to men of refined taste, there was such simplicity and 
 godly sincerity, such adaptation to common minds,. and 
 such directness, that his hearers could not fail to apprehend 
 his meaning. Truth, revealed truth, looked beautiful to 
 his eye; it fed his own soul ; and this it was his great effort 
 to be the instrument of making known to his headers. 
 Those doctrines which exalt God, and abase all flesh at 
 the footstool of sovereign mercy, were the most frequently 
 and prominently exhibited in his sermons. He preached 
 no theories ; the great facts of the Bible were his only 
 topics. He never attempted to preach against any denomi- 
 nation ; and during the forty-two y^ars of his ministry, 
 in no sermon did he attempt to enlist his hearers in 
 opposition to any sect, or caution them against their errors. 
 He preached down nobody. His sole object was to preach 
 the truth. In his conversation and letters, he spoke and 
 wi'ote with very great freedom and plainness, of prevailing 
 errofs, but when he stood as God's ambassador, he brought 
 no message from heaven agatnst those who embraced 
 different views from his own. 
 
 From an examination of his manuscript sermons, 
 preached near the time of his ordination, the, following 
 subjects were those which he made the tliemes of his 
 addresses in his regular ministrations on the Sabbath, and 
 
322 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 this is the order in wliich they were presented. The day 
 on whicli he gave his answer to the invitation to labor in 
 Lee, he preached from Acts xvii. 11 — " These were more 
 noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the 
 word w ith all readiness of mind, and searched the scrip- 
 tures daily, whether those things were so." In remarking 
 upon the passage, he observed, " The text evidently 
 supports this doctrine. 
 
 " It is the duty of a people to search the scriptures daily, 
 that tliey may know whether the doctrines which they 
 hear preached, are to be received as truth. 
 
 "God gave his word to us for our guide, and he gave it 
 to us for an infallible guide, and it is his design that we 
 should depend on no other." " It is not God's will that 
 a few men only, should study the scriptures, and that 
 others should take for granted every thing which they 
 -say ; biit God designs that in matters of religion, every 
 person should judge for himself." " But to be more 
 particular in illustrating the doctrine, I observe, first, if 
 any have doubts respecting the way of salvation, or in 
 other words, how it is that God saves sinners, let them 
 look into the Bible and read what that says." He then 
 briefly sketches a few passages, which exhibit God's 
 agency in this great work, and every sinner's immediate 
 duty, pressing home upon every conscience the guilt and 
 danger of neglecting so great salvation. He called the 
 attention of his hearers, secondly, to the doctrine of the 
 trinity ; thirdly, to the divinity of our Saviour ; fourthly, 
 to the extent of the atonement ; fifthly, to the character 
 of man by nature ; sixthly, to the doctrine of election ; 
 seventhly, to the necessity of regeneration ; eighthly, to 
 tlie perseverance of the saints ; ninthly, to the doctrine 
 of the future judgment; and, lastly, to the treatment the 
 impenitent will receive at the day of judgment. 
 
 Ue then proceeded to the application, 1. They who 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 323 
 
 rest upon their education, and receive every thing for 
 truth, because they have been taught to believe it as such, 
 are in great d^inger. .2. They who regard the traditions 
 of men as a rule, are exposed always to live in error. 
 3. Thpy who make the examples of men a rule, are in 
 danger. Lastly, they who embrace sentiments, because 
 they are espoused by the greatest numbers, make that 
 a rule which is no rule, and are therefore in great 
 danger. 
 
 The last Sabbatli he was with the people, before his 
 ordination, his «ubject was prayer, from these words, 
 Eph. vi. 18 — " Praying always, with all prayer and suppli- 
 cation in the Spirit." It is evident in reading the sermon, 
 that he felt his own weakness and insufficiency for his 
 work, and looked up to the grace of God, casting him- 
 self upon the prayers of his people. After some pertinent 
 remarks upon the various kinds of prayer, and the pro- 
 priety of praying always with all prayer, he selects as a 
 more particular theme, social and family prayer, and 
 pours out before his people, in earnest appeals to their 
 consciences, his desire that all would regard the text as 
 pointing out their duty. He then answered some of the 
 more common objections which are made by such as 
 neglect prayer. His language in one paragraph is as 
 follows : 
 
 " But you say, I dare not pray, because I am an im- 
 penitent sinner, and the prayers of the wicked are an 
 abomination to the Lord. It is to be feared that many 
 sinners feel this objection, and rest easy in living a prayer- 
 less life. But there can be no objection invented which 
 is further from affording an excuse than this. It savors 
 of nothing but a great degree of stupidity and wickedness. 
 It is a suggestion of Satan, and at the present day, it is 
 one of his most successful devices. By bringing to their 
 view this objection, he makes them cast off fear, and re- 
 
3-34 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 straia prayer before God. But the fallacy of this objection 
 is easily discovered and pointed out. Our obligations to 
 obey God, do not depend upon the state of our hearts, and 
 therefore impenitence can release no man from his duty. 
 If we are ever under obligations to confess our sins, and 
 to pray to God, we are now. It is an immediate duty. 
 Our being impenitent sinners, is so far from excusing us, 
 that it is the very reason why we should confess our sins 
 and ask God to forgive us. The more sinful we are, the 
 stronger the reason why we should immediately confess 
 our sins, and pray for pardon. The scriptures nowhere 
 require a man to have evidence that his heart is sancti- 
 fied previously to his performing prayer. They do not 
 enjoin this duty upon Christians only, but they call upon 
 all men, without exception, to pray immediately. There 
 can be no warrant found for a moment's delay." 
 
 " Your being an impenitent sinner, is not to be view- 
 ed as a calauiity, but it is the very thing for which you 
 are criminal. You are inexcusable for being an impeni- 
 tent sinner one moment. Your impenitence is a volun- 
 tary affair. Y''ou are guilty for it." 
 
 The first time he appeared before his people, after the 
 Holy-Ghost had made him an overseer to feed the flock 
 of God, he spoke from these words : Luke xiv. 23 — " And 
 the Lord said unto the servant, go out into the highways 
 and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house 
 may be filled." 
 
 After a few words explaining the passage in its inspired 
 connection, he proceeds as follows; " The great duty of 
 ministers is to hold up truth to men. They are to illus- 
 trate it clearly, and to represent it just as it is. They are 
 to vindicate the character of God, his sovereignty, and the 
 plan of divine government. They are to tell sinners their 
 awful situation. They are to hold up to their view their real 
 character, and in a manner to be understood. They are 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 325 
 
 to tell sinners plainly and without any equivocation, that 
 they have undone themselves, that they are wretclied, and 
 miserable, and poOr, and blind, and naked. They must 
 also point out to them the only way of escape, and publish 
 to them the glad tidings of salvation. They must deliver 
 to them their message, that Christ Jesus has come into 
 the world to seek and save that which is lost, and that he 
 stands with open arms ready to receive perishing sinners. 
 They must search the scriptures for arguments to per- 
 suade sinners to renounce the world and come to Christ. 
 They must press the invitations of the gospel upon them, 
 and be unwearied in their entreaties to have them come 
 to Christ and be saved. They must be continually call- 
 ing upon them to attend to the concerns of their immortal 
 souls. All the light and truth which they can gather 
 from God's word, and from his providence, they must 
 bring out to their view, and they must point out the obli- 
 gations which they are under to give up themselves to 
 Christ, and to leave unsaid nothing which is calculated to 
 make sinners feel, and to f conviction into their con- 
 sciences. This is what the ministers of the gospel must 
 do, and then leave the event with God. This is what is 
 meant by compelling sinners to come to the rich feast t>f 
 the gospel. The text suggests no other compulsion than 
 this. The word in the original which is translated compel, 
 might have been translated with more propriety ' earnest 
 and continual urging,' so that the servant in the parable, 
 who was commanded to go out and compel them to come 
 in, was commanded to go out and earnestly and continu- 
 ally urge them to come in. Earnestly and continually to 
 urge sinners to come to the rich feast of the gospel, is the 
 duty of ministers. This duty, God in his providence 
 has devolved on me. I am called to discharge the impor- 
 tant office of a minister of the gospel. I have been sol- 
 emnly consecrated and set apart to the great work, and 
 28 
 
326 MEMOIR OF 
 
 you, my friends, are the people among whom I am called 
 ,0 labor. I profess to come to you in the name of Jesus 
 Christ, and to speak to you in his name ; and in his stead, 
 to beseech you to be reconciled to God. I profess to be a 
 servant and minister of Jesus Christ, and so far as I have 
 knowledge of my heart, I feel willing to be his servant. 
 I am the servant which he has sent to you, to compel you 
 to come to the rich feast of the gospel. My duty is marked 
 out before me. This is the place in which the great 
 Head of the church hath called me to labor in the work 
 of the ministry. You are the people of my charge. I am 
 sent to you, earnestly and cbntinually to urge you, all of 
 you, both old and young, to embrace the gospel of Jesus 
 Christ. Since I am sent to you on this great and impor- 
 tant errand, I must be faithful in delivering my message. 
 I shall therefore begin my ministry with calling upon you, 
 entreating you and urging you, to come to the feast which 
 Christ hath prepared for you in the gospel. This day, 
 which is the first time of my addressing you as your min- 
 ister, I shall enter upon the subject. Christ's words to 
 me are, ' Go out into the highways and hedges, and com- 
 pel them to come in, that my house may be filled.' I 
 entreat, therefore, that jou would carefully attend to what 
 I have to deliver to you. The way w-hicli is pointed out 
 for me to compel you to come to the rich feast of the gos- 
 pel, is to urge you by fair and convincing arguments. I 
 have collected and arranged a number, which I now 
 address to your consciences. 
 
 " In the first place, I call upon you to consider who it 
 is that invites you to come to this feast. 
 
 "2. Another argument why you should come to the 
 gospel feast, is the great pains which Christ has taken to 
 make you acquainted with the invitation, and to persuade 
 you to comply with it. 
 
 " 3. Another argument which I shall make use of to 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 327 
 
 persuade you to come, is the richness of the feast to which 
 you are invited. 
 
 " 4. I have one more argument to hold up to your view, 
 whiclv is this — if you do not come to this feast, you are 
 ^ undone forever. 
 
 " I am bound to call upon you to forsake your evil ways 
 and to press upon you the invitations^ of the gospel, and 
 then leave the event with God. God has told me in his 
 word, that while the preaching of the gospel is a savor of 
 life unto life to some, it is a savor of death unto death to 
 others. Who then is sufficient for these things? Is it 
 not astonishing that this great work, even too great for 
 angels, should be committed into the hands of men ? But 
 God has told us why it is so. He says that ' this treasure 
 is committed to earthen vessels, that the excellency of the 
 power may be of God, and not of us.' This is reason 
 enough. Let God have all the glory. The benevolent 
 soul will ascribe it to him. 
 
 " In the providence of God, I am called to feed this 
 flock, and to be a pastor of this church, and to urge per- 
 ishing sinners in this place, to come to the gospel feast. 
 Brethren, pray for me. I need your prayers. Pray to 
 almighty God that I may be found faithful in discharging 
 the important trust committed to me — that I may be kept 
 from sinking under a sense of the greatness of the work 
 in which I am engaged, and that the grace of God may 
 be sufficient for me. Pray that I may have a realizing 
 sense of the worth and preciousness of immortal souls, and 
 that I may have the presence of God. Particularly re- 
 member me at the throne of grace on the Sabbath, that I 
 may be furnished for the duties of the sanctuary. Plead 
 with God that my labors in this place may be successful, 
 and that I may be an instrument, in his hand, of building 
 up the Redeemer's kingdom. Plead with him for this 
 church, that it may be enlarged, and that there may be 
 
328 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 an outpouring of God's Spirit in this place, that stupid 
 sinners may be brought to renlize their situation, and that 
 God's elect may he gathered in. You, my brethren, may 
 do much, under God, to support me amid those trials 
 which are inseparable from the character of a faithful 
 minister. Let us follow after the things which make for 
 peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 
 
 " Let us continually bear it in mind that we must meet 
 at the day of judgment, and that the meeting will be 
 solemn and interesting. That we may each and every 
 one of us so conduct in our several stations, as to give up 
 our account with joy, and not with grief, may God grant, 
 for the Redeemer's sake." 
 
 The following Sabbath, John vi. 70, 71, furnished his 
 theme. 'Jesus answered them. Have not I chosen you 
 twelve, and one of you is a devil ? He spake of Judas 
 Iscariot, the son of Simon : for he it was that should 
 betray him, being one of the twelve.' In this sermon 
 he exhibited distinctly this sentiment, that Christ accom- 
 plishes his own designs with every individual of the 
 human family. Then from the text, 1 Cor. ix. 24, 'Know 
 ye not, that they which run in a race, run all, but one re- 
 ceiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain ; ' in which 
 he attempted to show, 1. Who they are that so run as not 
 to obtain; and 2. The character of those who so run that 
 they do obtain. 
 
 The following is the order of the texts from which he 
 preached on subsequent Sabbaths. Phil. ii. 12, 13. 'Work 
 out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is 
 God which worketh in you, both to will and to do of 
 his good pleasure.' Isaiah lix. 1, 2. 'Behold, the Lord's 
 hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his 
 ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have 
 separated between you and your God, and your sins have 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 339 
 
 hid his face from you, that he will not hear.' John xv. 14. 
 * Ye are my friends, if ye do wiiatsoever I command you.' 
 Luke xii. 47. ' And that servant which knew his lord's 
 will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to 
 his will, sliall be beaten with many stripes.' 1 Cor. vi. 20. 
 ' For ye are bouglit with a price : therefore glorify God in 
 your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.' Titus i. 16. 
 ' They profess that they know God ; but in works they deny 
 him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every 
 good work reprobate.' Malachi iii. 8. 'Will a man rob 
 God?. Yet ye have robbed me : but ye say, Wherein have 
 we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.' Matt. xxiv. 44. 
 ' Therefore be ye also ready : for in such an hour as ye 
 think not, the Son of man comelh.' Zech. i. 6. ' But my 
 words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants 
 the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? And 
 they returned and said, Like as the Lord of hosts thought 
 to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our 
 doings, so hath he dealt with us.' Luke xvi. 8. 'And the 
 lord commended the unjust steward because he had done 
 wisely : for the children of this world are in their gen- 
 eration wiser than the children of light.' Rev. xxii. 16. 
 ' I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these 
 things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring 
 of David, and the bright and morning star.' 
 
 Several of these were texts on which he wrote two 
 sermons ; and the above, with what aid he had from the 
 occasional visits of his brethren in the ministry, brought 
 him to the close of the year 1799. 
 
 God set the seal of his approbation upon his labors, and 
 very soon after his settlement in the ministry, a work of 
 grace commenced, which continued for nearly two years. 
 When he addressed his people from the pulpit, there 
 was such maturity of thought, such an exhibition of 
 the beautiful proportions of divine truth, such harmony 
 28 * 
 
330 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and symmetry in inculcating the Christian graces, it was 
 manifest that he had carefully studied the whole of God's 
 revealed word, and in giving to every one a portion, 
 Jeaned on the arm of Him who said, ' Lo I am with you 
 always' — 'T\Iy grace is sufficient for thee.' After the 
 lapse of forty years, we are permitted to speak of the 
 subjects of that revival as of those whom the Lord added 
 to the church. Some still survive, and though they feel 
 that their hearts have been smitten by the removal of their 
 pastor, they turn to Him who smiteth them, blessing him 
 for his great kindness in sending to them such a shep- 
 herd. Many are fathers and mothers in Israel, among 
 the churches at the west, and many, we trust, welcomed 
 him who had been their pastor, when he had passed 
 through the dark valley, to the verge of which he had 
 followed them, and commended their souls to the God 
 of all grace. 
 
 , ■ This revival, early in his ministry, gave a character 
 and direction to his labors, which continued while he 
 lived. It deepened his sense of responsibility ; aided him 
 in rendering his preaching still more discriminating ; laid 
 out work for him in his pastoral labors, which he pursued 
 with increasing pleasure to himself, and profit to his flock, 
 till the close of his ministry. 
 
 As it is proposed to say, in this connection, all that 
 will be said in the volume, of his labors as a preacher 
 and pastox, it may be observed, with truth, that to know 
 the worth of the man, and the amount of his influence, 
 no one service, on any public occasion, could lead an 
 observer to form any estimation. He never aimed to 
 make a great eflbrt, or a powerful impression that would 
 serve to cover up a great many defects and delinquencies 
 on common occasions. It was among his own people, and 
 in the ordinary interviews with them in his own pulpit, in 
 the conference-room, in pastoral visits, by the bed of sick- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 331 
 
 ness^in tlie circle of mourners; it was in all these details, 
 that he shone as a teacher and pastor. It was his influ- 
 ence as a whole, his every day deportment ; it \vas the 
 beautiful illustration he gave of sustaining a parental 
 relation to his flock, that Iws written upon so many hearts 
 his memory, never to be eflaced. Something of this he 
 carried with him wherever he went. He did not lay aside 
 the ministerial character w'hen on journeys, or on visits to 
 the towns where his occasional labors were performed. 
 He was uniformly the same man, with the same tender- 
 ness of conscience, and the same interest in the welfare 
 of all the souls around him. But still it was among hia 
 own beloved flock, who heard him from his own pulpit, 
 and in the social meeting, and saw him in family visits, 
 and this too year after year, that there was the brightest 
 exhibition of what he was. There was a commingling of 
 excellencies and proportions in his character, as a min- 
 ister, that furnished the great secret of his influence 
 among his flock. 
 
 Few ministers have been so uniformly active, as the 
 subject of these remarks. Always punctual to his ap- 
 pointments, his people never expected tliat any ordinary 
 •occurrence, such as cold, or heat, or storm, would prevent 
 the pastor from being in his place. He was icith his 
 people. 
 
 On all the schools he had his eye. One who was 
 associated with him in his visits to these fountains of 
 influence, gives the following details. 
 
 " Dr. Hyde was remarkable for the discharge of every 
 duty. The education of youth received much of his 
 attention. All the schooJs within the bounds of his parish 
 were undei: his constant supervision. He visited them 
 systematically and examined them critically as a matter of 
 duty. It was his uniform and unvarying practice to visit 
 
332 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the summer and winter schools near their commencement 
 and near their close, making four visits annually to each 
 school within the town. This practice commenced with 
 his pastoral labors and closed only with his life. For the 
 fifteen last years of his estimable life, I was a member of 
 his society, set under his invaluable ministry, and have 
 often accompanied him to the village school and wit- 
 nessed his paternal solicitude for the improvement of the 
 youngest portion of his flock. In the discharge of this 
 duty he observed his accustomed punctuality. He was 
 always at the school-house at the time appointed. He 
 gave his undivided attention to the exercises of the school. 
 No pupU escaped his notice: if there was one present 
 whom he did not recognize, he made inquiry, for it was a 
 principle with him to know and be conversant with every 
 child in his parish. The examination was conducted by 
 the teacher after his own manner, for a part of the object 
 of these visits was to ascertain the abilities and qualifica- 
 tions of the teacher. After the teacher had examined a 
 class in his own mode, Dr. Hyde followed with such ques- 
 tions to each scholar as his experience dictated, for the 
 purpose of ascertaining either the improvement or the 
 deficiencies of the pupil. In this manner each class in 
 the school was examined first by the teacher, and then by 
 him. After the examination in the appropriate studies of 
 the school was closed, he put to each scholar one or more 
 questions in relation to the doctrines or duties of the 
 Christian religion. He is now visible to my mind's eye 
 as he rose from his seat and approached the youngest 
 scholar in the school, and in a gentle, kind and affectionate 
 manner, called it by name and told it to arise, and put to 
 it one or two questions of the following purport : Who 
 made you ? who redeemed you? who made the world, the 
 brooks, the trees, the sun, the moon ? who made every 
 thing ? The older pupils he examined in the Assembly's 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 333 
 
 Shorter Catechism. He then made remarks upon the 
 appearance of the school generally, and upon the n])pear- 
 ance of each class. His remarks were appropriate and 
 just, and as commendatory as his sense of duty would 
 permit. He never bestowed undeserved praise or unmer- 
 ited censure. He closed the exercises with a short and 
 pertinent prayer, and retired, leaving a salutary, heavenly, 
 and enduring influence behind him." 
 
 The teachers welcomed his visits as those of a father, 
 and they, found in him a ready counsellor. He knew how 
 to adapt his addresses to the capacities of cliildreu, and 
 in all the schools in his society, he appeared frequently, 
 not to perform a service as a task, a drudgery, but to 
 enjoy a deliglitful privilege, to encourage the younger 
 members of his large family, in the acquisition of useful 
 knowledge. His was not a fitful activity. There was no 
 meteor-like splendor attending him for a few months ; but 
 a zeal kindled at God's aliar, that shone brighter and 
 brighter, for more than forty years. 
 
 In the foregoing paragraphs there is allusion to his visits 
 in the chamber of sickness. The readers -of this sketch 
 will be gratified by the following particulars from one 
 who speaks of things which he knew, and testifies of that 
 which he had seen, illustrative of his pastoral character in 
 tliis respect. He subscribes himself "One who was often 
 with him in his visits to the sick." 
 
 " Dear Sir, 
 
 " Vivid and indelible as my impressions are of the 
 peculiar manner of the late Rev. Dr. Hyde, in the cham- 
 bers of the sick and dying, and in the house of mourning, 
 I find myself incompetent to the task of describing it. 
 But when I say that in his intercourse with the sick and 
 afflicted, he was at home, I only state a fact, the truth 
 
334 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 of wliich, those who best knew him, will cordially attest. 
 Although the demands upon his time were frequent and 
 urgent, yet the call from the chamber of sickness was 
 never unheeded ; and in visiting a dying parishioner, he 
 doubtless laid the foundation of that disease which ter- 
 minated his own life. Having been frequenily called to 
 taste of the cup of affliction, in the death of his beloved 
 children, he well knew how to feel for others in like cir- 
 cumstances, and in him the afflicted ever found a kind 
 and sympathizing friend, who strove to comfort them with 
 the comibrt wherewith he himself was comforted of God. 
 Acquainted with the various avenues to the human heart, 
 he knew how to take advantage of present circumstances, 
 and of course his conversation with the sick, and the 
 afflicted, was always peculiarly appropriate. To the 
 anxious sinner on the bed of disease and death, he was 
 always a welcome visitor, for while he earnestly pressed 
 upon the tender and awakened conscience the uncom- 
 promising demands of the divine law, yet in the most 
 affectionate manner he would point the trembling soul to 
 the * Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world,' 
 and then with peculiar fervor commend it in prayer, to 
 the mercy of God tlirough a crucified Saviour. How often 
 these instructions and prayers were followed by genuine 
 conversion, eternity only can unfold. By the timid, trem- 
 bling believer, on the bed of death, he was ever hailed as 
 an angel of mercy, sent to whisper peace to the departing 
 soul, and unfold the joys of the upper world, where sin 
 and sorrow never enter. I only add, that few ministers 
 of the gospel have been more welcome than he was in the 
 almost daily scenes of sorrow and affliction which fall to 
 the lot of mortals — few, who have had more opportunity 
 of doing good to the sick and the afflicted, and few, whose 
 labors of love in this way have left a more abiding im- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 335 
 
 pression on the minds of those who survive to mourn 
 their loss. 
 
 ' The sweet remembrance of the just 
 Shall flourish while they sleep in dust.' " 
 
 The writer of these remarks, is happy to lay down his 
 own pen while he introduces to the reader another cor- 
 respondent who has kindly sketched the following delin- 
 eation of his character in one particular. 
 
 "Sir, 
 
 "You will doubtless receive from various sources, 
 ample testimonies to the excellence and usefulness of the 
 beloved servant of Christ, whose memoir I have learned 
 that you are compiling ; but though I could- wish that 
 what I propose might be done by an abler hand, I feel a 
 strong inclination to transmit to you the impression which 
 many opportunities of familiar intercourse with him in his 
 own family, and elsewhere, have left on tl>e mind of a 
 private , individual. And though I would shrink from 
 appearing to take the place of an instructor, well aware, 
 that that of a learner only becomes me, I venture on the 
 expression of the following thoughts, from the belief that 
 it may be useful to ministers sometimes to have' opportu- 
 nity to look at themselves and their influence through the 
 eyes of some obscure member of community. 
 
 " There are preachers, who in the pulpit appear as befits 
 their high character as ambassadors of God ; and from 
 Hps that seem touched with a live coal from the altar, 
 pour forth the messages of divine truth, with a power and 
 impressiveness and solemnity, that bring an awe upon our 
 spirits, and we feel that it would be a privilege to have 
 intercourse with men who liave so tasted the powers of the 
 world to come, and to breathe the hallowed atmosphere 
 which we imagine must be spread around them wherever 
 
336 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 they go. But if admitted to their society, our expectations 
 
 are disa|)pointed, the heavenly savor of the sermon is 
 looked for in vain in the conversation, and if we do not 
 witness absolute trifling and frivolity, which we sometimes 
 do see, there is a sad lowering down of the favorable 
 opinions we had entertained of their fervent devotedness 
 to their Master's cause, and we are pained by the expres- 
 sion of sentiments and feelings, very much in accordance 
 with the spirit of this world. Perhaps we have heard 
 them in the sanctuary address us from the inspired pre- 
 cept, 'Love not the world;' and they have so exhibited 
 God and the things of his kingdom, as to commend them 
 to our minds as the only worthy objects of our affections; 
 so depicted the uncertainty and unsatisfying nature of 
 earthly possessions and enjoyments, that these seemed 
 scarcely deserving of a thought; and yet, when we see 
 them the next day, we do not discover that they estimate 
 ihe world as they have instructed us to do, but it appa- 
 rently holds about the same place in their calculations and 
 desires as in those of other men. 
 
 " This is not affirmed of ministers, as a class, and the 
 writer of these paragraphs has no sympathy with, those 
 who delight in bringing out to view the faults of Zion's 
 watchmen. Rather let my right arm fall rom the shoul- 
 der-blade, than that I should say a word to weaken the 
 hands of men honored and beloved for their work and 
 their worth, and most of all for tlieir dear Master's sake. 
 But that there are those in tlie sacred office, eminent in 
 gifts, and standing high in tlie religious community, whose 
 daily intercourse with society is not distinctly charac- 
 terized by the spirit of Christ, who can mingle with 
 worldly people and carry with them no proof that they 
 belong to a kingdom not of this world, is a sorrowful fact, 
 one which is a grief of mind to many of God's children, 
 and which does very much to render the ministry of recon- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 337 
 
 ciliation powerless. The private deportment of such 
 ministers, so far as it is known, effectually chills all the 
 warmth of pious feeling which their public labors have 
 excited, and their influence it may be is not even less 
 baneful to the vitality and energy of piety in the church, 
 than that of ministers who have desecrated their sacred 
 character by open immoralities ; for this reason, that as 
 they are unimpeached at the tribunal of public opinion, 
 they stand as fair representatives of the order of men to 
 which they belong. Without the spirit of the gospel in 
 its primitive simplicity and purity, living and speaking in 
 all their ordinary actions every day in the week, our 
 preachers may be men of commanding talents and rich 
 in literary attainments, but they will make little advance 
 in rearing the temple of God, because what they build 
 with one hand they pull down with the other. They may 
 charm and move us by their eloquence, but unless they 
 teach by their example, the tide of religious feeling in the 
 church will be likely to experience a lower ebb in conse- 
 quence of the height, to which it has been drawn by the 
 attractive influence of the thrilling voice, and speaking 
 eye, and expressive gesture, amidst the solemnities of the 
 public assembly, 
 
 "Dr. Hyde's preaching was not of a character Jo work 
 up an audience to a high pitch of excitability, but though 
 his calm and dispassionate manner produced less of visible 
 and temporary effect than that of some others, the ac- 
 cordance manifest between it and his life was such, that 
 the latter always strengthened the impression which the 
 former produced. His religious zeal was not all expended 
 in the labors of the «tudy and the services of the desk, 
 and his ministerial character was never laid aside. If you 
 followed him to the bosom of his family, or saw him amid 
 the cheerful relaxation of the social circle, or observed his 
 business transactions, or marked his words when sur- 
 29 
 
338 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 rounded by those who regarded not God, you would every- 
 where find him the Christian minister ; and I think it is 
 not saying too much to affirm, that one could scarcely have 
 passed an hour with him in these or any other circum- 
 stances, without seeing that he lived for one purpose^ and 
 that purpose was the service of the Lord. He never let 
 himself down to the moral level of worldly people. He 
 always occupied his appropriate ground as a spiritual 
 watchman, and his observant eye seemed to catch every 
 opportunity for introducing favorably his testimony to the 
 great truths and duties of Christianity. Faithful in 
 watching over and warning, in private conversation, the 
 souls committed to his care, he did not, nevertheless, as 
 some good men have done, render his presence disagreea- 
 ble to the unregenerate portion of community, by making 
 it his practice to address them on the subject of religion 
 in a personal and pointed manner on every occasion. 
 When he did speak directly on the state of their souls, it 
 was with equal tenderness and fidelity. His applications 
 of truth were not harsh, but they were searching, and 
 those whom he addressed felt that the speaker believed 
 what he said, and that he expected to give account to God. 
 He wag remarkable for the kind consideration and respect 
 with which he treated all around him, and he made every 
 one feel at ease in his presence, without being guilty of 
 that sort of flattery by which some persons manage to 
 feed the self-complacency and secure the good opinion of 
 those with whom they have to do. There was a dignity 
 and becoming gravity in his manner which gave weight to 
 his words ; and his words, in themselves, more uniformly 
 than those of almost any other man I ever knew, were 
 judicious and weighty, they were words fitly spoken. 
 
 " I have seen him much in his own family and in the 
 houses of friends in the vicinity, whom he was accus- 
 tomed to visit, both ministers and laymen, and this fact 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 339 
 
 occurs to me as worthy of note, that I never knew him 
 make the subject of his support a topic of conversation, nor 
 did I ever hear him speak of his people in the way of fault- 
 finding or complaining. He once told me that a friend 
 had said to him, ' your people have borne with you be- 
 cause you have borne with them.' His was the healthful 
 influence of all-pervading religious principle. It was his 
 conscientious and uniform regard to the obligations of 
 duty, which renders his example a legacy to the church 
 of no ordinary value. This was the secret of his useful- 
 ness, and of the high estimation in which he was held by 
 the Christian public. Among the lights of our Israel, 
 there have been those which emitted a more brilliant 
 flame — perhaps we can point to few which have burned 
 with a serener and purer lustre." 
 
 Another correspondent writes as follows : 
 
 " Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 " I greatly rejoice, that you are preparing a Memoir 
 of the excellent pastor of my childhood and youth, the 
 late Rev. Dr. Hyde. In compliance with your request, 
 I most cheerfully state a few recollections of that holy 
 and useful man. My remarks, with slight exception, will 
 relate to the former half of his ministry — the time when a 
 kind Providence allowed me the favor of his pastoral care. 
 
 " His fair youthful countenance, his piercing eye, his 
 very grave and holy look, his quick and energetic step, 
 his exact and emphatic words, his deeply solemn tones, 
 his kind inquiries, his faithful admonitions, his lively in- 
 terest in the welfare of all about him, are still vivid to me 
 as things of yesterday. This may be owing in part to 
 his uniform attention and kindness to the lambs of his 
 flock. For, like the great Shepherd of souls, he almost 
 literally ' gathered the lambs in his arms, and carried 
 
340 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 them in his bosom.' This early and tender care of 
 children, was probably one of tlie strong silken cords, by 
 which he so happily bound his people to himself. 
 
 " During the early years of his ministry, the advantages 
 of Sabbath schools were in this country unknown. It 
 was then his custom, every autumn, to invite all the 
 children of his congregation, to meet him some afternoon, 
 at the meeting-house. A goodly number would come 
 together. Here, he would pray and talk with them, in 
 all the affectionate earnestness of a father. He would 
 also put questions to each trembling child, from the 
 Shorter Catechism and from the Scripture History. These 
 were seasons of deep and solemn interest, not only to the 
 children, but to those pious parents who were present as 
 spectators. 
 
 " Another way in which he secured the respect and 
 love of the Iambs of his flock, while he contributed not a 
 little to their intellectual and moral improvement, was by 
 his frequent visits at the several schools. The expecta- 
 tion of these visits was sure to give salutary impulse to 
 scholars and teachers for previous weeks. As the time 
 approached, there was much palpitating preparation. Dr. 
 Hyde had a rare faculty to make these occasions profitable 
 to all. And yet, you could hardly describe the charm, by 
 which a whole school in his presence would be spell- 
 bound. It could be felt, it was felt, from the moment he 
 entered the room, till he took his leave ; but its elements 
 cannot be told. This however was fact : — He seemed to 
 take a very lively interest in the school, to see and hear 
 all that was done, to know every name, to mark every 
 grade of improvement, to have some appropriate word of 
 encouragement for each class and each scholar. Yet, his 
 praise was not indiscriminate — if his approval was often 
 delightful, his frown was sometimes withering. He some- 
 how convinced every one, that he was a personal friend ; 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 341 
 
 ^fiat he liad come with a father's tenderness and anxiety 
 to see his children, and promote their good, especially the 
 salvation of their souls. Oh, how very skilfully and af- 
 fectionately, at these times, did he address the listening 
 scholars! And his prayer at the close, how very appro- 
 priate, and fervent and impressive 1 
 
 " I well remember another way in which he manifest- 
 ed solicitude for the good of the young. Sometimes, 
 when my parents sent me to his house with a small token 
 of their regard, he would ask me aside and address me 
 very seriously and tenderly on the state of my soul. Once 
 in particular, it was training day. The stirring drum and 
 fife were already sounding in m'y ears, and quickening the 
 pulsations of my heart. It was my purpose to mingle 
 with other boys in the hilarity of the occasion. But the 
 good man took me into a retired room, and there said to 
 me with mingled gravity and kindness — his very words 
 are yet fresh, by frequent recollection — ' do you think, C, 
 that you have lived as you ought to have done? — Have 
 you come down to spend the afternoon at training ? — Do 
 you think it right to spend your precious time in this 
 way V His manner of saying these things was inexpressi- 
 bly touching. I saw that he felt for my neglected soul. 
 My heart trembled. There was a momentary conflict 
 between duty and desire. But the training was spoiled 
 for me, or rather I was unfitted to find enjoyment there. 
 On leaving the house, I had no wish to join the noisy, 
 mirthful company. I turned away, and took my course 
 homeward, silently, thoughtfully 1 Whether this be a 
 fair specimen of Dr. Hyde's usual custom to improve 
 his private opportunities with the young, I am unable 
 to say. 
 
 " To the preceding facts it were alike easy and delightful 
 to add others of kindred cast;— as, his frequent Tuesday 
 conference for youth ; his invitation sometimes given to 
 29 * 
 
342 
 
 MEMOIR or 
 
 young converts and anxious persons to come to his house, 
 at a given time, for personal conversation ; liis faithful 
 admonitions and affectionate expostulations in view of 
 peculiar dangers, to which his ever open eye saw the 
 younger part of his charge at any time exposed. If some 
 of these were caught in the snare of the fowler, it was not 
 for the want of solemn and loud warning from the watch- 
 tower of their pastor. 
 
 " It would delight you, my dear sir, to go and sit an 
 evening in one of his religious conferences. And the 
 spiritual profit could scarce be less than the pleasure. 
 These meetings he was accustomed to hold weekly, in 
 rotation, at the several sch»yol-houses of his parish. They 
 were literally conferences, where the beloved and revered 
 minister held familiar conversation with not a few of his 
 people. In his own opinion, expressed near the close of 
 his life, these meetings constituted (he most useful branch 
 of his parochial labors. To the cliildren and youth in 
 particular, if the experience of an individual may be a 
 proper test, they were far more instructive and moving 
 than the more labored and elevated services of the Sab- 
 bath. It was his common manner, after singing and 
 prayer, to ask, if any person in the room had a passage of 
 scripture or a question to propose for consideration. Very 
 often f5ome one would mention a subject. He would then 
 put it round the house, requesting the more prominent 
 individuals to state their views. Several would commonly 
 speak. He would then give his own opinion. 'I'his done, 
 he would inquire, if some would not remark further, or 
 state objections, or propose queries in view of what had 
 been said. The first question disposed of, he would call 
 for a second. If all were silent, he would himself propose 
 a subject. In this manner the evening would pa.ss rapidly 
 away, and then the conference would be closed with 
 singing and prayer. At these meetings, Dr. Hyde would 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 343 
 
 bring out the various doctrines and duties of Christianity, 
 in a manner so plain, so various, so familiar, tliat even 
 little children could hardly fail to understand them. He 
 would also show very happily his own extensive and 
 critical acquaintance yvith the Bible, and his rare skill 
 in its exposition. Nor would he overlook the practical 
 bearings of the subjects discussed. His concluding re- 
 marks were uniformly solemn, pointed and impressive. 
 
 "Before laying down my pen, I will just refer to a 
 scene of thrilling interest at his house. It occurred near 
 the commencement of the revival among his people in 
 1806-7. A young man of his society had begun to 
 indulge a trembling hope of salvation. He hinted his 
 change of views to a pious sister. In the joy of her heart, 
 she proposed to go with him, and tell the good news to 
 their pastor. He with some hesitancy assented. They 
 made their call in the twilight of Sabbath evening. Soon 
 after they had received the usual hearty welcome, and 
 seated themselves, the female mentioned that her brother 
 would like some conversation on the subject of religion. 
 The opportunity was eagerly seized. His eyes brightened, 
 and the tones of his voice manifested most lively interest. 
 On learning that the youth indulged some hope, he made 
 several inquiries and remarks, that were suited to guard 
 against deception in a matter of this infinite moment. 
 'Weil,' he say.«, 'I must go and tell Mrs. Hyde.' So 
 he went into the room where she was sitting, and soon 
 returned with her. And now he proposed that the little 
 company should kneel down and praise the Lord together 
 for his goodness and mercy. It was done. The inter- 
 view was short, and_ the parting counsel fitted to lead the 
 hopeful convert to ' rejoice with trembling.' " 
 
 The success attending his labors in the work he had 
 chosen, and his standing as a preacher and a scholar, 
 
344 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 drew around him many young men who were preparing 
 for tlie ministry. lie guided between thirty and forty in 
 their professional studies, and declined receiving under 
 his care great numbers who made application. Of his 
 method of instructing, and his qualifications from his 
 clear and enlarged conceptions of divine truth, and more 
 especially from an indescribable charm in his life and 
 example, so unassuming, so familiar, and yet savoring 
 so much of a sweet and heavenly influence, it will be 
 gratifying to the reader to have the testimony of some 
 who have been his pupils. He bound them to him by 
 cords of love. They remember him as a brother, by 
 whose kindness and familiarity they were aided in their 
 investigations and inquiries after truth, rather than as a 
 didactic instructor. He seemed to have the key to their 
 hearts, and to enter in and assist them in adjusting their 
 knowledge of divine things, and show them by his own 
 example how to use truth, rather than dictating to them. 
 His pupils have been found among the active and useful 
 laborers ia the Lord's vineyard. One of his pupils has 
 drawn the following sketch, which, though it contains 
 some paragraphs appropriate to another chapter, are in- 
 serted in this connection. 
 
 " Enfield, Oct. 8, 1834. 
 
 "Sir, 
 
 "As it was my privilege, during my course of study 
 preparatory to the Christian ministry, to reside some 
 months in the family of the highly esteemed, but now 
 deceased, Dr. Alvan Hyde, of Lee, to avail myself of his 
 critical and pastoral instruction, I would hereby submit to 
 your disposal, the following things in relation to his mode 
 of teaching theology ; of superintending and instructing 
 his family ; and his manner of conducting certain extra 
 religious exercises among the people of his charge. His 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 345 
 
 happy qualifications for preaching the gospel are well 
 known, as such his praise has long been in the churches. 
 He realized the sacredness, the magnitude, and the 
 immense responsibility of the office. It is not strange, 
 therefore, that he should devote no inconsiderable portion 
 of his time in laboring to prepare many young, men of 
 suitable talents and education, to whom God previously 
 imparted, as was believed, the primary qualification in 
 calling them, by his grace', for the same work. Such was 
 the fact, and with what success various portions of the 
 Redeemer's field, blessed with the ministrations of those 
 whose theological views were formed essentially under his 
 tuition, can testify. Every one acquainted with Dr. 
 Hyde, knew that he was singularly methodical, and his 
 mind thoroughly disciplined. He wished to perform every 
 thing well which he undertook, and for this, he aimed to 
 allot the proper time. With his settled principles of 
 religion and mental philosophy, uniformly acted upon, it 
 might be expected he would seek to make those under his 
 care systematic men, — to think and write, and converse 
 and preach, systematically; always holding forth, that in 
 every exercise pertaining to the ministry, or in preparation 
 for it, the heart must be quickened, warmed and expanded 
 by the grace of God. Unless they were systematic in 
 their course of study, he had little expectation they would 
 do any thing well, or to much purpose. lie would 
 recommend it to them to read, contemplate, and write 
 upon subjects, leaving it to their discretion how to divide 
 their time ; but he took special care that they pursued 
 a course corresponding to the order of natural and re- 
 vealed religion. In the commencement of their studies, 
 he endeavored to learn the peculiar features of their 
 minds, and generally, the extent of their literary acquisi- 
 tions, together whh the precise object they had in view in 
 the study of divinity, that he might form a judgment as to 
 
346 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the propriety of encouraging them. It was then his 
 custom to furnisli them with a series of questions, embra- 
 cing the different subjects of theology, requiring them to 
 examine eacli one in the order, directing to suitable books 
 from his library, which was judiciously selected, and for 
 the most part sufficiently large for their accommodation. 
 Their minds being thus supplied with materials obtained 
 by reading and reflection, he required them to arrange 
 their thoughts in written dissertations, and read to him. 
 These, as the results of their investigations, he would 
 hear with the accurate discrimination of a teacher, and 
 with the affectionate solicitude of a parent, criticising but 
 with great candor upon the style, the arrangement of 
 thouglit, and the sentiments. If there was sophistry in the 
 argument, he would detect it, if it was irrelevant he would 
 expose it, and faithfully point out such other defects as he 
 discovered, approving, at the same time, of that which 
 was sound and appropriate, thus restraining a tendency to 
 arrogance and self-complacency, while, at the same time, 
 he cautiously forbore saying whatever was calculated to 
 perplex or dishearten. In these exercises, which were 
 ordinarily at such times as not to interfere with the regular 
 hours for study assigned to himself or the students, he 
 endeavored to solve their questions, meet objections, and 
 frequently introduce new trains of thought, and often 
 close the sul)ject with a short, serious application, or by 
 proposing some question to the pupils, relating to their 
 own religious experience, which served to make an 
 abiding impression of the importance of cultivating spirit- 
 uality of mind, while exercising their faculties upon 
 doctrinal and metaphysical truths. 
 
 " While Dr. Hyde encouraged extensive reading, he 
 urged upon his pupils a thorough study of the holy scrip- 
 tures, that their faith might not stand in the wisdom of 
 men, but in the power of God. He let them understand 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 347 
 
 that a superficial acquaintance with the oracles of God, 
 would never suffice for preachers of the gospel. With the 
 affectionate concern of a parent, he watched the deport- 
 ment of his pupils, and apprised them of whatever was 
 calculated to dishonor religion, or impair their usefulness. 
 He had, in my opinion, a very happy faculty of eliciting 
 the talents and the best thoughts of those under his care, 
 and would so guide those of ordinary capacities, that they 
 would often attain to great usefulness. The friendly 
 counsels which he was accustomed to give, pertaining to 
 the work of preaching the gospel, and the duties of the 
 pastor, connected with his own model, were of great use 
 to those preparing for the ministry. They regarded him, 
 as well they might, as a father, in whose consistent piety, 
 practical wisdom, and sincere friendship, they might have 
 the highest confidence. And having ' fully known his 
 doctrine, manner of life, faith, and patience,' it is believed 
 they have seldom departed from the things which they 
 learned. 
 
 " Respecting Dr. Hyde as a parent and head of a family, 
 I would make the following remarks, the correctness of 
 which will not be disputed by any one who has been an 
 inmate of his dwelling. There was a dignity and a 
 gravity, associated with affection and a mildness of deport- 
 ment, which convinced all around him that he aimed at 
 their best good, and whicii never failed to secure respect. 
 After long acquaintance, I can say that lie possessed 
 unusual equanimity, that I never knew him agitated, or 
 ruffled in his feelings, and that he was always ready, un- 
 less occupied with higher matters, to attend to the differ- 
 ent affairs of his household. He possessed the rare talent 
 of adapting his instructions to his children in the different 
 periods from early childhood to mature age, mingling such 
 remarks, anecdotes, and scriptural incidents, as served to 
 gain their attention, and lead to habits of reading and 
 
348 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 proper reflection. He seldom resorted to corporeal pun- 
 ishment, but counseled, reasoned, and rebuked, ' always 
 showing tlie good and right way,' and his children were 
 willingly obedient. There was in his house a delightful 
 specimen of parental authority and filial subordination. 
 Always frugal of time himself, he taught his children and 
 domestics to improve it for a valuable purpose, by which 
 they were enabled to perform their respective tasks with 
 ease, and at a proper time. The harmonious movements 
 of his family, under his superintendence, were very notice- 
 able. Regarding his children as intellectual and account- 
 able beings, his great aim was to educate them for use- 
 fulness ; to fit them for the service of Christ. Believing 
 that the ' mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to 
 everlasting, upon them that fear him, and his righteous- 
 ness unto children's children, to such as keep his cove- 
 nant, and to those that remember his commandments to 
 do them;' he strove to imbue his children's minds with the 
 great principles of religion, and thus to fortify them against 
 the errors in opinion and practice, to which they might be 
 exposed, placing his sole dependence upon the grace of 
 God for their salvation. The simplicity and fervor of his 
 prayers, bespoke not only his solicitude for their eternal 
 well-being, but the strong hold he had upon the promises 
 of God's everlasting covenant. The performance of the 
 morning and evening devotions in the family, were such 
 as always struck the Christian visitor with peculiar delight. 
 They were commenced by the reading of a suitable por- 
 tion of scripture, in which several members took a part, 
 then the singing of a short psalm or hymn, which was 
 followed with a prayer, happily adapted to the circum- 
 stances of those present. A stranger, on such occasions, 
 could not but feel that it is a solemn duty and high privi- 
 lege to address God ; that it is a ' good thing to give 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 349 
 
 thanks and to sing praises unto his name, to show forth 
 his loving kindness in the morning, and his faithfnhiess 
 every night.' In this respect, Dr. Hyde was singularly 
 worthy of imitation. Though I have resided for a longer 
 or shorter time in more than twenty different families, I 
 can safely say I never knew his equal fn this respect, 
 where the management of the family, the domestic con- 
 cerns, the education of the children, and the devotional 
 exercises, were so much in accordance with the rules of 
 Christianity. If they were ever to be useful in either of 
 the learned professions, or in other occupations, he acted 
 upon tlie belief that there must be a suitable training in 
 early life. If there was any fault in his manner, it proba- 
 bly consisted in a little want of ease and affability. The 
 impression was sometimes made upon strangers, that he 
 was rather precise and formal. This, however, would be 
 almost removed on becoming acquainted with the upright- 
 ness and simplicity of his heart. For, aware of his moral 
 responsibility, he always meant to be faithful — ^to speak 
 the simple verity, and to vindicate the truth, without being 
 moved by the opinions or customs of others. But so far 
 as that trait of character existed, and perhaps it did in 
 some degree, it was partly natural, and more especially 
 consequent upon that fear of God, and deep impression of 
 his obligation to God, and those about him, which was a 
 predominating principle through his whole ministerial life. 
 For a faithful minister of Clirist, is one that ' ruleth well 
 his own house, having his children in subjection with all 
 gravity ; (for if a man know not how to rule his own 
 house, how shall he take care of the church of God?') 
 From families thus regulated, thus instructed, the church 
 has been greatly supplied with active members ; a seed 
 that should be counted to the Lord for a generation. 
 ' The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked, but 
 30 
 
350 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 he blesseth the habitation of the just.' Happy for our 
 land did each united house, 
 
 ' Morning and night, present its vows, 
 If servants there, and lising race, 
 Were taught the precepts of God's grace.' 
 
 " A few remarks upon one other topic, will close this 
 letter. I refer to Dr. Hyde's mode of conducting certain 
 extra religious e.vercises. As subordinate to the great 
 ends of pulpit instruction, he was accustomed, I believe, 
 through the whole of his ministry, to attend religious 
 meetings more or less during the week, in different parts 
 of the town, according to the wants and circumstances 
 of his people. These were conducted, sometimes in the 
 way of a regular lecture ; sometimes by reading a short 
 essay or sermon from some evangelical writer, with the 
 addition of his own remarks ; and, frequently, in the 
 form of a conference, in the following manner. Some 
 one present, as liberty was given, would propose a passage 
 of scripture for consideration. Dr. H. would then call 
 upon several male members, especially senior brethren, 
 to offer their thoughts upon it in order ; after which, he 
 would give his own views, together with a summary of 
 what had been said by the others. These meetings were 
 highly instructive — served to give his people a relish for 
 the scriptures, and a correct view of the doctrines con- 
 tained in them, and thus proved, unquestionably, a happy 
 means, among others, of those blessed revivals, which 
 were enjoyed under his ministry. He always labored to 
 instruct his people in the truth, fidly convinced that those 
 pious resolutions and frames of feeling which were not 
 based upon a correct understanding of divine truth, would 
 be of short duration. In the latter years of his ministry, 
 especially a few months before his death, these e.xtra 
 meetings were greatly multiplied. For a considerable 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 351 
 
 time, he undertook to attend one every evening in the 
 week. This, I am well aware, (having had an interview 
 with him, at his own house, about two months before his 
 death,) he deemed necessary ; especially as an excitement 
 of a somewhat novel character, and upon which, different 
 opinions existed among professing Christians, as to the 
 ultimate benefits to the cause of religion, prevailed in the 
 place, as well as other towns in the county. But it is 
 very much to be doubted, whether he did not, in this 
 thing, transcend the limits of duty, especially at his ad- 
 vanced age. These unremitted exertions, together with 
 his inordinate pressure of mind in relation to the state 
 of his flock, as he expressed to me at the time, were, 
 probably, a means of weakening his strength, and short- 
 ening his course on earth. It is certainly very ques- 
 tionable, whether a minister, even in sound health, 
 seeking the best good of the church, ought to yield to 
 the inclinations of a portion of his people for extra 
 meetings, when these become excessive, and leave little 
 or no time for retirement and sober reflection. In view 
 of present and future consequences, he, at such times, 
 needs peculiarly that wisdom which is from above. 
 
 "I may say of Dr. H., as was said of Leighton, 'with 
 a mind richly furnished with knowledge, he seems to 
 have been ambitious only of being useful — of writing, 
 conversing, and preaching, in such a manner as to be 
 understood by the plainest minds, and to do them the 
 most good. Hence in his writings, there was little of the 
 pMlosophtf of religion. Writing for common minds, he 
 was content with the facts and duties of the gospel. 
 These he turned to the best account. His object was to 
 make .stable, active Christians ; to set men to doing the 
 will of God ; to make men better, by leading them to 
 imbibe more of the sweet, beneficent, fruitful piety, the 
 want of which among men, he So feelingly deplored.' 
 
352 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 His work is done, and he lias gone to give up his account, 
 I fully believe, with the joy of those, who have been in- 
 strumental, through grace, of turning many to righteous- 
 ness. Few of Christ's servants, I ap^irehend, could 
 repeat the words of the apostle more appropriately — ' I 
 have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.' 
 " I am, dear sir, yours affectionately, 
 
 " Francis L. Robbins." ■ 
 
 In his interviews with his brethren in the ministry, 
 the subject of this memoir exerted an influence of a very 
 healthful character. His house was a home for ministers. 
 In all the ecclesiastical meetings he took a lively interest, 
 and was always ready to perform his part to render them 
 instructive in the great concerns of personal holiness, and 
 efficient organs of good to -the interests of Zion. While 
 he was far from encouraging any thing bordering upon 
 levity on the one hand, he was equally removed from any 
 thing like gloom, or suppressing Christian cheerfulness, on 
 the other. For the last twenty years, scarcely an ecclesi- 
 astical council was convened in the county, of which he 
 was not a member ; and so well balanced was his mind, 
 that his judgment always had weiglit. That order of the 
 churches which has rendered Berkshire county one of the 
 most lovely heritages on earth, and most efficierrt in pro- 
 moting the interests of Christ's kingdom, was very dear 
 to his heart. 
 
 In all the benevolent institutions of the age, he was a 
 most cordial coadjutor. They formed topics for his con- 
 versation ; they were often introduced in his sermons, and 
 had a large proportion of petitions and praises in his 
 devotional exercises, and his co-operation in all ways in 
 which they could be aided. 
 
 For more than thirty years. Dr. Hyde was associated 
 with the friends, patrons, and trustees of Williams college. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 353 
 
 The punctuality, fidelity and ability, with which he dis- 
 charged his duties in relation to that institutioi], his effi- 
 cient counsels during all the trials with which it has had 
 to struggle, and his so identifying himself with all its 
 interests, point him out as one of its most munificent 
 benefactors. The man is not living, to whom it owes so 
 much. He was its tried friend. 
 
 ~ A brother in the ministry, and during most of the years 
 of which he speaks his fellow-laborer in promoting the 
 interests of the college, writes as follows. 
 
 " Dr. Hyde was a member of the corporation of Wil- 
 liams college thirty-one years, and held the office of vice 
 president from 1812, to the time of his death. He was 
 chairman of the prudential committee of the board, twenty- 
 three years. In all these relations to the college, he dis- 
 charged the duties that devolved upon him to the entire 
 approbation both of the students and of the trustees. He 
 never failed to attend on all the meetings appointed by 
 the committee or trustees, unless necessarily prevented. 
 Whenever' he took part in the public examination of the 
 students, he manifested a discriminating mind, and a 
 thorough acquaintance with the elementary principles of 
 the science to which his questions related. He wbs a 
 patron of the college from the time of its organization". 
 Its interests lay near his heart, and in measures to pro- 
 mote them, he was uniformly active dnd zealous. In 
 seasons of its depression, and of perplexity in its affairs, 
 the part which he bore in the discussions of the board, 
 was always marked with candor, dignity, and wisdom. 
 His presence always forbade the rude approach of im- 
 pertinence. His fervent piety, and of course, his scru- 
 pulous regard to duty, gave character to all his transactions 
 of business in relation to the college. He was doubtless 
 the most efficient man in the management of its concerns, 
 30 * 
 
354 
 
 MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 and has probably done more to promote its prosperity^ 
 than any other man." 
 
 " At a meeting of the president and trustees of Wil- 
 liams college, on the 20th day of August, A. D. 1834, 
 the following resolutions were adopted : 
 
 " Whereas it has pleased God in his providence to re- 
 move, by death, the Rev. Dr. Alvan Hyde, who was for 
 many years an important and useful member of the board 
 of trustees, and vice president of Williams college, 
 therefore, 
 
 " Resolved, That the secretary make known to the 
 bereaved widow and family of Dr. Hyde, the tender 
 sympathies of the members of this board with them in 
 their deep affliction, occasioned by his death. 
 
 " Resolved, That we will cherish a grateful remem- 
 brance of the many virtues manifested by the deceased in 
 the various relations of life which he sustained, especially 
 of the long and laborious services which he performed, in 
 promoting the best interests of this college. 
 
 " Resolved, That this testimony of the sincere venera- 
 tion which is felt by the members of this board for the 
 character of Dr. Hyde, as a man, a Christian, a minister 
 of the gospel, a uniform patron of Williams college, and 
 an ardent and active friend of the benevolent institutions 
 of the present day, which are designed to ameliorate the 
 character and condition of man, be placed on the records 
 of this college. 
 
 " Daniel N. Dewey, Secretary." 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 REVIVALS UNDER HIS MINISTRY. 
 
 A BIOGRAPHICAL sketch of Dr. Hyde would be essentially 
 defective, without a chapter on revivals. And though 
 near the close of his life, he prepared a succinct account 
 of the seasons of refreshing from the presence of the 
 Lord, which occurred under his ministry, together with 
 the nieasures which he pursued to promote them ; still it 
 may not be out of place here, to say some things respect- 
 ing his labors and his views on this subject, which he 
 did not himself say. He loved revivals. He prayed for 
 special divine influence, and when any indications ap- 
 peared that his prayer was answered, there was a pure 
 and elevated delight in the performance of the increased 
 labors which devolved on him at such a time. There 
 seemed to be an illustration of the te.\t, " They that wait 
 upon the Lord shall renew their strength ; they shall mount 
 up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; 
 and they shall walk and not faint." He pursued a course 
 of labor in such seasons month after month and year after 
 year, for some of these periods were thus prolonged, with 
 increasing delight. He did not run himself out of breath, 
 but his course was one of constant, efficient, skilfully 
 directed effort, as he was able to bear it, enduring to the 
 
056 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 end. The secret of this was, his love for revivals. He 
 saw in them the grace of God, and was glad. 
 
 It is worthy of inquiry, wliether some light is not yet 
 to break forth respecting the best measures to be adopted 
 for promoting revivak, so fiir as human instrumentality 
 is concerned, by historical investigation. Does not the 
 history of the church in Lee, for forty years, show, that a 
 course may be pursued which will allow truth to have 
 its appropriate hold upon the conscience, that moral 
 obligation may be successfully pressed and there be no 
 painful reaction, endangering the permanency of the 
 ministry, the peace of the church, and the welfare of souls 1 
 Has there not been in some places machinery used, 
 which quickly wears itself out, and renders the same 
 mode of pperation entirely inefficacious with the same 
 generation ? Are there not places which have been burnt 
 over, where no green thing survives, and moral desolation 
 becomes visible, and this so strongly marked as a conse- 
 quence of the measures adopted, as to put it beyond all 
 dispute, that these human imperfections marred the work 
 of God and grieved away the Holy Spirit t Those revi- 
 vals, or rather excitements, where error is preached, and 
 measures are adopted, accordant, neither with scripture 
 nor the laws of the human mind, must be shortlived, and 
 followed ^vith incalculable evils. They not only bring 
 real religion into discredit, but they pervert the moral 
 sensibilities,, and render the condition of those whose 
 misfortune it has been to be within their influence, more 
 hopeless than that of those who were never excited in 
 any degree. 
 
 The subject of this memoir was aware of this, and was 
 deeply impressed with the importance of avoiding, as 
 much as possible, all measures which were calculated to 
 render religious feeling fitful, irregular, and of course 
 transient. It seemed to be a settled principle in his mind, 
 
ALVAN flYDE. 
 
 357 
 
 that the kingdom of Christ would certainly rise by means 
 which God has himself instituted and which primitive 
 Christians began to employ, that it is a kingdom which 
 cannot be moved, and he earnestly implored and diligently 
 cultivated grace whereby he might serve God acceptably 
 with reverence and godly fear. His mind never seemed 
 to lose its balance in times of the most powerful religious 
 impression among his people, but then the common duties 
 were performed with a sweeter relish, and what was more 
 characteristic of him still, the more powerful the opera- 
 tions of God's Spirit, the more wisdom he seemed to 
 discover in the plainest truths and duties in the Bible. 
 Here, unquestionably, is the cause of most irregularities in 
 revivals, and one of the principal reasons why they are of 
 so short continuance. The minds of Christians and min- 
 isters are thrown into a paroxysm, which is not only un- 
 natural, but peculiarly unfavorable to the performance of 
 the quiet duties upon which God sets a great value. 
 
 One of whom the world was not worthy said, ' I think 
 that the management of a revival is a very difficult thing. 
 It is, I believe, a subject as yet but very imperfectly 
 understood. At least, I know but very little about it.' 
 Another, to whom the churches are under great obliga- 
 tions, and have reason to glorify God in him, has, in one 
 of the happiest efforts of his pen, after briefly but vividly 
 portraying some of the dangers of our country, directed to 
 the 'only source of hope, God, and the interposition of 
 his Holy Spirit in great and general revivals of religion to 
 reform the hearts of this people and make the nation good 
 and happy,' shown most conclusively, that ' force, and the 
 cultivation of the intellect, and orthodox creeds, and a 
 faithful ministry, and evangelical churches, and the best 
 church organization, are all utterly impotent in affording 
 MS any protection as a nation. We must look to the 
 
358 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 grace of God in revivals. Every other hope must termi- 
 nate in disappointment and despair.' 
 
 Tliat there will be revivals more pure, more lasting, of 
 more frequency and of wider extent than have ever yet 
 been witnessed, every believer in God's word -is confident. 
 There can be no disappointment in this, for the mouth of 
 the Lord hath spoken it. 
 
 That the minister whose labors, in a series of revivals 
 among his people, are in this chapter detailed by himself, 
 was more honored than his brethren, he never for a mo- 
 ment supposed. He felt his great deficiencies, he mourn- 
 ed over them, he took a low place before God, on account 
 of them, and was ready, as we have seen in his letters 
 and his diary, to bear testimony against himself for his 
 inexcusable delinquencies, but the Lord was pleased to 
 crown his labors with more than ordinary success. Truth 
 as exhibited by him, was approved of God, and through 
 the operations of the Holy Spirit, found its way to the 
 consciences of men, and the means he used were of a 
 healthfjul character, they did not lose their interest, but 
 were efficacious to an extent scarcely known in the most 
 favored sections of New England. 
 
 The following letter to Rev. Dr. Sprague, contains a 
 connected view of the revivals under his ministry, and 
 tlie means by which they were promoted. 
 
 « Lee, March 22, 1832. 
 
 " Dear Brother, 
 
 "In compliance with your particular request, I now 
 commence a concise narrative of the work of God's Holy 
 Spirit, in reviving religion, at several periods, among the 
 people of my pastoral charge. Conscious of the many 
 defects '^vl1icll have been attached to my ministry, I en- 
 gage in this service with diffidence, and yet 1 humbly 
 hope, with a sincere desire that the great Head of the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 359 
 
 chtirch may thereby be glorified. What J shall commu- 
 nicate, will be a simple and unvarnished statement of facts, 
 which my own eyes have seen and my own ears have 
 heard, taken from minutes which I made, at the time they 
 occurred. These facts will develope the astonishing 
 mercy of God to a guilty people, and to the unworthy in- 
 strument, who has stood for so many years as their spiritual 
 teacher and guide. It will be seen, as I proceed in the 
 narrative, what doctrines were preached, and what means 
 and measures were adopted, both before these revivals 
 commenced, and while they were in progress. 
 
 " The first season of ' refreshing from the presence of 
 the Lord,' which this people enjoyed, commenced in June 
 1792, a few days after the event of my ordination. There 
 was, at this time, no religious excitement in this region of 
 country, nor had I knowledge of there being a special 
 work of God's grace in any part of the land. The church 
 here was small and feeble, having only twenty-one male 
 members belonging to it. It was, however, a little praying 
 band, and they were often together, like the primitive 
 Christians, continuing with one accord in prayer. Im- 
 mediately on being stationed here, as a watchman, I in- 
 stituted a weekly religious conference, to be holden on 
 each Wednesday, and, in succession, at the various school- 
 houses in the town. These were well attended in every 
 district, and furnished me with favorable opportunities to 
 instruct the people, and to'prcsent the truths of the gospel 
 to the old and young in the most plain and familiar man- 
 ner. This weekly meeting has been sustained to the 
 present time, without losing any of its interest ; and when 
 I have been at home, has carried me around the town, as 
 regularly as the weeks have returned. 
 
 " With a view to form a still more particular acquaint- 
 ance with the people committed to my charge, I early 
 began to make family visits in dilferent sections of the 
 
360 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 town. These visits, of which I made a number in the 
 course of a week, were improved wholly in conversing on 
 the great subject of religion, and in obtaining, with as 
 much correctness as I could, a knowledge of their spiritual 
 state, that my instructions on the Sabbath, and at the 
 weekly meetings, might be better adapted to their case. 
 This people liad been for nine years without a pastor, and 
 were unhappily divided in their religious opinions. Some 
 were Calvinists, and favored the church, but the largest 
 proportion were Arminians. And as they had been in 
 the habit of maintaining warm disputes with each other 
 on the doctrines of the Bible, I calculated on having to 
 encounter many trials. Contrary to my expectations, I 
 found, on my first visits, many persons of different ages, 
 under serious and very deep impressions, each one sup- 
 posing his own burdens and distresses of mind, on account 
 of his sins, to be singular, not having the least knowledge 
 that any others were awakened. It was evident, that the 
 Lord had come into the midst of us in the greatness of 
 his power, producing here and there, and among the 
 young and old, deep conviction of sin, and yet it was a 
 still small voice. A marvellous work, was begun, and it 
 bore the most decisive marks of being God's work. So 
 great was the excitement, though not yet known abroad, 
 that into whatever section of the town I now went, the 
 people in that immediate neighborhood, would leave their 
 worldly employments, at any hour of the day, and soon 
 fill a large room. Before I was aware, and without any 
 previous appointment, I found myself, on these occasions, 
 in the midst of a solemn and anxious assembly. Many 
 were in tears, and bowed down under the weight of their 
 sins, and some began to rejoice in hope. These seasons 
 were spent in prayer and exhortation, and in conversing 
 with the anxious, and with such as had found relief, by 
 submitting themselves to God, adapting my instruction to 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 361 
 
 their respective cases. This was done in the hearing of 
 all who were present. Being then a youth, who had seen 
 but twenty-four years, and inexperienced, I felt weak in- 
 deed ; and was often ready to sink under this vast weight 
 of responsibility. But the Lord carried me along from 
 one interesting scene to another. I was governed, in my 
 movements, by what appeared to me to be the exigencies 
 of the people. 
 
 "As yet there had been no public religious meeting, 
 excepting on the Sabbath. A weekly lecture, at the 
 meeting-house, was now appointed, to be on Thursday ; 
 and though it was in the most busy season of the year, the 
 house was filled. This lecture was continued for more 
 than six months, without any abatement of attention ; in 
 sustaining which, I was aided by neighboring ministers, 
 and by numbers from a distance, who came to witness 
 this display of sovereign grace. The former disputes of 
 the people, respecting religious sentiments, in a great 
 measure subsided, their consciences seeming to testify in 
 favor of the truth. The work spread into every part of 
 the town, and what was worthy of special notice, it was 
 entirely confined within the limits of the town, excepting 
 in the case of a few families, which usually attended 
 public worship with us, from the borders of the adjacent 
 towns. Especially powerful was the work among those, 
 who had taken their stand in opposition to the small 
 church, and the distinguishing doctrines of grace. Many 
 of this class were convinced, that they had always lived 
 in error and darkness, and in a state of total alienation 
 from God. They were compelled, notwithstanding their 
 former hatred of the prominent truths of the gospel, to 
 make the interesting inquiry, What shall we do to be 
 saved ? 
 
 " The truths which I exhibited in my public discourses, 
 and in the many meetings between the Sabbaths, were in 
 31 
 
362 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 substance the following : — the holiness and immutability 
 of God ; the purity and perfection of his law ; the entire 
 depravity of the heart, consisting in voluntary opposition 
 to God and holiness ; the fullness and all-sufficiency of the 
 atonement made by Christ ; the freeness of the offer of 
 pardon, made to all, on condition of repentance ; the 
 necessity of a change of heart, by the Holy Spirit, arising 
 from the deep-rooted depravity of men, which no created 
 arm could remove ; the utter inexcusableness of sinners, 
 in rejecting the kind overtures of mercy, as they acted 
 freely and voluntarily in doing it ; and the duty and 
 reasonableness of immediate submission to God. These 
 are some of the truths, which God appeared to own and 
 bless, and which, through the agency of the Spirit, were 
 made 'quick and powerful, and sharper than any two- 
 edged sword.' 
 
 "All our religious meetings were very much thronged, 
 and yet were never noisy or irregular, nor continued to a 
 late hour. They were characterized with a stillness and 
 solemnity, which, I believe, have rarely been witnessed. 
 The converts appeared to renounce all dependence on 
 their own doings, feeling themselves entirely destitute of 
 righteousness, and that all their hope of salvation was in 
 the mere mercy of God in Christ, to whom they were 
 willing to be eternal debtors. To the praise of sovereign 
 grace, I may add, that the work continued, with great 
 regularity and little abatement, nearly eighteen months. 
 In this time, as appears from the records of the church, 
 one hundred and ten persons, of different ages, united 
 themselves unto the Lord and his covenant people. All 
 these were examined in the presence of the church, and 
 were received, on the ground of their professing to have 
 experienced a change of heart, and to have passed from 
 death unto life. They appeared to exhibit the fruits of 
 the Spirit, and to exemplify the religion of Jesus in their 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 363 
 
 subsequent lives. The instances of apostacy have been 
 but few. Many of them have finished their course, and 
 entered into the joy of their Lord. They gave evidence 
 of enduring to the end, and of departing this life in the 
 triumphs of faith. Others remain to this day, ' burning 
 and shining lights' in the church, some in this town, and 
 sonae in the new settleirrents. 
 
 "This revival of religion produced a surprising change 
 in the religious sentiments and feelings of the people, and 
 in the general aspect of the town. It effected a happy 
 union ; a union, which to an unusual extent, has continued 
 to the present time. After the shower of grace had 
 passed over, divine influences were not altogether vvith- 
 holden, nor did the people lose their relish for religious 
 meetings. Insulated conversions to the cross and standard 
 of the Redeemer, strongly marked as being genuine, 
 frequently occurred. In the six following years, forty-two 
 were added to the church, including some, who came from 
 other churches. 
 
 "In the year 1800, we were again favored with special 
 tokens of God's presence, in a work of the Holy Spirit. 
 This display of sovereign grace was witnessed, soon after 
 I commenced a weekly religious conference, with partic- 
 ular reference to the young people ; and it was noticed, 
 that the subjects of the work were confined almost wholly 
 to those who attended this conference. As in the former 
 revival, I explained and enforced the doctrines of the 
 gospel, showing the youth, who flocked together in great 
 numbers, that sinners had brought ruin upon themselves, 
 and were awfully guilty and justly condemned, and that 
 all their hope of salvation was in a crucified Saviour. 
 Prayer and prai.se accompanied this instruction. No at- 
 tempts were made to produce an excitement, only in view 
 of the plain truths of the gospel. The great body of the 
 people, as they did not attend on these means, were not 
 
364 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 affected, and solemnized, as they were in the first revival; 
 but the convictions of the awakened were clear, rational, 
 and pungent, and those who received comfort, appeared 
 understandingly to embrace the soul-humbling doctrines 
 of the cross, and to be renewed in the temper of their 
 minds. This revival occasioned an accession to the 
 church of twenty-one persons, the most of whom were 
 between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four. 
 
 " A few years now passed, in which we had no revival ; 
 but many of our religious meetings were continued, and 
 well attended, nor were we without evidence of the be- 
 stowment of God's special mercy, in rescuing sinners from 
 deserved wrath. In this time twenty-nine persons, in- 
 cluding a few who brought letters, were added to the 
 church. 
 
 "In September, 1806, the Lord graciously visited us 
 again. This season of the outpourings of his Spirit fol- 
 lowed the death of a youth, a respectable and promising 
 young man, who had been for several years a constant 
 attendant on the conferences of young people, and had 
 acquired an uncommonly good understanding of the 
 doctrines of Christianity. His -death, which took place 
 when at a distance from home, was unexpected ; and his 
 appearance, in the last days of his life, was peculiarly 
 calculated to arouse the attention of his youthful com- 
 panions. It pleased a sovereign God to accompany this 
 providence by the influences of the Holy Spirit. The 
 effect was immediately visible and remarkable. On the 
 Sabbath succeeding the arrival of the afflictive intelligence, 
 I preached to a crowded assembly from Heb. xi. 4. ' He 
 being dead, yet speaketli.' It was indeed a memorable 
 Sabbath to many of this people. That divine influences 
 were shed down upon us, that day, none could doubt. 
 The solemn stillness and the flowing tears from many 
 eyes evinced the presence of the Holy Spirit. More than 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 365 
 
 twenty persons, H'ho soon after exhibited evidence of hav- 
 ing bowed in humble submission at the feet of Jesus, 
 dated the commencement of their serious impressions, at 
 that time. This work, in its progress, resembled a plen- 
 tiful shower from a small cloud. It was powerful and 
 refreshing indeed in one part of the town, affecting more 
 or less in almost every family, before any deep impressions 
 were noticed in other parts of the town. Eventually the 
 work spread in some measure ; but the most of the shower 
 was apparently received, where divine influences first 
 began to fall. The season was precious, and was con- 
 tinued to us about a year. Our meetings were the same 
 as before, and they were characterized with the same 
 stillness and solemnity. Many new family altars were 
 erected, and many were embraced as the disciples of 
 Jesus, who had practically set him at nought. During this 
 revival, and soon after it, seventy-one persons were re- 
 ceived to the communion of the church. 
 
 " The six following years were years of coldness and 
 spiritual dearth in the church, and of uncommon stupidity 
 among the people. During this time twenty-two only 
 were gathered into the church. We seemed to be ripen- 
 ing fast for the judgments of God. 
 
 " It is proper, in this place, to mention what might have 
 been introduced before, that the church, males and 
 females, were frequently called together for the express 
 purpose of uniting in prayer, whether we were favored 
 with special divine influences or not. Many such meet- 
 ings have been attended, in the course of every year of 
 my ministry. On these occasions, the church have been 
 by themselves, confessing their sins, and imploring God 
 to build up Zion. I have always been present, and the 
 brethren, as they have been called upon by the pastor, 
 have readily taken an active part, and led in these solemn 
 devotions. These meetings have been very precious, and 
 31 * 
 
366 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 when closed, I liave often heard the members say, ' It is 
 good to be here.' They have been the means of keeping 
 religion alive in the church, and of promoting brotherly 
 love and union. We have also been in the practice of 
 observing whole days of fasting and prayer in the church, 
 giving opportunity to any of the people, wlio were disposed, 
 to attend with us. Great numbers have usually attended 
 on these occasions, beside the members of the church, and 
 God has appeared to bless these efforts. Many liave ac- 
 knowledged, that they felt their first convictions of sin at 
 these meetings. 
 
 "In 1813, soon after a distressing and mortal sickness, 
 which, in a short time, swept off many of the inhabitants, 
 God returned to us again in mercy. His special presence, 
 in the gift of the Holy Spirit, was manifestly with us until 
 some time in the year following. We enjoyed another 
 little harvest of souls. The same weekly meetings, in 
 which prayer was a principal exercise, were continued, 
 and the same course of instruction was pursued. As 
 fruits of this work of the Lord, twenty persons were added 
 to the church. 
 
 " During the next seven years, though we were not 
 favored with such tokens of mercy as might be denom- 
 inated a revival, (for stupidity greatly prevailed,) yet there 
 were many insulated cases of awakening and hopeful 
 conversion. Our meetings, on the Lord's day, continued 
 to be full, and all other meetings were attended with in- 
 terest. In this time seventy-six persons were received 
 into the church, fifty-two from the world, and twenty-four 
 by letter. 
 
 " In the summer of 1821, there was an evident increase 
 of solemnity in the church and congregation, and some 
 individuals were known to be anxious for their souls. 
 This appearance continued for several weeks, under the 
 same means of grace, which the people had long enjoyed. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 367 
 
 but none were found who rejoiced in hope. Tlie church 
 often assembled together for prayer, and in the month of 
 August, we observed a day of fasting and prayer. The 
 meeting-house was well filled, and deep solemnity per- 
 vaded the congregation. The hearts of many seemed to 
 ' burn within them,' and there were increasing indications 
 from the rising cloud ' of abundance of rain.' We began 
 to hear from one and another a new language — the lan- 
 guage of submission to God. 
 
 " At this interesting crisis, the Rev. Asahel Nettleton 
 spent a few days with us. He preached five sermons to 
 overflowing assemblies, and his labors were remarkably 
 blessed. The Spirit of God came down upon us, ' like a 
 rushing mighty wind.' Conversions were frequent, some- 
 times several in a day, and the change in the feelings and 
 views of the subjects was wonderful. At the suggestion 
 of Mr. Nettleton, I now instituted what are called inquir- 
 ing meetings. More than a hundred persons attended the 
 first. These meetings, as I found them to be convenient, 
 were continued through this revival ; and I have ever 
 since made use of them, as occasion required, sometimes 
 weekly, for many months in succession. The church 
 have always been requested to assemble for prayer, in the 
 upper room of a large school-house, in which the inquiring 
 meetings have been attended. While the church have 
 been engaged in prayer, a sufficient number of the brethren 
 have been with the pastor to converse, in a low voice, 
 with every individual in the inquiring room, giving oppor- 
 tunity for each one to make known the state of his feel- 
 ings. This has been followed by instructions addressed 
 to them all, and adapted to their cases, and by prayer. 
 The ruined and helpless state of sinners, the exceeding 
 wickedness of their hearts, and the awful consequences of 
 neglecting the great salvation, have been explicitly slated 
 on these occasions, and pressed on the minds of the in- 
 
368 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 quirers. They liave not been directed to take any steps 
 preparatory to their accepting of Christ, but being ac- 
 quainted with the nature and terms of the gospel, repent- 
 ance toward God, and faith in Him ' who came to seek 
 and to save that which was lost,' have been enjoined upon 
 them, as their immediate duty and only safe course. No 
 language can describe the deep feeling, which has been 
 manifested at some of these meetings. 
 
 " The work of the Holy Spirit in 1S21, was continued 
 to us until the close of the year. Many young heads of 
 families, and others in the midst of life, were among the 
 happy subjects. The church received an accession of 
 eighty-six persons as fruits of this revival. 
 
 " Between this revival, and that which took place in 
 1827, the church received only twenty-four, and nearly 
 half of these were recommended to us from sister churches. 
 The seasons of prayer in the church were frequent, and 
 occasionally whole days of fasting and prayer, which all 
 the people were invited to attend, were observed. The 
 church also, by a large committee, selected from their 
 body, visited every family in the town, and conversed with 
 parents and children and domestics on the concerns of 
 their souls, and their prospects for eternity, closing their 
 interviews with prayer. This has been repeatedly done, 
 within the last ten years, and sometimes the whole has 
 been accomplished in one day. The people have been 
 publicly notified, on the Sabbath, of the particular day on 
 which these visits were to be made, and the brethren ap- 
 pointed for this labor of love have had. their respective 
 districts assigned them. These have been solemn days, 
 pre-eminently days of prayer in every part of the town, 
 and profitable both to the brethren who made the visits, 
 and to the people who received them. 
 
 " On the Sabbath preceding the first day of the year 
 1827, I invited the people, as had been our practice, to as- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 369 
 
 semble, at the rising of the sun, in the sanctuary, for the 
 purpose of prayer and praise to that God, who had been 
 our preserver, and on whom we were dependent for all our 
 blessings. Several hundreds convened, at that early hour, 
 and some came from a distance of two and three miles. 
 An uncommon interest was evidently felt in the meeting. 
 Another display of the all-conquering grace of God com- 
 menced, which was extensive and very powerful. This 
 work of the Holy Spirit continued through the winter and 
 spring. Many stubborn hearts were bowed, and not a 
 few of the subjects were from that class of people, who 
 appeared to be far from righteousness. In the course of 
 a few months, it was found that thirty new domestic altars 
 were erected, and many of them near the house of God, 
 and erected by a number of our active, businessmen. As 
 the fruits of this revival, one hundred and twenty-five 
 were added to the church. 
 
 " During the next four years, we received fourteen into 
 the church, the most of whom were. from the world. 
 
 " In the year 1831, which was a year memorable for 
 the effusions of the Spirit, in almost every part of our 
 land, this people were not passed by. In the forepart of 
 this year, it pleased God again to arrest the attention of 
 many. For a number of months, the excitement was very 
 great, and our meetings were frequent, crowded, and 
 solemn. Some instances of conversion early occurred, 
 which were more striking than any we had ever witnessed. 
 The almighty and sovereign power of God was remarka- 
 bly displayed, evincing.the truth of his own declaration, 
 ' I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.' This 
 revival was followed by an accession to the church of 
 forty-four persons. 
 
 " The whole number received into the church, during 
 my ministry, is six hundred and seventy-four. None of 
 these have presented themselves for examination, under 
 
370 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 two and three months after they began to cherish a hope 
 of having passed from death unto life, and many have 
 chosen to wait longer. Whenever we have been favored 
 with a season of the outpourings of the Spirit, meetings 
 have been appointed with particular reference to the 
 young converts, at which tiiey have been freely conversed 
 with, respecting the ground and reason of their hope, and 
 they have had opportunity to test their characters, by hav- 
 ing the great truths of the gospel presented clearly to their 
 view. They have been warned of the danger of being 
 deceived. The confession of faith has also been read and 
 explained to them, and their full assent to it has been 
 obtained, before they offered themselves to the church. 
 
 " In all the revivals, of which I have given a brief 
 account, it has been evident, that God and not man has 
 selected the subjects of renewing grace ; yet a large pro- 
 portion have been taken from religious families. In some 
 instances, heads of families, with their children and chil- 
 dren's children, sit together at the table of the Lord. 
 
 " I would here remark, that several prayer meetings 
 have been sustained in this town wholly by the female 
 members of the church, and I have had no doubts of their 
 utility. They have been the means of quickening those 
 who have attended them. What rich blessings these 
 prayers may have drawn down upon us, will be known in 
 the great day which is approaching. But while I have 
 rejoiced, in knowing such meetings were holden, I have 
 never countenanced the praying of women, in promiscu- 
 ous assemblies, whether great or small, from a full con- 
 viction, that the practice is contrary to the spirit of God's 
 word. Neither have I seen it to be proper, even in sea- 
 sons of the greatest excitement, to call upon impenitent 
 sinners, either in our public meetings, or in the inquiring 
 room, to manifest their determination to seek religion, qr 
 to give anij pledge that they would do it. This would be 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 371 
 
 inconsistent with the views I entertain of the depravity of 
 ■ the heart. It would be a departure from the practice of 
 Christ and his apostles. In their preaching, they incul- 
 cated repentance and submission to God, as the immediate 
 duty of sinners. 
 
 " Though all, who have been received into this church, 
 have not appeared equally well, as being devoted and 
 established Christians, yet, generally speaking, they have 
 exhibited evidence, in their walk, of a moral change, and 
 of being on the Lord's side. We liave had frequent calls 
 for the exercise of Christian discipline. Some of the 
 members have been led publicly to confess their faults, 
 from a consciousness of their having brought reproach on 
 the precious cause of Christ, and some, refusing to be 
 reclaimed, have been cut off from our communion. The 
 number of the latter is small. 
 
 " In conclusion, I will say, and I feel a pleasure in say- 
 ing it, that the church have manifested a commendable 
 zeal and liberality in supporting the various charitable 
 institutions of the day, and in promoting the cause of tem- 
 perance, which, for a few years past, has been regarded 
 as a subject of the deepest interest to the cause of the 
 Redeemer, and to our country. 
 
 " My only apology for the length of this letter is, that I 
 have taken a survey of the labors and events of forty 
 years. 
 
 " From, Rev. sir, your brother in Christ, 
 
 " Alvan Hyde. 
 
 "Rev. William B. Sprague, D. D." 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 BRIEF NOTICE OF HIS PUBLISHED WRITINGS. 
 
 A FEW words ought to be said of the literary character 
 of him whose diary and letters compose this volume. He 
 early in life aimed at entire accuracy in all his written 
 performances. In the preparation of his writings for the 
 press, not an error has been discovered in the spelling, or 
 pointing, of any of his manuscripts. Even those letters 
 which were written in the greatest haste, were legible as 
 the fairest print, and accurately pointed. His sermons 
 are generally fully written, and with the same evidence of 
 painstaking. There are higher merits than these. They 
 are pure Saxon English. His choice and arrangement 
 of words to express clearly and distinctly his ideas, was 
 unusually felicitous. An intelligent layman, who often 
 heard him preach, once remarked, that a word left out 
 of his sermon would be as much missed and as readily 
 detected, as the absence of a brick from its place in 
 the building. He wrote much. His published works are 
 numerous, and afford proof of great industry and perse- 
 verance in his researches. It seems, from looking over 
 the dates of his literary labors, that he must have had 
 continually before his mind some article which he was 
 preparing for the public. Though there is not great 
 
MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 373 
 
 variety in his style, and no indication that he ever aimed 
 at tiie highest kind of literary composition, there is still 
 proof of much versatility, and what is far more delight- 
 ful to contemplate, a constant effort to do good. Very 
 soon after his settlement in the ministry, notwithstanding 
 his pressing duties as a pastor, he prepared a variety of 
 essays for the Theological Magazine, published at New 
 York. When that work was discontinued, he commenced 
 with the first volume of the Connecticut Evangelical 
 Magazine, and was a contributor during its continuance. 
 When the Panoplist became the important vehicle of 
 religious communications to the public, he contributed 
 to its pages many valuable articles. The Christian Spec- 
 tator, during the first eight years of its publication, was 
 occasionally enriched by the productions of his pen. He 
 wrote also for the Boston Recorder and other weekly 
 papers, and some of his writings appeared in the Utica 
 Magazine. These literary labors for the various periodical 
 works in our country, whose influence on the public mind 
 and the kingdom of Christ he watched with prayerful 
 solicitude, must have been a great tax upon his time and 
 strength, though they doubtless conduced greatly to the 
 formation of his habits of industry and accuracy. It 
 may not be unacceptable to the reader, to have a speci- 
 men of his writing, which had the benefit of his own 
 revision — as the letters and diary in this volume were 
 written without the most distant thought of their ever 
 being collected for this object. The Essay was published 
 in 1799. 
 
 THOUGHTS ON THE NATURE OF SUBMISSION. 
 
 ' Nol my will, liut thine be done.* 
 
 "Of this duty, as of all others, we are liable to have 
 wrong conceptions. We may attach to it things which it 
 32 
 
374 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 does not imply, and we may exclude from it things which 
 are not only important, but essential to its very nature. 
 
 " 1. Submission does not imply that the mind ceases to 
 have exercises and choice. This point is clear from what 
 our Saviour has expressed in the short sentence above 
 quoted, which was the language and feeling of one who, 
 in every situation, was without sin. The human mind of 
 Christ had desires and volitions when in the exercise of 
 submission. He spake of a desire of his own in dis- 
 tinction from the will of God. ' Not my will, but thine 
 be done.' This desire existed when he prayed, and it was 
 this which led him to offer a petition to God. Had it not 
 been for this, his mind would not have been in a state of 
 trial, nor would there have been any ground or call for the 
 exercise of submission. Were we to suppose the mind 
 ever ceases to have exercises and choice, we should take 
 from it that which we understand by moral agency. 
 What do we mean when we say men are moral agents ? 
 We surely mean as much as this, that they have a per- 
 ception of objects, and that they choose or refuse them for 
 themselves. ' Were there, in any case, to be a suspension 
 of all choice with respect to any object or event, there 
 would be a suspension of moral agency. If submission 
 shut out 4ll exercises and desires from the mind, so that 
 the mind might be properly said to have no will or choice 
 of its own, there would be no accountability — no founda- 
 tion for praise or blame. The mind is no further ac- 
 countable than it chooses for itself It ceases to be praise 
 or blameworthy when it ceases to have any choice of 
 objects. We speak much of exercises of mind, and what 
 we mean by them is a pleased ness or displeasedness with 
 the objects in the view of the mind. We have a view of 
 no object, truth or event whatever, towards which our 
 minds are indifferent. Some kind of affection always 
 accompanies every thing seen by the mind. Therefore 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 375 
 
 we are conversant with no object or event which does not 
 do something towards forming our characters ; because 
 every one is an occasion of bringing into existence some 
 kind of affection. Let us be where we will, and see 
 and hear what we will, our characters are continually 
 forming. 
 
 " If that submission which creatures owe to God imply 
 a suspension of all volitions or choice in the mind, it 
 excludes moral agency, and, therefore, has no virtue 
 in it. 
 
 " 2. Submission does not imply that the mind feels 
 indifferent with respect to pain and misery. 
 
 "Our Saviour, by whom submission was exercised in 
 perfection, did not feel indifferent with respect to the 
 awful scene of suffering before him. If this had been the 
 case, he would not have prayed as he did : ' Father, if 
 thou be willing, remove this cup, from me.' All natural 
 evil, in itself considered, is undesirable. For a person 
 to choose pain and misery for their own sakes, would be 
 perfectly inconsistent with all ideas of rationality. It 
 would be equally irrational for a person to feel indifferent 
 towards pain and misery. By indifference I mean his not 
 having any kind of choice, whether he' is kept from pain 
 or not. There can be no such thing as this; for every 
 thing, presented to the view of the mind, is either pleasing 
 or displeasing. It is either desired, or it is not desired. 
 As all evil, in itself considered, is undesirable, the mind, 
 acting rationally, will choose to avoid it, if it may be 
 consistent with other things yet to be mentioned. If the 
 minds of men were brought into a state of indifference, 
 with respect to pain, all the submission they would have 
 would be without any virtue. There would be nothing 
 praiseworthy in it. Divest men of all choice of their 
 own, and they would at once become as passive in bearing 
 what is laid upon them, and as destitute of all virtue as 
 
376 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the grass which falls before the mower. The very ground 
 of submission would be destroyed. He who exercises 
 submission in sickness, does not feel indifferent with 
 respect to the pain he endures ; but views it as something 
 in itself undesirable. He looks upon it as undesirable 
 in proportion to its severity. He who exercises submission 
 in viewing a child, a parent, a companion, or some near 
 friend, in the agonies of death, does not feel indifferent 
 with respect to the scene before him. He has his feel- 
 ings, his desires, his choice, otherwise there would be no 
 ground for submission — he would be neither praise nor 
 blameworthy. He who gives up himself to God to be 
 disposed of by him forever and ever, does not do it be- 
 cause he feels indifferent with respect to the everlasting 
 torments of the damned, and because he has no choice 
 whether he shall be made eternally wretched or not. The 
 endless pains of hell are. in themselves undesirable, and to 
 all rational minds will appear so. To choose to be cast 
 off forever, or to feel indifferent about it, would be incon- 
 sistent with all ideas of rationality. If indifference with 
 respect to all evil were implied in submission to God, 
 there would be no propriety in praying God to' deliver us 
 from evil. But do not the scriptures afford us examples 
 of this among the most emment children of God ? We 
 certainly may find many, and one which was left by the 
 Saviour of the world, who, we may know, was Avithout sin. 
 In view of the awful scene of suffering before him, he 
 prayed; 'Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from 
 me.' We have not only his example but his precept. 
 When he uttered a form of prayer for his disciples, he 
 expressly inserted in it this petition, Deliver us from evil. 
 But this prayer could not be made if submission to God 
 implied indifference with respect to evil. 
 
 " 3. Submission does not imply, that the mind feels 
 indifferent with respect to happiness. If a desire of happi- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 377 
 
 ness were inconsistent with submission, it' would be wrong 
 to pray for it. But has it not been the universal practice 
 of the pious, in every age of the world, to pray for the 
 favor and the blessing of God? Do not the scriptures 
 fully warrant it 1 If, in the exercise of submission, the 
 mind feel indifferent towards that mercy so freely offered 
 in the gospel ; that is, has no choice whether it be made 
 a subject of it or not, there can be no ground to pray 
 for it. Happiness is, in itself, desirable, as much as pain 
 is in itself undesirable. Benevolence views it as desirable. 
 I would be understood to speak of holy happiness, that 
 which is realy that which arises from the enjoyment of 
 God. With respect to this, the benevolent mind cannot 
 feel indifferent. The scriptures speak of the pious as 
 longing and panting after it. All this is consistent with 
 perfect submission. What virtue can there be in that 
 submission which is accompanied with an utter indif- 
 ference to happiness? What is it that such a person 
 gives up to God ? What sacrifice of his own choice does 
 he make ? To choose that our souls should be lost forever, 
 would not be rational — to feel indifferent, whether they are 
 saved or not, would not be rational ; and, therefore, the 
 enjoyment of God must be what the benevolent mind 
 chooses. There is perfect submission to God in heaven ; 
 but, at the same time, the enjoyment of that place is pre- 
 ferred to the wretchedness of those who are cast off. 
 
 "4. Submission is the very essence of what the Saviour 
 said in view of his sufferings on the cross. ' Not my will, 
 but thine be done.' He had a will or choice of his own, 
 but he made it subordinate to the will of God. Submission 
 always implies something submitted — something which is 
 given up. If we had nothing to give up, we should have 
 no sacrifice to make. In this case there would be no 
 trial, no display of virtue, no undervaluing and denying 
 of self. The virtue of submission appears to consist in the 
 32* 
 
378 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 voluntary giving up of those objects which are dear to our 
 hearts. The greater and more dear the objects are, in 
 themselves considered, the greater is the submission. If 
 we had no desires, no choice of our own, our minds would 
 not be brouglit to trial, nor should we have any thing to 
 submit. AVe should be as ignorant of the nature of sub- 
 mission, as one \yould be of parental affection who never 
 had any children. Such a person cannot know the par- 
 ticular feelings of parents, when they are in the act of 
 giving up their children to God to be disposed of by him 
 forever and ever, because he has never been in their 
 place, and the objects have never existed in his mind. 
 The attentive reader will now see why I have urged, that 
 in submission the mind does not cease to have desires 
 of its own, and does not feel indifferent with respect to 
 misery and happiness. Had our Saviour felt indifferent 
 with respect to the sufferings before him, his mind would 
 have had nothing to have given up, and his submission 
 would have been without virtue. But when we consider 
 him as viewing the cup of which he was about to drink, 
 to be in itself inexpressibly dreadful, then we may see 
 wherein the greatness of his submission consisted. In 
 view of this dreadful cup, he said, 'Not my will, but thine 
 be done.' Knowing it to be the purpose of God, he volun- 
 tarily drank it, because he set God's will above his own. 
 Here is a perfect pattern of submission. By looking to 
 this pattern, we find submission consists in choosing that 
 the Lord should reign, that he should have the sole 
 disposal of all things for time and eternity. It is subor- 
 dinating our wills to the will of the Lord. 
 
 " He who exercises submission in sickness, feels that 
 the pain he endures is a trial, and has a desire to be 
 released from it ; but his heart says to God, 'Not my will, 
 but thine be done.' He gives up the whole affair to God, 
 and chooses he should have the ordering. This giving 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 379 
 
 up of his own desire, is his submission — it is that vvhich 
 constitutes his prafseworthiness. He who exercises sub- 
 mission, in viewing a child, a parent, a companion, or 
 any near friend, in the agonies of death, feels that their 
 life would be desirable ; but, his heart says to God, ' Not 
 ray will, but thine be done.' His giving up his own 
 choice is his submission. He does not choose the death 
 of near friends, nor feel indifferent about it, but he chooses 
 the will of the Lord should be done. He who gives up 
 himself, soul and body to God, to be disposed of by him 
 forever and ever, feels that it would be desirable to avoid 
 the endless torments of the damned, and to enter into the 
 happiness of heaven — but, his heart says to God, ' Not my 
 will, but thine be done.' 
 
 "All persons have an ultimate, governing desire, and 
 when this is known, their characters may be determined. 
 They who are under the influence of selfishness, as is the 
 case with all the wicked, choose that their own desires 
 should be granted. Let them be brought to the trial, and 
 they will make a sacrifice of every thing to gratify self 
 Self weighs more in their minds than the happiness of 
 all their fellow-creatures. Were the thing possible, the 
 selfish heart would pull God from the throne, before it 
 would give up its own happiness. This is because the 
 ultimate desire of the heart is self-gratification. A person 
 always subordinates every thing to his ultimate desire. 
 Here we are presented with the real character and feel- 
 ings of the wicked. With this awful character let us 
 now contrast that of the righteous. 
 
 " The righteous have their ultimate, governing desire, as 
 well as the wicked. And what is it 1 It is this — That 
 the will of the Lord should be done. To this ultimate 
 desire they subordinate every thing else. They who are 
 under the influence of this principle, choose that God 
 should reign, that he should have the sole disposal of their 
 
390 
 
 ME.MOIR OF 
 
 very dearest objects. Let the righteous be brought to the 
 trial, and they would make a sacrifice of every thing for 
 the sake of the glory of God. In the exercise of benevo- 
 lence, not a single thing which can be mentioned would 
 be kept back. If, under any circumstances, and in any 
 condition, their hearts should not say, the will of the 
 Lord be done, their submission would be spoiled. The 
 strongest desires of their hearts must be subordinated to 
 the will of God. Let parents, or children, or companions, 
 or brothers and sisters, or houses and lands, or their own 
 lives, come into view, they are cheerfully left with the 
 disposal of God, and made inferior to his glory. Let 
 these objects of their affections be in what state they may, 
 their hearts saj, the will of the Lord be done. Let the 
 everlasting torments of the damned come into view, and, 
 at the same time, their own exposedness to them be seen, 
 still the language of submission will be, the will of the 
 Lord be done. Let the happiness of the redeemed in 
 glory come into view, and though there may be a strong 
 desire for it, yet all is submitted to the will of God. The 
 benevolent heart says, he knows what is best, and let hira 
 reign. If it be safe to submit any thing to God, it is safe 
 to submit every tiling. 
 
 " All this will not imply that our minds are indifferent 
 with respect to pain and misery, nor with respect to hap- 
 piness and a state of favor. It implies simply what was 
 said by our Saviour, ' Not my will, but thine be done.' On 
 another occasion, our Saviour spake the same language : 
 ' He that loveth fatiier or mother more than me, is not 
 worthy of me : and he that loveth son or daughter more 
 than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not 
 his cross and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 
 Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he 
 hath, he cannot be my disciple.' So that the ultimate 
 governing desire of Christians is, that the will of the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 381 
 
 Lord be done. To this every other desire of their hearts 
 is subordinated. This leads them to leave all their con- 
 cerns with God, both for time and eternity. 
 
 "These thoughts, on this important subject, suggest 
 some reflections. 
 
 " 1. We see with what temper of heart we ought to 
 pray. We are allowed to have desires, and to express 
 them to God in prayer, but they all must be subordinated 
 to his will. If we have any desires which we are unwil- 
 ling to submit — unwilling to give up, we pray with rebel- 
 lion in our hearts, we disgrace the God to whom we 
 speak. We are allowed to pray for our children when 
 they are sick ; v'e may pray for their lives, and for the 
 salvation of their souls, but it must be done with submis- 
 sion. If we are not willing God should do his pleasure 
 with respect to their living or dying, and with respect to 
 their future destiny, we have not a spirit of prayer. We 
 set up our own wills above the will of the Lord. We are 
 allowed also to ask mercy for ourselves, that God would 
 save our souls from death, and it is an infinite favor that 
 we may do it ; but it must be done with submission to 
 God's will. If we could not say, even in this case, 'not 
 my will, but thine be done,' we should have rebellion in 
 our hearts. Submission enters info the very nature and 
 spirit of prayer : not a single petition ought to be put up 
 without it. For the same reason that we ought to submit 
 one thing, we ought to sul)mit every thing. With an 
 ultimate desire, tliat the will of the Lord should be done, 
 we ought to enter our closets, approach the throne of 
 grace in our families, and in the assemblies of the saints. 
 
 2, We see what is meant by accepting the punish- 
 ment of our iniquity. The scriptures very plainly state 
 this to sinners, as a condition of their being pardoned. 
 It was expressly stated to the Jews, as in Lev. xxvi. 41. 
 Accepting the punishment of our iniquity does not imply 
 
382 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that we feel indifferent, whether we are punished or not. 
 He who has been humbled, by the mighty power of God, 
 feels that lie is condemned, and justly condemned ; that the 
 law which passes the sentence is infinitely holy and good. 
 His heart receives it as such, though it condemns him, and 
 he would choose it should be honored and maintained, even 
 if he were cast off forever. He feels that God's throne 
 would be' guiltless, and that he should not have a word to 
 say, if the curse of the law should fall upon his guilty head. 
 He acknowledges that he lies wholly at the mere mercy 
 of God, and he is willing it should be so. His heart, 
 once selfish, now benevolent, is prepared to say Amen, to 
 any sentence which God shall see fit to pronounce. His 
 ultimate desire is not that he should be saved from the 
 curse of the law, but that God's counsel should stand, and 
 his name be glorified. Since mercy is offered to such a 
 guilty creature, it would be contempt of this mercy not to 
 ask for it. But how does he ask ? Not with a supreme 
 and ultimate desire, that it should be given him, but with 
 a greater desire that God should be glorified. Therefore, 
 he says, in this petition, ' Not my will, but thine be done.' 
 He acknowledges he deserves eternal destruction, when 
 he asks for mercy, and, therefore, accepts the punishment 
 of his iniquity, even though he says 'God be merciful to 
 me a sinner.' 
 
 "3. We see in what the consolation of Christians con- 
 sists. Their wills are swallowed up in the divine will. Here 
 they leave all things, and here is their highest consolation. 
 The universal government of God is the very anchor of 
 their souls. They have desires with respect to themselves, 
 their children, the church, and .world ; but with pleasure, 
 they submit all their desires to God. Such persons, we 
 may say, are prepared for any event, whether prosperous 
 or adverse," 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 383 
 
 In addition to the essays in the various literary and 
 theological works, Dr. Hyde published during his ministry 
 nineteen sermons. These were either sermons on public 
 occasions, or discussions of the most prominent doctrines 
 of the Bible, which his friends solicited him to send to the 
 press. A historical discourse which he published on the 
 two hundredth anniversary of the Landing of the Pilgrims, 
 contains an interesting sketch of the leading events in the 
 ecclesiastical history of our country. The conjugal rela- 
 tion made happy and useful, is a sermon of great merit. 
 His sermon on the Rechabites, contains an able plea in 
 favor of total abstinence from the use of ardent spirits, 
 which it would seem no parent would fail of admitting as 
 satisfactory. An examination of his sermons will satisfy 
 any reader, that he was a scribe well instructed — that he 
 fed his people with knowledge. 
 
CHAPTER XIV, 
 
 DOMESTIC CHARACTER LETTER OF A SON. 
 
 The compiler of this book, has been encouraged to 
 collect the materials which have been found, presenting 
 an outline of the labors and success of him to whom 
 they relate, by letters from several correspondents. One 
 whose opinion the public will highly appreciate, writes 
 thus : 
 
 " I have no hesitation in expressing the opinion, that 
 a biography of Dr. Hyde ought to be published. It is 
 due to his memory, and due to the Christian public. I 
 have no doubt that he was, on the whole, as perfect a 
 model, for a parish minister, as this country has produced ; 
 and very few have approached him, in point of useful- 
 ness." 
 
 Another, who had the best opportunities for acquaint- 
 ance, expresses his sentiments in these words : 
 
 "I love to think of my sainted friend, and am glad to 
 find that you have not relinquished the thought of pre- 
 paring a memoir of his life. I hope the full-length 
 portrait of a man so excellent and so useful, may yet be 
 
MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 385 
 
 passed round to the admiring gaze, not only of partial 
 friends — among wlioni I blush not to class myself — but 
 throughout the Christian community. It must interest, 
 and delight, and profit all who love high moral worth — to 
 ministers it cannot fail to be specially useful. 
 
 "But the difficulty, as in all similar cases, is to furnish 
 a good likeness. We care not so much, whether the 
 painting be coarse or fine, in the eye of a connoisseur, 
 but we want the features accurately delineated and 
 strongly marked — we must have a likeness of the man 
 we love, or it is a failure." 
 
 But when all has been said of his public, and ministe- 
 rial and literary character, there will be, in the estimation 
 of every one acquainted with him, an inexcusable defi- 
 ciency — an utter want of veri-similitude, unless something 
 more is said of him. It is his " domestic portraiture," 
 which presents him in the most natural attitude. It was 
 in his own family wliere the excellencies of this beloved 
 man appeared most conspicuous. To every one who has 
 been under his roof, and seen how he ruled his own 
 house, with what light his own example shone, with 
 what holy cheerfulness he greeted Christian friends, and 
 made them welcome to the delights of his domestic circle, 
 and especially with what elevated and pure happiness the 
 father and mother and children, met at the family altar, 
 and opened the treasures of God's word, there will be no 
 exaggeration in saying his worth and loveliness were 
 most conspicuous at home. There was nothing like 
 laying aside the character of a minister or Christian in 
 any of the hours spent in that dearest spot on earth. 
 These seemed to become well the father at the head of 
 his family. The morning and evening season of worship 
 was a feasting. It was sitting together in heavenly places 
 33 
 
386 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 in Christ Jesus. They were liours to which the members 
 looked forward with pleasure, and they lingered to pro- 
 long the refreshment when the voice of prayer and praise 
 had ceased. In his family there was an illustration that 
 the Sabbath was made for man — for his comfort, his 
 instruction — a season to gather clusters from the land of 
 promise, and sustain the soul. In proof of this, and as 
 presenting a more perfect and nearer view of him, the 
 reader will be gratified in the following " testimony of a 
 son." 
 
 " He arose as early upon the Sabbath as upon other 
 days, and called the family as early, as if unwilling that 
 more of its sacred hours siiould be spent in slumber than 
 other days required. After the works of necessity were 
 performed, we were all summoned to the family altar. 
 Every one, including domestics, was furnished with a 
 Bible ; and after he had invoked the blessing of heaven 
 upon the duties then before us, and also upon the duties 
 of the day, some one was asked to repeat the fourth com- 
 mandment — another, what were its requirements — and 
 another, how it was to be sanctified. Each one would 
 have some interrogatory put to him, touching the duties 
 of holy time. He would expand the idea contained in 
 the several answers, enforcing upon us all the .strict observ- 
 ance of its holy hours unto the end — then he would name 
 the book and chapter we were to read, as we always read 
 the Bible in course, and he would commence by reading 
 two verses himself, and then call upon the next in suc- 
 cession, and so on till the reading was completed. He 
 would frequently comment as we read, explain obscure 
 passages, and compare one passage with another, recon- 
 ciling apparent contradictions. He would then call upon 
 some one or more of the family to read the practical ob- 
 servations of Dr. Scott, upon the chapter which had been 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 387 
 
 read, to which he always seemed to listen with great de- 
 light. 
 
 " He was an excellent singer, and ardently fond of 
 sacred music, and as his children were all singers, we 
 invariably sung at morning and evening prayers, and as 
 he often remarked, it constituted a very delightful, part 
 of family worship. He would name some psalm or hymn, 
 with which we were all familiar, and we could generally 
 carry three parts of a tune. We all knelt in prayer, and 
 with the greatest simplicity and tender and affectionate 
 earnestness, he would ask his heavenly Father to bless 
 and sanctify each member of the family, whether present 
 or absent— to accompany eacli one of us to the house of 
 worship and to bless the truth there, and wiierever it 
 should be preached. He always frowned upon any thing 
 like levity in any of us during the sacred hours of the 
 Sabbath. After breakfast, and during the interval of 
 worship at noon, he was generally by himself But 
 before retiring, he would request us all to read some 
 religious book, sometimes selecting one for each of us. 
 Often, just before the hour of public worship arrived, 
 would he call us all together to sing before we went to 
 the house of God, the following, or some other appro- 
 priate words; * 
 
 ' Welcome sweet day of rest, ^ 
 That saw the Lord arise ; 
 Welcome to this reviving breast, 
 And these rejoicing eyes.' 
 
 After service in the afternoon, he would collect all his 
 household, and one would be selected to read, while the 
 others were required to listen, with a view to prevent, if 
 possible, those wandering thoughts so common to youth. 
 This e.\ercise was continued till the hour arrived for 
 evening prayers. Then we were interrogated in the 
 
388 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Shorter Catechism, the questions in which he would put 
 to us from memory, without the aid of a book, and correct 
 the least error in an answer. We were also interrogated 
 upon the historical parts of the Bible ; called upon to 
 name the books of the Bible in their order ; to repeat a 
 hymn, and to answer such other questions as he saw fit to 
 put to us, concerning the great duties which man owes to 
 his Maker ; then the day was closed with reading the 
 Bible, singing, and prayer, as in the morning. And such, 
 I may say, was the history of our family devotions every 
 day in the week, with but little variation. He in later 
 years adopted the ' verse system,' requiring each one to 
 repeat a verse from scripture before reading, he himself 
 leading the way. He never came to the family altar, as 
 if to perform an unmeaning or irksome ceremony ; but it 
 ever seemed to him a delightful spot, a spot where he 
 loved to linger. And I believe we were all happy in the 
 hour of family devotion. They are delightful spots in the 
 retrospect ; and nothing, nothing makes such a chasm at 
 home ; nothing makes the paternal mansion appear so 
 gloomy, as not to hear the well known accents of our 
 much lamented father ascending in affectionate supplica- 
 tion at tlie hours of morning and evening devotion, and 
 invoking a blessing "upon the bounties of Providence at 
 the social repast. And he v. as not content in supplicating 
 the best of Heaven's blessings upon his children at family 
 prayers alone. Often has he taken me with him in 
 solitude, particularly when I was about to leave home, 
 and there, upon our bended knees, has he committed me 
 to the special care and keeping of our heavenly Father. 
 What he has done for me in this respect, I presume he 
 has done for the others. 
 
 " He was always social and familiar with his children, 
 courting and receiving their confidence on all subjects. 
 I do not now recollect ever to have been corrected by 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 389 
 
 him, nor of his correcting others. But he has often told 
 me that he commenced early with his children, knowing 
 that when obedience was gained, the rest was easy. He 
 was always mild, firm, and decided ; never suffering us to 
 reason with him in order to have our own way, when he 
 had made a requirement of us, in itself reasonable. 
 Neither did he suffer us, when required to do a thing, 
 to go about it murmuring. We were taught to do it 
 cheerfully. Seldom did any of us require to be told the 
 second time to do a thing. He never overlooked any 
 little dissensions among us, but he always suppressed 
 angry words, and inculcated brotherly love. We all 
 loved, feared, and obeyed him, and we also loved each 
 other. There was ever a dignity, propriety, and consis- 
 tency of demeanor, pervading ail his actions, under all 
 circumstances, which could not fail to command our 
 respect and reverence ; whicli exercised a sort of charm 
 over us, and effectually prevented the outbreakings of 
 disobedience. He was affectionate almost beyond com- 
 parison. His solicitude for his children was intense, and 
 when his fifth child was consigned to the silent tomb, it 
 did seem as if his heart' would break. And yet, under all 
 his affliction, I never saw him shed a tear. He had such 
 command over his feelings, as but few possess. He was 
 such a father as but few po.ssess. His loss none can 
 tell." 
 
 Whoever had the privilege of joining with that family 
 in their devotions, after the afflictions which have been 
 detailed in the letters began to be opened to them, could 
 not but learn something of the effect upon the affectionate 
 father's heart. In some way, there were delicate allusions 
 to what God had done, and the realities of the eternal 
 world were brought so near ; so presented before the 
 soul ; such a justification of God's ways, and such earnest 
 33 * 
 
390 MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 supplications for something better than life to the dear 
 survivors ; it was evident, that though God had caused 
 grief, he had applied the balm of Gilead, and administered 
 healing and consolation. The parents were eminently 
 happy in each other. There was a union of influence to 
 bless their household. The bereaved widow lives to 
 mourn, when she thinks of herself and her children, and 
 to bless God for the mercies mingled in her cup, and to 
 pray that hers may yet constitute an unbroken family in 
 heaven. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 LAST SICKNESS AND DEATH. 
 
 The last year of Dr. Hyde's life was a year of constant 
 activity, and all his services were devoted to one object — 
 it was Christ for liiin to live. From the last record in his 
 diary, and from letters of a later date, it is evident he was 
 deeply impressed with the trials awaiting aged ministers, 
 and that alarming evils were impending over the churches. 
 " I was never more solicitous for my people than at this 
 time, and never saw the churches in Berkshire so threat- 
 ened with an inundation of error and divisions. He met 
 these trials as ministers should always meet every afiliction 
 which comes upon them, not in a spirit of repining, or 
 yielding to discouragement, but by an increase of humility 
 and prayer, and activity in appropriate labors. During 
 the summer and fall of 1833, he exhibited as much 
 energy in his work, as in any period of his life. For 
 months, he attended a religious meeting each day, besides 
 performing his usual services on the Sabbath, and visiting 
 from house to house. In one of his letters written during 
 the fall, he says, "This unexpected and heavy trial, re- 
 ferring to a scene which had opened, is such an one as 
 the ministers and churches have needed. We have been 
 unfaithful. In conversation with one of his most intimate 
 
392 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 friends, one with whom he had breasted many a storm, 
 and stood shoulder to shoulder in many a conflict, he said, 
 *' My family afflictions have never been so keen a trial, 
 and come so near my heart, as the interruption of that 
 harmony and order, which have contributed so much to 
 the prosperity of the churches in Berkshire." Referring 
 to the same trials, he says in a letter, " I am now study- 
 ing to guide and feed my flock after such scenes as we 
 have passed through." 
 
 On the 2Sth of November, the day of the annual 
 thanksgiving, the pastor was with his beloved flock, and 
 addressed them from Psalm cxviii. 1. "O give thanks 
 unto the Lord, for he is good, and his mercy endureth 
 forever." He spoke with his usual animation and distinct- 
 ness, but observed, soon after the dose of public services, 
 that it was with more effort than usual that he had 
 preached, and that he apprehended it might result in some 
 injury to his health. His apprehensions were not ground- 
 less. He soon became so ill as to be confined to his 
 house. The Sabbath following, he was so much unwell 
 that he did not visit the house of God. On Monday he 
 was so comfortable as to spend a part of the day in his 
 study, and he greeted company with his accustomed 
 cheerfulness. On Tuesday, the 3d of December, he 
 arose as usual early, met his family at that most delightful 
 place to him, the domestic altar, directed their thoughts 
 and desires to heaven, and implored for them, and for 
 himself, and his church, and the world, those blessings 
 which none but Christ can bestow. Soon after this last 
 season of devotion with his household, he became more 
 unwell, and called in his family physician. Medicine was 
 administered which did not have the desired effect. Still 
 there were no symptoms which excited particular alarm. 
 He left his room occasionally during the day, and main- 
 tained his usual serenity and cheerfulness. Some time 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 393 
 
 during the afternoon, he went to his desk in his study, 
 took from it a will which he had previously prepared, but 
 had not signed, handed it to his wife, requesting that it 
 might be in readiness should it be called for. Towards 
 the close of the day it became evident to himself that the 
 hour of his dissolution was approaching. He informed 
 his friends that his last sickness had come. With his 
 characteristic equanimity and self-possession, he desired to 
 be raised from his bed, and to be seated in his chair. He 
 called for his will, which he signed with a full and fair 
 hand, as he ever wrote in perfect health. He then handed 
 it to his physician, requesting him, and the counselling 
 physicians to witness it, adding, " Set thine house in 
 order." 
 
 Not long after, he said to Dr. B., "Give this as my 
 dying charge to the church. Tell them to pray much, 
 that the Lord would send them an evangelical pastor, one 
 who will build them up — you know what I mean by build- 
 ing up." Here he was deprived for a moment, either by 
 a paroxysm of pain, or by mental feeling, of the power of 
 utterance, and the doctor added, " You mean one who will 
 contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints." 
 "Yes, I do," he replied with emphasis. The language of 
 the apostle was repeated in his hearing : " 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 Judge, shall 
 give me at that day." He replied, "I have often thought 
 of that passage, but when I reflect how I have fought, I 
 find I have come short in every thing, and my only refuge 
 is sovereign grace for the chief of sinners, through the 
 atoning blood of Christ." 
 
 About 5 o'clock on Wednesday morning he addressed 
 his wife, saying, " We have lived happily together many 
 years, we must now be separated. Put your trust in God," 
 
394 
 
 MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 She observed, " When I have been in affliction, I have 
 had a counsellor and friend, to sj mpatliize with me, but 
 now I am to be left alone." He cheerfully repeated, 
 *' Put your trust in God. He will never leave you nor 
 forsake you." 
 
 To his son he said, " I have made arrangements for you 
 to live with your mother. Be kind to her. This house 
 has been a house of prayer for forty years. Let it be a 
 house of prayer still. You will have many calls. Let it 
 be a house of Christian hospitality. Be a friend to 
 Christ and his people. This is the counsel of your dying 
 father." 
 
 He requested the doctor to read four verses from the 
 14th chapter of John. " Let not your heart be troubled, 
 ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father's 
 house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have 
 told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go 
 and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive 
 you to myself, that where I am there ye may be also. 
 And whither I go, ye know, and the way ye know." He 
 then asked Mr. T. to kneel down and pray. 
 
 He tlien said, " Let those who can sing unite in singing 
 the 146lh psalm, the first stanza," and named St. Helen's 
 as the tune. 
 
 " I'll praise my Maker with my breath. 
 And when my voice is lost in death, 
 
 Praise shall employ my nobler powers ; 
 My daj's of praise shall ne'er be past, 
 Wiiile life, and thought, and being last. 
 
 Or immortality endures." 
 
 He then said, " Dr. B., will you kneel down and pray 
 with me once more?" These were his last words. In a 
 few moments after the voice of prayer ceased, he fell 
 asleep. " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 NOTICES OF DR. HYDE, SHOWING THE ESTIMATION IN 
 
 WHICH HE WAS HELD LETTERS OF CONDOLENCE TO 
 
 THE WIDOW, FROM DRS. HUMPHREY AND POUTER. 
 
 A SKETCH has been given in the preceding pages of the 
 life and labors of Dr. Hyde, as delineated by his own 
 hand in his diary and letters. It has been thought by the 
 compiler, that this would exhibit him more satisfactorily to 
 the reader than by attempting to portray his character in 
 any other manner. In this chapter a few of the notices 
 of him, which were presented to the public soon after his 
 decease, are collected, showing the estimation in which he 
 was held by those who had the best opportunities to ap- 
 preciate his worth. 
 
 Id one of the journals announcing his death, are the 
 following expressions. 
 
 " Dr. Hyde filled a large space in the public mind. He 
 was very extensively known as the patron of literature 
 and of the benevolent enterprises of the age, and as an 
 ardent friend and active promoter of genuine revivals of 
 religion. The general impression in this section of the 
 church is, that a great man has fallen in Israel." 
 
 Another says, " This good man occupied a place so 
 distinguished in the affections and respect of the commu- 
 
396 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 nity, that something more is demanded from one who 
 knew him well, than the simple annunciation of his death. 
 He was settled in the year as a minister of the 
 
 congregational church in the place where he died, and 
 for more than forty years sustained the relation of pastor 
 to the same people ; during all which time he was literally 
 ' the shepherd of his flock.' In a parish containing less 
 than two thousand inhabitants, his church consisted for 
 many years of near four hundred communicants, and 
 during his ministry he was instrumental in admitting 
 about seven hundred members. The strong traits of his 
 character were, sound judgment and varied learning, un- 
 deviating rectitude, faithful devotion to the discharge of 
 every duty, and great personal dignity, combined with a 
 remarkable simplicity of manner, life, and conversation. 
 To those who did not know him well, it is not easy to 
 conceive the good he did in the world ; but there are 
 thousands who can attest it, and who will never cease to 
 revere his name. 
 
 " He was often solicited to take charge of some of the 
 most ceieijrated literary and theological institutions of that 
 section, but nothing could ever prevail on him to separate 
 from his people, in his own valley of the Housatonic. To 
 them he devoted his life, under a strong sense that God 
 had placed him there, and that it was his duty to stay by 
 them. He was in the habit of saying, for many years 
 before his death, when he accompanied his friends from a 
 distance to the burial-ground of his parish — ' Here is my 
 congregation.' He has now gone himself to join that 
 congregation, 'the great congregation of the dead.' 
 
 " In his dying moments his mind was perfectly calm 
 and collected — He conversed, gave directions, made re- 
 quests, and uttered his last adieu, with the same calmness 
 and self-possession that always attended him on leaving 
 home for a journey." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 397 
 
 Another notice appeared in the following language : 
 " I have just returned from attending the funeral of Dr. 
 Hyde, of Lee. The occasion was one of extraordinary 
 interest, and probably the funeral of no other man in the 
 county, would have called together so large an assem- 
 blage of people. His numerous parishioners were col- 
 lected, and their appearance was that of dutiful and affec- 
 tionate children, mourning the loss of a venerated father. 
 The religious services were suited to the occasion. The 
 sermon was delivered by a brother in the ministry, be- 
 tween whom and the deceased, a most intimate and affec- 
 tionate intercourse had been kept up for forty years. 
 When the preacher came to speak of the character 
 of his friend, the change in his countenance gave in- 
 dication of the emotions that struggled in his bosom, 
 and it was with the utmost difficulty that he could pro- 
 ceed. The singing was in good taste, soft and plain- 
 tive ; and the Dying Christian was never sung on an 
 occasion more appropriate. Just as the benediction was 
 pronounced, an incident occurred that was peculiarly 
 affecting. A son of Dr. Hyde, who resides in the city of 
 New York, arrived — entered the church — passed up the 
 aisle, by the side of the lifeless remains of his father — and 
 took his seat in the pew with his mother. The last time 
 they were together, she was happy in the kindness of a 
 husband, and he in the love of a fatlier — now she is a 
 widow, and he an orphan. 
 
 "Dr. Hyde was no ordinary man; but I will not un- 
 dertake to give you a sketch of his character ; nor will I 
 speak of his devotedness to the ministerial office ; nor of 
 his faithfulness to the people of his charge ; nor of his 
 peculiar qualifications for examining and exciting the 
 interest of students, in every grade of learning, from the 
 highest class in college to the youngest class in the infant 
 school ; nor of his excellence as a theological teacher ; 
 34 
 
398 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 nor of the influence he exerted in forming and carrying 
 forward the religious charitable institutions in this section 
 of country, over many of which he presided ; but I would 
 just mention one trait in his character, and that is useful- 
 ness. I knew him well, and I can honestly say that I 
 never was acquainted with another man, who so seldom 
 lost sight of his obligation to be useful. In every situation 
 in which he was placed, in every company in which he 
 was called upon to speak or act, wherever he was, and 
 whatever he did, the obligation to be useful, pressed upon 
 him in all its force. And that this pressure was not felt 
 in vain, thousands can witness. In his presence, igno- 
 rance was enlightened, error was exposed, vice was 
 abashed, goodness was encouraged, virtue was strength- 
 ened. 
 
 " Every body expected that Dr. Hyde would die as he 
 lived. Such was the fact. That atonement which he 
 had so often proclaimed to others, as the only ground of 
 hope and peace, sustained his hope, and gave peace to his 
 departing spirit. He had been so long prominent before 
 the public, that he was generally supposed to have passed 
 the ordinary age of man, though he was not quite sixty-six 
 years old." 
 
 At a meeting of the Berkshire Bible Society, the follow- 
 ing paragraphs were embodied io the report of the Execu- 
 tive Committee. 
 
 " When this Society was organized, in 1817, the 
 Hon. William Walker was elected President, and Rev. 
 Alvan Hyde, D. D., Vice President. They were annu- 
 ally re-elected to their ofiices afterward, until the decease 
 of Judge Walker, in the autumn of 1831. Dr. Hyde suc- 
 ceeded him as President, at the anniversary in 1832, and 
 held the office at his death the last month. 
 
 " These excellent men, who contributed so much to the 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 399 
 
 formation, growth, and prosperity of this society, resem- 
 bled each other in several points of their history and traits 
 of character. Both rose to distinction by a course of be- 
 coming and virtuous conduct. They were well behaved 
 in childhood and youth, disposed to avail themselves of 
 the advantages for knowledge, with which, in different 
 degrees, they were favored ; they were gentlemanly in 
 manhood, and grave and dignified as they advanced in 
 age. They were the friends of the Lord Jesus Christ, the 
 friends of each other, and of good men. Both exercised a 
 very happy influence, particularly in the towns in which 
 they lived, in the county also, in the church, and in the 
 world. They fellowshipped the benevolent enterprises of 
 the age, and aided them by their counsels, resources, and 
 prayers. Their names are identified with almost every 
 thing of a general nature in this vicinity, which has for its 
 object the good of society. They were lovely and pleasant 
 in their lives, and the death of the latter soon followed 
 that of the former. 
 
 " The excellencies of Dr. Hyde, whose death is so 
 recent, are too well known to those who compose this 
 audience, and too justly appreciated by them ; they are 
 brought before the community in too many publications at 
 the present time, to render many observations needful. 
 We should, however, do violence to our feelings on this 
 anniversary, to pass along without an affectionate and 
 grateful notice of his worth, which by the acknowledg- 
 ment of all was very great. This appeared in the various 
 services of a long public life. The eminence to which he 
 attained was not owing so much to the prominence of any 
 one attribute, as to the even balancing and regular exer- 
 cise of the various attributes of his mind ; not to solitary 
 splendid actions, but to the steady, consistent prosecution 
 of that which is good. The secret of his g«eat usefulness 
 lay in his good sense, exact method, punctuality, and dili- 
 
400 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 gence, sanctified by the grace of God. In the appropriate 
 every day duties of his family and parish, his influence 
 was the most deeply felt. His family and people are wit- 
 nesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and un- 
 bJamably he behaved himself among them. In the duties 
 of the ministry, in which he spent his strength and life, 
 he came nearer to the requisitions of the apostle Paul, in 
 his letters to Timothy and Titus, than is ordinarily true 
 of the eminent in his profession. He was a lover of hos- 
 pitality, a lover of good men : sober, just, holy, temperate. 
 In all things he showed himself a pattern of good works; 
 in doctrine he showed incorruptness, gravity, sincerity. 
 In his intercourse with his brethren in the ministry, and 
 with society generally, he maintained that conversation 
 which is good to the use of edifying, that it might minis- 
 ter grace unto the hearers. In all the stations which he 
 was called to fill, and in all the relations he sustained, his 
 counsels, example, and prayers, tended continually to 
 enlighten, purify, and bless. 
 
 " But the Lord has removed him suddenly from us, and 
 from his labors on earth. The best respect we can pay 
 to his memory, and to the memory of his honored prede- 
 cessor in the presidency of this institution, will be, and 
 with all seriousness and fidelity, (as death may soon come,) 
 to love and study, practice and circulate that blessed book, 
 which so happily controlled their faith and their conduct, 
 sustained them in the closing scenes of life, and prepared 
 them, through the accompanying influences of the Holy 
 Ghost, for that larger and higher sphere of happiness and 
 service in heaven, where we have every reason to believe 
 they are now united." 
 
 The following letters of condolence, addressed to the 
 widow, will be read with interest. 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 401 
 
 " Amherst college, Jan. 5, 1834. 
 
 "My dear Madam, 
 
 " I cannot possibly describe the thrill which went 
 over me, when the tidings came that my venerable father 
 and friend, your husband, was no more. I had not heard 
 a syllable of his sickness, and such were my impressions, 
 in regard to the strength of his constitution, that I was 
 not at all prepared for the mournful intelligence. And is 
 he really gone forever from that habitation, which was so 
 long cheered by the glowing constellations of his domestic 
 affections, no less than by his bright Christian example 1 
 Will he no more offer the morning and evenincr sacrifice 
 upon that altar, where he kept up the holy fire for more 
 than forty years 1 Shall we no more meet his benignant 
 smile, nor press his warm hand upon that threshold which 
 no man could pass, without feeling, ' here dwells an 
 Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile ? ' Will the 
 expectant congregation see him no more in the sacred 
 desk ; nor his beloved church at the table of the Lord ; 
 nor his brethren in the ministry, at their stated meetings 
 and ordination solemnities ? Are the churches in Berk- 
 shire never more to look upon the face of a father so 
 much revered and beloved ? 
 
 " But why should I linger upon this mournful train of 
 reflections, which I fear have more of complaint than of 
 resignation in them ? 'The Lord gave, and the Lord hath 
 taken away ; and blessed be the name of the Lord.' Your 
 loss, my dear madam, is indeed irreparable. But how 
 many blessed consolations has God mingled in the cup of 
 your afflictions ! What a blessing that you had such a 
 husband to lose ! What a blessing that he was spared to 
 you and your children so many years 1 What a legacy of 
 prayers and counsels has he left behind him ! What 
 strong evidence, what full assurance, I had almost said, 
 34 * 
 
402 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that he has gone to reap tlie rich and glorious reward of 
 a good and faithful servant ! 
 
 " I cannot think of him as on the bed of sickness, nor 
 in the dark valley, nor in Jordan's cold stream ; but as 
 discharging all the duties of a good minister of Jesus 
 Christ, with extraordinary diligence and success : and 
 then being released at once from the toils of a long life, 
 to go and be forever with the Lord. How many, have 
 we reason to believe, will, throughout eternity, rejoice at 
 the remembrance of his faithful ministry, and shine as 
 jewels in his crown forever and ever. 
 
 " I have been greatly interested in the pastoral address 
 of the Berkshire Association, which I am told was from 
 Dr. Hyde's pen, and which is worthy of the last thoughts 
 and efforts of such a minister, of the father of all the 
 churches in the county. I had rather be the author of 
 such a document, in finishing my course, than to go down 
 to the grave with all the honors which literary distinction 
 can ever accumulate. ' The righteous shall be had in 
 everlasting remembrance.' Had your inestimable hus- 
 band been a less able and faithful servant of his Master, 
 we should not have felt his loss as we now do ; but neither 
 should we have rejoiced as we are permitted to, in his re- 
 moval from earth to heaven. ' By the grace of God, he 
 was what he was.' May that divine Spirit who qualified 
 him so eminently for his work, sustain and comfort you 
 under this greatest of your trials. May your children all 
 follow his bright Christian example, while they carefully 
 treasure up his invaluable counsels. The widow's God 
 and the Father of the fatherless is Jehovah, in his holy 
 habitation. Mrs. H. unites with me in Christian sym- 
 pathy, and I am, with much esteem, your friend, 
 
 " H. HuMPHREV." 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 403 
 
 ''Catskill, Dec. 7, 1833. 
 " Much respected and bereaved Madam, 
 
 " The death of your dear husband, and our highly 
 respected and invaluable friend, was announced to me 
 this morning. The sorrowful tidings came from New 
 York, in the Commercial Advertiser, a daily paper. In 
 the evening we received information a little more par- 
 ticular; that Dr. Hyde preached on thanksgiving day; 
 that on the Sabbath following, he was indisposed, and 
 did not attend meeting, that he died on Wednesday, and 
 that the funeral was to be attended on Saturday. Of 
 other circumstances, of his last words, and the dying 
 scene, if God permit, we shall hear in due time. Rarely 
 will an instance of mortality be more severely and exten- 
 sively felt, than the death of your inestimable husband. 
 The ministers of the gospel, and the churches far and 
 near, will be clad in deep and solemn mourning. And 
 why should they not be grieved, and weep, and mourn, 
 since they are called to part with a father, a brother, 
 a friend — one of their ablest counsellors and guides, a 
 divine and minister of rare endowments — whose influence 
 was widely extended, and whose example, and every action 
 and movement, with the fewest exceptions, were a living 
 comment in witness of the power and grace of almighty 
 God. With your departed husband, I had been acquaint- 
 ed more than forty years, and with more than ordinary 
 intimacy. And no one could know him without deeming 
 it a peculiar privilege; and if any one desired to become 
 wiser and better, in marking all his footsteps, he could 
 not fail of remembering, with gratitude to God, that he 
 had been furnished with such a pattern of excellence, 
 uniting in one man an assemblage of intellectual and 
 moral qualities, which could not possibly fail to secure 
 confidence, esteem, and love. 
 
 " It is saying none too much, to say that your dear hus- 
 
404 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 band was a burning and shining light, and that thousands, 
 and tens of thousands, for many years, rejoiced in that 
 light. But he is gone, and we are to see his face no 
 more; that tongue, which was the law of kindness, is 
 silent in death. When I think of the ministers in Berk- 
 shire — of the churches — of the college — of the benevolent 
 institutions, and of society at large, I associate them in 
 my mind, as mourners in common, every one. In Lee, 
 the church and congregation, of which he was pastor 
 more than forty years, must be cast down. I can imagine 
 their grief to be beyond the power of restraint, and that 
 they well-nigh refuse to be comforted. 
 
 " The stroke is heavy, indeed, on your sons ; but 
 heaviest of all on yourself, and requires infinitely more 
 than human alleviation to assuage your grief, and bind 
 up and heal your broken heart. He was the husband of 
 your youth, your other self, more to you than all mortals 
 besides. But there is one left dearer than he. The Lord 
 Jesus Christ is always nigh, and his love is infinite — many 
 waters cannot quench nor the floods drown it. And he it 
 is who has done this thing ; and though why he has done 
 it you know not now, yet you shall know hereafter. The 
 blessed Saviour has a feeling for our infirmities, and 
 afflicts his children for their profit, that they might par- 
 take more largely of his holiness. He knew beforehand, 
 what he was about to do. He saw the wound, and the 
 pain you feel, before he struck. It has been done in 
 infinite kindness. He will not leave you comfortless. 
 He has power to sustain you, and his promise is sure. So 
 certain as you love the Lord Jesus Christ, so certain it is 
 that this sore affliction is designed to fit you for heaven, 
 and to work out for you a far more exceeding and eternal 
 weight of glory. Though I know you to be well-nigh 
 overwhelmed, with the billows rolling over you, yet I 
 cannot think of you otherwise than one remarkably dis- 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 405 
 
 tinguished, and highly favored of the Lord. To remember 
 that you once had such, and such, dear children, and that 
 you had them so long, must be a sweet and pleasing recol- 
 lection. And can you sufficiently admire and adore the 
 goodness of God for such a companion as he saw fit to 
 provide '? What could God have done more for you than 
 he has done for you ? And though he has seen fit to 
 remove him, he is not lost. O no! Though dead, he yet 
 speaks. He preaches, even now, to his people, to the 
 world, to his brethren in the ministry, and to yourself and 
 your dear children, most emphatically. Dr. Hyde was 
 one of those, who lived while he lived — and lives after 
 he is dead — and will live from generation to generation. 
 And why should not God take him now, when he needs 
 him for other work, in a higher sphere ? Of the place 
 where he is, and of his associates, there can be no doubt 
 at all. He is in heaven. He is with the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, his Redeemer, whom he loved and admired, as 
 the chiefest among ten thousands, while here below, and 
 ere this has had a blessed introduction to the ancient 
 saints, the prophets, and apostles, and all the glorified in 
 the upper kingdom, and is now, without sin, mingling his 
 notes with theirs. 
 
 " And now, dear madam, as much as you loved him, 
 and afflicted and as lonely as you are, would you bring 
 him back again to this troubled world ? Would you break 
 him off from the song of the ransomed wliich he is just 
 beginning to raise, with joy unspeakable and full of glory ? 
 I have just been reading the letter your dear husband 
 wrote me soon after the death of our beloved William. I 
 answered that letter ; but I could not repay him for the 
 precious sentiments it contained, and the consolation it 
 afforded, in that season of peculiar trial. We knov; we 
 cannot cause your tears and sighs to cease, or take from 
 you the bitter cup the Lord hath given you to drink. But 
 
406 MEMOIR OF 
 
 we can condole and sympathize with you and your family, 
 and do most sincerely. 
 
 " Remember us in your prayers, and be assured I am 
 yours most sincerely, 
 
 " David Porter." 
 
 LINES 
 
 On the. Death of Mvan Hyde, D. D., of Lee. 
 
 Hark! all ye watchmpn placed on Zion's towers 
 
 As each his brother hails ' What of the night ? ' 
 
 From yonder fane peals loud a solemn knell, 
 
 And falls on many hearts, full heavily. 
 
 To you it speaks, ' The night, the night comes on 
 
 Wiicii all your work, howe'er perforin'd, must end.' 
 
 Another sun is set, whose brilliant light 
 
 Illum'd our path, and cheer'd us on our way ; 
 
 A sun without a cloud from morn to eve, 
 
 And in whose light we long rejoic'd to walk. 
 
 Another pillar in the courts of God 
 
 Has fall'n, and Zion's sons and daughters weep. 
 
 Ye band of pa'- tors, come, here blend your tears 
 
 With the lov'd flock, whose shepherd sleeps in death. 
 
 A father, friend, and counsellor is gone. 
 
 Whose heart was knit to yours by heav'nly tics; 
 
 With you he wept, when ye did weep ; his heart, 
 
 When ye icjoic'd, did feel a brother's joy — 
 
 With you he pray'd and toird,in council sat. 
 
 And made your heaviest burdens all his own. 
 
 How oft with him ye held communion sweet. 
 
 And in delightful interchange of thought. 
 
 Did taste the pleasures Christian friendship yields. 
 
 His Master's honor, and the cause of truth, 
 
 The weal or wo of Zion well-belov'd 
 
 With blood most precious bought, dwelt on his heart, 
 
 Call'd forth his intercessions day by day, 
 
ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 407 
 
 And prompted him to labors ceaseless. 
 Wisdom and prudence and the law of love 
 Dwelt ever on his tongue — tho' meek and mild, 
 To trutli most steadfast and to duty firm. 
 He lov'd iiis Master, and his work, nor shunn'd 
 The Cross, but bore it with a dauntless heart ; 
 And while lie fought the Cliristian's fight of faith, 
 His well known weapon was the word of God. 
 Of learning and of science sound, the friend. 
 Yet most lie lov'd to sit, a learner meek. 
 Low, at the Saviour's feet, and hear his words, 
 And treasure them most deeply in his heart, 
 Unmix'd with dreams of vain philosophy. 
 Hence in the work of God's ambassador 
 His steadfast aim to speak as God has taught 
 In his unerring, changeless oracles. 
 Not words of pomp and empty useless sound, 
 But words of truth and soberness. 
 
 Thou flock of God bereft ! each of your names 
 
 He bore upon liis heart, and gave to each 
 
 His portion, food divine, instruction pure. 
 
 Fresh-drawn from God's own book of trutli and grace; 
 
 And on his memory's bright page enroU'd 
 
 He kept the name of ev'ry tender lamb 
 
 By the Chief Shepherd to his hand consign'd. 
 
 Ay, he was diligent to know your state. 
 
 To mark your progress on your way to heaven, 
 
 ' Reproving ev'ry dull delay,' each step 
 
 That leads astray from virtue's narrow path 
 
 Rebuking with a father's love and care. 
 
 He lov'd to meet you in the house of prayer 
 
 On God's own day, and break the bread of life; 
 
 To greet you at your firesides, there impart 
 
 Paternal counsels — learn your fears, your hopes, 
 
 Your joys, your griefs, with kind responding heart. 
 
 And lift for you his supplicating voice. 
 
 For you he liv'd, he pray'd, he watch'd, he toil'd ; 
 
 And did it not in vain, ye can attest. 
 
 His witnesses. For you was spent his strength, 
 
 His latest strength — ay, more, for you he died, 
 
 Nor held e'en life too dear a sacrifice 
 
 To do you service. Mark, sorrowing flock. 
 
 His bright example, and his footsteps trace. 
 
 His counsels heed; gird up your loins anew 
 
408 
 
 MEMOIR OF ALVAN HYDE. 
 
 And run the race, before you set, nor lose 
 Til' heavenly crown. 
 
 Thou partner of his life, now cloth'd in grief, 
 
 These tears shall flow with thine, unfeigned. 
 
 I too have lost, in him, a long-tried friend, 
 
 A father and a guide. His house, the home 
 
 Of Zion's friends and mine, thrice hallow'd place. 
 
 Full many an anxious care has fled this heart. 
 
 To meet, at that dear threshold, smiles of love, 
 
 That voice of salutation kind. Full well 
 
 1 lov'd to share a place, amid the band 
 
 Domestic, at the hour of prayer and praise, 
 
 A sacred hour of rev'rence, peace and love. 
 
 'Twas then this world could cheat this heart no more. 
 
 Nor bribe me with its vain alluring toys. 
 
 For heaven was near, and on its confines bow'd 
 
 Each happy worshipper. E'en angels seem'd 
 
 To gather round, to join in service like their own. 
 
 The Bible he did prize all price above, 
 
 And search'd and ponder'd with unfailing care ; 
 
 Light to his feet, his ceaseless counsellor 
 
 When morn arose, and night her curtains spread. 
 
 O, he has heard the welcome from the skies, 
 As he stood, watching, toiling, at his post, 
 ' Come thou, up hither, near me take thy seat. 
 Among my first-born sons. Thy work is done, 
 Well done, thou faithful servant of thy God ; 
 Here take the joys thy Lord prepares for all 
 Who, when he comes, he finds so doing.' 
 
 Otis, Jan. 1834. 
 
Errata. 
 
 The top line on page 15, should be placed at the bottom of page 
 IC; and the top liue on page IG, should be at the tup of page 15.