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JAMES BTUIXERD TAYLOR. 
 
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MEMOIR 
 
 OP 
 
 JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 
 
 BY ' 
 JOHN HOLT RICE, D. D. 
 
 AND 
 
 BENJAMIN HOLT RICE, D. D. 
 
 SECOND STEREOTYPE EDITION, 
 RBTISED UNBER THE SANCTION OF THE SURVIVINO COMPILER. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY 
 
 THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETT, 
 160 NASSAU-STREET, KEW-YORK. 
 
 D. Fiinshaw, Priotcr. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1833, by 
 Knowles Taylor, in the Clerk's Office of the District Cottrt 
 of the Southern District of New- York. 
 
 Right of publiBhing transferred to American Tract Societf . 
 

 CHAPTER tL;^:^'' 
 
 EARLY LIFE, TILL COMMENCING STUDY. 
 
 Birth, childhood, and early youth — enters a store in New- 
 York — conversion — labors in Sabbath School — eflforts for 
 good of others — sees a Missionary sail for India — contem- 
 plates preparing for the Ministry— consults his parents- 
 decision to consecrate himself to this work— correspond- 
 ence with friends on the subject— determines on a tho- 
 rough course of preparation 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 FIRST TWO YEARS IN ACADEMY. 
 
 Temptations resisted— exposure to sudden death — descrip- 
 tion of the school — anticipations of the ministry — daily 
 study of the Bible— establishes a weekly prayer-meeting, 
 connected with a Bible Class— Bible Class of Young La- 
 dies in Lawrenceville— labors "from house to house "—ef- 
 forts for the salvation of his parents and relatives— la- 
 ments his sinfulness— topics for meditation and day of 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 thanksgiving— New Vear'f lett«r to his parents — effort* 
 for other relatives— letter to his mother — to a friend pre- 
 paring for the ministry— obligation to present usefulness 
 — accompanies Major Ridge to Cornwall — letter to an 
 aged clergyman— to his parents, 35 
 
 CHAPTER Hi. 
 
 COMPLETION OF HIS COURSE IN THB ACABBHT. 
 
 Aspirations for increase of holiness — letter of acknowledg- 
 ment from Major Ridge— letter from one brought to 
 Christ by his fidelity— his view of qualifications for the 
 ministry— special refreshing from the Holy Ghost, April 
 23, 1822— increase of spirituality— desires to enter the 
 ministy immediately, but resolves on a course of tho- 
 rough preparation— letters to christian friends urging a 
 high standard of holiness — Memoir of Parsons — New 
 Year's letter to his parents — Death of the Compiler, and 
 continuation by another hand— bright anticipations of 
 heaven— letters to an aged Clergyman — Savor of Christ 
 in all his correspondence — great joy in God— letters to a 
 lady in affliction— Journal— warning of danger of wealth 
 and luxury— letter to an aged colored woman — steadfast 
 anticipations of the ministry — great spiritual joys — let- 
 ters and journal— closes his studies in the Academy— 
 visits to friends and abundant labors, 74 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 FIKST YEAR IN COLLEGE. 
 
 Temptations and trials of a College life— pants for spiritual 
 converse— letter to a family— day of fasting— letter, 
 "Looking unto Jesus" — refreshing visit at Lawrence* 
 ville— New Year's letter to his parents— efforts to rouse 
 others to duty— letter to a brother — humiliation and joy 
 in God— letter to afflicted relatives— to a lady apparently 
 near death— faithfulness to an individual— blessing on his 
 labors in vacation— holy joys— college honors— abundant 
 and successful labors in revivals in Connecticut in vaca- 
 tion—journal and letters, 1 63 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 SECOND YEAR IN COLLEGE. 
 
 Labors in connection with the Pastor of a Church in New- 
 York— letter of warning to a friend— freedom from secta 
 rianism— to an aged colored woman — New Year's letter 
 to his parents— to a Cousin— to a Female Friend — Diary 
 —to a Young Christian— Diary — requested to aid a neigh- 
 boring clergyman— forgoes visit to his friends, and spends 
 vacation in a revival— success of his labors— letter to the 
 Young Converts— to a young Lady— death of Summer- 
 field-to a minister of the Gospel, 240 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 LAST TEAR IN COLLEGE. 
 
 Letter to a Lady in feeble health— to a sister apparently 
 near death— letters to relatives— accused by a fellow stu- 
 dent—New Year's letter to his parents— to an aged cler- 
 gyman—to a Christian friend and family— to a candidate 
 for the ministry— Diary — entire surrender to God— re- 
 solves to labor for salvation of the students individually 
 —his gentleness— letter to a brother preparing for the 
 ministry— Diary— fear of sin— love of the Bible— benefit 
 of crosses— to his brother, an officer in the church— close 
 of his college course, 307 
 
 CHAPTER Vn. 
 
 IN THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY. 
 
 Want of health— joins the Theological Seminary- to a fa- 
 mily at Princeton— to a Clergyman who had bled at the 
 lungs— to his mother— labors in revivals of religion in 
 Connecticut— conversion of his friend L. P.— labors in re- 
 ligious meetings— Bible Class— success— bleeds at the 
 lungs— submission— aspirations for heaven— conversation 
 with a friend in view of his illness— to a brother, and a fe- 
 male friend— New Year's letters, 354 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 VISITS AT THE SOUTH— SICKNESS— DEATH—CONCLUSIOK. 
 
 Voyage to Charleston, S. C— journies at the South— let- 
 ters respecting his health— Divine consolations— return 
 to New- York and Middle Haddam— licensed to preach 
 the Gospel— letters to friends— Diary— embarks for 
 Prince Edward, Va.— letters to friends— gradual decline 
 —death— letters describing the closing scene— letters 
 received by the Compilers— Conclusion, I 
 
^^IW 
 
 
 TOii 
 
 
 Early Life, till commencing Study. 
 
 James Brainerd Taylor, son of Col. Jeremiah 
 Taylor, of Middle-Haddam, Connecticut, was born on 
 the 15th of April, 1801. His parents were in the com- 
 munion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and 
 greatly respected in the circle of their acquaintance. 
 On the mother's side, he was connected with the family 
 of Brainerd, a name to be held in remembrance as lung 
 as the devoted zeal of the self-denying missionary 
 shall be had in honor. On the father's side, an old 
 record traces up the lineage to a branch of the family 
 of Jeremy Taylor. But, while no wise man ever un- 
 dervalued the benefits of being born of worthy parents, 
 no one of right spirit ever relied on this providential 
 circumstance to bear him on through life. Our cha- 
 racter depends on ourselves. So thought James B. 
 Taylor. And while he honored and revered his pa- 
 rents with the truest filial affection, he went forth with 
 the spirit of genuine independence to make his own 
 way in the world. 
 
 Of his very early youth, the affection of friends has 
 preserved many recollections of deep interest. He was 
 particularly distinguished by an affectionate vivacity, 
 which greatly endeared him to his relatives, and made 
 him a general favorite in the circle in which he moved. 
 
10 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The first deep religious impressions on his mind 
 were ma-de by an elder brother, who, while on a visit 
 to his father, took occasion, after family worship, to 
 make some observations on a portion of Scripture, and 
 to apply them to the state of those around him who 
 were out of Christ. He was aflfected even to tears ; 
 and, for the first time in his life, went on his knees in 
 secret prayer. The feelings, however, which had 
 been thus awakened, were almost entirely suppressed, 
 in a way not at all unusual. James had been exceed- 
 ingly devoted to the gayelies of life, and was particu- 
 larly fond of dancing. Just about this time he was 
 prevailed on by some young companions to go to a 
 party formed for this purpose in the neighborhood. 
 The result was the loss of his seriousness, and the 
 commission of sins of which he never before had 
 been guilty. No one ever resists the Holy Spirit, and 
 suppresses the convictions of his own heart, without 
 a great increase of sinfulness. 
 
 In this state of mind he was placed as a clerk in the 
 store of a merchant in New-York. Two brothers, 
 both older than himself, watched over him with all 
 the solicitude of fraternal affection ; and thus he was 
 preserved from the paths of that destroyer which 
 lurks in all our large cities, and takes in her snares so 
 many of our most hopeful young men. 
 
 James attended the ministry of the Rev. Dr. John 
 B. Romeyn, pastor of the church then in Cedar-street, 
 New-York ; and there, at the age of fifteen, publicly 
 professed his faith in Christ, and joined in commemo- 
 rating his dying love. 
 
 i Nothing in the history of his religious experience, 
 at this time, shows it to have been very remarkable. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 11 
 
 It appears, however, that as soon as he felt the trans- 
 forming power of religious truth, he manifested a de- 
 cided disposition to active benevolence, and readily- 
 engaged in such labors of love as a young man in his 
 situation could perform. His letters also show a great 
 concern for his younger brothers and sisters at home. 
 Writing to a sister in the year 1815, he says : " Tell 
 the dear little brothers and sisters the state of their 
 hearts ; give them all the instruction you can as to 
 their future welfare ; and O may the Lord draw them by 
 the cords of his everlasting love, and let his Spirit and 
 blessing rest on them." In another letter written to the 
 same relative, he gives this solemn exhortation : " M — , 
 as you are the oldest child of our dear parents, now at 
 home, do instruct our dear little brothers and sisters, 
 and urge them to seek the salvation of their souls — 
 for it is your duty." 
 
 It appears, indeed, that afterwards he had a very low 
 opinion of his religious attainments at this time. Yet 
 his correspondence was almost entirely on the subject 
 of religion, frequently indicating a deep sense of obli- 
 gation ; and, though he was obliged during the whole 
 week to perform the laborious services of a merchant's 
 clerk in a place of great commercial activity, he en- 
 gaged with great alacrity as a teacher in the Sabbath 
 school ; and his letters breathe a deep solicitude in be- 
 half of the children committed to his care. i 
 
 The compiler of this little work gladly takes this 
 opportunity of recording the very valuable services ren- 
 dered to the community by many young men in simi- 
 lar situations. And they deserve the higher approba- 
 tion on account of the peculiarly disadvantageous cir- 
 cumstances in which they are placed. Little do pa- 
 
12 MEMOIR OF 
 
 rents think to what danger they expose their sons 
 when they send them to a merchant's counting-house 
 in a large city. Removed from all the sacred influences 
 of domestic life, and surrounded by ten thousand temp- 
 tations, they usually have no society but that of lads 
 in their own situation. With but little previous edu- 
 cation, and of course few mental resources, it is not 
 so much wondered at, as deplored, that when the busi- 
 ness of the day is over, they should seek relaxation 
 and amusement in those places near which the destroy- 
 er is always lurking ; and that often, before their time 
 of service is expired, they should have acquired habits 
 of dissipation, and a love of pleasure, too strong for 
 their principles of honor and morality. Nor is it sur- 
 prising that, in many cases, the interests of the em- 
 ployer should greatly suffer from the profligateness of 
 his clerks. 
 
 Surely the value of religion cannot be too highly 
 appreciated, when it is sufficient to preserve the young, 
 amidst all other temptations, from debasing pleasures 
 and extravagant amusements. Of the strength of this 
 principle of action there is very strong evidence af- 
 forded by the Sabbath schools of our cities. While 
 thousands, an the Lord's day, are pouring out through 
 every avenue, under the pretence that their health re- 
 quires a ride or a walk into the country ; and while every 
 tavern and tipling shop in the vicinity is swarming with 
 numbers, high in revelry and riot, there are hundreds 
 of young people, of both sexes, who need amusement 
 and relaxation as much as any others, and who seek 
 and find it in the delightful exercise of a most benefi- 
 cial charity. They meet the children of the poor ; they 
 even go among the outcasts of society, and take up 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 13 
 
 the neglected, and speak words of kindness to them, 
 and teach them to read the precepts of the purest mo- 
 rality, and cause them to hear the lessons of heavenly 
 wisdom. Thus, with every right feeling of the human 
 heart greatly strengthened and refreshed by the con- 
 sciousness of voluntary efforts to do good, they re- 
 return to the labors of the week, more happy in them- 
 selves, and more deserving of the confidence of others 
 than ever. If the gratitude of the community has no 
 civic crown to reward such services, there is One, who 
 will hereafter bestow the meed of approbation, when 
 he shall say, " Well done, good and faithful servants, 
 enter into the joy of your Lord." 
 
 In employments of this beneficial character James 
 B. Taylor took great delight ; and the peculiar kind- 
 ness of his disposition induced him to engage in teach- 
 ing the people of color, of whom there are very consi- 
 derable numbers in New-York, and who have been 
 greatly neglected in all the efforts to do good which 
 had preceded the establishment of Sabbath schools. 
 " I am engaged," said he, in a letter to one of his 
 sisters, dated April 5, 1818, "in a Sunday school — a 
 pleasing task indeed ! I have in my class eight, be- 
 tween the ages of 19 and 40. Some of them learn, du- 
 ring the week, to recite, on Sunday, one, two and three 
 chapters in the Bible. We have in our school about 
 seventy regular attendants, between 16 and 72 years 
 of age. O how that race has been neglected ! But 
 I trust that the time has come for them to know more 
 of their Creator. There have been many converts, and 
 some, both teachers and scholars, have connected 
 themselves with the church, who ascribe their convic- 
 tions to the influence of Sunday schools. We expect 
 
 2 J- B. Taylor. 
 
14 MEMOIR OF 
 
 a great day at the anniversary. We shall probably 
 meet in the Park, with all the children, about five 
 thousand. These children, or most of them, were 
 once, I may say, vagabonds, wandering about the 
 streets, and committing the worst of crimes." Such 
 were the first openings of a christian character, which 
 afterwards rose to great eminence, and shone out 
 with exceeding lustre. In the present day, opportunities 
 of doing good are so brought home to every individual, 
 that if any one is contented with the determination to 
 go to heaven by himself, and let others alone, he pro- 
 bably needs no other evidence to prove that he is not a 
 Christian at all. 
 
 In letters to his friends, James B. Taylor, by sta- 
 ting facts showing the great usefulness of Sabbath 
 schools, and by earnest exhortations, urged them to 
 set up similar institutions in their neighborhoods. In 
 every way he endeavored, when a youth of only six- 
 teen, to be the cause of good to others. 
 
 When young men are sent from the country to a large 
 city, and become engaged in its business and pleasures, 
 they generally are weaned from home j and its simple 
 pleasures are regarded with contempt. This is one of 
 the truest signs of corruption ; and is an omen too sure, 
 of the ruin which is soon to follow. If religion is not 
 the only, it is certainly the best preservative from evils 
 of this kind. Under its influence, James B. Taylor 
 maintained all the simplicity of his character, and re- 
 tained all his love of home, his filial and fraternal af- 
 fection, in full vigor. Under date of Nov. 15, 1818, he 
 writes : 
 
 " It would give me great pleasure to receive a letter 
 from my kind mother. I can never repay your good- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 15 
 
 ness to me in my younger days. But I hope that He who 
 alone can give happiness, will reward you a hundred 
 fold. I never can, and I never would erase from my 
 memory the kind admonitions which I have received 
 from your lips. I never can sufficiently thank the Lord 
 that my parents have been so good to me. And it is 
 impossible for me to express how much I love and es- 
 teem you. For this also I desire to be thankful. I es- 
 teem it a great blessing." 
 
 In many other letters addressed to his parents, simi- 
 lar sentiments are expressed in similar language. And 
 the same strong natural affection was ever shown to- 
 wards his brothers and sisters. But religion is the 
 great subject of every letter ; and the most intense de- 
 sire that the whole family might become disciples of 
 Jesus Christ, and partakers of his salvation, is mani- 
 fested in every page. 
 
 In his correspondence, as carried on from year to 
 year, there are clear indications of a growth of reli- 
 gious feeling, and increased consistency of religious 
 character ; giving promise that one so devoted in early 
 life would be employed by the Head of the church in 
 some remarkable way for the advancement of his cause. 
 
 He was now pleasantly situated as a merchant's 
 clerk, with a kind-hearted, pious man, whom he great- 
 ly loved. His prospects were entirely favorable. But 
 before the close of 1819, he determined to abandon his 
 pursuits, renounce his hopes of becoming rich, and de- 
 vote himself to the ministry of the Gospel. The pro- 
 vidence of God was plainly in this whole affair. 
 
 A physician in New-York, in full practice, and with 
 a rising reputation, had determined to " leave all," and 
 
16 MEMOIR OF 
 
 go with his family as a missionary to the East Indies* 
 His departure from the city excited great interest. 
 James was engaged in his ordinary business, when a 
 young christian friend, on passing his door, called, 
 and asked him to accompany him to the wharf, " to 
 see Dr. Scudder off." The invitation was readily ac- 
 cepted. The scene and the eflfect produced may be 
 told in his own words : 
 
 '' New-York, May 24, 1819. 
 " This morning I witnessed a scene highly interest- 
 mg to the heart of a Christian. It caused thanksgiv- 
 ing and praise to rise from my heart, and tears to flow 
 from my eyes. I saw a missionary and his wife take 
 their departure from this port for India, to declare 
 among the heathen the unsearchable riches of Christ. 
 How pleasing is it to see the Lord, from time to time, 
 raising up one and another to make known his truth 
 to the children of men, and sending them to those whc 
 have never heard the voice of mercy, have never been 
 told of a Savior from sin, nor of a way of escape from 
 the wrath to come. Let us rejoice in what he has 
 done, is doing now, and has promised to do in time to 
 come, for his church. On looking back thirty years, 
 there were no Bible, no Missionary, no Tract Societies, 
 nor Sabbath Schools. But now, we see them nil, 
 and hear of their happy results. We also see socie- 
 ties for the education of pious youth for the ministry, 
 who, I trust, will prove a blessing to millions yet un- 
 born. Christians, at this time, seem to be exerting 
 themselves for the cause of Zion ; and while one min- 
 ister is going among foreign pagans, another is taking 
 his station among the Indians. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 17 
 
 " This, I think, is not ' a day of small things.' Yet 
 much remains to be done. And all the followers of 
 Christ ought to be more concerned and engaged for a 
 ' world which lieth in wickedness.' We must also 
 be more careful about our own growth in grace, and 
 advancement in the divine life. For it would be a 
 poor charity to neglect our own salvation in securing 
 that of others. 
 
 " The missionary who has just left us, was former- 
 ly a physician in this city. This circumstance will be 
 of great advantage, for he will be able to administer 
 to the diseases of the body as well as the mind. It 
 may be said of him and his wife, that they have left 
 all, and followed their Savior. They counted not the 
 blessings of home, and friends, or even their own lives, 
 dear unto themselves, that they might ' win Christ,' 
 and win others to him. 
 
 " I had the pleasure of being introduced to Dr. and 
 Mrs. Scudder. He appeared cheerful ; Mrs. Scudder 
 was bathed in tears, but yet rejoicing. They were sur- 
 rounded by many acquaintances and friends ; and we 
 can with difficulty imagine their feelings when, just 
 about to leave home, and country, and all the blessings 
 of Christian society, they heard one and another say, 
 
 * my friend, my sister, farewell, for ever !' Just as the 
 steamboat was moving off, one of the Doctor's friends, 
 who came too late to go on board, called out and bade 
 him adieu, wishing him a pleasant passage. I shall 
 never forget Dr. Scudder's looks, or his words. As he 
 spoke, his eye kindled, and his cheek glowed with the 
 ardor of christian benevolence. He waved his hand, 
 and with a benignant smile on his countenance, said, 
 
 * Only give me your prayers, and that is all I ask.' 
 
 2* 
 
18 MEMOIR OP 
 
 "He is now gone — gone never to see his friends 
 again in this world : — 
 
 * Go, messenger, and bear 
 ' Upon thy gentle wing, 
 The song which seraphs love to hear, 
 'And angels joy to sing.' 
 
 " I have felt, since this morning, as though I would 
 be willing to forsake my ever-dear father ^d mother, 
 brothers and sisters, and country, for my Savior's sake 
 and the Gospel's. I have also thought, perhaps my pre- 
 sent business is not to be my future employ. Yes, the 
 Lord may have in reserve for me, unworthy as I am, a 
 situation far dififerent from my present one. May I 
 ever be led in the path of duty, this has been my pray- 
 er this day : and I have, more than at any former time, 
 felt the importance of crying, ' Lord, make me to know 
 my duty, and give me a heart to perform it.' Yes, my 
 Lord does know all my desires, and hears all my 
 sighs." 
 
 Again he writes : 
 
 " On seeing Dr. Scudder take his last leave of his 
 friends, and of the people on shore, with a true mis- 
 sionary spirit, I felt a tenderness towards the poor 
 heathen, to whom he was going, which caused my 
 eyes to overflow. I thought that I would be willing 
 to change my situation for his. On returning home, 
 I felt that I could not attend to business. My de- 
 sire was to spend that day with the Lord. I retired 
 for piayer, and found the exercise sweet. My mind 
 was impressed with the necessity for more ministers 
 of the Gospel ; and many reasons presented them- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 19 
 
 selves, why I should devote my life to the good of my 
 fellow-men in that situation." 
 
 The desire, which was thus awakened, grew in 
 strength. But no hasty resolution was taken. He con- 
 sulted with those in whose judgment he confided ; and 
 with that warm filial affection and reverence which 
 characterized him, asked counsel of his parents : 
 
 " New-York, May, 1819. 
 "Will it not give you pleasure to hear of my desir- 
 ing to enter on a course of study for the ministry of 
 reconciliation? Yes, my dear father, I have been led, 
 within the course of a few weeks past, to think serious- 
 ly on this subject. When I turn my eyes to the exten- 
 sive fields which are presented to my view, they seem 
 to be ' white unto the harvest.' The language of Scrip- 
 ture is surely applicable to the present time, — ' The 
 harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.' The 
 calls of Providence are loud to young men to de- 
 vote themselves to the ministry. And to whom can 
 the Church look but to her sons for this service ? The 
 population of this country is growing very rapidly, and 
 the proportion of its increase is much beyond that of 
 the faithful ministers of the Gospel. The call of des- 
 titute churches in different parts of our country is, 
 ' Come over and help ns.' The voice of the Indians 
 on our borders is, ' Come and make known to us the 
 Savior, that we perish not.' The superstition and idol- 
 atry of the heathen, beyond the seas, urge us to go 
 and preach the Gospel, and proclaim to them the glad 
 tidings of salvation. When we think of the Hindoos, 
 who offer their own children in sacrifice to appease 
 their offended gods : whose worship is a worse than 
 
80 MEMOIR OP 
 
 useless superstition ; who, on going down to the 
 grave, have no Savior on whom to repose, and no hope 
 of awaking to a happier life to come, — how can we 
 help feeling for them ! Surely every benevolent heart 
 longs for their salvation. The heathen are promised 
 to Christ for' his inheritance, and the uttermost parts 
 of the earth for his possession. To whom can they 
 look but to us who are Christians ? And does not 
 God require us to be co-workers with him in the exe- 
 cution of his grand designs ? Means always have been, 
 and probably always will be used by the Lord, for 
 evangelizing the nations. There is a want of faith- 
 ful ministers throughout the world. 
 
 " Now, when I reflect on the goodness and mercy 
 of the Lord towards our family, in bringing the chil- 
 dren, as they grow up, to be acquainted with his ways, 
 and to become his professed followers, it seems to me 
 as though some of the number were called to devote 
 themselves to him in the work of the ministry. We 
 have been brought to profess his name at an early age. 
 May God make known to us the path of duty, and 
 give us a heart to walk therein. 
 
 " He who enters on this great work ought to weigh 
 the matter well, knowing that many go without being 
 called. In leaving my present business to engage in 
 the ministry, I do not expect more ease or worldly 
 comfort. Far from it! The life of a minister, who is 
 faithful to his Master, to himself, and to those around 
 him, is not only laborious, but full of trials. Yet, do- 
 ing good to the souls of men, and glorifying God, is 
 more than double compensation for all the hardships 
 and crosses which the devoted servant of Christ is 
 subjected to. Very erroneous views are entertained 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 21 
 
 by many respecting the life of a minister. It has been 
 supposed that it is easy. But the most arduous labors 
 of a clergyman are not visible to the world. They 
 are performed in his study. Let people follow him to 
 that place, and see him praying, reading, examining, 
 composing — they will then have very different thoughts. 
 But only they who have entered on this course know 
 all the bitter and the sweet connected with it. The 
 responsibility which presses on the mind of a truly 
 conscientious minister is probably more trying than 
 any other species of care and anxiety. Self-denial is 
 also necessary in a minister, as indeed it is in all 
 Christians. It is the very foundation of all active re- 
 ligion. Without it nothing can be done to purpose in 
 the great work of reforming the world — this world that 
 lieth in sin. 
 
 " Do you ask me whether I am willing to leave my 
 present business? It would indeed be a cross to leave 
 
 Mr. H , for he is one of the best of men. Some may 
 
 think, if they do not say, that I am a fool for wishing to 
 give up my present employment,whichbids fair to make 
 me rich, and which is far more honorable in the sight 
 of the world. To this I can reply, and I do think from 
 the heart, that I am willing to give up my present si- 
 tuation, with all its prospects, for one in which I think 
 that I can be more useful. As for the riches of this 
 world, I do not expect to JEind happiness in them ; and the 
 more I think on the condition of tlie ' christian poor, 
 who do not want,' the more I am convinced that they 
 enjoy higher happiness than those who share largely 
 in the good things of the present life. The cottages 
 of humble Christians are more honorable than the pa- 
 laces of the rich, where there is no fear nor love of 
 
22 MEMOIR OP 
 
 God The language of my heart is, Lord, whatever 
 may be denied to me — health, friends, and comforts of 
 this life — let me never be denied the light of thy coun- 
 tenance, and thy loving kindness. 
 
 '• The number of ministers necessary adequately to 
 supply the United States, is estimated at more than 
 11,000. There is thought to be at present less than 
 one-fourth of that number. What is wanting to en- 
 courage one to engage in this all-interesting service ? 
 "Why should not the call for more laborers be heard 
 by me ? Surely, if I have been called from ' darkness 
 to light,'- it should be my chief aim and desire to point 
 out the way c«f salvation to others. 
 
 " But sometimes my heart shrinks when I think of 
 entering on this service. I have so much to go through 
 before I can appear in the pulpit; and then to come 
 before the world — I am terrified by the anticipation. 
 
 "I have now stated my feelings, and submit the 
 same for your consideration. I hope that they may 
 meet your views, and receive your approbation. I 
 doubt not that they will. My desire is to leave all, 
 and become an ambassador for Christ. Of the dif- 
 ficulties in my way, the most prominent at present is 
 the want of funds. I wish you to inform me whether 
 you feel able and willing to support me through my 
 course of study. 
 
 " Should I enter on the work of the ministry, there 
 are these promises to comfort and sustain me. Luke^ 
 12 : 42, ' Who is that faithful and wise servant, whom 
 his Lord shall make ruler over his household, to give 
 theni their meat in due season V Ver. 43, ' Blessed is 
 that servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall 
 find so doing.' Matt. 28 : 20, ^ Teaching them to ob- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 23 
 
 serve all things whatsoever I have commanded you ; 
 and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of 
 the world.' Dan. 12 : 3, ' And they that be wise shall 
 shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they 
 that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever 
 and ever. Luke, 21 : 15, ' I will give you a mouth and 
 wisdom whicli all your adversaries shall not be able 
 to gainsay or resist.' 
 
 " I can say no more at present. My heart is open 
 before the Lord, and I wait the direction of his provi- 
 dence. Please to give me an early reply, and state your 
 views on the subject. There can be no objection on 
 account of my age. Of my natural talents I wish you 
 to be judge. 
 
 " Your affectionate son, James." 
 
 After receiving an answer to this letter, he conti- 
 nued for some time in the employment of Mr. H , 
 
 faithfully discharging his duty as a clerk, and endea- 
 voring in his place to do good. 
 
 During the summer of 1819, New-York was visited 
 with the yellow fever. It was a time of great alarm. 
 But this served only to show the strength and steadi- 
 ness of his religious principles. While engaged in 
 duty, he appeared to have no fears or anxieties for 
 himself. To his parents he writes thus : 
 
 " New- York, September 10, 1819. 
 " Probably you have by this time heard of the yel- 
 low fever in New-York, and given yourselves some 
 anxiety about your children here. The fever has not 
 yet spread., much, and it is remote from us. At present 
 there is not much occasion to be alarmed. 
 
24 MEMOIR OP 
 
 " You have this one thing, my dear parents, to com- 
 fort you. Your children here have an interest in the Sa- 
 vior, at whose command are all the diseases to which 
 we are subject. They can proceed as far as he wills, 
 and no farther. How can we be thankful enough to 
 him, who has called us to the knowledge of the truth ! 
 As the Lord has sustained us in times past, let us trust 
 him for that which is to come. This seems to be my 
 language : — ' Lord, I would trust thee : I desire to be 
 willing to submit to the ordering of thy providence, 
 whether it send sickness or health, life or death ; for I 
 know that all things shall work together for my good." 
 
 Through the agency of his beloved pastor, the way 
 was soon opened for him to enter on studies prepara- 
 tory to the ministry in the academy at Lawrenceville, 
 N. J., in view of which he thus gives utterance to his 
 full heart in letters to his parents and friends : 
 
 "JSTew-York, November 16, 1819. 
 "My dearly beloved Father and Mother, 
 
 " I begin my letter in the language of the Psalmist — 
 ' Bless the Lord, O my soul ; and all that is within me, 
 bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and 
 forget not all his benefits.' It may be truly said, that the 
 ways of the Lord are not as our ways, nor his thoughts 
 as our thoughts ; and that his dealings with his chil- 
 dren are often very different from their expectations. 
 Thus my heavenly Father has dealt with me, his dis- 
 obedient and unworthy child, in opening the way that 
 I may be prepared to preach the everlasting Gospel. 
 Yes, my dear parents, I have concluded to leave my 
 present employment, to prepare for the ministry. This 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 25 
 
 determination has met with the approbation of all my 
 friends here, as far as I have communicated it to them. 
 Mr. H. my employer, on learning the circumstances 
 of the case, and my wishes, instead of making a single 
 objection, immediately said, go ! and added, that he 
 should rejoice in it, if I were called to that work. He 
 also lamented that, in the present great want of faith- 
 ful laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, so few young 
 men were inclined to devote themselves to the service 
 of Christ in the church. Was not this favorable? My 
 brother, (to whom I am under many obligations, and 
 whom I love both as a brother in the flesh and in the 
 Lord,) on hearing my statements, said that he saw no 
 objections to my going, and that as to what I owed, it 
 should raise no difficulty, for he would take care of 
 that. 
 
 " In view of these circumstances, I am constrained 
 to adore and praise a gracious Providence, and to ask, 
 what is there now to hinder my going forward ? I can 
 see nothing. I do not desire the office on account of 
 worldly praise or honor, but, as I hope, for the glory 
 of God, connected with the salvation of my fellow- 
 men. 
 
 " My heart at times rejoices in the prospect of being 
 Useful to my fellow-sinners, and at times it shrinks 
 back from the many difficulties which rise to my view. 
 The life of a faithful minister (and such may I be, if 
 admitted to the office) appears to me to be more glo- 
 rious than any other. He is prompted by true benevo- 
 lence ; he labors not to destroy men's souls, but to save 
 them. He is engaged in a cause which must prosper, 
 for Christ is the head. He shall receive a reward ac- 
 cordmg to Christ's promise. 
 
 3 J. B. Taylor. 
 
26 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " The land is greatly destitute of devoted and able 
 ministers. The harvest truly is great, and the laborers 
 are few. My heart is turned towards this work ; and 
 one proof of my being called to it, as it seems to me, 
 is that I have lost that relish for my business which I 
 once had, and am willing to be poor, if I only may be 
 useful in my Master's cause. In entering on my course 
 I have nothing to fear but the commission of sin ; but 
 every thing to encourage me. The men of this v>^orld, 
 after having accomplished their plans, are often at a 
 loss to what they shall turn next, and are unhappy for 
 want of something in which to employ themselves 
 with interest. But it is not so with the devoted ser- 
 vant of Christ. The world is the field of his labors. 
 He always has enough to do, and is assured that his 
 labor shall not be in vain. It will be sweet and animat- 
 ing in his last hours to reflect that he has lived to some 
 good purpose ; that he has served the Lord by serving 
 others. And if he can know that he has been instru- 
 mental in turning sinners from the error of their ways, 
 and saving souls from death, it will be matter of ever- 
 lasting thankfulness and praise. May this joy, my 
 dear parents, be mine, to the glory of divine grace ! 
 
 " In reflecting on this subject, I am led to ask. Can, 
 CAN it be, that the Lord will raise me up to be one of 
 his servants in the ministry — me ! who am so igno- 
 rant, so helpless, so needy ? But while I am ignorant, 
 helpless, needy, I know that my Lord is wise, power- 
 ful, and possesseth all things. Him I love — him I 
 would serve and obey. 
 
 " I shall probably take my departure from New-York 
 iorLawrenceville, near Princeton, New- Jersey. There 
 I expect to spend two years in academical studies. Af- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 27 
 
 ter which I shall spend three years in some college ; 
 whence I shall repair to a theological seminary, and 
 study probably three years more. The time seems 
 long : but this is the prescribed course. 
 
 " Now, taking things as they appear, does not the 
 language of Providence seem to say, go ? In doing 
 this, I would be mindful that I must deny all ungod- 
 liness, and every worldly lust, and live soberly, righ- 
 teously, and godly. In pursuing this course, I must be 
 holy in heart and in life. Humility becomes the fol- 
 lowers of Jesus — I must possess much of this grace. 
 As a minister of Christ, I must be willing to forsake 
 all, and follow him. I know that there are many and 
 awful responsibilities connected with this office ; such 
 as do not rest on other Christians. The Lord knows 
 this too, and imparts grace sufficient for them. But 
 he who, whether minister or private Christian, has 
 the glory of God singly in view, need not fear the 
 world, the fleshy nor the devil, for he shall be brought 
 off more than conqueror. ' They who put their trust 
 in him shall never be confounded.' 
 
 " Trusting in the Lord for strength, and confiding in 
 him alone for help, I will go forAvard, hoping that I 
 shall be made a workman that need never be ashamed ; 
 a faithful soldier of the cross, having always the glory 
 of God and the good of my fellow-men at heart. 
 
 " My dear parents, I now see that the world has had 
 too much of my time. The remainder, I trust, will be 
 spent more in the service of my blessed Lord. And 
 may you find increasing delight in ' serving without 
 ceasing.' Our stay here is short. The time is not far 
 distant when death will enter our family. And shall it 
 be my father, my dear father, or my dear mother, a be- 
 
28 MEMOIR OF 
 
 loved brother or sister, who shall ^rs^ be consigned to 
 the tomb ? My father, mother, brothers and sisters, 
 all be prepared ; being washed, being sanctified, be- 
 ing justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the 
 Spirit of our God. 
 
 " Your affectionate son, 
 
 "James." 
 
 Under a subsequent date, he writes : 
 
 " The time necessary forme to go through the course 
 marked out, is eight years. I hope that in the discharge 
 of my duty during this period I may he useful. 
 
 " The Lord has laid me under great obligations to 
 be thankful, by singling me out from the rest of the 
 dear family for this service. And I hope that you, my 
 beloved father and mother, cease not to thank and 
 praise him, that he has condescended to confer this 
 honor on me. Should I be found a faithful minister of 
 the Gospel, and you, with me, be admitted into the 
 upper sanctuary, this one thing will no doubt be a 
 theme on which we shall dwell with everlasting plea- 
 
 To his sister, in a letter of the same date, he thus 
 expresses his views of the solemnity of the work m 
 which he was about to engage : 
 
 "This age seems to require that a minister should 
 be thoroughly furnished for his work. They who have 
 the greatest store of knowledge, connected with true 
 piety, have the best opportunities of doing good. But 
 while I set so great a value on a good education, I 
 would not be understood to say that education is a 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 29 
 
 matter of the highest importance. Pure and undefiled 
 religion is the chief thing in the character of a minis- 
 ter of the Gospel. Without it he cannot be useful. 
 He who does not possess love to God ; who has never 
 been ' born of water and the Spirit j' who does not 
 feel the worth of immortal souls, and who does not 
 preach as a dying and accountable man to perishing 
 and accountable beings, is not worthy of the name ot 
 a minister of Jesus Christ. Feeling the awful respon- 
 sibility which is to rest on me should I enter this of- 
 fice, as I hope in due time to do, I am ready to say, 
 ' Who is sufficient for these things?' The Lord alone 
 can be my helper. Having him as ' my rock of de- 
 fence,' I need fear nothing. I hope that the language 
 of my heart is, 'none but Christ;' and that the tenor 
 of my life will be in conformity to it. My dear sister, 
 the Lord has been kind to us in days that are past. 
 He has given us reason and made us capable of enjoy- 
 ing him. He has brought us in early life to seek 
 him, that we may ' be found in him:' let us then de- 
 vote the remainder of life to his service. Let us not 
 be content with barely getting to heaven ourselves ; 
 but in seeking our own salvation, let us also seek 
 that of others. I have often thought that, should my 
 life be spared to enter the ministry, and should the 
 blessing of my Master enable me to do some little 
 good in the world, the reflection would be sweet and 
 cheering in a dying hour. And in the eternal world, 
 how delightful must it be to find souls in the enjoy- 
 ment of everlasting rest, who have been brought there 
 through our instrumentality ! Let us set out then with 
 renewed diligence, and endeavor to do something for 
 the glory of our Redeemer and the salvation of sinners.' 
 3* 
 
30 MEMOIR OP 
 
 To another friend he urges the following request: 
 
 "As I have it now in prospect to enter the ministry 
 let me solicit an interest in your prayers. Pray that 
 I may, indeed, be willing to forsake all, and follow 
 Christ ; that I may be meek and lowly ; a workman 
 that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of 
 truth, and giving to every one a portion in due season ; 
 that I may, as 'before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, 
 who shall judge the quick and dead at his appearing 
 and his kingdom, preach the word ; be instant in sea- 
 son and out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with 
 all long suffering and doctrine j' that I may be blame- 
 less, not a novice lifted up with pride ; that I may hold 
 the mystery of faith in a pure conscience, and be holy 
 in heart and in life, a child of God, without rebuke.'' 
 
 To a young friend, who had entered on a prepara- 
 tory course of study a little time before him, he un- 
 folds himself with much freedom. 
 
 " You having entered on your studies for the minis- 
 try, and I having the same thing in prospect, we ought 
 to unite in grateful acknowledgments to the Lord, that 
 he has given us a desire for this service. We are told 
 by an inspired apostle, that ' he who desireth the office 
 of a bishop, desireth a good work.' On asking myself 
 what reason I have to believe that the Lord has called 
 me to preach the Gospel, I reply : My desire has con- 
 tinued for a considerable time, and has been strong. 
 My wish is to glorify God, and be useful to my fellow- 
 men. Providence has, in a clear manner, opened the 
 way for me. Far be it from me to take this holy office 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 31 
 
 on myself, unless I am ' called of God, as was Aaron.' 
 But the time seems to have arrived, when I ought to 
 go and prepare for preaching the Gospel. During my 
 preparation, and through life, I expect to meet with 
 trials. Those of a minister are, often, of no ordinary 
 kind. But as are his trials, so will be his joys, if in- 
 deed he has pure and undefiled religion. This is, above 
 all things, necessary. And as ' God resisteth the proud, 
 but giveth grace to the humble,' how important is it 
 that we should cultivate humility. ' He that exalteth 
 himself shall be abased, but he that humbleth himself 
 shall be exalted ' — exalted to fellowship with the Fa- 
 ther and his Son Jesus Christ ; and in being made a fit 
 temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In pros- 
 pect of this, I have felt willing to be poor. If I can 
 only be useful, it will be enough for me. But self- 
 denial is indispensable for a minister: may I be will- 
 mg to deny myself, and take up my cross ! 
 
 " I feel desirous to go to my work, and to be about 
 my Master's business. But I must be detained here a 
 while longer. When I am awake, my mind is at all 
 times on this subject. My relish for business is gone, 
 and I shall not feel that I am in the right place, until 
 I am at my studies. When that time shall come, I hope 
 that I may so improve in virtue and knowledge, that 
 I shall glorify God, and meet the expecta'ions of my 
 friends. 
 
 " My Christian brother, permit me to request that 
 you communicate with me as you may find time ; and 
 as you are older in religion than I am, I shall look to 
 you to give me such advice as may aid my growth in 
 grace. As we have a common Lord, are aiming at the 
 same heaven, amidst the same difficulties and dangers, 
 
32 MEMOIR OF 
 
 let us bear each other on the heart, when we go to ^ 
 throne of grace." 
 
 In another letter to the same friend, he speaks of the 
 long time to be employed in preparation for the minis- 
 try ; and expresses the hope that he might be useful 
 while prosecuting his studies. To this he adds a sen- 
 timent of very great value to all who are preparing for 
 the ministry. It seems that he had expected, on enter- 
 ing his course, that he should enjoy the fullest oppor- 
 tunities of reading the Bible, meditation, and prayer in 
 secret. But better information convinced him that so 
 many hours would be occupied every day in literary 
 and scientific pursuits, that very little time would re- 
 main for those delightful employments. He therefore 
 resolved to carry religion as fully as possible into his 
 studies ; and daily engage in them, with the thought 
 that thus he might be rendered useful in the vineyard 
 of the Lord. 
 
 His purposes and resolutions in relation to those 
 who might be his fellow-students, also show the true 
 spirit of christian prudence and benevolence. To the 
 same friend he writes after this manner : — " I hope 
 that those with whom we shall associate, will be of 
 the right cast ; and that we shall be very cautious with 
 whom we form intimate connections. But let us, by 
 the meekness of our temper and the kindness of our 
 deportment, by devotedness to the cause of our Re- 
 deemer, and the earnestness of our wishes to promote 
 the real happiness of those around us, interest them in 
 us and gain their affections. Let the saying of Paul 
 be our motto, ' Follow peace with all men, and holi- 
 ness, without which no man shall see the Lord.' " 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 33 
 
 Shortly after the date of this letter, he joined the 
 academy at Lawrenceville. under charge of the Rev. 
 Isaac V. Brown, and began his preparatory studies. 
 The reader cannot but have remarked the earnestness 
 of his desire to enter the ministry ; the singleness of his 
 motives in desiring the sacred office ; and the grateful 
 joy manifested, when Providence rendered plain the 
 way for him to begin his studies. With the utmost ala- 
 crity he left an employment which promised wealth, 
 and all the consideration in the world which wealth in- 
 sures, and devoted himself to the service of the church, 
 with the expectation of being poor and laboring hard 
 during his whole life. In all this, however, there was 
 none of the rashness of a young enthusiast, but the 
 deliberate self-denial of a true Christian. He adopted 
 no plan, he took no step without first consulting his 
 parents and most judicious friends, and obtaining their 
 approbation. 
 
 At the age of nineteen he was willing to sit down 
 to a course of eight years' study, that he might be qua- 
 lified for usefulness, and, in some measure at least, 
 prepared to meet the awful responsibilities of the mi- 
 nisterial office. These responsibilities he deeply felt* 
 and while he most earnestly desired to be a preacher 
 of the Gospel, he was too conscientious and too pru- 
 dent to rush into it without that mental discipline, 
 and that culture of the heart which would, in his own 
 deliberate judgment, justify him in going forward as 
 a teacher of others. 
 
 He who teaches religion, has to teach persons of all 
 classes — the master spirits of the nation, who expect 
 justness and force of thought, propriety of language, 
 enlarged and liberal views, united with " the meek- 
 
34 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ness of heavenly wisdom:" — and the uninstnicted 
 poor, who need that the truth should be set forth in 
 terms so clear and familiar, that they cannot be mis- 
 taken. The man of real learning alone is able to per- 
 form this service. Accustomed to investigation, he ar- 
 ranges his thoughts in a natural order ; habituated to 
 the search after truth, he employs words with preci- 
 sion; and knowing how greatly the energy of lan- 
 guage is increased by simplicity, he uses " great plain- 
 ness of speech." "Whereas, the untaught and the half 
 taught foolishly imagine that they are great and pro- 
 found, in proportion as they are unintelligible. The 
 most eloquent men whom I have ever known, such as 
 Patrick Henry and John Randolph, among statesmen ; 
 and James Waddell and James Turner, among preach- 
 ers, were remarkable for the simplicity of their man- 
 ner and the perfect intelligibleness of their language. 
 They made every one, learned and rude, feel their in- 
 tellectual power.* The art consists mainly in setting 
 the subject so plainly and distinctly before the people, 
 that every one shall think that he can see it himself. 
 But it requires much intellectual discipline to enable 
 a public speaker to do this. 
 
 It deserves also to be remarked, that James Brainerd 
 Taylor did not rely for evidence of a call to the minis- 
 
 * An old soldier of the revolution told me, that in some se- 
 vere encounter during the war, his commanding officer, per- 
 ceiving that his men, though fighting bravely, were overshoot- 
 ing the enemy, in his peculiar sleing cried out, " shin them, 
 boys ! shin them !" and at the very first fire after this com- 
 mand, the advancing column of British grenadiers wavered 
 and reeled, and was very soon entirely broken. Let the soldier 
 of the cross imitate the example— let him fire low 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 35 
 
 try on the impulses of his own mind, or some unde- 
 finable feelings, but looked carefully at the leadings of 
 Providence, at the wants of the world, and at the state 
 of his own heart. He consulted his friends, and prayed 
 over the subject. In a word, he adopted every mea- 
 sure to enable him to form a wise determination ; and 
 as the result of the whole, went forward under a firm 
 conviction of duty. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Pirst two years in Academy. 
 
 On the 13th of January, 1820, Mr. Taylor arrived at 
 Lawrenceville, and began a course of study prepara- 
 tory to his entering college. A young man in this situ- 
 ation is exposed to temptations which require much 
 vigilance and care ; otherwise his religious interests 
 will suffer ; and while he is growing in knowledge, he 
 will be declining in piety. 
 
 A new, dry, and difficult study at once occupies 
 and harasses the mind. If there is an ardent thirst for 
 knowledge, and any waking up of ambition and rival- 
 ry, the attention is so engrossed that little opportunity 
 is found for prayer and that devotional reading of the 
 Scriptures which is indispensable to one's growth in 
 holiness. And if religious exercises afford high enjoy- 
 ment, there is great danger lest the young student 
 should go from them to his daily studies with reluc- 
 
36 MEMOIR OF 
 
 taDce, and in process of time with feelings of disgust, 
 It requires, then, much firmness of religious principle, 
 and great self-watchfulness, to go through this early 
 part of preparation with no diminution either of the 
 piety of the student or his desire of intellectual im- 
 provement. 
 
 Besides, a promiscuous school of twenty or thirty 
 boys, lodging in the same or neighboring buildings, 
 has a spirit generally unfavorable to religious improve- 
 ment. Their petty jealousies, their occasional dissa- 
 tisfactions, the general levity of boys, and a thousand 
 things of this kind, operate injuriously. And it hap- 
 pens, sometimes at least, that a young man enters col- 
 lege with less of the spirit which becomes a minister 
 of Christ, than he carried with him to the grammar 
 school. 
 
 If, then, an example can be shown of one who went 
 through these dangers without injury ; and if it can be 
 shown by what means he grew in grace, while others 
 m similar circumstances often decline, this part ot 
 James B. Taylor's memoir may be useful to numbers, 
 in whose high-toned and fervent piety the church and 
 the world have a deep interest. 
 
 His first letter from Lawrenceville is addressed to 
 
 bis friend C H , who was then preparing 
 
 for college, at Bloomfield, N. J. 
 
 " I left New- York on Tuesday, and lodged in New- 
 Brunswick. On the next day, at six P. M. I set out 
 for Lawrenceville. After we had proceeded about 
 eight miles, the horses suddenly started ofi", and before 
 we had discovered that the driver was left behind^ 
 
JAMES BRAINEHD TAYLOR. 37 
 
 they were un ike run. There were four passengers in 
 the stage besides myself, who appeared to be much 
 agitated; nor did I wonder at it, for they were very 
 irreligious persons, and there appeared to be no way 
 of escape. I did not know what the issue would be, 
 but of this I was certain, that the Judge of all the 
 earth would do right, and my mind was in a great de- 
 gree composed. The suddenness of the affair caused 
 a little anxiety at first. But I thought of the distin- 
 guishing mercy of my heavenly Father, who-had been 
 pleased to call me to trust in him ; and I felt that it 
 was a time to set a value on the religion of Jesus, and 
 the hope which it imparts. O that I might value it 
 more ! The horses ran about two miles at full speed, 
 and then turned into the yard v/here they are accus- 
 tomed to stop, without any injury to the passengers or 
 stage. I consider the escape as entirely providential, 
 and feel that I am called on ' to praise the Lord for 
 his goodness,' and say, ' hitherto hath he helped me.' 
 My situation is pleasant. Religious privilege* are bet- 
 ter than I expected. We have family worship morn- 
 ing and evening, preaching every Sabbath, and prayer- 
 meetings on* Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. 
 
 " As yet I have made very little progress in my 
 Latin. I find it pretty dry, and rather trying, for I go 
 on more slowly than I expected. This has troubled 
 me somewhat ; but as it is the way to usefulness, I 
 hope I shall not yield to such feelings. I think that 
 we may be as happy now, as at any future period of 
 life, if we only use our present privileges with a rign 
 spirit. Having been here but a short time, I have not 
 yet adopted any particular plan for disposing of my 
 time. I design before long to draw up such an one for 
 
 4 J. D. Taylor. 
 
38 WEP.IOIR OP 
 
 my guidance. Tae remarks of the great moralist, John' 
 son, on this subject I think are good. ' 1 believe, says 
 he, it is best to throw life into a method, that every 
 hour may bring its employment, and every employ- 
 ment have its hour. If every thing be kept in a cer- 
 tain place, when any thing is worn out or consumed, 
 the vacuity which it leaves will show what is want- 
 ing : so if every part of time has its appropriate duty, 
 the hour will call into remembrance its engagement.' 
 Should you have drawn up any scheme for the dispo- 
 sal of your time, I should like, if you have no objec- 
 tion, to see it, as il may be useful to me. 
 
 " During the course of our studies, may we have 
 the smiles of our heavenly Father ! The responsibi- 
 lities resting on us are of no ordinary kind; let us, 
 therefore, 'be up and doing.' As we advance in life, 
 I hope that we shall grow in grace, and in the know- 
 ledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; counting 
 it more than our meat and drink to do the will of him 
 who, of his mercy, hath called us into his service. It 
 seems more and more necessary that we should be ex- 
 emplary in our conduct, that we should be ' wise as 
 serpents, and harmless as doves.' That this may be 
 the case ; that we may be found faithful soldiers of the 
 cross ; the ' sons of God without rebuke,' and be final- 
 ly received to mansions in the skies, is the prayer of 
 your sincere friend, J. B. T." 
 
 To two of his aunts, living in Tolland, (Conn.) he 
 addressed a letter, dated January 23, 1820, in which 
 occur the following passages : 
 
 " The school which I attend consists of twenty-five 
 
JAME3 BRAINERD TAYLOR. 39 
 
 scholars, of whom five, including myself, are prepar- 
 ing for the ministry : the rest are wild, giddy-headed 
 boys. I am pleasantly situated in an agreeable family, 
 and have two room-mates, of whom one* is a pious, 
 humble Christian, and I think as suitable a companion 
 for me as could be found. He is about three weeks 
 ahead of me in pursuit of the same object. In the 
 summer season this will be a beautiful spot, having 
 many pleasant walks and much fine scenery. Yester- 
 day morning, early, I walked into the fields, and found 
 a refreshing time for ray soul. A view of the works 
 of creation, and the echoes of various pleasant sounds, 
 broke on the ear and warmed my heart. As I looked 
 on the surrounding objects, I felt that ' my Father 
 made them all.' How delightful is it to be ' calm and 
 serene ;' how sweet to repose with confidence on a 
 covenant God, and to cast all our care on him, who 
 careth for us ! The soul can then look down on the 
 world with a holy indifierence, knowing that it is not 
 the believer's home. 
 
 " ' The older I grow, the more I feel the necessity 
 of living nearer to the Lord.' Do you not find it so 
 with yourselves ? O for the power of quickening grace 
 to animate us in our Christian life ! 
 
 ' Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly dove, 
 With all thy quick'ning powers; 
 Kindle a flame of sacred love ' 
 
 la these cold hearts of ours.' 
 
 " Having embarked in the cause of Christ, I hope 
 that my life may be one continued act of devoted ness 
 
 • Rev. Mr. Gulick, since missionary to the Sandwich I-jlauds, 
 
40 MEMOIR OP 
 
 to him. Having put my hand to the plough, I trust that 
 I shall never look back : and I depend on him Tvho 
 raises up, qualifies, and thrusts laborers into his vine- 
 yard, for grace to strengthen me. In looking forward, 
 I see that years will pass before I appear in public as 
 an ambassador for Christ. But this does not discou- 
 rage me. I am sometimes anxious, lest, while occu- 
 pied with my studies, I should lose my enjoyment of 
 religion. Do you tell me ' draw nigh to the Lord, and 
 he Avill draw nigh to you?' O for a closer walk with 
 God; a continual hungering and thirsting for the wa- 
 ter of life I Since my mind has been made up to de- 
 vote myself to the service of Christ in the ministry, I 
 feel more deeply my need of an interest in the prayers 
 of my brethren and sisters in the Lord. I hope you 
 will not think that I am placing dependence on man. 
 The prayer of the righteous, you know, availeth much. 
 As then you are acquainted with my situation, I earn- 
 estly beg to be remembered in your prayers. Make 
 mention of me in all your supplications. Entreat our 
 heavenly Father that I may be a pattern of piety ; that 
 I may manifest the reality and excellency of the reli- 
 gion which I profess, by walking worthy of my high 
 calling in Christ Jesus ; and that I may never bring 
 reproach on that cause which I have espoused. 
 
 " The Loid being near and around me, and the Ho- 
 ly Spirit abiding in my heart, unworthy as I am, during 
 the part of my life devoted to preparatory studies, may 
 I groAv in grace, and in the knowledge of my Savior. 
 It is my earnest desire that I may be prepared for my 
 work, and in due time become a faithful minister of 
 the New Testament." 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 41 
 
 In letters to his parents, written shortly after com- 
 mencing his studies, he further exhibits the state of his 
 mind in regard to the great work before him. 
 
 " February 4, 1820. 
 " My present situation is that which I have for many 
 months been wishing to occupy. The Lord, I trust, 
 has inclined my heart to engage in this work, and by 
 a kind providence has placed me here, that I may pre- 
 pare to preach his Gospel. In looking around for my 
 former companions, I find that some are dead, others 
 are living without any concern for their souls, while a 
 precious few have fled to the ark of safety, and have 
 found the Lord Jesus. O, what occasion for thankful- 
 ness have I ! My dear parents, help me to praise the 
 God of my salvation : for once your son was ' dead in 
 trespasses and sins,' a despiser of that which is good, 
 and a lover of evil. Bless the Lord for the hope which 
 we have through the 'peace-speaking blood of the 
 dear Redeemer.' 
 
 ' He moves in a mysterious way, 
 'His wonders to perform.' 
 
 I, who am so unworthy, am now on the way, under 
 his direction, as I believe ; and should life and health 
 be spared, I trust the time will come when I shall pub- 
 licly declare the riches of his sovereign grace to my 
 fellow-sinners. It is delightful to think of being made 
 the instrument of bringing even one of the lost sheep 
 of Christ into his fold. How sweet, in a dying hour, 
 to know that one has done some good to the souls of his 
 fellow-men. To be engaged in the service of him who 
 came to seek and save the lost, is honorable ; for he is 
 ' King of kings and Lord of lords.' May my soul al- 
 4* 
 
42 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ways delight in this service, and my lot be cast with 
 the followers of Jesus. Let it be our continual desire 
 to live near to him, who gave himself for us, that we 
 might not perish, but have everlasting life. 
 
 " I greatly admire the character of a minister of the 
 gospel, as drawn by Cowper : 
 
 Simple, grave, sincere 
 
 * fn doctrine uncorrupt; in language plain, 
 
 * And plain in manner; decent, solemn, chaste 
 
 * And natural in gesture ; much impressed 
 
 ' Himself, as conscious of his awful charge, 
 
 * And anxious mainly that the flock he feeds 
 
 * May feel it too : affectionate in look, 
 
 * And tender in address, as well hecoraes 
 
 * A messenger of grace to guilty men.' " 
 
 In a letter to Mr. H., written about a month after he 
 began his course of study, after expressing a number 
 of sentiments similar to those contained in the forego- 
 ing extracts, he gives a brief account of the manner in 
 which he employed his time. This account is closed 
 with the following sentence : "The last thing before 
 retiring, every night, my companion and I commit to 
 memory a portion of Scripture. What may not this 
 amount to in eight years?" 
 
 • 
 
 This little quotation is introduced chielly for the pur- 
 pose of earnestly recommending such a practice to the 
 miitation of all theological students. During the long 
 course of preparation for the ministry, while every 
 term brings with it some new and difficult study, with 
 which the mind is much occupied, and often much per- 
 plexed, the Bible is too frequently treated with com- 
 parative neglect. And not unfrequently young preach- 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 43 
 
 ers manifest more intimate acquamtance with critical 
 rules, and the arguments of polemics, than with the 
 Holy Scriptures. But nothing can compensate the 
 'preacher for the v:ant of a thorough knowledge of the 
 Bible. It ought to be treasured up in the memorj'-, and 
 made the subject of daily meditation and prayer. Now, 
 if a young man will, when he enters his preparatory 
 course, adopt James B. Taylor's rule, and eyerz/ night, 
 before retiring to rest, commit to memory a short por- 
 tion of the Bible, selecting those parts which may 
 make suitable subjects for meditation and devotional 
 exercise the next day, he may, by the time he enters 
 the ministry, have half the Bible by heart. And he 
 may be so familiar with its contents, as to be able, 
 when performing missionary services, to prepare ser- 
 mons which shall be full of pertinent scriptural illus- 
 tration and proof, without the help of a concordance. 
 The faciUties which such jn-eparation as this would 
 afford are invaluable. But in addition to this, if the 
 truth is the only instrument of sanctification, what bet- 
 ter means for growth in grace can be adopted, than this 
 daily increase of scriptural knowledge ? Let students 
 of theology read the Bible — let them study the Bible 
 —let them pray over the Bible.* 
 
 * Note hy a f?-iend.— Mr. Taylor's familiarity with the con- 
 tents of the Hible was observable by all with whom he asso 
 ciated. It was an interesting trait in his habits of intercourse 
 with friends, that, when the conversation seemed at a stand, he 
 would take out his little pocket Bible, saying, '*I guess 1 can 
 find something here to amuse us;" and then would give a fa- 
 miliar exposition of some passage, and connect with the illus- 
 tration some anecdote ; at the same time repeating, and turn- 
 ing to parallel passages; so that no one could listen to him 
 without being deeply interested. So peculiarly happy was he 
 
44 MEMOIR OF 
 
 We have now seen with what views and feeXingi 
 James B. Taylor began his preparations for the minis- 
 try. Let us next see how he preserved the spirit with 
 which he set out ; and what measures he adopted to pre- 
 pare for the office which he so ardently desired. 
 
 Before he had been one month at Lawrenceville, he 
 established, and with his pious fellow-students con- 
 ducted a weekly prayer-meeting, about three miles from 
 the village. It was among a people, the most of whom 
 seldom or never attended church. But yet, won by the 
 kind attentions of these young men, they came together 
 weekly, in considerable numbers, to hear hymns sung 
 listen to instruction, and join in prayer to the Father 
 of all. After giving to a friend an account of this place, 
 and of the spiritual condition of the people, Mr. Taylor 
 adds, in a tone of peculiar earnestness, " There I hope 
 TO BE USEFUL. " This is the true spirit of the pulpit. 
 A man who enters it with any other view, had better 
 be any where else in the wide world. 
 
 There is need, therefore, that the candidate for the 
 ministry, as well as the preacher of the Gospel, should 
 watch the movements of his heart ; and every hour 
 that he should pray, " Hold thou me up, and I shall 
 be safe." 
 
 This prayer-meeting, which had been established on 
 
 in these familiar illustrations, that it was not an unfrequent 
 thing to see those around hira smile with delight, and at the 
 uext moment weep with deep emotion. There arc many, who 
 were often in his society, who will recognize the trnth of this 
 remark in their own experience. He would often speak of his 
 Bible, as "the dear little booky I was present at his examina- 
 tion, and never heard any man quote the Sacred Scriptures 
 with such fluency, for confirmation of his doctrinal views, «s 
 the questions were successively proposed to hira. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 45 
 
 Friday evening, was changed to Sabbath afternoon ; 
 and was regularly attended by Mr. Taylor. The re- 
 ligious exercises thus held, soon produced a desire for 
 further information ; and a Bible class was formed, 
 wffich he was requested to superintend. A short time 
 afterwards, the young ladies of Lawrenceville volun- 
 tarily associated in a similar class, to meet before 
 church time on Sabbath morning, and desired him to 
 hear their recitations. To each of these requests he 
 assented. And thus his Sabbaths were fully occupied 
 in labors to do and to obtain good. At 10 o'clock he 
 met the Bible class in Lawrenceville; at 11 he went 
 to church ; and after dinner walked three miles to hear 
 his Bible class in the country, after which he attend- 
 ed the prayer-meeting, where he read a sermon, fre- 
 quently addressed the people, sung thrice, offered two 
 prayers, and sometimes held conversations on the sub- 
 ject of religion. This showed great earnestness of 
 desire to be doing something for the cause of Christ 
 and the good of men. His letters give some interest- 
 ing accounts of the effects of this prayer-meeting. To 
 one of his sisters he writes thus : 
 
 *' Lawrenceville, June 19, 1820. 
 
 " ' To do good and communicate forget not,' is a 
 maxim which we should keep in continual remem- 
 brance. The more we conform our lives to it, the 
 greater will be our resemblance to our blessed Savior, 
 as he lived among men. To do good, we must seek 
 opportunities ; and then opportunities will frequently 
 find us. Since reading Cotton Mather's ' Essays to 
 do Good,' I feel that I have been exceedingly defi- 
 cient. In looking back to the time when I first made 
 
46 MEMOIR OP 
 
 a public profession of religion — (you know that though 
 distant from each other, and unapprised of our respec- 
 tive intentions, we both made the same solemn pro- 
 fession on the same day) — on looking back, I am con- 
 strained to say, O what a barren fig-tree I have bein ! 
 my leanness ! my leanness ! But blessed be the Lord, 
 I have a desire to do good now. 
 
 " No doubt you wish to hear something of my prayer ■ 
 meeting. On Sabbath afternoon, at four, I meet about 
 one hundred people, assembled in two rooms, most of 
 whom are ignorant of God. I stand in the door be- 
 tween, and generally read to them a sermon ; after 
 which I sometimes speak a few words of exhortation. 
 As yet I have seen no effect, except that they have 
 become more attentive ; and instead of profaning the 
 Sabbath by laboring in the fields, <S:c. they are seen 
 at the meeting. I trust that good seed is sowing, and 
 that it will spring up in due time. Pray that it may ; 
 and engage your Christian sisters to pray for me. The 
 Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are 
 glad. Then for his distinguishing mercy, let us distin- 
 guish ourselves by our piety, our love to God and men." 
 
 To C H . 
 
 " Lawrenceville, July 12, 1820. 
 "That millions of souls are perishing, is a truth 
 that ought to have a place in all our thoughts. And 
 we may profitably inquire, what can we do to meliorate 
 their condition? This ruin is not confined to heathen 
 lands — it is at onr doors and our Jire-sides. Num- 
 bers near us are dying for want of the bread of life. 
 To these last, situated as we are, our attention is now 
 
JAMES BRAINEKD TAYLOR. 47 
 
 called. What Providence may do for the former, in 
 the course of time, by our instrumentality, we know 
 not. The Head of the church, who qualifies his ser- 
 vants to do his work, disposes of them as ' seemeth 
 him good.' But what are we doing for those that are 
 near to us ? My brother, I presume that you are faith- 
 ful — I hope you are. For my part, I have to confess 
 with shame my many omissions. My failings stare 
 me in the face. ' A beam is in my own eye.'' 
 
 " But now I will inform you what I have been en- 
 deavoring to do. The opportunity was afforded to 
 me of attempting something, by a recess of three days 
 in our school. On Sunday, the 2d instant, I went as 
 usual to attend my prayer-meeting, and found the 
 house filled to overflowing. At the close of the meet- 
 ing, according to my previous plan, I told the people 
 that I intended to spend two days in visiting, from 
 house to house, as many of them as I could. Accord- 
 ingly I commenced oil Sunday evening my new em- 
 ployment. At the first house where I called, I found 
 a young person greatly distressed on account of sin. 
 This case of awakening had occurred at our prayer- 
 meeting. There was very great distress. I endea- 
 vored to offer such instruction as suited the case ; and 
 I have strong hope that there will soon be joy and 
 peace in believing. I say no more of this case, but 
 only ask you to 'pray. — At the next house where I 
 stopped, I found no appearance of religion. You can 
 form a pretty good idea of what I said in such cases. 
 
 "On Monday I made ten visits. In these I found 
 four Christians and some persons well disposed to- 
 wards religion, but the great majority caring only for 
 the perishing things of this world. At the house where 
 
48 MEMOIR OF 
 
 I tarried that night, I found a young lady, in circum- 
 stances similar to those of the person first mentioned, 
 boAved down under a sense of sin, and earnestly desi- 
 ring the one thing needful. This greatly encouraged 
 me; for I do believe that she is seeking the way of 
 truth, ' the good old way.' Here also I met with one 
 who appeared to be a Christian indeed. O how plea- 
 sant ! It is like a well of water in a thirsty land. 
 
 " On Tuesday I called at ten houses. At most of 
 them I presented one or more Tracts, such as I thought 
 most likely to be useful. This was the fourth of July. 
 In the evening I had many reflections on the manner 
 in which I had spent the day, so totally different from 
 that in which I had heretofore spent that anniversary. 
 O how much greater cause of triumph, to be instru- 
 mental in delivering one soul from the power of sin 
 and Satan, than to be the conqueror of nations ! The 
 contrast will be fully seen only above. 
 
 "On the following day I artended the installment 
 
 of the Rev. G. S. W -, at Princeton, and a so^ 
 
 lemn time it was. O C , the awful responsibili- 
 ties of the office to which we are looking forward! It 
 is connected directly with the solemnities of the 
 judgment-day. Should the Lord see fit to put us into 
 that station, the souls of those to whom we preach 
 will be profited or injured by us. But the duties of 
 the pulpit are not all — that of visiting, we know, is 
 expected. When I anticipate the time of my being a 
 preacher, my mind dwells on this as a delightful task. 
 
 " By visiting, the pastor knows all the wants of his 
 flock, and performs indeed the kindest part of the 
 shepherd's office. Since I wrote to you last, the young 
 ladies of Lawrenceville have formed a Cibltt class 
 
JAMES BIIAINERD TAVLOK. 49 
 
 find solicited me to hear their recitations. I was glad 
 to comply with their request. To render this measure 
 beneficial, I have determined to make it a kind of pray- 
 er-meeting. The recitation is always opened with 
 prayer, and closed with singing. Thus, you see, my 
 duties increase; and I hope that it will be so as long 
 as I live. May I have that wisdom from above which 
 is profitable to direct; may the word of truth dwell in 
 me richly in all wisdom ! This increase of duties con* 
 vinces me that the grace aiforded for yesterday will 
 not supply my wants to-day. I trust that 1 have not 
 been called to this place for nothing. That I may be 
 useful, is my desire. If my heart does not deceive 
 me, I long to spend and be spent for Christ." 
 
 These extracts will serve to show how this devoted 
 young Christian endeavored, while pursuing his stu- 
 dies, to strengthen the desire of being useful. In the 
 sequel we shall see more of his labors, and of their 
 results both in regard to himself and to others. 
 
 While thus engaged in Lawrenceville, he felt the 
 deepest solicitude respecting the spiritual interests of 
 his near relations. He had natural affection in unu- 
 sual strength, and it mingled in all its poAver v/ith his 
 religious feelings. Every letter to his parents, bro- 
 thers and sisters, breathes the most earnest desires 
 that those who Were Christians might advance in holi- 
 ness, and that the others might feel all the power of 
 divine truth, and be brought to a saving knowledge of 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 To his Parents. 
 
 " The other evening, as I was reflecting on the pas- 
 sage of Scripture contained in 2 Cor. 5:30, 'For we 
 
 5 J. B. Taylor. 
 
60 MEMOIR or 
 
 must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, 
 that every one may receive the things done in the bo- 
 dy, according to that he hath done, whether it be good 
 or badj' I thought on the situation of my fellow-men 
 who reject the offers of mercy ! Alas ! where will 
 the sinner appear in the great day of the Lord, when 
 the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the 
 earth shall be burned up ? In thinking of our relatives, 
 I could call to mind but few who had devoted them- 
 selves to Christ. And, when my thoughts turned to 
 our own family, they dv/elt on some who had arrived 
 at years of discretion, but who had not given them- 
 selves to the Lord. Oh ! shall they — can they perish? 
 May God interpose for them, that not one, at the last, 
 may be ' found a cast-away !' " 
 
 Under a sense of duty to his nearest kindred, James 
 B. Taylor had a very delicate task to perform. At 
 that time, the only regular worship in his father's 
 family was reading prayers on the Sabbath. The ne- 
 cessity of a change of heart, it appears, was not duly 
 regarded by his father; and young Taylor was deeply 
 distressed under the apprehension that some, whom he 
 most loved in the world, were stopping short of that 
 religion which the Gospel required. He often resolved 
 that he would speak to his venerated father on this 
 subject 3 but filial fear and youthful diffidence pre- 
 vented. At length he resolved that he would write. 
 But a direct address might appear as though the son 
 were taking the place of the parent. Accordingly he 
 determined to select as a subject, '• The idea of a well 
 regulated family." On this he wrote, in the form of 
 letters to his parents, three essays ; in which he con- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 51 
 
 sidered all the usual topics of order, industry, econo- 
 my, &c. ; but with these he gave a very correct view 
 of the religious obligations of heads of families. Af- 
 ter going over the whole subject, he put the question 
 to his parents, whether their views coincided with his 
 on those important points, and on the obligations of 
 parents. He then, in turn, addressed his sisters on 
 the subject of vital, experimental religion, with great 
 earnestness ; rejoicing on account of those members 
 of the family who gave evidence of piety, and express- 
 ing the deepest solicitude in regard to the rest. These 
 letters exhibit the writer in a most interesting point of 
 view. Few Christians feel as they ought their obli- 
 gations to the souls of their near kindred ; and many 
 who do in some degree appreciate them, are so injudi- 
 cious in respect to time, manner, and spirit, as to do 
 harm in many cases where they meant to do good. It 
 was not so in this instance. James B, Taylor's labors 
 of love were blessed in an eminent degree to his kin- 
 dred, as will more fully appear in the sequel. 
 
 It appears from his correspondence, that he Avas 
 very careful in keeping a diary, in which he noted 
 down his religious exercises, his joys and sorrows, his 
 performances of duty, and his sins. But there only 
 remain parts of his journal from the years 1823 to 
 1827 ; the rest have been destroyed. His confidential 
 letters which have been preserved, show great vigi- 
 lance of self-inspection, much humility under a sense 
 of defective holiness, and strong desires to make 
 greater advances in the knowledge of Christ ; as will 
 appear from the following extracts of letters to an emi- 
 nent Christian, with whom he corresponded in terms 
 of the greatest intimacy. 
 
52 MEMOIR or 
 
 "May 9, 1820. 
 " Alas ! hoTV distressing to tke soul is a sense of 
 the departure of the Comforter ! Let me call on you 
 to unite with me in praising the Lord that the dark- 
 ness has, in some degree, gone by. The billows have 
 rolled over me ; but thanks to our blessed Lord that 
 liis mercy was not clean gone for ever. ' Bless the 
 Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his 
 holy name,' for the Sun of righteousness has risen 
 upon me." 
 
 " July 11, 1820. 
 
 " Do you ask, ' how is it with you V Oh , I am 
 
 the same inconstant, unsteady one you have always 
 seen me to be; the same unfruitful vine, on which 
 barrenness seems to be written. O sin, thou art the 
 enemy of my soul ! It is for this my heart is pained. 
 It is the cause of all our trouble in this world ; and 
 while it digs graves for our bodies, it kindles the fires 
 of hell for the souls of those who love it. But I think 
 that I really hate sin and love holiness. Yet I must 
 say that I am not satisfied with any of my perform- 
 ances, because so much sin is mixed with them. No- 
 thing short of perfect holiness can ever satisfy the 
 soul." 
 
 " November 18, 1820. 
 
 ' I feel myself, as heretofore, unworthy of the re- 
 gard of my Christian friends ; and at times I am as- 
 tonished that any should love such a one as 1 am. 
 Surely if they could see me as I sometimes see my- 
 self, they would wonder too. Alas ! in all things I 
 come short, and in many I offend. Yet I bless the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 53 
 
 Lord for what he has done for me, and I rely on his 
 grace to make me more like himself. My soul daily 
 pants for more holiness, more devotedness to the cause 
 of my Redeemer ; and through him I do hope to be 
 made useful." 
 
 To another friend, a candidate for the ministry, he 
 says : 
 
 " February 10, 1820. 
 
 "I wish that I could give you some good account 
 of myself. But I am too little engaged in my Master's 
 service. Spiritual pride, that bane of the human soul, 
 lurks within me, and is ever ready to destroy my 
 peace. Many and strong are my temptations to sin. 
 Sometimes I stand strong ; and then I am brought 
 low. But this I can say, that with divine help 1 will 
 serve the Lord. I am determined to carry on the war- 
 fare until every enemy is subdued." 
 
 It would seem, from the style of his letters about 
 this period, that his reading for spiritual improvement 
 was much in the old writers of the seventeenth cen- 
 tury, those noble men, who, with some quaintness of 
 manner, showed a most intimate acquaintance with 
 the Bible, a profound knowledge of the most secret 
 workings of the human heart, and a fervor of piety 
 rarely equalled in the world. Writing to a friend, 
 who had been walking in darkness, he addressed him 
 in language certainly derived from these sources, as 
 the following sentences will show. " The greatpr the 
 conquest, the brighter the crown. Stars shine bright- 
 est in the darkest night — torches are better for beat- 
 ing. Grapes come not to the proof till they come to 
 5* 
 
54 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the press. Spices smell best when bruised. Youn« 
 trees root the faster for shaking : gold looks brighter 
 for scouring: juniper smells sweetest in the fire : the 
 palm-tree proves the better for pressing. Camomile, 
 the more you tread it, the more you spread it. Such 
 is the condition of God's dear children: they are then 
 most triumphant when most tempted 5 most glorious 
 when most afflicted ; most in favor with God when 
 least in man's and least in their own ; as their con- 
 flicts so their conquests ; as their tribulations so their 
 triumphs : true salamanders, that live best in the fur- 
 nace of persecution. So that heavy afflictions are the 
 best benefactors of heavenly affections 5 and where 
 afflictions hang heaviest, corruptions hang loosest ; 
 and grace that is hid in nature, as sweet water in 
 rose leaves, is then most fragrant when the fire of af- 
 fliction is put under to distil it out. Lft us then be 
 encouraged, in all our trials, to say, 'Hope thou in 
 God, for I shall yet praise him.' " 
 
 In the year 1820, on a day appointed for humilia- 
 tion, thanksgiving, and prayer, he felt it to be his du- 
 ty to retire, and especially to note down topics for 
 meditation suitable to the season. 
 
 Reasons for thankfulness. 
 
 1. That through the greater part of his life he had 
 enjoyed good health, while many had suffered much 
 pain and sickness. 
 
 2. That the necessities of nature had been abun- 
 dantly supplied, while many had pined in want. 
 
 3. Civil, and especially religious liberty. On this 
 he dwells with peculiar interest and force; contrast- 
 ing our situation with that of most nations of the earth. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLCR. 55 
 
 4. But that which calls for double thanks, is the 
 foundation and preservation of the church, the preach- 
 ing of the Gospel, and the enjoyment of religion in 
 its purity. 
 
 5. A very special reason for thankfulness, is the 
 number and the power of revivals of religion, as they 
 had occurred during the preceding year. 
 
 6. Next to this he places pious relations and friends. 
 
 7. Last, though not least, he places the dispensation 
 of Providence, which had carried him to Lawrence- 
 ville to study for the ministry. Great honor had thus 
 been conferred on him, and heavy responsibilities laid 
 on him. 
 
 This leads him to ask what he had rendered to the 
 Lord for all his mercies. And this question suggests 
 causes for humiliation. 
 
 1. Neglect of opportunities of doing good. 
 
 2. Backsliding, coldness, formality in religious 
 service. 
 
 3. The imperfection of his example as a Christian. 
 
 4. Negligence in self-examination and closet exer- 
 cises generally. 
 
 His prayer is for an increase of true religion, espe- 
 cially in himself: that he may to faith add virtue ; to 
 virtue knowledge ; to knowledge temperance ; to tem- 
 perance patience ; to patience godliness ; to godliness 
 brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity. 
 
 Thus we see how James Brainerd Taylor spent the 
 first year of his preparatory course, in respect to the 
 cultivation of his heart and the acquirement of a spirit 
 suited to the pulpit. 
 
 On the first day of January. 1S21, he writes to one 
 of his most valued Christian friends as follows : 
 
56 MEMOIR OP 
 
 " I have found this a good day to my soul ; and I 
 know that you Avill be gratified to hear some of the 
 particulars. This morning I returned home from a 
 prayer-meeting, which I conducted last evening, about 
 four and a half miles from L. Of this meeting I will 
 tell you more by and by. On my arrival I retired to 
 my room, and found it good to spend half an hour on 
 my knees ; because it was delightful to adore and praise 
 the greatness, goodness, mercy, and long suffering pa- 
 tience of God ; it was good to have the privilege of 
 pouring out my heart before him. O how astonishing- 
 ly condescending is that great and fearful One, ' who 
 inhabiteth eternity and the praises thereof,' that he 
 should deign to visit a worm, a creature of a day, 
 whose tabernacle is in the dust ! I felt myself ' less 
 than the least of all his mercies.' But the Lord does 
 condescend to regard those whose hearts are broken 
 on account of sin. He will give ear to their supplica- 
 tions, while they pour out their hearts before him, and 
 cast their burdens, however great, on him. They are 
 privileged to tell him all — guilt and fear, sins ana sor- 
 rows, cares and crosses, wants and dangers, weak- 
 nesses and temptations, darkness, ignorance, doubts, 
 anxieties, whether for themselves or others, the church 
 or the world. I found it good, while I was ready to 
 hide ray face for shame, to confess my short-comings, 
 my negligence, my wanderings from the path of duty 
 during the past year. I found it good to cry for mercy 
 to pardon, and for grace to help in time to come ; good 
 to bless, and praise, and magnify the holy name of the 
 Lord, for his loving-kindness in giving me a goodly 
 heritage, and casting my lot in pleasant places. I 
 found it good to lay my necessities before him, and to 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 57 
 
 offer my body a living sacrifice to him, whose I am, 
 by creation, preservation, redemption, and I hope by 
 adoption. I found it good, and at this season peculiar- 
 ly solemn, to dedicate myselt, and all that I have and 
 am, to his service and glory, and resolve, through 
 grace, to walk in the way of his commandments, and 
 do as well as suffer his whole will concerning me. 1 
 found it good to plead that I might have faiih, hope, 
 and charity ; that I might be crucified unto the world, 
 and the world be crucified unto me; that I might be 
 delivered in time of trouble, and have grace to over- 
 come all my spiritual enemies ; that I might be hum- 
 ble, ever lying at the foot of the cross, and looking to 
 the Savior as my sacrifice, my advocate with the Fa- 
 ther, my prevailing intercessor, my salvation ; yea, all 
 my salvation and desire for time and for eternity. 
 Yes, I found it good to call on the name of the Lord ; 
 and afterwards I found it good to read the Scriptures, 
 to meditate and engage in self-examination. 
 
 " Part of the afternoon I spent in visiting my ac- 
 quaintances. I called to see a daughter of affliction, 
 one of whom I have spoken to you before. She has 
 not, for eighteen years, been free from lameness ; and 
 for sixteen has been entirely unable to walk. Yet she 
 rejgices in the midst of all her sufierings, knowing 
 that the rod which is on her is not that of a tyrant, but 
 of her heavenly Father, who afflicts, but not willing- 
 ly, the children of men. She triumphs in the prospect 
 before her, and well she may, for there remaineth for 
 her a rest beyond the skies. I found it good to be with 
 this suffering Christian. 
 
 " The evening has been spent in worshiping the 
 Lord, and in supplicating his blessing on a ruined 
 
58 
 
 MEMOIR or 
 
 world. It was good to be there. And now I find it 
 good to address my friend in Christ. 
 
 " But I must tell you more of the meeting which I 
 attended last evening. And I have good news for you, 
 tidings which have gladdened the hearts of some here, 
 and have occasioned joy in heaven. In that neighbor- 
 hood about twenty souls have, as we hope, been born 
 again. The meeting last night was a solemn one — the 
 attention of the audience was fixed, while I addressed 
 them for more than half an hour. After singing and 
 prayer, I addressed them again. The meeting then 
 closed, and they who had been lately brought into the 
 kingdom stood around, while I conversed with them, 
 for the purpose of encouraging them to be steadfast, 
 and to fight manfully the battles of the great Captain 
 of salvation. The converts are mostly young, one not 
 more than thirteen years old. The good work seems 
 to be increasing. May it go on and prosper, and spread 
 all around. 
 
 " Thus, , you see how I spent the last even- 
 ing of the old year, and the first day of the new. May 
 every succeeding day and year find us ripening for 
 that place where time and change are unknown — for 
 a seat at God's right hand, where are pleasures for 
 evermore! We shall be satisfied, when we awake in 
 his likeness. Pray for me, that I may be humble and 
 faithful." 
 
 " January 7, 1821. 
 " On asking myself this evening how shall I answer 
 life's great end, which is to glorify God ? the follow- 
 ing passage of Scripture came into my mind : Titus, 
 2 : 12, ' Teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 51) 
 
 worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and 
 godly, in this present world.' O how much is com- 
 prised in this lesson ! It comprises all branches of our 
 duty— what we owe to ourselves, to our fellow-men, 
 and to our Creator. ' To deny ungodliness and world- 
 ly lust,' what is it but to abandon all those evil courses 
 which wicked men are found in? 'To live soberly,' 
 is in a right manner to govern all our appetites and 
 passions. To live ' righteously,' is to do to others as 
 we would that they should do to us. And to live 
 ' godly.' is to hold communion with the Father, and 
 his Son Jesus Christ. O ! how fit and right is it that 
 we should thus live. It is a life such as this which is 
 connected with 'peace in believing,' and 'joy in the 
 Holy Ghost.' 
 
 " You concluded your last letter with the exhorta- 
 tion of the apostle, ' To do good and communicate, 
 forget not.' I add, as a comment, 
 
 ' Blest is "the man who spends his day 
 
 In acts of good to those around; 
 His is the path which surely ends 
 Where all shall be with glory crown'd.' " 
 
 His deep concern for the salvation of his kindred, 
 and his endeavors to promote a more spiritual religion 
 in his father's family, have already been mentioned. 
 In May of this year he adopted the expedient of ad- 
 dressing a letter to his parents, brothers and sisters, 
 who were heads of families. The general subject of 
 this letter is the responsibility of parents. It is a re- 
 markable instance of delicate fidelity. The duties of 
 the relation are urged with great earnestness, and in a 
 
60 MEr.io:R of 
 
 manner well suited to make any one, who had not 
 taken a decided stand on the subject of religion in his 
 family, deeply feel his deficiency. But in it there is 
 nothing inconsistent v/ith the highest filial reverence, 
 aijd the respect due from a younger to his elder 
 brothers. 
 
 To the letter is subjoined a long postscript, address- 
 ed to two young sisters who had not manifested any 
 serious concern for the salvation of their souls. It con- 
 tains a most solemn and affectionate warning of their 
 danger, and entreaties that they would, in early life, 
 devote themselves Avith all the heart to the service of 
 their Creator and Redeemer. To his mother he Avrote 
 as folloAvs, April 15, 1821, the day he was twenty 
 years old : 
 
 '•'The day of my birth I hope that I shall, at all 
 times, have reason to bless and observe with thankful 
 remembrance. But I hope that I shall have more abun- 
 dant reason to bless and triumph in the day of my 
 death, because I trust it will introduce me into a new 
 and glorious existence. 
 
 " O 1 my dear mother, how much have I cost you. 
 In my infancy, while hanging' on your breast, I doubt 
 not that I witnessed many a tear and many an anx- 
 ious sigh, although entirely unconscious of your soli- 
 citude and of my helplessness. O what tenderness 
 was manifested to me ! what care to rear me up and 
 preserve me from every ill ! How many sleepless nights 
 have you spent on my account ! Did the thought at 
 that period ever enter your mind, that you were train- 
 ing up a little immortal, destined to be a servant of 
 the Most High? Did you look on me as one whom 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 61 
 
 you might afterwards hear, as a herald of the cross, 
 bearing the unsearchable riches of Christ, preaching 
 a crucified Savior to guilty and dying man ? 
 
 " Instead of indulging such pleasing hopes, perhaps 
 my fond mother thought of the innumerable evils to 
 which I might be exposed in the slippery paths of 
 youth ; or of the no less numerous dangers with which 
 manhood is surrounded. You might have contempla- 
 ted me as a companion of those who wander from the 
 ways of the Lord, and walk in the paths of the de- 
 stroyer. And perhaps in your maternal fears you sigh- 
 ed and said, Can it — ah ! shall it ever be — that this 
 child will bring grief to his father, and sorrow to the 
 mother who bore him ? Did you not pray that God 
 would undertake for me, and avert the storms to which 
 the young voyager of life would be exposed ? He has 
 heard your prayers ; an answer has been sent; but not 
 before I had done much to blast your hopes and in- 
 crease your fears. O ! how kind, how gracious was 
 the unseen, but noi unfelt hand, that turned me from 
 my evil ways, and ' sweetly forced me in.' Well may 
 I sing songs of deliverance, and shout — ' a miracle of 
 
 He then adverts to a very dangerous attack of ty- 
 phus fever, which he had in his twelfth year, when 
 every one expected that he would die ; and, to heighten 
 his feelings of filial gratitude, dwells on the great 
 kindness of his mother, in watching by him and nurs- 
 ing him during his protracted illness. 
 
 It seems that his death appeared so certain, that 
 some kind friend prepared a shroud for him. On allud- 
 ing t« this circumstance, he asks, with great solemni- 
 
 6 J. B. Taylor, 
 
(>2 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ty, Mother, " how were you exercised when taking 
 your last look at me? Alas ! had I been cut down as 
 a cumberer of the ground — my peace was not then 
 made with God — death would have consigned me to 
 the ' blackness of darkness, and to everlasting despair.' 
 Who but God could have averted the stroke which 
 was leveled at my head? 
 
 " But your son, who was once on the verge of the 
 grave, yet lives; and lives in the enjoyment of hea- 
 ven's blessing. He has been spared, and permitted to 
 indulge the hope of being extensively useful in the 
 church. At least, his desire is to spend his days in 
 the cause of that dear Redeemer who gave his soul a 
 sacrifice for sin, ' that we might not perish, but have 
 everlasting life.' To compensate you for your sighs 
 and tears, your fearful apprehensions and anxieties, 
 see what God hath wrought. Out of our number it 
 seems that he hath chosen me to be a minister of the 
 everlasting Gospel. May I be prepared to labor in his 
 vineyard ! 
 
 " I expect to occupy my present place for two years 
 after the ensuing fall. I expect then to enter college, 
 so advanced as to remain there only two years. After 
 which I shall go to the theological seminary for three 
 years. As to my life after that, I can make no conjec- 
 ture. Only I can say, that I hope to devote my life to 
 tne service of God, soul, body, and spirit. Yes, I had 
 rather fall a sacrifice to my labors than be lukewarm 
 and dead in his service. My whole self I would con- 
 secrate to him, in whatever sphere the Lord of the 
 harvest may see fit to appoint me to labor; whether at 
 home or abroad, on the land or on the sea. 
 
 " God has blessed us both, and been very kind to 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 63 
 
 US in times past — let us trust in him for time to come. 
 The Lord has blessed you, my mother, in permitting 
 you to see the prospect of my entering the ministry; 
 and he has blessed you in your other children, my dear 
 brothers and sisters. May they, who have professed 
 the religion of Christ, be faithful, and keep their gar- 
 ments unspotted from the world. And may the rest, 
 who are yet far off, be brought nigh, and be united 
 with us in the bonds of an everlasting covenant ; may 
 the Lord by his Spirit convince them of sin, of righte- 
 ousness, and of judgment, and make them heirs of the 
 grace of life, that parents and children may all unite 
 in anthems of praise in the upper sanctuary." 
 
 The letter concludes with particular addresses to 
 the several members of the family, containing appro- 
 priate and most earnest exhortations. 
 
 To C H 
 
 " July 5, 1821. 
 
 " My Brother, 
 
 " O that I could, with the humble confidence of a 
 little child, raise my voice to heaven, and with the 
 faith of assurance cry, ' Abba, Father ! my Father 
 — my reconciled Father and portion, in and through 
 Jesus Christ. O that I could lift up my heart, hav- 
 ing the witness of the Spirit, and say to Jesus, my 
 Savior and Redeemer from sin and death ; my advo- 
 cate with the Father, and prevailing intercessor; my 
 prophet, priest, and king; my salvation ; my all in all i 
 O that I could know the Holy Spirit to be my sancti- 
 fier, guide and comforter !' But,- to my shame, I do not 
 possess that unshaken confidence which I want. I can 
 
64 MEMOIR or 
 
 indeed say, that not this world, nor ten tuousand more, 
 could purchase the hope which I have. And if I know 
 my own heart, I do think that the desire to have God 
 as my Father, Jesus as my Savior, and the Holy Spirit 
 as my Sanctifier, is predominant. But yet I feol that 
 whereas I ought to be a full grown man in Christ, I 
 am only a babe. To think that I have been now five 
 years a professor of religion, and have made so little 
 progress, is indeed a cutting thought. Alas, I feel my- 
 self to be far behind those who set out with me in the 
 divine life. 
 
 ' O for a breeze, a heavenly gale, 
 • To waft me through this gloomy vale, 
 ' That I may join the joyful band 
 ' In Canaan's fair and happy land.' 
 
 " Since our last separation, my course has been va- 
 ried. The Lord has been good. I have had seasons of 
 enjoyment. Blessed be our heavenly Father, that I 
 should at any season be permitted to sip of the good 
 cup by the Avay. To many the water of life is dealt 
 out more bountifully. My unfaithfulness and unbelief 
 hinder the blessing. O how much reason have I to 
 chide and upbraid myself for past offences. 
 
 " While we are preparing for the holy ministry, and 
 looking forward to it, our constant desire should be to 
 bring many sons and daughters into the kingdom : also 
 to build up the humble believer in his most holy faith. 
 And what a delightful task will that be to us ! While 
 we are in the school of the prophets, may the Lord 
 impart to us a right knowledge of ourselves and of 
 him — may he endow us plentifully with heavenly gifts 
 — convince us thoroughly of sin — give us true, un- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 65 
 
 feigned repentance — strong faith in Jesus Christ — and 
 that zeal and love which characterize the humble, 
 meek, lowly, devoted, self-denying, spiritual, heaven- 
 ly-minded child of God — and thus furnish us for every 
 good work. Whether we shall ever go into the vine- 
 yard of our Lord, is known only to him. The harvest 
 Truly is great, and the laborers are few. Should we 
 ' enter the field, may we be found wise as serpents and 
 harmless as doves — baptized with the Holy Ghost and 
 with fire. 
 
 " But I think that our views should not be altogether 
 directed to the end of our preparatory course. There 
 are many opportunities now of doing good. The call 
 from many a lowly cottage is, ' Come over and help 
 iisP And we ought to inquire for persons to whom 
 we may be useful. If indeed we feel as we ought, we 
 hold ourselves to be very small and unworthy. But 
 we are looked upon by those around us as having al- 
 ready entered on a ministerial course, and we have a 
 particular character to sustain. Occupying such a situ- 
 ation, how necessary it is that we should be circum- 
 spect, and walk worthy of our vocation. 
 
 "A few days since, I had some interesting intelli- 
 gence from the east. The good work appears to be go- 
 ing on. Some, whom I left distressed, have obtained 
 a hope. The time is coming, when 'a nation shall be 
 born in a day.' We may see greater things than our 
 eyes have ever yet witnessed. O ! may the precious- 
 ness of immortal souls, and our responsibility to God, 
 to ourselves, and to others, be written on our hearts, 
 as with a pen of iron and the point of a diamond. And 
 may we be kept very humble, and very sensible of our 
 entire dependence 1 Farewell." 
 6* 
 
66 MEMOIR OP 
 
 To his sister M— 
 
 " July, ISQl. 
 " Perhaps you may wish to know how I have em- 
 ployed myself during the past session. O that I could 
 tell you I had been faithful ! But alas ! in all things I 
 come short, and in many I offend. However, I have 
 endeavored to do, at least, a little for my Redeemer, 
 by visiting the people of this neighborhood, and con- 
 versing with them on the concerns of their souls. In 
 several instances I have been encouraged. The pray- 
 er-meetings are continued every other Sabbath. I have 
 also been engaged in several other places. I am about 
 establishing a Sunday school for colored people at the 
 ▼illage where I hold my meetings. I hope that you 
 are actively engaged in your sphere. Our working days 
 will soon be over, and the consideration ought to sink 
 deep into our hearts. Souls may be waiting for us to 
 be the means of their conversion. 'Up and be doing/ 
 should be our motto." 
 
 To 
 
 " October, 1821. 
 "Knowing that you feel anxious about your friend, 
 I give you early information of my safe arrival in L., 
 and of the improvement of my health. I am nearly 
 well of my cold — but alas! I am compelled to say that 
 my heart is not warm on a subject on which I ought 
 to be all on fire. Pray for me. that the Sun of righte- 
 ousness may arise with healing in his beams ; that my 
 doubts and fears may all be removed ; that my sorrow 
 may be turned into joy. You know how painful it is 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 67 
 
 to be under a cloud. But, blessed be the Lord, I know 
 that I do want more religion, and that ray chief desire 
 is to be holy. Nothing can satisfy me but the eiernal 
 fountain of life and light. 
 
 ' Return, O holy Dove, return, 
 
 ' Sweet messenger of rest; 
 I hate the sins that made thee mourn, 
 'And drove thee from my breast.' 
 
 "After I had written the preceding, (the other even- 
 ing,) I laid aside my paper and took hold of Clarke 
 on the Promises, when I met with the following has- 
 sage: ' The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath 
 thee are the everlasting arms. He shall drive out the 
 enemy before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.' 
 From this I derived some encouragement. I have since 
 found it good to wait on the Lord ; and feei strength- 
 ened to persevere. Pray for me, that I may holdfast, 
 and hold on to the end. 
 
 " December 8.— I have reason to praise the Lord 
 for his goodness to my soul since 1 wrote the forego- 
 ing. Last Monday night particularly was a season of 
 enjoyment to me. I enjoyed a delightful ' time of re- 
 freshing from the presence of the Lord.' It was our 
 monthly prayer-meeting. I trust that I have not lost 
 the blessed Savior yet. The world and all its enjoy- 
 ments appeared, and do still appear diminutive and 
 transitory. I felt, and still feel determined, the Lord 
 helpmg me, to live nearer to him—' O for grace to 
 . ove him more.' " 
 
MEMOIR OP 
 To C 
 
 ^' LMwrencevlUc, Dec. 1. 1821. 
 
 " Since I wrote last, I have made quite a tour through 
 Connecticut. The occasion was this. While going to 
 New-York at the commencement of our vacation, on 
 board the steam-boat between New-Brunswick and the 
 city, I fell in with Major Ridge, an Indian chief, of 
 the Cherokee tribe. My becoming acquainted with 
 him seemed providential. I saw his credentials, which 
 were very satisfactory, from our missionaries — and 
 finding him a stranger in a strange land, without a 
 guide, I offered to him my friendship. With this he 
 seemed to "be highly gratified. I conversed with him 
 as much as I could about his country and its produc- 
 tions ; about the missionaries, schools, &c. among the 
 Cherokees. This rendered our trip very agreeable. I 
 was particularly pleased to have beside me, from the 
 wilderness, one of those for whom so much exertion 
 had been made. 
 
 "On our arrival in New-York^ I conducted Major 
 Ridge to my brother's, where the family immediately 
 became interested in him. 
 
 " On Sunday he attended church and prayer-meet- 
 ing. In the evening I concluded to accompany him to> 
 Cornwall, where he had a son at school. Accordingly 
 on Monday morning we set out for New-Haven, 
 where we tarried for the night. On Tuesday we went 
 to Litchfield. The country is beautifully diversified 
 with hill and dale. I passed through the place where 
 Mr. Newton formerly resided, who went with the last 
 mission family to the Osages. 
 
 " I found Litchfield a beautiful place, situated on a 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 69 
 
 commanding eminence, from which one may look over a 
 very line range of country. There I saw Mr. Nettleton. 
 
 " On Wednesday we arrived at Cornwall. It is a 
 small village on a plain surrounded with mountains. 
 But to return to my companion. He manifested very 
 great pleasure in meeting his son. Both parental and 
 filial affection were strongly displayed. Tears stole 
 gently down the cheeks of both father and son ; so that 
 for some time they were incapable of much conversa- 
 tion. When they had become more composed, the fa- 
 ther, through his son, began, apparently with much 
 feeling, to express his gratitude for my unexpected at- 
 tention. During the afternoon I had an interview 
 with the son. He is nearly of my size, about eighteen 
 years of age, possesses an intelligent mind, uses good 
 language, and exhibits refined manners. He has been 
 nearly three years at Cornwall, and has made rapid 
 progress. He is regarded as a youth of first rate ta- 
 lents. But he appeared quite a stranger to his own 
 heart. 
 
 " In the evening I attended a conference meeting 
 conducted by the young men, and heard some of the 
 heathen youth speak and pray ! David Brown is par- 
 ticularly interesting. 
 
 "Next day I had an interview with .Major Ridge 
 just before I left him. Mr. Brown was my interpreter. 
 At the close, the Major gave me the assurance that he 
 would hereafter give his ichole mind to the subject of 
 religion. His wife has become a member of the church 
 in the wilderness, and he is desirous of becoming a 
 member too. 
 
 " I left Cornwall on Thursday. Mr. Brown accom- 
 panied me as far as the burying ground, to view the 
 
70 MEMOIR 
 
 Stone erected to the memory of Henry Obookiah. 
 Many pleasing and many painful ideas are associated 
 with that place. It was there David Brown and I said 
 farewell, and parted. 
 
 " It will be glad tidings to you to hear that ray bro- 
 ther F. is expecting to study for the ministry. I have 
 some hope that he Avill be with me soon. Is not this 
 the Lord's doing ? May it prove to be so !" 
 
 The following is from a letter to the Rev. Mr. H — , 
 an aged clergyman, with whom he was in habits of 
 friendly intercourse, and in whose family he was inti- 
 mately acquainted : 
 
 " Is it well with your youngest daughter ; I mean, is 
 she now rejoicing in that ' hope which maketh not 
 ashamed, because of the love of Christ shed abroad in 
 the heart, through the Holy Spirit given unto her V 
 Such seemed to be her case when I had the pleasure 
 of seeing her. And if it be really so, you are ready, 
 no doubt, to bless the great Redeemer for his grace in 
 thus visiting your house in the decline of life. May- 
 she grow daily in grace, and in the knowledge of our 
 Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ! She has been the 
 child of many prayers : may she love to pray, not only 
 for herself, but also for others — may I not add, for me 
 too, that the Lord would make me holy in heart and 
 in life, to the praise of the glory of his grace I 
 
 " But when I was with you, your eldest daughter 
 could not see that she had passed the line which se- 
 parates Christians from the world. May I not hope 
 that ere this she has submitted herself to Christ ? If 
 so, how blessed the change ! a change which has not 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 71 
 
 only imparted peace to her own soul, and gladness to 
 her parents and christian friends, but joy to the an- 
 gels in heaven. She has had to record one of the hap- 
 piest events in the annals of her pilgrimage — it is an 
 era in her existence, on which she will reflect with 
 peculiar pleasure and gratitude, not only in time, but 
 through eternity. O that I could know that it is thus 
 well with her. But if, indeed, she has made no pro- 
 gress ; if she has not yet ' apprehended Christ Jesus ' as 
 her Savior, and found him the 'chief among ten thou- 
 sand,' I would ask her, why is it so ? ' Is there no 
 balm in Gilead ;' ' is there no physician there V Has 
 not the Father called you ? does not Jesus invite you 
 by his life of toil, by his agony in the garden and on 
 the cross, by his death And burial, by his resurrection 
 and glorious ascension ? And now, being exalted as a 
 prince and a Savior, is not his kind and winning lan- 
 guage addressed to you, ' Come unto me V All hea- 
 ven appears to be engaged to secure the salvation of 
 returning sinners. You have been alarmed by feeling 
 that you were in the city of destruction ; O stay not in 
 all the plain, lest thou be consumed, but fly to the re- 
 fuge provided for sinners by the sinner's Friend. Your 
 best interests call for it — the prayers, anxieties, and 
 tears of your parents call for it. As you love your 
 soul ; as you value your everlasting all ; as you ever 
 hope to meet God in peace, and dwell for ever in hea- 
 ven, do it. O ! do it ! — May the Lord have you all in 
 his holy keeping !" 
 
72 MEMOIR OP 
 
 To his Parents. 
 
 «. L , December, 1821. 
 
 "Beloved Parouts, 
 
 " When I call to mind that you have not heard from 
 me since I left New-York, I feel that I have not mani- 
 fested that love for you that I ought. But you will 
 excuse me, while I assure you that I find my affection 
 for you increasing instead of diminishing. You know, 
 my dear father and mother, that nearly two years 
 have elapsed since I arrived at ihis place to begin my 
 studies. How rapid has been their progress ! I feel 
 disposed to rejoice rather than to mourn that the time 
 has sped its flight. I look upon them as two years of 
 preparation for that office which I anticipate with 
 pleasure. And the faster our years fly, the better, if 
 God be our Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy 
 Spirit our Sanctifier ; for the sooner shall we be waft- 
 ed over life's tempestuous sea, and the sooner shall 
 we reach the wished for haven. Glory to our heaven- 
 ly Benefactor, for devising the plan of salvation I Glo- 
 ry to our Redeemer, who accomplished the mighty 
 work ! And glory to the Holy Spirit, who applies it 
 to our hearts and consciences ! Everlasting thanks to 
 our God, if we have been made partakers of the grace 
 of life ; if we are his sons and daughters ! Surely it 
 lias been a work of his own on our hearts, and we 
 ought to praise him. He is worthy of our highest 
 homage and best services. Then let us spend the re- 
 maining days of our pilgrimage to his honor ; that »<?o, 
 when we are done with earthly things, an abundaiiC 
 entrance may be administered unto us into the ever- 
 lasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 73 
 
 *^ What distinguishing mercy has been displayed to 
 oui- family ! But to me in particular — to me in parti' 
 cular ; and you may well wonder at and admire that 
 divine grace which ' sweetly forced me in.' Once I 
 was a child of many anxieties, and the occasion of 
 many sorrows. I feel that in my childhood I often 
 caused you to suffer much pain on my account. But 
 all was parental tenderness and affecti&n on your part. 
 
 forgive me the follies of my youthful days, my 
 obstinacy, self-will, disobedience, and rebellion. I 
 know that you have forgiven me ; but I cannot forgive 
 myself. No ! my ingratitude to you, the kindest and 
 best of parents, is a reproach to me. May God for- 
 give me — yea, I trust he has forgiven me, wherein I 
 have been guilty in breaking this his command, ' Ho- 
 nor thy father and thy mother.' 
 
 " Once my home was under your roof— once I sat 
 at your table — once I enjoyed the society of your fa- 
 mily circle — and once I could call to you by the en- 
 dearing appellation of father and mother. But now I 
 am far aAvay. My home, my table, my society, are 
 among strangers. They, however, are my friends , 
 this I am persuaded is of the Lord's kindness. And 
 as he has been good to me in times past, I can trust 
 him in time to come. 
 
 '- Did not the Lord, when he gave me to you, say, 
 * Take this child and nurse him for me, and I will 
 give thee thy wages.' For all your goodness to me, 
 may heaven's best blessings rest upon you. And may 
 
 1 be an honor to my father, and to the mother who 
 bore me ! — may I glorify my heavenly Father, and be 
 made a blessing to society ! O may I not live a cipher 
 
 7 J. B. Taylor. 
 
74 MEMOIR OF 
 
 in this world, but be made extensively useful. For this, 
 let me ask your continual, earnest, united prayers." 
 
 The above extracts from Mr. Taylor's letters show, 
 it is thought, very distinctly an increase in his piety 
 and in his religious enjoyments. He appears to be 
 gradually raising higher his standard of ministerial 
 holiness and usefulness, and making progress in real, 
 decided, heart-felt religion. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Completion of his course in the Academy. 
 
 On the 1st of January, 1822, we find, in a letter to a 
 valued and confidential Christian friend, a brief state- 
 ment of his religious views at that period. 
 
 " The last time I wrote, you recollect the state of 
 my mind. Since then, the Lord has been better than 
 my expectations. I have had some precious seasons. 
 I have known what it is to hold communion with my 
 heavenly Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, 
 through the Eternal Spirit. My closet duties have af- 
 forded my highest enjoyments ; not always, indeed, 
 equally great, but generally delightful. 
 
 " During this year may I, and n^ay you, be more 
 than ever engaged in the Lord's service. I am desi- 
 rous to spend and be spent for him— to live the life of 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 75 
 
 the righteous. But we may not live to see its close. 
 This morning I was meditating on the words in Matt. 
 26 : 18, My time is at hand; and I thought that if it 
 should be the Lord's will to take me to himself this 
 year, yea, even this day, I should rejoice at my de- 
 parture. The grave seemed to lose its terrors — hea- 
 ven and its glories appeared to be in sight — my soul 
 was joyful. O to live religion — to have heaven in 
 view, the love of God in the heart, the world, the flesh 
 and the devil under one's feet ! Then, come life, 
 come death, all, all will be well. 
 
 " O my friend, I am tired of living by halves. God 
 says, ' Son, give me thy heart.' I answer, O for an 
 entire surrender — I long for complete deliverance from 
 remaining corruption ; for sanctification in soul, body, 
 and spirit ; for that perfect love which casteth out all 
 fear — and until I attain this, I shall feel that I shall 
 be unfit to be a minister of Jesus Christ." 
 
 It deserves to be noticed, that our young friend was, 
 in a remarkable degree, exempt from sectarian feelings. 
 Among other tokens of enlarged and liberal feeling, it 
 may be mentioned that he had correspondence with 
 students of theology and private members of several 
 religious denominations, and that the interchange of 
 fraternal affection and christian exhortation was cha- 
 racterized by perfect confidence and entire freedom. 
 This is what we may expect, when professors of 
 Christianity have the spirit of their religion. It is 
 truly a religion of love, which embraces all, of every 
 name, Avho show themselves to be true disciples of 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 From a letter of Major Ridge, dated, " Cherokee 
 
76 MEMOIR or 
 
 Nation, Feb. 19, 1822," it appears that Mr. Taylor 
 had written him, and that his kindness and christian 
 faithfulness had deeply impressed his heart. 
 
 " Dear friend, (he says,) we were made acquainted 
 by a kind Providence, and I hope I shall never forget 
 all your kindness to me. When I think of New-York, 
 it seems near, and I feel almost as if there. When I 
 went there I was a stranger, and you were so kind asC 
 to be my guide and assistant to the place where my 
 son was, for which I am under great obligations of 
 gratitude. You not only rendered me all necessary 
 assistance on the way, but when we arrived at Corn- 
 wall, you was so kind as to converse with me on the 
 subject of religion. What you told me I ought to do, 
 I am now fully determined to do. I think I can say 
 now that I do seek the Savior ; but I do not find him. 
 I hope the Lord will hear my prayers, and enable me 
 to find the right way. I thank you for, and rejoice to 
 think of what you told me. I also rejoice that the 
 missionaries here tell me the same ; and that there 
 are some, even in this land, who care for my soul.* 
 
 Another extract of a letter addressed to Mr. Taylor, 
 Feb. 25, 1822, by one to whom he had been useful in 
 an excursion during vacation, will give the reader 
 some idea of the active zeal of this young Christian. 
 
 " On looking back on my life, and recalling past 
 scenes, I remember with humility, with love and ado- 
 ration, the occurrences of the past year. I adore the 
 riches of that grace which, I hope, plucked me as a 
 brand from everlasting burnings. To you, my friend, 
 I feel peculiarly grateful ; and as long as I live, I shall 
 
JAMES BKAINERD TAYLOR. 77 
 
 remember your faithful admonitions and prayers. I 
 have reason every day to adore and praise that Provi- 
 dence which directed you in my way, and made you 
 an instrument of doing much good to my soul. When 
 I first saw you I was where I had been for years. I 
 knew that I was a sinner; that my situation was 
 wretched ; and that remaining where I was, I must pe- 
 rish. But yet I made no exertions to escape. I was 
 waiting for the irresistible influences of the Spirit, 
 with the excuse that I could do nothing myself. You 
 were employed by an overruling hand to rouse me 
 from this state of awful stupidity and sin. Your words 
 went like daggers to my guilty conscience, and 
 wrought that conviction in my soul which I had 
 never experienced before. It is needless for me to tell 
 you what I then felt, as you were a witness to part of 
 my anxiety and distress. You also saw the change 
 which took place in my feelings. O happy seasons of 
 delight — how I love to call them to remembrance ! 
 The Lord has not only been kind to me, but has ex- 
 tended his mercy to my beloved companion ; and 
 while we deserved nothing but Vv^rath, has made us, as 
 we hope children of his grace and heirs of everlast- 
 ing life." 
 
 It would be easy to give many similar passages 
 from other letters, showing that this young academi- 
 cal student was made, to a surprising extent, useful in 
 bringing sinners to a knowledge of their condition, and 
 conducting them to Jesus Christ as their Savior. 
 
 It is apparent from the following letter to his friend 
 
 H , that his mind was at the same time intent on 
 
 his own preparation for the ministry ; and that v/hile 
 7* 
 
78 MEMOIR OF 
 
 he wished to possess all the intellectual qualiiScations 
 required, his first object was to make eminent attain- 
 ments in holiness. 
 
 " March 9, 1822. 
 
 "You no doubt rejoice with me that our friend C, 
 and my brother F. have given themselves up for the 
 work of the holy ministry. O, my brother, what a 
 gracious Providence it is that calls so many young 
 men from mercantile business to labor in the vineyard 
 of our Lord. More than all, I wonder that I should be 
 counted worthy to do any thing in the glorious work 
 of salvation. How astonishing ! ' How condescending 
 and how kind !' How signal was my escape ! When 
 every thing indicated that my situation was fixed for 
 life, and that I should have to spend my days in buy- 
 ing and selling, a kind Providence opened a way for 
 me to enter upon my studies. You know what were 
 my difficulties. I cannot, with the certainty I wish, 
 say that I have been, and yet I dare not say that I 
 have not been called of heaven— ?20, / dare not. But, 
 would I 'look back?' No, verily. I desire to be a 
 minister of the Gospel above and before all earthly 
 things. My mind- is bent on it, with the most earnest 
 wish to spend and be spent in the Lord's service. How 
 else could I be happy ? 
 
 " The work of the holy ministry is, we hope and 
 trust, before us. No doubt you have dwelt, as I have, 
 on the necessary work of preparation with fear and 
 much trembling, yet with satisfaction and joy. But 
 yet it can never be amiss for us to stir up each other's 
 minds by way of remembrance. 
 
 " That a minister of the Crospel should be a con- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 79 
 
 verted man, is too plain, and commonly believed, for 
 me to insist on. He must be born from above — be cre- 
 ated in Christ Jesus unto good works — have his name 
 written in heaven. Thither, when going out and com- 
 ing in, at home and abroad, he should direct his affec- 
 tions and desires, his whole walk and conversation: 
 there should he lay up his treasures, and look to hea- 
 ven as his eternal home. Nothing can be more unbe- 
 coming in one who ministers in holy things, than 
 worldly-mindedness. May God, of his infinite mercy, 
 make us peculiarly humble ; and fit us to bear the ves- 
 sels of the Lord, by imparting to us much of Enoch's 
 spirit. 
 
 '•A minister of Jesus Christ ought to be thoroughly 
 furnished for his work. It need not be splendid furni- 
 ture, to attract admiration ; but solid, substantial, and 
 fit for use. We must seek it in the store-house of grace. 
 There is enough treasured up in Christ — may we re- 
 ceive from his fullness ! Let us make our Bibles our 
 text books. 
 
 " But the preacher must have a call from the great 
 Head of the church, whose prerogative it is to raise 
 up, qualify, and send forth laborers. Alas ! how mise- 
 rable must that man be, who preaches when he is not 
 sent. None of the truths which he utters — none of the 
 warnings which he gives, but reverberate, ' Physi- 
 cian, heal thyself J O may you and I have our com- 
 missions from Christ, to go into the world and preach 
 his Gospel. May we receive an unction from the 
 Holy One ; be set apart by the great High Priest of 
 our profession; be filled with the Holy Ghost, and 
 with the fire of divine love-— love supreme towards 
 God, ardent towards our brethren, and universal 
 
80 MEMOIR OF 
 
 towards perishing sinners. May the Spirit of the 
 Lord rest on our hearts as a spirit of prayer, a spirit 
 of conversation, a spirit of exhortation, a spirit of 
 preaching. Then, setting up our banner in the name 
 of the Lord, we shall destroy the works of the devil, 
 and advance the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
 
 "A minister has great need to look well to all his 
 motives. Does he work for filthy lucre's sake ? then 
 he cannot prosper. Does he seek the honor that 
 Cometh from men, and not that which cometh from 
 God only? then leanness and barrenness will rest on 
 his heart, life, preaching, and conversation. O may 
 we enter the work to win souls to Christ, and have, 
 as our great motive, the honor of our blessed Redeem- 
 er. May we forget every thing about ourselves but 
 our responsibility, the shortness of our lives, our final 
 account, and our eternal state; and may we always 
 remember that many, many souls, in their eternal in- 
 terests, depend on our faithfulness. May God make 
 us faithful. 
 
 " The greatness of this work should rest like a 
 heavy vv'eight on our minds. O ! it is a work for eter- 
 nity. The mischiefs of unfaithfulness here can never 
 be repaired. To fail here, is to fail for ever. If souls 
 are lost through our neglect, they are murdered. May 
 we, with our might, do all for God. O ! to be devoted 
 servants of his, and workmen that need not be asham- 
 ed. Then, when we come to give an account of our 
 stewardship, we shall have joy and not grief. 
 
 "Ministers, of all others, should be holy men; 
 Christians every where, and no common Christians ; 
 always setting an example for the flock to imitate. 
 
JAMLS BRAINERD TAYLOR. 81 
 
 O for perfect love, for complete sanctification for the 
 office which awaits us 1" 
 
 It will be seen by all who read the preceding lines, 
 that James B. Taylor was by no means satisfied 
 with his religious attainments. His daily and most 
 earnest prayer was for higher and holier zeal, and 
 more fervent love. He was fully persuaded that a 
 Christian, in the use of the appointed means, might 
 make continual progress in the divine life, and ad- 
 vance far beyond his Christian stature. And this high 
 attainment was the object of his continual desire. 
 
 His repeated declarations show, that from the time 
 he made a public profession of religion until the year 
 1822, he longed for, and with much earnestness sought 
 clearer manifestations of the divine favor, and greater 
 conformity to the divine will. He was under the abid- 
 ing feeling that, without higher attainments in holi- 
 ness, he never could enter the ministry. During the 
 spring vacation of 1822 he visited his parents, and, as 
 it would seem, resolved to consecrate this time of re- 
 laxation from study to the special object of seeking 
 such an increase of religion as would relieve him 
 from many doubts which harassed his mind. It was 
 his privilege at this period to enjoy the society of 
 some relatives, who, according to his account, were 
 persons of very distinguished zeal and piety. He 
 made much use of their conversation and prayers, as 
 well as of other means for the accomplishment of his 
 object. All his subsequent papers refer to the tioenty- 
 third of April, in this year, as the most important era 
 in his Christian life. He then gave himself up to 
 Christ with a strength ofpiirpose, a depth of feeling. 
 
82 MEMOIR OP 
 
 and an unreservedness of which he had never before 
 been conscious. And he was made to partake of peace, 
 of joy, of rapture, such as he had never experienced. 
 It was a great revival of religion in his heart. He 
 knew something of that " hope which maketh not 
 ashamed;" of that "perfect love which casteth out 
 fear;" of that joy which is unspeakable and full of 
 glory. In a great number of letters written about 
 this time, and years afterwards, he dwells on this sea- 
 son and its blessings. The fullest account, however, 
 of the whole case, is given in a letter, dated May, 
 1823, which is here introduced, as the event recorded 
 had a very strong bearing on his religious character 
 and his whole future conduct. 
 
 " Lawrejiceville, May 11, 1823. 
 
 "This is the Lord's day morning; and it comes to 
 me a welcome Sabbath. I awoke with the sensible 
 presence of the Savior. How delightful the presence 
 of Jesus ! It is he who makes us happy. Take him 
 from the soul, and the sinner's hope of pardon is gone 
 — take him from the Christian, and his peace is gone. 
 If he is not with the believer in the swellings of Jor- 
 dan, he has no rod and staff to support him — take him 
 from heaven, and it is no place of bliss. Truly, Jesus 
 Christ is all in all. 
 
 " This day brings with it a privilege of no ordinary 
 kind. It is that of witnessing the good profession of 
 the church in this village, and of testifying to the 
 world that I am on the Lord's side. Once more I am 
 called to sit at the table of the Lord Jesus and cele- 
 brate his dying love — may I do it in remembrance of 
 him, penitently, humbly, with faith, with love, with 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 83 
 
 peace, with joy ! I would remember him as the man 
 who is Jehovah's fellow, (Zech. 13 : 7,) set up from 
 everlasting — I would remember him as the promised 
 seed, who should bruise the serpent's head — as the 
 looked for Shiloh— as the Messiah foretold by the 
 prophets. I would remember him as already come — 
 the babe of Bethlehem — the man of sorrows— the des- 
 pised Nazarene — the friend of publicans and sinners. 
 I would remember him as voluntarily humbling him- 
 self, and although rich, for our sakes becoming poor, 
 that we through his poverty might be made rich. I 
 would remember him in the garden in his agony — 
 before an earthly tribunal, though Judge of all the 
 earth — on the cross, thirsting, bleeding, groaning, dy- 
 ing, although he is the Lord of life and glory. I 
 would remember him in the grave, in his resurrection, 
 and in his various manifestations to his disciples. In 
 a word, I would remember him as delivered for our of- 
 fences, and raised again for our justification. 
 
 " What an honor, to have a name and a place among 
 his people here below. But what is a name and a place, 
 if we are destitute of tlie badge of true discipleship ? 
 I mean the badge of love — supreme love to God, U7ii- 
 versal love to men. 
 
 " But I would remember the forbearance and mercy 
 of him whose name is love. I would never forget 
 that fourteen years of my life were spent in folly and 
 in sin, and yet I was not cut down as a cumberer of 
 the Lord's vineyard ; that by the Holy Spirit I was 
 convinced of sin and converted. I would remember 
 Jesus as my best friend, in the midst of temptations, 
 trials, and afflictions — as him who has not only per- 
 mitted me to taste of his grace, but has filled me with 
 
S4 MEMOIR OP 
 
 his * perfect love,' which ' casteth out fear,' save the 
 filial fear of offending ray Father. I would indeed re- 
 member him as my Lord, my portion, and my all. 
 
 " The Lord has often ijiade himself known to me 
 in the breaking of bread, particularly during the las 
 year. My soul has, indeed, been richly fed at the 
 communion table. The intercourse between my heart 
 and heaven has been frequent and full. Jesus has 
 been exceedingly precious. May I find the tabernacle 
 of the Lord of hosts ' amiable ' this day because of his 
 presence ; may the banner of Jesus over me be love ; 
 and may his food be sweet to my taste ! Then shall I 
 sit under the shadow of the Almighty ; my spiritual 
 strength will be renewed ; and I shall be happy in the 
 Lord my Savior. 
 
 " I reperused with interest a letter received from 
 you in 1819. Among other things contained in it, I 
 found the following : — ' It is thought by some pious 
 persons, that the course of study usually pursued in 
 the present day, by candidates for the ministry, is cal- 
 culated to abate that fervor in religion which is so 
 desirable.' However this may have appeared to the 
 observation of others, I have not discovered it to be 
 the case in many instances. On the contrary, it is to 
 be hoped that young men, in a course of preparation 
 for the sacred office, grow in grace as they advance 
 in knowledge. Surely, if they do not, they will have 
 occasion to accuse themselves of base ingratitude and 
 very culpable negligence. That some are thus wo- 
 fuUy remiss cannot be doubted. In the words of your 
 correspondent, as quoted, they become, in the course 
 of their education, ' very difierent men, with a very 
 
JAME3 BRAINERD TAYLOR. 85 
 
 different kind of piety ; and time must show whether 
 It is better or worse.' 
 
 "But thanks, everlasting thanks to the great Head 
 of the church, that he has not suffered my graces to 
 languish and die. It is to his rich grace that I owe it 
 all. He has done great and wonderful things for me 
 since I commenced studying for the ministry. Shall 
 I tell you ? My tongue could not, much less can my 
 pen express the loving kindness of the Lord to me, 
 who am less than the least of all his mercies. ' Eter- 
 nity is too short to utter all his praise.' But I may tell 
 you some of the merciful dealings of the Lord to my 
 soul. 
 
 "You will doubtless recollect how often I have 
 complained to you of the littleness of my attainments 
 in the divine life ; how much of sin was still remain- 
 ing within me, notwithstanding my profession that I 
 had crucified the world, the flesh and the devil. I 
 have had keener sorrows for indwelling sin than I 
 ever experienced before conversion. O the distress 
 which I have felt on account of pride, envy, love of 
 the world, and other evil passions, which have risen 
 up and disturbed my peace, and separated between 
 God and my soul. But the Lord heard my cries and 
 groans, and was witness to my tears and my desires 
 for holiness. I pleaded and wrestled with him; and, 
 praise to his name 1 after six long years I found 
 what I had so long and so earnestly sought. It was 
 on the 23d of April, 1822, when I was on a visit at 
 Haddam, in Connecticut. Memorable day ! The time 
 and place will never, no, never be forgotten. I recur 
 to it at this moment with thankful remembrance. For 
 
 8 J. B. Taylor. 
 
86 MEMOIR OP 
 
 then, through the great love and power of our Lord, 
 my feet were set in a large place. 
 
 " I cannot give you the particulars better than by 
 making an extract froni my journal : 
 
 'For some days I have been desirous to visit some 
 friends, who are distinguished for fervor of piety, 
 and remarkable for the happiness which they enjoy in 
 religion. It was my hope, that by associating with 
 them, and through the help of their prayers, I might 
 find the Lord more graciously near to my soul. After 
 my arrival, I took up a hymn book, where I found a 
 hymn descriptive of my situation. The perusal of 
 this increased my desire that the Lord would visit me, 
 and fill me with the Holy Ghost — my cry to him was, 
 " seal my soul for ever thine." I lifted up my heart in 
 prayer that the blessing might descend. I felt that I 
 needed something 'which I did not possess. There 
 was a void within, which must be filled, or I could 
 not be happy. My earnest desire then was, as it had 
 been ever since I professed religion six years before, 
 that all love of the world might be destroyed — all sel- 
 fishness extirpated — pride banished — unbelief remov- 
 ed — all idols dethroned — every thing hostile to holi- 
 ness, and opposed to the divine w^ill, crucified ; that 
 holiness to the Lord might be engraved on my heart, 
 and evermore characterize my conversation. My 
 mind was led to reflect on what would probably be 
 my future situation. It recurred to me, I am to be 
 hereafter a minister of the Gospel. But how shall I 
 be able to preach in my present state of mind ? I can- 
 not — never ; no, never shall I be able to do it witn 
 pleasure, without great overturnings in my soul. I 
 felt that I needed that, for which I was then, and for 
 
JAMES BRAINEFiD TAYLOR. 87 
 
 a long time had been, hungering and thirsting. I de- 
 sired it, not for my benefit only, but for that of the 
 church and the world. At this very juncture I was 
 most delightfully conscious of giving up all to God. 
 I was enabled in my heart to say, Here, Lord, take 
 me, take my whole soul, and seal me thine— thine 
 now, and thine for ever. " If thou wilt, thou canst 
 make me clean." There then ensued such emotions 
 as I never before experienced — all was calm and tran- 
 quil, silent, solemn— and a heaven of love pervaded 
 my whole soul. I had a witness of God's love to me, 
 and of mine to him. Shortly after, I was dissolved in 
 tears of love and gratitude to our blessed Lord. The 
 name of Jesus was precious to me. " 'Twas music in 
 my ear." He came as king, and took full possession 
 of my heart ; and I was enabled to say, " I am crucified 
 with Christ : nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ 
 liveth in me." — Let him, as King of kings and Lord 
 of lords, reign in me, reign without a rival for ever.' 
 " But this is not all— since that blessed season I have 
 enjoyed times of refreshment, in which I have gained 
 nearer access to God. I have enjoyed his presence from 
 day to day. Not one I believe has passed, in which I 
 have not had the witness in myself that I am born from 
 above. O the peace which I have had, and joy in the 
 Holy Ghost ! It has flowed as a river. I have been hap- 
 py in my Lord ; I have exulted in the God of my salva- 
 tion. But I ascribe all to his grace. The Lord hath done 
 great things for me, whereof I am glad, and for which 
 I would praise his name. Not unto me, not unto me ! 
 I am nothing — Jesus is all. To his name be the glory ! 
 He is the author and finisher of faith. I know and 
 am as fully assured of my acceptance with God as I 
 
88 MEMom OP 
 
 can be of my existence — that is, if 'love, joy, peace, 
 are evidences of reconciliation. I have a hope full of 
 glorious immortality. The perfect love of God cast- 
 eth out all fear of death, of the grave, of judgment, of 
 hell. Filial fear — fear of offending my heavenly Fa- 
 ther and my brethren, possesses me. Surely I am a 
 miracle of grace — a sinner saved by grace, free grace, 
 sovereign grace, almighty grace. I feel that I love the 
 Lord, because he first loved me. And, even now, I 
 am favored with the gracious presence oi' Emmanuel. 
 How suitable and delightful is the name — God with 
 us ! — yes, and/ormetZ within us the hope of glory. 
 
 " I find the Scriptures increasingly delightful. I read 
 no book with so much pleasure. It is indeed not a 
 dead letter^ but spirit and life. Divinity is stamped 
 on its pages ; and when carried home to the heart, its 
 truths are life and power. 
 
 " In closet duties you douDtless find most pleasure 
 Here I too find the heavenly manna. My soul has 
 had Gospel measure in my evening's retirement. 'Tis 
 here the Christian comes at the essence of religion, 
 while he holds intimate communion with heaven, and 
 partakes of joys sublime and substantial, such as the 
 world knoweth not, the unrenewed never taste. But 
 they are real ; they are pure ; they are foretastes of 
 good things to come, earnests of future endless bliss. 
 
 " The prospect before me is a pleasant one. I have 
 DO anxiety about the future. My only wish is to know 
 what my heavenly Father will have me to do. I have, 
 indeed, the ministry in view. I believe that the great 
 Head of the church has called me tO prepare for it. 
 But whether he will count me worthy to be put into 
 it, is not for me to decide. / would not determine. He 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 89 
 
 may see fit to remove me hence before I shall have 
 finished my course of study. Pleasing thought, if it be 
 his will ! With some he has dealt thus, and so taken 
 them from rendering service below, to render a perfect 
 service above. But whether my life be protracted or 
 shortened, my inquiry is, ' Lord, what wilt thou have 
 me to do?' ' Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.' I 
 am not my own keeper ; neither would I be at my own 
 disposal. ' Godliness with contentment is great gain.' 
 I trust that I have won this prize. Pray that I may 
 keep and finish my course with joy. 
 
 " Thus I have spoken of the Lord's dealings, and 
 testified to his goodness. I have spoken to you with 
 the familiarity and confidence of a friend. Do not 
 think me an egotist. 
 
 " And now may I ask you, ' Is it well with thee ?' 
 If I mistake not, you were once not a little harassed 
 with fears, and perplexed with doubts. Have you 
 gained the ascendancy over your adversary ? If not, 
 be assured it is your privilege. * For this purpose was 
 Jesus manifested, that he might destroy the works of 
 the devil.' And it is not his pleasure that we should 
 always be babes, or even young men. He would have 
 us arrive at the stature of perfect men m Christ Jesus. 
 Alas ! how many seem to be ever learning, and never 
 able to come to the knowledge of the truth. There 
 are some who are always complaining of their dead- 
 ness and want of spirituality. Do you know the rea- 
 son? Certainly it is not because they have religion, 
 but because they have no more religion. The effect 
 of true piety is to quicken and enliven the soul, to 
 make its possessor spiritual and heavenly-mmded, 
 ' which is life and peace.' All, all should be on the 
 8* 
 
90 MEMOIR OF 
 
 alert ; ' up and doing ' for their Master's cause. Indeed, 
 there is much land to be possessed ; much in our own 
 hearts ; much in our families ; much in our neighbor- 
 hood ; much in the world at large. Who wiU > e Chris- 
 tians in deed and in truth ? who will be decidedly for 
 the Lord — eminently holy and devoted servants of the 
 Most High? There is much to do; much for you and 
 much for me to accomplish ; and our time is short. O 
 for more of Enoch's spirit, that I may walk with God 
 continually ; for more of the meekness and the ardor 
 of our Savior. In a word, let us live for God, for hea- 
 ven, for eternity. Then shall we ' rejoice evermore, 
 pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks.' 
 The world will sink into nothing before us — souls will 
 be valued according to their worth — the divine glory 
 will be our chief aim, and heaven our final home. 
 
 " What shall I say more ? May you and I seek to 
 be wicommon Christians ; that is, eminently holy. Ho- 
 liness becometh the house of the Lord. It is this which 
 conforms us to his image, which fits us for communioa 
 with him here, and which only will fit us for heaven 
 and for glory." 
 
 This letter is given at full length, because it con- 
 tains the most clear and distinct account of the most 
 remarkable revival of religion with which our de- 
 parted brother was favored after his conversion. He 
 was afterwards blessed with many similar seasons of 
 refreshment ; and the letters which follow this event 
 are uniformly in a higher strain of joyful feeling. In 
 a communication addressed to his parents, dated July 
 16, 1822, there is a display of filial and fraternal love 
 mingled with Christian affection and joy, evincing a 
 
JAMES BUAINERD TAYLOR. 9 1 
 
 high and sustained mental excitement. The father, 
 mother, and all the grown up children, had become 
 hopefully pious. In reference to this subject he ex- 
 presses himself thus : 
 
 " When I look at my father's house my heart is filled 
 with praise for what God has wrought. I now rejoice 
 in the assurance that the family altar is frequented 
 every day, and that there is oifered up the sacrifice of 
 broken spirits and contrite hearts. How comforting ! 
 This looks like having a little heaven to go to hea- 
 ven in. My dear parents, may you ever abide under 
 the shadow of the Almighty, find the banner of Jesus 
 over you to be love, and his food to be sweet to your 
 taste ! May your house be a Bethel to each of your 
 souls," i&C. 
 
 After addressing most earnest and affectionate ex- 
 hortations to each of his sisters, he adds concerning 
 himself, " Of all others I have most reason to praise 
 the Lord, because he has kept me in perfect peace*. 
 Precious seasons, delightful hours I have enjoyed, and 
 the remembrance of them is sweet. The Lord has 
 manifested himself to me by his Spirit, and I now feel 
 his presence ; my heart is stayed on the Lord ; Jesus 
 is precious ; and I feel an increased determination to 
 give up all for Christ, for he is worthy." 
 
 In another letter he says, " Thanks to my heavenly 
 Father, I can write to you in a new strain. My former 
 communications have been full of complaint, yet I did 
 not tell you of half the distress which I felt on ac- 
 count of coldness in my Master's service, lest I should 
 
92 MEMOIR OF 
 
 distress you with the narrative. But now I feel that I 
 can never sufficiently praise the Lord for all that he 
 has done for me. I will take the cup of salvation and 
 call on his name. I would also call on my soul, and 
 all that is within me, to bless him for the great deli- 
 verance which he has wrought. Surely he has deli- 
 vered me from the snare of the fowler — he has set my 
 feet in a large place, and made me to rejoice in his 
 great salvation. Never have I enjoyed so much in re- 
 ligion as since the 23d of last April. That was, and 
 ever will be a memorable day to me. The kingdom of 
 God, which is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the 
 Holy Ghost, was then, if ever, set up within me. 
 Praise the Lord for it ! He is all. I am nothing. The 
 glory of my salvation, from first to last, shall be as- 
 cribed to the Triune Jehovah." 
 
 To another he expresses himself thus : " Since my 
 arrival at Lawrenceville I addressed to you a letter 
 testifying the goodness of God to my soul. I have now 
 to say, to the praise of his grace, that he has con- 
 tinued his favors. At this time I enjoy an indescriba- 
 ble peace, it passes knowledge, and yet it is a Messed 
 reality. And it is now my earnest desire that all 
 Christians may strive for a deeper work of grace in 
 their hearts. 
 
 " I am ready to testify to the world that the Lord 
 has blessed my soul beyond my highest expectations. 
 People may call this blessing by what name they 
 please, faith of assurance^ holiness^ perfect love^' 
 sanctification — it makes no difference with me whe- 
 ther they give it a name, or no name, it continues a 
 blessed reality, and, thanks to my heavenly Father, it 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 93 
 
 is my privilege to enjoy it — it is yours also, and the 
 privilege of all, to enjoy the same, and to go beyond 
 any thing that I have ever yet experienced." 
 
 A careful perusal of the letters written during the 
 few months which followed the season so often ad- 
 verted to, has convinced the compiler of this memoir 
 that it was followed by a great and permanent increase 
 of holiness and of religious enjoyment. Yet that there 
 was in connection with this, an exposure to a serious 
 error in the direction of his future life, is undeniable. 
 His desire to be engaged in preaching immediately 
 was so strong that he came near to the resolution that 
 he would abandon his course of preparatory study, and, 
 if possible, forthwith enter the pulpit ; and if he had 
 not possessed the degree of genuine scriptural piety 
 which he actually had attained, there is no doubt but 
 that the fervor of his feelings would have carried him 
 off in a very devious course- But when judicious 
 friends presented to him the truth, and he carefully 
 reflected on it, the path of duty appeared plain before 
 him; and the power of conscience, as soon as it was 
 better informed, was sufficient to restrain the ardor of 
 his wishes. And with a docility, and a frankness to 
 acknowledge his mistake, which does honor to his me- 
 mory, he returned to his studies ; and pursued them, as 
 Health permitted, with exemplary steadiness and re- 
 gularity. And always, after he had thoroughly ex- 
 amined this subject, he felt, as will fully appear in the 
 sequel, the obligation to improve, as far as possible, 
 all his faculties, that he might with more efficiency 
 preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to his perishing fel- 
 low-men. 
 
94 MEMOIR OF 
 
 He had a powerful impression of the necessity of 
 raising much higher than ordinary the standard of mi- 
 nisterial piety. He thought that Christians universally 
 might make, and must make, attainments in religion 
 far beyond those of ordinary professors ; and he was 
 convinced that this was not likely to take place until 
 preachers of the Gospel should become in a most emi- 
 nent degree holy men. But at the same time his own 
 experience and observation convinced him that young 
 men, while laboring to kindle up the fire of zeal, and 
 cultivating an ardent love for the work of the minis- 
 try and for the souls of men, were liable to be drawn 
 off from their preparatory studies, and hurried into the 
 sacred office before they were suitably prepared for it. 
 He also knew that there are many Christians of indis- 
 creet zeal, who very frequently suggest to students 
 that they are wasting their time and chilling their 
 ardor in the prosecution of dry and barren studies while 
 souls are perishing. And although he never in the 
 slightest degree intimated an expectation that a me- 
 moir of him would be prepared, yet he frequently ex- 
 pressed the wish that candidates for the ministry might 
 learn rather from the experience of others than their 
 own, the unspeakable importance of uniting an un- 
 common degree of piety and zeal with very thorough 
 preparation for their work. He was convinced that 
 it was exceedingly important that ministers of the 
 Gospel should have religion enough to make them 
 always happy ; because that would commend Chris- 
 tianity to others, would make them love the arduous 
 labors of their office, and carry them pleasantly through 
 all its trials. 
 
 From the 23d of April, 1822, to the last day of his 
 
" JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 95 
 
 life, he retained immovably the convictiorij that by 
 the diligent and faithful use of the means appointed 
 by Jesus Christ, there might be attainments in piety, 
 and all its fruits, love, joy, peace, hope, assurance, of 
 which professors of religion ordinarily have no ade- 
 quate idea. On this subject the reader will find him 
 expressing himself in very strong terms, in letters 
 hereafter to be inserted. And why may it not be so ? 
 The economy of grace, so far from discouraging the 
 use of means, does, when properly understood, afford 
 the highest inducements to use them with all dili- 
 gence. The relation between cause and effect is as 
 fully established in spiritual as in physical affairs. It 
 is just as true in the one case as in the other, that the 
 hand of the diligent maketh rich. And if one may not 
 expect success in the use of measures presented for 
 our growth in holiness, there can be no motive to em- 
 ploy them, and no wisdom in their appointment. Now, 
 who can set limits to a Christian's growth in grace, 
 or to the increase of his spiritual joy ? May not one, 
 who every day sets himself, with all the activity of 
 intense desire, to make advancement in the divine life, 
 expect daily to get forward ? If a Christian will never 
 let unrepented sin rest on his conscience — no, not for 
 an hour; if he never will omit any duty which for 
 the time he can possibly perform ; if he will not rest 
 Batisfied a moment without the light of his Father's 
 countenance shining on him: why may not all joy 
 abound in him, and he always abound in the work of 
 t he Lord ? In perusing christian biography, and in 
 observing the lives of Christians, it is manifest that 
 there is a very wide difference between the piety and 
 the religious enjoyment of different persons. And it is 
 
90 MEMOIR OF 
 
 very clear that there is also as wide a difference be- 
 tween their respective diligence and activity in using 
 the means of religious improvement. 
 
 This subject is urged in this manner, because the 
 unhappy dispute which has risen on the subject of 
 perfection, has been so managed as to induce in many 
 the belief that doubt, despondency, and occasional 
 gloom, are important evidences of Christian character. 
 It is undoubtedly true, too, that the spiritual pride of 
 some who have pretended to be free from all sin, and 
 to have attained the assurance of hope, has rendered 
 more modest Christians unwilling to speak with con- 
 fidence of their spiritual state. But it ought to be un- 
 derstood that these two subjects are totally distinct. 
 There will always be enough about the Christian, 
 while he is in the body, to keep him humble, and to 
 make him shrink from the claim of perfection. Yet it 
 is certainly the doctrine of the Scriptures that belicA'ers 
 ought to rise to the stature of full grown men in Christ 
 Jesus ; that they may attain to such a state as to be 
 able to say, " We know on whom we have believed y^ 
 that it is their privilege to rejoice evermore ; yea, even 
 with a " joy unspeakable and full of glory." But if all 
 this is not believed — if it is taken for granted that we 
 must go sorrowful and in doubt through this world ; 
 then no efforts will be made, no means will be em- 
 ployed to rise to that happy and joyous state, of which 
 the Bible speaks m frequent and strong terms. But 
 nolhmg is more certain than the truth, that no bless- 
 ing is obtained in religion, any more than in the affairs 
 of this world, without effort. The economy of grace 
 is such, that, by following the plain directions of the 
 Bible, Christians will grow up into Christ their head 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 9? 
 
 ill all things. Let students of theology then, and Chris* 
 tians generally, believe that they may become very 
 Eminently holy and happy, and that it is their duty 
 to be so. 
 
 The determination of Mr. Taylor to return to that 
 course of study which he had first marked out. did not 
 in the least abate the fervor of his zeal, nor lessen his 
 efforts to make that continual progress in piety which 
 he felt that every one ought to make who has the sa- 
 cred office in view. The following extracts from iiis 
 letters will show that his religious enjoyments were 
 continuedj and indeed rendered more permanent and 
 exalted. But it ought to be understood that he did not 
 allow his piety to expend itself in mere feeling. His 
 religion was not that of a retired contemplative mys- 
 tic ; he was perfectly alive to all the charities of life 5 
 and he omitted no opportunity of doing good, which 
 Was either presented or could be made by him. In a 
 Word, the experience which he had acquired served 
 the double purpose of making him conscientious in his 
 endeavors to store his mind with useful and necessary 
 knowledge, and to imbue his heart more and more en- 
 tirely with the spirit of the Gospel. At the same time 
 he was exceedingly desirous that his Christian friends 
 should partake of such religious enjoyments as he 
 himself was favored with. He thus writes to one who 
 had, at an early period in life, made a public profes- 
 sion of faith in Jesus Christ : 
 
 u ^ ^^ October 31, 1823. 
 
 " ' A hope of eternal life is indeed a treasure 
 
 more precious than gold, yea, than much fine gold.' 
 When I saw you last, you expressed doubts and feara 
 
 9 ' J. B. Taylor. 
 
88 MEMOIR OF 
 
 respecting yourself. You also wished to obtain a 
 brighter evidence, a clearer witness of your accep- 
 tance with God. The desire is laudable, and it may 
 be gratified : for full assurance is attainable. And 
 who is happy without it ? 
 
 " To attain what you desire, tw^o things are ne- 
 cessary. 
 
 " 1. You must believe that it is attainable. 
 
 " 2. You must seek it with your whole heart. 
 
 " 1. You must believe that it is attainable. That it 
 IS so, see for proof, Heb. 6:11. We there find a de- 
 sire expressed that the Hebrews might possess it to 
 the end. Paul enjoyed it, 2 Tim. 4 : 6-8. The eighth 
 verse plainly shows that the writer possessed full as- 
 surance. ' There is laid up for me a crown of righte- 
 ousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will 
 give me at that day.' See also Rom. 8 : 38, 39. ' For 
 I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, 
 nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor 
 things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other 
 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of 
 God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Many others, 
 besides the apostle, to the lasting joy of their souls, 
 have found this truth a blessed reality. 
 
 " 2. Therefore you must look unto Jesus, the author 
 and finisher of faith. Heb, 12 : 2. Mere belief that 
 assurance is attainable, will not bring down the bless- 
 mg to our possession. The prodigal son believed that 
 there was bread enough and to spare in his father's 
 house, while he was feeding on husks. But what 
 would this conviction have availed had he not ccrae 
 to the resolution, ' I will arise and go unto my father?' 
 and what his belief and resolution, had he not put 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. , 99 
 
 the resolve in execution ? Exertion is necessary. Can 
 we attain any object of desire without using means 
 adapted to the end in view? 
 
 " Suffer, then, the word of exhortation. Give all di- 
 ligence to secure that, which I trust the Holy Spirit 
 has caused you to desire. Let your cry be continually 
 to the Lord, that your soul may be filled with 'perfect 
 peace. Be encouraged — for the promise is, ' Ask, and 
 you shall receive.' You have ' an advocate with the 
 Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.' He has sfiid, ' If 
 ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.' John. 
 14 : 14, &c. Ask, O ask, that your joy may be full." 
 
 The following, to the same friend, is so full of the 
 fervor of piety, that the reader will peruse it with deep 
 interest. 
 
 -, November 9, 1822. 
 
 " The retrospect to you, as to me, is no doubt min- 
 gled with emotions of regret and joy. For, once we 
 were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and 
 strangers to the covenants of promise. Nearly fifteen 
 years of my life were spent at a distance from God, 
 m pursuit of a phanto/n a visionary object^ denomma- 
 ted by its votaries, pleasure. With what eagerness I 
 followed that on which I have long since stamped va- 
 nity and vexation of spirit, the companions of my 
 youth could testify. But, alas ! two of them have gone, 
 never to return — their bodies to the place appointed 
 for all the living, their immortal spirits to the bar 
 of their righteous Judge. One departed with bright 
 evidence of a work of grace inwrought by the Holy 
 Spirit — yes, even in the triumphs of faith, saying, just 
 
100 MEMOIR OP 
 
 before she left the world, ' I am going soon, my Sa- 
 vior is near.' The other manifested no token of a 
 change of heart. Should these persons now give tes- 
 timony respecting the hilarity of our youthful days, 
 how deep would be their tone of reprobation ! But 
 soon the day of account will come, and all must an- 
 swer for the deeds done in the body. 
 
 " Besides the person first mentioned, only two others 
 of my youthful companions, as I believe, have denied 
 themselves, taken up the cross, and followed the Savior. 
 
 * Why was I made to hear thy voice, 
 
 ' And enter while there's room; 
 
 • While thousands make a wretched choice, 
 
 •.And rather starve than come.' 
 
 ^'When I had reached the age of fifteen years and 
 five months, I publicly professed the religion of Christ, 
 and joined myself to his people. This confession was 
 witnessed on the 15th of Sept. 1816. The vows then 
 made to be the Lord's, have often since been repeated 
 in the closet and in the sanctuary. Eventful era in 
 my life ! Never by me to be forgotten ! Its annual re- 
 turn always brings grateful recollections. 
 
 " On last Sabbath I was privileged to obey the dy- 
 ing command of the Lord Jesus, ' Do this in remem- 
 brance of me.' It was a most precious season. The 
 intercourse between my soul and heaven was open 
 and free. I was brought into the banqueting house of 
 the Beloved ; and his banner over me was love. Truly 
 I had communion with the Father, and with his Son 
 Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit. My brethren 
 and sisters, both in the church militant and the church 
 triumphant, were objects of my affection — yes, all 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 101 
 
 who were purchased by the redemption that is in 
 Christ Jesus. I also with all my heart desired the 
 conversion of impenitent sinners. Indeed the Lord 
 was present to bless me with gospel-measure, pressed 
 down, shaken together, and running over. Commu- 
 nion seasons grow better and better. And so it ought 
 to be. By and by I hope to drink new wine in the pa- 
 radise above. 
 
 * When shall I wake and find me there 1 
 
 glorious hour ! O blest abode ! 
 
 1 shall be near, and like my God, 
 And flesh and sin no more control 
 The sacred pleasures of the soul.' 
 
 ' I said that the 15th of September, 1816, was, and 
 ever will be an eventful era to me. But there is ano- 
 ther day to which I shall ever recur with as much, if 
 not more interest. It was the 23d of last April. On 
 that day the Lord wrought a deeper work of grace in 
 my soul than at any former period. Yes, blessed be 
 his holy name for ever ! he condescended to bestow a 
 favor, for which I had been longing for years — the 
 witness of which I have enjoyed daily ever since. I 
 cannot tell you what I have enjoyed from his fullness ; 
 but let it suffice to say that my peace has flowed like 
 a river ; and I can testify that I have experienced 
 more of the presence of the Lord than during my 
 whole previous existence. The earnest of the pur- 
 chased possession has been given to me, and I have 
 rejoiced in the hope of the glory of God, and of the 
 rest which remaineth for his people. 
 
 " I wish you to understand that I advert to this sub- 
 9* 
 
102 MEMOIR OP 
 
 J€ct, and dwell on it, because I wish to show forth the 
 divine goodness as manifested to so unworthy a sin- 
 ner as I am ; and to testify the loving-kindness of the 
 Lord. 
 
 " It may encourage my friend, who, I trust, has 
 tasted that the Lord is gracious. Let me again urge 
 you to seek until you obtain that bright evidence of 
 your acceptance which you desire. Never give over 
 *he effort. The adversary is ever near to cheat you 
 out of the promised blessing. But the word of truth 
 assures us, that if we resist him, he will flee from us ; 
 and that if we draw nigh to God, he will draw nigh 
 to us. ' Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst 
 after righteousness, for they shall be filled.' 'If ye, 
 being evil, know how to give good gifts to your chil- 
 dren, how much more shall your heavenly Father give 
 the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.' Such are the 
 promises which encourage us. If then you seek and 
 find not, search narrowly into your heart, and see if 
 there is any thing cherished there inconsistent with 
 your desires to obtain this blessing; any thing opposed 
 to holiness, such as love of the world, pride, selfish- 
 ness, &c. God does not come and dwell in the heart 
 where he finds rivals. Before you venture to approach 
 the holy presence of the Lord and offer sacrifice to 
 him, examine yourself carefully, and put far away 
 every thing that can hinder the blessing. If you feel 
 how important it is that believers should be sanctified 
 wholly, in soul, body and spirit, you will excuse the 
 plainness of my speech. Allow me to propose a ques- 
 tion, which has occurred to my mind since I wrote the 
 preceding paragraph. Why may not you be an un- 
 common Christian'? Do you see any thing to prevent 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 103 
 
 It ? Is not the Lord on your side ? Have you not the 
 God of Jacob for your refuge ? Have you not an Ad- 
 vocate with the Father, who is also a sympathising 
 friend, having been in all points tempted as his dis- 
 ciples, yet without sin ? O then strive for it. Keep 
 'the world, the flesh, and the devil' continually under 
 your feet, and heaven continually in view ; that you 
 may have heaven within you. Is it not for this that 
 you have been brought into the church at a very early 
 period in life ? Is it not your duty to be an uncommon^ 
 that is, a very humble, self-denying, cross-bearing, (in 
 a word,) bible christian ? And it is no less your pri- 
 vilege than your duty. 
 
 " Pray for me, that I may have more faith, humility, 
 patience, yea, every thing to make me Christ-like. 
 
 " With best regards, &c. J. B. T." 
 
 To the same, 
 
 "Novanber 2.3, 1822. 
 ' The soul may be in heaviness through manifold 
 temptations, I Peter, 1 : 6. Then, and in all times of 
 difficulty, there is an opportunity for trusting in the 
 Lord, and seeking him until he come and accomplish 
 a complete deliverance. To be tempted is not a sin — 
 but to yield to temptation. To endure it is a blessing, 
 James, 1 : 12. But if temptation takes effect, it will 
 bring forth death, ver. 15. Thanks to heaven's high 
 King, ' the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out 
 of temptations,' 2 Peter, 2 : 9. Then let us commit our 
 cause into the hands of 'the Author and Finisher of 
 our faith,' who ' worketh in us both to will and to do 
 of his good pleasure.' And after all our exertions for 
 
104 MEMOIR OF 
 
 deepening the work of grace in our souls, may we he 
 passive in his hands. Although our whole life should 
 be one continued scene of doubt and fear, heaven will 
 make amends for all But ask and look for overcom- 
 ing grace here — now. There is enough and to spare. 
 Let me request that your prayers be offered up on my 
 behalf— that the Lord would make me a faithful ser- 
 vant in his vineyard, should he call me there to labor ; 
 and that during my work of preparation I may be 
 useful" 
 
 The following letter to his parents will show that 
 he had been brought to view the subject of prepara- 
 tion for the ministry in a proper point of light : 
 
 " December 1, 182-2. 
 " My beloved Father and Mother, 
 
 "I have been reading to-day and last evening, Mr. 
 Parsons' Journal during his visit to Palestine. I found 
 it delightful to follow him as he recorded his visits to va- 
 rious places in and about the holy city Jerusalem. He 
 visited the holy sepulchre, Mount Calvary, Mount Oli- 
 vet, the Pool of Siloam, Mount Zion, Bethany, Jericho, 
 the Dead Sea, where Sodom and Gomorrah once stood, 
 and Bethlehem. On his way from Jerusalem to Beth- 
 lehem, from an eminence, he had, at the same mo- 
 ment, a distinct view of three of the most important 
 places in tl>e world — Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ 
 was born ; Calvary, where he was crucified ; and 
 Mount Olivet, from whence he ascended on high. 
 The associations connected w'ith such a situation are 
 at once truly sublime and pleasingly melancholy. But 
 Mr. Parsons is dead. He rested from his labors as a 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 105 
 
 missionary on the 9th of last February, at Alexandria, 
 in Egypt. He had left father and mother, and putting 
 his life in his hand, had embarked in the missionary 
 cause. The tidings of his death must have been truly 
 afflictive to his parents. Yet how honored are they 
 in having a child to live and die for the Lord 1 
 
 " While reading this journal, the question occurred, 
 who knows but that that region is marked out as my 
 laboring place. But I give myself no trouble about this 
 thing. The Lord knows, and he will let me know, 
 when the time comes for my going forth into the 
 vineyard. 
 
 " I am indeed a wonder to myself, when I think 
 what I once was, and contrast my former Avith my 
 present situation and prospects. ' Not unto me — not 
 unto me,' but to my gracious God be all the glory. 
 To him I owe life, health and comfort. 
 
 "I am as highly favored as I have been. The Lord 
 has taken care of me. At times, when my foot has 
 well nigh slipped, he has been near to uphold me, so 
 that I am under infinite obligations to love and serve 
 him, and ever to speak well of his name. 
 
 " I am more contented with my situation and pros- 
 pects, and more settled in mind, than I was at one 
 period. I see more clearly than ever that I have a great 
 work before me, and one that needs great prepara- 
 tion. Since I commenced study, you know that I 
 have been much tried on account of the length of my 
 course. I was anxious to get out. But I am now 
 thankful to God that he did not let me go ; for had I 
 gone, what should I have done 7 At one time I felt it 
 to be my duty to go forth as a preacher immediately 
 — at another, to curtail my allotted course — I now 
 
106 MEMOIR OP 
 
 look forward to a complete course, as I did at first. I 
 expect 10 go to college next fall^ and remain three 
 years ; thence to the theological seminary, and stu- 
 dy three years longer. I have learned some lessons 
 from experience, which, probably, I could have learn- 
 ed in no other way. These lessons, I have good hope, 
 will benefit me through life. My studies are agreea- 
 ble — my health is good. The Lord makes my dwell- 
 ing a Bethel to my soul — I have enjoyed in secret 
 most refreshing seasons. But I want more faith, more 
 humility, more love, more meekness, more of the spirit 
 of my Master : in a word, I want to be more like 
 Christ, in all my thoughts, words, and actions. 
 
 " By and by, I may become a preacher of the Gospel 
 — but I may not. Life hangs on a brittle thread. All 
 are alike exposed to the shafts of death. Only a short 
 time since, a student at the theological seminary in 
 Princeton, who had finished his collegiate studies, and 
 just entered on his theological course, sickened and 
 died. A young man, also in New Brunswick, study- 
 ing for the ministry, died but a little while ago. And 
 Dr. Mason's son at Carlisle, a candidate for the mi- 
 nistry, died about the same time. These three young 
 men prosecuted their studies in the same class in col- 
 lege, and all died in one month. How mysterious ! 
 But it is the Lord, and he doeth what seemeth him good. 
 
 '• These events show us that piety, talents, and pros^ 
 pects of usefulness in the world, are no barriers against 
 death. May those that are looking forward to the mi- 
 nistry consider well that they are mortal ! If the Lord 
 designs me for the great work of preaching the Gospel, 
 he will spare my life. But should he take me hence 
 during my preparatory studies, it will be, I trust, to 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 107 
 
 render to him a perfect service in heaven, instead of 
 an imperfect one here on earth. Let none therefore 
 mourn my death, should the Lord take me to himself. 
 
 " There is nothing worth living for in this world 
 but to glorify God. And rather than not do this in my 
 subsequent life, I should prefer to go away to that house 
 not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. There, 
 my dear parents, I expect to meet you — there I expec- 
 to meet my dear brothers and sisters — O ! what thanks 
 belong to our blessed Redeemer, that he has called us 
 with a holy calling. May we, who have given our- 
 selves to Christ, be faithful unto death, and enter into 
 the haven of eternal rest. And not we only, but the 
 dear little ones of the family. May God, for Christ's 
 sake, hear our prayers for them — may they all be 
 brought into the fold of Christ — not one left out — that 
 ours may be a holy, happy, devoted family. 
 
 " Dec. 27. You will observe that this letter was be- 
 gun some time ago. By the time it reaches you, pro- 
 bably you will have entered on a new year. May it 
 prove happy to you in its commencement, in its con- 
 tinuance, and in its end. 
 
 " As ever, I would subscribe myself, 
 
 " Your affectionate son, 
 
 " James B. Taylor." 
 
 This interesting young man was much accustomed 
 to observe particular seasons and periods of time. On 
 the first day of the year^ 1823, he wrote a letter to 
 his family, which no doubt will long be preserved by 
 them as a precious memorial of his piety and affection. 
 He first takes a view of the dispensations of Provi- 
 dence and grace towards the family during the year. 
 
t03 MEMOIR OF 
 
 And it appears that during that period the father Cff 
 the family and three of the children had experienced 
 that change of heart, without which, according to the 
 testimony of Christ, none can enter the kingdom ol 
 heaven. In producing these important changes, the in- 
 strumentality of the son was greatly blessed. His filial 
 reverence and delicacy, combined with christian fide- 
 lity, have already been noticed. The same spirit is 
 manifested in this letter, hut on this occasion it is min- 
 gled with much holy joy. He speaks of 1822 as a year 
 of jubilee to the whole family, and describes in rap- 
 ture the domestic happiness enjoyed, when so many 
 had become true Christians, and were mingling with 
 the charities of natural relatianship, the hopes and 
 joys of religion. 
 
 " Having addressed you all individually, 1 now come 
 to testify to the goodness and loving-kindness of the 
 Lord which have followed me. 
 
 " Surely of all others I have most reason to speak 
 well of his name, which is above every name ; for in 
 the midst of deserved wrath he hath remembered unde- 
 served mercy. 
 
 " The year 1822 has, of a truth, been a year of ju- 
 bilee to my soul. During that period God has done 
 more for me than I ever expected in this world. On 
 the 23d of April he accomplished a work which I had 
 longed for during six years. I feel the blessed eflectg 
 of that visitation until this day. And until my dying 
 day I shall have reason to recall that hour wi.h thank- 
 ful remembrance. No year before the one just past 
 has afforded such solid peace in believing. I have hac) 
 ffear access to the throne of grace. Jesus has been pre- 
 
JAMES BRAINEUD TAYLOR. 109 
 
 elous. My endeavors to promote the cause of Christ, 
 however short I may have come, were put forth with 
 increased pleasure. Preaching has come to my heart 
 with greater power. Communion seasons have been 
 delightful — a little heaven on earth — foretastes of the 
 joys to come. Since that 23d of April I have enjoyed 
 a sweet and lasting evidence of my acceptance with 
 God, so that I have looked on the grave with compo- 
 sure, and on death as a messenger to open that door, 
 through which I should have an abundant entrance 
 into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior 
 Jesus Christ — and on heaven as my eternal home. I 
 have had delightful seasons in praying for the family, 
 collectively and individually — for Zion and her pros- 
 perity, especially for the Jews — for friends, and espe- 
 cially for one who does not profess to love the Lord — 
 and for enemies. Think me not boastful when I say 
 that I do love my enemies, and earnestly pray for their 
 salvation. The Lord has commanded us to do this ; 
 and he has helped me to obey the command. To him 
 be all the praise ! ' O give thanks unto the Lord, for 
 he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the 
 redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed 
 from the hand of the enemy. O God, my heart is fixed. 
 I will sing and give thanks.' 
 
 " The retrospect of the year shows that we have 
 been most highly favored. The windows of heaven 
 have been opened, and have dropped — nay, rather 
 have poured down blessings upon me. We have drunk 
 of the wells of salvation, and have tasted that th« 
 Lord is gracious. Surely his eyes have been over us 
 for good from the beginning to the close of the year. 
 He has conducted us safely through dangers seen and 
 
 10 ^- B. Taylor. 
 
110 MEMOIR OP 
 
 unseen : he has been ' on our right hand and on our 
 left, so that we have not been moved.' Bless the 
 Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us bless his 
 holy name. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and forget 
 not all his benefits ; who forgiveth all our iniquities, 
 who healeth all our diseases, who redeemeth our lives 
 from destruction, and crowneth us with loving-kind- 
 ness and tender mercies. May he at length give us 
 the crown of glory, the heavenly diadem, purchased 
 with the labors, the tears, the blood, the death of the 
 Son of God. 
 
 " For all our short-comings during the past year may 
 we be suitably humbled ; and learn wisdom from the 
 consequences of our remissness. For all the good ob- 
 tained for ourselves, or done to others, may we ascribe 
 glory to the Lord. For all the evil, may we take shame 
 to ourselves. 
 
 " Finally, what shall we render to the Lord for all 
 his benefits ? A new year has begun its course. It 
 moves with as much rapidity as marked the flight of 
 the old. It will soon be gone ! but we may not live to 
 see its close. How actively, then, should we be en- 
 gaged — each one in his place fulfilling his duty ! 
 May every revolving day forcibly remind us that our 
 last day is coming ! and may we double our diligence 
 in preparing to meet our Judge, that we may render 
 our accounts with joy, and not with grief. 
 
 " Having been enabled to raise our ' Ebenezer,' 
 saying, ' Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,' let us in- 
 scribe upon our hearts, ' Jehovah-Jireh,' the Lord will 
 provide. Abundant is the provision in heaven's store- 
 house for all the needy. Let us seek and expect great 
 blessings from on high. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. Ill 
 
 " May we this year do more than ever for our own 
 growth in grace and for the welfare of Zion; and as 
 we travel on our way heavenward, may we bear one 
 another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ ; in- 
 terceding, each for all, that we may walk as pilgrims 
 and strangers who expect soon to become fellow-citi- 
 zens of the saints in glory." 
 
 [Thus far had this interesting compilation proceed- 
 ed under the hand of the lamented John Holt Rice, 
 when it pleased the Lord to say to him, in the favor- 
 ite phrase of this heavenly-minded young man, " Come 
 up higher." And now upon another, incompetent in- 
 deed, but willing friend, has the task devolved to 
 finish what had been so happily begun.] 
 
 The piety, the zeal, the humility, the heavenly- 
 mindedness, the ardent desire to be useful in the vine- 
 yard of his Lord, which characterized the late James 
 B. Taylor, have been already exhibited with such a 
 force of evidence, that every reader must see, what 
 every acquaintance felt, that he had become, as he 
 proposed to himself, and often pressed upon others to 
 become, an uncommon Christian. 
 
 His faith seemed never to waver — his christian af- 
 fections never to grow languid — his communion with 
 God, through the mediation of the Son and by the 
 aid of the Holy Ghost, was seldom interrupted ; and 
 when a cloud mtervened, and the divme communica- 
 tions Avere suspended, he rested not till the cause 
 was ascertained, and the light of his heavenly Fa- 
 ther's countenance again let down upon his soul. Nor 
 did he ever lose sight of the great object after which 
 
112 MEMOIR OP 
 
 his heart panted, and in preparation for which he was 
 diligently engaged. Never, perhaps, did any one 
 more intensely desire to preach the Gospel than did 
 James B. Taylor. 
 
 Of the truth of these statements ample proof wii 
 be found in the following extracts from his correspon- 
 dence during this year, and in the fragments of a dia- 
 ry found among his papers, commencing with the first 
 of May, 1823. 
 
 To a venerable minister of the Gospel, for whom 
 he cherished the warmest affection, he wrote as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 " Laivrencevllle^ Jan. 27, 1823. 
 "Reverend and beloved Sir, 
 
 "When I say that I have not had the privilege 
 of receiving a communication from ray worthy and 
 esteemed father in the Gospel, as I anticipated, he 
 will not consider me as complaining of remiss- 
 ness ; far be it from me; for my letters are not, 
 neither am I worthy of this notice. Yet the good 
 counsel, the friendly admonitions of one so expe- 
 rienced, might have been incalculably useful to one 
 so inexperienced as myself, who, if the Lord of 
 the vineyard permit, will follow on in a course pro- 
 bably not unlike your own. Last evening, as I was 
 reading the word of God, the following passage came 
 in course : ' And the Lord said unto Moses, get thee 
 up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I 
 have given to the children of Israel. And when 
 thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered to thy 
 people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered.' In medi- 
 tation, my mind dwelt upon the situation of Moses 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOK. 113 
 
 and his blessed prospect. O! how much better to en- 
 ter the heavenly Canaan than to enjoy an earthly one ! 
 I endeavored to place myself upon the mount and 
 take a view of the goodly land. As I mused the fire 
 burned, until I could say, Welcome death, that sets 
 the captive soul at liberty ! I think I had some of that 
 longing to depart and be with Christ of which the 
 apostle speaks, and could have finished my course 
 with joy ; yet, from my very soul I could say, ' Not 
 my will, O Lord, but thine be done.' I saw I had as 
 yet suffered but little for Christ, and was enabled to 
 say. Lord, I v/ill follow thee through toil, through 
 persecution, to prison, and to death. Wait, wait pa- 
 tiently, O my soul, till thy change come." 
 
 In the same letter Mr. Taylor wrote to the young 
 members of the family as follows : 
 
 " The year that has just closed has been a memora- 
 ble one to you ; upon it you can inscribe Jubilee, for 
 thus it has proved to your souls. What mercy has 
 the Lord shown you! Thanks to his rich, free, sove- 
 reign, almighty grace, that he has rescued .you from 
 going down to the pit. How has it been with you 
 since you found the Savior precious to your souls ? 
 Has he been increasingly so ? Have you found your 
 closet devotions growing more delightful ? the Bible 
 more sweet ? and the duties of religion more plea- 
 sant? What fellowship have you then enjoyed with 
 the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ ! What a 
 blessed religion ! While it enjoins constancy in its 
 duties, which to the pious is a 'privilege, it affords 
 peace — peace with God — peace with the world — peace 
 of conscience. The love of God, kindled up in the 
 10* 
 
114 MEMOIR OP 
 
 soul by the Holy Ghost, is the principle from which 
 emanates love to Christians — love to sinners — love to 
 all God's creatures. But, having been born of God, 
 we must remember that we are not to remain babes in 
 Christ. A necessity is laid upon us to leave the first 
 principles and go on to perfection. Therefore ma/ 
 we pj^ess forward, and give all diligence to make our 
 calling and election sure. To this end we must never 
 be afraid to know the worst of ourselves. Let us ever 
 pray, ' Search me, O God, and know my heart ; try 
 me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any 
 wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.' 
 May you be uncommon Christians ; that is, eminently 
 pious and holy, and, like Mary, ever at the feet and 
 around the cross of Jesus, the precious Lamb of. 
 God. There is much to be done. The world is to be 
 converted to God; and why may there not be great 
 and lasting good done through your instrumentality ? 
 Then zo on. The world may frown — Satan may rage 
 -but go on ; live for God. Greater is he that is for 
 you, than all that can be against you and the chris- 
 tian cause. May I die in the field of battle. May the 
 Lord make me a true son of Levi, holy ; and, like 
 David and Sampson, fearless in his service." 
 
 To this letter he received an affectionate reply, con- 
 taining much salutary counsel, and particularly com- 
 mending his decision to persevere in his studies pre- 
 paratory to the ministry. As the epistle of his aged 
 friend closes with the words, " The elder in Christ 
 Jesus salutes you," Mr. Taylor, on the 17th February, 
 responded as follows : 
 
 "James, emphatically the less, a servant of God and 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 115 
 
 of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the elder, the well beloved, 
 whom I most sincerely love in the truth ; mercy unto 
 you and yours, and peace and love be multiplied from 
 God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the 
 dear Son of the Father, and our precious Redeemer. 
 
 " Your letter, fraught with most tender expressions 
 of affection for one who truly feels himself less than 
 the least of all saints, and so richly instructive, came 
 to hand on the 10th instant ; for which I have thanked, 
 and do still thank the Lord, and my reverend father. 
 
 " Be assured, it gives me pleasure to devote a few 
 passing moments to a correspondent I so highly prize 
 as an experienced Christian, as a cordial friend, and 
 as a master in Israel. 
 
 " I proceed to notice in order some of the particulars 
 in your letter. For the affectionate regard which has 
 led to the recital of my name in your domestic and so- 
 cial circle, I am to be grateful to Him who causes his 
 children to find favor in the sight of men. Oftentimes 
 does it happen that even Christians hesitate to wel- 
 come the ransomed of the Lord with the cordiality 
 which they should manifest, and particularly if they 
 should happen to bear a different name. 
 
 "You readily join with me in saying, these things 
 ought not so to be. And the loss which some have 
 sustained through prejudice, ignorance and bigotry, is 
 incalculable. ' Forget not to entertain strangers, for 
 thereby some have entertained angels unawares.' 
 Truly the badge of brotherly love should characterize 
 all who bear the christian name. 
 
 " The eulogy you wrote upon my letter, the adver 
 sary would gladly have used to excite a spirit of self- 
 exaltation, which would only have procured my down- 
 
116 MEMOIR OF 
 
 fall ; but I had on the christian armor ; and the praise 
 belongs to the Captain of my salvation, who helped 
 me so to wield the sword of the Spirit as to turn the vic- 
 tory on the side of humility. Yes, instead of a means 
 of producing self-complacency, it was the occasion of 
 self-abasement, and of going out of myself and trust- 
 ing in the Lord as my wisdom, my light, my strength. 
 Thus I experienced the blessedness of enduring temp- 
 tation ; and while the enemy was defeated, I was made 
 to triumph. It is sufficient that the servant be as his 
 Lord. We need not expect freedom from temptation 
 till the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved. 
 Then may we receive the crown of life, which the 
 Lord hath promised to them that love him. 
 
 " When you portrayed the feelings of a pious youth, 
 you described to an iota my state when I entered upon 
 my present course, and while prosecuting it till last 
 fall. What a miserable week I spent after my arrival 
 at Lawrenceville the first time I My Latin Grammar 
 — but you have had, doubtless, somewhat of the same 
 experience. I had come from an active life — I was 
 enclosed within the walls of the academy with chil- 
 dren — a long academical, collegiate, and theological 
 course was before me — I was growing old, &c. This 
 combination of disagreeables, together with my desire 
 to be out, conspired to render me disconsolate ; yet I 
 was thankful for the prospect. I would dwell longer 
 upon this particular, but suffice it to say, I am now 
 contented to remain the appointed time — and I doubt 
 not I shall ever have reason to admire the train of 
 providences which have been to me as 'a pillar oi 
 cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night.' My foot 
 had well nigh slipped, but the Lord has held me up 
 and established my goings. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 117 
 
 "Your suggestions are well worthy of my frequent 
 consideration. The object I have endeavored to keep 
 in view, viz. the glory of God as it is connected with 
 the salvation of sinners. To this end I think I have 
 coveted earnestly the best gifts, which I conceive to 
 be the spirit of prayer, the spirit of exhortation, and 
 the spirit of prophecy, that is, the gifts of preaching. 
 I regard the Bible, the word of God, as the weapon 
 v/ith which the minister is to do execution in the field 
 of the enemy. Therefore it should be not only in his 
 study and his pocket, but it should dwell richly in his 
 memory and in his heart. Alas ! is it not lamentable 
 that a young divine should come out and attempt to 
 instruct the church with but little furniture from the 
 Bible? Classical and scientific knowledge are invalu- 
 able auxiliaries, but to be destitute of Bible truth, a 
 minister must be greatly confounded when he comes 
 in contact even Avith those who are esteemed illiteV' 
 ate, but who have made the word of God their study 
 and their guide. I lament that I am so much behind- 
 hand in sacred literature. I long to be mighty in the 
 Scriptures, to have them deeply impressed upon my 
 heart — and that believing, I may therefore speak — and 
 so bring from the treasury of the Gospel things new 
 and old. Paul says to his son Timothy, 'preach the 
 word? It is the word which must and will do execu- 
 tion ; for it is the power of God, and the wisdom of 
 God, to the salvation of the soul. 
 
 "Then I should, as you suggest, hav-e a system of 
 thinking upon theology. Doubtless you have v/itness- 
 ed many cases where candidates for the holy ministry 
 have neglected this important point. Probably they 
 thought it a matter to be attended to in course. This 
 
118 MEMOIR OP 
 
 has been too much the case with myself; I have read 
 more than I have thought: I have meditated plans, but 
 when I look back and see how little proficiency I have 
 made, I am ashamed; yet I do not think I have been 
 idle. My time has been occupied. Is there not a de- 
 fect in my system ? Do you ask what it is,? Upon my 
 first arrival here, I saw the absolute necessity of hav- 
 ing for my motto, ' a place for every thing, and every 
 thing in its place.' As to importance, I considered the 
 objects demanding my attention in the following or- 
 der : hours of devotion, time for acting, hours of study. 
 For sleep I appropriate about seven hours ; at present, 
 and for the winter past, I have devoted eight hours to 
 my academical studies, which are suflB.cient for the re- 
 citations of the class ; will you please propose tome the 
 best distribution of the remaining nine hours? For a 
 system of theological thought, I have had in view, be- 
 sides reading the Scriptures, our catechism with the 
 proofs. Please express your mind fully on this point, 
 for I consider it of great importance ; and to facilitate 
 my course, I desire to come at every thing in the short- 
 est and most practicable way. Many, for Avant of ju- 
 dicious friends to advise, take a circuitous route, and 
 peradventure, when they commence their theological 
 course regularly, will have many things to unlearn. 
 
 " More and more do I feel the necessity of a fit and 
 adequate preparation for the holy office — much, much, 
 very much yet remains to be done — many a vacuum 
 needs to be iilled. I would not daub with untemper- 
 ed mortar, but be thoroughly furnished — a workman 
 that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the whole 
 word and work of truth — a polished shaft in the quiver 
 of the Almighty. But what am I? A worm, a crea- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 119 
 
 Uire of a day. May I not exclaim, who is sufficient 
 for these things ? But I do not despond. The Lord 
 reigns, let the earth rejoice; let our souls be glad 
 thereof. I may, or I may not, live to enter the vine- 
 yard ; about this I am not solicitous. My days are 
 numbered ; my destiny is fixed ; I would not alter it. 
 Infinite wisdom is the directory I choose. I said I am 
 not solicitous. I would ever live, leaving the morrow 
 to take thought for itself. The Lord of the vineyard 
 knows the very laborers he designs for it. If I be one, 
 here ami. Lord, send me; if not — Amen. Any thing 
 or nothing, that God may be glorified and sinners sa- 
 ved. Bless the Lord, O our souls. 
 
 " I rejoice that you enjoy such nearness of access to 
 the throne of grace. Is it not the privilege of the Chris- 
 tian to rejoice evermore, and to pray without ceasing, 
 and in all things to give thanks? Surely ; for it is the 
 will of God in Christ Jesus concerning him. And the 
 more childlike simplicity and godly sincerity, the more 
 free will be the intercourse between heaven and our- 
 souls. 
 
 "My feelings of interest have been drawn out in an 
 
 unusual degree towards the people in S . I feel as 
 
 if it was the will of the Lord that I should make them 
 a visit. Why is this ? Let the Lord send by whom he 
 will send — ray prayer is, that he would grant them a 
 great outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and that multi- 
 tudes may be gathered into the fold of Christ. Help 
 me to commit my cause to God, in whom I Avould 
 ' commence, continue, and end every work.' Make re- 
 quest, if by any means, I may have a prosperous jour- 
 ney, by the will of God, to come unto you ; for I long 
 to see you, that some spiritual blessing may be impart- 
 
120 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ed to us, to the end that we may be more and more 
 established, that is, that we may be comforted together 
 by the mutual faith both of you and me. 
 
 " Since I wrote you last, I have enjoyed precious 
 seasons in the closet ; have had the privilege of silting 
 at the communion table, and of a truth have fed on 
 Christ by faith. It was a refreshing, blessed time ! 
 When shall we eat bread and drink new wine in the 
 upper kingdom ! I could say more, but will not with 
 ink and pen write unto thee ; but I trust I shall shortly 
 see thee face to face. Peace be to thee. Farewell. The 
 younger in Christ Jesus salutes the elder. 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 To other members of the family he wrote in the 
 same interesting letter :— " This is our working season, 
 and what we would do for God, must indeed be done 
 quickly. For our encouragement we have his assu- 
 rance, My grace is sufficient for thee. Then, however 
 arduous our duties, however responsible our station, if 
 we be faithful, God will be a present help in every 
 time of need. My heart's desire and prayer to God is, 
 that you may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of 
 our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In reading the 
 Scriptures on the subject of prayer, I was ready to re- 
 proach myself for so much remissness in this sacred 
 duty. Alas ! how many hours have been lost in sleep, 
 which should have been devoted to closet duties. How 
 much has my soul lost by this sinful gratification of 
 the flesh ! Jesus arose long before day and sent his 
 holy aspirations to his native heaven ! How often did 
 he retire to solitary places to raise his voice in suppli- 
 cation ! His life was a life of prayer. He delighted in 
 
JAME3 BRAINERD TAYLOB. 121 
 
 holding communion with his Father. See him in the 
 garden and on the cross ! If he prayed so constantly, 
 how much more do we need to be engaged in this duty 1 
 But Jesus still pleads, and must prevail. Let us then 
 commit our cause to him, as our advocate and inter- 
 cessor." 
 
 It is delightful to observe how this dear disciple of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ made him the alpha and oviega, 
 the beginning and the ending of all that he did. 
 Through all his voluminous correspondence a sweet 
 savor of Christ is to be found in every page— almost 
 in every line. His love to relatives and friends, and to 
 all his fellow-creatures, appears to have been sanctified, 
 and elevated, and softened, and warmed by holy love 
 to the blessed Redeemer. Christ was indeed his all. 
 And it is to his constant and affectionate looking to 
 Christ— his entire surrender of himself to Christ — his 
 exclusive dependence upon Christ with child-like sim. 
 plicity— we are to ascribe the great peace which con- 
 stantly pervaded his bosom, and the holy joys which 
 filled his heart, and the assurance of eternal life which 
 cheered him under all the trials to which in the pro 
 vidence of God he was subjected. 
 
 At every step of the delightful work of collecting 
 and compiling his letters, new evidences of the fact, 
 that faith, and holy love, and elevated piety, and 
 extraordinary devotedness mingled themselves with 
 all Mr. Taylor's exercises, are constantly coming to 
 light. 
 
 Perhaps a stronger exhibition may not be furnished 
 than is to be found in the following letter to his greatly 
 beloved parents : 
 
 ^l J» B.Taylor. 
 
122 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " Lawrenceville, April C, 1823. 
 '• Beloved Parents. 
 
 " Beloved ! yes, in the best bonds, the bonds of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ. Often have I held sweet com- 
 munion with you in meditation and prayer. This 
 evening I have enjoyed such a season. And while 
 engaged in looking up for heaven's blessings to de- 
 scend upon my dear father and mother, and upon 
 the happy family with which it is my privilege to be 
 connected, my own soul was watered. How delightful 
 the spirit of intercession, when the soul is warmed with 
 a flame of love towards those for whom we plead. In 
 this delightful exercise there is action and re-action, 
 as I have experienced this night. The Lord gave me 
 a spirit of prayer for you all, and my heart melted 
 within me while I prayed. Love to God and love to 
 man pervaded my soul. Doubtless you have been 
 blessed with many such heavenly gales in praying for 
 others. May you ever have enlarged hearts when ad- 
 dressing the throne of grace in behalf of your ever-af- 
 fectionate James. And in answer to your prayers, may 
 streams from the heavenly fountain descend to water 
 the kingdom of God which is set up in my soul. I 
 have not, my dear parents, a more convincing evidence 
 of my natural life than I have of the spiritual life with- 
 in me, it PEACE, LOVE, and joy in the Holy Ghost, are 
 evidences of one's acceptance with God ; for these are 
 within me and abound. O what abundant cause I have 
 to speak of the Lord's goodness to me. But my tongue 
 cannot speak, much less can my pen describe the 
 marvelous loving-kindness of the Lord. O, he is good, 
 and ' his mercy endureth for ever.' O that men would 
 praise him for his wonderful works to the children of 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 123 
 
 men. Since I left New-York I have had a fullness of 
 joy and love indescribable. The windows of heaven 
 have been opened, and have poured down fatness. The 
 oil and wine of consolation have been freely imparted, 
 and I have gone on from day to day praising the Lord. 
 Jesus alone is the source of my happiness. His pre- 
 sence makes my paradise. Take Jesus from the Bible 
 and the sinner's hope is gone. Take Jesus from the 
 child of God below, and this world would be a desert. 
 Take him away in the hour of death, and all is dark- 
 ness and despair. Take him from heaven, and heaven 
 would be annihilated. Let Jesus, then, be our all. 
 May we walk as he walked, live near to him, and ever 
 follow him withersoever he leadeth. As the good 
 shepherd, he will lead us into the green pastures, and 
 make us to lie down beside the still waters. How rich 
 his provisions ! How refreshing to our souls ! Fore- 
 taste of heaven and endless felicity ! Lord, evermore 
 give us this food. I feel that I am a pilgrim, away 
 from my home and from my Love, whom I can only 
 see by the eye of faith. But by and by — O welcome 
 hour! — my soul, and your souls too, will escape from 
 these tenements of clay, and wing their flight to hea- 
 ven and glory. And there we shall see him as he is. 
 Who w^ould not be there ? 
 
 ' My Savior smiles, and bids me come.' 
 
 " Behold, my parents, what God hath Avrought for 
 your son ! Once, he was an unrenewed sinner — a child 
 of the devil — an heir of hell, and pressing on in the 
 way to the bottomless pit. What a mercy that I am 
 not calling for a drop of water to cool my tongue in 
 that unextinguishable fire ! What grace, that I have 
 
124 MEMOIR OP 
 
 been born again— that I am a child of God and an heir 
 of life, traveling to the city of God — the new Jerusa- 
 lem ! What shall we render to the Lord for his love 
 to me, his love to you, his love to our household ! 
 What shall we render? Our hearts — our whole undi- 
 vided aflfections ! 
 
 "My beloved father! the Comforter, which is the 
 Holy Ghost, the promise of the Father, you have 
 had to dwell with you, and I doubt not he will remain 
 in you. May you and my dear mother be built up in 
 faith and holiness — grow in grace, and in the know- 
 ledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ ; and so 
 ripen for heaven, and finally be gathered as shocks of 
 corn in their season. May I meet you there, where I 
 expect we shall meet and praise God for ever. 
 
 " My brothers F. and S. arrived last night. I re- 
 ceived by them your token of affection. We shall 
 share it together, with a thankful remembrance of that 
 hand which has so often fed and nourished us in our 
 childhood. What pleasure would it give me to enjoy 
 a repast at your table! What pleasure to enjoy a 
 spiritual feast around your family altar, and together 
 in the closet ! 
 
 " How are my grandmothers ? 1 hope the candle of 
 the Lord shines around them and in their souls, to light 
 them safe to the world of life and glory. 
 
 "How are our dear relatives? O that they were all 
 on the Lord's side. May he convmce the unconvinced, 
 and convert the unconverted ones, and make those that 
 love him, like trees planted by the water-courses. My 
 love to them all. 
 
 "My health is good — my soul is happy — heaven 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 125 
 
 smiles — Jesus is precious — God is my portion, and 
 heaven my home— farewell. 
 
 "Your affectionate son, 
 
 "James B. Taylor," 
 
 The following extracts from two letters to a lady iii 
 the city of New-York, then confined by a lingering 
 and painful disease, which within a few weeks re- 
 leased her from this world of sin and sorrow, will 
 show how kindly affectionate was Mr. Taylor towards 
 the afflicted, and how well qualified to administer con- 
 solation to the saints in their trials. 
 
 "My dear Mrs. R. 
 
 " Shall I say that since I bade you farewell, expect- 
 ing never to meet you again in this vale of tears, my 
 thoughts have often run back to your habitation ? Yes, 
 my sister, and they have as often dwelt upon your 
 name and your situation with no ordinary emotions. 
 Happy, thrice happy your lot ; for all things are yours, 
 whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or 
 life, or death, or things present, or things to come ; all 
 are yours ; and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 
 
 " When last in New-York, I enjoyed the privilege 
 of sitting beside your bed and holding sweet converse 
 with you. Now, though far removed, I can and do 
 still hold spiritual communion with you, and what I 
 now write I pray God to turn to your spiritual com- 
 fort, and to the good of those connected with you. 
 
 " I said the intercourse I had wnth you was sweet. 
 Indeed, whenever I left the chamber of affliction my 
 soul exulted in God. The Lord has blessed me while 
 interceding for you since. I have gained nearness of 
 access to him while complying with your request, 
 IP 
 
126 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ' Pray for me.' And doubtless you have rested under 
 the shadow of the Almighty with increasing delight, 
 and found his banner over you to be love — that love 
 which casteth out fear — fear of man, of death, of the 
 grave, of judgment, and of hell. Have not your pros- 
 pects brightened ? Have you not seen by faith the 
 land of everlasting righteousness ? Have you not ? 
 But I stop — perhaps my sister has already passed away 
 to her rest with the shout of victory, and received the 
 croAvn of life ! 
 
 "But my sister may be yet alive. It may still re- 
 main for her to suffer as well as do the will of God a 
 little longer on earth. Do you not reply, Amen, ' The 
 will of the Lord be done V If so, be assured the best 
 is yet to come. God has great things in store for those 
 who think of him, delight in him, and acquiesce in his 
 will. Then count it all joy, that it is given you in be- 
 half of Christ, not only to believe on him, but to suffer 
 for his sake. ' He is not an high priest which cSnnot 
 be touched with a feeling of our infirmities, having 
 been tempted in all points like as we are, yet without 
 sin.' Are you tempted? Are you tried? Doubtless 
 you are still exercised with agonizing pain. Look to 
 the Lord— behold the Lamb of God who purchased 
 your present hope, your comfort, love, joy, peace, par- 
 don and future prospects. See Jesus in the manger — 
 in his life of labor and suffering. See him agonizing 
 in the garden and dying on the cross, and say, 
 
 » Rest — rest, my happy peaceful soul. 
 Rest in thy blessed Savior's arms, 
 Till all the billows o'er thee roll, 
 Till life shall end with all its storms,' 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 127 
 
 "A few more days and your happy release shall 
 come. Your soul is now above ; your affection is on 
 God as your satisfying portion ; yet you pant for full 
 enjoyment — your language is, 'Come, Lord Jesus, 
 come quickly.' Then fear not. Cast thy all upon the 
 Lord ; he is not far off— he will not tarry. He waits 
 to be your rod and staff — and O how strong his arm — 
 he is mighty to save, even in the dying hour. How 
 sweet to lean upon our beloved ! his voice is sweet 
 and his countenance is comely. When your work is 
 done, Jesus will come. Do you ask, What have I to 
 do ? What can I do ? Have you not to tell what God 
 hath done for your soul? To warn — to exhort some 
 sinner to come to Christ. May you be faithful to God, to 
 yourself, and to those around your sick and dying bed. 
 The Lord has chosen you in the furnace of affliction. 
 This may not be joyous for the present, but grievous ; 
 but be of good cheer, it will produce the peaceable 
 fruits of righteousness. It has done this already. God 
 has sanctified this visitation to you, and to the salva- 
 tion of your dear companion. Shall it stop here ? May 
 it lead to the conviction and conversion of your whole 
 household, and of all who shall witness the grace of 
 God as already displayed. 
 
 " A word to your sisters. When will you, my dear 
 fellow-travelers to the grave — to the bar of God — to 
 eternity, prepare for these awful scenes ? Are you yet 
 in your sins? What — and exposed to the shafts of 
 death which fly so thick around you? Why will ye 
 die — die the death eternal? Need you? There yet is 
 room — room in the love of God, room in the heart of 
 the suffering, dying Savior. Come, then, and have 
 your sins washed away— come and be made the happy 
 
128 MEMOIR OF 
 
 recipients of grace and iove divine — now — now. Stay 
 no longer at a distance. We are hastening to the tomb, 
 and soon our destiny will be unalterably fixed. I 
 would rejoice to meet you at the right hand of the 
 Judge. Will you not prepare to meet God in peace ? 
 All things are ready on his part; are you ready to give 
 yourselves unalterably away to Christ ? Then come — 
 come without delay, with all your sins, with all your 
 burdens come to the Friend of sinners, and he will 
 make you whole. His call to you is, ' Turn ye, turn 
 ye.' ' He that believeth shall be saved ; he that believ- 
 eth not shall be damned.' 
 
 '*Mr. R., you need, and I trust you find, the support- 
 ing hand of our heavenly Father. You have reason to 
 sing of mercy while you talk of the judgments of God. 
 Be passive in his hands. Shall not the Judge of all the 
 earth do right ? And he is your friend, cleave to him 
 — ' the afflictions of the righteous are many, but the 
 Lord delivereth him out of them all.' Hope for the 
 best ; prepare for the worst ; the heaviest trials are 
 from the hand of a Father, The cup that he adminis- 
 ters, shall we not drink it ? Soon shall our crosses 
 give place to a crown ; shall we be counted worthy to 
 wear it at the feet of Jesus? 
 
 " I have enjoyed this day sweet hopes of heaven. 
 The Lord is good to me, and my cup often runs over. 
 May your prospects brighten continually. O let us 
 strive to be uncommon — that is, eminently pious, de- 
 voted Christians. As we go out and come in, at all 
 times, under all circumstances, let us make it mani- 
 fest that we are for God. It will cost us something — 
 but the more we sacrifice and expend for him, the more 
 will our consolation abound." 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 129 
 
 •' LawrenccvillCf May 9, 1823. 
 * My dear Mrs. R. 
 
 " Little did I think when I addressed you last, that 
 you would have survived until this time. Do you in- 
 quire, why is it so ? Secret things belong to God, but 
 things revealed, to us ; and what we know not now, 
 we shall know hereafter. 
 
 " The Lord works in a mysterious way to execute 
 his purposes of mercy towards the children of men. 
 In bringing some to the acknowledging of the truth, 
 he chooses them in the furnace of affliction. Thus has 
 it been with you and your beloved companion. As an 
 example of patience to others, he oftentimes con- 
 tinues the rod of affliction upon the afflicted one, yet 
 it is with the promise, ' My grace is sufficient for thee.' 
 Be, then, of good courage ; Jesus has gone before 
 you ; he has suffered cruel tortures — he died an igno- 
 minious death; he entered the grave — but he arose 
 triumphantly — and now is our elder Brother, at the 
 right hand of the Majesty on high. Would you not 
 follow him? Yes, you reply ; follow the Lamb whither- 
 soever he goeth. Shrink not then from pain ; fear not 
 the swellings of Jordan — the silence of the grave ; 
 ' for the sting of death is sin,' and when this is extracted 
 through justification, and sanctification from sin, death 
 cannot hurt you, and I believe will not frighten you. 
 No; it is not the child of God — it is not the heir of hea- 
 ven that will start back from entering his eternal home ; 
 but the child of the devil and the heir of hell that 
 must be alarmed and in despair. O, the joy and bliss 
 of dying a Christian. The portals of Paradise are then 
 not only seen, but thrown wide open, that an heir of 
 glory may enter in. Who would not die the death of 
 
130 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the Christian? And we know that the life of the 
 Christian alone is attended with peace and joy. 
 
 " While you are absent from your Father's house — 
 while you remain a pilgrim here below — may you have 
 much of heaven in your soul. I have longed to see 
 your face once more; but farewell; I hope to meet 
 you at the right hand of God — I hope to hail your hap- 
 py spirit in the heavenly Canaan, and there join with 
 you in singing the song of everlasting deliverance. 
 
 " Since I wrote you, the Lord has been very gra- 
 cious to me — I have enjoyed precious seasons. How 
 good it is to draw 'near to the mercy seat ! Then it is 
 that our souls cry out, ' Lord, evermore give us this 
 bread.' I am unworthy — I am nothing — Jesus is all — 
 he is the beloved of our souls. May he ever be the 
 chiefest among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. 
 
 " Next Lord's day I expect to enjoy the privilege of 
 witnessing to the world that I have chosen him for my 
 all. It will be a communion season with us. Soon we 
 shall eat bread in the upper kingdom. Prayer will be 
 turned into praise, faith into vision, and ordinances 
 into the enjoyment of his presence face to face, whom 
 we now remember. 
 
 "Mr. R., lean upon the Lord : he says, 'I will not 
 forsake thee.' The language of your dear companion 
 is, ' Weep not for me. the separation may be soon, but 
 cannot be long. We are all travelers to another 
 world, and must soon be there. 
 
 " With much affection, yours, 
 
 James B, Taylor." 
 
 Reference has been already made to the fragments 
 of a diary found among Mr. Taylor's papers. It is in 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 131 
 
 what a Christian writes of himself, his exercises^ 
 trials, and the means employed to keep alive the flame 
 of holy love in his heart — especially when it is design- 
 ed exclusively for his own inspection, and written un- 
 der the eye of God, and with a deep sense of his pre- 
 sence, that we find a true and faithful exhibition of the 
 inner man. Such was the diary of Mr. Taylor, and in- 
 deed there is no evidence that he ever wished or thought 
 of the publication of either his journal or of the cor- 
 respondence, so full of the effusions of a most affection- 
 ate'and pious heart, from which the materials for this 
 memoir are chiefly derived. 
 
 It is a matter of regret that twelve of the earliest 
 numbers of Mr. Taylor's Diary cannot be found. There 
 are five remaining, beginning with No. 13, which bears 
 date the 1st of May, 1823. The first notice is of pain, 
 and of its being sanctified : 
 
 '• This morning I was visited with a sciatic, which 
 rendered it difficult for me to move. But the Lord or- 
 dered it for good, for it had a tendency to lead me to 
 himself, and I enjoyed a foretaste of heaven. I mused, 
 and the fire burned ; my soul was caught up from 
 earth, and the portals of paradise and the blessed re- 
 sidence of the saints were opened to the eye of faith. 
 
 * When shall I wake and find me there V 
 
 • Wrote this day to Miss W. May the Lord fol- 
 low my communications with his peculiar blessing. I 
 found when in New-York that my letters had not 
 been in vain, but had comforted some and stirred up 
 others." 
 
132 MEMOIR or 
 
 There is evidence that this very letter was also much 
 blessed to souls. We make the following extracts : 
 
 " Do you ask how I enjoyed myself while in New- 
 York ? With some of the dear children of God I had 
 sweet communion. But, alas ! with how many of those 
 who profess religion, and cry. Lord, Lord, yet do not 
 the things which he commands, did I meet ! Was their 
 conversation in heaven? No! Were their hearts there? 
 No ! for they dwelt upon things of earth. Out of the 
 abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh: their 
 theme was not the goodness of God— not the love of 
 God in their own hearts, and as manifested to others 5 
 but fine houses, handsome furniture, fashionable dress* 
 es, beautiful forms, riches, pleasures, and such like j 
 and as a matter of little moment, they talk of this min* 
 ister as an eloquent orator ; that as a fine writer ; and 
 a third as indifferent. True, the business of the world 
 ought to be attended to in its season, but for a pro- 
 fessor of the name of Jesus, or any other person, to 
 dwell upon these things continually and with delight, 
 indicates such a one to be under blindness of mind, 
 hardness of heart, and contempt for the word of God. 
 
 " Of conversation the apostle saith, ' As he which 
 hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner oi 
 conversation ; because it is written, Be ye holy, for I 
 am holy.' And we have the assurance that without 
 holiness no man, no woman, let his or her name be 
 what it may— their possessions, nay, their professions, 
 what they may, ' shall see the Lord.' What a re- 
 quirement ! how great ! but nothing is impossible with 
 God, and with him there is plenteous redemption. 
 ^ '' But to return : they are not without a hardened 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 133 
 
 heart. Their convictions are lulled to sleep, if not en- 
 tirely expelled, by the sentiment, 'We must be some* 
 what conformed to the Avorld.' Others say, ' We 
 must mix with the multitude.' For the former no ex- 
 cuse can be allowed — the Bible allows none — the 
 world will not — their profession will not. ' Thus saith 
 the Lord,' should silence every excuse and quell every 
 rising emotion of worldliness. And what does the 
 Lord say ? ' Be not conformed to this world.' What 
 is this but an axe laid at the root of every worldly 
 thought, desire, and action which are not subservient 
 to our growth in grace and the advancement of Christ's 
 kingdom in the earth'? As to the latter, it is obvious 
 that we must, in somedegree, mix with the multitude , 
 but does this make it necessary that we must be par 
 takers of their sins ? No, nor of their follies, which 
 are sins. Christ's prayer for his disciples is, 'Keep 
 them from the evil ;' but those that I describe hold the 
 Word of God in contempt, for they disobey its com- 
 mands, which are holy, just, and good. They mani- 
 fest that they love the world, and the things of it, in- 
 ordinately. The word of God says. Come out from 
 among them, and be ye separate ; and touch not the 
 unclean thing. Out of their own mouths they are con- 
 demned. O ! these things ought not to be so— may 
 our garments be kept clean and unspotted from the 
 world. With those who mind earthly things the child 
 of God can have little enjoyment. May the Lord arouse 
 by his Spirit and his word, all lukewarm and worldly- 
 minded Christians-^if indeed there be such a com- 
 pound as a worldly-minded Christian. 
 
 " You will not think me an egotist, for I comply 
 with your request, when I write of the Lord's deal- 
 
 12 J- B' Taylor. 
 
134 MEMOIR or 
 
 ings with myself. The day on which I bade you fare- 
 well, was commemorative of the most eventful era of 
 my existence. You readily recur to the 23d April, oi:e 
 year ago. From the circumstances attending me that 
 day, traveling, &c. I enjoyed but little opportunity for 
 retirement. How gratefully did I hail my habitation; 
 for the Lord had protected and brought me safe to my 
 resting-place. I made the field, screened with woods, 
 my closet, where I could address my Father in secret. 
 How many, driven from home for the name of Jesus, 
 have sought shelter in the woods, with the vaulted 
 heavens for their covering, and there, as well as in 
 dens and caves of the earth, poured out their souls be- 
 fore the Lord, who hears when his children cry. 
 
 " Shall I transcribe what I recorded of the Lord's 
 goodness to me the day after my arrival? 
 
 " ' April 24. — Had a most precious season at the 
 throne of grace. How often has the Lord blessed me in 
 that very spot ! It appears sacred. My soul was melted 
 this evening. My spirit cried, Abba, Father. Jesus, 
 though unseen by mortal eye, was precious, as seen 
 by the eye of faith. The oil and wine of consolation 
 were poured into my soul — had a spirit of interces- 
 sion for my dear friends.' 
 
 " ' Sabbath following. — What shall I render to the 
 Lord for all his benefits ? My cup has this day run 
 over. My consolation has abounded. The good Shep- 
 herd has led me into green pastures, and I have fed 
 upon the rich foretastes of heaven. I have found my 
 powers too feeble to praise and bless the God of my 
 salvation as I would, and could only say. Glory to 
 God! Glory to my dear Savior I Halleluiah to the 
 Lamb for ever ! O how sweet I have found it to call 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 135 
 
 upon God in secret ! It is not to be described, as you 
 know, if you have felt the refining flame of God's love ; 
 but it is Tull of jSflory.' Perfect love filled, and now 
 fills my seal. 1 have wept tears of joy and gratitude, 
 and tears of praise, at the feet of Jesus. I have called 
 God my Father, wit^i the spirit of adoption. Truly 
 the Comforter has come, and I long to depart and be 
 with Christ. How small, how vain the world ap- 
 pears ! Alas ! that any should seek their happiness 
 here ! O could they feel what I experience, the world 
 would wane and dwindle into nothing. But why was 
 I made to hear his voice and enter in ? Why was it — 
 Lord, why was it I ? My heart melted again and again, 
 and floods of tears flowed gently down. How delight- 
 ful such an exercise ? What an antepast of heaven, 
 when the soul holds converse with God ! While en- 
 gaged in singing in the family, the Lord drew near, 
 and my heart began to burn with love. I then retired 
 to my sacred retreat, and poured out my soul before 
 him. Ah, how foolish is such language as this to the 
 poor worldling, the gay, the thoughtless ! But the 
 child of grace, the renovated soul alone knows the 
 joys of pardoned sin. ' I had rather be a door-keeper 
 in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of 
 wickedness.' I had an affecting view of my utter un- 
 Avorthiness ; and truly I am a wonder to myself — ' a 
 miracle of grace.' By the grace of God I am what I 
 am ; a sinner saved by grace ; a sinner changed by the 
 Spirit ; a sinner accepted of God, through Christ, and 
 tending towards heaven, and longing to be there ! 
 Were it the will of God, this night would I go ; yet I 
 am willing to stay, and suffer, and do the will of God. 
 I have given, and now give myself away to himj I am 
 
136 MEMOIR OP 
 
 not my own ; I have been bought with a price. Jesus, 
 be thou my all ; be thou King supreme. Reign without 
 a rival. Sway thy sceptre universally. Rule for ever, 
 King of kings, and Lord of lords. Amen.' 
 
 " The above is an account of my exercises for two 
 days. This day has the Lord given me a memento of 
 my mortality. This morning I was seized with a pain, 
 which renders it difficult for me to move. ' We bloom 
 to-day, to-morrow die.' But the Lord meant it for good, 
 and I have reason to thank him for his token of love. 
 ' What son hath he whom he chasteneth not V I have 
 taken a view of the grave — of the bar of God, and hea- 
 ven — and my desire was to launch away — yet I sub- 
 mit and wait. I see nothing here to live for, but to 
 spend and be spent for God; and no longer than I may 
 be useful would I remain here below. O when shall 
 we hear the sound, ' Come up higher.' 
 
 " This being the first of May, I presume you have 
 been in the midst of bustle and confusion, yet doubt- 
 less you have been in perfect peace. This is the ex- 
 cellency of religion — that while the spirits of darkness 
 rage, and wicked men blaspheme — while the world 
 seek the pleasures of sense, yet never find any thing 
 to slake their thirst — while the vain love themselves 
 and follow the vanities of the earth — while they are 
 disappointed in life, wretched in death, and lost for 
 ever, the meek and humble followers of the Lamb find 
 peace and quietude of soul below — peace or triumph 
 in death, and God and heaven for ever. 
 
 " Take your pleasures then, ye worldlings — enjoy 
 the gayeties of life, ye vain spendthrifts of time — trifle 
 with your souls — dance on the brink of ruin — sell your 
 all for nought, and forfeit heaven at last. But let me 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 137 
 
 live the life and die the death of the righteous ; for 
 the righteous, the righteous alone have hope in death. 
 Farewell. 
 
 " Yours in the best of bonds, 
 
 "J. B. Taylor." 
 
 ' P. S. I wished to say something to Miss M ■ 
 
 upon this all-important subject. I hope she views it 
 as all-important. But however she may admit its im- 
 portance, it will avail her nothing unless she feel its 
 power in her own soul. This must be experienced, or 
 she must be lost for ever. 
 
 " To the young ladies too I would say, hear the 
 words of Jesus Christ; ' Except ye repent, ye shall all 
 likewise perish.' J. B. T." 
 
 We return again to the interesting diary from which 
 we began to make some extiacts. 
 
 '• May 3, 1823. — Had a delightful communion sea- 
 son at my stated evening devotion ; and found much 
 pleasure in reading the Word, and in calling upon the 
 name oi^ the Lord. 
 
 " Sabbath, May 4.— Another Christian Sabbath has 
 dawned upon this world, which, but for religion, would 
 be a hell, and its inhabitants incarnate devils. 
 
 " The Sabbath shed forth its cheering light, but the 
 Lord of the Sabbath hid his face from me. Why is 
 this? He knows the reason ; and so do I. My guide 
 has been forsaken, I have broken my covenant with 
 him, and the consequence is, my soul is in darkness 
 and distress. Surely ' the way of transgressors is 
 hard,' and peculiarly so to the child of God, who has 
 not only lasted that he is gracious, but has been filled 
 12* 
 
138 MEMOIR OF 
 
 with his perfect love. Morning duties were attended 
 to as usual, but the glory had departed. The form was 
 there, but where was the power ? My soul had by 
 transgression left its rest, and leanness, the inevitable 
 consequence of a departure from God, was inscribed 
 upon it. I sought the Lord, but found him not to the 
 satisfying of my soul. I repaired to the house of God, 
 but my love was absent. Returning home, I felt dissa- 
 tisfied with my situation, and refused to be comforted, 
 but by the Holy Ghost. O how keen the anguish, ' My 
 God to love, and not my God alone? How keen the 
 reproach of ingratitude, in forsaking my best friend. 
 Thanks to the Lord that I felt my need and saw the 
 remedy, and that I had the disposition to return to him 
 from whom I had revolted. I wished to wander no fur- 
 ther. My soul thirsted for God. I could praise him for 
 what he had done for me— I felt that he was just in 
 withdrawing from me, and that were I in hell I could 
 but praise him. I looked to him for direction as I opened 
 his blessed word, and he answered my prayer. I opened, 
 T tead, ' So fight I, not as one that beateth the air ; but 
 I keep under my body and bring it into subjection, lest 
 that by any means, when I have preached to others, 1 
 myself should be a cast-away.' The Word was sea- 
 sonable ; I had not kept my body under ; it enabled me 
 to have right views of myself. I hastened to the throne 
 of grace, and found it good. The Lord dispensed his 
 favor, and shed abroad his love in my heart. Thanks 
 to his name for pardon and sanctification ! O, why was 
 I not left to hardness of heart? Not unto me, but unto 
 the Lord belongeth praise ; for he bringeth salvation. 
 Again I looked up to the Lord, and again opened and 
 read his blessed word : ' Be strong and of good cou- 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 139 
 
 rage ; I will be with thee : I will not fail thee nor for- 
 sake thee : only be thou strong and very courageous.' 
 May my care and fear evermore be this, not to do any 
 ONE thing displeasing to my God ; and he will take 
 care of all the rest. 
 
 "May 12. — Had a delightful season at the throne of 
 grace, both in prayer and in reading the Scriptures. 
 The Word is spirit and life — Lord, open my mind 
 more and more to understand the Scriptures — make 
 me mighty in the Scriptures. 
 
 "May 29.— Wrote to Sarah, my colored friend." 
 
 Yiom. this letter we make the following extract, as 
 a specimen of the affectionate spirit of Mr. Taylor, ma- 
 nifested towards the children of God, of whatever co- 
 lor or condition. 
 
 " How is Aunt Sarah ? Perhaps her mortal frame 
 is sinking under the weight of old age, and ready to 
 fall a prey to death — doubtless you look to the day of 
 your death as better than the day of your birth. You 
 will hail the hour of your departure as a release from 
 your burdens and sorrows, when your happy spirit 
 shall wing its way to the paradise of God. Does not 
 your soul exult in the prospect? The New Jerusalem 
 is just before you — that city that hath foundations. It 
 is the home of the saints. There dwells our Savior; 
 there you will see him as he is ; and there meet the 
 redeemed of the Lord out of every nation, and king- 
 dom, and tongue, and people. Do you expect to meet 
 mc there ? I know you do — and I hope to find some 
 bumble place at the feet of my blessed Redeemer. I 
 have already the earnest of the heavenly rest — pray 
 
140 MEMOIR OP 
 
 that I may enjoy yet more and more, and so grow up 
 into Christ our living head. While you shall be prais- 
 ing God in glory, I may be sounding the Gospel trum- 
 pet. Pray that it may be to the awakening of many a 
 poor sinner, and the means of gathering multitudes of 
 precious souls into the kingdom of God's dear Son. 
 
 " The prospect of living to serve the Lord in his 
 vineyard is pleasant, if it be his will. To die, I know 
 would be gain ; but I am not anxious. The Lord, whose 
 I am, knows that I am his, by creation, by the pur- 
 chase of the blood of Jesus, by the sanctification of his 
 Spirit. To the Lord Jesus, as to a faithful Creator, 
 would I commit my all; come sickness or health, life 
 or death, all, all will be well ; not my will, but the 
 will of the Lord be done." 
 
 In the following letter to a much valued friend, bear- 
 ing date Lawrenceville, June 7, 1823, will be found 
 sentim.ents and an expression of affections well wor- 
 thy the serious consideration of all who are in the mi- 
 niiiry, or who are seeking this most responsible office. 
 
 " The past wears an aspect to me truly astonishing. 
 My long course of iniquity before conversion — four- 
 teen years spent in folly and in sin — my early impres- 
 sions when compared with the multitude Avho throng 
 the downward road — my being led to the Lamb of 
 God ' that takelh away the sin of the world,' and 
 made a happy partaker of grace and love divine — my 
 being called of the Lord of the harvest to preach the 
 Gospel, or rather to prepare for it — how wonderful ! 
 I know not, indeed, that he will put me into the minis- 
 try, but if not, I have the prospect of being taken from 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 141 
 
 rendering an imperfect service below, to a perfect ser- 
 vice in the upper sanctuary. 
 
 " I look upon my residence in New-York as highly 
 beneficial. There I gained a fund of information, to be 
 gained only in such a situation. Little did I think that 
 I was then acquiring a knowledge of men and man- 
 ners to fit me better for the sacred office. 
 
 " Do you ask how I am affected towards my former 
 employment ? Never since I left it have I felt any 
 desire to return. My aversion to every ihing of this 
 kind has increased, and my mind would sicken at the 
 thought of ever returning to the business of this world. 
 I rejoice in the indisposition to attend to any thing 
 that is not intimately connected with my calling. 
 
 " It is to be feared that some (alas ! for them) com- 
 mence stuay for the holy ministry from sinister mo- 
 tives. Some seek worldly emolument — some popular 
 applause — others, and we hope these are the majority, 
 seek souls for their hire. Says a correspondent, writ- 
 ing of a candidate for the ministry, ' He has by his 
 education become a different man, and has a different 
 kind of piety, and time must develope whether it is 
 for the better or the worse.' How sad, how melan- 
 choly, that any of the sons of Levi should grow cold 
 in the service of the church of Christ. How afflicting 
 to the lover of Zion to witness engagedness in any 
 Christian decline ; but particularly to see a candidate 
 for the ministry lose his ardent zeal for the good of 
 souls. But 'let him that thinketh he standeth take 
 heed lest he fall.' Of this I have been mindful, and I 
 would ever keep it in mind ; nor would I be puffed up, 
 or vain-glorious, that the good Shepherd hath led me 
 into his green pastures, and fed me, and made me to 
 
142 MEMOIR OF 
 
 lie down by the still waters ; for who maketh me to 
 differ from the impenitent, the thoughtless, the hard- 
 ened, and incorrigible ? And what have I, that I have 
 not received from him, who giveth liberally and up- 
 braideth not? 'Tis all of grace, and to God only wise 
 be all the glory. 
 
 " I apprehended danger upon entering on my acade- 
 mical course, from the many snares attendant upon 
 such a life. I dreaded the thought of becoming a for- 
 malist. The plan which I then considered best for a 
 student with prospects like mine — nay, whatever may 
 be his prospects, (and I am confirmed in uiy opinion,) 
 is, 1. Strictly and most punctually to perform his 
 closet duties. 2. He should exercise regularly for the 
 benefit of his body. This will aid him in the first, and 
 better prepare him for entering upon prosecuting the 
 3d. — viz. diligent application to his studies. But the 
 Lord has been better, a thousand times better than all 
 my fears. Instead of declining, my march has been 
 onward in the divine life. Were I to attempt a narra- 
 tion, it would be impossible for me to tell you even 
 the half. Suffice it to say, I have had, during the last 
 thirteen months, the witnessing of God's Spirit with 
 mine that I am born from above, and traveling to hea- 
 ven. The fruit of the Spirit has been, from day to day, 
 love, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 
 
 " The prospect to me is pleasant. I glory in the 
 thought of one day becoming an ambassador of the 
 Lord Jesus Christ to dying men. Paul was an ambas- 
 sador in bonds. What a privilege to die for the Lord 
 Jesus ! I said I glory, but not in my own strength, for 
 my sufficiency is of God : yet while I glory in the pros- 
 pect, I am not anxious. I do consider myself not my 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 143 
 
 own ; I have been bought with a price ; I am the Lord's, 
 to be dealt with agreeably to his will. My limes and 
 seasons, health and faculties, talents and infiueacc, 
 life and death, all are in his hands. He hath done all 
 things well. And my language is, 'reign in me, over 
 me ; reign universally, King of kings, and Lord of all.' 
 " Years must revolve before my fathers in the church 
 will send me forth. But they are ministering as stew- 
 ards in the house of God. When sent forth, may I 
 hear the voice of the great Head of the church saying 
 tome, 'Go.' Then onward will be my watchword ; 
 onicard^ to warn the sinner to flee from the wrath to 
 come ; onward, to lead the anxious inquirer to the sin- 
 ner's friend ; onward, to feed the lambs and sheep of 
 Christ's flock ; to visit the sick and afflicted ; to smooth 
 the declining path of the aged ; to guide the young ; 
 to refresh the weary ; to illumine, if possible, by con- 
 versation and prayer, the vale of death : onward, to 
 live to and for God ; to finish my course with joy : 
 vniimrd, to the grave ; to the bar of God ; to glory." 
 
 The reader cannot have failed to notice the high- 
 toned and devoted piety of Mr. Taylor, as manifested 
 in all his correspondence, and may well inquire by 
 what means he made such attainments in spirituality. 
 To this question the answer is perfectly obvious : reli- 
 gion with him was no secondary interest, but the one 
 thing needful — the absorbing subject of his thoughts 
 and affections ; and with great constancy did he prac- 
 tice its duties, and especially those which bring the 
 souls of God's people more immediately into his pre- 
 sence, such as secret prayer, meditation, and reading 
 the Scriptures. These seemed to be the very elements 
 
144 MEMOIR OP 
 
 of his being, and to afford the fuel that kept alive (he 
 fire of holy love in his heart. Not only in the forego- 
 ing letter, but in all his correspondence, and every- 
 where in his diary, it is evident that he made commu- 
 nion with God his first object, nor could he be satis- 
 fied without its actual enjoyment ; so that whenever, 
 through inattention to the state of his heart, the pre- 
 valence of temptation, ot the derangement of the ani- 
 mal economy, he found not ' him whom his soul lov- 
 ed,' he rested not till the joy of God's salvation waa 
 restored, and he could again say, 'My beloved is mine, 
 and I am his.' " 
 
 What in this respect Mr. Taylor practiced himself, 
 he affectionately recommendexi to his friends, as may 
 be seen in many parts of his most pious and affec- 
 tionate letters. To his beloved friend, the Rev. C. H. 
 he wrote, June 22, 1823 : ^ 
 
 ' " A stated time^ a -particular place, and punctu 
 ality, I find nece-ssary to keep up the life and power 
 of religion in the soul. To attend to the duties of the 
 closet, an ancient disciple sard to his company as an 
 excuse for leaving them, ' I have a friend now in wait- 
 ing to speak with me/ Intrusion upon the hours set 
 apart for God cannot fail to make serious inroads upon 
 the health of the spiritual ma;n. Let us, my friend, be 
 punctual with God.'^ 
 
 It is appropriate to remark in this connectioTi, thai 
 Mr. Taylor sought and enjoyed this high state of piou5 
 affection and constant communion with God, not as a 
 duty, but a delightful privilege ; not merely for his- 
 own sake, but for the benefit of others, and as a nwst 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 145 
 
 important part of his preparation for the ministry of 
 the Gospel ; nor did he ever lose sight of the great 
 work in which he so ardently desired to be employed. 
 In a letter to a much esteemed brother, bearing date 
 29th June, 1823, on his being appointed to the office of 
 deacon in the dwrch, he wrote : 
 
 "I trust you accepted this office, not merely as call- 
 ed by the church, but by the great Head of the church. 
 It is the consciousness of moving in the sphere to 
 which God calls, that makes his servant patient and 
 persevering, and affords the delightful testimony to 
 himself, that he pleases God. This is an office in 
 which Jesus himself ministered. How careful was he 
 that the wants of the poor should be supplied. He 
 sent none empty away, although he himself was often- 
 times hungry, and thirsty, and weary, and heavy 
 laden ; weary in traversing the country on foot, and 
 heavy laden in bearing a burden not his own. O my 
 brother, what a privilege to follow in the footsteps of 
 Emmanuel, God with us. Do you not feel that you 
 have much to do? We are looked upon as those who 
 must enforce precept by holy example. The church 
 and the world have their eyes upon us. God requires 
 us to be faithful. Our happiness depends upon it. Per- 
 haps the comfort, the salvation of others depend upon 
 it. May it then be our study to be mighty in the Scrip- 
 tures—full of faith and the Holy Ghost. That we may 
 be properly qualified for our stations, how much prayer 
 and watchfulness on our part — how much grace on 
 God's part — is necessary ! Lord help, for vain is the 
 help of man. 
 
 " To what I am destined I cannot tell, nor am I 
 
 13 J. B. Taylor 
 
146 MEMOIR OF 
 
 anxious. I am blest with contentment while the con- 
 viction abides with me that it is my duty to prepare, if 
 possible, for any station i^i the church, and then to ac- 
 cept of that to which Providence shall call me. My 
 views are changed wholly from what they were for a 
 short time. I am very deeply impr^lsed with the ne- 
 cessity of a ihoroMgh. full course of preparation. The 
 Lord has done great and good things for me, whereof 
 I am glad." 
 
 Diary. "July 4, 1823. — The Lord is as strangely 
 good as I am in practice strangely perverse ; yet I 
 sometimes think I am the happiest creature on earth. 
 But why am I thus ? Never do I feel myself more in- 
 significant and mean than when I am blessed with an 
 overpowering sense of the divine presence ; and yet 
 with strong confidence do I approach my heavenly Fa- 
 ther. I do not, cannot doubt my being a son of faithful 
 Abraham, and therefore a child of promise. Not unto 
 me be praise, but to him who hath procured it for me, 
 and blessed me with this adoption. 
 
 " 5. — Had a precious season before the throne of 
 grace this morning. O the hidden mystery — 'tis hid- 
 den from the world. Surely the sweetest moments 
 enjoyed by the children of God are when the world 
 is entirely shut out. Could the Avorld know this; 
 could they have one glimpse of the light that beams 
 upon the souls of the saints ; could they enjoy the 
 hope which the flame of divine love kindles in the 
 heart that trusts in Christ, they would be constrained 
 to call him ' the pearl of great price.' O the heaven 
 of love I This evening, too, I am astonished at the 
 goodness of the Lord j I am a wonder to myself when 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 147 
 
 I look at former years; my cup runneth over — my 
 heart is too full for utterance ; but the Lord knoweth 
 its meaning. Went after meeting to meditate among 
 the tombs. It was starlight, but yet the darkness was 
 sufficient to screen me from the view of passing stran- 
 gers. In this land of silence all was solemn as death. 
 And there, on the marble slab that covers the remains 
 of a young man who died at the age of eighteen, I sat 
 down and meditated upon my own dissolution. I look- 
 ed at my feet, my hands, my body ; and must these 
 soon be mouldering in the dust ? I recoiled not at the 
 prospect ; I praised the Lord for his love to me, and 
 for the calm serenity of soul I possessed. My mind 
 was now led to our dear family. While whole fami- 
 lies have been desolated, ours remain entire. What 
 a mercy that they have been spared, and that nine of 
 them are hopefully pious ! Here my soul cried to God 
 in behalf of all. I knew not but some of them might 
 be dead, and the tidings on the way. Would I have 
 them mourn at my departure ? Would they keep me 
 from home ? And should I wish them to stay were it 
 the will of the Master to come and call for them ? 
 No, I replied, although it would be a great trial to bid 
 them farewell — to see them no more on the earth. 
 
 " I looked at what was before me — the work in 
 which I long to be engaged, and prayed for wisdom 
 to direct and grace to help. And now I retire. Come, 
 sweet repose ; come life, come death, come what will, 
 the will of the Lord be done. 
 
 "6. Sabbath evening. — What shall I render to the 
 Lord for his goodness this day ? Words fail : ' 'tis un- 
 speakable and full of glory.' O the sweet communi- 
 cations of grace and love I He has followed me with 
 
148 MEMOIR OF 
 
 his loving-kindness. I felt deeply the import of these 
 precious truths : ' In whom ye also trusted, after that 
 ye heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salva- 
 tion ; in whom also, after that ye believed, ye were 
 SEALED with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the 
 earnest of our inheritance.' I doubt not I have expe- 
 rienced all this ; I feel that I have been ' sealed.'' The 
 sweet ''earnest pervades my inmost soul, and all is 
 heaven there. How precious is Jesus ! It is he that 
 charms and comforts my heart. I hear men talk of the 
 works of creation, of lofty mountains and pleasant 
 vales, of verdant plains, of foaming cataracts and gen- 
 tle rills, the sturdy oak and the forests green, the fra- 
 grant flowers and the standing corn ; I hear them talk 
 of fine houses, handsome furniture, grand equipage and 
 royal splendor; and a thousand other things which 
 they seem to admire almost to adoration. But these 
 are not my God. The heavens indeed declare the glory 
 of God ; the firmament showeth his handiwork j all 
 nature is stamped with Deity. But what are these "? 
 One glimpse of thee, my dearest Lord, one glimpse ot 
 thee, as seen in the Gospel, outshines them all ; and 
 when thou art near, my soul rises above all sublunary 
 things. Thou art my satisfying portion. To-day have 
 I been on Pisgah's top, and seen the promised land. 
 Not long, and I shall rise higher. O blessed prospect ' 
 Now I go again to meditate among the tombs — I love 
 such a retreat — to look into my heart — into the grave — 
 into eternity. How solemn is this place ! Death with 
 his iron grasp has dragged down his hundreds to this 
 field of graves. The young, the old, the middle-aged, 
 lie promiscuous here ; the rich, the poor, the white, the 
 black, all mingle and know no distinction. How many 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 149 
 
 lessons — important lessons are to b^e learned here. Be 
 wise, O my soul ; the day of death comes on apace — 
 soon this body must be conveyed to the tomb — art thou 
 ready ? Thanks to him who is the Judge of the quick 
 and the dead, with the utmost composure I can look 
 death in the face, I expect no pang ; the sting of death 
 is sin ; this the Lord has plucked away. I feel nothing 
 contrary to love. My body may be racked with, pain — 
 but what of that? my Savior suffered. But my soul, I 
 have no doubt, will be tranquil and unruffled. I can 
 truly say, I am glad that I was born to die. Once, part 
 of my grave-clothes were prepared for me. The Lord 
 spared me. Alas ! had I been taken away then, it had 
 been in my sins. O the goodness, the long-suffering 
 patience of the Lord ! Praise his name for ever. 
 
 " Saturday evening, July 11. — About to record the 
 goodness of the Lord to an unworthy sinner — where 
 shall I begin ? where end 1 It is too wonderful for me ; 
 I cannot attain unto it. The earth is full of the good- 
 ness of the Lord, But my soul knoweth that he is 
 good, and his mercy endure'th for ever. It is indescrib- 
 able, I took my usual walk, and at length reached the 
 oft-frequented tree, where I sat down and read, and 
 my heart went up to the Lord ; and his word was 
 ' spirit and life,' ' quick and powerful,' and sweet to 
 my taste. Surely I never had such captivating views 
 of the Lord Jesus. He was there in his power and 
 love — but language fails me to tell all his manifested 
 glories. 
 
 * While faith presents the Savior's death, 
 
 And whispers 'this is thine;' 
 Sweetly my rising hours advance, 
 And peacefully decline. 
 13* 
 
150 MEMOIR OF 
 
 • While such my views, the radiant snn 
 
 Sheds a more sprightly ray ; 
 Each object smiles ; all nature charms- 
 I sing my cares away.' 
 
 "After attending prayer-meeting I betook myself 
 again to the land of silence. How many mementos of 
 mortality! They lie thick around. 'lam the resur- 
 rection and the life' was brought to my mind as I en- 
 tered the grave-yard, and leaned over the grave of one 
 who had died in the faith, and contemplated the sleep- 
 ing dust, as it is now, and as it will be when the trump 
 of God shall sound. I thought of what I shall soon be 
 myself. As I meditated, the Lord drew near, and my 
 heart burned with love. There I renewedly gave my 
 all to him, and as I returned to my ' Bethel,' felt my- 
 self perfectly happy. Little did I once think I should 
 ever be so highly favored. But for this I sought, and 
 pleaded, and groaned for years. Bless the Lord ; he is 
 not slack concerning his promises — he came sud- 
 denly to this temple — he baptized me with the Holy 
 Ghost — to his name be all the glory. 
 
 " 12. Sabbath. — Spoke to the colored people this P. 
 M. ' Ethiopia shall soon stretch forth her hands unto 
 God.' How they are degraded and frowned upon by 
 white people ! My very soul pities their condition, both 
 in this country and in Africa. Heard that a murder 
 
 was committed a short distance from L . A man 
 
 ran a pitchfork through the head of another. Alas ! the 
 effects, the awful effects of sin ! When shall iniquity- 
 hide its hideous form? But why am not I the mur- 
 derer ? Distinguishing grace ! Lord, keep my feet that 
 they slide not. And may I never grieve the Holy Spi- 
 rit, by which I have no doubt I have been sealed to 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 151 
 
 the day of redemption. Blessed hope ! Sweet expec- 
 tation ! Transporting prospect ! Heavenly assurance ! 
 Bless the Lord, O my soul ! 
 
 "July 15. — It is Jesus constitutes my heaven below. 
 What a delightful manifestation of the Savior I have 
 just had. An angel's tongue might tell, but mine utter- 
 ly fails. This is the day of the week on which I re- 
 ceived an unction from the Holy Ghost, m a manner 
 and measure of which before I had no conception. 
 What a blessed reality is religion : O how divine ! 
 The Lord communicates with the soul as clearly^ as 
 convincingly^ and as feelingly^ as man with man, 
 face to face. 
 
 " 19. — Since I wrote last I have not had those lively 
 feelings of nearness to God until last evening, when 
 great grace rested upon me. I think I never had such 
 humiliating views of myself, and such a sense of the 
 condescension of God. My soul got low at the feet of 
 Jesus, and I bathed them with my tears. How sweet ! 
 and how welcome to my soul ! It was indeed refresh- 
 ing, and I could only praise and adore my God, and 
 admire the mysterious, wonderful relation I sustain to 
 him as ray Father — my Savior — my Sanctifier. What 
 a debt of gratitude I owe for all the goodness of the 
 Lord ! He has taken me up and set me among princes ; 
 from being a child of the devil, to be an heir of heaven. 
 
 " In contemplating my latter end, the question arose 
 what inscription would you have on your tomb-stone ? 
 And in thought I answered : 
 
 " ' Here lies . A sinner, born again ; a sinner, 
 
 washed, and justified, and sanctified. A smner, once 
 an heir of hell, a child of the devil, by wicked works ; 
 but by grace^ a child of God and an heir of heaven j 
 
152 MEMOIR OP 
 
 a miracle of grace, deserving all the miseries of the 
 second death; and yet an expectant of endless glory 
 and felicity. Farewell earth ; welcome heaven. I am 
 nothing; Jesus is all.' 
 
 " July 23. — In reviewing the goodness of the Lord to 
 me during the past month, I think I have experienced 
 clearer and more powerful manifestations of his love 
 and sanctifying grace than in any former month of my 
 life. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his 
 benefits towards the unworthiest of his creatu^res ? 
 Through fasting, my body is weak, though I feel strong 
 in the inner man. May the months to come find me 
 more spiritual and heavenly-minded. I long for in- 
 creased conformity to the Lord Jesus. O for daily 
 transformation into his likeness, till I shall see him as 
 he is. I know not what a day may bring forth ; but 
 more and more am I impressed with the absolute ne- 
 cessity of a well-laid foundation for future usefulness ; 
 and yet I have a most earnest desire to be in the field, 
 whence is the cry, ' Come over and help us.' Still 
 the providence of God seems clearly and forcibly to 
 utter his voice, ' Stay,' and I willingly submit ; and 
 enter the. sophomore instead of the junior class, and 
 to spend another year in hard study of the Latin and 
 Greek, that I may be well grounded. How different 
 my views from those entertained a year ago. With 
 disgust I perused to-day some of my records made 
 about that time, and was strongly tempted to destroy 
 them. But I still preserve them as mementos of my 
 folly ; yet lessons of wisdom have been learned from 
 those very circumstances ; lessons invaluable, though 
 bought at a very dear rate. I hope they will be turned 
 to good account. ' All things work together for good, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 153 
 
 to them that love God.' This I believe, and am per- 
 suaded those things were for my good ; for through 
 them I have seen and known more of myself — more 
 of man — more of God. I have since possessed a con- 
 tented mind, which has been a continued feast. My 
 feet had well nigh slipped, but the Lord held me up. 
 To his worthy name be all the praise. 
 
 " Abraham went out, not knowing whither he went. 
 I know nothing of my future destiny. I see, should 
 my life be extended, six years of preparation before 
 me. I feel much interest both in the Palestine and 
 Burman missions. But, speak, Lord, thy servant hear- 
 eth. If there be a spot on earth where thou wilt render 
 me a co-worker with thyself, I consult not my own 
 will. Nay, if thou hast nothing for me to do, I would 
 stand still and see the salvation of God. I am not my 
 own — I am the bought property of the great Head of 
 the church. Go or stay — live or die. Amen. 
 
 " August 10. — Last evening's hour of devotion was 
 spent on the bed, to gain relief for the suffering body. 
 It was a seasonable and ' light affliction.' It showed 
 me my frailty — my insufficiency — my dependence on 
 the Lord for every mercy. How important is health 
 for usefulness. Hence the necessity of great watchful- 
 ness and care to guard against disease, particularly in 
 the minister, and candidate for the holy office. Alas ! 
 how many young men throw away their after-life, 
 during their preparatory course. May I be guided wise- 
 ly, having — 1st. devotion, 2d. exercise, 3d. study, as 
 my principal daily objects, with an eye single to the 
 glory of God. 
 
 '• Aug. 21. — This evening I had a blessed season, 
 in waiting upon the Lord. My spiritual strength was 
 
154 MEMOIR OF 
 
 renewed. I had a refreshing view of Jesus. O how 
 much better than the pleasures pursued by the world ! 
 There is a ball in the neighborhood this evening. 
 Once I loved such scenes : but then I was a child of 
 sin. The Lord be praised for turning my mind from 
 folly at so early a period. Was it that I might do 
 something in his cause before I die? I trust he is 
 training me for usefulness. / know not ; — but He will 
 make it plain. Lord, make me holy. Help me to ex- 
 ercise myself unto godliness, and to strive in all things 
 to approve myself unto thee." 
 
 In all Mr. Taylor's papers, whether journal, notes, or 
 letters, we find the same spirit of piety and Christian 
 benevolence ; the same ardent desire that others should 
 enjoy the sweet communications of divine grace with 
 which his own soul was enriched. And while he la- 
 bored and prayed for his own growth in grace, he 
 was ever ready to use all the means within his reach 
 to awaken the careless, to bring sinners to repentance, 
 and to urge on the Christian in his race Among the 
 numerous letters from which our selections and ex- 
 tracts are taken, there is not one which does not 
 breathe the spirit of love to Christ and to the saints. 
 
 To Miss H , he wrote from Lawrenceville, Au- 
 gust, 1823. 
 
 " Since I had the opportunity of inquiring, as I was 
 wont to do, into your spiritual condition, you, doubt- 
 less, have had many a conflict with the world, the 
 flesh, and the devil. But what are these ? They are, 
 indeed, enemies of our souls ; but he who is 'made of 
 God unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and 
 
JAMES BKAINERD TAYLOR. 155 
 
 redemption,' will give us the victory. Whatever our 
 conflicts or trials, afflictions or disappointments, iu 
 (his vale of tears, let us receive them as included iu 
 the legacy of our Lord : ' In the world ye shall have 
 tribulation ; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the 
 world.' 
 
 " On how many places have we inscribed, ' Hitherto 
 hath the Lord helped us !' Then let us believe that 
 ' the Lord will provide.' I am a witness that the Lord 
 will provide — ' The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not 
 want.' — ' We are of more value than many sparrows.' 
 Will not the Lord take care of his children ? The cat- 
 tle upon a thousand hills are his — the earth too, with 
 all its fullness. He hath stores of blessings to supply 
 not only our temporal but our spiritual necessities, and 
 will he not do it? Yes, there is in our Father's house 
 bread enough and to spare. Even here on earth, we 
 may feed on angels' food ; and how delicious ! I trust 
 you have been richly fed at the table of our Lord from 
 day to day. The time was when we were strangers — 
 entire strangers to this sweet repast, because we knew 
 not the grace of God ; but to me, though unworthy of 
 the crumbs that fall from my Master's table, the Lord 
 has granted Gospel-measure — pressed down, shaken 
 together, and running over ; great grace has been upon 
 me. The windows of heaven have been opened, and 
 showers have come down and more than filled my 
 soul. The Lord has indeed done great things for me, 
 whereof I am glad. I have no language to describe 
 the heaven of love towards God and man which I have 
 enjoyed during the last fifteen months. Of this I do 
 not boast, for the Lord hath, in condescension and love 
 
166 MEMOIR OF 
 
 inflnitej bestowed it upon a worm, the unworthiest of 
 creation ; and to him be all the glory. 
 
 " Does the Holy Spirit bear witness with your spirit 
 that you are a child of God ? This is the privilege of 
 every soul that has been born of the Spirit. The frnit 
 of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, &c. Where these 
 abound, there the witness of the Spirit is enjoyed. 
 Then it is that the soul, with child-like simplicity, and 
 with filial confidence and affection, approaches God 
 and cries — Father — Abba — Father ; then it is that 
 death loses its terrors — the grave its gloom — the bar 
 of God its dreadfal aspect — and hell its horrors — rather, 
 the horrors of hell are deepened, but the fear of them 
 is gone. The soul, with this experience, is conscious 
 of reconciliation with God its Father — Jesus smiles — 
 the Comforter is present — and heaven is desired as the 
 home of the saint. 
 
 " To enjoy all this should be our constant aim; for 
 Jesus, dying, purchased it for us, and living, he is 
 ready to bestow it all upon us. The Lord make room 
 in our hearts for the full reception of himself, with all 
 his train of graces, and finally give us an abundant en- 
 trance into his kingdom to enjoy him for ever. 
 
 " Farewell — yours in Christian bonds, 
 
 "Jas. B. Taylor." 
 
 To return to those evidences of Christian character 
 afforded so abundantly in Mr. T.'s Journal, we tran- 
 scribe the record of his exercises, bearing date Sep- 
 tember 10, in which he appears, as might have been 
 believed without this direot evidence, to have had a 
 conscience remarkably tender, and much alive to every 
 thing that bore even the appearance of evil. 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 157 
 
 " How various are the assaults of Satan ! Last night 
 1 had a dream, in which a temptation was presented 
 to my mind, and I Avas overcome. This morning I felt 
 shorn of my spiritual strength, which I attributed to 
 that circumstance. Perhaps this was a chastisement 
 for an unguarded expression which I uttered to a gen- 
 tleman who came in during my hour of devotion — and 
 seeing me engaged with a book, proposed to retire, say- 
 ing he would not interrupt me ; to whom I replied, 
 ' No interruption.' This was intended only as a civi- 
 lity ; but my conscience smote me ; for he was inter- 
 rupting the sweet exercise in which I was engaged. I 
 looked to the Lord for pardon, and afterwards enjoyed 
 a blessed season of communion. 
 
 " Sept. 14. — I found, on coming home this evening, 
 a note from Mrs. M. S., telling me of her deliverance 
 from distress, and her joy in the Lord. She says, ' My 
 friend, I hope to hail you in heaven, as the instrument 
 in God's hand of bringing me to the feet of Jesus.' 
 
 " 15.— This day brings to mind the time when I 
 publicly declared myself the Lord's servant— seven 
 years have passed since I professed religion — O how 
 much ! What great and glorious things the Lord has 
 done for me since that time — and still I experience his 
 goodness. 
 
 " 16. — Blessed are they who are persecuted for 
 righteousness' sake. I have had a small share of that 
 blessedness to-day ; and I rejoice in it, because it arose 
 from doing my duty in conversing with sinners with 
 plainness, which is never acceptable to a proud heart — 
 and from giving testimony of the love of God in my 
 soul, to lukewarm professors, and urging the necessi- 
 
 14 J. B. Taylor. 
 
158 MEMOIR or 
 
 ty of a deep work of grace in the heart, and of the coil' 
 tinual witness of the Spirit. 
 
 " Did David say, ' Come and hear, all ye that feai 
 God, and I will tell what he hath done for my soul V 
 and may not Christians now tell of the goodness of 
 the Lord to them? Did Paul say, ' We know that if 
 the earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we 
 have a building of God, a house not made with hands, 
 eternal in the heavens?' and may not the heart that 
 enjoys the same assurance, express it in the same lan- 
 guage, even though professors of religion brand the 
 assertion as an evidence of self-righteousness ? 
 
 " Lord, never let the fear of man ensnare me ; and 
 may I ever be a bold witness for Jesus, and for the at- 
 tainment of that perfect love which casteth out fear. 
 
 " Sept. IS. — Another death in the neighborhood ! 
 How frequent and how swift the shafts of the destroyer 
 amongst us ! Whose time comes next ? Lord, is it I ? 
 After attending a funeral, at which I stood up between 
 the living and the dead, and spoke to the people, from 
 ' the time is short,' I took my accustomed walk, with 
 a heart full of gratitude to the Lord for my sweet and 
 cheerful hopes. I thought this might be my last walk 
 along that oft-frequented path, as my time at Law- 
 renceville is coming to a close. What a delightful re- 
 treat this has been to me ! But this evening I agonized 
 in spirit as I had never done before, in prayer for this 
 
 people. "While thus engaged I unexpectedly met , 
 
 and with streaming eyes addressed him. He wept — 
 the Lord bless his soul with conversion ! As I left him 
 1 wrestled in prayer for him, and for our neighbors. 
 My soul was pressed down with the weight of anxie- 
 ty, I felt for their eternal interests. When arrived at 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 159 
 
 the memorable tree, I fell before the Lord, to vent my 
 sorrows there. O the longing I had for this people I 
 All I asked was, for Christ's sake, that salvation might 
 come to them. While thus wrestling and weeping be- 
 fore my heavenly Father, an aged man drew near. I 
 espied him, but did not rise from my knees, and as he 
 came near I spoke to him, and testified of the love of 
 Jesus. I found he had no religion. I spoke to him 
 plainly and with a full heart. He soon began to weep, 
 and wished me to pray with him and for him. I did 
 with earnestness and with tears, and then exhorted 
 him to repent and to come to Christ now. He left me 
 with apparent concern. Lord, save his soul, and let it 
 not be in vain that he came hither. He said he thought 
 the Lord had sent him. I returned home rejoicing in 
 the Lord, and happy in his love. 
 
 " Sabbath, Sept. 21. — How pleasantly this morning 
 dawns upon me, a sinner saved by grace. 
 
 " I betook myself to the mercy-seat, and held sweet 
 communion with heaven. Had a spirit of prayer for 
 
 the people of L , but more particularly for my dear 
 
 friend L. P. Rivers of waters ran down my eyes, while 
 I forgot myself and interceded for him. Is this all for 
 nought? Is this agonizing spirit given in vain? I ex- 
 pect — I wait for the answer, while I hope for his con- 
 version. How long, O Lord, how long? Come, Lord 
 Jesus, come quickly. 
 
 " This has been a high day to my soul. The Lord 
 was with me in his temple, and filled me with his 
 love. It is my last attendance upon divine worship, 
 statedly, in this village, and I think it has been the 
 best. Dr. N. preached on the text, ' Ye were as sheep 
 going astray, but are now returned to the shepherd 
 
160 MEMOIR OF 
 
 and bishop of your souls.' The word was spirit and 
 life ; and I received the truth in the love of it, while it 
 melted my heart into love to Jesus, who had, as the 
 good Shepherd, searched me out, and reclaimed me 
 from my wanderings. How often has he led me into 
 green pastures, and made me lie down beside the still 
 v/aters ! 
 
 " I went this morning to visit a sick person — and 
 now it is a matter of astonishment that I am recording 
 the loving-kindness of the Lord and celebrating his 
 praises on the earth — surely nothing but the provi- 
 dence of God has preserved me." (Having been, on 
 this visit, twice thrown by a wild ungovernable horse.) 
 
 " I experienced but little inconvenience from my 
 falls, though I had a very narrow escape. There seems 
 to have been but a step between me and death : but I 
 thank God for these occurrences, for they have been 
 already sanctified to my spiritual good. The good 
 Shepherd made it the occasion of rich and bounteous 
 provision since my return. I was not frightened, but 
 my soul was full of praise at the time, and I have since 
 had a precious season, interceding before the Lord for 
 myself and my friend L. P. This friend has been much 
 on my heart to-day. Can it be for nothing? Lord, 
 save, or he will perish — and bless his household. 
 
 " Sept. 22. — I was examined in the morning, and in 
 the evening delivered an oration on science, with the 
 valedictory address. Thus ended my academical 
 course, during which I have had a diversified expe- 
 rience. May the Lord, by his good providence, direct 
 me in my future goings, and lead me on to final vic- 
 tory and heavenly glory." 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 161 
 
 Mr. Taylor now left Lawrenceville on a visit to his 
 friends in New-York and Connecticut, previous to his 
 entering college at Princeton. 
 
 During this visit, we find him the same engaged, 
 actively benevolent, and devoted Christian; endeavor- 
 mg to let his light shine, both among Christians and 
 before the world; telling them what the Lord had 
 done for him, and what he required of them. Both 
 ^^ publicly, and from house to house,^^ he was em- 
 ployed in commending his Master, in laboring to in- 
 duce Christians to strive for higher attainments in 
 holy love and devotedness to his cause, and in warn- 
 ing and exhorting sinners to repent without delay, and 
 submit themselves to Jesus Christ, as their Lord and 
 Savior. 
 
 Mr. Taylor seemed, even then, to have very clear 
 views of a subject, which to many Christians, and 
 Christian ministers, appears to be still enveloped in 
 darkness, viz. the duty of sinners immediately to re- 
 pent and give their hearts to Christ. While no one 
 could have had a stronger faith in the doctrines of 
 grace, and of man's entire dependence upon God ; nor 
 have been more ready and delighted to ascribe every 
 thing to God, both in providence and in grace ; yet his 
 mind took a strong grasp upon the bmding force of ob- 
 ligation ; for his heart felt it, and he pressed duty upon 
 both saints and sinners with a success which proved 
 that God was with him blessing his labors : which 
 has been acknowledged by many in life, and will doubt- 
 less be gratefully owned by them in heaven for ever. 
 There is reason to believe that during this vacation 
 Mr. Taylor was made the instrument of exciting a 
 14* 
 
162 MEMOIR OF 
 
 more vigorous tone of piety in several churches, and 
 of bringing a number of sinners to repentance. 
 
 At length the time arrived for his return *o study ; 
 and, to use his own language, 
 
 " Having spent a week in the hous>e of my Rev. fa- 
 ther H , and in the bosom of his endeared family, 
 
 and in laboring in the Lord's vineyard, the wind came 
 
 fair, and I embarked on board the S , Capt. W , 
 
 anticipating a pleasant passage : I have no doubt of its 
 having been a profitable one ; for it was trying to the 
 faith of God's children, and alarming to the wicked. 
 Our company consisted of the captain, two hands, four 
 passengers, two children, and myself. We had pro- 
 ceeded about twenty miles, when the wind increased 
 and blew violently. In the midst of the gale our boom 
 unshipped, and left us in a perilous condition — the 
 prospect was that we should capsize, and be swallowed 
 up in the waves. All above was terrific. The billows 
 dashed, the sea roared, the winds howled, and the hail 
 rattled. All below was solemn. We thought on awful 
 subjects — death — a watery grave — the bar of God — 
 heaven — hell. The captain I believe to be a godly 
 man : one more on board beside myself had a hope 
 which was an anchor to the soul : the rest were unre- 
 conciled to God. Alas ! their prospect was despair. 
 I thought, indeed, that I was nearer my heavenly home 
 than my father's house. It seemed that there was but 
 a stept betwixt me and death. But, in the midst of the 
 alarm God was with me to allay all turbulence within. 
 I looked to him for a promise, and he graciously gave 
 me this, ' Fear not, I am with thee.' It was sweet to 
 my taste, and m'ade me strong, while I lay in my berth 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 163 
 
 revolving it in my mind and calmly waiting the issue, 
 not knowing but the next surge would enter and fill 
 the cabin and end my life. 
 
 "A young lady, one of those that experienced reli- 
 gion at S , while I was there, was quite composed : 
 
 but another — O, how different ! O, her apparent peni- 
 tence ! her cries for mercy ! her weeping eyes ! in the 
 prospect of death and damnation. To me she came for 
 help ; but not to myself — to Christ I directed her. Alas I 
 the infatuation of mortals, to put off preparation for 
 eternity till the hour of danger. But thanks to the Lord 
 for deliverance. His arm was stretched out for our re- 
 lief. We were soon moored, and rode out the gale in 
 safety. 
 
 " I found my friends exceedingly kind, both at home 
 and in New- York. The Lord reward my parents, and 
 brothers, and sisters, for all their kindness to their son 
 and brother. I doubt not, that in this life they will 
 have a hundred fold ; and at the resurrection of the 
 just, be acknowledged as helpers of the helpless." 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 First year in College. 
 
 On the 6th of November, 1823, in the 22d year of 
 his age, Mr. Taylor was examined and admitted a 
 member of the Sophomore class, in the college of Nas- 
 sau Hail, where he remained three years, which to 
 
164 MEMOIR OF 
 
 some, and especially those preparing for the ministry, 
 will probably appear to be the most important period 
 of his life. 
 
 It can hardly have escaped the observation of those 
 who are interested in the spiritual prosperity of the 
 church, that there is in our literary institutions, arising 
 from the character of the studies, and from almost ne- 
 cessary associations, what may be called the college 
 spirit— the esprit du corps^ which is very unfavorable 
 to the attainment of a high-toned piety. Indeed, such 
 is its contagion, that however pious and devoted our 
 candidates for the ministry may be at their commenc- 
 ing a college life, the instances are very rare in which 
 a disinfecting process is not necessary to prepare them 
 for entering upon the duties of the sacred office. To 
 this cause must be attributed much of that want of 
 spirituality which has been the bane of the church 
 through all her eventful history j and to find an effec- 
 tual safeguard against the legion of evils arising from 
 this source, has long been an object of intense desire 
 with those who are wisely zealous for her true and 
 holy interests. 
 
 On this important subject the life of Mr. Taylor 
 sheds a cheering light, which shows that it is alto- 
 gether practicable to pass through those trying scenes, 
 not only without losing one's spirituality, but with 
 large accessions to his stores of self-knowledge, and 
 of holy devotedness to God and to the interests of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom. 
 
 None, indeed, may hope to encounter the trials of 
 such a life without many a hard conflict ; but the ex- 
 ample before us will show that these trials may be sus- 
 
JAiVIES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 165 
 
 tained with advantage, and that in the issue victory 
 will crown the arms of grace. 
 
 Perhaps more than most Christians of his age, Mr. 
 Taylor had his eye directed to the leadings of Provi- 
 dence, and more uniformly saw the hand of God in 
 every thing that occurred. With this habit of soul, it 
 was natural for him to seek and rely upon the divine 
 direction and support. 
 
 Having entered college, he writes in his journal, No- 
 vember 6 : 
 
 " For what purpose have I come hither ? Lord, 
 make plain the path of duty, and give me grace to be 
 faithful. 
 
 " 8. — Have been somewhat depressed in spirits for 
 two days past, owing to a combination of circum- 
 stances ; but this morning I was enabled to cast my 
 burden upon the Lord, and he sustained me. My soul 
 enjoyed a refreshing season. Thus I find that these 
 walls do not shut out my God. How blessed I am ! 
 
 " 9. Sabbath. — Found it good to wait on the Lord 
 in secret. The heavens were opened, and a blessing 
 poured out upon my soul. Religion can be enjoyed 
 in college. Lord, amidst so much iniquity keep me 
 spotless, and make me useful. 
 
 " 16. — The past week has been one of mercy and 
 goodness from the hand of the Lord. Beside a token 
 of affectionate regard from my friend L. P., I received 
 one from my brother K. These favors warmed my 
 heart with praise to God and gratitude to them. 
 
 " I have enjoyed nearness of access to God in secret, 
 and had a spirit of intercession for others as well as 
 myself. With tenderness and anxiety I have thought 
 
16G MEMOIR OP 
 
 on friends, and on this college ; and have been blessed 
 with a spirit of prayer for them. O that the Lord 
 would come in mighty power, and demolish the king- 
 dom of Satan, and build up his cause. The Redeemer's 
 kingdom prospers at the eastward, and souls are brought 
 in by scores ; Lord, send laborers into the harvest, and 
 work by whom thou wilt work, only let souls come 
 home to Jesus. 
 
 "Nov. 23. — Lord, what am I, or what my father's 
 house, that thou shouldst visit me ? The Lord is good, 
 and his mercy endureth for ever. This day and this 
 hour have I enjoyed the spirit of adoption sweetly 
 drawing my inmost soul with cords of love. How con- 
 descending and how kind to me, an unworthy worm. 
 He manifests himself as my Father in covenant. The 
 precious Lamb of God shows himself to my faith as a 
 full Savior, and reigns in my heart king supreme. 
 The Holy Spirit comes down as showers that water 
 the earth. Praise to my God for the holy unction with 
 which I have this day been anointed. The beauties of 
 my beloved Savior have captivated my heart, and yet 
 my cry is, ' more — my Lord, more faith which works 
 by love.' 
 
 " ' When thou fastest, anoint thy head and wash 
 thy face ; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but to 
 thy Father which is in secret ; and thy Father, which 
 seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.' Already have 
 I been rewarded. In the very act has my soul been 
 abundantly blessed, and thus have I found it profitable 
 to fast before the Lord this day. The blessing which 
 he gave me nineteen months ago, he has enabled me 
 to call to mind with thankful remembrance ; may he 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 167 
 
 Still make my habitation a dwelling of righteousness, 
 of peace, joy, and holy triumph. 
 
 " I feel the want of a kindred spirit. Where is the 
 spirituality of the church? Where are the men and 
 women ' full of faith and of the Holy Ghost V Lord, 
 purify thy church. Had an interview with one dear 
 child of God, whose soul appeared warm with love 
 and decided for God : with him I anticipate much 
 sweet intercourse. 
 
 " Nov. 30. — Let the warrior boast of his armor, and 
 the victor of his conquest; let the scribe glory in his 
 knowledge, and the sophist in his wisdom, and the 
 worldling in his wealth and pleasures. But God forbid 
 that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, by which I am crucified to the world, and the 
 world unto me. 
 
 " This has been a harvest day to my soul. The Sun 
 of righteousness arose, and I basked in his beams, 
 whose fructifying influence brought forth the good 
 fruit, love. Indeed it is heaven upon earth. God blesses 
 me from day to day. During the past week my meat 
 and drink have been sweet antepasts of heaven — long- 
 ing to see Jesus, and reign with him above. 
 
 " Wrote to my dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. D . 
 
 May my communication be a word in season to that 
 dear family." 
 
 In this letter Mr. Taylor supposes them to ask him, 
 " How do you like college life? Can you enjoy reli- 
 gion there?" And then answers : " I am happy to re- 
 ply that I am pleased with residing in this institution, 
 for several reasons ; the chief of which is, because I 
 believe it to be my duty to be here. The advantages 
 
168 MEMOIR OF 
 
 for the acquisition of knowledge are every way suffi- 
 cient; sucli as proper books and qualified teachers, and 
 a complete system of operations. This regularity of 
 procedure suits me well, and I endeavor ' to have a 
 place for every thing, and every thing in its place.* 
 To enjoy religion, as you know, is to have a sense of 
 pardoned sin, and the presence of God reconciled 
 through Christ. This can only be felt where ' faith, 
 that worketh by love,' is in exercise. Where this faith 
 is in exercise no college walls, no sink of iniquity, can 
 shut out the Lord. ' 'Tis his presence makes our pa- 
 radise below ;' and his presence I have felt from day 
 to day. Glorious have been the manifestations of his 
 love to my believing, rejoicing heart. In this Bethel 
 I have experienced many such seasons, and am look- 
 ing for many more. They are the sweet earnests of a 
 blessed immortality. Lord, evermore give us this bread. 
 
 " But a word to Miss S— -— . Was my parting word, 
 'Be faithful?' I trust you are so, giving diligence to 
 make your calling and election sure. And we should, 
 in imitation of our beloved Master, do good to alL 
 Why are we not more ingenious in discovering and 
 disseminating means of ' doing good?^ This is a day, 
 if I may call it so, of invention. Cannot yotc invent 
 something for the good of the church? Think and 
 pray over this suggestion until you are satisfied. 
 
 " A word to S . ' Son of Jonas, lovest thou me ? 
 
 Feed m_y sheep.' How mighty this question ! And the 
 office of feeding the flock of Jesus Christ, how delight- 
 ful ! By your intended profession you will not be de- 
 prived of this privilege. May you prove to be a beloved 
 physician. But can you say. ' Lord, thou knowest that 
 I love thee?' 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 169 
 
 '' " To W . ' Where art thou V Rejoicing in 
 
 hope, and giving glory to God ? Let us not be willing 
 to spend one day without becoming more like Christ; 
 for it is conformity to him that will make us holy, and 
 that alone. 
 
 " A word to Miss . What of that doubting and 
 
 fearing ? Are all lost in the sweet testimony that you 
 please God? Cast all your burdens upon the Lord ; 
 and may you, like Mary, sit at the feet of Jesus — hang 
 around his cross — make him your all — all your salva- 
 tion and all your desire. 
 
 " To Miss . Our Savior said, I am the good 
 
 shepherd. Do you hear his voice, and follow him 
 daily ? As a lamb of the flock, may the good shepherd 
 carry you in his bosom. Let us lean upon him — 
 commit our all into his hands, and thus lie at hia 
 disposal. 
 
 " To Miss . ' One shall be taken and another 
 
 left.' Is it true, that father and mother, brothers and 
 sisters, have been taken ? and you — you left ? left for 
 what? Ask yourself this question for days to come — 
 days to come ! who can tell but, ere to-morrow's sun, 
 you may have left the earth, and the soul gone — 
 where ? 
 
 " Finally, a word to all. Exercise yourselves unto 
 godliness, in constant watchfulness and prayer, and 
 frequent fasting. Let the Bible be your companion — 
 give yourselves to reading and meditation. Use it as a 
 test to try every thought, word, and action. Let us do 
 good to all. In a word, walk humbly, penitently, and 
 in faith ; so that we die daily. Advance heavenward, 
 and be blessed continually, and be happy for ever. 
 
 15 J. B. Taylor. 
 
170 MEMOIR OF 
 
 With increased affection for you all, I am, in the best 
 of bonds, yours, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 " Dec. 7. — Another week has gone, and gone for 
 ever. While passing, the inscriptions goodness and 
 inercy have been legible on every day. My enjoyment 
 has not been so great as during the two weeks pre- 
 ceding. And the reason is obvious — I wandered from 
 the Lord ; and bitterness of soul took the place of 
 sweet love : but the Lord heard my prayer, and again 
 visited me with his grace. His mercy endureth for ever. 
 Last night also witnessed my yielding to the same 
 temptation, which brought leanness and sadness unto 
 my soul. With what depression did I arise this Sab- 
 bath morning I The Sabbath's Lord was absent — the 
 "Spirit, grieved, had left me, until I went into the cha- 
 -lel ; I prayed, and read, and sung, but my heart was 
 ^one. Still I had faith and a fixed purpose to wait on 
 ;he Lord. I was solemn. I felt that the glory had de- 
 parted. While the chapter was reading, my heart be- 
 gan to melt into penitential grief; I felt myself deserv- 
 ing the lowest hell. I also felt that if I were sent to 
 hell, I could but praise God for what he had done for 
 me. At this juncture peace and consolation flowed 
 into my soul, and I could praise the Lord. Blessed be 
 his name for ever." 
 
 On the same date he thus writes to his friend Miss 
 W : 
 
 " He who hath said, ' If I go away, I will come 
 again unto you,' visits my soul with his love, and 
 makes me happy here ; and does he not add, ' to re- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 171 
 
 ceive you unto myself?' I have had a heaven upon 
 earth, even in this college ; and you do not think it 
 strange, for you know that where the Prince of peace 
 reigns there is peace. 
 
 " But what think you of those professors of religion 
 who, when you tell them of all this, and assure them, 
 upon the authority of GocVs word, that they may have 
 the desire of their hearts, reply, that they wisL they 
 could enjoy more of God's presence, but they are sub- 
 ject to so many temptations, and have to encounter so 
 many difficulties, they hardly know what they are ? 
 Is not their state dangerous ? And does not all their 
 hungering and thirsting after righteousness end in a 
 mere wish 7 What saith the Psalmist ? ' Delight thy- 
 self in the Lord, and he shall give thee the desires of 
 thy heart,' Who that delights in a conformity to an 
 ungodly world, its fashions, its vain show — who of all 
 that follow the devices and desires of an unrenewed 
 heart, can look for such favors from the Lord? They, 
 and they alone, who make God their only portion, and 
 delight themselves in the Lord as their chief joy, can 
 live in peace — can hope to die in triumph, and reign 
 with the Lamb for ever. 
 
 " Let us give to those dead in trespasses and sins, 
 all their sinful enjoyments ; let formal professors plead 
 their excuses ; but let them know at the same time, 
 that they will have to settle them at the bar of their 
 just Judge. Let others glory in what they will ; but be 
 It ours to glory only in the cross of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, to whom be praise for ever." 
 
 Diary, Dec. 23. — " Fasted this day, and had a thank- 
 ful remembrance of that season of divine communi- 
 
172 MEMOIR OF 
 
 cation so often referred to, which I enjoyed twenty 
 months ago. I believe the work of grace has been 
 deepened since that joyful hour ; the experience of to- 
 day assures me that I have sunk low in my own es- 
 teem, and that it is by grace that I am in the way to 
 glory. At evening devotion could not find words to 
 express the fullness of my heart ; but I could say, 
 ' Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.' What precious 
 hours I have spent thus far since I have been in col- 
 lege ! The good Shepherd has fed me in his rich- 
 est pastures, and here, my Lord, I give my little all 
 to thee : still enlarge the vessel, and bless me abund- 
 antly." 
 
 Of this date we have another precious letter from 
 Mr. Taylor to his aged clerical friend H — , of S — . 
 
 " J^assau-Hall, Dec. 23, 1823, Saturday evening. 
 "Reverend and beloved Sir, 
 
 "Another week is gone, and I rejoice, inasmuch as 
 I have one week less to remain this side of heaven. 
 Yes ! I give praise to our God that I was born to die — 
 to die ? to live for ever. The thought is sweet. ' O the 
 pain ' — stay, for where is the pain to the dying saint 1 
 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is 
 the law. But for the believer Christ hath magnified 
 the law and made it honorable ; and thus hath pur- 
 chased pardon, reconciliation, and sanctification, which 
 being poaeessed, sets the soul at liberty and makes it 
 free indeed. To me it seems that for a child of God to 
 die is but going from one room to another. His body, it 
 is true, may be exercised with exquisite pain, but the 
 spirit will rest, and calmly commit all into the hands 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 173 
 
 of God, and there lie at his disposal. And when the im- 
 portant crisis arrives, how sweetly does the soul lean 
 upon the breast of its beloved and repose in his kind 
 arms, while it breathes itself away from the clay te- 
 nement to become a fixed resident in glory. ' O the 
 bliss of dying.' ' This moment for heaven I'd leave all 
 below.' 
 
 " The reason why so many who live in the enjoy- 
 ment of lively hope, fearfully apprehend the approach 
 of death, I think is to be found in the notions they 
 have formed of his appearance. But what is death ? 
 Is it to be supposed that he is a frightful form, hideous, 
 and terrible 7 Is it not rather the gracious appearance 
 of Emmanuel — God with us ? What does he say ? 
 ' If I go away, I will come again unto you and receive 
 you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be 
 also.' When we die, we do not expect to see death 
 set forth as in hieroglyphical form — no — but as Ste- 
 phen beheld, to the joy of his soul. We expect to see 
 Jesus, who no doubt presents his kind hand, and first 
 welcomes his ransomed ones to his own kingdom. 
 What then should we do — what could we do without 
 Jesus ? Take him from our pilgrimage below, and our 
 manna would fail ; take him from the Jordan of death, 
 its waves would overwhelm us, and our frightened 
 souls would sink in endless despair; take him from 
 heaven, and heaven would be annihilated for ever. 
 Truly, he is all, and in all — ' the desire of all nations.' 
 
 " This evening my mind has been led to look to Je- 
 sus, as the apostle says, ' Looking unto Jesus.' I was 
 thus led, more particularly, because to-morrow is to be 
 our communion season. 
 
 " ' Looking unto Jesus? Before the world was, he 
 15* 
 
174 MEMOIR OF 
 
 dwelt with the Father. And, O what glory and delight 
 he must have had from all eternity ! We may look 
 mito him as God, by whom the worlds were made. 
 But had he need of worlds ? What do they add to his 
 infinite, underived, eternal glory ? For whom, but for 
 man, was this fair fabric formed, and lighted up, and 
 adorned so richly ? Upon God's equal we may gaze 
 with wonder, and adore his condescension. O what 
 pity touched his sympathizing soul ! What the might 
 of that love which brought him down ! Well might 
 the plains of Bethlehem resound with glory to God ia 
 the highest ; peace on earth, and good will to men. 
 And well may we join the heavenly host in praising 
 God ; for unto us a Savior was born, who is Christ 
 the Lord. 
 
 * O for this love, let rocks and hills 
 Their lasting silence break.' 
 
 " Let us look to Jesus during his state of humiliation, 
 for from the manger to the cross he was preparing the 
 way to bring many sons unto glory. O the contradic- 
 tions he met from sinners ! What temptations in the 
 wilderness ! What agony in the garden ! But the won- 
 ders of the cross ! It is here our hopes centre. For the 
 hope which the cross inspired, the primitive Chris- 
 tians were ready to suffer ; nay, did suffer and die. 
 However opposed, they preached its doctrines, and 
 said, God forbid that we should glory, save in the 
 cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 "Extending our \iew beyond the cross, we may 
 profitably look upon him whom we have pierced, as 
 arising from the dead. ' He rose again for our justifi- 
 cation.' What joy his disciples felt when their eyes 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 175 
 
 once more beheld their Lord, whom the Jews had cru- 
 cified and slain ! But he was soon to leave them, and 
 triumphantly ascend up where he was before. 
 
 " Thither our forerunner hath entered — our captain 
 has led the way ; and now we may look unto him at 
 the right hand of the Majesty on high. By faith, too, 
 we may look at the mansions he hath prepared. But 
 what is faith's vision ? It is indeed a blessed reality ; 
 * it is the substance of things hoped for, and the evi- 
 dence of things not seen.' But we want more^ and 
 more we shall have. Not through a glass darkly shall 
 we see him, but face to face — see him as he is. Fear 
 not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to 
 give you the kingdom. 
 
 " Do we want stronger faith ? To Jesus must we 
 look, who is the author and finisher of faith ; and pray, 
 as by example we are taught, ' Lord increase our faith.' 
 Would we be what God would have us to be, what 
 do we need but to be conformed to the image of his 
 dear Son ? And how shall this be efiected but by look- 
 ing continually unto Jesus ? Are we ignorant ? He is 
 our Prophet. Are we sinners ? He is present to plead 
 our cause — a priest whom the Father heareth always, 
 and whose blood cleanseth from all sin. Would we 
 have all things brought into complete subjection to his 
 law 1 As King, he is on the holy hill of Zion. Where 
 is such an example of patience under sufiering ? and 
 he knows how to succor them that are tempted. In 
 doing the will of his heavenly Father, how assiduously 
 and perseveringly did he accomplish his work ! What 
 ire find to do, may we do it with our might. The more 
 steadily we look to Jesus, the faster we shall run, the 
 
176 MEMOIR or 
 
 higher will be our attainments, the happier we shall 
 be, and the more we shall honor God. 
 
 "But when will our race be ended? My reverend 
 father, do not you feel that your course is almost 
 finished ? Looking forward, you behold the crown 
 of righteousness. Besides your own household, you 
 hope to meet many a departed saint who once sat un- 
 der your ministry, and was brought to God through 
 your instrumentality. If any thing could cause us to 
 sing ' Hosanna to the Son of David,' next to our own 
 salvation, it must be that God hath honored us, in 
 bringing souls to Christ. Glory to God in the highest, 
 may be the united acclamation of pastor and people. 
 Pray that I may never be satisfied with bread alone — 
 that is, to labor for a living, but that I may have souls 
 for my hire. 
 
 " Dear Mrs. H , may I not say to you as Eliza- 
 beth said to Mary, ' Blessed art thou among women.' 
 Surely the Lord hath heard your supplications, and 
 your oflfspring have been born again ; if so, what more 
 could the Lord have done to his little vineyard than 
 he hath done ? May your nursery of piety still receive 
 the early and latter rain — be continually visited by the 
 heavenly Gardener — and, when transplanted, I doubt 
 not he will range you all among his trees of righteous- 
 ness, to flourish for ever in his courts. 
 
 " By this time you are perhaps ready to ask, ' How 
 do you like college life ? Can you enjoy religion there V 
 Not unto me, but to God be the praise ; these walls 
 cannot shut out the Lord ; and where he is, there is 
 heaven. I do not find the obstacles I anticipated. 
 The Lord has proved better than all my fears, and has 
 given me ' daily bread.' I have fed on angels' food — 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 177 
 
 my room has been made a Bethel, and I find it is 
 growing better and better, instead of diminishing. 
 My cup overflows — I am on my journey to heaven, 
 with the desire to love God more, and serve him bet- 
 ter. O let us keep near the cross, and be diligent to 
 make our calling and election sure." 
 
 The following extracts from Mr. Taylor's diary, 
 show that he ended as he began the year, with God — 
 in a high state of spirituality, and with an unremitting 
 attention to the duties of religion. 
 
 " December 25. — Last evening I walked to Law- 
 renceville, and once more hailed my dear brothers F. 
 and S. and friends, who received me cordially. 
 
 " This morning I arose with much pain in my breast, 
 but the light affliction was sanctified. After breakfast 
 I took my old walk, and remembered the days of for- 
 mer times — I stopped and overlooked the surrounding 
 scenery — but I was on my way to that oft-frequented 
 tree. David said, ' I will remember thee from the hill 
 Mizar.^ What occasion have I to remember the Lord 
 from that tree ! Although the morning was cold, the 
 Lord warmed my heart as I knelt and prayed on that 
 spot, from which many a prayer had ascended to the 
 throne of grace. 
 
 " It was truly a melting time — O what tenderness ! 
 what resignation I And I returned, after my heart 
 had enjoyed the season, blessing and praising God. 
 
 " During the day my mind was solemn ; and on my 
 way home, as I mused, the fire burned. In the high- 
 way Jesus was exceedingly precious. It is God — the 
 triune, the holy God, that captivates my heart— -and 
 
178 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to be conformed to the image of his dear Son is my 
 supreme desire. Lord, make me more holy ! 
 
 " This has been a good Christmas-day to me. The 
 birth of the Savior has occurred to my mind, in all its 
 circumstances, with pleasing reflections. But now he 
 reigns on high, the Judge of all. What a mysterious, 
 yet consistent whole ! And all to make his people 
 blessed for ever. 
 
 " 28th, Sabbath.— This is the last Lord's day of the 
 year, and it may be numbered among the best ; for 
 surely the kingdom of heaven, which is righteous- 
 ness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, has been set 
 up powerfully in my soul. Much of heaven has come 
 down to earth. The powers of darkness have given 
 way, while the King has been seated on his throne 
 within me. I thmk I never had such a loving child- 
 like spirit in pouring out my heart before God, my 
 Father, as I had this evening. It was surely his 
 adopting love, into whichl sunk. How it overpowered 
 me ! my body shook with the delightful emotion. At 
 noon, also, after walking, with a heart pouring out 
 praise to my God — my God in covenant — I sat down 
 and meditated upon his works — all of which uttered 
 their voice in praise of their Creator: my heart was 
 broken, and caused my tears to flow. The remem- 
 brance of my youthful follies impressively recurred, 
 as I beheld groups of lads who had been wandering 
 over the fields. The distinguishing grace of God, too, 
 was manifest, for as I sat, I saw two of my fellow- 
 students violating this sacred day by secular employ- 
 ment — preparing recitations probably for to-morrow. 
 ' Hallow my Sabbaths,' is Heaven's high command. 
 -On Sabbath night I retired much 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 179 
 
 exercised with pain of body, but with a solid peace of 
 mind. I did not rest well through the night, and arose 
 in the morning much indisposed. I attended recitation 
 in ihe forenoon ; but at noon betook myself to bed, 
 after the Lord had poured a blessing into my happy 
 soul. The light affliction was sanctified, so that I 
 could not pray, nor did 1 wish others to pray, for my 
 recovery ; and the symptoms were alarming. My will 
 was entirely resolved in this : ' Thy will be done ;' — 
 while I felt that ' to be with Christ is best,' and the 
 thought of dying was sweet. 
 
 " Looking at my record, made one year ago this 
 evemng, I find my testimony to the Lord's goodness 
 the year just then ending, and an invocation for the 
 continuance not only, but for an increase of his favor 
 and love, during the succeeding year. My prayer has 
 been heard. Great and glorious things have been done 
 for my soul, in secret with my God ; and of all men I 
 am under the strongest bonds of gratitude, of love, and 
 of praise to him in return. 
 
 " Why may I not expect greater things the coming 
 year? ' The path of the just is as the shining light, 
 that shineth more and more to the perfect day.' 
 
 " Lord God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, 
 whose I am, thine would I be. To thee, through the 
 beloved, I renewedly and solemnly engage my love 
 and obedience. O keep me — save me from all evil — 
 and bless me abundantly, more than I can ask or 
 think— all things are possible with thee." 
 
 Mr. Taylor's annual letter to his father and family, 
 at Middle Haddam, which he called his new-year^s 
 ^iftj was written this year a little in advance of the 
 
180 MEMOIR OP 
 
 usual time, and bears date the 14lh December. From 
 this communication, full of affection, filial and frater- 
 nal, we present our readers with some extracts, strong- 
 ly expressive of gratitude and piety towards the Giver 
 of every good and perfect gift. 
 
 " Reviewing the past year, many things which 
 awaken pleasing reflections rise to my recollection. 
 No period of my life has been marked with clearer in- 
 dications of the Lord's goodness to his unworthy ser- 
 vant. When surveying my room, I discover one arti- 
 cle here, and another there, which reminds me of my 
 dependence, and shows the liberality of dear relations 
 and friends. How much they have ministered to my 
 wants, I cannot say : only, for what I have, I am in- 
 debted to Him who is the first cause of the openings, 
 liberal openings, of the hands of those interested in 
 my prosperity. But more of these will be manifested 
 at the resurrection of the just, when our Lord shall 
 say, ' Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the 
 least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' 
 By the blessing of God, I have all things, and abound. 
 
 " As to religious enjoyment, no year has witnessed 
 such displays of divine love. And I may humbly and 
 joyfully say, I have grown in grace. My trials have 
 been few, and have all worked for good ; my tempta- 
 tions many, but in heaven's armor I have overcome. 
 While my prospect for heaven gathers brightness, my 
 determination to spend and be spent for God increases. 
 I daily feel my nothingness j and that it is ' by the 
 grace of God I am what I am,' a poor sinner saved by 
 grace. I am one year nearer the end of my preparatory 
 course. One year nearer ? Who knows that the Lord 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 181 
 
 Will count me faithful, putting me into the ministry 7 
 Concerning this, however, I am but little anxious. I 
 know that my object, my highest wish, while on earth, 
 is to be instrumental in bringing souls to Christ. If, 
 then, I should be called home while preparing for the 
 field, it would be only calling me from the toil to reap 
 the reward. The good Shepherd accepts a willing 
 mind; and often, instead of confining one's labors to 
 earth, takes the soul to heaven, to render a perfect ser- 
 vice in his presence. And who will say this is not to 
 be preferred ? I endeavor to take no thought for to- 
 morrow : to-day my inquiry should be, What is my 
 duty? Thus I am endeavoring to go on, in a regular 
 round of duty. My studies are attended to with the hope 
 that they may be sanctified to some good use. My 
 hours sacred to devotion are welcome, and bring with 
 them streams from the fountain of living waters, and 
 thus keep me alive. O how refreshing ! how anima- 
 ting ! The presence of God makes us as trees planted 
 by the rivers of waters, which yield good fruit — fruit 
 to the glory of God. 
 
 " To look forward a year ! It is a precious — an in- 
 valuable period of time. Thus, more than we do, the 
 ransomed of the Lord, and the spirits of the lost view 
 it. O that we may be wise, to make the most of the 
 year that is before us ! What new plans, then for do- 
 ing good can we devise? or how can we improve 
 those already adopted ? Why should we not strive, 
 as individuals, to make our influence to be felt all over 
 the earth ? The Lord help us to labor faithfully. And 
 this we should do, not merely from a sense ot duty, as 
 obligatory upon all, but as binding upon each, and that 
 too now, as we know not but, ere the close of 1824, we 
 
 16 J. B. Taylor. 
 
1S2 MEMOIR OP 
 
 may be summoned hence. Has not heaven something 
 for us to do ; something to make known for the good 
 of mankind through us ? Let us pray over this interro- 
 gatory until we are satisfied. 
 
 " What is before us as a family, and as individuals, 
 we know notj but to Him who hath brought us 
 hitherto, all is plain. Concerning this we should noi 
 be anxious ; for, ' shall not the Judge of all the earth 
 do right?' 
 
 " As for myself, I feel that the seeds of mortality 
 have taken deep root Avithin me, and I am frequently 
 reminded of my latter end. But does this alarm me ? 
 No: for every evidence of the approach of the mes- 
 senger, death, I have cause to rejoice, rather than to 
 be terrified. It is a sweet exercise to pass the valley, 
 in imagination, and look beyond, upon the pearly 
 gates. Faith enters within the city, and walks the 
 golden streets. 
 
 ' O glorious hour I O blest abode ! 
 1 shall be near, and like my God!' " 
 
 As Mr. Taylor closed the last year, so did he com- 
 mence the new one, with a grateful and devout ac- 
 knowledgment of the goodness and grace of God. 
 
 On the 1st of January^ 1824, we find in his diar)'. 
 this short but expressive notice : 
 
 " The Lord has indeed given me a happy beginning 
 of a new year. At evening devotion, had a blessing 
 so rich and full that there seemed a want of room to 
 receive it. Carry on, carry on thy glorious work, O 
 mf God, and make me more like Jesus." 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 183 
 
 It is delightful to observe how this devoted servant 
 of Christ labored, not only to grow in grace himself, 
 but to stimulate others in the same blessed course. In 
 this, perhaps as much as in any one thing, he disco- 
 vered his own likeness to Him who continually went 
 about doing good. In his diary, and in all his corre- 
 spondence, as well as in the recollections of his ac- 
 quaintance and friends, he seemed never to lose sight 
 of the spiritual improvement of those who professed 
 to love the Lord Jesus Christ. In a letter, dated Nas- 
 sau Hall, Jan. 13, 1824, addressed to Miss L , he 
 
 wrote as follows : 
 
 " It seems from your testimony that God has lately 
 deepened the work of grace in your soul. How blessed 
 to be blessed of God ! What can equal that peace 
 which Christ imparts in some favored moment to his 
 disciples? What joy is like that which flows from an 
 unction of the Holy One ? It may be said of those 
 who are justified and sanctified, ' Ye are the temples 
 of the Holy Ghost.' And to them earth has lost its 
 charms — those scenes of former gayety are mourned 
 over, as time worse than lost — forms and fashions no 
 more seem becoming. With what holy contempt do 
 such look upon the passing vanities of the world. 
 Disgusted with these things, the soul seeks its happi- 
 ness in retirement, and finding it there alone with 
 God, leaves the worldling to his pursuits and plea- 
 sures. Give me my Bible, a season for holy medita- 
 tion, and an opportunity to call on my ' Father who 
 seeth in secret,' and I envy not their joys. 
 
 " Having been so richly blessed of Heaven, I trust 
 you will go on, renewing your strength from day to 
 
184 MEMOIR OP 
 
 day. "We need ' daily bread.' And close and intimate 
 comraunion with God the Father, and with his Son 
 Jesus Christ, is the food best adapted to the soul that 
 has tasted that the Lord is gracious. May you find 
 your closet more and more a Bethel. It is there that 
 the soul must be trained. There the sweetest hours 
 are to be enjoyed. Holy ones, in every age, have lived 
 near to God in secret. It is this ihat fits one to live a 
 holy, self-denying, cross-bearing life before the world. 
 
 " Since my location in college, the Lord has been 
 very gracious in manifesting his love to my soul. He 
 has communed with me from off" the mercy-seat, so 
 that I have found that these walls cannot shut out the 
 Comforter from my heart. Were it not for this refresh- 
 ing from the presence of the Lord, what should I do ? 
 Methinks of all men I should be the most miserable ; 
 but with this my soul is happy, and often exults in 
 God. 
 
 " Were I to suggest some rules for holy living, they 
 should be the following : 
 
 " Let there be constant watchfulness, frequent fast- 
 ings, and continual prayer. 
 
 " Let the Bible be a constant companion for read- 
 ing and meditation ', and as a test to try every thought, 
 word, and action. 
 
 "Do GOOD TO ALL. In a word, walk humbly, peni- 
 tently, and believingly; soshalt thou 'die daily,' ad- 
 vance heavenward hourly, be blessed always, and 
 happy for ever." 
 
 Diary. " Jan. 16. At evening devotion the windows 
 of heaven were opened, and showers of love refreshed 
 my soul. My heart leaped for joy. What glorious 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 185 
 
 things doth my God bestow upon a worm ! Grace ! 
 free grace !" 
 
 Of the same date we find an interesting and instruc- 
 tive letter to one of his brothers, strongly evincing his 
 fraternal affection and fidelity, and exhibiting a lovely 
 picture of that respect which the younger should ever 
 feel for the elder. 
 
 "My brother, I love you 'in the bowels of Jesus 
 Christ.' In him you are the elder, and I rejoice that I 
 may converse with you as a partaker of the same 
 grace. ' You know the love of God.' But according 
 to your testimony, it is not with you as in days that 
 are past. Since you addressed m.e, it may be you have 
 come up out of the wilderness, and are now leaning 
 upon the Beloved. If so, I will rejoice with you. If 
 not, I will sympathize, and my prayer shall be, that 
 not many days hence you may be baptized with the 
 Holy Ghost. Of myself I will not glory. I feel far 
 from this ; but in Christ, through whom my peace is 
 as a river, and my righteousness as the waves of the 
 sea, I will glory. O the love of God, into which I have 
 sunk, as into an ocean ! Peace, love, joy, and exulta- 
 tion, like waves of the sea, have rolled over me. I am 
 still looking to sink deeper, and am waiting to hear 
 you tell me that you are happy in the visits of the love 
 of God. 
 
 " I know indeed that you have a thousand things to 
 oppose your advance in the way of holiness, that are 
 not common with those in my situation. But still, 
 *Foes we have, and we must fight.' We both need 
 gr^at grace to withstand our enemies. But, consider- 
 16* 
 
186 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ing our employments, I conclude without hesitation, 
 that your temptations and crosses are more numerous 
 than mine. From the multiplicity of your cares in bu- 
 siness, your mind may often be disturbed. ' None of 
 these things move me.' The day rolls round, and I am 
 charged with but three things of importance — my sou', 
 my body, and my studies ; and I have a time and place 
 for each. If time and opportunity offer, a fourth is, to 
 do good to my friends near and remote. 
 
 " As near as I can judge, the world has lost all its 
 charms for me. I go not mto it for its pleasures. I seek 
 not my happiness among the wicked. No ; God is the 
 source of my happiness ; Jesus the channel, and the 
 Holy Spirit is the agent. Shut out from the world — 
 shut up in God — surrounded with darkness — filled with 
 light, I live alone, and yet am visited from heaven. 
 And if I do not grow in grace, I shall be visited with 
 stripes: Pray for me, that the good hand of God may 
 still be upon me. I feel that God is training me for 
 something either in his vineyard here, or in glory 
 above. I long for the best gifts, and to be found to be 
 a workman thoroughly furnished. 
 
 "I suppose you do not gain that frequent and near 
 access to God which you once enjoyed. Do you now 
 give as much time to closet devotion as you then did? 
 And when you retire, do you find your mind fixed on 
 God, and your thoughts abstracted from worldly things, 
 as formerly 1 Let not my brother think this the lan- 
 guage of reproach. It is love. And be assured, I verily 
 believe you would sacrifice all, rather than knowingly 
 wound the cause of love. If I mistake not, you wish 
 to live in, what I long to have you enjoy, the fullness 
 of God, Then let no cross be considered too heavy to 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 187 
 
 be borne in following Christ ; no loss too great to be 
 sustained for Christ j and no path too holy in going 
 after Christ. 
 
 " That you may possess all — nay, more than you 
 wish now, or even think, there is not the least doubt 
 in my mind ; and not only possess it for a day, but for 
 years — nay, for ever, with the increase. And but for 
 this, what is the religion of our Lord ? He led cap- 
 tivity captive, that we might go free. He invites us 
 into a close union with himself. He waits for a renew- 
 ed and full surrender, to crown us with joy — to feed 
 us with plenty — to bless us abundantly, and to make 
 us kings and priests for ever." 
 
 Diary. — " Jan. 18. How repeated the goodness of 
 God ! ' Ye are of more value than many sparrows.' 
 * Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of 
 these things.' Yesterday I received an amount suffi- 
 cient to pay my session bill, besides a token from my 
 dear friend L. P. ' Lacked ye any thing ? And they 
 said. Nothing.' My wants have been supplied, and I 
 continue to this day a witness of the faithfulness of a 
 covenant-keeping-God. 
 
 "Jan. 21. How shall I record the wonderful works 
 of God to a sinner saved by grace ? Glory to God in 
 the highest. Language cannot describe the overflow- 
 ing, melting love of God ! But my Lord knoweth, and 
 my heart felt it at evening devotion. Shut out from 
 the world, I held sweet converse with heaven. But 
 for these visitations of my God, what should I do ? 
 
 '' Jan. 23. May the twenty-third of each revolving 
 month pass with grateful recollection. The loving- 
 kindness of the Lord, O how great ! Enjoyed a sweet 
 
188 MEMOIR OF 
 
 season during my noon-day walk. While I have fast- 
 ed, I have been fed with heavenly manna. 
 
 " O ! am I not blessed of God ? I sometimes think 
 myself the happiest mortal on earth. And soon, glory 
 to God, I expect to join the church above. I have daily 
 mementos of my mortality ; and my soul gets on high 
 more and more. May I live in heaven." 
 
 The correspondence of Mr. Taylor was so exten- 
 sive, that it is necessary, in order to bring this memoir 
 within a reasonable compass, to make selections ; and 
 yet there runs so rich a vein of piety through all his 
 papers, that the inducement is very strong just to ar- 
 range and print the whole. We find neither letter, nor 
 note, nor record, in his diary, that has not something 
 of the same all-pervading spirit of devotion, love, 
 zeal for God's glory, and desire for the salvation of 
 sinners. 
 
 On the 29th of January he wrote to a Christian 
 friend, whom he seems greatly to have valued, a long 
 letter full of affection, from which we give the follow- 
 ing extract, as affording evidence of his deep humility, 
 the legitimate fruit of those blessed communications 
 of grace which he enjoyed. 
 
 " M7 dear Friend, 
 
 " So far as I can judge of the highest enjoyment 
 which heaven's rich munificence bestows upon my 
 soul, it is when faith gets a view of God the Father, 
 as reconciled, and smiling propitiously ; a view of the 
 Son of God, that charms and captivates my heart, as 
 the beloved ; and a view of the Holy Ghost, as ' the 
 promise of the Father.' It is at such a season that the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 189 
 
 windows of heaven are opened, and streams of love 
 poured down, which find a welcome reception with a 
 humble heart that feels itself the unworthiest of the 
 unworthy. At no moment does the whole character of 
 God appear more clear. In all his attributes he beams 
 forth ; and faith, and hope, and love, and joy, mingle 
 together, and flow out under his benign influence. 
 And in testimony that the soul does not arrogate to it- 
 self the honor due to God, it renders up its all, its lit- 
 tle all, in return for favors so divine. What exercise 
 then takes up the soul ? It is one that verges still near- 
 er heaven — prayer is turned into praise. How do the 
 goodness, the love, and the mercy of God enlarge at 
 every view ! And his holiness and his justice, too, 
 gather loveliness. The soul feels forgiven and washed, 
 but cannot forgive itself. With the conviction of its 
 ill desert, viz. the lowest hell, the soul wonders at its 
 escape from the burning lake. 
 
 " The tone of piety is not so high among profess- 
 ors of religion in our colleges as it should be. Alas ! 
 why so much worldly-mindedness ? Why so much 
 formality ? To tell you the plain truth, there is not 
 enough of spirituality here j not so much as I expect- 
 ed to find. My studies crowd upon me, so that I have 
 a little more to do in my literary pursuits than /would 
 choose : but it will doubtless be for the best. 
 
 " The good Shepherd has caused me to feed in green 
 pastures since I wrote last. He is mindful of one who 
 stands in need of continual and increased aid. 
 
 " Not having a disposition to go out, I seldom leave 
 my Bethel, save when duty calls. The more I see of 
 the world, its forms and its fashions, the more do I see 
 tnat all is vanity. How blind, how infatuated is sin- 
 
190 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ful man ! What a gaudy show is this world ! What 
 thanks we owe to heaven for such a discovery ! May 
 our constant prayer ascend : ' Lord, turn off mine eves 
 from beholding vanity.' 
 
 " I trust you are all making rapid progress in the di 
 vine life. Amidst temptations and fiery darts, we need 
 the whole armor of God. The armor of men, how 
 ever curiously wrought, still leaves the warrior vul- 
 nerable ; but with the whole armor of God we can 
 ijtand — stand against the adversary and all his wiles. 
 Who then would rest short of the ' whole ?' a part will 
 not answer. The Lord put the whole armor upon us, 
 and help us to keep it bright by constant use. 
 
 " Soon these conflicts will be over. Who would re- 
 main beyond the time appointed of the Father ? And 
 none ought to desire to depart, till Jesus comes agree- 
 ably to his promise : ' I will come again and receive 
 you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be 
 also.' What will it be to be with Christ above? To 
 be with him on earth makes our heaven below. This 
 also we know, ' that when Christ, who is our life, 
 shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see 
 him as he is.' " 
 
 A letter written about this time to some relations 
 in Tolland, Connecticut, shows that Mr. Taylor was 
 skilled in administering consolation to the afflicted, as 
 well as in exciting the saints to that diligence through 
 which the assurance of hope is attained : 
 
 " I suppose N. is still under the chastening rod of 
 our heavenly Father. But methinks you say, Does this 
 visitation deserve the name of ' rod ?' I doubt not ; ac- 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 191 
 
 coroing to your testimony, you have found a rich re- 
 muneration for all your privations. And we may set it 
 down as a maxim established beyond question, that 
 God will take nothing from his children without be- 
 stowing something better, either in kind or in amount. 
 " The good and afflicted Jeremiah said, ' It is good 
 for a man to bear the yoke in his youth.' Lam. 3 : 27. 
 And we are not to suppose that it is not good also for 
 those of riper years. It has been the testimony of the 
 saints, in every age, that ' affliction Avorks for good to 
 them that love God.' 
 
 " But how is it good to bear the yoke, or to experi- 
 ence affliction 7 The context tells us, ' he sitteth alone.' 
 "The afflicted one is blessed with retirement, free 
 from the bustle and din of the world ; has an oppor- 
 tunity for reflection, self-examination, and self-dedica- 
 tion to God, which the season calls for, and calls loudly. 
 Not that this cannot and ought not to be done at other 
 times, and by £(11 ; but when the hand of God is upon 
 us, we feel more than ever the importance of a com- 
 plete surrender. Is not this good? 
 
 " ' He putteth his mouth in the dust.' To bear the 
 yoke tends to produce humility and submission. It 
 shows one's frailty and entire dependence. Were we 
 always in prosperity, we should not partake of all the 
 legacy which Christ hath left to his disciples. By be- 
 coming acquainted with our weakness, we are induced 
 with more humble reliance to depend on Him who 
 IS the strength of our heart and our portion for ever. 
 And would we not share in all the ingredients of the 
 <rup which our heavenly Father hath prescribed for us 1 
 Certainly ; for though not joyous for the present, but 
 grievous, yet afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits 
 
192 MEMOIR or 
 
 of righteousness. And let one have peace in believing, 
 and joy in the Holy Ghost, the world may rage, and 
 the pains of death may get hold on him, but still he is 
 m peace, and can triumph. Here is a secret in religion 
 that the world cannot know, for it seeth not, nor cora- 
 prehendeth it. But, glory to God, to us it is no mys- 
 tery. And we expect to triumph in a dying hour. 
 
 " ' He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him.' 
 Afflictions tend to produce patience. How much of 
 this grace we need I 
 
 " ' He is filled with reproach.' Sanctified afflictions 
 draw forth acknowledgments of the justness of God; 
 and the soul thus visited, condemns itself, and gives 
 praise to God. They greatly quicken to duty. Earth 
 fades more and more. The grave is viewed with com- 
 posure. Prayer is more ardent. Heaven appears nearer 
 and brighter, and the soul longs to fly away and dwell 
 above. 
 
 " If such be the fruits of bearing the yoke, who 
 would not bear it? But we must not solicit it. It is 
 the prerogative of heaven to put it on, to sustain us 
 under it, and to remove it from us. 
 
 " May you find more and more, that good fruit is 
 produced by the pruning of the branch. The Husband- 
 man water thee by his Spirit ! and may he communi- 
 cate much of his vivifying influence, that you may 
 flourish as the palm-tree, and as the willow by the 
 water-courses. 
 
 "I have not much to say of myself; but I can yet 
 testify of the riches of the grace of God. I am yet a 
 miracle of grace — yet a pilgrim ; and glory that I am 
 counted worthy to bear the cross. Heaven's rich mu- 
 nificence is manifested in the choicest of its stores be- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 193 
 
 Stowed upon the most unworthy. These college walls 
 do not shut out my God ; my room hath become, from 
 the first, a glorious Bethel — yes, a little heaven. It is 
 a sacred spot, where my soul hath often drunk of the 
 river of the water of life. ' God is love.' This is my 
 theme below : ' God is love.' Help me to praise him 
 for what he has done for my soul. He hath done great 
 things and marvelous, whereof I am glad, and would 
 rejoice. I wish -to live for none else besides my God, 
 and feel an increased determination to spend and be 
 spent for him. 
 
 " Twenty-one months have now gone by since He 
 so powerfully blessed me ; — rich seasons, and richer 
 still have I enjoyed since, and richer still am I expect- 
 ing below. But heaven ! heaven ! There is a heaven 
 to come — a holy heaven — an eternal rest — a glorious 
 habitation ; and new glories are yet to be revealed. 
 
 " Well, we are on our journey ; but, alas ! some of 
 our dear relatives are yet behind — still without a new 
 heart — yet destitute of vital piety, however excellent 
 and amiable in their moral deportment. But farewell, 
 even to them ; an eternal heart-rending farewell, even 
 to those we love, if they will not regard the voice of 
 God. We cannot give up our hope for their joys, nor 
 join hands with the wicked. May they be saved — may 
 they be saved, and with us gathered into the fold of 
 Christ." 
 
 On the 31st January, Mr. Taylor wrote the follow- 
 ing note to his friend Miss W , of New-York : 
 
 " Of you I have not heard a word for more than a 
 month, and peradventure I may be addressing the 
 
 17 J. B. Taylor. 
 
194 MEMOIR OP 
 
 dead. In every paper I receive, I generally look first 
 for those solemn mementos of man's mortality. Ah, 
 we don't see the half of the ravages that death is 
 making in our world. Hundreds upon hundreds crowd 
 the dark valley from day to day — millions upon mil- 
 lions, in quick succession, have gone into the eternal 
 world. But my friend may yet be on this side Jordan, 
 yet suffering and doing the will of her heavenly Fa- 
 ther. Well — he knows what is be^t. It is he that 
 commences, continues, and ends the mortal existence 
 of his creatures : and would we be at the disposal of 
 any other? No. In his will would we acquiesce, 
 concerning life, health, and all our enjoyments. To 
 rest here is to rest safely ; and if we acknowledge the 
 Lord in all our ways, he will direct our steps. Your 
 cup for years has been one of suffering, but mingled 
 with many a precious sweet. You can tell the world 
 that you suffer, and they will believe you j again, you 
 may tell them that the love of God helps you to for- 
 get, or to triumph over your pains, and they will only 
 stare. But, however they may wonder, still it is true, 
 so true that you may bless the Lord for the pains you 
 endure. 
 
 " May you find more and more that the good Shep- 
 herd feeds you as one of his sheep. May he keep you 
 in joyful anticipation of entering the fold above. 
 ' Where I am, there shall ye be also.' ' Fear not, little 
 flock ; it is your Father's good pleasure to give you 
 the kingdom.' We know in whom we have believed, 
 and that he hath set up in our hearts that kingdom 
 which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy 
 Ghost. O may it be set up with more power. 
 
 " The good hand of our God is upon me. My room 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 195 
 
 IS Still made a Bethel. It is religion that shines more 
 and more to the perfect day." 
 
 Of the same date is a letter to his parents, in which 
 he shows (and this seems to have been the constant 
 state of his heart) how dead he was to the world, and 
 how he lived on the very confines of heaven. 
 
 " I am still a pilgrim, and the good hand of God is 
 upon me. ' His loving-kindness, O how strong !' I 
 glory that I am a pz'/g-rim." 
 
 How truly he acknowledged God in all his ways, 
 deserves to be noticed and imitated. Nothing seems 
 to have occurred, in which he did not distinctly recog- 
 nize the hand of his heavenly Father. In his diary 
 he records, 
 
 " Among other mercies, I unexpectedly hailed my 
 
 dear brother J , who called upon me this evening 
 
 on his way to New-York, from the south. My session 
 bills are all settled. The Lord has made provision 
 for me without one exertion of my own. Is not this 
 providential? O he taketh care of the'sparrows ; and 
 he has satisfied me with every good thing." 
 
 " Feb. 8. — Returned this morning from visiting 
 Lawrenceville, and it was grateful once more, after 
 an absence of only thirty hours, to return to. my room 
 again. Change of place is not favorable to growth in 
 grace. Visiting and journeying, to me, unless imme- 
 diately engaged in the service of God, are not so ad- 
 vantageous as sweet retirement. But I have been 
 taught lessons whereby I hope to profit while the 
 
196 MEMOIR OF 
 
 world and its joys become tasteless to my soul ; I huii' 
 ger for the heavenly manna. 
 
 " My friend L. P. conveyed me from Lawrenceville 
 to Princeton in his gig. Precious soul, I fear for him. 
 However moral, amiable, and upright in his outward 
 deportment, his heart, I fear, is yet unreconciled to 
 God. Nay, I have no doubt of it ; for if he loved God, 
 would he not love to talk of the power of his love ? 
 If he loved Jesus, would he not tell of his love ? 
 But no ; when the subject comes home he seems to be 
 a stranger to grace. And shall I cease to pray for 
 him ? No — let my supplications be increased in his 
 behalf Shall I not see an answer to my strong cries 
 and tears which have already been poured out for 
 him ? O that salvation m jght come to his house ! 
 
 " At evening devotion had a delightful season. My 
 Father smiled — Jesus drew near — the Comforter de- 
 scended — and I could praise the Lord and give glory 
 to my God — and at church too, rich food — that bread 
 which Cometh down from heaven, was communicated, 
 and my soul feaste.dJ 
 
 * Love divine, all love excelling.' 
 
 " O the sweet peace of my happy soul ; ' Tell me 
 no more of earthly toys;' Christ is my theme, and 
 Christ my song. None but Jesus and him crucified ! 
 
 " Feb. 18. — This morning, just before I arose, had 
 a view in my sleep, which has left a solemn impres- 
 sion on my mind : I seemed to be in a store, in com- 
 pany with a few persons, when suddenly a sound 
 came as the voice of thunder, and light spread all 
 around, and a rider upon a frightened horse passed 
 the window — alarm seized all around me, and one in 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 197 
 
 particular. The scene was again repeated in quick 
 succession ; and, looking up, I saw an appearance like 
 the sun descending majestically, but with mighty- 
 force, and dashed it upon the earth. Immediately after, 
 there appeared, in various directions, large balls, as of 
 melted iron, which were driven about with the velo- 
 city of lightning. I awoke, but unalarmed, as in the 
 midst of the shock, looking unto the Lord. 
 
 ^' The reflection that arose was, how easily could 
 almighty God dissolve this earth, and summon the 
 world to judgment. And as easily can he dash his 
 foes to pieces. O the day of the Lord will come as a 
 thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall 
 pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall 
 melt with fervent heat ; the earth also, and the works 
 that are ' therein, shall be burned up.' 
 
 " Feb. 20. — Although weary with my labor, before 
 retiring I would record the rich display of the love of 
 my covenant God. Went into the prayer-hall this 
 evening with my mind troubled, principally from the 
 necessity of so constant attention to my studies, and 
 that I had no more time for reading the Scriptures, 
 meditation, and prayer. My heavenly Father wit- 
 nessed the movings and the sincerity of my heart, and 
 graciously smiled upon me. My Jesus sympathized 
 with me — my Comforter drew near; and O what a 
 blessing was poured into my soul ! 
 
 " Feb. 24. — Received two letters this morning from 
 the east, br nging ' glad tidings of great joy.' Revivals 
 of religion are multiplying, and souls are flocking to 
 the cross. At evening devotion, had a ' gracious rain.* 
 O what intimate communion with the Father ! The 
 17* 
 
198 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Beloved, is my beloved. And who is rich, and I am 
 not rich ? ' Praise the Lord, O my soul !' 
 
 " Had a refreshing letter from sister M. corrobora- 
 ting former intelligence of the revival, with the men- 
 tion of its commencement in Old Haddam ; also, that 
 another relative testifies to the pardoning love of God. 
 Now all, save one, of my mother's brothers and sisters 
 profess religion, and I trust live near to God." 
 
 To a letter of Rev. Mr. H , indicating his affec- 
 tionate regard, and testifying to the blessing of God 
 on Mr. Taylor's labors among his people during a 
 late visit, he thus replied : 
 
 "February 21, ISQi. 
 "Rev Father, 
 
 " For to me you have exercised an oflBce not unlike 
 that of Paul to Timothy, whom he styles his son : 
 and, Timothy-like, I trust your admonition and wise 
 instructions will greatly tend to lead me in the way of 
 duty. Indeed, I bless the kind Providence that at first 
 directed me to your happy mansion. 
 
 " When I recount the goodness of God to me du- 
 rmg the past, and survey his loving-kindness, now 
 surrounding me, and look beyond time, I have enough 
 to sink my soul into the depths of gratitude and love. 
 Glory to our God for ever ; and let every one say, 
 amen ; for his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 " Sometimes the question arises, ' What doest thou 
 here V But as often I have found that I could not 
 remove, for I could not see that it was the will of the 
 Lord. But what exercises my mind the most, respect- 
 ing my course, is the right distribution of time, i. e. 
 how much to devote to each duty or study. Will you 
 oblige me with your thoughts on this subject? Had 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 199 
 
 a Student, had / better attend to my college studies in 
 preference to a longer attention to my Bible? Would 
 I not be safe in omitting, during my course, any and 
 all kinds of reading and study, except the Bible, and 
 what is required in college? Would I not thereby be 
 the better prepared for usefulness ? And would not one, 
 by an intimate knowledge of the Scriptures, with love 
 to God, be better prepared for heaven, if taken away 
 in the midst of his preparation for the pulpit ? I find 
 that the Bible is more and more precious ; and my 
 regret is, that I have so little time to read and study 
 it ! I regret too my ignorance of a nameless variety 
 of subjects, which, rising to my view, stamp vacuum 
 upon my mind — but I want your reply. 
 
 " O what a mercy that one need not be a Newton 
 or a Locke to get to heaven. And where does piety 
 display itself with more brilliancy than in the humble 
 poor ? O for more of that wisdom that cometh from 
 above ! Lord, what I know not teach thou me. 
 
 '' Were it not for the arm of the Lord, where could 
 a poor creature rest ? W^here a minister ? Where a 
 candidate for the ministry ? The Lord hide us in his 
 pavillion — shelter us under his wing, till all the storms 
 of life be overpast. O how serene ! My soul this mo- 
 ment anticipates the sweet repose : yes, I feel that the 
 kingdom of God is set up in my heart, and that the 
 King is on his throne. Help me to praise the Lord ! 
 Are you not all captivated with our beloved ? He is 
 the chiefest among ten thousand. 
 
 " To preach Jesus Christ and him crucified ! For 
 this would I live, and in this alone would I die. I have 
 no higher object; I can have no higher. Do you re- 
 spond. Lord, endow him with heavenly gifts — anoint 
 
200 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 him with the holy oil — make him an Israelite indeed ; 
 arm him with the Spirit's power, and own him as one 
 of thy favored servants ! but, ere the anticipated hour, 
 my prospect may be changed, and I obey the sum- 
 mons, ' Come up higher.' Happy thought ! There I 
 expect to meet you — your companion — your children — 
 how then will we tell ? O the fire burns in my soul, 
 and causes the ready tear to flow — will tell. But with 
 these thoughts I will bid you, as I was wont, good 
 night, and bear us all before the throne of grace, 
 sweetly anticipating the time when I shall once more 
 greet you with my right hand and affectionate heart. 
 Adieu, James B. Taylor. 
 
 " Again I resume my pen to thank you for your last 
 communication. I hope this will find you all feasting 
 on love divine. My soul was blessed while writing the 
 above. I have, as usual, given you my thoughts as 
 they flowed, for I have not time to think. May they be 
 a blessing to your domestic circle, and excite your 
 more earnest prayers in my behalf. I often think of 
 the scene on board the sloop. 
 
 ' How bappy are tliey 
 Who their Savior obey.' 
 
 * The Lord was with us. I remember too the case 
 
 of Mrs. J , and as I call it to mind now, my 
 
 thoughts go forward to the bar of God. I ask. Where 
 shall I see that friend stand at the judgment-day 1 
 Shall I be a witness against her ? May she repent, 
 and make Jesus her friend. With what pleasure did I 
 read your testimony of the steadfastness of those two 
 lambs of the flock ! The Lord hold them still in his 
 arms. May they cling to the only refuge of sinners. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 201 
 
 But how alarming, my dear friend, is the situation of 
 your dear congregation. Although not retrogressive, 
 why do we not see those who profess religion with 
 rapid pace march up the heavenly hill ? Alas for the 
 ungodly and impenitent in the midst of you ! Is there 
 not a cloud of wrath impending ? Ah, soon many un- 
 converted souls may hear their doom — depart. 
 
 " To Mrs. H. and Miss A. and S. give an affection- 
 ate remembrance. J. B. T." 
 
 "Nassau-Hall, Feb. 29, 1824. 
 * To the dear family I love, 
 
 " Whence comes it that I have had no letter from 
 any of you thus far this session ? It is true I am not 
 worthy of your remembrance, yet your aflfectionate re- 
 gard, I think, ought to have prompted the seeming 
 inertness of my sisters during the frozen season. O, 
 you know not of how mucb you may have deprived 
 me, by not telling me of your affairs. But I have been 
 happy ; yes, and although you have been silent, my 
 voice has ascended on high for you all. And while I 
 have breath, I cannot cease to pray for, and while I 
 have being, to love you. 
 
 " The Lord still remembers me wiihin these walls. 
 My health is as usual. The prospect of seeing you in 
 April gives me pleasure : but I make no definite cal- 
 culation. I know not what is for me and for my friends 
 — I feel that I am not my own. Be not then disap- 
 pointed ; whatever change takes place, sudden or look- 
 ed for, it will be for our good. 
 
 " With increased affection, 
 
 "J. B. Taylor." 
 
 In the continuation of his journal we trace thai 
 
202 MEMOIR OF 
 
 spirituality and devotedness of heart by which he wag 
 so habitually characterized. 
 
 "March 7. — This has been a high day withmysoul. 
 The banner of Jesus over me has been love. He has 
 breathed on me, and given me a refreshing from the 
 Holy Ghost. O, I love his visits ! How animating his 
 presence ! It is my heaven below. Lord, enlarge the 
 vessel, and give me more. I am a temple of the Holy 
 Ghost, with a sweet prospect of heaven. 
 
 " 14th. — Yesterday went to seek a retreat in the 
 woods — a place whither I might resort to hold con- 
 verse with God. I found such a place, and if permit- 
 ted to resort thither, at morning, noon, or eventide, 
 may I find the good Shepherd, as I was wont to find 
 him under the well-remembered tree at L. 
 
 " Before God, and in the presence of angels, in 
 secret, and in the great congregation, have I been 
 sweetly visited this Sabbath day. 
 
 ' Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, I love.' 
 
 " Finished reading the Revelation to-day, which I 
 have done in course, and with a commentary. Much 
 light has been scattered in my path, and love has 
 flowed into my soul, through the word. My heart has 
 experienced the truth of God — I have felt its power — 
 not as an uncertain sound, but as the voice of the Al- 
 mighty. 'Thy law is my delight. How love I thy 
 testimonies.' 
 
 •' 18th, — ' The way of transgressors is hard,' not 
 only with the unconverted, but Avith those who are 
 born again. So have I found it. Yielding to tempta- 
 tion has brought leanness into my soul. The Lord, 
 as my covenant Father, exercised the discipline of the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 203 
 
 covenant, and so visited my sins with stripes. ' Alas 
 for me !' cried my dejected spirit — bowed down as a 
 bulrush I went, seeking rest but finding none, from 
 morning till night. At evening devotion my heart 
 broke with contrition and hatred of sin. — Repented 
 and made difull surrender to God, and felt the bless- 
 edness of sins forgiven, and the restoration of life 
 divine. 
 
 " 20th. — Felt an indwelling God to-night. 
 
 "28th. — Yesterday morning arose with a heavy 
 load. ' If we sin, we have an advocate with the Fa- 
 ther, Jesus Christ the righteous, who is the propitia- 
 tion for our sins.' Upon this word my faith fastened. 
 Also upon this, ' If we confess our sins, he is faithful 
 and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from 
 all unrighteousness.' But the whole day was spent 
 without the sensible presence of God. I sought him 
 whom my soul loveth, but found him not. At night 
 too, upon my knees — reading my Bible — in meditation 
 — visiting the sick and the people of God ; but all in 
 vain — the glory had departed, and darkness covered 
 my soul. Thus it was after my return to my Bethel. 
 Being about to retire, I knew not but I must lie down 
 under the frown of God, w^hich I most justly experi- 
 enced ; but I resolved upon one more effort, and went 
 out of college with groans which could not be uttered. 
 O the pressure that sunk me down ! I refused to be 
 comforted till my Beloved should visit me 'with the 
 kisses of his mouth.' I made my way to a retired spot 
 in agony of soul. There I seated myself, and attempted 
 
 to sing, 
 
 * Mercy, O thou Son of David !' 
 
 *'My mouth was stopped. I felt guilty before a hc!y 
 
204 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Grod: prostrate before him, with uplifted eyes, me- 
 thought, 
 
 * Cold mountains and the midnight air 
 Witness'd the fervor of thy prayer.' 
 
 "It touched my heart, and faith's view of Jesus 
 broke the chain : the burden glided off, and I returned 
 giving glory to God. 
 
 ' The desert thy temptations knew, 
 Thy conflict, and thy victory too.' 
 
 " I laid me down and slept sweetly, as in the em- 
 braces of my Beloved, and arose this morning with a 
 thankful remembrance of God's mercy. 
 
 " I praise the Lord for his discipline of the covenant, 
 as promised in the 89th Psalm, 30th verse ; and that 
 as the good Shepherd, he has restored a wandering 
 sheep. 
 
 " Lord's day, April 4. — Yesterday morning had a 
 rich blessing from above. My mind has been turned 
 towards the King of Zion for direction relative to my 
 anticipated vacation. Heretofore I have made too many 
 calculations of my own, which in many instances have 
 been frustrated. Upon the Lord have I been able to 
 lean while pleading with him for guidance in the way 
 I should go, and that he would attend me as I go out 
 and Gome in. I have no plan, nor perhaps do I need 
 one ; for the assurance seemed to come to me, ' What 
 thou knowest not now, thou shalt know hereafter.' 
 But a larger blessing was communicated to me during 
 this evening's devotion. I called to mind, with a 
 grateful recollection, the refreshings the Lord had 
 vouchsafed to me in ray little Bethel here, some of 
 which I have recorded for future review, should I have 
 occasion. The coming vacation again rested on my 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 205 
 
 mind, with a desire to know the will of the Lord, and 
 again I was unburdened with, ' What thou knowest 
 not now, thou shalt know hereafter:' so I trust the 
 Lord will make all plain before me, and lead me in a 
 way in which he will be glorified and my soul greatly 
 D€nefited. The thought that 1 might possibly never 
 return, led me to contemplate my heavenly home. I 
 knew not but the Master would call for me soon. I 
 ' groaned, being burdened ; not that I would be un- 
 clothed, but clothed upon with my house which is from 
 heaven.' For a moment Jesus seemed to hide his face. 
 But this made way for a brighter vision of the Father 
 through the Son ; and such a season of communion 
 with my heavenly Father, with so much of the spirit 
 of adoption, I think I never before experienced. With 
 what melting of soul did I say, Abba, Father ! and 
 the manifestation of the Son was with joy. I praise 
 the Lord, the power of God was upon me. Afterwards 
 1 had an agonizing spirit of prayer for my friend L. P. 
 such as I had not felt for some time ; I knew not in- 
 deed but I had lost it for ever. I am more encouraged 
 for him. My only request is, that he may be converted. 
 Lord, send salvation to his soul. 
 
 " This visitation was indeed a crowning blessing ; 
 and I shall doubtless remember this 4th of April as an 
 uncommon season before the Lord. 
 
 " Enjoyed a delightful season with a colored bro- 
 ther this night. Happy soul ! I have found him a 
 kindred spirit. We are all one in Christ Jesus. Al- 
 though he cannot read, he can tell of wonders that 
 God hath wrought for him. 
 
 " April 8.— Left Princeton for New-York. For a 
 day or two previous my mind was in darkness, and I 
 
 18 J- B. Taylor. 
 
206 MEMOIR OF 
 
 went mourning my heaviness. I inquired of the Lord 
 if I should go thus on my way to my father's house ? 
 and laid my cause before the throne. The time soon 
 arrived for the dismissal of my class, at which time 
 the standing of each student was made known. Hav- 
 ing found my standing to be No. 1, I repaired to my 
 room, and once more looked to the Lord for his dis- 
 tinguishing love, with the strong feeling that earthly 
 distinction cannot satisfy my heart's desire. Here, 
 while I remembered the goodness of God during the 
 past winter, in blessing me in soul and body, growth 
 in grace, and success in my studies, the Sun of righ- 
 teousness seemed to break through the cloud ; but I 
 was interrupted by the approach of a friend. Recol- 
 lecting the standing which had been given me by the 
 faculty, I said to myself, What are honors ? What is 
 earthly applause ? Ah, these are not my God. I saw 
 their emptiness, and not only desired, but longed for 
 his presence in whom my soul takes delight. The 
 Lord bowed the heavens, and while I wrote vanity 
 upon all things beside his love, he let drop sweetness 
 into my soul, and I was blessed with a blessing that 
 ' maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow.' ' Bless the Lord, 
 
 my soul.' 
 
 "Having repaired to my room for prayer, for the 
 last time before my departure, 1 met my God, who put 
 upon me anew the armor in which I stood fast. Thence 
 
 1 went to take leave of brother L. where the Lord again 
 manifested himself to me in power. Before, and at 
 
 he throne of grace with him, I was happy and exult- 
 ed in Jehovah, who is my strength and my salvation. 
 The season was a good one to brother L, too. May 
 the Lord abundantly bless him. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 207 
 
 " After parting with him, with many tears, I set out 
 for New-Brunswick, whither, with the exception of 
 two mileSj I journeyed on foot. By this means I was 
 able to save one dollar and twenty-five cents to aid a 
 poor widow. How sweet is self-denial when practiced 
 for growth in grace, or to relieve the distressed ! The 
 Lord gave me a liberal heart ; I trust it has been en- 
 larged of late. 
 
 " Spent a night with my very dear friend Mr. D. 
 and family, into whose mansion I was received with 
 great cordiality. The Lord bless that household, and 
 make it a household of faith and holiness. 
 
 " Arrived in New-York on the 10th, and designed to 
 leave for Middle Haddam in the afternoon, but was de- 
 tained by adv-r^rse winds to receive a propitious gale 
 
 from beyond the skies. At brother J 's, with my 
 
 father and his seven sons, together with the beloved 
 companions of brothers K. and J., the good Shepherd 
 met us. We found it good to converse and pray to- 
 gether. Yes, we had a blessing indeed. My soul, in 
 recounting the favors of the past session, melted be- 
 fore the Lord in gratitude and praise. I testified to 
 them all concerning the loving-kindness of our God. 
 They too were melted, and it was a precious season. 
 
 ' Tell me no more of earthly joys.' 
 
 " Arrived at Middle Haddam on the 14th, and was 
 once more received into the bosom of our dear house- 
 hold. Thanks to the Lord for his goodness. While 
 on my voyage I had but little opportunity for retire- 
 ment. Before, and upon my arrival, I had a hungering 
 and thirsting after righteousness, and the Lord filled 
 
208 
 
 MEMOIR OF 
 
 me. I retired and held sweet communioa with heaven. 
 Soon the family was together, and we enjoyed a sea- 
 son of prayer. God was with us and blessed us abund- 
 antly. The Beloved spread his banner over us, and 
 our souls were filled with love. Happy meeting ! How 
 much happier when we meet above ! 
 
 " 23d. — This evening had a most fervent spirit of de 
 votion at family worship. The Lord richly blessed us 
 with his love. God is love. With what tenderness and 
 simplicity the child of God calls upon him, when the 
 spirit of prayer is poured out. I have found every 
 season of family worship precious, but this was ex- 
 ceedingly precious. Wrote cousin M. A. — The Lord 
 speed her on her journey to the skies." 
 
 This letter, with some slight omissions, here fol 
 lows : 
 
 ''Middle Haddam, Jipril 23, 1824. 
 
 " Be assured it would give me heart-felt satisfaction 
 to tender you my right hand, and again enjoy that 
 christian communion in which we have so often de- 
 lighted. 
 
 " My dear cousin, what shall I say ? With you, I 
 presume, it has been joy and rejoicing all the day 
 long. How delightfully, then, has time passed away ! 
 How sweet have you found it to retire from the world 
 and hold intercourse with heaven! And have you not 
 had nearness of access in pleading for me ? O how 
 it would afflict the soul of my cousin, should I tell her 
 that coldness and deadness have prevailed over me 
 since I saw her ! Would you not exclaim, ' that my 
 head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 209 
 
 that I might weep day and night for him 1' But give 
 praise to Him that sitteth upon the throne, I have spent 
 the happiest winter of my life ; yes, my soul has been 
 in health and prospered. And methiuks you will say, 
 'Bless the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endur- 
 eth for ever.' 
 
 " Happy, happy seasons have I experienced since 
 last I gave you the parting hand. For the most part I 
 have had the kingdom of heaven sensibly set up in 
 my soul. Sometimes peace hath ruled my heart, some- 
 times the overpowering love of God. The King has 
 been and is now on the throne. I am crucified with 
 Christ, nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth 
 in me : and the life that I live in the flesh. I live by 
 the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave 
 himself for me. 
 
 " You will recollect the seasons we enjoyed when 
 last together — seasons of prayer and praise. But, to 
 me, none is more memorable than that enjoyed nearly 
 two years ago at Mr. B.'s. Happy time ! glorious era! 
 for the Lord then and there accomplished for a poor 
 sinner the good pleasure of his will. What a blessing 
 it was ! not like the morning cloud and the early dew, 
 but permanent as his love. 
 
 " To enumerate the renewals of his presence I have 
 had since, would be impossible. Suffice it to say, his 
 banner over me has been love. Into the love of God, 
 as an ocean, have I sunk. Gospel measure has been 
 bestowed, and I have been richly fed from the Mas- 
 ter's table. 
 
 " Does not my testimony encourage you to continue 
 your supplication? I long to have the windows ot 
 heaven opened, and abundant blessings poured down 
 18* 
 
210 MEMOIR OF 
 
 from on high. Let us then send up our prayers that 
 brighter, and still brighter manifestations may be made 
 to us, that as the shining light we may shine more 
 and more to the perfect day. 
 
 " Those among us who stand fast, seem to progress 
 m their way. But, alas, how many there are who say, 
 Lord, Lord, but do not his commandments ! These 
 things ought not so to be. Let us take warning and 
 hold fast whereunto we have attained, that no one take 
 our crown. 
 
 " Seeing that the time is at hand, should we not be 
 faithful ? Our season for laying up treasure in heaven 
 will soon be over ; our opportunities to warn the Im- 
 penitent all be past, and prayer be turned into praise, 
 hope into fruition, and time will be no longer. Bless- 
 ed is that servant, who, at the coming of the Lord, 
 shall be found faithful. He will receive all such unto 
 himself, that where he is, there they may be also. 
 Does not your soul long for the blessed abode ? ' To 
 be with Christ is best.' I expect to see you in heaven 
 there. The Lord has given me an earnest of the in- 
 heritance — a foretaste of glory. On earth we draw 
 near to God. In heaven we shall see Jesus as he is. 
 Angels and saints will be our companions. Then shall 
 we sing ' loud hallelujahs to the Lamb for ever and 
 ever.' " 
 
 The reader will observe that James B. Taylor was 
 DOW passing his college vacation among his friends; 
 but instead of wasting his precious time in seeking 
 pleasure or in listless mactivity, as is the case with 
 too many young men in such circumstances, the sea- 
 son appears, from his letters and journal, to have been 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 211 
 
 one of constant and faithful labor. By day and night, 
 * publicly, and from house to house,' and at various 
 places — in Middle Haddam, Colchester, Bozrah, &c. 
 did he exercise himself in exhorting, and praying, and 
 conversing, and singing the songs of Zion ; endeavor- 
 ing, by all the means he could employ, to diffuse his 
 own spirit among professors of religion ; directing in- 
 quiring souls to the Lamb of God ; rejoicing with 
 young converts, and warning the careless and impeni- 
 tent of their danger. And there is reason to believe 
 that very many souls will bless God to all eternity 
 for this college vacation of Mr. Taylor, which gave 
 the time and opportunity for his labors among them. 
 Even on his way back to Princeton, being driven by 
 stress of weather to make a harbor at Sachem's Head, 
 he went ashore and continued his faithful labors. 
 
 " Here, says he, I found work to do — visited from 
 house to house, and in the evening held a meeting. 
 Thank the Lord for another opportunity of sowing 
 the good seed. May it be nurtured by the Holy Spirit.' 
 
 " May 14. — Arrived at New-York, and spoke in a 
 meeting at night with apparent effect. After I had re- 
 tired, for some time sleep fled from me, while the con- 
 dition of this city pressed upon my mind. Thought I, 
 what stays the thunderbolts of Jehovah's wrath from 
 this people ? O that salvation might visit them ! I en- 
 deavored to be faithful in bearing testimony to the 
 truth ; and I found that where the word of a King is, 
 there is power. 
 
 " 20. — Last evenmg reached Princeton, and re- 
 joice that the Lord has led me in paths that I little 
 
212 MEMOIR OP 
 
 thought of, when I had the assurance, ' What thou 
 Jcnowcst not now, thou shalt know hereafter.^ He is 
 well led whom the Lord leadeth. Henceforward let 
 me lean upon his arm and be guided by his Spirit. 
 
 " 21. — At evening devotion sought him whom my 
 soul loveth, and found him the chief among ten thou- 
 sand, and altogether lovely. After reading the word, 
 walked out to my retreat, away from the world, to 
 hold intercourse with heaven. The intercourse was 
 open and free — the communion sweet — while I sunk 
 into nothing before the Lord, and melted into love and 
 tenderness at the view of his abundant goodness. 
 Praise the Lord, O my soul. May I ever find this place 
 a Bethel. Walked to see T., and found him alive. 
 With him held communion. He seems, and I felt him 
 to be, a man of God ; and though a colored man, be- 
 loved of God, and by me. ' Every one that loveth him 
 that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him.' 
 1 John, 5:1. I expect to talk to the colored people at 
 his house on Sunday evening next. May good be done. 
 
 " Two weeks ago this night I was blessed of God 
 with a powerful visitation of grace and iove in the 
 closet, at Mr. C.'s, in Colchester ; after which we had 
 an interesting meeting for old professors, young con- 
 verts, and anxious souls. They are now doubtless as- 
 sembled, and enjoying God's blessing. I love them in 
 our dear Lord. And do they not pray for my pros- 
 perity ? Lord, hear prayer in my behalf. Salivation ! 
 The Lord will provide ! 
 
 " How good is the Lord ! How shall I praise him I 
 Eternity is not too long to utter all his praise. My 
 wants are supplied, and I have a surplus. For soul and 
 body provision is made. And now to God, whose I 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 213 
 
 am, I would commit my way — acknowledge him in all 
 ray paths, and pray that he would direct my steps. 
 
 " 31. — Had at evening devotion an overflow of God's 
 love, after an absence of the Comforter, grieved away 
 by my rebellion. But upon my humble submission, 
 with deep repentance, my Savior returned to my soul. 
 Alas ! why should I ever leave him ? But bless the 
 Lord for the discipline of his covenant, and for the 
 manifestations of his favor and love. Wrote to my 
 friend E." 
 
 "Nassau-Hall, May 31, 1824. 
 
 "Very dear E , 
 
 " Having passed the day in my ordinary pursuits, 
 and been abundantly refreshed at evening devotion, I 
 feel constrained to bless the Lord and take courage ; 
 yes, I rejoice that another day has been numbered — 
 another of the days of my pilgrimage below ; for the 
 sweet prospect of heaven has gathered brightness, 
 while my soul has melted with the love of God, let 
 down in streams from the overflowing fountain. O my 
 dear E., who is rich, and the Christian not rich ? Who 
 is happy, and the Christian not happy ? Let the world 
 have the pleasures of the world ; but our souls cry 
 out for God, for the living God, in whose presence 
 below is joy unspeakable and full of glory. 
 
 " I can tell you how my mind was led this evenmg, 
 and it may prove a blessing to you. 1 read the 2d 
 chapter of Isaiah. The promise of prosperity to Zion, 
 the mountain of the Lord's house, cheered my heart ; 
 I could believe that all nations shall flow unto it, and 
 I anticipate the glorious day, though not on earth, to 
 witness it, yet in heaven to rejoice wilh the church 
 
214 MEMOIR OP 
 
 triumphant. My soul cried out, Let the Lord alone 
 he exalted ! But the last verse, which speaks of 'man 
 whose breath is in his nostrils,' came with a richer 
 blessing. Thought I, soon my pilgrimage will end. 
 Perchance these hands will soon, with all this frame, 
 lie motionless in the grave. The thought was sweet, 
 for my spirit laid fast hold on .' the resurrection and 
 the life.' In his name I could look up to God, and cry 
 Abba, Father. My Father smiled — Jesus looked upon 
 me — the Spirit comforted me — my heart exulted : O 
 bless his name for ever ! Such a view of Jesus and his 
 cross — his sufferings and death — his resurrection and 
 ascension — and his reigning power, I have seldom 
 experienced : 
 
 ' The hill ef Zion yields 
 
 ' A thousand sacred sweets.' 
 
 " My friend, let us bev/ars : we are surrounded by 
 the world. Having been brought unto liberty, let us 
 not be entangled with the yoke of bondage. Let us 
 give all our time to the Lord, by being diligent in bu- 
 siness and fervent in spirit ; and may what we have 
 to do he well done. 
 
 " From the world we do not expect 02ir joys. They 
 llow from another source — a pure fountain. Let the 
 world share but little of our mind — but little ! nay, we 
 must not love the world at all. ' Love not the world.' 
 I believe you do not love the world — you delight in 
 things heavenly. May you watch, and keep your gar- 
 ments unspotted from the world ; and hold fast where- 
 unto thou hast attained, and show out of a godly con- 
 versation that your citizenship and treasure are above. 
 Then, whether your days be few or many, all will be 
 
JAMES BRAINEHD TAYLOR. 2] 5 
 
 well : God will be glorified, and your soul happy for 
 ever." 
 
 A letter, dated Nassau-Hall, June 3, 1824, to Mr. 
 and Mrs. L. and family, mentions some of the revi- 
 vals of religion, in which our young friend took much 
 delight, and labored with great success. 
 
 ♦ * * * " Little did I think that an absence from 
 college of six weeks would take place, without the 
 pleasure of associating, for a short time at least, Vv'ith 
 
 those friends I so much esteem at M : but so it 
 
 lias been. The six weeks have gone by, and you have 
 fared, in this respect, as other circles of friends else- 
 where. If you should ask me why, I have to answer 
 that Providence detained me. 
 
 " When I left Princeton, and knew not whither the 
 Lord would lead me, to him I committed every thing, 
 with the assurance that v/hat I knew not then I should 
 know afterwards. And be assured I was led in a way 
 I had little thought of — a way which has been at the 
 same time both pleasant and profitable. Imagine me 
 going from house to house, and in public, warning the 
 impenitent to flee from the wrath to come : sometimes 
 in one place, sometimes in another, bearing testimony 
 to the truth — seeing Christians alive in the cause of 
 God, converts exulting, and sinners weeping. 
 
 '• I was located some time in Colchester, where, 
 within six months, upwards oi four hundred were 
 hopefully born again. Were I with you, I could tell 
 you of happy times in which the Lord blessed my soul 
 abundantly — I could tell you of seasons when the peo- 
 ple of God appeared to be refreshed from his presence. 
 
216 MEMOIR OF 
 
 The Lord is still doing wonders in Connecticut: not 
 only by scores, but by hundreds, are sinners flocking 
 to Christ. In Millington they number upwards of 
 one himdred; East Haddam, tico hundred andjifty; 
 Old Haddam, seventy. North Lyme and Gilead were 
 witnessing the commencement of a gracious work ; 
 and yesterday I heard of another place — Meriden, 
 twenty miles from Old Haddam, where the work had 
 begun. In Hartford county, about a year since, there 
 were about three hundred souls gathered in. But why 
 speak of places at a distance ? How is it at home, and 
 in your own hearts? Are you not encouraged ? We 
 should indeed bless the Lord and take courage. ' O 
 that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and 
 for his wonderful works to the children of men !' 
 
 " Since my return, the good Shepherd has fed me 
 in green pastures, and led me beside the still waters." 
 
 How the ever-active benevolence and zeal of Mr. 
 Taylor were continually manifesting themselves, may 
 be seen in every thing he wrote : but perhaps in no- 
 thing more strikingly than in the following letter: 
 
 " Nassau-Hall, June 6, 1824. 
 ** AflFcctionate and endeared Parents, 
 
 " Your son is yet alive, and still the happy recipi- 
 ent of grace and love divine. You have doubtless had 
 an account of our voyage to N. Y. which was rather 
 long ; but perhaps the Lord meant it for good. In due 
 time I arrived at Princeton, and found new cause for 
 gratitude and praise to our heavenly benefactor. 
 
 " Often have I recurred to the state of our family, 
 and the families of Middle Haddam, since I left you, 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 2 17 
 
 And I have inquired with myself of their condition — 
 how are they ? You recollect the pleasing prospect 
 among professors when I bade you farewell. I v\ras 
 much encouraged; and still entertain the pleasing 
 hope that new fire has been enkindled ; and that what 
 we tiien enjoyed was only the harbinger of good things 
 lo that people. As the Sabbath morning returns, I 
 think of my father's house, and imagine an assembly 
 of the neighbors ail uniting in songs of praise, and in 
 ■earnest supplication for God's rich blessing. When 
 Friday evening arrives, I think of the appointed meet- 
 ing for the people of God. And how cheering the 
 thought that you have met v/ith Jesus in your social 
 assemblies, in your closets, and in the great congrega- 
 tion. 
 
 '• I trust I have not been imagining a vain thing. 
 May you go on then. Tell those who love our Lord, 
 that I bid them God speed. And as the time to do 
 much for God has come, they have need to put forth 
 their united effort for the accomplishmBnt of the great- 
 est good. There is yet remaining very much land to 
 be possessed. And will they not go up and possess 
 all the land ? Alas ! how many among you knov/ 
 not God ! How many prayerless families ! How many 
 m which no one soul professes hope ! And can one 
 professor of religion stand still and see souls perish- 
 ing Without an effort to save them ? Can one lover of 
 Jesus refrain night or day from praying and mourning 
 in secret over such desolations ? Shall one be found 
 idle when so much is to be done ? Shall one be sleep- 
 ing at his post when the enemy stands thick around ? 
 Shall all heaven be engaged to rescue sinners from 
 {joing down to the pit, and shall the disciples of him 
 
 29 J E Taylor. 
 
218 MEMOIR OF 
 
 v/ho died and now reigns — shall the disciples of Jesu5 
 let sinners sink to hell? It must fiot be. I hope bet- 
 ter things of my brethren. Their exertions, I trust, 
 will not only continue, but increase ; and increasing, 
 they will gather strength. O, be not weary in well- 
 doing, and be determined to die in the cause — die, 
 doing the will of our Father in heaven ! Amidst other 
 thoughts, I have often reflected on the condition of my 
 relations and friends. How delightful to remember 
 that I have a father and mother, parents most dear, 
 that love the Lord I 
 
 '• While on my mother's side many have been 
 brought to experience the same love, the thought has 
 occurred, how few on my father's side ! Not only to 
 you, but to me also, this is a painful subject. During 
 last winter my mind was much interested in their be- 
 lialf, which drew forth many earnest supplications- 
 Is it not truly affecting? I have tried to put myself in 
 the place of my father, and to inquire, what if my bro- 
 thers and sisters were v/ithout hope, and destitute of 
 vital godliness ? But, while your offspring have sub- 
 mitted to Christ, you have to mourn over the offspring 
 of your departed father, our beloved grand-parent. 
 And do not your eyes run down with tears ? Does 
 not your heart oftentimes break within you, when you 
 remember that those brothers and sisters are out of 
 Christ? But what can be done for them? From me 
 tiiey are all far away. From you, with one exception, 
 they are all at a distance. But still something can be 
 done. One thing we can do. Let me suggest that our 
 united supplications ascend to God, in good earnest, 
 for the salvation of their souls. Hitherto I bave not 
 pvayed for them as I ought to have done : and I wod- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 219 
 
 d€r that it has been thus with me. Shall we then, ail 
 of us, our whole family, awake and plead for them ? 
 Who will say nay ? Not one. Why may not salva- 
 tion visit them and their houses ? Shall we on each 
 Monday, then, remember Xh^TO. particularly 7 and in 
 our devotions continually ? I need not wait your re- 
 ply ; the suggestion is enough to interest your feel- 
 ings ; and I hope a spirit of prayer will be poured out 
 upon us, so that we shall wrestle and prevail. V/hat 
 we do, must be done quickly." 
 
 To his friend Mr. D. he wrote, on the 12th of June, 
 a long letter, from which we copy the following pas- 
 sage, as meriting the practical regard of all, and espe- 
 cially those followers of Jesus Christ, to whose stew- 
 ardship he has committed much of the wealth of this 
 world. 
 
 '• We look around and find that very much yet re- 
 mains to be done for the conversion of sinners to God. 
 And this should occupy us continually. How shall it 
 be accomplished ? At once we perceive that di faith- 
 ful ministry is the great means of bringing sinners to 
 Christ. Should this be an educated ministry ? We 
 know that an ignorant ministry is not sanctioned by 
 the word of God. To be able to teach, one must be 
 taught ; and to such as are able to teach, this ministry 
 must be committed. But how shall they be taught ? 
 Do not our theological seminaries afford the best 
 means for training men for this work ? But how are 
 those to be supported who would thus prepare to serve 
 God in the Gospel of his dear Son? Here then is the 
 point : if it be right to educate men for the holy ofllce ; 
 
220 MEMOIR OP 
 
 if many are ' called of God, as was Aaron,' to prepare 
 for this office, and are unable to defray the expenses 
 attendant upon such a course, what must be done ? It 
 is true, 'the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness there- 
 of;' but of all which is his oivn, he places much in 
 the hands of men, to afford them an opportunity of 
 showing their benevolence to the world. It requires 
 about ^150 to support a young man at one of our se- 
 minaries. ^2,500, at six per cent, would produce this 
 amount. 
 
 " The time is coming when we shall be no more. 
 But if, through our instrumentality, an object of this 
 kind be accomplished before we go hence, when w& 
 are beyond the reach of doing good below, a scholar- 
 ship will be the means of qualifying men for the vine- 
 yard of the Lord ; and, while we sleep in the dust, 
 heralds of the cross * * shall go through the land — 
 sound the Gospel trump — give the alarm to thousands, 
 and be the means, doubtless, of winning multitudes to 
 Christ. O what a field here for exertion on our part ! 
 And if ever to commence, shall we not begin now? 
 In this vray, one may more effectually preach the Gos- 
 pel than he could were he to live a thousand years. 
 And let him know, that he which converteth a sinner 
 from the error of his ways, shall save a soul from 
 death, and hide a m^diitude of sins. How many to 
 be converted ! How few to turn them from the error 
 of their ways I Shall we stand idle ? While the Mas- 
 ter waiteth let us up and serve him." 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 221 
 
 To Miss W . 
 
 ^'Princeton, June 20, 1824. 
 
 " Your friend is yet in the land of the living, to 
 praise the Lord. Indeed, who should praise the Lord, 
 and I not praise him? Who should love him, and I 
 not love himV I who was once among the rebellious, 
 as a sheep going astray, but who have been turned 
 unto the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. 
 
 " Since I bade you farewell and left your happy 
 mansion, the good Shepherd has watched over me, 
 and fed me richly. From time to time my soul has 
 been refreshed by the Holy Ghost ; and I have felt, 
 and felt powerfully, an indwelling God. This day at 
 evening I had an unction from the Holy One. The 
 communion with the Faiher, and with his Son Jesus 
 Christ, was sweet. And how sweet the savor that re- 
 mains. The peace of God rules in ray heart. Like a 
 river it flows through the soul from God to God again. 
 A mystery this to the ungodly, but known well to you 
 and to all who love God ; yes, to all who love God. 
 People may talk about loving God, having his Spirit, 
 and yet not feeling it. But to me there seems an in- 
 consistency here ; for methinks that those who love 
 God, will have his Spirit as a refiner'' s fire and as a 
 purifier of silver moving upon their souls. And where 
 the Spirit moves, it fires — kindles up the graces of the 
 Spirit — inflames the affections, and produces the trial 
 gold of holy love, peace, and joy. As the soul sinks 
 into the love of God, it sinks into humility, which is 
 accompanied with unceasing prayer and thanksgiving. 
 This is what I have experiencea-. -God's precious 
 19* 
 
222 MEMOIR OF 
 
 gift^ and bestowed in gracious answer to my prayers. 
 Not unto me,' but to God be all the glory for ever. 
 What a consolation that there are those who can tes- 
 tify the same things, havmg enjoyed the same or 
 greater manifestations of the love of God to their 
 once sin-hound souls, but who are now brought into 
 the liberty of the children of God. O that there were 
 an host. 
 
 " But, my dear friend, professors of religion, for the 
 most part, love the world too much. Having so much 
 of the love of the world in their hearts, they have not 
 room for the love of God. Rather than be adorned 
 with ' a meek and quiet spirit,' they prefer the orna- 
 ments conformable with fashion. Rather than walk 
 humbly and near the Savior, they choose to walk in a 
 vain show with a "proud heart. Rather than be in 
 their closets mourning over their awful departure 
 from God, and the desolations of Zion, they content 
 themselves with a cold, heartless recital of their dead 
 ness, which becomes so stale a story that I am often 
 discouraged, and in their behalf fear that their condi- 
 tion will never be bettered. Is it not so ? I am con- 
 siderably in the world — you much more. I witness 
 much upon which I write, vanity, while I listen to the 
 vain and worldly conversation of professors of reli- 
 gion. I say, when I hear the expressions of their ad- 
 miration of the fashions and splendors of the world, 
 how can I refrain from exclaimmg, ^How dwelleth the 
 love of God in themP They talk of the things that 
 give them pleasure, but say nothing of the work of 
 grace in their souls. What think you of such ? Have 
 they a name to live ? And are they alive ? Themselves 
 being judges, they must say, No. What saith the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 22o 
 
 Scriptures ? ' Wo to them that are at ease in Zion.' 
 ' Love not the world, nor the things of the world.' To 
 the soul that is elevated to God, there are nobler pur- 
 suits than these phantoms ; higher contemplations than 
 earth's productions. Does not your heart find it so ? 
 
 "But of the young ladies. Have they continued, 
 and do they still continue, unreconciled to God? 
 Miss W. what will the end of these things be ? I 
 doubt not they share your affectionate expostulations 
 and prayers. It is true they are in the morning of life, 
 and, conscious of this, it may be often suggested that 
 when years shall have rolled away they will make 
 their peace with God. I doubt not that many now in 
 hell had the same suggestion, and yielding to it, in 
 some unexpected hour their lives were taken away. 
 Let us contemplate one of your young ladies deferring 
 this important work for years ; say till she come to 
 the verge of life. Then she is taken ill. She had en- 
 joyed the pleasures of the world; but now, sick, and 
 with the prospect of soon exchanging time for eter- 
 nity, how pallid that once blooming countenance ! how 
 emaciated that once healthy, beauteous form ! And 
 now we hear uttered in thrilling agony, ' I have bar- 
 tered away a life of piety for a life of unsatisfying 
 pleasures ! Instead of the smiles of God as my hea- 
 venly Father, I have to bear his frowns. My sin ! Ah, 
 my sin is my own folly ! Of sin I was often warned, 
 often prayed for, often wept over ; but my heart har- 
 dened under reproof. Ah, where am I now ? Friends 
 weep around, but they cannot help me. Soon this fast 
 decaying frame will sink into the grave. But my soul ! 
 My soul ! My soul is damned for ever.' Is it safe, 
 then, to delay this great concern till then? Is it safe 
 
224 MEMOIR OP 
 
 to delay it a day 7 Will they not resolve to secure 
 their salvation this moment ? It is, yes, it is impor- 
 tant. To open the way of life to man, heaven's darling 
 Son left the glory which he had with the Father ; he 
 suffered, groaned, bled, and died for sinners. O that 
 their hearts would melt — Avould break with humble 
 penitence, and by faith lay hold on this Savior and 
 be saved." 
 
 Within the month following we find many inte- 
 resting records in Mr. Taylor's journal, of his commu- 
 nion with God, and his labors and prayers for the con- 
 version of sinners, and his visits and efforts to com- 
 fort the afflicted, to prepare the dying for death, and 
 the living to live to the glory of God. 
 
 "June 27. — The morning succeeding found me 
 shorn of my strength; but at evening devotion I sunk 
 at the feet of Jesus, and, Mary-likCj bathed them with 
 tears of humble contrition. My soul again exulted in 
 God. This prepared me for the worship of the sanc- 
 tuary. 1 carried the King of Zion enthroned in my 
 heart to the temple where he held his court. My soul 
 melted there again. Heard Mr. Summerfield — the se- 
 cret of whose popularity, I think, lies much in his holi- 
 ness of heart. He has had a deep experience in divine 
 things, and doubtless knows, from day to day, what 
 it is to have his lips touched with hallowed fire. 
 
 " Sabbath, July 11. — Have found this to be of a 
 truth the Lord's day, for the Sabbath's Lord has been 
 near. For a few days past I have had less enjoyment 
 than usual. The cause is obvious : I grieved the Holy 
 Spirit the night after the last powerful blessing, which 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 225 
 
 was five days ago. What a mercy that my backsliding 
 has been heaald ! Bless the Lord for the healing balm — 
 for the good Physician. 
 
 " As i knelt in my usual place, the thought arose, 
 this may be the last time I shall ever pray. My soul 
 was hungering for the bread of life, and faith seemed 
 almost ready to lay hold on a blessing. My heart soon 
 melted into penitence, and tears ran down my eyes. 
 Kad abasing views of myself, and exalted views of 
 God, as he is in himself, and in his relation to fallen 
 man in general, and to his children particularly. My 
 Father smiled, my soul was refreshed, and I could 
 once more rejoice. O the liberty of the children of 
 God ! Had a peculiar and before unknoAvn view ot 
 myself as a candidate for the holy ministry. Rather 
 than not have the approbation of Jesus, and the pre- 
 sence of Jesus — rather than not be taught of him, let 
 my other qualifications be what they may, I would 
 cease to pursue this object. Wherever I go, let him go 
 with me ; for through Christ strengthening me, I can 
 do and bear all things." 
 
 To Rev. C. H . 
 
 "Nassau-Hall, July 20, 1824. 
 
 " James, a servant of Jesus Christ, to his beloved 
 brother Charles, noAv teaching publicly, and from 
 house to house, testifying to every man repentance to- 
 wards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. May 
 great grace, mercy, and peace from ' God our Father, 
 and from our Lord Jesus Christ, be multiplied unto 
 you. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly , 
 and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body, 
 be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord 
 
226 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also 
 will do it.' 
 
 " My dear brother, I address you from my ' Be- 
 thesda.' I say Bethesda, because this little room has 
 so often been a house of mercy to me, once lame and 
 halt, weary and heavy laden. 
 
 " Hither, shut out from the world, have I resorted : 
 sought, found, and delighted in the Beloved. I might 
 call it PisgaK's top, but it is more, because of the 
 manifestations of the Son of God to the most un- 
 worthy. A heavenly land has opened to my view. 
 Through faith^s vision earth has receded, and the 
 soul has risen and entered the holy city — communed 
 with saints and angels — sat down at the feet of Jesus, 
 and sung hallelujahs to the Lamb. 
 
 " My brother, I would not intrude upon you, but the 
 love of Christ constraineth me. I love you because 
 you love the Savior and his cause. I love you, and 
 therefore write ; and I hope that, for Christ's saiie, this 
 epistle may come to you with a blessing. 
 
 " I might tell you of the gracious visitations of God's 
 love to me, from time to time ; how happy in commu- 
 nion with my Savior — how resigned to his will — of the 
 sweet prospects of heaven and glory that have opened 
 to my soul. But you would hear of the prosperity of 
 Zion in the land of our fathers. 
 
 " After reaching Middle Haddam last April, I en- 
 tered upon what I thought would be a pleasant route, 
 to visit those places where the Holy Spirit had recent- 
 ly showered down a gracious rain. But the Lord hin- 
 dered me. I stopped at Colchester, where my time v^ as 
 to myself— and the last day will tell whether to others 
 or not — spent profitably. You can imagine in what 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 227 
 
 way I was employed in the midst of the impenitent, 
 the awakened, the anxious, young converts, and en- 
 gaged Christians. But how is it with your people ? 
 Is the church awake ? Are your elders alive to the best 
 interests of Zion? Are professors wrestling in secret 
 for the ingathering of souls ? Is there a general mourn- 
 ing, with you, over the desolations of the church ? If 
 not, what shall the end of these things be? O, how it 
 would animate your heart to see Christians alert — to 
 hear sinners cry for mercy — to see them submitting to 
 God — owniog the Savior — and uniting themselves to 
 the Lord's people. Be encouraged, for who can tell 
 but a multitude of sinners may soon become, under 
 your ministry, obedient to the faith. As it is your duty 
 to labor for it, so it is your duty aad privilege to look 
 for it — to watch for it, more than they that watch for 
 the morning. 
 
 " I have become entirely contented with my present 
 course. The good Shepherd scatters rich food as I tra- 
 vel in the wilderness. My heart, too, is still, and more 
 than ever set upon the work of the ministry. To this 
 one object I would have every acquisition tend. In 
 the accomplishment of this one thing I would live ; 
 v/hen it is done I would die; for heaven is the home 
 of God's children. I think I am willing to do the will 
 of God. When he commands I would obey ; when he 
 calls I would run. 
 
 " Another watchman has fallen from the walls of 
 Zion, to rise, we trust, to the city of our God. Mr 
 Whelpley is dead. When shall it be said brother H, 
 is dead— when shall it be said of me, ' He is gone V 
 What I say unto you, I say unto ail, walch ! An af' 
 
228 MEMOIR or 
 
 fectionate remembrance to Mrs. H., and believe rtie, 
 yours in the best bonds, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 Mr. Taylor, who labored to be an uncovimon Chris* 
 tian, seems to have excelled in a prevailing desire 
 that Christians, in all their relations, should do their 
 duty, and have large experience of the work of grace 
 in their own souls. To a friend, in prospect of her 
 marriage, he WTote : 
 
 " It is probable you will be connected with Mr» 
 
 • . Does he grow in grace ? My friend, whatever 
 
 else you leave unlocked after, see icell to this ; see well 
 to tJiis ; as you value Ids usefulness, as you Value your 
 own and his happiness. I do not command ; I exhort ; 
 O be faithful — kindly faithful. If he be a man of God, 
 he will ever thank you ; he will love you the more for 
 such faithfulness. Talk much and 'pointedly upon ex- 
 perimental godliness." 
 
 To one from whom he had received a friendly gift} 
 he wrote : 
 
 " In heaven, I have not the least doubt you will re- 
 joice for helping one on his way to the ministry. Help 
 by your prayers, and thus speed me on my way." 
 
 On the subject of fasting, (a duty too little prac- 
 ticed in the church, and sometimes abused to their in* 
 jury, by persons of much piety, but of a morbid tem- 
 perament,) Mr. Taylor made, about this time, the foi»- 
 lowing note in his journal \ 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 229 
 
 " A day of abstinence. Heretofore I have practiced 
 fasting on a particular day, for more than two years ; 
 and have found some of the seasons greatly beneficial. 
 But fasting-, connected with my usual studies, has 
 greatly debilitated my body, and left me generally 
 Avith a severe headache, which has led me to the con- 
 clusion that, under existing circumstances, it is not 
 my duty to abstain altogether.'''' 
 
 This conclusion, which was certainly wise, shows, 
 among many other things, that Mr. Taylor's high re- 
 ligious feelings, in which perhaps he surpassed almost 
 all persons of his day, were connected Avith a sound 
 mind and a sober consideration of duty. No man was 
 farther removed from gloomy austerity, or relied less 
 upon either his feelings or duties. The evidence of 
 this will be apparent to every attentive reader, as it 
 will be found in the fact, that in his highest exercises 
 of devotion, when his whole soul was filled with the 
 love of God, and his countenance made luminous with 
 the holy fire that burnt within, he at the same time 
 entertained the most humbling views of himself, as a 
 sinner saved by grace ; and was ever ready to say, in 
 the language of Paul, "by the grace of God, I am 
 what I am,"- 
 
 How he acknowledged the hand of God in all his 
 "ways — referred all events to divine providence, and re- 
 lied upon the grace of God, may be seen in the follow- 
 ing extracts from his journal : 
 
 " Aug. 7, 1824.— Met with a disappomtment in not 
 
 visiting my friends at L . It was attended with 
 
 a blessing, and I concluded it would still be followed 
 
 20 i' B. Taylor 
 
230 MEMOIR OP 
 
 with a train of blessings. The disappointment was 
 unexpected, and from a source, too, that was calcula- 
 ted to excite strong feeling. But grace abounded. 
 
 " Sth.— Abundant reason to bless God for my deten- 
 tion yesterday. Last evening had an opening for doing 
 good, and eternity may show some fruit. Visited seve- 
 ral sick persons, and at every place endeavored to 
 speak faithfully and boldly for God, and afterwards at 
 n meeting. 
 
 '• 9th. — This night, glory to our God, had a power- 
 ful visitation from above — it is past telling — and it was 
 to prepare me to stand up for God. This I did, and 
 spoke boldly ; the word was attended w^ith power, and 
 the Spirit o^ 'power and holiness rested on me. Sin- 
 ners trembled — backsliders too — and the engaged child 
 of God exulted. Had I not been detained, where were 
 all that has come upon me and been communicated 
 through me since the 7th. Appointed another meet- 
 ing at the request of the people. 
 
 "11th.— 'Who will take the first honor 1' 'Did 
 ne do well ?' &c. In this season of examination ran 
 through the crowd ; but grace so gained the victory 
 over me as to enable me to look down upon these 
 meaner things, and say, these are not my God. No : 
 the honor from above I seek, and to my studies let me 
 go, as to a duty for Christ's sake, and for the honor 
 of the Gospel. 
 
 " Felt a strong attachment to the word of God ; and 
 over that word, as the legacy of my Friend on high, I 
 cherished my attachment, my soul sunk low at the feet 
 of Jesus, and I drank from the fountain. 
 
 " Went out and visited the sick. I love m.y Master 
 end my Masters work. I love to comfort his people-— 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 231 
 
 I love to talk to sinners. Lord, help. Lord, teach thou 
 me, and bless me more and more. I can look upon 
 this day's blessings as arising from my detention last 
 Saturday, and it will probably prove, in time to come, 
 a link in the chain of providence not to be told. Let 
 me look at providence in small as well as great things, 
 and wonder and adore. 
 
 " 25th. — The chain is gathering links — little did 1 
 think that so much depended upon my disappointment 
 on the 7th. Last Monday evening attended the ap- 
 pointed meeting, and had a refreshing time. The peo- 
 ple of God testified that it was heaven to be there. 
 Did not feel so happy myself, but had liberty to speak 
 a word in season to the people. 
 
 " How exalted the privilege to help forward the chil- 
 dren of God heavenward — even Ethiopia's degraded 
 children. O that they may be seen all of them stretch- 
 ing forth the hand unto God. 
 
 " Find employment in visiting the sick poor. Called 
 to see a colored M^oman. She is happy in God, in the 
 prospect of death. Had an opportunity to converse 
 with a beggar; prayed with him, and presented him 
 with a testament and the last sixpence I had in my 
 pocket. The thought arose, give this away, and what 
 will you do to-morrow ? But stay : 
 
 ' My wants to-day are all supplied, 
 To-morrow, it may be said, he died.' 
 
 "O for more confidence in God— God is able to 
 make all grace abound towards you; ' that you, always 
 having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to 
 every good work." 2 Cor. 9 : 8. 
 
 " 27th.— A door opened for me to exert myself for a 
 
232 MEMOIR OF 
 
 poor child of God — put in tv/o cents, the very last mite 
 I supposed I had — the word of God came, ' Give, and 
 it shall be given unto you ' — went out and begged more, 
 and with this and a needed garment went as the al- 
 moner of heaven, and delivered up the contribution. 
 ' Naked, and ye clothed me.' 
 
 " 28th. — Providence seems to open the door still 
 wider for my prospective usefulness among the poor ; 
 and the question arose, shall I live in Princeton Jive 
 years, and Princeton be none the better for me? 
 
 " A new plan opened to my mind, upon the prose- 
 cution of Avhich I entered to-night. Open, Lord, my 
 eyes — I am tired of waiting for others ; there are la- 
 borers enough all around, but they don't come into the 
 vineyard to work. Let me be up and doing constantly, 
 faithfully, firmly. 
 
 " Opened a small trunk, and unexpectedly found 
 ninepence. Is not this Gospel measure ? If a mer- 
 chant had $2000 at evening, and gave it away, and 
 the next day should find him in possession of -$9000^ 
 would he not consider it an increase running over? 
 Mine is as much in proportion, and how often is abun- 
 dance poured into my hand !" 
 
 To his christian sister Miss W. of New-York, in 
 communion with whom he took much delight, he wrote 
 on the 25th as follows : 
 
 " O Miss W. what a truth ! ' God is love ;' and I 
 feel the indescribable weight of this truth restmg upon 
 my soul. To the world and to the formalist, I know, 
 indeed, that these are unmeaning words ; but my 
 friend can rejoice that God has imparted the know- 
 
JAMES BRAINEUD TAYLOR. 233 
 
 ledge of this hidden mystery to me, and is building 
 me up in faith and holiness. Holiness! O what 
 charms in the very word ! God is holy — angels are 
 holy — saints in glory are holy — and ' without holiness 
 no one shall see the Lord.' O to be more like our 
 blessed Jesus — more like God ! 
 
 '• I still address you from my Bethesda — a house qj 
 mercy to the most unworthy. My study is about five 
 feet square ; and yet I can sing, 
 
 ' This little room, for me design'd, 
 Suits as well my easy mind 
 As palaces of kings.' 
 
 It is either to labor for him on earth, or to take me to 
 himself. To labor for him now is sweet, increasingly 
 sweet; and O, he is with me ! At home and abroad 
 Jesus stands by me — the Spirit comforts me — my Fa- 
 ther smiles — so, 
 
 ' Tell me no more of earthly toys, 
 
 Of sinful mirth and carnal joys, 
 
 The things I loved before.' 
 
 " Let the world have these. Let the professor of 
 religion who indulges in them, wish me to join him : 
 but God forbid ! for, w^ere I to indulge, even in what 
 by some are called innocent pleasures, my spiritual 
 joys would be gone. And for this I am spoken of, and 
 that too by professors of the religion of Jesus. But 
 what is it to be judged of man's judgment? My wit- 
 ness and record are on high. By censuring for this, they 
 censure me for doing the work of the Lord. The spare 
 20* 
 
234 MEMOIR OF 
 
 time I have from my college duties, I would rather 
 spend Avith the sick — the indigent ; and that too, to 
 win souls. And my prospect for doing good is much 
 greater in huts and smoky cabins, than in the draw- 
 mg-rooms of rich and thoughtless worldlings. They 
 are joined to their idols. O, pray that I may firmly 
 and devotedly do the work of the Lord, caring neither 
 for their contempt nor their applause ; alike indiffe- 
 rent to popularity and persecution. And may our ef- 
 forts be to turn men from sin to holiness. 
 
 " Glory to our heavenly Father, for his rich grace 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ. ' By grace are ye 
 saved, through faitli.' This is the way, the only way, 
 of salvation. And it is a sweet way — the way of holi- 
 ness — the way to heaven." 
 
 To a female relative, for Avhom, as for all his rela- 
 tions, Mr. Taylor's heart seemed ever to overflow with 
 affection, he wrote an interesting letter, Avell calcula- 
 ted to instruct and reprove those professors of religion 
 who, like the creaking door upon its hinges, ever com- 
 plain, and yet make no progress. 
 
 " J^assati^Hall, Aug. 28, 1824. 
 ••Dear R , 
 
 " My soul blesses our heavenly Parent for the affec- 
 tion I bear to you, both natural and christian. Instead 
 of diminishing, it gathers strength ; and I trust it is to 
 be perfected in a fairer clime. 
 
 " Having the same round of duties from day to day, 
 you will readily conclude that I can have little news 
 to communicate ; but there is a theme to which our 
 hearts have been attuned. We love the Savior — we 
 
JAMES RKAINERD TAYLOR. 235 
 
 love his cause ! but whence is it that we have been 
 turned to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls ? We 
 love God because he first loved us. Here is the solu- 
 tion of what would otherwise be an unfathomable 
 depth, and for ever remain a mystery. 
 
 " Having been extricated from the miry clay, and 
 our feet set upon a rock, what manner of persons 
 ought we to be in all holy conversation ! Surely as 
 he who hath called us is holy, so ought we to be 
 holy. 
 
 " What are the signs of the times ? Is much said 
 about religion, for and against it? Where is the host 
 that/eeZ, that talk, that live religion? Alas, the con- 
 stant harping of professors of religion upon their for- 
 mality, coldness, stupidity, want of life ! W'hy, in the 
 name of my Master, are they not before God, on their 
 knees, in their closets, mourning over their declen- 
 sion ? They need not tell the world of their indiffe- 
 rence. It is already too evident. And the world sees 
 it with astonishment. The world knows it to their (I 
 was going to say) damnation ! It is true : for sinners 
 plead as their excuse, the ungodliness of professors. 
 
 " May it be ours to walk worthy of our vocation. 
 We owe, indeed, ten thousand talents to the Lord ; 
 and I feel that I have nothing to pay. And after all I 
 shall have done and can do, I am an unprofitable 
 servant ; and can only say, 
 
 ' 1 the chief of sinners am, 
 But Jesus died for me.' 
 
 " Surrounded as you are by multiplied cares, I pre- 
 sume you steal away now and then from all, to hold 
 converse with God in secret. If any where, it is with 
 
236 MEMOIR OF 
 
 God in secret, the soul must prosper; and there, if 
 denied all things else, the child of God finds a Father, 
 a Savior, a Comforter, a Friend, a Brother. May you 
 find your retirements places and seasons of washing 
 and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 " How are all at ? I have taken an interest in 
 
 that people ; not because they are Episcopalians ; no 
 more than I would in Presbyterians, because they are 
 such, but because some of them appeared to have the 
 spirit of Christ. And I think I have been brought to 
 this, to seek to have Christians more holy ; and sin- 
 ners, yet unconverted, brought to Christ. Away with 
 the prejudice of names ! away, for ever ! The child of 
 God is my brother, my sister. The sinner, my fellow- 
 sinner. The former let me love and serve, as of the 
 household of faith : the latter, let me labor to bring, 
 where we would he, at the feet of Jesus. And here at 
 his feet we must lie, if on his throne we would sit 
 down. 
 
 " I might tell you that I have some pleasant retreats 
 mto the huts and smoky cabins of the poor of this re- 
 gion. And there too, in some instances, piety in its 
 most radiant form is seen to shine forth. I should like 
 to have you at some of my little meetings. The chil- 
 dren of the highest seem happy, and I am happy in 
 doing them good. Thus let me live ; thus let us live, 
 thus let us die. 
 
 " You have witnessed much of the bustle about La- 
 fayette, He is a great man — worthy of esteem ! But 
 in reading the account of his landing and reception 
 m your city, I thought of our Jesus, the Son of God, 
 and inquired, if He should appear, who would go our 
 to meet him and help him ? Who helped him through 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 237 
 
 the land of Juflea? But his triumph was great. Let 
 us strive to be good?'' 
 
 To a beloved christian brother, who had recently- 
 visited a place where God was blessing the church 
 with a glorious revival of religion, Mr. Taylor wrote 
 a letter abounding with pointed interrogatories, such 
 as every Christian should attentively consider, and 
 especially when the tone of piety is low, and a state 
 of backsliding appears in the church. 
 
 " Sept. 1. — Having been in the midst of so powerful 
 a work of God's Spirit, you have doubtless returned 
 with an increased solicitude for the Zion with which 
 you are so happily connected. Do you not find that 
 it is the delight of your pastor to preach the word 
 with all plainness ? How are you blessed in having 
 an overseer so desirous of the "welfare of souls ! And 
 be assured, you cannot pray for him too much. The 
 apostle said, ' Brethren, pray for us.' Could you fol- 
 low your pastor, you would see that in all his labors 
 his heart cries out, ' Brethren, pray for me.' 
 
 " Inquiring concerning the pastor naturally leads 
 to inquire after the flock. How is it, then, with the 
 sheep ? How is it with you, my brother ? Instead of 
 engagedness, you may have become cold. Have you 
 eloped from those green pastures in which you were 
 wont to feed ? Have you left those refreshing streams 
 of which it was your delight to drink ? Ah ! what 
 comparison do the gaudy weeds of the world bear to 
 the sweet pasture which the good Shepherd has pro- 
 vided ? And who would choose the turbulent streams 
 of sense, in preference to ' the still waters ' of his 
 
238 MEMOIR OF 
 
 love 7 But I hope better things of you : that you still 
 walk with God, and follow the Lamb whithersoever 
 he goeth. 
 
 " Many sheep compose the flock with which you 
 feed. Are they all in health? and do their souls pros- 
 per? Do they feed contentedly and live healthfully? 
 Jn. a large flock, hoAV often are some sick ; how many 
 Vx'ander and go astray ! What dissatisfaction with 
 themselves and all around them, arising from unfaith- 
 fulness on their part to God, to their own souls, and 
 the souls of their brethren ? 
 
 " Were I with you at one of your little meetings, 
 raethinks I would ask my brethren, and say to each, 
 Is it well with thee ? Is it well with thee ? As my 
 soul rejoices in the prosperity of Zion, how would my 
 praise awake at an answer in the affirmative ! How 
 would I send forth my voice in ^vords of exhortation 
 to the brothers or sisters in a luke-warm state ! And 
 I would ask, what profit is there in robbing God? 
 What advantage in loving the world ? What peace 
 in dishonoring the Prince of peace, by indulging in 
 sin? For it is sin, soul-blinding sin — sin, soul-ha- 
 rassing sin, beloved sin, soul-damning sin, that has 
 veiled the Sun of righteousness ; that has sent fearful 
 forebodings of wrath into the soul, and stamped con- 
 demnation where once was light — where once was 
 peace, reconciliation, and heaven. Were my soul in 
 such a condition, would you not say to me, ' Return, 
 thou backslider, rove no longer ; seek the Lord with 
 thy whole beart?' And I would say further. Look, 
 precious soul, if thou hast ever had grace in thy heart, 
 how art thou fallen ! Do you not fear a final removal 
 of the candlestick from its place ? O dishonor God, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 239 
 
 your heavenly Father, no longer ; wound your Savior 
 no more ; grieve not the Holy Spirit ; come and con- 
 fess ; bow Avith penitence ; mourn Avith bitterness ; 
 plead with faith ; procure pardon, peace, and holiness ; 
 be determined to have no more to do with sinful con- 
 formity to the Avorld, cost what it may ; make no com- 
 promise Avith self; have no league with Satan ; in a 
 Avord, deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow 
 Christ; then you Avill shoAV to the world that Christ 
 Jesus, as you profess, is all ; sinners will take Avarn- 
 ing at your example and precept ; saints Avill com- 
 mune Avith you ; God will bless, and heaven finally 
 receive your happy soul. Are convictions multiplied 
 among you? Do sinners in Zion tremble ? 
 
 " I have much reason to praise our heavenly Father 
 that he hath kept me hitherto. He hath indeed made 
 my little room a Beihesda to my soul. Grace, mercy, 
 and peace have been multiplied unto me ; and I now 
 bless the Lord and take courage for time to come. 
 Having been blessed of God, it is our privilege — it is 
 our duty — to look for greater blessings. From day to 
 day may Ave be baptized Avith the Holy Ghost and with 
 fire. The Lord send down his holy unction, and make 
 us, more than ever, fit temples for himself to dwell in. 
 Then Ave shall rejoice evermore, pray without ceas- 
 ing, and in every thing give thanks. 
 
 " My affectionate salutations to the brethren. Fare- 
 well. 
 
 " James B. Taylor." 
 
240 MEMOIR OP 
 
 CH AFTER V. 
 
 Second Year in College. 
 
 Mr. Taylor's fond affection for his parents and 
 friends cannot for a moment be called in question ; 
 and yet, though he had not enjoyed their society for 
 five or six months, and was on his way to spend the 
 college vacation at home, when he arrived in New- 
 York, " and found," to use his own words, " things 
 
 interesting under the labors of brother L , in the 
 
 Rev. Mr. Patton's church, the pastor being absent and 
 laborers needed, I, upon solicitation, joined brother 
 
 L for a season. At the resurrection of the just it 
 
 will be known how many have been gathered in. On 
 one evening thirteen expressed hope. The Lord bless 
 the lambs of the flock." 
 
 At the commencement of the college session we 
 find the following entry in his journal : 
 
 " Last night the Lord gave me— I cannot express 
 it — such an exercise as I never had before : a view of 
 the demerit of sin that sunk me lower than the lov/est. 
 And yet my soul exulted in God. 
 
 " Thus have I begun. May I find my winter loca 
 tion better than ever before— my health and my all are 
 at God's disposal. 
 
 '• Nov. 14.— Upon a review of the past week, I find 
 it fraught with loving kindness from the Lord. ' Last 
 evening bad a delightful season in remembering the 
 lambs of the flock in Mr. P.'s church, with whom I 
 
JaMLS BRAINERD TAYLOR. 241 
 
 used to meet on Saturday evenings. I love them for 
 the love ihey bear to Jesus, the Lamb of God. 
 
 •' At evening devotion had a singular exercise. 
 While singing, my soul thirsted for a blessing. The 
 thought suddenly entered my mind : ' If you neglect 
 your tea you may obtain the blessing which you seek.' 
 I inquired whence is this? Is it from God, or from the 
 devil ? But I concluded that the Lord's blessing came 
 not by a purchase of mine, and therefore that he could 
 as well bless me then as afterwards ; and I determined 
 to throw myself at his feet and seek his favor, and thus 
 defeat the adversary who was ready to cheat me out 
 of the blessing. My Father smiled upon me — the 
 work of grace was deepened — and my soul fed on man- 
 na from above." 
 
 To pious students Mr. Taylor has left an illustrious 
 example which should for ever banish the idea that 
 the sad decline in the life and fervor of piety so often 
 manifested in their college course, is necessary, or that 
 it is impossible in such circumstances to live a devo- 
 ted life, and make progress in religion. To a pious 
 family, to whom he frequently poured out all his heartj 
 after giving a delightful narrative of what the Lord 
 v/as doing for his soul from day to day, he wrote : 
 
 " Do not you rejoice that God has kept me hither- 
 to ? With your rejoicing connect a doubling of your 
 prayers that I may so live as to testify that the w^orld 
 is mistaken in the opinion, that God cannot be enjoyed 
 in a course of study. If I do not grow in grace noW; 
 when shall I ?" 
 
 21 J. B. Taylar- 
 
S42 MEMOIR OP 
 
 It is both delightful and instructive to oDserve that, 
 while he was striving continually to grow in grace 
 and in the knowledge of Christ, and so to let his light 
 shine, that others, seeing his good works, might glorify 
 his heavenly Father, he seemed almost as much en- 
 gaged that others should walk worthy of God unto all 
 pleasing. To a beloved friend he wrote, Nov. 30, 1824, 
 
 " Has your soul been in health and prospered ? I 
 could wish to be near you and hear the reply. 
 
 " Did you ever question whether I have been truly 
 converted? Perhaps you may have seen many things 
 in me which might lead to such a conclusion ; but if 
 not to this, to another, viz. that I could not love God 
 much, or that I showed to the world an ungodly walk 
 and conversation. Well, I am ready to acknowledge 
 my errors; will you point them out to me? I will 
 take it as the highest mark of your affection for me 
 and love to the cause of Christ, if you will tell me 
 plainly all that you may have seen amiss in me. And 
 would you not wish your friends to do the same to 
 you? But rather than offend you, I would get down 
 at your feet and say what I purpose to write. 
 . " iVIy dear friend, for whom I have prayed, and 
 groaned, and wept ; as before God and the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, I must warn you. Do you say of what? 
 Pause and think. Do you find nothing out of the way ? 
 What meanelh that lightness in your walk and con- 
 versation ? Does it fit you for prayer in secret? Does 
 It adorn the Christian? Does it tell' the world that 
 you love religion — that your thoughts are much on 
 God and heaven? Does it show that the soul is walk- 
 ing with God — that you maintain close and intimate 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 243 
 
 communion with God? This may he the last time I 
 may be permitted to write to you. My hand may be 
 in the grave : and I may now be too late — my friend 
 may have died. If alive, bear with my faithfulness ; 
 for it is in love, as I expect to meet you at the bar of 
 Jesus Christ. What meaneth these things ? O, I urge 
 you, I pray you — in Christ's stead, I beseech you tO' 
 judge. But what saith the Scriptures? ' Let every 
 one that nameth the name of Christ depart from ini- 
 quity.' Is it not iniquity to disobey God ? And it is 
 by keeping his commandments we know that we are 
 born of God and love him. The Savior says, ' If ye 
 love me keep my commandments.' ' As he that hath 
 called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of con- 
 versation. See then that ye v;alk circumspectly, not 
 as fools, but as wise. Wo unto you that laugh now, 
 for ye shall weep. Let your laughter be turned into 
 mourning. Let not jesting nor foolish talkingheonce 
 named among you. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and 
 anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put aw^ay 
 from you with all malice.^ Thus, my dear friend, you 
 see the will of the Lord concerning us. May I, and 
 may you be freed from every unhallowed thought, 
 word, and action, and put on, as the elect of God, 
 bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, 
 meekness, long-suffering , but, above all things, put 
 on charity — that the peace of God may rule in our 
 hearts. 
 
 " My friend, if you are not satisfied with your hope, 
 rest not till God shall speak your sins forgiven, and 
 you shall know that you are the Lord's. Come, let us 
 set out afresh, examine ourselves, and rectify all that 
 is wrong. To do this, we must find out the wrong, 
 
244 MEMOIR OF 
 
 bring it before God, confess it, mourn over it, plead 
 for Christ's sake, for pardon, and wait for salvation. 
 Do you pray for me ; I will pray for you ; and let us 
 strive to enter in at the strait gate." 
 
 The reader has observed how pleasantly and in- 
 structively the genuineness of Mr. Taylor's christian 
 character, and the elevation and enlargement ol his 
 christian love have been exhibited in the fact, that his 
 soul paused not at all at those barriers which sectari- 
 anism has raised between the different denominations 
 of Christ's disciples. Christ was the object of his af- 
 fections ; and wherever he saw the spirit and image 
 of his blessed Master, thither his heart flowed out. In 
 the saints, the excellent of the earth, was his delight ; 
 accordingly, w^e find much of his correspondence, in 
 which glowed the purest flame of Christian love, was 
 with those who bore names different from his own. 
 The following letter is of this description, and shows 
 at the same time the regard he had to the word of 
 God, as his infallible guide and instructor : 
 
 ''Nassau Hall, Dec. 5, 1824. 
 •' Brethren beloved, 
 
 " Does not the same affection actuate us toward one 
 another, that filled the soul of the apostle towards his 
 brethren at Rome, when he said, ' I would have you 
 wise towards that which is good, and simple concern- 
 ing evil?' How like this is our Su- ior's precept, 'Be 
 wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.' 
 
 " While reading the other day the former passasre 
 in connection with the context, I thought of my breth- 
 ren. 'Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 245 
 
 cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine 
 which ye have learned, and avoid them. For they that 
 are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own 
 belly ; and by good words and fair speeches deceive 
 the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come 
 abroad unto all men. I am glad, therefore, on your be- 
 half j but yet I would have you wise unto that which 
 is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of 
 peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.' 
 With the apostle I add the prayer, ' The grace of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.' 
 
 "But whence this wisdom? What saith the word ? 
 ' The holy Scriptures are able to make you wise unto 
 salvation, through faith which is in the Lord Jesus 
 Christ.' Again, ' The testimony of the Lord is sure, 
 making wise the simple. How shall it be attained ? 
 ' The letter killeth, but the Spirit maketh alive.' How 
 many read, and still are blind ! ' But if any man' — any 
 Presbyterian man, or any Church man, or any Metho- 
 dist man, or Baptist man, or any other man, ' lack wis- 
 dom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberal- 
 ly, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.' 
 Here then is the source, the word of God, accompanied 
 by the Spirit of God illuminating the mind and work- 
 ing powerfully in the soul. And the effect will be, 
 wisdom that is profitable to direct, and the harmless- 
 ness of the dove. 
 
 "Let us appeal to the experience of those who can 
 testify. But for the truth, the word of God, what know- 
 ledge of salvation could we have ? But for the medium 
 of access to God, the way of the sinner's return plainly 
 marked out, who before us, or with us, but would, like the 
 benighted in heathen lands, feel after God in vain ? But 
 21* 
 
246 MEMOIR OP 
 
 for the command, ' Repent,' who would ever thmis. of it ? 
 
 And unless convinced of sin, of righteousness, and of 
 judgment, by the Spirit of God, who Avouldbe broken- 
 hearted? But for the Lamb of God, held out tor the 
 taking away of sin, who would ever believe to the jus- 
 tifying and sanctifying of their souls ? Here we see 
 something of the value of the word and Spirit of God, 
 so much slighted by the world. 'Whoso is wise, and 
 will observe these things, even they shall understand 
 the loving-kindness of the Lord.' 
 
 "In the sense of the Scripture, then, it seems that 
 that person is void of understanding, who knov/s not its 
 commands and the blessing consequent upon obedi- 
 ence, which blessing is the loving-kindness of the 
 Lord. 
 
 " Do loe read, ' Repent — believe. Marvel not that 
 I said unto thee, ye must be born again. Walk be- 
 fore me, and be ye perfect. Deny ungodliness and 
 worldly lusts-; and live soberly, righteously, and god- 
 ly in this present world. Love the Lord thy God with 
 all thy heart.' If we may expunge one of these, may 
 we not expunge them all? But by so doing we take 
 our names from the book of life. How much better 
 to yield obedience. How much better ! O how 
 sweet ! The soul that has been at the feet of Jesus, 
 wishes to be often there; for he knows the peace of 
 God that passeth knowledge. He that hath this ex- 
 perience, hath what chaseth away all his fears, save 
 the holy filial fear of offending a holy, loving, indwell- 
 ing Father — the loyal fear that wishes to be submis- 
 sive at the feet of King Jesus, who rules on the 
 throne of his kingdom, set up in the soul — the sacred 
 fear that trembles at the thought of disturbing the hal- 
 
JAMES EKAINERD TAYLOR. 247 
 
 lowed breathings of that Spirit, whose temple is the 
 body of the saint. How harmless such guests would 
 make the soul ! This fear is the fruit of love— and 
 love is the fulfilling of the law. Well, this is all we 
 want, that is, in kind. We want, and shall for ever 
 want ; and we may for ever have more, in measure, 
 of God's love. O may we sink — sink, and sink, and 
 sink into this ocean ; for this (a paradox to the world,) 
 is the way to rise ; and it will carry us higher than 
 the stars, to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, 
 and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you 
 who are kept by the power of God, through faith, unto 
 a full and eternal salvation. We will talk of the rest 
 when we shall walk the golden streets. Ah ! shall we 
 see each other there ? If you do not get so high above 
 me that I cannot reach you. By the grace of God I 
 hope to shine forth even there — a sinner saved by grace. 
 
 "A christian salutation to sister W. and the breth- 
 ren R. and R., whom with yourselves I beseech, for 
 the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the 
 Spirit, that ye strive together with me, in your prayers 
 to God for me. 
 
 " Farewell. In the best bonds, your brother, in our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, 
 
 "Jaimes B. Taylor." 
 
 The following was addressed to a colored woman, 
 since gone to her rest, at the advanced age of 116 
 years— whom Mr. Taylor seems to have regarded as 
 one of the excellent of the earth, in whom he de- 
 lighted. 
 
248 MEMOIR OP 
 
 " Princeton, Dec. 24, 1824, 
 *' Aunt Sarah, perhaps, is expecting to hear from her 
 friend Mr. Taylor. Could I be with you for an hour, 
 we would converse upon things that pertain to the 
 Kingdom ; but you have a Friend on high, who deigns 
 to visit your little room — nay, who takes up his abode 
 m your heart — He has brought his Father with him , 
 and the Holy Ghost, whom he promised to send, over- 
 shadows and fills you. By and by, you will exchange 
 your cottage for a palace; you will lay aside your gar- 
 ments below, ' to walk in white above.' Instead of 
 prayer, you will be all praise. Instead of seeing Jesus 
 by faith, you will see him as he is, face to face. Do 
 you not exult in the prospect of dying — dying in the 
 arms of Jesus, and of going to your Father, God ? 
 There, too, you will meet those who died in faith, and 
 some with whom you have sung, and prayed, and wept 
 below. And this is the sweetness of it — the place, the 
 scene, will never close. Those that entpr in shall go 
 no more out. 
 
 " You will be glad to hear that the Lord blesses me 
 with his presence — my soul is in health and prospers — 
 still help me in your prayers for me, that I may indeed 
 be a man of God — one i?i whom God will delight to 
 dwell — and one whom God will deign to honor in 
 bringing sinners to Christ. 
 
 " Should the Lord continue you, I trust you will 
 have a happy new year; but if he should take you 
 hence, it will be thrice happy. Farewell, 
 
 "J. B. Taylor." 
 
 Of the same date, but a little in anticipation of the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAVLOH. 249 
 
 time, we fiad Mr. Taylor's new-year's letter to his pa- 
 rents, brothers, and sisters. 
 
 ''Nassau Hall, Dec. 24, 1824. ' 
 
 " Endeared Parents, Brothers, and Sisters, 
 
 " The time has arrived for my annual gift ; and, in 
 anticipation, I wish you a happy new-year. Should it 
 not be realized on earth, who of us doubts but it would 
 be enjoyed at the right hand of God ? 
 
 ' There everlasting spring abides. 
 And never withering flowers : 
 Death, like a narrow sea, divides 
 This heavenly land from ours.' 
 
 " To say that this may be the last epistle of this 
 kind that I shall write, you know is to say what the 
 closing year naturally suggests. But it may be that 
 the Lord of the vineyard has designed me as an un- 
 der-dresser. 
 
 "The close of the year generally finds men of busi- 
 ness engaged in adjusting their accounts. Would it 
 not be well for us, as stewards in the house of God, 
 and trans-acting business for our unseen Lord, to in- 
 quire of each other, ' How much owest thou unto my 
 Lord V My father, my brother, my sister, how much 
 owest thou? James, son, and brother, how much owest 
 thou ? 
 
 " How great is our debt as a family ! In common 
 with other families, we have enjoyed food, and rai- 
 ment, and house, and home, and friends. The same 
 social privileges, the same civil and religious liberty, 
 have been given unto us as to our neighbors. And un- 
 der heaven where is there a family more blessed with 
 
250 MEMOIR OF 
 
 fellow-feeling — more united to advance one another to 
 tne upper kingdom? What hath God wrought? To 
 him be all the glory. 
 
 " But the -past year has been fraught with loving- 
 kindness and tender mercies! His mercy! Oitreach- 
 eth to the clouds. 
 
 " Not less as individuals, than as a family, do we 
 owe unto the Lord. In looking over the past year, 
 what a train of good hath followed, and in good order ! 
 Prosperity hath been in the borders of each. How it 
 hath been with you in particular circumstances you 
 will remember upon a review. What health continued 
 — what dangers escaped — what trials have been sanc- 
 tified to wean you from the world — what lessons learn- 
 ed by experience, whereby we are able to do more, 
 and with greater facility, for God and each other — 
 what seasons of refreshing from the presence of the 
 Lord, both in secret, in the family, and in the great 
 congregation ! 
 
 " As for me, the Lord, that heareth the young ravens 
 when they cry, and taketh care of the sparrows, hath 
 heard and taken care of me. As fully and as season- 
 ably as he hath remembered them, so hath he admin- 
 istered to me. Yes, I have not wanted any good thing; 
 I have all and abound. How unlike my blessed Mas- 
 ter ! When wandermg up and down, he had not where 
 to lay his head. But he makes my couch for repose, 
 and imparts sweet sleep — and besides, as a pillow 
 softer than down, he gives me to lean upon his arm 
 and rest on his bosom. It is impossible for me to de- 
 scribe the communion into which he hath admitted me 
 with himself during the past year. 
 
 " Have we not all been ripening for heaven ? How 
 
JAMES BRAINBRD TAYLOR. ^51 
 
 much have we grown in grace and better acquaintance 
 with our own hearts and with our God ? 
 
 " How much owe we unto our Lord ? ' More than 
 ten thousand talents.' And what have we to pay ? All 
 that we have, does it not belong to God ? How then 
 shall the debt be cancelled ? We must not say, Lord, 
 be patient, and I will pay thee all j but fall down and 
 rejoice that for Christ's sake God hath forgiven all our 
 sins — the whole debt. For one, I feel constrained to 
 say, thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the 
 pit of corruption, for thou hast cast all my sins behind 
 thy back. 
 
 " Let it be our aim to keep ourselves in the love of 
 God. God is love, and love is the fulfilling of the law. 
 Love, then, should be the reigning passion of our souls. 
 This is the grace that never faileth. 
 
 " Respecting ourselves as a family, and as indivi- 
 duals, if we ' seek first the kingdom of God and his 
 righteousness,' we may expect the good hand of our . 
 God still to be upon us for good, in this the house of 
 our pilgrimage. Whatever then is neglected, let not 
 our souls suff'er. But I think, as our souls are in health 
 and prosper, so our daily business will succeed, and . 
 that to the glory of God. And may those committed 
 to our care, be greater sharers in our exertions, as 
 though the next were to be our last year; for, indeed, 
 if not to all, it may prove such to some. Let us each 
 inquire, ' Lord, is it I ?' May we strive together more 
 in our prayers for one another. On Mondays I think 
 of you all more particularly than at other times ; and 
 I have had nearness of access to God in pleading for 
 those I love. 
 
 ** Who can tell but we may contrive something new 
 
252 MEMOIR or 
 
 whereby to do good ; or exert ourselves more in ptif-* 
 suing former plans ? Let us in all things live to God^ 
 and eat, drink, sleep, and act for his glory. 
 
 " The succeeding year may prove to be a jubilee to 
 multitudes of souls. For this out prayer, not our words 
 merely should ascend, for pur own sanctification, and 
 for the purification of the church visible also. Let. us, 
 as much as in us lies, feed the hungry, clothe the 
 naked, and help the helpless. As for our enemies, love 
 them and do them good, for did not Christ manifest 
 his love for us, while we were enemies? He died for 
 the ungodly. Let us be peace-makers. Be kindly affec- 
 tioned one toward another. Love as brethren. If in life 
 we are undivided, cemented in love, in death we shall 
 not be sundered. May you all find the grace of hope 
 filling you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye 
 may abound in hope through the power of the Holy 
 Ghost. And should I sink, as I deserve, may you rise 
 to life. The Lord give you, every one. an entrance 
 abundantly into his everlasting kingdom, and there 
 may our united hallelujahs resound to God and the 
 Lamb for ever and ever. If not before, I hope to meet 
 you in one of the many mansions. Adieu, l^our affec- 
 tionate son and brother, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 To his Cousin M A — -. 
 
 ''Princeton, Dec- 23, 1824. 
 
 "Notwithstanding my long silence, my thoughts 
 have often flown across hill and dale to your habita- 
 tion, with the inquiry, how is it with M. A. ? 
 
 "Doubtless it has been well with you all the day 
 long. Had I before me this evening a view of your 
 
JAMES BHAINERD TAYLOH. 253 
 
 exercises since we parted, perhaps I should discover 
 you shut out from the Avorld, and at the same lime 
 shut up in the love of God. O what place is like that 
 in which the soul is blessed with intimate holy com- 
 munion with God our Father, and with his Son Jesus 
 Christ, through the indwellmg of the Holy Ghost ? 
 Bless the bord that our souls are not strangers to such 
 visits of love. The world knoweth them not, but unto 
 us our God hath revealed the hidden mystery. 
 
 "At another lime I should discover you holding 
 sweet converse with some dear child of God, who with 
 yourself has drunk deep into his love. What harmony 
 between souls that vibrate in unison when touched 
 Avith love divine ! 
 
 " At another time in your class or in the congrega- 
 tion ; and there too you have renewed your strength. 
 How good the good Shepherd is ! he feeds his sheep. 
 How kind our Elder Brother! he supplies our wants. 
 How powerful our King ! he subdues our foes. And 
 through all our journey we may expect that the Lord 
 will provide. 
 
 " If indeed you have been thus favored at home Imd 
 abroad, you have gone up in the w^ay of holiness. And 
 does not your purpose to follow on to know the Lord 
 stand lirm ? Yes, my dear cousin, better things are 
 hoped of you than of some who seemed to run well for 
 a time. And from what the Lord has discovered to us 
 of his goodness, we are looking for still greater things ; 
 for the path of the just is as the shining. light that 
 shineth more and more to the perfect day. Verily, I 
 believe ihere is such a blessing as sinking into the 
 love of God. In thinking on this subject, I have com- 
 pared the love of God to an ocean; and supposing 
 
 22 J. B. Taylor- 
 
254 
 
 me:,:oir of 
 
 myself on the surface of this great deep, I could ima- 
 gine myself sinking and sinking — but how far? O 
 there are attainments in holy love which we have not 
 yet made ! May we sink, and sink, and sink, and so 
 get out of the sight and influence of the world, and 
 out of the reach of the devil. 
 
 " My little room still witnesses the manifestations 
 of God in melting my soul into love and tenderness ; 
 so that in testimony of his favor I tell you that I am 
 on my journey. Christ, as King, reigns on the throne 
 of my heart. I have a consciousness of reconciliation, 
 and am waiting for an unction from the Holy One, 
 more and more to sink me into the ocean. God is 
 Love. 
 
 " Having been feasted at the rich banquets of our 
 Lord, we long to see a multitude come and possess 
 more than we have enjoyed. O, when shall the sons 
 of Levi — when shall ministers of the Gospel be more 
 holy ; — when shall the church, as a body, put on this 
 beautiful garment '} 
 
 " Are there those with you, who ' hunger and thirst 
 after righteousness?' May they expect to ' he filled;^ 
 and not linger, but eat of the bread of life, and drink 
 of the wells of salvation, till satisfied. 
 
 " How sweet a frame is this : to have the simple 
 language of the soul — more love — enlarge the vessel, 
 and give me more — more faith — more meekness — more 
 
 HOLINESS. 
 
 " Day by day, may our souls rest under the smiles 
 of our Father God, and God the Son. May Jesus 
 breathe on us, and say, ' Receive ye the Holy Ghost j' 
 and feeling that our bodies are his temples, may we 
 keep them under — walk as becometh saints — as chil- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 255 
 
 dren of the day and not of the night. Be it ours in all 
 things to keep consciences void of offence. To do this, 
 we may often give offence to man, but in the sight of 
 heaven we shall be harmless as doves. 
 
 " Soon we shall be done with things below. Till 
 then, we shall be sheep — pilgrims — soldiers ; sheep in 
 the midst of wolves — pilgrims through a wilderness to 
 a city out of sight — and soldiers for the Lord of hosts. 
 Let us then feed by our Savior's side, who as the 
 good Shepherd cares for his sheep. Let us run and 
 not be weary — let us fight and conquer. Then comes 
 the crown: in company v/ith my cousin I expect to 
 wear it. 
 
 " My mind is intent upon the work before me. Strive 
 with me in your prayers, that I may receive a com- 
 mission from the Lord, as well as from man, by being 
 filled with the Holy Ghost. 
 
 "As ever, your affectionate cousin, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 To Miss W . 
 
 « Nassau Hall, Dec. 30, 1824. 
 " Very dear friond and sister, 
 
 ""Remembering your injunction not to forget the New 
 Year's letter, I again wish you, in anticipation, a hap- 
 py New Year. 
 
 " At the close of a year, the thought naturally arises, 
 how many, who started with us at the commencement 
 of this year, are no more in the land of the living? 
 And the prosjiect of as many dying the year just 
 about to begin, is as serious as the fact that thousands 
 have fallen into their graves — appeared before iheiv 
 
256 MEMOIR OF • 
 
 Judge— sunk to hell, or been raised to hearen during the 
 past year. Among those Avho shall yield to the de- 
 stroyer before the close of the next year^ we may be 
 numbered. 
 
 " Reviewing the past year, I find it fraught with 
 blessings temporal and spiritual. I have just left pe- 
 rusing the records of God's goodness tome — and could 
 I tell you all, you would say with me, ' O that men would 
 praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonder- 
 ful works to the children of men.' But I will not at- 
 tempt a narration. Suffice it to say, I om under in- 
 finite obligations to love God more than ever. And I 
 hope you will still strive with me in your prayers to 
 God for me, for an increase of faith, hope, love joy, 
 meekness, humbleness of mind, holy zeal, and boldness 
 for God. 
 
 " I should rejoice to have an hour's interview with 
 you, as in former days, to hear you tell of the loving- 
 kindness of the Lord, But it is unspeakable and full 
 of glory. It is with you as with some others, who can 
 look forward to another world as a place to recount 
 all. What awaits us on Z ion's hill, I leave for you to 
 imagine. And may your soul get further within the 
 veil, and nearer to the throne of love. 
 
 " As usual, I suppose you are in the midst of gayety 
 and fashion. Do you find those professors, whose 
 minds are taken up with outward ornament, best deco- 
 rated within. I suppose you conclude with me, that 
 a clean heart seeks the ornament of a meek and quiet 
 spirit, which is so honorable in the sight of God, and 
 so esteemed by the holy, rather than the embellish- 
 ments of art which man honors ? 
 
 " Miss W. every day's observation convinces me 
 
JAMES BRAIiNERD TAYLOR. 257 
 
 more and more that piety is not always connected with 
 a profession. It costs but little (in this world) to be 
 united in form to God's people. In another, the hypo- 
 crite will find that he has been playing the fool with 
 his soul at a dear rate. While others trust in forms, 
 may we have the power of godliness. While some 
 share only in the name, be it ours to possess the vir- 
 tue of Christians — Christians justified and sanctified. 
 While others feed on husks, may we eat the true bread. 
 While others grasp at golden ore, and are unsatisfied 
 let us obtain the true riches. 
 
 " As this may be our last year, we should be excited 
 to do our utmost for our Master. How many are around 
 us that we can benefit ? We still live, and they are 
 on the footstool of mercy. What we would do for them 
 and for ourselves must be done quickly. I heard of 
 the death of one of late, which caused me to ask, 
 could not I have done something for him ? But he is 
 gone. 
 
 " Who can tell but some one of the young ladies of 
 your household shall be followed to the grave ere the 
 close of ihe next year ? I know you wish to meet them 
 at the right hand of the Judge ; but are they anxious 
 to meet you there ? There is danger, it seems to me, 
 danger of their retaining their unregenerated hearts, 
 and carrying ihem to the bar of God. And who ever 
 returned to tell us that an impenitent sinner ever got 
 rid of his wicked heart, after passing the threshold of 
 eternity ? Ah ! his once proffered Friend is now his 
 enemy — his state is fixed — he is lost — he is damned 
 for ever ! 
 
 " A word to the young ladies. The year that is 
 gone has witnessed the long-suffering patience of God 
 ii2* 
 
258 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to US ; while others are beyond hope, we are still pri- 
 soners of hope. The opportunity is offered us to flee 
 to the strong hold — even to Christ. Commencing a 
 new era of time, would it not be well to secure the 
 favor of the Most High, and let future days or years 
 bear witness to your allegiance to the King of kings? 
 In answering this question, take into consideration 
 the need you will have of Christ in the solemn scenes 
 of the death-bed, the grave, and the judgment. 
 
 " But, Miss W. farewell ! A Christian salutation 
 to the friends of Christ. Affectionately yours. 
 
 " James B. Taylor." 
 
 Diary. — " Awoke this morning with a heavenly 
 sweetness, and look my usual walk as it began to 
 dawn. Endeavored to follow Christ in his humilia- 
 tion. This passage has been of comfort to me during 
 the disturbance in college, and I have considered it a 
 stronger defence than a wall. ' Whoso hearkeneth 
 unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from 
 the fear of evil.' " 
 
 As Mr. Taylor closed the former year, so, with the 
 «:pirit of genuine piety, he began the new year with 
 God. Perhaps no man more strictly complied with 
 the injunction, " In all thy ways acknowledge him ;" 
 and none seemed more confidently to expect the lul- 
 fillment of the promise, " He shall direct thy paths.*' 
 The commencement of his diary for this year is an in- 
 teresting and instructive exhibition of his obedience 
 and faiUi in this respect. 
 
 " Jan. 1 1825. — That another year has rolled awny 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 259 
 
 is to me no matter of regret. In time, and beyond time, 
 it will be remembered as a season of distinguishing 
 mercy. Thanks to the good Sliepherd for ' the green 
 pastures ' of the past year : to my heavenly Father, for 
 his smiles: my Com'forter, for his presence. 
 
 " What will occur this year is hid from mortal man. 
 But O, it is in the mind of the omniscient God. And 
 this God is my God, to whom I am willing to refer 
 all, both for myself and others. That he is on the 
 throne, is enough for me. And his glory he will not 
 give to another. 
 
 " Direct me, O Lord, in the right way. Lead me 
 in a plain path all paved with love — the path that 
 leadeth upward, and reacheth the land of rest — the 
 way of holiness — the King's highway. 
 
 " I believe there are richer blessings in store for 
 me ; if not on earth, in heaven. And the Lord's will 
 being done, it is not a matter of much concern to me 
 whether on earth or in heaven. But should my life 
 be spared this year also, may my soul sink — and sink — 
 and sink into God, day by day. Then I shall grow in 
 grace, and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus — deny 
 myself, take up my cross, and follow Christ — live to 
 God — be a light in the world — salt of the earth — wise 
 as a serpent, harmless as a dove — spiritual, and not 
 carnal. 
 
 " O that the lives of my relatives who are not yet 
 for God, might be spared, to repent this year, and come 
 to Christ; that my friends, who love the Lord, may- 
 honor him more, by bringing forth much fruit. May 
 this year be a favored season for Zion. 
 
 " Lord, increase piety in the watchmen. Make the 
 under-shepherds careful of the flock. May the flock 
 
260 MEMOIR OF 
 
 be purified. Let souls be joined to the Lord in thou- 
 sands. Prepare candidates for the holy ministry for 
 their office. Make all that come after more holy and 
 self-denying than those who have gone before. Pre- 
 pare we eminently to win souls to Christ, and build up 
 the church. This is all I ask in this world in regard to 
 my relation to smners. For thee would I labor; for 
 thee, O Christ, would I die, rather than be a hinder- 
 ance to thy cause. But here I am ; do with me as 
 seeraeth good in thy sight. Thy will be done.'- 
 
 To Rev. Mr. S . 
 
 " I must tell you that the time passes, for the most 
 part, sweetly, peacefully, and sometimes with joy and 
 exultation. Perhaps, since I have been in college, I 
 have not enjoyed more steadily the presence of our 
 Lord than I do now. My studies are more agreeabltj 
 and my engagements are so regular, that I forget the 
 day of the month, and sometimes have to pause for 
 the day of the week. Come and interrupt me. I say 
 co?72e, if the Lord will. However glad I should he to 
 see my brother, more happy would I be to have him, 
 even from me, in the pathway of duty. Eternity is 
 before us. In time we may yet spend happy days to- 
 gether. Beyond time, we will hope to sit down toge- 
 ther in the kingdom of God. And though I would 
 not be light on so sacred a theme, Avill you not, then, 
 introduce me to some whom, under God, you have 
 sent thither? With what double ardor should we raise 
 our sails and ply our oars ! Are you not among the 
 i;V;)/>£Tctf of Jesus Christ — a roic e7^-minister. (1 Cor. 
 4: L) May the Captain direct your course. May 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 261 
 
 you keep a good look-out — run clear — ship multitudes 
 — enter the haven fully laden — cast anchor and be 
 safely moored for ever. Pray that I also, with wide- 
 spread sail, may be wafted over to the heavenly port, 
 the New Jerusalem. The good Spirit blow upon and 
 fill our sails." 
 
 Diary. " Jan. 13. — ' His loving-kindness, O how 
 great !' Have just risen from the floor, where my peace 
 was like a river. I longed for more of God ; for a 
 suitable preparation for the work of an evangelist. I 
 felt myself a worm, and no man ; but, blessed be the 
 Lord, I am in his hands. Here would I lie, and wait 
 and long for his direction from day to day. I love the 
 truth, and long to be more and more sanctified through 
 it. Praise the Lord for holiness — for a clean heart. 
 May I keep myself in the love of God. 
 
 " 16th. — The past week — this is Sabbath — has been 
 fraught with loving-kindness and tender mercy — and 
 base ingratitude. After the rich blessing of last Thurs 
 day, my spirit, before morning, was shorn of its 
 strength, by what has so often shrouded my soul in 
 darkness. But the Lord healed my backsliding. ' If 
 any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father ;' 
 and ' if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to 
 forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrigh- 
 teousness.' He brought me to exercise confidence in 
 God, and my soul was restored. Alas ! that I should 
 leave the Lord and wander from the fountain. Make 
 me, Lord, to know wisdom from my past falls, and 
 may I set a double watch and repel my foes. Blessed 
 be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth 
 wondrous things ; and blessed be his holy name for 
 
262 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ever. Had, between ten and eleven o'clock A. M. a 
 blessing of blessings. Took up the Memoirs of the 
 dear Brainerd, and followed him through part of his 
 last sickness. When I came to his interview with a 
 clergyman concerning the great importance of the 
 work of the ministry, my heart broke ; it had heaved 
 before, but now it melted and overflowed with unut- 
 terable emotions, while floods of tears ran down mine 
 eyes. The importance of the work increased in my 
 apprehension, while, in my own view, I was but a 
 worm, and no man ; yet I longed to preach the Gos- 
 pel ; I thirsted to labor in God's vineyard ; to be an 
 under-shepherd was my only desire ; and the thought 
 of ever relinquishing the glorious object increased still 
 more my emotions, while my place seemed to be in 
 the diist — nay, if justice should take its course, the 
 lowest hell. 
 
 " Here I felt such an exercise as I am not conscious 
 of having ever experienced before — a rising of soul to 
 God ; and being filled with love, until I yielded myself 
 up entirely to his disposal, to live or die, labor or not, 
 I fell before God, and acknowledged his blessing with 
 thanksgiving. 
 
 " I soon repaired to the hall for worship. Had not 
 been seated long before a heavenly breeze wafted my 
 soul to higher communion with God. Never till then 
 did I so feel the import of the pnssage, ' I am sick of 
 love.' The sermon was attended with power to my 
 soul. Thank the Lord for so faithful a servant as the 
 preacher appeared to be. He seemed to be one who 
 had drank at the fountain of holiness, and lived on an- 
 gel's food ; hence I came away with the conviction 
 that holiness — holiness, is the grand secret of effectual 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 263 
 
 preaching. Upon this point my mind has been much 
 exercised lately ; and I bless God that I am becoming 
 more and more conformed to him. The thought was 
 suggested, ' What will you do when you become a 
 preacher? You will not be fluent.' My answer was, 
 at which I take courage, ' In the Lord have I righte- 
 ousness and strength ;' and I charged myself not to 
 fear, for the Lord is my light and my salvation. No : 
 I have nought to fear but offending God. I may take 
 courage : onward let me go, ' redeeming the time,' 
 living as becometh one whom the Lord thus favors. 
 How much depression and gloom rested upon Brain- 
 erd — none upon me. I hardly know what it is. Health 
 of body too is mine. O to lay it all out for God ! 
 
 " 17th. — Since Sabbath I have, for the most part, en- 
 joyed a sweet savor of divine things ; but this evening 
 the Lord has come of a truth, to deepen his work in 
 my soul. The effect seemed to be 
 
 ' The speechless awe that dares not move, 
 And all the silent heaven of love.' 
 
 Incense had been burning through the day. My will- 
 ing soul looked upward. I longed for a deepening of 
 the work of grace. Peace, in steady stream, glided me 
 along; but my soul thirsted for God, for the living 
 God. Sat down and opened the word, and read, 'Jesus 
 stood and cried, If any man thirst, let him come unto 
 me and drink.' Jesus ! O, at that name what emotions 
 arose ; his loveliness ; his condescension. My soul 
 melted, and was filled with love. 
 
 " What most occupied my mind, was my anticipated 
 office. O ! it is more and more magnified in my view. 
 And as it gathers greatness, I long for the best quali- 
 
284 MEMOIR OF 
 
 fication for it — holiness. More of late than formerly 
 does this subjeci call forth strong cries and tears. I 
 now- feel in my soul, ' Who is sufficient for these 
 things?' Shall I be left to prove a drone among the 
 church's watchmen? Shall I live as I see many mi- 
 nisters live ? Forbid it, Lord. They are ciphers when 
 they ought to be thousands. And what lukevvarmness 
 — what apathy — what worldly-mindedness, pervade 
 candidates for the ministry ! 
 
 " How I longed for full preparation for the work ; 
 and of the kind the Lord would have me possessed ot'. 
 And rather than live to prove a curse to the church, 
 by being a mercenary — worldly — and thus, a soul- 
 damning minister, I would now be removed. But the 
 great Head of the church is breathing on me from time 
 to time. He gives me the holy anointing; he sends 
 sweet longings for his glory — holy jealousy for his 
 honor. On him let me still lean and cast every care. 
 Then I felt willing to relinquish all for Christ, to go 
 any where, and to be any thing for him. And he 
 showed me his countenance, and my strength was 
 renewed. 
 
 " Sitting under the word this evening, honey from 
 the rock dropped upon me. O, how good ! The rest 
 is already begun — the earnest is given — it is within. 
 If I should say, I know him not, I should lie, and do 
 not the truth ; for I feel that I know God and his Son 
 Jesus Christ, and am known of him. 0, when shall I 
 see him as he is? When shall 1 from earth away? 
 ' O, glorious hour !' I am expecting his chariot ; yet 
 my prevailing preference is, if the will of the Lord be 
 so, to live and do the work of an evangelist, and make 
 full proof of my ministry ; and then there will be an 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 266 
 
 elernlly still. The will of the Lord be done. The 
 kingdom is his— -the work is his — and the glory is his. 
 Amen, and amen." 
 
 To a young Christian: 
 
 " Janitary 22, 1825, 
 
 " Soon a year will have gone by since that evening 
 when you thought you ' determined to know nothing 
 save Jesus Christ and him crucified.' Has the before 
 barren fig-tree brought forth fruit corresponding with 
 the transplanting and cultivation? Once in the barren 
 soil of the world — now in the garden of God ; once as 
 a sheep going astray — but now returned unto the Shep- 
 herd and Bishop of souls. Can the world bring in their 
 testimony that you laid out yourself more in unrighte- 
 ousness than the people of God can that you spend 
 yourself in holy living ? As a tree planted by the river 
 side— as a sheep in green pastures — as the sun at its 
 meridian — so you should bring forth fruit a hundred- 
 fold. Always abound in spiritual health, and shine re- 
 splendently in your every-day walk and conversation. 
 
 " I have before me some mottos, and I will tran- 
 scribe them for you : 
 
 ' Whatever you do, do it for God.' 
 For thee, Lord, for thee.' 
 Is this lawful V 
 Is it becoming?' 
 Is it expedient?' 
 
 I will add another— 
 
 *How will this appear to me on my dying bed?* 
 
 When aught is presented, to &e, to do, or to suffer^ 
 
 23 J.B.Taylor. 
 
266 MEMOIR OF 
 
 we may apply these tests as in the light of God's 
 word, and in view of the relations we sustain to him, 
 to the church, and to the world, and decide. 
 
 " Ever retiring, submissive, mild, let us act the 
 part of little children, and so carry about with us the 
 spirit of Jesus, whose plan of benevolence, having been 
 devised, is noAv going on in its accomplishment. In the 
 temple that is going up on the foundation rock Christ 
 Jesus, let us try, by co-working with God, to have at 
 least one nail in the building. 
 
 " With earnest desire that you may be holy, harm- 
 less, undefiled, and thus Christ-like, I say, press for- 
 ward, and as you go onward, look tcpward." 
 
 Diary. "Jan. 23. 
 
 ' Love divine, all love excelling.' 
 
 " This has been a high day to me. The Lord of the 
 Sabbath has remembered me for good ; and I praise 
 his name. But how shall I record his visits of love ? 
 They surpass my powers of description. There is a 
 certain something which is known only to those who 
 have felt the same, that requires a higher language 
 than mine to express. 
 
 " The exercises in the hall were profitable. My soul 
 was drawn out in prayer for a fitness for the work of 
 God in his vineyard, and melted with longings, not 
 
 only for myself, but for brother M , that God would 
 
 make us eminently meet to do his will. 
 
 " After preparing for Bible recitation, took the Me- 
 moirs of Whitefield and read of his being a blessing 
 to mmisters, &c. when a thought crossed my mind, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 267 
 
 which was as an arrow dipped in poison. When I 
 came to analyze it, it appeared to amount to this . 
 ' What is the use of striving to win souls ? you will 
 never gain as many as he did.' The effect was (for it 
 seems I gave place to the devil) the removal of that 
 ardent thirst for preparation which I felt before. I took 
 the alarm and chided myself^fell before the Lord, 
 and acknowledged all; and I felt that that sinful 
 thought was enough to separate me from the love and 
 favor of God for ever — I could urge no plea, but the 
 once-suffering, bleeding, dying Savior; and through 
 him I could discern that the Lord had only forsaken 
 me in a little wrath, and that with everlasting kind- 
 ness he would draw me. My heart melted a little ; 
 and then I could recollect with thankful remem- 
 brance the blessing with which I was visited, two 
 years and nine months ago, about the hour I was then 
 before the Lord. As yet, the longing to preach the 
 Gospel, and anxiety for fruitfulness, and solicitude for 
 full preparation, had not re-entered my heart, nor did 
 I know that they would ever return again. I felt that 
 I did not deserve this grace ; and that God was under 
 no obligation to bestow it — and that it was my folly 
 that had brought me into this condition. Here I ven- 
 tured to ask the Lord his will concerning me ; and 
 that if it were his will that I should possess zeal for 
 his glory and a longing desire to preach the Gospel, 
 he would ihe7i show it me. I looked, and waited, and 
 prayed — and the answer came, and in a measure which 
 perhaps I nSver felt before — all else seemed vain. O 
 the heavings of my inmost soul to be this one thing, 
 VIZ. an under-shepherd. Then the inquiry arose : Lord, 
 shall I ever preach the Gospel? Lord, am I a chosea 
 
268 MEMOIR OF 
 
 vessel ? Whether it was an answer or not, I took it to 
 be such, and in the affirmative. I feel willing to live 
 a hundred years on earth, if I might work for God 
 and bring souls to Christ, and then have nothing di- 
 minished from ETERNITY. O who would not live a 
 thousand years, if it were the will of God ? Let me 
 be no more anxious about living or dying; but let me 
 live unto the Lord, that when I die, I may die unto the 
 Lord. 
 
 " From the experience of to-day, learn, my soul, 
 ever to apply to the fountain as soon as a stain is con- 
 tracted, and with double earnestness. Rather learn to 
 live so near as to drink for the keeping away all ma- 
 ladies, and for constant refreshing. 
 
 " 27th. — Last week was invited to attend a party, 
 but had no inclination to comply — no, my soul was 
 too much set on heavenly, to desire the earthly enter- 
 tainment ; and so long as eternal things are pressing 
 upon mej I think I shall find no time to devote to the 
 gay circle. Instead of mingling with that circle, was 
 called to speak for my Lord to a company of females. 
 The Lord melted some of the audience, and I have 
 now returned from seeing one who felt the word spo- 
 ken. Endeavored to be faithful to a student of theo- 
 logy who called on me. Alas ! at how low an ebb is 
 piety among candidates for the ministry ! Lord, save 
 me from the contagion. He made a long acknowledg- 
 ment of his coldness, but at the same time mingled 
 with it many fashionable excuses. He did not tarry 
 long. I pressed him to do his duty, and come out and 
 live for God. May conviction drive him to his closet 
 and to his knees, until he find the reviving influences 
 of the Spirit. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 269 
 
 " Endeavored to arouse two fellow-students to more 
 life — alas ! for professors of religion here, 
 
 " 28lh. — Spent part of last evening in visiting the 
 
 poor with brother . One poor old colored man, 
 
 whom we found in deep happy poverty, seemed near 
 to the kingdom of heaven. He said, among other 
 things, that he had rather be as he was, with Jesus in 
 his soul, than to be a king upon a throne. 
 
 " At evening devotion, read a part of the last chap- 
 ter of John. To the question, ' Lovest thou me?' I 
 could appeal to the Lord with melting of soul. Hen- 
 ry's remarks were profitable. I fell before the throne, 
 and had a longing for souls — I thirsted to bring souls 
 to Christ. I groaned to win souls, and almost with 
 agony pleaded to have souls for my hire. I think 1 
 felt willing to lay out my life for souls. Money is not 
 what I desire. Souls, souls, I want souls. ' Give me 
 children,' was my cry, and I wept with desire to say 
 at last, ' Here am I, Lord, and the children thou hast 
 given me.' 
 
 " I left my plea before the Lord for the coming Sab- 
 bath, when I expect to go out to my little meeting — 
 may preparation for the seed be made by some fore- 
 runner — may the seed be sowed skillfully, sink deep, 
 take root, and spring up, and bear fruit. 
 
 " Feb. 7. — On Friday concluded on a subject for 
 Saturday night, on which to speak to the congregation 
 that expected me. Went and delivered my message, 
 after a rich visitation from God, at evening devotion ; 
 and it proved a message of God to souls. Yesterday 
 was the Sabbath, and it was a day of rest to me, al- 
 though I labored for God. Anticipating my meeting 
 in the afternoon and evening, I committed my cause 
 23'^ 
 
270 MEMOIR OF 
 
 to God. Having come from worship in the hall, I 
 mused, and the fire burned— I waited upon God, and 
 he heard my prayer. Having returned from dinner, I 
 again prostrated myself before God, and felt less than 
 the least — the unworthiest of the unworthy : thinking 
 upon my subject as it v/as prepared, I concluded it 
 was good for nothing, unless accompanied by the Spi- 
 rit to the hearts of the people. I wrestled with God for 
 a blessing. I Avas burthened with a desire tbat could 
 not be uttered for the coming of the Lord. I felt un- 
 v/orthy to go out to the people, yet 'panted to speak 
 for God. I thirsted. I drank ; I hungered, and was 
 Jilledj then took my staff and traveled on, and met 
 the people. It was a heart-searching time, as one en- 
 gaged Christian testified to me this morning. The 
 Lord follow it with his blessing. 
 
 " Walked to attend another meeting about three 
 miles distant, where there seemed still deeper solem- 
 nity, and where I was greatly helped. ' O Lord, how 
 manifold is thy goodness to thy servant !' 'I'll try to 
 prove faithful.' Felt happy in God, after the exercise 
 of the day, although fatigued in body. 
 
 "To-day has brought Vv^ith it a trial. A repeated 
 request reached me that I would leave college for a sea- 
 son, and become a 'yoke-fellow' with brother S., now 
 laboring at Springfield in New-Jersey, and where souls 
 are joining themselves to the Lord. Arguments, both 
 in favor and against it, arise in my mind. I commit- 
 ted myself and the decision as v.'ell as I could into 
 God's hands. My heart went up to the great Head of 
 the church — the question arose, Vv^hy here constructing 
 a triangle, when souls may be perishing? My heart 
 melted and mv cvcs ran down with tears. 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 271 
 
 " At evening devotion I fell before the Lord, and 
 called upon God my heavenly Father. But my peti- 
 tion could not find utterance. I only wanted to knov/ 
 the will of the Lord concerning me. This passage 
 entered my mind, 'Be still, and know that I am God:' 
 also, 'Commit thy way unto the Lord — acknowledge 
 him in all thy ways ; and he shall direct thy paths.' 
 My tears were dried up. After petitioning in behalf 
 of brother S. and the lambs around him, my father's 
 house and friends, I arose to praise the Lord. I was 
 only desirous to know his will ; and I trust in him to 
 make the way plain. I felt willing either to stay or 
 go ai his command. If I find the door to open wide, 
 so as to let me pass oui, I shall consider it a call of God 
 to go: if not, I remain to do his will here. 'Praise the 
 Lord, O my soul.' 
 
 "I knew not, nor do I know now, what I should do 
 if I went, but I felt willing to do any thing to help on 
 tne work of God. 
 
 "8th. It is decided. Dr, C.'s negative puts it out of 
 
 my power to leave college. Wrote brother S ; 
 
 may my letter refresh his spirit. Had an interview 
 with an aged brother, who is a man full of faith and 
 of the Holy Ghost. He refreshed my soul. O for a 
 host of such pilgrims." 
 
 In the letter to Rev. Mr. S., after giving an account 
 of his struggle between inclination and duty, he thus 
 writes: 
 
 " Since the decision, I do not rebel; but consider it 
 all for the best. I would gladly have become your 
 helper— but enough — I acquiesce. 
 
272 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " Of late I have received large blessings from God. 
 I think I have been more in the school of Christ this 
 session than ever before. And I have never had such 
 evidences of being called of God to spend for him — nor 
 such breaking of souls to do the work of an evangelist. 
 Yes : I have fell desirous to live only to bring souls to 
 Christ. I have been strengthened of the Lord to bear 
 testimony both to saints and sinners — and the Lord 
 has owned the word. Direct effort is against wind 
 and tide. And besides, a student's influence is too 
 cheap where they abound. I long to see more devo- 
 tedness among the students of the theological semina- 
 ry. Every tliird Sabbath I attend a meeting three miles 
 distant, and generally once or twice a week I talk iri 
 town. Every thing goes on pleasantly ; I spend my 
 time with but few, except the indigent, the inquiring, 
 and engaged Christians. Yet I am nothing but a sin- 
 ner saved by grace. But this one thing I know, that 
 'God is love' — that I love God, and am loved of him; 
 and should I deny it, I should deny the clearest de- 
 monstration ever made to my faith and feelings. ' AU 
 praise to Him that sitteth on the throne.'" 
 
 To the Rev. Mr. H., Mr. Taylor wrote on the 13th 
 February, as foUov/s: 
 
 " That which has mostly occupied my mind this ses- 
 sion, is a due preparation for the Gospel ministry. 
 While I have given literary acquirements their due, 
 the best gifts have been earnestly coveted. My call of 
 God has appeared to me more and more clear, and my 
 soul has burned with desire to win souls to Christ 
 For this, and this alone, I have v^nshed to live, and 
 to accomplish this I have felt willing to live a thou- 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 273 
 
 sand years. I have longed to live and preach the Gos- 
 pel ; and I felt that God vi'-as either anoiiiting me for 
 his work on earth, or for a speedier flight to heaven. 
 While willing to depart and be with Christ, I still 
 strongly desired to preach the Gospel. At the same 
 time, rather than go out without the approbation of the 
 great Head of preachers, I would retire in silence, 
 weep in secret, and there wait my appointed change. 
 
 " On a certain occasion — let me tell you — on a cer- 
 tain occasion, when, in answer to my prayer, the hea- 
 vens were opened and let down ' peace like a river ' — 
 I left this solicitude to preach the Gospel remaining, 
 and yet feared that I might not. Like a little child, I 
 looked up and said. Father, am I a chosen vessel to 
 preach the Gospel ? My dear friend, whether it was 
 an answer in the affirmative or not, judge thou; but 
 at that moment there came over me what I must 
 leave to another world to furnish a name for. I was 
 no more solicitous, nor have I been since, whether 1 
 should live to preach the Gospel or not. 
 
 "I feel that I have been in the school of Christ 
 where I nov/ am: 1. as a Probationer. Thus were the 
 disciples, before they were commissioned and sent out 
 to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. While with 
 Christ, their conduct was held up to the world — to 
 angels— before the Lord himself. They were proved. 
 1 Tim. 3 : 10. 
 
 "2. I am in the act of preparing. The disciples 
 went through a training. They were brought up at the 
 feet of the great Teacher in Israel, whose perfect ex- 
 ample was proposed for their imitation. They were 
 his intimates too, and held communion with him. And 
 he taught them lessons in theology, upon which, as a 
 
274 MEMOIR OF 
 
 basis, all the minister's furniture should rest ; for it 
 the superstructure be not on this Rock, who will in- 
 sure it in the day of God's wrath ? The apostles re- 
 ceived a commission to go out for a season ; and this 
 seemed as a trial and preparation too. At length, in. 
 Christ's last command, they received more power, and 
 had a broader seal. God grant that that day, to which 
 I am looking forward, may be as the day of my es- 
 pousals. 
 
 " Like the apostles, I go out from time to time, every 
 third Sabbath regularly, and frequently during the in- 
 terval, to call lost sinners to repentance. Last evening 
 I met a few anxious souls — plead for me — plead for 
 them." 
 
 Diary. " Feb. 15. — Will God sanctify me to himself 
 more than ever ? O to live— to labor — to spend all for 
 God. Help, Lord, help thy servant, 'whom thou hast 
 redeemed to thyself by thy precious blood.' 
 
 "27th. — 'How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord 
 of hosts !' Thus I found them this morning. My soul 
 went out for the preacher, and he came with a message 
 for me — I was blessed indeed. Through most of the 
 sermon I could witness in my soul to the truth de- 
 livered. My heart leaped within me for joy. Thus 
 this day has been to me a day of gladness. By and by 
 I hope to rest above. 
 
 "March 5. — To-day I trust salvation has visited 
 this college. A young man, in whom I have taken a 
 lively interest ever since he joined us — who has been 
 led away contrary to my advice, but whom I have 
 followed with the truth notwithstanding his vices, has 
 pr9fessed hope of eternal life. Thank the Lord, if I 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 275 
 
 have been in any way the means of bringing him to 
 Christ. This, he says, is the ca^e. This, with some 
 cases in town, seems to be an interpretation of my de- 
 tention from Springfield. 
 
 "March 10. — Returned from meeting the little band 
 of anxious souls, where I found two of our number 
 who professed hope. One seemed full of peace and 
 joy. O what a change everyway! Others present 
 to-night, seemed near to the kingdom ; but they are 
 far off till they submit. Not one word of consolation 
 has been offered in these cases, but I proceed with 
 them as with others : 1. To induce the sinner to com- 
 mit himself on the subject of religion. 2. When thus 
 committed, to show him the awful responsibility rest- 
 ing upon him, and the great danger of delay. 3, Show 
 him his sins against the law. 4. Urging, by Gospel 
 motives, immediate submission — showing that God 
 puts no barrier in the way of the sinner's coming to 
 Christ, but that the obstacles are wholly in himself. 
 5. That he grows worse every hour he rebels against 
 God. One thing particularly recommended was, be- 
 ing alone. This course has been attended with a 
 blessing. Trembling has seized some, and the con- 
 sequence is, they justify God and condemn them- 
 selves." 
 
 In the following letter Mr. Taylor appears in a 
 light most commendable and worthy of remembrance 
 and imitation. 
 
 " Nassau Hall, March 9, 1825. 
 " IJeloved Parents, 
 
 " Having a little time this morning, I cheerfully de- 
 vote it to telling you of my affairs. 
 
27G MEMOIR OF 
 
 " I am nearly recovered from a heavy cold which 
 confined me to my room for a few days. The 'light 
 affliction' has been sanctified. 
 
 " You are now looking out for yotir children's pre- 
 sence—waiting to give them a cordial reception into 
 your new mansion. In times past we have hailed 
 each other with grateful emotions. The time before 
 the last, what a melting season we had before the 
 family altar, soon after our united salutations. And 
 how many seasons of refreshing have we enjoyed 
 while we have conversed, and sung, and prayed, and 
 wopt together ? I long to see your faces again, and 
 again tell, and hear you tell, of the loving-kindness 
 of the Lord. Again do I long to sit and kneel beside 
 that father who has watched with anxious solicitude 
 over the wandering foot-steps of a once unruly son. 
 Again do I long to sit and kneel beside that mother 
 whose fostering hand hath raised a child for the world 
 — for the church — for God — for heaven. Yes, my dear 
 parents, I long to see your faces, and be together bless- 
 ed by our heavenly Father. Well, shall I ? Shall my 
 friends be gratified? 
 
 " You will remember, that when at home last, I left 
 you for a short time, and again returned ; when you 
 concluded, from a combination of circumstances, that 
 I ought to return again to Colchester. You bade me 
 ' God speed,' for you believed that it was his will that 
 I should go. Did you ever regret your decision 1 
 And have you not, even in pfaying for me, asked with 
 this petition, ' Thy will be done?' Then you are pre- 
 pared to let the Lord and his church have me, instead 
 of having me yourselves. You will endure the disap- 
 pointment for Christ's sake, and pray forme the more, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAVLOR. 277 
 
 May this evermore be your disposition. You have 
 given me up to God by frequent surrenders. Now you 
 will not take me back again. No, you would not take 
 me out of his hands. You would not take me from his 
 disposal, if you could. Rather would you say, should 
 we never more see our son James, the Lord lead him 
 — the Lord use him — the Lord be glorified by and 
 through him. 
 
 •' It is probable you will not see me the ensuing va- 
 cation ; and for several reasons : not because I cannot 
 cross the rivers and hills that intervene ; not because 
 I am straitened in circumstances } not because I want 
 affection ; no ; but because a Macedonian cry seema 
 to come from another quarter. My friend Mr. S. has 
 writen me thrice^ and as often urged me to leave col- 
 lege and go to his aid. He wished me to become his 
 'yoke-fellow' for a season. He is now waiting im- 
 patiently for my arrival. I did not leave college. To-* 
 day I have received a verbal request from him. 
 
 " The Lord is blessing his labors, and he wishes me 
 to be with him. I may say it to you, but not to every 
 one, he has such confidence in me as to make me hia 
 companion. By associating with him during vacation j 
 1 may learn many important lessons, which, if I visited 
 Middle Haddam, might be for ever lost to me and to 
 the church. This region seems to be the harvest-field 
 at present. Laborers are wanted. I am drawn to him. 
 Were I to go to Connecticut with my -present convic- 
 iions of duty, I should be unhappy. Thus, with all 
 the affection of an affectionate son, I have now to 
 leave father and mother, brothers and sisters, and go 
 forth. My own inclination would be to see you ; but 
 for Christ's sake I must leave all and folloAv him. 
 
 24 J. B. Taylor, 
 
278 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "From these considerations, while you are disap- 
 pointed do not murmur, but pray the more for me. 
 You have encouragement to pray for me and my suc- 
 cess. The Lord hath already heard you. He hath 
 prospered me. 
 
 "During the present session, God hath been with 
 me, and blessed me, and made me a blessing. Brother 
 F. will tell you of the conversion of five souls over 
 whom I have rejoiced. Praise the Lord for his good- 
 ness. The Lord bless my father and mother. 
 
 "As ever, your affectionate son, James." 
 
 " To a Friend. 
 
 " March 30, 1825. 
 
 " You speak of ministers' dying. How mighty their 
 responsibility ! How awful the account of the un- 
 godly minister ! I have felt of late, willing to live a 
 long life to be a co-worker with God. When I look 
 around upon candidates for the holy ministry, what 
 shall I say ? The Lord answer the prayer of his hand- 
 maid. 'May you indeed be an exception from maiiy^ 
 who, in preparation for the glorious work before them, 
 lose their ardor, which, as laborers in Christ's vine- 
 yard, they particularly need.' I doubt not but this will 
 be your oft repeated and continued prayer for me. 
 
 " The reason, in my humble opinion, why profes- 
 sors of religion in our colleges and theological semi- 
 naries are not more alive to God, is either, 1st, because, 
 if they brought Christ with them when they came, 
 they have not been careful to walk in him as they had 
 received him, and so have stepped aside, and were im- 
 mediately out of the way ; or, 2d, if they had Christ 
 in them the hope of glory, and dethroned him, if I may 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 279 
 
 SO speak J they have not been engaged to enthrone him 
 again ; or, 3d, and most of all, because, notwithstand- 
 ing their name to live, they are still, as they have ever 
 been, dead — nay, twice dead in trespasses and sins. 
 
 " I know you take an interest in my prosperity. And 
 to encourage you still to pray, I can tell you, I do pros- 
 per. God prospers me. The right hand of God ig 
 stretched out for me, and victory turns on his side — 
 on my side — on our side-^yes^ the Lord is for us. 
 
 " ' Not of myself, but of the grace of God bestowed, 
 upon me, I will glory ; not of myself, but of the grace 
 of God in me I will glory.' And if, by that grace upon 
 and in me, good hath been done to others, let the Au- 
 thor be magnified. And I will hope to be blessed with 
 the blessedness of one who, though under God he may 
 have turned one sinner from the error of his ways, yel 
 is ready to own himself an unprofitable servant. 
 
 " April 2, 1825. — Yesterday was much indisposed — 
 mused upon my state — thought that soon I should be 
 cold in the grave, and that possibly the present indis- 
 position might terminate in death. This passage oc- 
 curred : ' Set thy house in order.' 1 felt that I wanted 
 one piece of furniture — a broken, a pure heart. Blessed 
 be God, he gave me what I wanted. I felt that I was 
 cleansed — that my house was in order — that I was 
 ready ^ meet, on my way to glory. 1 had a spirit of 
 prayer for the lambs of my little fold. Whatever be- 
 came of me, I desired for them a holy life. They 
 seemed precious to me as the apple of my eye. 
 
 " From the means used last night, feel much better 
 to-day. Will the Lord restore me fully to health? 
 ' Nevertheless, not my will.'. While I live, 1 would be 
 
280 MEMOIR OF 
 
 ■well, that I might do the more for God. But he knows 
 what is best, and that is best for me. 
 
 " 5th. — Called on Miss W , who seems stronger, 
 
 and yet stronger in the faith. From her testimony I 
 believe she is a child of God. After much counsel I 
 parted from her, not expecting to see her again before 
 she returns home. God Almighty protect her. God our 
 Father keep her from the evil one, sanctify her wholly, 
 and make her useful." x 
 
 To this lamb of the flock of Christ, brought into the 
 fold by the blessing of God upon Mr. Taylor's labors, 
 he wrote the following letter of instructions and ex- 
 hortation, which not only shows how well he waa 
 qualified already for that holy ofRce which he so ar- 
 dently desired, but affords much that demands the at- 
 tention of young converts, and may be useful to Chris- 
 tians in every stage of their progress to heaven ; while 
 it exhibits another trait of Mr, Taylor's character, viz. 
 his tender solicitude that those who had been brought 
 into the church through his instrumentality should be 
 eminently pious : 
 
 " Nassau-Hall, April 5, 1825. 
 « Miss Sarah, 
 
 " ' Grace be unto you, and peace, from God the Fa- 
 ther, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave him- 
 self for our sins, that he might deliver us from this 
 present evil world, according to the will of God oui 
 Father; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.' 
 
 " If an apology for this epistle were necessary, I 
 could say, God is my witness how I have ceased not 
 in attempting to bring you to Christ, by conversation, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 281 
 
 exhortation, argument, watching, prayers, and tears. 
 And now, having come to the Lamb of God that tak- 
 eth away the sin of the world, you will doubtless still 
 bear with me. 
 
 " But a few days since you were gay, thoughtless, 
 and unconcerned ; a lover of pleasure more than a lover 
 of God ; averse to serious conversation ; but in the good 
 providence, and by the grace of God, you were led to 
 think on your ways, to turn your feet to the testimo- 
 nies of the Lord, and to make haste and delay not to 
 keep his commandments. If asked whence you came, 
 you would answer, ' He brought me also out of a hor- 
 rible pit — out of the miry clay — and set my feet upon 
 a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put 
 a new song into my mouth; even praise to our God.' 
 
 " How does that horrible pit and miry clay, whence 
 you have professedly come out, appear to you? Could 
 I hear your reply, I doubt not it would be, ' that my 
 head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, 
 that I might weep day and night over' — ah, you well 
 remember what — you remember the years that have 
 rolled away — you call to mind the gayety and mirth 
 of former days — you remember the misspent hours in 
 the fashionable circle — in the ball-room — the misspent 
 Sabbaths — the lost opportunities, when you might and 
 ought to have turned to God ; and you now see how 
 much you have lost by being a votary of the world in- 
 stead of yielding obedience to God. O Miss Sarah, 
 how much treasure you might have laid up in heaven, 
 had you been as active for your soul's salvation as you 
 have been to seek your own pleasures ; upon all of 
 which you now write 'vanity and vexation of spirit.' 
 
 " Having had your feet set upon the rock Christ,, if 
 24* 
 
282 MEMOIR OF 
 
 I mistake not, you are not ashamed of Jesus : and why 
 should you be ashamed of him? Is he not God your 
 Savior — your Redeemer, your all? Is he not your 
 Prophet, Priest, and King? Your Shepherd, elder 
 Brother, Friend, and Judge? Ashamed of Jesus? 
 
 * No, when I blush, be this my shame, 
 That I no more revere his name.' 
 
 Sing then of his loving-kindness. His loving-kindness, 
 O how free ! how great ! how strong ! how good ! It 
 changes not ; may you celebrate it in death, and be- 
 yond time. 
 
 " Said the Psalmist, ' Come and hear, all ye that 
 fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my 
 soul.' In secret we may consider and celebrate the 
 loving-kindness of the Lord. In public, on proper oc- 
 casions, we may declare it forth; 'for he is good, and 
 his mercy endureth for ever.' 
 
 " To me the whole duty of man seems to be epito- 
 mized in this, ' Walk before me and be thou perfect.' 
 It is more explicit in the following: ' Thou shalt love 
 the Lord thy God,' how much? 'with all thy heart, 
 and soul, and mind, and strength. And ihou shalt love 
 ^hy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments 
 hang all the law and the prophets.' In giving such a 
 command, did not Jesus appreciate the necessity of 
 love to God in the highest degree? Are they not the 
 words of Christ himself? O that Christians would du- 
 ly consider the privilege of enjoying, not merely for 
 an hour, but through life, the degree of love spoken of 
 by the beloved disciple. 1 John, 4 : 18. 
 
 " Miss Sarah, hov/ much soever others may lose by 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 283 
 
 Standing idle, or wandering away from duty, may it 
 be yours — and may it be mine — to press forward into 
 the fullness of this love. ' For this cause I bow my 
 knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of 
 whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 
 that he would grant yoit according to the riches of his 
 glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit m 
 the inner man ; that Christ may dwell in your heart 
 by faith ; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 
 may be able to comprehend, with all saints, what is 
 the length, and breadth, and depth, and height, and to 
 know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, 
 that you might be Jilled with all the fullness of God. 
 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. And 
 t pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body be 
 preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ.' Would the apostle pray for an impossibility ? 
 And he adds, ' Faithful is he that calieth you, who also 
 will ^o lU Believest thou this? According to your 
 faith be it unto you. 
 
 " This appears to me to be the reason why souls 
 born of God for the most part are no more sanctified: 
 they are too soon satisfied v;ith a ' name to live.' They 
 forget that there is no truce in this war — that to lay 
 down the armor is to be vanquished. Hence, however 
 well they may have begun, laying aside their armor, 
 dismissing their watch, neglecting to pray, they are 
 overcome, and become again entangled with the world 
 — lose their evidence of pardon — are thrown into dark- 
 ness, and delaying to return from their backsliding, 
 they wander wretched and forlorn. Shall I ask? But 
 how appalling the thought that you shall ever fall from 
 your steadfastness ! Miss Sarah, shall your closet ever 
 
284 MEMOIR OF 
 
 testify against you? Will your heart ever be frozen 
 into the adamantine hardness of some, who were once 
 melted into love and tenderness ? Shall the hearts ot 
 your praying friends — your Christian friends, who 
 have wept and wrestled on your behalf, bleed over 
 your love of the world ? Shall angels witness, after 
 your determination to come out from the world, your 
 retrograde steps ? O shall Jesus ever be wounded by 
 you, his professed friend and follower? Shall the 
 world, who are watching you with eagles' eyes, 
 be gratified with one word or action whereby they 
 may triumph ? Shall the church be disappointed — the 
 church below, who are looking after a full devotedness 
 of yourself to God, both in prosperity and adversity- 
 sickness and health — life and death? The church 
 above, those angel bands — those blood-washed souls 
 in the paradise of God, who are waiting to welcome 
 the faithful ? 
 
 '■^ Suffer the word of exhortation : — Whatever others 
 do or say, (I mean professors of religion,) whatever 
 others may think sufficient to bring them to heaven — 
 let it be well fixed in your mind that it will cost some- 
 thing to be a Christian. Having begun, may you con- 
 tinue, and may you end well. To stimulate you to ac 
 tion — to urge you on the way — is the object of this 
 communication. I need not tell you of ray solicitude 
 that you should walk worthy of your high vocation ; 
 you have already had it evinced. ' Give, then, all dili- 
 gence to make your calling and election sure.' Add to 
 your faith virtue, and all the Christian graces. ' Love 
 not the world, nor the things of the world.' |I3^ ' Be 
 clothed with humility? ' AVatch unto prayer.' ' Pray 
 without ceasirg.' ' Deny all ungodliness — live sober- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 285 
 
 ly, righteously, and godly.' ' Deny yourself, take up 
 your cross, and follow Christ ;' not like Peter, afar oJS". 
 ' As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in 
 him,' How was this? Did you receive him in a state 
 of indifterence — in unbelief — in love with the world — > 
 in pride — in gayety — without prayer — in self-indul- 
 gence ? Go back to that hour — examine the founda- 
 tion of your hope — see how you submitted. Follow up 
 your course, and see what have been your most pre- 
 cious seasons, and then go on accordingly. Finally, 
 set high, your standard of piety — not higher nor lower 
 than the Bible. Seek with all your heart the mind that 
 was in Christ Jesus : then you will study to be faith- 
 ful to God — faithful to yourself— and faithful to all 
 around you. 
 
 '• With solicitude for your best interests, 
 
 "1 am, in the bonds of the Gospel, 
 " Yours, &c. 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " April 11, 1825. 
 
 *' I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. 
 And this I pray, that your love may abound more and 
 more in knowledge and in all judgment — that you may 
 approve things that are excellent — that you may be 
 sincere and without offence till the day of Jesus Christ ; 
 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are 
 by Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God 
 
 " I rejoice that, under God, I was the instrument of 
 bringing you to Christ. It is, indeed, a cause of hum- 
 ble acknowledgment to the Father of mercies, that I 
 
286 MEMOIR OF 
 
 have been employed and blessed as a co-worker with 
 him. 
 
 " Your prayer to have the will of God done, and not 
 yours, is one after the pattern of Jesus Christ. And 
 who so holy, who so happy, as He who came not to 
 do his own will, but the will of him that sent him? 
 Be it ours on all occasions to be conformed to the 
 will of God. 
 
 " Here I would repeat what you remind me of say- 
 ing in my first letter : Press forward into the fullness 
 of his love. I trust you will — I pray you may : but do 
 not put it oflf for a suitable occasion. Like other du- 
 ties, like other blessings, the time is oiow. Whence 
 issues the voice, delay? From the church above, 
 or the church below? Nay, but from hell — from a 
 thoughtless world — from soul-damning guides ; from 
 nominal, lukewarm professors, the cry is sent forth, 
 delay. Alas ! how many hear it and suffer from it. 0/ 
 you I hope better things. 
 
 " Hungering and thirsting after righteousness, may 
 you be filled. 
 
 ' Jesus, my only hope, thy blood can cleanse 
 My deepest stains, and purify my soul 
 From all its native and contracted guilt; 
 In that clear fountain of immortal life 
 Let me be cleansed and thoroughly sanctified. 
 I come, a helpless, miserable Avretch, 
 And throw myself, and all my future hopes, 
 On mercy infinite ; reject me not, 
 Thou Savior of the sinful race of man.' — Mrs. Rowe, 
 
 " You said you had not conversed much with your 
 friends. To do this profitably, we need the wisdom of 
 
JAiME3 BRAIKERD TAYLOR. 287 
 
 the serpent and the harmlessness of the dove. Re- 
 gard should be had to time, place, persons, and the pe- 
 culiar circumstances of individuals. While we may 
 not have the opportunity of benefiting others in con- 
 versation, yet we may by example. 
 
 '• But I think, Miss S , should you fix it as a prin- 
 ciple of action for your whole life — for you have en- 
 tered upon a life-service — you have enlisted for the 
 war — I say, should you fix it as a principle of action 
 for life, so far as in you lies, to benefit every indi- 
 vidual that approaches you,, it is probable you would 
 not regret it at your dying hour. Look to the everlast- 
 ing hills for strength. Perhaps you will conclude that 
 you have already bound yourself to this by your oath 
 at the communion-table. Be it so ; you need not wish 
 the obligation revoked. 
 
 " At the communion-table ! Ah ! has God, have 
 angels and men, beheld you seated at the table of the 
 Lord? And, did you siisg, 
 
 Why was I made to hear thy voice, 
 And enter while there's room V 
 
 And shall I say, be faithful to your vows ? 
 
 " As to doctrines, I would you were established firm- 
 ly in ' the faith once delivered to the saints.' It is all 
 in the Bible ; and with this promise : ' If any man will 
 do his will, he shall know of the doctrine Avhether it 
 be of God, or whether I speak of myself.' These are 
 Christ's words, v/ho says, ' Search the Scriptures.' 
 And the apostle, ' Let the word of Christ dwell in you 
 richly in all wisdom.' Like Apollos, may you be migh- 
 ty in the Scriptures ; and agreeably to the prayer of 
 
28«^ MEMOIR OF 
 
 Christ, be sanctified through the truth. O how neces 
 sary to be justified and sanctijied ; for ' without holi- 
 ness no man shall see the Lord.'' " 
 
 Soon after writing the above, Mr. Taylor left col- 
 lege to spend the spring vacation in assisting the 
 Rev. N. C. S. in a revival at Rahway, N. J. At his 
 arrival he found the work going on, and about fifteen 
 persons entertaining the hope that they had passed 
 from death unto life. Among this people he labored, 
 
 in conjunction with Mr. S , about five weeks, very 
 
 much to their satisfaction, and with great success. 
 During this favored season the number of hopeful 
 converts increased from fifteen to seventy or eighty, 
 of all ages, from eleven years old to seventy, and of 
 every condition in life. 
 
 To his brothers K and J , Mr. Taylor wrote 
 
 two letters from Rahway, giving an account of the 
 progress of the work of grace in that town, in which 
 he says : 
 
 " I am glad to inform you that the revival is in- 
 creasingly interesting. Upwards of sixty have ex- 
 pressed hope. Among the young converts is one sixty- 
 one years of age ; among the anxious, one of seventy. 
 
 " The child of sixty-one is a mother, who, with her 
 two daughters, became anxious on the same day ; and 
 on the same day they all expressed hope. This family 
 I visited, and they received me coolly — nay more, they 
 were indifferent, approaching to opposition. But, to our 
 
 surprise, they soon secit for brother S and myself 
 
 to visit them. We went, and found them in deep dis- 
 tress. Judge how differently they received us, from ths 
 
JAMES BRAL\ERD TAYLOR. 28^ 
 
 manner in which they received my visit ! God be 
 praised. There is no opposition worthy of note. The 
 work goes on in solemn stillness. 
 
 " May you all be holy, and without blame, before 
 him in love. Affectionately, James." 
 
 Upon his return to college he wrote as follows to 
 the family at Middle Haddam • 
 
 "Nassau-Hall, May 10, 1825. 
 
 * * * " I have often thought of your delightful situ 
 ation on the hill — I have thought too that you are a 
 house on a hill, that cannot be hid. To shine, we need 
 to be covered. ' Be clothed with humility.'' To be 
 high, we need to get low in the vale, not of dejection, 
 but of humility — ' Before honor is humility.' 
 
 " Most of my enjoyments flow from a contented 
 mind, which, when possessed, is a ' continued feast.' 
 Not in the world, nor from the world, but from God, 
 through Jesus Christ, we must expect our happiness. 
 It is at the feet of Jesus we may find help in every 
 time of need. 
 
 " Since my return, the Lord has visited me with 
 rich blessings. I hope he is ripening me for his ser- 
 vice here, and for his glory hereafter. 
 
 " I think I never took more interest in reading the 
 Bible than since I returned. Revivals of religion are 
 a happy comment upon the Bible. In reading the Acts 
 of the Apostles, read them in reference to revivals. In 
 reading the epistles, read them as addressed to young 
 converts. 
 
 " As ever, afiectionately yours, 
 
 "James B. Taylor.' 
 
 25 J. B. Taylor 
 
290 MEMOIR OF 
 
 To his diary we are indebted for very much that Mr. 
 Taylor said, and did, and thought, and felt, giving an 
 interesting development of his character, and the more 
 to be relied upon, because it was never designed for 
 publication, or even the inspection of his friends. 
 
 Though in the conversions which took place during 
 
 the joint labors of Mr. S and Mr. Taylor at Rah- 
 
 way, there is evidence that his efforts were much bless- 
 ed, yet in this secret record of the matter he lays no 
 claim to distinction. 
 
 " May 21.— Went with brother S to Rahway, 
 
 and found that, after his labors there for about two 
 weeks, fifteen had expressed hope. 1 became his as- 
 sistant for about five weeks, during which time the 
 number was increased to seventy-five or eighty. Will 
 God carry on his work, and still own the efforts ot 
 
 brother S in efl'ecting a greater salvation among 
 
 that people 1 
 
 " During my labors I had too much hardness while 
 witnessing the displays of grace, and while God was 
 evidently owning his word. I often felt under the in- 
 fluence of lethargy. The Lord, I trust, has forgiven 
 me. But, O ! how much more humble and faithful I 
 might have been! There were seasons, indeed, in 
 which my heart was broken and contrite. I look upon 
 this sphere of labor, and this opportunity with brother 
 
 S , as among the happiest, prospectively, in all my 
 
 life. Since my return, God has been gracious to me, 
 and afibrded uncommon seasons of communion with 
 himself, through Jesus Christ. I have been enabled to 
 cast all my burdens on the Lord. 
 
 In my walk this morning, met with a cross. As I 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 291 
 
 was passing a shop, a man swore by the sacred name 
 of God. I passed on. The query arose, ' Shall I let 
 this sin go unnoticed V I stopped. Many excuses en- 
 tered my mind — whether from the devil or my own 
 heart, I cannot determine. At length this Scripture 
 presented itself: ' Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy 
 neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him.' I went back, 
 called the person by name, and requested an interview. 
 We walked aside, where I had a serious talk with him ; 
 the result so far was favorable. 
 
 "June 1. — I rejoiced before God that there was an 
 eternity to come, in which I might recount his good- 
 ness — see him as he is — and associate with saints and 
 angels. O how my heart moved at the thought of 
 meeting some there who might recognize in me a 
 spiritual father ! I would rather live than die, for the 
 present ; and this, God knoweth, is from the desire of 
 being, if he would qualify me, eminently useful in 
 bringing sinners to Christ. Yet if he were to call, I 
 would go. Methought, how should I appear, seated 
 with the saints in the new Jerusalem. I looked for the 
 lowest seat. 
 
 " Among others, my friend L. P came to my 
 
 mind. I think I never before pleaded for him with 
 such confidence and submission. My petitions were 
 groans which could not be uttered, for his salvation. 
 I left him, with myself, in the hands of God. He will 
 do right ; and I rejoice that he is on the throne. 
 
 " 6th. — Yesterday, the Sabbath, passed for the most 
 part without much feeling in divine things till even- 
 ing devotion, when, singing, I made melody in my 
 heart to the Lord. 
 
 "June 9. — Evening. — To the honor of rich grace be 
 
292 MEMOIR OF 
 
 it recorded, that God, out of his exceeding fullness, 
 hath just now visited my soul with salvation. After 
 reading the Scriptures, while singing, the thought of 
 my having spoken on the stage this evening, when 
 1 Avas considerably applauded, entered my mind. 
 Thought I, what is this? O! if my faculties might 
 be all on God's side, it would be honor. Immediately 
 my heart broke, and went out, not in self-complacence, 
 but in self-abasement. I fell upon my knees, to give 
 myself away to God anew. I found I had nothing to 
 give. All I am was his already. And besides, I owed 
 him ten thousand talents. Then it occurred to me to 
 ask of God to consecrate me wholly to himself, for his 
 glory. The petition was too big for utterance ; I groan- 
 ed and wept it out. I think I never had such an over- 
 powering willingness to spend for God. I felt an un- 
 usual resignation to his will: I felt myself in his hand. 
 And if at last I should be held up a spectacle to crea- 
 tion, as a monument of long-suffering on his part, 
 and then be sent to hell, I would Avish to bring glory 
 to his name while on earth. 
 
 " 13th. — Brother S having left the people at 
 
 Rahway, O how I longed to be with them for a sea- 
 son ! But I cannot. I cast them and myself upon the 
 Lord, and he bestowed a rich blessing upon me. I 
 sunk into insignificance, while God was exalted above 
 all." 
 
 While thus breathing out his affectionate soul in be- 
 half of the lambs of the flock at Rahway, Mr. Taylor 
 addressed to them the following communication : 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 293 
 
 *' Nassau-Hall, June^ 1825 
 " To the band of young converts in Rahway. 
 
 •Beloved, 
 
 " My having seen some of you when dead in tres- 
 passes and in sins, and afterwards when awaken- 
 ed, anxious, and rejoicing, I presume will be a suffi- 
 cient apology for this epistle. But besides this, I might 
 assure you that the love of Christ constraineth me. 
 The Christian affection and solicitude I feel towards 
 you all draw me -, and my regard for your best inter- 
 ests calls forth a line from my pen. 
 
 " Addressing an epistle to young converts, the 
 apostle said among other things — ' As ye have there- 
 fore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him ; 
 rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, 
 as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanks- 
 givings.' Col. 2 : 6, 7. Let me ask: How did you re- 
 ceive the Lord Jesus Christ? In impenitence, unbe- 
 lief, and rebellion ? or in contrition, faith, and submis- 
 sion ? Was it in pride, love of the world, sensuality, 
 anger, malice, or envy ? Or in humility, forsaking 
 the world, a crucifying the flesh with its affections and 
 lusts ? Was it with a determination to live in sin, 
 and so dishonor God ? or with the fixed, unalterable 
 determination to wage war with sin, to overcome sin, 
 and to honor God by forsaking every sin 7 Methinks 
 I hear one and another say, ' You have touched a point 
 in my experience. Thus it was I received Christ 
 Jesus the Lord.' What a combination of appellation 
 and office is wound up in the name of the Son of God ! 
 Christ — anointed, sent and set apart to execute his 
 office as mediator J Jesus — Savior j Lord — the proprie- 
 25* 
 
294 MEMOIR OF 
 
 tor and ruler of all. When you received him, did you 
 take Christ Jesus the Lord in all his offices ? Then 
 walk ye in him. Here, as in a journey, before we 
 proceed we must get in the way. 
 
 " 'Rooted and built up in him.' In this we see the 
 necessity of being confirmed Christians. A tree should 
 take deep root, for two reasons : that it may outstand 
 every storm, and that it may receive the more nourish- 
 ment. A house built on a sandy foundation is in 
 danger of soon falling. The hope not founded on the 
 Rock Christ Jesus the Lord, will be soon swept 
 away. 
 
 " ' And established in the faith.' Are there babes in 
 Christ ? so are there young and old men in Christ. As 
 one is born, not always to remain a babe, but to grow 
 up to manhood, so babes in Christ should grow up into 
 Christ to the stature of perfect men. Once the wide- 
 spread oak was shut up in the acorn ; afterwards it 
 shot above the earth ; now it attracts the notice of the 
 eye. 
 
 " ' In the laith as ye have been taught.' Besides the 
 experience of others, you have the witness within 
 yourselves to testify to the doctrines of the Bible. As 
 high as the Bible, and no higher, are we to set our 
 standard of believing. With the Bible in our hand, 
 and God's teaching, we may come at the truth as it 
 is in Jesus. 
 
 "'Abounding therein with thanksgiving.' That 
 there is such a thing as being deficient, nay empty, in 
 religious experience, look at professors of religion here 
 and there. Do you find them all ' full of faith and of 
 the Holy Ghost V Do you find a family altar in every 
 house where religion is professed ? Do you behold Is- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 295 
 
 raelites indeed, in whom there is no guile, in all who 
 go around the communion-table, and have their names 
 in the church book? Judge ye of the walk and con- 
 versation of many who bear the Christian name, and 
 ask, ' Shall I too be a deficient, empty, formal, luke- 
 warm disciple V Ah, my friends, I hope better things 
 of you. I hope God, angels, and saints in heaven, and 
 the church on earth, will witness in you a walk ac- 
 cording to godliness ; a firmness and stability of cha- 
 racter worthy of such a hope, such a profession, such 
 obligations as yours. And then you will abound too 
 in thanksgiving that your eyes were open to see, your 
 ears unstopped to hear, and your heart broken to feel 
 the joys of sins forgiven. 
 
 "Having just entered upon the race, you have it to 
 run, 'run with patience.' Having to fight, ' put on the 
 whole armor of God;' for the world, the flesh, and 
 the devil are arrayed against you. Are you discour- 
 aged ? Does your soul draw back at the distance ? at 
 the contest? Why art thou cast down? Satan would 
 have you so. The world, who are looking at and 
 watching you with an eagle's eye, would have you 
 draw back, or fall back from your steadfastness. But 
 ' give no place to the devil.' Come out from the world 
 and say, ' In the name of the Lord, I will destroy them 
 ail :' for, through Christ strengthening him, 'what can- 
 not the Christian do? And does not the assurance 
 sound from the word, ' My grace is sufficient for thee V 
 
 "You recollect the season of our last interview. I 
 think I shall never forget it. It was apparently a hea- 
 venly place in Christ Jesus. And have you found the 
 ' God of love and peace ' with you ? I doubt not that 
 you have, if you have been of ' one mind ' to seek a 
 
296 MEMOIR OP 
 
 high attainment in the divine life, ' adding to your 
 faith virtue,'' and have kept all the Christian graces ia 
 exercise. And if you still ''grow in grace and in the 
 knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,^ 
 you will abound more and more in the consolations of 
 the Gospel. For the sake of Christ, then — for the sake 
 of the church, which is his body, and which he has 
 purchased with his own blood, and for which he in- 
 tercedes — for the sake of your pastor, who prays for 
 your prosperity — and for the sake of those who have 
 labored among you — and for your own sakes, I pray 
 you to be uncommon Christians ; that is, be eminent- 
 ly holy — self-denying — cross-hearing— Bible — every- 
 day Christians. 
 
 " You may walk in Christ, be ' rooted and huilt zip 
 in him.^ You may ' exercise yourselves unto godli- 
 ness, and be perfect, of one mind, live in peace, be of 
 good comfort, and have the God of love and peace with 
 you.' It is that to which every one of you may attain. 
 It is — O yes, it is your high privilege — yes, it is your 
 duty to attain unto it ; and moreover, it is for your in- 
 terest ; for when are you the happiest, when worldly 
 or spiritual, when earthly or heavenly-minded ? Shall 
 I repeat what you have so often assented to as duty, 
 and in the performance of which your souls have been 
 so much blessed ? I mean, shall I say, live to God in 
 secret — examine your hope — try your experience ? 
 Leave these duties unperformed for a day or a week, 
 and see where you would be found. Rather, would I 
 say, do not try the experiment ; for it has undermined 
 many hopes, nay, is one strong evidence of a bad hope ; 
 viz. the neglect of duty, and this neglect unattended 
 with remorse and renewed submission to God. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 297 
 
 " Shall I repeat, that the cords of Christian aifec- 
 tion bind me to you ? The remembrance of you has 
 associated with it some of my sweetest moments : and 
 I have rejoiced in the thought that an eternity is to 
 come, in which I shall have the opportunity of seeing 
 you, and rejoicing with you. Until then, if we con- 
 verse no more on earth, we will hope to meet around 
 our Father's board, and sing 'Hallelujah for ever and 
 ever.' 
 
 " I presume you continue to meet for social prayer 
 and praise as usual. May you be knit together more 
 and more — may your hearts be united to fear, to love, 
 and serve the Lord. Not only for yourselves must you 
 feel interested, but for those with whom you are asso- 
 ciated. Your affectionate but infirm pastor, whom you 
 cherish with new emotions, calls for your prayers ; 
 your pious friends — your companions whom you left 
 behind, to take their pleasure in the world — your fathers 
 and mothers — your children — your brothers and sisters, 
 who are left while you have been taken. O! how 
 much have you to do ; and what you would do for God, 
 for yourselves, for your pious and for your ungodly 
 friends, must be done quickly, for ' the tim.e is short? 
 Soon, you will go hence — soon, they will be here no 
 more. Who of us would see a friend or relative of 
 ours go down under the wrath of God ? Ah ! when 
 the sound '■farewell ' shall echo at the bar of God 
 — when an impenitent child shall take a last linger- 
 ing look of a pious saved parent, and sigh ' farewell ' 
 — when parents shall sink from the view of pious 
 children — when brothers and sisters shall part to 
 meet no more, may we stand spotless, and without 
 
298 MEMOIR OF 
 
 their blood hanging about us. Finally, let our song 
 ever be. 
 
 • I'll try to prove faithful, 
 
 * Till we all arrive at home. 
 
 " Yours, in the best of bonds, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 This address to young converts suggests some 
 thoughts which are worthy of the practical regard, not 
 only of those who are just commencing the Christian 
 life, but of ministers and older Christians. 
 
 No one, who has his senses so exercised as to be 
 capable of judging in the case, can be blind to the 
 melancholy truth, that the cause of the Redeemer has 
 suflfered sadly from the want of that deep toned con- 
 sistent piety which is attainable by every one who has 
 been born from above. The opinion has indeed pre- 
 vailed to a great extent, and is still entertained by 
 many, that the freshness and fervor of the first love of 
 young Christians must of necessity pass away, and 
 give place to darkness, and uncertainty, and coldness. 
 Most disastrous have been the eflfects of this opinion 
 upon the growth in holiness and usefulness of the 
 church; and instead of shining brighter and brighter 
 to the perfect day, her light has been often obscured, 
 her hopes enfeebled, and her influence neutralized. 
 Instead of a vigorous, healthful action, her conduct 
 has been fitful, and her very life an alternation of 
 spasm and collapse ; at one time, all zeal and devoted- 
 ness, and again chilling all around with indiflference. 
 
 Now it is perfectly manifest that neither the apos- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 299 
 
 ties nor their Master ever countenanced or encouraged 
 such a life in his followers. " Nevertheless," said our 
 Lord to the church of Ephesus, " I have someichat 
 against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Re- 
 member therefore from whence thou art fallen, and re- 
 pent, and do the first works : or else I will come unto 
 thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of his 
 place, except thou repent." In this passage we have 
 set before us the evil and the remedy. If a declension 
 in the fervor of piety and the strength of faith — if leav- 
 ing their first love, by Christians, must be repented of^ 
 then is such conduct offensive to God, prejudicial to 
 his cause, and injurious to the souls of men. Every 
 sin is offensive to God — but this sin necessarily pre- 
 judices his cause with sinners, and consequently in- 
 jures their souls ; and the only remedy is repentance. 
 But every Christian has a security against this evil, 
 in the abundant grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, 
 according to divine promise, may be attained through 
 faith, and watchfulness, and prayer. Let every Chris- 
 tian, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that 
 he may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time 
 of need. 
 
 Until the church shall unlearn the lesson so often 
 taught by good, but mistaken fathers and mothers in 
 Israel, that the excitement attended upon conversion 
 musthe. succeeded by depression and doubt — until mi- 
 nisters and members of the church practically learn that 
 their power of doing good is in proportion to their holi- 
 ness — there is no reason to expect the universal tri- 
 umph of the cause of truth and righteousness. It is 
 impossible that the wise and benevolent King of Zion 
 should ever subdue the world to himself through the 
 
300 MEMOIR OF 
 
 co-operation of a people so imperfectly sanctified as is 
 the present generation of Christians : nor does it seem 
 at all consistent with His infinite fitness to govern, to 
 impress the present character of the church, in which 
 there is such a mixture of pride, and selfishness, and 
 worldliness, and the spirit of contention, upon this 
 earth's entire population. How important then the in- 
 structions given by Mr. Taylor to young converts ! 
 How necessary that they grow up from their very 
 birth "unto the measure of the stature of the fullness 
 of Christ." 
 
 In the same strain and the same spirit is the follow- 
 ing extract of a letter to a young lady in T , to 
 
 whom Mr. Taylor sustained the endeared relation of 
 spiritual father : 
 
 "June 17, 1825. 
 
 " As you may conclude, I was glad to hear of your 
 prosperity. As you are pleased to recognize in me 
 the instrument, under God^ of awaking you from car- 
 nal security, and of leading you to the Lamb of God, 
 you rightly judge that I feel something of the solici- 
 tude attendant upon such a relation. And not only for 
 you, but for others scattered up and down, near and 
 remote. When the husbandman cultivates his field, he 
 is more or less anxious until his expections are re- 
 alized. 
 
 "I need not tell you that I have rejoiced over the 
 lambs of the flock of Jesus, the good Shepherd. And 
 perhaps I should not tell you that I have wept in se- 
 cret places, for fear that some might turn aside — some 
 who have expressed a hope, and so wound the cause 
 of Christ. YeSj my heart has bled in the inner cham- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. oOl 
 
 bers, my soul has agonized for the prosperity of those 
 whom I have seen once dead m trespasses and sins, 
 and afterwards awakened and hopefully born again. 
 My heart's desire and prayer to God for .them is, that 
 they all might be hohj, harmless, and undefiled. Is 
 holiness stamped on your heart ? Is holiness to the 
 Lord, as the grand characteristic of your thoughts, 
 words, and actions, carried out and made to stand 
 forth in all the relations of life 1 Are you as harmless 
 as a dove ? Are you unspotted 'from the world V 
 
 " May you be like a tree planted by the river's side 
 —be rooted in Christ — rooted, that you may both draw 
 nourishment from, and stand firm in Christ Jesus." 
 
 Diary, "June 19. — Another standard-bearer in Zion 
 hath fallen — Summerfield is no more. Hath fallen? 
 is no more? But he hath ascended to his Father, and 
 lives in the Paradise of God. I have read once and 
 again two letters of his addressed to my friend Mr. 
 A. They are fraught with Christian love. The 
 thought that the hand that ViOte them is now entomb- 
 ed in the grave, and the spirit that dictated them now 
 ranges the sweet fields above, was melting to my soul. 
 Well: for the Lord hath done all things well, and now 
 reigns. He hath joined those who have gone before. 
 What interviews may he have already had with Wes- 
 ley, and Whitefield, and Fletcher, and Spencer, and 
 Martyn, and the innumerable company ! And shall 1 
 join the heavenly band 1 I think I never before iiad 
 such humiliating views of myself as for weeks past, 
 while the Lord has been favoring me with the com- 
 munications of his love. And if, after all, I should 
 enter heaven, the thought occurred that the fittest 
 
 2-6 J. B. Taylor. 
 
302 MEMOIR OP 
 
 place for me would be to be raised to some conspicu- 
 ous point in the midst of the adoring throng, as an 
 everlasting spectacle of super abounding ^race." 
 
 To a Minister of the Gospel. 
 
 *' Nassau Hall, July 13, 1825. 
 " Brother beloved, 
 
 " Your letter, which I have read again and again, 
 came to hand about a week after its date, and it re- 
 freshed me. 
 
 " Indeed I have sympathized with you, and I still 
 could weep with you under your various trials. But 
 our sympathizing High Priest, who hath gone into the 
 heavens, can better be touched with a feeling of your 
 infirmities, having been tempted in all points as we are. 
 Was Peter's wife's mother sick of a fever ? Peter's" 
 friend was there to heal. Was the house at Bethany 
 afflicted ? The friend of Lazarus, of Mary, and Martha, 
 was there to weep with the latter, and over the tomb 
 of the former. I need not tell my dear brother that 
 Jesus is virtually presen'i^, and that in him all fullness 
 dwells. Yes, he is an attendant upon your compa- 
 nion — he watches over her for good — cherishes her 
 spiritual health, and is thus maturing her to the sta- 
 ture of one perfect in Christ Jesus. The Vine Dres- 
 ser holds the pruning knife, and with consummate 
 skill severs one exuberant branch after another, till 
 the tree may appear well nigh shorn of its beauty. 
 Soon, the roots being imbedded in a soil watered by 
 the river of God, branches more fresh and green will 
 put forth ; and if permitted to remain in the garden be- 
 low, it will flourish, bud, blossom, and bear the choic- 
 est fruit ; if transplanted to the garden above, it will 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 303 
 
 bloom and bear fruit for ever. And shall we complaia 
 that he removes a plant from a poorer to a richer soil 
 — from the shade to the sunshine 1 
 
 " Think it not strange, my brother, when all that 
 are combined against you level their force against 
 your honest intentions to do the work of an evangelist; 
 for remember the case of our Elder Brother, who 
 went about doing good. Even Peter assumed the of- 
 fice of dictator, and began to rebuke him, saying, ' Be 
 it far from thee, Lord.' Is it not sufficient that the 
 servant (Mkot) be as his master'? — Remember too the 
 great Apostle Paul, when with one accord they be- 
 sought him not to go up to Jerusalem. ' Then Paul 
 answered, what mean ye to weep and to break my 
 heart ? for I am ready not to be bound only, but al- 
 so to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Je- 
 sus."^ Paul would not be persuaded : neither let my 
 brother be persuaded, until convinced by Him who 
 hath put him into the ministry. And let him count it 
 all joy to suffer for Christ's sake. Only get on ' the 
 whole armor,' and then, though a host encamp against 
 you, in the Lord you will do valiantly. 
 
 " If you do not enjoy the light of God's countenance, 
 then must you be in double agony. I would that you 
 were filled all the day long with faith and with the 
 Holy Ghost. I need not suggest it — but so I find it — 
 to come to a solemn pause, and get near to the Lord, 
 serves as a thousand arguments against the world, 
 the flesh, and the devil. May you experience more 
 and yet more of the love of God. In carrying you and 
 your interests to God, I have at times enjoyed liberty 
 and nearness of access. 
 
 " I am reading, with interest, Edwards on the AfTec- 
 
304 MEMOIR OF 
 
 tions, speak regularly once a week in the African 
 church, and meet on Monday evening the young con- 
 verts. I think I take an increased interest in reading 
 the Bible. The V7orld and its honors dwindle into 
 the shade more and more. May I ever cherish the dis- 
 position, God being my keeper, to spend my all in 
 turning sinners to the Shepherd and Bishop of souls. 
 
 A Christian salutation to Mrs. . As always, yours, 
 
 •'James B. Taylor." 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " Nassau Hall, Sept. 1, 1825. 
 " Dearly beloved Brother, 
 
 "I am sorry on your account, that so much darkness 
 pervades your soul. You need to walk in the light, 
 for many reasons — for your own comfort, for the com- 
 fort of others, for the glory of God, and for the edifica- 
 tion of the body of Christ, which is the church. 
 
 "I have testified to you verbally, and by letter, con- 
 cerning some of the blessings God has vouchsafed to 
 me. Of all the blessings in the house of my pilgrim- 
 age, one experienced last evening was perhaps the 
 greatest. I will not attempt, with pen and ink, to de- 
 scribe it. Help me, my loving brother, help me to 
 praise the Lord." 
 
 " Sept. 23, 1825. 
 
 "James to his dearly beloved and afflicted brother. 
 Little did I expect to receive the intelligence I did this 
 morning of your illness. Think it not strange, my 
 dear brother, that you are sick; 'for whom the Lord 
 loveth, he chasteneth.' Try to receive this visitation, 
 as among your ' all things ;' and give thanks, ' for this 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 305 
 
 ■9 the will of God, m Christ Jesus, concerning you.' 
 Perhaps my brother is not so much alarmed about his 
 body, as he is solicitous that his affliction may be sanc- 
 tified. Truly this should concern us most ; for let 
 what will befall the outer man, if the inner man be re- 
 newed day by day, we shall grow strong for eternity 
 whither we constantly tend. Are you tossed and not 
 comforted ? Do you spend wearisome days and tedi- 
 ous nights? I have been weeping and wrestling in 
 prayer for you. While looking upward for myself, I 
 remembered you ; for how could I forget one to whom, 
 under God, I am so much indebted, and to whom I 
 bear a weight of love ? I thought of asking for your 
 health, your life ; for I saw beside you, your E., and 
 around you, your children ; I saw you an elder in an 
 infant church, and exerting, as I hoped, a happy influ- 
 ence along the path of life ; yet for all this I could on- 
 ly say, *Tlie will of the Lord be done.' My weeping 
 and wrestling for you, my dear brother, was according 
 to the will of God, that you might be holy and with- 
 out blame before him in love ; that if your soul was 
 beclouded, the Sun of righteousness might arise upon 
 you ; that our Captain would drive back the enemy, 
 and give you the victory ; for this was all I could ask 
 for myself. I saw, moreover, that though your life 
 appeared in many respects to be needful, yet for you, 
 as well as myself, another life was in reserve, to en- 
 ter upon which we must die. Is there a mansion for 
 us in the skies, and shall we not enter in ? Is it the 
 Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom, and 
 shall we not possess it? To me earth is no way de- 
 sirable but to live for God. And let me tell you, that 
 of late I have thought myself near my resting-place. 
 26* 
 
a06 MEMOIR OF 
 
 I have been brought into so close a fellowship with 
 God, that I knew not but I was breathing out my soul, 
 to fly away. Yes, and it is the earnest, ih^ foretaste 
 of glory which the Lord has given me, that lifts me 
 on high. 
 
 " The Lord is, I think, preparing me either to be 
 more useful, or to take me to heaven. His will, not 
 mine, be done. 
 
 " It may be that my dear brother rests under the 
 smiles of our heavenly Father. Let us then cling 
 close to the hope that is within as, stand firm at our 
 station, endure with patience, fight valiantly. For this 
 we must prepare in the inner chamber ; with God in 
 secret the harness is generally put on, and for the 
 most part with weeping and contrition. May our 
 hearts be bruised and healed, so that we shall be 
 'without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.' 
 
 "Should you be apprehensive that you shall leave 
 us soon, let my brother do the work he would do. Be 
 faithful to me— be faithful to E.— be faithful to your 
 family, to your minister, to all. 
 
 "Let your house be set in complete order. Seek 
 for a clear, undoubting evidence of your acceptance. 
 Stop not short of meetness for glory and glorified so- 
 ciety. ' Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.' 
 The very God of peace sanctify you wholly. And I 
 pray God your whole soul, and body, and spirit may 
 be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord 
 Jesus. Faithful is he who has called you; who also 
 will do it. Only seek him with your whole heart. 
 
 "Holiness captivates my soul. It is this that gives 
 the character of God its glory, in my view. It is this 
 that makes the character of aligels and disembodied 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 307 
 
 spirits lovely in contemplation. It is this that makes 
 heaven desirable. And it is this that illumes my soul, 
 and allies it to the most holy on earth. My cry is, 
 Lord, give me wisdom and holiness. And let this be 
 the burden of your prayer for me — that I may be wise 
 to win souls, and holy to enter heaven. 
 
 " Let me comfort myself, saith Edwards, that it is 
 the very nature of afflictions to make the heart better; 
 and if I am made better by them, what need I be con- 
 cerned how grievous they may seem for the present ?" 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 Last Year in College. 
 
 To a Lady in feeble health. 
 
 ''Oct, 26, 1825. 
 
 " Acknowledging the receipt of your epistle, which 
 came to hand a few days since, I am constrained to 
 comply with your request, ' write to me.' With the 
 other, which was, 'pray for me,' I have just complied, 
 with tears and strong cries. 
 
 " Blessed be the Beloved that he has proved him- 
 self your elder brother — a friend always near. How 
 relieving — O, how unburdening to the soul, is a gush 
 of tears — sweet tears of love and gratitude ! they have 
 just flowed from my weeping eyes. 
 
 " I am glad that your spirit was refreshed by the 
 coming of Christian friends ; and for their concern for 
 both you and me* Let us not think it strange, if, when 
 
308 MEMOIR OF 
 
 we see the image of Christ reflected more brightly in 
 the walk and conversation of some of his disciples 
 than others, we are tempted to chide ourselves for not 
 loving all equally. It is indeed written — ' By this 
 shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have 
 love one towards another ;' and ' we know that we 
 have passed from death to life, because we love the 
 brethren,' But the question is, Who is my brother? 
 Is it one who has been baptized ? goes to the commu- 
 nion-table? talks a6oM^ religion ? Our Savior tells 
 us — ' Whosoever shall do the will of my Father which 
 is in heaven, the same is my brother.^ 
 
 " Instead of adding one pain to your already accu- 
 mulated sufferings, I would relieve you of all — ex- 
 change your weakness for strength — your confinement 
 for the pleasant fields. But, I apprehend, the days of 
 my sister, if not already gone by, are soon to be num- 
 bered. This I know does not alarm you. You are 
 conversant with the dying hour in anticipation. 
 
 " I am seated where, by a turn of the head, I have 
 a beautiful prospect. I can overlook a village once 
 the scene of labors both interesting aod profitable. 
 There was a revival there three years ago last spring : 
 the fruits still appear. It reminds me of the latter day, 
 when all shall know the Lord. The fields and trees 
 that meet my eye cause me to sing, 
 
 ' Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, 
 Stand dress'd in living green.' 
 
 " And the river that flows by, lifts the thoughts to 
 the ' pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, 
 proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb * 
 The grazing sheep and their fold speak, in associa- 
 tion, of the good Shepherdj his flock and fold above. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 309 
 
 " The sun has sunk beneath the horizon to illumine 
 another hemisphere. Ere long our swi shall go down : 
 may it set to rise resplendent in a better, brighter 
 world. ' They that be wise shall shine as the sun; 
 and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars 
 for ever and ever.' How happy his lot who takes his 
 departure to meet the souls whom, under God, he has 
 sent to heaven ! O, there is meaning beyond expres- 
 sion in what my soul hath felt in this view ! — Pray, 
 still pray, that a great company of sinners, redeemed 
 from among men, may at last praise God for my in- 
 strumentality. May you be among the wise that -uji?! 
 souls. 
 
 " The blowing of the wind reminds me of the sailor- 
 boy, perhaps, far off at sea, becalmed, or wafted by the 
 breeze, or tossed by the tempest ; now he mounts up 
 to heaven, then goes down again to the depths. Let 
 our sails be wide spread to catch every breeze of hea- 
 ven ; nor need we take in when the gales of grace blow 
 upon them. As one watches the pole-star to prove 
 his course correct, so let us look to Jesus, the author 
 and finisher of our faith. Thus we shall run clear — 
 make our voyage — enter the haven fully laden — cast 
 anchor, and lie safely moored for ever. 
 
 " I thank God for his goodness in permitting an ac- 
 quaintance between souls so congenial, in this the 
 house of our pilgrimage. Our communion has been 
 holy ; be it perpetuated above. I think I was enabled 
 to acquiesce in the will of God. I could, and in a de- 
 gree unknown before, bless him for making us mutual 
 blessings. That you had been made a blessing to me, 
 did not seem so strange ; but that I should have been 
 made a blessing to you, seems strange indeed. The 
 
310 MEMOIR OP 
 
 Lord knoweth the mean view I have of myself. If 
 alive, (for I know not but I was thinking of one in 
 heaven,) I wrestled for heaven's blessing to descend 
 and abide with you; and I was blessed in pleading for 
 my dear sister, to whom, as never before, did I feel a 
 binding of soul in Christian fellowship. 
 
 " From this situation, so pleasant, I could descry a 
 scenery more captivating than any seen by mortal eye. 
 Through faith, I took a view of the house not made 
 with hands, and anticipated the day when I should at 
 least hear you sing, and see you bow before the throne. 
 Yes, my sister, if I should be at a distance, do you 
 strive to get near the throne. 
 
 "You recollect I mentioned one whose soul seems 
 full of love. O for a host of self-denying, cross-bear- 
 ing, humble, Bible sons and daughters of the Lord 
 Almighty. 
 
 "It rains — may a shower of grace come to you. 
 May the Holy Ghost descend in his influences upon you 
 like drops of dew. May you be as a well- watered gar- 
 den, producing abundantly the fruits of righteousness, 
 
 " I was asked to-night, by a minister, ' What is sav- 
 ing faith V I answered him in holy language : 'It is 
 that faith which worketh by love, purifieth the heart, 
 and overcometh the world.' How exemplified is this 
 faith in some Christians ! Alas, that they are so rare. 
 Let these characteristics of the devoted servant of God, 
 and all the lineaments of the dear Redeemer, be man- 
 ifested in us. If there should be but one on earth, 
 ought you not to be the one, who should have the 
 whole mind of Christ? Then would be seen in your 
 every relation of life, what proves the reality, beauty, 
 and excellency of the religion you profess." 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 311 
 
 The following letter, addressed principally to the 
 wife of a beloved brother when she was expected to 
 die, is so full of piety, and faith, and love, that no one 
 can read it, with a serious mind, without admiring the 
 writer, or rather the grace of God in him. 
 
 '' Nov. 17, 1825. 
 
 " Your letter, dear brother, came this morning, with 
 intelligence which I did not at all expect. Shall I tell 
 you the train of thought it excited ? — That you would be 
 companionless — your children motherless — that R.'s 
 happy spirit, like an uncaged bird, would fly away, 
 and be at rest. 
 
 " Were you, my dear brother, were you, as some are, 
 I would not write as I do. ' But ye, who were some 
 time darkness, are now light in the Lord.' And I 
 write this for your comfort. And if your dear wife 
 and my dear sister be alive, and you think it for her 
 comfort, read it to her, as perhaps the last epistle of 
 James to her, just going into eternity. 
 
 " I will address it to her. Sister R., dear sister, 
 forgive all my unfaithfulness to you, and once more 
 pray that I may be blessed with holiness and wisdom. 
 Little did I think of your being the Jirst of our house- 
 hold that would probably be called away. Little did 
 I think that you would be the Jirst to enjoy the privi- 
 lege of entering heaven. 
 
 " It is taken, for granted that your soul is prepared 
 for its exit. This is what each one must be concern- 
 ed about for himself; for as you know, as individuals, 
 we stand accountable to God for our conduct here; as 
 individuals we must die, and as individuals we must 
 be judged. 
 
 " Persuaded of your acceptance through Christ, 
 
312 
 
 MEMOIR OP 
 
 Stand, stand Jirmly. Throwing yourselfinto the arms 
 
 of Jesus, wait, wait patiently. Leaning on the bosom 
 
 ol Jesus, fear no harm ; for he hath said, ' If I go away 
 
 I will come again and receive you unto myself.' ' 
 
 '•'When I remember that God has an economy -f 
 
 grace, as well as of nature-that the kingdom ofcrrace 
 
 IS governed by a holy King, himself the Lawgiver 
 
 I am consoled ; for certain I am that he will act so as to 
 
 constrain all his subjects to see that he hath done all 
 
 things well. Hence, my sister, should he call you 
 
 away, I cannot but acquiesce, and say, ' The Lord 
 
 reigneth.' However much you are beloved on earth 
 
 you would go where you would be loved much more— 
 
 enjoy a Ao/i/ society in a holy place, and be employed 
 
 m rendering a perfect service to your God and mine. 
 
 Hence— however much /love you, and were it the will* 
 
 of God, I would detain you here long— I would be the 
 
 first to sing, though with streaming eyes, 
 
 * 'Tis finish'd, the conflict is past, 
 
 The heaven-born spirit is fled, 
 Her wish is accomplish'd at last, 
 
 And now she's entomb'd with the dead; 
 The months of affliction are o'er, 
 
 The days and the nights of distress; 
 We see her in anguish no more ; 
 She's gained her happy release.' 
 
 " Should I hear of your death, I would look up and 
 thank God, that now, instead of earth, paradise is yours. 
 I would think of you as a happy spirit that had enter- 
 ed ' through the gate into the city.' Having overcome 
 and being seated with Christ on his throne,'you would' 
 as a spirit, commune with God— commune with an- 
 gels who are ministering spirits— commune with saints 
 who have gone up through great tribulation, and who 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 313 
 
 are the spirits of the just made perfect. Think, too, 
 of some of your friends who have died in the faith— 
 of those who follow after, but above all of Jesus, whom 
 you shall see as he is. 
 
 " When on the Mount Zion above, whether you 
 shall look down on things below or not, think of James, 
 and praise the name of the Lord for the blessings I 
 have received — the earnest of the heavenly rest. What 
 the employments of the saints are, you will know more 
 particularly 'when on Zion you stand.' Oithis \om 
 may be as certain as you are certain that you are a 
 child of God — you shall behold a wonderful sight. 
 * Father,' said Jesus, ' I will that they whom thou hast 
 given me, be with me where I am, that they may be- 
 hold inij glory. "^ 
 
 " To comfort you and your afflicted husband, re- 
 member the laws of the kingdom : ' Thy statutes have 
 been my song in the house of my pilgrimage.' How 
 often was this the case with David in his affliction. 
 One law of the kingdom is, that the subjects of Zion's 
 King must enter heaven — but he, even our God and 
 King, hath reserved to himself the right of ordering 
 for his subjects. Would we be at our own disposal ? 
 We feel safest in his hand. Then as it is appointed to 
 men once to die, who can rightly designate the time 
 and circumstances? God, who sees the end from the 
 beginning ; or we, who know not what a day may bring 
 forth? Be comforted; let not your heart be troubled. 
 I hope to have a mansion too. Then, whether you or 
 I be called first, seeing that the will of God is done, 
 what should we be concerned about but a full prepa- 
 ration for heaven ? 
 
 "If you recover, we will be thankful. If you die, 
 
 27 J. B. Taylor. 
 
314 MEMOIR OF 
 
 may you be calmly dismissed, or go with a shout, as 
 it is appointed. As the entrance is ministered, is it 
 not all one whether we die calmly or exultingly ? In 
 ihis, as other things, let the will of the Lord be done. 
 1 am glad that you can give up your family ; if in the 
 hands of the Lord, they are safe. And surely they 
 are at his disposal, as we are ourselves. 
 
 " Finally, my sister — my sister, with whom I have 
 sung, with whom I have prayed and wept — farewell-n- 
 we love one another till death — dying, I will not for- 
 get thee — I will remember all your sisterly afiection — 
 your kind hospitality ; and when my work shall be 
 done, I will hope to meet you at the right hand of God 
 — An affectionate adieu. If you have a dying message 
 for me, leave it with J. 
 
 " Brother, in conclusion, I think all I can say on this 
 occasion, is, the will of the Lord be done. The wave 
 may yet roll back upon you great things which you 
 have not known. This may be the vehicle in which 
 shall be conveyed the greatest blessings : only trust in 
 God. 'Be still, and know that I am God,' saith Je- 
 hovah. He hath been with you ; and although clouds 
 and darkness are round about him, yet justice and 
 judgment are the habitation of his throne. There- 
 fore be not faithless, but believing. Look for a happy 
 issue out of all your troubles. 
 
 " Your sympathizing brother, 
 
 "James." 
 
 To his brother and sisters F., E., and A., ihen at 
 New-Haven. 
 
 " Nassau Hall, Dec. 2, 1825.' 
 
 "You have doubtless known the course of sister R.'s 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 315 
 
 illness. On the Wednesday previous to my leaving 
 Princeton for New-York, brother J. wrote, ' Probably 
 before this reaches you our dear R. will commence the 
 song of angels.' I answered this letter, and addressed 
 one to her, which was read to her, and she was melt- 
 ed to tears. ' O,' said she, ' I love James ; tell him 
 from me, that now I can go with him into heaven : not 
 until this affliction could I see as he saw, but now I 
 can rise with him to the top of Pisgah.' I say not 
 these things to exalt myself, but to magnify the grace 
 of God. 
 
 "Her room appeared to be filled with the glory of 
 God, and her soul to be lighted up with the brightness 
 of his coming. She was at full liberty. 'If the Son 
 shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.' She 
 could say in a higher sense than before, 'I waited pa- 
 tiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me and heard 
 my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, 
 out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and 
 established my goings ; and he hath put a new song 
 into my mouth, even praise to my God.' 
 
 "Before this she had very composedly taken leave 
 of all. Her husband had received her dying message, 
 and apparently heard her sigh the last adieu. Her 
 children listened to her dying counsel; on the verge 
 of eternity she spoke to all, and they were melted to 
 tears. 
 
 " Wednesday night there was a favorable change. 
 And it was when man had given her up — when she 
 had rejoiced in the prospect of being in eternity in an 
 hour — when the shroud and the coffin were full in view, 
 that God interposed. He spake, and it was done. 
 
316 MEMOIR OF 
 
 'Back from the borders of the grave 
 At thy command she's come; 
 Nor did she urge a speedier flight 
 To her celestial home.' 
 
 "You will conclude that I enjoyed a pleasant sea- 
 son with her, in our converse, and in songs of praise 
 and prayer. Indeed it was a 'green pasture,' where 
 were fed not only those who were around her more 
 immediately, bat other sheep of the same fold went 
 in and out and found pasture. Upon this green spot 
 — green, because of the divine influence in the show- 
 ers of grace and the shining of the 'Sun of righteous- 
 ness' — upon this green spot there was herbage, of 
 which the pastor also partook and was refreshed. The 
 circle in which they moved was tenderly affected, and 
 seemed awake to set their house in order. To brother 
 J. it has been a glorious visitation. With his compa- 
 nion, he seemed neither above nor below the will of 
 God. To mother it has been, as she expressed it, in 
 all her grief a happy season. To our father it has 
 proved a time of refreshing. To me it has been the 
 occasion of setting my affections on things above yet 
 more than ever. Has not this visitation been fraught 
 with mercies to you — each of you ? That it may prove 
 yet more the means of good to us individually, let us 
 each lay it to heart : I mean her experience. She 
 wondered that she had not come into such a blessing 
 before. 
 
 " In her case we have the encouragement to ask and 
 expect great blessings. To this is superadded, 'great 
 and precious promises.' Let one full of import be re- 
 cited : ' Call unto me, and I will answer, and show thee 
 great and mighty things, which thou hast not known.' 
 
JAMES BHAINERD TAYLOR. 317 
 
 After all we have known, there are still 'great and 
 mighty things.' After all that we see, still the pro- 
 mise is good. If 'great and mighty things' be not in 
 the experience o[ each, on whom shall the blame rest? 
 Let us seek not low attainments, but great and mighty 
 uprisings towards heaven. 
 
 " From R.'s faithfulness in sickness let us learn the 
 important lesson of being faithful in health. And in 
 all we do, let us ask, how will this appear on my dy- 
 ing bed 1 Thus may we be led to act, not with a view 
 to man's judgment, but in accordance with the will of 
 God. 
 
 " If our sister be restored, still it remains for some 
 one of our number to lead the way to the bar of God. 
 You know that a part of my grave-clothes were once 
 made. How soon the winding-sheet may be my at- 
 tire or yours, who can tell ? But sure the funeral knell 
 may soon tell our departure. How solemn is that 
 sound : ' Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust 1' 
 
 " Let us, in minding our duty, keep where our sis- 
 ter would keep — near to God in secret, near to God in 
 all our intercourse with others ; for, holding converse 
 with him, we shall be transformed into his likeness — 
 the more like God, the more holy — the more holy, the 
 more happy, and the better fitted for a heaven whose 
 glory is holiness. Then, living or dying, all will be 
 well. 
 
 ' I'm glad that I was born to die.' 
 
 " Do you each see your way clear ? Is it lighted up 
 with glory as you pass along ? or are you walking in 
 darkness ? Then you must stumble — you must halt. 
 O, it cannot be otherwise. And if it be thus, I be- 
 
 27* 
 
318 MEMOIR OP 
 
 seech you with a brother's love, and as though they 
 were my dying words, remove the stumbling-blocks. 
 Find out, bring to light, and slay every enemy. Har- 
 bor not one — no, not one disloyal subject. Let Jesus 
 be King, and let him reign without a rival. O, how 
 many, for the indulging of one sin, have prevented 
 conviction and conversion ; and for want of these, how 
 many have sunk to hell ! And tell me of a darker 
 sign in a professor, than one sin of any kind indulged. 
 Should not that be enough to lead him to question his 
 being in a gracious slate ? My brother — my sisters, 
 witness my determination ; God being my helper, I 
 will love and serve him. It is my choice. Be ye al- 
 so more than ever determined. As a family, and as 
 individuals, let us live to God. Give to the vain the 
 vanities of time. Give to the worlding its 'fleeting 
 show.' Let the lovers of pleasure grasp at a phantom. 
 Be it ours to seek and possess the chief good ; lay up 
 treasure in the heavens, and reach for the prize. Then, 
 as a family and as individuals, we shall answer the 
 end of our being — live in the fear and love of God, 
 die exulting, and wing our way to the paradise above. 
 There, if not below, I will wait to meet you. 
 " With a brother's love, 
 
 " James B. Taylor." 
 
 « Nassau HaU, Dec. 29, 1825. 
 
 ♦' Dear Brother, 
 
 "Your letter has come to hand. No item called 
 forth more grateful emotions than the testimony or 
 your having more sensibly the presence of the Lord, 
 Indeed, I praise the God of our salvation for his 
 love to my brother in this respect. I trust he will 
 
JAME9 BRAINERD TAYLOR. 319 
 
 visit you yet more copiously. May you have gospel- 
 measure. 
 
 " Of late I have rejoiced that there is an eternity — 
 a glorious eternity. Separated now, there we shall 
 mingle, and with saints and angels join. How then 
 should we act on earth ! O, had disembodied spirits 
 to act over another life, how active would they be ! 
 Brother, what would the saint who died rich, now do 
 with his money were he here ? Would the thousands 
 that have been scattered to the winds by prodigal heirs 
 be again put into their hands ? or would they be sa- 
 credly disposed of for God ? How much better, ' in 
 that day,' to be found among those who have been 
 more solicitous to furnish the church with able minis- 
 ters of the New Testament, than to adorn after-gene- 
 rations with vanity ! And who dare say, that by do- 
 ing more for God and less for heirs, souls would not 
 have been saved ?" 
 
 In the following from Mr. Taylor's diary, his com- 
 munion with God, and resignation to the divine will, 
 shine conspicuously, and are worthy of the imitation 
 of all that come after him. 
 
 " Dec. 30, 1825. — Had, at evening devotion, an un- 
 common blessing, such in kind and degree as perhaps 
 I never had before. I sang, 
 
 * Hail sovereign love, that first began.' 
 
 " Being led to examine whether I could acquiesce 
 in the will of God, I asked, (but it seemed as if He 
 put the question,) ' Could you, were God to say, de- 
 
320 MEMOIR OF 
 
 sist from your pursuit, could you relinquish the minis^ 
 try V My reply was, Lord, thou knowest this touches 
 in the tenderest point — yet I could yield at thy bid- 
 ding — go to the plough, or to the most servile employ- 
 ment. To me it seemed that my will was wholly re- 
 solved into the will of God. It was a holy talk with 
 heaven, and beyond expression sweet. Gratitude in^ 
 expressible filled my heart, and struggled for utter- 
 ance. I fell before the Lord in my accustomed kneel- 
 ing-place, and attempted a thank-offering. 
 
 " Had an opportunity to talk faithfully to a candi- 
 date for the ministry. I told him, that, with my pre- 
 sent views, it would never do for me to live and act as 
 most ministers do. O what an account must sleeping 
 watchmen give ! And how will ministers appear, if 
 at last they should cry out, Lost — lost for ever ! Lord 
 give me holiness and wisdom. I will hope to lay out 
 myself for God. I would rather lay me down and die. 
 than live to dishonor thee." 
 
 Diary, "January 1, 1836— Sabbath evening. — Have 
 just risen from my kneeling-place, where I thanked 
 the Lord, at the remembrance of his mercies — for food 
 and raiment — for health — for the use of all my senses 
 — for the privilege of living alone — for literary advan- 
 tages, books, and instructors. And the visits of his 
 love the past year have been frequent — my record 
 speaks of some. I have not recorded all, nor all my 
 aberrations. My record is on high. The Lord know- 
 eth. Clothed in the Redeemer's righteousness, it ia 
 enough. 
 
 " I thanked the Lord for my parents — that they have 
 been spared — my brothers and sisters too. Although 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 321 
 
 sickness has entered our borders and threatened the 
 removal of two of our number, they both live. I thank- 
 ed the Lord for benefactors, praying friends, and cor- 
 respondents. 
 
 *' My prayer was, and is repeated — Lord, bless me 
 this year also. Sho^v me ' great and mighty things 
 that I know not.' Bless me not only, but make me a 
 blessing to my brethren in the college — make me a 
 blessing to the college — to the town — to my relations 
 and friends. Bless the church — the sons of Levi — the 
 candidates for the ministry — scatter light among the 
 nations of the earth. Great things have been witness- 
 ed during the past year. This has been an indescrib • 
 ably happy new year's day to me. 
 
 " While the brethren were at prayer in my room this 
 morning, (as usual on Sunday morning,) a letter was 
 left on my desk, of which the following is a copy : 
 
 * Sir, — You are suspected d — d strongly of having informed 
 the faculty of the misdemeanors of several of the students. 
 The evidence against you, though circumstantial, is of the 
 strongest kind. You will for the future be strictly watched, 
 and therefore it will be prudent for you to visit your brothers, 
 the tutors, as seldom as possible; for if detected, your punish- 
 ment is inevitable. Do not treat this with levity. If you do 
 you must suffer the consequences.' 
 
 charity that ' beareth all things ' was in exercise. My 
 soul yearned for the unknown individual who wrote 
 the letter. I longed, with weeping eyes and groans 
 which could not be uttered, to see him a returning 
 prodigal. My heart broke too for the college. The 
 exercise was more earnest than ever before for those 
 
322 ME310IR OF 
 
 around me, yet ray will was absorbed in the will of 
 God — I saw that it belonged to him to work salvation. 
 My soul was lifted up vvitli its longings for a blessing 
 on the preaching to-day, and with streaming eyes I 
 arose, at the ringing of the bell, and hastened to hear 
 the word. Shall we not see better days ? 
 
 ' I wrote on the aforesaid letter, ' Greater is he that 
 is for me, than all they that are against me.' ' He givetli 
 his angels charge concerning thee, lest at any time 
 thou dash thy foot against a stone.' I add, ' Who shall 
 harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 
 The Lord is on our side.' 
 
 "A report is in circulation that an individual had 
 said he should consider himself bound to report to the 
 faculty the bad conduct of students. Though I am 
 not the person who said this, if it was ever said, pro- 
 bably the suspicion has fallen on me. Amen. They 
 meant it for evil ; God meant it for good. A greaf 
 blessing has come to me through an emissary ol 
 Satan. — O how w^ould my arms of love open to him. 
 if he would come to Christ. O for the descent of the 
 Holy Ghost. 
 
 " Wrote my usual new year's letter to our family." 
 
 *' Nassau Hall, January 1, 1826. 
 
 " As usual, I suppose my parents, brothers, and sis- 
 ters will be expecting a new year's letter. They 
 shall not be disappointed — A happy new year to you 
 all— to me it has happily begun. 
 
 " To us, collectively and individually, the year 1325 
 has been fraught with good. Prosperity has been with- 
 in our borders. Called, indeed, to talk of judgments, 
 we have simg of mercies. All, but perhaps none more 
 
JAMES BRAINEim TAYLOR. 323 
 
 \han James, are laid under renewed obligations to love 
 and seive the Lord. 
 
 " Recounting the goodness of God to me, I find that 
 It reaches to the clouds. But 'when on Zion we 
 stand,' we hope to talk of all his goodness. You have 
 had my testimony already of some of those manifesta- 
 tions I have enjoyed. Suffice it for the present to say, 
 
 ' The more thy glory strikes mine eyes, 
 
 The lower I shall lie : 
 Thus Avhile I sink, my soul shall rise 
 Immeasurably high.' 
 
 ''I thank our God that he has continued our parents 
 with us another year — our parents, always beloved by 
 us all. They have fostered us — they have trained us 
 up — they have wept for us — they have prayed for us 
 —they love us. May their declining sun shine yet 
 fair, and set in splendor. Methinks I hear my parents 
 say, ife will praise the Lord : yes, we will praise the 
 Lord for all his goodness to us and ours. If we listen 
 to your testimony, shall we not hear you witness to 
 the visits of our heavenly Father? O yes, you each 
 know what it is to hold fellowship with the Father, 
 and with his Son Jesus Christ. You know what it is 
 to hold converse with God in secret ; and doubtless the 
 daily desire of your hearts is, 'Evermore give us this 
 bread ;' nor do I doubt that your daily prayer goes up 
 for our advance in the way of holiness. 
 
 "Shall brother E. and sister M. see this? A hap- 
 py new year to them. I need not repeat here, what 
 you often converse on together. Every minister, and 
 every minister's wife, must think of souls under their 
 care — souls to be trained for heaven, who are already 
 in the way, and souls yet in their sins. 
 
324 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "Brother F., how do you live in college ? I do not 
 hear from you. Are you getting much knowledge 
 upon your knees 7 ' And they shall all be taught of 
 God.' Take the promise that I have taken. ' Call 
 unto me, and I will answer.' Live so in college, that 
 when you graduate, you may stand beside your bro- 
 ther, and with him tell the world that there is no place 
 more eligible for advancement in holiness than col- 
 lege. O, let us ' die daily' to the world, and have our 
 souls so imbued with that knowledge which does not 
 come from books, that, Moses like, others may see 
 that we have been with God. Then, as before Moses, 
 smners will tremble before us. O for a holy unction. 
 
 " In the commencement of this new year, let us all 
 be solemn. With many it is a day of mirth. Let us 
 think on our latter end. We shall find it profitable 
 to do it frequently. Is once a v/eek too often 1 For 
 one, I believe I try to do it daily. I go to the grave- 
 yard for this : I sit on the tomb-stones and read, ' Here 
 lies,' and think on my shroud and coffin — the tolling 
 bell — the funeral procession — the open grave — the fall- 
 ing earth — I love to die in imagination. There is 
 nothing more interesting to me than death scenes. I 
 know not indeed that my parents shall surround my 
 dying bed; nor that my brother or sisters shall watch 
 my parting breath. I am not worthy of their kind of- 
 fices ; I may die, a stranger in a strange land. But 
 what of this? To lie beside my fathers' sepulchres 
 would indeed be grateful : but one point of the earth 
 is as near to heaven as another ; and, although we may 
 not rise from the same burying-place, the same trum- 
 pet shall awaken us, and we shall arise to the same 
 heaven. Let us try to bring death very near, and for 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOK. 325 
 
 several reasons : 1. That we may fix our faith more 
 firmly on the doctrines of the Bible: the doctrines of 
 men will not stand in a dying hour. 2. That our 
 worldly pursuits may be rightly regulated, 3. That 
 we may seek more earnestly full preparation. 4. 
 That when afflicted we may the better sustain it. 5. 
 That we may forgive and act tov/ards all as becometh 
 the dying. Redeem the time, and so be ever ready 
 and waiting for the coming of the Son of man. 
 
 " To conclude. Let us, in entering upon any busi- 
 ness, inquire whether it be lawful. Let all worldly at- 
 tachments and pursuits hang loosely about us. Let 
 our houses be set in complete order. Let us begin 
 nothing of which we have not well considered the 
 end. When you shall have read this, I wish each of 
 you to go aside and pray for 
 
 "James." 
 
 Diary. January 3. — "Am truly blessed of God. Be- 
 fore the commencement of service at the usual Tues- 
 day evening meeting, I sat musing and invoking a 
 blessing. The Lord came apparently with his servant 
 — as he prayed, my soul seemed to gain new vigor — 
 and while we sung. But as he spoke, a heavenly in- 
 fluence dropped — distilled — poured into my soul. The 
 Holy Ghost seemed to come down — and I felt hot with 
 hallowed fire. It was an increase upon the blessing 
 of last Sabbath — for it was a struggle for souls. The 
 subject was, 'God tries the patience of his children.' 
 I felt that mine had been tried, and longed for his 
 coming. His address being finished, I prayed. It was 
 still a solemn time, and the divine influence seemed 
 to increase— while this was the burden of our prayers : 
 
 28 J. B. Taylor. 
 
326 MEMOIR OF 
 
 Holiness for ourselves, and conversion and holiness 
 for the impenitent. 
 
 " Spent a couple of hours in his room with the preach- 
 er and brother J., where I gained new vigor, exul 
 tation, and triumph, and some practical knowledge. 
 Received a letter which made my soul leap for joy. 
 How thankful I ought to be for the addition of this ac- 
 quaintance during the last year. It will doubtless be 
 consummated in heaven. The Lord blesses us, and 
 makes us a blessing to each other." 
 
 To Rev. Mr. H , of S 
 
 '' Nassau Hall, January 15, 1826. 
 " To my reverend, my esteemed Friend, and the Church in his house: 
 
 " I need not tell you how often I have perused those 
 two letters received from my venerated father in the 
 Gospel, nor say that they are among the most valued 
 of my letters received. Think then how much I have 
 desired a third and a fourth. Almost a year has elaps- 
 ed since the date of the last. My affection for you all 
 will not allow me to suppose that I shall intrude by 
 once more breaking in upon a leisure half hour of 
 yours. 
 
 "If not too late, a happy new year to you, and your 
 dear family. How gladly would I spend this evening 
 with you, in recounting the mercies of the last year. 
 To you it has been full of loving-kindness — your fa- 
 mily circle has been unbroken — your happy mansion 
 has been screened from 'the pestilence that walketh in 
 darkness, and the destruction that wasteth at noon- 
 day.' While others have been called to follow their 
 inmates to the narrow house, you all live. 
 
 " Believing that you still take as deep interest in 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOK. 327 
 
 your young friend as when you wrote, ' My family, 
 with many pleasant recollections, unite with me in the 
 best wishes and prayers for your best welfare and 
 highest usefulness,' I need not apologize for speaking 
 a little of myself; for to me the year 1825 has been 
 signalized with many blessings. ' Ten thousand 
 thousand precious gifts my daily thanks employ,' Al- 
 most uninterrupted health — local privileges, heaven 
 nigh — special baptisms of the Holy Ghost, producing 
 quietness and confidence, in which for the most part 
 has been my strength. 
 
 • Through all eternity to thee 
 A grateful song I'll raise ; 
 But, O eternity's too short 
 To utter all thy praise.' 
 
 ''I might specify particular blessings, but it would 
 extend beyond the bounds of a letter. With me, now 
 as you read, give thanks to Him whose mercy endur- 
 eth for ever. 
 
 " One of the richest blessings during the past year, 
 came in the application of this promise: 'Call upon 
 me, and I will answer, and show thee great and migh- 
 ty things which thou knowest not.' O, it was glo- 
 rious, glorious beyond description. At some time pre- 
 vious, perhaps two weeks, I opened Clarke on the Pro- 
 mises. This, among others, I read, I treasured it up 
 in memory — I believed it — I took God at his word. 
 I plead it before him. When applied, it was great and 
 mighty in a degree of which I knew nothing before. 
 I knew not but the hour of my departure had come. 
 It seemed as if my soul was breathing itself out of the 
 body. 
 
328 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "During the past year my call to preach the Gospel 
 has been made so satisfactorily plain that there is not 
 the shadow of a doubt on my mind. 'Wo is me if I 
 preach not the Gospel.' Like other rich blessings, it 
 came with groans which could not be littered. O for 
 a letting into our souls the powerful, availing, in- 
 xorought prayer. What strength does it give the Chris- 
 tian ! How it prepares for an attack from the world, 
 the flesh, or the d-evil ! What a staff in his walks of 
 usefulness ! 
 
 "You are friendly to a candidate's exercising his 
 gifts in public. To me it appears to be an essential part 
 of his preparatory training. Its advantages you have 
 long considered. To corroborate my assertion, I couW 
 mention the case of a clergyman now occupying an 
 important station as a pastor. In his preparatory 
 course he was shut up in the city of a close stu- 
 dent. Soon after being licensed to preach, he was or- 
 dained over the flock he now feeds. He wrote and 
 read his sermons. In the pulpit he was orthodox, pi- 
 ous, learned; but in the lecture-room I was told he 
 could not proceed. To this kind of training I have 
 devoted some time in the town, as well as in college. 
 
 " As a proof of Paul's apostleship, he pointed to his 
 success. To the Corinthians he said, ' The seal of 
 mine apostleship are ye, in the Lord.' Shall I tell 
 you? It is with diffidence, lest you should think me 
 forward and vain. But I will not glory of myself. It 
 is a chain in God^s providence ; the hook was fasten- 
 ed upon a very minute circumstance — one link was 
 added to another. One sinner was converted, and an- 
 other, and so on to the eighth. Seven have since join- 
 ed the church. Was I not happy in witnessing their 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 329 
 
 profession, and in sitting down with them at the table 
 of our Lord ? Perhaps, last spring, I labored, besides 
 ray studies, as much as some who are more fully in the 
 vineyard. It was a season full of interest. From 
 week to week 1 now try to act, in my degree, the part 
 of an ?^W(ier-shepherd towards those lambs. May you, 
 my dear sir, see them in paradise. 
 
 " The scenes witnessed at Rahway, last spring va- 
 cation, form a pleasing association with the year 1825. 
 There, as you may have known, I spent most of five 
 weeks. O what a time, when to a room full of young 
 converts I said, ' Finally, brethren, farewell.' Time 
 glides smoothly — swiftly ; studies pleasant for the most 
 part. The New Testament in the original, for the study 
 of which I have the best critical helps, I read with plea- 
 sure, and I hope with profit ; this I do daily ; I long to 
 be.' mighty in the Scriptures.' True, a minister may 
 be this, and yet without grace — may be like the sign 
 of an inn. For as the one points out a resting-place 
 for the wayfaring man, and yet itself stands without, 
 so a graceless minister may point out the resting-place 
 and give some good entertainment for the pilgrim, and 
 yet himself be blasted with the storms of an eternal 
 night. O ! how many, like the bells of their churches, 
 may have called for others to enter, and may have suc- 
 ceeded, and yet have not entered themselves into the 
 ark ! It was a saying of Hilary, Sanctiores sunt aures 
 plebis quam corda sacerdotum ; which may be freely 
 rendered, ' How many holy sounds are in the ears of 
 the people, that never affected the hearts of the priests.' 
 
 " Let the burden of your united prayer for me be, 
 that I may be holy and wise. Holy, to enter heaven; 
 and wise, to win souls. I have not said the half 1 
 28* 
 
330 MEMOIR OP 
 
 would, nor in the manner intended ; but you have the 
 eflfusions of a heart overflowing with its best feelings ; 
 for I owe you a weight of love. When I think of that 
 stopping-place, there are associated all your cordial 
 receptions, from my 'first entering m unto you' — all 
 your more than hospitable entertainments — all your 
 afiectionate adieus, to one unworthy to come under 
 your roof. Farewell. I long to see you all. ' Happy 
 seasons we have seen.' But adieu. 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 Diary. " Feb. 3. — A month has elapsed since I wrote 
 in my journal. I sometimes fear I am partial in not 
 entering minutely into all my exercises. But I only 
 record special visitations of God; and hope, m their 
 review from time to time, I may be able afresh to re 
 alize ' the good hand of the Lord, which has been 
 upon me for good.' 
 
 " About noon to-day I went to seek a nearer view of 
 him whom my soul loveth, by reading the Tract, ' A 
 choice drop of honey from the Rock Christ ; or a word 
 of advice to all saints and sinners.' After dining, I 
 mused and read again. I longed for the coming of the 
 Beloved — I cast myself before the Lord in my blessed 
 kneeling-place, and felt that I owed God more than 
 ten thousand talents, and had not one — no, not one to 
 pay : poor — poor indeed. With a clear view of the 
 demerit of sin, I could point to Jesus and say, there 
 IS my only plea. It was enough, for long since hath 
 the Father said, ' In him am I well pleased.' The in- 
 describable breakings of my heart in laying hold on 
 God, are known to the Giver. It was a sweet — melt 
 ing season. Sin never, perhaps, appeared so odious; 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 331 
 
 it was in my view the great evil ; and my only groan- 
 ings, which at limes could hardly be uttered, were for 
 wisdom and holiness. My every load was taken off — 
 I smiled under the light of my Father's countenance, 
 and glory, glory as a stream, went out in return for so 
 great a blessing. It had come from God, and now it 
 was going back to God. Yet on my knees, my soul 
 was again melted in view of the goodness of God. 
 To-night attended my meeting in town, which was 
 solemn. 
 
 " Had a most precious season before the Lord while 
 reading the Tract, ' The Church Safe.' The strongest 
 desire excited was, that God would glorify himself 
 through my instrumentality. Spent part of the even- 
 ing in visiting a sick friend, whose soul seemed re- 
 freshed. Upon my leaving her she said, ' You have 
 been my best physician to-day.' I hardly ever saw so 
 visible a change in any one as in her during my visit. 
 Another proof that they that wait upon the Lord shall 
 renew their strength." 
 
 To Mr. D. and family. 
 
 " February 3. 
 " So far as I can see, this appears to be the order in 
 which blessings sometimes come upon me. The Lord 
 gives me to see my meanness, unworthiness, nothing- 
 ness, and ill desert^ until brought into the deepest hu- 
 miliation. Then opens Christ's beauty, worth, full- 
 ness, and his raising the sinner as high as his sins 
 would sink him low. Then, with streaming eyes, bro- 
 ken heart, groans unutterable, the soul longs for the 
 coming in of God — pants for the overflowing of the 
 cooling stream — has an unction from the Holy One — 
 
332 MEMOIR OF 
 
 is unburdened wholly— filled with the Spirit, whose 
 fruit abounds in love, and peace, and joy. Such a visit 
 of love I experienced yesterday. Sometimes while mu- 
 sing the fire burns — the Father smiles — and commu- 
 nion is sweet. Thus, for the most part, my soul is kept 
 in 'quietness and confidence.' O to be partakers of his 
 holiness. 
 
 " 7th. — I proposed to a few fellow-students, and 
 would propose to the whole Christian world, that they 
 would each, in some sort, comply with the declara- 
 tion of the Psalmist, ' that prayer shall also be made 
 continually for him ;' at twelve o'clock each day, say 
 from the heart, ' Thy kingdom come.' 
 
 "This morning did that for which I felt condemn- 
 ed. It was when ofi* my guard. I raised my cry to the 
 Lord, and trust he heard me. Learned anew the lesson, 
 ' Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.' No 
 one was injured by my sin. Lord, cleanse thou. me 
 from secret faults. 
 
 " At evening devotion had a blessed refreshing. 
 Sung, 
 
 'Thou only Sovereign of my heart.' 
 
 Looking at the watchmen on Zion's walls, my heart 
 bled for bleeding Zion. Considered Jesus as the grand 
 Architect— as fully equal to the great work ; and felt 
 persuaded that the temple would be completed, how- 
 ever unfaithful and unskillful the underworkmen might 
 be. My heart broke with desire for the bringing in of 
 a more devoted ministry. I saw that he could purify 
 the present ministry, and make them all holy, labori- 
 ous men — not men-pleasers. 
 "In looking at myself, I felt indescribably mean in 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 333 
 
 my own eyes, and cried out, Oh, my ignorance ! and 
 saw that it must be of the Lord if ever I preach the 
 Gospel. With streaming eyes I rose to fall in my 
 kneeling-place, repeating, 
 
 ' Law at thy feet my soul would lie ; 
 
 Here safety dwells and peace divme , 
 Still let me live beneath thine eye, 
 For life, eternal life, is thine.' 
 
 I bowed with groanings v/hich could not be uttered, 
 and rose praising the Lord. 
 
 " 11th. — Night before last I got away from God by 
 sinning against him. Alas ! how aggravated my sin, 
 after such overpowering visits of love ! Surely I ought 
 never more to have offended him. Since then, but 
 more particularly to-day, till noon, I felt wounded to 
 the quick. Being enabled at noon, while reading a 
 tract, to arraign myself more closely at the bar of con- 
 science, I plead guilty, fell at the feet of sovereign 
 mercy, and God was abundantly gracious to a rebel- 
 lious child. He restored my soul. He delivered me 
 out of all my distresses. 
 
 " At evening devotion, after reading, kneeled where 
 the heavens have so often opened over me and let down 
 love, abundant, rich and free. I felt fatigued with the 
 labors of the day, and expected soon to rise. I was led 
 to supplicate for my father's house. I asked for the 
 little ones, and for my nephews and nieces, that they 
 might be Henry Martyns and Harriet Newells. Then 
 with desire inexpressible I longed to be a missionary 
 In the midst of weeping and groaning I saw that I 
 was mean and ignorant ; but that Jesus was a com- 
 
334 MEMOIR OF 
 
 plete master-builder. My cry was to be made j&t for 
 the very station upon the scaffold around his temple I 
 should occupy. I saw clearly that all things are possi- 
 ble with God — that he could carry me through the 
 work even of an apostle. Well, he knoweth what is 
 best — and that is best for me — sick or well — prosperi- 
 ty or adversity — rest or labor— earth or heaven. Amen 
 and amen. 
 
 " It was pleasing to offer up my soul and body, my 
 time, talents, influence, possessions, all that I am or 
 hope to be. I felt that the Lord accepted the pittance 
 I had to give, which I also felt was his before. I was 
 greatly blessed, and walking my room, praised him as 
 the rock of my salvation. This room will stand a 
 witness to my prayers, those unanswered are lodged 
 above. It will also stand a witness to my follies in 
 departing from the living God. But they are all for- 
 given. The praise belongeth unto God." 
 
 On the 20th February Mr. Taylor wrote to a Chris- 
 tian brother who also had the ministry in view. The 
 letter contains some passages that ought to be pre- 
 served. 
 
 " I have just come in from visiting a sick Christian ; 
 she is happy — sick and happy. Brother, in our minis- 
 terial sphere, should we ever be permitted to walk in 
 it, I think no higher office of kindness or badge of 
 sonship will be afforded us, than to visit the widow 
 and fatherless in their affliction. This is, indeed, reli- 
 gion, pure and undefiled before God. Hence it is im- 
 portant that we have our memories stored with hymns 
 suitable for such occasions. 
 
JAMES BKAINERD TAYLOR. 335 
 
 "111 my meditations this evening I thought of Mo- 
 ses. He had well nigh entered Canaan ; but, for his 
 sin, he was only permitted from Pisgah's top to view 
 the promised land. O how it wrung tears from my 
 eyes to think it possible, that for past sins, or through 
 sins that I might commit, I should be debarred entering 
 upon the holy ministry. I know I do not deserve this 
 honor. I could sigh forth a prayer — Lord, whether I 
 preach the Gospel or not, purify the sons of Levi, and 
 sanctify candidates for their work. 
 
 " Perhaps I never had more confidence in God, as 
 to the carrying on of his work in the world. I have 
 not a doubt Jesus will reigJi. And my soul has been 
 exceeding glad. 'Every knee shall bow, and every 
 tongue shall confess.' " 
 
 Diary, March 9. — " On the 2d and 5th was refresh- 
 ingly visited by the kind returns of the Spirit, whom I 
 had grieved away. But it was only through groanings 
 which could not be uttered. This was only a fore- 
 taste of another love-feast which I enjoyed soon after, 
 when my soul was melted into tenderness, captiva- 
 ted with holiness, and longed for greater likeness to 
 Christ. My views and experience seemed to coincide 
 with Edwards', when he said, ' the heaven I desire is 
 a heaven of holiness.' This was only the precursor of 
 another and richer blessing at evening devotion. I 
 have yet with the Lord an unanswered petition then 
 preferred. I left it with him. I believed the Lord 
 could bless me wonderfully. I believed all things 
 were possible with him ; and I believed he would 
 bless me. I am waiting for the fulfillment of the expec- 
 tation raised within me, I trust, by the Holy Ghost. 
 
336 
 
 MEMOIR OP 
 
 " The world wanes — a whole surrender is growing 
 in importance. Lord, did not I make that surrender 
 to-day ? Keep me— O keep me. Have 1 sought the 
 honors of this institution— or of the literary society 
 with which I am connected ? Has not my desire pre- 
 vailed for the honor that cometh from above ? Shall I 
 not have to ascribe much to the distinguishing grace 
 of ,God, for his keeping and blessing me in this col- 
 lege? May my ambition be to fear, love and serve 
 God ; let others take up with husks^ give me Christ; 
 the smiles of my Father, the presence of my Com- 
 forter. Amen — my loud and repeated amen. 
 
 " 19th, Sabbath. — In last evening's devotions had 
 nearness of access to God in remembering my beloved 
 parents, brothers and sisters. Felt particularly for 
 brother F. (now in Yale College) and myself, as can- 
 didates for the holy ministry. I could weep before the 
 Lord for a baptism of holy fire to rest on us both. To- 
 gether we have watched our Father's flock, together 
 may we be faithful under-shepherds over the flock of 
 God. I love my brother— I trust God loves him. Our 
 hearts are united. 
 
 " Pvemembered those among whom I have been la- 
 boring from time to time. What interesting groups of 
 young converts have I seen. I think I have felt some- 
 what as Paul did, when he said, ' Now we live, if ye 
 stand fast in the Lord.' Alas ! how soon are the 
 lambs torn in pieces ! how alert should the shepherd be. 
 
 " Sabbath morning.— My soul has melted down at 
 the presence of Jesus I A 'pressure of love rested on 
 me, and praise, praise, praise in a stream went up from 
 my inmost soul! This mystery, 'Christ in you, the 
 hope of glory,' has never appecired so wonderful. Hea- 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 337 
 
 ven appeared truly desirable. Yet I desired to live, if 
 I might, to bring many souls to glory. I should love 
 much to send thither many a band of young converts. 
 I desired it much, even if at a distance I should only 
 be a looker-on. My love to God's children was great- 
 ly increased ; and my desire for a clean heart was in- 
 tense. It was given, and my eyes ran down with tears 
 — sweet tears ! 
 
 " 24th. — ' Come unto me, all ye that labor and are 
 heavy laden, and I will give you rest ' — selected as 
 the theme for my meeting this evening. Having 
 thought of it, it was applied sweetly to my own soul 
 at evening devotion. I was not burdened nor weary ; 
 but my rest was increased. 
 
 " I have been thinking to-day upon our ships of war 
 as spheres of future labor. I have thought of them 
 before, but to-day with some desire, if God will, to 
 engage as a chaplkin. ' A man's heart deviseth his 
 way, but the Lord directeth his steps.' May I be a 
 good man ; for the steps of a good man are ordered 
 by the Lord. 
 
 '' 25th. — From the testimony of a brother who at- 
 tended the party last evening, it seems that, as usual, 
 lightness prevailed. I was invited ; but attended my 
 party, my usual society meeting. Enough, enough 
 have I had of fashionable tea-parties to prove that, 
 to me at least, they are unprofitable. This brother told 
 me that he felt the worse for attending. Q,uery, Is it 
 right to expend money for the dissipation of the mind ? 
 to say nothing of the deleterious effects that such variety 
 of viands, generally taken to satiety, have upon the cor- 
 poreal system, especially on persons of sedentary ha- 
 bits. I was glad of so good an apology as my meeting. 
 
 29 J. B Taylor. 
 
338 MEMOIR OF 
 
 " 30th. — Memorable, memorable day ! It has been 
 a day of days to me. In it much lias been unspeaka- 
 ble and full of glory. On my knees I recorded my re- 
 solution never more to boast save in the cross of Christ. 
 While before the Lord, I have been much affected 
 with the view of his overwhelming greatness, and of 
 my own infinite — infinite littleness. No wonder that 
 the beloved disciple became as a dead man. No won- 
 der that Moses feared and quaked. But it is indescriba- 
 ble. I have felt so infinitely unworthy, that I could not 
 look up ; yet my hope in God is raised on high. God's 
 greatness, connected with his amazing love and con 
 descension, affected me much. I indeed felt constrained 
 to say, ' I am a worm, and no man.' 
 
 " The love of Jesus, his life, sufferings and death 
 and the opposition to him, as manifested by the im 
 penitent, affected me much. The holy influences of 
 the Spirit of grace, and the remembrance of ever hav- 
 ing grieved him, affected me much. 
 
 " To depart and be with Christ I felt to be desirable. 
 Though so undeserving — unworthy even to be a door- 
 keeper in the house of my God here, yet I could anti- 
 cipate the day when he would take his exile home. 
 
 " Heaven was regarded as a holy place. I was glad 
 in the prospect of holy society — God, angels, and 
 saints. The thought of dying to know more, was plea- 
 sant. But at evening devotion my will was absorbed 
 in the will of God. ' I give my mortal interests up, and 
 make my God my all.' Praise belongeth unto God. 
 Let all things praise him. Praise the Lord, O my soul. 
 
 " April 2.— Sabbath.— 'If ye then, being evil, know 
 how to give good gifts unto your children, how much 
 more shall your Father who is in heaven, give the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 339 
 
 Holy Spirit to them that ask him.' This scripture was 
 graciously applied to me at evening devotion, upon 
 which I received an increase of the Spirit's influen- 
 ces. I believed, and according to my faith so it was. 
 
 " 9th. — Sabbath evening. — The last Lord's day in 
 college this session, and to be remembered as amon 
 the most precious. Reviewing this session, I have 
 much to remember, and more than I can record of the 
 goodness of God to me. Scientific pursuits have led 
 me into an acquaintance with subjects before unknown 
 to me. Lord, sanctify this knowledge. 
 
 " The study of the New Testament in the Greek 
 has opened to my mind many things before hid from 
 me. Yet, deeper would I dig into this rich, exhaust- 
 less mine ; for the deeper, the more lucid and brjlliant 
 the precious gem of truth appears. Lord, sanctify me 
 through thy truth : thy word is truth. My weekly ex- 
 ercises with the people among whom I have gone la- 
 boring, with the view of stirring up any gift I may pos- 
 sess, and of edifying my little congregation, has been 
 of service to me* Lord, all that was amiss forgive ; 
 own what was thine, and may fruit appear at the last 
 day. To my brethren in college, too, in our weekly 
 assembly, I have not failed to be plain, pointed, and I 
 hope affectionate. 
 
 " To the institution as a body, I have done but little. 
 If it was my duty, I have not done it. I have not gone 
 from room to room and ' warned every man night and 
 day with tears.' Only to a few have I been personal 
 in my interviews. Shall these dear souls be lost 
 through my miscarriage towards them? In view of 
 this subject, and some others, this day 
 
 '^Resolved, that I will, the Lord being my helper, 
 
340 MEMOIR OF 
 
 think, speak, and act as an individual : for as such 
 I must live — as such I must die, stand before God, be 
 judged, be damned or saved for ever and ever. I have 
 been waiting for others to go forward. I must act as il 
 I were the only one to act, and wait no longer. 
 
 " The days of darkness have been few, and only 
 when I slipped back from God. He has not withdrawn 
 from me ; but I have most ungratefully and basely 
 withdrawn from him. As the earth rolls and involves 
 itself in darkness, so by my turning from the Sun of 
 righteousness have I been involved in darkness ; nor 
 till turned back again, did I walk in the light, as he is 
 in the light ; yet, though, like Peter, I fell, the Lord 
 turned and looked on me again, and, like Peter, O how 
 bitterly I wept. I do not remember that I once came 
 back but with tears and groans which could not be ut- 
 tered. When away, as a father pitieth his children, 
 so the Lord pitied me. A father's pity to his wayward 
 child is often manifested by the lifted rod ; so my hea- 
 venly Father hath ever used the discipline of the co- 
 venant, and followed me till I again felt the Spirit of 
 his Son uttering in my inmost soul, 'Abba, Father.' 
 
 " The days of peace have been multiplied, seasons 
 of holy unction have been vouchsafed, powerfully con- 
 straining cords of love have bound me closer to the 
 bosom of my Lord. Clearer, more elevating, and at 
 the same time soul-humbling manifestations of Jesus 
 have been enjoyed. In a word, my heavenly Father has 
 smiled most graciously ; Jesus has showed to me his 
 life, his labors, his sufferings and death, his exaltation 
 and intercession, and his love and care for me. The 
 Comforter has dwelt in me as his temple, and I have 
 sweetly contemplated saints and angels as my future 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 341 
 
 companions, and heaven as my home. With increas- 
 ing desire I long to enter the field, to lay out my 
 strength for God. 
 
 " Not knowing what the Lord has for me to do, I 
 am kept from what, perhaps, would be as pleasant to 
 me as to another, and at which some have been led 
 to wonder. Some may think me stoically indifferent 
 to the connubial state — but I fear to act prematurely. 
 It is this which restrains me from taking any steps in 
 that matter. When it is clearly one's duty to seek 
 such a connection, will not a prudent wife come from 
 the Lord ? Sometimes I think of this, and wish that 
 ministers would see well to it, that they obtain in their 
 companions an increase of power to help on their work. 
 
 " The blessings attending our happy household in- 
 crease. May we ever stand fast, and always abound 
 in the work of the Lord. I hope to see them soon. 
 May I go in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel 
 of peace, be blessed and made a great blessing to them, 
 and to all with whom I may associate. 
 
 " This has been a day of the renewal of my cove- 
 nant. Once more I have had the most honorable seat 
 on earth, a place at the Lord's table. It was a precious 
 waiting upon God. I again took the oath of allegiance, 
 showed forth the Lord's death, remembered him, and 
 gave thanks. 
 
 " May 18, 1826. — Since writing the above, have 
 visited my father's house. Returning, I have noAV en- 
 tered upon my last session in college. Already hath 
 it been signalized with a most gracious visitation ; the 
 college opened this day at noon — at evening devotion 
 the Holy Spirit was vouchsafed. My heart's desire 
 was, that this session might be more glorious than any 
 29* 
 
342 MEMOIR OF 
 
 before ; my prayer, that no blot might attach to me ; I 
 gave my interests up to my faithful Keeper. 
 
 "27th. Sabbath. — The past week has been a glori- 
 ous one to me, with the exception of nearly a day, 
 when I wandered from God in doing what 1 ought not 
 to have done. The fruits of the Spirit, so far as they 
 have been produced in my soul, have been love, joy, 
 peace, faith, and gentleness." 
 
 " This last trait in James Taylor's character," says 
 a friend, " was particularly observable. He did every 
 thing with gentleness. It was this which rendered his 
 reproofs so inoffensive and effectual in his intercourse 
 with his friends and with strangers. This character- 
 istic, added to a familiarity and playfulness peculiar- 
 ly his own, rendered him the favorite of the children 
 of the families in which he visited, for whom he al- 
 ways manifested an affectionate regard, and whom he 
 would attempt to interest and benefit by relating some 
 story from the Bible, or some striking incident in the 
 history of some child he had read of, or had known. 
 His gentleness appeared in all his movements ; he 
 would even raise the latch of the door noiselessly. 
 And on entering a house of prayer, or any place of re- 
 ligious worship, he v/alked as lightly as on tiptoe. He 
 made tbis a principle of action, and rendered it, as he 
 desired, a habit ; and would remark, when speakmg 
 of conducting religious worship, that this habit was 
 most desirable in the minister, as rendering the place 
 of meeting more impressive and solemn." 
 
 "My seasons of prayer in the evening," continues 
 his journal, " have been times of special blessing, in- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR, 343 
 
 describable, sometimes /w/Z of glory. My heart broke 
 with the longings it had to live to and for God — re- 
 joiced that Christ was in me the hope of glory. 
 
 " Before retiring to rest last night, as usual knelt be- 
 side my bed. My renewed petition was that I might 
 possess, in as high a degree as possible in this world, 
 the life of God in my soul. In the night, while asleep, 
 I thought myself in company with S and an- 
 other person. I arose and spoke. The Spirit of God 
 seemed to come upon me in an unusual manner, and 
 powerfully attended my words. The whole house 
 seemed to be filled with the Holy Ghost. I was over- 
 powered, and sweetly swooned away. I put no inter- 
 pretation upon this dream. My prayer has been, my pe- 
 tition noiD is. Lord, go with me to my meeting ; clothe 
 me with power ; give efficacy to thy word, and let sin- 
 ners be awakened and converted unto thee, while I ad- 
 dress them from — ' Sirs, what shall I do to be saved ?' 
 When I awoke from the forementioned dream, I trem- 
 bled ; I felt as if God had been near, and so near that 
 I feared. 1 endeavored to throw myself on his kind 
 arms, and to wait his coming, when and how he should 
 please. Even if I should lose my life under his mani- 
 festations, I would trust him. 
 
 "I have been much blessed in reading Bellamy's 
 characteristics of love to God. Was greatly refreshed 
 before I went to the people this afternoon. Now I re- 
 tire to rest after a Sabbath day richly fraught with di- 
 vine blessings. O to hold fast whereunto I have at- 
 tained. I renew my petition. Lord, accomplish thy 
 will in me, and make me all that thou wouldst have 
 me to be in this world. I desired to-day to be wholly 
 devoted to the Lord. 
 
344 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "May 31st. — Heard from, and wrote to brother P 
 at Yale college." 
 
 The letter written to that brother, himself also pre- 
 paring for the ministry, is as follows : 
 
 "Nassau-Hall, May 31, 1826. 
 "DearF. 
 
 " Ere this you are in New-Haven. To-day you 
 commence your session. Begin it with God. Con- 
 tinue it walking with God. Then, whether you end 
 it or not, you will be found with -ini. Thus I com- 
 menced the session upon which I have entered. And if 
 I had time, I might testify to the loving-kindness of 
 the Lord. Suffice it to say, his manifestations have 
 been overwhelming. Praise him on my behalf. 
 
 " I think the world recedes yet more and more, as 
 God comes in and abides. One thing with me is par- 
 amount, and to this one thing I would endeavor to 
 bend all my powers, that is, to preach Christ, to learn 
 of him, and teach others, so as to arrive safe at heaven 
 myself, and be the means of guiding others there. 
 
 " Brother, let us feel, let us ask God to impress in- 
 delibly on our hearts the solemn truth that we are 
 identified with this generation, and bound to serve it. 
 Soon, say in thirty years, where will these millions of 
 souls be ? We are a part of them. What power, un- 
 der God, have we over them? Whatever it is, let U3 
 put it all in requisition on the side approved of God. 
 
 " Try to enjoy more of God in your own soul. 
 Think not that you can do this and cling to the world 
 at all. Superfluities must be abandoned ; and when 
 GoCi pours salvation into the soul, every superfluity 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 345 
 
 will appear to be of no worth. Let us give up all for 
 a whole Christ in us, living and reigning there — living 
 and reigning. O my brother, I heard a godly man 
 say last evening in an address, 'I believe that not one 
 half of the 'professors of religion will ever cross the 
 threshold of heaven.' Let us also beware lest a 
 promise being left us of entering in, we should come 
 short of it. The blessing of the Eternal rest on you 
 and me. James." 
 
 Diary. "June 4. — Sabbath. — The past week has 
 not been so signalized as the preceding by successive 
 visitations. Last evening had a peculiar season be- 
 fore the Lord. I had desired of God to give me a deep 
 sense of the turpitude of sin. The process through 
 which I received it was more varied and better felt 
 than can be described — but it came ; and never did I 
 have so clear and pungent, yet not distressimg but 
 loathing view of sin. It was proportioned to the dis- 
 coveries I had of the infinite holiness of God. 
 
 " Such a season of sweet submission of my will to 
 the will of God was given, that I wept, and cried, 
 glory — glory — glory. This was as spontaneous as my 
 breath, I was brought to see and feel my utter help- 
 lessness as never before, and throw myself on God, 
 who graciously received me and afforded me the com- 
 munications of his love. But my nothingness ! Infi- 
 nite is stamped upon the amazing contrarieties. God 
 is infinitely holy. One sin of mine is deserving in- 
 finite damnation ; and I should have it, were it not 
 for an infinite merit in Jesus Christ, for whose sake 
 the infinite God stoops infinitely, and takes up an in- 
 finitely unworthy, self-condemning wretch — O where 
 
346 MEMOIR OF 
 
 shall I find an epithet ?— dreg, from a loathsome, horri- 
 ble pit, to an infinitely exalted station. ' If sons, then 
 -heirs— heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.' O 
 glory infinite be unto the infinite God. And what do I 
 profit him ? O wonder of wonders ! ' Where can a 
 creature hide?' 
 
 "June 11 — Sabbath. — During the past week a union 
 has been formed among the brethren to pray for the 
 outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us and the college. 
 
 " On the 7th, in the evening, had such a view of sin 
 as to make me look at the least aberration as enough 
 to induce me to cry. Lord, come over the mountains 
 of my iniquities ! I had an application of Paul's words, 
 with a consciousness that I had nought— no not apar- 
 ticle, whereof to glory ; so that I was enabled, with 
 an uncommon sinking and emptying of self, to put the 
 crown on the head of Christ. These were the words : 
 ' God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of 
 Christ,' &c. 
 
 "Warm to-day, and I have felt much lassitude. 
 May duties be omitted because the weather is hot? Is 
 this an excuse ? 
 
 " 18th — Sabbath. — Brother came in the even- 
 ing to tell me of an experience he had this forenoon. 
 He remarked that the enjoyment of the one hour he 
 would not give for all he had ever known. From what 
 I have heard him express in former conversations, and 
 his narrative now, perhaps he never experienced reli- 
 gion till to-day. He seems happy in God. I advised 
 him to say nothing of it to any other till he had fuller 
 proof that it was a work of God. O that such in- 
 stances might occur daily. Better away with rottea 
 hopes here, than wait till the judgment, and then lose 
 them. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 347 
 
 "Lord, establish thou me in holiness and righteous- 
 ness all the days of my life. My enjoyment during 
 the last week has been peace flowing as a river. J. 
 hope I am growing in knowledge for personal edifica- 
 tion and future usefulness. My present plan* multi- 
 plies subjects to preach upon, and may prove an armo- 
 ry whence to draw weapons for my warfare, which is 
 not carnal, but to be carried on with the sword of the 
 Spirit. 
 
 " The Bible — in contemplating its truth, I was ex- 
 cited to cry out, ' Blessed Bible ! blessed Bible 1 
 blessed Bible !' It so much engrosses my leisure time 
 that other books are neglected. O to be mighty in the 
 Scriptures ! Here I compare ' spiritual things with 
 spiritual.' 
 
 " Had a right feeling for one who has manifested a 
 bad spirit towards me. My soul yearned for his con- 
 version. O for the coming down of the Holy Ghost ! 
 Soon I shall be gone from this institution. As I lay 
 down the other night, had solemn thoughts of dying, 
 and sweet prospects of going from this to a higher 
 sphere. The thought of dying to know more of God 
 and of his works — perhaps in other systems — has oc- 
 cupied my mind much lately. Surely I would not live 
 here always — to die, / believe, is gain—io be with 
 Christ is best. 
 
 " June 21. — The consideration that I had been three 
 years almost in college, without conversing with my 
 fellow-students, was heart-breaking. To go forward 
 seemed to be too heavy a cross. What ! be pointed 
 
 * Making notes on the Scriptures, in his daily reading. Of 
 these skeletons he has left hundreds, from which he used to 
 speak extemporaneously. 
 
348 
 
 MEMOIK Of 
 
 at! Be subject to their ridicule and reproach ! Do this 
 all alone ! The struggle was great, but it came to this : 
 Resolved, in the presence of God and by his help, to 
 begin and do my duty in college, in conversing w'ith 
 my companions in study. 1 repeated the resolution, 
 and afterwards felt much relief. O that some would 
 come over and help. But if not a soul comes to my 
 help, I am to see and converse with the students of 
 this college, if they will allow it, cost what it will. 
 My character is not worth a cent, nor my influence; 
 nor my acquirements, aside from the service of God— 
 O for help. While at prayers, my burden left me in 
 consideration of this truth : ' If any man will be my 
 disciple, let him deny himself and take up his cross 
 and follow me.' The thought of having my name cast 
 out as evil for Christ's sake, sent sAveet exultation 
 into my soul. While there, I determined to invite a 
 class-mate into my room and talk with him. It came 
 in the way, but my heart well nigh failed me. But I 
 addressed him— he followed me, and I pray God, who 
 witnessed the interview, to raise in power to his own 
 glory what was sown in weakness. 
 
 "July 2.— Sabbath.— The past week has been one of 
 crosses. The cross which I have laid hold on with so 
 much difficulty, I have onlydragged since. With twen- 
 ty impenitent companions, I have attempted to speak 
 in reference to eternal things. The mouths of most 
 were stopped. They listened and assented to the truth. 
 
 " I never had such views of some passages of Scrip- 
 ture : ' Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and 
 persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you 
 falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad ; 
 for great is your reward in heaven ; for so persecuted 
 
JAMES BRAINKHD J'AYLOK. 349 
 
 they the prophets which were before you.' ' Who shall 
 harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good.' ' It 
 is sufficient that the servant be as his Master, and the 
 disciple as his Lord.' ' If they have persecuted ?7ie, they 
 will also persecute you.' ' Consider him that endured 
 such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be 
 weary and faint in your minds.' ' Ye have not yet re- 
 sisted unto blood.'' ' No weapon formed against thee 
 shall prosper.' 
 
 ."The long-suffering patience of God towards sin- 
 ners, daring, God-hating sinners, such as I once was, 
 wears a new aspect. If I hate their ways — if I am 
 pained at their wickedness, how must infinite purity 
 look upon them ! Surely it can make no compromise 
 "with sin. The least sin is infinitely hateful in God's 
 sight ; and the day is coming when his enemies must 
 feel it so in their dreadful punishment. 
 
 " The honor and cause of God were never more dear 
 to me. Last evening's devotions were peculiarly melt- 
 ing. I never had such a burning desire and such ear- 
 nest wrestlings for sinners in this college. I wept sore, 
 and left the cause of God and the honor of his great 
 name suspended upon his righteous sovereignty, 
 where I also wish to hang. It was a time of sweet 
 relief. I gained the liberty which I needed. 
 
 " In view of my late attempts here, I find much to 
 humble me. I asked the Lord to cast a veil of pardon 
 over my best deeds — best ! indeed, I could see no good- 
 ness in them ; but I saw that he can reach down his 
 sovereign arm and pluck these sinners as brands from 
 the burning. Had a refreshing season in the meeting 
 with the brethren, as usual, on Saturday night. In 
 prayer for the Holy Ghost to be poured out as a sove- 
 
 on J. B. Taylor. 
 
350 MEMOIR OF 
 
 reign gift, I was melted and stopped, and repeated the 
 cry, Lord Jesus, come quickly. 
 
 " Nine o'clock, evening. — I have felt, and to this hour 
 feel, that the glory is eclipsed. During sermon this A. 
 M., I listened with interest. In one part of the appli- 
 cation, power seemed to attend the w^ord ; and I earn- 
 estly prayed that it might go to the hearts of sinners 
 present. The desire was so intense, that it seemed to 
 partake of the spirit of Moses at the rock. I felt that 
 it did not lie with meekness on the sovereignty of 
 God. A hardness came into my soul — I lamented, 1 
 bewailed it. It is now there. O ! sin, what hast thou 
 done ? enough to sink my soul to hell. Sin, the least 
 sin presses heavily on me. I see that it is an infinite 
 evil ; and that those who enter heaven sin no more. 
 This makes heaven in my view chiefly desirable. ' The 
 heaven that I desire, is a heaven of holiness.' But 
 what of this ? What if I had been as holy as an angel ? 
 One sin resting on me is a load too heavy to be borne ; 
 and here it beclouds every object, and cools every ser- 
 vice. Lo, I feel it — and will God forgive me '? Will 
 he take away my stony heart ? Will he give me a heart 
 of flesh ? O ! how it dries up my spirits ! I offer no ex- 
 cuse ; for there is none for sin. But I did not intend 
 to interfere with the sovereignty of God. If in any 
 thing, I think in this my soul has rejoiced. And if I 
 perish, let God reign. If I be dashed like a potter's 
 vessel, let God reign, and reign for ever. I will bear 
 the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned 
 against him ; until he plead my cause, and execute 
 judgment for me : he will bring me forth to light, and 
 I shall behold his righteousness. For if we sin, we 
 have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 351 
 
 righteous, who is the propitiation for our sins, and his 
 blood cleanseth from all sin. This one thing I desire, 
 and will still seek after, to be holy and wise." 
 
 We regret to say that the foregoing extracts termi- 
 nate Mr. Taylor's diary, with the exception of a small 
 fragment in the year 1828, which shall be noticed in 
 its place. It is plain, indeed, that this valuable exercise 
 had been followed through the intervening time, but 
 the record was probably destroyed by himself, as it 
 was not found among his papers. We regret this the 
 more, because, as he advanced in his course, he be- 
 came more and more occupied, so that his letters, as 
 far as they have been recovered, are not so numerous, 
 and for the most part written in haste. Still, however, 
 materials sufficient are in hand to enable us to form a 
 complete estimate of Mr. Taylor's character, and to 
 hold him up as affording a most instructive example 
 to Christians, students, candidates for the ministry, 
 and ministers of the Gospel. 
 
 To his brother F., Mr. Taylor wrote on the 8th of 
 August, and referring to the misconduct of some mem- 
 bers of college, says, 
 
 " How happy, my dear brother, that heaven has 
 placed a barrier between us and such excesses. Let 
 us be humble and thankful. Let us consecrate those 
 powers to God which others prostitute in the service 
 of sin and Satan." 
 
 To another of his brothers, an elder in one of the 
 churches in New- York, he wrote about the same time, 
 as follows : 
 
352 MEMOIR OP 
 
 " That the little Zion, on whose walls you have 
 your place, gather strength, is good news. May the 
 tree planted in so rich a soil, strike deep its roots and 
 shoot wide its branches. Blossoms, it seems, have al- 
 ready ripened into fruit. May successive spring sea- 
 sons come round, and no blight appear. May the heart 
 of your beloved pastor, and the hearts of the office- 
 bearers, and of the little flock, all rejoice together in 
 the ingathering of not a little fruit. ' In the morning 
 sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy 
 hand.' And may your inquiry, both early and late, at 
 his temple, meet with responses to encourage and ani- 
 mate you all to do much for Zion. ' O Zion, that 
 bringest good tidings !' What else is worth living for? 
 Dear brother, may our sensibilities be most tender for 
 Zion — bleeding Zion — Zion, against which the wicked 
 are arrayed ; but whose cause God, angels, and saints 
 have espoused, and will never desert. How strong our 
 consolation ! for when we lend our aid to this cause, 
 we are sure that it will prosper. Hath the Lord said 
 it, and shall he not do it? Those whose hearts have 
 been enlarged to embark in this cause, but who now, 
 from reverses in business, must curtail their contribu- 
 tions, will not repine that so much has been safely 
 lodged. Will not the Lord recompense them a hun- 
 dred fold ? 
 
 " When any fail, it is an affliction ; but how much 
 greater the affliction when the benevolent fail ! True, 
 God can open new fountains and multiply streams, 
 when some are dried up: and, before Zion's cause 
 shall fail for want of funds, will he not unlock the 
 earth's coffers and bring forth millions to her aid? 
 We need not fear ; though the friends of God seem 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 353 
 
 fewer at present than his enemies, yet his resources 
 are infinite. 
 
 " Brother, do you not think it more noble to act and 
 labor against opposing influences, than it would be if 
 the multitude fell in with the benevolence of the day ? 
 I think a brighter crown awaits such noble daring ef- 
 forts as the apostles, and martyrs, and reformers, and 
 some since their day, have made, than even the efforts 
 of those who may live in the millennium : and simply 
 for this reason ; because the cross will be less heavy 
 to bear when all take part with heaven. May our ef- 
 forts be made with a single eye. The less conspicuous 
 here, the more renowned hereafter. Christ was little 
 known, and less honored. ' His name, however, shall 
 be great among the heathen,' and his right to reign 
 shall be duly acknowledged : for to him ' every knee 
 shall bow, and every tongue confess.' 
 
 " Could I gain access to the benevolent ones around 
 you, who already do so much, I would lament with 
 them that so much wealth lies dormant in their city, 
 when it might be employed for the eternal interests 
 of men. I could tell some who hold their pennies so 
 close, what I overheard the other day : — '• I wish I had 
 twenty dollars to help my brother through the next 
 term in college.' This was said by one who had strug- 
 gled long and hard for his own education. This man, 
 too, bids fair to hless mankind ; and his brother has 
 lately professed conversion, and .has the ministry in 
 
 At the commencement, in September of this year, 
 he took his degree of A. B. in Nassau-HaJl, and left 
 30* 
 
364 MEMOIR OP 
 
 the place with the view of connecting himself with 
 the Theological Seminary at New-Haven. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 In the Theological Seminary. 
 
 On Mr. Taylor's arrival at New- York from Prince- 
 Ion, he was attacked severely with pain, which pro- 
 bably laid the foundation of that disease which car- 
 ried him to an early grave; or rather was the com- 
 mencement of the disease itself, from which he seems 
 never to have perfectly recovered. To a friend in 
 Princeton, and to his parents, he wrote about the mid 
 die of October, giving some account of his illness. 
 
 " Since I left Princeton, with short intervals, I have 
 had pain upon pain ; have been bled and blistered on 
 each side; relief, however, has been only temporary. 
 At times the anguish has been almost overpowering. 
 Indeed it has been a sore trial ; yet many a time in my 
 distress I have exclaimed. This is not Gethsemane — 
 this is not the cross — this is not hell. Grace, I think, 
 has triumphed in the midst of suffering. And I doubt 
 not of the final good result of this affliction ; ' light, 
 and but for a moment ;' — light, and but for a moment, 
 in comparison with what it might be, and with what 
 I deserve. How long I may yet be confined I know 
 not, I need not know. It is enough that God knows 
 
JAMES BRAIN EhD TAYLOR. 355 
 
 what is best, and that is best for me. My desire is to 
 be located at New-Haven, by a week from next Wed- 
 nesday. Thither I expect to go and remain for the 
 present. There is no fever attending my complaint ; 
 it appears to be a rheumatic affection." 
 
 To his Parents. 
 
 " The Lord knoweth the rod that he hath laid upon 
 me. His grace hath borne me up under its weight, so 
 that I have rejoiced in tribulation. In the midst of 
 judgment great have been the mercies I have received. 
 I have not words to express my obligations to God for 
 the rich manifestations of his love — when writhing in 
 anguish of body I have thrown myself on his kind arm, 
 and he hath sustained me. I think in the midst of it 
 all he has kept me, measurably, in a childlike spirit, 
 for my greatest concern has been to acquiesce perfect- 
 ly in the will of God. 
 
 ••' This too has solaced me. The suffering time of 
 the Christian will be over — it will come to an end ; 
 and this too — the pain of this day^ this hour, this mo- 
 ment is never to be felt a second time. So much of 
 the cup has been drunk, and the cup that my Father 
 hath given me shall I not drink it? 
 
 " The views vouchsafed, both of the past and future, 
 have been enlarged. I never saw myself to have been 
 so unprofitable a servant. By grace, through faith, the 
 prospect of laboring, suffering, or dying, seemed all 
 one; only let God's will be done." 
 
 The only remaining memorial of this year is a let- 
 ter written late in the month of December, giving aa 
 
356 MEMOIR or 
 
 account of his arrival at New-Haven — his reception 
 into the theological seminary, and of the goodness of 
 God manifested in his providence and in his gracious 
 communications. Of his health he says, though ex- 
 posed to cold and the effects of fatigue, " My cough 
 and cold have well nigh disappeared — I think I am 
 every way better." 
 
 During the remainder of his life, Mr. Taylor devoted 
 himself less than hitherto to correspondence with his 
 friends, a change which he attributes to a loss of re- 
 lish for this sort of exercise, and the fact that more of 
 his time was occupied m writing, as he pursued his 
 preparatory course. Another reason may be found — 
 which perhaps did not attract his attention — in the irk- 
 someness of a writing posture to one whose chest had 
 begun to be affected by an incurable disease. 
 
 From the letters which have come into our hands 
 we shall present the reader with such extracts as may 
 throw light on his character, or, in our judgment af- 
 ford matter of instruction and of religious excitement 
 to Christians, and to candidates for the ministry — or 
 may serve to illustrate the power of grace in bringing 
 the whole being inio conformity to God. 
 
 The first is addressed to a pious family, near Prince- 
 ton, with which Mr. Taylor had much Christian in- 
 tercourse during his college life, and at whose house 
 he frequently held meetings for religious exercises. 
 
 " New-Haven, February 11, 1827. 
 ** Ti> the dear Family that dwell in the Valley : 
 
 " Of my location in this place you may not have 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 357 
 
 been informed. I address you with the testimony that 
 liie good hand of God has been upon me for good. 
 
 " Of my illness in New-York you were probably ap- 
 prised. Detained as I was, I doubt not but the Lord 
 saw in that sickness a link in the chain of my prepa- 
 ration for the holy ministry not unimportant. The re- 
 mains of the attack I feel about me almost daily. So, 
 you see, I have a daily memento of my mortality as I 
 am traveling to the grave. At this recital I conjec- 
 ture that your sympathies are all awake ; and I be- 
 lieve your overflowing kind feelings would not be slow 
 in devising something for my relief — give me yo'V 
 prayers, — I trust you do. Your fireside ! How gladly 
 v/ould I spend a season in that family circle. Thi- 
 ther my willing feet have tended ; but not so often as 
 I desired. That you welcomed me ever, I owe you 
 my kindest regards. The interviews enjoyed, if not 
 on earth, I trust will be renewed in heaven. You too 
 have been visited with sickness. You doubtless will 
 reply, 
 
 ' What charming words are these ? 
 
 ' Their sweetness who can tell ? 
 
 'In time, and lo eternity, 
 
 ' ' Tis with the righteous well.'' 
 
 Looking upon our cup as from a father's hand, takes 
 away its bitterness, and the cup of consolation over- 
 flows. 
 
 "When ill, dear L came in and knelt beside 
 
 my bed. I could not but mark one of his expressions. 
 He thanked God that I had had a trial of my graces. 
 Truly it is a matter of thankfulness that our faith, and 
 patience, and resignation are tried. Otherwise, how 
 should we know that we possessed them. If a man 
 
358 MEMOIR OP 
 
 possess a coin, the genuineness of which he doubts, a 
 test applied will satisty him. So when one passes 
 through the furnace which our heavenly Father pre- 
 pares for the trial of his children, though it be heated 
 seven fold, if he be a true Christian he endures the 
 trial. When one is so tried, he finds that it is one 
 thing to talk of patience and resignation, and quite 
 another to exercise them. If we consider a moment, 
 we may see how important it is that the way to hea- 
 ven lies through much tribulation. When the termi- 
 nating hour of the Christian arrives, his trials termi- 
 nate. If he exercise no patience in this world, he could 
 never exercise it at all ; for what is there in heaven to 
 call this grace into exercise ? But the Lord knows 
 what is best, and that is best for me. This was my 
 song day and night when racked wath pain. 
 
 " I hope you are all abiding under the shadow of the 
 Almighty— rejoicing in the light of God's countenance 
 —sweetly visited with the presence of Jesus—and 
 Jilled with the Holy Ghost. 
 
 ' Children of the heavenly King, 
 As ye journey, sweetly sing; 
 Sing your Savior's worthy praise, 
 Glorious in his works and ways. 
 Ye are travelling home to God, 
 In the way the fathers trod ; 
 They are happy now — and ye 
 Soon their happiness shall see.' 
 
 " May you follow on to know the Lord— follow hard 
 after him — have the intercourse between heaven and 
 your souls open and free— hold fellowship with the 
 Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Thus you 
 will advance in an onward and upward course. May 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR 359 
 
 the blessing of God rest upon you all, through life — 
 at death, may an entrance be administered unto you 
 abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord 
 and Savior Jesus Christ. In the best of bonds, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 
 To the Rev. Mr. L. Mr. Taylor wrote, on hearing 
 that he had been bleeding at the lungs. 
 
 " New Haven, March 17, 1827. 
 '* My dear, very dear L. 
 
 " I will not, for I cannot tell you how often the ex- 
 pression, ' dear L,' has escaped my lips to-day. In- 
 deed since last evening, when I heard that you were 
 ill and had bled at the lungs, I have been cast down 
 on your account, on my own, and on account of the 
 church. And now, in part to roll off the burden that 
 rests on my heart, 1 address you. It is a burden that 
 would gladly find its way through my eyes ; but my 
 eyes refuse to weep. 
 
 " When I had written the above, I said I will go and 
 pray. I did : and now resume my pen. O my brother, 
 what a resort is the throne of grace ! It is there we 
 find broken hearts. There we obtain a right spirit. 
 Thence we come refreshed, having cast our burdens 
 on the Lord. 
 
 ' Long as they live should Christians pray, 
 For only while they pray, they live.' 
 
 " I told the Lord that I was afflicted on your ac- 
 count, on my own, and on account of the church. 1 
 asked him, if it were possible, to bring you out of this 
 farnace as gold, and in full health ; to live long, and 
 
360 MEMOIR OF 
 
 under him, to be the means of peopling heaven. Bui 
 above all, I pleaded for your soul's best interests, and 
 asked for the best blessings to rest upon you. I thanked 
 the Lord for one I loved so dearly, for Christ's sake — 
 I thanked him for our acquaintance and fellowship. 
 Think of the assemblage of associations rising in my 
 mind — seasons together at Princeton— seasons in New- 
 York — Heaven bless you — I am affected at their re- 
 membrance. They are green spots in this wilderness. 
 I thanked God for the prospect of meeting you in hea- 
 ven. Meeting you in heaven ! Here my heart broke. 
 "What, /meet you in heaven ! 1 be admitted to so ho- 
 ly a place ! Is it possible ! I exclaimed, with melt- 
 ing heart and streaming eyes, can it be that I, who am 
 so unfit, shall ever enter a holy heaven ! Thank the 
 Lord for the sinking I felt — yet how far short were 
 my views of that depth which I deserve. It seemed 
 that if an anchor were fastened to my neck, and I 
 were sunk into the deepest hell, I should not have half 
 my desert; for how often, how aggravatedly, how 
 long have I sinned I Heaven may forgive rae ; but I 
 can never, no never, forgive myself. 
 
 " Brother L., in view of the prospect, I cry out, 
 What shall I do ? I do truly feel that I am undone as 
 to preaching the Gospel, unless God do great things 
 for me. To-day I have desired to lay me down and 
 die, rather than live to dishonor God and his cause : 
 and unless he keep me I shall. My experience tells 
 me I shall: for alas! how often have I dishonored 
 him already, and have thus lost his smiles ! How of- 
 ten wounded my Savior, and thereby felt the absence 
 of the Beloved — grieved the Spirit, and thus lost my 
 Comforter ! O ! is there in heaven or earth a greater 
 
JAMES BR.'UNERD TAYLOR. 361 
 
 monument of grace ? or one that is more a sinner ? 
 No words can express the sin, for which 1 deserve an 
 exceeding and eternal weight of damnation. "Well, 
 brcrther, however ill-deserving, I hope I have a gar- 
 ment in which I shall be accepted at the marriage 
 supper. For this you have prayed — still pray, and 
 pray till your voice falters in death, that I may wear 
 the garment, and keep it unspotted. Then, whether 
 you precede me or not, we shall both hope to enter and 
 sit down at a table spread with heavenly food. O ! 
 how rich the feast prepared for the followers of the 
 Lamb ! I would not keep back one saint from glory — 
 not even my mother — nor thee, my brother L. No: 
 if the good and great Shepherd will take one of his un- 
 der-shepherds from an imperfect to a perfect service, 
 I will say, araen, and hope to follow in due time. 
 Brother, do you think that you are soon to exchange 
 worlds? Think you that you have turned aside to 
 die ? If so, may you be gathered as a shock of corn 
 in its season, fully ripe." 
 
 " New-Haveri^ March, 1827. 
 " My ever dear Motlrer, 
 
 " I hoped before, this to receive intelligence from 
 home respecting your illness ; but not a word : I there- 
 fore presume you are no worse. 
 
 ' I am glad that I went home ; for I trust I was permit- 
 ted to add a little to your comfort in kneeling beside 
 you and supplicating for mercy and grace in your behalf. 
 Had I not believed that you consulted my progress in 
 study, I should have remained longer j but you would 
 rather that both be denied the pleasure of each others 
 society, than that I should be retarded in my course. 
 
 31 J. B. Taylor 
 
362 MEMOIR OF 
 
 "Above all, I rejoiced in your consolation that 
 abounded. And ray comfort has been, when I have re- 
 membered my dear mother, that the Lord lifted the 
 light of his countenance upon you, and caused you' to 
 rejoice in that light. Had you not the hope of eternal 
 life, what gloom would spread around you I With 
 this hope, the pathway to the tomb is illuminated, and 
 each successive step is one more towards a world of 
 brightness and blessed fruition. Yes, there is some- 
 thing beyond time worth dying to possess. Heaven — 
 the society of God — angels and saints — the eternity of 
 ever increasing joy. Sin will be no more. Friends, 
 w^ho are the children of God, will not be separated — 
 they will have one home, one service, one interest, 
 and they will surround the same throne. How happy 
 our friends who have gone thither! How happy they 
 who are on their journey, when they shall join those 
 who have gone before ! , 
 
 "May my dear mother, in this time of trial, find her 
 faith increased — her hopes stronger — her prospects 
 brightened, and her pace quickened. 
 
 '' We hope — for we pray — that our mother may yet 
 be spared to us. But v/ere I to be called to die — to be 
 with Christ, let none keep me back. However trying 
 it would be, I hope for sustaining grace, if called to 
 bury my mother, and to live in the prospect of meeting 
 her— my father — and some, if not all of the family, at 
 the right hand of the Judge. 
 
 " In this sickness still keep your mind stayed on 
 God; lean on the arm of the Lord — commune with 
 Jesus — and may you be filled with the Spirit. 
 
 •' Your son, with increased affection. 
 James.''- ■ 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 363 
 
 In a letter bearing dale April 2, 1827, Mr. Taylor 
 wrote to his brother, informing him of the commence- 
 ment of a revival of religion in Yale College ; in con- 
 sequence of which, he says, "as a class, we have 
 given up our instructor for the present session." 
 
 At the same time Mr. Taylor Was invited by the 
 pastor of the church in Bridgeport, and subsequently 
 in Trumbull, where a work of grace was in progress, 
 to go over and help them. From these places he 
 wrote several letters to Jiis friends, giving an account 
 of the work, and of the success of his labors : from 
 which it appears, though the truth is told with much 
 modesty, that the Lord honored his young servant 
 with a success which, together with his piety and the 
 acceptance he met from the people, gave high promise 
 of usefulness. To his mother he wrote : "The min- 
 isters where I am laboring, license me verbally^ so 
 that I preach as really as they do. They send me in- 
 to the pulpit, &c. This is of their seeking, not mine." 
 
 To a brother whom he greatly loved, who, it would 
 seem, had questioned the propriety of the course he was 
 pursuing, Mr. Taylor replied in the following letter: 
 
 '' Trumbull, May 3, 1827. 
 ' My ever dear Brother, 
 
 "Your fraternal epistle reached me last evening, af- 
 ter the fatiguing labors of another day. Did you imow 
 how it refreshed me to hear from you, perhaps you 
 would write oftener. 
 
 " Of all people in the world, 1 have the least reason 
 to doubt the tender regard and timely solicitude of my 
 brothers. Too much has been manifested on your 
 part, to leave me in doubt as to your best feelings. I 
 
SO'l MEMOIR OF 
 
 am fully persuaded that your most cordial desires are 
 enlisted for my welfare ; and often with weeping have 
 I thanked our common Father that I have relations 
 and friends so valuable as you, and as you have both 
 proved yourselves to be to the un worthiest. Even 
 now, spontaneous tears fill my eyes, and my soul 
 breathes the prayer, May heaven bless you both, and 
 all yours, now and for ever. 
 
 "All the 'power' that belongs to me 'ecclesiasti- 
 cally,' is that of a lay member, for I am simply a mem- 
 ber of the Cedar-street churcli. As such, it becomes 
 me, in common with my brethren, to ' do good to all.' 
 What greater good than that of winning their souls to 
 Christ? To attempt this, is the duty of the weakest, 
 as icell as the m,ost gigaiitic serxant of Jesus. 
 
 " That I have a call of God, besides, to preach the 
 Gospel, I have no more doubt than of ray existence. 
 This I count a blessing, one I did not enjoy when I 
 began to prepare for this work. But since I received 
 it, it has been peculiarly satisfactory ; and what all do 
 not have the happiness to possess. It did not become 
 mine, but through strong cries, and many tears, and 
 wrestlings, when I was in college. In grateful re- 
 membrance of that season, my pen has stopped, to 
 weep — and thank the Lord. It is a blessing of his im- 
 partmg. Not to me, but to Him be the praise. It is 
 a blessing of great worth to any one who attempts to 
 preach the Gospel, to feel that he has a commission 
 from God. I now feel as I have felt: 'Wo is me, il 
 I preach not the Gospel.' 
 
 ' The power that I now exercise, if I exercise any, 
 is this, simply this, and no more than this, ' Speaking 
 the truth to my neighbor.' Zech. 8 • 16. This I do 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 365 
 
 *publicly, and from house to house,' by night and by 
 day, as I have opportunity. What I do, is done under 
 the sanction and wish of the regularly ordained pastors 
 of these churches ; and, if I mistake not, from the ex- 
 pressions of some, in accordance with the ardent 
 Avishes of the cliurches themselves. If this be wrong, 
 let a man prove it so, and I will cease to do wrong. 
 What matters it whether I take my stand in a pulpit 
 or on a stump in the fields ? If in the church, why 
 under the pulpit rather than in it 1 If the question be 
 decided by convenience, both for the audience and the 
 speaker, the pulpit is the place. To me this seems to 
 be straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel. Knock 
 down the pulpit and raise a platform ; to me it makes 
 no difference where I stand ; but I lik« to see the peo- 
 ple, and the hearers generally like to see the speaker. 
 
 " It is known that I am a student of theology. The 
 minister, in the church, and when present at other 
 meetings, always pronounces the benediction. When 
 absent, I close the meeting with a short prayer. ' I am 
 not ashamed.' Why should I be ? God approves — 
 sinners are awakened and converted — meetings are 
 crowded — houses are opened to receive me — the work 
 of God is advancing — the harvest whitens. Says the 
 minister, with aflfection and emphasis — ' We love you, 
 and wish you here ' — praying for me, and unwilling 
 that I should leave him. 
 
 " When the cry is all around^ Help, help, help, shall 
 I close my mouth because a man may make a distinc- 
 tion between a pulpit and something else, when no 
 such distinction is made by the Bible ? Never — were I 
 to die to-day, I feel that I ought not to hold my peace ; 
 and as I know of no statute that forbids my naming a 
 31* 
 
366 MEMOIR OP 
 
 text to speak from, and as I find this the most conve- 
 nient for myself, and every way acceptable to those 
 who hear me I presume I shall not be censured for 
 this. 
 
 " The question is, IVhat is right ? not what this or 
 that man says, without alledging his proof. Shall I 
 hold my peace ? My labors have been so great for 
 some time past, you need not be surprised if I turn 
 aside and rest awhile. I shall be glad once more to 
 fall into your embraces, and to be refreshed in your 
 mansion. 
 
 " May you increase more and more in this world's 
 goods, but especially be rich towards God. Through 
 your munificence I abound, and am n-ew, as I always 
 have been, your obliged and affectionate brother, 
 
 "J. B. T." 
 
 To the same. 
 
 " New-Haven, June, 1827. 
 
 " My dear Brothfir, 
 
 " After I left you in New- York, I returned to Trum- 
 bull, and found the state of things increasingly inter- 
 esting. I spent the last Sabbath there : between thirty 
 aiLd forty attended the inquiry meeting. A solemnity 
 rests on the minds of many : indeed the whole parish 
 seem awed. To what it will come I know not — as 
 many as twenty have expressed hope. The church 
 are singularly alive, and seem much united. 
 
 " I am here ; and the principal work before me for 
 the summer is the study of the Scriptures, which I 
 love. 
 
 *' 1 hope you enjoy nearness of access to God day 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 3G7 
 
 by day. This afternoon my soul was exceedingly re- 
 freshed. May yours be doubly so — nay, a hundred fold. 
 '• Your affectionate James."' 
 
 The reader will recollect with what agonizing earn- 
 estness, and persevering importunity, Mr. Taylor pray- 
 ed for the conversion of his friend L. P. both while 
 at Lawrenceville and at Princeton, as noted in our ex- 
 tracts from his diary. That he did not pray in vain, 
 will be seen from the following letter, dated 
 
 " New-Haven, June 29, 1827. 
 • My dear, dear Brother, 
 
 " Is it — is it true ? The intelligence of this morn- 
 ing, let me assure you, gladdened my heart. The 
 mingled emotions of my soul sent me weeping to my 
 kneeling-place, with thanksgiving on your behalf, and 
 to pray again for the friends I always loved, but who 
 now in our Lord Jesus Christ are dearly beloved. 
 
 " The language of my heart has been, since I saw 
 Mr. B., O that I could see you, were it but for half an 
 hour ; for I would listen to you, and peradventure tell 
 you how, in days gone by, I have felt, and wept, and 
 
 prayed for you : for none, as for my dear friend P , 
 
 have I ever and so often agonized in secret places. 
 The thought of spending a happy eternity at God's 
 right hand with you, well nigh broke my heart this 
 morning ; now my soul rejoices in the prospect. 
 
 " Having tasted that the Lord is gracious, and felt 
 solicitude for those whom you have left in their sins, 
 you will now interpret what perhaps you might, at one 
 time, have thought intrusive in me, as flowing from 
 benevolence, overflowing benevolence, for your best 
 
368 MEMOIR OP 
 
 interests. Indeed it was so; and not unfrequently was 
 my soul sweetly visited wlien in prayer to God for my 
 friend P . Thus you have my whole heart. 
 
 " By a note from Mr. B. I learn that at the last com- 
 munion thirty-eight were added to the church. Hap- 
 py days for L. ! Did I know the names of the indi- 
 viduals, I might recognize not a few old acquaintances. 
 
 "Comparing 'the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, 
 peace,' &c. with the joys of former days, do you not 
 exclaim, in amazement, Where have I been so long ? 
 And while you feast on the provisions of the Lord's 
 house, does not your soul cry out, Evermore give me 
 this bread ? To them who grieve not the Holy Spirit 
 he is rich and ever new in his manifestations. From 
 the height of one attainment we rise to another till 
 instead of ' from grace to grace,' it shall be from glory 
 to glory. 
 
 " Since I had the pleasure of seeing you, as you 
 have probably heard, I have, in the view of others, been 
 over the grave's mouth. From my attack last fall I 
 am well nigh recovered. To me the visitation was of 
 no little importance. I thank our heavenly Father for 
 It. It was from a Father's hand. Though racked with 
 pain of body, ray soul enjoyed the presence of God. 
 
 " Shall I tell you that more than ever I feel the im- 
 portance of being wholly devoted to God ? Well may 
 every Christian, and especially every minister, lay 
 himself out for God, as a co-worker with him. Each 
 in his own sphere may do something. Happy the man 
 who gathers but one sheaf! ' They that turn many to 
 righteousness shall shine as the stars for ever and 
 ever.' But I need not urge you to action. Doubtless 
 you have been up and doing with your might. Doubl- 
 
JAMES ERAINERD TAYLOR. 309 
 
 less you are daily walking with God, and find the 
 blessedness of it in secret, in the family, in the social 
 circle, in the house and ordinances of God, in your 
 walks of usefulness and deeds of well-doing. I bid 
 you, with all my heart I bid you, God speed 
 
 " Let rae tell you that God puts honor upon my at- 
 tempts in his service. Suffice it to say, he gives what 
 I think I am most athirst for — souls. Lately I have 
 been in two revivals. 
 
 " Often, when in L , my fellowship was with 
 
 the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ — often 
 when in Princeton. Associated with those places are 
 not a few of the greenest spots in my wilderness. 
 Here, too, in New-Haven, Heaven deigns to refresh 
 me with gracious rains. Pray that the fruit may be 
 unto everlasting life. 
 
 '• How often have I contemplated your fireside as 
 one of the happiest. Has it, now, what shall be both 
 ' grace and glory ' to it ? I doubt not your willing feet 
 bring you to the domestic altar with you.r morning and 
 evening sacrifice. On that altar may a prayer now 
 and then be offered for one, even for me, who would 
 be holy and wise — holy, to please God, and wise, to 
 win souls. 
 
 " In the best of bonds, yours truly, 
 
 " James B. Taylor." 
 \ 
 
 As evidence of Mr. Taylor's devotedness to the 
 cause of his Master, his readiness to labor in that 
 cause, the estimation in which his labors were held 
 by the people, and of his own continued spirituality, 
 we give the following brief extracts from letters writ- 
 ten the last of July and 1st August, 1S27. 
 
370 ME>IOIR OF 
 
 " With pretty good bodily health, I am blessed with 
 what above all things we value, the renewed visits of 
 our Father's love, the presence of Jesus, and the in-- 
 coming of the Holy Spirit. For a season past, my en- 
 joyment in divine things has been uncommon. 
 
 " Somehow I am drawn in to labor, besides my 
 studies. On Friday evenings I meet a company, to 
 whom I try to speak the truth with all plainness. This 
 meeting is made up of the higher circle of young la- 
 dies of New-Haven. This is not of my own, but of 
 the seeking of others. On Saturday evenings I some- 
 times address an audience. On Sabbath, at two 
 o'clock, I meet a Bible class ; about one hundred and 
 thirty present last Sabbath. By means of the latter, 
 I feel that I am profiting ; for I devote some time to 
 preparation. This is the little that I am doing. 
 
 " I may tell you with safety that God puts honor 
 upon my endeavors to do good. Sinners are convert- 
 ed, and saints quickened, in some few instances. Thus 
 here, as in other places where I have been located in 
 my preparatory studies, I hope to have a band whom 
 I love." 
 
 In most of Mr. Taylor's letters written after his at- 
 tack in New-York, there is reference to a slight indis- 
 position — a rheumatic affection — the remains of his 
 disease, &c. We now present the reader with one 
 which shows the progress of his malady, and which 
 gave the painful presage that his career of light would 
 be short. 
 
 " Aeic-flarcn, OclobeT 20, 1S27. 
 ** My dear Brother, 
 
 "By a letter to H , you will see that I was proa 
 
JA.AlE;i CKAhNERU TAYLOR, 371 
 
 pered in my journey. Having arrived at New-Haven, 
 and fitted my room for business, I was just ready to 
 enter upon my work, when that happened whence I ap- 
 prehended serious consequences. The result, however, 
 IS such, that, did I not fear an exaggerated report might 
 reach you, I would not trouble you. Reaching my 
 room, after dinner, on Friday, I coughed a little, whicli 
 was succeeded by the discharge of some blood ; after- 
 wards, a spontaneous flow of perhaps a table-spoonful. 
 
 "Neither at the time, nor since, have I felt any ill 
 consequence ; so that, judging from my feelings and 
 
 from the opinion of Dr. I , it is thought that the 
 
 blood came from the throat, not from the lungs, as I 
 apprehended at first. 
 
 "These are the facts: and the occurrence demands 
 improvement, and calls for my grateful acknowledg- 
 ments. Its first effect was to break my heart. This 
 I needed. And as the purposes of God relate to all ac- 
 tual events, so it was his purpose that this should oc- 
 cur. And I have looked upon it as a blessing; for it 
 brought in its train a course of things that has made 
 my soul happy It has effected a desirable change in 
 iny feelings— 1 see that I may not be of so much im 
 portance in God's system of means as I may have 
 thought. 
 
 "It has led me to conclude, that if God has laid, or 
 intends to lay me aside, it is for one of these three rea- 
 sons: that I should not stand in the way of others; or 
 that I should not run ahead too far; or that He has 
 other work for me to do in another and higher sphere 
 ©faction. 
 
 " This providence will probably shut me out from 
 those doors which I might have entered to labor, and 
 
372 MEMOIR OP 
 
 SO affurd me a more quiet session to become acquaint 
 ed with theology— a matter of no small importance. 
 It is, at least, a ready excuse to give for non-compli- 
 anbe with raised expectation at my return, and repeat- 
 ed applications to enter the field again. 
 
 " It has benefited others. Much of the kind feel- 
 ing of dear friends has been enlisted in my behalf— 
 and some have been led to see that we know not what 
 a day may bring forth. It may be that this is an evil 
 which is incidental to the highest possible good to me, 
 and the good to be accomplished through me. There- 
 fore let us receive it at the hand of the Lord as a kind 
 memento. I look upon it as a love-token from his hand. 
 True, I may have brought it on myself by imprudence, 
 but I am not sensible of any such cause. 
 
 " Whatever be the result, I am in good spirits. No 
 way depressed, but greatly raised. No where do I lie 
 so sweetly as in the hand of God. I am looking for 
 more of the presence of the Lord ; and hope to live the 
 life of obedience. Living or dying, the prospect is 
 pleasant. Farewell. 
 
 "J. B. Taylor. 
 
 "P. S. By far more did I feel for my friends than 
 for myself; for I feared they would not acquiesce. 
 Let us wait and see if, in all, we shall not have occa- 
 sion to say, He hath done all things welV^ 
 
 " New-Haven, J^ovember 3, 1827. 
 "My dear, very dear Brother, 
 
 "I delay not to answer your letter received this 
 morning ; for I feel that your past care of me, and pre- 
 sent solicitude, should be met with corresponding ex- 
 pressions on my part. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 373 
 
 "Since I wrote you, I have felt no inconvenience 
 from my bleeding, unless it be a little soreness of the 
 throat. 1 do not apprehend, nor is it apprehended by 
 Others, that the blood came from my lungs. But, as 
 It is well to know the worst, bleeding at the throat 
 tends to produce bleeding at the lungs. It often fol- 
 lows in its train, unless proper precaution be used. 
 So it was with one who once lived in New-Haven, 
 but who is not. Dr. Taylor mentioned his case to 
 me, with the caution, ' Take care.' 
 
 " My dear brother, my heart, as you know, has been 
 ill the work of the ministry. I need not tell you how 
 it has bled in view of turning aside. But I think I 
 have said at the footstool, Lord, thou badest me go 
 forward; if thou say return, amen and amen. I have 
 been happy in the varied view I have taken of the 
 case, and yet I hope to live and labor in the vine- 
 yard. To realize this hope, I see, or seem to see, that 
 it becomes me to 'take care.' You need not appre- 
 nend my engaging in meetings. I have not enlisted, 
 nor do I purpose to enlist in public labor of any kind. 
 But I would remain in quiet, patient waiting, so as, 
 if possible, to recover fully. It doth not become me 
 to commit suicide ; of this I feel no danger. Inclina- 
 tion would bid me onward, but I think I shall hold 
 the reins with a steady hand. 
 
 " My dearest interests, my dear brother, are identi- 
 fied with Christ's. As it is the purpose of God to sub- 
 due rebels to himself, so I would be loyal, and enlist 
 my all to subdue others — and so would you. Well, 
 as becomes wise and good men, may we act our parts 
 below ; then rising, it will be to move in a higher 
 32 
 
 J. B. Taylor. 
 
374 MEMOIR OF 
 
 sphere, and live among the angels. Happy, glorious 
 change !^— Last evening 1 had a most sweet, filial ap- 
 proach to our heavenl^-^ Father. 
 
 "I wish you and my other friends to understand 
 that I am not cast down j far, far from it : and why 
 should I be ? 
 
 " O no ! as I told you, ' it is a love-token from Him 
 who, as a father, pitieth his children.' Let, then, your 
 thank-offering arise that it is no worse. May you be 
 greatly comforted with that comfort vv'herewith I am 
 comforted. An affectionate adieu. 
 
 "James." 
 
 ^'■Xew-Haven, November W^ 1827. 
 " My dear Brother J. and Sister R. 
 
 "I doubt not you now and then mention my name, 
 as you converse around your fireside. Gladly would 
 I interchange words with you, and tell you how hap- 
 py I am. Surely I am blessed of God. You know my 
 late trial — the sweetness resulting is beyond descrip- 
 tion. 
 
 "You know that leaving business, I commenced 
 preparation to preach the Gospel. My prospect of en- 
 tering the ministry, as the time approached, has bright- 
 ened, with longing of soul for the work. Often, in 
 your hearing, have I hailed the coming day. The is- 
 sue of my late bleeding may determine my future em- 
 ploy — nay, my stay in this world. O, my dear bro- 
 ther and sister, it is sweet to lie passive in the hand 
 of God, and know no will but his. But my heart is 
 full. To this state of feeling I have come only 
 through tears and lying low at mercy's door: and now, 
 when I think of the dear, dear object of po-working 
 
JAMES BRAINEHD TAYLOR. 375 
 
 with God in preaching the Gospel, my soul finds rea- 
 dy way to my eyes. Must I — must I give it up? O 
 my Father, my Father ! must I go back? It does not 
 sink my spirits — far from it ; but it breaks my heart 
 — tears run down my eyes. It swells my soul to un- 
 utterable language, till I lie and groan before God. 
 
 ' Indeed I am not worthy to look up — how much 
 less worthy to be put into the ministry ! Well — for he 
 that doeth all things well, knows what is best^ and 
 that is best for me. 
 
 " Heaven never appeared more desirable — I have 
 longed to see the King in his beauty — never did I gain 
 so near access to God. Dying seems like going to my 
 Father's house. And I could gladly bid adieu to the 
 world— to those I tenderly love, to parents, brothers 
 and sisters, to you, for my anticipated home with 
 Christ, whom having not seen, I love — but I would 
 willingly live and labor yet for threescore years and 
 ten, nor count the time long ; for I have longed — 
 longed to enter heaven, after having, under God, been 
 the means of sending multitudes thither. 
 
 '• The cup which has been put into my hands I 
 would drink; yet my heart's prayer has been, ' If it be 
 possible, let this cup pass.' I have felt this evening, 
 that if God would but speak the word, his servant 
 should be healed. This, however, may not be best : 
 surely, then, you and I should willingly say, ' The 
 Lord reigneth.' 
 
 " To contemplate this hand that moves to address 
 you, stiffened in death — to view this ' mud -walled cot- 
 tage,' already shaken and lottermg, fallen to the 
 ground — is sweet — for should I not sleep sweetly? O 
 yes, and my active spirit, which now clings to Jesus, 
 
376 MEMOIR OP 
 
 would be adoring, active and wondering among the 
 spirits of the just made perfect. 
 
 " Dear, dear brother and sister, it is but a little way 
 from this to yonder mansions. We each expect to find 
 a welcome resting-place. How sweet the earnest! 
 Only a little while, and we shall be there. 
 
 " Affectionately, James. 
 
 " P. S. Since K. left, I have not noticed any blood, 
 save this morning, when a little streak was expecto- 
 rated. I should not mention this, but you would know 
 the true state of the case. Rheumatism makes me an 
 old man." 
 
 It will not be uninteresting to introduce here some 
 of the conversation of Mr. Taylor at this time, illus- 
 trative of his feelings in view of the incident to which 
 we have alluded. It was noted down by a friend who 
 was a resident in the same family at the time, and his 
 frequeut companion. 
 
 " When first attacked with bleeding," writes his 
 friend, " he called me into his room and remarked, 
 *Yousee, my dear brother, to what God is calling me. 
 I am not frightened : my mind is perfectly composed 
 and happy. I have desired to live and preach the Gos- 
 pel, but the will of the Lord be done. I believe that 
 God has in reserve a better portion for his people, in 
 heaven, than in this world. This is a good world — I 
 have no reason to complain of this world — I am not 
 tired of it — I am happy to continue here, so long as it 
 is the pleasure of my heavenly Father that I should. 
 I cannot say, so far as my individual interest is con- 
 cerned, that 1 have any choice whether to live or lo 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 377 
 
 die. If God has no more for me to do in this world, I 
 should be happy to die here, and go from this room to 
 my home in heaven.' 
 
 " Here we both paused in silence for some minutes, 
 when the recollection of his friends came over his 
 mind, and he added, 'But, O my dear friends' — here 
 his tears burst forth profusely ; and he wept in silence 
 for some time, and then continued, ' My dear parents, 
 brothers, and friends have been so kind to me, and 
 have so much anticipated my becoming a minister of 
 the Gospel, that my heart is pained, deeply pained at 
 the thought of their expectations being disappointed : 
 but this is good for me, it is just what I needed.' 
 
 " After a short silence he said, 'My dear brother, I 
 now am sensible that I sinned in indulging that re- 
 pining thought : I now feel perfectly resigned to the 
 whole will of God. I am happy — perfectly happy.' 
 
 " The next morning he said, ' My soul melted down 
 before God last night, when I continued to ask him to 
 let me live and preach the Gospel — but I cheerfully 
 submitted all to him. O, brother, God has made such 
 discoveries to my soul as I never expected or dared 
 to hope for in this world. It is wonderful ! wonderful ! 
 my body can hardly contain this immortal being that 
 struggles within I I am willing to live my threescore 
 years and ten. I wish for it only that I may preach 
 the Gospel ; but I shall be happy to finish my work, 
 and mount away to Jesus !' 
 
 " Nov. 14th, evening. — He said, ' This has been a 
 wonderful day to me. This morning I bled a little — 
 just enough to remind me of my condition — I am 
 thankful for it, for God has by it made this day aa 
 antepast of heaven to my soul.' 
 32* 
 
378 MEMOIR OP 
 
 " Nov. 16.—' Afflictions,' said brother Taylor this 
 morning, ' are good, because they corae laden with a 
 rich blessing. I wish all the world to experience the 
 same that I do — not my pains, but the blessings Avhich 
 attend thera : every pain through which I pass, I think 
 that now I have taken one portion more of the cup — I 
 shall never have that pain again, but the blessing 
 which it brought to me will endure for ever. After 
 all,' said he, ' what are my pains ? They are not Geth- 
 semane— they are not the cross.' He then repeated 
 the hymn : 
 
 ' O what are all my sufferings here,' &c. 
 
 " Again, ' 1 never before experienced such a fullness 
 of grace. It seems as though my immortal spirit could 
 not reside in this tabernacle— as though I must fly 
 away to Christ. Yet my life is a history of sins and 
 mercies. Never before have I felt myself to be so 
 guilty a sinner. I deserve to have a millstone fastened 
 to my neck, and to be anchored in the depths of hell.» 
 
 " Again, in the morning, after much pain and lan- 
 guor during the night, he said, ' I am well, and calm, 
 and happy— it was a happy night — every few mo- 
 ments my soul awaked to hold sweet communion with 
 heaven. Let this clay perish, if God will— my soul is 
 happy in Him, and all will redound to his glory, whe- 
 ther I live or die." 
 
 " New-Haven, Nov. 23, 1827. 
 •• Dear brother K , 
 
 " Your letter reached me in due time, and upon its 
 contents I have been pondering. After considering 
 my case, it seems to me that I ought to remain here. 
 
JAMBS ERAINERD TAYLOR. 379 
 
 What little application I make is a necessary relaxa- 
 tion to my mind; and it is with this satisfying consi- 
 deration, that it is in connection with my course. Be- 
 sides writing dissertations, I find that I can investi- 
 gate the subjects in theology, and so keep along with 
 the professor. Every thing on the part of my landlady 
 is done to make me well, and kind friends evince their 
 good feelings. Were I away, I think I should be un- 
 happy, as I do not see that it would be duty to leave 
 at present. 
 
 " Rheumatism, or some other ism, yet troubles me 
 m my sides, and disturbing my sleep, tends to debili- 
 tate my system. Twice since I wrote, a little streak of 
 blood has appeared when I expectorated. My throat 
 and lungs feel in their usual vigor. 
 
 " My soul leans on God, and sweetly reposes in his 
 will. With a weight of love to sister E. whose kind 
 hand I remember as often extended to alleviate my 
 pain; I am affectionately yours, James." 
 
 " New-Haven, Nov. 25, 1827. 
 •* My dear Mrs. W , 
 
 " Yon saw me in anguish of body — you heard me 
 tell how happy I was in God. As on earth I have 
 thanked our heavenly Father for that cup, so in hea- 
 ven the visitation will be more clearly expounded. You 
 have heard of my late light affliction. It would be 
 too long a story to tell of all the attendant blessings — 
 but consolation has abounded. 
 
 " The renewal of my old attack of rheumatism has 
 been a little painful to the body ; but O the unspeak- 
 able and full glory that has come along with it. The 
 cup is sweet, sweet, sAveet beyond expression. Believe 
 
380 MEMOIR OF 
 
 me when I say it, I think it worth worlds — nay, worlds 
 weigh nothing to it, for worlds Avithout Christ would 
 be nothing worth. With the pain, I have Christ. 
 
 " I think I can adopt the language of some one, I 
 know not of whom: ' Though I am sometimes full of 
 pains, yet I am at all times full of patience. I often 
 m)urn under a sense of my corruption, but never mur- 
 mur under my affliction.' And why should I mur- 
 viur? This would be to oppose the medicine that 
 heals my soul. The Lord never afflicts us to hurt us, 
 but to heal us. While in this icilderness, the Lord 
 would have our souls a fruitful paradise. The hus- 
 bandman knows his choice trees of righteousness, and 
 when he comes with his pruning-knife, it is not to cut 
 down the tree, but to lop off superfluous branches. 
 
 " That this my poor cottage shakes, is a kind pre- 
 monition of its fall. Let it fall, responds my inmost 
 soul ; for who would not resign such an earthly taber- 
 nacle, for a house not made with hands? Never did 
 the thought of having a glorious body so overpower 
 me as this evening. And think you, my dear sister, 
 I shall prize a glorious body the less for having had 
 one so frail? More of this when we shall have heard 
 the archangel's trump, assembled at Christ's right 
 hand, and been made like him ; ' for we shall see him 
 as he is.' 
 
 " I am inclined to think — though I am in a strait be- 
 twixt two, having a great desire to depart, yet longing 
 to live to subserve the dear interests of our dearest 
 Lord Jesus — I am inclined to think that God is not 
 about now to take down this superstructure. He may 
 be renewing the foundation. 
 
 " I think I have learned a little about glorying in 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 381 
 
 infirmities, rejoicing in tribulations, and possessinj^ 
 the soul in patience. Sweet lessons — lessons to be 
 learned only in a certain school. In this school, an 
 apt scholar, having a skillful teacher, may become a 
 wonderful proficient. The wiser, the better we ought 
 to be — then the holier, consequently the happier. 
 Well, I am happy — I lean on my Beloved, and call 
 him mine. 
 
 " It has been most siceet to lie in the hands of God. 
 I have longed to drink every drop of the cup that my 
 Father puts into my hand. Not one pain less ; for He 
 knows what is best, and that is best for me. 
 
 " Could I tell you I would, but the blessing that I 
 have received this day from God is above description. 
 Kindest regards to Mr. W. From yourself and from 
 him I should be glad to hear again and again. The 
 death of Mr. S. I saw mentioned in the paper. Re- 
 member me to the family, and fell them that God 
 often removes outward mercies from us. in mercy 
 10 us. 
 
 " Fraternally yours, in our dearest Lord Jesus," 
 
 "J. B. Taylor. 
 
 ''New-Haven, Dec. ^,1^21. 
 •'Dear K. and E. 
 
 "Ere this year closes, anticipating the commence- 
 ment of the ensuing one, I wish you a happy, thrice 
 happy new year. 
 
 " To me, the year, nearly gone, has been fraught 
 with good, good beyond the years before: for we call 
 boih that good which is good in itself, and that alsc 
 which is the means of good. True, few have been 
 the days and nights in which this frail body has rest- 
 
382 RIEMOIR OP 
 
 ed quietly. Nevertheless, in this school of suffering 
 I have been taught lessons which, whether I live on 
 earth or in heaven, will make me wiser. 
 
 " When other refuges have failed, I have not failed 
 to find 0726 soul-reviving. Never, perhaps, have I 
 gained nearer access to God, held sweeter communion 
 with him, enjoyed a more glorious hope, anticipated 
 a release from earth with calmer delight, than when 
 pain has been exerting its undermining influence. 
 
 " It would be repeating the story, to tell you I have 
 been happy. You will understand me, when you re- 
 member those seasons of purest delight, in which 
 your souls, with a child-like disposition, have fallen 
 into the hands of our heavenly Father, and sweetly 
 said, ' Thy will be done.' " 
 
 To his Parents. 
 
 " This morning I arose, and felt the ill effects of an 
 anodyne. But this was gain. More fit to sleep than 
 to be awake, I threw myself on the bed. Having sung 
 a Sabbath morning hymn, the last lines reached my 
 heart — I will repeat them : 
 
 * Then shall my soul iicw life obtain, 
 'Nor Sabbath be enjoyed in vain.' 
 
 "I was athirst for 'new life.' and O that I could 
 tell you: — God, viewed as the Holy One, melted, sub- 
 dued, comforted, and happified my inmost powers. In- 
 deed I felt that never before did I gain so much 'new 
 life ' in so short a time. As you may suppose, I did not 
 sleep. No, I was awake to commune still with God. 
 Jesus seemed to say, ' Will you yet subserve my cause 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 383 
 
 on earth, and preach my Gospel V With my soul lean- 
 ing on him, I replied, 'Lord, thou knowest.' Truly^ 
 my dear parents, as a herald ofthe cross, I would run 
 with delight. Be assured that the desire of preaching 
 was never more ardent, for never more than of late 
 have I felt my interests identified with t.he cause of 
 our dear Lord Jesus. And while bars have seemingly 
 been rising, and at least threatening to fence me out 
 of the vineyard, I have had my love to my anticipated 
 labor tried. Well, the prospect brightens ; and ere an- 
 other year goes by, I hope you will receive me to your 
 embraces, as one who officially bears the tidings of 
 great joy. Should the Master order otherwise, I hope 
 my willing feet would run at his command. Were I 
 even to leave the earth, the thought is pleasant every- 
 way, save that I long to stay and win souls to Christ. 
 Be it as it may, of this I feel persuaded, liiat God is 
 doing me good, either to serve him the better here or 
 at his right hand. Therefore be comforted. I rejoice 
 in my being, in my endless being too. We shall live 
 till our appointed time ; then with angels, and with 
 saints in glory, renew the song of praise to Him that 
 sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb. 
 
 "May you be comforted with the same comfort 
 wherewith I am comforted. 
 
 " Your affectionate and obliged son, 
 
 "James." 
 
 The beginning of the year 1828 finds Mr. Taylor 
 still at New-Haven, pursuing his favorite object ; and 
 though in declining health, yet most ardently desirous 
 to enter upon the great business of life, in winning 
 souls to Christ, and making delightful advances in 
 
3S4 MEMOIR OP 
 
 spirituality. The following letters and extracts show 
 infipressively the workings of a soul uncommonly im- 
 bued with divine grace. 
 
 " New-Haven, Jan. 2, 1828. 
 
 •' Doar Brother B , 
 
 "As many happy returns of the season to you as 
 our heavenly Father sees best. 
 
 " To tell you that these are happy days to roe, would 
 only be testifying to the great goodness of God. Could 
 I describe the view, whence was so much self-loathing, 
 so much contrition, brokenness of heart, and melting of 
 soul — could I tell the nearness that I gained this even- 
 ing to God, in view of his paternal relation to one of his 
 'little ones' — nearness to Christ, as brother, friend — 
 and the sweetness of the comfort that flowed into my 
 soul, as my soul flowed down at the presence of God — 
 I would speak it all forth. But it was ' unspeakable 
 and full of glory.' The name of Jesus was as ointment 
 poured forth. A holy unction descended arid rested 
 upon me. There was eye-salve in it, by which the vi- 
 sions of a glorious heaven gathered brightness. Tru- 
 ly, my brother, such visits are much to be prized ; and 
 though our guests are unseen, they are not unloved 
 nor unfelt. We hail the light of their approach, and 
 run to catch the first glimpse, till the Sun of righteous- 
 ness comes upon our souls with full splendor. How 
 vivifying ! How soul-satisfying ! 'Tis now the world 
 wanes and dwindles into its real insignificance. 
 
 "O that Zion would arise and shine in her beauti- 
 ful attire ! And why does she not? Not surely be- 
 cause her King is unwilling that she should be thus 
 adorned. Till his locks are wet with the dew, he has 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 385 
 
 waited, and he is waiting still. I trus-t tiiat brother D. 
 has long since clad himself with the white robe, and 
 still wjars his garments unspotted from the world. 
 
 " Seasons in which we are thus refreshed, are renew- 
 ing seasons. Both bodily and spiritual vigor come 
 from the presence of the Lord. If it be so on earth, 
 what will it be when we see the King in his beauty ? 
 O, my brother, to me heaven never appeared more de- 
 sirable than it has since I saw you ; yet with strong 
 desire have I wept to stay and preach the Gospel of our 
 blessed Lord Jesus, for I see there is a wide difference 
 in entering heaven with and without company. Let 
 him know, that he that converteth a sinner from the 
 error of his ways, saveth a soul from death, and hideth 
 a multitude of sins. 'They that be wise shall shine 
 as the sun, and they that turn many to righteousness, as 
 the stars for ever and ever.' How much better to find 
 in heaven a band of converts sent thither through one's 
 instrumentality, than to arrive alone. 
 
 " The pain of body that I have undergone since I 
 saw you has not been littk ; yet none too much, for it 
 has been sweet discipline. ' The cup that my Father 
 hath given me, shall I not drink it V 
 
 " Through God's goodness I am much relieved, and 
 only feel the inconvenience of debility. By and by 
 we hope to wear glorious bodies. When the saints 
 shall put them on, may we recognize each other aa 
 brands plucked out of the fire. 
 
 " Fraternally yours, James B. TxVylor." 
 
 " Middle Haddam, Jan. 27, 1828. i 
 Tieinx Brother K , 
 
 " I hare been at home a short time. I find myself 
 
 33 J.B.Taylor. 
 
iSSb MEiaOIR OF 
 
 an iavalid yet. But of all lessons, those learned in 
 the school of affliction I deem the most salutary. 
 Would one learn the art of bemg patient? How can 
 he know it unless he be tried ? 
 
 " Years ago, I used to inquire, where are my trials 1 
 They have come. Some part, at least, of the bitter, 
 bitter-sweet cup, has been drunk. The rest is in our 
 Father's hand. Is not this enough? Last night, pain 
 — sweet pain^ as I called it — had a happy effect on my 
 soul. The thought of leaving the earth and ming- 
 ling with the holy above, was joy within, which bodi- 
 ly pain forbade me to utter — but I found my wonted 
 resting-place, and calmly reposed on him whom my 
 soul loveth, till I fell asleep. How sweet — how soul- 
 refreshing, when the heart can say, ' Father, not my 
 will, but thine be done.' May you be a hundred-fold 
 comforted with the same consolation. 
 
 " Yours truly, James." 
 
 From Middle Haddam, whence the foregoing note 
 was written, Mr. Taylor returned to New-Haven, but 
 his he-alth continuing to decline, he was soon sum- 
 moned to New-York, to prepare for a tour, or a voyage 
 to the southern states, with the hope — in his case, alas ! 
 fain hope — of staying the ravages of disease, and re- 
 covering that health which he so earnestly desired, 
 that he might preach the Gospel. 
 
 How he was exercised in view of the proposed ex- 
 cursion may be learned from the following extracts of 
 a letter written at Stamford, while on his way to New- 
 York, in obedience to the call to lay aside for a sea- 
 son his work of preparation, and seek the restoration 
 of his health. 
 
JAMES BBAINERD TAYLOR. 387 
 
 " Stamford, Jan. 30, 1828. 
 " Dear W , 
 
 " Say you, why on your way to New-York ? It is 
 not a project of my own ; but kind friends have issued 
 the command, not of authority, but of love, and bid me 
 pack up and be on my way : thus far I have complied. 
 
 "My dear Brother — at first, my heart rather revolt- 
 ed at the idea of going: but before I had finished the 
 letter, I could not say aught why I should remain. 
 Nay more, I felt that I should do violence to my own 
 feelings, and the feelings of others, not to go. How 
 different from what I felt two months ago. Then it 
 seemed impossible to go away. You remember the 
 reason. It was a burning desire to live and preach 
 the Gospel; and I wished to remain and prepare for it. 
 Since then, however, that intense longing has subsid- 
 ed, and given place to a calmness that has caused my 
 soul sweetly to rest — not so solicitous to live and 
 preach the Gospel, as that Christ, as Lord of the Vine- 
 yard, should dispose of me as the execution of his 
 plan requires. 
 
 "Thus you see how sweetly I have been fitted to 
 leave all : indeed I go as cheerfully as I would into 
 the pulpit. I feel all that calmness and composure 
 which result from a consciousness of doing the will of 
 God. Therefore rejoice with me, my loving brother, 
 and be happy in the thought that I am put aside for 
 he present — Put aside ! I am disposed to think that 
 ihis turning me aside is to turn greatly to my account. 
 — To my account! — I hope to Zion's account. 
 
 " Who can say that my journey is not to survey 
 fields of labor which otherwise would not appear 
 iavitmg? Who can say that a link is not to be made 
 
388 MEMOIR OP 
 
 out of this change of circnmstances not the least im- 
 portant — nay, a swivel in the chain of my preparation, 
 and one without which the chain would twist and 
 break ? 
 
 " May I not fail to make this a profitable tour ! Pray 
 for me now as you read, and ever, that I may, by every 
 overturning, be more and more moulded into the image 
 of our dear Lord Jesus. 
 
 "I now go out, not knowing the result. I go, per- 
 haps to recover my health: this is my priwary object. 
 I go, perhaps to die. Well ; I have the sweet pros- 
 pect of yet mingling with the holy in heaven. Never, 
 never have I had happier days than since I saw you. 
 I verily believe I have been on Mount Clear j and 
 spied out the Canaan that we love. 
 
 "YourSj in the best bonds. 
 
 "Jas. B. Taylor." 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Visits at the South — Sickness — Death — Conclusion. 
 
 After some detention in New- York, Mr. Taylor set 
 sail for Charleston on the 7th March, and arrived on 
 the 15th, without any occurrence of note, but, as he 
 thought, with evident mitigation of his disease. After 
 sojourning some time at Charleston, and enjoying the 
 cordial hospitalities of that warm-hearted people, he 
 proceeded to Savannah in Georgia, thence to Augusta, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 389 
 
 to Columbia, to Fayetteville, Petersburg, Richmond, 
 and so back to New-York. The kind attentions and 
 expressions of interest which he received from many 
 persons during this tour, were often spoken of by hind 
 in language of acknowledgment to them and grati- 
 tude to God. From these several places he wrote 
 numerous letters to his friends, filled chiefly with de- 
 scriptions of places, and observations on men and man- 
 ners, which prove, that, though in search of health as 
 his primary object, he had a heart still to mingle with 
 the friends of Jesus, and to love his Master's image 
 under whatever clime or color it might appear ; that 
 he felt for the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, 
 without regard to localities, and that he was a shrewd 
 observer of mankind. 
 
 From a few of these communications extracts will 
 be given, as far as they exhibit the exercise of his faith 
 and piety, and show the fatal progress of his disease, 
 and the spirit with which he bore the waning of hope, 
 as to recovery. 
 
 At Savannah Mr. Taylor was advised to make an 
 excursion for a few days into the country ;, and ac- 
 cordingly, having received letters of introduction to a 
 few of the planters in Liberty county, he found his 
 way to the residence of a gentleman with whom he 
 spent two days, and of whom he thus writes: "Mr. 
 
 is a single man, of about my age, which, you 
 
 know, to-morrow, (15th April,) will be 27. Though 
 not a professor of religion, yet he takes a stand indi- 
 cative of heartfelt piety. Every night he meets his 
 negroes collected for worship; sings, reads, expounds 
 the Bible, and prays. His sister, a lady of known 
 piety, meets the little folks in the afternoon, and in- 
 33* 
 
390 MEMOIR OP } 
 
 structs and prays with them: praise-worthy prac- 
 iice;" — and for this reason we transfer the account of 
 their conduct to our pages. 
 
 " At Col. L.'s I had a time of refresliing from the 
 presence of the Lord : having retired fatigued and with 
 some pain in my side, I thought on health : our sym- 
 pathizing High Priest was near to bless. The thought 
 of him was balm to my spirit. I was fully persuaded 
 that if he spoke the word, his servant should be healed. 
 To live and recover I saw to be in some respects de- 
 sirable, yet, rather than carry about a useless tenement, 
 I felt it desirable to depart: yes, though I seemed to 
 love my friends more than ever, I felt that I could give 
 you all up, and die, even among strangers. My soul 
 experienced joys that elevated me; and then I could 
 so sweetly fall into the hands of God, and meltingly 
 say, my Father — my Savior." 
 
 " Augusta, April 18, 1828. 
 "My dear Brother, 
 
 " The evening before I left Savannah for this place 
 I dropped a letter into the post-office, saying, among 
 other things, that I was about to set my face home- 
 ward. We left Savannah on Thursday A. M. and 
 reached this to-day. Mr. K.'s* horse preceded my 
 /ox, and thus we both came in my gig. With a little 
 more practice, I think, * upon a pinch,' I could demand 
 
 J$8 per month as a stage-driver ; but I feel like 
 
 any thing else than a single light thought. 
 
 " Were I to describe my feelings, I should repre- 
 sent myself as pensive or disheartened. I do not com- 
 
 • A fellow traveller for health, who sailed with Mr. T. from N. Y 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 391 
 
 plain : of all men, I have most reason to be thankful. 
 I would not complain — no, never. But, my dear bro- 
 ther, I feel that I am not gaining much : the week or 
 ten days past, the old pam has returned to my side. 
 Whatsoever be the result, I hope in all things I shall 
 be kept from sinning. Whether my days be few or 
 many, nothing seems more abhorrent to my feelings 
 than to be situated where I shall be a burden. But, to 
 try me and others, this may be my lot. But desist — 
 it is not good to borrow trouble. Yours affectionately, 
 
 "James." 
 
 From Augusta Mr. Taylor wrote again, April 20, 
 when he says: 
 
 " How pleasant to feed in green pastures while tra- 
 veling through the wilderness. To-day the Good 
 Shepherd hath given me a rich repast. My soul has 
 gained strength from feeding on angels' food — if aw- 
 g-els feast on the manifestations of God to ihem. 
 Singing one of the songs of Zion, my heart began to 
 melt, and sweetly flowed down into tenderness and 
 love. To call God my Father, was sweet beyond ex- 
 pression ; Christ, as my eider Brother, Friend, Shep- 
 nerd. Lord — my all, captivated all my powers, and I 
 cried with a broken heart — 
 
 'Thou lovely source of true delight^ 
 Whom I, unseen, adore, 
 Unveil thy beauties to my sight, 
 That I naay love thee more.^ 
 
 " O how soul-humbling ! how soul-elevating ! how 
 full of consolation ! to have the manifestations of Je- 
 
392 MEMOIR OF 
 
 sus as they are not made to the world. Perhaps ne- 
 ver with more confidence could I ask for the Holy 
 Spirit. Blessed anointings ! with this blessing we 
 climb the 'delectable mountains,' stand on Mount 
 Clear,' and look away to the fair land. How fair and 
 desirable it appeared to me this evening ! More desir- 
 able than the land of my fathers ! O the prospect of 
 meeting the holy, when I shall have answered the 
 end of my being in this world. My prospect bright- 
 ens as God shows his beauties to my soul; and I 
 long for the time to arrive when I shall become a dis- 
 embodied spirit. I wish to behold the glory which 
 Christ wishes his disciples to see. 'Father, I will 
 that they whom thou hast given me be with me where 
 I am, that they may behold my glory.' Much is com- 
 prised in that word, glory. Well, it will not be long 
 before the disclosure will be made. 
 
 "Whenever lam so peculiarly blessed, then my 
 longings are to preach the Gospel. There is an in- 
 tensity of feeling that finds no expression but in groans. 
 Still I lie in the hands of God, and if I mistake not^ 
 acquiesce in his will; and I feel fully persuaded that 
 my protracted trials will issue in my good, whether I 
 live or die. Through your prayers I may yet be re- 
 stored and given to the church, to which, under God, 
 long since and repeatedly I have surrendered myself. ' 
 
 " 24th. — It may disappoint you, as I have been dis- 
 appointed ; but you would know my case fully. I had 
 hoped that I should not have a return of bleeding. 
 For two or three days previous to night before last, I 
 had a stricture across my lungs, and they felt as though 
 they were tied up. Then I had a turn of bleeding, 
 pretty much as when at New-Haven. Last nigbf 
 
JAMES BPAINERD TAYLOR. 393 
 
 there was another discharge of about the same amount, 
 and this morning another. I feel no inconvenience 
 from it, but am rel'.eved. I have not room to say much 
 of the kindness that is shown me. You would be 
 grateful to witness the attentions that are paid to the 
 stranger in his exile. And I am happy. This morn- 
 ing my spirit has been sweetly refreshed. Be not con- 
 cerned about me. 
 
 " Columhia, May 2, 1S2S. 
 "For a week, I think, before I left Augusta, and 
 since, there has been no blood from my throat or 
 lungs. After all, think not too much of my recovery ; 
 I do not, except that I wish to live to preach the Gos- 
 pel. O how I have longed to put in the sickle here! 
 Last Sunday evening a crowded house of young peo- 
 ple waited to hear the truth. Think not that it injur- 
 ed me ; for I was better after it : it seemed to untie mv 
 lungs. As I delivered my message, I longed to fol- 
 low it up. But no ; whether I live or die, the Lord be 
 magnified." 
 
 From Columbia Mr. Taylor pursued his course 
 northward, until reaching Louisburg, N. C. as a Chris- 
 tian traveler, he stopped to keep holy day, and thence 
 sent the following interesting letter: 
 
 "May 25, 1828. 
 " My dear, dear Brother, 
 
 '• Though worn cut with the journey of the day, you 
 will allow me to pour a little from the fullness of my 
 heart. I am in a snug harbor, with the prospect ot 
 enjoying the approaching Sabbath, by keeping holy 
 Jay here. I need the day both for body and mind : to 
 
394 MEMOIR OF 
 
 renew my physical strength for the journey, and lo 
 put on anew the armor of righteousness. 
 
 "My former letters bear testimony to repeated sea- 
 sons in which I have been refreshed. Last night one 
 occurred, and O how timely ! I wet my couch with 
 tears, sweet tears, from a broken, submissive heart. 
 My dear brother, you know what a solicitude I have 
 felt to preach the Gospel ; and but for preparation for 
 this, how willing I was to relinquish all, upon your 
 visit to New-Haven." [This refers to his brother's 
 desire that he should travel for his health.] " O, it 
 was a burning of soul, that would take no denial. 
 You know, from my testimony, how I yielded the de- 
 cision into God's hands, to dispose of me as pleased 
 hirn. In this I have rested. Last night it seemed 
 pretty clear to ray mind what would be the result. I 
 looked not for the blessedness of standing upon the 
 beautiful walls of Zion, as a watchman to sound the 
 alarm. The evidence was, that the trumpet had fail- 
 ed. The fact stares me in the face. If I attempt to 
 converse, to sing, to pray aloud, the once — tuned in- 
 strument is discordant: shortness of breath is trouble- 
 some. If I attempt to walk up a. hill, it excites the 
 lungs so much that respiration is difficult; and even 
 throwing myself upon the bed produces breathing 
 enough for one that has run a race. My lungs are ve- 
 ry sensitive. Now all this was not the case when I 
 left you, nor when I set out upon my journey from the 
 south. A blessing came in connection with the hold 
 which the ministry had upon my heart, and with the 
 interrogatory, Will you give it up? Dear brother, 
 think my whole soul responded — and I hardly know 
 liow — 'Yes, yes, thy will be done; and there was a 
 
JAMES BliAINERD TAYLOR. 395 
 
 staying upon God, and a solid, indescribable comfort 
 vvitliin. Thus you see how one thing after another is 
 lopping off. And indeed, more than ever, I thought it 
 became me to set my house in order; and I longed to 
 live more like Christ, and to exhibit more of his cha- 
 racter. The prospect was 'pleasant even of putting 
 aside prospective labors and of entering into rest. If 
 it should soon take place, aviU not my brother, my dear 
 brother, whom I seem to love more than ever, give me 
 up? Yes, like a Christian; and so will others whom 
 ,1 love. As ever, yours, James." 
 
 Early in the month of June Mr. Taylor arrived at 
 his brother's in New-York, whence he sent a number 
 of letters to his friends. Having previously announc- 
 ed to his parents his arrival, on the 25th of June he 
 wrote them as follows : 
 
 " New-York, June 25, 1828. 
 
 " I doubt not my beloved friends on the hill would 
 rather see my person than my letters. It is indeed 
 great self-denial on my part not to gratify them. But 
 as it is considered on the whole best for me to tarry 
 here yet a little, I will again let you know of my 
 affairs. 
 
 " My letter written from Louisburg you have pro- 
 bably seen. In that, I think it was, 1 mentioned the 
 fact that I had relinquished the hope of preaching. 
 That conquest was a crown. Last night I obtained 
 another: 'Blessed is the man that endureth tempta- 
 tion, (trial,) for when he is tried, he shall receive the 
 crown of life.' The trial that assailed me was a pain 
 in my left breast, which to me appeared to be a new 
 indication of my mortality. It was welcomed with 
 
dtfb MEMOIR OP 
 
 joy. I yielded sweet assent. My heart was melted 
 into tenderness, and my whole soul felt a 'preference., 
 if it were God's will, to depart. I desired to be ^one. 
 I longed to see my heavenly Father, whose matchless 
 goodness had plucked me as a brand from the burning. 
 I longed to be with Christ. To see him to whom I 
 am indebted for the much he has done for me. I long- 
 ed for the society of angels and saints, and thought of 
 some whom I should see among the glorified. 
 
 " The goodness of God, as exhibited in my conver- 
 sion, and the present comfort of soul in the midst of 
 my protracted trials, was overwhelming. Thus my 
 dear, dear parents, see that the Lord leaveth me not. 
 Surely he is with me ; and for his presence my pil- 
 low is often wet with tears of joy. Should 1 recover, 
 I shall look upon the varied dealings of God with me 
 as happily preparatory to my future usefulness. 
 
 " With love to you all, James.-' 
 
 After remaining some weeks in New-York, for the 
 sake chiefly of medical advice and attendance, Mr. 
 Taylor repaired to his fathers house, whence he wrote 
 to his brother K several letters showing the flat- 
 tering nature of his disease, and exhibiting something 
 of his character. 
 
 " Middle Haddam, July 27, 18S». 
 " My dear Brother, 
 
 " Conversation engrosses but little of my time. My 
 food IS light — digestion good. I ride more or less on 
 horseback or in my gig. During each day, spend 
 some time in studying metaphysics, philosophy, and 
 theology. 
 
JAMES BRAINBRD TAYLOR. 397 
 
 " From the fact that I am able to do more, and 
 with greater facility, I persuade myself that I gather 
 strength : I think I cough less. Blisters repeatedly ap- 
 plied have kept me not a little sore. However, it is 
 good philosophy to endure a smaller, to root out a 
 greater evil. Yesterday I felt sick of being sick, not 
 so much on my own account, as on account of those 
 so benevolently affectioned towards me. I hope it did 
 not rise to a complaint of Providence. But the idea 
 of so much and continued expenditure of the time, and 
 money, and feelings of others on my behalf, and with 
 so little, if any amendment, sadly affected me. The 
 proof, too, that I have of its all flowing from a fullness 
 of overflowing kindness on their part, only tended to 
 make me feel more ; for a soul that feels undeserving 
 and dependent, cannot but appreciate such favors, 
 and is glad to unburden itself by expressing a corres- 
 ponding gratitude. 
 
 " This morning I felt strong enough to preach. I 
 am encouraged, and live with the hope of one day tri- 
 umphing over debility and disease, and standing forth 
 a well man, to subserve the tiause of God on earth. 
 The hill looks Well, and is improving. The trees grow 
 finely. Are you and yours coming up ? We shall be 
 glad to see you, and will do all we can to make you 
 happy. Love to E. and the children. 
 
 " Yours, as ever, James B. Taylor." 
 
 " Middle Haddam, Aug. 4, 1828. 
 
 *' Dear Brother, 
 
 " I think myself gaining in strength and flesh, though 
 little of either ; enough, however, for encouragement. 
 i have been reviewing my course, so that I am well 
 
 2^ J. B. Taylor. 
 
398 MEMOIR OF 
 
 tiigh prepared to be examined for license. Two of my 
 class were examined and licensed week before last. 
 The Association meets again on the last Tuesday of 
 this month to license the remainder. This being one 
 thing that I wish to get out of the wa)^, and being pre- 
 pared for it, I have thought it best to be licensed also. 
 jNIy sermon I Avrote, for the most part, when at the 
 South. I presume your sentiments on this point will 
 accord with mine. Among other reasons, these have 
 Aveighed somev/hat on my mind, amid the uncertainty 
 of my recovery so as to be able to preach. 
 
 '• Should I be able to perform the duties of a naval 
 chaplain, and a sea voyage be recommended, I should 
 gladly enter such a sphere of labor for the sake of 
 doing good and defraying expenses. Should I become a 
 resident of a West India island, as has been suggested, 
 if found to agree with my constitution, I had better go 
 commissioned to preach than otherwise. Should I go 
 South to spend the Avinter, it would not be a disadvan- 
 tage to go as a preacher. Should I remain at home^ 
 a burden would be off my mind. So far, then, as I 
 can see, I cannot but conclude that it is my duty to be 
 examined and licensed with my class. 
 
 "Yours tiuly, J. B. Taylor.'' 
 
 " Middle Haddam, Sept. 9, 182S. 
 •'Dear Brother K , 
 
 " I am here at anchor ; no head wind but blows some 
 one good. I hope to ride out the storm patiently^ and 
 especially amidst so many comforts. Often the sky^' 
 long lowering, clears away ; and hope, as if on wings^ 
 places me where I have longed to be, in the vineyard. 
 1 read, the other day, 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 399 
 ' The youth, 
 
 ' Who in the glowmg mora of vigorous life, 
 ' High reaching after great religious deeds. 
 
 * Was suddenly cut off, with all his hopes 
 
 ' In sunny bloom, and unaccomplish'd left 
 ' His wither'd aims — saw everlasting days 
 
 * Before him dawning rise, in which to achieve 
 ' All glorious things.' 
 
 " As I read I wept. O, my dear brother, it is hard 
 VvTork, tut it IS good work. But I am gaining, and 
 ought to be thankful. A course of suffering may be 
 tbe necessary means to prepare for a sphere of high 
 action either in this or in the other world. Think not 
 that I complain : no, I think I would not for the uni- 
 verse take my course into my own hands. Why not 
 give a call on the Hill ? We all should be so glad 
 to see you. 
 
 " Your much obliged, J. B. Taylor." 
 
 In accordance with Mr. Taylor^s views on the sub- 
 ject of being licensed, he attended the Middlesex Con- 
 sociation, which met in East Haddam, Oct. 8, 1828 ; 
 read his trial sermon, on the text, John, 12 : 26, '• If 
 any man serve me, him will my Father honor," — was 
 examined with respect to his own religious experi- 
 ence, his knoAvledge of Christian theology, and his 
 ability to teach and defend the truths of the Gospel — 
 all which were approved, and he was licensed to 
 preach as a- candidate for the Gospel ministry. 
 
 But his health being unequal to the labor of execut- 
 ing this long-desired commission, it was resolved by 
 Mr- Taylor's friends, but with his own hearty concur- 
 rence, that he should spend the winter at the Ur.ion 
 Theological Seminary in Prince Edward county, Vir- 
 
400 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ginia, in the family of the Rev. John Holt Rice, D. D. 
 then Professor of Christian Theology in that Institu- 
 tion. To this retreat Mr. Taylor was invited by the 
 affectionate kindness of Dr. Rice, and by the mild and 
 healthful climate of that part of Virginia. Before set- 
 ting out on this journey, he addressed letters to seve- 
 ral of his friends, from which some extracts will now 
 be given. 
 
 To his friend L. P. he commenced a letter at Mid- 
 dle Haddam on the 1st of October, and concluded it 
 in New- York, after leaving his father's house for the 
 last time. 
 
 " Middle Haddam, Oct. 1, 1823. 
 "3Iy muc}i loved friend, 
 
 "You will be glad to hear from me, though still 'in 
 bonds.' The chain that bound me when at your house 
 in June, though not so heavy, still holds me. Whe- 
 ther I shall burst it ere I become a disembodied spirit 
 is known only to Him who has thus far upheld my 
 goings. This is to let you know that I consider my- 
 self convalescent, though about my lungs there are in- 
 dications no way flattering. Also, that I purpose to 
 leave my paternal roof for another of my loved homes 
 in New-York. Should circumstances permit, I may 
 visit New-Jersey. I do not make too much of seemg 
 you, for I may be disappointed ; yet how gladly would 
 we be comforters one of another. 
 
 '• The grave does not seem so near as it did when 
 you saw me so prostrated ; but still I may be standing 
 on its brink." 
 
 "JSTew-York, Oct. 31. 
 
 " The above, as you perceive, I wrote nearly a 
 month since. Hither I have come to sojourn hut three 
 
JAME-S BRAINERD TAYLOR. 4C1 
 
 days more. On Monday I expect to set sail, net to 
 your dwelling, but to a haven appointed by friends and 
 physicians. I set sail for Petersburg, Virginia ; thence 
 I go to Prince Edward county to winter, unless in 
 mercy I should be taken to a clime more desirable. 
 
 " I have detained this with the hope that in person 
 I should see you. For this purpose I had designed to 
 pass through Princeton and Lawrenceville. But as 
 my health does not warrant the fatigues of journey ing, 
 and the excitement of seeing dear friends, I am de- 
 nied the pleasure. It is self-denial. Peradventure I 
 may retuia in the spring, better able to enjoy the so- 
 ciety of those I love. If not, the land of dear delights 
 is before me. Do you ask how I am in my protracted 
 afflictions ? The Lord doeth all things well. Sweet 
 thoughts of Jesus melt my soul. Communion with 
 heaven is soul-elevating and soul-transforming. In a 
 word, I am a happy, though a sick and dying man. 
 The Lord most gently and mercifully hands me down 
 the hill of life, while the descent seems very short. 
 O, It will be sweet to take the last step, and walk in- 
 to eternity. To me the grave wears choice attire — 
 Paradise more choice. I wish, and often with long- 
 ing, to see Jesus as he is, to mingle with the holy 
 above — to sing the song of the shining ones. O think 
 not that I am gloomy or depressed ; far, far, very far 
 from it. Think of me as visited from above, and roll- 
 ed along in a chariot all paved with love — think of 
 me as one who loves you — think of me and pray for 
 me as one feeble, shattered, tottering, and almost fall- 
 ing — falling into the arms of our Beloved. 
 "If my last — my most affectionate adieu, 
 
 "James B. Taylor." 
 34* 
 
402 MEMOIR OP 
 
 Reference has already been made to a fragment of 
 a diary kept for a short time during the latter part of 
 this year. From this record we shall now present a 
 few extracts : 
 
 '•'Oct. 9, P. M. — Left my paternal roof on my way 
 to a southern clime. Our tears flowed at the sound 
 farewell, — dear, kind, affectionate kindred. 
 
 " 10th. — Reached New-Haven, and one of my loved 
 homes — again enjoyed the social and friendly inter- 
 course of kindred spirits. Our christian communion 
 was doubly sweet. I enjoyed refreshings— especially in 
 Sunday evening exercises, in which all were melted. 
 
 " 13th. — Left New-Haven, and again met those I 
 love in New-York, again occupied a loved habitation, 
 and again received the kind offices and sympathies of 
 dear K. and E. Met Mrs. Palmer and Mary, who 
 embark to-morrow for Charleston : they urge me to 
 accompany them. I lie moored, and wait with sweet 
 patience the decision of physicians and friends. May 
 God direct. 
 
 " Last night, though restless and wakeful, I was 
 greatly blessed. My enjoyment of God, in the night sea- 
 son, filled me with sweet peace and strong confidence. I 
 think I know and have felt for a season past, especial- 
 ly last night, the ' strait ' in which Paul was. I wa- 
 tered my pillow with sweet tears — I longed to fly 
 away to Jesus — I longed to stay and labor in his cause. 
 I can neither say let me die, nor let me live. My heart 
 cries out for God to lead and dispose of ray all. I am 
 in his hands, and he will guide me even unto death. 
 
 " 18th. — I am now waiting the arrival of raedica) 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 403 
 
 men, to examine and pronounce upon my case. Should 
 they say that I am not in a confirmed consumption, 
 or at least on the confines of it, I shall be disappointed. 
 
 "Yesterday, P. M. and evening, I enjoyed sweet 
 meltings of soul in view of the many mercies sur- 
 rounding me. Surely, if on my way to an early grave, 
 T am going down most comfortably— my dear friends 
 load me with benefits. 
 
 " It is sweet to look beyond time. I think I must 
 regard my laboring days as gone by, and perhaps 1 
 shall soon enter upon my long resti7ig day. 
 
 " It has made my heart ache to think that I should 
 be put aside so soon, but grace has proved sufficient: 
 I am sweetly patient. The Father smiles upon his 
 child. A sympathizing Jesus is with me. Comfort 
 and joy from the Holy Ghost pervade my soul. 
 
 " Retrospectively, it appears that God has designed 
 to perfect me through sufferings — pain of body and 
 disappointment as to the ministry. Well, I am a wit- 
 ness to the wise dealings of the wise One. God knows 
 what is best, and that is best for me. He hath led me, 
 as he leads one to holiness, to happiness, to heaven. 
 Amen. 
 
 " 19th. — The physicians came. The result of their 
 examination was unexpected. So far as they could 
 discover, they thought me sound, except an affection 
 of the mucous membrane, which they would endeavor 
 to relieve. So it seems I may yet recover and live to 
 preach the Gospel ; still uncertainty hangs over the 
 restoration of my debilitated and overdone system. 
 
 " From the examination it was discovered that the 
 cause of my painful days and nights, for two years and 
 more, was a spinal affection : which disease commenc- 
 
404 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ed, continued, and I hope terminated, without being 
 found out before. 
 
 "2Sth. — Yesterday had sweet thoughts of Jesus. 
 The thought of becoming a pure spirit refreshed my 
 soul. 
 
 " Last night, after I had retired, a precious love to- 
 ken was handed down to the unworthiest. The Lord 
 remembereth that I am but dust: I am of a feeble 
 frame. Often I find it a laborious task to repeat even 
 the four lines I learned in my earliest infancy — ' Now 
 I lay me down to sleep,' &c. Greatly fatiguing to 
 repeat the Lord's prayer. How mercifully the Lord 
 accommodates himself to this weakness. The other 
 night I had but just lain down and thought of the 
 sweet pleasures which religion afibrds, when my soul 
 was filled with peace ; so, at times during the day, in 
 my lonely hours as I sit and while away the time, 
 unable to study or read. Last night I was refreshed 
 with an unction from the Holy One. 
 
 " I thought of meeting one who asked me whether I 
 had any solicitude now to preach the Gospel. My an- 
 swer was, no. I added, the days of my solicitude are 
 gone by. Then I remembered seasons of anxiety, 
 deep, nay, burning anxiety, that I had had to do the 
 work of a minister of Jesus Christ. Mine eyes ran 
 down with tears, with the sweet consciousness of an 
 honest appeal to God, who had ever marked out my 
 way. The seasons have not been few in which I have 
 groaned for the work, and for due preparation for it. 
 The thought of relinquishing this object was plea- 
 sing, if so the will of God be. Nay, I was rather desi- 
 rous of leaving all behind and going to Jesus. I think 
 I see enough worth dying for. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 405 
 
 "29th.— Of the seven sons of my father's house, I 
 am apparently farthest on my journey to the grave. 
 To-day I wept at the thought of soon leaving my dear 
 friends far behind. I shall leave ihem more an inva- 
 lid than when I went south last spring — it grieves me 
 not to think of bidding them adieu, even if it prove a 
 last farewell. I love them now — when glorified, how 
 much more. Peace and heaven's choicest blessings 
 attend them. It is sweet to think of falling into the 
 hands of Jesus. It is delightful to confide in God as a 
 Father who has suited his dealings to the frailties of 
 his little one — I wept in his presence as I remember- 
 ed my disobedience. How great his grace and mercy ! 
 There is forgiveness with God. It was delightfully 
 pleasant to contemplate the Holy Spirit as Comforter ; 
 I longed to see of the things of Christ yet more and 
 more brightly. Roll on, ye wheels of time, and bring 
 me, a welcomed saint, to the dwelling-place of Jesus, 
 my best beloved." 
 
 On the 4th November Mr. Taylor, as announced in 
 his letters, embarked for Petersburg, (Virginia,) on 
 his way to Prince Edward, and arrived on the 9th. 
 Whence, on the 15th, he wrote to his brother at New- 
 Haven : 
 
 "DearF , 
 
 " Having entered on the study of your profession, 
 make conscience of studying to approve yourself unto 
 God. To please God — to be blessed and made a 
 blessing, thus to live and be happy— should be our 
 first, constant, and last aim. If I sought for one thing 
 
406 MEMOIR OF 
 
 more than another in my preparatory course, acade- 
 mical, collegiate, and theological, it was to be signally 
 ANOINTED of God, for the great, the good, the most desi- 
 rable, the highest work of man. I am happy in this con- 
 sciousness. With little probability of ever doing this 
 work, I am greatly glad that I sought this holy unc- 
 tion and I can testify that I found it. All along I was 
 anointed; and I most affectionately and urgently pre- 
 sent this as pre-eminent in importance. All else will 
 go on well enough — rather let all else suffer, than 
 forego the refreshings of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 " It is very pleasant for me to think that God can 
 glorify himself and let me be an invalid. My confi- 
 dence in God to endow me great, has much increas- 
 ed of late. Think of me then, not as desponding 
 under his debarring me from the vineyard, but as quite 
 contented and happy — as rather willing to be sick, be- 
 lieving it to be his will. Think of me as handed down 
 very kindly, tenderly, and mercifully, though rapidly, 
 on my way to the grave. Heaven appears very desi- 
 rable. 
 
 " Ever truly and affectionately, James." 
 
 The beginning of 1829 finds Mr. Taylor located m 
 his last home on earth. Having spent a few days in 
 Petersburg and Richmond, enjoying the hospitalities 
 of Christian friends, whose privilege it was to enter- 
 tain this devoted disciple, he proceeded to his destined 
 resting-place in the Union Theological Seminary, 
 whither Dr. Rice had invited him to come and spend 
 the winter. 
 
 After his arrival in Virginia, Mr. Taylor wrot^ 
 
JAMBS BRAINERD TAYLOR. 407 
 
 several letters, which speak of places and their aspect ; 
 of Christian friends and their kindness ; and of his 
 gratitude to God and to them ; of the goodness of God, 
 and of his own love and confidence, and acquiescence 
 in the divine will 5 and of the alternations of hope 
 and despondency, as he felt better or worse under the 
 changes incident to one who is contending with the 
 most flattering and fatal disease. But though borne 
 down with his malady, and often oppressed with a 
 sense of weakness almost intolerable, he lost no op- 
 portunity of endeavoring to relieve the anxiety of his 
 relatives and friends, and of expressing his strong 
 affection for them. Nor did he cease to feel, and by 
 all the means in his power to labor for that cause which 
 to him was dearer than life. As an evidence of the 
 interest he continued to feel in the advancement of 
 Christ's kingdom, and as an appeal which may reach 
 some heart, and yet bring a faithful laborer into the 
 service of the church, we give the following extract of 
 a letter written 4th January, 1829. 
 
 " Unable as I am to labor, and seeing the great bar-* 
 vest-field and the fewness of the laborers, I am so 
 interested that I cannot but urge men to go into the 
 harvest. I know not what may be your decision noiO 
 as to this object ; but these thoughts suggest them- 
 selves to me : Is it not in the power of my friend to 
 do much in advancing the kingdom of Jesus Christ, 
 by preaching the Gospel? Would not his father, 
 from a consideration of the fewness of ministers, and 
 the great and pressing call for them, say, ' Go, my 
 son, and be a minister of Jesus Christ. I will con- 
 gent to deny myself, for the sake of Him who left 
 
40S MEMOIR OF 
 
 heaven to die on the cross.' How can you think ot 
 dragging out your life in that secluded spot on a farm, 
 when you may go out into the world and be so much 
 mor-e usefitl. You are young — none too old to com- 
 mence. In a few years you may be prepared, and then 
 you may live many years to preach the Gospel. As 
 to means for your support, you need not be troubled : 
 only make up your mind, and the way will be opened. 
 "I present this subject to you to think of. Think 
 of it alone. Go over the ground again and again, and 
 see if it be not your duty to enter upon this work. 
 Write to me about it. Tell me the difficulties, if there 
 be any, in the way. I shall be glad to hear of youi* 
 spiritual welfare." 
 
 To a much esteemed Christian brother Mr. Taylor 
 Wrote on the 15th January, 1829. 
 
 " Union Thtol. Sent. Prince Edward^ Va. 
 " Dear Brother B-- , 
 
 " Your love-letter of the 1st inst. reached me a few 
 days since. I was glad to break its seal, and find it 
 was from a friend and brother beloved- 
 
 " It has become so much of a task for me to write^ 
 that I must now put off my correspondents with a few 
 lines only. 
 
 " By the letters I have written, you have heard of 
 my condition. The peace of God, which passeth all 
 understanding, keeps my heart, through Christ Jesus. 
 Since I saw you I have not been a stranger to sweet 
 unointmgs, whose fruit is lasting peace. On my be- 
 half you will rejoice. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 409 
 
 " 1 am glad of your joy and peace in believing. May 
 they increase more and more. 
 
 "The Seminary is flourishingi Much has already 
 been done by it for the good of this land. Very much 
 more remains to be done. 
 
 " My debility will be my excuse for brevity. I shall 
 be glad to hear from you again and again. 
 
 "Yours truly, James B. Taylor." 
 
 On the same date he vsrrote to his brother K. 
 
 " In my absence heretofore, as now, I have often 
 thought myself the happiest of men. So be comfort- 
 ed, my dear brother, and ever think of me as taken up 
 by our heavenly Father, as a little one, and continu- 
 ally and greatly blessed. On Saturday^ my soul wag 
 melted under a sense of our heavenly Father's pre- 
 sence. Sitting alone my uplifted desire was uttered — 
 Father, give me the Holy Spirit. An unction from 
 the Holy One greatly refreshed my soul. I had been 
 saying, Lord, how long ? in reference to my protracted 
 trials. My whole soul yielded, and said. Even so 
 long as the Lord will ; but thou wilt give me thy Spi- 
 rit. I hardly know when my confidence gathered 
 strength so fast in God, that he would make me hap- 
 py. With unusual sweetness I adopted the language 
 of Jesus, ' Father, glorify thyself.' O, I felt happy 
 that he would be glorified. My confidence in the gift 
 of the Holy Ghost was greatly strengthened. 
 
 " After such anointings the soul rests in calm, sweet, 
 'iieavenly peace. 
 
 ' Not a wave of trouble rolls 
 ' Across my peaceful breast. 
 
 " With increased affection, James." 
 
 35 J. B. Taylof 
 
410 MEMOIR OF 
 
 To another brother Mr. Taylor wrote on the 20th 1 
 
 " Those letters that I have written cost me labor, as 
 every effort does. And surely I know I would not 
 Write again but to gratify my friends. Though di- 
 rected to one, they were meant to give information to 
 all. I am sorry that my brother thinks me depressed, 
 when it is not so : far from it ; peace rules in my heart ; 
 sweet refreshings come from above, and happify me 
 from time to time. Think of me then as happy, 
 very happy." 
 
 To another friend, on the 25th: 
 
 " I hope you are all well. I love to think of my 
 friends as enjoying health; it gives me high plea- 
 sure ; yet higher to know that they are abiding in 
 Christ, and w^alking as he walked. 
 
 " You have often heard my testimony to the rich 
 grace of God. It nov/ abounds unto me. His visits 
 of love are followed with sweet peace. This helps 
 me much to bear my weakness, which I find harder 
 inork than formerly. 
 
 ' Think of me as one blessed of God, and happy, 
 though an invalid. 
 
 " I have done no preaching, nor shall I do any but 
 parlor preaching. 
 
 " Let me be refreshed by a letter from you. Through 
 letters I now obtain almost all my foreign pleasure. 
 
 "This is written out of much weakness. And I 
 should treat you as I should my other friends — not 
 Write a line but to gratify you, for it is a great physi* 
 cal task. Glad am I always at the last word. 
 
 " Farev/ell, as ever, yours, Jas. B. Taylor.'* 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 411 
 
 To his brother K. he wrote, Feb. 11 : 
 
 " For some time past I have been gradually grow- 
 ing feeble. 1 am much more so than on my arrival. 
 For a few days I seemed to have a coldness approxi- 
 mating to chill, succeeded by fever. These changes 
 enfeebled me much. My appetite has failed consider- 
 ably. Though furnished with many varieties, I relish 
 little. I am glad at every day's exit: and though 
 weaker and more helpless,* I hope to be returned to 
 you with gladness, in much patience and full submis- 
 sion to the will of our heavenly Father. 
 
 " I am wearied already in this little doing. Affec- 
 tionately yours, " James." 
 
 "By my amanuensis, Mrs. R. I thought to tell you 
 at greater length ; but, like all glorious manifestations 
 of God to the soul, this beggars description. How- 
 ever, let me say, that to-day I have had sweet thoughts 
 of going to another world. Gladly, while alone and 
 resting in my easy-chair, would I have bade earth fare- 
 well, and winged my way to the paradise of God. 
 The Lord said. Nay. I yet stay, and would patiently 
 wait until my change come. I find it easier to dictate 
 than to write with mine own hand. 
 
 "James." 
 
 We have now given to our readers the last letter 
 which Mr. Taylor was able to write with his own 
 hand. Nor have we any thing dictated by himself to 
 his friends, with the exception of two short epistles, 
 from which Ave present a few brief extracts : 
 
 ♦The ground of that hope was doubtless the opinion of his 
 physicians, that with care he might recover. 
 
412 MEMOIR OP 
 
 «• Union Theo, Senu, Feb. 19, 1829. 
 
 " Dear brother K. 
 
 " Since my letter, which was a week ago, I have 
 continued to fail. My nights are restless— cough in- 
 creased — external things losing their interest — faith 
 gathers strength. 
 
 " I have often thought, though so weak, if the wea- 
 ther Avere suitable, of setting out for the north to spend 
 ray last days among the friends I love. It has occur- 
 red to me as it never did before, that though grievous, 
 It gives parents pleasure to have their children, when 
 dying, Avith them. Brothers, and sisters too, would 
 rather than otherwise stand round the dying bed ol 
 one of their number. I should love to add all the com- 
 fort in my power to those who have so often comfort' 
 ed me. 
 
 " To me it is apparent I shall not survive the 
 coming few months ; for, on the whole, my case is 
 more critical than it ever has been before. The phy- 
 sicians begin to deal in may be^s. I have told you the 
 simple story of my feelings, that you may judge whe- 
 ther it be best that I attempt to come to you. 
 
 " 20th. — This day I have been more feeble than yes- 
 terday, and the thought has naturally arisen, that this 
 room may prove the place of my exit to another world. 
 Believe that I am mercifully and most kindly handed 
 along down the hill of life, and I hope the last step 
 will be to the glory of God. 
 
 " Unless I should gain some strength, this will be 
 the last letter that I shall ever dictate. But you will 
 hear of me through my kind friends, who are ever rea- 
 dy to be my helpers. 
 
 '' With increased affection and love to you all, 
 
 "James." 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 413 
 
 " U7iion Theo. Sent. March 3, 1829. 
 •* Dear Christiau Friend, 
 
 " On my sick, and probably my dying bed, I fre- 
 quently think of you. Your letter, which gave me 
 pleasure, came to hand in due time : answering it, in- 
 stead of employing my own hand, I am under the ne- 
 cessity of writing by the hand of another. 
 
 " For weeks past I have been sinking rapidly — I am 
 now almost helpless and worn out, and unless there 
 be a change soon, this ' mud- wall'd cottage' will pre- 
 sently fall to the ground. I mention this to show dear 
 
 brother D , that if he ever see me in the flesh, it 
 
 must be very soon. 
 
 " One of my brothers is on the way to me, to be a 
 comfort with my other friends, in these days of de- 
 cline. You may rejoice with me, in that I rejoice in 
 the Lord always. The prospect of changing worlds 
 is pleasant. The home of the Holy is inviting. 
 " Farewell. With much love, 
 
 "J. B. Taylor." 
 
 The last piece of writing which Mr. Taylor left in 
 his own hand, purports to be his will, and bears date 
 the 1st March, 1829, from which we extract the fol- 
 lowing sentence : 
 
 " On my bed of sickness. Prince Edward. Symp- 
 toms of disease all tending to announce my departure. 
 I wish to say now that I am peaceful. The prospect 
 of changing worlds is pleasant." 
 
 Among the numerous letters, expressmg the grati- 
 tude of those who had been blessed through his la- 
 35* 
 
414 
 
 MEMOIR OP 
 
 bors, and the love and sympathy of Christian friends, 
 there is one from the late Rev. Matthias Bruen, pas- 
 tor of the Presbyterian church in Bleecker-street, New- 
 York, which breathes a spirit so sweet, that the'reader 
 cannot fail to be pleased with its insertion. 
 
 " New York, March 24, 1829. 
 '' The picture of you, my dear brother, has been vi- 
 vidly present to the little company of your friends here 
 and we have thought of ourselves lingering like you 
 on the threshold of eternity. Ah ! it is all the thresh- 
 old of eternity— and to believers it is even now eter- 
 nal life. This is the record, that God hath given to us 
 eternal life ; and this life is in his Son. He that be- 
 lieveth the Son hath life. 
 
 " We have endeavored to pray for you. You have 
 some tender-hearted friends in our little church be- 
 sides your dear relations, and are to them, while you 
 breathe here, an object of ceaseless sympathy, and 
 while they breathe, of hope and love. 
 
 " While I have been standing where you once stood, 
 to pray and preach to my little charge, your image has 
 been before my mind, and I thank God and take cou- 
 rage for the support you have as yet had ; for your ca- 
 lamities are nearly overpast, while ours are yet to be- 
 gin. May the chief Shepherd, who gave his life for 
 yours, fill you even now with joy unspeakable. 
 
 " In this season of calamity to us, I know not how 
 to write to you, who are so soon perhaps to know the 
 certainty of the things in which the Spirit of Christ 
 has instructed you. You have a holy anointing for all 
 that you are to accomplish. If I were near enough I 
 I should rather sit at your feet and hear, or only look 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 415 
 
 on. I cannot say a word to you — rather, dear brother, 
 I would ask a parting prayer for me. I know that the 
 thought of our love is pleasant to you among earthly 
 things, if the bright view of the Redeemer does not 
 bedim all that is created. I shall always cherish the 
 feeling of love to you, knowing that it will better pre- 
 pare me to finish my work, and to meet the Son of 
 Man, who hath power on earth to forgive sins. Here 
 is our consolation — sins like scarlet and crimson may 
 be forgiven — even we may walk in white ! 
 
 "Until my hope of your surviving this severe dis- 
 pensation is absolutely destroyed by the arrival of your 
 great change, I look for something encouraging, as 
 your days are prolonged ; but we hope faintly. Into 
 the care of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ we 
 cheerfully commit you. He loves you more than we 
 can. O ! that I could commit myself to him with 
 like ardor of confidence, that neither life nor death 
 shall separate from his love. 
 
 " If you care to spend a moment's thought about any 
 thing in the world, believe that a few persons here^ as 
 well as elsewhere, love you with a peculiar and lively 
 affection, who would gladly kneel beside your bed and 
 endeavor to alleviate your bodily sufferings, and who 
 sympathize with the other bosoms which have yielded 
 you such sweet repose in Virginia. Shall we not love 
 even our Savior more, that so many are created 
 anew in his image to love one another? May we live 
 to love one another where they never die any more. 
 
 " With a faithful affection, and a remembrance of 
 you never to cease, your unworthy brother in the hope 
 of the Gospel, 
 
 "M Bruen." 
 
416 MEMOIR OP 
 
 " As the reader has already anticipated, Mr. Tayloi 
 gradually, and from this time rapidly declined, until 
 his feeble body failed, and he went peacefully to his 
 rest. On the 29th of March, 1829, in the 2Sth year of 
 his age, at half past six o'clock, on the evening of the 
 holy Sabbath, he left the world in full assurance of a 
 blessed immortality. But we cannot give a better ac- 
 count of the closing scene, than in the language of 
 those whose privilege it was to see how this good 
 man died. 
 
 "We have just witnessed the departure of a Chris- 
 tian, of an eminent Christian, from this world of trial 
 to that of everlasting rest — the Sabbath which is eter- 
 nal in the heavens. "^ 
 
 " For a considerable time during his sickness, his 
 debility was so great that he required unremitted at- 
 tention day and night; yet they to whose lot it fell to 
 nurse him in his last hours, so far from being wearied 
 out by the labor, considered it a privilege to be near 
 him. And their testimony is, that his conversation 
 gave them more enlarged ideas than they ever had be- 
 fore of Christian experience, and a more distinct con- 
 ception of the power and preciousness of religious truth. 
 
 " From the time he came among us to the last mo- 
 ment of his life, his faith did not fail, nor even falter, 
 nor did a cloud intercept his view of heaven. It would 
 require a volume to record his various expressions of 
 love, joy, and triumph — and all the same, whether he 
 had hopes of recovery, or felt that he soon must die. 
 The full exercise of reason was granted to him until 
 the last. And when death came, although as fully 
 sensible of it as any who attended him, yet his spirit 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 417 
 
 was as calm as a ' summer evening,' and he remarked 
 that he ' had endeavored to live in such a way, that 
 when he came to die, he should have nothing to do 
 but to die.' About five minutes before his death he 
 said : ' Farewell to you all, and farewell to this earth.' 
 Then, after a short time, addressing a beloved friend 
 who was supporting him, he said with great emphasis: 
 ' Strive ! strive P His friend asked him, ' Strive to do 
 what V ' To enter into the kingdom of heaven.^ These 
 were his last words. His ruling passion was strong 
 in death : to the very last moment he wished to preach 
 the Gospel. After uttering this solemn exhortation, he 
 drew a long breath — another and another — and then, 
 without a struggle or a groan, his breast gradually 
 sunk, and he gently fell asleep in Jesus ; and took an 
 upward flight ' if ever soi^l ascended.' " 
 
 Reader, may we die the death of the righteous, and 
 may our last end* be like his. Do you reply, Amen ? 
 Then let us strive — strive to enter into the kingdom 
 of heaven; "for many, I say unto you, shall seek to 
 enter in, and shall not be able." 
 
 It may gratify the reader to see the letters which 
 give a history of the closing scene. To these shall be 
 added extracts from several communications to those 
 who collected the materials of which this little work 
 is composed. In these communications there is suf- 
 ficient proof that the religious public is indebted for 
 this compilation, not so much to the partiality of ad- 
 miring relations, as 4o a just estimate of Mr. Taylor's 
 christian character, and to a desire to do good, and to 
 magnify the grace of God. 
 
418 MEMOIR OP 
 
 The first letter is from Dr. John Holt Rice to the 
 eldest brother of the subject of this memoir. 
 
 " Uyiion Seminary^ March 29, 1829. 
 " Jly beloved Friend and Brother H . 
 
 " It devolves on me to perform a mournful office. \ 
 have a brother whom I educated for the ministry, and 
 I feel towards him as I do not toward-s any other hu- 
 man being, a sort of mingling of parental and fraternal 
 affection; and I know you will feel, when I tell you 
 that dear James is gone. 
 
 " His sufferings for some time past have been very 
 severe — not so much from pain as from excessive de- 
 bility ; this was so great, that, as you may have seen 
 from my former communications, the wonder was he 
 did not die sooner. 
 
 " Apart from natural feelings of sorrow for the loss 
 of one so beloved, and grief that the church should be 
 bereaved of so precious a young minister, there is no- 
 thing in the case of your dear brother but cause of joy 
 and thanksgiving. During his whole sickness, and 
 amidst all the changes produced by disease in his spi- 
 rits, he never had the shadow of a doubt in regard to 
 his acceptance ; his faith never failed, nor did his love 
 grow cold. In the midst of all his sickness the adversa- 
 ry was most mercifully restrained, and he enjoyed 
 the presence of his redeeming Lord. His .nffectionate 
 heart, too, retained all its kindness, and he enjoyed to 
 the last the sympathetic attentions of those who mi- 
 nistered to his wants. Dear man ! he won our love 
 most entirely. 
 
 " He was graciously permitted to exercise his rea- 
 son to the very last, and showed what was the beat 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 419 
 
 tf his mind by his dying speech : Strive ! strive ! to 
 enter into the kingdom of heaven. 
 
 " How mysterious this event! Since it has appeared 
 to me inevitable that one so prepared for the minis- 
 try, and so desirous to be useful as our dear brother 
 was, should die, the thought has often occurred to me 
 that there are services for very holy and devoted 
 men in a higher spliere, to which they are called, and 
 where they do incomparably more for the glory of the 
 divine Redeemer, and are more useful than they could 
 possibly be on earth: and while we are wondering 
 that they should be cut off, and disappoint all our hopes 
 of their usefulness, they probably do more in a day, in 
 heaven, than they could do in a lifetime in this world. 
 The Master had use for our brother above, and called 
 for him. We would have kept him here. I confess I 
 never have seen a young man whom I so much wished 
 should live. 
 
 " But why should he come here, far from home, to 
 die? On his passage to heaven, God sent him by this 
 place, that it might be seen here v/hat a young minis- 
 ter ought to be, and how a Christian can suffer and 
 die. And perhaps you have thus been permitted to do 
 more for us than could be done with money. 
 
 " Dear brother ! I sympathize with you and your af- 
 flicted relations. May the Lord Jesus Christ be Avith 
 your spirit. 
 
 " Most affectionately yours, John H. Rice." 
 
 The following letter is from Mrs. Rice to Mr. Tay* 
 lor's mother : 
 
 " Union Thco. Sem. April 3, 1829. 
 ** If I can in the least degree alleviate the sorrow of 
 
420 MEMOIR OP 
 
 the dear mother of my beloved friend, most gladly Will 
 I do it ;' and your afflicted son,* who does us the fa 
 vor of remaining awhile with us, thinks a letter from 
 me would be some comfort to you. If mingling my 
 heart with yours, and feeling all a mother's bereave 
 ment could lessen the weight of your grief, then would 
 it indeed be lightened. 
 
 " I regret exceedingly that I did not every day set 
 down all that was interesting in relation to my dear 
 happy sufferer. But much, I trust, is engraved on 
 my memory and on my heart, never to be forgotten or 
 neglected^ I have indeed been most highly privileged, 
 and am sincerely thankful to our Heavenly Father for 
 sending to my care so precious a child of his. He 
 seemed from the first to come as a blessing to me, and 
 to raise my idea of holy living and of Christian enjoy- 
 ments. He ever seemed happy, joyful, triumphant, 
 until disease wore down his animal spirits. But his 
 faith, hope, peace, never for a moment failed, but con* 
 tinned perfect to the last. I inquired shortly before he 
 left us, the state of his mind, when he replied : ' Per- 
 feci peace ; but too weak to think or talk.' When he 
 found he must die from you, he wept much, and griev- 
 ed at the thought of your sorrcrw. 'Dear father! dear 
 mother 1 what would I not do to comfort you,' he 
 would often say ; 'but my Heavenly Father is plea- 
 sed to have it so, and I love to please him.' He did 
 mdeed delight more in the love of God, and in doing 
 his will, than any one I have ever seen. He spoke of 
 his removal as if going on a foreign mission. He 
 loved to serve his Lord wherever he appointed him, 
 and hoped to be engaged in the delightful work fot 
 
 * A brother of the deceased, who was with liiru v>-hen he died. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 42J 
 
 ever. He often spoke of rest for his poor body ; but 
 his happy spirit longed to serve and please his Hea- 
 venly Father perfectly. He often spoke of seeing you 
 all soon, and of welcoming you to a better world^ 
 never more to part. He is not, my dear madam, lost 
 even to us : if we live as he did, we shall again enjoy 
 sweetintercourse with him. His words, ^ My friend 
 for eternity,^ have made a deep impression upon my 
 heart. O ! that bis mantle may rest on me and on 
 this seminary. 
 
 " My grandmother lost a daughter in the state of 
 Kentucky. To some it was matter of surprise that 
 she bore the bereavement so calmly and cheerfully. 
 She remarked, 'Heaven is not as far from me as Ken- 
 tucky. I shall soon join her. She had much to suf- 
 fer in this world ; now she is perfectly happy ; and 
 why should I grieve V 
 
 " IVly grandmother never expected to see her child 
 again had she lived, but you and your dear son did ex- 
 pect to meet again on earth, and he enjoyed much the 
 thought of introducing us to each other. But his joys 
 are now far above mortal conception. O had we but 
 a glimpse of his glory, we should adore and praise 
 the Lord, and not repine. He did not finish his 
 course among strangers, though far from home. Many 
 saw, admired, and loved him, and to me he was in- 
 expressibly dear — I may say is, for I know he still 
 exists, glorious and happy. You are the blessed mo- 
 ther of a son safe in heaven. We rejoice that on his 
 way there he called at the Seminary, and gave a new 
 impulse to holiness of life among us. He had a tedi- 
 ous, exhausting time of suffering, and I felt, for weeks? 
 as if going through the dark valley with him. Buf 
 
 3g J. B. Taybr. 
 
422 MEMOIR OF 
 
 the light of God's countenance ever shone to guide 
 and sustain him. Such a lovely spirit is rarely known 
 on earth ; and now he is gone to a more genial clime. 
 He who never errs has ordered all. 
 
 "Yours, very affectionately, A. S. R." 
 
 Of the letters received by Mr. Taylor's relations^ 
 while collecting the materials for this memoir, we in- 
 sert the following from the Rev. Frederic W. Hotch- 
 kiss : 
 
 " Sayhroolc, May 8, 1S29. 
 « Dear Sir, 
 
 " Yours of the 24th ultimo, enclosing a letter from 
 Dr. Rice, on the death of your brother, my very dear 
 friend in Christ, is now before me, moving on the 
 deep feelings of my heart, and awakening some of the 
 tenderest recollections of my life. I had seen the obi- 
 tuary notice, and the just and very appropriate remarks 
 on his Christian character and peaceful departure; 
 and after a short indulgence to the affectionate re- 
 membrance, while dwelling on the dear name, we re- 
 sorted to his letters to hold converse with that sainted 
 spirit, 'who being dead yet speaketh.' These letters 
 will, according to your request, be transmitted by the 
 first friendly conveyance we can find. You will per- 
 ceive they are a little sullied by the hands of many 
 readers, but they will not be the less appreciated be- 
 cause much used and often read. 
 
 " Our first interview with your brother was in my 
 house, presenting me a letter of introduction from a 
 reverend friend in the vicinity. There is a feature, a 
 voice, a language, in a deep feeling Christian, which 
 we sometimes think is too evident to be mistaken. 
 
JAMES BRAIN ERD TAYLOR. 423 
 
 There was a religious sympathy then pervading our 
 hearts, which was ardently reciprocated on his part. 
 We felt as if we had found a dear christian brother, 
 and our hearts burned within us, and we never for a 
 moment in our future acquaintance had reason to 
 think or feel differently. It was a season of deep 
 feeling among my people, and in my family too, when 
 our intercourse commenced ; and in a very short time 
 he seemed as a son and a brother in the best bonds ; 
 and thus we ever esteemed him. Frequently he visit- 
 ed us, and always he labored, and prayed, and exhort- 
 ed among my people while with us, and will never 
 be forgotten as one all devoted to the cause of lifting 
 up souls to heaven. To how many he may have been 
 a sweet savor of life I know not ; but I do believe his 
 heavenly example, ardent prayers, and impressive 
 conversation, were blessed to the conversion of some 
 very near to me ; and who will one day, I believe, 
 meet him in heaven, and hail him as Christ's chosen 
 instrument of their eternal good. 
 
 " To spend and to be spent in the service of Christ 
 and for the salvation of souls was his all in all. Of- 
 ten would he say, 'None but Christ: all for Christ.' 
 
 "He died as he lived, in the triumphs of that faith 
 which could say, ' Lord, when, where, and how thou 
 wilt.' ' Thy holy will, and thy whole will be done.' 
 We lose the benefit of his life, but let us not lose the 
 benefit of his death. His name is embalmed in the 
 memory of many surviving friends ; and while the re- 
 membrance is precious, may we learn to be followers 
 of him who through faith and patience inherits the 
 promises. 
 
424 MEMOIR OP 
 
 "With sympathy and reciprocated prayers, yont 
 friend and servant, 
 
 " Frederic W. Hotchkiss." 
 
 Another minister of Christ, in forwarding some let- 
 ters which he had received from Mr. Taylor, said : "I 
 am rejoiced that you think of collecting his remains. 
 It must do good — it cannot be otherwise." A third 
 writes : "I am much pleased that a Memoir of James 
 is to be written. I think it will be instrumental of 
 great good. I never was acquainted with one of whose 
 piety I had a more exalted opinion." A fourth says : 
 " Your excellent brother came to my house when there 
 was a powerful religious excitement among my peo- 
 ple, and spent two weeks in animating professed 
 Christians to greater efforts, and more humble and 
 fervent prayer that they might grow in grace, and 
 make greater attainments in the knowledge of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ ; and in laboring for the conversion 
 of sinners. I have no doubt he will find some among 
 my people who will be his joy and crown of rejoicing 
 throughout eternity : and I am happy in the belief that 
 some of my church will wear a brighter crown of 
 glory than they would have done, if your brother had 
 never come among them. I will only add, that we all 
 loved and esteemed him as a faithful brother in Christ." 
 
 Another pious and devoted friend, who was long 
 and intimately acquainted with the departed saint, 
 wrote : " I would beg leave to observe, that I think 
 the lives of but few, if faithfully recorded, are calcu- 
 lated, on the whole, to do much good to the religious 
 world; though they may have some valuable traits, 
 and it may be very gratifying to their surviving 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 425 
 
 friends, yet the multiplication of such works has a ten- 
 dency to weaken the force of those that are truly ex- 
 cellent. I would not therefore encourage the publica • 
 tion of the memoirs of any departed friend, unless hig 
 life had been very uncommon and calculated to ele- 
 vate the standard of piety and usefulness. That of 
 our dear departed friend, I think, was exactly of 
 this kindP 
 
 We do not desire to multiply these testimonies to a 
 wearisome length, and shall therefore conclude with 
 short extracts from three others, from the most respect- 
 able sources. The first is a letter from a man who 
 had enjoyed Mr. Taylor's society often, and his friend- 
 ship for several years, and had as ample opportu- 
 nity to know him thoroughly as most of those who 
 have given their testimony concerning him : 
 
 " It will give my wife and myself sincere pleasure 
 to contribute, in any way we can, towards the intend- 
 ed Memoir, to render it as full and interesting as it 
 should be. 
 
 " To place his character before the reader in all its 
 variety of excellence, we think, will be no easy mat- 
 ter. To have any thing like a just impression of him 
 as he really was in life, would require that intimate 
 knowledge of him which we were privileged to enjoy. 
 We can say that we never met with such sweetness 
 of disposition, such a noble contempt of earthly things, 
 such heavenly-mindedness, such entire devotion of 
 the whole being to his God and Savior, such earnest 
 desire to promote his Master's cause, in bringing all 
 within the sphere of his influence to the knowledge 
 of the truth ; and, united with all this, a form and 
 36* 
 
426 MEMOIR OF 
 
 manners of such peculiar loveliness and grace, and a 
 beauty and consistency of character, such as, to our 
 mind, made him a more perfect model than we* had 
 ever known. 
 
 " We believe there are those here, as well as in 
 every place where he sojourned on earth, that feel they 
 are under obligations to him which can never cease 
 to bind them." 
 
 The second is from a clergyman, in which we find 
 this passage : " James B. Taylor labored with me five 
 or six weeks, during a revival in T , in which be- 
 tween twenty and thirty souls were hopefully convert- 
 ed. During that time I was led to observe the man- 
 ner and spirit of his conversation with young people 
 on religious subjects. How winning and affectionate ! 
 He could speak of the fearful looking for of judgment 
 and fiery indignation, without creating any antipathy 
 to himself. Sinners were won by his sweet voice 
 and christian courtesy whilst they trembled for their 
 souls and felt the necessity of repentance. His words 
 were all for his divine Master. I never knew him 
 trifle : he allowed himself indeed no relaxation whilst 
 here. He labored till he was obliged, through fatigue 
 and weakness, to desist ; and then his only wish was 
 to recruit, that he might renew his efforts in the ser- 
 vice of his Redeemer. Could ministers be found as 
 unremitting and ardent as he was, few, where the Gos- 
 pel is preached, would be left without convictions at 
 least, if not hopefully converted, through such instru- 
 mentality." 
 
 The last is from the Rev. Dr. Miller, of the Theo- 
 logical Seminary at Princeton. "I do hope," says 
 Dr. M. " that the Memorial of this beloved and ex- 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 427 
 
 celient youth which you propose to have erected, will 
 be long a useful monument for candidates for the holy 
 ministry. If his heavenly spirit should be held forth 
 as it ought to be, it cannot fail to benefit the sons of 
 the church, who are looking forward to that sacred 
 office. 
 
 " I have a growing conviction that we need nothing 
 in our rising ministry more than deep scriptural spiri- 
 tuality. If we had larger measures of that ardent 
 thirst for the eternal welfare of our fellow-men, a 
 more inextinguishable desire to win souls to Christ, 
 such as our devoted brother had, it would be a pledge 
 of brighter days for our American Zion." 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In bringing to a close this work, valuable to the 
 compiler at least, it may be useful briefly to survey 
 the character of Mr. Taylor in the relations which 
 he sustained, and in the several situations in which he 
 was placed by the providence of God, that the force 
 of his example may be concentrated, and its impres- 
 sions received by those who may sustain the like re- 
 lations and be in pursuit of the same objects. 
 
 1. Then let him be contemplated as a Christian , 
 and in this contemplation let it be recollected, that 
 very early after his conversion he adopted the resolu- 
 tion to become an uncommon Christian. 
 
 This resolution, deliberately formed, and with full 
 persuasion of its practicability, seems to have been 
 acted on with remarkable consistency and persever- 
 
428 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ance and with that decision of character, without 
 which nothing of moment can ever be accomplished. 
 And in order to its fulfillment, he betook himself to the 
 Bible with the docility of a little child, and with 
 strong confidence in the faithfulness of God. Believ- 
 ing that "the life of God in the soul of man" has its 
 infancy and its growth to maturity j and that what- 
 ever attainments may have been made, the promises of 
 God and the fullness of grace that is in Christ Jesus 
 warrant the expectation of still higher attainments, — 
 Mr. Taylor, with the most commendable diligence, 
 used the means by which alone such expectations can 
 be realized. With constancy he searched the Scrip- 
 tures — not for subjects of speculation — not as a mere 
 intellectual exercise — but with a strong desire to as- 
 certain what affections ought to be cherished, and 
 what duties performed. In the Bible, as in a mirror, 
 he looked at himself j and in the light of the Bible he 
 contemplated every object that claimed his attention 
 or solicited his affections. He was indeed a Bible 
 Christian. Perhaps no one ever more implicitly sub- 
 jected his v/hole being to the inspired word. 
 
 Regarding the promises as sure, he desired and 
 sought with irrepressible ardor those divine communi- 
 cations which the Lord Jesus vouchsafes to his fol- 
 lowers in measures proportioned to the strength of 
 their faith, the fervor of their prayers, and their faith- 
 fulness in duty. He believed it to be the privilege of 
 the saints to live in the light of the divine counte- 
 nance. And whenever, through inadvertence, or the 
 rising of sinful thoughts, or the movement of irregu- 
 lar desires, or the neglect of duty, a cloud came over 
 his soul, he ceased not to humble himself, to mourn 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 42S 
 
 iu secret places, to wrestle, and even agonize in 
 prayer, until the joy of God's salvation was restored 
 and the comforts of the Holy Ghost were again afford- 
 ed. And when in uninterrupted communion with 
 God, he did not, as is to(j often the case, rest satisfied, 
 but his neart still panted for more grace, more light, 
 and faith, and love — more of every thing that might 
 elevate his piety and increase his moral power. Nor 
 did Mr. Taylor's religion expend itself in the raptures 
 of devotion or in the delights of heavenly contempla- 
 tion. Its sweet savor was manifested in all the rela- 
 tions he sustained. 
 
 Perhaps few persons have ever discovered more of 
 filial piety or fraternal love. And while these aff'ec- 
 tions flowed out in all his correspondence, and in all 
 his intercourse with his family, and in all respects 
 were tempered and sweetened by his religion, yet, ve- 
 neration for his parents and respect for the senior mem- 
 bers of the household never for a moment restrained 
 him from urging upon them the paramount claims of 
 his Master, but always in a manner most earnest, ten- 
 der, and respectful. 
 
 Nor did he content himself with efforts to augment 
 the piety of those to whom he was bound by the ties 
 of nature. In all his intercourse with the saints, and 
 in his voluminous correspondence with Christian 
 friends, his constant aim was, either by testifying of 
 the grace of God to himself, or by direct exhortations 
 to stimulate them also to become uncommon Chris- 
 tians. " Set your standard high," was his frequent 
 c'narge — " There remains yet very much land to be 
 possessed." 
 
 The abiding conviction upon Mr, Taylor's mind, 
 
430 MEMOIR OF ' 
 
 (and certainly it accorded with truth,) was, that 
 Christians generally live far below their privileges. 
 And to this cause he attributed much of their ineffi- 
 ciency in promoting the interests of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom. 
 
 It is indeed a lamentation, and shall be for a lamen- 
 tation, that the church is paralyzed for the want of 
 that vigor of life, which is within the reach of all in 
 whom the principle of vitality has been implanted by 
 the Holy Ghost. This evil Mr. Taylor saw and felt ; 
 and while he resolved that, by the grace of God, it 
 should not exist in his own case, against it he talked 
 and wrote, prayed and lived ; and not without some 
 encouraging success. 
 
 His Christian character was a beautiful whole — not 
 indeed absolutely perfect — to this he made no preten- 
 tions — yet as near the fair proportions in which it is 
 drawn in the word of God as can almost ever be 
 found in this imperfect state. And in this respect his 
 example is most worthy of imitation. 
 
 It is indeed melancholy to observe how frequently 
 the fair form of Christianity appears in an aspect so 
 forbidding as rather to repel than allure the multitude, 
 who have no knoAvledge of her but what they derive 
 , from the spirit, conversation, and conduct of her pro- 
 fessed friends. As exhibited by some, she appears in 
 the form of a cold and heartless orthodoxy, with a 
 head filled Avith notions which have no influence in 
 refining the aff"ections or regulating the practice. In 
 others, with an eye of fire and a tongue sharpened 
 with bitter words, ready to denounce all who are not 
 actuated by the same burning zeal — a zeal unmitiga- 
 ted by the meekness of heavenly wisdom. In others 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 431 
 
 Rgain, she appears all deformed with passion — all 
 ecstasy in the religious assembly — all tenderness in 
 the hour of excitement — but in the world, morose, 
 sensorious, proud, selfish, and dogmatical. 
 
 Such was not the religion of James B. Taylor. 
 His faith worked by love, purified the heart, and 
 overcame the world. His was the wisdom that comes 
 from above — first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and 
 easy to be entreated ; full of mercy and good fruits, 
 without partiality and without hypocrisy ; and ever 
 brought forth the fruits of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, 
 long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, fidelity, meek- 
 ness, temperance. 
 
 But there were some traits in this lovely character 
 which ought to be noticed with more distinctness, 
 not only because of their beauty, but because there is 
 a deplorable deficiency in most of those who bear the 
 name of Christ, and in some measure possess the 
 mind that was in him. These were spirituality and 
 humility : the latter resulting, as it always does in 
 man sanctified but in part, from the former. "His 
 spirituality," says Dr. M., in a letter from which an 
 extract has been already made, " was so uniform, that 
 we had only, as it were, one face, and that of intense 
 brightness, to behold." Spirituality is the habit of a 
 soul illuminated by the truth, and sanctified, throug-h 
 that truth, by the Spirit of God. Such an one employs 
 his thoughts and exercises his affections with facility 
 and with lively interest on spiritual objects. He sets 
 the Lord always before him, apprehends the law of 
 God in its cognizance of the inner man, and feels and 
 acts under a sense of its obligations. Jesus Christ is 
 present by the Spirit with his heart, is seen in hia 
 
432 MEMOIR OP 
 
 beauty, is submitted to in his authority, and is aTofltf 
 trusted for salvation, and loved as " the chiefest among 
 ten thousand." 
 
 No one can read the letters and journal of James B. 
 Taylor, and not perceive that spiritual things were 
 the very element of his soul ; — of them he thought, 
 and wrote, and talked ; and, in all situations, he acted 
 in reference to them and under their influence. 
 
 One effect of this gracious habit of mind was hu- 
 mility, without which there can be no genuine religion. 
 Jesus Christ was meek and lowly in heart, and no one 
 can have learned of him without imbibing some 
 measure of this excellent grace. Without it there may 
 be ardor in religion; and then will be seen, acted out. 
 if not heard, the cry, " Come, see my zeal for the Lord 
 of hosts." And in this day of excitement, when eve- 
 ry thing must be done with strong feeling and vigor- 
 ous action, it is painful to observe how much, that 
 commends itself to the spirit of the age. is either sadly 
 deficient, or wholly destitute of the brightest glory of 
 the religion of a sinner saved by grace. 
 
 He is an humble man who forms a just estimate of 
 his own character, as he weighs himself in the ba- 
 lance of the sanctuary, and feels aright the force of 
 his own judgment of himself. He compares himself, 
 not with those around him, whom he may think or see 
 to be less perfect than himself, but with the law of God, 
 and with the holy example of Jesus, which is the 
 law practically exhibited for the imitation of his fol- 
 lowersr 
 
 That James B. Taylor was distinguished by his hu- 
 mility cannot be questioned. Living as he did, every 
 day, in the presence of God, realized and felt j and^ 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 433 
 
 looking at himself habitually, in the light of God's 
 truth and holiness, he saw, as in a polished mirror, the 
 defects in his own character, and took cheerfully his 
 place in the dust. At those seasons when he enjoyed 
 most of the divine presence, and the brightest mani- 
 festations of the glory of God, we always find him 
 taking the lowest place, and like Job, saying, " I have 
 heard of thee by the hearing of the ear 5 but now mine 
 eye seeth thee : wherefore I abhor myself, and re- 
 pent in dust and ashes." But not only did his humility 
 show itself in his communion with God, but in his 
 intercourse with men. He was ever ready to render 
 honor to whom honor is due, so that when those of 
 age and experience would interpose to temper his ar- 
 dor and to regulate his course, he would respectfully 
 and meekly hear, and seriously consider ; and if their 
 counsel commended itself to his understanding and 
 his conscience, he would cheerfully yield, and that too, 
 when compliance was tasked with the most painful 
 self-denial : and if, in the impetuosity of his feelings, 
 he had taken his course, he would, on conviction of 
 his mistake, promptly retrace his steps with ingenuous 
 confession of his error. Nor did he, as far as appears, 
 ever treat any one with that contempt or even disre- 
 spect which is the offspring of pride. His sense of 
 propriety and his humility seemed ever to restrain him 
 from rudely denouncing those whose zeal and devoted- 
 ness were apparently less than his own. 
 
 Very nearly allied to humility is gentleness j a Chris- 
 tian grace, an ornament, which gives softness and 
 loveliness to all the rest. In this our dear Christian 
 brother so excelled, that none feared him, none were 
 repelled from him, and he found easy access to the 
 
 37 J. B. Taylor. 
 
434 MEMOIR OP 
 
 hearts even of those who would otherwise avoid his 
 company from hatred to his holiness. 
 
 The attentive reader has doubtless already observed 
 that the great means by which Mr. Taylor made such 
 distinguished attainments in piety, were the Bible, as 
 noticed before, and the throne of grace. He was re- 
 markably a man of prayer. In secret devotions he 
 had his consecrated place and his fixed time ; nor 
 would he allow any thing to interfere with this arrange- 
 ment. And as he did himself, so he exhorted others to 
 do: " Have a fixed place and time for devotion." 
 
 2. Let us contemplate this eminent saint in his 
 coNnucT AS A STDDENT J and in this, perhaps, as much as 
 in any other respect, he has left an instructive example. 
 
 Too often the complaint has been made — and often- 
 er the efiect has been seen and lamented — that an aca- 
 demical collegiate life has damped the ardor of piety, 
 or greatly diminished its power. Indeed the impres- 
 sion has been deep and disastrous, that this is the 
 necessary effect of a course of study in our public 
 literary institutions. Such have been the facts, as to 
 create a prejudice in many pious minds against a col- 
 lege education. The incorrectness of this impression, 
 capable, a priori, of being proved, has been practically 
 demonstrated by the Christian student whose course 
 we are reviewing. 
 
 Mr. Taylor, aware of the existence and of the bad 
 eff'ects of this notion, entered upon his course of studies 
 with his resolution fixed and his rules adopted; by a 
 strict adherence to which he was effectually secured 
 against the influence of that esprit du corps, and those 
 unholy associations, which have so often and so sadly 
 impaired the strength of piety in those who had gone 
 before him. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 435 
 
 Upon entering college, he resolved to perform his 
 duties in the following order: 
 
 1. Take care of the soul. 
 
 2. Take care of the body. 
 
 3. Take care of his studies. 
 
 By observing this order — giving to reading the Bible 
 and prayer a due portion of time, and alvsrays seeking 
 until he enjoyed communion with heaven, he ever kept 
 alive the flame of love ; so that, at the close of his col- 
 legiate course of studies, he said to a friend, "I have, 
 while in college, enjoyed much of the presence of God. 
 The years I have spent in Nassau Hall will long be 
 remembered as sweet seasons of communion with the 
 Holy Ghost, and of special manifestations of the love 
 of God." 
 
 And as to the second rule, his conduct was wise 
 and exemplary. Too often, young men, ardent in their 
 thirst for knowledge, or in haste to get into the field 
 of action, or oppressed with the languor consequent 
 upon mental labor and sedentary life, so neglect that 
 regular exercise which is essential to health, that they 
 come out unfit for service, or go down to an early 
 grave. 
 
 On this interesting topic it is obvious to remark, that 
 man is a compound being — that he is made up of an 
 animal, intellectual, and moral nature, neither of which 
 can be neglected with impunity. In all these respects 
 food and exercise must be supplied regularly, and in 
 proper kind and measure, or a weak and sickly habit 
 will be induced, destructive both of happiness and 
 usefulness. 
 
 With this natural constitution, and the sure con- 
 sequences of neglecting it full in view, is it not utter- 
 
436 MEMOIR OP 
 
 ly astonishing that in so few of our literary institutions 
 provision is made for that physical education so essen- 
 tial to the wel] being of the animal nature ? And is 
 it not more surprising still, that men professing to be 
 philosophers should endeavor to exclude from our 
 schools that moral training — that religious culture^ 
 without which no man will ever act well his part in 
 those relations for which education is designed to pre- 
 pare him ? 
 
 It is true, that, in the inscrutable providence of God 
 Mr. Taylor's health began to fail just after the com- 
 pletion of his college education, so that he was not 
 permitted to enjoy the high satisfaction which he so 
 ardently desired in preaching the Gospel. But still it 
 is worthy to be remembered, that to the end of the 
 course he enjoyed good health. Nor did his studies 
 suffer at all by a rigid adherence to his rules. 
 
 3. But as a candidate for the ministry, his conduct, 
 though not pretended to be perfect, is above all praise. 
 
 For religion's sake ; for the sake of the holy name by 
 which he was called; for the joy of the Lord which 
 was his strength ; he sought for and made great attain- 
 ments in the divine life : but never did he seem to lose 
 sight of the influence which his piety would have upon 
 his ministerial character and usefulness. To be very 
 "holy and wise " was the burden of his prayers. Holy 
 and wise, that he might win souls to Jesus Christ, in 
 all his ways please the Lord, and be fully prepared for 
 the purity and blessedness of heaven. 
 
 No one could more fully recognize the dependence of 
 man upon the grace of God thaL did Mr. Taylor. In his 
 prayers, letters, diary, and conversation, he acknow- 
 ledged the necessity of the Spirit's influences. He 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 437 
 
 not only believed, but gloried in the doctrine of divine 
 sovereignty ; yet he never once entertained the perni- 
 cious notion that these truths could either excuse inac- 
 tivity, or lessen responsibility, or diminish the impor- 
 tance of employing means adapted to the end to be 
 accomplished in the Gospel economy. God has indeed 
 most wisely fited the means to the end, both in the 
 kingdom of nature and that of grace, leaving in both 
 ample scope for the exercise of all the skill and dili- 
 gence that man can use to bring to pass his benevo- 
 lent and gracious purposes. 
 
 Under the cherished impression of this divine ar- 
 rangement, Mr. Taylor seemed constantly to live — 
 and, with the conviction that holiness in the ministry 
 afforded the best ground of hope, under God, of suc- 
 cess, he with all earnestness, and perseverance, and 
 self-denial, sought to become, and did become, emi- 
 nently holy. Would to God that all who bear the 
 sacred office were like-minded — that all who aspire to 
 this office could be persuaded to walk as James B. 
 Taylor walked, with God. 
 
 Next to personal holiness, Mr. Taylor desired to be 
 " mighty in the Scriptures" not only that he might be 
 sanctified through the truth, but that he might draw 
 thence things new and old, giving to every one a por- 
 tion suited to his condition. "O to be mighty in the 
 Scriptures," was his frequent petition at the throne of 
 grace. And to this end he submitted himself to the 
 usual course of mental discipline. He desired not lite- 
 rary fame, nor the honor that comes from men. It 
 was the Bible he was to expound — its doctrines he 
 was to preach — its precepts to inculcate — the whole 
 counsel of God, as therein revealed, he was to de- 
 37* 
 
438 MEMOIR OP 
 
 dare. And therefore, to a right understanding of the 
 Bible he resolutely determined to devote all his attain- 
 ments. And although, in the ardor of his zeal lo 
 enter upon the great work for which he longed so ear- 
 nestly, he wavered for a little season, as to the neces- 
 sity of all that culture which in most cases is wisely 
 required ; yet, having corrected this error of judgment, 
 no man more deeply felt the importance of full "pre- 
 paration." For this he both labored industriously and 
 prayed most earnestly. 
 
 In addition to Mr. Taylor's persevering and suc- 
 cessful efforts to increase in piety and in knowledge 
 of the word of God, he deserves to be remembered and 
 imitated in his intercourse with his fellow-men. Al- 
 ways affable and obliging — noted for a deportment, 
 the result of enlarged and active benevolence ; exceed- 
 ingly social in his feelings, and polite and graceful in 
 his manners ; yet he conscientiously avoided an intima- 
 cy with those whose society neither promised benefit, 
 nor afforded opportunities of usefulness ; but with the 
 saints, the excellent of the earth, was his delight ; and 
 the more spiritual any one appeared to be, the more did 
 he seek and enjoy communion with him. And here 
 it mattered nothing with Mr, Taylor what was the 
 condition or the color of the saint. In every one who 
 showed the heart of a true disciple he recognized a bro- 
 ther or sister, and rejoiced to be an instrument in minis- 
 tering to the edification and consolation of all those 
 who loved the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. To this 
 end he visited the sick — conversed with professors — 
 wrote letters — held meetings for exhortation and pray- 
 er, and used all the means he could employ to build 
 up the kingdom of Christ in the hearts of his subjects. 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 439 
 
 And while Mr. Taylor thus labored and prayed to 
 promote growth in grace in the church, the burden of 
 his prayers and labors was for the conversion oj 
 souls. He had consecrated himself to the service of 
 the Lord, the glory of his name, and the advance- 
 ment of his cause. And not only in his intercourse 
 and correspondence with his fellow-men did he endea- 
 vor to strengthen the interests of piety in those who 
 were under its influence, but by all means, if possible, 
 to gain some from the ranks of the enemy. Actuated 
 by this zeal for the divine glory, and compassion for 
 perishing sinners, he sought and seized every opportu- 
 nity to beseech men, in Christ's stead, to be recon- 
 ciled to God. This he did in his private intercourse — 
 in the family circle ; and, with the sanction of pastors 
 and other ministers, in many churches, and with un- 
 common acceptance and success. So that while pursu- 
 ing his studies, he was made the instrument of bring- 
 ing, perhaps, more persons to the knowledge of the 
 truth, as it is in Jesus, than others have done in the min- 
 istrations of many years. During his sickness many 
 letters came to him, expressive of the most devoted 
 attachment, and reminding him of the blessing which 
 had, in several places, attended his labors of love. 
 His object was not wealth nor fame, but souls — souls; 
 his constant cry was, "Give me souls!" 
 
 There is one further particular which, it has occur- 
 red to us, may be introduced with some advantage to 
 students of theology. Many of Mr. Taylor's correspon- 
 dents were young females — and in his labors he must 
 often have come in contact with persons of this de- 
 scription calculated to awaken tender emotions; yet in 
 all his letters, and in all his diary, there is no evidence 
 
440 MEMOIR OF 
 
 that he ever approached that entangling, and often em- 
 barrassing alliance, which so often impedes the pro- 
 gress of students, and too frequently presses as an in- 
 cubus upon all their after-life and labors. 
 
 On the contrary, we find in his diary a passage 
 already quoted, which shall here be cited again : " Not 
 knowing what the Lord has for me to do, I am kept 
 from what, perhaps, would be as pleasant to me as to 
 another; and at which some have been led to wonder. 
 Some may think me stoically indifferent to the con- 
 nubial state : but this restrains me from taking any 
 steps in that matter — I fear to act 'prematurely. When 
 it is clearly one's duty to seek such a connection, will 
 not a prudent wife come from the Lord ? I wish 
 that ministers would see well to it, that they obtain in 
 their companions an increase of power to help on with 
 their work." 
 
 The importance of the marriage relation, as a source 
 of happiness or misery, is perfectly obvious. Bui this 
 matter, as it bears upon the character and usefulness of 
 a minister of the Gospel, is beyond all computation. 
 None who has not had experience, or made observa- 
 tion on this subject, can tell how much a minister's 
 standing may be afiected, how much his work may be 
 promoted or hindered, by the character and deportment 
 of his wife. 
 
 How inconsiderate! how unwise the conduct of 
 many young men, and young ministers perhaps yet 
 pursuing their preparatory studies, who hav'e no home 
 nor field of labor — often no patrimony ; who " know 
 not what the Lord has for them to do ;" who have not 
 finished their theological course. Let those who 
 aspire to this high calling learn wisdom from the folly 
 
JAMES BRAINERD TAYLOR. 441 
 
 of many of their brethren who have gone before them, 
 and " fear to act prematurely.''^ 
 
 We close by quoting from the obituary notice pub- 
 lished soon after his decease, — what, in substance, has 
 been said before : 
 
 " Mr. Taylor was a young man admirably fitted to 
 be useful in the ministry. To a tine person, a pleasant 
 countenance, expressive of the benevolence of his soul, 
 a sweet, yet powerful voice, and a cultivated mind, 
 he added piety, humility, zeal, and devotedness to his 
 profession, such as are rarely ever observed united in 
 one individual. 
 
 " How mysterious ! that in the present urgent wants 
 of the church, one so gifted and qualified should be 
 cut down just after he became ready to enter the pul- 
 pit. But perhaps he was called for to perform higher 
 services for his Master in the church triumphant than 
 can be rendered by mortal man in this militant state. 
 And we shall see hereafter, that all things in regard 
 to him were ordered well by that Lord and Savior 
 to whom he had consecrated himself in soul, body 
 and spirit, for time and eternity." Amen. 
 
 THE END.