. — ^l/, B A 1Z ,bO. -£XJ£ ,.L..4-..X3:.... HpaAyl ty/if <~=A&> UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. . (>J PIETY HUMBLE LIFE: MEMOIR OF MR. ANDREW LEE, A BELOVED SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHER AND SUPERINTENDENT. k m BY REV. OLIVER AV TAYLOR. u Written for the Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, and Revised by the Committee of Publication. . BOSTON: MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, Depository No. 13 Cornhill. 1844. 4 \ r. « ♦ '•,.'.»/ <*,*«««-*" BX7*k& 4-73 =•*■•■ 4 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1844, By C. C. DEAN, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts. I INTRODUCTION The following work contains the memoir of a be- loved Sabbath school teacher and superintendent, of this place ; and was written by request. His friends esteemed him so highly while living, that they wished to have some little monument erected to his memory, by which, though dead, he might still continue to speak. The materials of which it is composed, have been drawn from a variety of sources, — my own in- tercourse with him ; his own diary and letters, in connection with those of an intimate friend ; different accounts of revivals in the place ; and especially, from the various recollections of him abroad among us. Mr. Lee was a plain, unlettered man, mostly con- fined to his occupation, — the business of a common shoemaker, — for the support of his family. Of course , it will not be supposed that I always give his thoughts in his own literal expressions. His friends will miss some of his peculiarities and perhaps not a little of his pungency. The essential truth is the only thing which they must look for here. My object has been to present the reader with a delineation true to na- IV INTRODUCTION. ture, — to lay before him the thoughts and glowing feelings of the man, — in a word, to make him ac- quainted with his heart and soul. On the facts I bring forward, as also the light in which I present them, he may confidently rely. To the church of which he was so long an ornament, and for which it is my hap- piness to labor, the work is dedicated by one who feels that he bears their spiritual interests continually on his heart. I will only add, that notwithstanding the late period at which the work comes from the press, it was written out nearly two years since, or when the subject was fresh in my mind. Manchester , Nov., 1844. toft MEMOIR CHAPTER I. PROM HIS BIRTH TO HIS CONVERSION. Mr. Andrew Lee was born in Manches- ter, Mass., Sept. 1st, 1790. When only six years of age, he lost his father at sea. His mother professed herself a Universalist, un- til a revival under the Rev. Mr. Thurston, in 1809 — 10, when she was hopefully con- verted to God. Andrew was an amiable child, and evi- dently of a thoughtful and reflective turn. The first serious impressions, however, of any note, he remembers to have had, were, when he was in the ninth year of his age. A schoolmate had been taken sick, of the throat distemper, and running, in recess, un- der the window of the house where his friend 1# D MEMOIR OF lay, to ascertain how he did, he heard the people within say, "He's gone." This took a strong hold of his feelings, and awakened him to a sense of his own condi- tion. " Even at that age," says he, "I felt I was a sinner, and by no means prepared to die. Nor did God give me up again im- mediately to hardness of heart. For a long time, I visited the grave of my friend, every week, — walking around it and weeping over it. The impressions of his death followed after me for years. Especially would it come up when I was alone, and in the night." When he was in the tenth or eleventh year of his age, another circumstance oc- curred, to which, though of a childish na- ture, he regarded himself as especially indebted for the early formation of some parts of his moral character. Two boys compelled him to steal a birch pole with a piece of twine about three yards long, and a pin fish-hook at the end of it ; as also a hoop that had come off a hogshead; the ANDREW LEE. 7 whole of which was not worth more than a cent. " If you do not steal them for us," said they to him, "we will flog you!" Being afraid of them, he committed the theft, and received from them the hoop as the reward of his labor. " Soon afterwards, however," says he, "they turned king's evidences, and informed against me ; in con- sequence of which I was brought to trial. The owner acted as judge in the case, and decided that I should be flogged, or else should cut up half a cord of wood. In or- der to escape the flogging, I agreed to the latter condition. The wood was very dry and hard ; the axe too I had to use, was very dull; while the only time I had to work on it was in the intermissions of the school, and what leisure I could get from helping my mother. It required at least half a day to cut off a single log. I had to work on this wood all the summer long, and while I was chopping, the owner would come out occasionally and talk to me on the wickedness of stealing. It was rendered 8 MEMOIR OF a most solemn lesson to me. I never dared, after this, to take so much as a feather that did not belong to me. Whenever tempted to do so, I seemed to hear some one crying in my ears, ' Remember the wood, remember the wood.' " In the revival of 1809-10, great numbers were brought to receive Christ and rejoice in his love. " Among these," says Mr. Lee, u were many of my associates. Nor did the Lord forget me. My attention was again called up. I had deep convictions, and was brought to see myself miserable and undone. A load of sin and guilt pressed upon me, and weighed me down to the earth. My proud heart, however, still re- fused to bow to the Saviour. I listened to false doctrines, and grieved away the Holy Spirit. " Just as I was upon the point of giving all up to God, the devil employed a preacher of his own to inveigle me astray. There came into the shop where I was learning my trade, one who professed to be a kind ANDREW LEE. 9 of Universalis!, who introduced his favorite religious topic, and argued that all would be saved. He spoke very lightly of convic- tion and conversion, representing the reli- gious feelings then prevalent, as all, the result merely of excitement from preaching up hell-fire. He also went on to describe true religion, according to his ideas of it, — dwelling on the love of God, and declaring Christ died for all men without exception, and would save all. He was abetted in what he said by my master, who was also present, and entertained similar views. Nor did he stop here, he gave me tracts oc- casionally, on the subject, for my perusal. "My mind was, at this time, in exactly the state for such doctrine. Accordingly I listened to the preaching of the adversary's emissary, " Thou shalt not surely die." It was not easy, indeed, to shake off my con- victions. They followed me for seven or eight months. The Spirit seemed very loth to give me up. Soon, however, I began to take up with the forms of religion, while I 10 MEMOIR OF denied the power thereof. I studied my Bible very much, to get proof that all would be saved; and obtain an assurance that Christ died for one class of persons as well as another. I grew very fond of contro- versy, and loved to engage people in argu- mentation and discussion upon my favorite topic. "I led a strictly moral life, — never quar- reling with any one, nor using any bad language, nor even taking so much as a pin's point that was not my own. I lived at peace with all men. I dealt justly with all, and loved mercy. I aimed to do all the good I could. I prayed occasionally in se- cret, and derived a kind of pleasure, a meas- ure of internal calmness and peace from the performance of my religious duties ; and if, at any time, my sins arose before me, I looked back upon myself, after all, with satisfaction, when compared with others, whom I regarded as great sinners ; and thus found my conscience soothed of its disqui- etude. On the whole, I thought I had done ANDREW LEE. 11 every thing God demanded. I felt grateful to him for his goodness to me, and, at length, became confident that I loved him." In essentially this course, Mr. Lee went on for years, constantly trying to persuade himself that every thing would come out well with him at last. It all, however, would not answer the purpose. " I could never, after all," says he, " en- tirely get rid of the impression there was much wrong within me, — that something was still wanting which I did not possess. I was never quite at ease, unless engaged in controversy. Personal religion I greatly disliked. Direct appeals to the heart, I could not bear ; they struck me dumb. I should also have been ashamed to pray in public, notwithstanding I prayed occasion- ally in secret. At night, and when alone, I was full of fear. In particular, I trembled at the thought of a future retribution, and knew not how to dispose of what is said in the Bible, about a second death. There was, at times, a dreadful sound in my ears, 12 MEMOIR OF a certain fearful looking for, of that judg- ment and fiery indignation which shall de- vour the adversaries." In 1813, Mr. Lee was married to a Miss Fanny Babcock, then nineteen years of age. At this time, she had been a professor of religion, for several years. Of course, they differed from each other in their reli- gious views. The marriage, however, proved a happy one, notwithstanding, and salutary to Mr. Lee, in its bearings upon his spiritual interests,— being rendered the means of keeping the subject of true religion before him during the period just referred to, and gradually preparing him for the great change which he ultimately experi- enced. The influence which his wife exerted upon him, was usually indirect. Some- times, indeed, she would talk with him on the subject, appealing immediately to his heart. Knowing, however, his fondness for controversy, and finding that it only made him worse, she gradually learned to ANDREW LEE. 13 avoid all direct communications with him, of this kind, and chose a less obtrusive and suspicious mode of procedure. " She would select," says he, " particular chapters of the Bible, and tell me what im- pressions they made upon her own mind ; especially would she do this, in respect to her favorite hymns. The books too, and also the tracts which she was reading, fell, from time to time, in my way; so that I was constantly brought in contact with the current of her own religious thoughts and emotions. There was one thing which she did, in particular, that took a strong hold upon me. For nearly a week, she was ab- sent, hard at work, all the time, up stairs. I could not conceive what she was doing. At length, she invited me up into the cham- ber ; and, pointing to the bed, said : • These are my grave-clothes, and there are yours. If I should go before you, you will find yours put away,' (so and so, naming the place.) This affected me greatly. It made me feel deeply solemn. I could never get 2 14 MEMOIR OF over it. There they were, my grave-clothes. Every article had been made ready. Was I prepared to put them on, and lie down in the grave?" This is all we know of Mr. Lee's religious history, for about fourteen years after he was married. He was not, however, to be left to perish in this state. " And what was it," said I to him, a few weeks before his death, " that finally called up your attention to the subject of religion?" "Oh," he re- plied, " It was the most simple thing in the world. As I was alone in the shop, one day, the Holy Spirit seemed to put inter- rogatories to my soul, like the following : i You have now lived thirty-six years ; are you satisfied with your past life ? And suppose you should live thirty-six years more, in the same way; would you be satisfied with it then? Are you willing to die in this your present condition?' The thought that I was thirty-six years of age, together with the interrogatories which fol- lowed it, greatly startled me. The reflec- ANDREW LEE. 15 tions that succeeded, took a firm hold of my mind. At the same time, all the fears with which I had previously been troubled, re- specting a judgment to come and the second death, came rushing upon me like a flood. I was almost overwhelmed with emotion, and knew not what to do. " In this state of mind, I went to a broth- er Universalist, and told him my anxieties, asking what these things meant. He sat in apparent astonishment, for about five minutes, before he made me any reply ; and then told me to go home and read the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians, adding, 'when you have done so, I think you will find yourself delivered from all your troubles.' "I followed his advice. I went home and read the chapter to which he had referred me. I passed on, without difficulty, until I came to the twenty-second verse, £ For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 5 Beyond this I could not proceed. I choked up, and filled with tears. The word m, in Christ, struck my atten- 16 MEMOIR OF tion, and I could not get over it. c It is in Christ, then/ said I to myself, i that those who are raised up to glory at last, are to be made alive! Ah! but am I in Christ?' was the thought that constantly recurred to me. ' It is in Christ only, that they shall be made alive. Every thing depends upon being in Christ. And am /, then, in Christ V At the same time, passage after passage kept pouring into my mind, from other parts of the Bible, confirming this view of the subject. It was in Christ, I clearly saw, that all were to be made alive who should reach the world of glory ; and as for myself, I was evidently not in him. This was the very passage, of all others, I sup- pose, upon which my Universalist friend had depended for my relief. He could not have pointed me to one that would have proved more fatal to my peace. God set it home to me. It stuck to me. The arrow of conviction quivered in my heart." And yet, after all, Mr. Lee continued to hold on to his old error, with the grasp of a ANDREW LEE. 17 drowning man, as long as he could ; or if there were, at any time, a momentary re- lapse, he was soon found wandering away again, in the same paths in which he had been accustomed to stray, — so difficult is it to break up the habits of sin, and bring the heart back again to God. "I continued," says he, " notwithstand- ing my convictions, to converse about Uni- versalism, as I had done before, and treat it as the proper view of the gospel. In this way I could soothe my fears, and obtain some relief from the reproaches of my con- science." God, however, soon met with him again, in a manner which effectually demolished this refuge of lies in which he had so long endeavored to hide himself. In July, of the year 1826, he lost a brother of his wife, who died without hope. Call- ing on the family, soon afterwards, to sympathize with them in their sorrows, he introduced his favorite topic, by way of consolation. "Our friend has indeed gone," said he, " but then why should we mourn 2# 18 MEMOIR OF for him ? God is a God of mercy. He de- lights in exercising it. He made no person to be damned. He made all to be saved. I have not the least doubt of it. I fully believe that we shall all reach heaven in safety at last." There was a Mrs. D. pres- ent, who, when he had ended, undertook to reply. In so doing, she told him her own experience. u As for myself," said she, "I once tried hard to be a Universalis t, but my conscience would not let me. To believe the Bible and Universalism too, I found was a thing impossible. I believe, as well as you, that God is a God of mercy ; but then he is also a God of justice; and I have seen the time when I could rejoice in his justice and say, 'I will praise him, even though he should send me to hell.' Depend upon it, he will certainly punish the guilty. It is those only who repent of their sins, and yield obedience to his commandments, through the Lord Jesus Christ, that shall ever enter in through the gates into the city. All others shall be shut out of it ANDREW LEE. 19 forever." " Why, Mrs. D," said he in reply, " if I should talk as you do, I should think I was an awful creature. You make God out to be an unmerciful and unjust Being, worse than we are, — to cast away the be- ings he has made, in hell." " And suppos- ing you should go to heaven," asked Mrs. D., "with this unsanc tilled heart: — would you be happy, shut up with Christians and confined altogether to their company, here on earth ?" " I do not know that I should be," was Mr. Lee's answer. "And how then could you possibly be happy, in hea- ven, with the same heart, and holy persons present,— all surrounded with the glory of God ? The heart, the heart, Mr. Lee, must be changed, before you can ever be happy, in a world of holiness. Have you nothing to say about a change of heart? How will you get rid of your wicked heart?" "With this," replied Mr. Lee, "I have nothing to do. This is God's affair, not mine. The great difficulty with you, in trying to be a Universalist, was, that you had no faith." 20 MEMOIR OF " Indeed I had/' replied Mrs. D., "such a faith as the devils have. They believe in a Saviour and tremble at his name, but cannot love him ; and so did I. With them I could also say, ' I know thee, who thou art, the Holy One of God;' but here I was obliged to stop." In the course of her remarks, Mrs. D. il- lustrated, in her own case, the difference between that faith which works by love, and that which does not,— stating clearly also the reasons of the hope she then had, as to her good estate; and, at the same time, charging Mr. Lee to beware, lest the faith which he professed to have in the Lord Jesus Christ, should prove nothing more or less than a devil's faith. " In short," says Mr. Lee, " in what she said of herself, when trying to be a Univer- salist, there was an exact description of my own case. Every word was set home to my heart. I found that I had no other faith than the first kind of which she had spoken. It was nothing but the faith erf ANDREW LEE. 21 devils. There was no love in it. The thought cut me to the quick. I left the house overwhelmed. Before I reached home, my Universalism was all swept away. My refuge of lies was no more to be found. Every ray of hope had vanished ; and I felt the burden of my sins increase heavily upon me. " From this time onward/ 7 continues Mr. Lee, " I determined to be no longer de- ceived by men. I would forsake every thing but my Bible. Whatever I heard preached, I resolved to try by the Word of God. I heard some Universalist Ministers ; but, for the most part, only Orthodox ; and I made the Bible the standard by which I tried all their preaching. It was not long, before I discovered where my difficulty lay. It was solely in the humbling doc- trines of the Bible. They condemned me as a lost sinner ; and, for salvation, re- quired me to bow at the foot of the Cross. This my stubborn heart could not bear. I tried every other way, therefore, to obtain 22 MEMOIR OF rest for my soul; and became especially fascinated with the proffers and plausibili- ties of Universalism, until God, in his mer- cy, brought me to see my error." In this state of mind, Mr. Lee continued, for about a year, thoroughly weaned from his old views, but, as yet, definitely wed- ded to nothing new, in their stead. " I found myself," says he, u greatly perplex- ed as to what to fix upon for the truth, — there were so many denominations, all dif- fering from each other, and yet all claiming to be right." What unquestionably great- ly added to his perplexity, was the state of things, at this time, in the place. The church, at best, was small ; while religion itself was at a very low ebb ; and infidelity abounded, on every hand, — its advocates constantly holding meetings for the ad- vancement of their cause. He, however, who, in simplicity of heart, has resolved to take the Word of God for his guide, will soon find his way to the river of life. " While I was in this state of suspense," ANDREW LEE. 23 says he, " a neighbor of mine, who had, for some time, entertained a faint hope, but who was himself a very timid man, called on me, in the shop where I worked, and wanted to know if I believed in the Bible, and proposed that we should have a meet- ing, at his house, that evening, if I remem- ber right, for the sake of conversing together about it. ' There is a large number among us,' said he, \ who deny it, and meet to- gether to ridicule it and all religion. Now, let us have a meeting, in order to read the Bible, and try to find out what it means. Come to my house, and invite as many others as you can, to come with you.' The proposition was agreed to ; and, on Tues- day evening of August the 7th, we held our first meeting. Only eight were present, all strangers to vital godliness, but my neighbor, — no one of whom, but we two, knew the object which had brought us to- gether. There was an infidel meeting, of thirty or forty in number, held at the same time, in another place. 24 MEMOIR OF " At my friend's request, I stated the ob- ject of the meeting. i It was to examine the Bible. If it is true, let us know it. Let us read it, and find out what it is. If it contains the truth, let us receive it. If it is false, let us reject it.' All were pleased with the idea. At this meet- ing, after having read a chapter in the Bi- ble, this question was proposed, ■ Do we believe the Bible to be the Word of GodT Every one gave an answer in the affirma- tive. The question was then asked, ' Do we believe in the reality of experimental religion V Yes, was again the reply of all who were present. Having advanced thus far, we began to feel that something was wanting, to bring us to a saving knowledge of the truth. Prayers were spoken of; but none of us could pray. We resolved, there- fore, to conclude the meeting with singing, and to borrow Scott's Bible, for perusal, at our next meeting, which was appointed for the Tuesday evening following. We then separated." The above meeting was a very solemn ANDREW LEE. 25 one, as the woman of the house was after- wards heard to remark, especially so, when it was discovered that not an individual present could lead in prayer, and it was agreed to substitute singing in its stead. When they came together again, they found their numbers had increased. They spent their time, as had been proposed, in pursuing their inquiries with the aid of Scott's Bible. As before, however, they were obliged to separate without prayer ; for the spirit of prayer had not yet been given. On breaking up, they agreed to in- vite their pastor to meet with them, the next week, in hopes that he would be able to scatter light in their path. As may be supposed, he was greatly rejoiced to re- ceive such an invitation. The report had already begun to be circulated through the town, that these men were seeking re- ligion ; and to produce the wonted excite- ment, among friends and foes. There was a good foundation for it. He found the room full of inquirers ; and 3 26 MEMOIR OF with the unspeakable delight of one, who had long wept between the porch and the altar, proceeded to tell them that it was the Spirit of God alone, which could enlighten, convince, and convert, — that they had been resorting to means and instruments, with- out looking to Him, unaided of whom, they could never be rendered effectual to salva- tion. The silent tear and heart-felt sigh were there, and declared in language louder than words, what was the state of feeling with- in.^ The same evening, there was another house near by, full of females, of all ages, but chiefly of the youngs begging for the prayers of God's children. The next meeting was held at the pas- tor's house, and was overflowing. The question was now freely asked, "What shall we do to be saved;" and directly, young converts were found rejoicing in the Saviour ; and among them, before the re- * See Boston Recorder, 1828, p. 129, 133. ANDREW LEE. 27 vival closed, all the seven impenitent indi- viduals, of the first evening's meeting. Mr. Lee, although the earliest of the inquirers, was one of the last that obtained a hope. Take the following account of the matter, given chiefly in his own language. u As for myself/ 7 says he, " God again appeared for me, in the influences of his Holy Spirit, and aroused me to a sense of my danger, — laying open my heart, and showing me, every day, more and more of my miserable condition. My whole life was brought up before me. My guilt be- came increasingly obvious, and pressed with a heavier weight upon me. I saw clearly that I had lived only for my- self, and not at all for the glory of God ; and that, continuing thus, I must, in the end, perish with an everlasting destruc- tion. For a long time I stood it out, and sought relief from my woes, in endeavors to make myself better. It all, however, amounted to nothing. Like the woman in the Gospel, with an issue of blood, — after 28 MEMOIR OF expending all 'my strength, I only found myself growing worse, and continued to go, day after day, mourning beneath the frown of God. At length there came the final struggle. " On the evening of the 12th of September, while I was in a very sorrowful frame, be- moaning my wretchedness, I betook my- self for comfort to my old resort, — the failings of Christians, — picking the best of them to pieces, and bringing out all their faults to view ; when suddenly the thought came rushing upon me, somewhat as it had often done before, only far more forci- bly, that all my trouble was imaginary, and wholly without foundation ; that I was, in reality, as good as professors, even the best of them, and should come out as well at last, and hence had no cause whatever for alarm. In an instant, all my fears vanished, and my soul became pacified." In this frame of mind he retired to rest, and soon fell asleep. Awaking, however, in the course of the night, he found himself ANDREW LEE. 29 in the midst of all his old fears again. "I saw," says he, " that I had utterly de- ceived myself, the night before ; I felt that I was the greatest of offenders. ' What have you not done V said I to myself. My sins came rolling in upon me, like mountains, on every side. I perceived that the blame of every thing was entirely on my part. I could not but acknowledge that I was guil- ty and self-condemned, and that God, in all his ways and dealings with me, had been right. I saw, at once, that it would be perfectly holy and just in Him to condemn me, and cast me off forever. The discovery prostrated me in the dust before Him. I was overwhelmed with anguish of spirit, and felt that I was sinking right down into hell." In this frame of mind he arose out of his bed, and falling on his knees, called upon God to have mercy on him, the worst of sinners. He wrung his hands. His breast heaved. It seemed as if his body would be racked to pieces. His whole soul was in 3* 30 MEMOIR OF commotion. His wife greatly feared he was going distracted. "Oh," said he to her, " I must sink. I cannot stay here. This heavy load will crush me to perdi- tion. Can you not pray for me?" His wife did pray for him, and tried to calm his mind, — telling him to lie down again, and give himself away to Christ. These last words caught his attention, and kept running in his mind. " What, I give myself away to Christ, — I, a miserable, miserable wretch ?" There was something amazing in the thought. In this frame of mind he lay, until sud- denly the dark cloud dispersed from around him, and the love of God seemed to break in upon his soul. " Almost in an instant," continues he, " my burden had rolled off, and my fears vanished ; and I found my- self of a light and gladsome heart. The change greatly alarmed me. I leaped out of my bed, and having dressed, walked forth into the fields, to consider what it could mean. It was just the break of day. ANDREW LEE. 31 With the change in myself, I found that every thing had changed in the world around me. I thought I heard the praise of God resounding from every quarter. My body itself seemed to have lost its heaviness, and to have become as light as a feather. I could leap as Christian did, when he had lost his burden at the sight of the cross." In very much this frame of mind, he en- tered upon the duties of the day. He had not, however, as yet, become fully per- suaded that he was born again. In- deed, he greatly feared he was deceiving himself with false hopes. These fears press- ing upon him, as he returned homeward to breakfast, he had thought of calling upon a Christian neighbor and telling her of the exercises he had gone through ; but neglect- ing to do so, he gradually fell into a state of gloom. " Towards night, in particular," says he, " I again found myself involved in trouble. My comfort vanished. A cloud of darkness came over me. Satan attacked 32 MEMOIR OF me with great rage ; and the cry of ' De- lusion and vanity,' rung loudly in my ears. He was evidently loth to. give me up. I had been too faithful a servant in his cause for him readily to part with, and had done too much for the spread of Uni- versalism. For about half an hour, I was bowed down to the dust in great agony of soul." In this state of mind, as a last resort, he betook himself in prayer to God for relief; and soon afterwards it came. That evening there was an inquiry meeting at the pastor's house. Mr. Lee went to it, all weighed down with the burden of his sins, and a sense of his un worthiness. The hymn, " Salvation, oh the joyful sound," was given out and sung. It exactly met his case. It proved a cordial to his soul. When Mr. Emerson, about seven in the evening, asked him, in his turn, how he felt, he answered, " Happy, perfectly hap- py." " And how long have you felt so," ANDREW LEE. 33 again asked Mr. Emerson. To which Mr. Lee replied, " Only since I have been in this room." Mr. Lee then arose and said : "I came here greatly burdened in my mind, — pressed down to the dust. I had felt the torments of hell, if any body can feel them here. While, however, they were singing that hymn, light broke in upon my mind. I felt, all at once, as though I could witness to it. The room became like a heaven on earth to my soul. My cup is full and running over. It is im- possible for me to find language to express the joys I feel, to think that to me, the least of all his creatures, God has deigned to show mercy !" He evidently spoke from his heart. The tears ran down his cheeks as he took his seat. There was not a dry eye in the room. Mr. Emerson himself was unable to speak for some minutes, through the intensity of his emotion. The first words that he did utter, as soon as he could command his voice, were, " Bless the Lord, O my soul." In giving me an 34 MEMOIR OF account of himself, at this time, on his dy- ing bed, he said : " The love of God seemed to take me up .on its bosom, like a flood, and absolutely bear me away. I discovered such a reality in religion, that I could not disbelieve it. I thought I would hold on to it, should all the world deny it, and pronounce it false. I found the witness of the Spirit within me, that I was born of God, and had joy and peace in believing. I felt that if the old days of martyrdom should come back again, I could lie down in the fire and be burnt to ashes for the sake of Jesus Christ. With every breath I prayed the Lord to make me entirely his, and guide me into the paths of truth. I gave myself up to my Redeemer, in a new and everlasting cov- enant to be his for ever. I felt wholly dis- enthralled from sinful fears of every kind. The full sunshine of divine love poured down upon me. I have no language to ex- press what I felt. It was all unutterable. Nor did my peace and comfort vanish with ANDREW LEE. 35 that occasion. For the space of three days, I continued to have great religious delight, and was altogether wrapped up in divine things, — the peace, love, and glory of God. Such was the commencement of my hopes and my fears as a Christian, — the dawning of divine life in my soul. From that time, the evening of September the 13th, 1827, I date my birth into the kingdom of God. From that spot, — the place where I sat, that evening, in my pastor's house, — I began my race for the crown of glory." 1 * Mr. Lee often referred to this occasion, with great interest, at subsequent periods of his life. " The very sight of the spot," he was wont to say, " has relieved me of my sorrow, in hours of spiritual darkness. I have frequently visited the room, in order * It can scarcely he doubted, that the change in Mr. Lee, really took place in the morning. The fears, however, with which it was accompanied, together with the darkness into which he soon fell, and the greater light and comfort that he experienced, in the evening, closed his eyes to the fact, and led him always to fix upon the latter occasion, as the date of his new birth. This is what I gathered from my own con- versation with him, on the subject. 36 MEMOIR OF to look on it, at such seasons, for the sole purpose of obtaining consolation ; nor has the view, in general, failed to recall to my mind the hallowed enjoyments of that meeting, — increasing my faith, and open- ing for me afresh, the fountains of redeem- ing love." That to have such a man as Mr. Lee had been, become an inquirer with those who were asking in solemn earnest, " What shall we do to be saved," would excite great feeling in his former associates and friends, follows as a matter of course. Among others, that brother Universalist, above referred to, to whom he bad applied, on a certain occasion, for a solution of pain- ful doubts, took notice of his seriousness, and often called on him, at his shop, en- deavoring to dispel it. " Brother Lee," said he to him one day, soon after the commencement of the revi- val, "I hope you are not going to turn fool, to follow these fanatics!" "I shall follow them," replied Mr. Lee, " for in ANDREW LEE. 37 my former belief, which was just as yours, I have never found any true happi- ness ; and if I do not find it now, I shall lose nothing." On the morning after Mr. Lee had been brought out, this old associate called on hirn again, at his shop, and began in the same strain of remarks as before, saying, " I have come to see you again, brother Lee." "Well;" replied Mr. Lee, " You have come too late. I have now got where I cannot go back. Blessed be God, I have now reached the rock. My feet are now planted on the Rock of Ages." His friend was struck with astonishment, and left him to visit him, on such errands, no more. Whether or not, Mr. Lee's feet had, at this time, actually reached the Rock re- ferred to, the sequel will probably enable us to determine. 38 MEMOIR OF CHAPTER II FROM HIS CONVERSION IN 1827, TO THE PERIOD OF MY OWN PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCE WITH HIM, IN 1839. SECTION FIRST. His profession of religion, walks of piety } correspondence, journal, fyc. Although Mr. Lee came out so clear and bright, yet he soon found himself plunged in darkness again, especially at times. He would go to meeting, indeed, and take part in exhortation and prayer, — saying nothing on the subject in public, — but on coming away, he would declare to a Christian brother, still living, who was much with him, that he had derived no comfort from so doing. For the space of six months, in particular, he often found himself, like his ANDREW LEE. 39 predecessor and relative, Mr. Edward Lee,^ "in the very belly of hell." His heart, as he has since often declared to his intimate friends, would seem to overflow with wick- edness. He was greatly troubled, like John Bunyan, with blasphemous thoughts, that struggled for vent, and had to put his hands on his mouth and bury up his face, in order to prevent them from leaping out, in the most horrible language. In this state of mind, it is no wonder, that he long hesi- tated as to presenting himself for examina- tion, preparatory for admission to the church. Meeting after meeting was held, towards the close of the year, for hearing the experience of candidates, at which many others presented themselves, but still Mr. Lee, who came out so bright, was not there. When the time arrived, his wife would say to him, " Are you going to the meeting, my dear, this evening? 77 To * See Publications American Tract Society, Vol. XL, No. 379. This expression of Mr. Edward Lee, however, has not been retained in the tract. 40 MEMOIR OF which he would answer, " No. I thought," as he has since told the facts to young- converts in similar circumstances, " that I was doing right. I had Scripture to sustain me. The words, ' better not to vow, than to vow and not perform,' were continually sounding in my ears." It is evident, how- ever, after all, that he had seasons of sweet communion with God, and moments of great internal peace and consolation. Withal, whatever darkness he felt, he showed, in all his conduct, that he was entirely a new man. As a general thing, he went right to work, as if he had something to do — erect- ing the domestic altar, exhorting sinners to repentance, uniting with the brethren in social meetings, and, in short, consecrating himself, at once, to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, in the little circle of his acquaintance. It was impossible for him to refrain from telling others, what the Lord had done for his soul, and endeavor- ing to bring them to become partakers of the same wonderful love. ANDREW LEE. 41 Under the influence of these feelings, we find him immediately uniting with the young converts, and the brethren of the church, in setting up a Tuesday evening meeting for prayer and other religious ex- ercises ; and also a similar meeting, for an hour, every day, immediately after dinner. The most marked circumstance of his life, however, at this time, was an intimacy which he formed with Mr. Forster Allen, who, with his wife, had been hopefully converted, in the same revival. He has left us no note of the fact himself. He used, however, often to speak of it, in later years, as one of the most important events in his religious history. They covenanted together, somewhat after the manner of Messrs. Parsons and Fisk,^ to give them- selves away to each other as Christians. His friend, Mr. F. A., speaks of it thus: " My good brother Andrew Lee and my- self agreed to keep company during our * See Morton's Memoir of Parsons, 2d Edit. p. 159. 4# 42 MEMOIR OF pilgrimage, in order that we might the bet- ter find our way through this wilderness world, help bear each other's burdens, and the more successfully war against sin. We have therefore embraced every opportunity to meet together, and unite in prayer and conversation on the things of the kingdom." It was to be expected that two such friends would prove faithful to the meet- ings which they had aided in establishing. They continued the Tuesday evening meet- ing, even after it was reduced from fifteen or twenty, to four or five ; and often, in times of coldness, they and their wives were all that attended. Nor less faithful did they prove to the meeting of an hour every day. At the end of six months, the brethren had gradually withdrawn from it. Mr. Lee, however, and his friend, always, it is believed, at- tended it, when it was possible. At least, in the latter part of their lives, they were in the habit of meeting together, almost ANDREW LEE. 43 every day, immediately after dinner, for religious purposes. " We made it our rule," Mr. Lee used to say, when speaking of the subject, " to despatch whatever worldly business we had, as soon as possible, and then to apply ourselves, at once, to the subject of re- ligion." No one can doubt that these were very profitable seasons to their souls. At length the moment had arrived, when Mr. Lee must either decide to come for- ward and make a profession of religion, or else find himself left behind, of many whom he loved. The last meeting for the exami- nation of candidates had been appointed. His wife, in reply to her usual question, had received the customary answer, " No," and left him alone. He still felt that it was better for him not to vow, than to vow and not perform. The Scriptures told him so. He would therefore remain as he was. Not many minutes, however, had elapsed, before he began to suspect that he was wrong. " Better not to vow, than to vow 44 MEMOIR OF and not perform ? And what then? Is it not my duty to vow, and to perform my vows ? Most surely it is ; and, with the help of God, I will do it. In a word, I found I had allowed myself to be deceived by the suggestions of Satan. I therefore immediately seized my hat, and went out to the meeting." The result was, that on the 6th of Janu- ary, 1828, Mr. Lee, in connection with his friend, and more than seventy others, came forward and gave themselves away in pub- lic, to be the Lord's, forever. In illustration of what has now been said, I will present such brief documents as I have been able to find. An extract from a letter to his relatives in Portland, Me., the only one of this period that I have been able to recover, will show the early state of his religious feelings, and his inter- est for souls. It has lost its date, but must have been written not long after his con- version. ANDREW LEE. 45 " Dear Brother, Sister, and Friends, " There is a great revival in this place; Sister C. and myself, as we trust, have ex- perienced what it is to be born again ; and I wish you were all here, to share in the work. I had gone far astray, and long de- luded myself by thinking that every thing would come out well with me, at last. Wretch that I was, — I gave God the lie, crying out, i Peace and safety] — when he says, that ' without holiness no man shall see the Lord,' and most solemnly as- sures us, that i except we are born of water, and of the Spirit, we cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 5 " And now, my dear friends, if you are still destitute of religion, I entreat you to go about the work of seeking it immedi- ately. If you leave the world, having no interest in Christ, there is nothing but an eternity of misery before you. Delay then, attending to this great salvation, no longer ; for time is short and very uncertain. Read your Bible and see what it requires of you. 46 MEMOIR OF Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that your sins may be blotted out. I can recommend religion to you all. From it I have derived the only true comfort and happiness I have ever had, in all my life. There is a reality in it. The terms it proposes, are not hard ; while it promises every thing that is good for us here, — the only real happiness there is to be obtain- ed, — and life and eternal joy hereafter. You have lived long enough, my brother, to know that whatever the world promises, in respect to happiness, it always fails of the performance, — that there is no true sat- isfaction to be derived from it, or any thing that it gives, without religion, — that it is this alone, which sweetens every thing, and lays a foundation for lasting bliss. Do not delay this great subject, I entreat you, any longer; for delays are very dangerous. It is true you have long grieved away the Holy Spirit ; but even after so long a time, it is said, £ To-day, if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.' Think, O ANDREW LEE. 47 think, my dear brother and sister, of your never dying souls ! God can reach you by the influences of his Holy Spirit, where you are, even if there be no revival, as well as here. Do not grieve him away. Every setting sun utters a warning voice, and tells of a long, an endless eternity ! Delay not to prepare for eternity ! u As for you. my dear mother, I can re- joice with you, in the goodness of God. Though we have trials here, they will only make us the richer hereafter. And then, in the midst of them, we know where to go for relief; for Christ calls us to put our trust in him. Cast all your cares on him, my dear mother, for he careth for you. Lift up your head and rejoice, for all things work together for good to those who love God. Read we not, that those who sur- round the throne, came out of great tribu- lation? Rejoice, then, my dear mother, for if we only prove faithful, we shall soon leave this troublesome world, and join the 48 MEMOIR OF assembly around the throne, there to spend a long eternity, in praising God and the Lamb. " Yours in affection and love, A. L." Of himself and his religious associates, during this period, and for some time after- wards,— for the writing is without date, — Mr. Lee holds the following language : " Soon after we had been hopefully con- verted to the Lord, and while we were re- joicing in all the fervor of our first love, a number of us set up a prayer meeting > for every Tuesday evening. We also met to- gether, from day to day, for the purpose of reading the Bible, praying, and relating to each other, any new discoveries we had made, in our travels. We enjoyed the pres- ence of God much, in these exercises. We found it good to draw near to a throne of grace. Thus we went on together, for a while, increasing in strength. Brighter ANDREW LEE. 49 prospects were constantly opening around us. Every thing was glorious to behold. It is painful, however, to think what a change gradually succeeded. One by one grew remiss, became cold, and dropped away from our meetings, until, in a little while, only a few were left. Soon the lan- guage of Canaan itself began to be forgot- ten, and, in spiritual things, we became strangers to each other. u As for myself, during this period, — my neglect of duty, especially in not laboring for souls, so far as I could, often involved me in darkness. Thanks to God, however, whose mercy endureth forever ; he did not leave me entirely to my own ways. He continued to hold on to me, notwithstand- ing my sins ; and to refresh me with his Holy Spirit. I often enjoyed his presence, and could draw near to the mercy-seat, in prayer. There were times in which I found the Saviour very precious to my soul, and experienced the joys of his salvation. On various occasions, I felt strong desires 5 50 MEMOIR OF for the conversion of sinners; and could warn them, with much freedom, to flee from the wrath to come; and could tell them of the great redemption, through Christ; God so assisting me, — animating my heart with his love, and rendering his word plain to my understanding, — as alto- gether filled me with surprise. Especially did I find the Lord with me, at different times, in my visits to the sick and dying. From such scenes I derived much to quick- en my lukewarm soul. The Lord thus enabled me to say, from my own experi- ence, ! It is better for me to go to the house of mourning, than to the house of feasting.' " Such is a brief outline of the dealings of the Lord with me, for some months after I was brought to taste of his love. Hard- hearted and rebellious as I have been, he has continued to bear with me, and refresh me with his gracious presence. What shall I render to him for all his benefits ! The constant language of my soul, is, i Let every thing that hath breath, praise the Lord.' » ANDREW LEE. 51 From this time onward, for several years, all that we know of Mr. Lee's spiritual condition and progress, is, that he was heartily engaged as a teacher in the Sab- bath school, and continued to prove faithful to his master's service, so far as could be judged externally, in other respects. In 1832, he began to keep a journal of his religious exercises ; so that we find land- marks for our guidance. This step was probably the result of an agreement to this effect, between himself and his friend ; for they both began to journalize, about the same time. He introduces the subject with- out date, but probably sometime in July, as follows : " I feel that I have neglected my duty in not recording, from day to day, what the Lord has done for me, since I enlisted in his service, and purpose a change. But where shall I begin % Paper would fail me, and rivers of ink, before I could recount half the mercies I have received from his 52 MEMOIR OF hands. O praise the Lord, ye children of men." The spring of this year, as it seems, com- menced with favorable appearances of a revival in the church. A prayer meeting was set up, on Sabbath morning; Christians seemed much engaged ; and impenitent sin- ners become unusually attentive. Withal, the judgments of the Lord were abroad in the earth. In the course of the summer, the cholera reached our continent, and be- gan to sweep down its thousands. The 19 th of July was set apart by the church as a day of prayer and fasting, that God would stay this pestilence. There were other circumstances, too, calculated to fill the mind with great solemnity. All hope- ful appearances, however, vanished ; and gradually a decline succeeded. Mr. Lee has summed up the matter, as follows : " In the spring of this year, I felt deeply anxious for the salvation of my fellow ANDREW LEE. 53 creatures. The Lord appeared to be with us, by his Holy Spirit. Christians seemed in part to be aroused to a sense of their duty. Our prayer meetings became full and interesting. Every thing, in short, in- dicated the approach of a revival. Little distractions, however, gradually crept in, to disturb us, until our meetings became thin again. Christians fell asleep in their sins as before, and the Holy Spirit was entirely grieved away. We heard even, of the judg- ments of God being abroad in the land, taking off many of its inhabitants ; and yet continued to slumber on, as if every thing had been peace and safety. As for myself, at this time, — I must say that I had my views of the goodness of God enlarged. I enjoyed the divine presence. I often re- ceived refreshings from the heavenly world, and tasted of redeeming love, in all its purity. I heard even, of the pestilence cut- ting down its thousands, without fear. I could not but regard myself as safe, in the hands of him who rules over all ; and I 5# 54 MEMOIR OF felt in hopes that the people would learn righteousness from the displays of his in- dignation. Alas, however, the depravity of man ! The human heart did not melt. The world continued to roll on in sin, as before. How great is the mercy of God, that bears with such obstinacy, and en- dures such amazing guilt !" Sometime in the autumn of this year, he writes as follows : "On the night of September the 12th, there was a heavy frost ; and it appeared as if the corn would be cut off, — in conse- quence of which, the world stole in upon me ; and darkness, doubts, and fears suc- ceeded. At times, indeed, I could escape from all my perplexing cares, in the enjoy- ment of the presence of God. Still my heart, in general, was full of distrust. The Lord, however, has promised that there shall be a seed time, and a harvest ; and I found him far better than my fears. The ANDREW LEE. 55 harvest did not fail. There was a plenty. In all this, I discerned the over-ruling hand of God. He would show us our de- pendence on him. The world will always disappoint those who put their confidence in it. It has nothing but husks for the hungry soul. Christ and his salvation are worth the whole universe besides ; for to know him is life everlasting. Alas, that I should so often grieve away the Spirit of God, promising myself to do better for the future, but when the time arrives, relaps- ing into the same fault ! Could I treat an earthly friend as unkindly as I treat my forbearing Saviour?" In December of this year, Mr. Lee was called to severe family trials. He had a little daughter, a child of much promise, — full of sprightliness, a faithful member of the Sabbath school, — and one, withal, that had exhibited the feelings of a Christian, quite from her infancy. Of course, she was a favorite with her parents. This child 56 MEMOIR OF was unexpectedly removed out of time into eternity. Scarcely had her remains been laid in the grave, before his next daughter was also seized with the same disorder, and brought to the very gates of death. Mr. Lee was at first greatly bowed down under his affliction. He found it especially hard to part with Fanny, as she was called, and seemed almost to murmur against the hand of God, in the dispensation. The sickness of his next daughter brought him to the mercy-seat, in earnest prayer. Soon after, all his turbulent feelings had van- ished, and he was found rejoicing in divine love. Indeed he had an ecstacy of religious delight, which it is difficult to describe. He said he had made an idol of this little one; and that God had taken her away from him, in order that he himself might be substituted in her place: and that he could give glory to God for having done it. Through all the remaining scene of that trial, he seems to have had the light of ANDREW LEE. 57 God's countenance. In the midst of her disease, Elizabeth was found very anxious for her soul. She called her father to her, and said to him, among other things, u Fa- ther, where is Jesus ? I want to go to Jesus. Take me up and carry me to Jesus." He accordingly knelt down by her bed-side, and prayed for her, with a resignation and fervor that seemed superhuman, — passing, as it were, during the exercise, from earth to heaven. The result was, that he receiv- ed an inward assurance, as he thought, that the life of his child would be spared to him ; and obtained evidence which he was never afterwards willing to relinquish, that she was born of God. Of the whole afflic- tion, Mr. Lee has himself given the follow- ing account. "On Sunday evening, December the 2d, my child Fanny, in the tenth year of her age, was taken sick of the throat dis- temper, of which disease she constantly grew worse, until the Wednesday follow- ing, at one o'clock in the afternoon, when 58 MEMOIR OF she died. The event came very suddenly upon me, and almost overwhelmed me with grief. I found my heart was fixed on the world, and could not, without severe anguish, be torn from its hold. For a while, I thought my body would sink down into the earth. I was full of stubbornness, and did not go to God as I ought, — bowing down before him in prayer, and giving myself up, in resignation, to his holy will. In this unhappy frame of mind, I attended the funeral. On my way homeward from the grave, I began to receive something like spiritual comfort. My heart, however, was still too much on the world. I was far from being as reconciled to the dispen- sation, as became a Christian. In this condition, I found myself, on, the evening of this day, when Elizabeth, my next child, in the twelfth year of her age, was seized with the same disorder. This wrung me anew with anguish. It brought me to the mercy-seat, in more earnest prayer, for the light of God's countenance. ANDREW LEE. 59 Nor was my cry in vain. Soon the dark cloud broke away, and the Sun of Righte- ousness shone down upon me. All my sorrows vanished. My broken heart was bound up. Love and joy poured in like a flood upon my soul. I felt a calmness and resignation to the divine will, beyond any thing I had ever before experienced. I saw clearly that God is a God of great goodness and mercy. I became wholly absorbed in the glory of his name. It seemed to me that to wish my child back again, would be to stand in the door-way of heaven, and prevent her from enter- ing into rest ; for I felt assured that God had taken her home to himself. " Nor less comforting did I find the pres- ence of God in respect to Elizabeth. She continued to grow worse, until the symp- toms of death made their appearance. Her tongue stiffened, her eyes grew dim, her feet became cold. The dying quiver passed over her frame. To all human view she was gone. God, however, who says to the 60 MEMOIR OF proud ocean, i Thus far shalt thou come and no farther/ put under her, his almighty arm for support. The crisis of the disease passed, and she began to recover. In the course of that day, she wanted to see me alone. I went into her chamber, when she took me by the hand, and wished to know where she could find Jesus. Poor child ! She had been groaning through all her sickness, under a sense of her sins. We had mistaken her feelings. We supposed she had been grieving, on account of the death of her sister, when she had been weighed down with a sense of her lost con- dition, without a hope in Christ. She look- ed up to God in supplication, and entreated him to have mercy on her soul. She re- quested me to pray for her. We united together in our cries to the Holy One, and received an answer of peace. All, we felt, was well. " As for myself, — my heart was filled with divine consolation, and I could not forbear crying out, ' glory to God.' ANDREW LEE. 61 " Through all our trials, indeed, at this time, we found ourselves sustained by our heavenly Father. We had had great fears as to what we should do for help, in case of sickness. All our fears, however, proved groundless. The Lord seemed to move every heart for our aid. We had no oc- casion even to send out for it. Our neigh- bors would come and offer us their servi- ces. The banner of redeeming love was evidently over us. Our strength was made equal to our day, according to the divine promise. Thus true it is, that God bears his children on his heart. Their weeping endures but for a night. Joy comes in the morning. Oh, what shall I render to God, for all his goodness ! "I continue to find access to the mercy- seat; and enjoy great freedom in prayer. My strong desire is to see a revival in this place, and my impenitent friends flocking to the Lord Jesus Christ. ' ; December 16th, he continues : " Our trials had not yet closed, when I last wrote. 6 62 MEMOIR OF Since then, Adeliza has been sick, and no sooner had she recovered, than Andrew was taken very violently. We felt, how- ever, that we could resign ourselves into the hands of God, trusting to the fulfillment of his promise, never to leave or forsake his dear children. Nor have we done so, in vain. He has given us that support, which the world could not give. As for myself, — I have now been deprived, for four Sab- baths, of the privilege of going to meeting. The Spirit of God, however, is not con- fined. We can enjoy his presence, any where, if our hearts are only right. I con- tinue to feel the calmness of divine love ; though my mind is still too much on the world." SECTION SECOND. Extracts from his journal continued. January 6th, 1833. Have visited the sick, during the week past. Found two persons happy in their minds, and obtained ANDREW LEE. 63 some comfort to my own soul. To day- has been a heart-searching time for me, — being communion Sabbath, and the first in the year. How ought my cold and sluggish heart to melt down under the goodness of God, in still sparing my life. Find conso- lation, however, in looking to Christ, as an all sufficient Saviour. Feel that I prize his religion above all things, and can give up every earthly delight for the consolation it affords. This evening have visited a sick woman. She is inquiring what she shall do to be saved. Conversed with her re- specting the great salvation through Christ, and prayed with her, and felt much free- dom, in drawing near to a throne of grace, in her behalf. The exercise brought me into a state of sweet peace and comfort, — to God be all the glory ! January 13th. Found myself drawn out in strong desires, to day, to meet with the people of God. Of course, the text, " As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God," Ps. 64 MEMOIR OF 42: 1, was exactly what I wanted. The week past, however, with me, has been one of great stupidity. O how forgetful I am, of the divine goodness and mercy ! Behold, O God, our shield, and, looking upon the face of thine anointed, forgive my luke- warmness in thy service. January 20th. Had a week of tolerable comfort, and felt a nearness to God in prayer. Visited some sick friends, and was much refreshed. The house of mourning is far better than the house of feasting. Blessed be God that I can rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. February 3d. Have enjoyed the meeting very much, to-day. The truth has been delivered. I wonder the world cannot dis- cover they are wrong, and that without holiness, no man can see the Lord ! Went again to visit the sick; found comfort in inviting them to Christ, and experienced freedom of prayer in their behalf. I feel a love for the whole human family. It is ANDREW LEE. 65 painful, however, to think we have no meetings through the week. The soul needs food as much as the body. My spirit languishes for the nourishment she receives, on such occasions. February 17th. Went to meeting, in the afternoon, and heard a faithful sermon. Would fain live a life of more holiness. " O, for a closer walk with God ! " I wantt o meet with Christians daily ; wish they would assemble together for religious ex- ercises oftener. I long for that happy world, " Where congregations ne'er break up, And Sabbath's never end." February 24th. Feel, as yet, that I prize the religion of Jesus Christ above every thing. Have not, however, had my usual religious enjoyment to-day, — too heavy and cold, — wandering out of the good old path, — " Prone to leave the God I love." Great is his long suffering and mercy, or I should long since have been cut down as a cumberer of the ground. My sole depend- ed 66 MEMOIR OF ence is on the Holy Spirit. May I never grieve it away by unfaithfulness. March 10th. No meeting to day. Read the Bible, and felt a great love for the Word. Can say it is better than my daily food. Found it sweet to commune with God. Have also had a good degree of re- ligious enjoyment through the week. O the divine goodness ! March 17th. Have had a solemn, a heart-searching day. Feel, however, that I love him who has become the end of the law for righteousness to every one that be- lieveth. Have visited the sick, and had freedom in praying with them. Find that the religion of Jesus is the one thing need- ful for all who are on a sick, or a dying bed. Some, while in health, are at ease in respect to it ; and others ridicule it, or treat it with contempt. Few, however, are will- ing to leave the world without it. Lord, " Why was I made to hear thy voice. And enter, while there's room ; When thousands make a wretched choice, And rather starve, than come?" ANDREW LEE. 67 Saturday eve. Went to a prayer-meet- ing; one brother and about twenty sis- ters were present; to our bodily eyes, few in number ; but to the eye of faith, a whole army ; for I felt that God was there, by his Spirit ; and the angels too, as minis- tering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. To me it was a good meeting. My soul was refreshed. I tasted, as I feel, the joys of salvation. To God be all the glory ! April 7th. Have lived in great coldness, the week past, if it can be called living. To-day, also, have been troubled with sin- gular hardness of heart, and much wan- dering of the thoughts. We have had good preaching, but my mind has seemed closed against it ; and I have not derived from it my usual comfort. The fault, however, is mine; for the Saviour says, " Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 7 ' 68 MEMOIR OF April 21st. Have heard two excellent sermons, and enjoyed the day. It has been a precious Sabbath. This evening, we have also had a third discourse, respecting the greatness and the condescension of God. I have also visited Mrs. L., on a dying bed. Found her very comfortable in her mind, — longing to be absent from the body, and present with the Lord. It fills me with reproach to see the goodness of God to her, and the divine support she receives, as she draws near the grave. Indeed, I have no inclination for sleep to night. O, I long for that Sabbath which will never end. We have no meetings during the week, — the consequence of which, is, that I get drawn away into the world. As soon as I enter a meeting, the fire begins to burn in my heart. I feel unusually assisted in holding religious conversation with my family, and experience greater nearness of access to God in prayer, than I have done in times past. ANDREW LEE. 69 May 26th. Detained at home, to-day, by sickness. Nevertheless, have had a good degree of religious calmness ; and felt, I think, as though I could say, a The will of the Lord be done." I greatly miss, however, the privilege of meeting with the children of God, in his house of prayer, and engaging in the Sabbath school. Thanks be to God that I experience such a love for his people, and the praise of his great and holy name. Religion is at a very low ebb among us, — none inquiring after the way of salvation. I have myself been very cold through the week. Our Saturday evening meeting, however, was a good one. Only few attended ; but I felt the Saviour was there, according to his promise. June 16th. Feel refreshed by the exer- cises of the Sabbath : but fear I am like the stony ground hearers. Before the week is out, I lose it all. O for that Sabbath which will never end, and that society which is holy, all whose motives are love. 70 MEMOIR OF June 30th. Have had faithful preaching, to-day; but heard it with great coldness and indifference. O, that eternity, eternity, might be deeply impressed on my mind, — arousing me, by the help of God, so to or- der my walk, and conversation, that it may become a happy eternity for my soul ! Preparatory Lecture, Friday. Had some realizing sense of the goodness of God to me, in convicting me of sin, and bringing me to taste the joys of his salvation. " O, to grace, how great a debtor, Daily I'm constrained to be !" Saturday eve. Have enjoyed the week past. Had a good meeting, this even- ing. No brother attended; but felt great freedom, myself. God was present. There was verily a confirmation of his promise, "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." My own soul was refreshed. Blessed be God, I never knew his word fail. Always, when I can draw near to him, feeling my dependence upon him, I find him drawing ANDREW LEE. 71 near to me, and filling my heart with love, joy, and peace. I always get richly paid for going to meeting. Christ, I feel, is pre- cious. I want to live for God. July 7th. Attended communion. Had good faithful preaching, and a comfortable, but a heart-searching, a trying day. Can say, however, u Lord, thou knowest that I love thee." I love the cause of Christ; I love the souls of impenitent sinners ; I pray the Lord to have mercy on them ; I long for a revival of religion ; I want to hear my impenitent friends inquiring what they shall do to be saved, and see them flocking to Christ. July 21st. Sick, and detained from meet- ing. Find it a great privilege to go with the people of God, to the house of prayer. My weeks, I see, are flying, — bringing me nearer to eternity, — to a judgment day. O solemn thought ! Am I prepared ? I am a sinner, but Christ died for the chief of sin- ners. My hope is in his atoning blood. God grant I may be found in Christ, and 72 MEMOIR OF he be formed in me, the only hope of glory. Lord Jesus, help me to love thee more, and to serve thee better. August 11th. During most of the week past, have been tried as to whether it is not my duty to go to every meeting, and warn impenitent sinners to flee from the wrath to come, — telling them what Christ has done for my soul, and is ready to do for theirs, if they will only come to him. Many of the brethren excuse themselves from at- tending these meetings, for years; or, if they ever go to them, they never open their mouths in prayer or warning to their impenitent friends, on such occasions. After thinking the subject over, however, with great anxiety, I have made up my mind in regard to it. I have resolved to look to God, asking him to lead me by his Spirit into the way he would have me go ; and enable me to deny myself, taking up my cross daily and following Jesus Christ. August 18th. Have enjoyed the Sab- bath, and had the presence of God more ANDREW LEE. 73 than ordinary, in the exercise of family prayer. Felt that God did hear me, and would answer my requests, granting me the desires of my heart. Blessed be God, for the encouragement he affords us, to call on his holy name. Sept. 1st. Communion Sabbath. Am this day 43 years old. How short the time ap- pears ! And where will forty-three years more find me % In heaven, or in hell ? That is for me to say. Am I then a follower of Jesus or not ? Have old things passed away ? Have I become a new creature in Christ Jesus ? Do I hate sin ? Do I love holiness ? Do I come up to God's standard of duty? Do I believe with all my heart ? Lord help me to believe, — granting me thy Holy Spirit, to assist my infirmities. Long life I do not so much desire, as to spend my time on earth for the glory of God. O lead me, heavenly-Father, in the way thou wouldest have me go. Teach me what will be most for thy glory, in upbuilding the Redeemer's kingdom. Give me a heart at all times 7 74 MEMOIR OF ready for thy service. Help me to yield obedience to all the commands of the Lord Jesus Christ, — following him through evil report, as well as through good report. Tuesday, September 10th. Have had much enjoyment to-day, and found the Saviour precious, while calling on my sick friends. Find all wanting an interest in Christ; and the inquiry of one is, "what shall I do to be saved?' 7 My heart rejoices for this one. May it prove but the begin- ning of a work of grace among us. This evening we have again set up our Tuesday evening prayer meeting, and had a refresh- ing season. I would fain hold the world around me, as a loose garment, that I can slip off, and get away from, at any mo- ment. September 15 th. Had three good ser- mons from Mr. A. of G. He seemed to be preaching especially to me. He singled me out, and told me I had not been faithful, either to myself, my family, my neighbors, ANDREW LEE. 75 or to the God whom I profess to serve. I felt it. I am verily guilty. Tuesday. Parted with Miss C. P., to- day, in death. Truly life is a vapor, that appeareth, for a little while, and then van- isheth away. There is nothing here worth my stay, but the service of God. Blessed be his name, that he has furnished us with the means of reaching heaven ; and there is the voice still calling after us, "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.' 7 Have had a pleasant meeting, this evening, and a week of tolerable com- fort, thus far. October 6th, Sunday. I find my mind wandering. Doubts and fears arise. Clouds and darkness cover me. O the depths of depravity in this heart ! I feel that I am a sinner. I long to be delivered from my sins. I greatly desire to live more holy, more devoted to God. For this, I know of no other way than to run to Jesus Christ. And blessed be God, that through him the way of salvation is open for such sinners as 76 MEMOIR OF I am. We can all come to him. His blood cleanseth from all sin. October 29th. Have, of late, been reading John Bunyan's Holy War. It is one of the best of books, and exactly depicts my own case. As it was with Mansoul, so it is with me. I am full of Diabolonians, — a hellish crew, — that keep me from him whom I love. O come, Lord Jesus, and set up thy kingdom in my heart. Rule in me, and reign over me. Deliver me from these Diabolonians, that I perish not. I am in- sufficient of myself. My help, O Lord, must come from thee. November 3d. We have no meetings through the week. All is dull. Sin abounds. Infidelity is fast on the increase. I go groaning, day after day, exclaiming, "O what can I do, for the spiritual interests of my fellow creatures !' J My constant prayer is, u O God, pour out thy Spirit upon us. Without that, nothing can be done. Help Lord, for help must come from thee." November 10th. I long for a revival. I ANDREW LEE. 77 long for the salvation of sinners. I want the means employed, that are in our power, for the accomplishment of such a glorious object. I never felt so anxious for perish- ing souls in my life, as I do now. I have spent the week in groaning and lamenta- tion on account of my own sins and those of others. The good Lord appear for us in mercy, and revive his work in every heart. November 17th. My feelings, the week past, have been the same as they were the previous week. There is nothing doing, either to quicken and encourage Christians, or to alarm impenitent sinners. We are all, in very deed, fast asleep. The Lord pour out his Spirit upon us, to convict and convert. November 24th. Enjoyed the day much. Would fain trample the world under my feet, and lay hold of eternal realities. The things of time and sense rise up naturally in the mind and heart; but for spiritual things there must be a constant striving. My desire is to live near God, and to do 7* 78 MEMOIR OF every body good. O grant me, heavenly Father, the gift of thy Holy Spirit. Make me a close follower of Jesus. Help me to deny myself, and take up the cross daily. December 1st. A neighboring minister preached. The words he used were good, but there was apparently no life in them. The failing, however, was in me, — my heart being cold. Had I been prepared, I should have been fed ; for the ravens fed Elijah. O God, forgive my coldness. Grant me thy Holy Spirit to warm my heart. December 10th, Tuesday evening. Had a meeting of the church, at Mrs. T's., to see what could be done for up-building the Redeemer's kingdom. All seemed inter- ested in the object. I was much encour- aged. It was a good meeting. I felt that a revival had begun already. Note. At the above meeting, there was a committee of twelve appointed to go forth, two and two, visiting all the members of the church that were not present, and con- ANDREW LEE. 79 versing with them, endeavoring to stir up one another's minds to the cause of Christ, and the welfare of souls. There was also contemplated a day of fasting and prayer, for the outpouring of the Spirit of God. On the 20th instant, another meeting of the church was held, at the same place. The house was full. All seemed interested, and willing to do what they could, to build up the cause of the Redeemer. On Christmas evening there was another meeting, of all classes, at the townhall, which also indi- cated great religious interest. Similar meet- ings were held, from this time onward, until Wednesday, the 12th of February. This day was devoted, by the church, to prayer and fasting, for the outpouring of the Spirit of God. It was also made the beginning of a series of meetings to the close of the week; during which, the Rev. Mr. P., of Gloucester, preached, and the blessing of God seemed to descend, — the result of which was, that 20 or 30 began to inquire what they should do to be saved ; and sev- eral were hopefully converted to the Lord. 80 MEMOIR OF SECTION THIRD. Farther extracts from his journal, and correspo7idence. January 5th, 1834. Communion Sab- bath. Am wandering in the dark, and question, at times, whether I am really a child of God, — so much sin and unbelief do I discover within me. Nevertheless, I feel strong desires after my first love, and de- liverance from all that is displeasing to my Saviour. " Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love ; Here's my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it from thy courts above." February 9th. Through the mercy of God, have been blessed with another Sab- bath, and good preaching. Hope it will not be lost upon me. There has been no very essential change in my feelings, for months past, except that, at times, I have derived comfort from the ANDREW LEE. 81 preaching of the Word, and been permitted, here and there, to pluck a few clusters of grapes, that I found on the way. Thanks to God for this, — especially that he has not taken his Holy Spirit from me entirely, when I have wandered from him. The church has entered upon the work of fast- ing, humiliation, and prayer. Love begins to glow, and run from heart to heart. Bless- ed be God, his Holy Spirit has descended upon us. It is he that has kindled up this divine fire. Evermore bless the name of the Lord. February 12th, on Wednesday, we began our fast, continuing the meetings in con- nection with it, through the week. In the beginning of these meetings, my faith was small. I had no idea how little there was of it, until I had examined myself; and then I was greatly alarmed to discover where I had got, — so cold, so formal, — nay I may say, even dead. Blessed be God, however, he has refreshed us with his presence. A revival is at hand. Christians 82 MEMOIR OF are comforted. Sinners are going to be converted. I hope soon to hear young con- verts shouting praises to their great Re- deemer. Mr. P. preached nine sermons. God I believe was with him. They seemed to come from the heart. At least, they reached the heart. Many have been brought to bow, in confession of sin, and to own the name of Jesus. The Lord is especially among us. The church has received the spirit of prayer. I have never felt more of it myself than at the present time. I have, as it seems to me, received what I called for, even while I was speaking. I think I have never had more solid enjoyment in religion, in my life, than I now have. Blessed be God for the refreshing he has granted to those who trust in his name. February 23d, Sunday. Have never felt such nearness to God in prayer as I do at the present time. I can go directly to God, as it seems to me, and spread out all my wants before him, — just as a little child ANDREW LEE. 83 goes to an earthly parent, and asks for bread, when it is hungry. I take delight in prayer. I feel a flame of love in my heart, — love to God. and love to my fellow- creatures. I want to hear all the children of men giving glory to God. We have had two good meetings, the week past, at which my heart overflowed. I felt as if I could stand all the day long, and plead with sin- ners to come to Christ, and taste the joys of his salvation. March 2d. Have had a week of religious enjoyment. The Lord continues to be pres- ent with us, by his Holy Spirit. I feel great freedom in speaking in the name of Jesus. I am amazed at what God has done for me. Who could have thought that such a worthless worm of the dust as I am, should find pardon through redeem- ing love, after having neglected it so long ! Truly it is by grace we are saved; and may I be kept through grace, unto salva- tion. March 9th. Have had a good share of 84 MEMOIR OF spiritual enjoyment, the day and week past. Young converts are praising God. This I hope, is but the beginning of a good work, in this place. Revivals are also mul- tiplying around us. Blessed be God, for what he is doing among us, and for what we hear of his goings forth, in other places. March 16th. Have enjoyed the day and week past, and felt very anxious for uncon- verted sinners. Have had great delight in communing with my heavenly Father. There are times in which I love to go to him, and spread out all my wants before him, — in which I find great nearness to the throne of grace in prayer ; and seem to ob- tain answers of peace to my requests, even while I am speaking. Wonderful, wonder- ful condescension in God, thus to bend his ear to a sinful worm ! O, let me humble my soul before him in the dust. March 23d. This has been a precious day to my soul. I have felt full of love to God and all my fellow creatures. O, that sinners would come to Christ. ANDREW LEE. 85 Extracts from a letter to a brother, dated Manchester, March 27th, 1834. " Dear Brother, " Religion begins to revive among us. About twenty give evidence of a saving change. I hope to see many more turning from the error of their ways to the Lord. The Holy Spirit is also working wonders, in towns around us. Sinners are coming to Christ, by hundreds. Dear brother, I pray you beware how you neglect this great sal- vation. There is nothing to be gained, by keeping away from Christ. It brings the soul into great danger of being lost. De- ceive not yourself with the belief, that all will come out well with you, at last. The immortal part is of too much value to be periled in this way. We often find the hopes of Universalists failing them on a dying bed. The Scriptures speak of the hope of the hypocrite that perishes, when God takes away the soul. I entreat you, my brother, to search the Bible with all diligence, — praying God earnestly, to lead 8 86 MEMOIR OF you in the way of eternal life. Above all things, seek the salvation of your soul. u Your affectionate brother, A. L. ;? His journal continued. Fast Day, April 3d. Feel guilty of great disobedience and slothfulness in my Mas- ter's service. The Lord, however, is mer- ciful, so that I am not yet cut down as a cumberer of the ground. O, bless him, my soul, for his goodness and forbearance, that endure forever. April 13th. Have enjoyed the day. O, that all could see the loveliness there is in Christ. It is still encouraging with us. Some are inquiring after Jesus, and a num- ber of converts are praising God. April 27th. Have been detained at home, a part of the day. Am troubled with poor health ; but enjoy a steady feeling of confi- dence in Jesus Christ. He is my hope, my righteousness, my firm support. Friends and heart may fail me, but Jesus never fails. ANDREW LEE. 87 June 1st, Sunday. We had an address, in the forenoon, from Dr. S., on Home Missions. In the afternoon, Mr. E. preach- ed, from Isa. 42 : 20. I have enjoyed the day very well. Want, however, to have my walk closer with God. Disobedience and the world make a thick cloud, that hides from me the presence of Him whom I adore. Deep indwelling sin bars the Sav- iour out of my heart. June 22d. The Lord appears to be still among us by his Holy Spirit. Our meet- ings are well attended. Some, as we hope, have been converted. Thanks to God for his enduring mercy. July 6th, Communion, — a precious day. Have had a goodly number added to the church. And yet, how many there are that know nothing of God, — that yield no obedience to the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ! O, God, have mercy upon them. July 27th. The Holy Spirit seems to have left us. There are no more conver- 88 MEMOIR OF sions. I mourn his departure. And yet it was I that grieved him away, by departing, in the first place, from him. Little by little, the world has stolen away my affections from divine things, until I find myself cold and dead. August 3d. Obtain occasionally some glimpses of my first love. There are times when I want to be in the Spirit, and to live by the Spirit, — glorifying God in my body, and in my Spirit, which are God's. September 6th, Sunday. Do not feel so much engaged as I have felt, in times past. Things drag heavily with me, in religion. I was active in Satan's service ; but in the service of Christ, O, how slothful ! September 13th. Had the pleasure of going to meeting, a part of the day. Felt dull, before I went ; but was in hopes to meet my Saviour there, — nor was I disap- pointed. Agreeably to his promise, u where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them," I found him present with his consolations. I ANDREW LEE. 89 seemed to breathe the air of heaven, as soon as I entered the house. I could not but regard it as a blessed place. No won- der that David esteemed a day in the divine courts, as better than a thousand ; and had rather be a door-keeper in the house of his God, than dwell in the tents of wicked- ness. Blessed be God for the gift of his grace, in bestowing upon me such a love for his sanctuary. It is indeed a blessed place. September 20th. Am sick in body, but calm in mind, and, if not deceived, submis- sive to the divine will. I have a hope well founded, as I trust, which sustains me in all my trials, — the robe of Christ's righte- ousness thrown around me. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. I feel that I am a lost sinner, and need re- demption by his blood. " Salvation, O, the joyful sound. *' Seven years have flown since I enlisted under the banners of king Jesus; and I have found him the very best of masters. 8* 90 MEMOIR OF Never, never have I regretted that I enter- ed his service. My only regret is, that I have served him no better, — that I have been so unfaithful in his cause. It does not weary one to labor for years in his vine- yard. I feel that I have just begun his work. O, that I may prove more faithful to my Lord and Master. October 17th. Fain would I bring my- self up to a higher standard in the divine life, — a more thorough discernment of my sinfulness, and unworthiness, in order to prostrate myself more deeply in the dust before God; and come more perfectly to realize the greatness of the salvation brought to my soul, through Jesus Christ. My strong desire is to be a humble follower of the Lamb. O, that I might be clothed with humility. November 16th, Sunday. I have a strong desire to do more than I am doing, at pres- ent, for the cause of Christ. I feel anxious for my impenitent friends. I am distressed on their account. I carry about me a bur- ANDREW LEE. 91 den daily, in their behalf. I long for the salvation of their souls. My prayer is, that God would appear again in mercy, for this place. But why should I, a poor, miserable, wretched sinner; myself weighed down with the plague of my own heart, feel such intense anxiety for others ? It is because I have found a remedy in an all-sufficient Saviour. His blood cleanses from all sin ; and I want them also to come and taste of his great salvation. November 23d. Have enjoyed another Sabbath. Feebleness and pain, however, remind me, that a few more Sabbaths will close the scene with me, here on earth. I hope, however, through the righteousness of Jesus, who died for sinners, to be pre- pared for the enjoyment of an eternal Sab- bath, in his kingdom above. Every day of the week is good ; but the Sabbath is the best of all. Every house that shelters us from the weather, has its excellence; but far more excellent is the house of God, — for here my soul is fed with spiritual food. 92 MEMOIR OF Dearly do I love his tabernacle. I esteem my earthly friends; but the friends of Christ are the delight of my heart, and in their company I love to abide. O, blessed, then, will be the day, when all shall meet together in that kingdom above, and every tongue join in the song, " worthy is the Lamb; glory to God; hallelujah; praise his name forever." November 30th. There has been an eclipse of the natural sun to day. Apt emblem this, of my own condition ! I feel that the world has got between me and Christ, the source of all divine light and comfort, and shrouded me in darkness. Lord, increase my faith, — dispelling the thick clouds which sins of disobedience and unbelief have collected around me, — caus- ing the Sun of Righteousness to break through upon my soul. December 7th. Again the Sabbath re- turns. I feel that the eclipse is partly off. The Sun of Righteousness does begin to shine upon me. I am tasting the joys of heaven. ANDREW LEE. 93 December 28th. This is the last Sabbath of the year. O, my soul, there will be a last Sabbath for thee to enjoy on earth. Art thou prepared to stand before Christ in judgment, and answer for all the deeds done in thy body ? A solemn question ! Hope thou in God. The blood of Christ cleanses from all sin. Trust in him for salvation. January 4th, Sunday, 1835. A new year has begun. I would enter upon it renew- ing my vows of consecration to God. May my heart be renewed by the Holy Spirit, and the year be better spent than the last. My resolve is, — the Lord strengthening me, — to live more to the divine glory, and the benefit of my fellow creatures, than I have hitherto done. January 25th. The precious Sabbath returns. O, that with it, the Holy Spirit would descend upon us, in his convincing and converting power. I long for a re- freshing from thy presence, O, God. " Let thy grace, now like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to thee." 94 MEMOIR OF February 1st, Sunday. Have been weighed down, the week past, with a burden for the salvation of souls. O, the value of the immortal part ! It seems to me of ines- timable worth. I feel an increasing desire for the salvation of sinners. My continual prayer is, "O, Lord, revive thy work." I struggle with groanings which cannot be uttered, entreating God to glorify himself in their conversion. March 1st, Communion. Have been dull all day ; and yet, had greater freedom in prayer than for some time past. O, how pleasant it is to make one's escape from the world, and draw near to God. April 5th, Sunday. Felt it my duty to turn to God, in repentance, — humbling my- self in the very dust before him, on account of my departure from his ways; and O, how shall I declare the goodness of God to me, in favoring me with a single glimpse of his glory ! It fills my heart with joy. June 21st, Sunday. Have been review- ing the dealings of God with me, in days and years that are past ; and it is enough ANDREW LEE. 95 to melt down the hardest heart. Alas ! mine has become exceedingly hard. The reason of it is obvious, — the manner in which I have treated his long-suffering, goodness, mercy, forbearance, and loving kindness, — together with the ten thousand blessings which I am daily receiving from his hands. Blush, O my soul, and lay thyself low in the dust. Let the tender mercies of thy God lead thee to repentance. " Show pity Lord, O Lord, forgive, Let a repenting rebel live." July 26th, Sunday. I find the Christian life a scene of great internal warfare, and struggling. Fain would I live more to the glory of God ; but the world breaks in upon me, with its bewitching cares : and I find my mind wandering with the fool's eyes to the ends of the earth. I hate it. I would have all my affections fixed on God, and things above. I would have my heart and conversation in heaven, and glorify God in my body and my spirit, which are his. December 20th, Sunday. There has 96 MEMOIR OF been a protracted meeting at the Farms. I was enabled, in the providence of God, to attend for four evenings ; and I feel myself under obligations of gratitude for the privi- lege. I there saw the divine power exhib- ited in the conversion of impenitent sinners. There also, my own soul, as I trust, was refreshed with the joys of salvation. While there, I made vows of greater fidelity to my Master, and my impenitent friends. I also endeavored to improve my feeble powers in the way of exhortation. The Lord seemed to help me warn sinners of their danger, and invite them to come to Jesus and have their sins washed away. My own soul found peace and joy in the exercise. O, why am I ever deaf to the gentle prompt- ings of duty ? What darkness, disobedience brings into the soul. January 8th, 1836. A new year has commenced. I would enter upon it, en- deavoring after new obedience, — to live more devoted to God, more humble before him, — letting my light so shine, as to prove a benefit to all my fellow creatures. ANDREW LEE. 97 Note. The above is all the record I find, in Mr. Lee's journal, for the year 1836. In the autumn of the year 1835, his friend, Mr. F. A., found it expedient, all things considered, to try a southern climate, for the sake of his health. Accordingly, he and his wife embarked at Boston, Novem- ber 25th, for Manzanilla de Cuba, under the charge of Captain R. The following correspondence between them, during their separation from each other, may be appro- priately introduced in this place. SECTION FOURTH. Correspondence with Mr. Allen, fyc. Extracts of a letter from his friend, Mr. F. A., at Man- zanilla, dated, in the first instance, Sunday, Dec. 27th, 1835. Dear Bro. L., Remembering what frequent and pleas- ant intercourse we have had together, in 9 98 MEMOIR OF times past, I thought it would gratify you to receive a visit from me, to-day, such an one as I can make you, with paper and ink. We arrived here, on Saturday, the 12th in- stant, and landed the next day. Of course, this is only the third Sabbath we have spent in this place. Alas, there is no Sab- bath here ! This day is not here devoted to sacred rest ; it is not regarded unto the Lord. It is entirely given up to cock- fighting, gambling, dancing, and other sec- ular amusements. I am disgusted with things, in this respect. What, however, can I do ! Nothing but pity and pray. O that they might be led to a discovery of the only way, in which man can be saved ! I never thought I should ever find myself in a land where there is no Sabbath, and none to meet together in divine worship. It is a pleasing thought, however, that even at this distance, I can unite with you in spirit, and call on the same Lord, — obtaining from him whatever I need. Pray for me, that I may be able to put my whole trust in Him. ANDREW LEE. 99 As for the climate here, we find every- thing to our minds. The weather is warm and pleasant. I have no occasion to put on a great coat, nor yet to watch the wind, to see from what quarter it blows. I can walk out, at any time, either in the morn- ing or the evening, — putting on my thin clothes, and taking an umbrella to keep off the sun. Instead of tying a handkerchief round my ears to prevent them from freez- ing, I use it to wipe the sweat from my face. Every thing looks green and beauti- ful. We have vegetables of all sorts in abundance. I cannot realize that it is win- ter with you, and so cold. Withal, I feel improved in body. Monday eve. I hope it will please the Lord to bless this voyage for the restoration of my health. I must leave all with him. He knows the end from the beginning, and what is for the best. I think that if I live to get home again, I shall know how to prize the religious privileges of New Eng- 100 MEMOIR OF land. It is melancholy to think, that I and my wife are probably the only persons in Manzanilla that can unite in praising God for renewing grace. This is verily a land of spiritual darkness. The Man of Sin reigns in these quarters, and here Satan has his seat, leading souls captive at his will. O may the Lord cut short his reign. Tuesday. I would hope, my dear bro- ther, that some of you are now assembled together, for prayer. I am loth to believe you have forgotten this memorable even- ing. And may I not indulge the pleasing thought, that you also remember me in your prayers? I need a double portion of grace, in my present condition. You also need a great share of the same spirit, to en- able you to persevere in the good work which you have begun. Let not your hands grow weak, nor your confidence fail. Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might, faithfully warning sinners to flee from the wrath to come and lay hold of the hope set before them in the gospel. May ANDREW LEE. 101 it be, you have found some one to take hold with you, and that God has revived his work. If not, persevere. In due time you will reap if you faint not. The prize is be- fore you. Press on and win it. Prove faithful, and you will receive a crown of glory at last. From your unworthy brother, F. A. From Mr. Lee in reply. Manchester, Feb. 8th, 1836. Dear Brother A., You speak in your letter about the pleas- antness of the weather where you are, — that you need no cloak, etc. Were you here, you would need two, and a great coat in the bargain. Withal, your handkerchief would not come amiss around your ears; and then you would want to cover up your face with both hands, to prevent that from 9* 102 MEMOIR OF freezing, — for the snow that fell while you were at Boston, still lies on the ground. Indeed, I must stop, or it will make you shiver ! And then, as to religion,- — I know you want to hear how this is among us ; but should I tell you the whole truth in this respect, it would make you shiver worse than to write you about the weather; for our religion is colder than our winter. Our meetings are few and thinly attended by the brethren. Things look dark and gloomy among us, in a spiritual point of view. There are brighter prospects, however, at the Farms. They have had a protracted meeting, and the Lord seems to be at work there, with great power. Forty or fifty, it is hoped, have been renewed. I have been there myself, a number of times, and enjoy- ed the meetings much. I wished that you were with me. I felt perfectly at home. The word of the Lord had free course and was glorified. The old men bowed their knees, and children's tongues were loosed ANDREW LEE. 103 to praise the Lord. In the part of the town called Montserrat, nearly all the inhabi- tants, young children excepted, have been brought, as I am informed, under the pow- er of religion. One girl, twelve years of age, went into her chamber, resolved not to leave it, until she had found her Saviour, and, in about an hour, she returned rejoic- ing in hope and giving praise to God. Soon afterwards, she was made the means, in the hands of the Lord, of the hopeful con- version of her aged grandfather and her un- cle. The Lord grant that the work may spread to the earth's remotest bounds, en- lightening the darkest corners, and bringing every soul to bow to the sceptre of king Jesus. My dear brother, it is impossible for me to write to you all that I feel. I long to see you to tell you all about it. We think of you often; and my wife hovers over the fire, and then begins to talk about brother and sister A. Sometimes we wish that you were with us ; and then, that we were with 104 MEMOIR OF you, where it is so warm and pleasant. Always, when I pass by your house, I want to go in and see brother A. I enter, but every thing looks odd. There is a lit- tle one there ; and then your brother is so busy about his work ! I miss you, more and more, every day. I long for the time to come, when you and your wife will re- turn home again. Your absence, dear bro- ther, only increases my love for you. The Lord grant that our affection for each other may continue to increase, not only through time, but also through eternity, — we being so united to Christ, that nothing can sun- der us. As you are in a land of darkness, I hope you will be enabled to let your light shine around you. The Lord be with you, and grant you much of His Spirit. If Capt. R. and his wife have not an interest in Christ, do labor with them, for their soul's salvation. I am too cold to write any more at present. I hope the time will soon roll round and again bring us together. I often read the hymn, "when shall we three meet again !" ANDREW LEE. 105 " Though in distant lands we sigh, Parched beneath the hostile sky, Though the deep between us rolls, Friendship shall unite our souls, And, in fancy's wide domain, Oft shall we three meet again." If the Lord please, we shall see each oth- er's faces again on earth, to speak of His goodness and praise His name together. If not, may we meet together in His kingdom above, where farewells will never be heard. Your affectionate brother, A. L. P. S. Feb. 10th. This evening, brother M.'s house caught fire and was consumed. Thus uncertain are riches, — often making themselves wings and flying away. Our treasure should be laid up in heaven. Since writing the above, I have heard that the work of the Lord is going on wonder- fully, in the centre of the town, Beverly. There are also hopeful appearances of the commencement of a work of grace, in Sa- lem. Yours. Farewell. A. L. 106 MEMOIR OF Note. Mr. F. A. continued at Manzan- illa, up to May the 28th, when he re-em- barked for Boston. The southern climate seemed to favor him. It did not secure him, however, from a severe relapse, dur- ing the winter; nor did he, in the end, find himself greatly improved. In a postcript of a letter written by his wife, to his bro- ther Lee, under date of April 9th — 12th, he says: "Dear Brother L., "The time is near, I hope, when we shall see each other again, face to face. Excuse me, therefore, from writing on this occa- sion, — not because I am unmindful of you, but on account of its wearisomeness to the flesh. No, dear brother, our separation has had no tendency to alienate our affections from each other. Nothing, I trust, will have such a tendency. The love that binds us together, I feel, is stronger than death. I think I rejoice with you in what you tell ANDREW LEE. 107 me about the revival. God bless you and your family. For the present, farewell." Mr. A. arrived at Manchester, on the evening of June the 18th., when the two friends, with their families, had the happi- ness of meeting again, and uniting together, as they had so often done before, in prayer and praise to God. On the 25th of February, of this year, Mr. Lee lost his mother. She died at Cape Elizabeth, near Portland, in the 74th year of her age. He has made no reference to the event, in his journal. That it took a strong hold of him, however, there is no question. Soon after he heard of it, he wrote a long and interesting letter to his friends there, expressive of his feelings on the subject, which is known to have been extensively circulated; but which no efforts hitherto made, have succeeded in recover- ing. The next record that we find in Mr. Lee's Journal, is dated Jan. 1837, and is as follows: 108 MEMOIR OF "The last year has passed away, about as usual. God has been good to us in pre- serving the lives and healths of me and my family. O the many blessings that have been showered down upon us, and the lit- tleness of our gratitude in return! As to myself, I have a strong desire for the salva- tion of souls. I feel, however, that I have done very little for this object. I am very slothful as to all spiritual things, but quick enough to engage in the affairs of the world. I look back upon my life, the past year, with shame. I hope I shall live nearer to God for the year to come." We find nothing more from Mr. Lee's pen, up to Jan. 1838, when he writes as follows : " This year began with a church fast, and looks promising. A large number of pro- fessors, met together on the occasion. I en- joyed the day much. My wife was fully persuaded that there would be a revival ANDREW LEE. 109 soon. Her anticipations, in this respect, an imated her whole frame. Her countenance shone with the inward joy she had, of sal- vation. Her heart was filled with the love of God beyond any thing that I ever knew her to experience before. Though confined of sickness to her room, she was carried from earth to heaven. ' ? SECTION FIFTH. Death of his wife, Mrs. Allen, and her husband, fyc. Not long after this, Mr. Lee was called to severe trials. Sunday, Jan. the 21st, his friend, Mr. F. A., writes thus respecting him: " To-day, brother Lee followed to the grave, the remains of his dear wife. She had long been feeble. Her last sickness, however, and especially, its fatal termina- tion, came very unexpectedly upon us. 10 110 MEMOIR OF She fell asleep on Friday, at two o'clock in the morning. To her husband, asking her how she felt, after he had informed her she was struck with death, she replied, i" am happy. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. The Lord stand by dear brother Lee and support him under this heavy affliction, — causing it to work to- gether both for his good, and for mine" A female friend, who was present, during all the trying scene, remarks, that, for a few moments after the breath left the body of his wife, Mr. Lee, notwithstanding he said her words to him, / am happy, were all he could ask, was in great distress. He re- tired, however, and poured out his prayers to God, for relief; when his distress van- ished, and redeeming love brake in upon him, overpowering his soul. He appeared like a little child, bowing beneath his fa- ther's rod. He used to say to me, con- tinues this friend, that when he followed her to the grave, he did not realize she was dead. "My spirit was all the time with ANDREW LEE. Ill hers, over on the other side of Jordan." Mr. Lee himself gives the following ac- count of the melancholy event : " Saturday, Jan. the 13th, my wife had a very happy day. Her health was better than it had been for more than two months previous; and she seemed to enjoy the light of God's countenance shining clearly about her. At twelve o'clock, that night, she was taken ill, and continued to grow worse, un- til her death, which occurred on the 19th instant, at two o'clock in the morning. Her closing hours were the happiest hours of her life. Her last words to me were, " Rejoice, praise the Lord, for I am happy, happy;" and immediately, her happy spirit ascended to God, to dwell with holy beings there, in his presence, to all eternity. I have such overwhelming evidence of her piety, as to render it impossible for me to doubt, that she is now engaged in singing praise in heaven. As for my own feelings, they cannot be described. In the beginning of the affliction, I found myself at a great 112 MEMOIR OF distance from God. The devil had got be- tween me and my Saviour. Doubts and fears overwhelmed me. All the powers of darkness laid siege to my soul. My sins arose before me, in the blackest colors. Mountains of guilt pressed upon me. I felt myself chained down to despair. The meeting and the Sabbath school, that once brought me such delight, had lost all their desirableness. I thought I should never visit them again. I seemed to have been a hypocrite all my days. The reality of re- ligion, I did not question; but the adversary told me I had never had any. I confessed at once, that I had been a great sinner. I admitted all his whisperings respecting my vileness, to be true; and informed him, that I knew much more of myself, in this respect, than he had suggested. It was the greatest storm of temptation and trial I ev- er experienced. And then, to have it come at such a time ! About thirty minutes be- fore my wife died, it had reached such a pitch of fury, that I thought soul and body ANDREW LEE. 113 must separate; and I should have sunk down in despair, had not God appeared for me. In my great distress I called upon him, and He came to my deliverance, set- ting my soul at liberty, and binding up my broken heart. He rescued me from the tempter, and brought me out into a large place, filling me with the joys of his salva- tion, and causing my heart to overflow with his love. Oh the wonderful things that I saw ! I have reason to bless God, all the days of my life, for what he has done for my soul! I have had experience of his goodness to his children in times past. They find themselves comforted in a dying hour. Widely different has it fared with others. They have always shown them- selves anxious to obtain the Christian's hope. I have never seen an infidel or a Universalist die, whose hopes held out to the end. Their refuges of lies fail them. And why, O my soul, wast thou made to hear the Saviour's voice, and admit him to thy bosom ! Sovereign grace has done it. 10* 114 MEMOIR OF The free gift of God alone has accom- plished the work! Forever bless and praise the name of the Lord. "It would be wrong for me not to revert to brother Allen and his wife, on this occa- sion. Great has been the support which I have derived from my daily visits to them. Our hearts are one. Love has knit us to- gether, — a love, we fondly believe, stronger than death. Much of our time, for months past, has been spent in each other's com- pany. They have been blessed friends to my soul. She, poor woman, has been sick, for some time ; but our meetings have been heaven on earth. We hope to spend an eternity together, in the kingdom of glory." Not many weeks after the above event, Mr. Lee was called to part with one of his dear friends, so often alluded to. Under date of May 26th, his brother F. A. writes: " To-day I have followed to the grave, my dear wife, — the companion of my youth, the joy of my heart, and the great source of my earthly bliss. She was ever ANDREW LEE. 115 kind, loving, and affectionate, — nay more, most truly devoted to my highest happi- ness. Yes, the joy of my heart, and the delight of my eyes, the dearest idol I have knoivn, has been removed. The Lord, however, has done it. He gave her to me; and he has taken her away from me, — and, notwithstanding the severity of the stroke, I feel I can say, ' Blessed be the name of the Lord;' for I doubt not he has taken her to himself in glory. She died on the 24th instant, at a quarter past eight o'clock, in the morning." Mrs. A. had been in very poor health, for some months, and confined, much of the time, to her house. During the whole of her illness, however, she appeared to be en- tirely resigned to the will of God, either to live or die. "Upon the whole," said she, "as I have got so far through, I had rather go ; but if it be the will of God to restore me, and I can be the means of any good to souls, I am willing to come back again. 116 MEMOIR OF Let it be just as the Lord pleases. It is " Sweet to lie passive in His hands, And know no will, but His." She would frequently ask her husband to pray for her, that she might have an easy passage, — a prayer which seemed, in a good measure, to be answered. On the nigth before she died, she repeated the words, " Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone, He whom I fix my hopes upon ; His track I see, and I'll pursue The narrow way, 'till him I view !" looking upward and pointing with a pecu- liar expression, when she began the third line. "Her trust," says her husband, "was in Christ alone. On Him she rested unshaken, as her foundation. When I ask- ed her, in respect to the prospect of death, she would reply, 'My trust is in the Lord. I don't know how I shall feel, when the time comes, but I leave that with the Lord. They that trust in him shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but ANDREW LEE. 117 abideth forever.' I went to her, at one o'clock, on the morning of her departure, when she said to me, 'I am dying.' I re- plied, 'I hope not;' but she added, 'I am.' I then said to her, 'you are going home.' 'I know it,' she said; and look- ing up to me, she added, 'But I am not afraid to die.' 'Do you feel,' I said, 'that you can say, O death, where is thy sting; O grave, where is thy victory? Is the sting of death taken away?' To which she replied, 'yes, for Jesus can make a dying bed Feel soft as downy pillows are ; While on his breast I lean my head, And breathe my life out sweetly there. 'And can you then,' I asked, 'enter into the meaning of these words?' 'Yes,' she replied; when she sung with an audible voice, the following, — the last two lines with great clearness : ' Filled with delight, my raptured soul, Can here no longer stay ; Though Jordan's waves around me roll, Fearless I'll launch away.' " 118 MEMOIR OF Soon after this, Mr. Lee coming in, she said, u O brother Lee, I have got most over Jordan," looking up into his face, at the same time, and smiling. He talked with her as he had often done before, — com- mending her to God; soon after which, she fell asleep. On the following day, May 27th, Sunday, her husband writes as fol- lows : "This evening brother Lee came in; and we could sympathize with each other; and mingle our sorrows; and, what is still better, also mutually rejoice; not that the Lord had taken our dear wives from us, but that he had taken them to himself. We found it was good for us to unite our prayers together, while we did not doubt they were uniting their praises around the throne of God and the Lamb. I felt a greater, a stronger love for brother Lee, on this occasion, than ever before. The Lord bless our intercourse with each other, hear- ing our prayers, and preparing us for all His pleasure here below, and finally for a ANDREW LEE. 119 happy union together in the world of glory, there to raise our voices with those of our wives, in singing, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to redeem us by his blood.' w Mr. Lee himself speaks of the death of this friend in the following terms : May, 1838. — " Sister Allen has just been called to pass over Jordan, and the Lord was with her. It is a mournful event; for I am loth to part with such a friend. She sung, when she was dying, in the triumphs of faith; and her willing spirit, leaving the clayey tenement, ascended with joy to the bright regions above, to be with her God and Saviour forever. O bless the Lord, — in my interviews with her, I have had a glimpse of Canaan. Br. Allen finds him- self comforted respecting her, in a well- grounded hope that she is in the glorious world of the redeemed. As we are now situated alike, in respect to our wives, much of our time, to my great support and consolation, is spent together. He is a bro- ther whom I greatly love. We often meet 120 MEMOIR OF together and converse on the things of the kingdom; and I hope we enjoy the pres- ence of God." Of Mr. Lee's condition and progress, either in a worldly respect, or a religious, during the remainder of this year, he has left us but a single record, and that is withr out date. It probably belongs, however, towards its close. From this, it would seem, that the afflictions through which he had passed, had somewhat undermined his health; at the same time, it is also appa- rent that he was growing in religion. "For eight months past," says he, in this record, "my body has been greatly pros- trated with disease. During the whole pe- riod of my sickness, however, I have de- rived great support from trusting in the Lord. It has been with me, in spiritual things, like a sea of glass, — all smooth, and shining with the glory of God. O my soul, bless the Lord for his goodness to me, in this respect." ANDREW LEE. 121 On the 30th of January, 1839, he wrote a letter to his brother's wife, in Portland, Me., from which the following extracts are taken. u Dear Sister, " The past year has been a mournful, dull year to me. I miss my wife very much, in my sickness; though my children give me every attention that I wish. Elizabeth has all the care of the family. She is a good child. My children are a great blessing and comfort to me. Especially, however, do I find peace and support, in Him whom I trust I believe on. God has been my helper in all my distress. The religion of Jesus grows sweeter every day. I hope I can praise His holy name. Certainly I can bear testimony that the Lord is good. His tender mercies are great. It is over eleven years since I trust I gave my heart to Christ, and he has never left me, but has upheld me by his free spirit, and has given me the joys of his salvation. The Lord has done great things for me. 11 122 MEMOIR OF "I hope, dear sister, that your course is onward, to heaven, that blessed abode, that you have the presence of God, and experi- ence the joys of that salvation which will raise you above this world, and sustain you through all the trying scenes of your pil- grimage here below. My mind is frequent- ly with you and your family. I hope we shall be spared to see each other oftener than we have done, — your husband and sons being much at sea. Write to me as soon as they come home. I shall wish to hear from them. Our love to you all. " Yours, A. L." To his niece, he writes, at the close of the letter, as follows : "Dear Elizabeth, " My strong desire is to have every one be- come a partaker of the religion of Christ; you must not think it strange, therefore, that I address you on the subject. I want to know your feelings. Have you given ANDREW LEE. 123 your heart away to Christ? To be assured of this, would occasion me great joy, for then I should say, c another blessed soul is to stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, singing the songs of redeeming love forever.' If you have not, then do it. Think, Elizabeth, O think on eternity, eter- nity! I cannot bear to conceive of you otherwise than as having given yourself to Him, who bled and died, that you might live. O Elizabeth, what is God? God is love. Could you endure banishment from his presence? Tremendous thought! What is Heaven? Heaven is the abode of love and blessedness! Can I never enter there? The very thought would rend me to pieces. Blessed be God, the gate of heaven stands open, and all are invited to come. Pray, then, do not you refuse. Love and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit be with you, and lead you through the snares and tempta- tions of this world. All your cousins here send kind regards. " Yours, in affection and love, A. L." 124 MEMOIR OF Not many weeks after this, still another event occurred, in the life of Mr. Lee, which served to detach him more from the world, and draw him nearer heaven. He was called to part with his remaining friend, Mr. F. A. On the 27th of October, the dis- order with which this dear brother in Christ had long been afflicted, assumed a danger- ous aspect; he was seized with an unusu- ally copious hemorrhage of the lungs. From this time onward to his death, — a pe- riod of nearly five months, he was generally in great bodily distress. He continued, however, with the exception of the last three days of his life, to enjoy the use of his reason, and all the consolations and sup- ports of a well grounded hope in Christ; and even after this, he retained, for the most part, his wonted clearness on the subject of religion,— calling to mind the death of his wife; conversing, at times, with one and another, about an interest in Christ; and showing himself wholly wrapped up in love for souls, and the things of the king- ANDREW LEE. 125 dom of heaven. He fell asleep, March the 21st, 1839, — leaving the greater part of his property to the benevolent societies of the day. The last record he has left us of him- self, is dated July the 4th, 1838, and evi- dently shows us whither his thoughts and feelings were tending : "Many have gone to Salem to-day, to see a balloon rise. O that we could see people as anxious to have the Redeemer's kingdom rise in the world around them, and in their own hearts. As for myself, I staid about home, taking my meals with my mother-in-law. After supper, I walked up to the grave of my dear wife. O sweet and lovely spot, keep what is committed to thy trust, until the great rising day; and O, far sweeter and more lovely Jesus, thou wilt keep that immortal spirit, for which thou didst bleed and die, and which was redeemed and saved by thy blood. Yes, — thou hast said it, — 'there the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest.' O prepare me for my change, when- 11* 126 MEMOIR OF ever it shall come. Help me to live, feel- ing my dependence on thee, and then I shall find myself independent of every thing else." Mr. Lee has, himself, made the following record : " March 21st. This day, my beloved brother, F. Allen, has exchanged earth for heaven. glorious change, bless'd abode ! Now he is near and like his God ; Where Jesus is, where angels sing, Where saints rejoice and praise their King.* "Yes, — I cannot doubt it, — the three friends have now met together again, — he, my wife, and his own! O Lord, help me so to live, that I may meet them in thy kingdom at last, and there join with them in praises to Him that sits upon the throne, * Whether these last two lines are his own, or a quotation, I am unable to say. The first two are from Watts, 17th Psalm. ANDREW LEE. 127 and to the Lamb who shed his blood to bring us home to God, and to the adorable Spirit, forever. O my soul, evermore bless the Lord! Three have already gone. I am left behind, indeed, to mourn the loss of their company; but, thanks to God, I can rejoice that my loss is their gain. Yes, bless the Lord, I cannot wish them back again on earth; but I have strong de- sires to go where they are, that I may be with them, and see Jesus, and praise him as I ought/ 7 SECTION SIXTH. Revival and Sabbath school Celebration. The above is, in the original, followed by some records respecting a revival in the place, his own spiritual exercises, during the work, etc. They are without date. To understand them, in all their bearings, it should be remembered, that Mr. E., the minister, had at this time, been sick, and 128 MEMOIR OF generally unable to preach, for about a year. The church, especially the brethren, had also long been in a state of great cold- ness, — scarcely enough of them, for con- ducting the services, making their appear- ance at the meetings in the evening. These facts had filled the breasts of faith- ful and observant individuals with deep concern for the welfare of Zion, in their midst. Several of the females, in particu- lar, had been very much engaged in secret wrestlings at the throne of grace, in her be- half. It is also well known to some, that Mr. Lee had been greatly wrought upon with anxiety for souls, and drawn forth in the most fervent exercises of private inter- cession for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The subject had pressed with such weight upon his mind, as to impede his slumbers. He had lain awake in the night, wishing for day, in order that he might go out into the highways and hedges warning impenitent sinners. What it was, whether of mercy or judgment, he had ANDREW LEE. 129 been unable to divine, — but he had long been feeling that some important event was at hand, and earnestly struggling in secret prayer to God, that it might prove an event of mercy, — a revival of religion in the place. Sometimes, as his health was fee- ble, he had thought, that perhaps his own end was approaching, and that he was call- ed on, by this presentiment, to do what he had to be done, before it came. Under these varied impressions, he had gone round, from house to house, throughout all his part of the town, and probably most of the other portions, conversing with every individual, respecting the salvation of his soul. With these facts before them, none who have been accustomed to watch the deal- ings of God with his people, will be sur- prised to learn, that, at a meeting, held on Wednesday evening, February the 13th, — at which a neighboring clergyman presided, five or six persons were found anxiously inquiring what they should do to be saved ; 130 MEMOIR OF and that this proved but the commence- ment of a work of grace which lasted for several weeks, and was the means of bring- ing some scores into the church. Mr. Lee was much confined, during this season. As may be supposed, however, the event filled his soul with joy. "I had no sooner heard of it," he afterwards remarked, "than a whole mountain seemed to be taken off my shoulders, and my mind was at once re- lieved of an oppressive burden." With these explanations, I introduce the first of the above records. It was, perhaps, made on the same day with the last quotations from his journal, — being separated from it only by a dash, and intimately connected with it in general appearance. It is as follows : "Thanks to God, the signs of the times appear good for Zion ! She is in travail for souls; and shall she not bring forth? The Lord is drawing near to us, full of mercy and grace. The blessings of heaven are descending upon all around us, in this ANDREW LEE. 131 place. Saints are rejoicing. The impeni- tent are beginning to mourn and weep, on ac- count of their sins, and to seek after salva- tion. As for myself, I am confined by sick- ness, so as to be prevented from meeting with the people of God. My heart, how- ever, I trust, is with them. I long for the prosperity of Zion. O that all men could be brought to see and feel the goodness of God, and give their hearts away to the Lord Jesus Christ. I enjoy religion, feeling very happy in my mind. May this sick- ness be sanctified to me for the salvation of my soul. The Lord is good; forever praise and bless His holy name." The following, I suppose to have been written in the course of the summer, as a kind of historical record of a certain period in the revival, which, on account of his own experience, he felt himself, on a re- view, especially bound to remember. The evening to which he refers, was probably that of the second of March. 132 MEMOIR OF u On a Saturday evening, while I was alone, meditating on the goodness of God, and what he had done for me, — all my fam- ily having gone to meeting, — the Holy Spir- it seemed to descend upon me, almost as he did upon the apostles, on the day of Pente- cost. My whole soul became electrified with his presence. I was filled to the very brim. I could say, 'my cup runneth over.' It altogether passed my compre- hension. I knew not what to make of it. In silent admiration I could only exclaim, •'Bless the Lord, bless God, bless Him for- ever. O Christ is precious, — the chief among ten thousands. 7 I felt that I want- ed to depart that minute and be with Him and the glorified spirits around Him in heaven, where I could praise Him as I ought. O rapturous height of divine love! O glorious and exalted scene that burst upon my view! How could I otherwise than long to take my leave of earth and soar away to heaven ! u In the midst of my ecstacy, there was a ANDREW LEE. 133 noise at the door! About fifteen of the Sabbath school children had come to make me a visit. I was overjoyed to see them; and conversed with them on religion. I found their minds under serious impres- sions. They all wanted an interest in Christ. I spent the evening in great happi- ness. I had a glimpse of the land of Ca- naan, from the top of Pisgah ! "The week which followed was one of the most precious seasons I ever knew, — saints rejoicing, sinners trembling, con- verts multiplying ! Salvation came to ev- ery house; the spirit of God operated upon every heart. One hundred and ten, at least, were hopefully converted to the Lord ? that week. The revival, however, did not last long. A short, but indeed a glorious work, did the Lord make with us. More than one hundred and seventy, in all, were thought to have been savingly wrought upon by divine grace. 5 * Bless God forever! Mr. Lee has two hundred and fifty, but this is too high. 12 134 MEMOIR OF All the glory is due to His name. I feel it to be impossible for me to praise Him enough." The last record that Mr. Lee ever made in his Journal, and with which I shall close Avhat I have to say of him, in this chapter, was on the fourth of July, of this year. A Sabbath school celebration had been ar- ranged, chiefly on his account. He was feeble and therefore unable to share largely in the fatigues of the day. His whole soul, however, was interested in the exercises. He has noticed it as follows: " July 4th. Have witnessed a very pleas- ant scene to-day, — a Sabbath school cel- ebration! About eight hundred persons assembled together in the meeting-house, where they heard an address from the Rev. Mr. W., of Salem, and went through other exercises; when they marched out into the fields, and partook of refreshments that had been prepared for them on the occasion. It was a solemn and interesting day, both to ANDREW LEE. 135 parents and children. Every thing was appropriate and pleasant. My own feel- ings partook largely in the joy. The fourth of July was never spent so well among us, before. We bless God for it. For all the favors we receive, glory be given to His name." 136 MEMOIR OF CHAPTER III. FROM MY ACQUAINTANCE WITH MR. LEE UNTIL HIS DEATH. My installation in Manchester took place the 18th of September, 1839. Of course, it was not long before I became acquainted with Mr. Lee. My attention was first attracted to him, as one of those hearers, who seem to de- vour every word the preacher utters. Soon afterwards, it was my privilege to hear his voice of exhortation and prayer, in the con- ference-meeting, and feel myself wrought upon by the fervency and deep sincerity with which he spake. In the next place, I discovered him, as Superintendent of the Sabbath school, going round, from pew to pew, conversing with individuals about the salvation of their souls. No sooner had I begun to visit the people of my charge, than I found the perfume of his name abroad among them, as one, who like Demetrius, ANDREW LEE. 137 had " a good report of all men, and of the truth itself." In the course of a few months, I was gradually drawn into cir- cumstances of greater intimacy with him as a Christian friend and brother. There was no such thing as mistaking the man. His education had, indeed, been defective. He was not extensively ac- quainted with those works which Dr. Por- ter and others recommend as religious classics for the promotion of piety. He had never interested himself, very much, in the abstruser doctrines of our religion. He had, however, thoroughly read the Bible, as well as some of Bunyan's works, and sev- eral of the American Tract Society's publi- cations. He was evidently a man of prayer. He had drunk deeply at the foun- tain of Christian love, — from it, drawing all the rules of his own conduct, and his measures of right and wrong, in respect to the conduct of others. He was exceeding- ly fond of holding intercourse with warm- hearted Christians ; and soon began to tell 12* 138 MEMOIR OF me of the great loss he had recently ex- perienced in the death of his friend, Mr. Forster Allen. He was thoroughly devoted to the welfare of the Redeemer's kingdom around him. He had made himself famil- iar with the spiritual condition of every family and permanent inhabitant of the place, and could tell how each one stood, in this respect, and to what particular dan- gers he was exposed ; and if, in cases of apparent sincerity, he was apt to form too favorable a judgment of a person's relig- ious standing, and embrace too many in the arms of his charity, he was, at the same time, quick-sighted in the detection of pride, luke-warmness, worldly-minded- ness, and the want of a humble and con- trite spirit. " What think you 3 " I would say to him, "of Mr. A.?" u Oh," he would reply, " he is not what he ought to be ; but then he has a tender mind on the subject of religion, and seems to be an inquirer. I have great hopes of his becoming a Christian. " ANDREW LEE. 139 "Have you ever had any conversation with Mr. B.?" "Yes, poor man; he does not bear it, however, very well. He is wrapt up in his own self-righteousness, and does not like to have his heart probed very deep. He expects to reach heaven by his good works.' 7 " Have you called on Mr. C. lately, or do you know how he feels on the subject of religion V " Yes ; but I am sorry to say that I have great fears of him. He wants the sim- plicity of a child. His heart has not been sufficiently broken to pieces. He seems not to have been brought down to the foot of the cross." " There is brother D. : you told me that you called on him the other day. How did you find him?" " Not where I could wish. He is alto- gether too worldly-minded. Religion seems to be out of his way. It is very hard work to bring him to talk freely on the subject. 140 MEMOIR OF Indeed, it is necessary to deal very cau- tiously with him, in order to talk with him at all." " How long is it since you had an inter- view with brother E. f] " Only about a week. We had a precious season together. His heart was full of the love of God. He is an excellent brother. He was thoroughly subdued, at the time of his conversion. He has seemed to live up to the profession of a Christian, ever since." Such is a specimen of the manner in which he could pass from heart to heart, throughout the church and parish. Nor is it any wonder, considering how much he loved religious intercourse with his fellow creatures. Every opportunity of this kind he regarded as a privilege, and embraced as such, when his health would permit. "Did you visit from house to house, last week, as you intended?" I would say to him. To which he would reply, " O yes ; and a rich time I had of it. I found hearts warm with the love of Jesus. All they ANDREW LEE. 141 want, is a little quickening conversation. I came back loaded with the clusters of Canaan; my own soul is always refreshed by such visits.'' u How did you succeed in collecting money yesterday, for the Missionary cause?'' " Why, as to money, very well. That, however, was not the best of it. I got richly paid for going round, in other re- spects. I should love to go if I did not ob- tain a cent, it affords me such a precious opportunity to converse with one and anoth- er, about the things of the kingdom." Indeed, he was admirably qualified by nature, for such religious conversation. He had a great flow of words ; was of a playful and witty turn ; and had his temper, at all times, under the most perfect control. How much soever the impenitent might dis- like the matter of his discourse, it was impos- sible for them to take offence at his method of address. It was his spirit, however, as a Christian, and especially the ardent love with which he was imbued, which, more 142 MEMOIR OF than any thing else, qualified him for this office. Not many months had elapsed, after my settlement, before I had occasion to observe with what tenderness of feeling he con- ducted towards his pastor. He came to me with much solicitude in his counte- nance, in order to ascertain my views on a point in regard to which, he suspected he differed from me, " Determined," as he said, "to be united with you, if possible, heart and hand, in your labors, and to do nothing that shall hinder you, in the great work of the Lord." Similar tenderness of feeling he exhibited towards all who gave evidence of being the children of God. If he could find love to the Saviour, in their hearts, he asked for nothing more. The name of the sect by which they might be called, was a thing of utter indifference. As soon, how- ever, as he discovered signs of party feel- ing among Christians, he took the alarm; and then there was something almost an- ANDREW LEE. 143 gelic in the manner in which he would seize an erring brother by the arm, saying to him, "Be careful what you da, lest you rend the garment of Christ. You know not what manner of spirit you are of." His words would seem like oil, thrown upon troubled waters; or that sweet voice which rises superior to discord, and soon melts down every jarring note, in the tones of its own rich melody. Of course, such a person proved valua- ble to the district in which he resided. His neighbors used to speak of him, as their shepherd, and looked up to him, for guidance and counsel, very much as a spiritual father. I early began to discov- er his worth, in this respect ; and frequent- ly said to him, "I shall always come to you, when I wish to find out the state of religion, in this part of the town: and I shall regard you as responsible for all the meetings that are held in your neighbor-, hood." Indeed, my confidence in him was gradually drawn out to much greater 144 MEMOIR OF lengths. I often requested him to visit par- ticular persons in my behalf: and sent others to him, for comfort and instruction; while the serious-minded often voluntarily- resorted to him for the same purposes. All classes of persons loved Mr. Lee. Christ- ians, however, regarded him with peculiar interest; and frequently sought his compa- ny, in hopes to catch something of his spir- it; and seldom did their interviews with him, fail of exciting new religious thoughts and emotions, and leading to higher en- deavors, after a closer walk with God. Especially happy were we, to find him in the conference meeting. That, we felt, was enough to ensure us, a profitable season. The Sabbath school, however, was the object that lay nearest his heart, and to which all his best powers and faculties were devoted. Always, when health would permit, he was present, and might be seen passing around, from pew to pew, conversing in strains of great animation, with the teachers and their pupils, respect- ANDREW LEE. 145 ing their salvation. Indeed, the Sabbath school was probably the object which, of all others on earth, he loved the best. Speaking to an aged member of the church, on the subject, he said, " Sister L., there is one spot where Satan is unable to reach me. It is in the Sabbath school. He can- not follow me there. The moment I enter that, he is obliged to leave me. He can- not send one fiery dart after me there. 55 Often to those teachers who seemed to grow discouraged in their work, he would say, " when I entered the Sabbath school, I enlisted for life; and I wish to step right out of it, into heaven. 55 In the latter part of the winter of 1839 — 40, the Lord was pleased to pour out his Spirit upon us. The first signs of the work were discovered in the early part of February. During the week ending Sat- urday the 15 th, there were three hopeful conversions in as many different parts of the town. On the Monday following, deep seriousness seemed to have taken possession 13 146 MEMOIR OF of every individual, in the neighborhood where Mr. Lee resided. It was as if a divine electricity had surcharged every thing, and was constantly sparkling forth, to those who came near it. On the Friday evening following, it made its appearance with great power, in another part of the town. Many began to ask, what they should do to be saved. The next day, in a meeting held at nine o'clock in the morn- ing, some were found inquiring for the way of salvation ; while others were weeping and praying for their impenitent friends; and others were rejoicing in hope, and singing praise to the Lord. In the course of a few weeks, quite an encouraging number were brought to enlist, so far as man could judge, under the banners of Immanuel. How much Mr. Lee had prayed for this work, I have no means of ascertain- ing. Well, however, do I remember the peculiar animation of his countenance, and the sweetness of his voice, when I met him, one day, I think on the ANDREW LEE. 147 Monday above referred to, and began to talk with him, on the subject. At one of the first inquiry meetings, held in my study, during this revival, who should make his appearance, but this same good brother, with six or eight young men, (some of them with their wives,) from his neighbor- hood, following after him. He had been out and persuaded them to come to the meeting, — leading the way before them. The next day, a prayer meeting was held at the house of an aged sister of the church, of which, as I myself was other- wise engaged, he for the most part took the lead. It was a very solemn meeting. About the time for it to commence, he was again discovered drawing near to the house, with those same persons, whom he had led to the inquiry meeting before, and more than as many others, the most of whom became hopeful converts, and have since been received into the church. These cases are only specimens of the activity he evinced, during this work, so 148 MEMOIR OF far as his strength would permit. He had long been an invalid; and before the revival closed, his health failed to such a degree as to confine him, for the most part, to his house. He continued, however, to remem- ber the Sabbath school, and to bear the cause of Christ, in other relations, on his heart. In particular, it was one of his great- est comforts, to collect the brethren around him, in the conference meeting, when- ever his health would permit, and to converse with those who visited him, on religious subjects. In good weather, he could also get out, in short excursions, among his neighbors; when he made it a point, to call on the sick, and, if he could, to visit the Sabbath school, and give it a word of exhortation. There was one scene, in particular, about this time, which brought out strikingly to view, some of the promi- nent traits of his Christian character. On the evening of May the 16th, we were called to part with a sister in Christ, ANDREW LEE. 149 Mrs. Charlotte Holland, in the nineteenth year of her age ; leaving a husband at sea, and one child, behind her. She had been hopefully converted in the revival of 1839 ; and though she had never gained confi- dence enough, in her own piety, to make a profession of religion, she had given very pleasing evidence that her heart had been changed, and had been a faithful member of the Sabbath school. She had long been feeble. On the 2d of May, however, it was apparent that she was declining very fast. Several of us had some delightful inter- views with her, during her illness. It was my privilege to see her twice on the after- noon before she died. She longed to be gone. "I am not impatient," said she, "I am willing to wait God's time; but I want to see Jesus.' 7 When I took my leave of her, I asked her if she could say with Dr. Watts, "I bless God I can lie down with comfort at night, not being solicitous whether I wake in this world or another?" To which she replied, "Oyes, 13* 150 MEMOIR OF I want to go," — qualifying the expression, however, immediately after, at my sugges- tion of a fear that she might be impatient, by adding, " but I am willing to wait God's time." During the illness of this child of God, Mr. Lee often crept his way, on a warm forenoon, to her house, and conversed and prayed with her. He appeared, at all times, to delight in comforting the sick and dying, by leading them to a crucified Saviour ; or confirming their hopes in his great atone- ment. Between him, however, and such a scene as the above, there was something peculiarly congenial. It seemed to draw him away from the earth, and all its charms, — opening heavenly visions before him. It was ascending the mount of trans- figuration, and getting close to the gates of the New Jerusalem. Often would he speak to me of these interviews. " O how sweet they are," he would say; "I love them most dearly. They are little foretastes of glory. I wish I could take her place, or ANDREW LEE. 151 / fly away with her to the kingdom of my Redeemer." He would also dwell on the subject, when the brethren and sisters of the church were with him, pointing them to what they had in prospect, if they would only prove faith- ful. Soon after her death, he made his way to the Sabbath school, and addressed the scholars on the subject, — not only in a body, but also in classes, — going around for this purpose, as his habit was, from pew to pew. Well are his looks and some of his words remembered, as he paused be- fore a class, composed chiefly of adult pro- fessors. " The chariot of salvation is rolling on," said he, lifting up both his hands, and speaking with great animation, a sweet smile playing at the same time on his cheek. " Are you prepared to step into it? Our sister has gone to heaven, like Elijah, in the chariot of salvation. We should also be ready to go. Come, come, make your- 152 MEMOIR OF selves ready. I longed to step in and go with her." Soon after this event, he wrote a letter to his brother and wife, of Portland, Maine. It is the last on which I have been able to lay my hands ; and, as throwing some ad- ditional light upon his character, and the circumstances by which it was developed, may properly be introduced here. The marriage of his daughter, referred to, took place on the 19th of May. The letter itself is dated the 25th. "Dear Brother, " I embrace this opportunity to inform you, that we are all well, myself excepted. I have been confined to the house for ten weeks past ; but my health is better now, and improving very fast. It is two years since I have done a day's work; but the Lord will provide for me. Elizabeth is married, and lives in the chambers. Her wedding took place last Tuesday. Ade- liza keeps my house, so we get along very ANDREW LEE. 153 well. Elizabeth received a letter from you recently ; and I was sorry, by it, to hear that you are unwell. I hope to make you a visit this summer, if my health permit. We must learn, dear brother, to put our trust in the Lord, at all times. Health is a great blessing, and even of this we are deprived. We must consider the hand of the Lord in the affliction. He has done it for our best good, — to draw our minds from earth to heaven ; and it will prove a great blessing, if it have this effect upon us. My advice is, that you put your trust in the Lord, both for time and eternity. As for myself, dear brother, I am very happy in the Lord. I find him a very present help, in time of need. All send you their love. " Yours, A. L. "Dear Sister, " I wrote to you about the revival among us last year, informing you that many had been converted. The Lord, in much mercy, has again visited us this spring. About 154 MEMOIR OF sixty, as we hope, have been savingly changed. Not far from twenty of my neigh- bors are among the number. Write to me soon. I do not forget you, though I have not written to you of late. " Yours, A. L." We were all hoping that the ill health of which Mr. Lee complains in the above letter, would prove but temporary. We knew not how to part with him. We felt that his labors were quite indispensable to the pros- perity of the church among us. God, however, had determined otherwise. For nearly a year, indeed, he remained in much the same condition. Gradually, however, from this time onward, were his labors on earth brought to a close. One of the last conference meetings held in the chapel, that he ever attended, was probably in the autumn of this year, and is well remembered. He spoke for nearly an hour, with great animation, dwelling upon his favorite theme. He wished the breth- ANDREW LEE. 155 ren and sisters of the church to arouse up to greater activity in their duties to the Sabbath school. "We who profess to be Christians," said he, " should use all our exertions to get the children into the Sabbath school, and bring them, in this way, to become interested in the great truths of religion. We realize not how wide and important a field of labor we have before us, in this re- spect ; and what high obligations are rest- ing upon us. The lambs of the flock are committed to our charge, and we are called on, like Peter, to show our love to the Saviour, by the manner in which we take care of them. We have every thing, in- deed, to stimulate us on, in our exertions. We should never fail to remember that none of the Israelites were permitted to en- ter the promised land, except those who were under twenty years of age, when they came out of Egypt. All those who had grown up in the sins of Egyptian bondage, were found unfit for the service of God, in 156 MEMOIR OF the land of promise. The same principle holds good at the present day. In order to serve God aright, we must begin when we are young. Indeed, there is danger, other- wise, that we shall not serve him at all. Years spent in sin, so harden the heart, as to disqualify us for the service of the Lord afterwards. They stiffen the neck, so that it refuses to wear the gentle yoke of Christ. I have observed it to be a rare thing that any are converted after they have passed the meridian of life. How much we have to stimulate us to exertion, in this respect ! Nor is this all. Our future citizens, those who succeed us, in church and state, are to come out of our Sabbath schools. Just in proportion, then, as we prove faithful here, we are laboring for generations to come, the good of our country. Besides, have not the heathen been given to the Son of God for an inheritance ; and the uttermost parts of the earth for a possession? Is not the word of God to run and be glorified, until the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth, ANDREW LEE. 157 even "as the waters cover the sea 1 And how is all this to be brought about ? By- means of the Sabbath school. This is the organ to be employed; the trumpet, by which the Gospel will be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. The trumpet will be blown from land to land ; and trumpet will reach trumpet, by means of the Sabbath school, from shore to shore, until the utmost boundaries of the globe have been em- braced. " The missionaries who go forth as swift messengers to carry the glad tidings of the Gospel, will come out of the Sabbath school. Many of those who are now in the field, have actually come out of it; and more will continue to arise out of it, and go forth into all parts of the world, preach- ing the Gospel to every creature. These, these will be the trumpets. In what a glo- rious work, then, brethren and sisters, are we engaged ; the most glorious of all works, such as angels would love." Such is a faint outline of some of his 14 158 MEMOIR OF thoughts on this occasion. It was an ad- dress worthy of being his last. He spoke it, with both his hands raised, and his countenance glowing with an ardor that seemed almost angelic. During the winter which followed, vari- ous circumstances brought us frequently together, in conversations respecting the interests of Zion. I made few or no records of these interviews. I still retain, however, the impressions they left behind. I usually found him sitting in his favorite corner, with the Bible or the N. E. Puritan, either in his hand or at his side ; and occasionally the Sabbath School Visiter, lying on his table. He was always ready to enter at once upon the subject of religion. The nearer I got to him, the warmer I found his heart beating and glowing with Christian love. It was a fountain of living water, from which issued streams in every direc- tion, expanding continually as they flowed. However limited his knowledge might be, his love was of that kind, which embraces ANDREW LEE. 159 the whole world. There were cords in his bosom that would vibrate to the tones of every enterprise, clearly connected with the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. On the fourth of the March following, General Harrison was inaugurated Presi- dent of the United States. He had been a Sabbath school teacher; and soon after this event, an anecdote was published of him, as illustrating this part of his charac- ter. During his last out-door exercise, he was engaged, as we are told, in assisting the gardener in adjusting some grape-vines. The gardener remarked that there would be but little use in trailing the vines, so far as any fruit was concerned, as the boys would come on Sunday, while the family was at church, and steal all the grapes; and suggested to the General, as a guard against such a loss, that he should pur- chase an active watch-dog. . " Better," said the General, u to employ an active Sabbath school teacher ; a dog may take care of the grapes ; but a good Sabbath school teacher 160 MEMOIR OF will take care of the grapes, and the boys too." Mr. Lee was exceedingly interested in these facts. u O, sister L.," said he, once, as he was speaking of the subject, " I have prophesied, and said it again and again, that the happy day was rolling on, when our Presidents, our Senators, Governors, Judges, — every man that filled the chair of State, — would come out of the Sabbath school. And now, blessed be God, I have lived to see what I did not expect to. Here is our President come as a teacher from the Sabbath school. I have lived to see it, — blessed be God.' ? At one of the last neighborhood meetings he ever attended, out of his own house, held probably about this time, he is re- membered to have been particularly inter- esting. He seemed to enter the room in a somewhat languid frame of mind. On reading a passage of the Bible, however, his soul caught fire of the love of God, and he began to speak with great fervor of ANDREW LEE. 161 heaven. " Where is this place?" said he. "Some think it a great way off. To me, it appears close at hand. Its streams run right down into my heart." During the last part of the spring, or the first part of the summer, when many among lis who love the Sabbath school, are forced to be absent at sea, great trouble ■was experienced in obtaining Sabbath school teachers. Some seemed to have be- come altogether discouraged in the work, while others wished to excuse themselves from engaging in it. Mr. Lee was exceed- ingly grieved, when he heard of it. He talked most earnestly with those who called on him, about the matter ; and finally, in hopes of arousing the members of the church to their duty, in this respect, he sent them, through the hands of the Superintendent; the following address on the subject. " A LOOK AT THE OTHER END." w We should keep our eyes fixed on the 14* 162 MEMOIR OF other end of things, and act with a constant reference to it, in all our labors. The men of this world do so, in every occupation; and they are evidently right, in so doing. It is this that stimulates them to exertion. " Of all persons, however, on earth, who should keep their eyes fixed on the other end, Christians, or Sabbath school teachers are such. The Word of God calls them to it, as a solemn duty. In no other way can they draw encouragement from the future. All the great and blessed promises are at this other end. To confine our eyes then, to present things, is to cut ourselves off fromt he powerful influences of Christian hope, and sink down in remissness and in- activity. We must avoid it, as extremely sinful. It is ours to look forward to that which is to come, — to see that our work is done and well done, with an eye of faith continually fixed upon the glory which is hereafter to be revealed. Jesus Christ has commanded us to feed the lambs of his flock, and furnished us with the means of ANDREW LEE. 163 doing it, — placing us in a very pleasant part of his vineyard; and, withal, holding out before us a heavenly crown in prospect. What guilt, then, will rest upon us, if we prove negligent ! The day we live in is just such an one as kings and prophets longed for. Abraham, we are told, obtained a sight of it, and rejoiced in beholding it. "These good persons did not content them- selves with looking on present things; they kept their eyes continually fixed on the other end. All holy men have done the same. The apostles tell us plainly, and in a great variety of ways, that it was the other end which they were constantly look- ing at. Let us, then, who profess to love the Lord, follow the hallowed examples they have set us ; let us endeavor to obtain a fair view of the other end of things. Let us draw a stimulus to action, from the glo- rious rewards to be conferred upon the faithful, arousing ourselves at once to our duties as teachers in the Sabbath school, being filled with holy zeal for the Lord of 164 MEMOIR OF hosts. Every class having been supplied with a teacher, let the remainder of the church form themselves into classes for mutual instruction, always holding them- selves in readiness to meet the first call they may have, to supply any vacant class, — their hearts, in the meanwhile, beat- ing high, and even panting with anxiety, for the employment. Far away from us, be all low desires and groveling aims. We must expect great things. As soon as the church becomes alive to the work, we shall see that the Lord has, in very deed, great things for us. It is an unspeakable privi- lege, this of ours, and so we should esteem it, to have all the children of this town, — provided we will submit to a little self-de- nial for its accomplishment, — -brought under the influence of religious instruction and trained up for the service of God, not only in the world that now is, but also in that which is to come. Is not their destiny lodged with us ? So it would seem. Who can persuade himself to the contrary ? The ANDREW LEE. 165 Sabbath school, for them, is the very gate of heaven. We believe it. And should there, then, be a single class found without a teacher ? What ! a class in the Sabbath school without a teacher, and that too, in this great church? I should think there would be two teachers to one class, sooner than a single class without a teacher ! ! Pray whisper it softly ! O let it never again be said, A Sabbath school class with- out a teacher. It is a doleful sound in my ears. It is time for us to awake, and look at the other end of this matter. We are anticipating great things in the world around us ; but whence are the helpers of the Lord to come? Most clearly, from among the pupils of our Sabbath schools. It is by their aid all the benevolent societies of the day are to be carried on. All the offices too, of our government, from the President's downward, will be filled with men from the same source. O joyful day, when it comes ! Then will our officers be peace, and our exactors righteousness ! And 166 MEMOIR OF shall we ever be permitted to behold it? At least it should be our business to live and labor for its coming ! "Awake, then, ye who profess to be the Lord's, to the work of the Sabbath school. See that every child is brought into it, and every class supplied with a teacher. Look to God, who has promised to pour out a blessing upon you, taking hold with a will- ing mind and a cheerful heart; for it is such that our God seeks after for his ser- vice. Sow your seed bountifully, and, in the end, you will see a rich harvest. Look forward to the crowns of glory; think of that day when Jesus Christ will make up his jewels; think of the words which his children are to hear, at last, from his lips, pronounced before an assembled universe, Well done good and faithful servant ; think of all the joys and glories prepared for saints in the upper world; think, I say, of all these things and ponder them over and over, until you find yourselves aroused from sleep, and your souls filled with the glory ANDREW LEE. 167 of God. Then look into a Sabbath school, and you will say, " My heart, my hand, my ear, my tongue, Here's joyful work for you !" Early in the beginning of this season, it became apparent that our friend was not long for this world. His feebleness in- creased. At the same time, as if to prepare him more thoroughly for his change, the hand of affliction was, in other ways, laid heavily upon him. Elizabeth, who, on the eighteenth of May, had presented him with a grand-daughter, fell into a decline, and, to all human appearance, was fast wasting away. This event, of itself, took a strong hold of his feelings. What greatly added, however, to this affliction for a time, was the fact that she was soon found to be in deep anxiety respecting her spiritual condi- tion. This, after all the good man's strug- gles, in prayer for his child, and the hopes he had ventured to entertain of her, seemed more than he could bear. " Acquainted as lam," said he, " with 168 MEMOIR OF her whole religious history, it is impossible for me not to feel quite confident of her good estate in Christ; but this does not answer the purpose, nor at all relieve me of my anguish, so long as I find her in painful doubts respecting her own salvation." His cup of sorrow, however, was not even yet filled up. While the mother was in this suffering state of body and mind, re- quiring the kindness and sympathy of all around her, the child itself, to which the grandfather had become greatly attached, was taken ill of a disease which soon brought it to the grave. At about four o'clock, on the morning of August the 23d, it died. No one, with these facts before him, will be surprised to learn that, when I entered, his room, this day, immediately after break- fast, I found him in a flood of tears. On my attempting to recall to his mind some of those precious truths with which he had so often endeavored to console others, he re- plied, " I know it is all right ; I do not mur- ANDREW LEE. 169 mur. I am, however, passing through the fiery furnace ; and nature gives way. My grief came over me, all at once, and pressed me down to the earth." It will not be hard, however, to believe, that his tears were soon dried. In a little while his countenance had assumed its wonted calmness. He had evidently found his way to that spring of consolation from which he had so often drunk, in seasons of affliction before. He had, indeed, still an- other trial to pass through, before entering the dark valley, — the dying scene of the mother herself; but when at length it came, it was found tempered with unspeakable mercy and love. Some reference has already been made to Elizabeth, as having had religious exer- cises, in a time of sickness, when she was a child. In the revival of 1839, as I learn- ed from her own lips, she was brought to entertain a hope ; and, for about two days, she found herself very happy. " Among other things," said she, " I remember that a 15 170 MEMOIR OF change took place in my feelings, respect- ing one professor of religion. I had before greatly disliked her. I could then embrace her in the arms of love." Soon after this, she was invited to join the church, but de- clined. In the revival of 1840, she was again wrought upon, and seemed, for a while, to have joy and peace in believing. In the course of a few weeks, she was again reminded of her duty, to make an open profession of Christ, but again begged to be excused, — after which, she seemed gradually to relapse into a state of luke- warmness. "I did not, in either case," said she, " regularly persevere in prayer." During the last winter, when both she and her husband had felt much on the sub- ject of religion, she had been brought to re- pentance, as she hoped, for this neglect; and renewed her habit of holding secret communion with God, — becoming, as she thought, in a manner, weaned from the world. During the earlier stages of her disease, she seemed to rest, in the main, ANDREW LEE. 171 satisfied with herself, as on a good founda- tion ; and once she expressed a desire to be united with the church. In proportion, however, as she came to look more nar- rowly into eternity, from her bed of sick- ness, all her hopes were shaken to their very foundation. On calling in to see her, on the second of August, at her father's especial request, I found her, like a drowning person, still clinging to life. " Does not James," said she, u speak of the prayer of faith as saving the sick ? Why is it that there are no per- sons now who can make this prayer." In reply, I told her, that unquestionably there are such persons, in the present age ; that as the finger which puts out the spark which would have set a whole city or wil- derness on fire, is often unseen, — so many of the prayers of God's people are alto- gether unobserved in their effects; that moreover, God has different ways of an- swering the prayer of faith ; that he can either remove the mountain out of our 172 MEMOIR OF way, or else raise us up above it; and carry us over it by the floods of his grace, — or even bestow upon us the virtue of con- tentment, in the midst of difficulty and embarrassment; that even Paul, when he prayed for a removal of the thorn in his flesh, had not had his request granted, ex- cept by a fulfillment of the promise, u My grace is sufficient for thee;" that the Sav- iour had found himself in the same condi- tion in Gethsemane ; and by his example there, had taught us to pray, a Not my will, but thine be done;" in addition to which. I endeavored to show her how ignorant we all are, as to what is for the best, in any given case, and how much rea- son there is, why we should submit to God. On the 17th of August, I found her mind had been somewhat relieved of its spiritual anxieties. She had experienced, at times, a measure of comfort in religion ; and, for a while, felt that she wanted to depart. She also bore the death of her child better than was anticipated ; and seemed to have ANDREW LEE. 173 lost none of her encouraging feelings. In- deed, from this time onward, though oc- casionally I had my fears respecting her, she gave increasing evidence, that she had reached that river which makes glad the city of God, and was feeding in the green pastures, and drinking of the still waters of redeeming love. Of course, then, I was not sorry, as our communion season approached, to receive from her, through her father, a request to have some conversation with me about joining the church. She said "that nothing but shame had prevented her from joining it long before, — a fear of her companions, united with a love for the world ; and that she wished to give proof of her repentance of this sin, and do what she could to guard others against a similar error. She was willing, however, to leave the whole subject with her Christian friends. She wished to do that only which should seem most for the glory of God. 77 It was thought best, after due consideration, to comply with her wishes. 15* 174 MEMOIR OF Accordingly, at noon, on the Sabbath of September the 5th, a few of us assembled around her sick bed, — received her declara- tions of repentance and faith, entering into covenant with her in behalf of the church, while she gave herself away to be the Lord's, forever, — directly after which, we united together in the celebration of re- deeming love. She had been looking forward to the scene with much delight, the evening be- fore. She had a comfortable measure of the divine presence, as she felt, during the service itself, though not such a degree of it, she said, as she had anticipated. How much her father rejoiced, may be left for others to imagine. To the rest of us, it was an occasion of solemnity, not soon to be forgotten. We retired to publish the transaction to the world, feeling that if ever we met with her again, for a similar cele- bration, it must be beyond the grave. Nor were we disappointed. In returning from my walk, on the morning of Septem- ANDREW LEE. 175 ber the 9th, I found she had gone precisely at one o'clock, — but oh, how peaceful, how happy ! Just before her departure, her hus- band had the following conversation with her: H. Do you think you are dying ? W. I hope I am. I long to be where I can see God, and praise him, free from sin. H. Have you a good hope ? W. I think I have, or I should never long to go ; should 1 9 H. I think you are right. We are no where told that the wicked long to see God. Are you perfectly willing to die ? " In reply," says her husband, " she look- ed upon me with an expression full of meaning, and said, 'Yes, I long to go. Where is death? Is it nigh ? Is it nigh?'" H. I told her I thought it was. W. How do you know it is ? H. I told her I thought, from the ap- pearances, that death was nigh. Don't you feel gloomy to think you are dying? W. No, no ! I feel happy. 176 MEMOIR OF H. Can you say this is the happiest day you ever experienced? W. I know it will be, if I die. H. Have you no fears of death ? W. No ! where is death ? H. I told her to be patient; God's time was the best time. In a few moments she said, ' Oh, how much longer, how much longer V H. I told her she was nigh to the gate of heaven. In a few minutes she said : 1 Yes, I am going, I am going.' I repeated to her the hymn, " When I can read my title clear," and also the words, u Jesus can make a dying bed," asking her if she could witness to their truths? She replied, "Yes." I asked her if she could speak one more word before she went. She made one struggle and said, " Happy, happy, happy!" then whis- pered, " I am dying. Can this be Jesus?" When she had become past speaking and ANDREW LEE. 177 lay with her eyes fixed upon us, I asked her if she could see the light of heaven, to press my hand ; and she did it very gently with her fore-finger."^ In a few moments her heart had ceased to beat ; and the spirit had taken its flight to the bright glories of him who gave it. Was it possible for her father to mourn for her? "No," said he, if not in the very words, yet in the very same spirit of the excellent John Newton, in a similar case, "I am perfectly satisfied. I feel that I cannot possibly ask for any thing more. Now my largest desires for her are accom- plished. The days of her mourning are ended. She is landed on that peaceful shore, where the storms of trouble never blow. She is forever out of the reach of sorrow, sin, temptation, and snares. Now she is before the throne; she sees him whom not having seen, she loved; she drinks of the rivers of pleasure which are at his right hand, and shall thirst no more." * See N. E. Puritan, Nov. 11th, 1841. 178 MEMOIR OF The father had, indeed, but little reason to mourn for his daughter. She had not only gone to a better world, but he, in a few short days more, would follow after her. His body was not only greatly wasted away, but his spirit seemed to be pluming its wings, more and more, for its flight. Many had been the pleasing interviews which myself and others had had with him, during the summer. They increased in number and interest, in proportion as he drew near to the tomb. To converse with him was almost like holding communion with a spirit from another world. To give an outline of a few of these conversations is nearly all that can now be done. In the midst of the summer's heat, a sis- ter of the church called upon him, when he began to converse about the Sabbath school, expressing his wonder that Christians could remain so indifferent to its welfare. " O, sister L.," said he, " I should think myself happy, if I could only go down to the Sab- ANDREW LEE. 179 bath school, and pass from pew to pew, fanning the flies away from the children, while they studied the Bible, even though unable to utter a word." At an interview which I had with him, on the forenoon of August the 18th, he remarked to me, soon after I entered, that he had been thinking about charity, but especially the necessity of controlling the tongue. " We exceedingly abuse," said he, "this noble gift of God. It is amazing, when we consider it, to discover how much corrupt matter comes out of our mouths." Soon after the death of his grand-child, the same sister of the church above referred to, called on him, and had a conversation with him about it. She found his heart very tender on the subject. He had not only greatly loved it, but often amused himself in playing with it, saying to those who entered, that he hoped they would yet see it in the Sabbath school. u Sister L.," said he, on this occasion, " to the un think- 180 MEMOIR OF ing, it seems a strange thing, that this babe should be brought into existence, only to live for a few days, and then die. ' What good,' say they, 'could it do? Was there any thing to be accomplished by such an event?' They regard it as altogether an unmeaning providence. They wonder why any body should mourn for it, when it is gone. It appears to me, in a different light. Nothing is farther from being unmeaning^ or insignificant than this. Unquestionably the visit of this child to the world, was a great link in the purposes of God ; and, in eternity, it will be discovered that there was something of vast importance connected, not only with its life, but also with its death." About the last of August, at one of our interviews, he spent much of his time in conversing with me respecting the state of the church, — greatly lamenting the cold- ness of professors, and expressing strong desires to have them awake and draw near ANDREW LEE. 181 to God. He spoke at some length on the subject, pouring out the feelings of his heart, with great fervor; and entreating me to deal faithfully with them. A sermon that I preached immediately after, from Luke 22 : 46, was prompted by what he said to me. I find no notes, however, of the conversation, except such as I inter- wove into his funeral discourse, the extract containing which, will be given at the close of this memoir. On the 19th of October, after having been out of town for a fortnight, I had an- other sweet interview with him. He seem- ed to have been meditating on fear, as an element of Christian character ; at least our conversation turned chiefly on this subject. The train of ideas was that suggested by Fawcett, respecting Baxter, in his preface to this man's Dying Thoughts, Abridged, American Tract Society Edition, — a work which Mr. Lee always kept at hand, dur- ing his sickness, — namely : 16 182 MEMOIR OF "See here his doubts and fears in the prospect of eternity ; though he had spent a long life in exemplary holiness, and in great nearness to God and heaven. See his jealousies over his own heart, and anxious concern to discover his sincerity; together with his sober appeals and earnest attention to every dictate of reason and Scripture, in order to establish his mind and conscience in a well-grounded peace." I had never had so full a conversation with him on the subject before. Our views were alike. We did not doubt that all true believers have, at times, unclouded visions of divine things, like Christian and Hope- ful from the top of the Hill called Clear. We readily admitted that the path of the righteous is, in general, as the shining light, growing brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. We did not at all question the possibility of attaining to a permanent assurance of one's good estate in Christ, this side the grave. We felt, however, that ANDREW LEE. 183 from the very nature of the Christian war- fare, hope and fear must, for the most part, go together in this world ; and that, while there may be fears enough without any grace; the old adage, " No fears, no grace," has a solid foundation in truth, especially in respect to all those who may be regarded as beginners in divine things, — having just girded on the armor, — and even until a long life spent in the service of Christ, has brought us to a thorough acquaintance with the evils of our own hearts ; constancy in prayer; steadiness of aim, in living to the glory of God ; and that state of perma- nent love and heavenly contemplation, which characterized the latter days of Rivet, Halyburton, Janeway, Finley, Payson, and others; and which Bunyan, in his Pilgrim's Progress, has so finely described as arriving at the land of Beulah. On Monday, the 25 th of October, at about ten o'clock in the morning, I had another interview with him. I found him 184 MEMOIR OF bolstered up in his bed as usual. Our con- versation was long, and interesting; but much of it, of such a private nature and individual bearing, as not to be revealed. He had informed himself in respect to the various religious exercises of the Sabbath, as he was in the habit of doing. " David," said he, meaning his son-in-law, " tells me all about those things." He then gave me a minute account of the spiritual condition of the various members of his family, — speaking of them with great tenderness and affection. He then said to me, " I had a visit yesterday, from several of my old im- penitent friends," calling the individuals by name. I afterwards learned that he had sent messages expressly for them, saying, they must call on him soon if they wished to see him again in this world. u The Lord," continued he, " enabled me to be faithful to them. It seems to me that he gave me strength yesterday, for the very purpose of conversing with these men. ANDREW LEE. 185 They received what I said very kindly, and thanked me for it, when they left me." We then reverted to human insufficiency in matters of religion. "You must be guided," said he to me, "by the Holy Spirit in all you do. Strive after his pres- ence, in your own soul ; and endeavor to act under his gracious influences, in your labors for God. Carry him with you, in your heart, when you visit from house to house. There is constant danger of becom- ing cold and formal in our duties.' 7 His words brought a passage of Dr. Pay- son, at once to my mind, namely, "The point in which I believe ministers generally fail most, and in which I have certainly failed most, is in doing duty professionally, and not from the heart." We then glanced at the Sabbath school. He deeply lamented the remissness of some of the teachers, in respect to conversing with their pupils, on the subject of religion. " The children," said he, "expect such conversation; and 16* 186 MEMOIR OF are disappointed if they do not have it. They love those teachers the best, who deal the most faithfully with their souls. And yet there are professors engaged in that school, who altogether neglect that duty. They seem to be worldly minded, and given up to present enjoyment. I have talked with some of them on the subject, and they received me kindly ; but continue to go on, and do just as they did before. "The Sabbath school," said he, "the Sabbath school, O, how I love it ! When they wished me to become superintendent, I knew not how to leave my class, I loved it so much. It is most delightful employ- ment, this business of teaching in the Sab- bath school." From this subject we passed to his neigh- borhood meeting, — respecting which he gave me the results of his experience, in times gone by, and advised as to what he thought would be best for the future. He had already conversed freely in private, with some of the brethren on the subject. ANDREW LEE. 187 I then made him acquainted with a par- ticular trial I had lately been called to pass through. His reply was, "you must not let such things worry you. You must trust in the Lord, marching right on, in the path of duty. Follow his directions, looking to him for strength. That is all you have to do. Every thing else, is to be left in his hands." Here again, it was hardly possible for me to avoid recalling to mind what Dr. Pay son said to his daughter, when he was on his dying bed. "You will avoid much pain and anxiety, if you will learn to trust all your concerns in God's hand. Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you. Trust him for abilities, success, every thing, — and you will never have reason to repent it." Intermixed with these different topics, he dropped many kind suggestions to my- self, as to how I could preserve my health, charging me to exercise caution in this respect. 188 MEMOIR OF I then proposed prayer. " The family," said he, "are washing. We will have a prayer by ourselves. I then knelt down by his bed-side and prayed with him. It was a sweet season. Our whole interview had been most precious. The savor of it remains behind, while I write, as though it were but yesterday. I arose and clasped his hand to take my leave of him. " The Lord be with you," said he. " And the Lord be with you," was my reply. We parted, to meet no more, until we meet in eternity. The next morning, at about twenty minutes before nine, word came to me that my friend had been thought in a dying condition, all the night. I hastened imme- diately to his house, but it was too late. He had already been dead nearly half an hour. His spirit was doubtless just enter- ing upon its eternal glories. I could only gaze after him, in thought and feeling, ANDREW LEE. 189 praying that his mantle might fall upon the church, which he had left behind. He was buried October the 28th. The Sabbath school, with an unusually large procession of his townsmen, accompanied his remains to the grave. 190 MEMOIR OF CONCLUSION. We have now followed our friend to the close of his career. That he was, in some respects, deficient, no one who understands human nature, will feel disposed to ques- tion. He labored, as many others do, under serious disadvantages, for not having im- proved his mind sufficiently, in his youth. Good early training would doubtless have greatly added to his usefulness. He also failed to attend sufficiently to the doctrines of the Bible, — carrying them out in his thoughts, and contemplating them, in their various practical bearings. Greater clearness and thoroughness, in this respect, however Mr. Lee got along safely without them, are, for the generality of Christians, exceedingly desirable, and, in many cases, altogether indispensable. At the same time, he allowed himself to be governed too much, like most persons of ANDREW LEE. 191 his education and temperament, by mere internal feelings and impressions, — a rule of action, fraught, in its tendencies, with unspeakable danger. Nor should it escape notice, that, for much of his excellence, he was indebted to a happy constitution. I am not aware that he ever had any strong passion to contend with; or moroseness, or quickness of temper, to guard against, or overcome. I have never heard of his losing himself in a fit of anger, or passing beyond a slight impatience of look and voice. On the other hand, he was of a gentle make, both in body and mind, and, from childhood, noted for the amiableness of his disposition. Withal, he had a ready wit, and an easy utterance, combined with great sociable- ness, which rendered him a most agreeable companion. In all these respects, then, he had been greatly blessed by nature. She had done so much for him, that, in the es- timate of the world, there was little or nothing left for grace to do. 192 MEMOIR OF It is not to be concealed, however, after all, that it was grace, which rendered him substantially what he was. Under its in- fluence he became quite a different man, from what he had ever been before. He had been a Universalist, fond of controver- sy, full of self-righteousness, formal in all his devotions, and given up to the pursuits of the world. His conviction of sin, how- ever, was long, deep, and thorough, — crushing him down in the very dust before God, and bringing him, in entire self-renunciation, to cry out for mercy, through the merits alone, of the Lord Je- sus Christ. And then, when deliverance came, — what a wonderful deliverance it was! Gospel light shone clearly around him; divine love took firm possession of his heart. Not Bunyan's Pilgrim had more obviously lost his burden at the foot of the cross. He began at once to run the Christian race; and to give himself up, as best he could, to the service of the king- dom of heaven, until called away to his ANDREW LEE. 193 rest. Limited as was his sphere of action, if we inspect him closely, we shall find him in many respects, standing forth as an example for imitation. His prominent traits may be summed up as follows : In the first place, so far as his creed de- veloped itself, he was evidently a believer in the doctrines of grace. There were one or two of the more abstruse points, indeed, respecting which, for some time, he ex- pressed doubts. These, however, seem gradually to have disappeared, as he ad- vanced in the divine life ; and we at length find him speaking as one who had become firmly established. The Christian, in his estimation, should be no idle character. There is work enough, and some of it hard, for him to do. He is to live a life of godliness, here on earth. He is to show himself constantly engaged in his master's business. He is earnestly to strive after growth in grace. He has left the city of destruction behind, 17 194 MEMOIR OF and should hasten on his way to mount Zion. He has risen with Christ, and must seek the things that are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. He himself, however, put no confidence in the flesh. He was, as he felt, a lost sin- ner, and had no hope but that which came from faith in a crucified Saviour. The Holy Spirit had begun, and must complete the great work of salvation in his heart. Through the sovereign mercy of God alone, it was, that he expected to obtain admit- tance into heaven at last. The only song he expected to sing forever, was that of all the redeemed, '•• Not unto us, O Lord, but to thy name be the glory." In the second place, Mr. Lee greatly abounded in Christian love. This was the secret spring of the man, rather than any mere system of doctrines, thoroughly wrought out, and harmoniously arranged. Indeed, remembering how much he himself had delighted in controversy, while a Uni- versalist, he generally held himself aloof ANDREW LEE. 195 from topics of conversation, that might lead to it; and hence from all disputed points in doctrine. Religion with him was a mat- ter of the heart, and life. It had its origin in love to God and man. It was composed entirely of this love, carried out, in all the feelings and exercises of the soul. To the voice of this love, he was ready to listen. Whatever she required of him, he would do. Just so far as she led him, he would go. That which squared with her rule was right, and pleased him. Every thing that deviated from it was wrong, and greatly afflicted his heart. This was the essence of his creed. Of course he was very watchful over the church, for the abounding of love among its members ; and very naturally apt to judge too favorably of those who apparently acted under its influence; while, on the other hand, he was extremely jealous of every thing that seemed of a contrary tendency. That he was also a peace-maker, may readily be inferred. There would be no discord among 196 MEMOIR OF neighbors, if he could prevent it. Even enemies, under his influence, would soon lay aside their hatred. " Should brother Lee find himself in hell," it was once said of him, "he would go about reconciling the different parties together." In the third place, Mr. Lee as a Christian was inclined to look on the bright side of things. That he had hours of darkness, has already been seen. Sometimes, as his intimate friends well know, he was almost overwhelmed with them. Darkness, how- ever, was not the prevailing state of his mind. Never, in times of health, did he relinquish himself to its influence. Seldom, indeed, would he go so far as even to speak of it, except to his most intimate friends. On the other hand, he would immediately try to disperse it by private meditation, prayer, and reading the Bible ; or by going right about some Christian duty, such as visiting the sick, warning impenitent sin- ners, or engaging in conversation with professors of religion. He would say to ANDREW LEE. 197 others, coming to him, in such a state, and complaining in his ears, " well, we had bet- ter keep that to ourselves. We shall find more relief, in such circumstances, by going to the Bible, and running to God for deliv- erance, than from any thing that others can do for us." Of course, his language to his brethren was generally of an encour- aging nature, especially in the conference room. The sick, also, and the afflicted, in him found a son of consolation. To the impenitent even, he resembled John, speak- ing constantly of love, rather than Paul, making use of the terrors of the Lord, to persuade men. In short, he was clearly averse to a gloomy piety, — believing that, " The hill of Zion yields, A thousand sacred sweets ; Before we reach the heavenly fields, Or walk the golden streets." He could not bear the idea of living always among the tombs. In the fourth place, Mr. Lee took especial delight in the social duties of religion. 17* 198 MEMOIR OF There is no reason, indeed, to suspect him of having been at all deficient in love for those that are private. On the other hand, he was pre-eminently of the reflective turn ; and, as is the case with all true Christians, extremely fond of holding communion with God, all alone, in the closet. Many too were the sweet seasons of enjoyment which he evidently had with his Maker on such occasions. He has spoken freely of some of them in his journal. At one of our last interviews, he farther intimated that he had had discoveries of heavenly things at such times, which he had written but little or nothing about, and had never lisped any thing of, to a single person on earth. There are Christians, however, whose religion has far more of the retired in it, than the social. Mr. Lee was not one of them, but the op- posite. He dearly loved the conference meeting, and the little circle of prayer. He thirsted to meet with those who bear the name of Jesus ; and esteemed a day in the courts of the Lord, better than a thousand. ANDREW LEE. 199 To be deprived of the privilege of going to meeting, he felt to be a great cross. Merely to enter an assembly of those who were en- gaged in prayer and praise, would often prove enough to disperse the thickest spiritual darkness, and kindle up his soul with redeeming love. In the fifth place, Mr. Lee bore the wel- fare of Zion continually on his heart. His feelings were, "If I forget thee, O Jerusa- lem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth." Of course he was constantly laboring in whatever way he could for the good of the church to which he belonged. It has already been said, that he was acquainted with the spiritual condition of all the families in the place ; and also that he made it a point to go round from time to time and converse with every individual, about the concerns of his soul. To those with whom he had been more intimately associated in the days of his sinfulness, he was particularly atten- 200 MEMOIR OF tive. making it his rule to have a religious conversation with them, at least once a year ; and as much oftener as circumstan- ces would permit. He allowed to escape him, few opportunities that presented, for the introduction of his favorite theme. Nor was he awkward in doing it. Nothing could be more appropriate than the man- ner in which he brought it about. He would come along and tap a cold hearted brother on the shoulder, gently calling him to account for his remissness, and saying, "It is high time for you to awake out of sleep." He would so avail himself of some incident, or event, that it was impossible not to feel interested in him, or be taken with his mode of address. " Will those boots do me service, if I get them re- paired," said to him one day a young man, who was not often seen in the house of God. " Yes," was his ready reply, " if you keep them in pliant order, and wear them to meeting every Sabbath." It is be- lieved that nearly every person who has ANDREW LEE. 201 been for any length of time, an inhabitant of Manchester, can call to mind some inter- view of Mr. Lee with him, on the things of eternity. Curious to ascertain whether it were really so or not, I made various inquiries on the subject, not long since, of individuals whom I chanced to meet. The question was put in different forms, according to the character addressed. u O yes/ 7 was the reply of one, u he conversed with me again and again, until he got tired out with me, and fairly gave me up. 77 "Oyes," said another, " it was his conversation with me that first called up my attention to the im- portance of an interest in Christ. He told me of my sinfulness ; pointing me at the same time to the Saviour, and assuring me that I should be lost without him. and praying with me. From that moment I began to pray for myself, in secret." " Soon after I hoped I was converted/' said a third, "he came to me and asked me how I got along ; to which I replied, not very 202 MEMOIR OF well." " O, I know how it is with you," said he. " Religion has its different degrees. The earlier ones you understand, but you find the others wholly unintelligible," illus- trating his meaning at the same time, in his own peculiar way, by measuring off the distance on his arm. " Just so it was with me twelve years ago. An aged Christian came along, and conversed with me ; but it was all darkness. Nor was it until day before yesterday, that I found myself fully able to witness to the truth of some of her remarks." Such is a specimen of these recollections; and similar ones might be brought together, to an almost indefinite extent. As to the efforts he made to be useful in a more public way, — the smaller meetings of the society, and the Sabbath school, — what has already been said must suffice. In regard to the operations of the day, for spreading the Gospel over the world, — although he had not been trained to en- larged views, yet he readily took in the ANDREW LEE. 203 missionary idea, in all its extension; and fully recognized the obligations of Christians to do all they can for the salvation of the world. It was only necessary to show him the bearings of a cause, in this point of view, in order to bring him to enter at once into its spirit. His soul could embrace every thing that related to the good of the Redeemer's kingdom. Nor was it theory alone with him, a mere utterance of the petition, " Thy kingdom come.' 5 He en- tered into the practice of the thing, so far as he thought circumstances would permit. He had changed greatly as a Christian, here also, from what he had been in his former state. He seldom sent the collector away empty from his door. He was greatly grieved when he heard of professors, who were in the habit of so doing. And then what shall be said of the influ- ence that is exerted by such a man, in a way silent and unseen ! His example speaks. His actions testify. He fills the atmosphere around him with the sweet 204 MEMOIR OF savor of holiness. The good love him. The wicked shrink away from his pres- ence. He resembles the little spring that bubbles forth from the hill-side, and steals its way along through the meadows and plains, spreading verdure and fragrance wherever it comes. An extract from the discourse occasioned by his death, founded on Phil. 1 : 21, will perhaps best bring out some of the preceding traits, and constitute a suitable close to this memoir. " We have recently been called, my brethren, to part with one, of whom I may say, I think, without fear of contradiction^ that, during all the last years of his life ? for him to live toas indeed Christ. Failings doubtless he had; but very uncommon were his Christian excellencies. At least y if he were not a true follower of the Lamb of God, I know not who is. The work of the Holy Spirit in him appeared from the very outset, to be deep and thorough. The arrows of conviction pierced his very heart; and when the news of pardon came, he ANDREW LEE. 205 seemed to have been set free from the great burden of his sins forever, and really to have entered into the kingdom of heaven. From that moment he became sensitively- alive to every thing sinful; and made Christian integrity and uprightness, the grand purpose of all his thoughts and ac- tions ; from that moment he gave evidence of the possession of holy affections. I ap- peal to his walk and conversation among you, in proof of what I say. Who has ever been heard to complain of him, as hard, or at all overbearing ? Could he not always be appealed to, as an Israelite, in whom there was no guile, — as one who lived up to his profession ? Did he not always evince kindness and amiableness of disposition, and show himself interested in the good of his fellow creatures, the cause of the Re- deemer i ■ i How much he loved the conference meet- ing, the house of prayer, and the holy place of worship ! You know he was found 18 206 MEMOIR OF constantly in these places as long as his health would permit. You remember the tones of his voice, the affectionateness of his manner, the fervor of his petitions, the solemn earnestness of his exhortations, and his devotional appearance in the sanctuary. " How anxious he seemed for the salvation of each of your souls ! Did he not often converse with you individually on the sub- ject ; and point you to the cross ; and en- deavor to impress you with the importance of eternal things: and to lead you to the fountain of atoning blood ? Can you soon forget what he said to you, while he was yet with you ; will you disregard his dying counsel, and last prayers for your sal- vation ? " And then the Sabbath school, the dear Sabbath school,— how much he loved it ! It was one of the grand themes of his meditation. He talked, he prayed, he wept about it. He mourned that some of its teachers had no more spiritual life. He ANDREW LEE. 207 would gladly have lived longer to labor for this alone. It constituted a prominent part of his conversation, in the last intercourse I ever had with him on earth, as it had often done before. ' Why do the teachers,' said he to me, one time and another, ' feel no more for the salvation of their pupils ? How cold-hearted are some of our profes- sors, — altogether wrapt up in the world, and wholly bent upon present enjoyment ! Why will they not awake to the duties of religion, the contemplation of eternal excel- lencies ? Tell them, O, tell them faithfully from the pulpit, the dangers of their course, how much they dishonor their Lord and Master. Tell them faithfully, whether they will hear, or will forbear. I have talked with some of them, and found them cold. Their souls are not broken down in hu- mility. Their hearts do not glow with redeeming love. They seem like Ephraim, wholly joined to idols.' "And then as to temperance, he loved this 208 MEMOIR OF cause too. How readily he signed the pledge of total abstinence, when it was presented to him ! How anxious he was to bring all his neighbors to sign it, and especially to have a cold water army formed in the Sabbath school % And then as to the various objects of Christian benevolence in general ; there was no hanging back from them on his part. His hands and his heart were open to them all. He felt even for the distant heathen, and had a missionary spirit to pray and contribute in their behalf. His soul, indeed, was expansive in all its feel- ings. It stopped short of nothing, but the boundaries of the Redeemer's kingdom. Like an ocean wave, it rolled onward, until it covered the earth, and reached the shores of eternity. " But he has left us ! We shall see his face no more, in this world. How great a loss have we all sustained in his death ! " Children of the Sabbath school, you have ANDREW LEE. 209 lost one who loved you dearly ! and bore you night and day on his heart; and prayed constantly for your salvation. Will you not call him to mind, while you live ; and remember what he said to you when he was with you, and endeavor to follow after him, so far as he followed after Christ? " Impenitent sinners, opposers of the truth, you have lost one who dealt faithfully with you in love ; and warned you of the danger of sin, — the folly of Scripture perversion ; and pointed you to the Lamb of God. Would you not wish to die as peaceful ? Then you must prove as penitent, and live as faithful. "Dear brethren of the Church, our loss is also great ! How much depended in olden time, upon individual supplication. When Moses prayed, the kindlings of Almighty wrath assuaged ; mercy prevailed; the an- gry clouds dispersed ; all became calm and serene. And how much depends, in modern 18* 210 MEMOIR OF times, upon a few faithful ones ? It is their example that warns, and blesses, and brings others to think, and feel, and act for Christ. It is their prayers that call down the Holy Spirit. It is their alms that move the Church, and send the Gospel over the earth. "We, my brethren, have lost one, upon whose prayers we greatly depended. His voice we have reason to suppose often pre- vailed with heaven for us; and opened springs for us, through the grace of God, in the desert; and brought down fertilizing showers upon the parched earth ! How great then, how very great is our loss ! Who has caught his mantle, and will bow for us before God, in his place ? "And as for myself, — I cannot tell you what I have felt on this subject. How pleas- ant had our intercourse become. How pre- cious, in particular, was our last interview ! We talked, we wept, we prayed together, — all, all about the things of the kingdom, — ANDREW LEE. 211 as if standing on the borders of eternity ; and yet I dreamed not that we were now to separate forever, here on earth. I have lost a Christian counsellor, a faithful friend. How sweet in times of sadness, have I found his words of consolation ! Farewell, dear departed brother ! very pleasant hast thou been unto me ; but, — farewell ! " Great indeed is my loss, and yours also, dear brethren, in his departure ; but how much reason have we to rejoice, after all ! Our loss is unquestionably his gain. He is now with Christ, and with his dear brethren and sisters gone before him, — engaged in the employments of heaven. This is better, far better, than to be here. "Would you all meet him again? You must believe in the same Saviour; and give your hearts in like manner away to his ser- vice ; and love the cause of benevolence as he loved it ; and think of the monthly con- cert, and of the poor heathen as much ; and make it your grand business to build up 212 MEMOIR OF ANDREW LEE. the Redeemer's kingdom around you while you live. " Consider your ways then, before it be too late ! ' Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.' " 213 NOTE. The spot where the remains of Mr. Lee repose, in the grave yard of his native vil- lage, side by side with those of his wife, is marked by a double marble slab, on which, in parallel columns, are the following in- scriptions, of his own dictation. TO THE MEMORY OF MRS. FANNY LEE, BORN MAY 28, 1794, DIED JAN. 19, 1838. 214 a jc r je ir TO THE MEMORY OF MR. ANDREW LEE, BORN SEPT. 1, 1790, DIED OCT. 26, 1841. United in life, not divided in death; but thanks be to God which giveth us the vic- tory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 215 Near the entrance of the yard, on the left, sleeps the remains of their friends, — the spot being marked with a similar mar- ble slab, on which, also in parallel columns, are the following inscriptions : Qatxzb TO THE MEMORY OF SALLY ALLEN, WHO DIED MAY 24th, 1838; aged 34 years. 216 TO THE MEMORY OF FORSTER ALLEN, WHO DIED MARCH 21st, 1839; aged 36 years. " They were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in their deaths were not long di- vided." 2 Samuel 1: 23. No more, pale destroyer, boast Thy universal sway ; To heaven-born souls thy sting is lost, Through Christ we 've won the day. Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: April 2006 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 1 6066 (724)779-2111