Columbia (Hnit>e«ttp intljfCitpoflmgork THE LIBRARIES Bequest of Frederic Bancroft 1860-1945 c^c;^^^.^^^^ MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF MTHAMEL STACY |)rmcl)er of tlje @05pH of Hntoeraal ®raa. COMPRISING- A BRIEF CIRCUMSTANTIAL HISTORY OF THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF UNIVERSALISM IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AS IDENTIFIED THEREWITH. r i 'And what ihou s^^t write in a'^boQlt, and 'send it to the churches." COLUMBUS, PA. : PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY ABNER VEDDER. PRINTED BY W. HEUGHES, MONROE HALL, ROCHESTER. N.Y. 1850. Entered according to Act of Congress, BY NATHANIEL STACY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for Western Pennsylvania, Dec. 1, 1849. "^^m:^. • * * g,« COITEITS PAGE, INTRODUCTION. H CHAPTER I. Parentage—Their place of nativity— Occupation— My Father's mar- riage — Removal to New Salem — Commences farming — Ignorance of Agricullure — Campaign in the Revolutionaiy war — Bunker Hill — Cherry Valley — Col. Stacy prisoner — Gideon Day killed — State of -ie&ming, no schools — Maternal instraction — Parents Univcrsalists, hearers of John Murray — Universalist Preachers, Mr. Rich, Mr. Lathe, Mr. Barnes — Advanced age and death of parents. - - 22 CHAPTER II. Birth of the Author— Diminutive stature— Tenacity of early impressions — Deplorable consequences of a wrong education — First school — Learns the alphabet in one day — school books— proficiency — school Teacher — Specimen of pronunciation — First spelling-books, Dil- worth's. Perry's, Webster's — Goes from home to live — Commits to memory 3d chapter ol" Matthew — Eldest brother goes to Ohio — His return — Death of youngest brother, and sensations on the occasion — Father puts eldest brother in possession of all his property — Dis- content — Subsequent course — Goes as apprentice to a Blacksmith — Health declines — Returns home — state of health — Hypochondria — strange phantasma — Health improves — Stature and weight — com- mences study of arithmetic — Proficiency — Religious conviction — Thoughts turned on an education — Academy — Importunes his Father for freedom, and obtains it — Resolutions — Habit of profane swearing —Cause of reform— Hires out to labor— Wages— goes to Boston vnlh. a drove— Returns to New Salem— Goes to common-school —First term in Academy. - - - -•- -28 CHAPTER III. Second journey to Vermont— Capt. Shaw— first attempt to teach school— Elder Wm. Graw— religious awakening and fears renewed IV CONTENTS. commences reading the Bible, and obtains relief— engages as Post- rider— Universalist Association— Mr. Ballon- Benoni Shaw, his pre- vious religious profession — Association holden in the Court-house — conduct of the sheriff- Mr. Young visits Bridgewater— three Preach- ers only reside in Vermont — second tenn of school teaching — return to Massachusetts— labor on the turnpike in Hardvvick— visits Bileri- ca,and works on a fami— return to New-Salera— Term at the Aca- demy-enters as a clerk in the store of Joel Amsden, Dana— be- comes personally acquainted with Mr. Ballou— inclination to preach — Ellis Blake's suicide — feelings on the occasion — Elegy. - - 47 CHAPTER IV. The author enters as apprentice to a clock-maker — Mr. Ballou's visit to the shop — conversation — engagement to study with Mr. Ballou — scarcity of books on the doctrine — no periodicals— no commentaries — an illiterate ministry — analogy of divme means to introduce spe- cial dispensations — first attempt to preach — renewed resolution — Meetings in New Salem — accompanies Mr. Ballou to Mr. Babbit's ordination, Jericho, Vt. — remains with Mr. Babbit, and itinerates ia that country — preaches in Mooretowir, Bolton, Montpelier, Jericho, Essex, and Westford — opposition — controversy— journey to Rutland — visits Mr. Ferris, and Mr. Rich — Preaches in Hinesburg, New-Ha- ven, and Salisbuiy — Engages to teach school — introduction to, and conversation with an Episcopalian clergyman — return to Onion Riv- er — visit to Mr. Ballou in Barnard — return to Salisbury, and com- mences school — delivers^ first funeral discourse at the burial of two children in one grave — association with the Methodists — execration from a Methodist preacher — preaches in Salisbury and adjacent towns, and m Benson — controversy in the midst of a discourse — suc- cess and prospects of the doctrine in Addison county. - - 6C CHAPTER V. Author starts for the association — falls in company with ?^fr. Kneeland — Mr. Knecland'sand Mr. Ballou's genius contracted — Mr. Kneeland's course, and anecdotes con(ferning him — ^the Convention — preachers' names — Mr. Winchester's tomb-stone — number received into fellow- ship — letter of fellowship — Noah Murray — Samuel Smith — confes- .sion of faith — visit to my native place — tour to Vemiont — return to Massachusetts — teaches school — tour to Vermont — preaches for Rev. Thos. Fc.ss(^den — Congregationalist ministers in Walpole, Surrey, Alstead and Charlestown Universalists — suffering in body and mind on return journey from Benson, Vt., to Williamsburg, Massachusetts — Itinerating in Massachusetts — singular introduction at Oxford — ;;cneral Convention, 1804 — Rev. John MuiTay — Mr. Palmer — ^modi- CONTENTS. V fication of the name of the Convention — engage)nent to teach school in Worcester — illiberality of a clergyman — success in school — sin- gular influence of educational habit. - - - - - 87 CHAPTER VI. Author starts on a tour to Vermont — visit to Mr. N. Foster — Mr. F.'s for- mer religious sentiments — his conversion to Universalism, and its moral effects — visit to Benson — leaves Benson on a tour to the State of New York — meeting in Whitehall — in Fort Ann — incidents in Fort Ann — meetings in the house of Mr. Gilbert Harris — author visits his brother in Canajoharie— interview with Elder Elliott— journey to Sangerfield, Oneida county — delivers his first discourse in Sanger- field — solicitations to remain longer — state of feeling among the in- habitants of the country, and progress of the doctrine — begins to itinerate through the counties of Oneida, Chenango, &c. — visit to his brother, and meeting in Otsego — meets Mr. Wooley — Conference in ^ Burlington, the germ of the Western Association — opposition — con- lab with Mr. B. Morse — a bow drawn at a venture — desultory dis- cussion with Rev. Mr. Knapp — singular question — first discourse in • Hamilton village — Judge Paine — amusing anecdote — first meeting in Madison — Interview with Elder Morton — curious anecdote of El- • der M. — challenge — first meeting in Whitestown — organization of tlie first society in Oneida county — singular remark of Polycarpus Smith — a regular circuit — Joseph Tenney and his book — two socie- ties organized — growth and prospects of the cause. - - - 111 CHAPyER VII. Delegates from the State of New York attend the Convention — visit to WilminstOLi — committee appointed to assist in organizing an Associa- tion in the state of New York — Father Zebulon Streeter — ordination — ^visit to New Salem — return to New York — churches organized in Whitestown and Hamilton — persecution — a vile slander — Elder Joy Handy — extract of a letter from Elder S. King — a preaching race — the author marries — brief account of his family — removes to Brook- field, N. Y. — incident on the journey — loses his horse — slender re- munerations for ministerial labors — impossibility of regular salary — Author's established principles on the subject of salaries. - - 145 CHAPTER VIII. Organization of the Western Association in the State of New York — complaint of Mr. M. T. Wooley — his trial and expulsion — anecdote of Mr. Flagg — minutes of proceedings printed in a pamphlet — Haynes' sermon and Ballou's letter — new societies — General Conven- VI CONTENTS. tion, 1806 — confab with a dutchman, and a yankee school-master, in Watcrvhet — interview with Mr. Lansing — Mr. Vandenburg— con- lab with Elder Wm. Underwood — Mr. Underwood's conversion — removal to Whitestown — interview with Elder Calvin Winslow — Mr. Winslow's conversion, and excommunication from the Metho- dists- -his character and expulsion — society organized in Western — ap- pointment between Whitesboro' and Rome — encounter with a terma- gant — association in 1807 — flattering prospects, and increased oppo- sition — Whitestown society invites Mr. Ballou to uettle with them — Mr. Paul Dean engages to settle with them. . - . 16S CFI AFTER IX. Introduction of the doctrine into Sullivan — Homer — society organized in Homer — author turns pedagogue again — common schools — secta- rian bigotry — commences school — school-house burned — prosecution of supposed incendiary — removal to Hamilton — purchases and builds ^ -Association in 1803-Mr. Ballou's last visit-Mr. Ferris-Mr. Babbit ^ — encouraging prospects — first discourse in Norwich Court- House — 'IMatthew Long, Esq. — appointment in Bainbridge — Society in Bain- bridge — extensive circuit — I\Ir. J — d, his malignant opposition, and conversion — Mr. Taylor, his sickness, death, and funeral — Associa- tion in 1809 — Mr. Wm. Baker — extension of the doctrine — acces- sions to the ministry — first meeting in Augusta — desultory conversa- tion and discussion at the close — Sally Murdoch, her sickness and death — triumphs of her faith — dialogue between Mr. Holmes and his minister on the above-mentioned occasion — another testimony, in the case of Mrs. Beach — and yet anothej^ Mrs Woodhull. - - 190 CHAPTER X. Association in 1810 — prosperity of the cause— Mr. Dean's success — his character — quarterly conferences — periodical, the " Religious Inqui- rer' — Mr. Fuller a Methodist preacher — ill health of my lamily — first visit to our native land — desultory conversation with a preacher at the close of a lecture m Augusta — Association in 1811 — female preacher, Maria Cook — anecdotes of her — Doct. Lewis Beers, his connection with Universalists and subsequent course — first meeting in Cazenovia — interview with Deacon M. — long confab with Sheriff" Whipple — Doct. Ballard — first tour to Genesee country — interview with Elder James Parker— Meetings in Benton and Gorham— preachers at the general meeting in Gorham — Elder Parker's conver- sion — state of the cause in that country — English settlement in Pitts- ford — their faith and mamiers — second tour through Genesee coun- — visit to Dr. Beers. - 213 CONTENTS. YII CHAPTER XI. Asaociationiii 1812— Mr. S. Miles— Dr. J. Ellis— Mr. L. Knapp— long tour through the Canisteo and Genesee countries — pleasant incident at a Methodist meeting — meetings in Canisteo, Le Roy, and BatavJa — Genesee Falls — funeral at the landing — hard day's ride — Mr. Sherman's ordination — Association in 1813 — Mr. James Gowdy — Mr. Seth Jones — Mr. S. R. Smith — association in 1814 — meeting- house refused — meeting held in a barn — the effects of refusal — Dr. Groon — Mr. Pitts — Genesee branch — chaplain in the militia — amu - sing anecdote — campaign in the service — Sacket's Harbor — demora]|H| izing effects of military campaigns — visit to EUisburgh — close of cani^^ paign and return — Association in 1815 — Mr. Root — Mr. Underwood's admission into connection — Mr. Whitnal — Mr. Cook — theological seminary — first session of the Genesee Branch — first Universalis meeting in Aubura — severe fit of sickness — sectarian slander — visit to Mr. Person, in Greenfield — ague and fever — Association in 1816 — cold season— journey to the sea coast — clam-bake — Capt. Martin — sail on the bay at New Bedford — lecture at the head of the river — Rochester — Deacon Foster — a religious maniac — visit to Newport, R. I. — lecture in the State House— Elder Green — Meeting in Dana — Return home. ------ . 246 CHAPTER XII. Ancient treatise, " tiie world unmasked, or the philosopher the greatest cheat" — publishing a book, an unfortunate enterprise — Judge Flagler's conversion — lecture at Judge F.'s — he commences preaching — Col- chester settlement— journey to Connecticut — meeting in the city of Hartford — reception at Colchester — remarks of a friend on Sunday morning — meetings in several towns and societies— return through Duchess county, N. Y. — Session of the Genesee Branch at Buffalo — Calvin Morton — anecdote of Mr. Wliitnal, and a Scotch Presbyte- rian clergyman — extraordinary excitement — conference meetings — manifest feelings of the denominations on the subject — Methodists unite in the meetings — Mr. M , Congregationalist clerg>''man — — correspondence — Mr. M 's course in the conferences — time of conference meetings changed — Mr. M 's vexation and wrath — interview with Methodist presiding Elder — quarterly meeting — Mr. M attends church meeting — communion — address of a Metho- dist sister — Mr. M comes into the Universalist meeting — his er- rand — Union meeting in the Congregational meeting-house — Mr. M 's ecstaey and zeal — General excitement — conference — ^oppo- sition of the Congregational clergy — Mr. M 's retraction and the consequences which followed — a dream — water-baptism — another dream — Mrs. Pierce — mode of preacliing and exhortation of tha Tin CONTENTS. Methodists during tho revival — peculiar sensativeness at an evening lecture, in a remote part of the town— church organized in Madison — Baptism of Rev. O. G Person by immersion, in the winter — result of the awakening — numbers united to the church — Mr. Job Potter — Mr. Oliver Ackley — increased diligence in reading the Scriptures — presentation of texts — inspiration. ----- 276 CHAPTER XIII. Association in 1818 — accession to the ministry — second visit to Connec- Jjmt — anecdote of Mr. N. Foot— city of Hudson — Universalist meet- ^^house — previous, and ordinary places of worship — prosecution for preaching in a meetinghouse — singular interview with a singular man — Intei-view with Esq. J -n — his experience — his scepticism about mij^cles arid miraculous birth of Christ — the result — Association in 1819— Rev. Thos. Gross— Dr. S. Adams— history of the order— tour to Jefferson county — conference — Sacket's Harbor — Mr. Luff^his meeting house and society — tour to Northern Pennsylvania — Sheshe- quin — Athens — Widow of Noah Murray — Mr. Park, his widow and family — impostors — Squire Streeter and David Gilson — second visit to Pennsylvania — third tour to Pennsylvania — fourth tour to Penn- sylvania — Elder Whipple — session of the Genesee Branch — Hollis Sampson — Alfred Peck — prosperity of the cause — conference — or- ganization of the Chenango Association — proposition for a state Convention — delegates appointed — proposition for convention meets an unfavorable reception in Genesee Branch ; also in Central Asso- ciation — change of sentiment on the subject — establishment of a State convention. ------- 305 CHAPTER XIV. Organization of Black River Association — Warren Skinner — a text given — the discourse — tour to Genesee and Cayuga Associations — disaffection — Mr. Flagler's opposition — further views of the pow- er of a Convention— digression concerning Mr. Flagler's course at the Genesee and Cayuga Associations 1823 — Wm. I. Rees — meet- ing in Onondaga and Manlius— supplies the desk for a short time in Philadelphia for Mr. Smith— journey— reception— Mr. P. Morse —state of society-habits— Jewish synagogue— 4th of July in Con- gress Hall of 1776— death of Ex-Presidents, John Adams and Thos- Jefferson— address on the occasion— bishop White— return —stop in New York city— in Hudson— Mr. T. F. King- Chenan- go Association— meeting-house in Nelson— engagement to preach in Nelson— Mr. E. M. Wooley— journey to Vermont— general Convention— meeting with Mr. Ballou— meeting in Fort Ann— ar- rival at Bridgewater — my mother— Barre — my wife's sister— our re- CONTENTS. IX ception — Northern association— Mr. Williams — his defection — meeting in Barre — in Bridgewater — return — state of the cause — engagement in Sanquoit — Associations — Dr. J. B. Pierce — visit to Lyons— three Sabbaths in Lyons—Hon. Myron Holly— Newark. - 329 CHAPTER XV. Retrospection — present state of the cause — ephemeral preachers — J. S. Thompson — laborious itinerations — remunerations — approaching storm — anti-masonic excitement — anarchy in churches generally — agitation in Universalist societies — disaffection in the church in Hamilton — Mr. H. — church meeting — address — Benard's " Light on Masonry" — Elder Blain — His course at a Masonic funeral — thoughts ofremuval — correspondence with societies — visit to Brook- lin, Pennsylvania — proposals from Columbus, Pennsylvania — visit to Columbus— Brokenstraw country — Capt. D. Curtis — village com- menced — further "arrangements — return — disposal of property in Hamilton— visit to Vermont— Mr. Freeman's visit and settlement in Hamilton— his ministry and death— farewell discourse— removal- arrival at Columbus— gift of a village lot— winter arrangements- sickness of my wife — Organization of a society and church — calls ^ for preaching — one preacher only in all this region of country — state of the cause — extensive itinerancy — societies organized — our fami- ly — severe trial and bereavement — intense feeling — divine power of faith— commencement on a farm lot— the oldest son returns to his trade,the other chooses a profession,and farming abandoned — death of Capt. Curtis — temporal misfortune — a periodical, the " Genius of liberty"— Mr. L. C. Todd's indifference of order— his course, and his defection; _------ 347 CHAPTER XVI. Prosperity of the cause in Hamilton under Mr. Freeman — erection of a meetinghouse — visit to Hamilton — Central Association — greeting of old friends— Brother H— , his change of feeling and confession- dedication — visits among friends — meetings during the tour, and prosperity of the cause — Mr. Bond removes to Carroll — and Mr. .T. E. Holmes to Westfield— conference in Carroll— resu?ciiation of the Chautauqua Association — heavy affliction, death of a beloved daughter — a scrap — tour to Ohio — Western Keserve Association — — meeting in several towns — Chautauque Association — circuit pro- posed—Mr. W. E. Manley— c rcuit conference— tour for the estab- lishment of a circuit — administration of Capt. D. Curtis' estate — tour to Virginia — voyage on a raft — visit to Marietta, Ohio — intro- duction — meeting — visit among relatives up the Muskingum, to Belpre-^r. Chappel— meetings— Sunday at McCoiinelsville— re- X: CONTENTS. turnjourney— meeting at Beaver— arrival home— call from Michi- gan— tour— passage up the lake— Detroit— Ann Arbor— society- Meeting House— reception— meetings— general appearance of the country— engagement— return— close of executorship— removal to Michigan— journey through Ohio— storrn— steam-boat voyage— ar- rival at Detroit, Ann Arbor—state of society in Michigan, habits and institutions— two Universalist preachers, A. H. Curtis and Thos. Wheeler— lectures in different places— organization of Association, preachers present— church organized— interesting anecdote of the conversion of Deacon John Williams— his sickness and trial of faith— the church approves of his public improvements— receives a letter of fellowship from the Association— opposition of the clergy —invitation for a discussion— address to the clergy— articles publish- ed in the " State Journal" and "Michigan Argus"— Pvcv. Mr. Marks' article — his second article — reply — course of lectures. - - 370 CHAPTER XVII. Unsettled state of citizenship in Ann Arbor— burden of support on a few— one means of spreading the truth— speculating mania — extor- tionate prices— duration of residence in Michigan — reasons for re* ^^urning to Pennsylvania— losses by Bank failures — expenses exceed- ing income — society meeting — making up arrearages — anonymous articles in the " Magazine and Advocate" — Dr. T. C. Adam — pro- position to Dr. Adam to enter the ministry— correspondence — Dr. A.makesanappointmeut— his success — his second appointment — Dr. A.'s fitness for the station at A. A. — the society give Dr. Adam a call to settle with them — he accepts for one year — salary raised— the author's dismissal — farewell discourse and separation — session of the Association — their additional labors— state of the cause — number of preachers — Dr. A. enters upon his charge — his character and habits— his ill health, and subsequent relinquishment of the min- istry-ill health of my wife— removal from Ann Arbor — Dr. Adam's benevolence— further reasons for returning to Pennsylvania — provi- dential favors — leaving Michigan— journey through Ohio— an ec- cectric man and singular theory' — state of the cause in Pennsylvania — Lake Erie Association — Judah Babcock — reports concerning him — this withdrawal — his certificates and restoration — subsequent cir- cumstances — investigation — complaint against Mr. Babcok,and his suspension— Mr. B.'s visit to this country, and his letter to the au- thor—his expulsion— doings of Blue River Asscciation, Indiana. - 411 CHAPTER XVIII. Physical improvement of the country — views and expectations on return ing to Pennsylvania— Mr^aine— Calls and labors— Mr. Paul's re 1$ 'sre- CONTENTS. XI moval— Engagement in Columbus— Extent of monthly travels— Ar- rangement for tour to NewlEngland— Journey — Allegany Associa- iion— Boston— Buffalo-Niagara Falls— Lockport— Gaines— Roch- ester— Organization of a church— Newark— D. K. Lee— Geneva- Arrival in Madison county— Journey to Vennont-Charleton, Sara- toga county — Anival in Bridgewater — My mothei-'s grave — Inscrim tion— Woodstock— Barre— Meeting and separation of friends— Re- turn through Northfield— Visits in Woodstock and Bridgewater— Rev. R. Streeter— The farewell— Improvement of the countiy, and roads- Journey from Woodstock to New Salem— Rude inscription on a monument^tone— Reminiscences— Visit to our native town — Pleasingly melancholy reflections— The cemetery— Visit to my bro- ther's family— To Mr. Flagg, Dana— State of the cause— meeting in the old Congregational house— Reminiscence of ancient times— Rev. Joel Foster— Universalist preacher settled in New Salem— Disap- pointment- Journey to Madison county ,New York— Brattlebcrough — S. Elliot, Esq.— Rev. Mr. Ballou— Wilmington— Rev. Mr. Bai- ley—Conference — Bennington — Snowstonn— Duanesburg — Rev. Mr. Lyon— Cooperstown— Rev. Mr. Whiston— Arrival at Hamil- ton-meeting and parting with a brother— His death— Labors of the winter— Conferences and funerals— Mr. D. Dunbar and his wife —Her death— Remarkable coincidence— Return home— Prov-iden- tial favors— Reflections. ----.. 423 CHAPTER XIX. Liquiry about the memoirs of my life— Renewed resolution to tiy to over- come obstacles — hindrances— Commencement— Slow progress- Restless temperament— Arrangements for a tour to Michigan— Mar- riage of our youngest cliild— Lake Erie Association— Legitimate powers of an Association— Mr. L. C. Todd restored— Journey to Michigan— Disaster and fright on the lake— Anival at Detroit- Mr. J. Stebbins— State of the cause, and religious character of the citizens in Detroit— Reception at Ann Arbor— Improvement of the place— Sensations on entering the church— Condition of the society —Mr. Miles— State of the cause in general — Additional Association —State Convention— Periodical visits and meetings— Dr. T. C. Adam —Penitentiary-Mr. Bilhngs chaplam-Terror ineffectual to prevent crime— Mr. Ring's influence— Reformation of convicts— Return home— Reflections-Conclusion — Number of States visited and preached in— Number of discourses delivered— Number of funerals attended— Number of marriages solemnized— Valediction. - 470 APPENDIX. PART L— EXHIBITING THE AUTHOR'S PECULIAR DOCTEIML VIEWS. INTRODUCTION. Impossibility of perfect unity of opinion — Former opinions — Calvin- ism extended — Inconsistencies and absurdities — Universalism de- fined — Different opinions create no seisms — Present views stated un- der five propositions. ___.-- 463 PROPOSITION I.— OF MAN. Man is the moral offspring of God — He possesses freedom of moral action within his sphere — is not bound in a state of passivity by the fatality of divine decrees — Has actions which are properly called his own, and for which he is accountable, rewardable, or punishable. - 470 PROPOSITION II.— OF SALVATION. Salvation is not a deliverance from deseived punishment, nor a mere transition from one mode of existence to another — ^nor does it exclu- sively consist in a deliverance from sin — but it does consist in purity of soul produced by that knowledge of the divine character, and the moral government of God, which inspire confidence in the divine wisdom, reconciliation to the divine will, supreme love to all the di- vine attributes ; and assimilates the whole moral man to the divine character. ----__-. 474. PROPOSITION ni.-OF CHRIST, AND THE MEDIATORIAL KINGDOM. Christ is the Sou of God in a more exalted sense than Adam, or his pos- terity — He had an individual existence previous to the works of crea- tion— was the agent of the Father in the creation of the visible uni- verse—The mediatorial kingdom of Christ, called in the Evangel- ist the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God, is not the king- dom of immortal blessedness, but preparatory— 'I%is kingdom is not CONTENTS. xiir confined to any mode of existence, but includes the future as well a3 the present — This kingdom is not a state of probation, but of dis- cipline and instruction. --_... 477 J'ROPOSITION IV.— OF PUNISHMENT. Punishment, under the government of Christ, is not vindictive, nor retal- iatory — But is disciplinary and emendatory. . . - 4^3 PROPOSITION v.— OF THE RESURRECTION. The resurrection of the dead, as argued by the apostle, in the 15th chap. 1 Cor., is not a resuscitation of these material bodies, the bodies which die ; but a rising, or resurrection, of the whole body of the church from the intermediate state, or from the preparatory kingdom to the immortal kingdom. ------- 498 PxVRT II.— BIISCELLANEOUS POETRY. BloQfii of Spring. - - _ . _ Elegiac lines, ------ Experience, in two parts. - - - - Lines inscribed to Widow C . - - _ Search the Scriptures. - - - - - Lines written at the grave of a son. - - . Acrostic. - - - - ^ _ Elegy on the death of Erastus Ransom - - - A Card, on being presented with a cloak. A Card, on receiving a donation of a rich suit of apparel. A Card, on receiving a splendid new one-horse harness. PAGE. - 499 ■ 501 - 504 - 508 - 511 - 513 • 515 ■ 516 ■ 519 519 . 522 IISCEIPTION To the Central Association in the State of Michigan, and to tlie Chautauque Association of Universalists in the State of New York, the following sheets are humbly, but most respectfully inscribed. The great length of time that has passed since the call for these memoirs was made by the Cen- tral Association in Michigan, and reiterated by that of Chau- tauque, has consigned to the grave many, and perhaps most of those peculiar friends who felt the deepest interest there- in. But nevertheless, those bodies still exist, and some few individual members, who, with the author, are permitted to live a little longer on borrowed time, have been spared to see the accomplishment of the task ; and for the peculiar mani- festation of their confidence, and the numerous tokens of their kindness, the author can make no other return than humbly oilering to their patronage this fruit of his humble labors. Unaccustomed to write, and disinclined to authorship, he was well aware that the task would be a severe one ; and when the work was first commenced he felt serious doubts that it would ever be completed by his own hand ; but through the tender mercy of God, his life has been spared to a sufficient period to see the end. The task, though labo- rious for him, has by no means been so unpleasant as he an- ticipated. Indeed, it has been rather pleasing to review the scenes of childhood, and retrace 'the vivacious steps of youth — it was almost like livina; over aajain the life which can never otherwise be recalled ; — and especially, it has afforded much pleasure to retrospect the days of the infancy of our JVI INSCRIPTION. cause, to trace its onward progress, and mark the hand of God in its establishment and prosperity. I anticipate much disappointment for many of my reader?. Those, however, best acquainted with me, could expect nothino; more than an unvarnished detail of such facts as came within the sphere of my action and observation ; and such will experience no great disappointment, for this has been my aim. With this object solely in view, the volume might have been swelled to ten times its present size ; but I have selected and abridged according to the best of my judgment. By some strange and unaccountable means, the idea that I was preparing a work of the kind has got widely circulated, and many, no doubt, have anticipated somethinor extraordinary — some wonderful detail of mirac- ulous events, and, perhaps, some strange developments of the mysteries of Providence ! Such will feel a disappoint- ment, which, although I am very sorry, I cannot prevent. In dates of certain events, I may have been inaccurate in some instances, though I think not. I had kept minutes in most cases ; afid I have been, in a few instances, assisted by the " Historical Sketches and Incidents" of Rev. S. R. Smith. In the course of the narration, I have often used the term Parlialist, not invidiously, but as the most appropriate appel- lation to distinguish those of all sects, indiscriminately, who advocate the doctrines of a partial salvation, from those who believe in universal, efficient grace, and in the final destruc- tion of sin, and the universal holiness and happiness of all moral intelligences. Such, however, as the work is, it is deferentially submitted to the examination of the fraternity of Universalists, and to a candid and charitable public, with a most fervent prayer that it may be no injury to the cause of religion, but that it may, in some small degree, be subservient to ^e advancement of the truth, as it is in Christ Jesus. The Author. Columbus, Warren Co., Pa.. June, 1349. INTEODUCTION. During my residence in the State of Michigan, at the ses- "sion of the Central Association in Ann Arbor, 1837, a resolu- tion was passed, requesting me to give to the world the me- moirs of my life, together with a history of the rise and pro- gress of Universalism in the State of New York, as far as connected therewith ; and the Clerk of the Association was directed to address me on the subject. He immediately com- plied with the request ; and although 1 was fully aware that the task would be, to me, a severe one, aiid quite contrary to my inclination, yet the kind manner in which the resolution was got up, and the persuasive tone of the communication, overcame my reluctance, for the moment at least, and drew from me an answer of compliance. Before it appeared in the printed minutes of the Associa- tion, however, I began to regret exceedingly that I had given the least encouragement for any such expectation. I never had any ambition to appear before the world as an author. The epidemic, (I do not know that I can give it a more ap- propriate appellation,) of authorship, which has raged of late years with such alarming violence among the advocates of our doctrine, and indeed among the would-be literati of the world, both religious and profane, had not as yet seized me. Perhaps the reason was, 1 never thought myself qualified to write profitably, either for the instruction or the amusement of mankind ; indeed, I had little inclination to amuse, had 1 the gift, unless I could., with it, bestow something upon my fellow-creatures more profitable. I had in early life embraced the doctrine of God's Univer- sal Grace. I embraced it upon the strongest convictions of incontestibie evidence — I embraced it with my whole heart, and entered into it with all the zeal of an enthusiast. I was never contented nor satisfied until I began to publish it to the world ; and I was never so happy as when proclaiming in B 18 INTRODUCTION. the ears of man, and defending, with all the cnT3rts of my fee* Lie talents, the Great Salvation. But still I was of a diffi- dent and retiring temperament. 1 wished to do my work with as little noise as possible — to make no parade, no ostentatious show ; I wished not to excite any particular notice. My de- sire was to have my voice heard, my doctrine freely advoca- ted and strongly defended, and myself unobserved, and as much out of sight as possible. And, with such feelings as these, to attempt to write the history of my own life — to have my nam.e emblazoned before the world upon the title-page of a book, as its author ; and myself the hero of the tale, re- lating my own wonderful adventures, and telling to the world the vast importance of my life ; appeared to me too severe a task to undertake. It looked too egotistical to a mind that never entertained a very exalted opinion of its own talents or wisdom. I, therefore, shrunk from the task, and was fast coming to a resolution to relinquish it entirely, and let my friends wait for the events of my life until my biographer should gather up such fragments as were within his reach, which he should esteem of sufficient interest to publish to the world, when a voice from the East again shook my resolu- tion. I had many dear friends within the limits of the Chautau- que Association, in the State of New York ; with some of whom 1 had been intimately associated from the commence- ment of my labors in that State, and for whose judgment as well as piety I had the highest reverence. At the next ses- sion of thatbody, after the resolution calling for the memoirs of my life had been passed in Michigan, the council passed a resolution to the same effect, urging its importance. Indi- vidual friends, also, would insist on the obligation I was un- der to do it. I had been long in the ministry — my travels in promulgating the doctrine had been very considerable — I was one of the first who advocated the doctrine of Universalism in Central and Western New York, and quite the first who devoted his whole time undividedly to the cause. There were many particulars very interesting, at least, to Univer- s£l!ist3, relative to the first planting of the doctrine in that re- gion, which would be inevitably lost unless I recorded them, for no one else living knew them, or, at least, knew them so correctly as I did ; and I must feel under a deep obligation, for the gratification of my numerous friends, as well as for the prosperity of the cause of divine truth, to give them to INTRODUCTION. 19 the world. Moreover, in despite of my efforts to the contra^ ry, my name being identified with the rise of Universalism in the State of New York, had become known ahiiost as far as the banner of Universal Grace waved in our land ; and hundreds who had never seen me were anxiously inquiring for the memoirs of my life, and would never be satisfied with- out them. These, and such-like arguments, were urged to induce me to commence the work ; and they had the effect to produce a renewed resolution ; and again I promised my friends that, if God should spare my life and health, and, in his good providence, afford me an opportunity, I would enter upon the task. ■ But my reluctance led me to defer the commencement as long as possible, and to accept of almost any trifling incident as an excuse. My mind has undergone many trials on the subject. I know that I am, and ever have been, willing, per- fectly willing, to encounter any labor within my ability to perform, and to* endure any privation that I am capable of en- during, for the advancement of the cause of divine truth ; but I am equally opposed to doing, or attempting to do, any thing to wound the cause, to deter its progress, or weaken its in- fluence. Could I do justice to the cause ? Would the inci- dents of my life honor it, or disgrace it? I had reason to believe that my labors had not been wholly useless ; indeed, I had seen more fruit, vastly more, than I could have antici- pated. But v/ould a rehearsal of these things profit the cause ? Could I adopt such a style in relating them as would be in- teresting and profitable ? I could give a dry, unvarnished relation of facts, in such language as I could comm.and ; and I had many friends so partial toward me, that I had no rea- son to doubt it would be interesting and entertaining to them ; but would it not be stale and barren of interest to the stranger ? Such were my cogitations ; and it was with difficulty I could come to any conclusion. In the mean time, it became neces- sary, in the providence of God, that I should change the place of my residence, and remove from Michigan ; and I willing- ly received this as an excuse — as an indication of divine Providence, that the memoirs of my life were not called for in the world. But, in my recent tour through New York to Nev/ Eng- land, there has been so much said to me on the subject— so many inquiries whether or not the memoirs of my life were published, (for the thing had o^ot noised abroad, even as far 20 I N T R D IT C T I K. as that,) or when they would be forth-coming, that I began to revolve the subject again in my mind, and once more to re- solve. I have, indeed, like Youug's man of the world, " Re- solved, delayed — and chid my impious delay — resolved, and re-resolved;" and there is quite a probability that I "shall die the -same." But I have, at length, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord, 1845, and on the first month of my 67th year, gone so far as to brace up my resolution with all possible determination ; and, brushing up my rusty memory, have gathered around me the scattered fragments of my long — yes, long life, for Heaven has already length- ened out my life far beyond my youthful expectation — and I have seated and forced myself to the arduous and thank- less task of writing a book ! yes, and a book about myself! iempora ! O mores ! But I have taken my pen in hand, and must not look back : it is not my habit. 1 have begun ; but whether or not I shall be able to finish, is known only to Him who " calleth the things that are not as though they were." Should I make as tardy progress toward the comple- tion of my design, as I have done in fixing my resolution to commence the work, my life must be lengthened out far be- yond the common age of man, to enable me to bring it to a close ; and death will close the eyes of many expectants, ere they behold the wonderful tiling. But how shall I do it ? What style shall I use, to make the world think that I am "A bonnie gude writer, an' a muckle wise mon V I hate egotism, and I hate prolixity : and so does every body else. But I sadly fear I shall commit my- self in both, before I complete my task. I would take the method of Dr. A. Clarke, and write in the third person ; but it would require too much labor for me to write " The subject of these memoirs,''^ when one single letter would express just as much. But I have serious fears, if I do not adopt that style, and this manuscript should ever be so unfortunate as to fall into the hands of the printer, he would be compelled to pur- chase an extra supply of the letter I, to meet the demand. What shall I do, then ? Ah, I have it ! I will write the truth. 1 will write in as brief and concise a manner as I think the subject will admit of, and in my own plain, homely style ; and leave the result in the hand of that Being whose honor I re- vere, whose glory I seek, and whose approbation I desire above all other considerations. I will do this, and let the critic growl, and the connoisseur curl his lip, if they please. INTRODUCTION- 21 My object shall be, not merely to gratify my numerous and dear friends, for whose happiness I would cheerfully relin- quish my own ease and encounter any privation and any la- bor within the compass of my ability ; but to advance the truth of God, to cast, in my old age, another mite into the treasury of the Lord, and to be, if possible, even to my last breath, instrumental in uprooting those unhallowed prejudi- ces which prevent the knowledge and enjoyment of the truth as it is in Jesus, engendered by a false religious education, and fostered, I have too much reason to fear, by the time- serving policy of a pampered priesthood ; and to extend yet farther the saving knowledge of God's Universal Grace .to a needy world. If the publication of the incidents of my life, connected as they are with the rise and progress of Universalism, will tend to the accomplishment of this desirable object, I shall be am- ply rewarded for all my toil, and for all the solicitude, almost to vexation, which I have experienced since the first intima- tion that such a work was desired. Nathaniel Stacy« CHAPTER I. Parents— Native place— Their Occupation— My father's marriages— Remo- val, to New Salem— Commences fanning— Ignorance of agriculture- Campaigns in the revolutionary war— Bunker Hill— Cherry Valley — Col. Stacy prisoner— Gideon Day killed— State of learning ; no schools— Ma- ternal instruction — Parents Universalists ; hearers of John Murray — Uni- versahst Preachers— Mr. Rich, Mr. Lathe, Mr. Barnes— Advanced age . and death of Parents. The world generally expect, when one undertakes to give the history of his life, that he will begin with an account of his pedigree ; and much of the popularity of his book depends upon his .lineal descent. If he can trace his ancestry back through a long line of honorables, to some mighty monarch, some noble lord, some brave general, some profound philoso- pher or sage, some eminent divine or celebrated poet, his work is sought after with insatiable avidity, and swallowed without stopping to taste. But if he be a humble, unassuming man, and his ancestors laid no claim to honorable titles, great wealth, or high literary fame, people are apt to exclaim, " What fellow is this ?" and cast his book aside as an unwel- come intruder upon the literary world. Alas ! here, again, I am unfortunate. I can not trace my " Ancient, but ignoble blood, Creeping through scoundrels ever since the flood ;" but mu3tbe content to trace my origin only a little way back, from very obscure and humble individuals. ]\Iy parents were both natives of the town of Gloucester, Mass.; and my father was bred to a seafaring life. It is well known, that the inhabitants of the capes on both sides of IMas- sachusetts Bay, Cape Ann and Cape Cod, generally follow the sea for a livelihood, and are trained to it almost from infancy. Fishing on the Grand Banks, whaling, and coasting, in their proper seasons, are their employment from the time they can LIFE OF REV. N.ATHANIEL STACY. 23 be of any use aboard a vessel, until a2;e renders them inca. pable, or, growing weary of their calling, they remove back into the country. Such was the occupation of my father. He entered shipboard at the age of seven years, and followed a seafaring life until forty; passing through all its stages, from a cabin-boy to that of skipper, or commander of a fish- ing-vessel. His business was fishing on the banks of New- foundland in the proper season, and coasting the remainder of the year. In the course of his life, he made some foreign voyages ; but the former was his most constant employment. His name was Rufus ; and his most common appellation, from the earliest of my remembrance, by all his familiar acquaint- ances, was Uncle Rufus, His father's name also was R,ufus ; and this is nearly all I can tell of his ancestry. He inform- ed me that he supposed he was of Scotch, or Irish descent ; but his ancestors, as well as those of my mother, were among the earliest settlers of New England, and, for many genera- tions, had been inhabitants of the town of their nativity. My father was twice married. For his first wife, he married Elizabeth Allen, by whom he had two children, a daughter and a son, who were mere infants at the time of her death. He shortly after married a second wife, by the name of An- na Day, with wdiom he lived to an advanced age. At the age of forty, or thereabout, growing tired of a seafaring life, ei- ther from the gathering storm of the Revolution, which was fast approaching, or from some other cause, he left the sea- coast and removed about one hundred miles back into the country, to the town of New Salem, (then called Hampshire, now Franklin Co.,) which was then very new but rapidly being settled ; where he purchased a lot of new land, and, with all his ignorance of agricfllture, commenced as a farmer. So great was his ignorance of every kind of land employ- ment, it may well be supposed that he made but slow progress in his new vocation, and acquired but a meagre and scanty living for his growing family. I have often heard my mother tell an anecdote, illustrative of his profound ignorance of the nature of crops, which he attempted to raise. She had previously lived in the country with a brother-in-law, for some years, and, being an observ- ing woman, had acquired quite a knowledge of agriculture. My father had sown a small piece of ground to flax. It had come up finely, grew well, and looked very promising. Near the time when it became ripe enough to pull, he one day 24 MEMOIRS OF THE came into the house with a sombre countenance, quite cieject- eel, and remarked to her, "We shall have no flax this year." "Why?" asked my mother, "I thought it looked well." "So- it does,'" he replied, " but there is no flax in it. I have broken off several stalks, and they are all hollow." My mother could not repress a hearty laugh : and informed him, that the flax was the bark of the stalk — that it did not grow inside. His ignorance of farming, and the consequent disadvan- tage he labored under in performing every kind of work per- taining thereunto, together with the troubles of the revolu- tionary war which soon followed, kept him in a state of pov- erty ; and it was with severe toil that he was able to provide the absolute necessaries of life for his family. He was call- ed out several times in his country's defense. He was a pa- triot, and an ardent friend of rational civil liberty. He was in the battle at Bunker Hill ; and also at Cherry Valley, when it was ravaged and burnt by the combined forces of the Tory Butler, and the celebrated Indian commander Brandt. There a brother-in-law of his, Col. William Stacy, was made pris- oner ; and another brother-in-law, Gideon Day, was killed ; but my father gained the fort, and escaped. Col. Stacy was carried into Canada, prisoner of war, where he remained un- til peace was settled between the contending nations, and the dogs of war called in. The first event that I can distinctly recollect, was the return of Col. Stacy from captivity. The circumstances which 1 have briefly noticed, together with the newness of the country, the disorganized state of so- ciety, or rather the total absence of primary schools, prevent- ed my father from giving his children that early education which, under other circumstances, he probably might have done. My parents laid no claim to learning ; but still they were not wholly uneducated. They could read and write, and understood figures sufiicient totransactthe ordinary busi- ness of life; and my father, as was necessary in his business,, understood navigation. But the facilities for obtaining an education in those days, were not as they are no^V. O, how often have I thought, could I have had the privileges in my youth that young men now enjoy, that I too might have known .something. But my parents had little time to teach their cliildren, even as far as they were capable. Their whole time was necessarily engrossed, day and night, (for the mid- night lamp has often witnessed, at least, the toils of my mother,) to provide their children bread, and something to cover their LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 25 bodies, and shield them from the winter's cold blast. And how much gratitude do I owe them ! When I think of their toils, their privations, and their solicitude on my behalf, my heart swells within me almost to bursting. I am now a pa- rent ; but never until I sustained that character, could I ap- preciate their kindness. How little do children think of the unceasing solicitude, the agonizing pain and anxiety, that pa- rents endure on their account. But my mother — never had children a better and kinder mother — early endeavored to in- stil into our minds the principles of reverence toward God, and justice, truth, and benevolence toward man. Nor did she teach by precept alone; her example was constantly be- fore us. Her soul was a fountain of benevolence. She was a faithful companion, the unwearied nurse of the sick, the comforter of the afflicted, and a peace-maker in her neigh- borhood. I never knew her to have the least difficulty with a neighbor ; nor do I remember that the tongue of slander ever attempted to assail her. Kind reader; call not this ful- some panegyric ; it is but a feeble tribute to departed worth, but the gentle breathing of the heart of filial piety toward one of the best of parents. On each returning Sabbath, at least, long before we knew a letter, our mother would teach us the Assembly's Catechism, and to answer numerous questions from the Bible ; and, as early as possible, fitted us for meet- ing, and encouraged our attendance at church. But my parents were liberal in their religious sentiments. Although I knew it not for many years — until Universalist preachers began to come into our region of country and pub- lish the Great Salvation — they were some of the earliest hear- ei's of John Murray, in Gloucester, and became rationally convinced of the truth of his doctrine. But when they re- liioved into the country, as the doctrine was unknown, or if known was very unpopular, they said nothing about their peculiar tenets ; attended the Congregationalist meetings, be- came what were then called half-covenant people, had their children baptized, and educated them religiously, in the Or- thodox school. But after a lapse of some years, there came into our region, occasionally, strange preachers of a strange doctrine, which produced considerable excitement, and called forth all the bitter censures, denunciations, and condemna- tions of the standing order as they were called, (the Ortho- dox Congregationalist,) were capable of expressing. But, notwithstanding their unpopularity, and the cry of heresy, 26 ME3I0IRS OF THE delusion, and danp;er, my parents would improve every op- portunity they had to hear them. The preachers to whom I allude were Caleb Rich, Zephaniah Lathe, and Thomas Barnes. From this time, I began to learn that my parents were Universal ist's ; and they no longer attempted to conceal their faith, but freely advocated it on every proper occasion. And when I became capable of reading, I found, among the few books and pamphlets of my father, some of the writings of Shippy Tov/nsend ; and once, on his return from a visit to Cape Ann, he brouf^ht home a volume of original hymns, by James and John Relly. These were all the Universalist books I read, until I became fully established in the faith of a world's salvation. My parents both lived to an advanced age ; and lived and died in the faith they so early embraced. My father, by the time he arrived at middle age, lost his hearing to a great de- gree. As early as I can remember, it was necessary to talk to him very loud to enable him to understand ; but his sight remained good until he advanced beyond eighty. He was a man, though of small stature, of a vigorous and healthy con- stitution, of very industrious habits, and, uniformly, while able to labor, enjoyed good health ; but when his sight failed him, his physical powers soon failed, and he was reduced to quite a helpless condition. The last time I saw him, he was 84 or 85 years of age. He took me by the hand to welcome me home; and before he let go my hand said, " I hope I shall die before you leave."' He repeated this wish several times during my stay ; and said, his mother once told him that she hoped he would live until he was willing to die ; and then add- ed, " she has had her prayer answered. I have lived long enough — as long as I can be any comfort to myself, or any body else; and I now wish to depart." But he lived several years longer. He had arrived within one month of the com- pletion of ninety years, when he was "gathered to his fathers." I never visited the land of my nativity, after the death of my venerated father, until last fall: andlo! the destroyer had left his foot-prints there ! The hand of desolation and death had been laid upon my old acquaintances, and a new genera- tion had sprung up in their places, whom I knew not. But a solitary individual of my father's family still remained in the town — an aged widow, my half-sister ; who remarked to me, one day during my visit, " This is my birth-day — set it down in your memorandum; — to-day I am eighty-five years old." LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 27 The rest of our family, though mostly in the land of the liv- ing, were widely scattered, from Vermont to Illinois. After the death of my father, which occurred in February, 1824, my mother chose to spend the evening of her life with my youngest sister, who married a man by the name of Abel Thompson, and resided in Bridgewater, Windsor Co., Vt.; ar- rangements were accordingly made, and she went thither; where, in accordance with her desires, she breathed her last in the arms of her daughter. I visited her twice only, after her removal there. She, too, was a person of vigorous con- stitution, and retained the use of her physical and intellectual powers more perfect than almost any other person I ever knew. The last visit I ever made her, was during her eighty-fifth year ; she was then able to ride around with me among our relatives and friends, had the perfect use of her limbs, nor could I discover that her intellectual faculties were impaired. Her memory was bright, and she could relate events both of former and latter years with equal facility and correctness ; and my sister has informed me, that she retained the use of her limbs, and the faculties of her mind to the last. She de- parted this life, after a brief sickness, in the month of Febru- ary, 1837, in the 92d year of her age. Thus, kind reader, have I given you a brief account of my parentage. And now allow me to ask, what can y§u expect to find interesting, instructive, useful, or even amusing, in the life of an individual who originated in such obscurity, and un- der such disadvantageous circumstances ? But you have ask- ed for it, and you shall have it ; though you must not expect that I shall frighten you with an exposition of all my follies, nor bewilder you with all the eccentric flights of a wild and volatile imagination. CHAPTER II. Birth of the author— Diminutive stature— Tenacity of early impressions- Deplorable consequences of a wrong education — First schools — Learns the alphabet in one day— School books— Proficiency — School teacher-r- Specimen of pronunciation- First spelling book ; Dilworth's ; Perry's ; Webster's— Goes from home to live— Commits to memory the third chap, of Matt.— Eldest brother goes to Ohio— His return— Death of youngest brother, and feelings on the occasion — Father puts eldest brother in pos- session of all his propertj^ — Discontent — Subsequent course — Goes an ap- prentice to a blacksmith — Health declines — State of health — Hypochon- dria — Strange phantasma — Health improves — Stature and weight — Com- mences study of arithmetic— Proficiencfy— Religious convictions— Thoughts turned toward an education — Academy — Importunes his father for his freedom— Obtains it — Resolution — Habit of profane swearing — Cause of reform-^ires out to labor — Wages — Goes to Vermont — Enters as clerk in a store — Goes to Boston with a drove — Returns to New Salem — Goes to a common school — First term at the Academy. 3Iy mother had seven children, four sons and three daugh- ters. They ranged in the following order : Rufus, Anna, Ezekiel, Martha, Nathaniel, Mary, and Michael. The young- est died at the age of seven years ; the others were all living at the commencement of the year 1844. But ere the earth had completed her annual circuit, two of them, my second brother and second sister, slept in death. The third son is the subject of these memoirs. And — reader, can you believe it ? — as I have been informed, nothing extraordinary took place at his birth — no lambent flame played round his infant head, presaging future greatness — no wonderful phenomenon was vilible in the planetary universe; but hisbirth-place was alog cabin — all was still, and nature kept on in her wonted course peacefully and as undisturbed as though nothing more than a common personage had been introduced on this mundane sphere ! Nor have I ever been informed that there was any LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY, 29 early development of intellectual genius, or greatness ; or that any thing peculiarly characterized his youth, except his di- minutive stature, which argued poorly for his future useful- ness. I have heard my mother — who was herself of very small stature — say, that the fore part of the first pair of breeches she made for me, measured the exact length of her middle fin- ger ! Dreary, indeed, must my future prospect in life have been, in the view of my parents and friends. Of what use could stich a pigmy be in the world ? But to me it produced no concern. I was full of life and glee ; and, I presume, a very wayward and roguish child. Indeed, I have been so told; and I can well remember the chidings and corrections of my poor mother, whose heart, no doubt, 1 have often made bleed l3y my waywardness. I possessed, I suppose, what phrenolo- gists would call a sanguine, nervous physical temperament — was as light and volatile as air, as nimble as a cat, and as pas- sionate as a wasp ; but incapable of retaining my resentment . long, or meditating revenge — I could strike and kiss the same moment. And, attracting the notice of every body who saw me, by the smallness of my stature, I became talkative and saucy to every one. O, what a mistake do many well-mean- ing people make, by talking to such children — by applauding their roguish tricks, and encouraging their boldness and im- pudence. They subject them to many necessary corrections and chastisements, and help them to contract habits v^hich, if they are ever so fortunate 5s to abandon, will, nevertheless, cause them much shame, and many heart-burnings, and re- quire strong efforts to overcome. Habits, formed in very ear- ly life, make very lasting and almost indelible impressions ; and false principles, imbibed in youth, exert an influence al- most or quite as lasting as life. A great responsibility, there- fore, rests upon parents and guardians of children ; and also upon every individual who holds any intercourse with them, cxr indulges in fondling or playing with them. It was fashion- able in my early youth to indulge in telling and listening to stories about witches, hobgoblins, and ghosts ; and I had a good old aunt, whom Floved above all people in the world, next to my mother, who possessed an extraordinary faculty for telling such stories ; and I well remember my solicitude to hear, and the vast delight I took in listening to them, until my hair seem- ed to stand erect on my head, and my blood to curdle in my veins , and I would not dare to move five feet from my friends, especially if it were dark. I believed every word true as Ho- so MEMOIRS OP THE ly Writ ; and if I stepped out of doors in the dark, I expected most likely to see some apparition, or that old Nick would come with his cloven foot to carry me off for some of my ug- ly tricks ; or that some witch would stick forks into my flesh, or make me fly over the barn, or put a witch-bridle into my mouth, and ride me off; for if they could turn a young calf into a horse, and make him jump over a great river, they could as easily make a horse of me, small as 1 was. And to con- firm these impressions, some of my earliest reading was the " History of New England," comprising a detailed and cir- cumstantial account of the Salem witchcraft. And although the stories made me shudder, I would select them to read, as the most entertaining and interesting of the whole history. — This made me timorous ; it did not reform me, but it made me a coward. When I became quite a youth, and thought my- self old enough to go into company, if I was caught out alone after dark, I was terrified beyond measure, and constantly looking around expecting to see some supernatural agent that would injure me in some way, or perhaps carry me off bodily ; and I Vv'as in indescribable agony until I reached home, or found company. And these impressions v/ere indelible. In riper years, after I became fully-satisfied of the fallaciousness of all such representations, and abjured the whole theory ; and even after my confidence in God and his divine government had given me courage to go any where and every where, by day and by night, and to encounter any danger where duty called ; I have often detected myself under the influence of these early impressions. In approaching a dark swamp in the dead of night, or passing some dilapidated and deserted build- ing, or going by some burying-ground ; my- eyes, in spite of my efforts to the contrary, would Avander in search of some ghost. O, how cautious ought parents, and guardians, and, indeed, every body else, to be in the education of children, not to make such impressions upon their pliant minds, and thereby injure their mental improvement, and subject them to so much agonizing pain. But to return to my narrative in detail. ^ ^ I had no other chance for education but such as I have named, until I was seven years old. I had never seen a school- house, nor entered a room where school was taught, of any description, nor had I learned my letters. My mother, as I have already observed, had learned me many valuable lessons, the impress of which has never been entirely obliterated, but LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 81 has benefited me through a long life ; as well as some which have been a serious trouble to me ; and she often attempted to learn me the alphabet ; but my* heedlessness, rudeness, and frowardness, as often defeated her intentions. But now a school was to be set up in the neighborhood. We had no school- house — such a thing had never been thought of; but a neio-h- bor, having a tolerably large house, would prepare a room, and a teacher was hired for four weeks ! I now began to feel anxious to learn my letters, and was highly elated^ with the idea of going to school. I well remember the day, when my eldest brother took me in hand, and learned me my letters ; it was the Sunday previous to the commencement of the schooL I learned them all in one day, and never forgot them after- wards ; and I attended willingly and joyfully every day throuo-h the term, and greatly lamented when the school closed. I may presume I learned fast, considering the elementary books used for our instruction, which consisted, exclusively, of the New England Primer, the Psalter, (Psalms of David, in a vol- ume by themselves, purposely for the use of schools,) and the Bible. You may well conclude we were a backward set of scholars, though some were approaching the age of twenty one ; but the older members of my father's family could read, and some of then7 could write and cypher a little ; and this was the case with many of the older scholars. The height of my ambition and pride may be easily conceived, when, before the close of the four- weeks' school, I gained the head of the whole school in spelling. I strutted around, and felt as important as though I measured six feet ; and ever after that I was extremely fond of school, and always improved every opportunity afford- ed me. Schools were set up, about this time, in every neigh- . borhood or district throughout the town, for a shoit term in the winter season ; and, in some of the most populous districts, summer schools were taught by females. We had uniformly, after this, a school taught in our district from one to three months, in the winter ; but never a summer school, during my minority ; nor did I ever attend a common school one day in the summer season. But I paid some attention to my ^ooks during the interim of schools ; and, as the time for the com- mencement of school approached, my pulse beat higher, and I was always one of the first on the ground, and never lost a day, if it was possible to avoid it, during the term, were it long or short. There was no play, no pastime, that could, in my • estimation, equal the enjoyriient of schooL This feeling con- »3-2 MEMOIRS OF THE liiiued through the whole process of obtaining the limited ed- ucation I acquired. I shall never forget the deep melancholy and regret that I experienced, when I closed my last term at the academy, that I could not pursue my studies and continue in school as long as there was any thing for me to learn. But. alas ! I had not the means, nor any friendly hand to assist me ; nor health, nor strength to obtain sufficient means to defray the expenses tli rough the routine necessary, in those days, to acquire a liberal .education. I had, therefore, to content my- self where I was, and w^ith tears left the school-room, and bade farewell to academical studies. But to return. My inclination for reading and study was not encouraged as much by my father as my mother. He thought it neces- sary to keep his children all at work, with all possible dili- gence, in order to obtain a subsistence ; and, indeed, so it Avas. He had a sterile farm, and lacked the knowledge of cultiva- ting it to the best advantage ; and with all our diligence and economy, we could but just struggle through the year, without sinking into abject poverty. He allowed us to attend school very steadily during its term in our own district. But alas for our means of efficient instruction ! No school-house was built for some three or four years after schools were set up ; but schools were kept in one room of a dwelling-hojase, and an il- literate neighbor employed as a teacher, who possessed some little tact in the management of children, but no other quali- fication for a school-teacher. Do you wish to have a specimen of his pronunciation, and to see the advantages I enjoyed for acquiring the rudiments of language, and imbibing first prin- ciples ? You shall have it — a b, ab ; e-h, eeb, (pronounced long e, or double-e.) — and so of the rest. The letter z, we were taught to pronounce ezzarcl ; consequently, it was a-z, azzard ; e-z, ezzard ; &c. There, reader ! do you not think I enjoyed superior advantages, in my youth, for literary at- tainments ? He was a tolerable writer, however, and possessed some little knowledge of figures. He taught our school, I be- lievg, not more than three terms ; and we were after that priv- ileged with a teacher of more correct elementary education. But it takes children quite as long to unlearn what they have learned wrong, as it does to learn all correctly in the first place. Hence, the importance of obtaining competent teachers for the instruction of our children ; who thoroughly understand what they profess to know. Our new teacher had quite a task to correct our bad -habits, and to set us right. Spelling-books LIFE OF HEV. NATHANIEL STACY. 33 now began to be introduced into our school. The first spelling- book I ever saw was Dilworth's ; in which, in the division of words into syllables, he made two syllables of Hon — thus, na- lUon, for nation. The next was Perry's. This was the first spelling-book my father ever bought for his children ; and we thought, when we got Perry's spelling-book, that we soon should become very learned people. After this followed Webster's, with his series of elementary books ; and we soon began to make some more correct and profitable advances. It is but reasonable to suppose, however, that a child possessing no bet- ter advantages than I did, attending school only from one month to three in a year ; under such teachers, too, as my first were, and having to apply my hands diligently to manual labor all the rest of the year — could make but very slow progress in learning. I lived mostly at home with my parents ; but at the age of eleven, my father put me out to live with a man in a neigh- boring town ; where I lived one season ; or rather, I went in the spring, and remained until the first of the next winter. — But there was no school in that place that I could attend ; and as the time approached for the commencement of our school, I became uneasy ; and, taking advantage of the absence of my master and mistress, I packed up my clothes and returned to my father's. I complained, too, that they left me alone too much ; which they did. They would frequently go from home, and leave me entirely alone until late in the evening, and some- times all night; which, with my timorous habits, alarmed and terrified me extremely. But the man never came after me; and I persuaded my parents to let me remain at home — a mat- ter which was settled without any difficulty. There was one thing that occurred, while I lived in that family, very much to my profit ; and I name it to encourage parents to early teach their children to commit suitable pieces to memory, especially passages of Scripture. The lady with whom I lived was a good reader, and she also encouraged me to read in my lei- sure moments. She had been on a visit to her brother's. Dr. H., of Pelham ; and on her return told me, that the Doctor had been trying, for a long time, to make his son John com- mit to memory the third chapter of Matthew, but he could not do it. " Now," said she, "I know you can do it; and if you will learn it in a week, I'll give you six coppers ; and besides, I'll brag of you over John." This was a great temptation. It tempted both my acquisitiveness and my ambition. I wanted 534 MEMOIRS OF THE the coppers, and I also wanted to excel. I promised her I •would try. Accordino-ly, I did so, and succeeded. Before the week expired, I had it perfectly, and never forgot it. I, therefore, gained the victory and obtained the reward. And I also obtained a greater benefit than either ; for it helped me more to learn to read, than any thing I had ever before done ; and inclined me to love to read the Bible, and commit passages to memory. It taught me how easy it was to lay up in my memory such pieces as pleased me, both in prose and poetry ; and I soon learned quite a number of hymns, &c. By the time I arrived at the age of sixteen, I became a tolerable reader and speller, and could write a«legible hand. Our school, too, was assvming a better character. But an occurrence had ta- ken place in my father's family and circumstances, which ren- dered me unusually discontented and uneasy. It is well known that, soon after the revolutionary war, and the establishment of our national independence, a number of the military officers entered into company and purchased a ti-act of land in Ohio, called the New England purchase, and commenced the first settlement in that now-flourishing State, at Marietta. Col. William Stacy, my uncle, (I call him un- cle — he was cousin to my father, and married my mother's sister,) was one of the company; and in the summer or fall of 1788, according to the best of my recollection, removed there with his family ; and my eldest brother, Rufus, went with him. This was a source of great- anxiet}^ and disquie- tude to our parents ; for this new settlement, being on the ex- treme frontier, far removed beyond any other important settle- ment, was constantly exposed to the ravages of the exasperated Indians, who were daily watching an opportunity to make in- roads upon them, and exterminate them, if possible. They were under the necessity of fortifying themselves in the sure^ manner possible, of maintaining a constant guard, of keeping their arms by them, day and night, in all their avocations ; and, at night, all to collect and sleep within their stockades, or fortifications ; and, notwithstanding these precautions and thei? sleepless vigilance, the savages picked ofi' numbers of them. The second year that my brother remained there, the inhabit, aaits formed a resolution to plant a settlement some forty milo up the Muskingum river. Accordingly, they went up with a sufficient force for a guard, erected a block house, and aboul forty young men went on and commenced operations. They established a rigid discipline among tliemselves, and adoptei^ LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. ;35 every necessary precaution, as they supposed, to secure them- selves against surprise by the savages. Two of Col. Stacy's sons, John and Philemon, were of the number. The Indians, it is evident, watched their motions, but were careful not to show themselves until they had lulled them into a fatal sense of security. The company began to grow lax in their disci- pline, and became more and more careless, until the Indians came suddenly upon them, and killed the whole company, ex- cept two who alone mpide their escape to Marietta, and gave the alarm. I said killed the whole company. This is not correct. Philemon Stacy escaped the shot of the Indians by crawling under a bunk in the block house ; he was, therefore, made prisoner, and carried to Canada ; there he was purchased and liberated by a namesake, and sent back ; but died before reaching his family in Marietta. Soon affer this melancholy transaction, my brother, becoming discouraged about ever find- ing a peaceable home in that country, returned to his native land. His return was hailed, by my parents, and indeed by tlie whole family, as one of the most joyful events they had ever experienced. We had all given him up for lost; know- ing his exposure, and hearing frequently of the depredations tlie Indians were making upon the frontier settlements, we sup- posed most probably he would fall a prey to their savage fe- rocity. And what added to our joyful excitement, was that he came suddenly upon us, not having had the least intimation that he was on his return home, or that he ever designed to come home ; and supposing, if he were still alive, that" he was seven hundred miles from us. We all felt as though our cup of joy was filled to the brim — as though nothing could be ad- ded. But we were soon made to realize, that if our joy was beyond increase, we were not elevated above the reach of sor- row and mourning. In less than one month after this joyful event, my youngest brother, the idol of the family, suddenly sickened and died ; and my sorrow now was as excessive as my previous joy. I was a very sensitive being, capable of enjoying much and of suffering much ; and from the moment he was taken sick, I had a presentiment that he would never recover; and my feelings were inconsolable — I remember them well. Even before his case was considered alarming, by my parents or any one else, ashamed to expose my feelings before the family, I would go behind the house alone, and weep my sorrows there. These events inclined my father to make different arrange- go MEMOIRS OF THE ments from what he had previously calculated. His youngest' son, who he undoubtedly expected would be the prop of his^ declining years, had l>een taken from him, and his eldest son had been, as it were, almost raised from the dead ; and he re- solved that the latter should never again leave him, if it could possibly be prevented. He, therefore, made him a proposal, Avhich was accepted ; and that was to give him, nw oldest bro- ther, all he possessed in the world, if he would obligate him- self to provide for him and my nwther in old age. He, there- fore, gave him a deed of his farm, together with all his stock, farming utensils, &c., and took a lease back, during the life of himself and my mother. At the same time he gave my second brother, who had arrived at the age of eighteen, his time ; but made no provision for me, only I was to remain at home and work, without any obligation on the part of my bro- ther, either written or verbal, to give me a cent, or provide me with apparel, at the age of twenty-one. My brother soon married, and began to have a family, with a great prospect of having a numerous one, as actually proved to be the case. — Young,, inconsiderate, and giddy as 1 was supposed to be, and really was, I soon ]>egan to have some serious thoughts and reflections on my dreary prospects. I had slender opportunity for schooling ; must stay at home ancf work hai'd for my bro- ther eight years ; and yet he was under no obligation . to give me any thing, not even a suit of clothes, unless he chose to do so. And, indeed, I saw but little prospect of his being able, with all his diligence and economy, to do more than to support his own family, and provide for our parents. And this was probably all he ought to do ; for he had but a small patrimony from my father: one hundred acresof inferior land, with poor buildings, and but little improvements ; a small stock of cattle, and a slender set of farming utensils, comprised the whole. This was the cause of my uneasiness ; and, as I now ap- proached the age of fourteen, I began to importune my fa- tlier and brother to put me to some trade ; my mother joined her voice with mine, and we prevailed. Though small in stature, I had a pretty good constitution, and had, thus far, been healthy. Different trades were sfwken of, but I had little choice ; I wanted some trade, and I liked the blacksmith's as well as any. I would have preferred obtaining an education ; but, under present circumstances, that was hopeless : my father had no great taste for it, had he been able, and my bro- ther had as much as he could well turn his hands to. A LIFi; OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 37 place was, at length, found with a blacksmith ; and I went otf with a light and cheerful heart to my new home, with sweet hope sparkling bright before me. Phrenologists say I have a pretty large development of hope, and I presume that is the case ; for I have lived on hope, rather than fruition, the greater part of my life ; at least, in respect to temporalities ; but I have been happy, or have, in the aggregate, enjoyed more happiness than unhappiness. I found my new home agreeable, a worthy, steady man for a master, and a kind and affectionate woman for a mistress. She was a second wife, and had no children ; but my master had, by a previous marriage, a daughter a little older than myself,a fine and pleasant girl,who alwaystreated me as kindly as a sister could have done ; and I spent the winter, (I went in the fall season,) very pleasantly. I worked in the shop morn- ings and evenings, and went to school days. I was lively and buoyant, fond of company ; and they indulged me in visiting, associating, and playing with the youth of my own age, with whom I soon formed happy and agreeable acquaint- ances. This was one of the happiest winters of my youth- ful days. But, on the next spring, my health began to fail ; before midsummer I was wholly unable to work ; and my mother came and took me home. For several succeeding summers, my health failed me so that I was unable to labor for the most part of the time. In the fall season, my strength would recruit, and I enjoyed very tolerable health through the winter ; but as soon as warm weather commenced, I again sunk into a feeble and sickly condition. It was the opinion of many of my friends, that I was consumptive, and would live but a short time ; and the physician to whom they applied expressed the same opinion to them. I was not ignorant of their opinion; and it had a tendency, no doubt, to make me exceedingly nervous and hypochondriacal. I dreaded the approach of night ; it seemed as though the curtains of death were drawn around me ; for I had no expectation that I should live to see the light of another day. I would plead with my mother not to go to bed ; and she, always disposed to indul- gence, would sit by me hour after hour when her wearied frame required rest and sleep. O, how often have I called to remembrance her maternal kindness, while my heart has bled with conscious remorse at the recollection of my own ingratitude and folly ! We feel impatient with people labor- ing under hypochondria, and vexed at their conduct ; for it 3^ I^IEMOIRS OF THE really seems to us as though they might reason with them- selves and overcome it, and banish those strange vagaries from their minds. And it now setms to me as though / might have done it: and indeed it seemed so then, each morning. For when I awoke in the morning, and found myself in the land of the living, and saw the rising sun smile upon the earth, and all nature reviving and rejoicing under his genial influence ; and the whole animal creation rejoicing and happy, luy own feelings partook of the exhilarating influence: I felt cheerful, and could join in the laugh at my strange vagaries xDf the last evening, and verily thought that I should no more experience them. But, alas I when the sun had passed his meridian and began to sink in the west, an irresistible mel- ancholy would invariably creep upon me ; and, as the dark- ness of the night closed in, in despite of all my efforts to re- sist it, my soul would sink in the horrors of despair, and I felt as though the frost of death had seized upon the fountain of life. It was a reality to me then, and continued so, until wearied and exhausted nature sank, and the light of another morning dispelled the fearful gloom. O, how much did I sufler ! and hovv much do others suffer under that strange and soul-chilling disease. "We do not compassionate them enough. To sho'.v its strange operations, I must be indulged in relating an incident. ?>Iy mother had gone from home, and was to be absent all night. This was dreadful to me, for it seemed as though I could not live an hour out of her presence — and no one else could have the patience with me that she exercised. My eldest sister was at home, but I could not prevail on her to sit up with me as long as my mother had done — she hurried me off to bed, with all the fearful apprehensions of immediate death upon me ! I lay trembling a while; but, at length, dropped to sleep. My sleep, however, was short — I awoke — it was dark, and no living being was to be seen ! I verily believed I was dying — nearly in the last struggle of expiring nature. I leaped from my bed, ran to where my sister slept, and begged of her to get up and make me some hot drink, for I was certainly dying ! nor would I be refused, nor give her any peace, until she complied. After she had made me the tea — it was a matter of indifference w^hat kind — I found I was not yet dead ; and consented to go to bed, where I slept qui- etly until the next morning, when I could join in the laugh about it, as heartily as any one else. These feelings are as strange, as mysterious, as un account - LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 39 able to me now, and were even then, as they are to any one who never experienced them ; but they were solemn realities to me at the time. I thought, in the morning, that I should no more experience them. I believed that I could success- fully resist them, and I was resolved to do it ; but when night came, their death-like feelings again assailed me, and I could no more resist them, than I cpuld prevent the setting of the sun. • The bare recollection of these scenes is appaling ; and they are as fresh in my memory as though they were the transactions of the last night. The terrific phantoms, the ghostly visages that surrounded me, the frightful chasms that yawned before me, the ponderous mountains of horrid dark- ness which were about to roll upon me, were enough to cur- dle the blood in the stoutest heart ! I sometimes slept with my brother, and as I saw these fearful objects, I would often cringe^and curl up to his back, till he would fret, and push me off; but I dare not tell him what I saw ; for I knew he would only laugh at, and deride me. I have, perhaps, been tediously minute in describing these phantasma, and my feelings unjer them ; but I have done it, kind reader, in Uie hope that it may excite commiseration for. the unhappy victim of them, and soften that harshness of judg- ment and treatment which they are too apt to meet with from those who are so fortunate as to escape that unhappy expe- rience. I know not that there was more than one soul living that really pitied my sufferings ; and that was my mother. Ah, mother ! how much is comprehended in that endearing name I Who can endure as much as a mother for her child ? Who can exercise that unremitted, that untiring patience ? Who can love as strongly, as ardently, as enduringiy ! Who can forgive follies and crimes, and overlook insults and in- dignities like a mother ! Would to God I had known", at that age, as much of the strength and nature of a mother's love as I think I have since learned — could I willingly have caused her one sigh, one groan, one tear ? Alas, my "folly, my for- wardness caused her many ! For something like three summers, my health was exceed- ingly miserable. 1 would gain a little in the cold season and was able to attend school ; but in the summer I became ema- ciated, and reduced to a mere skeleton. I grew but little, as may be well supposed, when the reader is informed that at the age of eighteen I weighed but eighty pounds. But from that ?ime— and indeed from the age of seventeen, mv health begai; 40 :vIE3I0IRS OF THE greatly to improve ; my hypochondria left me entirely ; anci I gradually gained health and strength until I possessed a healthy, firm and vigorous constitution, and was able to en- dure as much labor and fatigue as almost any other person, I gained in stature, too ; but never arrived at an enormous size, as the greatest number of pounds I ever weighed was only 125 ! The winter after I left the place v/here I was apprenticed to a trade, I was able to attend school, and to apply myself very closely to study. I then began to study arithmetic. The book at that time mostly in use in common schools, as well as in academies, was Pike's Abridgment ; and that was the book I used. My teacher was a very good arithmetician, and he took unbounded pains with me. I began in simple addition, went to school but three months, and closed in single position. But my evenings, as well as days, were devoted to study ; and many of them in company with my teacher, who was always ready to instruct me. I saw — I felt the ne- cessity of a close application, and a diligent improvement of my time : and my teacher boasted of me, which raised my ambition and stimulated exertions to excel. ^ly parents could not afford me candles to study by night ; but I would collect pine knots to make a light on the hearth, and then lie down on my breast with my book and slate before me, and then cypher for hours. This was the only school term that I ever devoted to arithmetic ; but together with other studies, I occa- sionally learned it, both in common school and the academy, and became so familiar with Pike's rules and characters, that I could take his book, and, without any other instruction, an- swer any question throughout its pages. In the winter of 1803, I taught a district ^^chool in the town of Worcester, jMass. Two young men came to me and wished to enter school. I had previously learned that they had both been school-teachers, and observed to them that I could, probably, be of little or no benefit to them, as I made no pretensions to the higher branches of literature ; and enquired what branches they wished to pursue- They replied, English grammar and arithmetic. I asked them how far they had cyphered ? They replied, through Pikes^s Abridgment. •'• Well, (I said,) that is as far as I make any pretensions, and I cannot engage to teach you." They modestly observed, they did not come to impose on me, nor on the school ; they wished to review their studies, and doubted not that .1 could be of benefit to tliem. They LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 41 came ; and brought with them, Pike's fall volume. I soon found that they needed much instruction in branches that they had already studied, and attempted to teach ; and when I found them approaching the extent of my arithmetical knowledge, I borrowed one of their books, and found I could study enough in one evening to last them a whole week ; and had no diffi- culty in teaching them through the whole term. But to re- turn to my narrative : My health was such, that I gave up all expectation of being ever able to learn the blacksmith's trade, or follow it, if 1 could learn it : and indeed I had little expectation of living many years. I thought much of death, and underwent many fearful apprehensions in regard to futurity. I knew that I was a sinner — I had been taught so, and I felt the conviction of its truth ; and became fully sensible that, while in sin, there was no hope of happiness here or hereafter. But how to obtain deliverance, I knew not. I wished to be religious ; but religion, as I had been taught, was gloomy and forbidding — it was not desirable to live by ; we only needed it when we came to die. It would spoil all our happiness in life ; but without it we could not be happy after death. It- required us to renounce all recreations, however civil and innocent they might appear ; to suppress all youthful vivacity, and main- tain in the spring-tide of life, the gravity of age ! My nature, both the physical and moral constitution which heaven had be- stowed upon me, would not admit of such a course ; and with my utmost exertions I could not attain to it. I was naturally buoyant, full of life and vivacity, and when not depressed with the fearful malady before named, (hypochondria,) I was cheerful, and even vain, in spite of every eftbrt to be other- wise. This was a source of great disquietude, and discour- agement. I began seriously to think that religion was infi- nitely beyond my reach, and I must be a reprobated heir of future woe ! I had the opportunity, to be sure, of hearing oc- casionally a discourse from some one of the Universalis! preachers, before named ; for, as I have remarked, my pa- rents went, and they suffered their children to go likewise ; and I would at the time, receive some encouragement ; but my judgment was feeble ; I had not power to shake off the prejudices of education, and I dare not trust my judgment, nor indulge in hope. I had been tauglit that I was natural, and could not discern spiritual things ; for I was born totally depraved, and must have a radical change of nature before I 42 MEMOIRS OF THE could be, in the least degree, permitted to trust my own judg- ment in religion or spiritual things. Under these impres- sions, and with the prospect of an unchangeable eternity at hand, it may be well supposed that my feelings were inde- scribable, and my sufferings, at times, almost beyond endur- ance ! My disease lingering, but beyond the skill of the physician — my body wasting and drawing near the grave, and not a gleam of hope to light up the pathway through the one road, and return on another, and distribute the papers through North Bridgewater, Barnard, and parts of Bethel and Woodstock ; and the third day, go to Plymouth and return. The remainder of the week, I was in the employment of Capt. Shaw, which paid for my board and horse-keeping. Thus I had established my route upon as frugal a plan as possible ; but notwithstanding this, and all the economy I was master of, (though, by-the-by, I was never a good financier,) I found myself at the close of the engagement involved in a debt, which took more than all my wages of the next winter to cancel. I' had to make out a large sum to the printer ; and I had no other resource but the small sums on my subscription list, scattered all over the country. And, before the payments became due, numbers of my sub- scribers were beyond my reach. Others were slack, and availed themselves of all possible means to evade payment. And one Barlow — he was called a justice of the peace, but a disiurher of the peace would have been a more appropriate appellative — took measures, successfully, to cheat me out of almost all my dues in the town of Barnard. I discovered, long before the close of my engagement, that the business LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 55 would not do for m-e, and made my arrangements to quit it; and I had reason soon to congratulate myself on my success^ poor as it was. A young man wantetl the route ; and I took him round once with me, to introduce him to my patrons and properly initiate him into the business, although I formed the route for myself, in the beginning. But before he had been m the business as long as I had, he found himself in prison for the debt he had incurred. He did not take the precaution that I did, to keep in the good graces of the printer. When- ever I received any sum, however small, even if it did not exceed fifty cents, I paid it immediately into the hands of the printer. TJiis course gained me his confidence ; and he would say to me, '' Do the best you can— I will not trouble you— you do better by me than any other of my post- riders ; " and he was as good as his word. He never sued me, nor even threatened, but waited patiently, and took any thino- I could turn out to him. ° Though my summer's work was pecuniarily unprofitable, it was, no doubt, to my spiritual advantage. My solitary rides afTorded me time and opportunity for thought and reflection; and, before the close of the season, my mind became very well established in the doctrine of God's universal grace, and I was happy. As fall approached, probably in the month of August, I saw a notice in the paper that 1 wa.s distributing, that a Universalist Association would be holden at the Court- house in Woodstock, in September. On discovering this, my heart leaped for joy. Though I had heard a few Universalist preachers when quite a boy, yet I had not felt sufhcient inter- est in the doctrine, or my judgment was not sufficiently ma- tured, for it to make much impression. I had, during the intense exercise of my mind on the subject of religion, striven to recal to my recollection some of their arguments and illus- trations, to get some views of the theory, but to very little purpose ; I could get no important relief thereby. But now I feh as though I could hear and understand — as though the seed would not fall on stony ground, or by the way-side, and I hoped hot among thorns. As the time drew nearer, my heart beat higher ; but, alas ! I could get no one to supply my place on the post route, and, consequently, could only get to the meeting on the last day. I shall not attempt to describe the sensations I experienced on approaching and entering the house of worship, for it would be impossible. It seemed as though light beamed in match- 56 3ie:moirs of the less glory from above, and heaven had thrown wide open its portals of beauty ! The words of the speaker were like a precious healing baln> to my soul. There were but three- preachers present. Our venerable father, Hosea Ballou, now living in Boston ; Mr .William Farwell, and Mr. Walter Fer- ris. Both of the latter have long since been numbered with the congregation of the dead. Mr. Ballou preached, and one of his discourses was on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus : and it swept away the last vestige of doubt and darkness from my mind. I followed the clergymen around as closely as possible, so as to catch every word — ventured into the council-chamber, in the intermission, where they, to- gether with many other friends, were assembled, and where, also, the excellent choir, led by the celebrated teacher, Mr. West, performed several excellent pieces adapted to the oc- casion ; and the preaching, and the singing, and the social converse, so enraptured my soul, that, young and bashful as I was, I could hardly refrain from crying out, in the language of the celestial messenger, " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good- will toward men." And I really felt as the entranced disciples did at the transfiguration of the Savior, "It is good for me to be here." And my astonishment was excited beyond measure, when I came to look around among the attendants who thronged the room, and saw several of my acquaintances, who appeared as happy as myself, and whom I had supposed to- be violently opposed to the doctrine ; and to whom, consequently, I had never dared to express a thought, after I became favorably impressed with a belief of its truth. Among them was a brother of my friend, Captain Shaw, Benoni, whom I supposed to be very rigid in his Partialist faith. Benoni Shaw, together with his four brothers who resided in that country, were, I believe, members of what was called the New-light Congregational Church ; with Mi\ Seth Ransom as tlieir pastor. They were all, as I thought, rather bigoted ; but Capt. Job, with whom I boarded, I considered the most liberal. I was told, that when a brother of Benoni's wife, Mr. Noah Winslow, embraced the doctrine of Universal Salvation, he charged his wife if JN'oah came there not to harbor him, nor associate with him and by no means sit at table with him. But now I saw this same Benoni at a Universalist Association, with his eyes, his ears, and his heart wide open. I heard him speak of the truth of the doctrine, and with rapture ! And he, ever after that, was a warm and hearty believer, and a fear- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 57 less advocate of it, and a bright and practical exemplar of its moral influence. He departed this life rejoicino- in its strength. I now felt myself in a new world ; and although among old acquaintances, surrounded by new friends, bound together by stronger ties than I had ever before experienced. This meet- ing had a very happy effect in this country. Besides its ten- dency to lead many into the belief of the truth, who had never before entertained a favorable opinion of it, and to establish tJiose who were wavering, it brought together congenial minds, and introduced them to an acquaintance with each other, which served to strengthen and embolden them in the cause, to extend their influence, and enlarge the sphere of their action ; by which means the cause of divine truth advanced with greater rapidity. An incident occurred at this meeting, which, I think, is worth recording; because it shows the bitterness of spirit which actuated the opposers of this great salvation, and the effect of a calm, dignified, and fearless perseverance in thci spirit of kindness. I was not an eye-witness ; but I was told of it ; indeed, it was a subject of common observation and re- mark, and had a very salutary effect upon the reasonable part of community ; for it led them to make a comparison between the influence of the two doctrines. The friends of Universal- ism had applied to the proper authorities for the use of the Court-house for the meeting, and obtained their consent ; and the doors were accordingly opened. But the sherifl' of the (X)unty, one Rice, a bigot, without religion, as his character too plainly testified, undertook to frighten them away, by pla- cing himself before the door with a drawn sword in his hand ; no doubt thinking that the importance of his office, and a little blustering, would break up the meeting. But, at the appoint- ed hour, the clergy, with Mr. Ballou at their head, walked deliberately to the house, and, as they approached the door where this wonderful majesty of law had placed himself and was flourishing his broad-sword, Mr. Ballou, with his wonted urbanity and pleasantness, addressed the little man in the lan- guage of the Savior ; " Peter, put up thy sword into his place," and walked by the shame-smitten sheriff into the house. I was told that he hung down his head, and, without uttering a word, walked ofl^ to his house, probably with a less- exalted opinion of his own importance than when he placed himself at the Court-house door. 53 MEMOIRS OF THE From this time my mind was perfectly satisfied in regard to the doctrine of the Gospel, and the ultimate destiny of our moral race : I had no doubt. I saw clearly the paternity of the divine character, the immutability of the divine nature, the absolute sovereignty of Jehovah, — and the impossibility of the least failure of his gracious designs. And although, in the exceeding deficiency of my own wisdom, I could not com- prehend the means, nor analyze their fitness to the object de- signed, yet I felt that I knew they were sufficient, for God had given his woi'd ; and that was all that I sought to know. For I read, in the divine word, this positive, unconditional declara- tion : " God, our Savior, will have all men to he saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth,^' — and that the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he had pur- posed in himself, was, that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together, in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are in earth, even in him." I was consequently relieved from a ponderous load which, for a long season, had borne me down almost to distrac- tion. I was now also blest with friends, who were before unknown to me as such, with whom I could associate, and to whom I could speak with confidence of the Great Salvation. About this time, too, (I think immediately after this meeting,) Mr. Ballon entered into engagements to preach steadily, a portion of the time, in Barnard — and although the distance was ten miles, or more, from my residence, I improved the opportunity, as often as possible, to hear him. And during the following winter I also had the privilege of hearing Mr. Joab Young, a Universalist preacher who resided in the State. There were, at this time, three preachers only, who resided in the State of Vermont : William Farewell, in Barre ; Joab Young, in Stafford ; and Walter Ferris, in Monkton ; and I presume not more, if as many, organized societies in the State ; hut the doctrine began to advance rapidly : a spirit of earnest inquiry was abroad ; for the galling yoke of Partialism began to sit extremely .uneasily upon the lacerated necks of its votaries. At the proper season, the following winter, I commenced school again, according to engagements the previous spring ; and I know not but I accomplished the task with equal satis- faction both to myself and my employers. On the following spring, however, I found myself not quite even with the world, in a pecuniary point of view ; for my previous sum- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 59 mer's miscalculation had involved me in a debt that I was not quite able to liquidate ; but my creditor, the printer, gave me liberty to pursue my own course to obtain the means. I therefore left Vermont, and returned to my native state ; re- solved, if possible, to find means to pay my debts, and pursue my studies somewhat farther. I had no means, however, bnt to engage in manual labor, my health and strength had much improved, and I felt able to do tolerable work. I soon found employment on a turnpike road, then being made from Boston to Northampton, where I worked in the town of Hardwicke, until the haying season commenced, when the hands were dismissed to attend to that important branch of husbandry. I then started for the canal, which was then being cut from Merrimack river to Boston harbor, with a design to find em- ployment there for a season. Several of my town's people were at work on it ; and from their representation, I conclu- ded I should find an agreeable employment and good wages. But on my arrival, I at once became disgusted ; not simply with the employment, I could have endured that ; but with tlie society I should be compelled to associate with, and the habits I should be likely to contract ; I therefore turned away, and let myself for half a month to a farmer in the town of Bilerica, to work at haying. I told him I should be awk- ward, for I had never mowed any ; however, he praised my skill, and appeared quite satisfied with my labor ; and before my time was out with him, I had several applications, and higher wages offered than he gave me. I accepted one of them, tmd engaged for a month only ; but before my time was out with this man, whose name was Bradstreet, he solicited me very earnestly to remain with him. He said he had pretty much made up his mind to go into the mercantile bu- siness ; and if I would remain with him, he would set up a store, employ me as clerk, and give me any reasonable chance I would propose. I had done some writing for him while in his employ, which he approved ; and it was with some difficulty I could excuse myself from accepting his friendly offers. But the fact was, I was in a state of mind ill calculated to qualify me to settle down in any kind of business permanently. There was no business which I thought myself qualified to pursue, that seemed satisfactory. My mind was on the Gospel — I longed to proclaim the glad tidings of Universal Salvation to a sinful world — a deliver- ance to all them that were bound — bound down to the most 60 MEMOIRS OF THE abject slavery, by the heart-chilling and non-reforming dog- ma of endless woe. ! I longed to be instrumental in dissipating the impervious cloud of darkness that hung with fearful gloom over the moral horizon, and freeing souls of immortal desire from their bondage of slavish fear. And although I could not indulge the most distant hope of ever being able in the least degree, to be useful in the ministry, still, the inward de- sire burned so fervently in the soul, as to render every other calling or employment insipid and undesirable. But I loved the truth too well ; — I regarded the prosperity of the cause too highly to willingly do any thing, or attempt to do any thing, to retard its progress, or bring it into disrepute. I considered my talents infinitely inadequate, and my information and lite- rary attainments vastly too limited, to be in any degree useful to the cause; and, besides, my unconquerable timidity and bashfulness would be insuperable obstacles in the way, were I otherwise qualified. These feelings totally forbade every hope of the kind, and imposed a veto upon any attempt to qualify myself for the ministry : for such an attempt would only be a subject of just ridicule to the opposer, and would wound the Redeemer in the house of his friends. These thoughts and feelings, however, were buried deeply in my own breast, not daring to breathe the most distant hint of them to the most trusty friend I had on earth. But in every place where I went, I would try, in a timorous way, to find Universalists — to find congenial minds with whom I could commune on the subject nearest my heart. I tried in the family of Mr. Bradstreet, in Bilerica ; but I found little sym- pathy. The man inclined to be chraitable and liberal, though orthodox ; but his wife had no charity for such heretics. But I found, in a near neighbor, a Pvlr. Smith, and his aged mother who resided with him, minds with whom I could sym- pathize ; they were strong and bold in the doctrine of God's Universal Grace ; and thither I often retired in my leisure moments to hold sweet counsel, and converse on the subject of the Great Salvation. When the time for which I had engaged with Mr. Brad- street had expired, I put the pittance I had earned in my pock- et, and returned to my native town, and entered another term in the academy ; and I entered, as I calculated, for the last time, in the embarrassed circumstances under which I la- bored, and consequently the length of time 1 must sacrifice to obtain a liberal education, I considered the attempt preposter- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 61 ous ; and I therefore only now entered to complete an edu- cation sufficient to enable me to transact the ordinary busi- ness of life with correctness and reSpectability, in the humble circle in which I moved. I had not the vanity to aspire to distinction ; but I desired to be as useful in my humble sphere as my abilities would enable me to be ; and to obtain a com- petency for the necessaries of life. I therefore concluded I would study the art of surveying, and then go into some newly-settling country, where I could find considerable em- ploy ; as with that, and teaching common school, which I had commenced pretty successfully, I imagined I could maintain myself, and probably be as useful to society as in any other way. I accordingly purchased books and implements, and completed my study ; and, after obtaining the theory, prac- tised for a short time with a surveyor, M^o was employed in perambulating the town lines. I had but just completed my terms of study and service, and returned to my father's house to make some farther arrangements to put my designs into exe- cution, when a merchant, by the name of Amsden, from the neighboring town of Dana, called, and wanted to engage*me as a clerk in his store. He did not wish, however, to engage me, unless I designed to make that profession a business for life. He wanted a clerk who would realize that he was in an employment he was to follow for a livelihood, and would con- sequently feel interested in making himself thoroughly ac- quainted with the business in all its branches ; that he might be both profitable to himself and his employer. And he pro- posed not to pay wages for the first three months — he would board me, and furnish me with some articles of clothing, if I needed ; and after that, if we were agreed, he would pay good wages. Well, I was about as well prepared for one kind of business as another. My mind was fluctuating and unsteady — no business actually pleased me ; and none that was lawful, and useful to society, disgusted me ; I might as well sell goods as any thing else, and I had had a little ex- perience too in that kind of business ; so, after a little reflec- tion, I engaged to go. There was one circumstance that had quite a bearing to incline me to accept of his proposals ; the man was himself a Universalist ; and my residence would bring me into the immediate neighbcn^hood of Mr. Ballou. Mr. B. then lived in Dana, and preached a part of the time in a meeting-house within a stone's throw of the store I was going to tend ; I should, therefore, have an opportunity of becoming 62 MEMOIRS OF THE personally acquainted with him, and the privilege of hearing him preach the glad tidings of salvation. And this constituted no little inducement for me*to close in with the opportunity. Very soon after I took up my residence in Dana, I became familiarly acquainted with Mr. Ballou. Mr. Amsden and he were great associates, their residences a short half-mile apart ; and when Mr. B. was at home, they were often together. Mr. B. made frequent calls at the store, which gave me an opportunity of seeing him, and hearing him converse ; his social, affable habits made him an agreeable companion for all with whom he associated, both young'and old ; and I soon felt myself easy and happy in his society. But he was at home only during a moderate proportion of liis time. His ride, at that time, extended from Barnard, in Yt., to Gloucester, on Cape Ann, upon the ^lantic ; and he performed it, if I right- ly recollect, once in two months, preaching often, perhaps nearly every day, at intermediate places. His residence was nearly in the centre of his circuit, so that he supplied the desk in Dana as often as once a month. I enjoyed a privilege, therefore, which I prized very highly, at least, in the com- mencement ; but alas, I did not improve it as I ought. I was young, and fond of young company and merriment ; and there was a great opportunity of indulging my vivacious pro- pensities ; for I was in the midst of a large circle of very respectable young people, of both sexes. But I forgot not my faith, though I treated it with so much lightness in my con- duct. I was happy, extremely happy, when the time came for Mr. Ballou to preach in the town, and my seat was never va- cant in the church ; I listened with such greedy attention to every word, and manifested such deep interest in his dis- courses, that it was observed by others, and my friends would sometimes say to me, "You must preach."' And although their words would pierce my soul, and awaken up the imper- ishable desire for ever burning there, I would try to treat them with the utmost levity ; and I consequently entered more free* ly into the amusements of my young companions, to repel and drive away those desires, and to convince my acquaintances ^at I had no such thought, or, at any rate, that I was very un- fit to enter upon so holy a vocation. For I knew very well that I was wholly unfit — that I lacked every qualification and every grace requisite to the sacred calling ; and when I felt the strongest yearnings of soul to preach the Gospel, I would try to cool my ardor by repeating these lines of Cowper : LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 63 " The pulpit— And I name itfill'd with solemn awe, which bids Me well beware with what intent I touch The holy thing." I treated my desires as the unfruitful longings of a vain mind, and tried to extinguish them by light and vain conver- sation, and frivolous amusements, which often made my soul shudder, on reflection. I suppose I had a native propensity to preach ; for I very well remember, when a mere child, that after returning from meeting, I would frequently call the chil- dren around me, get into a chair, and go through with all the exercises I had been witnessing, with as much solemnity as though it had been a reality. And now, if I could keep the desire in some degree of subjection while awake, I could not while sleeping ; for I oftentimes found myself preaching when asleep, sometimes under the most ludicrous circum- stances, which would mortify me beyond measure ; — some- times I would make a total failure, and leave the congrega- tion with shame ; and at others, would be quite successfuL I have often felt sorely vexed with myself, that I could hard- ly go to sleep without being harrassed with such dreams. All these things had a tendency to make me more reckless in my demeanor, until I felt ashamed to own I was a Universalist. Whenever a person would ask me, " Are you a Universalist ?" — (for I could not help speaking of it whenever a convenient opportunity was presented,) I would answer, "No; for were I a Universalist I should be a better man. I am convinced of tJie truth of the doctrine ; but, alas ! I do not believe it strong- ly enough to be denominated a Universalist." An occurrence took place while I lived with Mr. Amsden (for I completed ray apprenticeship, or probationary term of three months, and then engaged for one year, and fulfilled that engagement also,) which had a tendency to enstamp a greater degree of solemnity upon my feelings than I had lately experienced, and to check the rudeness of my con- duct. I had formed an agreeable acquaintance with a young man, a little my junior, by the name of Ellis Blake, a clerk in McCarty's store, in the town of Petershatn, about six miles distant. We had often visited each other, on busi- ness or otherwise, and had formed quite an attachment. He came one day to the store which I was tending, on business ; and, as was usual in those days, I set liquor before him ; and I noticed that he drank more freely than was his usual habit, for he was always temperate. He had transacted his busi- 64 MEMOIRS OF THE ness, and stepped out of the store ; soon afterward I heard very loud and angry words, and I thought one of the voices sounded like Blake's. I had never found him quarrelsome, but quite the reverse ; and concluded I must be under amis- take. Still the conversation continued, and grew louder, and more fierce and blustering. I at length stepped to the door, and was astonished to see Ellis Blake in close and violent quarrel with a petulent old man by the name of Woodward, and stripped ready to fight. I immediately ran to him, soothed down his ruffled passions, and got him into the store ; but I perceived he was intoxicated. I however soon got him on his horse, and he went home. Shocking to relate, before the sun set that night, I heard that he was dead ! It ap- pears that he rode home as fast as his horse would carry him — went into the store where JMcCarty was — wept, and said he was unwell, that his horse had thrown him ; and McCarty told him to go into the house — that he merely pass- ed through the house, and from thence directly to the barn, where he drew off his coat, and, with his silk bandano pocket- handkerchief, hung himself! He was dead when they took him down ; although McCarty followed him within a few minutes to the house, and thence to the barn, toward which he was seen to go. I had never met with an occurrence in my life which struck me with so much horror, or excited in me more gloomy sensations. My religious faith now came to my aid, quickly dispelling the gloom which had oppressed me, and presenting to my mind a brilliant light beyond the confines of the grave. Oh, thought I, how could we endure occurences of this nature, without the glorious hope of immortality ? and that, universal — for every individual of our mortal race ! I wrote a short elegy on his death, with a few reflections, which I mustered courage enough to show to Mr. Ballou. — He applauded the verses and the sentiments ; and I was compelled repeatedly after that, by his request, to recite or exhibit them to our mutual friends. Does the reader wish to know what they were ? — Well, you may have them, for I may as well fill up a little space, and close a chapter with them, as any thing else. And you must have, as the biog- rapher of General Marion said, "the real" Nathaniel Stacy ; 5'ou can make nothing else of him, more or less. This was not the first poetry I had written ; but it was the first I had courage to show. LIFE OF REV. NAJHANIEL STACY. 65 ELEGIAC LINES. WRITTEN ON THE DEATH OF ELLIS BLAKE, Hark— youths, and mark the doleful, saddening sound ! Such solemn tidings reach our listening ear ! A blooming youth, so soon by death cut down ! Bow o'er his urn, and drop the soothing tear. His limbs so active, and his visage mild ; At once, by his own hand, their beauty fled— The silken halter round his neck confined, — The humble stanchions bear the youthful dead ! O, see his kindred weeping o'er his clay, ,, ^^f^w to the powerful hand that bears the rod— , ■ The Lord doth give, the Lord doth take away ; And blessed be the eternal name of God !" O, victor, death ! to thee we all must bow ; Kings, peasants, beggars, to thy dart must yield ! But short's thy race, resign thy power must thou. When our great Captain drives thee from the field. Thy fatal dart again thou shalt not fling ; Nor shall the grave a conqueror be — « We'll sing in triumph, " Death, where is thy sting ? . • O, grave ! where is thy boasted victory I" Then shall all be united to the head, — Christ is our Head, and we the members be : We'll sing, " Eternal glory to our God ;" And in his praises spend eternity I To this home!}' poem I appended the following reflections : -' Here we may view the uncertainty of life, and the cer- tainty of death, in some form. Our life is not our own, but a few breaths lent us by our all-wise and bountiful Creator ; and he has an undoubted right to recal them when he sees fit. It should be a matter of indifference to us whether he makes use of our own hands to accomplish his eternal pur- pose, or any other method ; but it should teach us to submit patiently to the decrees of Heaven, make virtue our guide ' Wait the great teacher, Death ; and God adore.' " I was rather more of a Predestinarian. when I wrote the above, than 1 am now. CHAPTER IV. The author enters an apprentice to a clockmaker— Mr. Ballou's visit to the shop — Conversation — Engagement to study with Mr. Ballou — Scarcity of Books on the doctrine— No periodicals— No commentaries— An illiterate ministry— Analogy of divine means to introduce special dispensations — First attempt to preach — Renevi^ed Resolution-^Meetings in New Salem —Accompanies Mr. Ballou to Mr Babbit's ordination, Jericho, Vt. — Re mains with Mr. Babbit, and hinerates in that country— Preaches in More town, Bolton, Montpelier, Jericho, Essex and Westford— Opposition— - Controversy- Journey to Rutland— Visits Mr. Ferris and Mr. Rich- Preaches in Hinesburgh, New Plaven and SaUsbury— Engages to t^eacft school — Introduction to, and conversation with,an Episcopal clergyman — Return to Onion River— Visit to Mr. Ballou, in Barnard — Returns to Sal isbury and commences school — Delivers his first funeral discourse at Ae bmial of two children in one grave — Association with Methodists — Eke- cution of a Methodist preacher — Preaches in Salisbury, the adjac^t t»wns, and in Benson — Controversy in the midst of a discourse — Success sndp-wspects of the doctrine in Addison county. At the close of my engagements with Mr. Amsden, he offered to recommend me to some mercantile house in Boston, where 1 could obtain higher Avages ; or he would assist me, if I wished, to set up business for myself. But, no — I had done enough at this business — selling goods, by no means, satisfied my mind. It was attended with too much care ; and I very well knew it required a better calculator, and a more accurate financier, than myself to insure success ; and I could not confine my mind to it. I wanted some employment that would not require much calculation, and would afford a mere competency, while it afforded me time for reading and reflection. There was a clockmaker who had set up his business opposite to the store that I was in ; and I formed an idea that his business would be the kind I wanted. I could work at the bench, and think ; and, indeed, I could place a book before me, and occasionally look at it while at work, after I had learned my trade ; and LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 67 when I had finished a clock, I could sell it ; and get a living in this way, witjjout much care or anxiety. And I was sat- isfied I could soon be master of the trade ; for I had, during my clerkship, taken many opportunities of running into his shop and working ; for he allowed me to handle his tools as much as I pleased, and seemed to take satisfaction in showing me the use of them. And, discovering my inclination, he made me an ofier, that if I would work for him one year, he would board me, and learn me the trade. This I at once accepted, and immediately, at the close of my engagement with Mr. Amsden, entered upon my apprenticeship. And I was truly the best satisfied with this business of any I had hitherto tried ; and my time rolled cheerfully on. I enjoyed the same oppor- tunity of Mr. Ballou's society, and of hearing him preach, as before ; and I felt as though I was better improving my priv- ilege. I had accomplished about one-half of the time of my ap- prenticeship, and thought I was making pretty good profici- ency — had got so that I could make every part of a clock, and put it together ; and was congratulating myself on having discovered the means of a livelihood more congenial with my feelings than any I had hitherto tried ; when, one day, while at work alone in the shop, Mr. Ballou came in, and, in his usual pleasant and familiar manner, began to handle my toots and inquire the use of them. After conversing a while about the business, he turned to me, and said, with an unusually se- rious air, " Brother Stacy, what are you tinkering here for ?" I looked at him with some degree of surprise, for we had been talking about the business and its prospects, and answered ; "Why, Brother Ballou, to get a living." "But," said he, "you will never follow this business for a living." "Well," I replied, " I do not know that I shall. I have tried many ways to support myself, and like none of them very well. — My mind is too unstable to be successful in any thing ; and I do not know that I shall succeed in this business ; but, at present, I like it better than any that I have before tried." — " Well," said he, " you will not follow this — this is not your business." "What is my business, then. Brother Ballou?" " Preaching," he replied. I was thunder-struck. 1 know not how I looked ; but I felt as though I must sink into the earth. What, (thought I,) sent him here to make such a remark? — Does he mean to insult me ? Surely he can not be in earnest ; for he certainly knows that I never could succeed so as to be 68 MEMOIRS OF THE of any use in the ministry. If I should have the temerity to attempt it, I should only disgrace the profession. And I have certainly never given him a hint that f ever felt an inclination to preach, nor any one else. On the whole, I concluded he meant it for a joke ; but my feelings were ill prepared to rel- ish a joke on that subject. I must, however, turn it off as well as I could ; and therefore, after looking at him earnestly a moment, I broke out in as boisterous a laugh as I could well make, and exclaimed, " Preaching ! I should make noble work of preaching, shouldn't I ?" "x\h!" said he, still look- ing serious, " you may laugh, and make as light of it as you please ; but you have got to preach the Gospel. You acknow- ledge you have tried different kinds of business, and feel sat- . isfied with none ; and you never will feel satisfied until you commence preaching." His serious look, and his language, indisposed me to laugh any more ; and I said, " if you are really serious, Brother Ballou, 1 will ask you seriously, how you suppose I should succeed in attempting to preach, when you certainly must know that I am destitute of every qualifi- cation requisite for a preacher of the Gospel?" "But," he asked, "have you never had a desire to preach?" I replied, " Why — yes — 1 must confess that I have, many times, most seriously wished that I had the ability, the grace, and the ne- cessary literary qualifications; and then 1 should rejoice, above all things, in the privilege of proclaiming the glad tidings of the Gospel to the world." " Well, I knew it," he replied ; " and did you never dream of preaching?" I answered, " yes ; I must acknowledge I have many times." "Very well; I was sure Vou had," he said, " Heaven has designed you for a preacher, and you will never be satisfied until you enter upon the work." "But, Brother Ballou ! " I replied, " I have not the qualifications — my learning is not sufficient ; and I have never made myself sufficiently familiar with the Bible to de- fend the doctrine, in the face of its enemies, successfully. And, besides all that, I have not confidence enough to speak in public ; and were every other qualification ample, I should only wound the cause, were I to attempt it." " Your learning will do," he replied, "you can study the Bible, and practice will overcome your diffidence. You are welcome to my house, to the use of my books, as long as you need them, and to all the assistance I can give you." Thus we conversed for a long season ; I raising objections and difficulties, and he re- moving them, until, at last, they were overcome ; and, with LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 69 much trembling, I accepted his generous offer. I settled with ihe man for whom I worked, and, the next week, entered Mr. Ballou's study. But, alas, for the books to assist me in acquiring a know- ledge of the theory of Universalism, save the holy Bible itself! His study, nay the world, did not contain them. His library, at that time, was very limited. There were no works extant, or scarcely any, on the doctrine of Universalism, except the Bi- ble. True, Winchester's Dialogues, and his Lectures on the Prophecies, were published. The Dialogues I had read, but the Lectures I had never seen. I also read Petitpierre, on Divine Goodness, and, shortly after this, Relly's Union ; and these, I believe, were all the books I ever read on the theory of Universalism, except the Bible, before I commenced preach- ing. But the Bible was my stud}^, and Mr. Ballou my com- mentator. When I look around me now, and see the facilities which young men enjoy to prepare them for the ministry, and help them along in the commencement of their labors, and compare them with the privileges which I enjoyed, and those of my brethren who entered the ministry before me, or about the same time, I envy them not ; but, while I bless God for their advantages, I am filled with astonishment at the success which attended our labors. As before remarked, there was scarcely a work extant on the subject of Universal Salvation — not a periodical in the wide world devoted to the cause, or that would dare to admit a word in favor of it in its columns. There was not a living preacher in America, (for Mr. Win- chester was dead,) who had ever put pen to paper, to write a word on the doctrine, except their discourses ; and very few of them were written, and fewer still found their way to the press. And, with all these embarrassments, we had to con- front a well-disciplined and learned ministry ; a popular and well-organized church, with a pampered and influential priest- hood at its head, ready to scorn, frown, or brow-beat every thing that opposed their favorite dogmas, or their spiritual pride, or their temporal interests ; while there was scarcely a preacher in our ranks who professed the advantages of an education ! Is it not, then, supremely astonishing that we succeeded at all ? No — no ! for the work was of God, not of man. And this is the course which God always pursues to manifest his own power, to reveal and establish his own truth, and display his own glory. When about to reveal a new dispensation, or 70 MEMOIRS OF THE establish a truth not hitherto made known, contrary to the traditions and prevailing prejudices of the world, Divine Wis- dom ever chooses "The foolish things of the world to con- found the wise," " the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty ; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are : that no flesh should glory in his presence." When God would deliver the children of Israel from the iron oppression of Pharaoh's arm, he took a refugee, an outcast from the house of Pharaoh, a wanderer in a strange land, keeper of the flocks of Jethro, priest of Midian : and sent him to Egypt, to con- found the wisdom of Pharaoh's magicians, and overthrov/ the gigantic power of that monarch. When he would deliver his terror-stricken people from the exterminating power of the Philistine host, he took a stripling from the sheep-fold, to kill the boasting Goliah of Gath, and scatter his army. And when the Savior of the world would make bare his mighty arm for the deliverance of our fallen race, he passed by the wise, the great, and the renowned, and selected humble, illiterate fish- ermen to be the first recipients and promulgators of that truth which, in its progress, should overset kingdoms, demolish em- pires, and overturn the existing order of things throughout the whole world ; and renovate, reform, and remodel it upon a permanent basis of righteousness. It is not strange, then, when God would reform the wandering and back-slidden church, and bring it out of the wilderness, that he should make use of such means to re-establish his own truth ; and to con- vince the world that the truth and the power were of God, and not of man. Indeed, it would have been strange had it been otherwise. I remained with Mr. Ballon but a short period ; and, when at home, my time was devoted to the careful study of the Scriptures, hearing Mr. Ballou's comments on them, (for he was always ready to assist me, and answer any question I proposed to him,) to arranging discourses on particular sub- jects, and writing sketches of sermons. I also traveled with him to his appointments, very generally, that I might enjoy the benefit of his private conversation, as well as his public discourses ; for he had now done riding to Vermont and Cape Ann ; and his circuit, if i mistake not, was wholly confined to the county of Worcester, the towns of Dana, Brookfield, Charleston, Oxford, Sturbridge, &c. LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 71 It was in the month of October, 1802, if I rightly recollect, m the 24th year of my age, that I entered the study of Mr- Ballou. I had been with him not to exceed one month, when, one Sunday morning, being his appointment in Dana, after we had reached the village, and called at the house of our friend Amsden, Mr. Ballou was seized with a violent pain in the head, and came to me with his hand on his forehead, say- ing, very mournfully, " Brother Stacy, you must preach to- day ; for I am in such violent pain, I can not." It was a dark, lowery morning; very few had assembled, and, in all proba- bility, the congregation would be composed wholly of our particular friends. I looked at him to see if he was really in earnest; and seeing that he looked quite serious, I replied, "Why, I guQss you can preach, well enough; and, besides, you know I can not make an attempt at beginning hbre, among my familiar acquaintances, — I should be confounded, and break down at once. Moreover, if you had any idea of set- ting me to preach to-day, you should have informed me be- fore we left home. I have some manuscripts which I could have taken for assistance ; but I have now- not a scroll of wri- ting with me. I cannot attempt to go into the desk to-day." ^' I am glad," he said, " you have no writing with you ; it would only be a trouble to you. You must learn to preach extemporaneously ; and the better way is to begin in the first place." "But," I answered, "I cannot attempt it to-day ; and I never can begin here. I must go among strangers in the first place ; I shall feel less embarrassment there, I'm sure. Here every body knows me, and I shall certainly break down under their suspicious gaze." "No," he said, " this is the very place; and this is the time for you to begin. There will be but a small congregation, to-day, and these, all our special friends. They know you are designing to preach, and they all want to hear you ; and they will be rea- dy to overlook your diffidence, make every allowance, and pardon every blunder ; and when once you have made your dehut, the way will be broken, and you will begin to feel a freedom. And, besides, you may say just what you please, and I'll get up and prove it all true, by Scripture ;" and with that he turned away, leaving me confounded, and almost stupified. In a few moments he returned, with some half- dozen of our friends, who surrounded me with, " Brother Stacy ! come, preach to-day ; — this is your time to begin — the very best time you ever can have ; and when once you 72 MEMOIRS OF THE have made a beginning, the worst will be over : and the sooner you begin the better." By their united importunity, I was at length led, " like an ox to the slaughter," into the desk ! But Belshazzar's knees could never smite together more violently, when he saw the hand-writing upon the wall, than did mine when I arose to address the congregation ! They were all my intimate acquaintances, and they gazed at me with astonishment. They had, indeed, been made acquaint- ed with my determination to try to preach ; but they did not expect it that day, nor, probably, ever expect that I should attempt to make my debut in that place. I was not, however, afraid of their censure ; I knew they were friends to the cause, and friends to me. But I felt my own insufficiency, my own nothingness ; and the absolute preposterousness of attempting to teach those whose experience was so much great- er than mine, and whose knowledge must, consequently, far exceed that of mine. But notwithstanding that, I felt no re- £^ret that I had resolved to enter the ministry ; no inclination to give up exertions to become a useful laborer in the vine- yard, but rather a renewed resolution to persevere ; and I de- voutly prayed for strength, and boldness in the good cause. The congregation took their seats, and 1 arose, and with a trembling voice read a hymn, or rather a psalm, for we used Watts' psalms and hymns. And here I made a blunder in the outset — I read a psalm and called it a hymn; and the choir would not have found it had not Mr. Ballou corrected the mistake. This added to my embarrassment, and I be- gan to fear that I should not be able to tell where my text might be found, nor read it right, if I could find it myself. However, they sung, and I arose, made a short prayer, and put out another hymn correctly. After the choir had conclu- ded singing, I again arose, and it vvas well that I had a desk to lay my bible on, and to lean against, otherwise I felt sure I could not have seen a letter, and it is very questionable whe- ther I should have been able to stand up. But I opened the bible and read, I guess, intelligibly, the 8th verse of the 40th chapter of Isaiah : " The grass Avithereth, and the flower fa- deth ; but the word of our God shall stand forever." I spoke probably twenty or twenty-five minutes ; but I attended to every proposition of my text, and finished my discourse. Mr. Ballou then arose and closed the service ; and it appeared to me, that I never heard so fervent and pathetic a prayer utter- ed by mortal man before. I heard no more of Mr. Ballou's LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY, 73 headache — he was well enough, as far as T could discover, when he got me into the desk ; for he made no complaint in the afternoon, but preached like an Apostle. 1 told him after- wards, and I always believed it, that his headache was feign- ed ; though I could never make him own, or deny it. After we had left the meeting-house, 1 asked Mr. Ballou how I got along with my discourse ? For, said 1, it is nearly impossi- ble for me to recollect any thing I said. O, he replied, you did very well — I thought you sometimes made rather long pauses between your sentences ; but you preached a better sermon than Mr. Babbit did the other day. This I set down for what it was worth ; for I supposed it was said merely to encourage me. Mr. Babbit had been preaching about two years ; and the discourse he alluded to, was called a very good discourse. But Mr. Ballou used every possible means he could devise to inspire me with confidence, encourage, and help me along. The way was now broken, I had opened my mouth in pub- lic, as an advocate of the doctrine of God's Universal Grace ; and I must now strive to keep my armor bright for the con- test, and be always ready to defend the truth against the attacks of its enemies, and to answer such calls to speak in public, (for 1 dare not call it preaching,) as I should receive. 1 therefore applied myself closely to the study of the inspired word, to watchfulness and prayer, that I might be found clad with "the whole armor of God ; and having done all, to stand." For I now resolved, God being my helper, to de- vote my life, with all the talents he had given me, to the pro- mulgation of the Gospel, with all faithfulness and perseve- rance, to the end. My second attempt to address a congregation was at my own father's house. All this was entirely contrary to my calculations, when I commenced my study, and consented to try to preach. I designed to study with Mr. Ballou until I thought myself pretty well prepared, then get him to give an appointment somewhere among entire strangers, at least, for the first time ; where, I concluded, I should feel less embar- rassment than among acquaintances. But Providence other- wise had ordered it ; I had commenced among intimate ac- quaintances, and it seemed to be necessary I should persevere among them. I went home on a visit soon after my first at- tempt ; but the news of my attempt had preceded me, and cu- riosity, if nothing more, was excited ; the neighbors and my 74 MEMOIRS OF THE old associates wanted to hear, and they would not be denied ; nor was it so difficult a task to make up my mind to gratify them, as it was to commence speaking in the first instance. An appointment was therefore given out ; and I endeavored to impress on the minds of my auditors the solemn importance of religion, as well as to illustrate and defend the despised doctrine of Universalism. My third and fourth were delivered at the house of a near neighbor of my father ; and my fifth at the house of a brother-in-law, in another part of the town. The above-named were all, or nearly all, the discourses I delivered before I left Massachusetts and went to Vermont. Mr. Babbit, whose name has been mentioned, had accepted an invitation from a small society in Jericho — or rather from an individual of that society, Mr. John Thompson, father *of the celebrated Dr. Thompson, author of the Thompsonian theory of physic — to settle with them, for a season, and had removed his family into that town. Mr. Thompson agreed to furnish him with a house and barn, provisions for his fam- ily, keeping for a horse and cow, and fuel for his fire, for one year, in addition to what he would receive from the societies to which he engaged to preach. The society had applied for his ordination, and Mr. Ballon was chosen as one of the coun- cil. In December, 1082, he started for the place, and I ac- companied him. Mr. Babbit was anxious that I should re- main with him. There was a great field for labor around him, and numerous and urgent calls for preaching more than he could possibly supply ; for there was no other preacher of the order in all that part of the state. I was young, just en- tered upon the ministry, and this was a right field for my la- bors ; I should grow up with the young societies, &c. I therefore consented to remain ; and spent the winter in in that region. My first discourse in Vermont was delivered January 20th, 1803, at the house of Esq. Hazleton, in More- town, on Onion River. 1 made Mr. Babbit's residence my home, Mr. Thompson extending his charity also to me ; but I extended my labors up Onion River as far as Montpelier, and through the towns of Moretown, Bolton, Jericho, Essex, and Westford. I had as many calls as I could well attend to ; but, during the winter, also found some opportunity for read- ing ; and Mr. Babbit was a tolerable cemmentator for me. [ also wrote out some discourses in full. Although I suffered much from diffidence, in my public exercises, yet [ found that I gradually gained confidence, could LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. " 75 command my feelings, and my recollection better, and began to feel more encouraged that 1 should be able to overconle my timidity entirely ; and the constant opposition I met with, from opposers of- the doctrine, had a very great tendency to enable me to do so, in a great measure. I was but a boy, in- experienced .; and this encouraged opposers to make attacks upon me, on every occasion. I scarcely delivered a discourse, ar even entered a house to warm or refresh myself, but I had to meet an opposer in argument. I "sometimes felt a little abashed at the first onset ; but m^y confidence in the truth of the doctrine, and my zeal for its promulgation, would soon in- spire me with courage, and I would defend it, if not with the skill, yet with all the boldness of a veteran. One evening, at the close of a discourse delivered in a well-filled school-house, in the town of Westford, three men came upon me altogether, with their denunciations Of the doc- trine I had advanced, and in a clamorous manner began to ask me questions. I said to them, " Gentlemen, have the good- ness to speak one at a time, and give me time to answer, and I'll wait on you with pleasure, as long as you desire ; but there must be some order, or I cannot give intelligible an- swers." They seemed a little ashamed at their unpoliteness, and concluded to adopt that course, though they all seemed resolved to have a stroke at me. One of them stepped for- ward and put a number of questions, which I answered as well as I could ; and so answered, as at least to confound him. When he drew back, the second came, who also, soon gave place to the third. This was a valiant soldier, filled with holy wrath against such heresy and heretics — ^his zeal was warmed to a high degree, and his voice trembled with emotion, as h& stepped into the arena, with the courage of a Napoleon, de- termined to have me down, by fair play, or by foul. His ar- guments were hard almost as brick-bats, but made no impres- sion on me, and very little, I apprehended, on any member of the audience ; for they were heated so highly, that they ex- ploded before reaching the object at which they aimed. I endeavored to keep cool, though it was rather difficult amidst such showers of hot balls ; but I treated his arguments with all the candor, at least, they merited. As defeat seemed to stare him in the face, he resolved to make one bold and irresist- ible effort, which, undoubtedly, he designed should close all argument, and for ever seal up the mouths of Universalists ; and he took (reader, don't be surprised out of your senses) 76 • MEMOIRS OF THE this invulnerable position, wkich I give in his own unmistakable language: "If you have proved the salvation of all men, you have not proved that all women will be saved !" There, reader ! will you ever dare again to open your mouth, in favor of Universal Salvation ? Will you not now give it up, and come to the conclusion, almost, that it is ri^ht for some people to be endlessly miserable, inasmuch as their attach- ment to that cherished and beloved dogma is so violent, that they would thrust wohien into their hell, or even rather go there themselves, than have it fail ! This remark tended more to confound me than any thing the man had said ; for I felt such a degree of astonishment, mingled with disgust, that my first impression was to treat it with silent contempt. But, thinking it possible that there might be some in the congrega- tion (for none had withdrawn) weak enough to take it for ar- gument, I thought it best to leave no possible chance for mis- conception. I therefore looked at the man for a moment with indignation, for his whole demeanor had merited nothing but contempt — and replied, " I am truly astonished, sir, that a man professing to be a gentleman, and a Christian, should conde- scend to resort to so mean a subterfuge. Your remark is un- worthy a reply, it merits only contempt : but for the sake of those that stand by, I will merely remark that the Apostle says, ' There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female ; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.' " The man, manifestly, turned away ashamed ; the congregation broke out into a laugh, and the controversy closed. Mr. Babbit had some business to transact in Rutland, near a hundred miles to the south ; and in the month of March I volunteered to go and do it for him. This enabled me to visit Mr. Ferris and Mr. Rich, whose places of residence lay on the route. Mr. Rich had accepted the invitation of a society recently organized in the town of New Haven, Addison county, to settle with them, and a few weeks previous to this had removed his family from Warwick, Mass., to that place. Mr. Ferris furnished me with letters of introduction to friends in the town of Salisbury, where I delivered a lecture on my way out, and made an appointment for a Sabbath on my return. In Salisbury, on my return, I was solicited to teach their school, the ensuing summer ; and as it became necessary to resort to some means to provide the necessaries of life, (for I had not probably received to the amount of five dollars for all my labors since I entered the ministry, although LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 77 I had traveled many hundred miles,) and as there appeared also a promising field for my sacerdotal operations, I readily entered into an engagement to teach their school for four months, commencing the first of May. On this journey, I also delivered discourses in 'New Haven, at Mr. Rich's ; and in Monkton, or rather Hinesburgh, in the neighborhood of Mr. Ferris'. In New Haven I met Richard Carrique, who soon after this became a preacher, and labored in the connection for many years, with acceptance and good success. Mr. Rich remarked to me, after I had delivered my discourse in his house, in which I suffered an unusual embarrassment, probably on account of his presence — that he perceived the " root of the matter was in me," " but (said he) you need more experience ;" and he gave me much good counsel and fatherly advice. He was an old and faithful laborer, and a good man. He was one of the earliest preachers of the doctrine in Amer- ica, and though not a learned man, was a sound reasoner, and an able advocate of the truth. At Hinesburgh, afte.r meeting, Mr. Ferris introduced me to a Mr. Catlin, an Epis- copalian clergyman, who was present. He said he did not do it before meeting, lest it should embarrass me. It might have done so ; but as it was I enjoyed an unusual degree of freedom in my discourse, which much flattered me that I should soon be able to conquer my unhappy diffidence. Mr. Catlin gave me an invitation to call on him ; and as I should pass his residence the next morning, I agreed to do so. I called and spent some hours with him the next day, and en- joyed a very agreeable interview. He showed me a discourse in MS., which he had delivered from the same text that I made use of the evening before ; and on comparing the dis- courses, they proved very similar. But he must oppose Uni- versalism a little, as it appeared in the sequel, merely to try my strength. He brought another MS. which he had written and delivered, on the subject of the sheep and goats, in Matt. 25th, which he had treated in the common Orthodox way, ma- king it a representation of a day of final judtrment, &c., lay- ing great stress upon the Greek word rendered, everlasting and eternal. He asked me if I was a Greek scholar ; and be- ing informed that I was not, he went and got his Greek Tes- tament, and manifested much solicitude to show me that the original word was the same, in reference both to punishment of the wicked and life of the righteous. I remarked, that al- though not a Greek scholar, I was aware of the fact he stated ; 78 MEMOIRS OF THE and I considered the words of equal import ; and the differ- ent conditions to which they were applied, in that parable, of equal duration. Well, how could I get along, then, with the doctrine of Universal, Salvation ? " Mr. Catlin," said I, " will you answer me, frankly, two or three questions ?" " Yes." " Well, sir, is our immortal salvation of grace — pure grace ? or is it a reward for works that we have done ?" " Oh, it is of free, grace, to be sure, not a reward for the works of the creature." " Well, sir, will you have the goodness to read your text again, or hear me read it ? ' Come, ye blessed of my Father, &c. — For I was an hungered and ye gave me meat, &c. And inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' " Now, is not the eternal life, actually and truly a reward for those , deeds of benevolence and charity ? Is there any thing like free grace, in the bestowment of this blessedness ?" " No ; 1 must confess there is not — it is plainly a reward for works." " Well, sir, is the doctrine you have drawn from this text cor- rect, then ?" He answered, with a smile, " No ; I must con fess k is not." And then he began to talk more freely with me on the doctrine of God's Universal Grace ; an^d Anally acknowledged that he was as strong in the faith ot it as I was. He had been making it the special subject of his study for some time, and had become fully convinced of the truth ; but he hesitated about declaring it publicly. He did not know that the time had fully come to publish it to the world ; perhaps they would make a bad use of it — it might lead to licentiousness, &c. 1 replied, that course might do for him, but it would never answer my feelings. I could not be a hypocrite ; if I preached at all, I must openly and boldly preach what I believed God had revealed as his truth ; and leave the event in the hands of infinite Wisdom. Nor had I aJiy fear that that truth v/hich converted me, and made me love God, and all his works — love righteousness and hate sin, would have a bad effect upon others. ■"^^^This interview constituted a subject for thought and reflec- tion during my ride to Jericho. It is probable, quite probable, that there are many, perhaps hundreds of the popular clergy in America, in the same situation of Mr. Catlin ; who are ra- tionally convinced of the truth of Universal Salvation, but from some cause, either the fear of losing their popularity or their salaries, or the dread of meeting opposition, or the timidity produced by that slavish fear, under whose influence they have LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 79 SO long groaned; think it "better to be on the safe side," to secure the favor of both parties ; and say, " Good Lord and good devil," and thus play the hypocrite — bury the treasure tney have found among the rubbish of human creeds and for- mularies — and, in mingling with the opposers of divine truth, if they do not inveigh against it with virulence, say nothing publicly in favor of it, but, by all means, say enough to make the world think they are no Universalists. Alas ! whatever they may think, they are not Universalists. Their under- standing, probably, is convinced that the Bible teaches the doctrine ; for they very well know that it does not teach end- less misery ; they know that the most erudite and learned among them can not successfully defend his theory against an illiterate stripling to whom God has taught his sacred truth. But this truth has never reached their hearts ; if it had, they would never make the puerile plea, that they feared it would lead to licentiousness— they would know better, and find a refutation of it in their own hearts ; nor could they resist the inclination to " proclaim it upon the house-top" — they would feel, that if they " should hold their peace, the stones would cry out." I saw Mr. Catlin once after this, at Mr. Ballou's, in Barnard ; and indulged a hope that he was coming out im. defense of the Gospel, but he never did, or he never united with our connection ; and I heard no more of him. I had made several appointriients in the region of Onion River, to fulfil on my return, previous to my journey to Rut- land. These I felt under solemn obligation to attend to : for I had never, yet, disappointed a congregation by failing to fulfil my appointments. I knew well that nothing, scarcely, could operate more to the disadvantage of a cause, than to have its advocates manifest an indifference and carelsesness in fulfil- ling their appointments. I was aware that I could not preach very well ; but I set out with the resolution to make amends for that deficiency, as far as possible, by a scrupulous punctuality in attending all appointments which I made. And I have, through the whole period of my ministry, of over forty years, made but very few disappointments, considering the extent of my itineracy. I have traveled, repeatedly, through storms, and over roads which most people would think unendurable and impassable, for miles on miles, to meet appointments, when I was confident people would think it a hardship to travel a half-mile to attend meeting. But that would not excuse my neglect. I had made the appointment — God had given me so MEMOIRS OF THE health and strength to endure the fatigue, and I must be there ; that people might be sure, when I made an appointment, they need fear no disappointment, if they felt disposed to attend. I have very often heard people say, that they were more dis- appointed in seeing me on the ground, than they would have been at my absence This had been a very cold winter. I noticed, during the months of January and February, forty days or more, that it snowed more or less every day ; or rather the air was filled with a kind of frost, and if the sun showed his face at all, it was a pale face, looking despiaringly through a gloomy and frosty atmosphere. It was not warm enough, during the pe- riod I have mentioned, to form an icicle on the south side of a building. But through this freezing atmosphere, and amid a still more chilling moral frost, produced by the soul-freezing influence of human creeds, the belief in God's free, universal grace enkindled sufficient warmth of zeal in my breast to keep me alive, and propel me forward in the good cause. 1 had now spent nearly four months, itinerating in this re- gion, and proclaiming free grace to all to whom Providence gave me access. I had formed many agreeable acquaintances, among whom I may name Mr. John Thompson, of Jericho ; Esq. Knickerbocker, of Essex ; Esq. Hazleton, of Moretown ; Capt. Hazleton, of Westford ; and many others ; and I had reason to believe, I had seen some fruits spring up under my feeble labors. But the time had now arrived (the latter part of April) when it became necessary to take leave of this sec- tion of the Redeemer's vineyard,- and bid farewell to the friends I have named, never more to meet them in the flesh ; for I have never since been able to visit that section of country, although I have earnestly desired it. I returned to Salisbury sufficiently early, before commenc- ing my school, to afford me an opportunity to cross the moun- tain and visit my friends, in Windsor county. Some time during the preceding winter, Mr. Ballou had removed his family from Dana, Mass., to Barnard, and settled with the united societies of Woodstock, Bridgewater, Barnard, and Bethel. I made him a short visit, went to Bridgewater, where two of my sisters resided, and where I had spent parts of several years, in early life. Here, by the request of friends, I preached one Sunday, and delivered a lecture at the house of my old friend, Captain Shaw, by the special re- quest of his lady. She was not at that time a Universalist, LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 81 but a special friend to me ; and, many years afterward, I had the pleasure of meeting her in the State of New York, and of finding her happy in the faith of a world's salvation. On my return to Addison county, I also spent one Sunday in Roches- ter, where I had a brother, and gave two discourses to respect- able congregations. 1 believe there had never been a dis- course delivered in that town by a Universaiist preacher. I reached Salisbury in season to commence my school, accord- ing to engagement. The ensuing summer, my time was employed in my school, in which, I believe, I was tolerably successful. I also preached in that and the neighboring towns on Sundays, and delivered lectures occasionally. I had been there but a few days when I was called, for the first time, to administer the consolations of the Gospel to souls in heavy and deep afiliction. Mr. Ab- ner Moore, one of the members of the district, and one of the few Universalists in that place, lost two children, all that he had, in one day, by that fatal disease, dysentery ; and they were buried in one grave. This was an uncommon and mournful circumstance ; much sympathy was manifested for the afflicted family, and a numerous and mixed congregation assembled on the occasion. I had never before been called to deliver a funeral discourse, and I felt some degree of em- barrassment, as well as great sensibility for the afflicted fam- ily. I have always been much subject to the influence of sympathy on such occasions, and frequently found it difficult to so control my feelings as to allow me utterance. But I devoutly prayed for strength, and received it. I read for a text. Rev. 21 : 4. Good attention was given to the discourse of the stripling ; and I had reason to believe that the result was favorable to the cause of divine truth. I had several other calls to attend and officiate at funerals, during the sum- mer, in that and the neighboring towns. My school was large, and a majority of the district were Methodists. 1 boarded around among them, united in their family worship, and soon cultivated a social and friendly inter- course, and received numerous expressions of Christian char- ity, although they considered me in great error in doctrine. There was a society, or class, as they called it, organized in the place, and they had regular circuit preaching on Wednes- day, each week, at four o'clock, P.M.; and I uniformly so arranged my school as to dismiss it early enough to attend ; and was generally introduced to the preacher, and in most ca- F 82 MEMOIRS OF TffE ses treated with civility. There were several different preach- ers on the circuit, during my residence there, and among them one who was an exception to the gentlemanly character they generally manifested. His name was Mitchell ; and he was as coarse-featured, thin-faced, and raw-boned, as one of Pharaoh's lean kine ; rather below the medium stature, a little round-shouldered, and wore a very short and narrow calico loose-gown. He appeared as though he had almost hallooed and hooted his life away. I did not reach the place of his meeting until services had commenced. They uniformly held their meetings in a room of a private house. As I entered the room, a Methodist friend arose and placed a chair for me in front of the speaker, and within six or eight feet of him. He was reading a hymn when I entered. After ..they had sung, he kneeled down and delivered something which I sup- pose he would have called a prayer ; but it was rather a tis- sue of execrations upon the heads of such as had the temerity to think and believe differently from his divinityship. He arose and sang again, and then named, for a text, 1 Pet. 4:18. "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the un- godly and the sinner appear ?" He remarked, that he should, in the first place, show who the righteous were, and how diffi- cult it would be for even them to be saved ; secondly, describe the sinner, and the ungodly, and show where they would ap- pear. He proceeded ; and, to be brief, undertook to prove that none were righteous but those who believed and acted like himself; in a word, that none were righteous but Method- ists ; and it would be with the utmost difficulty that any, even of them, could get to heaven. During his discourse, he paid great attention to me. I had not been introduced to him; but it was evident he knew who I was — some of his friends, no doubt, had described me to him; for, repeatedly, when he had quoted a passage of Scripture, he would look earnestly at me, and even point at me, and say, " Don't you remember it?" I was on the point of answering him vocally; but I very well knew, although his impudence deserved it, that if I did so, it would be represented that I went there to make disturbance in their meetings, notwithstanding I uniformly at- tended, and had had no occasion to behave disorderly before. For I felt interested in all religious meetings, and wished to hear different opinions advanced with all the force of argu, ment they could claim ; for I had no fears that truth would suffer by investigation. Truth was what I wanted; and, LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 83 to obtain it, I felt a desire to " Prove all things, and hold fast that which is good." And 1 felt no more inclination to disturb the meetings of others, nor infringe on their privileges, than those of my own order. But he would, without turning his eyes from me, repeat the question, " Don't you remember it ?" and continued to repeat it, until I gave him a token, either by an inclination, or a shake of the head, that I did, or did not, as the case might be. After he had finally settled the destiny of his righteous, he began with sinners and the ungodly. Sin- ners, meant the ordinary sinners among mankind ; but the ungodly were false teachers — those who were propagating false doctrines, and leading souls blindfold down to hell ! And then, leaning forward so as to almost thrust his finger in my face, and raising his voice almost to a scream, he exclaimed, " If the righteous are scarcely saved, where do you expect to appear ?" I now had to exert my patience and fortitude to the utmost, to keep my seat. I could not answer this question by a mo- tion of the head, as before ; but I resolved still to give no oc- casion for censure by disturbing the meeting, and therefore kept my seat. But to show him my perfect contempt of such unchristian, ungentlemanly, and insolent treatment, I smiled, disdainfully, in his face. His face instantly reddened with pas- sion — his eyes seemed to flash fire ! he leaped, it appeared to me, three feet from the floor, and smiting his fist on the Bible, his eyes steadfastly fixed on me, and mine on him with the same contemptuous smilc-he exclaimed,with a voice like thun- der, " I'll tell you where you'll appear — you'll appear in hell, with the- liquid streams of fire and brimstone pouring down your throat, to all eternity !" Although I kept my seat, yet 1 said within myself. You and I, sir, will have a reconsideration and review of this matter, after meeting. When he closed, however, he made no pause between Amen and ordering all to leave the room without delay, but Methodists, in order to hold a class-meeting. I have often had the opportunity of witnessing the advantage which illiterate, low, vulgar, and abusive Methodist preachers take of their class-meeting ar- rangement, to escape rebuke for their insolent conduct. But although I implicitly obeyed the order of his ghostly highness, I resolved to wait the close of class-meeting, for an introduc- tion to him ; and did wait until long after dark ; but fearing, if I did not go home, he would keep the poor Methodists all night, I concluded to retire. However, though I felt disap- pointed at the time, it was probably quite as well in the result ; 84 MEMOIRS OF THE {or his own brethren took liim in hand, and rebuked him sharply for his unchristian and uncivil conduct. And it proved, as such vile and malignant opposition always does prove, for the advancement of the cause they designed to overthrow. The effect was altogether to my advantage ; for a respectable portion of the Methodists seemed to double their exertions to make me feel their charity and kindness, afterward. • I held meetings regularly once a month, in the house where 1 taught school ; and soon after I commenced my labors there, I gave appointments in other parts of the town of Salisbury, and in the adjacent town of Middleborough. In the fore part of July, I received a request to preach in the town of Benson, about twenty miles distant, and I made an appointment accord- ingly. Here I found a number of Universalists, and among them some of my old friends from Dana, Massachusetts. My meetings were well attended ; and I continued to preach there as often as once in two weeks, during the time of my engage- ment in Salisbury. I rode there on Saturday afternoon, and back on Sunday evening, or started early enough on Monday morning to reach home in season to begin my school. The cause here was, at least, sufficiently prosperous- to excite the fears of its enemies, and I had frequent and wami controver- sies with opposers, in almost every imaginable form ; one of which is certainly worth recording. I was preaching in a ])arn — curiosity, if nothing more, had drawn together a vast congregation, for that country — the barn was literally filled, every part of it. They had erected a little staging for me, on one end of the floor, on which I stood, and was laboring with all my might to prove that God, our heavenly Father, would have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth, when a man, past the meridian of life, who was seated nearly in the centre of the floor before me, looked up at me, and, in a voice sufficiently audible to be heard by the whole congregation, said, " Have I not chosen you twelve ; and one of you is a devil ]" Had any one told me beforehand, that I should meet with such an interruption, it would doubtless have embarrassed me — probably completely unmanned me ; for I had not yet been able to overcome my embarrassing diffidence ; nor have I yet, completely, after almost half a century's ex- perience. But I was astonished at myself, on reviewing the scene — for instead of embarrassing, it at once inspired a de- gree of boldness I had never before experienced — I felt as strong as Sampson. I stopped, looked at the man, and said, LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 85 « I thank you, sir, for reminding me of that objection • it mi^ht have slipped my memory ; and I wish to remove all possible objections, real or imaginary, which can be brought to the doctrine of God's Universal Grace." The man appeared con- lomided and ashamed; and replied, "I ask pardon, sir— I'm sorry I spoke and interrupted you— have the goodness to pay no attention to it, but go on with your discourse." " No," I said, '_' I will take the liberty to break off Aere, and answer the abjection, lest it should be forgotten, and then resume my dis- course." The man seemed really in trouble, and again asked pardon, and requested me to proceed with my discourse. I replied, " you have done no one any injury, sir, by your' in- terruption, but rather conferred a favor— I'll answer the ob- jection now." I then took up the case of Judas, and labored on It probably, twenty or thirty minutes; and then resumed my discourse where I left it, and finished it much to my own satisfaction. I never had before experienced so much liberty ot speech. As soon as I dismissed the congregation, the man arose, and requested the people to wait a moment, and indulge him. in the privilege of speaking. He addressed himself to me, and said, "I feel ashamed of my conduct— I have viola- ted the laws of the land, and the rules of . ivility— and feel under obligation to make this confession, and to humbly ask your pardon, and the forgiveness of this congregation.- But," continued he, " I have been highly ^rratified and instructed, by your explanation of that passage— I feel satisfied with it; and now, if you will have the goodness to give your views on another passage, and the peopte will consent to stay and hear, 1 shall be very much obliged ;" and he named the parable of me Rich man and Lazarus. The congregation instantly re- sumed their seats ; and I arose and spoke to them another half hour 01- more. The man then arose, thanked me and the con- gregatJon, and requested me to go home with him ; and, from that time, as long as I remained in that country, he was one ot my hearers, and most devoted friends. He was a Baptist, and came to my meeting, fired with a mad sectarian zeal, re- solved, no doubt, to put a stop to the spread of this soul-destroy- ing heresy, as he honestly esteemed it, but was slain by his own sword. This resulted highly favorable to the cause of divine truth in that place. ^ In the course of the summer, I had the satisfaction of plant- mg the doctrine in several places, where it had never before oeen proclaimed ; and of witnessing the awakening of a spirit 96 MEMOIRS of inquiry among the people, to a considerable extent. I pro- cured all the assistance possible ; made one exchange with Mr. Rich, of New Haven ; and, in the course of the summer, Mr. James Foster, a little my senior both in years and in ministerial labors, made me a visit, and delivered several dis- courses among us. And before I left the place, I was instru- mental in engaging Mr. Ballou to make one tour and preach, in all the places I had visited, with some additional places. The doctrine was new in that, and, indeed, almost every other part of the country, and strange as well as new, especially to people educated strictly in the doctrines of the Westminster Catechism ; and it required a vast amount of patient and per- severing labor to uproot the strong prejudices of education, and free the mind from the manacles of human creeds ; and to give it courage to think for itself. The doctrine, too, ad- dressed itself not, like Methodism, to the animal passions, but to the rational understanding ; and hance could only reach the heart and reform the character, through the understanding. It could not, therefore, like the terrifying and fear-exciting doctrines of divine wrath and endless woe, make those rapid and all-sweeping strides, which Methodism was then making, in many places ; but its progress, though gradual, was per- manent and sure. And so much, at least, was effected in that region of country, as to create a strong desire for the contin- uance of preaching among them ; and when my labors closed, they urged me, very strenuously, to return and take up my abode among them. CHAPTER V. Author starts for Association — Falls in company with Mr. Kneeland — Mr. Kneeland's and Mr. Ballou's genius contrasted — Mr. Kneeland's course, anecdotes concerning him — The convention — Preachers' names — Mr. Winchester's tomb-stone — Number received into fellowship— Letter of fellowship — Noah Murray — Samuel Smith— Confession .of Faith — Visits his native place — Tour to Vt. — Return to Mass. — Teaches school — Tour to Vermont — Preaches for Rev. Thos. Fessenden — Congregationalist minis- ters in Walpole, Surrey, Alstead, and Charlestown, UniversaUsts — Suffer- ings in body and mind, on return journey, from Benson, Vt., to Williams- burgh, Mass. — Itinerating in Mass. — Singular introduction at Oxford — General Convention, 1804 — Mr. John Murray — Mr. Palmer — Modifica- tion of the name of the Convention — Engagement to teach school in Worcester, Mass. — Uliberality of a clergyman — Success in school — Singular influence of educational habit. Having finished my school, early in September, and settled with the trustees of the district, I crossed the Green Moun- tains, on my way to the Association, or Convention, as it was called, (now changed to the General Convention of the Uni* ted States,) which met that year in Winchester, N. H. On my way, I delivered discourses in Rochester and Bridgewa- ter ; and in Barnard, joined company with Mr. Ballou, and delegates from the societies to which he ministered. Mr. Ballou and lady, with several others, rode together in a car- riage ; Mr. Dean, a young man then preparing for the minis- try, and a delegate from the society in Barnard, and myself, were on horseback. Mr. Ballou had previously sent an ap- pointment for an evening lecture, at the house of a Mr. Bur- roughs in the town of Surrey ; and when we arrived at Bel- lows' Falls, in Walpole, the company with whom Mr. B. traveled were unwilling to t^ke the road by Burroughs' on account of its roughness ; he, therefore, requested me to go that way and supply his place. I told him I would willing- ly go that way, and inform the people that he would not be 88 MEMOIRS OF THE there, and excuse him as well as I could ; but I could not sup- ply his place, nor would I promise to try to preach. The people would be sadly disappointed ; and no one living could fill his place, in their estimation, and it would be but mock- ery for me to try. However, go the other way they would ; and Mr.- Dean and myself went to Burroughs', Avhere we found a numerous congregation awaiting. When we in- formed them that Mr. Ballou would not be there, they mani- fested so much disappointment, and even dissatisfaction, (as I expected they would,) that I could not have preached, had no other preacher been present. But as good Providence would have it, jMr. Farwell, one of the oldest preachers in our con- nection, and Mr. Kneeland, were already on the ground ; and Mr. Kneeland consented to deliver a discourse — and he did deliver one, the least interesting and instructive that [ ever heard from a Universalist minister. He repeated a text, but could not tell the people where to find it, not having furnished himself with a Bible ; but his discourse and his text were ut- ter strangers to each other, and never were so happy as to have an introduction. The reader may be curious to know, whether this was the celebrated Abner Kneeland, author of the Greek and English testament, and who afterwards figured so conspicuously as an Atheistical lecturer, and editor of an Infidel periodical ? Yes, the identical personage. But Mr. Kneeland was then young in the ministry, having attempted to preach the doctrine of Universal Salvation but very few times. He had belonged to the Baptist connection, and had publicly improved in that church for a season ; but, I think, had never been regularly initiated into the ministry, according to the rules of their discipline. He then barely possessed a respectable English education, and had very limited under- standing of the doctrine he wished to inculcate. Mr. Knee- land was a very singular man, for a great man. He was naturally a scholar, and made rapid advance in every science he attempted to study. After he became regularly estab- lished in the faith and ministry of our order, he entered up- on the study of the languages, and obtained, very soon, a good knowledge of the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, without any as- sistance, I believe, except what he obtained solely from his authors ; and I have been informed, no doubt correctly, that he obtained a knowledge of several other languages. But he never possessed the faculty of original thought — he never originated a single idea ; it was all borrowed ; and he was LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 89 generally the echo of the last author he read. In this re- spect he was exactly the reverse of Mr. Ballou. Mr. Ballou was perfectly an original genius — he never borrowed any thing, not a single idea, from any man, or any author, save the inspired word. His theory was his own ; such as he had formed, independently of any man, or any church, by a care- ful and feithful study of the Sacred Scriptures. At the time I have been speaking of, Mr. Kneeland had formed no acquaintance with Universalist preachers ; he had probably never heard three discourses on the doctrine ; and it appears to me, that he said he had never heard a preacher of our order. But he had read Mr. Winchester's writings, and became a convert to his theory of Universalism. He was a perfect Winchesterian. Whatever Mr. Winchester had published, that Mr. K. believed in, that he preached ; and he could illustrate and defend that, and nothing else. He had a great itching for authorship too. He had previously published a definition spelling-book ; though I believe it never got into very extensive use ; and he was even now collecting scattered fragments of Mr. Winchester's writings, most of which had been published in a periodical in Phila- delphia, many years before, and compiling them into a book which he afterwards published, under the title of the Colum- hian Miscellavi/. Mr. Kneeland was now on his way to the General Conven- tion of Universalists, with a design to unite with them ; and he did so. Here he became acquainted with Mr. Ballou, heard him preach, and had conversation with him ; and it was not six months from this time before he renounced Win- chesterianism and became a complete Ballouite ; and preached Mr. Ballou's theory with as much zeal as he ever did Mr. Winchester's, with vastly more eloquence and soundness of ar- gument. He continued in this faith until he left the ministry, went into the mercantile business, broke down, resumed his sacerdotal functions, and settled as pastor of the society in New Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y. There he was so unfortu- nate as to fall in with Dr. Joseph Priestly's writings on Ma- terialism. This was something new to Mr. K., and he de- voured it at once, and became a most zealous Materialist. He preached it with all his eloquence ; and defended it by all the arguments he was master of, both in private and in public ; and he continued to do so, to the great disadvantage of the cause of divine truth, in that region, until he removed 90 MEMOIRS OF THE to Philadelphia. He remained in New Hartford not quite a' year, I think, before he received a call from Philadelphia, Thither he removed ; and there he resumed the publication of his beloved theory of Materialism, both in the desk, and tlirough the medium of a periodical which he there cstab- lislied. While Mr. Kneeland resided in Philadelphia^ ("for he remained there several years,) the celebrated Robert Owen visited tliat city, and lectured on his theory of social commu- nity. Mr. K. attended his lectures, became personally ac- quainted with him, and a convert to his system of social com- munity ; and, no doubt, became tinctured with his Atheisti- cal sentiments ; for shortly after fchat, Mr. K's hearers began, from the tenor of his discourse and some particular expres- sions he made use of, to distrust his fidelity to the Christian re- ligion. And after he removed to the city of New York, be- fore he finally abjured all religion, he was once or twice called to account by some of his parishioners, for his scepti- cal remarks, and a presentment was once made to the Asso- ciation. Mr. Kneeland was also a visionary man. In the summer of 1826, before Mr. K. renounced religion, and while he was yet officiating as pastor of a church in New York, I visited him ; and he was then actually engaged, with several others he had induced to join in the enterprise, in planting a commu- nity upon the Owen plan, some forty miles up the North Ri- ver. And this was not the most impracticable nor ridiculous project he was engaged in. He, with a number of others, had formed a company to raise money, and other treasures, from the bottom of the bay, which had been sunk there in the time of the revolutionary war. They had procured a diving- bell, and were actually engaged in the business ; and their operations were guided by a little girl, about twelve years old, who, by looking into a tumbler of clear water, could see tlie treasures in the bottom of the ocean, and tell them exactly where to dive for them. She could see the wreck of a British ship, which lay at the bottom of the bay, and also the kegs of gold which lay among the rubbish on the bottom of the wreck. They had dived several times, had brought up some pieces of ordinance, and other things, but had not yet got the gold ; they however should have it soon. And this was not all : she could tell — indeed, she could tell almost every thing, present, past, or future ! and see things at a vast distance. She could see a boat full of wedges of gold, which was buried in the LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 91 earth, near the bank of the North River, about forty miles above New York, by the famous Captain Kidd, in the time of his piracy ; and the river, by a washing away of the bank, in consequence of a curve in that place, had laid one end of the boat bare — she could see it, perfectly plain, in the city of New York ! And Mr. K. actually took passage in the boat with me, up the river, ostensibly for the purpose of visiting his Owen community, but really to find that boat and get the gold. He had the little girl and her father in the boat with him, and pointed them out to me ; but requested me not to talk with them ; the little girl, he said, was bashful, and, moreover, their expedition was a secret — (he told it to me in confidence.) I took the liberty to question him on the sub- ject — asked him if it were not possible, and even probable, that he was deceived ? That they were practicing an impo- sition on him ? No, he answered, he was positively sure tliat she was honest — that she could actually tell what she pre- tended to tell — he had proved her to his full satisfaction ; she had told many, very many things which he had taken pains to trace out ; and she had described them accurately — to the very letter. And among others, she had minutely described a man who came ten or twelve miles to New York — she de- scribed his dress, and the color of the horse he rode ; related when he started from home ; how he progressed on his jour- ney, at what time he arrived in the city, and where he might be found ; and he (Mr. K.) went himself, and saw the man, and found every particular circumstance had been accurately described by her ! How then could I doubt that Mr. K was on a sure track to wealth and fame ? I did doubt, however, for, from some cause, I am very incredulous in such matters. But Mr. K. congratulated himself gloriously, on his auspicious prospects, and told me many wonderful things he designed to do for the cause of Universalism, when he came in possession of this immeasurable wealth. When I parted with him, in the vicinity of his boat-full of gold, (it was the last time I ever saw him,) I requested him to write and let me know how he succeeded with his enterprise. He promised to do so. A few months afterwards I received a letter from him (the last he ever wrote me) in which he just alluded to the circum- stance, and said, "but we shall know who the Governor is, after election." However, I never learned "who the Gover- nor" was. Soon after this, he renounced all religion, left the connection, and broke off all correspondence with us. 92 MEMOIRS OF THE At the convention of 1803, a great majority of the preach- ers in the United States were present ; and they made not a very formidable procession, even then. If my memory is not treacherous in tliis particular, and I think it is not, there were but twenty-one preachers in the whole connection previous to that meeting ; and there were four who received letters of fel- lowship at that time. It can not, I apprehend, be uninteresting to the reader to see the names of those veterans in the Chris- tian warfare, who enlisted at this early period, and dared to raise the standard of Universal Grace in the face of well disciplined and countless hosts, who, in mighty phalanx, were resolved, by all the means within their power, (for their maxim was, the end justifies the means) to crush every innovation upon their theological establishments ; — the names of those men who fearlessly risked their reputation, their interest, their* earthly all, (for several of them certainly expended a hand- some property in their devotion to the cause,) without the least prospect of temporal fee or reward — who suffered every hardship and privation, that human nature could endure and survive, solely for the love they bore to the cause of Christ, the cause of Universal reconciliation to God, -and the final beatitude of our whole race. Such names should ever stand in bold relief, upon the faithful page of history ; that unborn ages, as they rise in the enjoyment of spiritual freedom, may be taught to cherish, in grateful remembrance, the instruments that laid the foundation of the inestimable privileges, they are born heirs to. Here they come — besure, they were not all equally influential, nor equally worthy ; but, at the time I speak of, they were all enrolled in the little army of Universalists ; and most of them have received their discharge, and are gathered home to enjoy the fruition of their hope. A very few remain ; but their gray hairs show that the time of their service is nearly expired : John Murray, Caleb Rich, Thomas Barnes, Zebulon Streeter, Zephaniah Lathe, William Farwell, David Ballou, Hosea Ballou, Jacob Young, George Richards, Edward Turner, Solomon Glover, Walter Ferris, Edwin Ferris, Ebenezer Paine, Cornelius G. Person, Joshua Flagg, Miles T. Wooley, James Babbit, Nathaniel Smith, James Foster. Adam Streeter, and Elhanan Winchester, died previous to this meeting ; and at this session a contribution was made to erect a stone at the grave of the lamented Winchester. This, to me, was a season of unprecedented felicity. I had never been LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 93 enabled to attend but part of an Association, since tbe one I have before mentioned, in Woodstock ; and at that 1 enjoyed the satisfaction of hearing only one discourse, and that was from Mr. Barnes. But now I had met nearly all the preach-^ ers of our order ; and I should have the unspeakable happi- ness of hearing severa} of them preach ! My feelings were so excited in anticipation, that I could scarcely eat or sleep for days, and even weeks, before the meeting. And when I was actually permitted to meet the brethren, face to face ; to feel the warmth of their fraternal hands— to listen to the gra- cious words that fell from their lips— to hear their songs of praise and thanksgiving, and to mingle with them in the joy- ful season of devotion, as one of their number, wag indeed overwhelming ! I " knew not whether I was in the body, or out of the body ;" but one thing I did know— that I was in the spirit! What rendered the season more exquisitely de- lightful to me, probably, was, I had been but a short time in the ministry, not quite a year ; and most of that time I had spent at quite a distance from any of my ministering brethren, and had not enjoyed even the privilege of associating with but very few who dared to name the name of Universalism : I had been exposed, alone, to the buffitings of opposers, and had to meet with vastly more frowns than smiles, and with more censures, rebukes and curses, than with tokens of kindness, or words of encouragement. This rendered the meeting doubly interesting and joyful, as well as all other meetings of the Association for years, from similar causes. I looked for- ward with earnest anticipations for the time to arrive, traveled with tireless steps and sleepless eyes to the appointed place, and remained in extacy until the close of the meeting ; but then* alas, the time of trial came! I had to part with the brethren, and go off alone to my thankless labor ; to meet the frowns of the enemy of the holy cause, the curses of those I loved, and the fatigues and privations unavoidable to my call- ing. I have wept for miles, after parting with the brethren ; and felt like a child when whipped to his task, by a father's rod. At this session of the Convention, four brethren ^received letters of fellowship, viz., Noah Murray, Abner Kneeland, Samuel Smith, and Nathaniel Stacy. I have still, in a good state of preservation, my letter of fellowship, written by Geo. Richards, and signed by Zebulon Streeter, Moderator, and Edward Turner, Clerk ; dated Sept., 1803. Mr. Murray was 94 MEMOIRS OF THE a convert from the Baptists, with whom he preached a number of years; but, many years before this, he had renounced the doctrine of Partialism, and had been proclaiming the doctrine .^f Impartial Grace; but never, until this time, had met and united with the Association. But, at this session, he not only received a letter of fellowship, but ordination was conferred upon him ; and he continued faithfully to proclaim the glad tidings of free grace to all mankind, until he closed his earthly pilgrimage. His residence was in the town of Athens, Tioga Point, Pa. A few years after his death, I visited the surviving members of his family, at Athens, among whom was his ven- erable widow, who, in the full enjoyment of the faith and hope which sustained him, in the hour of his departure, was wailing that deliverance which she has long since experi- enced. Samuel Smith proved an unprofitable member. He trav- eled about in many places, among the societies and brethren, attempting to preach, but wounding the cause wherever he went. A short time after I visited the State of New York, Smith came into, and was about, that country two or three months. I saw him, I believe, but once, and felt little incli- nation to encourage his meetings. From thence he went to Connecticut, and soon after made shipwreck of his faith, (if he ever had any, which to me was very questionable,) at an exciting Methodist meeting ; and the last 1 ever heard of him Was through a very singular letter from him, addressed to a friend in New Berlin, Chenango Co., New York, which afford- ed abundant evidence that he never entertained any correct views of the doctrine of Universalism. The ultimate course of the other two, the world has already learned, or will soon be apprised of. Such were the four who received the fellow- ship of the Association, in 1803. Two of them have certainly paid the debt of nature ; and, it may be safely presumed, that only one of them remains a tenant of this earthly ball. There was a measure called for, at this time, which, in its adoption by the council, produced considerable argument in the discussion, and no little sensation among the brethren ; which was, the adoption of a written creed or confession of faith. It became absolutely necessary, to save Universalists in New England, and particularly in New Hampshire, from clerical oppression. In those days, the Presbyterians and Congregationalists were denominated the Standing Order j and they had a legal right to tax every inrUvidual in the parish, LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 95 for the support of the clergy; and the only remedy the indi- vidual had to avoid paying such tax to them, was to join some other sect, and bring a certificate from them to the Standing Order, that he had joined that society, and actually paid taxes to them. This had been done in one or more cases, in the State of New Hampshire ; but, nevertheless, the Standing Order proceeded to collect the tax. Resistance was made, and the case was finally carried up to the Supreme Court, which decided that there was.no such order known asUniver- salists, for they had no creed or profession of faith to distin- guish them from the Standing Order; and they were, conse- quently, compelled to pay taxes to them. Our brethren felt afraid of creeds. They had read, seen, and experienced, as they supposed, the distracting, illiberal, and persecuting efTects of human creeds ; and they wished to avoid the vortex of that whirlpool into which they had seen so many drawn to inevit- able destruction. The Bible was a sufficient creed— it was all the creed they wanted — -all they needed — it was sufficiently definite — and each one had an equal right to construe it for himself, wliile he did not deny its inspiration and authority. They felt no inclination to take upon themselves a "yoke, which neither they nor their fathers had been able to bear." They had so far lived without a creed ; and they had lived in perfect union. Now, they very much feared, should they go to making creeds, they would become divided, and, like others who had oone before them, begin to cherish an exclusive and persecuting spirit. But what should be done? They sympa- tliized deeply with the persecuted brethren in New Hampshire; and wished, if possible, to relieve them. A committee was appointed the previous year to prepare a confession of faith, and a platform, or constitution; of which Mr. Walter Ferris was a member ; and he now presented one so unobjectionable, that it was difficult to find where the most fastidious could object to it, or how it could lead to division. A motion was made to adopt it ; and probably the longest and warmest debate ensued, that had ever been known in that deliberative body. It was, however, conducted throughout with the kind- est feelings, but with much earnestness and considerable sen- sibility ; tears and smiles by the attentive auditors, alternately followed the pathetic appeals of the speakers on each side. Among its warmest advocates were George Richards, Hosea Ballou, Walter Ferris, and Zephaniah Lathe ; and among its opposers, Edward Turner and Noah Murray. 1 distinctly 06 MEMOIRS OF THE recollect a metaphor in one of Mr. ^lurray's arguments, and Mr. Lathe's reply. Mr. Murray said, in allusion to the con- fession of faith, " It is harmless now — it is a calf, and its horns have not yet made their appearance ; but it will soon grow older — its horns will grow, and then it will begin to hook.'' Mr. Lathe arose, and replied, " All that Br. Murray has said would be correct, had he not made a mistake in the animal. It is not a calf; it is a dove ; and who ever heard of a dove having horns, at any age?" But the confession was adopted without alteration, I believe, as reported by the committee, tlirough Mr. Ferris. The opposition yielding, it passed, (if my memory well serves me,) by the unanimous voice of the council, with a resolution appended to it to this effect, that no alteration should ever he- made, hereafter, to the confession of faith. These articles have been published repeatedly, and are contained in the " Modern History of Universalism," by Mr. Whittemore ; but it may be gratifying to my readers, not- withstanding, to see them here ; and, as they are short, I feel disposed to satisfy their curiosity. "Article I. -We believe in one God, whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ, by one holy spirit of grace ; who will finally restore the whole human family to holiness and happiness. Ahticle II. — We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, contain a revelation of the character of God, of the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind. Article III. — We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected ; and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order, and practice good works ; for these thinc^s are good and profitable to men." To the above creed no one could reasonably object, who believed in the final restitution of man, let his views of future retribution be wimt they might. At the close of the meeting, I proceeded to Massachusetts, made a visit of a few weeks in my native town, preached a few discourses, among which were two on funeral occasions, in families of my early and most intimate associates ; and then returned to Vermont, where I tarried about one month. During tliis tour, I supplied the desk of Mr. Ballou, in Bethel, one Sabbath ; made a tour with him as far as Calais ; preached in the towns of Rochester, Randolph, and Bridgewater; and then returned to New Salem, where I had engaged to teach a dis- trict school, commencing on the first of December. On mv LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 97 way from Vermont to Massachusetts, I called on the venera- ble father in Israel, Zebulon Streeter, and delivered a lecture in his dwellinjT-house, to a respectable congregation. It was with some difficulty I could make up my mind to address a congregation in the presence of an old veteran, one who, I was sensible, could discharge the duty to so much better advantage to the cause than myself. 1 was not afraid of being censured — I shrank not from his criticism ; for I felt grateful for every correction of a defect in enunciation, language, gesture, or any inconsistency in doctrine ; but I .felt that a waiting con- gregation should always be served with the best ability, and the soundest and most cogent arguments — I wanted good to be done, and the greatest possible good ; and as I never had a very exalted opinion of my own talents, I felt that the congregation were sufferers whenever I attempted to preach, while others of greater strength and more experience were present. These were, and invariably have been my feelings, up to the present time. I have marveled greatly, many times, when I have heard young and inexperienced preachers con- tending earnestly about their right to preach ; and sometimes with tliose of vastly greater experience than themselves, as though they had a right to be heard — to display iheu' s'plendid talents, without any regard to the feelings of the congregation, 01^ the advancement of the cause. "Thinks I to myself," their ambition is very different from mine. But my venera- ble brother Streeter treated me with great tenderness and fa- therly affection, gave me good counsel, and encouraged me in my resolution to persevere. He had never before heard me speak publicly. During this winter, (1803 — 4,) I taught school in the dis- trict where I first went to school ; and quite a num.ber of my scholars, (for the school was large,) were my old school-mates. But my school was a good one ; and the winter glided plea- santly away. My Sundays were mostly employed in preach- ing in New Salem, and the adjacent towns of Dana and Hardwick. I did not lose sight of the holy cause in which I was enofafjed : and whatever I did — whatever business was necessary for me to engage in, or labors to perform, I designed should be subservient to it. In the latter part of April, 1804, having finished my peda- ffoo-ic term, I started an-ain on a tour throu2:h Vermont ; though I designed to tarry but a short time, having resolved to spend the ensuing summer in Massachusetts, that I might G 98 MEMOIRS OF THE enjoy the privilege of associating more frequently with my older brethren in the ministry ; and, therefore, left an appoint- ment for a Sunday in the town of Williamsburgh. On my way, I called, as usual, on m.y friend Burroughs, in Surry ; and, by his earnest solicitation, accepted a letter of introduc- tion from him to Rev. Thomas Fessenden, pastor of the Con- gregational Church in Walpole. Mr. Fessenden had long been their settled minister, and enjoyed the confidence of the people of his charge, probably to as great an extent as any clergyman ever did. He was advanced in years, and a few Sundays previous to the time of which I speak, was attacked with a paralytic fit in his desk ; from which he had not yet sufficiently recovered to leave his room. Mr. Burroughs said, they had had lio preaching since Mr. Fessenden's sick- ness ; and he felt confident Mr. F. would be very glad to have me preach in his desk the next Sunday. He said Mr. F. was a Universalist, or a Restorationist, although in the Congrega- tionalist connection ; and would rather have his desk filled by a Universalist than a preacher of any other denomination. I was diffident, and felt quite doubtful as to the reception that I should meet with, but reluctantly took the letter and presented it to Mr. F. ' I found him able to sit up, and even walk about the room, but could only speak in a loud whisper. He re- ceived me cordially and politely, and inquired if I was in regular standing in the Universalist connection. Being an- swerd(3 in the affirmative, he inquired, whether or not I be- lieved in the utility of church order and ordinances, and hav- ing received the assurance that I did, he said that was all he required ; and it was very kind in Mr. Burroughs to influence me to call on him ; his people had been destitute of preaching for several Sabbaths, and would be highly gratified in having a meeting ; and he would immediately take measures to give general notice. This was on Wednesday ; and Mr. F. or- dered my horse to be taken care of, and requested me to make myself at liome in his study, during the week. He inquired, if Iwasin the habit of writing my discourses. 1 answered, I had written some, but not generally. I v/as in the habit of itinera* ting, and was ill convenienced to commit much to writing. He replied, " Well, it is a good thing to be able to extemporize ; but it is also profitable to write some. You have now time to Write one discourse, at least, and T would advise you to dose, I am in the habit of writing generally ; and it will be quite as acceptable to the people you will preach to, next Sunday, LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 99 to hear you read, as to speak extemporaneously." I promised to write one discourse, and, accordingly, I did write. Early on Sunday morning, Mr. Fessenden called to me and asked, " Have you written a discourse ?" " Yes, sir," I re- plied. " Well, get it, and read it to me," he rejoined'. "O, my dear sir, do excuse me— »it will not bear criticism. I have not had the advantages of an education ; and although I am willing, and even desire you to criticise my doctrine, I feel too diffident of the language and method of the discourse, to try to read it to you — pray, sir, excuse me," I replied. "No," said he, " Mrs. Fessenden and I will be your only hearers. We want to hear a sermon. I can not go to meeting ; and she must stay to take care of me. The most learned men are not always the most useful men. Go, get the sermon, and read it." I went, and, with a tremor through my whole frame, brought the manuscript; and, at his bidding, took a seat, and read it as well as I could. When I closed, the first one to break silence was Mrs. Fessenden, who said, " There has not been so good a discourse as that delivered in our meet- ing-house, for a long while." This brought up my head ; I had not before dared to look up. "It is a good sermon, and well written," responded Mr. Fessenden. This was worth a ruby to me. Mr. F. was a learned man, and an aged minis- ter ; and, if he approved of the discourse, it might be accept- able to others, and be the means of doing some good. It in- spired me with confidence, and I went to the church with in- creased fortitude. I had never before entered a meeting-house, for the purpose of preaching in it, since my first attempt. My sanctuaries of worship had been private dwellings, school- houses, barns, and the grove — that splendid temple made by God's own hand ; and when I looked around upon the gath- ering congregation, (the house was large, and the assembly numerous,) I might have quailed under the stern gaze of so many prying eyes, had not the encouraging remark of Mr. F., Who, I thought, was certainly asgopd a judge of matter and diction as any of them, strengthened and supported me. My visit at Mr. Fessenden's was both agreeable and profit- able. I found him and his lady well established in the faith of Universal Restitution, upon Mr. Winchester's theory, and fearless advocates of the doctrine. Mr. F. told me he had been well established, himself, for i'lv;,ut twelve years; that when he first embraced the faith, he b ;ri;an to modify his dis- courses in conformity to it, without directly naming the docr loo MEMOIRS OF TEE trine ; and progressed and enlarged by degrees, until he was enabled to freely and fully declare his doctrine without alarm- ing his church, or losing his standing as pastor ; and now, he said, there were not a dozen members of his church, (and it was large,) who believed in the dogma of endless misery. It is a singular fact, that about the same time that Mr. Fessenden came into the fliith of the Final Restitution, three other clergy, men, of three adjacent towns, of the same denomination, em- braced the same faith : Mr. Howe, of Surry ; Mr. Mead, of Alstead ; and Mr. Dan Foster, of Charlestown. And they all, except Mr. Mead, so managed as to retain their standing in the Congregational Association, and to remain in the pas- toral charge of their respective churches, notwithstanding they •earlessly advocated the doctrine. Mr. Foster also published ..». Irea'ise on the subject, in reply to Dr. Strong, of Hartford, ( "oDnecticut, who had written against Dr. Huntington's posthu- mous work. I found Mr. Foster's book in the library of Mr. Fessenden ; as also the Avork of Dr. Chauncy, which I had never before seen. Mr. F. was not able to talk long at a time ; though, during my stay, we had considerable conversation, and I received from him much good counsel. My visit was rendered much more agreeable on account of the kindness and maternal attention of his excellent lady. She was a native of the same town as m3-self ; a daughter of the first settled min- ister in New Salem, Rev. Mr. Kendall ; and was well ac- quainted with my parents. She manifestly received me with the affection of a mother. She was a woman of more than ordinary talents, and rejoiced heartily in the faith of the Great Salvation. Several times, during my stay, when people came in, and I was introduced as a Universalist preacher, arguments on doctrinal subjects were introduced ; but I could never get an opportunity to reply; for either Mr. F. or his wife would take up the argument, and defend the doctrine with as much zeal, and vastly more ability, than I could possibly have done. On taking leave of this- excellent family, on ]\Ionday morn- ing, Mrs. F. presented me with a number of small articles of apparel, such as cravats, &c.; and they very affectionately invited me to call as often as convenient, with the assurance that I should ever be welcome to their hospitality, and every other assistance they could render me. But, alas ! it was the first and the last time 1 ever enjoyed the pleasure of visitisig them ; for I never afterward passed through that country, until the fall of 1843, many — many years after these good LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. lOl people were numbered with the great congregation of the dead. And such alterations had been made, by the hand of time and the hands of man, in that region of their habitation, that I could not certainly recognize the locality of their ancient dwelling- place. One object of this tour was to make a short visit to Mr. Ballou and other friends in Windsor county, as well as to fulfil a prom- ise my friends in Addison had drawn from me when leaving them ; I had also made some appointments in that county by letter. In fulfilling these engagements, I preached one Sun- day in Rochester ; lectured in Salisbury and Middleborough ; preached one Sunday, and delivered one lecture, in Benson. On Wednesday morning, I was more than one hundred miles from Williamsburgh, the place of my appointment for the next Sunday ; and I was an entire stranger to the country through which I must travel. I had, at the solicitation of friends, par- ticularly in Addison county, traveled two hundred miles to visit them, and deliver my message. They had manifested great satisfaction in the opportunity of hearing me preach, had urged me, with the utmost earnestness, to stay longer ; solicited me, with all apparent sincerity, to make them another visit as soon as possible ; thanked me times without number, and ex- pressed their gratitude in the warmest terms possible ; but, alas! they never thought to inquire how I was, pecuniarily, prepared to meet the expenses of my journey ; nor if my horse would ever need a shoe, or myself a change of apparel. My ministerial labors had ever been sparingly rewarded ; aiid it was right, no doubt, for they were worth but little — I so con- 'sidered them myself; all I ever had received, I esteemed as a charitable donation. But now I felt the need of something, more than I ever had before. My earnings in school-teach- ing, the previous winter, had been exhausted in the payment of some small debts I had been obliged to contract, and in furnishing myself with a few articles of necessary wearing apparel ; and the few shillings I had started on my journey with, were nearly exhausted. I had the confidence to name to them my destitute condition, but not one of them put a cent into my hand. 1 never was exactly like the unjust steward, who said, " Dig I can not, and to beg I am ashamed." I was ever ashamed to beg ; but I could dig, with good- will, if I had opportunity. But now I had no chance ; it would require the whole, or nearly the whole time between this and the next Sunday to reach the place of my appointment. What was to 102 MEMOIRS OF THE be done ? I felt very unwilling to cause a disappointment ; I therefore moved forward, though with rather a despairing heart, at first ; but soon gathered courage and strength from the reflection, that if God had allotted me a work to perform, he would either provide means to feed me on the way, or give me strength to perform the journey without it. It required me to be on the way two nights ; and I had barely change sufficient in my pocket to pay for my horse-keeping and my lodging, and furnish me with a single meal. And with this I performed the journey, without making my condition known to any person, or asking the charity of strangers. On the last day, long after every cent was spent, in crossing the Green Mountains from Adams through Savoy to Williams- burgh, I felt quite exhausted, and thought my poor beast felt faint and weary too ; and, on looking around and beholding the abundance that rewarded the labors of the industrious husbandman, even in that cold and mountainous country, I could scarcely refrain from repining at my lot, and thinking that, if this was an allotment of Providence, it was a severe one; and, for a moment, a fearful despondency seized my soul ! But it was momentary only ; for, on looking around, I saw a good fresh turnip by the wayside, that somebody had dropped. I alighted, picked it up, and proceeded but a few rods, when I came to a spot of good fresh grass by the way, I here let my horse feed, stretched my weary limbs on na- ture's verdant carpet, and ate my turnip. I then arose re- freshed, both in body and in mind. My desponding feelings had entirely left me ; and a holy calmness, an unshaken con- fidence in an all-wise and bountiful Providence, with a con- scientious conviction that I was in the way of duty, accompa- ied and cheered me to the end of my journey. I arrived at the house of Mr. Washburn, father of Mrs. Ballon, some time after r>oon'; but could wait, without feeling any inconvenience, until their usual tea-time ; and then ate a hearty meal, without experiencing any injury. Several times, in the course of my journey, I was on the point of inquiring for Universalists, with a design to make my condition known. But 1 was so young, or looked so young — a mere beardless boy — ^that no one Avould readily believe I was a preacher ; and I thought it most prob- able I should only expose myself to insult, and bring a stain on the cause I felt so zealous to support ; and I would rather starve myself than do either. The next Sunday, I delivered my message to a respectable LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 163 congregation : and they made me a liberal contribution ; so that I was able to return to my father's house, encouraged, and in comfortable circumstances. The ensuing summer, in accordance with my previous de- sign, I spent in Massachusetts. I had one regular monthly appointment in the town of Medway, where I was recom- mended by Mr. Turner ; and the rest of the time was em- ployed in different places, by appointments, from time to time, as circumstances called for them I supplied Mr. Turner's and Mr. Flagg's places occasionally, during their absence on journeys or to other societies. A rather odd and amusing in- cident, which occurred on one of these occasions, I will brief- ly relate : I had agreed to supply for Mr. Flagg, in the town of Oxford, one Sunday ; and on my way thither, on Sat- urday, was overtaken by night, some six or seven miles before reaching the place. There was no public-house be- fore reaching the village ; and I had no acquaintance in that region of country. There was no alternative, therefore, but to put up at a private house, among strangers, or to per- severe until I reached Oxford. I chose the latter, and press- ed forward as fast as my jaded beast could carry me. When I reached the village, there was no light in any house save the tavern, and they were on the point of extinguishing theirs. T therefore simply called for entertainment, and, without ma- king any inquiry, or any remark in reference to my business, retired to rest. On Sunday morning I arose — knew no one, and was unknown to all. I told the landlord I would break- fast with him. Meantime I inquired what denomination own- ed the meeting-house, which stood a few rods from the tav- ern. My host answerecl, " The Universalists." " Do they have preaching there to-day ?" " Yes." " Who preaches witit them?" "Mr. Flagg." After breakfast, he inquired if I would have my horse. I replied, that I thought of attending meeting there 'that day. Nothing more was said, and I re- tired to my chamber, adjusted my apparel, and prepared for church. Bye-and-bye the first bell rang, and soon people be- gan to assemble ; many of whom appeared to have come a great distance. 1 occasionally walked through the crowd, to see if any came with whom I was acquainted, and to hear what was said. The inquiry was repeatedly made, '• Is Mr. Flagg come ?" " Has the preacher come ?" No one knew, but thought he was at Capt. Davis', his usual stopping-place. Soon, however, word came from Capt. Davis that the preach- 104 :.rEMoiRS of the er was not there ; and they began seriously to fear they would be disappointed that day. jMuch anxiety was manifested ; the day was pleasant ; and a numerous congregation were as- sembling. They had preaching but once a week, and they very much deprecated a disappointment ; however, Mr. Flagg might have stopped somewhere, and thought he would be in season yet. Presently the second bell rang ; and they began walking back and forth, from the public-house to the meeting- house. No preacher was to be found, and they were quite in despair ; I could, once in a while, see some one look quite earnestly at me ; but nobody addressed me, and I said no- thing. As the bell began to toll, I went into my chamber, put my Bible and psalm-book under my arm, so as to have them in fair sight, and walked deliberately down, and through the crowd, and directed my steps toward the meeting-house. As I walked through the room, not a word was said ; but all eyes were riveted on me, in apparent astonishment, and without a word being spoken, in my hearing, a simultaneous move was made, and they all followed me to the church. I walked into the house, made my bow to the congregation as I passed, and ascended the pulpit. When I turned around, if I ever saw amazement, wonder, and doubt, depicted upon the counte- nances of an assembly, I saw it then. JMr. F. had never told them of the proposed change ; and there was, at that time, not a soul present who had the least knowledge of me. The house was immediately filled, and I arose and com- menced service ; while profound and breathless attention pre- vailed. During the intermission, I was surrounded by many, and two or three had joined the congregation, with whom 1 had a limited acquaintance : and, taking it altogether, we had a happy, and, I trust, profitable meeting. The singularity of my introduction excited attention, and had rather a beneficial tendency. At^ the close of the meeting, Capt. Davis, the treasurer of the society, handed me five dollars. This, at that time, v/as the regular salary of our Universalist preach- ers, in those old societies ; and as much a lawful tender, for a Sunday's preaching, as was six cents for an almanac. In the course of this season, I preached in the towns of Medway, Wrentham, Oxford, Charleston, Brockfield, Grafton, Milford, Dana, Williamsburg, New Salem, Massachusetts; and Smith- field, Rhode Island. The Association, or as it was called in the platform, or constitution adopted the preceding year, " The General LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 105 Convention of Universalists in New England," held its an- nual session, in the fall of 1804, in the town of Sturbridge, Mass. At this meeting, I for the iirst, and last, and only time in my life, saw the venerable apostle of Universalism in America, Rev. John Murray, and heard him deliver two discourses ; he came in company with a man from the city of New York, by the name of Palmer, who also delivered one discourse. It was interesting, indeed, to me, to see and hear Mr. Murray. I had heard my parents often speak of him, after they boldly avowed their faith in Universalism ; and describe the manner of his preaching ; and I had im- bibed a high veneration for the man, and had a strong de- sire to hear the word of truth from his lips ; nor were my anticipations disappointed. His manner, to me, was pleasing, and his eloquence captivating. He appeared to possess a per- fect government over his own passions; riveted the attention of his hearers ; carried them with him through his whole discourse, and made them feel the sensibilities of his own soul ; would bring tears into their eyes, or excite their risi- bility, with as much ease as the words flowed from his open- ing lips. Mr. Palmer delivered a very good discourse ; but of him I never afterwards heard anything. I believe he never pretended to devote his time to the ministry ; and he never associated much with our denomination, nor became a member of the convention. Mr. Wooley had traveled, the preceding summer, as far as Otsego, in the state of New York, and had preached in ditferent towns in that section of countiy. He attended this meeting, and brought quite a favorable report of his success, and the call for the preached word in that country. He ex- pressed great confidence, that could that region be supplied with preaching, the truth would spread with great rapidity, and societies would spring up in every direction. And to favor the cause in that State, and dispose societies there or- ganizing to unite more readily with the great body of Uni- versalists, by his suggestion the name of the convention un- derwent a modification ; it was resolved, in council, that it should thereafter be entitled "T/ie General Conveniionof Uni- versalists of the New England States, and other s.^^ By the persuasion and influence of a man in the town of Worcester, with whom I became acquainted, I engaged to teach a district school, for five months, in that town, com- mencing the first of November. To show the narrowness 106 MEMOIRS OF THE and illiberality of bigoted souls, and their hostility to a doc- trine they dare not attempt to refute in an open and ingen- uous manner, as well as their malignant persecution of those they dare not meet in open discussion, I must here be permitted to relate an incident : The laws of Massachusetts required a school-teacher to procure a certificate of his moral character from the select men of the town where he resided, or had last resided, and of his literary qualifications from the settled minister of the town in which he taught. I had taught the previous winter in Massachusetts ; but as it was in my native district, nothing was said about a cer- tificate, and I never applied for one. But now I was going among strangers, and it was necessary I should be supplied with legal credentials. I readily obtained my credentials from the select men ; and knowing that sectarian prejudice might have an unfavorable influence on the feelings of the clergyman in Worcester, should they learn my religious tenets ; I concluded it might be essentially to my advantage to obtain one from the settled minister in New Salem ; and 1 entertained no doubt that he would readily give me one, inasmuch as he and I had always been acquainted from boy- hood, and certainly, until we became preachers, on terms of cordiality and friendship. He was considerably my senior ; but we were natives of the same town, and in early life as- sociated much together. I therefore applied to him with all confidence ; but alas! I applied in vain ; he would not give me one ; and said, if the clergymen in Worcester knew their duty, they would neither of them give me one. It was perfectly obvious that, knowing he had now the advan- tage of me, he meant to use his prerogative to crush me, if in his power. However, he had not time, if he had the in- clination, to interpose his influence with the clergymen of Worcester, before I presented myself before his reverence, Dr. Austin, a rigid Calvanistic divine ; and in less than half an hour obtained the necessary credential. My school was very large, for a district school, averaging seventy or eighty during the whole term ; and as I had no assistant, it required my whole attention, and occupied my whole time, day and evening ; so that I made no appoint- ments to preach, nor did I deliver one discourse, during the five months of my engagemenr. Besides, there were very few in that place who felt any interest in the cause of Uni- versalism ; there was but one solitary individual who felt LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 107 any sympathy for the doctrine in the district ; and that was Mr. Williams, by whose influence I was employed, and with whom I boarded. The rest of the district were all, or near- ly all, members of the Orthodox churches, either that of Dr. Austin, or Dr. Bancroft ; but they were uniformly very civil and friendly to me, and took every opportunity to ex- press their perfect satisfaction in my management of the school. I had, this winter, a most ample illustration of the power and influence of habit — at least, educational habit ; and how easily one can be led, with the most innocent feelings, and conscientious submission, into practices which another, edu- cated under different circumstances, would shudder at the thought of. The community with whom I resided were a friendly, social people, fond of parties for conversation and amusement ; and both old and young had their weekly or semi-weekly parties, during the whole winter. For awhile, the young people gave me repeated, polite, and even urgent invitations to attend their parties ; but I excused myself on the ground of the necessity of employing the evening in pre- paring for my school the next day. And, indeed, it was ne- cessary to do much in that way ; besides, I had little incli- nation for such amusements as they indulged in — dancing, playing, and the like ; I could enjoy much more alone, in my little chamber, in reading and meditation. After trying, a few weeks, to induce me to join their social parties, the young people gave up their importunities ; and I enjoyed my retirement peaceably for a short time. But when the older, married people, saw that I did not choose to associate with the young in their amusements, they began to invite me to meet with them ; and pleaded the importance of it, as a means of cultivating an acquaintance with my employers, and giving satisfaction. They alleged, that none but the respectable part of community assembled with them ; and their recreations were civil and inoffensive. Well— I agreed to go ; and one evening, in company with Mr. Williams and his lady, I went nearly a mile, but within the limits of the district. We were greeted with politeness ; and soon a large assembly of middle-aged ladies and gentlemen were assembled. After their teams were taken care of, and the company were comfortably warmed before a cheerful, bla- zing fire upon the hearth of a large square room, our kind hostess placed a table in the centre of the floor. I supposed 108 MEMOIRS OF THE it was their practice, as I afterwards learned it was, uni- formly to provide supper for their guests ; but I was a little surprised that they should get it so early in the evening ; for we had not yet been assembled half an hour. However, I concluded it might be their custom to spread their enter- tainment at an early hour of the evening, and thereby ren- der it convenient for their guests to retire at their own plea- sure ; and I began to applaud the custom. , But I was soon undeceived — the table was set, brilliant lights placed upon it, and a pack of cards thrown thereon ! and immediately the people surrounded it, male and female, as they were first introduced into our strange world, and began to shuffle the cards, and to deal them out. They politely offered me a card ; but I told them, I should beg to be excused ; as I was unacquainted with the game. They expressed some doubt, and began to rally me on the subject — said I was supersti- tious — they only played for amusement ; and Mr. B. (that was their minister) would not scruple to take a card, when- ever he met with them, (Ssc. I told them, I did not consider myself superstitious — I really did not know how to play cards — that, although when quite a boy I had known suffi- cient to play, after a sort, at what we used to call All-fours, yet, for many years, I had scarcely seen a card, and had ac- tually forgotten all I ever knew alDout them. "O, well, if I had ever known any thing about playing, they could very readily show me again." I replied, that I thought I should be rather a dull scholar ; and as I really had no time to spare from other important duties and studies, I should ask to be en- tirely excused. So I sat mostly alone during the evening ; for those who were not actually engaged in the game, felt so deeply interested in the result, that they would say little or nothing about anything else. The good lady of the house, however, commiserated my lonely condition, and came and seated herself by me, and kindly inquired, if I ever played chequers; — for their whole thoughts were exclusively on some sort of game. I told her I had sometimes tried to play. Well, would I play a game with her ? Why, madam, I think it will afford you but dull amusement, for I really pro- fess no skill in that game. She insisted, however, that I should play, and brought out her chequer-board, and we commenced the game. But I was so unfortunate as not to get a king, before she had taken every " man " from me. She gave me a pretty sharp reprimand for carelessness, or LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 109 wilfully wrong movements — said she knew I could play better, if I would try ; and set her chequers again. But ao-ain I had no better success — she " skunked " me a second time. She was now almost vexed — said I did not try — she would place the chequers again ; and I must try to do bet- ter. I observed, that I was perfectly aware it could be no amusement for her to play with me — I had told her so in the first place. I felt very grateful to her for her endeavors to entertain me ; but as it would be no gratification to her, to play at a game where she could have no competition, 1 would not insist on her trying it any longer. She would try it once more ; and I should try to do better. Well, madam, I will use what skill I have. But, alas ! she "skunked " me the third time ! and, in total despair, put her, board and chequers away, and went back to the card-table. So I en- joyed my own thoughts, in quietness, the remainder of the evening. Card-playing is considered by many, and probably by most religious people, as the most heinous crime that mortals can be guilty of ; and I verily look upon it as one of the most foolish, and even the most dangerous amusements, that a ra- tional mind can indulge in. It certainly consumes time that might be, and ought to be, more profitably employed. No in- formation whatever is obtained ; no sociable or instructive conversation can be enjoyed ; but the mind is wholly en- grossed with black and red spots, and the most grotesque pic- tures ever drawn on paste-board, and exhibits the most intense solicitude about — nothing ! I could but marvel, to see so many well-dressed, polite, respectable, and apparently well- educated, and well-informed gentlemen and ladies, spending the precious hours of life, evening after evening, in this, worse-than-useless manner. And the astonishment of the reader will surely equal mine, when I inform him, that all of these, with only two exceptions, were professors of religion, and members in good standing of one or the other of the Or- thodox churches in Worcester! But they meant no hurt by this practice, if they meant no good. Nothing would have tempted them to gamble, as they called it — i.e., to play for the consideration of any gain — not even one cent. Their game was mere recreation, to pass away a social — or, as I should call it, an unsocial hour ; and they considered it perfectly harmless and innocent. I met with them no more ; and they never again urged me to do so ; they unquestionably discov- 110 MEMOIRS. ered that it was no amusement for me, but rather a dull en- tertainment. I found, however, that it was a uniform prac- tice among them, whenever they met together, by day or by night, to introduce card-playing ; and every man, or at least every family, kept a pack of cards. There was a shoemaker who worked in a shop a few yards from the house in which I boarded, a zealous professor of religion, and a member of Dr. Austin's church, and whom I could, at any time, make zeal- ously mad, by introducing an argument in favor of Univer- salism ; who also kept small articles in his shop for sale, such as pins, needles, writing paper, quills, &c., and whenever I wanted any small articles of stationery, I stepped into his shop. This man always kept a pack of cards lying on his bench ; and I have repeatedly seen him lay down his work, with a half-finished seam, when a neighboring boy came in, and take up his cards, and go to playing with as much zeal as he would anathematize Universalism, as a licentious doc- trine, if I chanced to say a word in favor of it. So strangely • — so singularly are we influenced by our educational habits ! I could but reflect, most seriously and solemnly, on the vast responsibility of parents, in regard to the education of their offspring. CHAPTEE YL Author starts on a tour to Vermont— Visit to Mr. N. Foster— Mr. Ps former religious sentiments—His conversion to Universalism, and its moral ef- fects—Visits Benson— Leaves Benson on a tour to the state of New York— Meeting; in Whitehall, and Fort Ann—Incidents in Fort Ann- Meetings in the house of Mr. Gilbert Harris— Visits his brother in Cana- joharie— Interview with Elder Elhot—Journey to Sangerfield, Oneida county — Delivers his first discourse in Sangerfield— Solicitation to remain longer— State of feeling among the inhabitants of the country, and pro- gress of the doctrine— Begins to itinerate through the counties of Oneida, Chenango, &c.— Visit to his brother, and meeting in Otsego— Meets Mr, ■Wooley— Conference in Burlington— Germ of the Western Association— Opposition— Confab with Mr. B. Morse— A bow drawn at a venture- Desultory discussion with Rev. Mr. Knapp— Singular question— First dis- course in Hamilton village— Judge Paine— Amusing anecdote— First meeting in Madison— Interview with Elder xMorton— Curious anecdote of Elder M-— Challenge— First meeting in Whitestown— Organization of the first society in Oneida county— Singular remark of Polycarpus Smith —A regular circuit — Joseph Tenny and his book — Two societies organ- ized—Growth and prospects of the cause. About the middle of April, 1805, having closed my school in Worcester, 1 once more started on a journey to the State of Vermont, but on a different route from that I had before traveled. I had previously received a very pressing solicita- tion from an old gentleman residing in Wilmington, by the name of Foster, who, from my earliest remembrance until within a few year's, had been a resident of New Salem, and had uniformly served as a tithing-man in the Congregational Church, and whose main business was to take care of the boys, and keep them in order, on Sundays. He was a most rigid Partialist— equally rigid in his sentiments and discpline of the boys — and we all stood in fear and dread of him. He had removed to Wilmington, Vermont, a few years prior to the time to which I allude ; and I had not seen him until the ses- 112 MEMOIRS OF THE sion of tlie Association, in the autumn of 1803. As I then rode up to the house where we stopped, in Winchester, New Hampshire, I saw a man approaching from an opposite direc- tion, who resembled Mr. Foster ; but surely, (thought I,) that ca-n not be uncle Nathan ; for I should as soon expect to see one arise from the dead, as to see him at a Universalist meet- ing. However, as we approached each other, I saw that he was the identical man. Still, I concluded he must be on a journey, and our meeting purely accidental. We both dis- mounted and secured our horses ; and, looking again so as to- be sure of his identity, I walked toward him and addressed him by name. He instantly recognized me, and, with a coun- tenance reflecting cheerfulness and happiness, took my hand with unusual Marmth. Such was not his former appearance. He had uniformly worn a gjoom}^ countenance, and exhibited discontent and peevishness in his demeanor. After inquiring concerning his health and family, I said to him, "Mr. Foster, are you on a journey ?" He responded, " No, no farther." I then said, " I believe there is a religious meeting to be holden here, to-morrow and next day." He answered, "Yes, there is." " But," I said, " you have not come to attend this meet- ing, Mr. Foster, have you ?" "Yes," he replied. I next in- quired, " But do you know what kind of meeting it is, Mr. Foster V " Yes," said he, " it is a Univerealist Association.' " But you are not a Universalist, Mr. Foster !" I said. "Yes, thank God, I am," he rejoined. 1 clenched his hand again, and thanked God for his deliverance ; and the big tears started in the eyes of the good old man. We had, indeed, a happy meeting — what a change had come over liim ! He was com- pletely metamorphosed from a gloomy, sour, crabbed Partialist, to one of the most cheerful, pleasant, and happy beings I ever met with. I said to myself, " if the knowledge of divine truth can work wonders like this — can thus renew a man, in his old age — God grant that it may speedily prevail over all Christen- dom." He was perfectly sensible of the full and complete change wrought upon himself. "O," said "he, "how strange — how unutterably strange — I have lived in darkness so long, when the truth is so clearly taught in the Bible ! How much I have lost! O, if 1 were young, how earnestly I would preach the Gospel to mankind!" And he did preach. His mouth was full of argument, and his tongue dwelt on praise, wherever he went. He so lived, and so died. Both were equally astonished at meeting each other. He had not until LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. ' 113 then heard that I was a Universalist ; and he would probably have thought me the last being of our mortal race, who would attempt to preach it. But before we parted, I had to make him a promise, should Providence permit,that I w^ould at some future period make him a visit, and preach in his neighborhood ; and this was the first opportunity w'hich presented. I went to Wilmington, tarried one Sunday, and delivered two discourses in that town. From thence, I pursued my journey to the town of Benson, where I had been, repeatedly, requested to take up my abode. But, after spending three Sundays, and looking around with some thought of fixing upon a location, I did not feel exactly satisfied ; moreover, I had an undefinable pre- sentiment that 1 was not altogether in the right place ; and my mind was involuntarily and irresistibly drawn westward. I had a brother residing in the town of Canajoharie, in the State of New York, whom I had not seen for a number of years ; and I informed my friends, in Benson, that 1 felt it a duty to make him a visit. They again requested me to return and settle with them ; but I maoe no engagement, telling them simply that I would be governed by the indications of Providence. If I found that God had a work for me to do whither I was going, I would try to do it ; if not, I would probably return to Benson, in a few weeks. My first stop, after leaving Benson, was at White Hall, at the head of Lake Champlain. Here I stayed two days, and deliv- ered a discourse in the dwelling-house of Capt. Plinman, who, in consequence of a spinal injury, had been confined to his house, for two or three years. In the township of Fort Ann, a short day's ride from this place, I had a cousin living who was as dear to me as a sister, and whom I had not seen for many long years. She married a man by the name of Goodell. On them I called, and tarried several days, at their urgent solicitation. They were Baptists ; and although we conversed freely and much on the subject of religion, and although I expressed my feelings and sentiments as plainly as language would enable me, without saying they were Universalism, they did not, for several days, understand me, nor did they suspect that I was a preacher. There was a gentleman residing within a few miles, with whom I had formed an acquaintance in Benson ; and, during my stay, 1 took the opportunity to make him a short call. He requested me to appoint a meeting ; and I told him, if a house and congre- gation could be obtained, I should be very happy to give them a discourse. The second day after this conversation, a man by H 114 MEMOIRS OF THE the name of Gilbert Harris came to Mr. Goodell's to graft some fruit-trees ; and, while employed in this business, I walked out to see the operation, and made some remarks upon the improve- ment of fruit thereby. "Yes," said he, witli a significant look at me, " this is doing what every preaclicr of the Gospel ought to do — taking away falsehood, and supplying its place with the truth." And then, laying aside his pruning knife, he informed me that the gentleman I have alluded to liad been to see him on the subject of having a meeting ; and requested me to appoint a time to preach at his house. My friend Goodell stared at me with amazement ; and said, '• Why didn't you tell me you were a preacher]" He not only learned, now, that I was a preacher, but also learned what, probably, were my sentiments ; for he knew that Mr. Harris was a zealous Universalist. I made an appointment at the house of Mr. H., and Mr. Goodell and wife accompanied me there ; I had designed not to return, but proceed from thence on my journey. A good congregation were in at- tendance ; and, after meeting, many of them surrounded me, and pressed their solicitations with so much earnestness, that I con- sented to return back with Mr. G., and remain over the next Sab- bath. I did so, and a very numerous congregation came to- gether, my friend Goodell and wife among the number. They had had some Universalist preaching in that section of country, and there were some among them who were not ignorant of the doctrine, but quite able to defend it, and many others earnestly inquiring after truth. They made a small contribution to assist me on the way, and then separated, with apparently gratified feelings. Here I parted with my friend Goodell and his wife, who still maintained their usual kindness toward me, if they did not feel more sympathy for the doctrine which I taught than they had ever done before. The next morning, I again pursued m}' lonely journey to the west. I found my brother in Canajoharie, as I anticipated ; and ■although he and his wife were exceedingly gratified, and express- ed overmuch joy at my arrival, (it being tlie first family connec- tion wlio had visited them in their new home,) yet they had no iQclination to hear much about my doctrine, nor to have me preach in the place. They were Free-Will Baptists — my sister-in-law was a member of Elder Elliott's church, and my brother a con- stant attendant on his meetings, probably with an intention also of becoming a member. They had been informed that I had commenced preaching ; but my brother told me it would be use- less to appoint a meeting in that place, as no one thereabout would LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 115 willingly hear the doctrine. However, he was mistaken ; for on a subsequent visit I had a request to preach there, and did preach several discourses to very respectable congregations, for those times ; and I soon found some believers in the truth of the Great Salvation. On my second visit, some five or six weeks afterward, I had a short interview with his preacher, Elder Elliott. The Elder, hearing I was there, and fearful, no doubt, tliat 1 should corrupt the principles of my brother and his wife, and lead them astray, called purposely to give me battle. We held a pretty brisk conversation in the presence of my brother's wife, (he beino- absent,) probably for an hour; when the Elder, manifestly find- ing more difficulty in his way than he had anticipated, became extremely excited and impatient, and arose, walked rapidly across the floor a few times, then, turning on his heel, he addressed me in a stern, determined, and almost defiant manner, as follows : " Mr. Stacy ! I will tell you plainly, if there is not something more done for our salvation than Christ has done, or ever will do, we shall all be damned." I looked at him with some degree of surprise, no doubt ; for I was truly astonished to hear such a statement from an old preacher of the Gospel of Christ, as he professed to be, and merely replied ; " Well, Elder, if such be the fact, I am inclined to think it is a g07ie case with us all ; for if I mistake not, I have read in the Scriptures, that Christ is our only Savior ; that ' His own arm brought salvation ; and his own righteousness sustained him ; and of the people there was none with him;' that ' There is none other name given, uncjer heaven, among men, whereby we must be saved;' and that, 'By grace are ye saved, through faith ; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.' " The Elder seemed not inclined to say tiny more to nife, and soon took his leave. But it had a very salutary effect on my sister. She remarked, after he had retired, that she was very much surprised to see the Elder manifest so much passion, and hear him make so singular a remark. This led her to reflect upon the subject, and to examine it with more prayerful attention, in all probability, than any thing I could have said to her, under other circumstan- ces ; and it was not long before both she, and my brother also, became fully convinced of the truth of the doctrine, and lived and died rejoicing in the faith of Universal Salvation. But to return to the thread of my narrative. As before remarked, my brother said it would do no good to appoint a meeting, for nobody would hear. " Well," said 1, " if people do not wish to hear, I have no wish to hold them by the 116 MEMOIRS OF THE button, if I could ; and if they wish not to hear in this place, there are other places where they do ; and I am going to Sanger- field, to see if the people there are equally bigoted." I had sev- eral old acquaintances in Sangerfield, and one relative, a sister's son. My brother said, if I would wait a i'ew days, until he got his work in a state to leave, he would go with me. I did so, and we went together ; the distance being nearly fifty miles. I had not been in Sangerfield one hour, before I .was requested to give them a discourse. An appointment was consequently given out for a meeting in a little hamlet, called the Huddle, (now Water- ville,) for the next day. The doctrine was an entire new thing to a large majority "of the people in that country ; and curiosity, if nothing else, drew together as many people as could possibly be convened in a school-house. It was on the sixth day of June, 1805, that I delivered my first message in Western New York, as it was then denominated. Breathless and profound attention was given ; and I felt confident, from appearances, that some minds had discovered, at least, the glimmerings of a light they had never before seen. Some excitement was produced, and a good deal of conversation was elicited ; and before many of the congregation separated, they sent a deputation to me with a re- quest that I would preach next Sunday. To this I acceded, and told my brother that he might return home, and as soon as I could find opportunity I would make him a visit ; but I was satisfied the Lord had a work for me to do in this region, and I was re- solved to stay and perform it according to the best of my ability. To this he consented, with manifest reluctance. I was satisfied he would rather I did not preach at all. But I told him I should remain ; and as long as there was such an inclination to hear, I would proclatm the glad tidings of free salvation to all who would hear me. The next Sunday the congregation was very considerably en- larged ; such was the case generally, wherever the doctrine was first introduced. The name, Universalism, was a strange name for a religion. And the thought, that any mortal man should have the presumption to publicly declare, that all mankind would finally be saved, was astonishing ! and curiosity was on the tiptoe, to hear what could be said on such a theme. It was said, too, that they used a Bible, and had the temerity to attempt to pray! No wonder, then, that people should be very curious to witness such an anomaly, and see the Heaven-daring wretch, who should make such a mockery of sacred things ! For two or three dis- courses in any place, the congregations would be quite numerous. LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 117 But then their fears would begin to be excited, the prejudices ot their, religious education would operate, the alarm would be sounded by the clergy, and the congregation would suddenly drop down to not more than half-a-dozen frequently, and some- times entirely dwindle out. But, in most instances, some would get such a hold of the truth as to continue faithfiil, " through good, and through evil report ;" and then, by an untiring perse- verance, the cause would gradually, but permanently, grow. The people,"after recovering a little from their first alarm, would occasionally drop in again ; and, bye-and-bye, the congregation would increase to a respectable number of constant hearers, and permanent supporters. The congregation would be composed mostly of men ; very few women would dare venture in. I have frequently addressed quite a respectable congregation, for num- bers, and not a woman among thenrl. This, at first thought seems strange ; when we would suppose, from the natural b nevolence, kindness, sympathy, and tenderness of the femak heart, that the doctrine of the universal paternity and benevolence of the Divine character would exactly meet their desires, and be a most grateful revelation to the goodness of their natures. But they were more difficult than men to persuade to hear and examine the doctrine, and probably for the very reason of their superior benevolence. They had heard the doctrine, if they had ever heard it at all, distorted and misrepresented by the popular clergy — condemned as a delusion of the devil, and calculated to " lead souls, blindfold, down to hell !" Their early relgious ed^ ucation disposed them to place implicit confidence in the learn- ing, piety, and divine knowledge of the clergy ; whose decision was as infallible, in their estimation, as is that of the Pope among Papists. They, therefore, trembled at the prevalence of a doc- trine fraught with such woeful consequences to the human race, and felt conscientiously obligated to use all means, not only to avoid its snares, but to arrest its progress ; and that very benev- olence, so congenial with the doctrine of divine truth, and -which now leads almost every female of sound intellect to embrace it, and employ all means within her sphere of action to promulgate it among the sons of sorrow ; forbade them to give the least coun- tenance to it, or to those who were engaged in its extension, lest they should be accessory to the spread of a delusion which would endanger the eternal welfare of a single soul. This, and nothing else, I am satisfied, was the main reason of the shyness and op- position of females to the doctrine. For when once a woman did become acquainted with it, and believed, her joy, her courage. 118 MEMOIRS OF THE her zeal, and her faithfuhiess, exceeded greatly that of the other- sex. How could it be otherwise ? What could make a mother rejoice more? How could her maternal heart fail to swell with the most intense sensations of gratitude ? How could her tongue be silent, and not vibrate with the " high praises of God," when she could look around upon her offspring — those objects of her tenderest love and greatest solicitude, for whose salvation, if no other means would secure it, she Avould cheerfully relinquish the hopes of heaven for herself, and submit to endure eternal burn- ings — when she could look upon them with faith, a faith of as- surance founded upon the word of God, and a " hope, like an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast," and contemplate them as the heirs of an immortal inheritance, secured by the idll of their heavenly Father, and sealed by the precious blood of Christ ! Oh my soul, praise the Lord ! Before the congregation separated, they requested another Sunday's preaching ; and a request was made for a lecture irf the adjacent town of Brookfield. I consented to both, and gave the messenger from Brookfield an appointment for the next Thurs- day. Here an old gentleman from Hamilton, by the name of Murdock, met me, with a request for a meeting in his place ; and on the next Sunday, I had a call to go to another settlement in the town of Sangerfield, six miles from the village, and hold a meeting. To all these calls I gave a ready and cheerful as- sent, and received good attention at each place. I continued ta preach in these towns on Sundays, and lectured in different neighborhoods, for four or five weeks ; when 1 bethought me, it was about time to make my brother the promised visit, and inform him of my success in the great work Heaven had appointed for me ; for I verily thought I could discover manifest tokens of di- vme approbation, and a blessing actually attending my feeble efforts ; I had, moreover, received a request to visit the north part of the town of Otsego, and hold a meeting, which I could easily accomplish, as the place lay directly on my way. Leav- ing appointments to fill on my return, allowing myself to be ab- sent one Sunday, I started on my tour, called on my friend in Otsego, left with him an appointment for the next Sunday, and visited my brother in the intermediate time. I found my brother a little more favorable to the cause ; and he began to think it possible that a meeting might be acceptable to the people in that place. However, I had not time then, but told him he might feel round among the inhabitants j and when I canae again, S LIFE OF KEV. NATHANIEL STACY. 119 would hold a meeting, if they desired it. At that \unc, too, I hcifl the interview with Elder Elliott, before recorded. I returned to Otsego according to engagement ; and on Sun- day had a barn full of hearers. Oh, a barn is ajnost delightful place to hold a meeting ! I always remember, when 1 enter one on such an occasion, that a stable was the* birth-place of the Sa- vior of the world. After meeting, that day, Mr. Wooley carnc to see me. He had preached some ten miles off; but hearing of my appointment, had hurried through his services as fast as pos- sible, mounted his horse, and, soon after the close of my meeting, reached the place. I went with him to the town of Hartwick, his place of residence ; and where he had organized a small so- ciety ; which was then the only society of Universalists west of the Hudson river, if not the only society in the State of New York. • Mr. Wooley, Mr. Edvyin Ferris, and myself, were the only preachers of Universal Salvation then in the State of New York, except in the city ; and Mr. Ferris was scarcely known as such, at that time. He had united with the connection, and preached a few years in New England; but he had married, and some time in 1802, or 1803, removed into the town of Unadilla, Ot- sego county, purchased a lot of new land, and begun to work upon it. He had held some meetings in the vicinity, called himself a Christian preacher, (not a Christ-ian, for the sect was not known, at least not known in that section of country, at thai time,) but said little or nothing about his peculiar tenets. Mr. Wooley came to the State, I believe, in 1801, preached the doc- trine boldly in every place where he could lind access; and organized the society in this place, probably in the winter or spring of 1805. He introduced me to several members of his society, whom 1 found to be worthy and excellent people, and strong, and bold in the faith ; several of them were originally from the State of Rhode Island, and were made converts to the under the preaching of the venerable John Murray ; and before leaving them I agreed, by the request of Mr. Wooley and tl*e society, to preach with them the second Sunday in July. At this time, also, our Hartwick friends, with Mr. W. and myself, made arrangements to hold a general meeting of the friends of the cause — a conference, if you please — for mutual consultation upon measures for its advancement, as well as for religious worship; and the place agreed upon, as the most eligible, was Burlington, Otsego county ; and the time, the Wednesday after my meeting in Hartwick. The Presbyterians had erected a 120 WE3I0IRS OF THE meeting-house in Burlington, and we could have the use of it for ihe occasion, which would be a liberal accommodation, al- though the house was in an unfinished state ; and we had a few friends in the neighborhood, who would cheerfully supply our temporal necessities while among them. Letters were accord- ingly written to our m'ost influential friends scattered through 'the country; ar^ I\Ir. W. and myself would give all the notice we could, in our itinerations. I spoke to Mr. Wooley of Mr. Ferris. He had not seen him in this country — did not know where he lived, and seemed little inclined to hunt him up, or give him notice of our proposed meeting. I expressed my sur- prise — told Mr. W. that we surely all should be together on the occasion, there were so few of us in the country ; and ex- pressed my earnest desire that he should be notified, if possible, and attend the meeting at Burlington ; and I was at a loss to account for his indifference about it. Mr. Ferris and he had* formerly been acquainted, and they had had some misunder- standing. Mr. W. was a man of rather jealous temperament, as I afterward learned by experience ; and I had no inclination to renew acquaintance, or have him associate with us. I returned to my appointments in Hamilton, Sangerfield, and Brookfield, and gave as general notice of our meeting in Bur- lington as lay in my power. I also made arrangements for fur- ther labors. On the second Sunday in July T went to Hartwick, according to engagement ; delivered my message, and ascer- tained that no notice had been sent to Mr. Ferris ; nor could I find any person who could inform me where he^lived. Several persons had heard of such a man, and believed he lived some where on Butternut Creek, either in the town of Butternuts, or not far below. I told my friends I was resolved to find him, if he could be found, and to use all the influence I could exert to induce him to attend the meeting ; as we surely needed all the strength we could muster, to meet so formidable a host of oppo- sers as we anticipated. I had never seen Mr. F. ; but Ihad heard a good report of him at the east, where he had labored ; and I had enjoyed a very particular acquaintance with his bro- ther Walter, of whom I had a very exalted opinion both as a Christian and an able preacher of the Gospel. I therefore start- ed early on Monday morning, resolved to spend all the time 1 could spare between then and our meeting on Wednesday in seeking for him, if it v/ere necessary. Directing my course to the town of Butternuts, I made inquiry at every place where 1 thought information might be obtained ; but I could hear nothing LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 121 of him until T got near the south line of the town, and withia thr.ee miles of his residence ; there I found a man who knew him, and who informed me where he resided. I reached his dwelUng early in the afternoon. He was not within when I ar- rived ; but his wife directed me where I might find him. I in- troduced myself to him, told him my business, and he wept tears of joy. He had not seen a preacher, and but very few people, who could sympathize with him in faith, since he left New England. He had heard that Mr. Wooley was in the country; but I soon found that he had as little inclination to re- new acquaintance with Mr. Wooley, as Mr. Wooley had with him — their antipathy was mutual. However, he readily agreed to accompany me to the meeting ; and the next- day we rode to Burlington. Individuals from a great distance attended, and we made up a numerous and respectable congregation. Public worship was holden on Wednesday, and Mr. Ferris and Mr. Wooley delivered each a discour;^e. ^ A council was organized by appointing Mr. W. moderator, and Mr. Abel Gardner, (lay- man,) clerk ; and a number of resolutions were passed, the most important of which was, that it was expedient to organize an association in the State of New^ York. Consequently, delegates were elected to attend the next meeting of the Convention in New England, to present the doings of this meeting, and to ask the appointment of a committee from that body to meet with us on the first Wednesday and Thursday in June, 1806, and assist in the organization of an association ; and Mr. Wooley and my- self were appointed said delegates. There was a man at this meeting by the name of Fowler, who had been a Methodist preacher, but had become converted to the faith of Universalism, and for several years after this preached around in the country, more or less ; but his preaching did not prove very profitable ; and for reasons not necessary to name, he was never received into formal fellowship. Mr. Smith, in his " Historical Sketches," says, that this con- ference " was attended by two or more delegates from each of the respective societies," &;c. Here he labors under a trifling mistake. But one single society existed in all central and west- ern New York — the society in Hartwick. Preaching had not yet been introduced into Whitestown, and no organization had yet been attended to in the field of my special labor. The society in Hartwick attended nearly en mas^, and individuals promis-' cuously came in from all, or nearly tdl towns and places where preaching had been introduced. 122 MEMOIRS OF THE This meeting was attended with happy consequences. It dif- fused information abroad, both of the doctrine, and tlie state.of the cause. It encouraged our friends, by showing that we were resolved to maintain order, and persevere — that we were de. termined to permanently plant the standard of Universal Grace, and, by all the weapons of divine warfare Heaven had placed within our reach, to manfully defend it. It gave strength and stability to the doubtful, and encouragement to those seeking af- ter truth ; and, what proved equally as beneficial and advanta- geous to the cause — it alarmed sectarians and awakened upop- positon and discussion. From this time, and indeed from the commencement of our labors in the state of New York, but more especially after this meeting, which had a tendency to bring us more into public notice, we met with warm opposition from ev- ery quarter, from all Partialist denominations, and in every im- aginable form, except a fair one. Fe^V of the clergy would condescend to hold an argument with us. They seemed to think that the most successful way, at least the safest for them, would be to rail against the doctrine in their public discourses, to mis- represent it, to slander and abuse its advocates, and to treat us with the utmost contempt, as entirely beneath notice — to sneer, or frown us down ; but they would encourage their deluded and enthusiastic emissaries to attack and abuse us at every oppor- tunity. My most common practice was, at the close of my discourses, especially in new places, to give liberty for remarks, or inquiry ; and whether I did or not, I was most sure to meet with opposi- tion from some quarter. And not only did I meet opposers at public meetings ; but at almost every house where I chanced to call ; at the corners of the streets, and on the public highway. - It was a good thing for me ; it admonished me never to lay aside my panoply, but to keep the weapons of my warfare polished and bright. Among the most zealous and virulent of my oppo- sers, was an old gentleman by the name of Benjamin Morse, who resided in the town of Sangerfield. This man was, origi- nally, .from Connecticut ; a dissenter from the Presbyterian church, because it had not fire enough for his zeal. He was what they called a "new light ;" and as great a Pharisee as I ever met with. He sought me out, followed me from house to house, attacked me in the most abusive manner, and would de- nounce the most awful iniprecations upon my head. For a sea- son, I treated him with the deference and respect due to his age ; and several times had the success to cool down his holy wrath, LIFE OF REV. ^NATHANIEL STACY. 123 aud make liim ask pardon for abuse. But he would soon forget it. and, the next tune I met him, come again upon me like a liun- gry lion. At length I told him, 1 had hitherto treated him as a youth ought to treat a man of gray hairs, but I found it of m) use ; and I resolved, in future, to treat him in his own way — to "answer a fool according to his folly ;" and he must remember tiie old adage, " If you begin with children, you must take chil- dren's play." Shortly after this, while I yet made my home in Sangerfield, I had a call to attend the funeral of a child in Brook- field ; and Mr. Morse's house was situated on my way. On my arrival at the place of appointment, I saw Mr. M. in the congregation. Nothing, however, passed between us at the time ; but on my return, the next day, when I v/as in sight of his house, I saw the old gentleman walk deliberately from his door down to the road ; and when I came up, he stood leaning upon his fence. " Stop," he said, " I want to talk with you ; get oif and walk into the house." "I can not alight, Mr. M., I have an appointment a-head, and have little time to spare." " But I waiit to talk with you," he replied'. " Well, Mr. M., I will sit here and talk with you a very few minutes ; but I can not go into the house." " I was at your meeting yesterday," he said. " I saw you there," said I ; " and I was quite surprised to see you in such an unhallowed congregation." " T did not know who was going to preach, until I got there." " Well, sir, you were not obliged to stay, after you found out ; the same road that you came w^as open for your return." " Oh, I was not afraid of you hurting me ; but your doctrine is false — it's a damnable heresy." " How do you know that, Mr. M.?" "Be- cause the Bible says, ' He that believeth shall be saved, and he tliat believeth not shall he damned.' " " Are you a believer, Mr. M., according to the import of those words'?" "Yes, thank God, I am." "Your words prove nothing to me, Mr. M. ; if you are a believer, you can prove it by something more con- vincing than mere assertion. Can you exhibit the signs which follow the believer?" "Why, what are they?" "Do you not know sir ? An old man, whose hairs have blossomed for tiie grave — one who has long made high and loud professions of discipleship to the Great Teacher, and who can anathematize with so much assurance every one who has the temerity to dis- sent from his creed, — and not know what conspicuous signs our Savior said should follow those who believed !" The old gen- .tleman, with a lowered voice, said, "I do not now recollect.'^ " Well," I replied, " 'these signs shall follow them that believe ; 124 MEMOIRS OF THE in my name shall they cast out devils ; they shall speak with new tongues ; they shall take up serpents ; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them ; they shall lay their hands on the sick, and they shall recover.' Can you do these things, Mr. M. ?" The old gentleman's countenance changed at once ; he dropped his head, and looked confounded ; and merely replied, "I never tried." "Well, now is your time to try, Mr. M. I will produce a sick person for you to heal, and deadly poison for you to drink ; and if the sick recover by the laying on of your hands, and the poison does not injure you, I will then acknowledge you are a believer ; otherwise, I shall take the liberty of pronouncing you an old impostor, and a hyp- ocrite ; and most solemly warn you never again to call yourself a believer." The old gentleman was so completely confounded, he could not reply. He had never had any just conception of the meaning of the passage ; indeed, he did not seem to know that the words I quoted were connected with the words he had repeated. He hemmed, and stammered, and changed color; but at length, looking at me, stammered out, " Are you a be- liever ?" " 1 have never told you that I was, Mr. M." Then, turn- ing on his heel, he cried out, " Physician heal thyself," and left me. I was encouraged to hope, now, that I had so completely stopped his mouth, that he would no more assail me ; for there was no use in trying to reason with him ; and all he seemed to know of the Scriptures was a few detached passages, which Partialists had converted into cant phrases to sling at Univer- salists : but I was mistaken. He repeatedly assailed me after that ; and soon after I was married, and fixed my residence in Brookfield, he took occasion to call on my wife, (who was not then a believer,) in my absence, and warned her against the doctrine ; and he went so far as to advise her to leave me, and no longer endanger her salvation by living with such a heretic ? I had heard a story about the old gentleman ; and some of my friends told me, if I would tell him of it, he would quit me, and never again trouble me. It was not long before the old man called again, and I happened to be at home ; when he soon be- gan his abuse. 1 said to him " Mr. Morse, I feel it my duty to ask you a few serious questions, and beg you will give me can- did replies. I am sorry to be under the necessity, but duty im- pels me. " I am ready," he said, "to answer any question that you are disposed to ask, that I am able to answer." "Well, sir, you can answer them perfectly easy, if you feel disposed to • do so." [Here I must inform the reader, that the old gentleman was LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 125 a shoemaker by trade ; and also, that he had been telling me some stories about Michael Coffin, who was once a Universalist preacher, but who had been expelled from the connection years before that time.] " The first question I wish to propose, Mr. M., is, how long* is it since you experienced religion, and have squared your conduct by the holy precepts of the Gospel?" " Ever since I was sixteen years old — thank God," he replied. " How long is it, Mr. M., since you made a pair of birch-bark shoes for a man, instead of leather ; and obliged him to take them because the obligation did not say leather shoes .^" The old gentleman started from his seat, evidently in a violent pas- sion, and walked rapidly across the floor, and, in quite an art- gry tone, cried out, '' I don't know any thing about birch-bark shoes." "I don't know that you do, Mr. M. — don't get mad." " If you say I ever made a pair of birch-bark shoes for any man, you shall prove it." " I have not said so, Mr. M ; I mere- ly asked you a question — don't be offended. But supposing you did so, which would be the worst, think you, in the sight of God, to do as you say Coffin did, or to cheat a man out of his just dues?" The old gentleman turned toward me with his fist doubled, and said, "If you say I have cheated a man out of h's just dues, you shall prove it." "I have not said so, Mr. M.;— why are you so olTended ? But we should do well to remember the old adage, ' Those who live in glass houses, should be care- ful how they throw stones.'" T'heold gentleman discovered he could not frighten me, and soon left ; and' as my friends pre- dicted, it entirely broke up his haunt — he never afterwarfis molested me. But every imaginable means was resorted to in order to si- lence, and put me down, and stop the progress of the doctrine — arguments, threats, ridicule, and even flattery ! Some said, " Such a fellow ought not to be suffered to go at large. The law ought to make provision to arrest and confine such disturb- ers of the public peace." Children were indulged, or perhaps taught, to insult me in the streets, by throwing sticks, and cry- ing out, " There goes a Universalist preacher ! — Halloa, you, Universalist preacher !" One man came to me, a man in good standing in society, and a member of the Congregationalist church, and in a wonderfully complaisant manner complimented me on my happy talent for public speaking ; and said, that a number of the brethren had heard me preach, and were highly pleased with my manner ; and if I could only consent to preach the doctrine they believed, as they were now destitute of a 126 MEMOIRS OF THE preacher, I would give great satisfaction, and command almost any salary I would name. I looked at him with indignation ; for I saw more of the devil in him than I had seen in any one before, and rebuked him sharply — told him, if he supposed I was preaching to please people, or for the sake of salary, he was greatly deceived in his man — that his threats, his sneers and his flatteries, were equally despicable in my view; and he would find them as unavailing to turn me from my course, as his arguments were to refute the doctrine I preached. I would answer him in the language of the inspired Peter — " Whether it be right in the sight of God, to barken unto you more than un- to God^judge ye." The man left me, rebuked, and evidently ashamed. 1 had repeated invitations to call at the houses of opposers, and discourse with them ; and being desirous of improving ev- ery means in my power to advance the cause of Divine truth, 1 accepted .such invitations as often as possible, whenever I thought I should not be abused beyond endurance. A Mr. B — t, an in- fluential member of the Presbyterian chiirch in Sangerfield, had several times manifested a great desire for a conversation, and very earnestly requested me to make him a visit. He wanted a long conversation — he had a great regard for me, and verily thought he could show me the error of my way so clear- iv, that I would forsake it. Pie had a great many passages of Scripture he wanted to read, which he thought 1 could not re- concile with the doctrine of Universalism. He wanted, at least, half a day's conversation, &c. &c. My friends said he would treat me civilly, and several of them would accompany me ; I ao-reed therefore to make him an afternoon visit ; and the time was appointed. The day arrived, and I went in company with some five or six who were desirous of hearing the discourse ; and we found as many, or more, of his special friends already assembled, and among them the before,- mentioned Benjamin Morse, who was father-in-law to Mr. B — t; making quite a re- spectable congregation of hearers, for those days, and that place. We were received very civilly ; and Mr. B — t soon got his Bi- ble, which he had prepared for the occasion by turning down a vast number of leaves. The first passage he introduced wa.s the parable of the rich man and Lazarus ; and was very an- xious to know, how I could reconcile that passage with the doe- trine of Universal Salvation ? After a few remarks, in which I succeeded in showing him it was a parable, or a figurative pas- sage, I observed, " We must seek a solution of it, as well as of life' of rev. NATHANIEL STACY. 127 ail Other figurativo passages, by carefully examining the con- text, in all its bearings ; as well as parallel texts." He still lield the Bible in his hand — •! had none in mine : " Now, sir," I said, " we will examine the context, and see how the Savior in- troduces the parable, and what his leading discourse was about. Please to look after me, and see whether I repeat right ;" and I began, " ' The law and the prophets were until John ; since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it ; and it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Whosoever putteth away his wife, and uiarrieth another, comraitteth adultery ; and whosoever marrieth H her that is put away from her husband, committetli adultery' — • Do I read right, sir?" The man raised not his eyes, but changed color, looked confused, and after a long pause, drawling- ly answered, " Y-e-s." I was surprised at his manner ; and on looking around, observed his wife's face blood-red, and nearly every one in the room with the muscles of their faces disturbed, evidently with suppressed laughter. What, in the name of reason, (thought I,) does all this mean ? I felt confused, and hurt; and looked round on the company disapprovingly, and then proceeded with my reading, and exposition of the parable. Mr. B — t made no objection to the exposition ; but seemed quite satisfied with it. Nor did he once attempt to dispute my inter- pretation of any one of the numerous passages he introduced, nor offer an argument against my doctrine ; but seemed to listen attentively to all I said ; though I could not help observing that he appeared somewhat embarrassed, and conducted quite differ- ently, all the afternoon, from what I anticipated ; nevertheless, he treated me kindly ; and we parted in a friendly manner^ On my way to a friend's house, where I was going to stop for the night, he said, " Why, you gave Mr. B — t a most tremen- dous shot." "I crave Mr. B — -t a shot! How — what do you mean, sir?" "Why, don't you know?" "Certainly not — [ had no design to injure his feelings; and if I gave him a shot, as you say, I am totally ignorant how." "But, do you not know his situation?" " No ; I am acquainted with no peculiar- ities of his circumstances." " Why did you stop, then, in that particular spot in the parable, and ask him if you read right ?" " Because 1 wanted to fix his attention closely on the subject ; and I was then going to enter on the parable he had introduced for examination." "Well, everybody in the house supposed you knew he was the identical character there spoken of, and that you did it intentionally, because of that ; they supposed 128 MEMOIRS OF THE that you knew he was living with a second wife, his first wife being yet alive. He is the man who has put away his ivife^ and married another.'''' "Well," I replied, "this was not dreamed of by me. Surely the bow was drawn at a venture ; and if he was hit, the Lord directed the arrow ; and I hope it may prove a salutary wound." Mr. B — t had been vociferous in his con- demnation of Universalism on account of its licentious tendency ; but I heard no more from him after this — he was peaceable as a lamb. After I had delivered two or three discourses in Hamilton, in the neighborhood called Colchester, or rather Graham's Corners, it began, as usual, to produce some excitement, and stir up op- position. They had a settled Presbyterian clergyman, an aged man, by the name of Knapp, who held his meetings at the centre of the town, about three miles from the place of my meetings. Several of his hearers had attended my discourses, and become favorably impressed with the doctrine advanced. The old gen- tleman became alarmed, and told them, if they would get me to deliver a discourse in a certain school-house, near the centre of he town, he would attend the meeting and refute the doctrine in iheir presence. Poor man ! he little knew what the doctrine was, as he afterwards found out. 1 was requested to make the appointment ; which I accordingly did, without being informed of Mr. K.'s engagement. On the appointed day, I repaired to the house of a friend, near the place of appointment, to put out my horse, when he informed me that it was quite probable Mr. Knapp would attend meeting ; and asked me, if 1 should feel intimidated if he were among my hearers ? I replied, I thought not — I had no fears from the opposers of the doctrine, but really desired that all such would attend, and examine for themselves. He did not tell me, however, that Mr. K. had engaged to attend, for the express purpose of argument, nor hint that he had any such object in view. I requested the gentleman, however, if Mr. K. did come in,' to introduce him to me ; as I always wished to treat a clergyman with the respect due to his profession. Soon the people assembled, and filled the house to excess. The exer- cise was delayed for a season with the expectation of Mr. K's arrival ; but as 1 heard nothing of him, and the people began to manifest some uneasiness, I arose and opened the meeting. At the close of prayer, an old gentlemen who stood near me pointed out Mr. K. He had come in during prayer, and taken his seat near the centre of the house. On being informed who he was, I called him by name, and invited him to a seat by my side ; LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 129 this he declined, however, and I proceeded with my services. I took for a text, 2 Luke 10 : 4, and labored with all my powers to show the listening congregation the nature of those good tidings which the angel published to the shepherds, the cer- tainty of their universal publication, and the salvation which would surely be produced thereby. The whole congregation, (and many of Mr. K.'s hearers were among the number,) gave profound attention. As soon as the text was named, Mr. K. took out his Bible, and was very busy with it through the whole of the discourse. I supposed he was looking up my proof-texts, and watching to see if 1 did not mutilate the word of God ; and to favor him as much as possible, I would quote book, chapter, and verse, as accurately as my memory would serve. The ser- vices closed — the confrreiyation were dismissed, but not a soul moved — the house was as still as the chamber of death — the people looking toward each other, and then toward Mr. K.; and for several minutes this, to me, strange scene continued. I felt surprised at this unusual circumstance, but concluded to wait the event with equal silence. At length, probably to break the wearisome spell, some individual called for a contribution. Mr. K. then spoke — " Yes," he said, " there will be opportunity for those who wish to contribute ; but before it is taken, I wish the privilege of making a few remarks." The congregation, as with one consent, took their seats, and Mr. K. proceeded : " The young man has said a great deal ; and much that he has said is true. His exhortation is good, and I could wish we might all profit by it. But this doctrine of Universal Salvation is not true ; for in view of that, I desire to know what he, or any one else, can do with the passages of Scripture that I shall now read." I then learned the use the old gentleman had been making of his Bible. 1 had noticed he had turned down a number of leaves ; and he now turned them up, in succession, and commented as he read, beginning with Mai. 4 : 1. " For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven," and proceeding through many of the parables in the Evangelists, he closed with his comment on the twentieth chapter of Revelations. He spoke nearly as long as I had, and the most profound attention was given him. When he closed, I arose, and, addressing myself to Mr. K., thanked him, most sin- cerely, for his attendance, and for his faithfulness. I remarked, it was not often that I found such a manifestation of faithfulness ; for, in most cases, those who were placed as shepherds of the flock would flee when they saw the supposed wolf coming, and ensconcing themselves behind the impregnable bulwark of their I 130 MEMOIRS OF THE own pulpits, entirely out of his reach, would there growl their disapprobation, and thunder anathemas upon his head. But he, as a faithful guardian and guide of the people of his charge, had come to meet the enemy, and arrest, in its infancy, the error to which he supposed them exposed. I felt grateful, too, on another account. He had afforded me an opportunity to answer his ob- jections in the audience of the people ; and thus, I hoped and trusted to advance the cause of divine truth. I then took up the . texts in the order he had read them, (for he had not read a single passage which was not perfectly fimiliar in my memory,) and gave my opinion on them ; and probably occupied about as much timer as he had, in his comments; the people, all the while, lis- tened with breathless attention — such was the excitement to hear the discussion. But there was evidently some alarm felt by some of Mr. K.'s church. I had scarcely closed my comment on the last passage, introduced by Mr. K., when some person cried out in an agitated tone to me, " What's become of Judas f I an- swered suddenly, " He has gone to his own place." " Where's that?" he inquired. Another answered, before J had time to speak, "To hell, Christ says." I responded, "He does not say a word like that." " He does," was the quick reply. I askeJ, " Please, sir, show me the place in the Bible where Christ say- that hell is Judas' place ?" He replied, " Christ called him a devil, and hell is the place for devils." I further inquired, " Do you believe, sir, that the old serpent, which is the devil and sa- tan, are one and the same character?" "Yes," he answered. Then I asked, " Well, sir, what has become of Peter?" -"I don't know," said he. 1 replied, " Our Savior said to Peter, ' Get thee behind me, satan ; thou art an offense unto me.' Now if Judas has gone to hell because he was a devil, Peter must also have gone there, because he was a satan ; and we lose two of Christ's disciples. What shall we do in such a case, sir?" By this time silence prevailed again — no reply was made. I then took up the case of Judas, and spoke pretty freely ; for God gave me great freedom of utterance. After 1 had closed, I waited a few moments for some response ; but none was made. 1 then addressed Mr. K., as follows : " We have kept the people here a. long while, and they have surely manifested a great share of patience. Much has been said on both sides of the question, but. the argument has not been brought to a crisis. Probably the people have not yet been able to discover where the truth lies. Now, if you will answer me two or three plain questions, we will at once let this waiting and patient congregation see whei'e the LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 131 truth is, without detaining them many minutes longer." " I am willing," he said, very pleasantly, "to answer any^question I am able to answer." "Well, sir, the questions shall be plain, such as you can easily answer, and such as will admit of a direct an- swer. Do you believe, sir, that it is the will of God that all men should be saved?" He replied, " It is the will of God, that all who accept of the overtures of mercy, who close in with the offers of salvation, who repent and believe the Gospel, should be saved." 1 rejoined, " Mr. K., will you have the goodness to answer my questions directly ? and then you can make as many remarks as you please, afterwards. Do you believe that it is God's ?^///that all mankind should be saved ? I do not ask you if they will be saved, but whether or not you believe it is God's will to save them?" He spoke a second time in a very similar manner, wholly evading an answer to the question. I then said, " Mr. K., I must confess that I am such a blunder-head, I do not un- derstand which you mean, yes or no; have the goodness to tell me ? — I simply ask for your belief; and you can certainly tell m.e what you believe about it, if you please. Do you be- lieve it is the will oi God, that all men should be saved, or not ?" He now began to grow a little petulent, and answered rather peevishly, " It is God's will to save as many as he pleases." " Mr. K.," said I, " if you are unwilling to answer the question, please to say so, and I will dispense with this, and ask another ; but, if you are willing to answer the question, I wish you would, so that I, and these people, can understand you. Do you believe, that it is the will of God, that all men should be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth ?" The old gentleman now felt quite excited, and replied in an angry tone, "I'll answer you when I please — and I sha'nt before." " Very well, Mr. K.,"I replied, " this is all the answer I need ; for you know, sir, that you can not answer it, either in the affirmative or negative, and maintain your doctrine. You know, sir, that, if you answer it in the affirmative, you have already acknowledged the sove- reignty of God — that ' He worketh all things after the counsel of his own will ;' and if you answer in the negative, you know, sir, that you flatly contradict the word of God, which says, ^ God, our Savior, will have all men to be saved, and come unto the knowledge of the truth ;' therefore, go which way you will, sir, you are down." While I was speaking, the old gentleman arose and took his hat ; and, as I closed my remarks, he turned to me and said, " I am very sorry, that a young man of such talents — so capable of doing good in the world as you are, should embrace 132 MEMOIRS OF THE such an error, and so fatally deceive the people ;" and, without giving me a chance to reply, he shot out of the door with all the nimbleness of youth. Thus ended the controversy — thus con- cluded this threatened overthrow and remediless explosion, that the doctrine of God's Universal Grace, in the hands of an illit- erate stripling, was to receive from an aged and learned Ortho- dox divine. It was astonishing to witness the visible manifesta- tion of feelings among the ditierent individuals composing the congregation. Mr. Knapp's special friends, (for many of his church were in attendance, to witness the overthrow of Univer- salism,) immediately followed his example; and left the house with disappointment, mortification, and chagrin imprinted deeply upon their countenances, muttering their dissatisfaction blended with anathemas on my poor head ; while the faces of another part of the congregation brightened up with a smile of hope, that the impervious cloud which had hitherto obscured their prospects was beginning to vanish, before the light of a truth that they had never before seen. The hat was then passed round, and a liberal contribution taken up. It was the first I had received since I crossed the Hudson river. It was curious, indeed, to' witness the different views and feelings which agitated the minds of different individuals ; and frequently not a little perplexing and vexatious to listen to their remarks, and meet their questions. As I have before had occasion to remark, curiosity, for a short season, drew together quite a numerous congregation in almost every place where appointments were first made ; and they were truly mixed congregations — people of every faith and no faith, grave and frivolous, sober and intemperate, civil and profane — all as- sembled together to see a being that could hardly be considered as belonging to the human species, a Universalist ! And to hear what strange, what marvelous, and incredible stories he had to tell. Some thought all my professed faith a mere hoax ; that my proceedings were mere matter of sport ; that I was only trying to see how I could vex and discomfit the Orthodox ; and to them it was a scene of hilarity. Others supposed me mad — that I was a pitiable maniac, and knew nothing what I said, nor considered the consequences of my conduct ; while others considered me honest and sincere in my profession, but woefully deluded, and mourned sincerely over my fate, and the fate of those who were deceived by my arguments. — Some, strange as it may seem, although they knew that I re- ceived little or nothing for my services, believed or pretended LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 133 to believe me hypocritical, and that I was trying to deceive others for gain ! But a few, among the many, were able to discover some glimpses of the divine light, which led them to follow on, until they reached the desirable goal of a well- grounded hope. Among the first class named, was a man with whom I tarried after my casual discussion with the Rev. Mr. Knapp. He was educated in the Baptist school — his parents were Baptists ; but he had paid no attention to the subject of religion. He thought, no doubt, that the Baptists were right, if there were any truth in religion ; but to him it was all a matter of indifference. He had heard of my meeting, and he attended ; and it was a source of great hilarity. He felt won- derfully pleased with my success in the discussion with Mr. K., and invited me home with him. And the conversation that we had, my apparent sincerity, &c., led him to think it possible that I was sincere, notwithstanding it seemed very strange to him ; and the next morning, while going to a pasture together to catch my horse, he looked at me with great earnestness and said, "^Mr. Stacy, do you really believe the doctrine that you preach ?" I was amazed. I replied, "Why, Mr. D., what, in the name of reason, do you suppose would tempt me to preach — solemnly to preach, in the name of religion, a doctrine I do not heartily believe ? What could induce me to expose myself to the scorn and derision of the popular world — to sacrifice every earthly consideration, and receive, most certainly, the hatred and malice of the bigoted and superstitious, and all the persecution they are able to inflict, without the most distant hope of temporal gain or emolument ! Is it possible, sir, that you, or any other man, can suppose me insincere ?" My re- ply seemed to strike him with much force. He began to look serious and thoughtful ; and, as he has repeatedly said since, (for he has often referred to the circumstance,) it made him feel ashamed. But he did not absent himself from my meetings; he attended every opportunity. The light soon began to beam upon his understanding, and effect a visible reformation ; and he faithfully persevered until he obtained a hope, which has been "an anchor to-his soul," through all the labors and trials of life; which has borne him up and consoled him amid the most trying bereavements, in the death of a beloved and very promising son, under circumstances the most afflicting, just as he was entering upon the stage of manhood ; and more recently, the amiable companion of his youth. Under all these afflictions he has never doubted, but has found an abundant source of 134 MEMOIRS OF THE consolation in a well-established faith in the Gospel of Univer- sal Grace, and a permanent support upon a well-grounded hope of a glorious immortality for the whole Adamic family ; and his head is now blossoming for the grave, while he is peacefully and cheerfully awaiting his entrance into that blessed mansion, where his beloved ones have entered before him. In a very short time after the interview with Rev. Mr. Knapp, I had a request to make an appointment, in what was called Paine's Settlement, now Hamilton village. This was then the most populous part of the town ; and the Baptist sect predomina- ted. They had, for those times, a pretty numerous and wealthy community, and had built them a very good meeting-house ; into this, however, I was not permitted to enter ; and, indeed, some vigorous measures were taken to prevent the spread of my per- nicious doctrine among them. A meeting of the church was called, as 1 was informed, for consultation ; and they came to the conclusion that themost advisable course would be, to have some of their most able members attend, and give battle to the deceiver on the spot. And, as their settled preacher, Elder Hos- mer, was under the necessity of being absent, (or, as some shrewd- ly suspected, was disposed to be absent,) it was agreed th^t 'Judge Paine, one of the deacons of the church, and one of their most zealous and talented members, should attend and oppose me. All this arrangement, however, was carefully concealed from me, and my friends, until after the event. The only place that could be obtained for my meeting was a ball-room, in a public-house. The room was quite large, but at an early hour was literally filled ; and profound attention was given to the new and strange doctrine. I delivered a discourse from 1 John, 4 : 8. My general practice was, to give liberty for remarks, or questions, at.the close of a discourse, and wait a reasonable time for those who wished to speak, before dismiss- ing the congregation ; but as no one manifested a disposition to speak at this time, I waited but a few minutes, then dismissed the congrep-ation, and retired to the sittino-.room below. I had been seated, however, not five minutes, when a friend came to me and said, "You must go back again, for Judge Paine is tearing your sermon all to pieces." I arose and followed him ; and Mhen we entered the chamber. Judge Paine was standing nearly in the centre of the room, harangueing the people, very few of whom had left, in a very loud and earnest manner, and warning them in a most solemn tone to beware of the doctrine they had beerii hearing — ^it was damnable heresy,' and would lull them into car- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 135 nal security, and lead them down to perdition ! The divine law was out against the sinner — he had broken the law of God — it was infinite transgression — the penalty of the law was infinite, and its threatenings endless punishment ; &c. The people were standing closely round the Judge ; and, being like Zaccheus, short in stature, I could not see him ; I therefore stepped upon a bench where I could have a fair view of him, and listen more understandingly to his discourse. I had been in this position but a moment before his eye caught me ; and, in an instant, his voice faltered — he lost sight of his subject — was evidently much em- barrassed, and began to stammer. To relieve him from his un- pleasant predicament, I said, " When you have finished your re- marks. Judge, I should like to ask you two or. three questions." "Well," he replied, "I don't know but I am through now." " Well, sir, do you expect salvation by the deeds of the law ?" He replied, " No." " Then, sir, what does all your discourse amount to'?" "1 should like to ask you a question," he said. "Well, sir, I am r^-ady to hear it." He proceeded, "You have been endeavoring to prove to us, that God loves all the works of his hands, have you not ?" " Yes, sir." " Well, the question I wish to propose is, does God love the devil ?" "It is truly a singular question, sir, but I am prepared to ansv/er it directly : if the devil be a creature of God, he loves him ; for 'God is love,' and he loves all that he has made; he can not hate. As the author of Wisdom says, ' Thou lovest all the things that are, and abhorrest nothing that thou hast made ; for never wouldst thou have made any thing, if thou hadst hated it.' But it is not so much my purpose to speak of the origin of the devil, as his end." " His end !" he repeated, " you do not believe the devil will have an end, do you?" "Yes, certainly, sir; don't you?" "No, I don't." " Do you believe the Bible, sir ?" " Yes." " Will you believe the devil will be destroyed, if I will prove it by the ex- press words of the Bible?" "Yes, to be sure I will ; but that you can't do." " Listen then, sir, (I quote Hebrews 2: 14.) ' Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that hath the power of death, tliat is, the devil ;^ and not only so, but we are assured that he will de- stroy all his works ; for John says, ' For this cause was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy iheiuorks of the devil.'^^ By the time I had finished these quotations, the Judge had got his hand on the handle of the door. " Stop, Judge," said I, "do not go yet ; hear me a little further, if you please ; I have a num. 136 MEMOIRS OF THE ber more passages to the point, I wish to quote.'' "It will do no good," said he, " for you and I to talk any more."' '• But please answer me one question, at least, before you go. Do you believe the devil will be destroyed V " No," he replied. " I was afraid, sir, you did not believe the Bible, by your previous conversation." By the time I had finislied the last remark, the Judge had shut the door after himself pretty hard. These brief, casual controversies had a very favorable effect. They produced a degree of excitement, were subjects of conver- sation among the people in their private circles, and increased a desire to hear, and an inclination to investigate. The people ]3egan to discover that the arguments of their spiritual leaders, were not so pungent and powerful, in support of their theories, as they had supposed them to be, when opposed by an illiterate stripling. Individuals who had been habitually taught to pay superior reverence to the clergy, and to the leaders of the church, and to receive their ipse dixit on spiritual things as divine oracles and the end of all controversy, began to assume the unwelcome boldness to ask questions, and to criticise their answers ; and to indulge sometimes in witty and humorous remarks. I must be permitted, in illustration, to relate a short anecdote. There was a young gentleman, an attorney-at-law, who had set up in his profession in the village, and boarded with Judge Paine. He, among others, came to hear the new doctrine pro- claimed, and was a hearer of the discourse between the Judge and myself. On the following morning, while at breakfast, the young attorney addressed the Judge, in a very serious manner, and said, " Why, Judge, the}' are circulating very bad stories about you, which I am sorry to hear." The Judge, with much surprise, replied, "Circulating bad stories about me! What in the world are they ?" " Why," replied the lawyer, " the report is very currently passing the round, that you have become a deist !" " That I have become a deist !" replied the Judge, "why, this appears to be one of the last things that could have been thoughtiof about me ! what in the world could it have origi- nated from ?" " Why," replied the lawyer, with a shrewd look, " they say, that you denied the Bible, yesterday." This was sufficient — the Judge now understood him — dropped his head, and said no more. Nor did he ever after that, 1 believe, attempt to hold an argument with the most feeble advocate of Universal- ism. I afterward enjoyed a long and friendly acquaintance with him, though I do not recollect seeing him again at my meeting. Many years after, when in conversation with a gentleman in LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 137 regard to the different denominations in the town, the Judge re- marked, " We have to lament, that the Universalist society in this town, comprises men of the brightest talents, of the greatest respectability, and moral worth, of any we have among us." About this time, two gentlemen, Col. Cleveland and Dr. A. B. Sizer, from the third township, (now Madison,) attended my meeting in Hamilton, and requested an appointment for their place. I had now found labor enough to perform in the vine- yard of Christ ; and I had zeal enough to drive me ahead with ^all my might ; and, blessed be God, I had health and strength to do much, in my own way. I allowed them to give out the appointment; they did so, and had sufficient influence to get the use of the Baptist meeting-house, at what was called the Indian Opening ; not a solitary building then stood where the flourish- ing village of Madison has since grown up. This meeting- house was owned by a Close-communion Baptist congregation, and Elder Salmon Morton, a rigid Calvinist, and a violent and obstinate polemic, was their preacher. Elder Morton was alarmed, and came forth in a high state of perspiration, with his coat on his arm, to make an attack. It was on tlie 19th of July ; but he did not enter the house until after services had commenced ; and consequently, I had no in- troduction to him, till after meeting. I delivered my message, and the Elder then arose and merely notified the congregation that he would deliver a discourse from the same text on the next Sabbath. I descended from the desk, was introduced to the El- der ; and we walked together to the house of Dr. Sizer, in com- pany with a number of other gentlemen, where we held a long, and somewhat spirited conversation. I was sitting on one side of the room, and the Elder on the opposite side, in prett}'' earnest conversation, while a death-like silence was observed by our auditors ; when the Elder suddenly arose and stepped toward me with his fist doubled. As he came toward me, I in- voluntarily arose ; for what purpose I knew not, for I neither felt anger nor fear ; but an individual whose position was near- ly between us, said, "Elder Morton, don't get mad." The Ei- der stopped, as suddenly as he arose, and very pleasantly said, *' I am thinking of the passage which says, ' Be ye angry, and sin not;' " and, with a smile, turned and again took his chair. This produced quite a laugh in the assembly ; and we soon closed our debate, and parted quite amicably. But the Elder could not withhold his rage against the doctrine of Universal grace. It destroyed all his ambitious hopes of ex- 138 MEMOIRS OF THE ultation over his fallen enemies, all the exquisite pleasure he anticipated in beholding their endless writhings in the agonies of unquenchable fire of hell, all the delightful music of the hope- less groans of damned spirits I He inveighed against it in every discourse, and in every place, with all the bitterness of his Christian (?) soul; and his common appellation for it was " Sta- cy's doctrine." His bitterness, and his obstinacy may be illus- trated, by a brief anecdote. He had been preaching one day, with all his eloquence against Stacy, and Stacy's doctrine, and most solemnly warning the people against giving it the least countenance ; and at the close gave liberty for remarks, exhort- ations, &c. An individual arose and requested the privilege of asking the Elder one question. He remarked, it was rather an odd question ; but he wanted the Elder should allow him the privilege. Leave was granted, and he proceeded — " You have said a great deal to day, against Stacy's doctrine ; now. Elder, if you should hear a voice from heaven, and know it to be the voice of God, which should tell you that Stacy's doctrine was true, and vours false, would you believe it ?" " No !" said the Elder. Shortly after this, Elder Morton requested my friends in Mad- ison to invite me to hold a meeting with him, and preach each a discourse from the same text. They informed me of it ; and, in passing the Elder's house, not many days afterwards, I called on him, informed him of what I had heard, and asked him if it was correct ? He said it was — he wished to have such a meeting. A\ ell, I said, it will be quite agreeable to me ; and you may choose the text and preach first, or I will choose the text and de- liver the first discourse, as shall best accommodate your feelings. '• Oh," he said, " I wish to choose the text." Very well, you will then deliver the first discourse, and give me the privilege of closing. Well — he would do that ; and named the text. (Mark 3:19.) I told him, I liked the text well ; and we agreed on a time and place for the meeting. It was to be holden on Wednes- day, 13th November, and at the Presbyterian meeting-house, in Madison, if that could be obtained. The reason of its being put off" so long was, the Elder wished for sufficient time to give very general notice ; for he anticipated giving Universalism its death blow ; and I had to make a journey to New England, in Septem- ber, to attend the General Convention ; so the meeting was ne- cessarily deferred until after my return. A gentleman from Whitestown, attended meeting one Sunday, in Hamilton, and made a very earnest request for an appoint- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 130 ment in the town of his residence ; assuring me, that he could procure a large congregation ; among whom I would find quite a number of respectable and influential gentlemen, already well established in the faith. I gave him an appointment, and ac- cordingly, on the 20th of August, 1805, delivered my first mes- sage in that town. No meeting-house could be procured, and no school-house could hold the congregation that assembled. We were, therefore, compelled to occupy a barn ; and it was literally filled. As my friend had informed me, there was a much larger number than I had ever found before in any one place, in this country, who had already embraced the true Gos- pel ; and many more, who were seriously disposed to inquire. They manifested a strong desire to have stated preaching ; and immediately adopted measures for it, by circulating a subscrip- tion paper for its support. I left with tliem another appointment ; and on my second visit they organized a society, which, if my memory will serve me, consisted of between thirty and forty male members ; all, I think, heads of families. This was the second society organized in Central New York. But the mem- hers were widely scattered over a large territory, comprising the • towns of Whitestown, Westmorelan'd, Clinton, New Hartford, Utica, Paris, Deerfield, and Litchfield, Avhere now exist a num- - her of societies, and where no less than five Universalist meet- ing-houses have since been erected. It was certainly a source of amusement, if not of instruction, to witness the varied feelings manifested by different individuals composing a congregation, on the introduction of the doctrine into any place ; to mark the effect of educational prejudices, and the fears of any innovation upon their religious creeds and practices. In Whitestown, as in alm.ost all other places, the first congregation was composed of all classes and all kinds of peo- ple, and of all religious denominations ; and among them was an old sedate professor of the Presbyterian faith, by the name of Poly carp us Smith. After the close of meeting, a brother-in-law of his, a Mr. Dewey, addressed him among a number of by- standers in a familiar manner. "Well, uncle Carp., what dp you think of such preaching as this ?" " What do I think ?" said the old gentleman, " Why, it beats all ! I never heard such a sermon before, in all my life — I never heard so much Bible in one discourse before. It is every word true— it must be true, for it is all Bible." And then, looking round upon the people, he added, " But it won't do to believe it— don't one of you believe it, for your souls !" 140 MEMOIRS OF THE I had now a regular circuit established through the towns of Whitestown, Sangerfield, Brookfield, Hamilton and Madison, with regular appointments in each place. But I diverged to the right, and to the left, as I received calls to deliver lectures, and generally delivered several discourses in the course of the week, besides my Sunday appointments. An incident occurred in the course of this summer, which I must not omit, as it was the means of producing a book, some few years afterwards ; and it is quite probable that some people were surprised that it received no attention from me at the time ; though none disapproved of my course in respect to it, who were acquainted with the author, and the particular circumstances that gave rise to it. There was an individual residing in the town of Sangerfield by the name of Joseph Tenney, a very restless and troublesome member of the Presbyterian church, a great egotist and pedant, who considered himself one of the most profound controversial- ists of the age ; and who was so bigoted, and so obstinate in his own way, that he kept the church to which he belonged in con- stant turmoil so long as they suffered him to hold a standing within its pale. This man sent word to me, by a friend, that he wished the privilege of attending a meeting of mine, to take notes of my discourse, and reply to it. I told my friend, that Mr. Tenney, or any other man, had always an unquestionable right to attend any meeting of mine ; and, so far from objecting to his taking notes, I would rather wish all my hearers to take notes, and carefully examine the doctrine I advance, comparing it with the standard of divine truth, and thereby test its sound- ness; and I had no possible objection to Mr. T. replying to my discourse, if he felt disposed so to do. "But," said I, "my manner of speaking is extemporaneous, and my delivery very rapid ; and I am inclined to think Mr. T. is hardly expert enough as a penman so keep up with me ; however, he may try, if he choose. This was all the arrangement we ever made. I had never yet seen Mr. T., but had heard so much of him, that I felt no inclination to engage in a discussion with him in any form. A few weeks after this, I delivered a lecture in a neigh- borhood where I was in the practice of preaching occasionally ; and Mr. T., with several of his brethren, came prepared with pen and paper, to take notes. They all, I believe, took down the text ; and Mr. T. continued to write for ten miimtes, per- haps, and then laid down his pen, which he never after resumed, except to note some passage of Scripture that I quoted. At the LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 141 close of my discourse, he requested to be allowed to ask me sev- eral questions, to which I acceded ; and I answered them as briefly and as plainly as I could. He then wanted I should agree on a time when I would attend and hear a reply. I told him I was quite indifferent about hearing a reply — that he had a right to reply, if so disposed, and to reply in the presence of as many as he could induce to attend — that 1 had as many engage- ments as I could well attend to, and it would be difficult to fix on a time when I could wait on him, consistently with my pre- sent engagements. " But," said I, " you may appoint your own time and place ; and I will attend provided other engagements do not interfere. But it is of little consequence whether I attend or not ; as it is more than probable I shall never attempt to offer a rejoinder. The people have heard what I have said, and now I am quite willing that they should hear what you have to say in reply ; and then judge for themselves, without another word from me on the subject." He then appointed a time to deliver his discourse, in the Baptist meeting-house in the village. When the time arrived, it so happened I had a leisure day, but had previously taken up my residence in the town of Brookfield, and was boarding with Col. N. Hasket, about seven miles distant from the place of appointment ; I, however, persuaded tho Colo- nel to go with me, and we rode over. Before reaching the place, we met Col. Norton, one of the deacons of the Bav)tist church in Sangerfield, with whom I had previously enjoyed some friendly acquaintance. He said to me, " Are you going to attend Joe Tenney's meeting ?" " Yes, sir." " Well," he replied, " 1 would not go ; there is no such thing as holding a fair argument with him. If you begin you will never find a stopping-place ; and he will abuse you in every shape he possibly can. I would have nothing to do with him." He told me an anecdote about him : he had been trying hard to get into a controversy with the Baptists, on the subject of baptism ; indeed they had some controversy ; but the Baptists becoming disgusted with the course he took, declined taking any farther notice of him. On a cer- tain day, however, when several were to be baptized, Mr. T., having prepared a lengthy polemical dissertation on the subject, came, with paper in hand, and placed himself on a bridge, in a conspicuous situation ; and as soon as the ceremony closed, he called the attention of the congregation, and began reading ; and so intent was he in reading his production, that he did not notice the situation ©f the congregation, until every soul had left the ground but Eldfr Butler, who had been officiating, and who 142 MEMOIRS OF THE was then pastor of the church ; but he stood alone, listening with profound attention to Mr. T.'s arguments. The fact was, people had no confidence in Mr. T., and paid no attention to his reading, but moved off with as much unconcern as though no- thing was being said. When Mr. T. looked up, and saw the El- der standing alone, and the people all off, or moving off in differ- ent directions, he remarked, "Well, I don't know but I may as well stop readinn;, for the people are gone." " Never mind, Mr. T." said the Elder, " read on, I'll hear you." But Mr. T. fold- ed up his paper, and walked off. I thanked the Deacon for his counsel — told him J should have no controversy with Mr. T.; I should never attempt to reply to him ; but as I had promised to attend and hear him, if I could make it convenient, I felt it my duty to be present. We called on Esq. Dyer, who resided near the meeting-house, who also gave me the same advice as Deacon Norton, and insisted on it, that my best course would be not to go to the house at all ; and the Esquire himself actually refused to go with us. However, at S late hour, we saw Mr. T. and a few others enter the house, and the Col. and I walked over. There were probably not twen- ty persons assembled, notwithstanding Mr. T. had used all his influence to get a great congregation. He began reading his dis- course, and continued until nea might ; when Col. H. whispered and said, " We must be going, or we shall have to be out in the dark." And it was evident Mr. T. had not read half he had got written, for he had not yet mentioned my discourse, nor allu- ded to it. In his printed book, he has reversed the order of his discourse. At this meeting ^ he began with an attempt at a general refutation of the doctrine of Universalism, and criticised upon such authors as he had read in defense of it; and proba- bly was reserving his strictures on my discourse to close up with. He commented upon Winchester, upon Huntington, and upon Bishop Newton, &c. The Colonel growing very impatient, whispered to me a second time, and said, " I must go soon." I then arose, and observed to Mr. T., that I had made it conve- nient to attend ; that we came in season, and waited more than one hour after the appointed time before he arrived : that it was now drawing near night, and I was under necessity of returning to Brookfield that evening ; and, moreover, it appeared probable from the quantity of matter he seemed to have before him, that he would not be able to finish the reading of it before dark ; and as he had not yet touched my discourse, L could feel under no obligation to remain longer ; and, besides,% would be of no con- LIFE OF HEV. NATHANIEL STACY. 143 sequence, as T should never attempt to reply to him ; ho might, therefore, as well read it to the people in my al^sence, as in my presence. But I thought it proper to make these remarks before I withdrew. He proposed then to adjourn; and appoint an- other day to fmish it, provided I would name a time when I could attend. I told him, I could not ; but would say, as before, that he might appoint his own time, and if I was at leisure, I would attend. But, I said, if the people here are willing to stay, per- haps you may as well finish now. But, how could he deter- mine whether the people would stay or not ? Why put it to vote — request those who wish the meeting now to close, to rise. He did so, and every soul in the house rose up ; but before the congregation separated, he named another day to meet and finish his discourse. It was not convenient for me to attend his next meeting; nor do I know who did attend, or whether a soul was present. I heard no more about it for several years ; not until some person put into my hand a book published by Joseph Ten- ney, purporting to be the substance of a discourse delivered by myself, together with a reply, and a refutation of the doctrine of Universal Salvation. I read it, and found it to contain a garbled misrepresentation of my discourse, as well as an unfair and un- candid representation of the authors he named ; and his argu- ments against the doctrine, I considered unworthy of notice. Some of my friends urged me to reply. But 1 had made up my mind never to enter into any controversy with Mr. T., in any shape whatever ; and I felt confident that the influence of the little book would never, for a moment, retard the progress of di- vine truth. Nor did it, as far as my knowledge extends; and certainly the whole transaction, in the region where it took place, was altogether favorable to the cause. During this summer, I traveled very considerably, preached on Sundays, and lectured often on week-days, in the towns of Hartwick, Otsego, Burlington, Hamilton, Brookfield, Madison, Whitestown, Westmoreland, and Deerfield ; and two very re- spectable societies were organized, one in Whitestown, already mentioned, and one in Hamilton, v/hich have now existed for above forty years. The society in Whitestown, however, which for many years past has been known as the New Hart- ford society, and wihich built the first Universalist meeting- house, west of the Hudson river, has become nearly extinct by being divided into several others. Certainly no less than four othersj or at least parts of others, have grown out of it, viz.: Utica, Clinton, Marshal, and Litchfield. Numbers had 144 MEMOIRS 'OF THE been converted from the Orthodox faith, (erroneously so called,) whose main di*stinguishing-point of doctrine is the dogma of endless punishment, to the soul-cheering doctrine of Universal Reconciliation and Salvation. Several excommunications from Baptist and Presbyterian churches had already taken place ; for the heresy of Universalism ; and numbers, wlio had never before found a religious home, united with us ; and for strength of mind, respectability of character and moral worth, our societies would lose nothing in comparison with any other societies, or churches, of any denomination ; nor did they lack for zeal in Christian order, and social worship. Both the societies, in Whitestown and Hamilton, or a good proportion of their members, manifested a strong desire to come into church order and fellowship, and to enjoy the privileges of the Chris- tian ordinances ; which I strongly recommended ; and do still recommend, as a most efficient means of improvement and growth in divine life. I had not received ordination, and. therefore, did not consider myself legally nor properly author- ized to take the oversight of a Christian church, or administer its ordinances. The societies in Whitestown and Hamilton de- sired to be adopted into the young but growing family of Uni- versalism ; and therefore prepared letters to the General Con- vention of Universalists in New England, requesting the fel- lowship of that body ; and earnestly recommended me as a suit- able candidate, and requested my ordination to the evangelic work of the ministry. CHAPTER VII, Delegates from the State of New York attend the convention — Visit to Wil- mington — Committee appointed to assist in organizing an Association in the State of New York— Father Z. Streeter— Ordination— Visit to New Salem — Return to New York — Churches organized in Whitestown and Hamilton — Persecution — A vile slander— Elder Joy Handy— Extract of a letter from Elder S. King— A preaching race — Author marries— Brief account of his family — Removes to Brookfield, New York — Incident on the journey— Loses his horse — Slender remuneration for ministerial labors— Impossibility of reg- ular salary — Author's established principles on the subject of salary. Early in the month of September, Mr. Wooley and I, agree- ably to an appointment at the conference in July, started on our mission. We had now three societies to represent — he the one in Hartwick and vicinity, and I those in Whitestown and Ham- ilton. W^e presented our letters and credentials ; and the report we were enabled to give of the success of our labors, the pros- perity of the cause, and the promising aspect of the condition of things in the State of New York, was truly a subject of great joy to the hearts of the faithful who had assembled at our happy annual convocation, and readily obtained a favorable response to our request for assistance to organize an Association in the State of New York. A committee of three were appointed ; and, at my request, Mr. H. Ballou stood at the head ; Mr. William Far- well and Mr. Joshua Flagg were associated \vith him. The convention met this year in Westmoreland, New Hamp- shire. On my way thither I passed through^ Wilmington, Ver- mont, called on my old friend, Mr. Foster, and held a meeting with the few brethren on Sunday ; and Mr. F. accompanied me to the convention. As we rode up to the place of appointment, with my heart and my eyes full, the first person I saw, be- fore I had dismounted from my horse, was the venerable father in Israel, Zebulon Streeter, who exclaimed with a smile, " There comes my boy !" I leaped from my horse, and Oh ! with what J 146 . MEMOIRS OF THE heart-felt joy and affection did 1 grasp the extended hand of this aged saint. It was the last time 1 ever met him. And since that time I have never been able to attend but four sessions of that convention. Previously, my joy was so full in anticipation of meeting my beloved brethren again, in whose hearts 1 could well believe reigned triumphantly the spirit of Christian love, and the soothing influences of whose sympathy I could so fully realize, after having, alone and at so great a distance, for a whole sea- son experienced the unmerciful buffetings of the storms and tempests of sectarian v/rath, that the approaching meeting causeil me fo weep for joy. The letters from the societies which I had been instrumental in organizing, were presented, and their petitions readily granted; the societies were received into fellov/ship, and I received ordi- nation. Mr. C. G. Person was ordained at the same time ; and by our request, Hosea Ballou delivered the sermon on the occa- sion. He chose for a text, Mark, 16 : 15, 16. Mr. Joab Young made the consecrating prayer, Father Streeter presented the holy Bible and administered the charge, and Mr. Kneeland, if I mis- take not, gave the right hand of fellowship. This was the first and the last time I ever suffered myself to pass through the so- lemnities of ordination. To me it was a most imposing, and deeply affecting scene — too solemn to be often and triflingly re- peated. Once being solemnly set apart and consecrated to the work of the ministry, by prayer, " and the laying on the hands of the presbytery," appears to me quite sufficient. To call for the solemnities of ordination every time a preacher changes his place of residence, or his pastoral charge, has always appeared to me as trifling with one of the most sacred institutions of the Christian church. After the close of the convention, I v>^ent to New Salem, Mas- sachusetts, made my parents a short visit, preached tvro Sundays in that town, and in October I returned to New York, and re- sumed my labors on the circuit 1 had previously established. Soon after my return, the brethren both in Whitestown and Ham- ilton adopted measures, in accordance with their previously ex- pressed desires, to organize into a church relation. We adopted the profession of faith sanctioned by the General Convention ; and I drew up a disciplinary constitution, and a form of cove- nant, to which the members subscribed, and which, I believe, the church in Hamilton still retains ; although they have seen cause to amend the confession of faith, or rather to expunge it, and sub- stitute the apostolic confession alone — " I believe that Jesus Christ LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 147 is the Son of God" — as abundantly explicit and sufficient ; leav- ing the mind free and untrammeled for investigation and growth in divine knowledge. A respectable number, (I may say, be- tween twenty and thirty in each place,) subscribed to the cove- nant, and among them several females, who, even at that early day, had the faith and the confidence to publicly own the despised name of UniversaUsf, and subscribe the covenant, in defiance of the popular odium which a vain or a superstitious world endea- vored to heap upon it ; and we found ourselves abundantly re- freshed and strengthened in attending to the ordinances of the Christian institution. I was now enabled to extend my labors still farther, and also into intermediate places where I had not heretofore been able to find entrance, lecturing, and occasionally preaching, that fall, in Utica, Paris, Bridgewater, Westmoreland, and Springfield ; and, while on a visit to my brother, I also had opportunity to deliver one discourse in the town of Canajoharie. Fully aware, when I entered upon the ministry, of the unpop- ularity of the doctrine of God's Universal Grace, and the array ef prejudice it was destined to encounter, and the low and vile means which ever have been and would continue to be resorted to, to oppose it, by vilification, slander, sneers, and all the mea- sures of persecution which the equitatable laws of our blessed , country would admit of — I solemnly resolved, God being my helper, so to steer my course through the mists, and clouds, and storms that would hover over and around my way, as never to lose sight of my polar star, nor be put off iiiy course ; nor be ever under the necessity of paying any attention to the stories and slanders that malicious and vituperative tongues should in- dulge in fabricating and retailing respecting me ; and thus far I had been successful. I had been called a fool, a hypocrite, an infidel, trying to deceive mankind in the name of religion, and thereby to disturb and break up churches. I had been called a low-bred, ignorant blockhead, who knew not what I was about — a knave, a witty, cunning knave, just such as the devil always chose to build up his cause, (for sectarians have always accord- ed to him more wisdom than they have to the Lord, in the choice of his servants,) and they suspected, bye-and-bye, I would commit some crime that would undeceive the people in regard to my real character ; and they were not slow in praying for it. Elder Morton, whom I have had occasion to name already, and whom I must notice again, said he " was never glad of hearing of any man getting diunk but once ; but when Stacy got drunk, I was heartily glad of it." But none of these things moved me. When 148 ME3I0IKS OF THE . my friends mentionedthem to me, I would generally reply, "If they have called the Master of the house 'Beelzebub,' they will, of course, call those of his household as ignominious names. If you are not already satisfied about my character, watch me close- ly, and see if these things be so. 1 shall take no notice of them —if I can not outlive them, I must fall under them." But now I was destined to encounter a more formidable and aggravating report. Shortly after my return from New England, I discovered a change of demeanor among some of my friends. They did not meet me with their wonted cheerfulness, nor give me their hands so warmly as formerly; nor so heartily and urgently invite me to their houses ; but seemed to manifest an unusual shyness, and a suspicious look. I was never of a jealous temperament, and was resolved not to indulge any unfounded suspicion ; it might " have no meaning on their part — might all originate in my own feelings ; I would, therefore, try to regulate my own conduct properly, and maintain my usual friendly feelings toward them, use the same freedom I had always done, and wait the event. A few weeks passed in this way, when a good old brother, who was a brother indeed, and whose name I can never repeat with- out feelings of profound gratitude, Benjamin Stetson, of Sanger- field, was kind enough to undeceive me and put me in a way to restore confidence. He asked me, if I did not discover that there was a difference in the appearance and conduct of some of my former friends, and an unusual shyness toward me ? I told him that I sometimes thought 1 did ; but as I was unwilling to indulge any jealousy, I had been inclined to impute it all to my own dis- tempered imagination. "No,'"' said he, "it is a reality — they are afraid of you ; there is a very bad story in circulation about you ; and I have been resolved to tell you of it, the first oppor- tunity I could find. If it be true, you ought not to attempt to preach ; and if it be false, you ought to have an opportunity to clear yourself, and chastise your calumniators." I thanked him most heartily ; for I felt a sudden and great relief, even before he told me the substance of the stoiy. But he continued :. " The story is this. It is reported that you were sent for, .while board- ing in Sangerfield, to attend a funeral in Brookfield ; that the messenger, on arriving at your usual place of boarding, did not find you at the house, but was informed that you were at a neigh- boring house ; that he Avent where he was directed, and found you at the card-table, playing cards with several others. He felt astonished, and so nearlv confounded at the event, that he LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 149 seriously thought of going away without doing his errand ; be- lieving that the people who sent him would hardly be willing that a gamblier should officiate on the mournful occasion, knowing him to be such; but, after a little reflection, he concluded to do his errand, and say nothing about it until after the funeral. He accordingly informed you what he came for, and you readily agreed to go ; but you noticed his embarrassment, and addressed him in the following language — ' I suppose, sir, you are sur- prised to see me playing cards ; you, probably, dare not play — you are afraid of God ; but we neither fear God, man, nor the devil!' This story," continued Mr. S., "was reported while you were absent in New England, and has been circulated very industriously to your disadvantage. And as you were once ac- tually called from Sangerfield to Brookfield to attend a funeral, many were disposed to give implicit credit to the story, without taking the trouble of making any further inquiry. I was fear- ful," he added, "that no one had been friendly enough to inform you of it." v" This," said I, "Brother S., is the very first hint I ever had of it. Well has the poet said, ' ' Tis slander. Whose edge is sharper than a sword, whose tongue Outvenoms all the worms of Nile.' It is of no use. Brother S., for me to contradict it — to tell you there is not a word of truth in the whole of it ; but thus much I will say — that, with your assistance, ijou shall knoio whether it be so or not ; and all I want of you now, is, to give me the name of your author." He did so ; and I immediately called on the man, and rebuked' him sharply ; for, although he was a member of a Baptist church, he stood in such a relation to me as to be under the most solemn obligation not to circulate slanderous re- ports about me ; but should have come and whispered my faults into my own ears. I made the man tremble, and humbly ask forgiveness. 1 told him, however, as it respected myself, T cared little about his assisting to spread the story ; but 1 wanted he should be more faithful to his duty ; and all I required of him at present was, to inform me who told him the story. This he readily did, and voluntarily offered to assist me in tracing the story to its origin. The story now rested upon the shoulders of his own minister. Elder Joy Handy. In the course of a few days, I made it convenient to call at Elder Handy's house. He was not within ; but his wife told me he was at work on his farm, and directed me to the place. I went and found him. I had previously formed an acquaintance 150 MEMOIRS OF THE with Elder Handy, and had uniformly received polite treatment ; but his holy wrath against Universalism must now be gratified, even at the expense of my reputation. Oh, how much mischief sectarian bigotry is capable of doing ! " Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." After a few moments' talk on common topics, I inquired of him, if he had ever heard any thing disreputable of my character. The Elder answered rather hesitatingly "Why, no — not as I particularly recollect." 1 then related the story to him circumstantially, and observed, that I ' did not know but he might have heard of it, as I understood it was in quite general circulation ; and asked him, if he had ever heard any thing like that about me. He again hesitated, and, as I thought, manifested a little confusion, for I looked at him pretty steadily in the eye ; but at length he answered to the effect, that it did seem as though he had heard something like it ; but he could hardly recollect — he paid very little attention to it — he did not know but I allowed such things. By this time, old Ad- am came pretty near getting the advantage of me ; and I said, with some degree of earnestness I presume, •'•' Elder Handy ! this indifference will not answer your purpose. Whether you have ever heard such a story or not, you have reported it. I have now come to you, sir, in a Christian spirit, I hope and trust, to ask an explanation, and to obtain Christian satisfaction — that satisfaction which one Christian has a right to demand of another, and which a Christian is under obligation to give. I aslc nothing but Christian satisfaction ; but if I can not have that, the law is open, and I will have legal satisfaction. If you lieardxhe storj^ all I want of you is, to assist me in tracing if to its origin ; and if you refuse that, I shall treat you as its author. You shall know, sir, whether I allow of such things or not." By this time the Elder began to look quite serious ; said he would go to tlfe house, and talk with Mrs. Handy about it; perhaps she might recollect something. more definitely. We accordingly went to the house; and before I left them, they could recollect all about it, even to the most trivial circumstance. They could not only remember who told them, the time when, how the subject was introduced ; but the identical spot in the room occupied by the speaker when he related the story to them. There had been but two alterations of the story in its circulation ; and those were in regard to the time and place of transaction. The scene was now transferred from that place to Massachusetts ; and the time, before I ever came into the western country. The fact was, a Baptist preacher by the name of King, a resl- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 151 dent of the town of Wendell, Mass., adjoining the town of my nativity, had made a tour through this country in my absence, and visited Elder Handy, in Brookfield ; and, hearing of me in this country, and of the progress of Universalism, in order to give vent to his malignity — to destroy my influence, and check the progress of the doctrine, had descended to the meanness and wickedness of altering a story which he might have heard about another person, and applying it to me. I informed Elder H., and his lady, that I should go to New England the first good sleighing ; and I should depend on them giving me their testimony in writing concerning this report, with their own sig- natures ; as I should certainly visit Elder King, and call on him for an explanation. This they expressed their entire readi- ness to fPb ; and added, " We now believe that Elder King must have labored under a mistake; and we are not only willing, but desirous, to do all in our power to help you to put this mat- ter right." Immediately, while every circumstance of the story was fresh in my mind, I prepared a writing, something in the form of an affidavit, and presented it to Ek er H. and lady for signature. The Elder remarked, I had got the story correct; but he did not so well like the form of the instru- ment'; he would rather write a letter with his own hand, and he and Mrs. H. would sign it ; and he would deliver it to me unsealed, and 1 might carry it to Elder King. I told him, the form was a matter of indifierence with me ; so that the story should be correctly reported; and Elder K. should clearly un- derstand us. He therefore prepared his letter with great care and exactness — relating every circumstance as he had pre- viously told it to me ; and in addition, gave me a higher re- commendation than I should have dared to ask of any man ; remarking to Elder K. that he was confident there must be some unhappy mistake about it, for he had every reason to disbelieve it ; and he and Mrs. H. both signed the letter, and handed -it to me in good season. It was wonderfully amusing to see how quick the tongue of slander was silenced, the moment I began to make a stir, and to inquire into the origin of this story — to witness the stillness of death among those who' had been the most officious and vo- ciferous in its propagation, and had chuckled secretly at the prospect of my downfall, and the overthrow of Universalism in consequence. Not -a word more was said in favor of it — they were all ready to declare, they never did believe a word oi it, but were always confident it was a shocking mistake ! 152 MEMOIRS OF THE At the time appointed, I went to New England, and carried my unsealed letter. The step-mother of her who, on this visit, became my wife, was a member of Elder King's church. I took an early opportunity to show her Elder Handy's letter, and asked her what she thought of it ? The old lady was shocked, mortified, and vexed beyond measure. She wondered what Elder King could mean, by reporting such a story ; when she was confident he must know, or certainly ought to have known, there was not a word of truth in it. She would go with me herself to Elder King ; and she was sure he would readily give me satisfaction. We accordingly went, but we found not the Elder at home. He had gone on a short mis- sion, but would be at home in a few days. Elder K. was a widower, but his housekeeper was a member of his chA'ch ; I therefore read Elder K.'s letter to her, and left it in her care, to deliver it to him as soon as he returned. I told her how long I expected to remain in New Salem, when I intended to return to New York ; and I should certainly expect to hear from El- der K. before that time. The old lady, Mrs. Clark, urged the importance of it also, in very strong terms, and we left. The time elapsed, but Elder K. never made his appearance, nor could I hear a syllable from him ; and the day before I left the country I addressed a letter to him, couched, I presume, in pretty strong terms, and closed by giving him my place of ad- dress, and assuring him in the most peremptory manner, that if I did not hear from him within one month, at farthest, he might expect to hear from me, in a more disagreeable way. This letter I left in the care of my mother in-law, to be for- warded immediately ; and in less than a month, I received a letter from him, of which the following is an extract : " I am satisfied that the report of your being found playing cards, when called to attend a funeral, and the speech you are said to have made on that occasion, is not true. It is but justice to you, and sailsfaction to myself, to declare, that I am very sorry that I reported the story. I am also unhappy if any un- favorable impressions have been made on any minds by my means, and wish they may be done away. I further say, that I have never, that I recollect, heard any thing unfavorable to your moral character, saving this unfounded atfair. Please to give my love to brother and sister Handy — I regret the trouble I have given you all in this business, and thank you all for your exertions to bring things right. " Your friend and humble servant, *' Samuel King.*' LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 153 This letter I exhibited to my friends, and made it as public as I. could, without committing it to the press; and it proved satisfactory to* all — totally stopped the further circulation of the story in all that county, and had a tendency to make our ene- mies more cautious in fabricating and circulating slanderous reports about Universalist preachers. And the whole transac- tion had a very favorable effect upon the progress of divine truth, in its infancy in this country ; indeed all the efforts of its enemies, however malignant and bitter, to suppress it, seemed to terminate in its favor, and advance its popularity and its pro- gress. It seemed to be an illustration of .what the Apostle said in respect to Hmself and his coadjutors, that whatever their characters might be, they could " do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.". God, in his goodness, overruled all their vile machinations, to the advancement of the truth they intended to suppress, and for the upbuilding of the Redeemer's kingdom in this new and flourishing part of his vineyard. Although 1 felt well satisfied at the time, and have never seen cause to change my opinion, that Elder King did not make a full confession of his guilt — that he perfectly knew, when he was relating the story to Elder Handy, that he was telling a positive apd wilful falsehood about me ; still his confession answered my purpose, and made him an unwilling instrument in advancing the cause he designed to destroy ; and I felt perfectly willing to leave the rest for him to settle between his own* conscience and his God. But to return to my narrative more consecutively : As the time drew nigh when Elder Morton and myself were to hold our meeting, considerable excitement was manifested on the subject, both by friends and opposers. It was a subject of conversation for a considerable distance around, and prepara- tions were made to attend the preaching race, as some were pleased facetiously to denominate it ; for no such occurrence had ever taken place in all that region of country. My friends expressed a good deal of symyathy for me, and indulged not a little fear. I stood alone and but a stripling ; and my opponent was a man of years and experience, and stood high in his de- nomination as a man of sound talent, and a shrewd and success- ful controversialist. He would also be surrounded with friends and assistants ; for, indeed, clergymen and laymen of every re- ligious sect, however opposed to each other on every other point of doctrine, agreed in the soul-cheering (!) anticipations of end- less misery for some immortal souls; and, therefore, like the factions in Jerusalem, who, when closely beseiged by the Ro- 154 MEMOIRS OF THE mans, would cease to kill each other, and unite to fight the com- mon enemy— my opponents would, with spirited unanimity, strive together against Universalism. But I must stand entirely alone, in respect to human help — not a brother preacher to" assist or encourage me, nor one to hold up my head during the battle — not a preacher of the order, nor one who had the least sympa- thy for the doctrine within forty or fifty miles. I told them, however, not to fear ; the cause Avas not mine, but the Lord's — that " Fie had chosen the weak things of this world, to confound the things which are mighty" — that the "race was not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong." The day at length arrived ; and a vast concourse of people assembled. Some, with ardent expectations that Universalism would that day receive its overthrow, were already exulting with invidious smiles, and verily hoping, that the damnable heresy would be scouted- from the country ; some, with seriously in- quiring minds, to know what truth was ; some, with " trembling hope" for my success; and many from mere curiosity, feeling quite indifferent how the argument terminated. I was on the ground in season, with a few of my faithful friends accompany- ing me. We met at the house of Rev. Mr. Woodworth, the Presbyterian clergyman, where we found several clergymen of his own denomination, some from quite a distance, who had come purposly to attend the meeting ; one Baptist preacher was there besides Elder M., and so'me Methodists. The people soon as- sembled, and filled the church to excess. It was a large, high house, with galleries on the sides, all in an unfinished state ; but temporary seats, above and below, compactly fixed over the whole area ; and every seat was filled, and many had to stand up during the whole exercise. The services were to commence, precisely at ten o'clock ; but the hour passed, and Elder M. still delayed. I spoke to him about commencing — observed, the day is short, and we shall probably need all the time we can have ; and the people are waiting. Still he delayed. I again reminded him of the importance of commencing his exercise. In a few moments I discovered he was missing, and inquired of Mr. Woodworth if he knew where Elder M. was ? He re- plied, he did not ; but thought it possible he had gone to the meeting-house. I remarked to my friends, that we would go and see. We did so, and found him in the desk, and just pre- pared to commence his services. I took this as a manifest indi- cation of his design ; which was, to treat me with the utmost contempt, and to take every advantage he possibly could, by con- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 155 suming time, and in every other way. However, I said to my- self, God will manage these matters, and overrule all for his glo- ry, and the good of the cause ; and I very contentedly took my seat with the congregation, although Elder M.'s own father, who was also a member of liis church, came to me and urged me to go into the desk, saying, " You have as good a right there as Salmon has." I mention this, to show, that such unchristian conduct can not escape notice, and will excite sympathy for the abused, even among honest opposers. The Elder commenced by reading his text, after the ordinary ceremonies of singing and prayer ; but he did not attempt to illustrate the doctrine of it, or make any further use of it than of any other text which he quoted to prove endless misery. The whole of his discourse consisted of a violent "philippic against, and a wilful or profound- ly ignorant misrepresentation and perversion of the doctrine of Universalism ; and a most ungentlemanly, not to say unchris- tian, abuse of its advocates ; and he closed with a filthy and ob-. scene poem, (not the one appended to Lemuel Haynes' notorious sermon, against Universalism, but vastly more filthy, if possible) which he intended as a caricature of Universalism. It proved as I feared — he lengthened out his services so as to use up all the time he possibly could, occupying more than two hours, and bringing it to nearly two o'clock when he closed. But his own malice defeated his object. Every step he took was so appar- ently unjust and unchristian, that he enlisted the sympathies of the whole congregation in my favor ; and undoubtedly procured me a more patient end favorable attention than I should have otherwise received. When he closed, I arose, and notified the congregation that after an intermission of fi.fteen minutes, services would be re- sumed. The congregation went out, for the sake of exercise ; and I stepped into a friend's house and took a morsel of refresh- ment. The time had not expired when I returned ; but found tlie people assembled and in their seats — not one, I presume, was missing. Near the desk sat Elder M. and his associate, and just by them six Presbyterian ministers. As I passed, I spoke to Elder M., and invited him into the desk with me. He looked ashamed, and declined the invitation. We had a good choir of singers in attendance, but I remarked, as the time had nearly all been consumed, and so little remained for me to occupy, I should only read one hymn for an introduction, and must dispense with further singing. When the hymn was read, it made every eye la the congregation stare ; and many significant glances 156 MEMOIRS OF THE were exchanged from one to another. I cast my eye upon the circle of clergymen who sat before me, and they were looking and winking at each other, with suppressed smiles and thoughtful countenances. I read from Watts ; but I was afterwards told by several, that they would actually have believed I made the hymn, as I read it, had not the singers found it in their books, and sang it. It was the cause of more speculation than I ever before heard on a similar subject ; and it seemed as though Dr. Watts wrote it specially for the occasion. I read it as emphati- cally as I could ; and the choir caught the spirit, and sang it with life. In order that the reader may have, as nearly as pos- sible, the whole scene before him, and enter into the spirit of the occasion, I will take the liberty to insert the hymn, distinguishing the words on which I laid a particular emphasis. It is the 18th Ps., 1st part, CM. 1. The Lord appears my helper now, Nor is my faith afraid What all the sons of earth can do, Since Heaven affords its aid. 2. 'Tis safer, Lord, to hope in thee, And have my (tod my friend; Than trust in men of high degree, And on their truth depend. 3. Like bees, my foes begirt me round, A large and angry swarm ; But I shall all their rage confound, By THINE AL3IIGHTY ARM. 4. 'Tis through the Lord my hope is strong, In HIM my lips rejoice ; While his SALVATION is my song, How CHEERFUL IS my voice. 5. Like angry bees they girt me round ; When God appears, they fly ; So burning thorns, with crackling sound. Make a fierce blaze, and die. 6. Joy to the saints and peace belong"; The Lord protect their days ; Let Israel tune immortal songs To his almighty grace. I was perfectly aware that the opposers, and especially those wise and knowing divines who surrounded me, eagerly antici- pated my total break-down upon the text ; and if I- failed to show its harmony with the doctrine of God's universal and triumphant grace — that it did not contain, in itself, nor support, the doctrine of endless misery — whatever I might say besides, or however I might dispose of other passages quoted by Elder M., they would claim a complete victory. I had not time to follow Elder M. LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. ■ 157 i through the whole of his incoherent and wandering harangue, | had I been so disposed ; I therefore formed my resolution, at once, to confine myself exclusively to the text ; and remarked, | in the outset, that the short time which the gentleman had allow- i ed me, rendered it impossible for me to follow him through all the devious windings of his long discourse, and notice all the ' passages he had brought up as objections to the doctrine he had ; misrepresented ; nor was I inclined, if I had time, to reply to all > his invidious remarks, or retaliate his personal abuse. I would , rather follow the instructions of the Savior of the world, when I was reviled, not to revile again. Elder M. was looking me in j the face, but when I made the last remark, I fixed my eye upon him, and he dropped his head ; and I know not that he looked at j me again, during my discourse. I occupied a reasonable time on the text, which brought it to very near night ; but had the success so to engage the attention of the congregation, notwith- j standing many of them were far from home, and the seats to which they had so long been confined were not the most agree- i ble, that a profound stillness prevailed ; and 1 know not that one ' left the house, until I dismissed the assembly, and thanked them for their attention. i So far from gratifying the enemies of the doctrine, by its total overthrow and fatal explosion, this meeting had an efficient ten- dency to advance it in the country round about, and to build up a society in Madison, and establish regular preaching in that town ; arid it was the last attack that Elder Morton ever made upon me, personally. Some years afterwards, when Mr. Dean came into the country, and was employed part of his time with the society in JMadison, the Elder made several furious attacks upon him ; and once preached at him from the text, " O, full of all subtlety, and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou ene- my of all righteousness ! wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord ?" And which of them gave the challenge, I can not now tell, but they once held a public debate, which I at- tended one afternoon and evening ; and that, I believe, finished Elder Morton's public and open warfare against Universalism ; j for I do not recollect hearing of his making an attack upon a | Universalist preacher after that time. When once I had surmounted the barriers to an entrance on the Gospel ministry, and had actually made my dehut upon that solemn stage, I fully resolved, God being my helper, to faithfully and exclusively devote my life, with the feeble talents Heaven had , bestowed, to the great and holy cause I had espoused, and to 158 3lEM0mS OF THE . suffer no engagements which I might make, nor connections which I might form, to divert my attention from it, or serve as a hindrance to my usefuhiess. ■\Iy whole soul was engaged in it; for here I had found the happiness, the peace of mind, and the stability of purpose and pursuit, which I had for years sought in vain, in other callings, but which had hitherto eluded my pur- suit. I looked for an exemplar among the early christians and first preachers of the Gospel of reconciliation, and none appeared more amiable, more zealously devoted to the cause, more self- sacrificing, and worthy of imitatioii, that the great Apostle of the Gentiles. His whole life was exclusively devoted to the cause. He suffered no persecution to discourage him, or cause him to relinquish his calling, or falter in his race. He made it as little expensive as possible to his hearers and friends, working with his own hands to minister to the wants of himself and those who accompanied him ; and he encumbered himself with no con- nection that v/ould, for a moment, divert his attention from his high and holy calling. Although he did not condemn the in- stitution of marriage, he more than intimated, as I thought, that preachers of the Gospel, at least, had better remain in a state of celibacy ; in order to be the most useful : '' He that is unmarried careth for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord ; but he that is married careth for the things of the world, how he may please his wife." This looked to me truly philosophical ; and I made up my mind not to entangle myself with the bonds of wedlock. It required no small resolution and fixedness of purpose ; for I had always been remarkably fond of society, and of virtuous female association ; and to exclude myself entire- ly from their society, and from the refining and polishing, as well as the exhilarating, influence of their manners and conver- sation, appeared to me almost impossible ; but this I must do, at least in a very great measure, or be very liable to be drawn into the vortex of connubial connection, which I thought it my duty to avoid. L therefore put on as cold, frigid, and misanthropic a manner and habit toward the female sex as lay in my power ; and for a few years persevered in this course, shunning, as much as consistent with politeness and common civility, the society of unmarried females. But alas ! the tax was too severe on my feelings ; although I felt happy in religion, I still felt a loneli- ness, a solitude in the midst of a world of living beings. I wanted the union of a heart that felt all that I could feel, that could be a faithful repository of my most secret thoughts, that could fully sympathize with me in all my trials, and cares, and LIFE OT REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 159 anxieties, and sufferings, and fully share all my hopes and my joys. And in the spring of 1804, immediately after the close of my winter's school in New Salem, T fell in company with a young woman, who, I verily thought, would make me such a companion. She was a native of .the same town as I was ; her parents, like mine, being among the earliest settlers of the town- ship. They settled, however, in parts of the town remote from each other, some eight miles apart ; and very little intercourse was enjoyed between the neighborhoods, either by old or young. In consequence of residing in that part of the town for a short season, in youth, I had seen her when a child of ten or eleven years, but had hardly heard her name mentioned since then un- til the time alluded to. I had never taken the veil, nor the oath of celibacy ; and, fortunately, my resolution was not like the laws of the Medes and Persians, which admitted of no revoca- tion ; I therefore sought an interview, and ventured to spend some seasons, from time to time, in her company. She was by no means a believer in my doctrine, nor did she manifest strong prejudices against it; slio had never heard much about it. Her parents were members of the Congregational church, and she had been bred up in that religion ; but had never made any per- sonal profession. Her mother had been dead a few years, when I became acquainted with her, and her father had married a second wife, who was a very rigid Baptist. The name of the young woman was Susan Clark, the youngest daughter and youngest child of Percy Clark ; whose family originally con- sisted of twelve children. Mr. Clark was, at that time, in point of property, above the mediocrity of society around him, a shoe- maker by trade, but also a successful farmer. He brought up his family in habits of industry ; and also gave them as good op- portunities for education, in primary or common schools, as the country at that time afforded. I was sensible, if 1 did marry, and calculated to be made happier thereby, and live in cordiali- ty and peace with a companion, I must marry " anjielp-ineef — ■ one who could work, who was willing to work, and who would not feel disgraced by being found with her needle or her distaff in her hand. It would not secure my own happiness, much less the happiness of my companion, to take one, even if the oppportu- nity were afforded me, from what are erroneously called the higher walks of life — who had never been accustomed to housewifery, and knew not how to make a loaf of bread, or to perform any kind of hand-labor — however exalted her intellect, or however refined her education ; for I had no means of supporting such 160 MEMOIRS OF THE an one, much less of gratifying her pride or vanity ; and it. would be but involving her and myself in eternal disquietude, mortification, and wretchedness. But the person I had found appeared to me every way calculated to constitute the compan- ion my heart sighed for, to sooth the rough current of life, and enable me to bear, with more fortitude, the peltings and buffet- ings of those storms I was destined to meet, and must encounter, in the voyage of life. After a sufficient lapse of time to enable me to become fully acquainted, as I believed, with the character and disposition of the object of my choice ; and seriously viewing the proceeding in all its bearings, as far as my ability would enable me ; and prayerfully seeking Divine aid to direct my steps, I with much trembling proposed marriage. I well considered the conse- quences of practicing the least deception in regard to my fu- ture prospects. I told her, if she married me, she knew that she would, by that act, be united for life to a devoted preacher of a very unpopular doctrine ; who possessed no estate, no prop- erty ; and who resolved, at all hazards, to devote his life to the cause he had espoused ; whose prospects of subsistence for him- self and family depended wholly upon the small amount of la- bor he would be able to perform amidst his professional engage- ments, and the voluntary subscriptions of the societies to whom he would preach, which never had been, and probably never would be, very liberal ; her temporal prospects, therefore, were any thing but flattering. I sometimes felt so conscience-smitten with regard to my endeavors to allure a confiding female from a " father's house, where was bread enough and to spare," where she could enjoy every rational privilege and comfort in the bo- som of a fond and doling parent — to follow the fortunes of what the unbelieving world called " a wild and thoughtless adven- turer" — to be doomed, most surely, to hard toil, and perhaps ex- treme poverty, in a new and strange country, far from her fa- ther's house, and from all her friends and acquaintances — that I even shuddered with horror, and severely condemned myself for attempting to win her affection. But I felt that I could not be happy without her; that the world would be too thorny, and barren of rational enjoyment, for me ever to think of threading its " 'wildering mazes " alone ; and I silenced my conscience with the old doctrine, " Matches are made in hea- ven ;" I was, therefore, not to be blamed for the decree, nor could I successfully resist it. But in view of all these pros- pective trials, and inconveniences, and disadvantages, my suit LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 161 was not rejected; and the time now approached when I was to return to New England, to consummate the engagement, and enter the married state. Accordingly, the earliest sleigh- ing time, which happened about the middle of January, 1806, I started for New Salem ; and on the thirtieth day of that month the nuptial knot was tied, in her father's house. I was in my tw^enty-eighth year, and she in her twenty-third. Nor have I, for a moment of my life, seen cause to repent of the engagement. We have lived long together, and proba- bly have experienced as few discordant feelings as generally fall to the lot of people, struggling through the trials of this mortal life. She has been a faithful companion and ''help- meet," assisting to bear the almost insupportable burdens al- lotted me in my arduous, and, by the world, thankless calling, not only by her caresses and encouraging counsel, but by her incessant labor. Her needle, and her spinning-wheel, and her loom, have been, by turns, employed in procuring the bread that we needed, and the clothing necessary for our rising fami- ly. We have been blessed with eight children, three sons and five daughters. Six are still living, but two, our third son and third daughter, have been taken home to a better Father's house. AH our surviving children are now married, (1848,) and are comfortably and pleasantly settled in the world ; and, blessed be God, have thus far sustained a respectable standing in society. Two of our friends from Brpokfield, (Col. N. Haskel, and his brother Jesse,) went down with teams, and removed our ef- fects ; and on the 17th day of February, we found ourselves in one of the apartments of the spacious dwelling-house of Col. Haskel, where we first commenced the untried business of housekeeping. But I must relate an incident which occurred on our jour- ney ; because it had a very salutary and lasting effect on the feelings of my companion, and greatly assisted in preparing her head and her heart for what I now most ardently desired, her fully embracing and feeling all the influence of the doc- trine I believed and advocated ; and I took every possible op- fortunity to place her in the way of means calculated to make roper impressions, and to do this as much as possible without obviously manifesting a design ; for more could be done this way, and done effectually, than by the most cogent argument I could use. A most horrible transaction had occured the previous winter, K 162 MEMOIRS OF THE which produced a fervid excitement through the* length and breadth of the land, by means of advertisements in almost eve- ry newspaper published in the United States. A man, by the name of Arnold, in the town of Burlington, Otsego county, N. Y., had whipped a child to death ! He had fled ; and all the sensibilities of the human heart were awakened. Compassion for the little innocent sufferer, sympathy for the bereaved and distressed moiher, enkindled an equal horror and resentment against the unfeeling, barbarous monster who could perpetrate so foul and awful a deed ! Advertisements flew on the wings of the wind ; messengers scoured the country in every direc- tion, until he was taken, brought back, and lodged in jail. He had his trial, was condemned to be executed, and was actually led to the gallows, the July preceding ; but had been respited by the Governor, who had this winter presented his case to the legislature ; and they were, at the time I speak of, acting upon it. My companion had partaken of the excitement very feel- ingly. She was a great lover of children, and the least cruel- ty practiced upon them excited her indignation even to revenge. She had read the heart-rending story of the poor child's suffer- ings till her heart bled with pity, and burned with indignation against her savage and cruel murderer ; and nothing could satisfy her but his protracted death, wherein he should feel as much pain, in proportion to his strength to bear it, as the poor innocent child did. Hanging was too good for him, — he ought to be whipped to death ; and she could see it done — she would exult in seeing him cut into shreds. On our journey, we passed through Cooperstown, where Ar- nold was confined in jail, awaiting the action of the legislature on his case. I had to make some stay in the vicinity, and ful- fil an appointment left on my way down ; and I proposed to her to go to the jail, and see this monster in humau shape. She was horror-struck at the idea of beholding such a monster ; but finally concluded to go in. It was a good time to make the impression I desired. He had just received a paper from Al- bany, containing the proceedings on his case, and the present appearance was hopeless; the probability was that the legisla- ture would not commute his punishment, but would appoint 0i early hour for his execution. He was, therefore, in a state of hopeless despair! and the deep dolorous groans that escaped from his dark cell, as we entered the jail, mingled with the rat- tling of his chains as he writhed about ; were enough to appal the boldest spirit, and draw sympathy from a heart of stone ! LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 163 His wife was by his side ; and a Methodist preacher, who had been praying with him, was just holding him by the hand to take his leave. I entered his cell and spoke to him, and talked with him a few minutes about his present prospects, and also his fu- ture hopes; he was heartless, hopeless, and gloomy in the ex. treme, incapable of receiving any encouraging hope ; a groan accompanied every word, and his poor wife %ept aloud ! I looked at my companion, and her countenance was softened down, it had entirely lost that stern, rigid expression of re- venge which it had uniformly worn, when speaking of him, and exhibited nothing but sensibility and compassion, while tears trembled in both eyes. This was as I would have it. I strove, as well as I could, to administer a ray of comfort lo the wretched man, and his weeping wife, and bade them farewell. When we had left the jail, I said to my wife, do you want to see Arnold hung. "No," she said, bursting into tears, "he has suffered enough ; I wish they would let him go." And true it was : although his cruelty to the child was unparalleled, and savage in the extreme, yet the intensity of his sufferings in twenty-four hours was inexpressibly and immeasurably be- yond all that the child could have endured. But the legisla- ture did, contrary to his expectations then, commute his pun- ishment, and sent him to the penitentiary, where he closed his life. This scene had the effect on my companion that I most sin- cerely desired ; it embucd her heart with a feeling of compas- sion, even toward guilty sufferers, which she never before ex- perienced, and which was as abiding as her existence. And, this, and similar scenes which fell in her way, prepared her to listen with deep attention to the doctrine of God's divine com- passion for a world of sinners, and formed her heart, as well as prepared her understanding, to embrace at last the doctrine of Universal Grace and Salvation, as fully and as heartily as myself. Arrived, at last, at the spot where I had agreed to fix my resi- dence for a season, and blessed with a companion who would sympathize in all my feelings, and participate in all my hopes and joys, except in religion, and who certainly felt no repug- nance to that, I felt myself in a more eligible situation to enjoy contentment and happiness than I had ever been before ; and I felt stronger and better prepared to meet the butfetings of oppo- sition, and endure the labors and trials of life. But I was des- tined immediately to meet with a serious misfortune, under my 164 MEMOIRS OF THE present circumstances ; one which almost deprived me of every means of fulfilling my engagements, or procuring the means of subsistence. A horse was almost as necessary to me as my very life. I had to travel, monthly, more than one hundred and fifty miles to meet my regular engagements on Sundays ; be- sides week-day lectures, and casual calls. The day following my arrival ho^jjjp, my horse received a kick from another, from the effects of which he died. In this horse, I lost more proper- ty than I was worth in the world ; for I was still indebted for him ; and as yet I had no means of making payment, much less of purchasing another ; for during the four years I had been preaching, I had scarcely received sufficient to keep my wardrobe in decent repair, and defray the necessary expenses of traveling ; nor could I have done that, had I not employed a portion of my time in teaching school, and practiced the most severe economy. What was now to be done ? I felt a momen- tary despondency, and my wife shed tears. I had not yet ac- quired friends sufficiently numerous and strong to purchase me another horse, or even to assist me much about it. What friends I had were widely scattered ; and the societies and congrega- tions to which I preached (for as yet there were but three socie- ties in existence, in central New York,) were too poor, or thought they were, to pay more than their meagre subscriptions. However, my desponding feelings soon subsided : I said to my- self, " The Lord will provide ;" and took courage. I had now regular monthly appointments, besides in the town where 1 re- sided, in Hamilton, Madison, Whitestown, Sangerfield, and Hartwick ; and my friends, sometimes one, and then another, furnished me a horse for a trip, for a few weeks ; when my good old brother Stetson, who always stood by me like a guar- dian angel, sold me a horse, and agreed to wait on me until I could pay him for it ; which took me several years. Oh, how little do our young brethren, who enter the ministry in the present day, know or dream of the labors, the trials, em- barrassmnnts, obstacles, and discouragements which bestrewed my path, and, indeed, that of nearly every other preacher of the order, in those days ! I often hear them complain of their hard- ships, their meagre salaries, and the scanty remunerations they receive for their services ; and I often think, had they lived in those days, they would feel that such complaints and repinings are, manifestly, ingratitude to God. They find societies or- ganized to their hands, calling for their services, and holding out moderate, if not ample compensation. And even congregations LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 165 which they occasionally supply, where no societies are organ- ized, have learned that when the Apostle said, " He that preaches the Gospel shall live of the Gospel," he did not mean that they should eat, drink, and wear nothing else. What would they think, if they had to go time after time, and preach sometimes to large congregations, assembled merely out of curiosity to hear what "this babbler would say ;" and at other times, to half a dozen ; and so continue for months, while the people consider- ed that they were doing the preacher overmuch honor, and quite as much as they could affiDrd to do, to spend time to give him a hearii^g, without once thinking that he needed any thing else ? And to be obliged, in doing this, to ride whole days without mo- ney enough in their pockets to buy a meal of victuals, or a mess of oats for their horse ; and even compelled to pawn their pock- et-knife, to get through a turnpike-gate, to go to the place of ap- pointment ; and then take a circuitous route back, to avoid the gate, so as to get home again, because they got not enough for their services to pay the toll ? Why, they would at once say, they loould not do it. But some one must have done it, or there would now have been no societies, no congregations to hear and support them. All this I have done ; and all this was necessa- ry to be done, in order to clear the ground, and plant the seed which has come up, and is now producing a luxuriant crop. Mr. S. R. Smith, in his "Historid(p Sketches," recently pub- lished, seems to insinuate, that the early preachers themselves were, in a measure at least, the cause of their own pecuniary embarrassments and sufferings, by preaching against " fat salar- ies," &c. It may be so ; but salaries were out of the question among Universalist preachers, under the state of society in this country at the time to which 1 allude, whether they preached against salaries or not. 1 know not that I ever preached a word against salaries ; I know I never did against a reasonable salary ; but I certainly did not preach for the sake of salary ; I hope and trust I had a higher and a holier object in view than mere sala- ry. I ever felt very willing to receive what my friends freely gave, and was always very thankful for it ; but I never could make that kind of contract about preaching that I would about bartering commodities. It was always the hardest thing in the world for me to talk about salary ; and I ever got rid of it with as few words as possible. After societies were formed, and in circumstances to do something for their preachers, and began to iearn that preachers were subject to the same temporal wants as other people, and began to say something about paying me for 166 MEMOIRS OF THE my labors, my uniform practice was to make them name the amount of salary themselves. I would say to them, " I have a family to support, and if I devote my time to the work of the ministry, I must depend on that for their suppDrt. Now jou. certainly know, as well as I do, what will be necessary to do that ; and so much I should be glad to realize." They would name a certain amount, in proportion to the time they wished me to improve among them. " Well, can you raise that ?" " Yes, we think we can." " Well, that will satisfy me." Sometimes it would be subscribed, and sometimes not; and when sub- scribed, it was never expected, by me, that it would all be paid ; and I was scarcely ever disappointed in that respect. Could I this moment receive the arrearages of salary voluntarily offered by societies to whom I have preached during my ministerial la- bors, it would count thousands of dollars. But whether it would make me really any happier, is quite problematical; neverthe- less it would surely ease the labors and burdens of old age, if wisely improved. Some who subscribed were actually Unable to pay without injury to their families, others were negligent; and I would never allow legal process to be resorted to for the purpose of collecting a subscription for me. An incident oc- curred, in the society in Whitestovvn, in an early day, which is v/orth relating. That society, immediately after organization, availed themselves of the l^ovisions of the statute, and became a body-corporate, so that they could hold property, collect their dues, &c. They had raised a sum by subscription for my services, and collected it all, or all that could be reasonably col- lected, except a sum of four dollars. This v/as against a man of property, a professed Uuiversalist, and a constant attendant at meeting, bat a slack man in paying his debts generally. The trustees said to ms one day, " We have tried to get Esq. E's subscription for you, but he is never ready to pay it, and never will be, until he is sued ; for he always has to be sued before he pays a debt. You need it, and we have concluded to sue for it. '•Well, brethren," I said, "you can sue him, I very well know, and can collect it ; and you may do it as soon as you please ; and when you have done so, use it yourselves, for I will never receive a cent of it ; I will never, knowingly, receive any thing for preaching that is collected by stress of law — I will starve first." Whether they ever told him what I said, I know not ; but a short time after that he paid it, voluntarily, and I was glad to receive it. Brother Smith surely knows much about the labor, trials, and LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 167 embarrassments that attended the early ministry of the word in the State of New York, but he knows not all, by experience ; times had materially altered, when he came on the stage, from what they were when I first commenced itinerating in the State. Although he penetrated the West farther than any of us had pre- viously done, still those very inhabitants had emigrated from the east, and more or less of them from sections where the doctrine had been preached, and were therefore better prepared to give a Universalist preacher at least a civil reception, than the in- habitants of Central New York were when we first broke in amoncf them. CHAPTER YIII. Organization of the Western Association in the State of New York— Complain* against Mr. M. T. Wooley — His trial and expulsion— Anecdote of Mr. Flagg— Proceedings printed in a pamphlet— Haynes' sermon and Ballou's letter — New societies— General Convention, 1806^Confab with a Dutchman and Yankee school-master in Watervliet — Interview with Mr. Lansing — Mr. Vandenburg-Confab with Elder William Underwood-Mr. Underwood's conversion — Removal to Whitestown-Interview with Elder Calvin Winslow — Mr. Winslow's conversion, excommunication from the Methodists, charac- ter, &,c. — Society organized in Western— Appointment between Whitesboro' and Rome — Encounter with a termagant — Association in 1807 — Flattering prospects, and increased opposition — Whitestown society invite Mr. Ballou to settle with them — Mr. Dean engages to settle in Whitestown. As the season approached tliat would call our ministering brethren froin the east to preach with us, and counsel and assist us in organizing an Association, my heart beat high in antici- pation of peculiar felicity. I could hardly wait its arrival. All preparations in our power were made for the coming event, to render it as satisfactory as possible to the visiting committee, and profitable to the glorious cause, by securing as large a congre- gation as we could induce to attend. Delegates from three so- cieties, (for only three yet existed within the limits of my know- ledge in the State of New York,) were appointed. Information of the meeting was widely extended through all the country, with earnest invitations, both to friends and opposers, to attend, and as ample provision was made for their entertainment as circum- stances would admit. Here let it be remembered, that although Brookfield, Sangerfield, and Madison have been named as sta- tions for preaching, yet they were all included in the Hamilton society, whose appellation, in its organization, was " The Uni. versalist society of Hamilton and vicinity." The place for the meeting was appointed in Columbus, Chenango county ; not be- cause more Universalists, or friends to the cause, were there, or even as many as in other places ; but because it was the most LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 169 central location we could obtain, where we could find any ac- commodation. No Universalist society was, at that time, thought of there ; but Mr. Wooley had preached there a few times ; and there were a few families in the immediate vicinity who were ready to do all they could for the accommodation of those who should assemble ; and whose liberality was generous and ample. The country was new and thinly settled, at that time, and no meeting-house had been erected in that region by any denom- ination. But two brothers, by the name of Lamb, (the youngest of whom is now a judge, and still occupies the same house.) had just built a house, designed for a tavern, with a pretty extensive ball-room, which they generously offered and we gratefully ac- cepted, as the most eligible place that could be found. And, here we assembled, on the sixth day of June, 1806, and were met by the delegation from the General Convention. Mr. Ballou, Mr. Farwell, and Mr. Flagg ; and a young man by the name of Paul Dean, who had commenced preaching something like a year before, and had received a letter of fellowship from the General Convention, at its sesion in September previous, accom- panied Mr. Ballou from Barnard, Vermont. And here was or- ganized the first Association of Universalists in the State, which then and there received the appellation of " The Western Asso- ciation of Universalists in the State of New York ;" and this was the third organization of the kind effected in America. Four discourses were delivered on the occasion, one by Mr. Flagg, one by Mr. Dean, and two by Mr. Ballou. A numerous con- gregation, for the time and place, were in attendance; and in the afternoon of the first day, and both parts of the second, we were compelled to repair to the adjacent forest for our religious exercises, the chamber not being sufficiently capacious to hold a tenth part of the congregation. The weather was fine for the season ; and we found ourselves comfortably accommodated, with the verdant and waving foliage of a dense forest to screen us from the scorching rays of a summer sun, and the trunks and frag- ments of fallen trees, mostly for our seats ; and here we listened with intense interest and fervent gratification to the preaching, which, it appeared to me, was almost sufficiently piercing to pen- etrate the dark vault of the tomb, and powerful enough to raise the dead to life. Heaven's richest spiritual blessings were be- stowed with a liberal hand ; and my anticipations of felicity on the occasion would by no means have been extravagant, had it not been for one occurrence, which I shall hereafter have to re- cord. 170 MEMOIRS OF THE This meeting gave courage, confidence, and strength to our friends, and alarmed our enemies. Such a congregation of Universalist preachers, it was thought, could scarcely have been collected together in the wide world ! Why, there were six of them together ! And, unexpectedly to me, in addition to the so- cieties already named, a delegation from a society in Delaware county, (I suppose, under the preaching of Mr, Ferris, though he was not present.) presented credentials, and were received into fellowship ; which made four societies, duly represented. What think you, brethren in the ministry ? Would such a meet- ing as that be a subject of extreme congratulation and encour- agement to you at the present day? But so it was to us, then. We felt that it was the " Lord's doing, and marvelous in our eyes." We received it as a pledge of divine approbation, and sure confirmation that the cause would prosper in our hands; and, like Paul when he met the brethren at " Appii Forum, and tlie Three Taverns," we "thanked God, and took courage." But,alas ! while citizens of this changeable and changing world, we may always look for an alloy to our anticipated enjoyment. Mr. Wooley, whom I have already named as the instrument of the organization of the first Universalist society west of the Hud- son river, had been, at least, imprudent in his conversation and conduct. He was aman of jealous temperament, and frequent- ly, on that account, abused his best friends. He hailed my com- ing into this country with the utmost apparent sincerity and cor- diality; introduced me to his society; and, in the strongest man- ner, insisted on my preaching with them. But soon after our meeting at Burlington, for causes unknown to me, and which I had not wisdom enough to divine, unless it was on account of my influencing Mr. Ferris to meet with us, and which he never saw fit to sp'^ak to me about, or in any way attempt to explain, he be- came decidedly unfriendly. I was left to learn it from our mu- tual friends ; for, in my presence, he still continued to manifest his former friendship. But 1 could often hear of his unfriendly remarks in regard to me, of the invidious epithets that he used, and his untiring efforts to render me ridiculous, and destroy my influence ; and I was advised, several times, to enter a complaint against him to the Association. But I uniformly answered, " No — I extremely regret Br. Wooley is taking such a course ; for the cause will be injured thereby. We are weak, at best, and need* all our united and friendly co-operation to advance the cause of divine truth. But I will try to outlive all these unjust aspersions, and pray that Brother Wooley may neither hurt himself, nor the LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. ' 171 cause in which we are engaged ; for I feel assured that he can not seriously injure me, if I do not hurt myself." He even went so far as to represent, in a letter that he prepared for the society in Hartwick to the General Convention, that my labors were in- jurious to the cause in that section of country, and advised the Convention not to grant me ordination ; and presented this letter to the clerk of the society for his signature ; but he would not sign it. He said, however, that he had sufficient influence in the Convention to prevent my ordination ; and he would do it. But on his return from the Convention, which was several weeks before I returned, on being asked if I was ordainetl, saifJ, "Yes, that hellish club of Free Masons have put him as far forward as possible." Still, Mr. Wooley was on the committee of ordina- tion before which I was examined; and so far from raising any objections to my ordination, or manifesting any unfriendly feel- ing toward me in the council, every word and every act of his were in my favor, and he promoted my ordination wit^ all the influence he possessed. His conduct was most inexplicable, and a source of the greatest trial I ever experienced in all my ministerial labors. I could, with the utmost fortitude, bear the opposition, the scoffs, the sneers, the vituperations, and the cal- umnies of enemies, and almost thank God that I was worthy to suffer persecution for the cause of Christ ; but when professed friends, and especially one engaged in the same work, holding fellowship with the same church, bound together by the sacred ties of faith, of Christian sympathy, of clerical fellowship, and whose bonds should liave been strengthened by a consideration of the vast importance of the work in which we were engaged, and the opposition we were doomed to encounter from a malig- nant and cruel foe ; when such an one turned his heel against me, and, like Joab, while saluting me with a brother's kiss, had a dagger concealed under his cloak, to stab me " under the fifth rib," was more than I felt able to bear. And, had I not been fully aware that Mr. Wooley's influence was, with himself, more imaginary than real — that the friends of the cause did not enter- tain so high an opinion of his talents and usefulness as he did — that his standing in the denomination was not the most exalted, I should certainly have sunk under the burden. Moreover, in addition to his treatment of me, he was engaged, about this time, in the puerile and visionary pursuit of digging for treasures in the earth. He and several others had formed a company, and engaged the services of one of those impostors who, by looking into a mysterious glass, or rather stone, pretended to be able to 172 MEMOIRS OF THE discover hidden treasures, or lost things, and even foretell future events; and he was leading them about from place to place to dig for subterraneous wealth, which he could plainly see by look- ing into his dark hat, having this stone in the crown. Mr.Wooley's friends had admonished him of the impropriety, of the course he was pursuing, of the injury the cause would sustain by it, and its disadvantage to himself in particular. They represented to him the great probability that this man was a gross impostor, and practicing this deception upon his too-credulous employers to gratify his idleness and his avarice. But this only vexed Mr. Wooley,*and led him to make some very unwise and unchristian expressions. Without the least previous knowledge of mine, or even a hint that such a thing was in agitation, at an early session of the coun- cil after its organization, a gentleman residing in Columbus, and an ardent friend to the cause, presented a written complaint, founded upon the circumstances above related. This was a source of grief, and indeed of mortification to the whole council, and a severe drawback upon our enjoyment. But it was just; the council were obliged to receive the complaint, and Mr. Wooley was called to answer to it. He pleaded that he was not prepared to meet the allegations and defend himself, neither could he be during this session ; and wished to appeal to the General Convention for his trial, at its next session. This re- quest was readily granted ; but at the next session of the General Convention, Mr. Wooley did not appear. The case was called up, the evidence examined, and Mr. W. was suspended from fellowship for one year ; but the privilege granted him to appear at the next meeting of the Convention, to vindicate and clear him- self from the charges brought against him, if he should be able. The next Convention, however, Mr. Wooley did not see fit to at- tend^ either personally or by proxy ; and hearing nothing from him, the hand of fellowship was finally withdraw^ai ; and he never afterward took any measures to renew his standing in the con- nection, although he continued to hold meetings for several years, more or less, after his expulsion. The position of Mr. Wooley left me substantially alone in this region ; for Mr. Ferris was too deeply engaged in his secu- lar affairs to pay much attention, or devote much time to preach- ing. But, strange as it may appear, Mr. Wooley manifested more friendship after this, than he had at any time since his ali- enation ; and was of more service to me, in recommending my labors, and trying to introduce me into different places to pro- claim the word. LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 173 At the time the committee was appointed, by the General Con- vention, to visit us in New York and organize an Association, I requested Mr. Flagg, whose time was not so closely occupied as some others, to make arrangements to remain a season in our country, even all summer if he could, as there was a " great and effectual door opened " for the preached word, " and many op- posers," and laborers but few and feeble. He made his arrange- ments accordingly, and did remain among us somewhat over one montli. During that time, he preached to great acceptance in many places, delivered an address to the friends in Columbus, on the fourth of July, which was highly extolled ; and was ear- nestly solicited to remain longer ; but, for reasons known only to himself, declined, and returned to New England in the month of July. There is an anecdote in regard to Mr. Flag-o-, which I think worth relating, and which is at least amusing, and not wholly without instruction. While in Cooperstown, where Mr. Flagg had been preaching, he fell in company with Mr. Aplin, a rigid Calvinist, and deacon of the Presbyterian church, with whom he had a desultory controversy. The deacon soon found himself in difficulty ; and becoming vexed, which is generally the case with violent opposers, when they find themselves so crossed in argument that they can not extricate themselves, began to rail against the doctrine because of its licentious tendency ; " Why," said he, "if I believed your doctrine, Mr. Flagg, I should feel ]io restraint — I would give loose to all my passions and propensi- ties, and gratify them to the full extent — I would steal, murder, rob, or do any thing I felt disposed to do." Mr. Flagg was some- times pretty severe, especially on a bigoted, uncivil, and stormy- opponent ; and being a large, stern -looking man, he fixed his piercing eye on the deacon, and replied, " Deacon A., I believe it — I believe every word you say — I believe you have as corrupt a heart as you say you have ; and God knows what a rascal you are ; and he has hid the truth from your eyes, to prevent you from committing those atrocious crimes." The deacon quailed under the stern gaze and severe rebuke of Mr. F., and withdrew from the contest ; no doubt ashamed of the horrible confession he had unwittingly made. After the close of the Association, which adjourned to the first Wednesday and Thursday in June, 1807 ; then to hold a session in New Hartford, Oneida county ; Mr. Ballou went with me to my residence in Brookfield, where he delivered a discourse. From thence he went to New Hartford and Utica, preached in 174 MEMOIRS OF THE each of those places, and then returned to his residence in Bar- nard, Vermont. After Mr. Flagg returned to Massachusetts, I was again left alone, even more solitary than ever before, in this enlarging field of operation ; for I could no longer associate with Mr. Wooley, as I iiad, in some measure, heretofore always done, notwith stand hi g his unkind treatment; and, indeed, the friends in this immediate region would no longer countenance his at- tempts to hold meetings among them ; therefore, if he preached at all, it must have been in some remote place. About this time, or soon after this, he made some journeys into the Genesee coun- try, and preached in several places, then far west of my travels. Mr. Ferris traveled none, of any account, and preached but little. But I had enjoyed " a feast of fat things ," which renewed my strength, and gave me fortitude and courage to meet the opposi- tion, although alone, and fight, fearlessly, the battles of the Lord, under the unfurled banner of his love. We adopted the prac- tice at our first Association, of publishing our proceedings in a pamphlet, accompanied by a general epistle, or circular letter, to the societies, which was distributed among our friends, and also among as many of our opposers, as we could induce to read it, gratuitously ; and this practice was continued until periodi- cals were so established in our denomination as to supersede the necessity, or even utility, of this course. And this practice proved a very efficient means of advancing the cause, by diffusing in- formation, not only in regard to our order, but also in respect to doctrine, among many vviio had not the moral courage to attend our meetings^ even when convenient for them to do so. Some time in the course of the previous year, Mr. Ballou had delivered a discourse in the meeting-house in West Rutland, Vermont, where the mulatto, Rev. Lemuel Haynes, was settled, which called forth Haynes' memorable discourse against Uni- versalism. This discourse was immediately published, and re- published, through several editions, and circulated vv^ith the ra- pidity of lightning, almost, through the length and breadth of our country. It was extolled from the pulpit, and recommended by many newspapers, as a complete exposition, refutation, and ex- plosion of Universalism ; and highly applauded in an Orthodox periodical, the first I ever saw, entitled, if my memory serves me, the "Christian Panoplist," and recommended to the perusal of all, but especially to such as had not time to read the Bible in reference to the subject ! I found it in almost every place where I went ; it was thrown in my face by almost every saucy boy, quarrelsome man, and petulent old woman that 1 met. It LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 175 happened, very fortunately, that Mr. Ballou brought with him into that country, a few of his letters addressed to Haynes on the subject. 1 therefore purchased one of Haynes' pamphlets, attached it to Mr. Ballou's letters, and got five hundred printed; and scattered them through the country, wherever 1 went. This had the desired effect. It not only put a stop to the exultation of opposers over Haynes' production, in that region ; but it showed so plainly the absurdity of that tissue of low satire and black- guardism, as well as the unchristian and uncivil course pursued by the author, that it actually produced a reaction, arjd led hun- dreds to reflect ; and paved the way for them to burst the man- acles of bigotry and superstition, and come into the liberty of the Gospel. Thus was the wrath of man made to praise the Lord. Mr. Ballou also brought with him a few copies of his " Treatise on Atonement," then just published, and a few copies of his "Notes on the Parables," first edition, in pamphlet form. These were of immense value to the cause ; for as yet, no books, or nearly none, on the subject of Universalism, were to be found in all that country ; while it was being inundated with Partialist writings of almost every description. I believe I had found one eopy of Dr. Huntington's posthumous work, "Calvinism Im- proved," and perhaps two or three copies of " Winchester's Dia- logues ;" and I do not recollect of meeting with any other works in favor of Universalism, in the hands of any individual in all that region of country. During the year intervening between the sessions of our As- sociation, my labor was as incessant as in any period of my life. I regularly supplied the societies and congregations in Hamilton, Sangerfield, Whitestown and Hartwick, and lectured several times in the course of the week, extending my travels very con- siderably beyond their former limits. I found also many more places, within the limits of my former travels, and even beyond them. The doctrine of the Great Salvation was this year in- troduced into the towns of Paris,Bridgewater,Deerfield, Litchfield, Westmoreland, Rome, Western, Floyd, Eaton, and Norwich, besides the villages of Utica, Whitesboro', and Clinton ; and va- rious other neighborhoods in the towns of Hamilton, Madison, and Sangerfield, where I could never before gain admittance ; for the Gospel, in order to succeed, must "be carried to every man's door. I cheerfully answered every call I could possibly find time to attend to, even from the smallest settlement; and felt abundantly rewarded if I could get ten or a dozen willing to listen to my message ; and in the course of the year, a number 176 MEMOIRS OF THE of respectable congregations were fiot up in different places, and societies organized in the towns of Madison, Eaton, and Western. In September, this year, (1806) the General Convention held its session in the village of Hoosick Falls, N. Y. My wife had two brothers residing in that region, one within the limits of the town of Hoosick, and the other near the mouth of the Mohawk River, in Watervliet. She therefore accompanied me ; and we spent the Sunday after the Convention in Watervliet. The in- habitants of this place, with the exception of one or two fami- lies, were Dutch, and very bigoted and superstitious. But at the request of a few friends, an appointment for a meeting was given out ; and, contrary to my expectations, quite a respec- table congregation, for numbers, assembled. This, I believe, was the first discourse ever delivered by a Universalist in that place, and it produced somewhat of an excitement; and after the close of the exercise, several individuals manifested quite a pugnacious spirit, and unceremoniously commenced an attack. Among the most forward was an old Dutchman, by the name of Canute, quite a shrewd and intelligent man. But the old gentle- man soon became very angry, and indulged in unmeasured abuse. This so disturbed my sister-in-law, in whose house our meeting had been held, and where we still remained, that with some spirit she interrupted the conversation, by saying, ^- Mr. Canute, Mr. Stacy is my brother !" The old gentlemen rather petulently replied, " Vel, den, sho wash Cain prother to Apel." This produced some risibility ; and I had to tell my sister not to be disturbed — Mr. C. could not offend me. But a more formi- dable antagonist now interposed, a bigoted, self-conceited Y ankee school-master. He charged me with taking advantage of Mr. C, because he did not understand the English language. "Per- haps, sir," said I, " you would like to take Mr. Canute's place." No sooner was this said, than Mr. C. withdrew, and the Yankee school-master, with all the pomposity of a pedant, and the as- surance of a bravado, seated himself before me,/oo^ to foot and knee to knee, and resumed the argument. But in less than half of the time which Mr. C. occupied, he arose and left the house in a rage. Fie v/as totally ignorant of the Scriptures, and desti- tute of all knowledge of the nature of an argument. During the meeting, I noticed a young man manifestly giving profound attention to the discourse ; he also remained during the discus- sion, and paid close attention ; but did not introduce a word, pro or con. On the next day, this young man, (he was a Dutch- man,) came and very civilly accosted me, saying, that he at- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 177 vended my meeting yesterday, and also heard the discussion be- tween me and Mr. Canute, and the school-master; and he un- derstood me to say. that the phrase endless punishinenf. could not be found in the Bible ; and that there could not a word be found, either in the English or Greek Testament, that primarily and necessarily meant- endless, when applied to punishment. He said, he was a professor of religion, and an inquirer after truth. He had supposed that endless punishment was a prominent doc- trine of the Bible ; but if it were not so, he certainly wished to know it. And as he felt incapable of holding an argument, he had persuaded a gentleman of learning to accompany him ; and, if 1 felt willing, he wished us to discuss the question in his presence. He said, he was a gentleman and a Christian, and would use me politely, if I would permit him to introduce him to me. 1 replied, I should be very happy to discourse with him ; and he invited him into the room, and introduced him. If my memory be correct, (but I am not very positive, in this particu- lar,) his name was Lansing. He also was a Dutchman. I found him to be a man of classical education, and a gentleman ; and he certainly demeaned himself like a Christian. He immedi- ately directed my attention to the twenty fifth chapter of Mat- thew — the parable of the sheep and the goats. But in less than twenty minutes, I made him acknowledge, that the word aionion, applied both to the happiness of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked, did not necessarily mean endless ; but actually was, in most cases, applied to things of limited diiration ; and, as he could find no word stronger than that, applied to punishment, he gave up the argument in my favor, and pursued no further the subject of endless punishment with me. A number of years after the above-mentioned incident, at a meeting of the Western Association, in Hamilton, a gentleman by the name of Vandenburg applied for a letter of fellowship ; and after examination, in v/hich he was found worthy, and his request granted, he took occasion to remind me of the foregoing circumstance. He told me he was the young man who desired the interview, and observed, that the discourse and the discussion to which he listened at that time, resulted in inducing him to en- ter into a close and critical examination of the Bible on the sub- ject ; and it was but a short time before lie became firmly estab- lished in the doctrine, and felt an irresistible desire to proclaim it to the world. He was shortly after solemnly ordained to the sacred work of the ministry of reconciliation, in the town of Pompey, Onondaga county, N. Y., near which, I believe, he L 17S MEMOIRS OF THE Still resides ; and remains faithful to his divine Master, and his holy profession. This, and similar circumstances which fre- quently occurred, always renewed my courage, and inspired a spirit of perseverance. I discovered that, although seed might be sown under the most untoward and unpromising circum- stances, yet there might be spots of good ground to receive some small part of it, which would germinate, and in due time yield a profitable harvest. On my second visit to the toM'n of Litchfield, Herkimer county, in the autumn of this year, an occurrence took place of some interest, which, like almost every attempt of the opposers to crush the truth, proved essentially advantageous to the establishment of the cause in that place. I had previously delivered a single lecture within the limits of that town, in the dwelling-house of James Gage, Esq.; but now the appointment was made for a meeting in a school-house in one of the most populous settlements in the town, and in close proximity to the Presbyterian meeting- house, the center of that society. There was also a Baptist so- ciety and church in the immediate vicinity, and a clergyman of the order residing in the neighborhood. This invasion upon their premises alarmed them. Something must be done. The prowl- ing wolf wa.s about to venture into the midst of their flocks, and even in their presence attempt to seize their sheep ! A meeting was called, as I wassubsequently circumstantially informed, and measures adopted to effectually oppose and drive the presump- tuous intruder from their borders. Pilot and Herod were that day made friends. The consultation was mutual between the two denominations, and the result was, that Elder William Un- derwood, the Baptist minister, vv'ith the aid of two deacons, one Baptist and one Presbyterian, should attend the meeting, and give battle to the stripling, whom they understood was a mere boy. All this, however, was kept a profound secret from me, at the time, and also as much as possible from my friends. At length the day arrived, and a crowded congregation filled the house. The Elder with his two aids, one on each side, placed himself on the other side of the room, directly opposite to me. I was not introduced to them, and consequently was unable to distinguish them from others, until they arose for combat. The text I made use of was Mark, 16 : 15, 16. They considered this as a knock- down text, and sufficient, of itself, to refute Universalism. How- ever, I had the temerity to approach it, and delivered a pretty long discourse upon it, with as much freedom of speech as I ever enjoyed. At the close, 1 gave liberty for remarks, or questions, LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 179 '^tA took my seat. But my opposers were not quick to rise» The deacons began to jog Mr. Underwood, and whisper "Come, .get up," as the Elder subsequently informed me. But he whis- pered back, " What shall we do ? This is something new — we are not prepared for it." But they replied, " Something must be done— get up and oppose it." So up Mr. U. arose, and stam- mered out sometliing, and quoted two or three passages of Scrip- ture. But his discourse was short, and, I thought, his arguments very feeble. I replied briefly, however, to what he said. Fie then remarked, that there was a boy in the house, who had com- mitted to memory a poem which he thought very descriptive, and very clearly illustrated Universalism ; and he motioned that the boy be called upon to rise and repeat it. No remark was made in reply, and the boy was placed upon a bench, and commenced repeating the same obscene satire, mentioned heretofore as the closing exercise of Elder Morton. When the boy had repeated one stanza, I arose and stopped him ; and told the congregation, that I had once heard that tilthy production, and must be excused from hearing it a second time — it was too obscene to be repeated in public ; but if the}^ chose to hear it, I would retire until the boy had concluded his exhibition ; and then return and answer questions, candidly proposed, as long as they desired. The faces of the clergyman and deacons were instantly suffused wnth shame, and the boy was pulled off the bench. No farther questions were proposed, nor opposition attempted ; and, after waiting a reasonable time, I dismissed the congregation. I had a few words of conversation with the Elder and his deacons after the people were dismissed ; and it was perfectly evident that they, too late, discovered that the course they had taken was calculated to have H, contrary efl'ect from what they designed. From this time, I saw no more of Mr. Underwood for nearly three years ; although I frequently held meetings in Litchfield, and sometimes in his immediate neighborhood ; but he never again attended my meeting, until he became an advocate of the faith he once attempted to destroy. After Mr. Dean's settlement in New Hartford, we frequently lectured in Litchfield ; and I was told that Mr. Underwood attended his meetings several times, and had several interviews with him. About three years after the above-mentioned interview with Mr. U., and after mv removal to the town of Hamilton, a neighbor of mine, Mr. Stevens, dea- con of the Presbyterian church, and a rigid, sour sectarian, sent his son very early one morning to my house, with a request that I should immediately call there. This was unaccountably 180 MEMOIRS OF THE Strange ! I could never persuade the deacon to hold any more intercourse with me, than a Jew would hold with a Samaritan. "What," said I to the boy, "does your father wish of me?" " There is a minister," he replied, " that wishes to talk with you." " What minister is it ? " I inquired. " Mr. Underwood," said he. " Well," said I, " you may return my answer, that I will come as soon as I have taken breakfast." When the boy had gone, I told my wife wlio this Mr. Underwood must be, and, said I, " you must go with me ; for no doubt I have got to have a severe battle." We went — but instead of a battle, and to the very great aston- ishment of tlie deacon and his wife, all I had to do was to sit and hear the Elder preach Universalism, with all the eloquence he was master of, for the period of half a day. He said, " I am not a Universalist ; but I have found some flaws in my former creed, and I have abandoned all creeds, and am resolved to search im- partially, and, God being my helper, to follow on till I find the truth." I merely replied, " You are doing well. Brother Under- wood — God speed you — you will end right." This was in the winter. I was, at this time, under engagement to preach one Sunday in each month in Litchfield, about six miles from the residence of Mr. U., and on a Sunday in the fore part of the fol- lowing summer, being a little behind time in the morning, when I arrived at the school-house where our meetings were holden, Mr. Underwood had opened the meeting by prayer. He declined my invitation to him to preach, but cheerfully associated in the other exercises of worship, and openly avowed his faith in the final Restitution. I went home with him after meeting, and for the first time visited his family. I found his wife also in the faith, and rather in advance of her husband ; and they both affirmed, that they felt vastly happier, more reconciled to the divine gov- ernment, loved God better, and felt a more expansive and endu- ring affection for mankind than they did, or could, in their for- mer faith, or even thought it possible to experience. He was a man then passing the meridian of life : had been a Baptist preacher for many years; but he had now entered a new and a more delightful field of labor. After a suitable season, he joined the Universalist connection, became a zealous and useful laborer in the vineyard, and lived and died rejoicing in the faith. On the first of January, 1807, by the urgent solicitation of the society in Whitestown, I removed my family into that town. This, however, caused no alteration in my labors and itinerations. I continued to supply the societies with whom I had before la- bored nearly in the same ratio, devoting a little more time, how- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 181 ever, to Whitestown and vicinity. I had received several ur- gent calls to hold a meeting in the town of Eaton, Madison county, but hitherto had found no opportunity to answer them. In the month of March , however, 1 sent them an appointment, and with much labor and fatigue, over roads well surcharged with mud, I was enabled to fulfil the engagement. The distance was about twenty miles, and the hour of appointment had passed by, fifteen or twenty minutes before I arrived, which caused considerable solicitude by my friends. As I came within sight of the school- house, in what was called Log City, then the most populous set- tlement in the town, I discovered quite a large concourse of peo- ple in front of the house, and suddenly two individuals emerged from the crowd, and met me at the distance of thirty or forty rods. They said some fears had been indulged, and some im- patience manifested ; and they wanted me to make no delay, lest the people should begin to retire. Therefore, one took my horse, and the other, without introducing me to an individual, conducted me into the house. I noticed a gentleman, very active and offi- cious in seating the people, (who soon filled the house, though the principal part found seats of some sort,) and trying to arrange things for the convenience of the congregation, who, on comple- ting his task, seated himself on the other side of the room, di- rectly opposite to me. His movements naturally arrested my attention, and his location in the assembly rendered him an ob- ject of my special attention. I could not detect his eyes turned from me during the whole discourse ; and his emotions were more visible than I had ever before witnessed in any man living. Sometimes, his sides would shake with laughter, and, at others, tears would run in rivers down his cheeks. As soon as the con- gregation were dismissed, he crowded his way to me. and, taking me by the hand most cordially, said, "I wish to introduce myself to you, sir, as a Methodist preacher, by the name of Calvin Wins- low." He then gave me a most pressing invitation to go home with him — he resided about a mile distant. This 1 had to decline, as I had other engagements for the evening; but, before I left the town, I made him a visit. Mr. Winslow was a popular preacher among the Methodists, and had been a most virulent enemy of Universalism. He was an illiterate man, but possessed strong natiiral talents, was quite eloquent in his way, and could be cuttingly satirical ; and he failed not to employ this talent freely upon Calvinism and Uni- versalism. I will give an illustration. In a sermon, not long previous to my first acquaintance with him, after belaboring Cal- iS2 MEMOIRS OF THE vinism with all the vindictive feelings of an enraged soul, he closed by exclaiming, "Here, Calvinism! get out at the back door, to black damnation — to your mother hell !" Then turning upon Universalism, he whipped that with the lashes of his fiery . tongue, as long as he could find expressions bad enough, when, with a bitter sneer, lie wound off by saying, " And you, Univer- salist, how you'll look, after you have been in hell forty nine thou- sand years, and helped Winchester build a bridge across the impassable gulph — how you'll look like a parcel of scorched toads, hopping about in heaven, and singing praises to hell-fire !'" But God had prepared Mr, Winslow to feel a different spirit, at that time. He had just buried a beloved child, and his feel- ings were very tender and susceptible. On my visit to him, I was accompanied by several others who wished to hear the dis- cussion, for they expected to hear a warm controversy. I found him very little inclined for disputation, but quite disposed to make inquiry. He did, indeed, commence a trifling controversy ; but in an exceedingly mild way ; and manifested no disposition to» continue it, but turned the conversation wholly to inquiry, with- out attempting a reply. Our friends who went with me were very much disappointed at the result of our meeting, but the in- terview was a very pleasant one. He informed me of his afflic- tive bereavement. We united in prayer, and separated with the kindest feelings. From that time, Mr. Winslow sought every opportunity to associate with me, often attended my meet- ings ; and we several times held meetings together, he improv- ing one part of the day, and I the other ; and we often ex- changed visits, until the Methodists became quite jealous of him. Our friendly intercourse continued notwithstanding ; and at every opportunity he propounded questions for investigation on impor- tant doctrinal points ; and I could plainly discover, from time to time, a progressive improvement in thought ; and report said, his preaching became vastly more liberal. Some time in the summer of 1809, Mr. Winslow called at my house, and immediately, even before taking his seat, said, " Brother Stacy, there is but one thing that prevents me from being a Universalist ; and that is, the unalterable state of the soul after death. All men are certainly not prepared for heaveii before death, nor have we any evidence that all are converted at the hour of death. Now if I could be convinced that there could be a saving change wrought upon the soul after death, I should, be compelled to be a Universalist." "Well, sit dowry, Br. Winslow," said I, " if that is your last and only difficulty^ LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 183 you have got to be a Universalist, or I a Methodist, before we part. For if the Bible does positively teach, that there is to be 710 alteration after death, I will renounce Universalism. And now, let me hear your strongest proofs and arguments in favor of the sentiment, that there is no change to the soul after the death of the body." The reader will doubtless be astonished, espe- cially when he considers that Mr. W. had been a preacher for many years, and the boast of his denomirmtion, on learning that the first proof he named was, "There is no repentance in the grave." " Why, Brother Winslow, do you quote that as Scrip- ture]" "Yes, surely." " But do you not know, that there is no such passage in the Bible ?" " Well, if I have not got the words exactly, there is something nearly like it." " Well, there is something near enough — the words you probably allude to are in the ninth chapter of Ecclesiastes, and read thus : " What- soever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might ; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave, whither thou goest." " Well, that is as strong as though the word repentance was there." "Just as strong, Brother Wins- low ; and I am perfectly willing you should add the word re- pentance to it, if it will suit your argument any better." "Well, that surely teaches, that there can be no saving change after death." '" We will look at it. Brother Winslow. You suppose tliat this refers to the state of the soul after the death of the body, do you not?" "Yes, certainly." "Now, permit me to ask you one question. Can we either enjoy happiness, or experience misery, without knowledge ?" " No, certainly." " We will now read your text according to your supposition of its mean- ing : ' For there is no ivork, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom to the soul, after death.' How do you like it. Brother Winslow ?" " I do not like it at all." " Well, you must not have it so, then ; but take it as the sacred penman has given it to you. You now see, that according to your application of the text, if it prove any thing, it proves too much for you ; because it proves the annihilation of the soul !" " Well, I will give up that text, but I have others." " Please to name them." " As a tree falleth, so it lieth ; and as death leaves us, so judgment will find us." In short, he went from this to the eighth chapter of John ; and quoted, erroneously, " If ye die in your sins, where God and Christ are, you never can come;" and then from Revelations, " He that is unjust, shall be unjust still," &c.; reciting every passage wrong that he attempted to quote. I carefully followed liim, turning to every passage he attempted to quote, and read 184 MEMOIRS OF THE them correctly, giving him my views upon each text. I then took the affirmative of the question — There is an alteration after death ; and quoted 1 .Pet. 3 : 18, 19, 20 ; and 4 : 6 ; Rom. 14 ; 7, «, 9 ; Heb. 2:14; and concluded with the fifteenth chapter of first Corinthians, when Mr. Winslow, faithful to himself and his word, declared that he was fully convinced of the truth of the Final Restitution ; and manifested exceeding great joy in his deliverance from Partialism. A few weeks after this interview, he authorized me to give out an appointment for him in connec- tion with mine, in the town of Eaton, with the annunciation that he would there fully declare his sentiments. This produced a very considerable excitement ; for it was obvious that Mr. W's preaching had undergone a change — the Methodists had become jealous of him, and much speculation had been indulged in re- gard to his private sentiments. The annunciation, therefore, that he would openly avow and explain his doctrinal sentiments, called together an unusually large congregation ; and, in their presence, on the seventeenth day of September, 1809, he boldly avowed his faith in the final salyation of the whole human fam- ily, through Jesus Christ our Lord. It was a refreshing season, and much good was done in our holy cause. " Is this Univer- salisml" said an old gentleman by the name of Hatch to me, who had never dared to venture out to a meeting of the kind before. "Surely," I replied, " this is Universalism." " Well,'^ said he, "■ if this is Universalism, then I have been a Universal- ist for many years, for this is exactly according to my faith; but I knew not what to call myself." And from that time he be- came one of my constant hearers. Immediately after this public declaration of his faith, the Methodists took up a labor witii Mr. Winslow, and, in a very unfriendly manner, excommunicated him from the connection. Previously to this step, however, he had addressed a very affec- tionale letter to tl e Conference, informing them of bis change of sentiment, and requesting a peaceable withdrawal. They took no notice of this letter, but thundered their bitterest anath- emas upon his head, and deliver d him up to satan, not for the salvation of his soul, like Paul of old, but to be tormented in hell w^orld without end. He soon joined our Association, and was for several years a successful and profitable fellow-laborer. But he was an unfortunate man. He had a good heart — never man had better ; but his unconquerable appetite for ardent spir- its overpowered l:is judgment, and he became an inebriate I Long and affectionately did the Association labor to restore and LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 185 preserve him, for all loved him ; but our labor proved fruitless. Several times he came with deep contrition of heart — he was always sincere — and, with tears streaming from his eyes, con- fessed his sin, and begged forgiveness ; but alas! his resolution was easily overcome, perhaps by the next decanter of spirits placed before him; and this, in his day, was too common and too dangerous a practice. The Association was at length com- pelled — but it was done with feelings of heart-felt sorrow and commiseration for his infirmities — at its sess'on in 1817.1 think, to withdraw from him the hand of fellowship ; and he never afterward attempted to preach. '' The voice of my brethren," he said to me, " is the voice of God, in this respect — I shall never try to preach again." From my first visit to Eaton, I continued them monthly, de- livering one or more lecture each time ; and b.efore our Asso- ciation in June, they organized a small society, which was at that time received into fellowship. Soon after my removal to Whitestown, I received a pressing solicitation to visit the town of Western, north of Rome. Methodism had made very considerable progress in that town ; and it had done some good. It had exposed the absurdities of Calvinism, and, in a good degree, liberated the mind from the prejudices of education ; and in several instances, certainly excited a freedom of thought and investigation which it could not restrain. S3veral, who had early united with the Metho- dists, had thoroughly tried that system and found it entirely in- adequate to answer the desires of the soul ; or, to use Scripture metaphor, " The bed was so short, that a «ian could not stretch himself on it ; and the covering so narrow, that he could not wrap himself in it." Some had already discovered a more am- pie plan of salvation, and others were earnestly seeking. My time was so constantly taken up, that I could not answer their call until March ; but from that time I visited them as often as I could find opportunity, generally preaching several times, and in several different places, in the course of each visit ; and in the course of the summer following, a society was organized in that town. " Come," said a gentlemen, v^hen I presented a con- stitution for a society, — " Come, sister U., you and I were the first to join a Methodist class in this place ; and now let us be the first to join a Universalist Society." But sister U. was not tlien quite ready. However, she soon became ready, and joined with a full and glowing heart. There was a gentleman who kept a public-house between 186 MEMOIRS OF THE Whitesboro' and Rome Ijy, the name of Putnam — (Col. Put- nam.) This gentleman had several times attended my meetings in Whitestown, and requested that I would, at some convenient time, make an appointment in his neighborhood. On my way to Western, on one of my visits to that town, I called on Col. P., to make arrangements for a lecture, on my return. The Colonel was not in his house, but his wife directed me to a lot where he was at work, and I went and found him. He dropped his work, and returned with me to the house. We were con- versing on the subject of a meeting when we entered the house, and took seats. Mrs. P. was washing the shelves in the bar ; and I felt a little surprised that he did not introduce us to each other ; but no such ceremony was performed. I could discover her occasionally stop work, and listen to our conversation. At length she turned round, and, with a face suffused with scarlet, said, "Is this Mr. Stacy?" "Yes," answered the Colonel, and then formally introduced us. Addressing me, she then said, " If I had known who you were, I would not have told you where Mr. P. was." •" Why, madam ?" I asked. " Because I consider you a very great deceiver, and a very dangerous man ; spreading your damnable doctrine in the world, and leadmg souls down to hell. You must know that my husband i« very dear to me ; and you have enticed him away after your corrupt doctrine, and are trying to lead him astray, and will be the means of him being damned at last. I do not wish to have him go after you. I don't wish you to have an opportunity to deceive him any more. I wish you would leave the house, and never call here agatft." "I presume, madam, the Colonel is a man capable of judging for himself in these matters ; and will not easily be deceived by a stripling, as I am." " No, he is not ; you have deceived him — j^ou are now trying to deceive him; and I wish you would leave the house." -All this, and much more, was said in a high state of excitement and vehe- mence of passion. Indeed, her menaces and grimace, led me very seriously to apprehend she would actually come at me, even in the presence of her husband, to put me out of the house by force. The Colonel manifested great mortification — used his utmost endeavors to calm her passions and cool her temper ; but all in vain. Nothing that he or I could say had any other effect but to inflame her passions, and excite her volubility in the use of the most invidious language she was mistress of. He finally said, he would consult his neighbors ; and an ap- pointment would be given out for a meeting somewhere in the LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. " l87 neighborhood ; and I left the house, thankful to escape with the hair on my head. On my return, I rode up to the house, and not seeing the Colonel, felt some hesitation about entering ; however, I con- cluded to venture, hair or no hair. I hitched my horse in the shed, and entered the bar-room. The house was small, consist- ing of but two rooms on the ground, one serving for a bar-room, and the other for a kitchen. As I entered, I saw Mrs. P. sit- ting alone in the bar-room, with her elbows on her knees, and her face dropped between her hands, so as to completely cover it. I looked at her, but she moved not ; I thought it possible she was asleep. I walked across the floor as heavily as I could — ^threw my hat and whip on the table, with as much noise as I could make, and turned toward Mrs. P.; but no movement was yet discoverable. I then took several turns across the floor, with as heavy a tread as my light frame could well make ; but without arousing her, or scarcely perceiving any signs of life. I then turned my face toward her, and vociferated, " Mrs. P !" She then slowly raised her head. She had not been asleep ; but evidently had seen me ride up, and had fixed herself in that position to avoid an interview. She looked sour enough ; but 1 ventured to inquire, "• Is the Colonel within ?" She answered coldly, "He is somewhere about — he'll be in soon." This was all the conversation we had. She did not ask me to be seated ; but, notwithstanding, I did take a seat. The Colonel soon came in ; and as we were about to repair to a near neighbor's where a meeting had been appointed, he asked her if she would go to meeting with us. She replied, grufiiy, " No ; I am going to prayer meeting." I delivered my message ; and remained with the gentleman at whose house the meeting Avas holden, through the night ; and the next morning left the neighborhood with a whole skin ; and I have no recollection of ever having seen either Col. P. or his wife since. Although I often passed his house, after that, I had no inclination to cultivate a further acquaintance with his lady; and for some reason, either through mortification at the conduct of his wife, or her influence over him, he never afterwards attended my meetings. This was the most severe rebuff* I ever had from a lady, face to face. I was once told, that after I had left the house of a friend on whom I had called, his wife threw a chair against the door after me, with violence ; but fortunately the door stopped it, so that I es- caped unscathed. As the season for the meeting of our Association drew near, I 188 MEMOIRS OF THE exerted myself to arouse the feelings of the brethren and sis- ters, (for we had a few faithful sisters even at this early period) and to urge the importance of attending meeting themselves, and encouraging others to attend. Delegates were appointed in the few societies organized, and letters and credentials made out. The Presbyterian meeting-house in New Hartford, was obtained for the occasion ; and it was well filled. The dele- gates from the societies were punctual in their attendance, as well as many other individuals; and numbers from all the re- gion where the doctrine had made any advances came to our "yearly feast;" besides many, whom curiosity led to hear something about that strange " sect, which was everywhere spoken against;" and not a few of the Pharisees of the land appeared in our assembly — came in, no doubt, to " spy out our liberty." But whatever were their objector feelings, we were gratified with their attendance ; feeling a confidence that the all-wise Governor of the universe, would overrule the whole for the advancement of the cause of divine truth. Mr. Bal- lou again met with us, and was accompanied by Mr. Dean, and Mr. Richard Carrique, who were appointed as a delegation from the General Convention in New England. Mr. Carrique was a young man of very promising talents, who had commenced his ministerial labors in the State of Vermont, a short time previous to this. Discourses were delivered, on the occasion, with powerful effect, by the three brethren from the east; and nothing took place to mar the pleasantness of the meeting, ex- cept the clandestine distribution of a large number of Haynes' filthy .discourses against Universalism, over the seats of the meeting-house, during the intermission of the second day, by some malignant hand ; and even this, Mr. Ballou so ingenious- ly noticed, and so kindly but severely rebuked, in his closing address, that the injury designed to be inflicted recoiled with tenfold violence upon the offender, and enstamped visible marks of shame upon the faces of the abetting party. This — and indeed all our annual associations — but this in particular, was a season of great rejoicing and encouragement to our friends, and to the lovers of truth in this region of coun- try. They saw the standard of God's Universal Grace so firm- ly planted in this new but thriving country, that they now con- fsidered it beyond the power of the enemy to uproot it. A spirit of deep and thrilling interest was excited ; and the opposing clergy began to see that they had something more to do, to stop the progress of the doctrine, than merely to treat it with con- LIFE OF REV.. NATHANIEL STACY. 189 tempt. They began, more zealously, to open their batteries ao-ainst it ; but they were careful generally, to ensconce them- selves safely behind the ramparts of their own pulpits, where they felt secure from an onset. However, the more they railed against the doctrine, the more they excited the people to inquire into its claims for truth, and consequently the faster it spread. Our friends began to see the vast necessity of more labor in this part of the vineyard. One feeble individual was very in- competent to supply a tithe of the calls that were constantly pouring in, from every quarter, for the preached word. And indeed, so strong did our friends in Whitestown and vicinity feel, that they even thought of establishing here a ministerial emporium. They, or some of them, suggested the idea of en- gaging several of our preachers to settle in their town, and so radiate from this center, to spread the glad tidings of the Great Salvation toward the four cardinal points ! And so zealous were they, that they could hardl}?- be persuaded that such a scheme was impracticable. They felt exceedingly anxious, at any rate, to engage the labors of Mr. Ballou ; and soon after the session of the Association, addressed a letter to him on the subject. In his reply, he gave them to understand, that he con- sidered that my field of laT3or, and he could not consent to settle there, to discommode or disturb me. As soon as they made this known to me, I assured them that so far from being discom- moded or disturbed, by the removal of Mr. Ballou, or any other approved preacher of Universal Salvation, into this place ; I should consider it an important acquisition, and most desirable ; and if it would facilitate such an object, I would most cheer- fully give up Whitestown to him, and every other place where I was preaching, if it would be any inducement for him to come ; that the field was extensive enough for him and me ; and, indeed, it needed many more laborers ; and nothing could gratify me more than to have Mr. Ballou settle in Whitestown ; and I immediately wrote-him to that effect. But they did not succeed in obtaining his valuable labors. I then suggested to them the probability of their being able to obtain Mr. Dean, They therefore opened a correspondence v/ith Mr. Dean, which eventuated in his settlement in that place. CHAPTER IX. liitroduction of the doctrine into Sullivan— Homer— Society organized in Ho* nier-^ Author turns pedagogue again^Conimon Schools — Sectarian bigotry \ —Commences School— School-house burned— Prosecution of supposed in* condiary — Removes to Hamilton — Purchases and build*— Association, 1808— Jlr. Ballou's last visit— Mr. Babbit— Mr. Ferris— Encouraging prospects— Fii"st discourse in Norwich Court-house— Society formed in Norwich— Mat- thew Long, Esq. — Appointment in Bainbridge— Society in Bainbridge^ Extensive circuit — Mr. J — d — his mahgnant opposition, and conversion — Mr. Tylor, his sickness, death, and funeral— Association, 18'39 — Mr. Wm. Baket '—Extension of the doctrine — Acce?sions to the ministry — First meeting Augusta, desultory conversation and discussion at the close — Sally Mur- dock, her sickness and deaths-Triumphs of her faith^Dialogue between Mr . Holmes and his Minister, on the beforementioned occasion— Another testi- mony in the case of Mrs. Beach^^And yet another, Mrs. "Woodhull. The Association, at its session in New Hartford, 1807, ad- journed to meet in Hartwick, Otsego Co., in 1808. In the year intervening, I labored alone in this enlarging field — not a sin- ^\e preacher of the order, that I now recollect, visited this sec- tion of country during the whole period. I traveled constant- ly during the summer and fall, supplying the places already named, even extending my ride as far as Sullivan, Madison Co., and Homer, now Cortland Co. Homer was then a newly set- tled country. There was but one solitary house where the flourishing village of Cortland now stands, and that was the resi- dence of a friend of ours by the name of Hubbard, long since gathered home to his fathers. On my first visit to Homer, I de- livered one discourse at the old village, and another at Port Wat- son. Port Watson was then very new, but contained as many families as did the old village. I subsequently visited Homer several times in the course of the summer and fall ; and organ- ized a society in the place, which in after years I regularly sup- plied for a considerable space of time. Our friends were hardly as liberal in contributing for the LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. I9l support of a preacher as they were in atteiK^ing meetings; and as I began to have a family to provide for, I was again com- pelled to resort to my pedagogic employment, to produce the necessaries of life. There was no law then in the State regu- lating common schools, nor for several years afterwards. Each neighborhood, at their own option, organized themselves into a district, built their own school-house, hired their teacher, judg- ing for themselves of his qualifications, and pa-id in propor- tion to the scholars each family furnished. They had a good school-house, for those times, in the neighborhood where I resi- ded ; and after their annual school meeting in the fall, the trustees applied to me to teach their winter school ; and I read- ily engaged. An occurrence here took place, worth recording, because it affords a vivid illustration of the deplorable effects of a bigoted adherance to sectarian creeds. Soon after my engagement, I learned that there was a dissatisfaction among some of the in- habitants of the district, on account of the trustees engaging me to teach the school. I went immediately to the trustees and requested to be released. They replied, they could not release me, as there was no objection founded upon any reasonable cause — that there were few who owned right in the house, that. had made any objection ; and those who had, objected solely on account of religious sentiments ; a bigotry and superstition which they considered injurious to community to indulge in. I pleaded, that I had had some experience in teaching ; and I had always found it a task sufficiently severe and difficult where a district were united ; and to go into a school where there was already a dissatisfaction existing, and growing out of ihe cause they had named, which set at defiance all my ability to remove, was a vortex into which I should not willingly be drawn ; and I was, therefore, resolved not to enter the school. They remarked, that old Mr. L — s, who had no children to send, and who was the only man that owned any right in the house, who would be opposed were they not influencel^ by him, was the instigator of all the disturbance ; and to yield to his whim — to be dictated by him in a thing in which he could have no in- terest, except the gratification of religious prejudices, they thought would be unjust to society, and involve themselves in greater difficulty than to proceed according to their own sense of duty, in defiance of his displeasure and threats. They also thought that he would eventually withdraw his objections ; but whether he did or not, they were resolved to have the school go 192 • MEMOIRS OF THE on ; and if I did n(?t fulfil my contract with them, they should prosecute me for damage. '1 he trustees were not Universalists, jiut they were not sectarian bigots. Their reasoning was good ; and 1 was ill able to pay damage for non-compliance ; I therefore concluded to go into the school. Previous to the commencement of the school, they had several meetings, to try to reconcile Mr. L — s, but to no elfect. Mr. L — s was not a member of the church, I believe, but an adherent to old Con- necticut Presbyterianism, and as bigoted as though he had sub- scribed to fifty creeds. The school house stood on his land; and he swore that his land should not be " made a den of thieves" — and that if I attempted to enter the school-house, to teach school, he would burn the house. This he repeatedly said, both in private conversation, and in their public meetings. However, the time arrived, and I commenced school ; and in less than a week the house was filled to inconvenience with scholars. The dissatisfied party united with others in an ad- joining neighborhood, and established another school ; and all things seemed restored to tranquility. I had kept school just three week's ; and as I lield meetings every Sabbath, my com- mon custom was to dismiss the school at twelve o'clock on Saturday ; but as my meeting was- to be holden in the neigh- borhood the next day, and as I had a large number of scholars studying arithmetic, I devoted an hour or more to them after dismissing the school, at this time. December had commenced — the day was sunny ; the snow had fallen some four or five inches in the course of the day ; and before we separated, 1 told the scholars to bring in some snow, throw it on the hearth, and on the floor around the hearth, as we had kept a pretty heavy fire, so as to quench any coals which might have dropped into the crevice, between the hearth and floor. This was carefully done ; and I raked up the coals on the hearth, covered them with ashes, and locked the door vvdth my own hands, and lefuhe key at a neighbor's, the usual place. I resi- ded in an apartment of the house of a friend, by the name of Stillman, about half a mile from the school-house, and in plain sight of it. Near nine o'clock in the evening — my wife had gone to bed. and I had drawn my boots, and sat reading — I heard Mr. Stillman go to his door and open it ; and then with a hur- ried step he approached my door, saying as he opened it, "The school-house is on fire !" I stepped to the door, and behold the building was in flames, the rafters nearly naked. We drew on our boots and hurried to the scene ; but long before we reached LIFE OF REV. NArHANIEL STACY. 193 Ihe spot, the whole roof fell in. The alarm had early been giv- en ; and although we heard it not, others had, and a large con- course of people were already on the spot. I will not attempt to describe my feelings ; but they were anything but pleasant. I considered it impossible that the house should have taken fire from the coals left upon the hearth ; and it was still more se- riously to be deplored, that there should exist, and so long be cherished, so malignant a spirit as to burn a school-house, with a large number of valuable school-books, and other appendages, merely because a Universalist preacher was employed as a teacher in it ! With these reflections, I approached the spot. By the time we had arrived within fifty rods of the school-house, it was light as day around us. We met an old gentlemen by the name of Dewey, on horse-back ; he discovered, no doubt, by the appear- ance of my countenance, that my mind was not at ease, and said, " Mr. Stacy, don't feel troubled — nobody blames you. We are all satisfied, how the house took fire — go and examine faces, and see who looks guilty." The next man we met, was old Mr. L — s. " Well, (said I,) Mr. L — s, the house is burned, it seems." The old gentleman snapped out as spiteful as an adder, ^'Yes, and by devilish carelessness, I believe." I made no re- ply, but passed on. I soon learned by the general conversation, what was the opinion of the people in general, about the cause of the fire ; and felt not a little gratified, to find among the in- habitants of the district, a fixed determination that this unplea- sant event should, by no means, break up the school. And their actions were as spirited as their words. This was on Saturday evening ; and on the Wednesday' morning following, they had a spacious room, in a dwelling-house not sixty rods from where the school-house stood, conveniently fitted up, and I resumed teaching. Early on the Monday following, this Mr. Dewey, whom I have before named, entered a complaint, and obtained a warrant for Mr. L — s ; but behold, he had absconded ! and he kept out of sight, and hearing, for more than two weeks. When he did return, however, he was arrested, and examined, and laid under bonds for trial. The evidence was clear against him, as words could make it ; but he was an old man, one of the first settlers in the place, and, save his petulency, and his malignant hatred of Universalism, was quite inoffensive ; his case excited the commiseration of the inhabitants generally, after the first parox- M 194 MEMOIRS OF THE ism of disgust had passed ; and it was so managed, that he was never brought to trial. The society in Hamilton had long expressed a strong desire for me to remove, and settle permanently in that town, and of- fered to purchase a small lot of land for me, and help me to build, if r would settle among them. This was a strong in- ducement ; for I thought I could employ a portion of my time in cultivating a little farm, both to the advantage of my health, and the support of my family ; and with less interference with my profession, than any other employment ; and I must do some- thing besides preach, or my family must suffer for the necessa- ries of life. Accordingly, I made the necessaiy arrangements, and in the month of April, 1808, removed my family to Hamil- ton, Madison Co., where we resided twenty -two years. The society purchased, or rather helped me to purchase, twelve acres ; eight or nine under improvement ; and in the course of the ensuing summer and fall, I built a house on it. I now felt a degree of satisfaction, in regard to temporal things, and measurable safety for the support of my family, which I had never before enjoyed. I had now a permanent home ; and every hour I could get to work, and every improvement I made, would advance the interest and improve the comfort of my fam- ily. And I would work on my land, when at home, during the day ; read at night, and meditate and reflect while riding to my appointments. This, reader, was the course I had to pursue for many long years — and this was necessary, in order to plant the doctrine of God's free and universal grace, permanently and surely, in a world benighted and stupified, under the long and tyrannical reign of anti-christian creeds. The joyful time of our annual Convention arrived, and with delightful anticipations we assembled, to bring up our yearly offerings of praise to the altar of the Lord. Our Associations frequently reminded me of the Jewish feast of tabernacles, when the tribes of Israel assembled from the different lands of their sojourn, to bring up their offerings to the temple, and hold a season of festivity and rejoicing in commemoration of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. We too, had experienced a moral bondage more galling than that of the Israelites in the land of Egypt, from which the Lord, by his mighty word, had delivered us ; and we felt the full beatitude of our spiritual freedom. We obtained the use of the Baptist meeting-house, in the vil- lage of Perth, town of Hartwick, for the session of our Associa- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 195 fion, tliis year (1808) ; and it was literally filled at every exer* ith the Bible ; he had never read it much ; but he was able to find some passages which he thought supported the doctrine of the Trinity, and I helped him to all such as are generally quoted in proof of it ; and the result was, that he acknoNMedged that there was not sufficient evidence to establish the doctrine ; and he seemed a little mortified that he should have been so confident, and promised to read the Bible again, more carefully. The next morning I arose and went out into the sitting-room. The Sheriff and his wife slept in an adjoining bed-room, and, hearing me come into the room, called out, " Mr. Stacy, is that you?" 5. Yes, sir. W. Well, I will get up then. I have not slept much ; you plagued me so, last night, I could not sleep — I have been think- ing it all over ; and I have got a text for you now, that you can't get rid of so easily as you did them last night. (By this time he had got into the room half dressed, and ap- peared quite confident and exulting.) S. Well, Esquire, I am glad you have found another text — I want tlie truth ; and I want to hear the strongest arguments, and the most direct proofs, that can be found in favor of that doctrine. W. Well, I have got you down now ; you can not explain this away so easily as you have done the others. LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 237 S. But, Esquire, what is it ? Let us have it. W. There are three persons in the C4od-heacl, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. There, get rid of that if you can. S. Well, Esquire, you have got it now in as plain words as can be spoken. I hardly know what I shall do with that text. W. Ah ! I knew there was something stronger than any thing we found last night. You plagued me so that I could not think, but after I went to bed it came to me. S. Do you recollect where the text may be found, Esquire ? W. I don't exactly recollect where it is; but 1 can find it in a very little while — I read it not long since ; but I guess you can tell where it is, if you are disposed ; for I find you have the Bible almost by heart. S. But I want you to find it. Esquire. Perhaps when we come to find it, and examine the context, we may not find it so difficult after all, as it now appears to be. My method for examinino- ab- struse passages is to examine the context, learn the subject the writer is discoursing upon, then find collateral, or similar pas- sages ; and, by comparing them, 1 can generally very clearly understand the meaning of the writer, as I think. Now I Avish you to find that passage, that we may examine it according to this rule. W. Well, I can find it in a very short time ; but I guess you can tell me v/here it is, if you have a mind to do so. (Upon so saying, he started for his Bible ; but 1 interrupted him.) \ S. You need not get your Bible, Bsquire. I can tell you exactly where you may find the text. W. I thought you could, if you would. Where is it ? *S. In the Primer. W. In the primer ! Why, is it not in the Bible ? S. Oh, no — It was. never in the Bible, unless you, or some good Trinitarian, placed it there, W. But I'm sure it's in the Bible, I believe I have read it there a great many times. S. You say, sir, that you were educated a Presbyterian, that your mother was a member of the church, and was strict in her religious discipline ; and if so, she made you learn the old As- sembly's catechism — I presume she would call you up, at least, every Sunday, and with the primer in one hand and a rod in the other, so as to whip you if you did not answer right, would S3S MEMOIRS OF THE oblige you to answer all the questions of the shorter catechism. XV. Well, she did exactly so. S. Well, sir, can you now recollect the answer to the follow' ing question, " How many persons are there in the God-head ?" W. (Dropping his head and reflecting for a moment) — Well, I declare ! I believe it is in the primer, after all : but it really appeared to me like Bible language, and I certainly thought it was there. S. No doubt, and so do a great many other sectarian phrases probably appear to you, and to many other people, educated as you were, like Scripture. The prejudices of education are very powerful ; and it requires a vigorous effort of mind to rise above them, so as to think and reason for ourselves. But I do seriously think, Esquire, if you will give yourself time to read the Bible once more, candidly, without prejudice, you will have a very different opinion of it, from what you now have. He again promised me he would read the Bible once more ; but whether he ever redeemed this promise, I am unable to say. I saw him at my meetings several times afterwards, and indeed a number of years afterwards ; but never had enough inter- course with him to learn whether he ever renounced Deism ; at any rate, he never attached himself to our denomination. There was an old gentleman, by the name of Ballard, resi* ding in the town of DeRuyter, Madison county, who had re- ceived the cognomen of doctor. He was what we vulgarly called, a root-doctor, of considerable celebrity, and extensive practice. He "was an emigrant from the State of Rhode Island, was bred a Friend-Quaker, and retained many of their plain habits ; but many yeaA before this, had embraced the doctrine of Universal Salvation. He was rather an eccentric man fond of discussion, shrewd in argument, and acquired consider- able notoriety on that account. He sought my acquaintance, often attended my meetings, and familiarly visited at my house. This man was in the habit of journeying to the Genesee coun- try once or twice a year, to collect such roots and herbs as he could not find in the vicinity of his own residence. He in- formed me that he had found many Universalists in that country, and that they had organized societies, and held a general meet- ing once a year, which they called a Convention ; and that he had informed them about me, and the state of the cause in our section of country ; and they were very anxious that I should meet them at their next convention. This request was renewed -with much earnestness through Dr. Ballard, who proposed to ac- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 230 company me,' and I consented to go. Their annual meeting Was appointed to be held that year, (1811,) in that part of the town of Gorham which now constitutes the town of Hopewell, on the first Sunday and Monday following in October. The doctor and I arrived at the town of Benton, some twenty mile^s distant from the place of meeting, on the Friday preceding, and stopped at Esq. Benton's, one of our friends ; for the doctor had searohed out all the Universalists in that region, and seemed quite familiarly acquainted with the whole brotherhood. On our arrival, we were informed that Elder Parker, a Free-will Baptist, had an appointment, for a lecture that evening at the house of our friend, in the immediate neighborhood, by the nan^ of Gage ; and although 1 was much fatigued, having preached the Sunday previous in the town of ••Butternuts, thirty miles east of my residence, and then traveled one hundred and ten miles west of it to reach this place ; nevertheless, I proposed attending. At the hour appointed we repaired to the place ; Elder Parker had arrived, and we were introduced to each other. He was a man on the down-hill of life, but of sound health, and vigorous constitution, and probably retained the use of all his physical and mental faculties as well as at any period of life, al- though he was in all probability advanced of sixty years • and withal I found him a social, companionable man, and, as I thought at the first introduction, possessing more tlian an ordi- nary share of kindness and charity, for a Partialist preacher. He was one of the earliest followers of the celebrated Jemima Wilkinson, was her principal agent in purchasing the tract of land in that pountry on which she and her followers settled, and removed with her from Rhode Island into their New Jerusalem. But several years previous to the time of which I am speaking, he had seceded from her connection ; had united himself with the Free-will, or Open-communion Baptists, and had been or- dained as Eider in that church. We enjoyed a momentary and pleasant interviev/ ; and just as it became necessary to open the services of the evening, the Elder addressed me and said, "You will preach this evening." " Oh, no," I replied, " I am too much fatigued to "preach ; and, moreover, the meeting was expressly appointed for you ; the people have assembled to hear a Baptist, and it would be an im- position on the congregation, to compel them to hear a Univer- salist, contrary to their voluntary inclination." "I was early taught," said he, " never to hold a man by the button, to hear me speak ; these people have heard me often ; you are a stranger 240 ' MEMOIRS OF THE whom they have never heard ; and they will now be much bet- ter satisfied to hear you than they would to hear me ; and I now tell you, if you do not preach, there will be no preaching this evening." '' But will that be right, Elder ?" He replied, " Right, or not right, I shall risk it — if you don't preach, there will be no preaching this evening." " Well," said I, " although 1 feel hardly able, in consequence of the fatigue of my jour- ney; yet, rather than to have the people go away without any- thing being said, if you will pray, I will try to say something." To this he readily agreed, and we had a very comfortable meet- ino-. I remained at Mr. Gage's all "night; and the Elder and 1 slept together, or rather occupied the same bed ; for we slept but little. He was full of his inquiries about my doctrine, and how I could reconcile such and such passages of Scripture with it ; and I was as ready and as zealous to answer, as he was to to ask questions ; and we talked the night away, in half tlie time, apparently, of an ordinary night. The Elder informed me that he was on his way, designedly, to attend the Convention in Gorham ; and consequently we rode together all the next day. In the course of the day, he introduced rne'to a number of friends, some of his faith, and some Universalists, and among them, to his wife, -who was on a visit among several of her children in the town, of Seneca. She was a second wife, a vvidow with a large family of children, when they were married. We arrived at the place of appoint- ment a little before night — time enough, however, for notice to be given for an evening lecture ; and I delivered a discourse in the dwelling-house of widow Spear. 1 found the organization that.our friends had affected in that country to consist merely of what we ordinarily denomi- nate a society ; but embracing in its territorial limits the whole county of Ontario, which, since that time, I believe has been divided into two, three, or more counties ; and they appointed one or more trustees in each town where congregations had been collected. And these annual meetings ; which were uni- formly held two days, were, in addition to their exercises of social worship, for the purpose of appointing trustees and other officers, and transacting the necessary prudential business of the society. They generally collected together on Saturday, or within such a distance that they could assemble at an early hour the next morning ; attended religious service on Sunday, and transacted their society business on Monday. None of the preachers, or those who improved in public, reached the place LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 241 where I was on Saturday ; but when I reached the house where the meeting was appointed on Sunday, which was a school- house, nearly a mile distant, I found four ; Mr. Billinghurst, Mr. Upson, Mr. Ross, and Mr. Moore. It was soon ascertained that the school-house would not hold a tithe of the people as- sembled and assembling, and a committee was appointed to seek some other place, and make the best preparations they could for the time being. The best accommodation they could find, however, was a little eminence in a forest close at hand, to which, by carrying the loose benches in the school-house, and collecting what chairs they could find in wagons, together with the help of the trunks of some fallen trees, they made passable seals for a portion of the congregation ; while the rest had to stand, sit, or lie on the ground, as it best suited them ; and for a pulpit, they drew a wagon into the center of the place designed to be occupied, on the most elevated part of the knoll. I was formally introduced to the public speakers by my kind friend, Elder P., who appeared familiarly acquainted with them all ; and by them was told that I must occupy the whole day ; that being a stranger, and my intended visit having been announced through all the ramifications of their society, had brought together an unprecedented concourse of people ; and they would be only satisfied by having, at least, two discourses from me that day. It was ill vain that I urged them to afibrd me some help ; if they would not preach, to assist me, at least, in some other parts of the exercise. It was in vain that I ex- postulated with them on the severity of the task they required of me, after the fatigues of a long journey, and preaching nearly every day, and now, in the open air, to address a congregation so large that it would require the utmost efibrt of my lungs to make them hear me. I could not get a single individual into my pulpit, nor a mouth opened, nor a tongue loosed to assist me. I therefore mounted the wagon — not, however, with such feelings as a condemned criminal would mount the cart under the gallows, for Heaven had inspired me with a courage, and a zeal, for the occasion. I looked around for my auditory, for they were on all sides of me ; and almost as far as I could see there was as dense a crowd of people as the trees would admit of, sitting, standing, leaning against trees, and lying on the ground, still as the house of death, with eyes and ears fixed to catch the word. And there I stood almost the whole of that day, hallooing as loud as my lungs enabled me, for I was p "342 MEMOIRS OF THE obliged to shout to enable the people to hear, at such a dis- tance ; and talking to them of the Great Salvation through the mediation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ — a blessed day this ! At the close of the services, before the assembly was dis- missed, Elder Parker came to the wagon and requested me to notify an appointment for him at early candle-lighting, at the house of a son-in-law of his, in the immediate neighborhood — " Not," he said, " for a lecture ; but I have some communica- tions that I wish to make to the people." The notice was ac- cordingly given out, and the house was filled at an early hour. The Elder gave a pretty elaborate history of his Christian ex- perience ; and indeed, with an avowal of his conversion to the . faith of the final restitution — the ultimate purity and happiness of the whole human family. The next day, the members of the society assembled at the school-house and transacted the business of their social com- munity ; and at my suggestion, they gave Elder James Par- ker a letter of fellowship and commendation as a preacher of the everlasting Gospel which God preached to Abraham, say- ing, " And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Of the four other speakers already named, two of them, Ross and Moore, made little or no proficiency in the ministry. Mr. Billinghurst was already an old man ; and although he had been, for sevei'al years after his conversion to the faith, very zealously engaged in the ministry, he was now becoming in- firm, said it injured his health to preach, and in a year or two after this, relinquished it entirely. He was a European, an Englishman by birth ; and in England united with the order of the general Baptists, and became a preacher among them. He was always, no doubt, liberal in his religious opinions, for he might be so in that denomination, without subjecting him- self to the ordeal of excommunication, or even censure, as several of the most eminent and learned preachers of that Or- der were avowed Universalists, and boldly advocated the sen- timent ; but Mr. B. was not a Universalist when he left Eng- land. He emigrated to America in 1795, and within the course of a few years settled in the town of Boyle, now Pitts- ford, Monroe county. But previous to his settling in Boyle, he "told me, if I mistake not, he became fully convinced of the truth of the doctrine of God's universal, efficient grace, and firmly established in the faith of the final holiness and happi- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 243 fiess of all intelligent beings; and he added, " so overjoyed was my heart at the discovery of this glorious truth, that, like Paul, I stopped not to confer with flesh and blood, but imme- diately began to publish the glad tidings to the world." Mr. Upson was a convert from the Methodists ; he had been a li- censed preacher in thatdenomination. He had already received a letter of fellowship from that society, and subsequently re- ceived similar testimonials from the " Western Association of Universalists in the State of New York ;'' and he continued for a number of years to preach the doctrine to some effect, and remained firm in the faith, I believe, until the day of his death. I was also informed that there had been a preacher among them of very respectable talents, by the name of Badger, a convert from the Presbyterian, or rather Congregational de- nomination, and a clergyman of that order, who, some years before came from Massachusetts ; and whose labors had done much for the planting of the cause in that country. The memory of this man was held very dear by Universalists gen- erally ; but he had "finished his course" a short time be- fore this, not to exceed a year, I think, and gone to receive his " crown of righteousness, which ihe Lord hath laid up for all who love his appearing and kingdom," All these had labored with more or less zeal and success, amid other avocations, and succeeded in effecting such organization as I have before named. But Mr. Billinghurst and Mr. Badger were, by far, the most able and efficient laborers in this section of the Re- deemer's vineyard. I gave then, at this meeting, a circum- stantial account of the planting of the doctmne in Central New York — of its establishment and progress ; of the organization of the Western Association, and its union with the General Convention in New England ; and cordially invited them to unite with the Western Association for mutual strength and encouragement in our endeavors to extend the kfiowledge of the great truth we were publishing to the world. They lis- tened with much gratification to the account I gave them; for they scarcely knew that there was another body of Univer- salists, as numerous as themselves, consthuted in the wide world, and thereupon passed a resolution to appoint a delegate to attend our association, with instructions to ask the fellow, ship of that body ; and Elder Parker was chosen. But for some reason, probably on account of the remote place of its meeting, he did not attend the next session ; but the year fol- lowing, he, in company with Mr. Knapp, who had then settled 244 MEMOIRS OF THE in the county of Ontario, attended the Association in New Hartford. Their petition was then laid before the council ; and the " First society of Universalists in the county of On- tario'" was received into fellowship, and from thenceforth became a flourishing branch of this spreading vine. From the meeting in Gorham I went home with Mr. Billing- hurst and his company, for many came down with him to " this feast;" and here I found a settlement, almost exclusively of English people, consisting of forty, fifty, or more families com- pactly situated ; and a more intelligent, pleasant, and harmo- nious neighborhood, I never found. Mr. Billinghurst's settle- ment in this place while it was entirely new, almost a wilder- ness, constituted a nucleus around which they naturally gath- ered as they emigrated, one after another, from the mother country. And whether they were Universalists or not when they came, their national attachment, and the confidence they reposed in Mr. Billinghurst, induced them to attend his meet- ings ; and at the time I visited them, there was scarcely an ex- ception to their unity of faith in the Great Salvation. It was most refreshing and exhilarating to preach among them, to wit- ness their profound and devout attention, and the manifest ef- fect the word was exerting upon their feelings. Oh, how wide- ly difibrent are the feelings of the preacher under such circum- stances ; when every -word seems to take effect, to carry con- viction to the understanding, and sensibility to the heart ; from what they are when addressing a congregation who manifest no interest in the doctrine advocated ; who n^icrely look at outward appearances, and only listen to his words as they would to a sun- set songster, or a farce acted upon the stage ; when his words bound back upon himself like a ball thrown against a rock, which constitutes as great a restraint upon his feelings, and al- most as effectually forbids the expansion of his ideas, and flow of utterance, as though he were addressing a yard of cabbage heads. They were a people, too, who practiced the least duplicity of any that f ever associated with. If they discovered a fault in you, they were sure to tell you of it, and to do it in an af- fectionate and kind way ; and they were equally as sure to tell you of your virtues, if you possessed any, and how well they liked you, without the least reserve. I delivered several discourses in this settlement, with un- bounded satisfaction to myself; and I never felt myself more at home in any society of people I ever associated with. The LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. ' 245 females as well as the stronger sex were uniformly in the faith, and Mrs. Billinghurst in particular. She was in advance of her husband, having embraced the doctrine of Universalism before she left England — Heaven made her constitutionally a Univer- salist. The dogma of endless misery never for a moment found a resting-place in her capacious soul ; she was a devout wor- shiper, a practical Christian, and one of the most intelligent and worthy women I ever found in all my extensive travels. I remained seventeen days in the county of Ontario ; and in the course of that time delivered twenty-one discourses in eleven, townships, as follows : Benton, Gorham, Boyle, Perrinton, Penfield, Westown, Bloomfield, Seneca, Middlesex, Canandai- gua, and Phelps. And by their earnest solicitation, I made them another visit of two weeks, the winter following, and delivered sixteen discourses, preaching in most of the places where I had held meetings on my former tour, and extending my ride this time as far as Honeoye Lake. On my return home from the Genesee country, in the fall of 1811, after crossing the Cayuga Lake where the upper bridge now stands, I traveled up, on the east side of the lake, to Ithica, at the head of the lake, and from thence to the town of Spencer, now Danby, to make Dr. Beers a promised visit. In this region I remained several days, and delivered a number of discourses in the vicinity, and at the house of Dr. Beers ; I then returned home through the town of Homer, where I also deliv- ered an^evening lecture. I had been from home twenty-nine days, had traveled four or five hundred miles, and delivered twenty-five discourses. For about four years after my removal into the town of Hamilton, the winter season was employed in teaching school. To this course I was driven to provide the necessaries for an increasing family ; but this, however, did not prevent me from preaching on the Sabbath, and I frequently delivered lectures on week-day evenings. After this lapse of time my little farm became more productive, affording me greater rewards for my labor ; and calls for preaching becoming more extensive, requir- ing a much wider extent of itinerancy, I relinquished the pro- fession of pedagogue entirely ; and, from henceforth depended, under the never-failing care of a gracious Providence, upon the productions of my little farm, under the culture of my own hands, and the pittance I received for my ministerial labors, for our support. And although I never accumulated wealth, my family never knew what it was to do without iread, nor did they ever suffer for the absolute necessaries of life. CHAPTEE XL Association in 1812 — Mr. Miles — Dr. Ellis— Mr. L. Knapp — Long tour througli ; Canisteo and Genesee — Pleasant Incident — Meetings in LeRoy and Batavia — I Genesee Falls — Funeral at the landing — Hard day's ride — Mr. Shemaan's or- ' dination — Association in 1813— Mr. James Gowdy — Mr. Seth Jones — Mr. S. 1 R. Smith — Association in 1814 — Meeting-house refused^Meet in a Bam— i The effects of the refusal — Dr. Green — INIr. Pitts— Genesee branch — Chap- lain in the Militia— Amusing anecdote — Campaign in the service — Sackett's : Harbor— Immoralizing effects of a militaiy campaign — ^Visit to Ellisburgh — Close of camjTaign, and return — Association m 1815 — Mr. Root — 'Mr. Un- derwood ; admission into comiection — Mr. Whitnal — Mr. Cook— Theologi- ', cal Seminar}' — First session of Genesee branch — First Universalist meeting in Auburn — Severe fit of sickness — Sectarian slander — ^Visit to Mr. Person, Greenfield — Ague and fever — Association in 1815 — Cold season — Journey to Sea-coast — Clam-bake — Capt. Martin — Sail on the bay at New Bedford—- Lecture at the head of the River — Rochester — Deacon Foster— A rehgious' maniac— Visit to Newport, Rhode Island — Lecture in the State House — Elder ; Green — Meeting in Dana — Return home . i We met in annual Association in 1812, in the town of Du- ' anesburg. Mr. Stephen Miles, who has long been known as aj worthy member of our denomination, and a devoted and faithfull laborer in the ministry, accompanied me to the meeting. He| was a resident of Augusta, and had been a member of Elder Morton's church, (the same Elder M. who has already received: so much attention in these memoirs,) and was a recent convert^ from the Baptists. I had become acquainted with him ; and he ■ freely expressed to me his strong desire to preach the Gospel, i and that he had an unconqueraljle presentiment that it was his | imperative duty to devote his life to it ; and I invited him to at- '. tend the Association and become acquainted with the minister- 1 ing brethren. From this time, so great was his ardor for the \ cause, and his indeflitigable zeal and industry, that, notwith- ! standing he had a large family on his hands for a young man, i and had no other means for their support than the daily labor of^ LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 247 his own hands, he surmounted all these difficulties ; and in less than a*year from that time launched forth as a laborer in the vineyard of the great Husbandman, to which he has faithfully devoted his life up to the present moment. We were now apparently and indeed really, gaining strength every year, in our ministerial connection, as well as receiving new societies into the fellowship of our Association. Although Mr. Dean did not meet with us on this occasion, having gone a journey to Vermont, yet two other preachers, who had never be- fore met with the Association, were present ; and also the same individual from the C4eneral Convention who came as a delegate the preceding year. Dr. J. H. Ellis, one of the -preachers al- luded to above, was an Irishm.an by birth, and a convert from the Baptist denomination. We had learned by the published proceedings of the "Northern Association," in Vermont, that he had received the fellowship of that body, and this was all the knowledge we had of him until he met with us at this time. A few months previous to the meeting of this Association, he had removed to the town of Duanesburg, and was supplying the so- ciety at 'that place; we therefore cordially greeted him as a member of the council, and congratulated ourselves on the ac- quisition of an able and worthy member. But, alas ! he was of no advantage to the cause of truth. For, besides being one of the most singular, eccentric characters on the stage of action, which essentially injured his public usefulness, and a most dis- gusting pedant, he was at that very time, though unknown to us, under admonition by the "Northern Association" for gross im- moral conduct, which resulted in his expulsion from that body the next year ; and, consequently, although he continued to preach, in his way for many years afterwards, yet he never sat as a member of our council, nor was he ever recognized as a Uni- versalist preacher. Mr. Liscomb Knapp, the other individual to whom I have alluded, was a young man ; he came from Ver- mont, had preached some in that State, and received a letter from the "Northern Association;" and after Mr. Dean's removal to New Hartford, he came to that place for the purpose of study- ing with him. This was the first time he met with our Associ- ation, and he was a valuable acquisition to our little band. He was a man of very good talents, of becoming zeal, and his daily life and conversation were a practical comment upon the supe- rior excellency of the doctrine he inculcated. He cheerfully devoted his life of more than ordinary duration to its service, through many trials and severe labors, without faltering, and died rejoicing in the faith. 248 MEMOIRS OF THE It was during this year, if I mistake not, that Mr. Underwood^ whom 1 have before had occasion to name, came out iftto the open profession of his faith in the final Restitution ; but although he did not hesitate to own and to defend it, both in private con- versation and in his public discourses, still he did not see fit im^ mediately to unite with the Association. In the fore part of this season, soon after the meeting of the Association, Mr. Knapp made me a visit. And, knowing the extreme solicitation of the brethren in Ontario county to have an active and efficient preacher of Universalism settle among- them, (for they had most earnestly urged me to do so, and once addressed a very pathetic letter to the society in Hamilton, re- questing them to assent to it,) I proposed to Mr. Knapp to take a tour through that country, to see if he would not like the loca- tion, and find an encouraging field of labor. To facilitate this object, I offered, on condition he would supply my place in Ham- ilton and vicinity, to take a tour as a pioneer, and leave appoint- ments for him — a schedule of v.'hich I would hand him on my return. On mature reflection he consented to do so. I imme- diately wrote to friends through all that region of country, and made arrangements for a more extensive tour than I had hitherto taken. In this way, I made appointments in all the principal places I had heretofore visited, leaving intervals, however, to be filled up casually on my way ; made my calculations for the length of time I should be absent, told my family the day they might look for my return, Providence permitting ; and on the last day of July I left home on my devious journey. On this tour, I pursued a different route from what I had formerly pur- sued, traveling through Homer, Virgil, and Dryden to the resi- dence of Dr. Beers, in Spencer, (Danby,) where I remained one day to talk to the people. From thence I journeyed through Ithica, at the head of Cayuga Lake ; Catharine's, at the head of the Seneca, to the town of Benton, where I again made a stop for a single day. From thence, passing through Gorham, Man- chester, and Victor, I arrived at Boyle, (Pittsford,) where I made another short pause. From Pittsford, I returned through Can- andaigua to Benton, where Elder Parker joined me, and accom- panied me up to Crooked Lake and through Bath to the residence of Mr. Upson", in the tov/n of Canisteo. Quite a pleasant incident occurred as we were traveling near the margin of Crooked Lake. The country was very little cuL tivated, the land hard and rocky, principally timbered with oak, and densely covered with fern^ or whortleberry bushes ; LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 249 the inhabitants were sparely scattered along the road, with small improvements and log houses. It was a little past the middle of the day, and the meridian sun beat down with unwelcome rays upon our heads ; we had talked ourselves weary, and were jog- ging lazily along between sleeping and waking,when two women appeared in sight at a considerable distance before us, tripping along with their utmost speed the same course we were pursu- ing. My first impression was, that they were on a whortleberry excursion, and so spoke to Br. P.;. but, on nearing them, I dis- covered they were dressed in their holiday suit ; and then re- marked to Br. P., " These women are not after berries — I ap- prehend there must be a meeting of some sort ahead." We soon overtook them, and I inquired the cause of their haste. They replied, " There is a meeting to be held at the next house, and we are fearful of being too late." " What kind of meeting, madam ?" " Preaching." " By whom ?" " A Methodist cir- cuit preacher." After we had passed them a few yards, I said to Br. P., " We have rode some distance, and it will do our horses no injury to breathe a few minutes; and, as we are en- tire strangers, we may perhaps enjoy the privilege of a meeting without being abused, or having our feelings wounded by a ma- lignant attack upon our sentiments. What if we should stop long enough to hear the discourse." The proposition was ac- cepted ; and, by the time we had made our arrangements, we came in sight of the house. A few people were standing in front of the house ; we rode up to the fence, dismounted, tied our horses, and joined the company ; but, alas ! we were be- trayed ; for as soon as we reached the place where the men were standing, one of them called the Elder by name. We told the man that we were on a journey, and having just been in- formed that there was a meeting to be holden in that house, we concluded it would do our horses no injury to rest a little, and as it might do us' some good to hear preaching, we would stop long enough to hear the sermon. The man looked pleased, po- litely invited us into the house, and furnished us with seats. I looked around for the preacher, but saw no person I felt willing to recognize as -such; and, in answer to my inquiry, was in- formed that he had arrived, and would be in soon, for it was about time to commence service. The building was constructed of unhewn logs, consisting of a single room, not very capa- cious, and it was soon very well filled. In a short time a young man entered, came directly to Elder P. and myself, and, with a smile, cordially gave us his hand, and took his seat by a stand 250 ■ MEMOIRS OF THE on which a Bible and hymn-book had already been placed. He had no doubt been informed who we were, although no formal introduction had been given. . He soon arose, opened his meet- ing by their usual ceremonies, and took for a text the words of Pharaoh, when the people came to him in the time of the seven years of famine, crying for bread ; " Go unto Joseph." He un- dertook to show the analogy between Joseph and Christ, and suc- ceeded to some extent, though he made some trifling mistakes ; (me of which was, that " Joseph was a keeper of his father's flocks, and Jacob sent his sons to find him," &c. However, we got along with this well enough, and so did he, for he did not discover his error. But, although he displayed no great talent in sermonizing, he exhibited that which was far better, great charity, and no disposition to misrepresent and abuse the opinions of others. He was also very brief, occupying probably not more than twenty or twenty five minutes in his sermon ; and closed his discourse by saying, " A few words spoken by a bungler is certainly better than a great many, without any meaning." He tlien looked at Elder P., and asked him if he had any remarks to make. The Elder seemed to feel rather dull, and he replied that he had not. He then asked me the same question. And I answered in the aflirmative, and arose on my feet. Although I had not been highly captivated A\itli the eloquence of the speaker, yet I had been extremely gratified with the privilege, once in my life, of hearing a discourse from a Partialist without beino- abused — had been pleased beyond measure, and my feelings warmed up almost to a boiling point, by his charitable" lano-uao-e and demeanor. The Elder cast at me rather a repulsive look, but I heeded it not. I proceeded, and gave an exhortation in conformity to the doctrine the young man had designed to ad- vance. I had not spoken five minutes, when the preacher clap- ped his hands Mith all his might, and shouted aloud," Amen." He had now set them an example, and it was instantly followed by almost the whole congregation ; and, for a moment, I was nearly stunned by the noise, and actually embarrassed. I was not accustomed to such acclamations ; and it came, too, totally unexpected. I however soon recovered, and finished my ex- hortation, amid loud shouts of "Glory to God," and "Amen," from every part of the room, the preacher being sure to raise his voice the highest. When I had resumed my seat, he asked me to close the meeting by prayer ; I did so, and the deafening peals of shouting were kept up, or, if possible, increased until the closing " Amen." The young man seemed animated be. LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 25l yond measure ; and the complacent smile that lighted up the countenances of the congregation, was an unmistakeable evi- dence of the happiness they felt. The young man had said not a word about the wrath of an offended God, hell, or future mis- ery. He had endeavored to portray, as well as he could, the benignity of the divine character — his care for mankind, even while alienated from him by wicked works, in the ample provi- sion he had made for every soul ; and to direct the attention to the medium he had prepared, by which they could come and obtain it ; and all I had to do was, to illustrate, commend, and enforce his arguments. At the close, the preacher, and many of the congregation, gave us their hands most warmly and affec- tionately, and we separated happier than when we met; and the Elder and I " Went on our way rejoicing." It was peculiarly consoling to me, amid the trials and conflicts I was destined al- most every day to encounter, to have, once in a while, such an unexpected season of refreshing — it enabled me to " Thank God, and take courage." At Canisteo, Elder P. left me, and returned back ; and I had to perform the remainder of my journey alone. I remained a few days with Mr. Upson, and delivered several discourses in different parts of the town of Canisteo, when I resumed my tour. Crossing the Allegany ridge, I struck the head waters of a creek, called, I believe, Conhocton, and following its course reached Dansville, thence north to Geneseo, thence down the Genesee river to Avon, there crossed the river, and continued my travels west as far as-Batavia, stopping at Le Roy. Mr. Billinghurst had written to a friend in Le Roy, notifying him of my intended visit, and the time I might be expected there. 1 called at Gan- son's tavern ; and, on entering the house and inquiring for Mr. Ganson, an old gentleman, sitting alone in the bar-room, looked at me and said, "If you are the man I expect you are, I was once acquainted with your father." I replied, " My name is Stacy." " Ah ! " said he, " the very same," and he caught me in his arms, and hugged me as he would a baby. He was a native of New Salem, Massachusetts, and, in his younger days, well acquainted with my father's family. I preached in LeRoy one Sabbath, and delivered several lectures ; and was accompa- nied to Batavia by a number of the friends in that place, where I delivered one discourse in the Court-house. On my return, I delivered another discourse in LeRoy, and solemnized a mar- riage ; and then returned through Avon, Bloomfield, and Men- don, to Pittsford, where I again tarried a few days, and deliv- ered several discourses. 252 MEMOIRS OF THE On this tour, I saw the Genesee Falls, for the first time. It was a jaunt of about eight miles from Mr. Billinghurst's, which he and another friend by the name of Sawens and myself per- formed on a leisure day, merely to view this stupendous cascade, although such days very seldom occurred with me, at that pe- riod of my life and labor. At that time, where the city of Pvo- Chester now presents its splendid and richly ornamented struc- tures, its well-paved streets, its crowded marts, its numerous houses of worship, with their gilded spires glittering in the sun- beams, and its population of more than thirty thousand, there was, on the west side of the river, only a small tavern-house, a miniature store, and not more than one or two other buildings. At this tavern, we obtained refreshment for ourselves and horses ; and, while it was being prepared for us, we took our ramble to the Falls, in doing which we were compelled to clamber over fallen trees, crawl through briars and tangled underbrush, and bruise our limbs by coming in contact with unseen rocks ; but, al- though somewhat scratched and bruised, we were amply com- pensated, by beholding this mighty sheet of water take its awful leap of nearly one hundred feet, far below the common level of the surrounding country, into a deep channel excavated by its orwn power through a bed of limestone for more than three miles, running smoothly along in a surpentine course until it passed beyond our vision. Soon after our return to the tavern, which stood a little west of the bridge, a messenger called in pursuit of Mr. B. to preach a funeral discourse on the death of a child, at what they called the Landing, three miles below. I felt much gratified on account of their application to him, thinking by this providential occurrence I should enjoy the pleasure of hearing a sermon from him, which I had never experienced. But, alas ! I was doomed to disappointment; he refused, and referred the messenger to me ; and, in despite of all my remonstrances and efforts to avoid it, " The lot fell on Jonah," and I was com- pelled, on this solitary day of leisure, to ride some three miles farther, making my ride in the course of the day nearly twenty five miles, and the labor of preaching. The unexpected addi- tional ride, together with the funeral services, made the day fa- tiguing, and brought nightfall some time before we reached the' hospitable dwelling of my attendant host. Discourses were delivered on this tour in most places I had previously visited in the western country, besides the additional places I have already enumerated ; and in most of them I left appointments for Mr. Knapp. The last meeting was holden in LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 253 the Court-house in Canandaigua, which left me but two days to ^ ride one hundred and ten miles, and reach home on the appointed day. I made a tolerably early start in the morning ; but my way for a short distance lay through the midst of acquaintances and friends, and the numerous salutations I received, and the re- peated questions which pressed so hard upon me for answers, retarded my progress so that at noon I found myself but ten miles on my journey. After taking dinner with a friend, I said to him as I seated myself on the saddle, "To-morrow night, God will- ing, I see my family." "You can't do it," he said. I replied, " i shall ' salute no man by the way ' — set my face like a flint, neither turning to the right nor to the left — I will recognize no friend and battle no foe until I see my family, which I have promised to do to-morrow night;" and I fulfilled my promise. That afternoon I traveled some miles beyond Auburn, continuing my ride until I had to call a tavern-keeper from his bed to put out my horse. The next morning I again called him from his slumbers to get my horse and receive his pay ; and before I slept, through the mercy of God, 1 entered my own rustic dwelling. I had been from home between five and six weeks ; and in my tour — my zig-zag wanderings through the country — I had trav- eled not much short of six hundred miles, had delivered twenty five or thirty discourses, and returned to my family on the day I appointed when I left them. Heaven blessed me with good health, with fine weather, and pleasant traveling ; and amply rewarded me for my toil in a consciousness of having, accord- ing to the best of my ability, discharged an important duty. I gave Mr. Knapp a schedule of the appointments I had made for him on the circuit, and he immediately went to fulfil them ; and from that time made his residence in that country. The doctrine of God's Universal Grace now began to make some greater progress in its steady, onward march in this State, and several preachers as well as laymen came over to its help in some degree, though rather cautiously, who loved the doctrine but feared the name ; and among the number a man by the name of Sherman, who, 1 believe, had been a Baptist. The Partial- ists had employed every means in their power to render the name of Universalism odious ; and had so succeeded as, in numerous instances, to almost prevent individuals, after they became thor- oughly convinced of the truth of the ultimate holiness and hap- piness of the whole human race, from acknowledging that they were Universalists. They appeared actually afraid of the name, and would try to adopt some other in order to shield them from 254 ■ MEMOIRS OF THE ,• the odium — would wrangle about it, and, as Pope says, act like " Fools at war about a name, Wliieh often has xo meaning, or the same.'"' " Why do you not call your doctrine by some other name," said an old gentleman to me one day, after he had exhausted his vo- cabulary of anathemas against Universalism and Universalists, " Why don't you call your doctrine by some other name — you'd have as many again hearers." I replied, "I never gave it the name ; but, whether given by friend or foe, I like it well, and do not wish to exchange it, because it is so appropriate, and so definitely distinguishes my denomination from all the ramifica- tions of the Partialist church. Mr. Sherman was considerably troubled with timidity. He lirmly believed the doctrine, loved it with all his heart, and was quite zealous in persuading others of its truth. He established a meeting in the neighborhood of his own residence, in the town of Manlius, collected a little band into church organization, and preached to them ; but never extended his ministerial labors much beyond his vicinity. His church desired to enjoy the privilege of receiving the Christian ordinances, and applied to Mr. Dean and myself to confer ordination upon their pastor. We accordingly went there ; and finding a little band, united by the strong, ties of Christian brotherhood, well established in the faith of the final reconciliation of all mankind to God through our Lord Jesus Christ, evidently " Adorning the doctrine of God our Savior in all things," and reposing the utmost confidence in - their pastor, who truly appeared every v\^ay worthy of their rev- erence and esteem ; who, although he would prefer to be called by some other name, either Unitarian, Restoratiohist, or Unita- rian- Restorationist which pleased him rather the best, yet desirous of receiving ordination at our hands, we solemnly set him apart, according to our usual forms, to the work of the ministry of reconciliation, and as pastor of the church of his own planting. But he never formally joined our Association, nor were his la- bors extensively useful to the cause of Universalism in our re- gion of country. At the session of the Association it 1813, which was held in New Hartford, several valuable accessions to the ministry were received, besides the addition of the first Universalist society in the county of Ontario, with its clerical members. IMr. Knapp, and Elder James Parker, were the only delegates from that so- ciety, as it appearecl they had not seen cause "to appoint lay del- egates ; but no delegation was received this year from the LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 255 General Convention in New England. Letters of fellowship were granted this year to Seth Jones, and James Gowdy, both converts from the Baptist clergy, also to Stephen Miles, whom I have had occasion to name, and to S. R. Smith, a young man who had been, for a short season, studying with Mr. Dean. All these were good men, and valuable members of our communi- ty ; but the labors of some were far more efficient, in the ad- vancement of the cause, than others. Probably Mr. Gowdy's ministry was more circumscribed, and of less celebrity and util- ity, than either of the others. Mr. Jones, although an illiterate man, (I think he told me he never went to school but five days in his whole life) was, nevertheless, one of the most successful itinerant preachers our State ever produced ; and for many years he traveled extensively, and preached with the zeal of a Paul, and the eloquence of an Apollos. I have never seen a crowded congregation more captivated, more enamored, sit with more ease, under the preaching of any living man, than under him, in a discourse of two or three hours long. But of all the preachers who received the fellowship of the Association at this session, or indeed, had ever received a letter of fellowship from its council, S. R. Smith was, by far, the most important acqui- sition. Pie had never belonged to any Partialist denomination ; his mind had never been imbued nor soiled with the false theolo- gy of the schools. His first religious breath was drawn in the pure and uncontaminated atmosphere of the Gospel of Christ ; where its great and glorious doctrines fell upon a soil free from thorns and noxious weeds, and of sufficient strength to bring forth " an hundred fold." He had not, I believe, publicly addressed a congregation previous to that time ; but so well acquainted with him were many of the members of the council, and such confidence they had in the correctness of his opinions, in the strength of his faith, the stability of his character, his in- tegrity, and moral worth, in his studious habits, his indefatiga- ble zeal, and the expanding powers of his giant mind, that, un- solicited by him, a letter of fellowship'was proffered to him by the unanimous voice of the council, which he modestly accepted. Time has shown the correctness of their judgment, and how fully their anticipations, have been realized, and more than re- alized, by his extensive and valuable labors. He stands justly, and his name ever will stand, upon the faithful page of history, at the head of the Universalist clergy in the State of New York. This is not fulsome panegyric ; it is the solemn con- viction of one wlio has been intimately acquainted with him 256 MEMOIRS OF THE from the commencement of his ministerial lahors up to the pre- sent moment. And it is said without meaning the least dis- paragement to the numerous learned, pious, and able divines who now grace tlie ranks of the Universalist clergy in that State. Our earnest and long-reiterated prayers for more laborers in the vineyard seemed now measurably answered ; and as an in- creasing family demanded my utmost endeavors, and most pru- dent and economical management to meet their necessary calls, I was obliged to curtail my peregrinations as much as possible, and apply my han(]s diligently to the implements of husbandry. During this year, therefore, I traveled but little abroad : I mean by abroad out of the counties of Madison, Chenango, Otsego, Herkimer, and Oneida ; but I by no means relinquished preach- ing every Sabbath ; and frequently attended evening meetings during the fall and winter seasons. In 1814, the Association met in the village of Sherburne. Our friends, when they applied for this meeting the preceding year, had encouragement of obtaining the Presbyterian meet- ing-house for its accommodation ; but when the time arrived, bigotry^ prevailed, and the door was bolted against us. Our friends were, therefore, driven to such an expedient as was often necessary to resort to in those days of superstition and secta- rian bigotry, and prepared a barn very comfortably for our ac- commodation. On entering it for service, on the morning of the first day, a manuscript poem was handed me, written for the occasion, by an aged sister, Mrs. Skinner ; in which she greeted us with Christian aftection, and v/elcomed us to the lam ; that, although the "Inn'' afforded us no room, it was no disgrace for the followers of Him who was born in a stable, to meet for his worship in a barn. It was read to the congregation immediate- ly before the commencement of worship, and had a thrilling and salutary effect ; for, while it enstamped the blush of shame upon the brow of bigotry and intolerance, it animated and cheered the faithful, and well prepared the heart for spiritual worship. It was ordered by the council to be published with tlie minutes of the proceedings. It has been published several times in our different periodicals ; and had I a copy of it, or couldl distinctly remember it, I would insert it here. By the good providence of God, all the unhallowed means resorted to by the enemies of truth, for the purpose of discom- moding^ us, and crushing the cause they dare not openly and manfully oppose, were turned to our advantage, and served to advance the truth they designed to suppress. It was peculiar- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 257 ly SO in this case. Tlieir meeting-house stood unoccupied through the whole of the session ; and their conduct excited the indignation of the non-professor, and, indeed, of the liberal part of their own community. Our meeting in a barn, together with the pathetic address of our venerable sister on the occasion, excited their sympathy, and disposed many to attend and listen to what was said and done, who, otherwise, in all probability, would have paid no attention to the meeting. Our season was, therefore, a refreshing one, and brought additional numbers to our ranks. Mr. C. G. Person had, a little previous to this, removed from Vermont into the State of New York ; and settled with a socie- ty in Greenfield, Saratoga Co., and for the first time met with the Western Association ; and two others, Dr. Archelaus Green, a convert from the Baptists; a worthy man, and an old and approved preacher in that order ; and Lewis Pitts, a con- vert from the Methodists, and a licentiate in their ministry, re- ceived letters of fellowship. Dr. Green was a useful member, and devoted the major part of the remainder of his long and active life to the ministry, as faithfully as he could, in connec- tion with his professional avocation as a physician, and died tri- umphant in the faith. But Mr. Pitts, although at that time he manifested great zeal and devotion to the cause, soon passed off into another hemisphere. He was a neighbor to Doctor Beers ; and by reading his books, and having free personal intercourse with the Dr., soon embraced the visionary theory of Sweden, bourg ; and not pof^essing much strength of intellect, nor hav- ing the leaven of Christian meekness and love that Dr. Beers possessed, he became cold, and indifferent, soon abandoned the ministry, and left our ranks. It has already been observed, that the first society of Univer- salists in Ontario county, in which Mr. Knapp had settled, Avas received into fellowship. Mr. Knapp had been nearly two years settled in that county, and his labors were blessed in ex- tending the knowledge of the truth, in forming new congrega- tions, and organizing new societies ; and he was instructed to ask, at this session, for the establishment of a branch of the As- sociation, which should hold an annual session in that region. It was not expected nor desired to establish an independent body, nor by any means to be considered a distinct Association ; but the distance of their location from Central New York, where the Western Association ought uniformily to hold its annual meetings, rendered it extremely difficult for many of them to at- Q 258 MEMOIRS OF THE tend, and the utility of those meetings in the region where they were holden, rendered it very desirable to have an annual ses- sion in that department of the vineyard, which should be pretty sure to have a large delegation from the parent Association. They therefore wished to be considered as still belonging to the Western Association, and to have their body denominated, " The Genesee Branch of the Western Association." The plan was readily and cordially approved of, and a committee appointed' to meet with the preachers and delegates from societies in that section, and organize the Genesee branch Association. This was the germ of the Genesee Association ; for in a few years afterwards, their growing numbers and strength rendered it pro- per and advisable to choose them as an independent association. The militia law of the State of New York required a resi- dent commissioned chaplain within the beat of each regiment. When I settled in Hamilton, Mr. Hosmer, pastor of the Baptist church in that town, held that office. In 1812, or early in 1813, he died, leaving the office of chaplain in the regiment vacant ; and in the fore part of September, 1813, I received a letter from the commandant of the regiment, informing me that he had led his officers to the choice of a chaplain, and that they had unanimously cast their votes for me ; and he very politely, but earnestly, requested me to accept of the office, and desired me to officiate with the regiment, on field day, that fall. On sober reflection — as it would require but little time, three days only, in each year ; and as it would introduce me more inti- mately to the acquaintance of men of som^ influence in society, and thereby enable me, perhaps, to be more extensively useful in advancing the cause, which was the paramount object of all my labors — I came to the conclusion to accept the office. It will be recollected, that at this time our nation was engaged in a second war with Great Britain ; and this circumstance ren- dered military office, even among the militia, of more import- ance than usual. I accordingly attended the battalion and regi- mental reviews, and officiated as chaplain, on parade. In the course of religious service, on one of the days, at a battalion training in the town of Madison, a petition was offered, which produced some excitement ; and which was laid hold of, by the vigilant enemies of Universalism, as an evidence of the blas- phemous presumption of the preachers of the order, a total dis- regard of divine instruction, and a vile perversion of Scripture language ! The petition, in substance, was. That we might be inspired with a pure spirit of patriotic devotion — that when our LIFE OF HEV. NATHANIEL STACY. 259 liberties were menaced, our shores invaded, our towns and our cities in flames, our possessions wrested from us, and our sons and our daughters carried into captivity — we might be willing to "beat our plough-shares into swords, and our pruning-hooks' into spears, and let the weak say I am strong." " There," they said, ''that is your Universalist chaplain ! see how he per- verts scripture. The Bible says the time will come, when they shall 'beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears in- to pruning-hooks' ; but he prays for the reverse : that the peo- ple may iDeat their plough-shares into swords, and their pruning- hooks into spears !" The flame of excitement was blown by the breath of the Presbyterians, with the clergyman at their head, who were, in general, equally opposed to Universalism and the existing war with Great Britain ; for they now flattered themselves that they had obtained an efficient weapon with which to crush Universalism, at least, in that place. " I was much pleased with Mr. Stacy's services," said Major M. to Col. C, "but am very sorry he made use of that expression, al- though it was truly appropriate." " Why, you fool," said Col. C, ''don't you know that it is Bible?" " O, no," answered the Major, "the Bible says, they shall beat their swords into plough- shares, &c." " Well," said the Col., " I'll bet you a bottle of wine, that I can find the very words he made use of, in the Bi- ble." The bet was taken; and the Col. took the bible, and turned to the third chapter of the book of Joel, and put his fin- ger on the passage. "I'm glad I've lost the wine," said the Major; " I'll have them now." The very next Sunday, Major M.. attended the Presbyterian meeting. When the morning services closed, before the preacher had time to leave the desk, he walked deliberately up the pulpit stairs — his movement ex- cited the attention of the whole congregation, for Major M. sel- dom attended that meeting ; it was surprising to see him there ; and still more wonderful what business he could have in the desk ; and their amazement created profound silence — but he walked up with as much dignity as a priest ; and without speak- ing to the clergyman, took the Bible, and with profound solem- nity, opened it, and read in a loud, clear, and distinct voice, the condemned words of the Universalist chaplain, naming the book, chapter, and verse. Such a shock upon a congregation of peo- ple, he said, he never before witnessed. The preacher looked ashamed, and hung his head ; his congregation looked stupified, and left the hou.^e without uttering a word in his hearing ; and the Major walked, with a triumphant air, out of the house. 260 MEMOIRS OF THE This turned the scale of triumph, and converted their vile ma- chinations into means for the promotion of truth. All this took place at my expense, without the least suspicion, on my part, of having given cause for crimination, until some weeks afterwards, when I was informed of it by Col. C. The winter following, I reci'ivcd a commission, from "Our beloved Daniel D. Tompkins, Grovernor of our said State," and was, consequently, duly installed into office. In the summer of 1814, a detachment of militia was called for, to organize, and stand ready for actual service, for six months in the course of the year; and Col. C. was assigned to the command of a regi- ment of six months' militia. He, by dint of authority vested in him, assigned me to the office of chaplain, in his regiment ; and notified me to stand ready for actual service, at a moment's warn - ing ; and it was in vain that I expostulated ; he would receive no denial. Before the detachment was thoroughly organized, the fortress of Sackett's Harbor, on Lake Ontario, which had already received one attack from the British forces, on the oppo- site side of the Lake, was again menaced ; and the militia, e7i masse, from all the surrounding country, were called out for its defence. This swept the whole country, within 100, or 150 miles of the fort, clean of every man enrolled in the militia, un- less he procured a substitute, or stayed at home in defiance of the order ; but they were encouraged with tlie promise of being discharged, as soon as the detached troops should reach the post ; these hopes, however, proved fallacious. The detachment was organized with all possible expedition, and marched to the post; but the commanding General, from the threatening atti- tude of the British, upon the opposite side, and the manoeuver- ing of the fleet upon the Lake, was panic-struck, and refused, upon any pretence whatever, to discharge a single individual, and kept the whole, mass and detached militia, on the ground, until they were relieved by the arrival of General Brown's ar- my, from the west, late in the month of November. I arrived at Sackett's Harbor about the 22d of September, and remained there until the troops were discharged ; and it was one of the most, and I may say, with safety, the most disa- greeable season of my whole life. The weather was extreme- ly unpleasant ; the heavens, shrouded with murky and impervi- ous clouds, poured down torrents of rain, or drizzled their contents upon the earth in " one eternal storm," which covered the whole country as with a bed of mortar, into which the feet of our horses would sink, until they reached the solid rock ; (that whole coun- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 261 try is imbed ed with an unbroken stratum of lime-stone, from six to two or three feet from the surface of the earth) — and if we could walk from one cantonment to the other, without sinking above the tops of our boots in the mud, we thought ourselves very fortunate. There were not five fair days during the whole of our two months' campaign ! — add to this the sickness that prevailed, particularly among the mass militia, owing to their unpreparedness for the season, having been drawn out without a moment's warning to make preparation ; their disap- pointment in not being discharged according to promise, and their consequent dissatisfaction and despondency, which terminated in more or less deaths almost every day. This is but a faint sketch of the scene before my eyes for two months ; yet here you have a picture before you, enough to enstamp a fearful gloom upon the most buoyant and cheerful heart. There was but one Sabbath during the whole campaign, when the weather would permit of parading the regiment to hear a discourse ; and then, both officers and soldiers were obliged to stand in the mud something less than knee deep. The regiment, however, was uniformily paraded after roll-call in the morning, for prayers ; and I also often officiated for a regiment of mass mili- tia which had no chaplain. My time was very busily employed in visiting the sick, in attending at the burials, and following the poor fellows who died to Briar-hill, the place of interment ; and in getting permits for such as were able to ride, to go a little way out into the country, to take the purer air, and to get a little more suitable food than the barracks afforded them ; and in furnishing them with a horse for the excursion. I enjoyed an ample reward in the consciousness of being enabled, in some degree, to mitigate the sufferings of these disappointed, gloomy, and disheartened fellow. mortals. But my feelings were much more deeply af- fected, mortified, and chagrined, on another account, than any thing that I have yet named ; and that was, to see men of the best habits, men of integrity and of the first respectability, so instantaneously metamorphosed into ruffians — totally reck- less of their appearance, their language, and their demeanor. They were, in too many instances, no more like the men 1 had known at home, in the circle of their friends and acquaintances, and in the ordinary walks of life, than a demon of the nether regions would be like an inhabitant of the celestial sphere. Had they been strangers to me, had I never known them un- der other circumstances, I should actually have considered 262 MEMOIRS OF THE them as the dregs of the human race, as out-laws from all civ- ilized society ; but I was personally acquainted with hundreds of them, and had intimately associated with very many of them in private life, and felt myself honored by their friendship — and now to see them here, to witness their change of char- acter, their recklessness, their want of civility, their total dis- regard of every moral principle, made me groan in spirit, and cry, if this be the immoral consequence of war, may the Sovereign Lord, in great mercy, save America from another rupture with any nation of the earth ! But my situation was comparatively pleasant and agreea- ble to that of the officers and soldiers in general. I was inti- mately acquainted with the commanding general, Oliver Col- lins, he being one of the first individuals who signed the con- stitution of the first Universalist society in Whitestown, in 1805. And as soon as I had reported myself to my Colonel, on my arrival at Sackett's Harbor, I made General Collins a visit. From him I learned that a mutual friend of ours resi- ded within a mile of the encampment, and kept a public house ; and I obtained permission to make that my boarding-place during the campaign. Consequently, I drew a soldier from the ranks as a servant, entered my horse in the public stable, gave it in charge to him, and took up my quarters a mile out of the encampment. My servant brought my horse to me each morn- ing, and awaited my return to my quarters; so that I could ride to the cantonment, and from place to place, where it was difficult to walk ; and when the duties of the day were per- formed, return to my boarding-house. Although I could preach very little on parade, I delivered lectures frequently, in the adjacent country ; and once deliver- ed a funeral discourse for a soldier, who died two miles out in the country. During this military career, I nevei;once forgot the great ob- ject of my sacerdotal mission ; and in all my pursuits, Tever considered that paramount to every other consideration ; and, consequently, at every opportunity, published, with the best powers I possessed, the doctrine of the great salvation. While out on this campaign, I obtained a permit of absence for one week, and visited the town of EUisburg, to which two or three families of my acquaintance had removed, from Whitestown ; and spent one Sabbath with them, besides delivering several lectures, in different parts of the town. Mr. Winslow had pre- viously visited this region, once or twice ; and I believe he was LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 263 the only Univei*salist preacher who had ever delivered a dis- course in all this country. Late in the month of November, General Brown's army marched into our quarters ; and a more besmeared set of rep- tiles were never seen crawling out of the mud. They had marched from the Niagara frontier, through incessant rains, v/hich covered the whole country with a bed of mortar, almost up to their knees ; and their tattered and filthy garments looked more like the habiliments of beggars — much more, than like the neat uniform of regular troops ; and they were completely worn out and dispirited — indeed, many had to be left by the way, being totally unable to proceed on their march. But their arrival was hailed by the most welcome cheers of the disheart- ened and exhausted militia, who were eager to leave this bed of mire, and scene of wretchedness. The militia were all now discharged ; and those who had escaped the ravages of death, were permitted to return once more to the bosom of their fami- lies. Few, very (ew, who were out on this campaign, escaped sickness ; and those who were sick v/hile out, and lived through it, were, in general, the most fortunate; for the sickness which followed, was far the most malignant. My health, during the time I was at Sackett's Harbor, was good — I thought, never better ; but 1 evidently imbibed the germ of a disease, which, in about a year afterwards, prostrated me on a bed of sickness, and brought me near the grave. This campaign commenced and closed the service of the six months' militia ; for before an- other season opened, a treaty of peace was effected between the belligerant powers, and peace once more beamed on the Uni- ted States of America. Once more at home, in the bosom of my family, I realized the sweets of domestic life with an infinitely greater relish, after the dreary campaign from which I had just escaped, than I ever before experienced ; and most devoutdly did I pray, that the peaceable intercourse of our nation with the different govern- ments of the world m'ight never again be interrupted. But, alas ! I have lived to see our nation engaged in another war ; and though far removed from my retired and peaceful abode, the alarming reports of infuriated conflicts, of " confused noise, and garments rolletl in blood," of ensanguined fields, and hu- man butchery, of the widow's wail and the orphan's hopeless tear, reach even this secluded spot on the foot-stool of God, awakening the deepest sympathies of the heart, and disturbing the evening of my days. And, oh, may the great Arbiter of 264 MEMOIRS OF THE nations, the Father of us all, in great mercy interpose his sov- ereign arm, wrest from the hands of his infatuated children the ; implements of death, smother their rage, soothe their temper, and, restoring them to reason, to justice, and to truth, inspire them with kindred sentiments of friendship ; that they may be^ disposed to "Beat their swords into plough-shares, and their spears into pruning. hooks," that gentle peace may extend her j olive wand " From poll to poll, and from the river to the ends i of the earth." ' ! Resuming my labors, on the field of peace, which now seem- ed doubly delightsome, not extending my travels to any great distance, I spent the winter cheerfully ; and the season rolled ; pleasantly on, and brought about the time of our annual convo- cation, when our tribes should again go up to Jerusalem, with their yearly offerings to the Lord. Our Association met, in June, 1815, in the town of Horner^ Cortland County. (But I shall not be able to designate every place of its meeting up to the time in which I removed from the < State, for the want of authentic memoranda, which I was toO' busy or too negligent to make.) This was peculiarly a season ^ of congratulation and encouragement, from the circumstance tliat it brought together a greater numter of preachers than had ever before congregated in this State. Mr. Isaac Root, formerly a Baptist, but who had labored in the cause of God's Universal Grace successfully for several \ years, in New England, met with us, and gave us encourage- ment of taking up his abode in this country ; which he did in ' tlie course of the season. Mr. Underwood, of whom I have heretofore spoken, also attended this session, and received a letter of fellowship ; and Mr. Isaac Whitnall, an Englishman by birth, who had emigrated to the United States a few years before this as a Baptist preacher, had embraced the faith of a i world's salvation, commenced proclaiming it with the zeal of an ' enthusiast, appeared also at this Association, and received a let- j ter of fellowship. These were important acquisitions ; which, while they invigorated our hopes and strengthened the band of our union, presented a more formidable front to the opposing ranks of the enemy. These accessions commanded a degree i of respect from them, although unwillingly, which gave greater i consequence to our labors, and obtained for us a more general attention from the mass of the community. Mr. Person, of Sar- j atoga county, again attended, and brought with him a friend by i the name of Cook, whom he reconamended as a profitable la- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 265 borer in the vineyard, and asked for him a testimonial of fel- lowship, which was also granted. Besides those already named, there were several others, of less note, who united with us at tliis session ; and who, although ultimately of no advantage to the cause of truth, served to swell our ranks, on this occasion, to an enviable number. Mr. Dean who had previously removed to Boston, and settled as colleague with the venerable Murray, made this Association a visit at this time. He came on a special mission. I had, some time during the previous year, received a circular letter from a committee appointed for the express purpose of soliciting subscriptions for the establishment of a theological seminary in Massachusetts. The circular stated one important provision of the proposed institution, which was quite objectionable in my estimation ; and that was, the education, gratuitously, of indigent young men for the ministry ; and I therefore used no influence in its favor. Mr. Dean now came authorized to lay the subject before the Western Association, and guaranty to us that what- ever sum we would furnish toward carrying the object into ef. feet, should be faithfully refunded whenever we should see fit to establish such an institution in our own State. He privately opened his business to me, inquired if I had received the circular, what success I had met with ; and wanted I should second his efforts in the Association. I told him I had duly received the circular, and had met with all the success I desired — that I was perfectly willing he should lay his business before the council, but 'I should conscientiously oppose him. He appeared aston- ished at the stand I took — said that we certainly.needed a better- educated ministry ; and that it would render our denomination more popular, which v/as certainly a very important considera- tion. 1 replied that I was sensible, very sensible, we needed a better-educated ministry ; I felt every day the need of a better education myself, and would exert every faculty I possessed to establish a literary institution, free from the shackles of sectari- anism and the trammels of human creeds as possible, for the ed- ucation of young men ; but I would have them go alone to the school of Christ — to the holy Bible — to obtain their divinity, and not to human, theological institutions. Moreover, there was, to my mind, a very objectionable feaiure in the proposals of the circular, which was the gratuitous instruction of indigent young men. It laid a temptation before idle and unprincipled young- sters to make a profession for the sake of getting an education, and acquiring a living without labor — without the least sentimen- 2bb MEMOIRS OF THE tal regard for the cause they would espouse. It had already proved deleterious to other denominations, many instances of the truth of which had come under my own personal observation, and it would surely be so to us. As to the unpopularity of the order, I had less to fear from that circumstance than I should have from its popularity. I knew very well that we were unpopular — I had suffered enough myself to learn that fact. So was primitive Christianity unpopular, but its unpopularity was its guaranty against imposition and imposture. J wished the doctrine of Uni- versalism to become popular only by its own intrinsic merits, and not by any external splendor that might render it pleasing to the people. These were the sentiments of my heart, at that time ; and I have never had occasion to change them. We have been accused of propagating licentious doctrines — doctrines which have fostered crime, and filled our penitentiaries with convicts. This charge has led to the examination of the peni- tentiaries in several States ; and we have honestly and justly boasted that not a single individual who had ever professed to be a Universalist could be found there ; while multitudes of pro- fessors of almost every other denomination, with a full propor- tion of those who had been preachers among them, occupied the cells. While passing through the State prison at Auburn, I was once told by the overseer who conducted me, that he had thirteen preachers confined there under his tuition ; but there was not a Universalist, either preacher or layman, in the prison. But, once let the denomination dazzle with the splendor of this world, let it hold out inducements to the unprincipled to enter its ranks for the sake of its popular applause, the indulgence of an indo- lent and lazy habit, or the acquisition of wealth without indus- try, and we should no longer be able to boast exemption from le- gal conviction, nor of that tranquillity which has hitherto distin- guished us ; but crime would destroy the peace of our church, and disorder and anarchy would sever the cord of affection that now binds us in one celestial brotherhood. Mr. Dean finally said, if I was resolved to oppose him, he would not introduce the subject into the council ; and consequently did not. At this Association, Mr. Jones, Mr. Underwood, and my- self were appointed delegates to attend the Genesee branch Association, which was to hSld its session in the town of Ben- ton, on the 4th Wednesday and Thursday in August; and through the blessings of God, we were all enabled to fulfil our mission. We found the cause prospering under the faithful la- bors of Mr. Knapp, with the trifling assistance he received LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 267 from Messrs. Billinghurst, Upson, and Parker, and the casual visits of some other preachers. The session was well attended by preachers and delegates, and a large congregation attended religious worship in a barn ; and both preachers* and people were encouraged and strengthened thereby in their race. I remained some two weeks or more in that country, and preached in Gorham, Canandaigua, Victor, and Pittsford ; and on my way home delivered a lecture in Auburn, another in Camillus, and preached a Stnday in the village of Nine-mile Creek, in Marcellus. Auburn, which now takes rank, in point of magnificence and population, with the most splendid in- land cities, with its hundreds of merchants, its elegant man- sions, its numerous and splendid churches, and other public buildings, and with one of the most numerous Universalist so- cieties in the State, possessing a large and commodious meeting house, was then but an inditierent hamlet, affording but two or three families who dared to manifest any sympathy for the doc- trine of Unlimited Grace. A small school-house was the only building into which a preacher of our faith could be admitted, to speak of the good things of the kingdom of God. For the whole of this season, after the opening of spring, my health and spirits had been on the decline ; and during this tour, especially, I had experienced a lassitude, an unaccounta- ble stupor, dulness of spirit, and drowsiness, that marred my enjoyment, and rendered it almost impossible for me to arouse up and acquire spirit enough to address a congregation. I however completed my intended tour ; but when I had deli- vered my last discourse on Sunday, at Nine-mile Creek, such was my solicitude to reach home, that, notwithstanding the heavens looked threatening with portentous, black, and rolling clouds in the western hemisphere, I refused to listen to the re- iterated entreaties, persuasions, and expostulations of friends, to remain over night, but called for my horse, determined to ride ten or twelve miles that night, that I might, without severe labor, reach home the next day. I had not proceeded over four miles before the rain broke upon me in torrents, and be- fore I could reach a public-house, I was completely drenched to the skin on every part of my body. I put up for the night, dried and refreshed myself, and retired to bed ; but not to rest, for, in addition to the racking pains which were fast gathering upon this frail tenement,the rats were troublesome companions, often disturbing my broken slumbers. In the morning I found they laid siege to my possessions, had actually gnawed through my coat-pocket, and made some incisions upon my pocket-book, 268 MEMOIRS OF THE I arose from my bed in the morning, racked with excruciating pains through my whole frame, even to the extremity of every limb. But what should I do ? I could not think of remaining there to be sick ; and it did not appear possible for me to mount my horse, or ride a step if I were on his back. I sat for a few moments in deep and melancholy thought. I then arose, saying, " This will not do — I must reach home — Landlord, give me a glass of brandy." I drank it, and it soothed my pain. I then buttoned my overcoat tight arouna me, mounted my horse and rode thirteen miles. When 1 had accomplished this, I could sit on my horse no longer. I stopped, drank another glass of bran- dy, fed my horse, and tried to eat some breakfast. But, alas ! a trifle — an insignificant mite — was all that I could eat or did eat, until I entered my own dwelling. But I persevered, sooth- ing my pains with brandy when I could bear them no longer ; and, on that dreary day, I rode more than sixty miles, reaching my own residence between ten and eleven o'clock in the evening. In three days from that time, I was entirely helpless, and had to be lifted by others from my bed. More than forty days, I lay- prostrated under what the physicians called a " A lake bilious fever." The germ of the disease had, undoubtedly, been ta- king root in my frame from the time of my campaign at Sack- ett's Harbor ; and the drenching rain to which I exposed myself gave it a thrifty and fearful growth. About three weeks of the time I was somewhat deranged, although I have some indistinct recollection of particular events. But, although my case was for weeks considered hop'^less, my faith was not in the least de- gree shaken, but remained firm and abiding when I was capable of realizing my situation. An incident occurred, for the knowledge of which I am wholly indebted to my wife. The physicians — two of whom were punctual in their visits two or three times each day during my sickness — strictly prohibited any conversation with me on tlie subject of my faith, or any other exciting subject. I was quite inclined, (1 was told,) while in an unconscious state, to be muttering something to myself, generally unintelligible, but sometimes a word or two could be understood. One day a very- kind neighboring woman, who had watched over me much, and with much tenderness, was sitting by my bed-side, and caught a word which led her to say to my wife, "That man is concerned about his soul." The woman was a rigid Calvinistic Presbyte- rian ; and my wife was very unwilling to have such a report circulated, unless there was real ground for it. She therefore LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 269 came and sat down by me, and spoke calmly to me until she thought I was fully awake, and as intelligent as I could be un- der the disease, and then asked me if I felt any concern about my future state. She said I looked around, and seeing Mrs. B. sitting near the bed, addressed myself directly to her, and spoke for several minutes with greater strength than I had done since I'had been sick, and in such a manner as led the woman to say, " O, no; he has no concern about the salvation of his soul — his faith is not shaken." My sickness produced considerable excitement, especially among the Partialists ; and gave rise to many uncharitable re- marks, and some slanderous reports. A near neighbor to me started from home one morning, and, after riding sixteen or eighteen miles, stopped to feed his horse at a public house in the town of Nelson. While there, he heard one man ask another, "Have you heard that Mr. Stacy is dead?" "No," said the other, " is it so ?" " Yes." " Well, how did his faith hold out ?" " O, he renounced his doctrine, and died in despair !" My neigh- bor inquired, "How came you by that intelligence'?" He re- plied, " By a man who has just arrived from Hamilton — no doubt it is correct." "Well," replied my neighbor, "I know it is false — every word of it. I am a near neighbor to Mr. Stacy, and saw him this morning. He is very sick, but we begin to have hopes that he will recover ; and, as to his having renounced his doctrine, it is as false as the report of his death. I presume that he has never given occasion to any person to suspect, that a shadow of doubt has overcome over his mind." FJe subse- quently informed me, that while one of the men looked pleased, the other hung down his head and appeared disappointed ; and my friend rather concluded he was sorry that the story did not prove true. One good, pious old Presbyterian lady, after inquiring of my physician how I was, and receiving for an answer, " Very sick," with a woeful countenance and a deep pious sigh, remarked, " I think it most probable he will never recover ; and it would probably be a great blessing to the v/orld, and especially to the church of God, if tlie Lord should see fit to remove him out of the way." The Doctor was not a Universalist, though my par- ticular friend, and a great enemy to sectarian bigotry ; the old lady's remark excited his indignation a little, and he replied, "You need not felicitate yourself with the prospect of his death — he shan't die. I would rather lose every other patient I have- than to lose him — he shan't die." tlO MEMOIRS OF 'THE i\ry physicians were as faithful as friends could be, as skilful as the country afforded, and employed the best means within their knowledge ; but, alas ! their remedies proved more painful than the disease they combated. They subdued my fever with calomel ; and I was actually sensible of more acute pain from a sore mouth than from the fever I had endured ; but, during a large share of the time I was prostrated, I was quite insensible to pain. Every tooth in my head was loosened, and they have never been firm'since. For weeks after I was able to walk about the house, and even to ride out, I was compelled to hold a napkin to my miOuth to absorb the water that constantly issued from it ; and, when it eventually healed, a tendon was so contracted on one side of my mouth, that I could scarcely introduce my little finger between my teeth. " There," said a kind Presbyterian friend, " if the Lord has not killed Stacy, he has shut his mouth — he can never preach again." " Well," repled a Universalist, " he has left him a head and hands — he can write, and perhaps do as much good by writing as he could by preaching." But, by the use of proper remedies and exercise, I became able to talk moderately though indistinctly ; yet I did not soon acquire the fluency and ease of articulation I previously possessed. Never- theless, I slowly gained strength, so that before the middle of January following I commenced holding meetings. My recovery was extremely slow, having little or no appetite for food; and, during the whole winter, it required the utmost exertions of my strength to harness my horse and drive him. It was suggested that a journey might be beneficial. Arrange- ments were accordingly made, and about the middle of January, 1 left home with my wife for a visit to my native land ; but in about two days the snow left us, or rather we left the snow, and struck upon the bare terra jirma. This induced us to diverge from our direct course, and make a visit at Brother Person's, in Greenfield. Here we waited for snow some two weeks; but the heavens continued serene, the stars, on each returning evening, twinkled with unusual brightness, not a cloud overcast the azure vault, nor a flake of snow fell to relieve our anxious feelings. After waiting until the season had so far advanced as to render it hazardous to proceed any farther from home with my cutter, even if sufficient depth of snow should fall, I sold it, purchased a wagon and returned again to my family. But, notwithstand- ing the feebleness of my health, 1 was enabled to deliver two ■ discoui'ses while in Greenfield, and one in Otsego on my return home. LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 2l'3 My health was in no degree improved by my journey, but, on the whole, I was not as well. I felt my strength declinino- on my return home, and could obtain no nostrum that seemed to have any restorative tendency. I met with the society but two Sabbaths after my return, before I was seized most violently with the ague and fever. I was wholly unacquainted with the com- plaint,and under the first paroxysm I verily thought I was dying, or, at least, must be on the verge of dissolution. I talked with my wife on the subject, gave her the best counsel I could, par- ticularly in regard to our infant family, and made up my mind that I should soon try the realities of my faith. I sat for hours and shook like an aspen leaf in the blast of a hurricane, inca- pable of realizing the least warmth from fire, or all the clothing that could be applied ; and then lay as much longer, burning over a fever as hot, it appeared to me, as Nebuchadnezzar's fur- nace ; when the perspiration broke forth in torrents more nau- seous than the fumes of Gehenna ! Surely, this was tremen- dous—beyond any thing, as I supposed, that any mortal being had ever before experienced ; and what the result would be, short of death, I could not divine. I had so far recovered from the last stage of this strange phenomenon, as to feel tolerably comfort- able, and sit in a chair, when a special friend made me a visit. He inquired about my health, and 1 informed him that my last hour was evidently drawing nigh, and described the symptoms of my disease, the extraordinay manner in which I had been treated under it, &c. But, to my utter astonishment, instead of a gloomy countenance, and a sympathy suffusing his face with tears, he broke out into a most hearty laugh, and exclaimed, " I'm glad of that — now you'll get well. It is the ague and fe- ver that has been hanging about you, which has kept you down so long — ^you'll have another fit to-morrow or next day." And sure enough 1 did ; and continued to have this loathsome and dis- couraging disease, having fits every or every alternate day ; when 1 had four regular fits, passing through the different sta- ges of shaking, fever, and sweating, in forty eight hours ; until I was reduced to a mere skeleton, with just strength enough to totter about the house. ^ Mr. Kneeland, of whom I have already spoken, came into the country that spring, (1816,) and settled with the society in New Hartford ; and in the latter part of May made me a visit, remain- ing a week or more in the town, and preaching several times. My ague-fits had so far subsided, that I concluded that I could get to the Association with his assistance. It met this year, S72 MEMOIRS OF THE in Cooperstown, forty miles from me. I had never missed a session; and, although I was incapable of taking an active part in the council, or the devotional exercises of the occasion, I felt, nevertheless, a strong desire to be present. He, therefore, took charge of my team, helped me in and out of the carriage, and by taking two days to accomplish a journey of forty miles, we safely reached the place. A very respectable council, both of preachers and lay-delegates, were in attendance, and a large con- gregation assembled in the Episcopalian church, which was ob- tained for our accommodation. This was an unparalleled cold season. The Association was invariably holden on the first Wednesday and Thursday in June ; and on both days of its ses- sion this year, snow fell almost with the violence of a wintry storm, so that, on Friday morning, the snow lay from one to three inches deep over the whole face of the country, presenting the appearance of a winter morning. Although I had reached the place of meeting, I was only able to attend the session of the council, or the exercises of public worship, about half of the time, and the other half sat shivering over a fire, or lay on a bed, burning with a fever. But it was a source of spiritual refresh- ing, notwithstanding : I saw the brethren — I heard their encour- aging reports — I witnessed their devotions — and, although cold in the outward man, yet the inward man was warmed and in- vigorated ; and, with the assistance of the delegates from Ham- ilton, I reached home without suffering any serious injury. Col. N. Haskel, of Brbokfield, an intimate acquaintance and friend, who had been in the habit, for several successive seasons, of visiting the sea shore for the benefit of his health, was again about to start on a maritine excursion, and suggested to me the probability that it would recruit my health to accompany him, kindly offering to wait upon me by the way, and assist me all in his power, if I would do so. It struck me forcibly that it might be my best course, and I readily acceptsd the proposition. By the latter part of June, we had all things in readiness. I took my own horse and wagon, and the Colonel rode with me, drove, and took care of the horse as far as Albany. When we had reacftd this place, my health had very sensibly improved, and 2 felt strong enough to drive my own horse ; and as he de- sired to go down the river to the city of New York, we separa- ted, agreeing to meet again at a particular point on the sea-board. The remainder of the journey I performed alone. I traveled through my native town, where I stopped a few days to rest and visit my parents ; and then proceeded to the town of Attleboro', LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 273 where Mr. R. Carrique was settled as pastor of a Universalist society. After spending a few days with him, he accompanied me to the village of Assonett, on Taunton bay, where I met Col. Haskel, who had arrived a few days before. Mr. Carrique de- livered a discourse, on the great doctrine of the Gospel of Uni- versal Grace, to the inhabitants of the village, who, I believe, had never before enjoyed such a feast, and then returned home. We remained here several days, and took some short excursions in a boat on the bay ; and, on the fourth of July, I enjoyed one of the most delicious treats I ever had, on that or any other day, with what the inhabitants called a Clam-bake. From thence, we went to New Bedford, where an incident toot place, suffi- ciently amusing to me, and vividly illustrating the power of habit. The Colonel stopped among some relatives, but I put up with Capt. Martin — a mile from the head of the river. 1 was very anxious to take a ride on the bay, and the Captain very kindly offered to give me one. He was a sea-faring man, had com- manded a vessel of some description for many years, but, at this time, happened to be at home. He went to the head of the river, and on his return told me he had engaged a good boat for the excursion. He said, the next morning we would take a wagon and ride down to the river, where all things would be in readiness for our voyage. The next morning I told his young man to harness my horse, and hitch him to my wagon. He did so ; but when the Captain came out to get into it, he suddenly stepped back and said, " I dare not ride in that wagon — we shall overset." " Why, sir, I have rode in it a great many hundred miles, over all kinds of roads, and have never overset once." " But," said he, " it is so narrow, we shall certainly overset be- fore we get to the head of the river — I dare not get into it." I had a common. New York, one horse wagon ; but all I could say to him would not persuade him to get into it ; but he, having a wagon of Yankee construction, with axles of the same length as an ox-cart, would have the wagons exchanged. When we ar- rived at the head of the river, the boat was in readiness. It was about the size of the long-boat of an ordinary -y^ssel, schooner rigged ; and into it the Captain jumped with great animation and hilarity — down the river we sailed — called at the village — took the Colonel on board, and out into the bay toward Nantucket, under a brisk wind, which, to use the Captain's own phrase, " careened " the boat sometimes so as to dip water ; but he was not in the least afraid that she would overset, nor did he apprehend the least possible danger. We remained in this place two days R 274 MEMOIRS OF TKE only ; but, feeble as I was, I had to deliver one lecture m tne' dwelling-house of Captain Martin. From thence we went to Rochester, called on the aged Deacon Foster, brother of my otd friend, Nathan Foster, of whom I have before written, wiio, in his old age, after serving as deacon of a Partialist church for half a centuiy, had been " born again " into the full liberty of the Gospel of Christ, and then rejoiced exceedingly in the faith of an unlimited salvation ; but his wife — -poor v/oman— was in delirious despair, and. had been in that state for many years ; which was occasioned by the awful apprehension, that she and her husband had both committed the unpardonable sin, and were inevitably doomed to endless punishment. It was in vain that I talked with her. She seemed not to comprehend what I said ■ — to realize nothing but her intense misery. She would sit the whole day, and most of the night, wringing her hands, and groan- ing. Oh, what indescribable Vvretchedness that blasphemous creed has brought upon suffering humanity ! From thence, we made a short visit to Middleborough, and then went to Mr. Car- rique's, in Attleborough, w here the Colonel left me, and return- ed hom.e. After remaining a few days with Mr. C, he accom- panied me to Providence ; and from thence to Newport, Rhode Island. In Newport, I found one of the most delightful situations- I ever visited in'all my travels. It is surrounded by the ocean, whose invigorating breath seemed to impart new life and anima- tion to my emaciated frame. It was supplied with all the lux- uries of the sea and land, and peopled with the most unaffect« edly polite and hospitable class of inhabitants I ever became ac- quainted with, in any section of our humane country. We re-* mained in Newport a week ; and I delivered a single lecture in the Court-house to a crowded congregation, wdiich not only filted the Court-room, but the stairway and hall, as compactly as they could stand. During our stay in the city, we could not get an opportunity to expend a cent — all our wants were anticipated and supplied, and more than supplied ; and, on leaving the place, they gave us funds sufficient to defray all our expenses, from the time we l%ft Attleborough until our return. During our visit there, I was introduced to Mr. Green, a Baptist preacher, who made a remark that I have often thought of, and which I think it would be w^ell for all pugnacious, theological controver- tists to remember. The Elder, in a very mild and friendly|way, inquired about my peculiar doctrinal views, to which I readily and frankly replied ; and, in return, 1 made similar inquiries in reference to his faith, which he as ingenuously answered ; and LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 275 ihen, instead of bolting upon me by an acrimonious condemna- tion of my sentiments, which was often the case with Partialis! preachers, mildly and pleasantly remarked, " Well, I never had religion enough to quarrel about." After our return to Attleborough, I remained a few days with Mr. Carrique, attended meeting one day, delivered one discourse, and then set my face once more toward the home of my family, where my anxious thoughts had often wandered. On my re- turn, I again passed through my native town, made another short stop with my parents, and preached one Sunday in the town of Dana. I arrived at home in the fore part of the month of Au- gust, having been absent about eight weeks, with improved health, but not well. I had been afflicted, during the whole summer, with a bloating of the stomach, attended with the most excrutiating pain, which I could only mitigate with the use of opium or laudanum. Shortly after my return, I fell in com- pany with an aged physician, of long experience, as well as cel- ebrated skill, and requested him to examine my case, and pre- scribe for it, if he could help me. He complied ; and, in the course of a few weeks, by the use of the means he recommended, which was one of the most simple things in nature — a tea-spoon full of pulverized mustard- seed, in a glass of wine, three times every day, I was entirely relieved from that difficulty, and ena- bled to dispense with my opium. In about thirteen months from the time of my first attack with the fever, I was restored to per- fect soundness of health, with the exception of the effects of mercury in my system, which has troubled me, more or less, to the present time. Hence, I could again answer the question, "How do you do ?" by saying, " I am well." i i CHAPTER XII. Ancient treatise, " The world unmasked, or the philosopher the greatest cheat" — Publishing a book, an mifoitunate enterprise — Judge Flagler's conversion — Lecture at Judge Flagler's — Judge F. commences preaching — Colchester set-- tlement — Journey to Connecticut Meeting in the city of Hartlbrd — Recep- tion at Colchester — Remarks of a friend on Sunday morning — Meetings in several towns and societies — Return through Duchess county. New York — Tour to Buffalo — Session of Genesee Branch — Calvin Morton — Anecdote of Mr. Whitnall and a Scotch-Presbyterian clergyman — Extraordinary excite- ment — Conference meetings — Feelings of other denominations on the subject — Presbyterians and other sects attend — -Methodists unite in the meetings — Mr. M., the Congregationalist clergyman — Correspondence — Mr. M.'s course in conferences — Time of conference meetings changed — Mr. M.'s vexation and wrath — Interview vvath the Methodist presiding Elder — -Quarterly meeting — Mr. M. attends church-meeting — Communion- Address of a Methodist sister- Mr. M. comes into a Universalist meeting, and his errand — Union meeting in the Congregational church — Mr. M.'s ecstacy and zeal — General excitement. Conference— Opposition of the CongregationaUst clergy — Mr. M.'s retraction and the consequences — A dream — -Water-baptism — Another dream — Mrs. Pierce — Mode of preaching and exhortation of the Methodists duiing the re- vival — Peculiar sensitiveness at an evening lecture in a remote part of tl^ town — Church organized in Madison — Baptism of Rev. C. G. Person, in the winter season, by immersion — Result of the awakening — Numbers united to the church — Mr. Job Potter — Mr. Oliver Ackley— Increased diligence in reading the Scriptures — Presentation of texts — Inspiration. I need not inform my acquaintances that I was never a good financier, for they have had too many opportunities of demon- strating the fact, to be io;norant of it. Often, very often, my zeal for the advancement of the cause led me headlong into expenses, which drew the last cent from my scanty purse, and left me in debt. In an early day, such debts were incurred by publishing the minutes of our Association. But the worst dilemma of the kind — the most distressing to my family, and the most trying to LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 277 my conscience — I must, as a faithful historian, record, however repugnant to my feelings. Some few years after my settlement in the State of New York, I found, in the hands of a friend who had recently emigrated from Massachusetts, an ancient treatise on the doctrine of the final restitution, entitled, " The world unmasked, or the philoso- pher the greatest cheat, in twenty four dialogues ; to which is added, the state of souls separated from their bodies," &c. ; in. two volumes. The first volume contained the dialogues ; the second, the dissertation on the state of souls, &c., in a series of familiar letters to a friend. The work was originally written in French ; and the volumes which I found were printed in Lon- don, in 1743 ; being the second English edition, and translated from the second edition, in French. The antiquity of the work excited my curiosity. I purchased it, and read it with much greater satisfaction than I anticipated, when I first took it into my hands ; especially the second volume, which treated upon the doctrine of the universal purification and salvation of all souls. This volume I circulated as far as I had opportunity ; and it produced a valuable effect, not only by the correctness of the sentiment, the soundness of the argument, and the brilliancy of the illustrations of the great doctrine of the final Restitution, but by showing that Universalism was not a " New-fangled scheme." It presented the fact, that it had been embraced and ably advocated as a distinct theory for a period of more than a hundred years prior to that age, even in a land where supersti- tion, bigotry, and Popish intolerance vindictively resisted its on- ward progress. As books on the doctrine of Universalism were exceedingly scarce, I was repeatedly and earnestly solicited to get the second volume reprinted. After a partial recovery from my long sickness, my friends, no doubt from the best motives, redoubled their importunities, urging its publication by two im- portant considerations : First, to advance the cause of divine truth ; and, second, to repair the misfortune and attendant ex- penses of my sickness by the anticipated profits arising from its publication, which, they entertained no doubt, would meet with a ready and extensive sale. At the same time, a printer who was a very partial friend to me, and was publishing a weekly newspaper in the village of Cooperstown, voluntarily ofiered, if I would furnish the paper, to do the printing, and not call on me for any remuneration, until such time as all other expenses should be liquidated, by the sale of the books ; and, if that could not be effected, he would never demand any thing. Over-per- 278 MEMOIRS OF THE suaded by such arguments and propositions, though having se- rious apprehensions that I was not adapted to such an enterprise, I finally agreed to make the trial. 1 went to another friend, who was a mauufacturer of paper, contracted for a sufficient quantity to make two thousand copies, reviewed the work, added a few notes, vvhere I thought the idea was a little obscure, wrote an advertisemsnt and a short preface, and placed them in the hands of the printer. He immediately issued a prospectus, gave it quite an extensive circulation, and obtained ample encourage- ment for the work, which was offered at one dollar per copy. But, alas ! in every pecuniary speculation, I was destined to be unfortunate. When I contracted for the paper, soon after the close of the war, and amid those cold seasons which approxima- ted the nearest to a famine that our country ever experienced ; every article of produce and all kind of labor, especially me- chanical labor, bore an unprecedented high price. The print- er, being disappointed in help which he had engaged, was un- der the necessity of postponing the work one whole year beyond the time stated in the prospectus ; and then a very important change had come over the face of things — money had become very scarce — produce, labor, and every thing else had fallen to a low price — and, consequently, when the books were ready for delivery, hundreds of subscribers felt the pressure of the times so hard, they refused to take their books. They complained of the price, as being too high in proportion to other things ; and they considered themselves absolved from their engagement by the delay of its deliverance, and therefore justified in refusing to taj^e the book. But there was no deliverance for me — I could not so easily discharge my liabilities. Although I never had but one thousand copies bound, yet I was involved in a debt of seven or eight hundred dollars, and had no prospect of liquida- ting it in any way but by the sale of the books And, to add to my embarrassment, my printer removed to Albany, established himself in business there but soon failed ; was obliged to make an assignment of all his property— my account with others — to his creditors, and I was immediately called upon for payment. He wrote to me on the subject, manifested great mortification and regret, yet there remained but one alternative — to pay it. He also exerted his influence with the creditor into whose hands the account against me fell ; and induced him to show me that lenity which, together with my utmost exertions, barely enabled me to escape legal prosecution. And, to satisfy the paper-ma^ ker, I gave him a mortgage on my little farm, v/hich, howeverj LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 279 in progress of time I was able to redeem. But the whole of this business was a source of the greatest vexation, mortification, la- bor, and anxiety, that I ever endured. It troubled me by day and by night. I could suffer temporal privation without repining — could endure hunger and cold, labor hard, and all the while rejoice in the spirit ; but to be dunned — to have my creditors call for their just demands, call, and call again, and I nothing to satisfy the demand, wounded my spirit, and drove me almost to despair. It was a long and tedious struggle. But I employ- ed every means that 1 could command — my creditors saw it — and they were unusually lenitive, and put me to no unnecessary expenses. But years rolled round before I had so far extricated myself from that burden, that I could breathe easy ; and the last of that debt was never fully cancelled until I removed to Michigan. A true and faithful friend gave his note to the book- binder for mfe, for one hundred dollars, which he paid when due, and gave me time to pay him. I paid him some, and renewed the note several times, adding to it the interest, before I left Mad« ison county ; and continued to renew it as often as I visited that country. After removing to Michigan, I paid two hundred and forty dollars on that note, from the avails of my farm which I had sold in Columbus, canceling for ever that unfortunate debt, and removing a burden from my mind, which had oppressed it for thirty years. But this enterprise, although afllicting in the extreme, taught me a lesson that I have never forgotten, and I trust I never shall forget ; and that is, never again to involve myself in another such debt by tampering in the publication of books, and incurring responsibilities with no other means to. sat- isfy the same than the sale of books. In the fail of 1816, having recovered my health and spirits, I resumed my ministerial labors with renewed zeal. It seemed as though I had lost lime in my Master's employ; and I felt un- der special obligation to redeem it as soon as possible. Although I was generally engaged on the Sabbath with the society in Hamilton, and laborers had so multiplied in that country as to supply all the organized societies a portion of the time at least, yet I traveled, during the latter part of the fall and in .the win. ter, several times over most parts of the counties of Madison, Chenango, and Otsego ; and more or less in Oneida and Herki- mer, delivering lectures and holding conferences in different towns and neighborhoods ; and an increased interest was man- ifested in most places. In the town of Norwich, particularly, uJiei'e was more llian ordinary attention given to the preached 230 MEMOIRS OF THE word, and a very important conversion in one instance, at least, was effected. John S. Flagler, Esq., one of the judges of the court in Chenango county, and who has long since been known as an able advocate of the doctrine of unlimited grace and sal- vation, had been a most bigoted Calvinist, and a violent and bit- ter opposer of Universalism. But, from some cause, he was in- duced to attend the meetings, became interested, bis prejudices wore away, entered earnestly into ah investigation of the doc- trine, trying it by the only infallible standard ; found it to be a revealed truth, and embraced it with a full heart. He requested me to deliver a lecture in his house ; and, in the month of April following, (1817,) I was enabled to comply with his request. He had the influence to collect a pretty numerous congregation; and, at the close of the discourse, he arose and addressed the people, with great animation and zeal, nearly as long as I had spoken, advocating the great principles of the doctiine, illustra- ting its moral influence, and urging the importance of an exam- ination into its merits and claims. After the congregation had retired, he said tome, "Brother Stacy, not three years ago," (he was living in a house probably about three years old,) "not three years ago, I said that my doors were open, and my house free to hold meetings in for any denomination, except Universalists ; but'they should never darken my doors : now God, in his prov- idence, has so ordered it that you are the first preacher who has ever holden a meeting in my house." Immediately after that, Judge Flagler appointed conference meetings in his own house, and in different places in the neighborhood, in which he uni- formly took the lead. His meetings soon began to excite quite an interest, and he extended them to a greater distance, discours- ing more freely and expansively until he got to preaching in good earnest ; and, if my memory is not too treacherous, he received a letter of fellowship within two yeare as a preacher of that " faith which he once destroyed." There was a large and thrifty neighborhood in the town of Hamilton, settled principally with emigrants from Colchester, in Connecticut ; so much so that it received the cognomen of Col- Chester. A large majority of these people became early attend- ants on the Universaiist meetings. They " Heard the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so," consequently embraced the doc- trine, and constituted a large and valuable portion of the Uni- versaiist society. They were an affectionate, friendly, social people, and often made visits to, and received visits ft'om, their LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 281 native land. And whenever their friends from Connecticut made them visits, they were very sure to induce them to attend religious service with them. By that means, in the course of the twelve years that I had resided in Hamilton, a very considerable number of converts had been made of persons who resided in old Colchester ;' and they had importuned me to make them a visit, and introduce this strange doctrine into that " land of steady habits." Several letters had passed between us on the subject. I had referred them to preachers much nearer them, and of far superior talents, but to no purpose ; they had never heard any one but myself preach the doctrine of Universal Salvation, and hardly believed any other person could preach it. I eventually came to the conclusion, notwithstanding the distance was over three hundred miles, and, in a manner, in the vicinity of older and abler preachers, that it was possible the Lord bad a work for me to do, even in Connecticut ; and I would therefore " Take up my cross and follow" on. I wrote to them, and made an appointment. Consequently, after the session of our Associa- tion, which met this year, (1817,) in Marcellus, I arranged my concerns for the tour, and started on my mission. On my way, I called and spent one Sunday with Mr. Flagg, who was then preaching to the society in Hudson, and received from him a letter of introduction to a gentleman in Hartford. I arrived at Hartford about noon on Friday^ and* on presenting my letter, was requested to give them a discourse. I informed the friend of my engagement in Colchester on the next Sabbath, but if he could get a congregation that evening, I would cheer- fully give them a discourse. He said there was sufficient time, he would send a messenger to a few friends out of the city, no tify a few more in the city, and then, by ringing the bell, there would be a good congregation at early candle-lighting. They held the meeting in what they called the South Presbyterian meeting-house. In the afternoon I walked with him through the city, and was introduced to a few friends. No Universalist so- ciety had ever been organized in Hartford, although they had had occasional preaching from the days of Winchester, who fin- ished his valuable life in that city ; and there were quite a num- ber of believers in and about it. In due season the bell rang, we repaired to the church where a numerous congregation was in waiting, and I very gladly delivered my message. Early the next morning I proceeded on my way. But, on my return, I was not a little amused to hear the remarks which had been made about me and my discourse, by those who had heard it. 282 MEMOIRS OF THE Tliere were not probably twenty persons, in the congregation of several hundred, who had any previous knowledge of my senti- ments. I delivered a pDiiitedly doctrinal discourse, as was my general custom in those days, but did not distinctly call it Uni- versalism. My congregation was a mixture of all sects ; and they all claimed the discourse as the annunciation of their own doctrine, and me as a preacher of their own order. The Pres- byterians were confident I could be nothing else but a Presby- terian, the Methodists knew the doctrine was genuine Method- ism, the Baptists fait certain I was a Baptist preacher, and the Universalists, whether they had any previous knowledge of my sentiments or not, were well satisfied with the discourse. My friend, who was rather humorous, had made himself some sport with it, and wanted very much that I should deliver another dis- course ; but my time would not allow of it. I told him to tell the people that names were indifferent things with me ; if they liked the discourse they were welcome to baptize it by the name which best pleased them ; all I would ask was for them to prac- tice its moral teachings. I arrived at the house of the friend with whom I had corres- ponded in Colchester on Saturday afternoon ; and it relieved his mind of great solicitude. He had given extensive publicity to the appointment, not only in Colchester but in the adjacent towns, which had cheated considerable excitement, and he gave himself some uneasiness lest providential hindrance should dis- appoint their expectations. No meeting-house could be obtained for the Sabbath, but he had appointed the meeting in a large dwelling-house, which would accommodate double the number of people that could find room in any school-house in all the country. Sunday morning opened fair — the second Sunday in July — the sun shone with brilliancy, and nature, clothed in her richest summer livery, inspired cheerfulness and thanksgiving to the great Author of our being. My friend was under great excitement — early clad himself in his Sunday habiliments, and walked the floor, impatient for the hour of meeting to arrive. At length he stopped in the middle of the floor, and turning to me said, "Such a morning as this never before dawned on old Colchester." " It is truly a very pleasant morning," I replied. " But," said he, " that is not what I mean. We have had many as bright and as pleasant mornings as this, in respect to weather, but there never was a day before when the truth was to be preached in Colchester!" The to-him-tardy hours rolled along, and at length brought the time of service. We repair- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 283 ed to the appointed house, where a very large congregatioQ assembled from all the surrounding towns, and filled every space in the lower part of the house ; so that I had to stand as near the center as I could find a spot, and raise my voice to its utmost pitch, to enable the people in the diflferent rooms to hear. Not a tithe -of them ever heard the doctrine preached before, or even read anything about it ; but they had heard that there was a preacher of some new and strange, passing strange doctrine ^oing to hold forth that day, at the house of Capt. Pratt, in Colchester, and curiosity had drawn together ihis multitude, and fastened their attention during the whole exercise ; and strange "to relate. I met with no attack at the close of the exercise, and heard no scolding nor grumbling ! This was the first discourse ever delivered in Colchester, by a Universalist. I remained in this section long enough to preach in Colches- ter three Sundays, and in the intermediate days lectured in several different neighborhoods in this town, and in the towns of Hebron, Lebanon, and West Hampton ; and on my return, I delivered lectures in Glastenbury and Winstead, Conn. ; preached one Sunday in Amenia, Duchess Co., N^ Y. ; and lectured in the town of Northeast, and in the city of Hudson. But before leaving Colchester, I engaged, Providence per- mitting, to make them another visit in the course of the next year. I had but a few days to remain at home with my family, be- fore it became necessary to start on another tour of two hun- dred miles to the west. The " Genesee Branch" was to hold its session on the first Wednesday and Thursday in September, at Buffalo. Mr. S. R. Smith, young, ardent, zealous, and faithful, had penetrated into this country, and even as far as Chautauque county, publishing the glad tidings of the Great Salvation ; and had planted the standard of God's Universal Grace in that new, but then fast settling country. In Buffalo, which was then just recovering from its conflagration and total desolation in the late war, he had collected a small band who had applied successfully for the session of the Association, and I had given encouragement of attendance ; and, abour the 25th of August, started on .this journey. Mr. Calvin Morton, who had a few vears before this moved into the State of New York, had taken up his residence in the south part of Canan- daigua, and was itinerating and preaching in that country. I called on him, and he accompanied me. In Le Roy we found 284 MEMOIRS OF THE Mr. C. G. Person on his way thither ; and subsequently fell in company with Mr. Root, and Mr. Whitnal — we then traveled in company to Buffalo, where we met Mr. Smith. I may here correct a prevailing error, in regard to Mr. Mor- ton, as well, I think, as to let it always remain uncorrected. By some unaccountable means, our brethren have obtained an idea that Mr. Morton was a Baptist preacher before he em- braced Universalism ; such was not the case. Mr. M. and I were natives of the same state, and from adjacent towns. He began his ministry about the same time as myself, preaching occasionally in the town of New Salem, where he married his first wife, with whom I was acquainted. He commenced a Universalist. I will not dare affirm that he never belonged to a Baptist church, but I am strongly impressed with a belief that he never did. For some reason he did not see fit to devote his whole time to the ministry, as I did, at that time. For some years he was out of my knowledge, and until he buried his first wife. After he lost his first wife, who was educated a Baptist, and I conclude never became a believer in his doc- trine, he resumed his ministry, worked his way from Vermont, where, it appears, he had resided for some years, into this State, and eventually reached the region of my residence. He remained in this country some time, and having become ac- quainted with a widow lady, a good woman, whom he desired for a companion, with her consent I united their hands. An incident occurred while on our journey to Buffalo, suffi- ciently amusing to occupy a brief space in these memoirs, while it illustrates the principles with which some professed preachers of the Gospel enter upon that solemn and holy voca- tion. A scotch Presbyterian clergyman, somewhat past the meridian of life, fell in with our company, and traveled with us the major part of one day. At every place where we stopped to refresh ourselves or animals, he also stopped, and was very sociable ; made many inquiries about our doctrine, our denominational order, &c., and long before night mani- fested a pretty strong faith in the final holiness and happiness of the whole human family ; and we began to congratulate ourselves on the accession of an able and learned divine to our ranks. He and Mr. Whitnal were on horse-back, and the rest of us rode in carriages of some sort; they, consequently, could have conversation while traveling ; and toward the latter part of the day, after he had pretty well satisfied himself in regard to every other matter of our order, he inquired of Mr.^Whit- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 285 nal what pecuniary encouragements a man of talents would be likely to find, by entering our denomination as a preacher. Mr. W. had become pretty well aware that he was follow- ing more for the sake of the " loaves and fishes," than for any love of the truth ; and had learned that he was destitute of a situation, and was then in search of one. He answered by telling him, that if he could afford to clothe himself, furnish his own means of traveling, and bear his own expenses, and preach every day without receiving a cent for his labor, he would do for a Universalist preacher, but not without. "Ah!" said the old gentleman, " I'll not join ye then ;" and soon left our company. During this tour, which occupied about one month, besides attending the Association in Buffalo, I held meetings in the towns of Le Roy, Bloomfield, Riga, Pittsford, Penfield, On- tario, Bristol, and Manchester, besides attending two funerals, one in Pittsford and the other in Manchester. This and the following year, (1817-'18,) were remarkable for one of the most extraordinary movements ever known among Universalists, in Central New York, or perhaps in the United States of America, or even in the known world. From our earliest organization in Hamilton, we had been in the habit of holding social evening conferences, in the fall and winter, when the evenings were of sufficient length, for singing, prayer, and exhortation, and for religious discussion. At times we adopted the practice of giving out, at the close of the meeting, a passage of Scripture for examination at the next meeting ; and, at other times, let each or any individual introduce such passage as struck his mind at the time. These meetings proved vastly pro- fitable, by enlightening the minds of inquirers, confirming the waverino;, strensthenino; believers, and enlivenino; and exhilara- ting all. They were generally well attended by Universalists, and not unfrequently engaged the attention of non-professors, and sometimes even of opposers. They were generally held at the center of the town, or in the neighborhood of my own residence, one mile from the center. In the fall of 1817, as usual, our conferences were commenced. No unusual excite- ment was at first manifested, and no uncommon exertions made to induce people to attend. But in the course of a, few weeks an unusual interest seemed to prevail, large numbers flocked in, and a greater freedom of speech was abundantly manifest. Requests were frequently made for meetings of the kind to be held in other parts of the town. Soon the report became cir- S86 MEMOIRS OF THE culaled, to the astonishment of the other sects, that there was a revival of religion among the Universalists ! Such a thing had been confidently denied, by the professedly religious world, as ever having taken place, and as confidently pronounced impos- sible, under the preaching of that doctrine. Curiosity, there- fore, if nothing else, prompted people of other sects to come in and see what was being done ; and the Methodists soon caught Ihe true spirit of the meeting, and joined, heart and hand, in the exercises. They lost all the obnoxious points in their sectarian creed ; no terrors, no thunderings of Almighty wrath, no flashings of hell-flames, nor groans of hopeless despair from the dark re- gions of the damned, were heard, either in their exhortations, or in their prayers or songs ; but all was love, the boundless love of God to sinners, the universal atonement of Christ, the unchangeable will of God for the salvation of the whole world, the amplitude of Divine grace, &c. " The middle walls of par* tition" were completely broken down between us; and so pleased, edified, and animated, and so perfectly at home in our meetings were they, that they even attended our services on the Sabbath, expressed their approbation of the doctrine they heard, and many of them united in communion. Some of the Baptists came in, but were a litttle more cautious ; and the Presbyterians, after a few casual calls, came en masse, with Iheir clergyman at their head. I had lived long enough in Hamilton to witness the third Presbyterian* clergyman settle there, as pastor of the church. Mr. Moulton, their present pastor, was an emigrant from Mas- , sachusetts ; and, when he settled in Hamilton, promised them Ihat he would very soon explode Universalism, and annihilate the church and society in that place; and his ostentatious bra- gadocia produced a correspondence between'him and myself, which resulted in a more friendly course than either of his pre- decessors had pursued. But now he came into the conference meeting, took a dictatorial attitude, seating himself on the table, and without any invitation from those who had previously and constantly attended the meetings, assumed the head of the ser- vices ; and was not so careful in withholding doctrines conflict- ing with Universalism, as the Methodists had been. His con- duct grieved many, and highly offended our Methodist friends ; and on Sunday morning, several of them came to me and re- * The government of tiie church Was Congregational— the doctrine Calvinism. LIFE OF KEV. NATHANIEL STACY. 2S7 quested that I would appoint a conference on some other eve^ ning of the week, especially for Universalists and Methodists ; hoping thereby that Mr. M. wouLl take the hint, and not inter- fere with our services. 1 told them, I could not do it. But if they wished, I would appoint a conference on another evening in the week, though 1 could not be exclusive ; it must be open for all who wished to attend ; I therefore made the appointment^ saying at the same time it was for Methodists, Universalists and everybody else who wished to attend, professor or non- professor, of all denominations, or no denomination. It had the desired effect ; for neither Mr. M., nor any of his church attended that m'eeting nor any subsequent meeting of the new conference. Mr. M. kept up the old conference for a short time ; but the Methodists immediately abandoned it, and the Universalists and those of no sect dropped off one after another, until it entirely dwindled away -, Mr. M. became vexed, and called it all the work of the devil, declared he would never at- tend another conference, and raved like a madman. The other conference meeting increased in interest and numbers ; con- ferences were also held weekly in other parts of the town ; and I had frequent requests to deliver lectures in different neighbor- hoods, all of which were attended to overflowing. The Metho- dists would come in crowds, and their preachers, at every pos- sible opportunity, would cheerfully lend a helping hand, main- tainingthe strictest caution, in all their services, not to advance a single sentiment conflicting with the doctrine of God's uni- versal grace. Indeed, they neither felt nor thought of opposi- tion. Their whole theme was love; and ihey dwelt upon it with all the fervor that the superabounding love of God in the soul inspires. We felt, we talked, and worshiped, for almost two years, as one people. During this union season, the presiding Elder of the district, Mr. Barnes, called on me, saying he wanted to hold a quarterly meeting in Hamilton, and asked if I thought the Congregationalist meeting-house could be obtained for the occasion. 1 told him I thought it doubtful ; but said I, " Although it will do no good for me to intercede for you, or show any favor to you on the occasion, you may still offer them the school-house where we hold our meetings for the Sabbath, which will amply accommodate their congregation ; for we shall hold no separate meeting, but worship with you." He ap- plied for the meeting-house, but, as I anticipated, was refused — ■ "Don't give up the ship," said a bigoted old member, and they all heartily responded to the sentiment. 288 MEMOIRS OF THE But a barn, in the neighborhood, was nearly empty, which was obtained for the Sunday meeting, although it was the first part of the month of March. They held their watch-meeting and previous exercises in the school-house ; and the day being warm and pleasant for the season, a vast concourse assembled in the barn on Sunday to attend preaching. The whole church and society of Universalists met with them, and not one word fell from the lips of a single individual, grating to the feelings of tlie most fastidious of our sect. I was requested to give an ex- hortation after the Elder's sermon, which I did, and a pretty lengthy one, with heart and soul. In such harmony we lived — and thus we should have lived, for aught 1 could see, time without measure, had not a' good old pious (?) Methodist preacher, (Elder Dewey,) from a distance, come along, and "rebuked them sharply" for^ their temerity, and told them that they were beside themselves — they would all soon be Universalists — and shut up the bars, charging them not again to pull them down on their peril. But the poor man was a little too late; for by leaving them down as he had, a large number of his sheep had escaped from the fold, which he could neither call, nor drive back ; they had found a safer fold, and richer feed which they would not'ieave for the scanty and unsa- vory fare they had heretofore tried to live upon. But the climax of the story is not yet completed. After Mr. Moulton's conference had dwindled away, and he had entirely abandoned it, I could hear of his making very uncharitable re- marks about myself, and the Methodists, our meetings, &c.; but I saw nothing of him until one Saturday previous to com- munion in the Universalist church. It was our practice, uni- formly, to hold a preparatory meeting on Saturday before com- munion, which was opened by a short discourse, and then a so- cial conference ensued, in which every member took a part, and generally, without exception, had something to say. It was early in the month of February, a cold, stormy day, and few, if any, besides members of the church were present, and not all of them were present. I commenced service in tlie usual form ; and at the close of the first prayer, I noticed a man standing with his head leaning against the mantle, wluo looked like Mr. M. I felt quite surprised, having so frequent- ly heard of his invidious expressions in reference to us, and our meetings, and kept my eye upon him until he turned around — and seeing it was the identical man, I spoke to him, and in- vited him to take a seat by my side. This, however, he mo- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 289 destly declined, and seated himself near where he stood. While proceeding with my discourse, I noticed that Mr. M.'m countenance was very expressive of emotion, and tears oftea gathered in his eyes. The discourse closed, and I observed, "There is now opportunity for remarks, or exhortation ; and I hope that freedom of utterance may be given, and improved. Mr. M., this is a free meeting; if you have aught on your mind, any thing to say to us, I hope, sir, that you will use your liberty." He very civilly thanked me, and said he surely would. Some one called for the reading of the church plat- form and covenant. It was complied with, and Mr. M. gave very serious attention to it. On the first establishment of the church, the profession of faith adopted by the General Conven- tion in New England was adopted by the church; but subse- quently that had been expunged, and the short apostolic creed, " We believe that Jesus Oliristis the son of God," substituted ; and this, and nothing else — no more — constituted the only written creed of the church. This attracted Mr. M.'s special attention. He made several inquiries, appeared rather pleased, and seemed well satisfied with the answers given to his in- quiries. The conference was a lively one — the brethren and sisters felt a great degree of freedom, though our numbers were com- paratively small, and there was no " silence," not even " for the space of half an hour," in our meeting. Mr. M. manifested quite a degree of sensibility through the whole meeting, but said no more until near night, when he arose and spoke near- ly to the following effect : " Brethren" — this was a new appella- tion to us, when addressed by a Presbyterian, especially Mr. M,, who had been so free in the use of opprobrious epithets, and it aroused feelings to the highest pitch of astonishment — "Brethren, I arise simply to say, that I am under the necessity of leaving the meeting ; 1 have business to attend to, and it is nearly night. I have troubled you with this remark, lest any one should think I left the meeting dissatisfied. It is not so ; I have been edi- fied, and should like to stay longer, but I can not ; and, breth- ren and sisters, we have all a duty to do for ourselves; it is our duty to worship God, and let us all see to it that we wor- ship him acceptably." He then left the house, with tears in his eyes. Some remarks were made concerning him, but all ivere satisfied that some unusual work was going on in his mind ; and none could divine what would be the result. The next day was fair and pleasant for the season, the s 290 MEMOIRS OF THE sleighing good, and at an early hour the house was thronged-— crowded to excess. It was our uniform custom to attend the communion at the close of the morning service. The bread had been broken and the elements distributed, and a hymn had been read with* which to close the festival ; the choir were standing with books in their hands, when a Methodist sister^ who had partaken with us, having received Scripture measure;, full and shaken dotcn, it ran over, and the tongue of eloquence had to relieve the surcharged heart. She spoke of her feel- ings when she first removed into the town, for she had been a resident in it but a few months ; of her inveterate prejudices against Universalism ; of her unwillingness to settle in the midst of such an immoral, and irreligious people • of the fears of the demoralizing influence of their doctrine and example upon her family ; of the extreme horror, of the thought that any member of her family should, hf accident or otherwise, be induced to attend one of their meetings, and of the alarm she felt, when she first learned that one of her family had ventured into that conventicle of infidelity and profanity ! But thanks be to God, she had ventured in herself, and instead of hearing profanity, and witnessing crime, she had heard the Gospel of the blessed God, the word of eternal truth, which had filled her soul ; and instead of meeting a set of infidels, scofTers of re- ligion, and despisers of holy things, she had met a band of the true followers of Christ, united alone by the cords of Divine love, and practicing its fruits in works of pure and undefiled religion ; and here she had found a home, a home dearer to her soul than she had ever before found on earth. Every soul was full ; and the house continued crowded ; very few, whose situations were peculiarly uncomfortable, had left. Every heart was moved by the earnestness of her discourse, and the pathos of her manner ; a tear ofgratitude glistened in each eye, and a smile of complacency beautified each countenance. In the midst of her discourse, I noticed a movement at the door ; the people near it drew back, the congregation pressed still closer together, as if to make room for others. I soon saw Mr. Moul- ton enter, attended by a number of the most influential mem- bers of his church — thoughts, wild, confused, heterogeneous, passed like lightning through my mind, which stretched itself beyond measure to divine the cause of their unexpected and strange adventure. " Perhaps his visit is designed as a finale to warn us for the last time, and exhort us to repentance ; and if we will not take heed, to anathematize us, in the presence of LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 291 those who attended him, in the name of the God of Calvin- ism ! Well, be his message what it may, Heaven has prepared us for it, it can not deeply wound us." But when I got a fair view of his face, and called to remembrance his visit the day before, I became satisfied that his message would not be of an unfriendly character. When fairly Avithin the door, he stopped until the v/oman had closed her discourse, and then addressing me, with tears flowing freely from his eyes, he said, " It is im- possible for me to describe the feelings I have experienced for the last twenty-four hours" — His emotion choked his utter- ance, and there was not a dry eye among the hundreds that filled the house — recovering, he resumed, " I have called this the work of the devil — I have felt hard, and said many hard things against it ; I have been stubborn, and strugoled long against it. Forgive me, brethren, I have seen my error ; God, in mercy, has shown it to me, and convinced me that this awa- kening, this reformation, is his work, and that these are his children ; and that the children of God should meet together, they should not be divided. I have not attempted to preach to- day, but have been endeavoring to show my people that this is a reality, and, I trust, have in a good measure succeeded ; and have obtained their consent to have a union meeting in the meeting-house this afternoon. 1 have called a vote in my con- gregation to decide the question, and all except one individual voted for it ; and we will not be angry at that brother, but pray for him." He had hardly closed these remarks, when a shout, seemingly from every voice in the house, that appeared to reach the heavens, went up, of " Glory to God in the highest.'' After a moment's pause, Mr. M. resumed, " I wish, sir, if you favor this movement of my own, that you would call a vote in 5'^our congregation, to ascertain whether they will agree to it, and come over to the meeting-house. I propose the meeting, house because it will hold all the people ; whereas, the school- house will not. 1 do not mean for preaching, but for a social conference, for prayer, and for exhortation ; and to speak of the great things that God has done for us." I replied, Br. Moulton, 1 have no occasion to call a vote, 1 vouch for every individual who attends my meeting ; it is what we all have long desired, and for which we have devoutly prayed. God willing, we will meet you this afternoon. Both congregations assembled in the meeting-house in the after- noon, with the exception of a very few of Mr. M.'s church ; for he was deceived, there were three or four of his church, who 292 MEMOIRS OF THE were opposed to the union meeting, and did not attend it. Our meeting tliat afternoon was a season of spiritual devotion ; no root of bitterness was permitted to disturb the unity of our feel- ings, " Every plant that our heavenly Father had not planted," was at that time '• plucked up." Mr. M. and myself sat side by side, in the " unity of the spirit and in the bonds of peace," while our exhortations and our prayers were manifestly influ- enced by the same spirit and embraced the same subjects ; and it was evidently one of the happiest seasons for both congrega- tions that they ever enjoyed. Mr. Moultontook occasion, in the course of the afternoon, to say, "I would have no one infer, from the course I have taken, that 1 have changed my faith ; but I am beyond particular creeds, and am resolved to unite and worship with the children of God, wherever 1 can find them, ir- respective of their peculiar opinions." And so he was, at that time, infinitely beyond the creeds of all limitarians ; he had followed his celestial conductor into the " waters above his loin," and was now delightfully bathing in the boundless ocean of God's Love. Oh, the bare retrospection of the scenes of that blessed day, though at so distant a period, fills my heart with emotion, and starts anew the fountain of my soul ! The news of the miraculous events of this day flew like wild fire, through the instrumentality of both friend and foe. The disaffected part of Mr. M.'s church dispatched messengers to all the neighboring clergy of the denomination, informing them of his defection, and the disorganizing step he had taken, in open- ing the door and inviting the enemy, in full force, in upon them ! And shouts of joy and exultation, and angry and bitter execra- tions, came mingled upon every passing breeze. A letter of af- fectionate congratulation was addressed to Mr. M. and myself from an eminent and learned friend, who was then a preacher in another denomination ; and it seemed, for the moment, that all the walls which separated the different denominations tottered to their ver}^ foundations. We enjoyed one, and only one more union meeting. The next Wednesday evening was our weekly conference at the centre of the town. We began to assemble at the school-house, as usual, but soon saw the necessity of a larger building, and resorted to the meeting-house, which was soon filled with scores, more than could find comfortable seats. The Baptists, forget- ting for the moment th'eir close communion, united with the rest; Mr. M. was yet in the spirit, and the Methodists were alive in the good work. One preacher, at least, of each denom- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 298 ination, and scores of laymen, and females of all denomina- tions, lifted up their voices in praise and thanksgiving to the com- mon Father of all, and but one spirit pervaded the whole as- sembly — the spirit of love to God and love to man. The joys of this blessed season amply repaid me for all the toils, the pri- vations and sufferings I had experienced, in proclaiming the w^ord of life to the world. But, alas for my friend Moulton ! Little did he think, in that season of transport and spiritual enjoyment, of the portentous cloud which was already gathering, and so soon to burst with its seven-fold thunders upon his devoted head. He was then sincere, honest with himself, with God and with man. He veri- ly believed he was following the dictates of the spirit of God — and so he was; but the spirit of God, and the spirit of Calvin- ism, are very different things. Had he possessed the fortitude to have breasted the storm, he would soon have out-rode the tempest, into the calm and clear light of eternal truth ; and no doubt would have been a zealous and faithful laborer in the unlimited field of universal philanthrophy. But alas ! he had not the moral courage necessary for a soldier of the cross ; and was, therefore, driven back, by the fury of the tempest that as- sailed him, again into the frigid regions of Partialism ! The very day following^he conference, he was called upon to attend an association of clergymen in a neighboring town, and there dealt with ; and the only satisfactory atonement he could make for his dereliction of duty, was to read a written confession of his guilt, and retraction of his crime, imputing all to the insti- gation of the devil, before his church on the very next Sabbath. But it proved a death-blow to Mr. M. and the church. He soon after this left the town, and wandered from place to place, never remaining long in one location, until he died. Some of the members of the church, and many of the con- gregation immediately separated from that meeting, and entirely from the denomination ; and although they settled another minister after Mr. M. left them, they never recovered from the stroke, but continued to dwindle away, until there were not enough left to support preaching. And they have long since become entirely extinct as a church, and their meeting-house pulled down and removed to another part of the town ; and a Universalist meeting-house has been erected near the place where it stood. I do not believe this to have been the time spoken of by Joel, the prophet — " When your young men shall see visions, and 294 MEMOIRS OF THE your old men shall dream dreams, &c., for two reasons : first, because I do not consider the events of sufficient importance to be distinctly seen by ancient prophets"; and secondly, and more surely, because the inspired Peier has informed us, that was the time of the miraculous pouring out of the spirit on the day of pentecost, immediately after the ascension of our Lord. And I am ready to appeal to those who have been best acquainted with me, for the establishment of the fact, that I am not a vis- ion&iy ; although possessing something of an excitable tem- perament, yet I was never subject thereby to be thrown from the balance of reason, and brought under the superstitious in- fluence of signs and omens, so as to be terrified with fearful forebodings, or fanatically elated with future prospects. Nev- ertheless, I must confess that I had dreams, immediately pre- ceding and during the progress of the events which I have re- corded, which made vivid impressions on my mind at the time — unusually so — and it so accurately received fulfilment in sub- sequent events, that 1 should violate my consciousness of duty did I not mention them. Elihu, the Buzite, says, " For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed ; then openeth he the ears of men, and sealetkinstruction." But the prophet, although he has by no means forbidden the re- lation of dreams, has cautioned us against putting too much confidence in them. " The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream ; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully : what is the chaff to the wheat ? saith the Lord." I shall not, then, be considered, scripturally, superstitious if 1 relate a dream. And 1 will preface it by saying, that I was never in the habit of putting the least confidence in dreams, or relating them ; and for this good reason, especially after I ar- rived at adult years, 1 could scarcely ever remember -one dis- tinctly ; if I recollected any thing about them, they were a heterogeneous mass, and generally connected with previous thoughts, meditations, purposes, or business, and usually broke off abruptly, or changed into something of entirely different shape Avithout ever coming to any regular termination. But not so with this ; its commencement and conclusion were clear and distinct, and its progress not interrupted by any thing ex- traneous ; and so vividly were the scenes impressed upon my memory, that after awaking 1 could hardly realize that they LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY.. 295 were not realities ; nor have I, through the suhsequent changes of my life, lost a single feature of them ; but they appear as fresh before the eye of my mind now, as in the morning that I awoke from them. Some time previous to any of the events last recorded, I dreamed of preparing fishing-tackle and going a fishing. (This was uncommon business for me ; I seldom employed an hour in angling.) T repaired to a place that I never before saw, where I was compelled to fish with a very long line from an exceeding high and bluff bank, or ridge, into a stream which ran in a deep gulf or ravine far below the surrounding shore. At the spot I was soon joined by Mr. Moulton, who also came with his fish- ing apparatus. We greeted each other very cordially ; no one else vi^as present ; and we soon began our fishing operations at a very short distance from each other. I soon began to draw out fish, rather small at first ; but soon I caught one of a mon- strous large size, so heavy that it required all my strength to draw him up to the spot where I stood. Mr. M. all this while had no luck, and had not caught a single fish. He had been looking rather enviously at me, while I was drawing out the small fish ; and when he saw that monster flounder upon the bank, he threw down his pole and line, and came to where I stood, and insisted upon having the great fish. We stood and argued upon it for soni^ time ; but on my peremptory refusal to give it up to him, he became very angry, declared he would fish with me no longer, and left the place. I will leave the rea- der to draw his own conclusion, from the analogy of the dream with the subsequent events. Said Joseph to his father and brethren, "Behold, I have dream- ed a dream more" — and I, also, must be indulged in relating one more ; nor have I the least fear that I shall suffer such con- sequences, for my temerity, as that poor youth suffered from his cruel brethren. This dream, however, may not be considered quite as singu- lar as the foregoing, because it might, in some measure, have received its sliape from immediately preceding occurrences ; still it is characteristic enough to entitle it to a place among ex- traordinary visions." Quite a large number of converts under this revival desired water baptism. And as I ever considered this, as well as all other external ordinances, as a matter of conscience with the candidate rather than the administrator, 1 never attempted to dictate in regard to iL I was always ready to give my opin- 296 MEMOIRS OF THE ion when requested ; and ever felt it a solemn duty to throw what light I could gather on the subject from the word of in- spiration ; and then exhorted each individual to act conscientious- ly for himself, as to the utility and importance of the ordinance, and its mode of administration. Th-ere were, in the course of these two years, some fifty or sixty who received water bap- tism ; and a large majority, forty or more, received it by im- mersion, the others by effusion or sprinkling. And previous to the dream I am about to relate, I had administered water bap- tism by immersion to a number of candidates. But now for the dream : In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep was up- on me, I found myself beside a stream in a well-known neigh- borhood in the town of Hamilton, and in the center of the first Methodist class, or society, ever organized in that town. But an appendage to the place, although it caused no marvel in my vision, was added to the reality — a Methodist meeting-house, with a very tall, square steeple porch, such as was, in ancient times, attached to one end of the meeting-houses in New Eng- land, but far the tallest I ever saw, and entirely detached from the building by about one rod ; and on its top, in the ordinary place of balls above the cupola, appeared a figure or statue of a woman, in full size, standing upon a small platform. I was about to administer baptism, by immersion, to a number of can- didates, who stood near me ; and a large congregation, as usual, stood around to witness the ceremony. I kneeled down to pray, with my face directly toward the meeting-house, when some person in the congregation cried out, " She is coming /" 1 opened my eyes, and behold, the steeple was inclining, very slowly, directly toward the place which I occupied. I remain- ed upon my knees, however, until it came fully down to the ground, without any crash, or even noise, and placed what I supposed to be a statue, directly by my side ; and to my utter astonishment, instead of being a piece of human mechanism, it was a being of flesh and blood, a living woman ! As she struck the ground, she raised herself up, and addressing me, with a smile, said, "I am glad I am down." I inquired if she had received any injury by the fall. She answered, " None." 1 then made several inquiries of her, as to how long she had been in that situation. — Whether she had not suflered much with cold, especially in stormy weather and in winter. — How she obtained food ; &c., &c. She informed me, that she had been there several years — that her situation was rather uncomforta- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 297 ble in coid weather, but not insupportable — and that they raised food to her by means of a rope and pulley. But she expressed great satisfaction that she was at length relieved from the pre- dicament she had so long been in. We had quite a long con- versation ; and marriage between us was proposed ; but before it was consummated, the vision vanished ! Several years previous to this, there was a family by the name of Pierce removed into Hamilton, originally from the town of my nativity, both the man and his wife, and with whom, in my younger days, I had had some acquaintance. The woman was a very zealous Methodist, of good colloquial powers, and was esteemed by the whole denomination, within the circle of her acquaintance, as a saint, although she never united with the church in this place ; but stood a little aloof, and rather seemed to look doum upon them. As the result of our former acquaintance, and the intimacy of our parents in former days, we exchanged visits ; but her sectarian zeal and bigotry frequently rendered our visits unplea- sant. I have often seen her face livid with passijon while talk- ing on the subject of religion, and have received from her the most severe reproofs and censures I ever received from mortal lips ; and she kept entirely aloof from our meetings until long after almost every other individual of the Methodist denomina- tion, in the country near, united with us. But after a long sea- son, and when she saw she must be left without company if she so rigidly adhered to her prejudices, she ventured into the meet- ing ; and when once the enchantment was broken, she became a constant attendant both at the confer.ences and on Sundays. She was careful, however, to say nothing on the subject of doc- trine, until one Sunday, in the summer of 1818, when a num-' ber o£ candidates were baptized by immersion. She attended at the water, and appeared considerably affected during the cer- emony ; and after retiring from the water to the house of a friend, to which we also repaired, to adjust our apparel before going to church, she, in conversation with one of our sisters in the church, who remarked, " Mrs. Pierce, I believe every soul, when born into the kingdom of Christ, is born a Universalist," replied, " I believe so, too ; indeed, I know it must be so, by my own experience." And from that time, henceforth, she avowed her firm belief in the ultimate holiness and happiness of all mankind ; and she appeared as happy, and as much re- lieved from her former confinement, as did the woman who had been so long elevated upon the pinnacle of the cupola, whom I 298 MEMOIRS OF THE saw in my vision. She, however, never united with the church ; and in the course of two or three years, the family removed some hundred or more miles to the west. But I saw her several times afterwards ; and in January, 1829. I made the family a visit, and delivered a discourse in the neighborhood. I always found her strong in the faith, rejoicing in the hope of universal salvation, with a full assurance that it would bear her up in the approaching hour of mortal dissolution. And in all probabil- ity she has, ere this, tried the strength of her faith in that sol- emn hour. The period to which I have alluded was by far the most ex- traordinary, and the events which occurred the most unaccount- able of any that I ever witnessed. There were certainly no extraordinary efforts made by me, nor any other individual, to produce excitement at the commencement; nor, during the whole period, to keep it up, except what our Methodist friends had made ; and theirs were of an entirely different character from their usual course, both before and after. Not a word was heard from them, at any time, about " Divine wrath" — the " ven- geance of an angry God" — " sinning away the day of grace ;" " probationary state" — and "no alteration after death," — "the hopeless state of the finally impenitent ;" no fearful descriptions of hell, nor appalling representations of the "great day of final judgment," escaped their lips. They were indeed, enthusiastic, and made zealous efforts to excite sympathy and produce effect upon the passions ; but it was all done by the spirit of love ; " The love of God to man, to a sinful and a guilty world !" " The love of Jesus" — " The great things He hath done for us," — " His groans, his sweat and blood in the garden, his condemna- tion, his stripes, his crown of thorns, his crucifixion, his bleeding side, his last prayer on the cross, — all, all to testify, that hi^ love was stronger than death — to show his willingness, his fervent desire, that all should be saved, and to open up a way for the salvation of the world." Such was their theme; not an excep- tionable word was heard in their sermons, their exhortations, or their prayers. And such discourses produced effect ; but a very different effect from that produced in ordinary exciting operations. It produced no slavish fear, no terrific apprehen- sions of endless misery, no groans of despair, no delirium. But it softened the heart, melted it down into the most perfect contrition for sin; it produced a wide, expanding charity, and a sympathy that ran from heart to heart, and caused tears of love to flow, like rivers, from surcharged souls. LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 29& It was astonishing to see how easily, and how undesignedly these effects were produced. At all times, and in every place, in congregations of every description, they were visible. I had a call to deliver an evening discourse in a remote part of the town ; and several of the Universalist brethren accompanied me — not a single Methodist attended the meeting. I commenced with no peculiar emotion, but lather in an unusually dull man-- ner. I was rather fatigued, and was not so pathetic as was common in those days, during my whole discourse. The con- gregation was respectable, and mainly composed of young peo- ple, who, living remote from the usual place of meeting, had seldom attended. I had proceeded but a little way in my dis- course, before I discovered a visible emotion among my hear- ers ; and soon thirteen youths, of both sexes, were bathed in tears, and audibly sobbing, and remained so until the discourse closed. I then took occasion to converse with them separately ; and inquired of them. Why this emotion ? Whether or not they feared that God was an enemy, and about to cast them off for ever, &c. No, no, — they had not even thought of any such thing. They had not thought of hell, or future misery ; but they found there was something to which they had not attained, a reality in religion which they had never before discovered, and which they had never sought for ; that while God had been good, gracious, and merciful to them, they had been in- different about religion — ungrateful for the blessings he had so bountifully bestowed — slighted his divine favors, and sinned against him. In short, they were not as they desired to be ; but no such thing as fear of hell, wrath of God, or endless mis- ery, entered their minds, until I made the inquiries. This is the substance of what each expressed, as 1 conversed with them ; there was little or no variation in the description of their feelings to me. The effect was lasting upon their minds. Several of them afterwards united with the Universalist church, but two or three, who lived in the midst of a little Baptist com- munity, were after that converted to Calvinism, and joined the Baptists. Nor was this revival confined exclusively to our town ; but the spirit seemed to extend, in some degree, through the whole fraternity of Universal ists in Central New York, and even farther. The town of Madison shared quite largely in it. Conference meetings were holden, preaching obtained as often as possible, and converts multiplied to such an extent, and so much engagedness realized by the believers, that Mr. S. R. 300 MEMOIRS OF THE Smith and myself were called to assist in the organization of a church ; and on that occasion, numbers came forward and re- lated their experience, and eight received baptism by immersion. But probably the most extraordinary occurrence, of those ex- extraordinary times, has yet to be recorded. In the summer of 1817, I received a letter from my beloved brother, Cornelius G. Person, a fellow-laborer in the vineyard of Christ, in Greenfield, Saratoga Co., of whom I have several times spoken in these memoirs ; informing me, that after a careful and prayerful examination of the subject, he had be- come conscientiously convinced that it was his solemn duty to receive baptism by immersion. And as he considered all who named the name of Christ as Christians, whatever might be their distinctive sectarian opinions, he had felt no scruple about re- ceiving the ordinance at the hand of any authorized administra- tor, in any branch of the Christian church. He had, therefore, offered to receive it by the hands of both Baptist and Metho- dist ; but neither would baptize him, unless he would renounce his faith in Universal Salvation. This he had no power to do ; for the evidences were so strong, that he increased in faith every year, and every day of his life ; and he requested me to make him a visit, and administer the ordinance. I replied, that my en- gagements were such, during the summer and fall, that I could not come ; but, God willing, I would make him a visit the en- suing winter, and if his faith was then strong enough, I would most cheerfully administer the ordinance. I accordingly obtained help of the Lord, and fulfilled my promise to him. I found his faith " strong in the Lord and in the power of his might ;" and on the 15th of February, as cold and stormy a day as I ever experienced in that season of the year, we had a hole cut in the ice, and I baptized him " In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,'* and we went to his house rejoicing. We sang a hymn, and in- voked the divine blessing before going into the water; and as soon as we came out, stepped into his cutter, and drove to his house, about a mile distant, without experiencing the least in- convenience. Had we, during the period of this excitement, entered into that regular system of proselytism uniformly practised by other denominations, we might, unquestionably, have swelled the ranks of our church to triple or quadruple the numbers who united with us : but this I never could conscientiously consent to do. I never desired one to profess a belief in God's universal grace, until he felt the vital efficacy of that faith ; and 1 never de- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 301 sired one to unite witli the cliurcli under a brief excitement, nor until he had arrived at years of discretion, until his judg- ment was matured, and he had sufficient time to examine the subject coolly and deliberately, and become understandingly and conscientiously convinced of his duty for himself. There- fore, while I gave the candidates fairly to understand that it would be grateful to my feelings, and cause of unspeakable joy to my soul, to have them come forward, I never failed to express my opinion on the importance of the step they were about to take, and caution them to do nothing precipitately. But without any extraordinary efforts on my part, or by any of the old members of the church, between sixty and seventy were added to the church in Hamilton ; making the number of com- municants to exceed a hundred. Whether any lasting or permanent benefit resulted to the Universalist denomination from this extraordinary movement, I leave for others to determine ; but be the result what it may, I could never accuse myself of using any unwarranted exertions to produce it, or to continue it ; nor of taking undue advantage of it to swell the ranks of nominal Universalists. That some beneficial results for a time certainly were real- ized, I think must be acknowledged ; for from this very awa- kening in Hamilton, arose two faithful laborers in the vineyard of the great husbandman — Mr. Oliver Ackley and Mr. Job Potter, who, ever since, have successfully devoted their time, and talents, which are by no means of an inferior kind, to the promulgation of the blessed Gospel. Mr. Potter, thougli quite a young man when I moved into the State of New York, was a prominent member of a Baptist Church, in the immediate neighborhood of my first location ; but he soon became convinced of the truth of the doctrine of Universalism, and either withdrew voluntarily, or was expelled from the church. He soon, however, became indifferent to the subject, married a wife, took up pettifogging for a livelihood, and lost all sym- pathy for religion, in any form. He had frequently changed his place of residence, removing from one place to another, .vithout abiding long in any one location; and just before this awakening commenced, he had fixed his residence in the town of Hamilton. He was an early subject of the awakening — came forward at the meetings — made a most pathetic and hum- ble acknowledgement of his back-slidings, avowed the renewal of his faith, of his religious devotion, and his determination B02 MEMOIRS OF THE now to persevere — made application for membership in the church, and, for the first time took a place among us. He ex- horted much in our meetings, and soon began to appoint meetings for himself, in which he took the lead ; and, shortly, from ex- hortation he began to sermonize, and to preach to the great ac- ceptance of our friends. He is now extensively known among Universalists as a venerable father in Israel. Mr. Ackley was quite a youth when I removed to Hamilton, and usually attended my meetings ; but made no pretensions to religion until the time of this revival ; he, too, was an early convert, and one of the tirst individuals who received baptism by immersion. He had an uncommon talent of natural eloquence, and improved it successfully in our conferences. At length he was invited and urgently requested to hold meetings abroad, in the neighboring towns, which after repeated solicitations, together with my influence, he with great modesty and manifest re- luctance consented to do. And so edifying were his improve- ments, so confident were the people of his great usefulness as a preacher of the everlasting Gospel, that he was persuaded, eventually, to take upon himself the solemn responsibilities of an evangelist. And how v/ell he has sustained the dignity and the sacredness of that high and holy vocation, I need not say ; for he is well and extensively known to the denomination as a devoted Christian, and an able advocate for the truth, and enjoys the undivided confidence of all his acquaintances ; and is great- ly beloved by all who know him. Still another benefit I delight to record, and which may probably be considered of as great vital utility as any one yet mentioned ; and that is, it produced a faithful engagedness in reading, and a careful and diligent examination of the Scrip- lures ; and this was general, among almost all classes within the compass of my field of labor. The excitement, itself, did not fully satisfy the ardent desires of its subjects. From what they saw, heard, and felt, they were led to beiieve^there was a reality in religion ; but they wanted a more thorough know- ledge of the foundation on which it rested — of the source from whence this hope sprang, and their feelings proceeded. And they were carefully exhorted, at least, by one, not to take up with excited feelings — with a sympathy, however fervid and pleasing, in experimental operations, as a substitute for faith, or aa a foundation for religious hope ; but to go to the Bible, and try their experience hy that infallible standard. And while they paid respectful attention to the opinions of others, treating LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. S03 . iiO man's religious creed with contempt ; yet never to receive my word, nor that of any other fallible mortal, as truth on the subject of religion, until they had carefully tried it by the touch- stone of divine revelation ; to be careful to submit all creeds, and all opinions 'offered them, to that ordeal before putting un- qualified dependence on them ; and to believe that they were capable of judging for themselves, and to have the moral cour- . age to do so. And this they did. They read, and they com- pared Scripture with Scripture ; they were fond of consulting together, and exchanging thoughts and opinions. They wanted mine ; and, probably for one v/hole year, I did not m} self select five texts to preach upon, in the town of Flamilton. Both male and female, youthful and gray-headed, would come with their texts, and solicit me to speak from them ; and frequently I had half-a-dozen on bond atone time. But I felt happy to accommodate their feelings, and turned none away ; for sincerity and inquiry characterized their applications, and I served them each accord- ing to the order of application. Having assumed the solemn vocation of a teacher of religion, learned or unlearned, quali- fied or unqualified, I realized all the awful responsibilities of that sacred station ; and therefore felt under a solemn obligation to give a reason for my faith, and to render my opinion on any passage of the inspired word, either in private or in public, whenever respectfully called upon to do so. I know not that I ever refused discoursing upon a text handed me by any person in a kind manner, believer or unbeliver, pro- fessor or non-professor ; and I have a number of times, in the course of my ministry, had texts handed me after I had com- menced the services of the m.eeting. They were, generally, subjects which I had studied and matured my judgment upon previously ; but whether I had methodically arranged them or not, I never declined to use them. And I have enjoyed some of the most happy seasons of my life, under such circumstances. The excitement was just enough to relieve me from all em- barrassmeht, to expand and invigorate my mind, and enliven and interest my feelings ; and I do not know that I ever failed to engage the profound attention of my auditory, and, at least, to satisfy myself. Let not the sceptic say that the hand of the Lord was not in this ; my experience contradicts the assertion, and my soul gratefully acknowledges Divine aid. Still I claim no miracle in my behalf, no extraordinary outpouring of the Divine spirit. It is the ordinarv arrangement of Divine wis- dom ; the inspiring influence of Divine truth, firmly believed 304 MEMOIRS. and fully appreciated, upon those intellectual powers with which God has endowed his moral offspring ; and it ever has been, and ever will be, the case with the faithful and devotional servant of the divine Master. He told his disciples that they should be brought before kings and governors : " But when thev shall de- cs Do -I " n • liver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall say ; for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak." CHAPTER XIIL Association in 1818— Accession lo the ministry— Second visit to Connecticut- Anecdote of Mr. H. Foot — City of Hudson— Universalist meeting-house*— Previous and ordinary places of worship — Prosecution for preaching in a meeting-house — Singular interview with a singular man — Interview with Es- quire J n ; liis experience, scepticism about miracles, and the miraculous birth of Christ ; the result — Association in 1819 — Rev. Tho. Gross — " Gospel Advocate" — Dr. Adams — History of the Order — Tour to Jefferson County — Conference — Sackett's Harbor — Mr. Luff— Meeting-house and Society — Tour to Northern Pennsylvania — Sheshequin — Athens — Widow of Noak Murray — Mr. Park, his widow, and family — Impostors — Esquire Streeter and David Gibson — Second visit to Pennsylvania — Third visit to Pennsylvania- Fourth visit to Pennsylvania — Elder Wliipple — Session of the Genesee Branch — Hollis Sampson — Alfred Peck — Prosperity of the Cause — Conference — Or- ganization of Chenango Association — Proposition for a State Convention — Delegates appointed — Proposition for Convention meets an imfavorable recep- tion in Genesee Branch ; also in Central Association — Change of sentiment ooi the subject — Establisbnent of a State Convention. In 1818, if cny memory serves me correctly, (but I have had no memoranda on which I can confidently depend,) our Asso- ciation met in Hamilton ; and if so, at least three individuals received testimonials of fellowship as preachers of the ever- lasting Gospel, viz : Mr. Flagler and Mr. Vanderburg, of whom I have before spoken ; and Mr. Amos Crandall, who closed a short but active life in the ministry a few years afterwards, in the town of Brooklyn, Susquehanna County, Pa. Our Zion was now beginning to " enlarge the place of her tents, and stretching forth the curtains of her habitation;" she was " lengthening her cords and strengthening her stakes, and breaking forth on the right hand and on the left;" for although several, who had had a temporary residence and location in our State, had removed to other States, our clerical band had in- creased to seventeen or eighteen, and societies and congregations were multiplying ; and an increased interest to hear the preach- T 306 * MEMOIRS OF THE ed word prevailed through the length and breadth of the field of our labors. In September of this year, in accordance with my engage- ment, I made a second journey to Colchester, Connecticut, and spent three more Sabbaths in that town. On this tour, meetings were holden in all the places I had before visited in that section, with some additional places ; and we made an excursion to a place called Rope-Ferry, in the town of Waterford, on the sea-coast, where I delivered one lecture. The cause I found progressing — the seed had not fallen on unproductive ground. A greater interest was manifested, and larger congregations gen- erally collected than on my former visit, and loud and earnest requests were made and reiterated for lectures and meetings in other towns and neighborhoods. The distance for me to travel was so great, that the friends could not expect that I would visit them often ; it would have been unreasonable to ask it ; and they promised me, that they would make application to other preachers, who were much nearer to them, and would endeavor to establish stated preaching in the place ; which promise, 1 believe, they fulfilled not long afterwards. On this visit, an anecdote, not a little amusing, was told me, of an aged gentleman by the name of Foot. He had, from early life, been a member of the Presbyterian church in Col- chester, and was now the oldest member in the society ; but he appeared, notwithstanding, to be less bigoted than many others. Curiosity, or something else, prompted him, in the course of my, former visit, to leave his own meeting on one Sunday and at- tend mine. This -was a crime which could not be lightly pass- ed over ; and the old gentleman was forthwith called before the church, to answer for his offence. He pleaded, that he did not spend the Sabbath in unlawful labors, nor in a riotous manner — that he attended divine service ; and he had yet got to learn that there was any command of God to confine his religious worship to one place, or with one congregation, or exclusively to hear one man preach^-that he met with a civil congregation, and heard nothing in either of the discourses repugnant to the Gospel of Christ. But it was a Universalist meeting ; and Uni- versalism was a damnable heresy ; there could be nothing in Universalism but what was contrary to the Gospel ; there was not a word in the whole Bible in favor of it. '•' Why," said the old gentleman, " it is one thing to believe that a part of man- kind will be saved, is it not?" Why, yes. " Well, it is an- other tiling to believe that all will be saved, is it not ?" Why, LlPE OF UEV. NATHANIEL STACY. 307 lo be sure. " Well, ' charity believes all things,' so the Bible says ; is not that in favor of Universalism ?" But this subter- fuge would not clear him. He had broken covenant — he had given offence ; and he must make a retraction. But what should he do ? He could not conscientiously say he was sorry he went to the meetiug, for he actually v/as not ; and all he could say,, was, that he was very sorry that any members of the church were grieved about it. "But this would not quite satisfy them ; it would do, however, if he would promise he would never go again. And after parleying with them a long Avhile, he finally consented to say he would not go again to hear the wicked Uni- versalist preacher. " Will you be fully satisfied, brethren, if I say I will never go again to hear Mr. Stacy preach ?" Yes, yes ; that would give complete satisfaction ; that would mend the breach ; they would require nothing more. " Well, now, brethren, I want you to understand what I have promised, and all I have promised ; atid that is, that I will not go to hear Mr. S. preach. But if Mr. S. should come to my house and preach, I have nor promised to leave the house, not stop my ears, nor shall I do so." They saw they were caught, but made no re- ply, and the matter was dropped. And the old gentleman actu- ally made calculation to have a discourse delivered in his own house, on my second visit ; but it was inconvenient for me to do so, and fulfd my other engagements. I made him a short call, however, and became satisfied that he was a full believer in the doctrine. But he was an old man ; and did not wish the evening of his life disturbed by theological controversies. A year or two after this, he visited his friends in the State of New York ; (he had a son, and other relatives residing in our vicin- ity;) and during his stay, attended my meeting every Sabbath, — whispering in my ear, at some time, " Perhaps the church will never hear of this." On my return from Connecticut, I called at the city of Hud- son, where I found Mr. David Pickering. Within two years, I believe, from the time they first had any efficient preaching of this gospel in the city of Hudson, they had formed a society, built a good meeting-house, organized a church, and Mr. Pick- ering was now settled as pastor. Mr. Mitchel, of the city of New York, made a visit first, I believe, and delivered a few dis- courses ; Mr. Kneeland, previous to his settling in New Hart- ford, spent a short time with them; and Mr. Flagg one year. During the time of Mr. F.'s ministry, they completed their or- ganization, and erected their house of worship, and were now sustaining preaching every Sabbath. 808 MEMOIRS OF THE The meeting-house in Pludson was the second Universalist meeting-house ever erected in the State of New York. In this remark, however, as well as all of a similar character, I ex- clude the city. Mr. Mitchel had been preaching there for sonne years, had a large church, and, of course, a meeting-house ; but Mr. M., for some cause known only to himself, I presume, never saw fit to join our Association, although he devoted his brilliant talents to the promulgation of the doctrine of the uni- versal, ultim.ate purity and happiness of all mankind. The so- ciety in Whitestown, then more generally known as the New Hartford society, but the second society ever organized in the State of New York, in 1805, built the first meeting-house ever erected by Universalists, exclusively, in the State, in 1815, just 10 years after their organization. Previous to this, and in most cases for many years' afterwards, our meetings were generally holden in dwelling-houses, school-houses, sometimes in barns, and, not unfrequently, in God's mag»ificent temple, with the verdant foliage of the forest for its ornaments. Occasionally, but rarely, we could be admitted into a meeting-house, some times peaceably, and some times amid rather disagreeable con- tention. The only crime for which I ever had a legal precept served upon me, was for preaching in a Presbyterian meeting- house. This took place in the town of Littlefield, Herkimer Co. After Mr. Underwood's conversion to the faith, there was a society gathered in that town, in his immediate neigliborhood, and he agreed to supply them two Sabbaths in each month for one year ; and one half of that time was to be supplied by ex- changes with other preachers. He made arrangements for reg- ular exchanges with Mr. Potter and myself. Their place of worship was an old building originally erected for an academy, but dilapidated, and totally unftt for such a use. Immediately in the vicinity stood a Presbyterian meeting-liouse, which was occupied with preaching only half the Sabbaths ; and the Uni- versalists, by calculating the amount of their property in the house, according to the original subscription, ascertained that they, of right, owned about one half of the house. The house, when built, was erected by a legally-organized Presbyterian so- ciety ; but many, who were not even then Presbyterians, sub- scribed for its erection, and quite a respectable number of those who were then Presbyterians had now become Universalists. They laid the case before the Presbyterian society, and claim- ed the right of occupying the house a part of the time ; and es- pecially as the Presbyterians were unable to support preaching LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 309 in it the whole of the time ; but the society refused to give up the use of the house to them even for one day. The Univer- salists then offered to sell their property in the house to the Pres- byterians ; but the idea was hooted as an absurdity ; as though they were invited to purchase their own property ! The house was a Presbyterian house — they already owned it. They then offered to buy out the Presbyterians ; but they would not sell. The Universalists then informed them that they should occupy the house on a certain day, being careful to appoint a day on which, according to ordinary arrangements, the Presbyterians had no preaching ; and it happened on the day that I was to ex- change with Mr. Underwood. All this I was informed of when I arrived in town. I regretted the course they had taken, and so told them. I was no warrior, and regretted very much to have any such kind of contention. They justified themselves, however, on account of right of property and privilege. They had made fair and even generous offers, but all had been re- fused, and their claims treated with contempt. They expected a law-suit would be the result, and they were prepared to meet it ; and had taken this step because they chose rather to ba de- fendant than plaintiff in the case. A number of the most re- spectable and influential inhabitants told me not to apprehend any trouble from a prosecution, as they would defend me ; and they ha»i no fears of any disturbance on the Sabbath. On Sunday morning, while walking to church in company with several of the most reputable inhabitants in the town, hav- ing arrived within fifty or sixty rods of the house, we met a gentleman, who very civilly accosted us with, " Good morning," and with a smile, gave his hand to each of us, and turned and walked with us. I supposed, from his appearance, he was a friend who had come to attend meeting ; though I did not rec- ognize him, he evidently did me, for he called me by name. After a few common-place remarks, however, he turned to me and said, " Mr. Stacy, are you going to preach in this house to- day ?" I replied, " I understand the meeting is appointed here." " Well," said he, " I forbid your going into the house." I then understood the object of his errand, and merely replied, " I shall go, sir, where my friends conduct me." He then turned to the others, severally, and forbade their entrance into the house. This was all done in as pleasant a manner as such an errand could be performed ; and he continued to walk with us until we reached the house ; here he took his stand at the door, and forbade as many as he thought necessary, I suppose, and 310 MEMOIKS OF THE then retired ; and tliis was all the disturbance that we experi- enced that day. After- services, the same gentleman came to me, and inquired how long I expected to remain in town ? I told him I should remain over the next day, but did not know that 1 should longer. He said be wished to do a little business with me before I left ; but he thought probably that would give him sufficient time. I assured him, if it would not, if he would be so good as to inform me, I would try to accommodate him W'ith any reasonable length of time he desired. ' He thanked me very civilly, and bade me good-bye. On Tuesday morning, while at Mr. Underwood's, I was \vaited upon by an officer, who served upon me a supreme writ. They had associated my name in the writ with eight others, and company, too, that I had no reason to be ashamed of, and prosecuted us in the name of the Presbyterian society ; but they served it on me only, before they discovered some defect in the writ, and destroyed that and took out anotlier, leaving out my name, probably not wishing to travel twenty-five or thirty miles for the pleasure of reading it to me. This writ they served on the others ; but alas ! before it came to trial, they found that they had no authority ! They had prosecuted in the name of a body which had become de- funct. The society, in its first existence, was incorporated ac- cording to statute ; and by neglecting to attend to the legal pro- visions of- the statute, they had lost their corporation, and the Presbyterian society had lost its existence. This the IJniversal- ists had been careful to ascertain before they took the step they did ; and therefore fell no alarm at their threats, or prose- cution. They then withdrew their suit, paid up their cost, and settled with the Universalists for tlieir right in the house ; and here the matter ended. But where have I wandered ? I had started to conduct the reader home from my second visit to the " land of steady hab- its ;" but in my wild and fanciful excursions, have carried him to Littlefield, several years afterwards, where I got a supreme writ on my back, and was well-nigh committed where my good friends had often wished me — in the penitentiary ! But the on- ly apology I am disposed to offer, is to ask his patience, and in- vite him to accompany me back, to a brief conclusion of my tour. Suffice it to say, that after leaving Hudson, I spent one Sun- day in Rensselaerville, where I delivered three discourses, and then returned home from my second and last visit to Connect ticut. LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 311 I have traveled several times, in the course of my peregri- nations, through the region of country lying between Cherry Valley and the city of Hudson, but never delivered a discourse in that region except the time above named. One or two years, after this, (I have now no means of making the date certain) while traveling in company with Mr. Ackley, to attend the gen- eral convention, which met in Hudson that year, I had rather a singular interview with a singular character. Perhaps the an- ecdote is worthy to fill a brief space in these memoirs, as it will serve to show the diversified modes of attack we were destined to meet with from various quarters. We were riding in the town of Durham, near the middle of the day, when we were unexpectedly saluted by an old acquaintance. We had known him in the county of Chenango, and were apprised of his removal from that place, but had never become acquainted with his whereabouts until we here met with him. He pointed to his house, a few rods distant, and invited us to stop and refresh our- selves, and team ; and as it was about the right season, we grate- fully accepted his hospitality. As we entered his house, we were introduced, as Universalist preachers, to a Dr. . He was a large, corpulent, coarse-looking man, and proved as coarse and blunt in his demeanor as his physical appearance in- dicated. After a little conversation of a general and common character, during which he eyed me with a great deal of atten- tion, and apparent disdain, addressing himself directly to me, he said, " Are you a preacher V drawing out the last word to a lengthy and disdainful emphasis. I answered, " I sometimes have the temerity to address a congregation on the subject of religion." " Well, you don't look much like a ^readier,'''' " 1 honor your judgment, sir," I replied. " No ; a preacher should be a great pursy, big-bellied fellow, who can fill up a great armed-chair : such a I'dile^ insigmficant, diminutive looking fel- low as you are, surely don't look much like a i^reaclier.''' And he wei-^t on immediately to say, that he had no great reverence for preachers of any order, nor had he any faith in any of their stuff. And according to the account given of Jesus Christ, in the Bible — indeed, according to the account he gave of himself — he considered him one of the worst men that ever lived on the face of the earth. I remarked, that he had taken entirely a new position. I had met with men who disbelieved the Bible, and several who said they entertained very serious doubts that there was ever such a personage on earth as Jesus Christ ; but all with whom I had before conversed, had readily admitted that gl2 MEMOIRS OP THE the character attributed to him by his professed biographers, was good, even the most unexceptionable character they ever heard delineated ; that he was the first man I ever met with, who ev- er charged Jesus Christ with folly or crime. Well, it was so, and he would prove it by Christ's own words ; for Christ said he came not to send peace on earth, but a sword ; that he came to set a man at variance with his father ; and the daughter should be against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law ; and a man's enemies should be those of his ow^n household. " Now," continued he, " the man who is wil- fully and knowingly guilty of such conduct as this — who pur- posely stirs up intestine strifes, and promotes discords, must be a very bad man." I soon discovered that he was a captious fellow ; and to attempt to offer an argument, or to reason form- ally with him, would be of little or no use. But I was very un- willing to have him go off exulting, as I presumed he had been in a habit of doing ; and after a moment's reflection, 1 said to him, " Sir, are you a republican ?" He answered, " Yes, I am a thorough-going one." " Well, sir, I am glad of that — I thought you were." " Then, sir, you are a friend to our coun- try, and to the civil institutions of our government ; you believe we have a good government, do you not, sir ?" " Yes, the best tliat was ever established on the face of the earth." " Well, sir, do you think the men who planned and achieved our separa- tion from Great Britain, and established our independence, were wise and good men ?" " Yes, as good men as the world ever produced." "Well, sir, I will direct you to a single individu- al — Washington — do you believe he was a good man ?" " Yes, I consider him the best man that God ever made." " Well, sir, when Washington accepted the office of Commander-in- Chief of our revolutionary army, and resolved to conduct the country to independence, peace, and prosperity, could not he have said, with the utmost assurance, that he should thereby set the son against the father, and the father against the son, and that a man's enemies would be those of bis own house'hold ? and was it not so ? Not that these results were the prime object of his mission, far from it ; but this would necessarily and un- avoidably take place in the struggle for the revolution, and the attainment of these great and glorious results which you so high- ly prize." The Dr. dropped his head, and seemed to sit in deep thought for a few moments, and then, looking up, very pleasant- ly said, " I'm down, sir — I'm down — I give it up." By this time it became necessary to pursue our journey ; we bade the LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 313 eccentric Dr. and our benevolent friend farewell, and left them to their own reflections and meditations. I ever supposed that the Dr. took this rough and uncouth course to try me, and see if he could not brow-beat the "little, insignificant-looking" preacher down : but I never afterwards saw him. I may as well here record another more interesting interview which 1 had with a sceptical man, but a man of more solemni- ty and dignity, about those days. I have in possession no means to fix the date exactly ; but it was not far from this pe- liod. A well-known and highly-esteemed friend of mine called on me one afternoon, and introduced a respectable-looking gentle- man, by the cognomen of Esquire J n, of Paris, Oneida County. He said, that Esquire J n having a strong desire to converse with me, and being a stranger, had requested him to accompany him to my house, which he had very cheerfully complied with. I put up their horses, and they remained with me until the next morning. The Esquire introduced the con- versation by frankly relating his experience. He was educated strictly, in the school of Calvinism ; but very early became dis- satisfied with the manifest inconsistencies and contradictions of the theory, and disgusted with the injustice, partiality, and cru- elty that it ascribed to the Supreme Creator ; and supposing that the Bible supported that doctrine, he had thrown it aside with disdain, as unworthy to be accredited as a revelation from the Great Parent of moral nature. He believed in a God ; for he could not resist the evidences of the existence of infinite in- telligence, or infinite wisdom, power, and goodness, so clearly 'displayed on the face of the visible creation ; but Calvinism ap- peared to him as totally unworthy of, and actually repugnant to, every attribute of a God. He had read the Bible*much; but he had read it exclusively in the light, or rather in the dark- ness, of Calvinism ; and solely for the purpose of detecting its discrepancies, and furnishing himself with arguments against its truthfulness, and with weapons with which successfully to battle Christians ; and he souglit every opportunity to do so. It made no difference with him to what denominations they be- longed ; they were all alike fanatics, in his estimation ; and nothing pleased him better than to get hold of a preacher, throw obstacles and difficulties in his way, and confound him upon his own ground ; and he boasted of being able to silence any preach- er, learned or unlearned, of any denomination. But a very great change had come over his feelings, a change he could not JU4 MEMOIRS OF THE satisfactorily account for, upon his former hypothesis ; and com- ing upon, him from such a source, so unexpectedly, it had proved a llieme of profound thought, of unexampled solicitude. It had caused him many sleepless nights; and having been the least acquainted with the theory of Universalism of any system of Christianity, he felt so anxious to learn something more about it, and ascertain whether it was free from the absurdities which he invariably detected in other theories, and whether it present- ed the character of God in a more amiable light, that he had sought this opportunity to have an interview with me. He then proceeded to relate, circumstantially, the steps by which this extraordinary change of feeling came upon him. He was at work with a neighbor, a very honest, inoffensive man, but, as he considered, a very ignorant and very supersti- tious Christian. While at work, as was his wont, he took pleasure in teasing and hectoring this man on the subject of his religion, who at length put a question to him — (the Esquire did not tell me what the question was) — which he answered ; but on reflection, although the answer received no rejoinder from the man, he was not well satisfied himself with the answer he had given ; and it bore with such weight upon his mind, that before they separated, he acknowledged to the man that he was not satisfied with his answer to the question, and said he, " I am going to think on it more, and if I can not give you a better answer than 1 have given, I will acknowledge myself beat." But the more he reflected on it, the greater were the difficulties he met with ; and his feelings became quite excited on the subject. He always meant to be honest with himself, and not settle down on a theory that was indefensible ; he there- fore formed a resolution to re-examine his whole theory — for he had one, as he thought, well digested — beginning at the founda- tion, and faithfully trying all its parts ; and, if he found a flaw in it, a single idea which would not bear strict scrutiny in the light of reason, to reject it. He therefore began his examina- tion : First, " There is a God." This was a self evident truth ; all nature declared it ; and this was the foundation of all truth on which all must rest. Secondli/, " God must be a fountain of infinite intelligence, and must possess communicable attri- butes, and these could be nothing else than wisdom, power, and goodness ; and these must be essential properties of the divine nature, and must be infinite, unlimited ; he could therefore be subject to no change, nor any passion conflicting with these essential attributes." And so reasoning on, step by step, very LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 315 cautiously, and, as he designed, impartially examining every inch of ground that he passed over, so as to be perfectly sure that it would bear the severest criticism, until at length a flood of light, which overwhelmed him with amazement, and with glory, burst upon his mental vision, and almost deprived him of mortal respiration. And to use his own words, " Had I been as superstitious as Saul of Tarsus, I should have been smitten to the ground as suddenly and as violently as he was." He saw that God, not only possessed communicable attributes, but that it was consistent with those attributes to make a spe- cial revelation to mankind; and he felt fully convinced that he had done it ; and did it not to display his wrath, but as a means to carry into effect his designs of infinite goodness. " Why," said he, "I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, descend from God out of heaven ; I saw it perfected, and all moral na- ture made holy and happy in that blessed region!" He was a new man — had new sources of thought and meditation, new feelings, and inexpressible joys. He read the Bible with different feelings, and with a diflTerent design from what he ever did before, for he began to think it was most probable that it did not contain a revelation from God. He became satis- fied that it contained much truth, certainly, but there were diffi- culties still in his way of receiving it as an unadulterated revelation ; and he had sought this interview to see if I could clear his mind from those difficulties and doubts. He firmly believed in Jesus Christ, that he was a great Prophet, and Teacher of Divine truth; but he was afraid that his biogra- phers had interlarded the history of his life with unfounded and unreasonable fables. He could not believe in miracles; nor could he consent to the account of the miraculous birth of Christ. '-Well, Esq. J-— n," said I, "What is a miracle?— What do you understand by miracles?" "Why something contrary to the laws of nature ; such as raising the dead, or curing diseases with a word, or a touch, &c." "And what do you mean by the laws of nature ? Are they the laws by which God arranges and governs the physical universe V " Yes, surely," said he. " Well, are you so well acquainted with those laws as to be able, in all cases, to analyze their opera- tions, and determine what is, and what is not, in accordance with those laws ?" " No," said he, " I do not profess to be." " Well .then, how can you determine that your definition of the mira- cles of Jesus is correct ? They were certainly extraordinary, uncommon, and strange works, but whether they were abso- 316 MEMOIRS OF THE lutely contrary to the laws of nature, remains yet to be proved. I suppose that he, who gave nature her laws, is able, at plea- sure, and when it will conduce to the accomplishment of his own divine and gracious purposes, to modify and accommodate those laws to the object he designs to effect. Nor do I discov- er any greater power requisite in raising one from the dead, or any greater perversion of the laws of nature, than there is in causing a spire of grass to spring from the seed and grow from the ground. The only difference is, one is common to our ob- servation ; we see it performed every year, and we do not wonder at it ; while the other occurs only on particular occasions, and manifestly to show that He who makes the grass grow, has power also, without violating his own laws, tx) raise the dead ; and is able therefore to do all things ; and that he is able, and will fulfil, all his mighty promises. Now, I will suppose a case, and a possible one, where a miracle would be wrought, in the view of an individual, as strange and unac- countable to him, as it would be for him or you to see one rise from the dead by the speaking of a word, which to you would excite no wonder. Take an individual from the torrid zone, where winter is never known, where the earth is covered with perpetual verdure, where blossoms succeed to fruit, and fruit to blossoms, without intermission, who shall have no possible knowledge of the geography of the earth, no acquaintance with any other clime save that within the circumference of his own sensible hemisphere, and in the dead of winter, transplant him to our cold region, and bid him look around. He sees nothing green, nothing alive ; one dreary reign of desolation and death meets the widest stretch of his wondering gaze, from every quarter. The earth covered with a cold white mantle, which will forever prohibit vegetation ; the streams have ceased to flow, and no water can be obtained to slake his thirst ; the trees of the forest are stripped of the last vestige of foliage, and extend their naked branches to the frigid bkists of the north wind, and no signs of vegetable life appear on the face of the earth. Now tell him, that in a few weeks, this fleece of snow shall be dissolved and gone, that the earth shall put on a green carpet, and be covered with vegetation ; that these trees shall put forth leaves, and blossom and bear fruit ; and he would tell you that it was impossible — that it was contrary to the laws of nature. He had seen trees stripped of their leaves, but they- never again put forth more, they were dead. But let him wait only a short time, and all this strange, this wonderful work is ac- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 317 tually accomplished in his presence ; a miracle, in his view, as as- tonishing, as incomprehensible, as it would have been to you, to havestood by the tomb of Lazarus, and heard Jesus call him from the dead ! We nowhere read in the Bible, as I am aware of, that miracles are a violation of, or contrary to the laws of nature. They are truly extraordinary and wonderful occurrences, and are used only to confirm immediate Divine agency in the estab- lishment of a special revelation from God. And surely, I can discover no more improbability in this special manifestation of Divine agency, and I see not why it requires any greater stretch of credulity to admit of it, than it does to believe in a special revelation, which you say you are convinced of." This reasoning, if it did not convince him that the miracles of Christ might be true, stopped all further objections to the ac- count of his ordinary miracles ; but there was yet one insur- mountable diiliculty in his way ; and he was sure, that could not be removed consistently with the.received history of Christ ; and that was, the account of his miraculous birth — this he con- sidered an utter impossibility. No human being could ever be ushered into the present mode of existence out of the course of ordinary generation. " Well," I said, " I am strongly suspicious now, Esq. J — n, that you are 'straining at a gnat while swal- lowing a camel.' Permit me to ask you one question ; which, I am sensible, you can and will frankly and honestly answer ; do you belive there was ever a first pair of our race ? I do not mean to ask whether you believe the Bible account of the crea- tion of Adam and Eve ; that would make no ditTerence in tlie result. I only ask, did our race ever have a beginning ? Was there ever a first pair ?" " Why, certainly," said he. " Well, sir, how did the first pair come into existence ? Not by ordina- ry generation, surely. And would it not be easier, if one thing could be easier than another with infinite Majesty, to produce a second individual in the way Christ is said to have come into our world, than to produce a first pair ?" The Esquire dropped his head a few minutes, and then acknowledged that tliere was something new in that argument ; something he had not thought of. He did not know but the account of the birth of Christ might be true after all ; and he would give this subject a more careful and dispassionate examination, and from that time he never again opposed Christianity. Not many years after this he removed from the town of Paris, into the western country. But during his residence in Paris, I repeatedly called on him ; and he always, while within the compass of my knowledge, at- 318 MEMOIRS OF THE tended Universalist meetings when any way convenient, and ever appeared engaged in patronizing and supporting them, and highly to enjoy his privilege. In 1819, the Association held its annual session in I^isle, Broome county. A small society had been gathered there, principally, I believe, under the labors of Dr. A. Green. We held our meeting in a barn, and a large congregation was in at- tendance. At tills time we received an important accession to the ministry in the person of Rev. Thomas Gross, a man past the ordinary meridian of life, and a convert from Presbyterian- ism. He was an educated man, and in early life had been set- tled as pastor of a Presbyterian church in the town of Hartford Vt.; but some years previous had removed into this vicinity, where he continued his ministry up to that time. How- ever, God, in the dispensations of his grace, and much, I be- lieve, through the instrumentality of Dr. Green, caused the light of Divine truth to shine into his understanding, " Giving him the light of the glory of the knowledge of God," in the universal reconciliation of all moral ii:iJ;elligences, through Je- sus Christ our I^ord ; and he met with us here for the first time, and received a letter of fellowship from the council. He deliv- ered a very excellent discourse from the words of the venerable Simeon ; "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace accord- ing to thy word ; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation" — » which he very appropriately and most pathetically applied to his own case ; and he did it with effect upon his audience. He subsequently removed to Cortland village, where he for some years preached*, and taught an academ)*. From thence he removed to Buffalo, where he started a periodical, entitled " The Gospel Advocate," which he conducted f^r some years ; which then went into the hands of Mr. Everett, and ultimately passed into the hands of Mr. D. Skinner, and was united with the " Evangelical Magazine," of which Mr. S. was then pub- lisher, in Utica. Mr. Gross certainly lived to an advanced age ; but whether he has yet united with the great congregation of the dead, I have no means of determining ; yet presume he has long since entered upon the fruition of those joys which he so ardently hoped for, and so firmly 'believed in, as the ultimate portion of all God's moral offspring. At this Association I al- so became acquainted with Dr. S. Adams, who was then in the practice of physic in the town of Lisle, but who shortly after this left, in measure, his prescriptions for physical ailments, and commenced administering the " precious balm of Gilead" to LIFE OP REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 3l9 diseased moral nature ; and who has ever since been known as a devoted and faithful laborer in the vineyard of Christ. It would be impossible for me, without subjecting myself to vastly more labor and expense than the importance of the ob- ject would justify, to trace the Western Association through all its operations, to designate all the places of its nneetings and re- cord its important proceedings, up to the tiiii'? when I re- moved from the State ; nor is it by any means necessary. I have brought up the history of Universalism in the State of New York from its first budding, circumstantially enough, to the time when it became an object of some notoriety and conse- quence, and began to assume, in despite of all the obloquy which its enemies tried to heap upon it, a respectable standing among the Christian denominations in the country ; — 'to where its history is more generally known, and its publication has been commenced, and will, no doubt, be prosecuted, by a far abler pen. The further historical incidents and anecdotes of the order will, therefore, be such only as are inseparably con- nected with my labors, and are indispensably brought in, in or- der to make out a faithful auto-biography of my life. In August, 1821, 1 made a tour to Jefferson county. Mr. C. G. Person had removed to Ellisburgh, and Mr. Pitt Morse wag preaching in the town of Henderson and vicinity. The cause of divine truth was prospering abundantly under the well di- rected labors of those faithful servants of the divine Master, with the occasional assistance of some others who had visited that region, A conference, or two days meeting, was holden in Henderson, which afforded ample evidence that the hand of the Lord was among them, and that their exertions and labors met with divine approbation. On this tour I delivered two dis- courses in Henderson, lectured in tliree different neighborhoods in Ellisburgh, and pursued my travels as far as Sackett's Flar- bor. I had not visited this place since my dreary campaign in 1814; and when I consented to visit the place, which I did with reluctance, the thought was appalling, and actually made my frame shudder ; but my astonishment, on arriving at the place, was beyond anything of the kind I ever before expe- rienced. When I left Sackett's Harbor, I bade an everlasting adieu, as I thought and intended, to one of the most filthy mud- holes I ever was compelled to wallow through, covered with di- lapidated barracks, smarming with ruffians, under the appellation of common soldiers ; the common dwellings of the inhabitants not much better than the barracks, weather-beaten, old, and 320 MEMOIRS OF THE dirty in the extreme, and, with very few exceptions, the inmates equally as rough and uncivilized as the soldiers, lost to every feeling of common humanity and common courtesy, possessing nothing, scarcely, in common with the civilized world except physical formation. But the place, with all its appendages, had undergone a most thorough renovation. The mud had given way to spacious and handsomely graveled streets, with flagged side-walks, ornamented with handsome shade trees, and flower- ing shuhbery ; the filthy barracks and weather-worn buildings were replaced, with handsome dwellings and splendid edifices ; the spires of several churches glittered in the sunbeams, and an evident taste, and utmost neatness were manifest in the whole scenery. The former inhabitants, if any remained, were com- pletely metamorphosed, or were succeeded by a polite, civilized, and refined people. True, there was yet, and probably always will be, while this continues to be a frontier port, a standing force of regular troops stationed here ; but they had splendid brick barracks, inclosing three sides of a large square, or gar- den laid out with the finest taste, with neat gravel walks, ndorned with the most beautiful shrubbery and cultivated in the best manner, open to the bay, where lay the shipping, and af- fording one of the most pleasant promenades imaginable : and both officers and soldiers not only exhibited the utmost neatness in their dress — their equipments glittering with silver brightness — but, in their manner and demeanor, the civilian and the gen- tleman. Here, also, I found a small Universalist, or rather Re- storationist (for I choose to call things by the names their pos- sessors best relish) society and meeting-house. Many years be- fore this, a gentleman from Europe, (England,) by the name of Luff, if my memory serves me, settled in this place — (I think he had a partner in his work of benevolence ; but the name if ever I had it, 1 have lost ; nor will I be very positive that I have got the name of this gentleman right) — and preached the doctrine of the Final Restitution, and, at his or their own ex- pense, built a small meeting-house. He was an acquaintance of Mr. Billinghurst ; they either formed an acquaintance in their native country, or in consequence of their nationa4ity and sym- pathy in religious sentiments, formed an acquaintance in tlte nev/ world ; and they often exchanged compliments, and some- times visits. The meeting-house was standing in an unfinished state at the time of my campaign, and was used as a hospital. I often visited it, and, found it filled, both the body of the house and the galleries, vv ith the poor sick and dying soldiers ; and LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 321 almost' every day followed some poor fellow to his final resting- place in the hosom of our " mother earth." Whether Mr. L. was in the place at that time, I knew not ; I heard him spoken of by some of the inhabitants, but did not see him. H he was absent then, he returned after the war, and finished his meeting-house in good style ; he collected a re- spectable congregation, and administered to them *' All the words of this life ;" and on my visit to Sackett's Harbor at this time, I enjoyed the happiness of delivering an evening lecture in that house. I found Mr. L. a very pleasant and well-in- formed man ; but a man of considerable eccentricity, aiid pos- sessing very peculiar doctrinal opinions, of which he was very tenacious. Although he called himself a Restorationist, and zealously and boldly advocated the doctrine of the final holi- ness of all mankind, still he could not have full feiiowship ivith our denomination, and never, to my knowledge, attended any of our Associations. A , ■ From Sackett's Harbor I went to Brownville, and Water- town, and delivered a discourse in each of those places; and another in the village of Tayburgh, on my way home. I have traveled and labored very considerably in Northern and Western Pennsylvania. My first visit to this State was made in February, 1822. A friend of mine, residing in the town of Eaton, had relatives living in the town of Warren, Bradford county, who became extremely anxious that the doc- trine should be introduced into that region, where it M-as scarcely known even byname, except by two or three individ- uals; and through his importunity in their behalf, I consented to make the tour, by his agreeing to accompany me. I had learned, some years previous, that there had been a respectu- ble and ilourishing society in existence, in the town of Sheshe- quin, whicti had formerly enjoyed the labors of Mr. Noah Mur- ray, and subsequently of Mr. Park, both of whom were then dead ; and the probability was, the society had had no preach- ing for a long season ; I therefore made arrangements to visit them also, on my tour. I found the doctrine was entirely new to most of the people ; no preacher of the order ever liavino- visited that place. But the opposition was by no means as vio- lent as in most new places I had visited. Indeed, it was not violent enough ; those who did not believe it, seemed to pay but little attention to it ; there was not opposition enough to produce any excitement, and notliing could be done to produce any permanent or lasting effect. ' I delivered several dis- u 322 MEMOIRS OF THE courses in Warsaw, one in Pike, and one in Orwell; and on my way from thence to Sheshequin, I gave a lecture in Wysox. I lectured also in Sheshequin, and Athens, Tioga Point ; and on my way. home, in the town of Fabius, New York. In Sheshequin and Athens, I had large congregations, and found some of the most repectable and influential inhabitants strong and bold in the faith. And, indeed, how should it be otherwise, when for years they had enjo5^ed the labors of some of our most able divines. Athens was the residence of the venerable Noah Murray^ Avhen he united with our denomina- tion; and to which he returned after his tour,at that time, through New England, and where much of his preaching was em- ployed, until he was called home to enter upon his higher life. He had died a few years before the time of which I speak, but his widow, and most or all the surviving members of his fam- ily, resfded here, whom I had the pleasure to visit. Mr. Murray had been insyajmental in converting to the faith ?)f Universal Grace a l^ptist minister, of good talents and extensive influence, by the name of Park, who resided a neighbor to him, and who, for a season after his death, admin- istered to these people the same " spiritual meat.'' But Mr. Park had, also, before my visit to the place, been called from his earthly labors. He also left a widow, and quite a numer- ous and highly respectable family, with whom I formed a happy acquaintance. But a curse had fallen upon that people in the shape of impostors, which had depressed their spirits and almost fatally discouraged them. During the last sickness of Mr. Park, Squire Streeter, a young man of prepossessing appearance, and of good speaking talents, visited that place, and for a season preached with them to great acceptance. They were captivated with his elo- quence, and reposed unbounded confidence in him ; but alas! he sailed under false colors. He had, some years before this, received a letter of fellowship from the Association in the State of New Hampshire, I think, but had been guilty of sad misdemeanor, for which he was expelled. About the time of his expulsion he left New England, and traveled west, and keeping a little in advance of the notice of his crime, and ex- communication, imposed on several societies for a season ; and the last place of his resort, within the limits of my know- ledge, was Sheshequin. Two or three days only before ^ the intelligence of his character and standing reached that place, he took a sudden and unexpected leave of the people, LIFE, OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 323 and of Mr. Park, then on a sick bed and near his ^nal exit ; stepped aboard of a boat, and went down the Susquehanna river, leaving his friends in wonder and sad disappointment. But their amazement was of short duration ; a few days ex- plained the whole of his conduct. Their next visit was from David Gilson, a man, also, of su- perior speaking talents, and who had once received a testimo- nial of fellowship from the Western Association ; but his char- acter became such that he retained his standing but. a very- short time. They received him with some caution ; but he ingratiated himself into their favor by a prudent course for a short time, until he gained their confidence, and obtained some substantial pecuniary favors, when he gradually began to throw off his mask, and indulge in his old habit of intemper. ance, — disappointed their hopes, and left them in a complete state of discouragement. So much disheartened were they by the impositions which had been practiced upon them, that they had resolved never again to give countenance to a stranger. The widow Park said to me, " Br. Stacy, had not your name been here long before you came, you could never have got up a meeting in this place; it was your name, not your talents, which procured you such respectable congregations. We have bpen so abused and imposed upon by vile characters un- der the garb of the Gospel, that we had nearly resolved never again to put confidence in any man who came in that pofession, nor encourage him enough to attend meeting. But we had long heard of you ; and when your name was announced, it aroused us from our despondency, and inspired hope." The cause had flourished heretofore, in this region, under the ministry of Mr. Murray and Mr. Park ; not only in She- shequin and Athens, but in Towanda, the county seat, and in the adjacent towns; and they very much wished to see the re- vival of truth once more in that region. They solicited, most earnestly, another vis^; and my own feeling pleaded so strong- ly in their behalf, th" before I left them 1 made a promise to improve the first opportunity that a kind Providence should grant, to renew my visit and spend a longer season. Another opportunity, however, did not occur to visit Sheshe- quin until a year from the June following, (1823). I was then enabled to make a second tour in that region, and spend three Sabbaths ; one in Sheshequin; one in Athens, and another in Towanda ; and in the intervening season, besides delivering lectures in all the above-named towns, I held meetings in S24 MEMOli^ OF THE Litchfield,, Burlington, Troy, Lansingburgh, Sugar Creek ; and in Jackson, Tioga county ; and on my way home after leaving Tioga Point, I lectured in Owego, Union, and Windsor. My third visit was made in August, 1824. At that time I spent two Sabbaths with them, and lectured in most of the places I had visited on my former visit. The society in Sheshequin had now thoroughly revived, had reoriranized, and sent dele2:ates with me to the Chenanfjo Asso- elation wliich met this year in the town of Hopbottom, (now Brooklyn,) Susquehanna county, and by application obtained the appointment for its next session in Sheshequin. ]\Iy fourth and last visit to that interesting people was made at the time of the session of the Association, September, 1825. At that time v/e enjoyed an interesting and a profitable meeting. No meeting-house had been erected in the place by any denom- ination ; but an extensive booth was prepared for the occasion, in front of the dwelling-house of Esq. Kinney, grandfather of the celebrated and lamented Mrs. J. H. Scott ; and a congregation assembled more than could be accommodated in the house and this temporary apartment. A large number of preachers, for the time and that part of the country, attended the session, and among tliem were Mr. Potter, and a very promising young man, just entered upon the clerical profession, by the name of Doolittle, Avho has, from that period, successfully devoted his time and talents to the promulgation of the Gospel, and now holds a prominent position among the ablest preachers in our denomination. At this session, also, a letter of fellowship was granted to Elder Whipple, a convert from the Baptists, who also proved an active and profitable laborer in the vineyard, and who, but a short time since, closed a long and industrious life, rejoicing in the faith of Universal Salvation. My wife accompanied me on this journey ; and we visited a brother of hers, v/ho had, a few years before this, removed from Vermont into the town of Jackson, Tioga county. Here I delivered a discourse ; and on our way l^Riie, we held meetings in Union, and Binghamton, where large congregations assem- bled, especially in the last-merttioned place. In the autumn of 1822, I attended the session of the Genesee Branch, which held its annual meeting in the town of Hope- well, formerly a part of Gorham, and in the vicinity of the first general meeting I ever attended in that country'; and it was exceedingly gratifying to see the change which about ten years had wrought in the aspect of the cause. Societies and LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 325 preachers had multiplied, and a wide-spread interest was abun- dandy manifest from the multiple which thronged the courts of the Lord on this occasion. One able preacher had, by emi- gration, been recently added to the faithful little band whose la- bors had already accomplished so much. Mr. HoUis Sampson, a man of sterling pulpit talents, who commenced his clerical functions in connection with the Methodist denomination, and, seceding from them, had been once settled as pastor of a Con- gregationalist cimrch in Wilmington Vt., still persevering in his theological researches, and growing from " one degree of faith to another, embraced the doctrine of the final Restitution, and boldly entered on its ministry. A little before this, he had penetrated into this section of country, and fixed his residence in the town of Stafford, Genesee county, and was doing a great work in the upbuilding of the Redeemer's kingdom in this part of his heritage. Mr. Alfred Peck, who had spent some little time in my family when quite a youth, and who had, with un- tiring patience and perseverance, through obstacles insurmount- able to ordinary minds, pursued a resolution formed when a boy, until he had become an acceptable preacher of the Great Salvation, had also taken up his residence in this country. He accompanied Mr. Sampson to the Association, and was here set apart by solemn ordination to the work of an evangelist. On this tour, I spent one Sabbath in Le Roy, one in Pittsford, and lectured in Batavia and Stafford ; and on my way home delivered one discourse in the town of Galen, on the canal, in Wayne county. It was most exhilarating to my feelings, while traveling through the Genesee country, to witness the advance- mentof the cause of divine truth, the increase of laborers, and springing up of societies ; the engagedness manifested to hear the word and inquire after truth, where, ten or eleven years before, I had found, in a doctrinal sense at least, a howling wilderness. The first meeting (conference) for the purpose of deliberating on the propriety and expediency of organizing another agsocia- tion, comprising the counties of Chenango and Broome, and the northern counties of Pennsylvania, adjacent, was holden in Nor- wich, Oct. 31st, 1822. It was resolved, at that meeting, that it was both expedient and necessary that such an association should be organized ; and that it should be denominated The Chenango Association of Vniversalisis, and should hold its first meeting in the village of Oxford, in Sept., 1823. Plitherto we had kept up a communication between the different branches of 326 MEMOIRS OF THE our association, and, as far as possible, with the General Con- j vention of New England, aft with sister asociations, by visit- J ing committees, as we chose to call them, or delegates appoint- i ed from one to the other. But we were now increasing to that i degree, two or more branches of the Western Association being already organized, and several more in agitation, which very soon would necessarily receive a separate existence, that L be- gan very soriously to apprehend a great inconvenience, and, in- deed, an impracticability, of keeping up any thing like a gen- eral intercourse through these temporary committees ; it would require too much time, and would infringe too much upon our engagements with societies. Still an intercourse, and a regular communication from one branch of the great body to the other, j was not only desirable, but appeared to me absolutely necessary, ] not only for mutual encouragement and support, but to main- tain wholesome order and discipline in our ranks ; and the , thought suggested itself to my mind, that this might be most ea- ^ sily and successfully done by the organizing of a State Con- vention, composed of delegates from each Association, which • should hold a yearly meeting for that purpose. No such body yet existed in our denomination. All those bodies which had i yet been formed, by whatsoever name they were designated, associations or conventions ; were nothing more than the simple association, or meeting of the churches or societies by delega- tion. I once proposed, at a session of what was 'called the Gen- eral Convention, (though in fact it was nothing more than an ordinary association, composed of delegates from individual so- cieties and churches,) holden in the city of Hudson, to have j that body change its constitution into a convention, to be com- j posed of delegates exclusively from associations ; and prevail- i ed on Mr. Carrique to make a motion to that effect. But it met : with opposition, and the motion was withdrawn. Nevertheless, I thought that such organization v/ould become necessary, as I our borders enlarged and our associations increased in num- j bers ;. and I thought this a proper season to begin with it in our I own State. * * I I had no idea of creating a hierarchy, of investing this body ; with supreme or superior prerogatives, whereby it could im- pose creeds or rules of discipline on churches, societies, or as- sociations. I considered all power, under the great Head of the church, to rest originally with the people ; tliat any num- ' ber, therefore, of the people, Avho felt disposed lo unite for mu- \ tual aid and religious improvement and worship, had the inalien- j LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 32 able right to adopt such constitution and form of government as they considered adapted to their circumstances, as Christians — to choose their own teachers and officers, and ordain them — ^to change them at pleasure, and, in all cases, to deal with their own members. But, if they saw fit, for their own convenience or safety, to do these things or any part thereof by meeting in association with any other churches, through delegates chosen directly by' themselves, and from their own body, they had an indisputable right so to do ; though their delegates should pos- sess no rightful authority to transfer the trust or power commit- ted to them by the church to another body, in which the church has no direct representative. This was my view of the subject then; and it is so now. The convention which I proposed was simply designed as a center of communication, where delegates should meet together, once a year, from all the branches of the great body — bring in the joyful intelligence of the prosper- ity of the cause throughout all its ramifications — consult toge- ther for mutual improvement and the adoption of such general _ measures as might be believed would promote the best interest of Zion ; and diffuse from this center, or heart, the life-blood through the proper channels, or arteries, to all the members of this ecclesiastical body. No ecclesiastical power was to be in- vested in it, not even the power to grant letters of fellowship, or to confer ordination ; as these powers belonged originally and exclusively to the churches ; and this body was too far re- moved from the churches to exercise, rightfully, any authority of the kind. All the power it could of right exercise was merely appellatory or advisatory. It might hear appeals from con- tending associations, and, as an arbitration, settle differences be- tween preachers and associations.; and it would properly give counsel, and determine as to the expediency of organizing new associations, and determine their territorial limits. I therefore suggested to the council of the Chenango Associ- ation, at its first session, the idea of a State Convention ; ex- plained my views of the character of such a body, as well as I could, and the utility and importance of it ; and it met the undi- vided approval of the whole council. Steps were then taken to try the feelings of the other associations on the subject, and delegates were chosen to meet, on a certain time the next sea- son, if the other associations approved of the plan, to more ful- ly discuss the subject, and, if thought advisable, to prepare a constitution for such a body ; and the delegates to the other associations were particularly instructed to lay the subject be- fore them at their next meetinsi:. S2S MEMOIRS OF THE Mr. Ackley was appointed delegate to the Genesee Associa- tion, which would hold its meeting next in order. But, he either did not himself fully understand the characterof the body designed to be organized, or he could not make that council un- derstand him. They obtained totally a wrong idea concerning 'it; construed it into an ecclesiastical hierarchy; branded me, as being the mover of it, with the epithet of Pope, and spiritual tyrant — as seeking to be lord over the herit;;ge of God ; and spurned the idea with disdain. I was appointed to lay the subject before the Western, the parent association. But the breeze, or rather gale, which had been raised by some -of the members of the Genesee Association, and their misunderstand- ing of the character of the body proposed to be formed, had produced such a prejudice against it, that before 1 had an op- portunity of introducing it before the council, I was satirically rallied upon it ; and the idea was treated with ridicule and even levity by those who, in less than one year afterwards, saw the necessity of such a body I merely replied to their ridi- cule, that under such circumstances I would not introduce it at all, but would let the matter rest until they saw the necessity of such an organization ; and I assured them that they would, ere long, see such necessity, and would then treat the subject with more seriousness : and sure enough they did. From that time it became a subject of serious reflection among the most intelli- orent of the denominJilion ; and the very next year the subject was brought up in the Western Association ; and those very same individuals who had treated me with ridicule because of it, the year previous, became its most zealous advocates; and it was never again abandoned until a convention was permanently established. The struggle, however, was rendered long and hard by the opposition, and even obstinacy, of some of the members of the Genesee Association ; one of whom, in partic- ular, has not, even to this day, abandoned his inveterate enmity to it. It has undergone several modifications since its first or- ganization ; but it is not now, in my estimation, as good, as prof- itable, and as safe a body as I first proposed. CHAPTEE XIV. Organization of Black River Association— Warren Skinner— A text given — The discourse — Tour to Genesee and Cayuga Associations — Disaffection — Mr. Flagler's opposition— Further views of the powers of the Convention — Di- gression ; and Mr. Flaglei-'s course at the Genesee and Cayxiga Associations, in 1828— W. J. Reese— Meetings in Onondaga and Maulius— Supplies the desk for a short tune for Mr. Smith, in Philadelphia — Journey — Reception — Mr. P. Morse — State of society — 'Habits— Jewish Synagogue^4th of July — Congress Hall, 1776— Death of Ex-Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jef- fei-son^Address on the occasion— Bishop White — •Return journey— Visit in New York city — In Hudson — T. F. King — 'Chenango Association— Meeting- house in Nelson — Engagement to preach in Nelson — Mr. E. M. Wooley — Journey to -Vermont — General Convention — Meeting with Mr. Ballou — Meet- ing in Fort Ann — 'Arrival at Bridgewater, Vt.— My mother — Bari'^ — 'My wife's sister— Our reception — Northern Association — -Mr. Williams ; his defection — Meeting in Barre — In Bridgewater — Return — State of the cause — Engagement inSanquoit — Associations — Dr. J. B. Pierce — Visit to Lyons — Three Sabbaths in Lyons — Hon. Myron Holley — Newark. The Black River Association was organized in 1824, and its fir.st se.ssion was holden in Brownville, Jefferson county. No ordinary consideration prevented me from attending all such meetings within reasonable limits ; not only because of the im- portance attached to them, but because of the high gratification and the indescribable happiness it afforded me, in beholding the enlargement of the boundaries of our Zion, and hearing the soul-rejoicing reports from tbe messengers of truth, brought in from its various branches. Few could realize and enjoy what I did. I had seen one little society stand tottering alone, within the whole compass of territory containing more them fifty socie- ties at that time, and then organizing its fourth association ; and the small figure 3 would number all the preachers within the limits which then required fifteen times that number to count. To me, this did not look like "The day of small things ;" for the " Stone taken from the mountain, without hands," in its onward 330 MEMOIRS OF THE roll, was gathering velocity and magnitude infinitely beyond my most sanguine anticipations. At this meeting, I became first acquainted with Warren Skinner, Esq., who resided in the village of Brownville, and who, shortly after this, began his proclamation of this great salvation, and who now holds a con- spicuous standing among its most able advocates. On the last day of the session a request was sent in, by some person, to have a discourse delivered from the 22d verse of the 13th chapter of Ezekiel : " Because of lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad," &c. It was supposed, at any rate, to have come, originally, from an opposer of the doctrine, who considered it peculiarly applicable to the preachers of our or- der ; and many manifested a great solicitude that it should be attended to. But to deliver a discourse from it that day would materially interfere with the arrangements of the speakers, and especially with mine, and I did not consider the subject appro- priate to the occasion ; and as I had agreed to improve the fol- lowins: Sabbath in Watertown, I informed the messenfjer that if I could have the use of the meeting-house we then occupied, (it belonged to some Partialist denomination ; the Baptists, I be- lieve.) I would deliver a discourse from the text, on.the Sabbath following, at 5 o'clock, p. m., if that would satisfy. The pro- position was accepted, the use of the house insured, and the ap- pointment given out at the close of our services. The time arrived, and the house was filled to overflowing. In the first place, I endeavored to give a brief history of the text, showing the then condition of the Jewish church, and the proper orifrinal meaning of the prophet, and the' application of the text to the false prophets in Israel. And in the next place, dwelt upon tlie gross perversion of the text, by those who were in a very constant habit of using it, and lugging it entirely out of its connection, and pressing it into a service the most distant from any meaning the inspired penman could possibly have at- tached to it; and then, by "turning the tables," I applied it, with all the posver and severity I was master of; by showing the analogy between the characters of the false prophets of Is- rael, who " dealt partial in the law,"" who '- prophesied for re- ward," who " looked every man to his gain from his quarter," M'ho could " bite with their teeth while they cried peace," and "prepared war against every one who would not put into their mouths," and a certain class, or classes, of professed prophets in the Christian church, who arrogated to themselves all tempo- ral and spiritual immunities ; and made the " hearts of the LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 331 righteous sad" — desolate, by producing scepticism, darkness, unreconciliation, despair, delirium, and death. They had voluntarily put a weapon into my hands, and I felt justified in using it. The audience gave profound attention, and I could discover visible manifestations of surprise on many countenance. What effect it ultimately had, I am not able to say. But opposers generally satisfied themselves, in those days, with the trite remark, " The devil always helps Univer- salists." • ^ Besides the places already mentioned, I delivered discourses, on this tour, in Field's Settlement, Watertown, Sackett's Har- hj^i', and Richland. I remained at home but two Sundays after returning from my last visit to Bradford County, Pa., in 1825, before starting on another tour to the west. The Ontario Association, formerly the Genesee Branch, held its session in Parma, Monroe County, on .the third Wednesday in September, 1825 ; and the Cayuga Association met in Marcellus, on the fourth Wednesday in the same month ; and my calculation was to attend both. The Sun- day previous to the meeting in Parma, I preached in Pittsford, and on the Sunday following in Hopewell, and lectured on my way out in Flenrietta, and on my return in Rochester, Canan- daigua, and Waterloo. Up to about that time there had never anything taken place to cloud the sun-shine of our associational meetings, to cause dissension in our council, or disturb the perfect unanimity of action and harmony of feeling ; we seemed to have but one ob- ject in view in all our deliberations, and one spirit pervaded the whole ; but now a cloud was coming over us, and the thun- ders began to roll. And what grieved me the most was, that I had been the first cause of disturbing the elements. I have pre- viously mentioned the proposition for organizing a State Conven- tion — the incipient steps that were taken — the feelings with which it was met, the opposition it encountered, and so forth. It had by this time become a subject of serious importance ; several Associations had adopted the plan ; many wha at first treated it with indifference, and even with ridicule, had now es- poused it with a zeal more fervid than I ever felt, and were pur- suing it with more strenuous measures than I could desire; and the' convention had already been organized by three or more associations, and had holden one or two meetings. The subject was brought before the council in Parma, and a motion made to unite with the convention and appoint delegates 332 MEMOIRS OF THE for that purpose. But as I was Moderator of tlie council, I nei- ther made the motion, nor advocated it ; but I was under the absolute necessity of trying to defend myself. For although there were now many more zealous advocates for it than my- self, still I was known as the first mover of it ; arid therefore the whole weight of the oppressor's vengeance fell on me. Mr. Flagler was a member of the council ; and I have already sta- ted that he took a violent stand against it. He was a man of large stature, strong mind, and profound *irgument — at least in one respect, for he never yielded. You might as well stand and argue with the mighty waters of the cataract of Niagara to cease their roar, as to attempt to remove him from a position ^ had taken. And by his untiring perseverance, his bold, dog- matical, overwhelming, and endless declamation, he had acquir- ed a complete ascendancy over many minds' in that region, and awed others into a servile submission to his own measures. And now he came out with all his artillery not only against the measure, but against me as its author. 1 was represented as an ambitious aspirant, seeking to establish a hierarchy, to rule as lord over the heritage of God, impose creeds, confessions of faith, and rules of discipline, and the next thing would be a holy inqjiisiiion. One of his proselytes, a good lay brother and member of the council, who probably never contributed a dol- lar towards defraying the expenses of those who ijad devoted their v/hole lives, their strength and talent — who had willingly sacrificed their temporal comforts and ease, and family endear- ments — encountered the buffetings of the elements, and the more soul-trying storms of human passions and prejudices — who had suffered cold and heat, hunger and thirst, and expended their last cent to proclaim far and wide the doctrine he profess- ed to believe as the truth of God — called me Pope, and Bishop, and charged me with cupidity ! It was in vain that I explained my views of the character and powers of a constitution. That I had never desired it to be clothed with ecclesiastical power, nor did I think it consistently could be, not even to decide upon the qucUification of candidates for the ministry, nor grant letters of fellowship, nor even expel a disorderly preacher — that these powers belonged to the churches in their individual capacity, in the first place ; and secondly, in their associate capacity, as, for instance, in this council; much less could the convention im- pose creeds, or rules of discipline upon churches and societies — that all the powers which the convention was designed to exer- cise, according to my plan, were merely advisory. It might LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 333 give counsel to associations, or serve as an arbitration to settle differences between associations, or between churches and as- sociations, or associations and preachers, when appealed to by an aggrieved party ; but_the only object that I had in view in proposing such a body, was to create a center of communica- tion for the whole body of Universalists in the State, for mutual edification, encouragement, improvement, and liberty of the Avhole — not to tyranize over, nor in any shape to. infringe upon the rights or principles of associations, churches, or individu- als. " Surely, brethren," said I, " in my labors in this country for twenty years past — itinerating through its length and breadth — coming and going at your call, through stoi^ns and sunshine, heat and cold, hunger and thirst, by day and by night, serving you without fee or reward — surely, I must have given you some very strong evidences of personal ambition and cupidity !" But all this was to no purpose. Feelings had been awakened, and — (I would forever obliterate this part of the history of our order, could I do it with justice to community) — unkind feeling which rebutted every appeal to reason or to sympathy. Ah ! Univer- salists are nothing but men, after all ; and are subject to like passions with other men. Mr. Flagler had t!.' en his stand ; and all the power and influ- ence he possessed v/ere called into requisition to crush the con- vention in its bud. He rallied all his forces, and attended ev- ery association possibly within his reach for several years ; and never, to this day, gave up his opposition ; but being overpower- ed by the operation of the convention, and the diffusion of light to other minds on the subject, he at length was compelled to " sit and grieve alone." Something of the feelings of Mr. Flagler may be discovered from tho treatment I received from him three years afterwards. lie kept some two or three of the western associations from uniting with the others in convention for several years ; and consequently we kept up, as far as possible, a communication with them by our old means, of visiting committees. In 1828, I received an appointment from the Central Association, (such was the name given, after a number of other associations had sprung up around it, to the old Western Association,) to visit the Ontario Association, which was to hold its session in the town of Victor. On my arrival, I stopped at the house to which I was directed by our friends, and while standing on a platform in front of tlie door, Mr. Flagler drove up. As his carriage stop- ped, I stepped tojiim and offered him my hand, and kiquired af- SSi' "',„,..- MEMOIRS OF THE ter his liealth and that of his family ; but all I received in re- turn was merely a cold touch of the hand, with the icy, laconic answer, " They are well," without a return of the compliment, or even another word ; he then descended from his carriage, and, without any further notice of me, passed by me into the house. I had known Mr. F. from his first conversion to the faith, had encouraged his entrance upon tlie ministry, had re- commended hitn to our societies and brethren, and indulged all the warm and friendly sentiments of a brother toward him ; and this treatment from him, on an occasion like this, when we had not met for some two years or more, and where we were in the habit of greeting each other with undissembled cordiality, wound- ed my feelings prodigiously, and overwhelmed my soul with a gloom wdiich I could not shake off during the whole tour ; and he persevered in this coldness and neglect during the whole ses- sion. At a suitable time, he, as a leading member, called on the preachers and delegates to repair to the council-room in another part of the building — all done in my presence, but without ask- ing me to accompany them, or intimating that my presence would be acceptable. The meeting was called to order, and 1 was told, (for I was not present,) that some brother nominated me for moderator," which Mr. F. objected to, had the motion re- called, and got appointed himself. However, after the council had organized, and, as I was informed, entered on business, I ventured into the room, and at a suitable time arose and asked the privilege of addressing a few words, which was coldly grant- ed. I stated to them, in substance, that by appointment of the Central Association 1 made them this visit, to present the con- gratulations of that body ; and to inform them that the cause of Zion was prosperous in that region, and the manifestations of Divine approbation were apparent in the addition of churches, societies, and laborers, in the course of the past year ; and that the Association to which I belonged desired a reciprocation of the like favor, &c. And all the reply that I received to my ad- dress,and all the notice that was taken of it, was merely a groan from the moderator. And so perfectly under the control of that individual were the whole council, that there ^vas not a mo- tion made to invite me to a seat in the council, which was a civ- ility uniformly extended to all visiting brethren, and considered indispensible in case of a visiting committee ; and 1 was never invited to participate in any of their deliberations. The com- mittee of arrangements, however, applied to me to deliver a dis- course, and urged their suit with so much earn|stness, that I re- LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 385 \ luctantly consented ; but I surely felt little like preaching, and I presume nny discourse was as cold and lifeless as was their conduct toward me. That Mr. F., on subsequent reflection, felt some compunctions of conscience, I had pretty good evidence, from some remarks he made to Mr. Ackley, as well as from the course he pursued at the Cayuga Association, which met the week following, at Sempronius, My mission extended to these two Associations ; and notwithstanding the cold reception I had met with at the Ontario, I could not conscientiously forego my obligation to fulfil my whole mission. I therefore repaired to the next Association, expecting I should probably meet with sim- ilar treatment ; for Mr. F.'s influence was nearly as great in that as in the Ontario ; and I expected he would be there. But his manner was completely changed. He sought the earliest op- portunity to speak to me*, and even tried to be sociable. He was again appointed moderator, and the first act of the council, by his suggestion, was to pass a resolution inviting me to a seat in the council, and sending out a committee to inform me, and re- questing me to come in. But he was too stubborn ever to make an apology to me. But again 1 have rambled with you, kind reader; you must now accompany me back. We started to attend two Associa- tiwis ; but the portentous cloud which broke upon us at the first, and the hurricane which followed, have blown us away amid troubled waters, to two other Associations, at a much later peri- od, and nearly bewildered us. You must now allow me to con- duct you back to the Cayuga Association, in 1825, where a happier season awaits us, a richer feast is being prepared, and where we shall in some measure forget th5 bitterness of that unsavory cup we have been compelled to drink. At this meeting, among many other excdlent brethren, I found my highly-esteemed friend and brother C. G. Person, whose soul alway* mingled with mine, and whose spirit ever drank at the same fountain. It was a happy meeting; and perhaps ap- peared doubly so to me, who had borne a heavy load at heart for several days past. No dissensions arose in the deliberations of the council. "The hand that soweth discord among breth- ren" was not there. The evidences of the enlargement of our borders, and the prosperity of the cause afforded subject of con- gratulation, and encouragement, and hope. At this Association, our young, gifted, and highly-esteemed, but now deeply. la- mented brother and fellow-laborer, Wm.. J. Reese, whose short, active life was so faithfully employed in the service of his Di- 336 . MEMOIRS OF THE vijie Master, even to the very last moment, received ordination ; and I enjoyed the pleasure of delivering his ordination sermon, from St. Jolm, 15: 16. On the day following the Association, in company with Mr. P(!rson, I attended a meeting in Onondafja, and the Sunday fol- lowing preached in Manlius ; and on Monday returned home once more in peace to my family. My oldest daughter accom- panied me on this excursion, as well as on the other alluded to, in 1828, which, in some degree, assisted to dispel the gloom and despondency to which I was exposed. 1 remained pretty steadily at home during the remainder of the fall, the ensuing winter, and spring, fulfilling my engage- ments witli the societies in the immediate vicinity, and made no excursions to any great distance ; and gave my attention more immediately to the concerns of my family, to try, if possible, to relieve my wife of the cares, labors, and anxieties which too heavily pressed upon her ; for in my zeal for the cause, I was too much in the habit of neglecting those duties, and throwing vastly too heavy a burden on her. Mr. S. R. Smith and Mr. P. Morse had, a year or more be- fore this, settled as pastors of the churches in Philadelphia ; Mr. Smith with the Callowhill, and Mr. Morse with the Lomba:^ St. Church. And one day, about the middle of June, 1826, a little past the middle of the day, I was much surprised to see Mr. Smith enter my house, not having heard a word from him for months, and supposing him to be in Philadelphia. He ever had a feeble appearance ; but now he looked unusually sallow, emaciated, and feeble, and manifested, on his first entrance, an uncommon degree of solicitude. He had come on an express, which he said was imperious. His health had failed him to that degree, that his usefulness, if not his life, depended on his re- linquishing his city labors for a season, of retiring for a sea- son and taking m.ore exercise in the unpoilufed air of the coun- try than he could possibly enjoy in the city ; and he had left Philadelphia with the express stipulation, that if I was alive and \tell, I should go and supply his place for a few Sabbaths ; or in case of failure, he was to return immediately. I was, in- deed, taken by surprise ; but he pleaded so earnesth^, and his pale and haggard countenance appealed so eloquently to the sympathies of my soul, that I could not deny his suit ; and there- fore determined to break off thus abruptly from my own socie- ties, and try to satisfy them the best way I could, after my re- turn, and to go to Philadelpliia. Hasty preparations were made, LIFE OF REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 337 arifl I repaired to Utica, where I took passage in a stage coach for Albany, on as dark and rainy a night as is ever seen in that -season of the year ; from Albany to New York I got passage in a steam-boat, and from New York to New Brunswick, in N. J. ; from thence by land in stage-coach to Trenton, and thence by steam-boat to Philadelphia, where I ariuved on the next Sat- urday after Mr. S. came to my house. Before leaving the steam-boat, I descried, among the crowd collected upon the wharf, Mr. Morse, peering through the multitude to examine, the passengers ; although his eye caught mine, and a smile of recognition relieved his visible anxiety; he conducted me to his dwelling, and I boarded with him during my stay. I re- mained in Philadelphia six Sabbaths ; during the time, made several exchanges with Mr. Morse, but preached none on week days. The doctrine seemed wholly confined to the city; few or none attended meetings from the surrounding country, noif €otild I learn that any one beyond the suburbs of the city pro- fessed the least knowledge of Universalism. But I found here an intelligent and good people, plain and unostentatious in their manners, just and upright in their deal, temperate in their hab- its, and social, kind, and benevolent in their intercourse. The meetings were well attended, and the members of both churches manifested a strong attachment to their pastors. The members of the Cailowhill church expressed great solicitude about Mr. Smith, most ardently desired the recovery of his health, and his return to his pastoral charge. I enjoyed good health during , my residence, but in order to secure it, I was obliged to be a little eccentric in my habits. Half of their preaching, even at t-lmt season of the year, (July,) was done in the night. One discourse at 10 in the morning, and another at candle lighting, was the invariable custom in most churches of the city, I be- lieve, and certainly so in both Universalist churches ; and all their social parties were holden after candle-lighting. They, therefore, scarcely ever retired to bed until after 12 o'cldck, nor rose in the morning until 8 or 9. A conformity to this prac ■ tice would never answer my purpose. I was always an early riser; and after the light of day had penetrated my chanv- ber, there was no more " sleep to my eyes, nor slumber to my eye-lids," let the .time of my retiring be what it might. I therefore adopted the snme practice in the city as at home, of rising before the sun, and takiijg a walk out into the country, to breathe the salubrious and refreshing air of the morning;. And while I crept stealthily away from the snoring multitudej. V 336 MEMOIRS OF THE and inhaled the invigorating breeze of the morning, these lines of the immortal Thompson would always occur to my mind :— " Falsely luxurious ! will not man awake, And, springing from the bed of sloth, enjoy The cool, the fragrant, and the morning breeze, • To silent meditation due, and sacred soug V Having taken my morning excursion, generally of a mile or more out of the city, I could return with a good appetite for breakfast, spend the forenoon in my study, take a season of re- pose after dinner, and be ready for a social interview in the even- ing ; and although the weather was unusually warm, for me, I nevertheless found, in this course, the means of preserving my health, and keeping up my spirits. While in the city, I had the privilege, for the first and only time in my life, of going to a Jewish Synagogue, and witness- ino- the forms of Hebrew worship. There was little in it inter- esting to me ; not being a Hebrew scholar, I could not under- stand much they said " out of the lav/," nor " say amen," a& they spake "in an unknown tongue:" I could only see their formulas, in which I discovered, very little solemnity. A still more interesting occasion to me occurred, which I en- joyed the pleasure of witnessing. On the 4th of July, the old Congress Hall of '76 was thrown open, and I had the privilege of hearing an address delivered from the very stand where the venerable President, John Hancock, sat when the Declaration of Independence was adopted; where a full-size statue of Jefferson, in marble, with the roll of independence in his right hand, stood directly behind the speaker. The discourse was not great ; but the association of ideas and feelings produced by the scene was thrilling and captivating. On this day, too, one of the most remarkable, solemn, and interesting events oc- curred, that belongs to the history of the United States. Two of the Ex-Presidents, John Adatns and Thomas Jefferson, both of whom were active members of that Congress, and members of the committee who prepared and brought in that everlasting document which sealed the independence and glory of the Uni- ted States of America, on the 4th of July, 1776, departed this life, probably within one hour of each other. It might be said of them, as in the lameniation of David over Saul and Jonathan, "They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided." And before I left Philadelphia I heard (or rather saw, for few could hear) an address deliver- ed on the occasion. A staging was erected, in front of the sec- Llf'E OP REV. NATHANIEL STACY. 339