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LIFE
OF THE
THREE DAYS
IN A
TRANCE,
NEW YORK:
ROBERT CARTER.
58
56
AND PITTSBURG,
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LIFE
/
'
OF THE
CHAPTER
Among
eration
I.
the duties
to
owes
it,
succeed
we may
in-
Example
and
speaks louder
re-
than precept
ligion has
living, practical
much
greater
effect
on
or eloquence.
men become
and warning
to
posterity; while
4
their
LIFE OF THE
becomes
common obhgato
to
hand down
posterity the
neglect of this
duty, even
scious of the
for
if
the strictest
REV. W. TENNENT.
and
all
exaggeration or
partial representation
be carefully avoid-
ed, the
want
for
no excuse
conduct, v^rhich,
The
writer of these
memoirs has
en-
difficulties of
a peculiar kind to
counter, in attempting to
life
sketch the
man, whose
and sen-
Worldly men, who are emulous to transmit their names to following ages, take care to
leave such materials for the future historian,
as
may
fff'.
LIFE OF THE
sole
whose
aim
is
from day
to day,
"as seeing
Him who
is invisible,"
fame or
distinction,
and
leaving
it
to his
heavenly Father
in the
to refinal
day of
The
must principally rely on a personal acquaintance with him, and the com-
which
shall
ed
to the
it
public.
is
In these
be impartcircum-
stances,
if
peculiarly embarrassing
some
most desira-
established,
that
incredulity shall be
REV. W. TENNENT.
its
effect.
But
though placed in these circumstances, and having such facts to detail, has
nevertheless
determined
to
proceed.
He
own
has
refreshed
recollection,
make
of
others, until he
is
what he shall
From
do
the very nature of several things of which an account will be given, they
not, indeed,
able
if
man
to
whom
was
they relate.
But
there ever
to
a person
who
deserv-
ed
own word,
was
he.
He
possessed
LIFE OF THE
soul,
an integrity of
and a soundness of
judgment, which did actually secure him an unlimited confidence from all who
knew
him.
tion, falsehood,
He was an Israelthere
whom
was no guile.
been
then, as have
He
has
He
could
wish that speculative and even unbelieving minds might be instructed and
convinced by these memoirs.
principal object, and that in
But
his
which he
REV. W. TENNENT.
trusts
pointed,
and comfort
pious souls,
have
to
endure
in
their
pilgrimage
this
world
10
LIFE OF THE
CHAPTER
The
mouth,
late
II.
Monof
New Jersey,
whom we
write,
was
Bucks
county, in the
State of Pennsylvania.
This
last
minister of the
his education.
He
was chaplain
to
an Irish nobleman,
( but being
conscientiously scrupulous
imposed on
REV. W. TENNENT.
the clergy of that kingdom, he
11
was de-
He now became
famous
Gilbert
a Presbyterian min-
Finding
it
difficult to
few years
\
he determined
to
emigrate to America,
to
hope
for
employed
in
in
kingdom
new
world.
He
arrived at Phila-
delphia in the
summer
of 1718, with
Gilbert,
who was
after-
'
12
LIFE OF THE
the second Presby;
church in Philadelphia
Wil;
memoirs
John,
who became
at Freehold,
and died
;
age
of
twenty-five years
and Charles,
the
after-
ward
church
minister
at
of
Presbyterian
removed
land.
Buckingham,
in
Maryon his
at
father,
comTng
to
America,
settled
East Chester,
New
Bedford.
called to
nia,
time
in
he was
Pennsylvaand preached at Bensalem and Smithfield but soon after settled per:
Bucks county,
manently
at
Neshaminy,
in the
same
REV. W. TENNENT.
county.
13
the Latin
it
Being
skilled in
<^
good proficient also in the other learned languages, and well read in divinity,
he determined
to set
up a school
for
God and
his
There appeared,
a very
in his apprehension,
propagation
numfor so
learned ministry,
he well knew, was necessary to the sure foundation of the church of Christ,
especially in a
new
country, so pecu-
14
liarly
LIFE OF
THE
exposed
to
sow
tares
among
the wheat.
In pur-
academy, and
built
a house,
of the
since
known by
lege.
the
name
Log
in
Col-
Soon
county,
the
after
his
arrival
Bucks
on
full
consideration, he left
Church
join
Philadelphia for
communion
and complying with their stated rules, he was very cordially received. At
the
first
after-
ward, he
venerable
REV. W. TENNENT.
15
body in an elegant Latin oration, which added greatly to his celebrity, and increased the hopes of his friends as to
the success of the institution he
had
founded.
To
own
period, in a
new
was a
at this
boon
to
his
generation,
that,
His expectations,
in a
few years,
In this
realized.
m-
men
of the day,
and many of the Presbyterian clergy were educated, and added greatly to
16
the
LIFE OF THE
increase and usefulness of their
churches.
^
land,
pupils,
humble seminary.
were prepared
vices.
Here
also his
own
Had
\of
that infant
have reason
to rejoice,
thanks to that
God who
directed this
is
the
was born on
1705, in the
REV. W. TENNENT.
just turned of thirteen years
17
when he
arrived in America.
self with
He
appUed him-
much
studies,
mined
to
follow the
example of
his
by devoting
His brother
pastoral
being
called
to the at
New
Bruns-
Jersey, and making a very considerable figure as a useful and popular preacher, William determined,
as he had completed his course in the
New
Accordingly, he
left his
fa
18
ther's house,
LIFE OF THE
his advice,
and went
New
Bruns-
wick.
At
his departure
as
from home,
his' setting
from
whom
in all
migrations.
He
as
gave
the
tell-
him
a small
all
sum
of
money
amount of
ing
him
that if he
him
and
he should act
it
was
too
REV. W. TENNENT.
19
^
20
LIFE OF THE
CHAPTER
After
III.
was preparing
by
the Presbytery,
His intense
application
aifected
his
health, and brought on a pain in his He soon breast, and a slight hectic.
at length
was
hving skeleton.
His
life
was
by
now
/
threatened.
He was
the
attended
a physician,
attached to
him by
and
warmest
friendship.
till little
He grew
hopes of
worse
and worse,
left.
life
were
In
REV. W. TENNENT.
21
with his brother, versing one morning of his soul, when state the on Latin,
After the
according to the
common
practice of
the country, and the neighborhood were invited to attend his funeral on the
next day.
and was
afflicted
be-
yond measure
at the
news
of his death.
it
He
was
who had
assisted in laying
he
22
endeavored
first
LIFE OF THB
to ascertaii?
fact.
He
and
put his
it
own hand
intG
warm water,
at the heart,
to
I
make
felt
as sensible as possible,
then
an unusual
warmth, though no one else could He had the body restored to a warm bed, and insisted that the people who had
been invited
to the funeral,
should b
this th
To
brother objected as absurd, the eyes be ing sunk, the lips discolored, and the
stiff.
However,
all
prob
toms of returning life. But the third day arrived, and no hopes were entertained
of success but
by the
doctor,
REV. W. TENNENT.
23
people were again invited, and assemThe doctor bled to attend the funeral.
still
of an hour.
the
He
threatened to crack.
oring to soften
it
He was
it
endeav-
by some emollient
with a feather,
in,
when
the brother
came
about the
was doing
for
an attempt
to
corpse
;"
insisted,
with ear-
At
this critical
and
24
LIFE OF THE
the body, to the
all
important moment,
great
present, opened
ful groan,
^
death.
and sunk again into apparent This put an end to all thoughts
was
an hour, the eyes again opened, a heavy groan proceeded from the body, and
again
ished.
all
In another hour,
seemed
to
return with
the very
a dead body.
in so
weak
REV. W. TENNENT.
25
and low a
However,
he recovered much
about twelve
but
it
was
completely restored.
able to
tice of
was
to take no-
what passed around him, on a Sunday afternoon, his sister, who had
staid
from church
to attend him,
was
when he
took no-
in her hand.
She answered
the Bible.
that she
replied,
was reading
"
He
What
is
the Bible? I
know
not what
sister so
you mean."
much
On her reporting
this
26
LIFE OF THE
to the brother,
when he
returned, Mr.
to
be
totally ignorant of
every transac-
seem
to
meant.
As soon
he became ca-
pable of attention, he
was taught
to
read and write, as children are usually taught, and afterward began to learn
the Latin language, under the tuition of his brother.
One
day, as he
was
he suddenly started, clapped his hand to his head as if something had hurt
him, and made a pause.
His brother
;
he
and
it
now seemed
to
him
as
if
he had
REV. W. TENNENT.
read that book before.
recollection
27
By
degrees his
was
sickness.
his
occurred.
the time,
made
when connected
this narration,
The
events
writer of these
memoirs was
greatly interested
;
by
these
uncommon
28
LIFE OF THE
Tennent
for a
suspended
animation.
time
to
do
he
at length consented,
and
While
on the
state of
my my
for
had entertained
my
an
who
ordered
me
to follow
him.
was
not
know
REV. W. TENNENT.
29
an
in-
how,
till
beheld
at a distance
which
on
my
mind
it is
impossible to
commu-
nicate to mortal
reflected on
man.
immediately
my
am
notwithstanding
all
my
any
appearance.
I
heard things
unutterable.
I felt joy
I
of glory.
then
my conductor,
the
and requested
;
leave
to join
happy throng
on
30
LIFE OF THE
which he tapped me on the shoulder You must return to the and said,
*
earth.'
This
through
my
heart.
my brother standwhich
to
I
The
peared
seemed
me
to
or twenty minutes.
The
row and
*'
trouble gave
me
such a shock
He
added,
of
Such was
I
the effect on
my
mind
it
what
that if
be
possible for a
tirely
human being
to live en-
of
it,
sometime afterward
was
that
person.
The
ravishing sounds
that I
of the
REV. W. TENNENT.
31
my ears, when
All
awake,
my
so
great were
my ideas
of heavenly glory,
in
that nothing
some
measure
relate to
could
command
my
*
serious attention.*
The
obtain every confirmation of this extraordinary event in the life of Mr. Tennent. He, accordingly,
wrote to every person he could think of, likely Tennent on the sub-
He
but the
fol-
lowing
letter,
"Monmouth, N.
"Dear
"
Sir,
I
now
send you,
I
which
some-
32
Is
it
LIFE OF THE
<
fecting
an account,
strong solicitude
my worthy predecessorj the late Rev. William Tennent, of this place. In a very free and feeling conversation on religion, and on the fufriend,
(while
travelling
I
together
to
from Monmouth
to
Princeton,)
mentioned
should be
own mouth,
was
would be
disagreeable to himself.
he proceeded, saying, that he had been sick with a fever^that the fever increased, and he by degrees sunk under it. After some time (as his friends
informed him) he died, or appeared to die, in the same manner as persons usually do that in laying
him
one happened to draw his hand under the left arm, and perceived a tremor in the flesh, that he was laid out, and was cold and stiff. The time
out,
for his funeral
lected
was appointed, and the people colbut a young doctor, his particular friend, pleaded with great earnestness that he might not then be buried, as the tremor under the arm con;
tinued
became impa-
REV. W. TENNENT.
33
mation as
of praise
and adoration,
which Mr.
" What
man
as
a stake ?"
friend,
how-
ever, prevailed ; another day was appointed for the burial, and the people separated. During this interval many means were made use of to dis-
cover,
if
possible,
some symptoms of
life
but
none appeared excepting the tremor. The doctor never left him for three nights and three days.
The
him
even then, obtain the consent of his friend, who and, when that was pleaded for one hour more gone, he pleaded for half an hour, and then for a
;
quarter of an hour
when, just
Mr. period, on which hung his last hope, They then pried opened his eyes.
Tennent
open
his
mouth, which was stiff, so as to get a quill into it, through which some liquid was conveyed into the stomach, and he by degrees recovered.
*'
you seem
to
may
tell
to die,
34
LIFE OF THE
gave
will
You
other par-
and what you were sensible of while in that state.' He replied in the following words As to dying
: ;
I found
my
became weaker
and weaker, until all at once, I found myself in I saw no shape as to the heaven, as I thought. Here he pausDeity, but glory all unutterable !' ed, as though unable to find words to express his views, let his bridle fall, and lifting up his
I can say, as St. Paul did, I hands, proceeded, heard and I saw things all unutterable. I saw a
'
great multitude before this glory, apparently in the height of bliss, singing most melodiously. I
my
my own my
situation,
viewing
glory be-
rest and
gun, and was about to join the great and happy multitude, when one came to me, looked me full in the face, laid his hands upon my shoulder, and
said,
'You must go
back.'
through
me
I
nothing could
me
more
I
must
go back
With
this shock,
opened
in this
saw
was
and fainted
for
REV. W. TENNENT.
ticulars, hereafter, as
35
you
whole among
my
papers
;"
alluding to
in so
week a
situa-
had so entirely
life,
of his past
and the benefit of his former studies, that he could neither understand what was spoken to him, he had to benor write, nor read his own name
;
gin all anew; and did not recollect that he had ever read before, until he had again learned his
letters,
bles,
and was able to pronounce the monosyllasuch as thee and thou. But, that as his
memory
strength returned, which was very slowly, his also returned. Yet, notwithstanding the
his situation, his recollection
extreme feebleness of
of what he
in heaven, as he supposed, and the sense of divine things which he there obtained, continued all the time in their full
like
strength, so that he was continually in something ' ' an ecstasy of mind. And,' said he, for three
years,
the
sense
great, and every thing else appeared so completely vain, when compared to heaven, that could I have
for stooping down for it, " should not have thought of doing it.'
I believe I
36
LIFE OF THE
to
reader
this
is left
very ex-
traordinary occurrence
been
*
It
stated,
was so ordered
course of Divine
Providence, that the writer was sorely disappointed in his expectation of obtaining the papers here
alluded
to.
!
Heaven
Such, however, was the will of Mr. Tennent's death happened during
the revolutionary war, when the enemy separated the writer from him, so as to render it impracticable to attend
and before
it
was
possible to get to his house, after his death, (the writer being with the American army at the
Valley Forge,) his son came from Charleston, and took his mother, and his father's papers and About fifty property, and returned to Carolina.
miles from Charleston, the son was suddenly taken and never sick, and died among entire sirangers
;
since,
left
executor to the
REV. W. TENNENT.
able.
37
whe-
The
it
ther
be contrary
like
that
which
is
38
LIFE OF THE
CHAPTER
As soon
to
IV.
preach the everlasting gospel with great zeal and success. The
began
who had
settled as minister of
The
church of Freehold, shows the opinion of that church with regard to Mr. John Tennent's usefulday, April 23, 1732 The Reverend and dear Mr. John Tennent departed this life between eight and nine o'clock this morning. A
mournful providence, and cause of great humiliation to this poor congregation, to be bereaved, in the flower of youth, of the most laborious, successful, well-qualified, pious pastor this
age
affor-
ded, though but a youth of twenty-five years, five months, and eleven days of age."
REV. W. TENNENT.
39
county
sey,
left that
congregation in a destitute
state.
They had
experienced so
much
spiritual benefit
who was
received on
trial,
and
after
to
be no unwor-
In October,
of a pretty long
one of
the best
Although his salary was small, (it is thought under 100/.) yet the glebe belonging to the church was an excellent
40
LIFE OF THE
which
with care and good farming, was capable of maintaining a family with comfort.
But
of this world
the
was
management
Af-
ter a short time, he found his worldly affairs were becoming embarrassed.
His steward reported to him that he was in debt to the merchant between
20 and
30/.,
of payment,
short.
New
of
York,
who was on
His
life
friend told
him
;
mode
would not do
that be
must get a
REV. W. TENNENT.
wife to attend to his temporal
41
affairs,
and
to
conjugal endearments.
the idea,
He
smiled at
it
never
friend
would be the
some
for
him
it.
he
knew
how
him
to
go about
His friend
that
all
res-
and circumstan-
short, that she was the very he ought to look for and if he thing would go with him to New York the
ces
in
To
this
he soon assented.
The
city,
him
in that
after,
he
was introduced
Mrs. Noble
He
42
LIFE OF THE
was much pleased with her appearance; and, when left alone with her, abruptlytold her, that
that
would
;
him
to
use
much ceremony
but
that if she approved of the measure, he would attend his charge on the next
on Monday,
take
be
hex
married,
and
immediately
home.
and
The
difficulty, at last
and
cir
cumstances rendered
in
it
proper.
Thus,
an affectionate brother.
REV. W. TENNENT.
43
him from
debt,
and by a
managed
all
his
worldly business
literally
fulfilled the
"
a virtu-
ous
woman
is
and that her price is far above rubies." Besides several children, who died in
infancy, he had
who studied physic, and died in the West Indies, when about thirty-three years of age William, a man of supe;
rior character,
dependent church
Carolina,
Charleston, South
of
who
44
LIFE OF THE
and Gilbert, who also practiced physic, and died at Freehold, before
old
;
his
1
father,
Few
( a
handsome appearance and the father gave them the most liberal education
more manly
could
afford.
to earthly
was
him
old,
when he
led
fields
on a Lord's day,
The
design of
As he went
his eyes
on the
thought sud-
REV. W. TENNENT.
this
45
in
"
question
Should God
his
providence take
me
become
mother, for
whom
answer
care to
negligence to
God and
to
them
The
called
him
to,
and the
who
own
and
worse than an
infidel,"
had such
an impressive effect on his mind, that it almost deprived him of his senses.
He
saw
his conduct,
which before he
from a deep
thought
arose
entirely
46
viewed
it.
LIFE OF THE
He
immediately attempted
to return
distress,
till,
all
at once,
he
was
relieved
by
as suddenly recurring
which came
force
:
into his
"
Moses
Such, gave not any inheritance." however, was the effect of this unexpected scene on Mr. Tennent's mind and judgment, that ever afterwards he
prudently attended to the temporal business of
life, still,
however, in perfect
things of
that
God was
as well
by discharging
and
fear, as
in his love
by more imme-
REV. W. TENNENT.
diate
acts
47
clearlyits
of devotion.
He
perceived that
prop;
as motive
had a
right,
be done
to the
glory of
God,
still
fulness
engaged with the utmost zeal and faithand was esteemed by all ranks
;
and degrees, as
and success-
contemporaries,
48
LIFE OF THE
in his ministerial
He was
man
it
with
whom
for a
he conversed, though
was but
few hours.
He
on important subjects without the best evidence that was to be had. His
seldom pub-
lished,
truly an able
of the
New Testament. He
pulpit, which,
said
manner so peculiar
to himself,
and so
REV. W. TENNENT.
49
and
to instruct.
As an
ter
was a
witness.
Mr. Tennent was passing through a town in the state of New Jersey, in
which he was a
;
stranger,
er preached and stopping at a friend's house to dine, was informed that it was
a day of fasting and prayer in the congregation, on account of a very remarkable and severe drought,
which
threat-
His friend
had
just returned
intermission
difficulty consented, as
50
he wished
to
LIFE OF THE
meagre visage, engaged their attention, and excited their curiosity. On his rising up, instead of beginning to pray,
as
was
around the congregation with a piercing eye and earnest attention, and, after a
minute's profound silence, he addressed
in the
fol!
"
:
My
;
beloved brethren
am
told
to fast
and pray
work
REV. W. TENNENT.
indeed, provided
51
with a sincere
thereby
;
God
but
if
your design
is
merely
offi-
you
as ly imaginable,
better
have
staid at
But
if
your minds are indeed impressed with the solemnity of the occasion, and you
are really desirous of humbling yourselves
before
Almighty
God,
your
heavenly
Father,
come
and
so
let
us pray."
This had an
uncommon and
extraordinary
on
that time
day's
52
riousness
LIFE OF THE
was
universally manifested.
The
sermon added
already
greatly
the
impressions
to
mind,
command
the
the
affections, temper which had been so happily produced. Many had reason to bless God for this
and increase
unexpected visit, and to reckon this day one of the happiest of their lives.*
*
The
Rev. Dr. William M. Tennent, a written account of an anecdote relative to his uncle, which he had
once heard him repeat verbally, received, in reply, the following letter
:
"Sir,
"
late
The
anecdote of
my
Wm.
ed
me
"
During the greatest revival of religion, which took place under the ministry of Mr. Whitfield,
REV. W. TENNENT.
53
in-
While on
this subject,
we may
man,
to
show
the dealings
of
and others distinguished for their piety and zeal at that period, Mr. Tennent was laboriously active,
and much engaged to help forward the work in the performance of which he met with strong and The following is related as powerful temptations.
;
own lips, and may be considered as extraordinary and singularly strikreceived, in substance, from his
ing
"
On
the
to
which was
ed a subject for the discourse which was to be delivered, and made some progress in his preparations.
In the morning he resumed the same subject, with an intention to extend his thoughts further on
it,
but
a temptation
was
He instantly
prayer,
but
The temptation continued, and fastened upon him with greater strength, as the time advanced for He lost all the thoughts which he public service.
had on
this
He
54
God
He was
atten-
people.
was
him
was
to use his
own
' shut up in prayer.' cloud, dark as that of Egypt, oppressed his mind. " Thus agonized in spirit, he proceeded to the
words,
church, where he found a large congregation assembled, and waiting to hear the word ; and then
it
was, he observed, that he was more deeply disund especially for the dishonor
fall
upon
religion,
through
him
that day.
He introduced it by singing a psalm, service. during which time his agitations increased to the
highest degree.
When
the
moment
for prayer
most perilous and painful situation, and, with arms extended to heaven, began with this outcry, Lord have mer-
commenced, he arose
as one in the
cy upon me !' Upon the utterance of this petition he was heard the thick cloud instantly broke
;
light
shone in
to
upon
his
soul
seemed
be
REV. W. TENNENT.
his
55
own
the custom
was
to
evening
service,
with
an
He
and
had preached
in the
morn-
ing,
in the intermission
had walk-
he felt as though caught up to the heavens, and he saw God, as Moses did on the Mount, face to with an enlargeface, and was carried forth to him, ment greater than he had ever before experienced,
and on every page of the scriptures saw his diviniThe result was a colors. ty inscribed in brightest whole congredeep solemnity on the face of the
was
full
at the end of the prayer, gation, and the house, He gave them the subject of his a Bochim.
was brought to his evening meditations, which remembrance, with an overflowing abundance The Lord of other weighty and solemn matter.
blfssed the discourse, so that
it
means
This day
of the conversion of about thirty persons. his harhe of, ever afterwards, as
spoke
vest day.
am
WM.
M.
TENNENT."
56
LIFE OF THE
wisdom
manifested in
all
his works,
and partic-
wonderful method of salularly in the vation, through the death and sufferson. ings of his beloved
This subject mind with such suddenly opened on his a flood of hght, that his views of the
glory,
and the
infinite
majesty of Jeho-
ground.
When
God
he had revived a
little, all
he could do
was
would withdraw himself from him, or that he must perish under a view of his
inefl"able glory.
When
able to reflect
on
his situation,
himself as a
REV. W. TENNENT.
57
and seemed
to
unwor-
men
in the
glorious
Overstaying
his
to
rise,
and
in-
They
raised
him
some
time, brought
him
church, and
supported him
to the pulpit,
which he
to
j
\
'
He
remained
silent
a con-
Almighty God
to
hide
himself
68
LIFE OE THE
to address his people,
might be enabled
who were by this time lost in wonder to know what had produced this uncommon event. His prayers were
heard, and he
became
able to stand
up
by holding on to the desk. He now began the most affecting and pathetic
address that the congregation had ever
received from him.
He gave a surpris
wisdom
deplored his
to
own
incapacity to speak
a Being so infinitely
his
them concering
glorious beyond
scription.
all
powers of de-
him
of the astonishing
it
hovah, of which
was impossible
human
REV. W. TENNENT.
ceptions.
59
He
fervent
greatly to
congregation,
and draw tears from every eye. A sermon followed, that continued the solemn scene, and made very lasting impressions on all the hearers.
>/
60
LIFE OF THE
CHAPTER
The
great
V.
increase
of
communievi-
was a good
dence of his pastoral care and powerful preaching, as it exceeded that of most
churches in the synod.
But
his labors
to the
pulpit.
He
was
indefatigable in his
endeavors to
communicate
In his parochial
to
visits,
he used regularly
go through his
Christ to
REV. W. TENNENT.
r
61
their children at
home by
for certain
that
be done
mestic
in a congregation,
mode
of instruction, than
any
who
has not
made
way
of the
word
publically preached.
all
He made it
a practice in
these visits
on
all,
high
and low, rich and poor, old and young, master and servant. To this he was
62
LIFE OF THE
it
particularly attentive,
ite
being a favor"that he
could live
observation
v^^ith
him,
man
subjects,
by
partic-
The
show
mind and
couple of
young clergymen,
time
visiting at
on the
question, at that
much controvertfaith
ed in
New
England, whether
first in
or
repentance was
conversion of
order
in the
a sinner.
Not being
REV. W. TENNENT.
to
63
He
lemn debate
for
some
window, pointed
a
hill
man
young clergymen
they
knew
that
man
tive,
on their answering negahe told them it was one of his elin the
ders,
who
to
had
more than
Mr. Ten-
Now,"
said
came
first,
would say?"
not
tell
tell.
They
"Then," says
:
he,
"I
will
you
64
not which
LIFE OF THE
came
first,
Now, my friends," he got them both. " be careful that you have both added,
a true faith and a sincere repentence,
by
this
that
Mr. Tennent
was unfriendly
doctrines.
to a
ear-
young clergymen
This, indeed,
was
an object on which his heart was much set, and which he exerted himself greatly to promote.
dis-
REV. W. TENNENT.
65
and would
visit
them with
as
much
body and
soul.
But
his great-
est talent
was
that of a
in
peacemaker,
which he possessed
so eminent a
him
in
it.
He was
which arose
in congregations
concerned, he
;
was generally successful indeed, he would seldom relinquish his object till
he had accomplished it. But while this man of
God was
in
thus
and
advancing
66
LIFE OF THE
Lord and Master, the great enemy of mankind was not hkely
the glory of his
to observe the destruction of his kinsf-
dom
vent
without making an
it.
effort
to
pre-
As he
and
his art
all
he
followers of
of his invete-
we
write,
was
greatly honored
by pe-
culiar
and
fallen spirit.
The
time
of
speaking was remarkable for a great revival of religion,* in which Mr. Ten*
It
was not
far
from A. D. 1774.
REV. W. TENNENT.
nent was
67
considerably instrumental,
and
among
as
people.
Possessing a
as
commanding eloquence,
other estimable qualities,
well
he became
celebrated
much
throughout the country. His celebrity uid success were subjects of very serious regret to
lings,
many
careless world-
who
placed
all their
happiness in
Row-
many
of the great
men
of
New
Jersey, and
68
LIFE OF THE
who
time
There was
of
Tom Bell,
who
whose
were
understanding
greatly ex-
His
scending to every species of iniquity. In all the arts of theft, robbery, fraud,
deception, and defamation, he
was so
deeply
skilled,
it
ticed, that
had
his
equal
country.
He
in
REV. W. TENNENT.
to escape punishment.
69
This
man
un-
in his
the
most care-
happened, that
Tom
Bell arri-
at a tavern in
Prince-
frock.
On
his
entering
the
tavern
John Stockton,
whom
him
to
Bell assured
him
difficulty
that
Mr.
had arisen
70
from
his
LIFE OF THE
great
resemblance to Mr.
sufficient
Rowland.
impostor.
into the
The
next day
Bell
went
ped
in a congregation
known.
of the congregation, to
whom
to
he
intro-
them some
time before.
ately invited
spend
the
ple
:
as the peo-
were without a
minister, to preach
for
them on
which
was according-
neighborhood.
The
REV. W. TENNENT.
71
and a private
as a study,
to
him
The
sa-
family wagon, and the master of the house accompanied them on an ele-
gant horse.
When
left his
notes in his
study, and proposed to ride back for them on the fine horse, by which means
he should be able
the
service.
horse,
returned
the
house,
rifled
made
he
off
with
the
horse.
Wherever
stopped.
72
he
called
LIFE OF THE
himself
the
Rev.
David
Rovi^land.
At
Messrs.
gone
into Pennsylvania,
had practiced
his fraud,)
on business
after their
of a religious nature.
Soon
he gave bonds to
appear
at
the
the affair
made
and Terminer, the judge charged the grand jury on the subject with great
severity.
without
REV. W. TENNENT.
finding a
bill.
73
them
in an
The
They
again re-
turned without finding a bill, and weve again sent out with threatnings of severe punishment,
their
refusal.
if
they persisted in
last
they agreed, brought in a bill for the alledged crime. On the trial, Messrs. Tennent, Anderson,
At
and
proved an alibi
in
favor of
Mr. Rowland, by swearing, that on the very day on which the robbery was
committed, they were with Mr.
land,
RowPenn/
in
sylvania or Maryland.
The
jury ac
hesi-
disappointment and
prosecutors,
mortification of his
and
74
of
LIFE OF THE
many
had recently
ta-
ken place
The
spirits hostile
to the
spread of
overcome.
nity was now presented, favorable for inflicting a deep wound on the cause
of Christianity
and, as
if
urged on
by
no
art
unemployed,
for the
of God.
Many and
circumstances which
to inspire
contributed
of success.
The
who had
that
Mr.
REV. W. TENNENT.
75
this tes-
Rowland was
number
the robber
and
Tom
been
mass of
dence of
ered as
out of their
power
Their
vengeance,
was
directed
testi-
by whose
;
cleared
and they
for perjury,
the county
ed a
strict
76
LIFE OF THE
that these
which was,
to
be indicted.
After an examination
side only, as
the custom in such cases, the grand jury did accordingly find bills of indict-
ment
son and Stevens, for willful and corrupt Their enemies, and the eneperjury.
to tri-
umph.
They
an indelible
stain
would be
fixed
on
sequence, on religion
this
itself;
and that
new
all
light,
nated
to
REV. W. TENNENT.
77
odium
and demanded a
the
first
court
This proved of Oyer and Terminer. most seriously injurious to him for
;
he was pronounced
guilty,
and most
cruelly and unjustly condemned to stand one hour on the court house
steps,
with
paper
on his breast,
letters,
whereon was
" This
jury,"
is
written, in large
for willful
upon him.
Messrs. Tennent and Stevens were
summoned to appear at the next court ; and attended accordingly, depending on the aid of Mr. John Coxe, an eminent lawyer,
previously
78
LIFE OF THE
employed to conduct their defence. As Mr. Tennent was wholly unacquainted with the nature of forensic
liti-
living
(all
who
the persons
who were
to
with him
was
commit himself
if
to
he must
suffer, to
take
it
as
if
who
he well knew, could make even the wrath of man to praise him ;* and, considering
suffer,
pillory,
if
that
On
his arrival at
terested in his critical situation, and kept a day of fasting and prayer on the occasion.
79
Mr.
Smith of
New
chief-justice
of Canada,
the
who had
voluntarily
;
also his
settled
trial
was
to
come
they
Mr.
Coxe requested
that
would bring their witnesses, that they might examine them previously to their
going into
court.
Mr.
Tennent an-
80
LIFE OF THE
know
"
of any
Mr. Coxe
God and
his
own
If
con-
rephed,
sir,
have no witnesses,
the
trial
you must
be put
ly will
off;
be convicted.
testimony
You
w^ell
know
be
the
strong
that
will
are
making
to
accomplish your
"
replied,
it
ruin."
Mr. Tennent
all this,
am
or
sensible of
yet
never shall be
trial,
delayed the
been
afraid to
I
meet the
justice
of
my
country.
and that
I seiTC, will
me
to fall
or
by by the
go on
wicked machinations of
servants
;
his agents or
therefore, gentlemen,
REV. W. TENNENT.
to the trial."
81
sey,
who were
that
him
his confidence
and
trust
in
was well founded, and, before a heavenly tribunal, would be all im;
portant to him
but assured
him
it
would not
avail in
trial.
inflexible in his
that since he
trial,
was determined
to
go
to
favorable to
him on a demurrer.
He
find-
was
to
and
rest
on the law
82
arising
LIFE OF THE
from
it,
was another
fore he
with great vehemence, saying that this snare of the devil, and be-
would consent
to
it
he would su-
'.
fer death.
He
his confidence in
God was
that
so strong,
and
his
assurance
would bring
way
or oth-
was
to
them
delay the
trial for
a moment.
faith
was not
of
description, and
to the
down
his neighbor
cape that was offered, and was afterwards discharged on the exception.
Mr. Coxe
still
urged putting
off the
REV. W. TENNENT.
trial,
83
the part
than of a
Christian
and
ing
not
knowsum-
how
to
act,
when
the bell
moned them
to court.
far in
his
wife, stopped him, and asked if his name was not Tennent. He an-
who
swered
to
in the affirmative
if
know
him.
The man
"
replied,
You
best
know."
that he
He
told his
was from a
in
he mentioned)
ryland
;
Pennsylvania or Ma-
that
had lodg-
84
ed either
LIFE OF THE
at his
house, or in a house
not
now
certain which,) at
;
a particular
time
which he named
some
home,
he and
sleep,
his wife
waked
out of a sound
and each
dream
which had
proved to be the same in substance to wit, that he, Mr. Tennent, was at Trenton,
and
that
it
was
in their
only, to relieve
him.
as
a remarkable dream
went
to sleep,
and
it
was twice
repeatto
same manner,
both of them.
REV. W. TENNENT.
85
know
him what they were to do. Mr. Tennent went with them immediately to the court house, and his counsel,
on examining the
and finding
their testimony to
astonishment.
Before
the
him
that he
was
so harassed
had been
he could
,
get no rest
till
he had determined to
full
confession.
He
Soon
man
86
LIFE OF THE
ployed
to
aid
the
movement
of
and Monday
in question,
and
satisfied
acquit
Mr. Tennent, by
their unani-
mous
merous opposers.
ed the writer of
whole of
never
failed him,
mous
REV. W. TENNENT.
pillory,
87
made
preparation, and
to deliver a
was
fully to the
determined
people, in
sermon
if
that situation,
in
it.
he should be placed
He
to Philadel-
hill
at the
j
' ,
denly so
him with
horror, as
it
com-
pletely to
unman
from
him, and
was with
great
difficulty
from
falling
He reachto dis-
was obliged
it
to
be assisted
mount, and
88
LIFE OF THE
Such
mind!
is
human
with unsha-
ken firmness, the severest external and sometimes pressure and violence
;
it
when
it
has
nothing to fear
er say, such
is
or should
we
not rath-
the support
to his
which God
sometimes affords
manner
their
in
to feel
that necessi-
ty
is
may be
due.
The
REV. W. TENNENT.
gular
89
manner
in
just
been noticed,
is
a matter of
pubhc
and records.
This special instance of the interference of the righteous Judge of all tL^
earth ought to yield consolation to pious
where there
is
Yet
it
ought to
no encouragement
to the enthu-
who
means of
God
in
puts in his
power.
True confidence
God
is
use of
all
90
LIFE OF THE
It
an unshaken
belief,
that
while right means are used, God will be the most give that issue which shall
for
his glory,
The
corded may also serve as a solemn warning to the enemies of God's people, and
to the
strive,
by wicked and
deep-laid machi-
nations, to
Most High,
whom
all
sooner
or later, he
will vindicate, to
who
REV. W. TENNENT.
91
CHAPTER
w>
VI.
man
of
most
had a remarkably cheerful disposition, and generally communicated his instructions with so
pleas-
and affection of
versed,
all
whom he
children
con-
especially
and
young people.
with strangers
In
his intercourse
and men
of the world,
made them
92
LIFE OF THE
w^ell
knowing
An instance
red in Virginia.
S. Blair and Mr.
The
late
Rev. Mr.
They
tavern for the night, where they found a number of guests with whom
they
supped
table
in a
common room.
cleared,
it.
After the
was
our missionaries
withdrew from
them on the
table.
One
of
the
REV. W. TENNENT.
not take a cut with them, not
that they
93
knowing
were clergymen.
Mr TenWith
if
my gentlemen, you can convince us that thereby we can serve our Master's cause, or contribute any
heart,
from the gentlemen, when Mr. Ten" We are nent, with solemnity added,
ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We
we
to
is
persuade mankind
sins,
to repent of
their
to ac-
cept
salvation
which
This
solemn manner,
94
LIFE OF THE
sincerity, so
engaged the gentleman's attention, that the cards were laid aside, and an op
portunity
was
afforded,
and cheerfully
embraced,
conversation,
during
the
rest of the
evening, some
most
and apparent
edifica-
dispensations,
afflictive,
was among
man
rious
of God.
He
had been
tried,
in
ways
but domestic
afflictions,
upon him.
The
time,
however, was
now come,
REV. W. TENNENT.
95
when
his character
was
to
be brighten-
ed by a severe
and obedience
with
many
pecuHarly distressing
circum-
His yomigest son, who was one of the handsomest of men, had just
stances.
come
into
pubhc
hfe,
had commenced
>
the practice
of physic,
child.
was married,
the great dis-
To
of the
parents,
he discovered,
'.^
Wholly neghgent
world.
son
96
LIFE OF THE
ally entertaining
hopes that
God would^
by the him in
own
summons
should arrive
that he
might
world.
gaged
in inoculating a
number
of per-
sons, in a house he
the purpose,
a sudden and alarming view of his lost condition by nature, and the grievous
transgressions
sins
of his
past
life.
His
were
all set
97
horrible darkness,
and an aw-
Jehovah,
on him, so as
to
make
him
The
stantly in prayer
He
seldom
left
For many
tresses
unabated fury
which
awakened conscience.
height
to
Such was
at
the
last
which
his anguish
bed on which he lay was shaken by the violent and united convulsions of mind and body/ The 7
arose, that the
w^
/
'
)-r.
.it-
98
parents
LIFE OP THE
were touched
unquahfied
to
the quick
and
their
submission
to
God,
as a sovereign
God,
in his infinite
was
to
at last pleased, in
some measure,
hear the
many
prayers put up
by the
for
friends,
His
na-
views of the
ture,
lost state of
man by
of the only
means
of salvation,
Holy
Spirit,
became
clear
importance of a practical acquaintance with these things, was deeply and ra-
REV. W. TENNENT.
tionally
99
He
now saw
to him,
which he had
deemed ahuost
was
or aUogether hopeless
possible.
came
instruction
and advice.
In
short
time he began to give as much evidence of a change of heart as a deathbed repentance (rarely to be greatly/
relied on)
for his
can easily
afford.
He
sent
companions
in iniquity,
and nothim-
them,
which he did
ful,
son,
who, by the
infinite
mercy of a
prayer-hearing God, had been delivered from a hell gaping to receive him.
He
besought them, by
all
the terrors
366476A
100
LIFE OF THE
of everlasting destruction
by
all
the
mortal souls
fied Jesus,
by the
own
love of a cruci-
who poured
by
his
terrible
would
re-
pent and turn to God. This happy change was a reviving cordial to the
^
distressed
and suffering
father.
His
soul
full
his
mouth was
to surrenpared, with true resignation, der the son of his advanced age to the
him.
was removed
There being
from time
to eternity.
REV. W. TENNENT.
101
the
no minister
father
in the neighborhood,
sermon.
were especially
'
ed
in
seri-
ously
inclined
heavy
affliction,
and returned
life
to
an
for a
few
years,
when God
again called
him
to another severe
guished figure in
had
make
a distin-
possessed
102
LIFE OF THE
of his brother.
father
It
was
called to
New York
the
to heal
some
differences
between
memnext
The
morning
he went into
of the minisin,
a book-store,
ters of the
when one
him, after
common
salutations, told
him
that
West Indies.
at first struck
The
dumb.
old gentleman
was
With
the
that
difficulty
news came
it
was by a
circuitous route, he
The
will of
REV. W. TENNENT.
the
103
Lord be done."
it
The clergyman
for
observed, that
was happy
him to be
it.
Tennent
Mr.
The Lord
is
my
his
God;
his
be done."
On
being
who was
and endeavor
"I swered,
siness
finish
;
to settle his
mind, he an-
am come
that
to
my
;
should
I
it
when
done,
for
shall
mourn
my son."
his
He
immediately
104
LIFE OF THE
trying occasions, he
submission
to the allotment of
The
following
extract
from a
letter,
written at this
show
mind
in his
own
language: ''Freehold, March, My dear sir Perhaps before 'this comes to hand, you will be informed,
1776.
that
He who
gave
me
the honorable
me
child-
My
I
son
is
dead.
This acletter
is
count
written to a friend
*
the account
so
He
one son forgotten that he had yet was 800 miles distant from him.
although he
REV. W. TENNENT.
Straight,
105
truth.
it,
The tennor do I
authenticated.
This
me
before the
matter
is
pubhshed.
all
heart have
load,
falls
which
upon
to
it is
her.
know
her attach-
ment
that
child; his
conduct has
been such
us.
as greatly endeared
him
to
in his edu-
for him.
He
in our
power,
own property ?
God forbid
This
106
sir,
LIFE OF THE
is
not only
what
soul, for
honor.
since
It
is
now above
I
fifty
years
my
God
in Jesus Christ.
son nor daughter; I was completely satisfied with him, and, blessed be his
name,
am
so now.
if
Have
?
then
!
ruined
O, no
on the contrary, I have the utmost reason for thanksgiving, that he has not,
in righteous judgment, deprived
me
of
himself; in
whom
if
all
fullness dwells.
My wife
shall
to childhood
we
need one
to lead
and we
shall
REV. W. TENNENT.
consist in the satisfaction of your
107
own
mind,
that
Thus
man
however
afflic-
and glory of
God
same
disposition
on
acquaintance.
the late Rev.
last in this
When
field
was
visit as
through
New
Jersey.
Mr. Whitefield
and a number of other clergymen, among whom was Mr. Tennent, were
by a gentleman in the where the late Mr. Wilneighborhood, liam Livingston, since Governor of New
invited to dinner
108
LIFE OP THE
among
the
v^^ith
which
their
were crowned.
He
greatly la-
mented
fervor,
and
availed but
little
said that
he
work
would be done, when he should depart and be with Christ that the prospect
;
He
him,
if it
were not
REV. W. TENNENT.
that they should soon
109
go to
rest.
They
Tenin
who
;
sat next to
Mr. Whitefield
silence
covered but
versation.
conpleasure in the
On
turning to him,
knee,
said,
you
you not rejoice to think that your time is so near at hand, when you will be
called
home and
freed from
all
the
diffi-
chequered scene?" Mr. Tennent bluntly answered, "I have Mr. Whitefield no wish about it."
culties attending this
No,
;
sir,
it
is
no.
me
it
at all
and
if
you knew
you.
I
your duty,
would be none
to
110
have nothing
ness
as I
is
LIFE OP THE
to
do with death,
I
to
Hve as long as
can
my busias well
he shall
me home."
for
Mr.
Whitefield
still
urged
an explicit
answer
of death were
own
" I
choice.
Mr. Tennent
choice about
it
replied,
:
have
no
am
God's servant,
to
do his business as
But now,
brother, let
a question.
What do you
if I
would say
was
to
send
my man
;
Tom
at
plough
and
if
noon
go
to the field,
and
find
tree
com-
plaining,
is
very hot,
REV. W. TENNENT.
Ill
and the ploughing hard and difficult ; I am tired and weary of the work you
have appointed me, and am overdone with the heat and burden of the day ;
do, master, let
me
say
discharged
from
hard service
that
?'
What would I
an
idle,
Why,
;
he was
his bu-
lazy fellow
that
it
was
siness to do the
work
that I
had appoint-
ed him,
think
fit
until
I,
to call
him home.
Or, sup-
to serve
you
performed
of
his
service,
become
or
placed
in
other
circumstances
112
LIFE OF THE
not call
Would you
slothful servant,
The
mild,
in
which
this
rather increased
pany
who became
satisfied that
it
was
in itself,
is
"
far
remain
it
in this imperfect
and that
the days of
my
wait
till
my change
come."
qualifications,
Among
Mr. Tennent's
none were more conspicuous than activity both of body and mind.
his
He
REV. W. TENNENT.
hated and despised
sloth.
113
al-
He was
most always
in action
never wearied
*
His
integrity
were
quaintance.
He was
from
so great a lover
even
in a joke.
He
liberality of sentiment,
those
who
differed
from him
His
hospitality
and
domestic enjoy-
His pubwas
ar-
his attachment to
He
took an early
in the
commencement
8
114
war.
LIFE OF THE
He was
oppressed, and that her petitions to the sovereign of the mother country were
constitutional, loyal, moderate,
and rea-
sonable
that the
As he made
it
a rule,
how-
he had no
way
to manifest his
by
his
prayers,
Notwithstanding
these
political
opinions, he
was not
and especially
to their
moral and
reli-
REV. W. TENNENT.
gious conduct.
115
The
following extract
from a
letter to the
author of these
dated February 14, 1775, marks the temper of his mind strongly
sketches,
:
*'
My
sorrows are
I share
mine
no small degree
;
the
tie
is
This
a day of darkness in
are in
it.
my
view, and
few
with
haps
as
little
to
or
humbly hope
but I
we
am disThe
;
ruin of both
is
awfully threatened
and
116
LIFE OF THE
may
ere long
be
behooves every one to cry, Lord, and give Spare thy people,
It
know
God
ing,
is
merciful
he has, notwithstand-
him
as
we
The
reason
Lord can
to think
'
deliver
will,
but have
we
he
will
wound
Is there
?
any apis
it
pearance of reformation
not the reverse
?
Yea,
by excessive
drinking,
&c.
&c.
Have
REV. W. TENNENT.
of religion
Is
it
117
in all
our conversations?
unconstitutional (to
not
become
God's name
in
way
of dishonoring
burlesqued by paper substituted for the Bible on the What Lord's day yea, at church?
Is not the
for a sanctuary."
visit,
within
twenty miles of
New
York,
when a
the
batteries,
and
to
proceed up the
army
in the
A very
118
place,
LIFE OF THE
sur-
rounding
on our army.
two
within himself, he turned to a friend or " Come, while present, and said,
let
us
They, accordingly,
room, where he most
went up
into his
with
God
in behalf of his
suffering country.
REV. W. TENNENT.
119
CHAPTER
About
VII.
Mr.
symptoms.
He
was
who
which he was
on
member.
He
his
amined carefully into Mr. Tennent's complaints, and the symptoms attending his disorder.
With
great candor
120
LIFE OF THE
and that
it
was out
of his
power
to
attend him.
He
vanced age there was not strength of nature sufficient to overcome so severe
a shock, and that his
symptoms
scarce-
The good
will
old
man
received this
news
to the divine
for as
endeavored so
to live, that,
when
the
summons
nothing
to
do but
to die.
He
calmly
"I replied,
violence of
am
my
racked
my
constitution to an
uncom-
mon
degree, and beyond what I have ever before experienced, and that it ia
REV. W. TENNENT.
121
to live, if
it
should
After
be
me
hence."
" Blessed
to live, if to
it
be God,
have no
wish
pleasure
call
me
hence, unless
it
issue to the
my
this,
country
engaged
in
but even in
During
his
victory,
He
on the 8th day of March, 1777. was buried in his own church at
Freehold
numerous concourse of
122
people,
LIFE OF THE
bers of his
own congregation,
but of the
He
had
and a long face. His general countenance was grave and solemn, but at all
times cheerful and pleasant with his
friends.
It
may
an extraordinary manner, to
the world and
all its
live
above
allurements.
He
seemed
views of
habitually to have
spiritual
such clear
as afforded
him much
His
faith
was
REV. W. TENNENT.
really
123
and
stance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen." Literally, and he his daily walk was with God
lived
"
as seeing
him who
is
invisible."
fre-
The
him was
and
in
his
private conduct.
satisfied,
was
exerting himself, in
some
way
rendering kind
and
effectual
Take
to his fellow
men.
him
in
his
whole demeanor
whom
it
said, that
the righteous.
124
LIFE OF THE
He
was
in divinity,
and
He
the
Calvinist.
;
The
the absolute
will
all in
perfect con-
of his faith.
These
doctrines, indeed,
in his
pub-
cess
was
tions.
ther
obeyed
him as
in his
and delighted
REV. W. TENNENT.
125
company and
friend
private conversation as a
and brother.
He carefully avoid-
gyman, whom they had never before seen, was introduced to the synod, and
asked
to
preach
in the
evening.
Mr.
dis-
As
the con-
Mr. Tennent,
to
in the
crowd, coming up
the
My brother, when
to
save myself,
whatever
do with
my
congregation."
126
"
said,
LIFE OF THE
sir ?"
Mr.
have been
/ sending your whole congregation, sy nod and all, to perdition, and you have not even saved yourself. Whenever I
preach, I
"'
make
it
a rule to save
left
my-
self,"
him, with-
out his
mourned
him
him
and religious
He was
who
truly
a patriot, not in
in
words
all
condemning
in
from him
to proscription
and death
but in acting
such a
REV. W. TENNENT.
12T
had followed
on his
He
insisted
own
rights
he was willing
same
as
of
much importance
and act
well, as think
To
es
this
May
is
who
whom
their life
may be
may be
like his
He
may
removes
faithful
and
distin-
up
others,
who
shall
128
and who
shall
be even more
THE END.
ivv
APR 8
1954