PE OD ILE IIRC oa TOLL RET PO Dia NE ler a lle ts PIE SF ERT NEB 7 me | LIFE AND TIMES ELDER REUBEN ROSs. BY HIS SON, JAMES ROSS. x F WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND NOTES » By J. M. Pendleton. 4 ¥, 4 ; 4 } 4 pk eek Philada. ) PHILADELPHIA: = i) / Printep By Grant, Farres & RopeeErs, , REUBEN ROSS. 62 & 64 NORTH SIXTH STREET. 5 i % f Jj * E 3 ain @ - 2 t PAE ESE lh Eis EE PTR TE EOS ghee RT TO MRS, MARION R. DUDLEY, OF LOGAN C0, KENTUCKY: THIS VOLUME, WRITTEN TO ACQUAINT HER WITH THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HER VENERABLE GRANDFATHER, IS AFFECTION- ATELY DEDICATED BY HER FATHER, THE AUTHOR, WITH THE HOPE THAT SHE AND OTHERS OF HIS DESCENDANTS, BOTH NOW AND HERE- AFTER, MAY FEEL AN INTEREST IN THE NARRATIVE. serena TT ONE OIE LAOREET Ee HP EMT MEE MOTT AE CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. CHAPTER I. BIRTH AND PARENTAGE. The Ross Family—The losses of Reuben’s father in the Revolutionary War—His parents pious Baptists, and die about the same time. 21 CHAPTER II. EARLY LIFE, The Roanoke River—Its famous fisheries—The shad—The herring— The sturgeon, vast numbers taken with the seine—Manner of using it —Superstitious persons— Their stories about witches, 27 CHAPTER III. HIS EDUCATION. Brief time at school— Dilworth’s Spelling book” and “The Psalter.” 36 CHAPTER IV. ANECDOTES OF EARLY YEARS, The old school schoolmaster—His accomplishments—Showing a boy his future bride—A great fright—The old pioneer who made long pray- ers—Story about the cats. 44 CHAPTER V. MARRIAGE—THE YARRELL FAMILY. Mildred Yarrell—Her beauty—Her character—Her profession of reli- gion—Domestic happiness—birth of children. 51 CHAPTER VI. HIS CONVERSION. In what conversion consists—Its necessity—Meaning of the word religion, 61 5 6 CONTENTS. CHAPTER VII. BEGINS TO PREACH AND REMOVES TO THE WEST. Relates his “experience” to the Church—Is baptized—Feels great desire for the salvation of others—Is licensed to preach—Preaching at that time—Fails in business—Sells out and pays his debts—Determined to go Westward—Is ordained. 69 CHAPTER VIII. REMINISCENCES OF EARLY DAYS. Reminiscences—The twins—Pretty ladies—Their perfumery—The witches—The Guinea negroes—The boy who took too much toddy~ The musters—The Court House—Wild fruits and nuts—The old willow— The farewell. 78 CHAPTER IX. THE JOURNEY COMMENCED. All meet at the “old church "—Pitch their tents—The first night— Parting scene—Pass by Guilford, and the battlefield—Sight of the Blue Ridge—Manner of ascending it—Frolic of the boys. 90 CHAPTER X. BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS. Abingdon—Bean’s Station—Its historic interest —Beauty of the moun- tain scenery—The wilderness—An Indian visitor—Great alarm—Pass through Nashville—Reach Port Royal. 99 CHAPTER XI. AFTER THE JOURNEY. First Cabin—Teaching school—His first sermon in Tennessee—His age and appearance—First death in the family—A reminiscence—The country in which he mostly preached. 108 CHAPTER XII. RED RIVER CHURCH ; ASSOCIATIONS. Old Red River Church—Organized in 1791—Gave its name to the Association—The province of Associations among Baptists—Numerical strength of Baptists at that time. 118 CHAPTER XIII. RED RIVER ASSOCIATION. Number of Churches in 1810—Their preachers—Personal appearance —Style of preaching—Lewis Moore and Jesse Brooks. 123 CONTENTS. 7 CHAPTER XIV. SKETCHES OF EARLY MINISTERS. Elder Todevine—His cabin—His horse “Snip,” and his dog “ Pup,” His kind neighbors—Preaches much — Manner of Preaching—His singu- lar dream—Fulfilled in his death—Elder Sugg Fort—A favorite with children—Of agreeable manners—His “ spiritualizing.” 133 CHAPTER XV. SKETOHFS OF EARLY MINISTERS. Elder Daniel Parker—Man of talent—His appearance—Author of the “two seed” doctrine—Elder Garner McConnico—His conversion—His commanding person and fine voice—Ridiculed by his brother when he began to preach—His removal from Virginia to Tennessee. 145 CHAPTER XVI. REMOVAL; OLD SPRING CREEK CHURCH. Moves nearer to Clarksville—Christopher Owens—Kindness of his wife—Spring Creek Church formed in 1808—Its locality—No chimney in the Meeting House—Elder Ross becomes pastor in 1810. 153 CHAPTER XVII. ; SCENES AT THE OLD CHURCH. Reminiscences of the Church—No pleasure carriages yet—All rode on horseback—Crying babies—Ladies dresses—Hospitable families—Boun- tiful dinners. 162 CHAPTER XVIII. LIFE IN STEWART COUNTY. Buys land—Builds a cabin—Sugar making—A pretty place—A defective title—Rents a place—Fish story—Bear story—Preaches many funeral sermons—Character of his sermons—Elder Dudley Williams. 168 CHAPTER XIX. CUSTOMS AND SCENES IN STEWART COUNTY. On Cumberland River above the mouth of Saline Creek—Few inhabi- tants—The conveniences of life scarce—Agriculture and manufactures in the rudest state-—How the people lived. 178 CHAPTER XX. WAR, INDIANS, COMETS, EARTHQUAKES. War with England imminent — Indians disaffected — Tecumseh’s enmity— Battle of Tippecanoe and the Thames—Death of Tecumseh— Earthquakes—Great alarm—Reminiscences. 198 8 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXI. A NEW HOME IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Returns to Montgomery County—Buys land—Builds a house—does muh of the work himself—Digs a well—Neighbors kind—The “ barrens”’ 212 scarce of timber and water. CHAPTER XXII. OUR SCHOOL, BASCOM, MORRIS, CARTWRIGHT. Our school house—The Church—Our teachers—The Barrys—Study ing Latir — Methodist preachers— Cartwright — Bascom— Morris— 224 Recollections of them and their preaching. CHAPTER XXIII. THE GREAT REVIVAL AND ITS PHENOMENA. When and where it began—First camp-meeting—Barton W. Stone goes to see about it-The exercises—Falling, jerking, dancing, barking, laughing. 233 CHAPTER XXIV. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. n from the mother church—When organized—Rev. Finis r—Preaches at Lebanon Kentucky—Re- 248 Its separatio Ewing a prominent ministe moves to Missouri—Increase of Baptists. CHAPTER XXV. LORENZO DOW. ‘ His conversion—His dream—Call to preach-—Partially deranged— Greatly discouraged—Anecdotes concerning him—Will not be governed by his church — Visits Ireland and England— Dies in Georgetown, Du 256 CHAPTER XXVI. QLARKSVILLE AND ITS RECOLLECTIONS. Early history—Col. Donelson—Maassacre of its first settlers—Death of Col. Sevier’s sons by Indians—Its appearance in 1808—Reminiscences of William L. Brown—Hon. Cave J ohnson—Baptist Church organized 268 in 1831—Elder Reuben Ross first pastor. CHAPTER XXVII. FAMILY AFFLICTION. Loses four children in 1815—-His daughter Polly, in 1816; his son Garrard in 1823— Visits Mississippi — Returns through the Indian nation—A legend—Indian customs—Monument of Governor Lewis— Death of Mrs. Morrison—Explosion of a bombshell. 269 on 2 eee t abel eee ERENT CONTENTS. 9 CHAPTER XXVIII. ms ELDER ROSS EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS. vhange of views— mie § ews—Renounces hyper Calvinism—Preaches the funeral serm9 } . s my rete Miss Eliza Norfleet in 1817-- Elder Fort sent to expostulate , and is converted to the same views. 278 CHAPTER XXIX. AFTER DECIDING UPON HIS CHOICE. Effect: : : His on pen! style of preaching—Friends give him pecuniary aid— Tandy and Ambros —Much and successful preaching—Elder William mbrose Bourne true fellow-laborers. 292 CHAPTER XXX. FORMATION OF BETHEL ASSOCIATION, The A aes ssociation a result of the doctrines preached by Elder Ross— Made Mod erat : Association, or of the body—The friendly separation from Red River 305 CHAPTER XXXI. MORE CHANGES—SKETOH OF ROBERT RUTHERFORD. Remoy : es to Cedar Hill—The new Association flourishes—Robert Rutherford i —His ch ae ; : Elder Robert bag Style of preaching—Obituary of him by 312 CHAPTER XXXII. SKETCHES OF ELDERS, Leadin i & Baptist preachers—Eld illi —Elder Wil i man, Isaac Hodgen, John 8. Wilson, oe ee ‘3a CHAPTER XXXIII. SKETCHES OF ELDERS CONTINUED. Elder Rober tT. And aq Watts, John Pap ing Bite William C, Warfield, R. W. Nixon, Thomas 330 CHAPTER XXXIV. pee THE TRUANT. wi ads rill ceo: to make money, that he may get an education— as such experiences as to cause his tetarn—The fami distressed. —The father in id They ee search of the son—The son goes after the father 339 de Ame CHAPTER XXXV. » CHARLES MERIWETHER AND HON. JOHN W. TYLER ‘ The Tra ant” 1 nt“ goes to Dr. Charles Meriwether’s to board—He attend s 10 CONTENTS. school—Dr. Meriwether a gentleman and scholar—Educated in Scot- land—Mrs. Meriwether—The “ Shaker's”—The school of John W. Tyler. 349 CHAPTER XXXVI. ‘ ALEXANDER CAMPBELL. Birth and education—Arrived in New York in 1809—A “ Seceder ” by profession—Becomes a Baptist —Two debates on Baptism, which make him popular with , Baptists—Some views that excite apprehen- > 359 sion. CHAPTER XXXVII. DISSENT FROM ALEXANDER CAMPBELL. Elder Rossread Mr. Campbell’s writings—Was instructed—Dissented from his views on Faith, Remission of sins, and the Influence of the Holy Spirit—Grounds for his dissent. 369 CHAPTER XXXVIII. END OF THE REFORMATION. Additional remarks concerning Mr. Campbell and the reformation he attempted to establish. 378 CHAPTER XXXIX. PHRENOLOGY, MESMERISM, SPIRITUALISM, ETC. Phrenology, Mesmerism, Modern Spiritualism, Steam—Doctors- CHAPTER XL. DEATH OF MRS. ROSS. Her illness and death—Her character and religious life—Funeral ser- mon by Dr, Samuel Baker. 400 CHAPTER XLI. LAST YEAR AT HIS OLD HOME. Continued to live at Cedar Hill—Preaches as before— Resigns the Moderatorship of Bethel Association—Minute expressive of the feelings of the body. 408 385 CHAPTER XLII. LAST ILLNESS AND DEATH. Illness borne with patience—Death calm and peaceful—Burial at Cedar Hill—Commemorative discourse at Bethel Church. 416 CHAPTER XLIII. MEMORIAL SERVICE. Monument reared to his memory—Memorial services. APPENDIX. BRIEF SKETCH OF THE AUTHOR. | | | INTRODUCTION. MeMorasLe among American years was the year 1776. It was the year in which our Revolutionary fathers adopted the “ Declaration of Independence,” and pledged for its support their “lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.” They were noble men. How brightly did the flame of patriotism burn on the altar of their hearts! How pure was their love of liberty! How anxious their solicitude for the welfare of their posterity! There was something sublime in the fact that, though few in number, they fearlessly threw their banner to the breeze of heaven, resolved on victory or death. They contended against the mightiest nation on the globe, but their heart faltered not. Their military resources were scanty, but trusting in God, and sustained by the justice of their cause, they went forward under the command of the great Washington, till, after a struggle of seven years’ continuance, during which their blood stained the soil from Massachusetts to South Carolina, they triumphantly achieved the object of their patriotic ex- ertions. Let it never be forgotten that American independence was secured by as precious blood as was ever shed in the cause of human liberty. Degenerate sons of noble sires are those who do not appreciate the heritage which we enjoy—a heritage bought at such a price—a heritage covered with Revolutionary glory, and transmitted to us by the hands of our fathers. In the remarkable year to which I have referred, that is to say, on the 9th of May, 1776, in Martin County, North Carolina, the infant, Reuben Ross, first saw the light, and wept at its entrance on the rough Journey of life, Alas, the eyes that wept so soon, wept often, and con- tinued to weep till more than fourscore years had fled. The Ross family is of Scotch descent, and the grandfather of Reuben 11 a 12 INTRODUCTION. nia. The year of his emigration His son William, the father of North Carolina, and had for rior in intellect to himself. tances allowed, brought settled in an early day at Roanoke, Virgi from Scotland cannot now be given. Reuben, was a citizen of Martin County, -. . : ‘ fis wife a woman of vigorous mind, supe They were both Baptists, and, so far as circums up their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Many, however, were the difficulties they had to encounter. The whole country was in a state of restless excitement for years before the com- mencement of the War, and from the battle at Lexington to the sur- render of Cornwallis at Yorktown anxious fears filled the minds of the people. We may well imagine how such a state of things interfered with the regular training of children. the youngest son. lution, and two of them, M William Ross was the father of ten children, of whom Reuben was Three of his brothers were in the war of the Revo- artin and James, became Baptist ministers. ine months in all, at different times, in eft sehool finally at fourteen years of tion, but could not obtain it. He te, by physical labor, to the support he may have been indebted for de him every inch a man, and Reuben went to school only n the course of seven years, and | age. He greatly desired an educa considered it his duty to contribu of his father’s family. To such labor that vigor of constitution which ma lengthened out his days so far beyond the ordinary limit of human life. He knew in his youth and early manhood the inconveniences of poverty. And why? Because his father had sacrificed an independent estate to promote the objects of the War; and his youngest son, when he had become old, was heard by the writer to say: ‘I was always proud that my father became poor by spending his estate to carry out the principles of the Declaration of Independence.” Such language as this could not have been spoken if patriotism had not reached its climax and its perfection. Poverty is generally regarded as @ calamity, but Reuben Ross rejoiced in his youth, in his manhood, and in his old age, that his father became poor by cheerfully surrendering his estate to help forward the Revolutionary contest. How safe would our coun- try be if such a spirit of patriotism pervaded the hearts of all American citizens ! 1 but nine months; and these months not Young Ross was at schoo INTRODUCTION. 13 consecuti i wees sane - hepsinies through a period of seven years, so that he ind ths ‘lie pass cle iely Moh pein eee wer chiefly used in s i us —_— ms of the iecliee wan iia say ar pei a to send their sons from home and give them the a pan ne — Hence there were but few scholars. ee re en Ross superior intellect, and superior intel - ee maeed self amid the greatest disadvantages. There is a coe 5 _ which enables it to rise and throw off the in- MOC era te w ich untoward circumstances oppress it. Well is hee = wing to thia peculiarity of a vigorous mind, the sub- seo pense in spite of the unfavorable surroundings of his “ ao are and became a favorite preacher of the learned peacienbm pe 8 oes years the educated and the unlettered ma wate en rest to the wondrous things he told them. The mother of Reuben Ross was a woman of ao in the absence of her lahat ee Gee sunt ee the War. She rose early and sat up late Hor unsokap ¥e a this necessary, but she had inline paises ites ie ed to pray in secret without disturbance. pe aig as g and late at night she called on God, supposin cea neo her. It was not so. The ear of Sedan sence se is slumbers were disturbed at night, and he heard ae ihe _ > naire he waked early in the morning and he Ramla tp cn : an peeeoee bes oe called them “ whisper- thiensds ot Gruen — or know that he heard them, yet Hn m which went with him to hi eee 24 es oe thoughtlessness he never forgot Pregin toned te orgot bee. whisper-prayers.” Who knows how denis : : eee ad to do with his conversion and usefulness in the Peas ae. of the greatest blessings known on earth is the blessing velar : payers, and the most cruel manner in which children can tetas a not to be prayed for by their parents. Pee alas © impressed with the importance of salvation, Reuben ot become a Christian till he reached his twonts-altth year 2 aisles 14 INTRODUCTION. Then he was led to see and feel himself a sinner against God, _ 8 a =A uch anguish of soul he was enabled, by alegte - oo A ROR SP Jesus Christ. This brought peace and joy to re — oir, i as th + it was his duty to make a public profession 1 Hf a sum se S baptized by Elder Luke Ward. Not tg = = aa “ “al ame anxious to glorify God by doing good int : “ = preci it was to him, the thought of preaching wou . : ae tapes "i es tried to dismiss the subject from his considerat ion, pales oad himself as utterly destitute of ae pena iat j i le knew he ha " pS sch a ao oeiee aan like his two brothers, rm 2 he a annoyed him not a little. Preechers were a oa ae days, and he concluded to sell his land and =_ ods = RENEE made money enough to sustain a oe - thi ngs ans then with greater sat eg EE ane now “a is i ssi ntinued. s soon pepe ees PE 8 jan to preaching left him, nor = ae Me ae A saudi embarrassed by the failure of = ne as ith great power, a eect ak os ees aa pasincebeeit: because he eo ose ae ange ni d intended he should be. He now began ‘a . ee ? ? n i cP sia toa great extent, when the waters of the R were high; it abounded in cane brakes and jungl 4 gies, almost i ‘ i w woly: st impenetrable, and infested with bears, wolves 7 » pan- thers, and oth i er wild beasts dest i There were also many tics oe tent, whose waters were people “ Cypress-knees,” racter to the scene, The ¢ auc ie to ee south and west was an extensive apt Bich jot with lofty pine trees, yielding ]um- seep t aes z : Perge- In great quantities, which wu a ; and formed the basis of a consider- x gsc: 18 region of country, the land lying along the sing uae Fir pes streams was productive, while in eu: Aree 8 it yielded but little to reward the labors nie nt ten ee The lands lying north of Williams- rae 7 Opposite side of the Roanoke were more feo pis "sy e people inhabiting this region were, as — “ ed into three classes,—the rich, the well to do @ poor. Those of the first-mentioned class vane pe eS bt eT ELDER REUBEN ROSS. 34 very wealthy, one man owning, in many cases, hundreds of slaves, and land and other property in proportion. Being well educated (many of them abroad), they were refined and polished in their man living was almost princely. especially when young, were often of dazzling beauty, clear olive complexions, fine large eyes, faultless in their forms and features, and distinguished for that air of ele- gant repose which lends so great @ charm to feminine love- liness. The men of these families were g° sessing, being rather too delicate and effeminate to com- port with manly beauty. This he thought was due to the malarial character of the country along the Atlantic sea- board, and to this he also attributed the swarthy com- plexion of the people, more especially of those much ex- posed to the weather. This portion of Carolina was very U nerally less prepos- nfavorable to the eight in number, not more than one or two would live to grow up and marry. And as the heir of one estate would often marry the heiress of another, should this continue any length of time, as it often did, the estates would finally become overgrown and unwieldy. These families were very exclusive, and seemed to have a society very much of their own, vis a distance. I remember, when a littl derful accounts of their splendid entertainments, brilliant assemblies of elegantly dreased ladies and gentlemen, and the profusion of gold and silver plate and costly wines. T'o these stories we children would listen with as much interest as to an Arabian tale.—The middle class, as he EARLY LIFE. ¢ 35 said, was i i i i , was industrious, intelligent, and enterprising, but ’ ? it oe ae educated.—Those of the third class were sce peli improvident and thoughtless, and almost pares. aie They lived mostly among the pine rar a ee tar, turpentine, and rosin, as already ee - ey would carry down to the river in little a r . without a particle of iron about them eee 8 : level sandy roads by a breed of horsea, ity. ae ee le of almost any amount of sedueies. at Bs ce a y returned with but little of the proceeds of Sie RRC ek Talis Hs, eal Sy toatl de —. » a a rum, and the remainder i jah on com of finery for their wives, sical o ae pa ese were the people who were ak to mgicina = ss with their wild romantic stories. - . aa oe : Seed “tg as he used to describe it to me ie = «fies ere your grandfather was born the oid ler i a the scenes and incidents of his each peat a oking over these pages, as they have been , I can but feel how much of that interest is want- ing which he could imp: s them. ould impart by his manner of describing CHAPTER Ill. HIS EDUCATION. Iv has been said, with some degree of plausibility, that all which is absolutely necessary to influence and success in life, so far as education is concerned, how to read and write. Since this, of itself, opens the door owledge that have to all the treasures of learning and kn f time; that this, been accumulating since the beginning © ; like the talismanic words of the story, when rightly usea, will give admission into the cave in which are contained the treasures of silver and gold and sparkling gems. And the fact that so many beginners, starting with this, have made such vast accumulations of learning, knowledge, and wisdom, seems to confirm the sentiment, and discredit the notion of the poet who says: “A little learning is a dangerous thing.” It is not intended by any means, however, to convey the idea that a thorough course of general study is not in every way desirable. : Your grandfather affords a striking example of the great benefits that may accrue to one’s se very limited education when rightly impr cational advantages were, indeed, small. spent at school was less than twelve mon oved. His edu- lf and others from @ ~ All the time he © ths, and these HIS EDUCATION. 37 not consecutive : it would be a month or two at one time, and then a few months or weeks at another. After his fourteenth year he never went to school again. Why his attendance at school was so irregular and short, I do not remember ever to have heard him say; but I suppose it was in part owing to his own indifference, and in part to the want of schools in the country at that time. You will remember, too, that he was the youngest son, and the youngest child but one. There is reason to believe, like- wise, that his parents, being then in their old age, indulged him a good deal, and permitted him to have his own way pretty much, and to go to school only when he chose to do so. He learned, during this short and irregular attendance at school, to read well, to write a good hand, and enough of arithmetic to answer the ordinary purposes of life. I. is clear from this that his capacity for learning was above the average; for few boys have been known to do so much in the same time and in similar circumstances. Dilworth’s spelling-book (of which you have probably never heard the name, though famous in its day), and the Psalter (a book in which the Psalms of David were ar- ranged for the service of the Church of England), were the books with which education in those days began and often ended. As for grammar, he did not understand a single principle; though few who heard his public addresses or private conversations would have supposed this to be the case. A very critical ear only would have observed that he now and then failed to make the verb agree with its subject, and the relative with its antecedent, according to the rules of grammar. This purity of style I attribu- ted to his natural good taste, improved by reading the 3 38 ELDER REUBEN ROss. fine old writers in history, divinity fell into his hands in after years, ; Few persons could master more perfectly the contents of any book they read, or more readily detect a flaw or sophism that might lurk in the reasoning. The exact words an author used he seldom took the pains to remem- ber; but his thoughts and reasoning were seldom forgot- ten. Tn regard to the Sacred Writings it was different Here, in his quotations, every syllable and word was ‘a its proper place ; and when repeated with faultless accu- racy in his discourses, especially after becoming warmed with his subject, they gave to his style a solemn grandeur = oan bordering on the sublime, and left on the a é 3 eal ose who heard him a deep and enduring im- No one ever more lamented the want of learning than he did, in later casi awed years. On two océasions especially did he lament this. The first was during the troubles that prece- we his separation from his old hyper-Calvinistic brethren ; the second, when a division among the Baptist churches vias oes on account of the views promulgated among er der A. Campbell and his followers. He thought, = cen a ready writer, he could have rendered ing = ie Service to the cause of religion and truth, on both ie ea — we may well believe that many valu- aa aie Ww “ would have been useful then and read onl pleasure and profit, have been lost. He se < nd him his vi vari oe Pig icc in which he felt ; aes ae aa: ot, g é last visit but one I made him before his death, ook great pains to explain some of these to me, and, etc., whenever they HIS EDUCATION. ; 39 as I believe, to impress them on my memory with the hope that I would remember them after he was gone. I do not remember ever to have seen him more interesting, animated, or more eloquent than at this time; and T shall endeavor to reproduce them in the course of this nar- rative. As regards your grandfather’s religious education, or training, it was similar to that of the church to which his parents belonged, namely, the old Calvinistic Baptists. Allor nearly all of these believed, at that time, in what are known as the five points of Calvin. These were, ‘ Uncon- ditional Election, Particular Redemption, Total Depravity, Grace Invincible, Final Perseverance of the Saints through Grace to Glory.” Those of this faith never thought that much could be done for their children, so far as salvation was concerned, by religious instruction. They believed that those of them who had been elected from the foundation of the world would be, at the appointed time, “ effectually called” and: brought into the fold; that until then the most that could be done for them was to teach them to show a decent re- spect for religion, to attend family worship and preaching, to be upright and moral in their conduct ; and when the appointed time should come, the Holy Spirit would begin a mysterious work of grace in the soul, and carry it on with a power that nothing could withstand, till they were regenerated, pardoned, and saved; that it was best, while this was going on, for no one to interfere, but to leave the sinner entirely in the hands of the Holy Spirit, who knew far better than any mere mortal how to carry on and complete the work. The resistance on his part was, as they thought, often long, and the conflict fearful. It was all of 40 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. no avail though, for when once the “ arrows of conviction” had entered the soul, sooner or later it must submit; there was no escape. It was thought that there were always certain indications of what was going on,—a peculiar ex- pression of the countenance, a disposition to silence and solitude, an indifference to the common concerns of life. At these indications, the good old brethren and sisters would look mysteriously at each other, shake their heads, and talk in whispers. They understood it all, having “travelled the same dark road themselves,” as they were wont to say. The individual thus exercised inspired a kind of awe. He was looked upon as one for whom the powers of the invisible world were contending,—Spirit with spirit. And how they all rejoiced when they heard the conflict was ended, the victory won, and another of the elect saved from the power and dominion of Satan! The “stronger the convictions and the more powerful the conversions,” the greater the rejoicing on these occasions. None, I pre- sume, who have had opportunities of seeing and hearing these old Christians talk, will think the above account too highly colored. But alas, for those of their children who were not of the elect! They were doomed from the be- ginning; for, not being included in the plan of salvation, they could only live on during their allotted time, die, and ‘be lost forever, ‘‘ to the praise of his glorious justice,” as they would express it. Your grandfather, even when a bey, seems to have learned a good deal in regard to the views and sentiments of his predestinarian parents, as one would infer from such anecdotes as the following, which I have heard him repeat more than once. HIS EDUCATION. 41 On one occasion, while playing among the apple trees in his father’s orchard, he so managed as to get on the back of one of the horses, rather vicious in disposition, without either saddle or bridle. He had no sooner done so than the horse started off at full speed. At this he was well pleased until, on looking before him, he saw with terror the horse was going directly under a large limb; extending horizontally from the tree, 80 low that it seemed impossible to pass under it without being killed, unless it had been decreed otherwise. So far as he could see, his time had come, and escape was impossible, when suddenly the thought flashed across his mind that, by en- twining his left hand in the horse’s mane, keeping his left _ leg only over his back, and lying close to the horse’s side with the rest of his body, he might possibly pass under it. He carried out the plan, and escaped unhurt.* ae After recovering somewhat from his terror and thinking it all over, he concluded that he was indebted for his life to one of those decrees he had heard so much about, and thought that any boy ought to consider himself fortunate, who had one of these in his favor in time of trouble, espe- *It would be well, not only for boys, but for persons of ener years, to remember that God’s purposes or decrees furnish his oe e A action, and that their execution does nét interfere with the ts: nih human agency. So far from it, they are often, to say the least, peck into effect through the free agency of men. Thus, while it 7 ann that Christ should die, the decree became effective through c) 4 a4 tary agency of the Jews who procured his beth 2 = = They acted freely, and their sin was fearfully great. weniger views of the boy Reuben Ross may have been concerning the decrees, when the time of danger came he immediately resorted to the i been best means for saving his life. He cut in a moment what has be sa “a called the “Gordian knot of theology.” We may well Be og gn is sovereign and that man is free. , AF; ce Cee 42 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. cially if it was an “eternal deeree,” which he thought much more powerful and efficacious than any other kind. And if it had been made “ before the foundation of the world,” it must be much better than one of later date. He was, when a little fellow, very fond of his bow and arrow, and by practising a good deal, at length became so expert, as now and then to kill a bird, or other small game. On one occasion, being about to shoot at a dove, he felt a good deal of compunction, the bird appearing so inno- cent and unconscious of its danger. He finally concluded that all these things had been settled long ago, even down to the death of a sparrow, and that he had nothing to do with them whatever. All he had to do was to shoot, and if the bird’s time had come, he should kill it; if not, he should miss it, just as it had been decreed, and he not to blame one way or the other. Had he but known it, he was now on the confines of one of the darkest and most perplexing subjects that ever “confounded the wisdom of the wise,” namely, the foreknowledge of the Deity, and man’s accountability. I am not certain how it fared with the bird, but rather think it escaped unhurt. These anecdotes are curious as showing on what sub- jects his thoughts sometimes ran, even when quite a small boy. Nothing would afford me more pleasure than to be able to present your grandfather, in his boyhood and youth, as a model to others, but, as a faithful chronicler, I fear I cannot do this; I fear I cannot class him even among what are commonly called good boys. There is reason to believe that at this time he had a very decided will of his own, which, as a rule, he was TELAT ETEK TAT ID Te a HIS EDUCATION. 43 pretty much bent on following, regardless, too often, of where it might lead him. His parents thought dancing very sinful (at least such as they then had), and did all they could to keep him from engaging in it. But he was so fond of this amusement, that he would often leave home at night, when they were asleep, and go to disreputable frolics of this kind, without duly considering the distress it would cause them should they ever come to know it. Once, when behaving very badly, his mother called him to her and said to him, with tears in her eyes, “‘ Reuben, you are my youngest son and my youngest child but one, and my heart's desire is to love you dearly ; but you are so bad, I cannot do it; it seems impossible.”* These words, and her manner while saying them, made a deep impres- sion on his mind, and long after she was sleeping in her silent. grave they would seem, at times, to be sounding in his ears. : Thus will thoughtless children, by their perverse and wayward conduct, often entail upon themselves sorrows and regrets for the coming years, as perhaps many of us know but too well. * If Reuben Ross was a “bad boy,” let not parents who have a ward sons despair of their conversion to God. Almighty grace can do great things, and under its influence thethardest heart is ey” i ANECDOTES OF EARLY YEARS. 45 CHAPTER IV. ANECDOTES OF EARLY YEARS. Your grandfather remembered quite a number of amus- ing anecdotes which he had heard when young, and would sometimes relate some of them when speaking of his early life. He told them well. One could see that he greatly enjoyed the wit and comic humor they contained. I pro- pose relating two or three of these before proceeding fur- ther with our narrative. One of these related toan old Englishman, who had somehow found his way to the region of country where your grandfather lived. He was of dissipated habits, but light-hearted and frolicsome as a boy. His only business was to travel around the country and teach school for a livelihood. His rule was to teach a few months at one place, collect the little sums when due, and then, with a set of lively fellows frolic around till all was spent; then to take up another schogl and go to work again. Nothing could induce him to teach longer than a few months at one place. His scholars considered him a prodigy of learn- ing. He could tell how many barley-corns, placed one at the end of another, it would take to reach round the world, and how many seconds of time were contained in any given number of years. But what astonished them most of all was the marvellous beauty of his penmanship. This, to them, seemed little less than supernatural. Be- 44 sides these accomplishments, he knew a great deal about ghosts, witches, apparitions, and haunted places. The boys took great delight in gathering around and hearing him tell of these wonderful things. On one occasion, a youth, a boy of the larger class, who wished to see his future wife, told the old man he had heard that people sometimes had been permitted to see the images of their future wives, and that nothing in the world would delight him so much as to be able to see his. To this the school- master replied that nothing in Ais country was more com- mon than this; that he knew exactly how it was done, and if he really desired to see his future wife, and would meet him at a certain time at the schoolhouse, exactly at midnight, he should be gratified by seeing her face to face. The young man thanked him again and again for his kind- ness, and promised to be there punctually to the time, if his life was spared. Here all the other boys began to beg that they might be permitted to attend also. This was readily granted, and everything settled to the satisfaction of all parties. At the appointed time, punctual to the hour, not only the school-boys, but every vagabond and reprobate in the country was there, with torches and can- dles sufficient to illuminate the old house brilliantly. A rude curtain having been drawn across the room, the old man took his seat before it. Just at the bleak hour of midnight he rose from his seat, uttered some strange, bad- sounding words in an unknown tongue, took his seat again and waited motionless a few minutes. Then he rose again, and said in sepulchral voice, “She has come; she stands behind that curtain!” The crowd now began to show un- mistakable signs of uneasiness, to look over their shoul- ders towards the door, and many to wish themselves safe 3* 46 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. at home. Soon the curtain began slowly to rise, and the lower part of a long white female dress to appear. Here terror could be seen depicted on every countenance. But when the curtain rose still higher, and the face of a pale, death-like female* form stood before them, one wild shriek arose, followed by a rush to the door, through which the terror-stricken multitude swept, one over another, in mor- tal terror. Neither the dark night, the dismal swamp, briars nor thorns were heeded until, breathless and half- naked, they reached their homes and buried their heads in their bedclothes. When the rest made a rush for the door, the poor fellow who wanted to see his sweetheart so badly, sprang to the schoolmaster, caught him around the neck, and said: “ Lay her, master, lay her! for God’s sake, lay her! Oh, I wouldn’t see her again for a thousand worlds!” _ This frolic broke up the old man’s school ; though for this he cared but little, and would have given up a dozen schools, at any time, for another like it. The beauty of his penmanship alone, whenever he wanted one, would give him aschool. The old schoolhouse had a bad name after this, and people seldom went near it afterwards, espe- cially when alone. THE PIONEER SETTLER. At the period of what is called Braddock’s war, an old pioneer settler lived among the mountains of Virginia. It was a time of trouble and danger. The French and Indi- ans held in strong force Fort Du Quesne, situated where Pittsburg now stands, From this place the savages were * A boy had been dressed up for this purpose. ANECDOTES OF EARLY YEARS. 47 supplied with the arms and ammunition which they used in carrying on hostilities against the frontier settlers of Pennsylvania and Virginia. As but little human aid was to be expected at that time, the old man, as is usual in such cases, became very devout, and prayed earnestly, night and morning, for the protec- tion of Heaven for himself and family, in a prayer he had prepared to suit the times, and which it required the best part of an hour to repeat. It so happened that, just about the middle of this prayer, he invariably implored the Al- mighty to crown the efforts of Braddock and the colonies with victory, and to overwhelm the French and Indians with defeat and ruin. His two sons, Bill and Tom, find- ing it too much for human nature to keep awake during this long prayer, repeated almost word for word, night and morning, and observing also that Braddock always came in just at the middle of it, conceived the idea of turning this circumstance to advantage by dividing the time equally, and settled it between them that Bill should always go to sleep at the beginning of the prayer, and Bob keep awake until the old man “ prayed up to Braddock,” then to give Bill a nudge and awaken him, and go to sleep himself. Bill.would then be awake, ready to stir up Bob in time, so that all could rise together. This arrangement gave each a good half-hour of much-needed sleep, and no one the worse for it. On trial, the thing worked beautifully, and went on like clock-work for some time; but alas! one unlucky morning Bob, instead of keeping watch as he ought to have done, went fast to sleep too. The old man, having finished his prayer, rose to his feet, and on looking round saw the two poor fellows on their knees asleep, Bill having been awakened just enough by the rising of the others to ELDER REUBEN ROSS. ask Bob, in a drowsy whisper, if the old man hadn't got to Braddock yet. Eyeing them a moment, he reached up, took down his cane, and gave each a rap on the shoulder. Supposing they were attacked by the Indians, they “raised a murder shout” and sprang to their feet. Waiting till they became a little composed, he opened his mind freely to them, saying that he considered them little better than two uncircumcised Philistines ; that he had been praying for them the best part of an hour, and they fast asleep all the time, dreaming of Braddock. They were very much afraid of Indians, he perceived; but there was something worse than Indians, he would have them to know; and if they went on as they were then doing, they would find it out in the end, to their cost. I always suspected, from your grandfather's manner of telling this story, that he knew by experience, to some extent, how Bob and Bill felt when they were thus caught napping. JACK HUNTER AND THE CATS. The hero of the next story was a young fellow, as I think, named Jack Hunter, and, as reported, was young, gay, handsome, very rich, and well educated. It was even said he knew Latin; for when invited to join in a frolic, he used to say, “ Semper paratus,” which he told the boys meant always ready. He properly belonged to the very highest class of society, but somehow took a downward course, and landed in the lowest. It was said he had prettier sweethearts and more of them than any other young fellow in all the country, Court day, in Williamston, was a kind of jubilee for all we ANECDOTES OF EARLY YEARS. 49 phe idle fellows around. The piny-woods boys especially _@ Were then out in great force, drinking rum, beer, and cider and eating oysters, gingerbread, ete.,—mostly at the ex- Pense of Jack, who was as liberal as a prince, This would Continue till late in the day, when the whole crowd would become 80 happy as to forget entirely that there was any such thing as care or trouble in the world. It so happened that Jack once, on the night previous to & court day at Williamston, staid at Washington, the county town of Beaufort, situated about twenty-five miles distant, On his way home the next day to join his party, being a great way, he studied up a plan to have some fun when he joined them: horse. All gathered round, shook h _ chiding him gently for having been absent so long asked for the news, He told them that the news he brought was highly important, and at the same time very wonderful: that just before he left Washington, a ship into the harbor and cast anchor. That the dead, and the N orway ra mid and added that the King of England had sent this : Ip over to Carolina, to buy up every cat she could spare, egardless of price; and he advised them to hurry home as on aS possible, catch all the cats they could lay their "nds on, and carry them to the ship. 50 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. This news had the effect to sober every one of them instantly. All hurried home without delay, never ex- pecting to have such another opportunity to fill their pockets with gold. The dear old court-house in a few moments was deserted, and looked as lonely as a country meeting-house on a week day. The next morning, bright and early, vehicles of every kind were seen pouring into Washington loaded with cats. The citizens in amazement inquired of the owners what they were bringing cats to town for. They replied: “ For the ship.” “For what ship?” “For the ship the king of England has sent over for cats.” ‘‘ Who told you there was any ship here, or that the king of England wanted cats?” “ Jack Hunter.” All was now explained. No- thing more was necessary. The golden vision vanished. The poor fellows turned round and started for home, dis- appointed and angry. Jack thought it prudent to keep out of the way for several days. But all was soon for- given and forgotten. They loved him dearly, and could not think of breaking with him. Such were some of the stories your grandfather used to hear when young, and would sometimes repeat, long after- wards, when something brought them to his remembrance. Ra a RE ET EIN MPN TEE EN CRT IL TT SE IR LR FRR ly . CHAPTER V. HIS MARRIAGE—THE YARRELL FAMILY. Unrin the twenty-second year of his age, your grand- fathor seems to have passed his time in assisting his father Mi the farm, fishing, hunting, and amusing himself with his young associates, unfortunately without any books to Tead Suitable to his age and taste, everything of the kind lng scarce and dear in those early times. Had this been otherwise, he might, during these invalu- able years, have stored his mind with an amount of gen- eral information that would have been of priceless value ee him in time to come. For such was the character of ‘8 mind, that there is no doubt whatever, had valuable ooks been in his reach, he would have read them with 8reat pleasure and profit. It So happened that about this time he became ac- quainted with your grandmother, then about sixteen years of age. I have heard that he first met her unexpectedly, a8 she and some other girls were out enjoying a walk, and that she was at the time dressed in white, with a wreath or chaplet of wild flowers on her head, and that he sur- en on the spot, or, as the young folks say, “ fell in ce at first sight.” He seems to have pressed his suit ri rem and with gratifying success, for they were mar- €d on the 30th of September, 1798, a few months only 51 52 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. after becoming acquainted. It is said he was then a very handsome and prepossessing young man. I have heard, also, that she was very pretty at that time, and you who remember her late in life can well believe it. Your grandfather always thought her a great beauty, and was as proud of her good looks as we children were. He, as you may remember, thought himself quite a judge of female beauty. Her form, features, and fine presence, as I remember them in my childhood, are so impressed on my memory, that were I a painter or sculp- tor I could reproduce them with great accuracy. But the beauty of her life and character remain still more deeply impressed on my memory, and I think I may say with the great Scottish poet : “Time but the impression deeper makes, As streams their channels deeper wear.” Her maiden name was Yarrell,—Milly or Mildred Yar- rell. She was the daughter of Matthew Yarrell. He was born and brought up in Halifax County, North Carolina, but finally settled in Martin County, where he was living at the time of her marriage. He was an orphan child, brought up by an old uncle named Day, who, during his nephew’s minority, took good care of his property, which was considered a fine estate for the times when he came into possession of it. But, taking to politics, high living, and speculation, Mr. Yarrell had but little of it left when his daughter was married. I have often heard it said that, when he was in his prime, he was uncommonly handsome, ai as 1 remember him in old age, his features were very ne. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Wheatly. She ee RTS HIS MARRIAGE. o ny — to the Wheatlys of Montgomery County, Tenn. ae igs Wheatly, one of the first citizens of the county, ar : rother Albert, you may perhaps remember. ren “a er Yarrell removed to Tennessee several years Rm: she did, in order to be near his daughter, to whom resting greatly attached, and he lived with us most of the veh until his death, in 1829, in the seventy-sixth year of age. He had been a widower several years when your grandmother was married. tie had a proud and independent spirit, and disdained € thought of living on others after having lost -his own oN ei In order to avoid this, being naturally handy Rawat he took up, in his old age, the business of trunk- nai re These he covered with deer skins, which he Res. t of the hunters, some nearly red, some bluish, and Pai spotted, being the skins of fawns. These, when r ed off by him, were quite pretty, and highly prized y his customers, the girls and young ladies of his ac- oe to keep their nice things in, and such articles oe as they did not choose to hang up about their ss For bureaus, presses, and wardrobes were not << seen in those days. This business afforded him the = of supplying all his wants, and enabled him to keep reg horse to ride, which was always a great pet with ao had been brought up in the Bpiscopal Church, and ig is he had great respect, but very little for any other. os eg he considered all others very much as heretics. Ed faced a very low estimate on the preachers of other ra minations, and used to say your grandpa could preach - a it was true, but that he had no more right to than he had, as he had never been ordained by those 4 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. authorized to confer ordinations. He kept his prayer-book by him, and generally read the lessons for the day him- self, or got some of his grandchildren to read them for him. He read his Bible a good deal on Sundays, giving the Psalms of David the preference. I am sorry to say those passages in which the Psalmist uttered heavy imprecations on his enemies seemed to have a particular attraction for him. I fear he often included his own enemies with Da- vid’s, and rather wished them to have the same portion. His enemies were those who had betrayed his confidence and swindled him out.of his property. He seems to have been one of those who, when young, consider all men fair and honest, and only find out to the contrary when too late. There were some new-fangled notions, as he called them, which he especially abhorred. He believed the sun, liter- ally, rose and set every day. That the earth was placed exactly in the centre of the universe, and that it was the business of the sun, moon, and stars to revolve around it every twenty-four hours to give it light and heat and beauty. E The changing of the Christmas and the style from the old to new he thought was a special enormity, showing the degeneracy of later times and the little reverence men felt for the past and the traditions of the fathers. I men- tion these things to give you some idea of the thoughts and feelings of many old men as late even as the beginning of the present century. In all his dealings with men he was scrupulously just and honorable. In his last illness, he sent for me and told me he had a number of small outstanding debts which he 7 4 f HIS MARRIAGE. : 55 —. me to setle for him, as he did not think he had ne es me lve, and wanted no one to have any reason to ee or of him after he was gone. He told me at the si oo where I would find a canvass bag containing a ieninaz ver money, which he wanted me to use for that ** oP Taking the money, with a list of the names of I paid — most of whom were living in Clarksville, dei thin “a all off and brought in his receipts. He seemed Setar had done him a great favor, and thanked me Rp em again. His mind now being easy, he fell into a Be besisecrite sie: and soon after breathed his last. rains sleeps at Cedar Hill, your grandfather's residence, Sa ae County, Tenn., near the grave of the ged er he loved so well, and who ministered to him to Pe ast. For a number of years he and I were much gether, and I have for his memory an affectionate ven- eration. pee ciate: during his last illness deserves notice. for en he never manifested any particular attachment tats grandfather, but now it was quite different. He ; e spoke of him as his “dear friend,” and seemed pleased 0 have him sit near him at the bedside. ‘ Your grandmother had two brothers, Thomas and Gar- ard, and likewise two sisters, Rosa and Mary, more fre- quently called Polly. Her brother Thomas married and raised a large family, = continued to reside in the old State till 1834, when e went out to Alabama, intending to purchase a farm and remain. there. But while attending to this business, he fell sick and died. Several of his children had pre- Viously settled in Alabama. Her brother Garrard followed the sea till late in life. When a little boy he was appren- 56 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. ticed to the captain of a merchant ship, and he remained till he became thoroughly acquainted with his business as a sailor, rose steadily in his profession, and finally became sole owner of a fine merchant ship, which he named “The Live Oak.” When war was declared between the United States and Great Britain, in June, 1812, he and his ship were in the Gulf of Riga, in the north of Europe. When the news reached him, he attempted to return home, but was cap- tured by an English man of war and was carried into Leith, near Edinburgh, Scotland. Here he was detained a prisoner until the close of the war, when he and his ves- sel were released ; after which, he returned to the United States with his wife whom he had married in Scotland. While on another voyage, some time later, he was cap- tured by French cruisers, acting under Bonaparte’s infa- mous “Berlin and Milan Decrees”; his ship and cargo were confiscated and he thrown into prison. He was now ruined, having only his papers left. These would have entitled him to an indemnity sufficient for the support of himself and family; but on his way home with these pa- pers, just as he came in sight of land, the vessel caught fire and everything on board was burnt up, the crew and passengers only escaping with their lives. After this, he remained in Carolina until about the year 1834, and then removed with his family to Tennessee, and lived here until his death in 1838. He was a very able seaman, as I have learned, and an upright and excellent man. The early part of his life was unusually bright and promising; the latter darkened by the cloud of adversity. Her sister Rosa married and came to Tennessee when we did, raised a large family, and died a few years ago. HIS MARRIAGE. 57 > sister Polly was twice married, and was living near on Donelson during the civil war, was ruined thereby, < d died in its vicinity. Thus this melancholy record pret _ Knowing the desire most people feel to know I mething of the history and fortunes of their families, give you this brief sketch at the risk of appearing tedious, We may now return to your grandfather. That he oo be near his aged parents in their declining years, e built a house on the tract of land upon which they lived, _ which was to be his at their death. This house was built of pine and cypress timber, and I have often heard your grandmother, when speaking of her early bousekeep- ing, tell how sweet and pleasant the rooms were when new, ae perfumed by the fragrant wood of which they were wilt. I infer from what I have heard her and your grandfather say, that the few years they lived in this house were among the happiest of their lives. They were both young, both hopeful, and both in happy ignorance of the long and weary journey that lay before them. Here the little twins, Nancy and Polly, the first-born and pride of the family, first saw the light, and here, too, I was born September 3, 1891. While living here, your grandmother made a profession of religion and joined the Baptist Church. The name of the church of which she became a member was Skewarkey. Tt belonged to what was then, and still is, called the Ke- ha-kee Baptist Association. These were Indian names, and both accented, as I think, on the second syllable. Many places in that region of country still retain the names given them by the Indians. This old church I remember well, though I was very 58 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. young. It stood in a grove of lofty pines, among whose tops, when a gentle breeze was passing, a low and melan- choly sound was heard. The Carolina negroes used to say it was the moaning of unhappy spirits, and it always pro- duced in me a superstitious awe on that account. At this church I rather distinguished myself on one occasion. I was standing by my mother during the preaching, and observing that many of the old brethren were frequently saying ‘“‘ Amen,” I concluded I would do 80 too, and to the great astonishment of every body present, cried out “Amen” nearly at the top of my voice. This, coming from a chap so tiny as I was at two years of age, sounded very strange, and attracted a good deal of atten- tion. Your grandmother gave me a shake, and told me, in a whisper, not to say another word. I was so pleased, however, with the sensation first produced, that I could not resist the temptation to try it again, and, after a while, repeated the “Amen” still louder than before. This was too bad, quite a commotion was caused, many so far forgot themselves as to laugh out, and the preacher made a slight pause in his discourse. At this your grandmother became quite confused, rose from her seat, led me out under the pines, and told me I had behaved very badly, tltat little boys did not know when to say “Amen,” and ought not to think of doing such a thing, adding that she was ashamed of what I had done and did not love me a bit. She did not venture to take me back into the church again, but kept me out under the trees till preaching was over. It was long ere I heard the last of this perform- ance. Now you must know, my dear Marion, that it is one of the greatest pleasures of an old man to think and speak of HIS MARRIAGE. 59 himself when young. One can hardly understand why this 'S So, fer many of his stories are generally poor enough. I suppose, though, it is because they bring back to his Memory his young and happy days, when all before him looked bright and hopeful, and behind were no dark shadows of sorrow and regret. ae A very kind friend, in a letter dated Williamston, N. C., March 8th, 1872, in answer to one addressed to him pre- Vious to that date, says: “The Skewarkey Meeting House, that your mether used to take you to, was about a mile and a quarter from Williamston, on the road lead- ing to Washington, in a southeasterly direction. The present house is about one-fourth of a mile nearer town. It was built a few years before the war, and is in a piny grove beautiful to look upon, with seven acres of land and a burying ground attached. Number of members belonging to the church about eighty. “Your recollection of Williamston is correct. It is the same little town yet, with one long main street leading down to the Roanoke River. The fishing on the opposite side of the river became unprofitable, and has not been used for many years. There are valuable fisheries, how- ever, lower down on the river, in the neighbourhood of Jamesville (which used to be called Jameston) and Plymouth. We have a great deal of steamboating on the river now, extending to Norfolk and Baltimore.” I hardly need say I was much gratified to learn from this lette? that my early recollections were so correct, as described in the beginning of this book. The same friend in another letter says: “T profess to be a Baptist minister, and belong to the Skewarkey Church, near this place, which church is a member of the Kehukee Association, of which Association I have acted as Moderator for a num- ber of years. * * * I knew your father well and loved him dearly. Your uncle James I was also well acquainted with, and had a high Tegard for him, With your uncle Martin I had no acquaintance. He Was, no doubt, a very able minister, and was the first one, perhaps, to introduce a resolution favorable to missions in the Kehukee Association. 60 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. H : rere * pet were all members of the Kehukee Association, I ges 7 Tr the Chowan Association was formed out of it The an is by far the largest Association in N. C., I expect.” eee are interesting to us,—first, as showing ead ts a Ne _ Ace de memory is still arolina brethren; and second] ‘ - $e we the old Kehukee Association, to hick bo = 88% , has passed through precisely the same ordeal the iver Association did in this country; viz., that on =, of difference in doctrinal views, a eeparation took Sites aa them, and that the Chowan Association was rmed out of the Kehukee as the Bethel was formed of the Red River Association. Ges Eo ities Baptists of that region seem ever to have : : ively interest in their Tennessee brethren. And as = ee as 1810, when the Red River Association held el eee at our old Spring Creek Church, the bon e Association sent a letter of correspondence and y greetings to them from distant Carolina, as may b seen from the published minutes of that Sanien- now nae possession. ae = ee ritions, indeed, feel a strong attachment for a — oa The very name of Baptist, Methodist, Ste rikes a chord in the hearts of the brotherhood ms to vibrate whenever touched. And no other - words fé ords fall more pleasantly on the ear than these. It awakens j i Brig teeee zs mind the memory of the great and good BR os ~ and died in their communion, with all their viu' Aistory. This feeling of love and veneration for of ,your gran you an accoun pose making a few general remark CHAPTER VI. HIS CONVERSION. WE now approach the most important event in the life dfather,—his conversion; but before giving t of it, as I have heard him relate it, I pro- s on the subject. Nothing seems to be more clearly taught in the sacred writings, than the fact that man, in his natural state, is not in harmony with his Creator; that he is not disposed to love and serve him as he ought. And of this, I sup- pose, no candid individual, who has ever reflected, has any doubt. He has the “ witness within himself” that all is not right in that direction ; and as regards others, his own observation and the melancholy history of the race in all ages of the world afford ample proof that this is true. This indisposition to love and serve his Creator as he ought must therefore be removed before he can enjoy the divine favor and blessing; just as the perverse and rebel- lious disposition of a child must be removed or changed before he can be received into the favor of an earthly parent. And this change of heart in man from a sinful, wicked, and rebellious disposition or state to one of love, reverence, and obedience to his Heavenly Father is what, in the figurative language of the Bible, is meant by being converted, regenerated, or born again, and is beyond all comparison the most important event in human life, since 61 a 62 ELDER REUBEN Rogs, Eden is f "ates = and restored, man emerges from the ruins of Pale birtas - again in harmony with his Creator re nofa that is holy, pure, and good. And ee ae 63 HIS CONVERSION. and to trust in Christ as his only Saviour, and to become his humble follower, one is a Christian. Without it all else avails nothing, so far as salvation is concerned. Riches, power, glory, and honor are as dust and ashes. With it the beggar becomes a king and priest of the Most High. Although all men, before conversion, are indisposed to love and serve the Creator, this indisposition seems to be much more fixed and obstinate in some than in others. In some, the remembrance of the goodness of God and the gentler influences of the Holy Spirit lead them to repent- ance. Like some beautiful plants, their religious life seems, as it were, to grow up almost spontaneously, bud, bloom, and bear its golden fruits. Happy these beyond the com- mon lot! But the conversions effected thus, with less emotion, are no less necessary on that account. Others are more manifestly and stubbornly indisposed, as already stated, to love and fear God and keep his com- mandments. They wander far away into the paths of sin and folly. The still small voice of conscience is seldom heard or heeded. Their eyes do not perceive the perils by which they are surrounded, until they are awakened by some sudden or unexpected event of an alarming char- acter, and see themselves standing, as it were, on the brink of a fearful abyss, from which they recoil with alarm and terror. Something like this seems to have been the case of your He never doubted, as he would say, the of the Bible, or the great truths of the Chris- But he grandfather. divine origin tian religion, or undervalued their importance had come to look upon it as something solemn and gloomy, and better suited to persons in the declining years of life, intended chiefly to solace those who were no longer able to enjoy the gayeties and pleasures of this world. 64 ELDER REUBEN Rogs. After your grandmother made a and became a membe coliieil - eae — olession of religion ch, he came to look co i mpanions got together on his own expression, “ edly.” , to use Spent a Sabbath evening very wick- ember ever to have heard him say j rare re change, almost at once, the The thunderbolt HIS CONVERSION. 65 time he was one of the non-elect.* Then he feared that he had committed the unpardonable sin, whatever that might be. Then again he was afraid that his day of grace was passed and gone forever. The remembrance of his thoughtless and sinful life lay heavy on his conscience ; and so little did he know of the Bible, that in this hour of trouble he could derive no consolation from the blessed promises it contains for those in trouble on account of their sins) Had he known these, how they might have cheered him in this dark hour! This unhappy state of mind was of long continuance, during which he in prayer earnestly sought the forgiveness of his sins and the salva- tion of his soul. At length, having retired to a lonely place for self-exami- nation and prayer, he became conscious of a great change that had taken place in him, in many respects. He could now hardly recognize himself as being the same individ- ual as before. The ways of sin no longer seemed pleas- ing and attractive. To bea Christian was now his greatest desire. For all whom he regarded as followers of Christ he felt esteem and love. His soul overflowed with love and gratitude to God, at the remembrance of his goodness and mercy in not having long since cut him down in his sins as a cumberer of the ground; and finally his heart felt submissive and penitent, rather than hard and rebel- lions. It now began to dawn upon him that he had expe- rienced that change which in the Bible is denominated * There is nothing more useless than a sinner’s anxiety on the subject of election. It is a matter with which he has nothing to do. His busi- ness is to repent of his sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Then he will know of his election, and can appropriate all the comfort arising from the doctrine, is conversion; for I h tunities, when young 1 me a di , of hearing him speak of j It was not unusual l 8 Liste Sites alin those days, when several of the nd sisters would spend i oe pend an evening to- gether, for them to devote a part of the time in giving an On these ays present, if possible, listened with 0 all that was said, and heartily re- another was relieved of his burden. a happy time with these Christians ; € would seem to increase, and their ; W bright and strong wh a : g when thus com- ning with each other. Their joys and sorrows, hopes ' of t iki he alia — heir striking resemblance, seemed occasions I wag alw profound attention t Joiced aS one after often expressed in simple, unaffected HIS CONVERSION. 67 better world. Sometimes they would refer to a state of feeling that seemed like a solemn warning to prepare for death, for which no especial cause could be assigned. The change in your grandfather, consequent upon his conversion, was very remarkable, and seems to have been, to some extent, both mental and physical. The gay and lively expression of countenance for which he seems to have been noted in his youth and early manhood, now dis- appeared, and was replaced by that grave and solemn ex- pression which followed him through life, and which is still remembered by all who ever knew him. The solemn views he came now to entertain of life and death, time and eternity, endless joy and endless woe, seemed to have left their shadows on his mind and features. And what I regard as very singular is that, though his grave and solemn presence was felt by all, it was repulsive to none. Even little children liked to be near him. His pastoral visits among his brethren and their families were highly prized by all, children and servants included, and were long remembered by them. An elderly lady, while speak- ing of him to me, said that nothing she remembered during her childhood ever delighted her so much as his visits to her father; and that when he would call her to him, let her stand by him, lay his hand upon her head, and talk to her, her happiness was greater than her words can ex- press. But the power of his presence was never so much seen or felt as when he rose in the pulpit to address an audi- ence. Instantly it would pervade the whole assembly, and the hum of voices be no longer heard. The greetings of neighbors and friends and the conversation so agreeable and pleasant to them on meeting would be at once arrested, CHAPTER VII, BEGINS TO PREACH AND REMOVES TO THE WEST. AFTER his conversion, your grandfather thinking it his duty to make a public profession of religion, and to be- come a member of the church, repaired to the old meet- ing-house and related his experience. When the brethren heard this they pronounced it in their judgment a genuine work of grace, congratulated him on having “found the pearl of great price,” and bade him God-speed, on his heavenly journey. Soon after this, in the twenty-sixth year of his age, he was baptized by Elder Luke Wa Skewarkey Church, Of this church your grandmother Was already a member. This was a day of special rejoic- ing with her, Soon after his baptism he began to feel a from his bed at night and go among his friends, in order to persuade them to forsake their sins, and warn them to flee from the wrath that was to come upon all those who obey not the gospel. I have heard him say, that this desire for the Salvation of others was not, at first, accompanied Y & sense of duty, but was simply a restless anxiety for 4* 69 Se ELDER REUBEN ROSS. their welfare and happiness after death. At length, how- ever, a sense of duty was superadded; and with it an abiding impression, that he would not be held guiltless if he did not endeavor to perform this duty. This weighed heavily on his mind, especially when taken in connection with the absence of all the qualifications, as he thought, for speaking acceptably in public. Could it be the duty, he would say to himself, of one under these circumstances to appear as an ambassador for Christ, to pray men as in Christ's stead to become reconciled to God! ‘There must be some mistake; this could not be. Such were his re- flections, After he had been perplexed and oppressed some time, with these thoughts and impressions, he took occasion to make known the state of his mind to some of the breth- ren. These encouraged him to make the attempt, and he soon after obtained from his church a license to speak to the people on the subject of religion whenever he might feel disposed to do so. I doubt not the church granted this license the more readily, because he had two brothers who were already distinguished. Baptist preachers, and they were the more hopeful of him, perhaps thinking there might be some natural aptitude in the family for public speaking, which is often the case. The names of these brothers were Martin and James Ross. The for- mer, born in 1762, and living in Perquimons County, North Carolina, on the north side of Albemarle Sound, near the town of Edenton; the latter born in 1769, and living in Bertie County, higher up the Roanoke River. I have heard your grandfather say, that his brother Martin was a preacher of ability and influence among the Carolina Baptists ; clear, argumentative, and impressive ee . i aay ea Tg ag ev cra a - theless, he was popular and influential as a preacher. He was of a cheerful and lively disposition, greatly beloved by all who knew him, and especiaily so by the young and ’ppy, many of whom -were brought into the church un- der his ministry. I have often heard your grandmother Speak of him as one she loved and esteemed very highly, ©n account of his pleasant manner and affectionate dis- Position. Particulars or incidents connected with your grandfather's early ministry, but I know little to relate on this subject. He used to say, that his first efforts seemed to him so im- perfect, that he generally felt relieved when at a distance from those whom he had first addressed. There is reason to believe, however, that the people, from the first, listened with much interest to what he said. I remember, almost as far back as my recollection reaches, his asking me one day if I did not want to ride with him to meeting. Of course, I was very ready for the ride, was then so Small that he had to keep one hand behind him a good deal of the time to prevent my falling from the horse. On reaching the place, which was, I think, a private resi- dence, there was quite a number of people present. On 80lng into the house, I saw on one side of a large room & table, and a chair placed near it. When the people Came in and filled the room, to my astonishment, he took the place by the table, sung a hymn, prayed, and com- BENE we AS TS 4 CA ld ERY 72 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. menced preaching. I was greatly astonished, for I had never heard him preach before, or even knew that he was a preacher at all. All seemed to pay the greatest atten- tion, and there was at one time much feeling manifested by the audience. This must have been very soon after he commenced preaching, and from the number of people present he must have been able even then to fix the atten- tion of his hearers on what he was saying. No incident of my childhood is more distinctly remem- bered than this. What surprised me beyond measure was the number of bad words, as I considered then, your grandfather used on that occasion. In order to make us children avoid everything resembling irreverence or profanity, my two sisters and I were taught to substi- tute other words for many in common use.’ Instead of saying God, we were taught to say “ the Good Man;” in- stead of devil, ‘the bad man;” instead of heaven, “ the good place ;” instead of hell, “the bad place,” or “the fiery place.” I felt very much scandalized at hearing him use these bad words so freely, but got on after a fashion, though sorely puzzled, until I heard him use the awful word “damnation!” Then I thought he had ruined him- self and gave it up completely. I could think of no ex- cuse to make for him after that. Many of the preachers of those times, and long after- wards, often spoke and acted as if they believed that what they should say would he given them at the proper time ; after entering the pulpit they would often say they had no idea, even then, what their text would be, but ‘did not doubt that a subject would be presented to them in due time, thus intimating that their thoughts were directly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well as those of i a BEGINS TO PREACH AND REMOVES TO THE WEST. 73 the inspired apostles of old. No such delusion as this, however, ever entered your grandfather's mind. However hopeful that what he might say would prove a blessing to those who heard it, like seed sown in good ground, he thought it necessary to use the greatest diligence before- hand in preparing something if possible that would in- terest and benefit his hearers. There is little doubt that most of his preparation, then and afterwards, was made while on horseback, especially after he became more fully engaged in the work of the ministry. When this country was thinly settled, his rides from one appointment to another were often long and Solitary, This was favorable to deep thought and reflec- tion on what he intended to say when he met his audience, A friend once told me that he had heard him say that so distinct and clear would his discourse, when thus pre- pared, appear to his mind’s eye, that it resembled an edifice, sharply defined in a clear atmosphere, exact in all its parts and proportions. It was not until he entered upon the ministry that he becarne aware of the importance of learning and general information, and of the priceless value of the time he had Wasted when young. The great events, recorded in his- tory » the rise and fall of kingdoms and empires, the Vicissitudes and sorrows of the human race, were things of which he had hardly heard. The great achievements of the human mind in science, art, and literature were almost wholly unknown to him. Had he been questioned of Egypt and the Red Sea, Horeb, Sinai, and Palestine, the land of miracles and wonders, or of the distant Jordan, he could hardly have told whether they lay beneath the "ising or the setting sun. All these things, besides the FRO hE BE we AS IT ELDER REUBEN ROSS. great truths revealed in the Bible, must now be learned, if learned at all, amid the cares of a busy life. But his resolution was fixed and unalterable to do what he could to promote the salvation of his fellow-men. At the death of his parents he came into possession of the farm on which he had been brought up. He now found it hard to decide what was best to be done. There were two duties, as he thought, pressing on him at the same time—the one, to provide for his family; the other, to preach the gospel; and these seemed to conflict one with the other. . There are few sadder pictures to contemplate than that of a lonely wife, neglected children, and a cheerless home; and he knew it had fallen to the lot of few to look upon that picture oftener than those who, with small means of their own, and unaided by their brethren, had thought it their duty to preach the gospel. The Calvinistic Baptists of those days, and even later, doubted the propriety of paying their ministers for preaching, fearing it would in- duce some to follow that as a calling who had never been called and sent for that purpose ; and many of their honest and conscientious ministers had grave doubts themselves on the subject. The consequence was that many of them were very poor and their children sadly neglected, giving rise to the belief with many that the worst boys of the neighborhood were the sons of the preacher. Hoping to avoid this, after much reflection, he con- cluded to sell his farm and stock, and invest the proceeds in merchandise, and commence selling goods in Wil- liamston, thinking that the profits from this business would enable him to support his family, and give him more time to devote to preaching, which he had so much BEGINS TO PREACH AND REMOVES TO THE WEST. 75 at heart. Accordingly, a sale was effected, a lot pur- chased, a dwelling, store-house, and other necessary build- Ings erected, a partner found, and business commenced. He Soon discovered, however, that he had made a sad mistake! His partner failed to supply his part of the capital, owing to some unexpected disappointment. This, together with the unforeseen cost of preparing for busi- hess, left him but a small capital to carry it on with, and 1t soon became apparent that he must fail. He now de- termined to sell out and pay off all his debts before it was too late. He found he had not done this a day too soon ; for when they were all paid off a few hundred dollars only were left him to begin the world anew. His situation had now become not only perplexing, but alarming even; and for a time he almost lost sight of the other great object of his life so dear to him. I doubt if © ever told any one except your grandmother, how much he suffered mentally at that time. It was a rule with him hever to burden others with his troubles and per- Plexities, but to keep them very much to himself; and this course added dignity to his character, as it always Will. Nor were his fears and anxieties groundless, as is often the case; for before we bring the narrative toa Close, it will be found that many trying scenes awaited ‘m in the coming years, to test him both as a man and 48 a Christian, About this time glowing accounts were in circulation, a a beautiful and fertile region, lying far away towards Setting sun, beyond the blue mountains of his native ea cos Cumberland was the name given to this goodly — y the early explorers. It included what is now : ea as Middle Tennessee, and that portion of Ken- “eky lying north of the Green River of that state. PRO hh CBE a ree A OTS «eam ELDER REUBEN ROSS. This region, when first seen by the white man, seems to have justified all that has been said or written in its praise. When Boone, Finley, Clark, Robertson, Sevier, Donelson and others first beheld it from the western slopes of the Cumberland Mountains, they were enchanted with its beauty. Its wooded hills, crystal streams, vast forests and flower-enameled plains seem to have possessed more than Arcadian attraction and beauty ere the deadly strife for its possession hetween the white man and the savage began. It was the most magnificent park the world had ever seen, abounding in game, where a few hunters have killed more than a hundred fat bears, seventy-five or eighty buffalos, and as many deer in a few days only.* It was truly the hunters’ paradise. It was considered by the Indians exclusively as a common hunting and battle- ground, and from the banks of the Tennessee to the Ohio, not an Indian village, or wigwam, was to be seen in it. At first these accounts were considered somewhat doubtful, and the people hesitated; but when in process of time they were confirmed, an exodus from Virginia and the Carolinas commenced. Your grandfather now being broken up, with but little inducement to remain longer where he then was, and hoping to find a home for himself and family in this new country, decided promptly to remove to it, and see what fortune might have in store for him in what was then considered the ‘‘ Far West.” When the brethren of the old Skewarkey Church heard this they said, “He must, at once, be set apart and or- dained to preach the gospel, that he may be qualified to build up churches and administer the ordinances in the * See Putnam’s History of Middle Tennessee. B EGINS TO PREACH AND REMOVES TO THE WEST. Pu e Ra mhlie he is about to journey.” Accordingly, early saad Pt he was ordained as a minister of the sie cs lders Joseph Biggs, Luke Ward, and his haa a Ross. Elder Ward, it will be remembered, oie ese both him and your grandmother. PFs of May, 1807, was set for the commencement Episcc. rae on which day all were to meet at a deserted ae hurch, in a pine forest a few miles west of Pe 8 » and there pitch their tents for the first time. Peis er families had concluded to emigrate with us. hein ese was that of our uncle, Charles Cherry, the — of your grandmother's sister Rosa. a “6 Setting out, however, on our distant journey, I relate some of the scenes and incidents that I still re . . . . ve wae during our sojourn in the little town where we 1ved before our removal. st ee CHAPTER VIIL. REMINISCENCES OF EARLY DAYS. WHILE the emigrants are preparing for the journey, I will relate some of my childish recollections during the time we were living in Williamston. Among the earliest of these was the interest everybody seemed to take in the little twins,—your aunts Polly and Nannie. Ladies making their purchases at the store, before leaving, would often call on your grandmother, and ask to see them. They were two bright little specimens, faultless in form and features, and almost exactly alike in every respect. When on exhibition, they generaily stood side by side with their little hands before them, one in the other, in an easy attitude, free from all embarrassment, on account of their familiarity with the situation. After being inspected, questioned, praised, and dismissed, they would again run out to their play. After this, these ladies would sometimes call for the baby, and I would then be brought in. They would often, when this was done, make me stand by them, and taking off a glove put their pretty white fingers in my hair, which was very thick and curly, and turn it about in a way that was very pleasant. One of them once said: “ When he is grown up, his hair will be as beautiful as Absalom’s.” I did not know then that Absalom was the naughty fellow who wanted to kill his father David and be king himself. 78 REMINISCENCES OF EARLY DAYS. 79 These ladies, I think, must have used choice perfumery Ri Some kind in those days. For, when standing near a I was charmed with the delicate aroma which, as I ught, exhaled from them like the fragrance from flowers. ~~ from this association of ideas, as I suppose, it seemed fl me quite as proper to speak of a sweet lady as of a sweet Ower, = used to stay in the store a good deal and watch the omers coming and going, and hear them and your 8tandfather talk about the goods and their prices. I Mista likewise often take my seat in the door to watch = Pate as they passed along the streets. We village Chins ‘could tell a witch as far as we could see one, as we thought. When they came to town, they always ap- ce: in the form of little old women, with bright scarlet — and hoods drawn over the head so as nearly to . ri the face. If they were very much bent with age, nd shaking a little with palsy, so much the better. They a ally supported themselves each with a long staff, a they held in the hand, a little above the middle. ace skin, where it could be seen, was like old parchment; a eyes black and restless. They came to town, as they this » to buy a little tea, chocolate, tobacco, or snuff; but vad all a pretext, as we thought. They were always, th Y, bent on mischief of some kind. On seeing one of °Se approaching us, we children would dart like so many surpassing beauty and fertility, through “te 8 vs of bright and sparkling water. No ies aoe — struggled long and hard to retain Naaseee Is beautiful and romantic region. Passing sia mountains that I got into trouble. ibigatins a eautiful stream, where some men were recist the + catching a yuantity of fine fish, I could not sas mptation to stop and look at them. I waited 0 a — The wagons got far before me. Starting off Posseg n ; ling “Hi distance I turned back to get in the right » Having found my mistake. In the meantime 8 were all stopped in the 7 horses unharnessed and mounted, and the neigh- Scoured in search of me. They feared I had All were in distress, and in tears, for I had many friends. At length I was 8 up the road, weary with my long walk and shout was raised ; all gathered around me an : ; Would do me d rather hinted that some punishment I was quite surprised at the sud- 88 had taken. I escaped punishment, how- ever b » Dut was in di Sn disgrace for several Long aes days. Country we ee we reached it we heard of a portion of ad to pass through called the wilderness ; mi i " Sometimes oy ii appalling to us children was that © word “ howling” was added. The phrase a 102 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. “howling wilderness,” sounded ominous in our ears. Visions of wolves, bears, lions, tigers, panthers, and Indians rose before us. This wilderness lay on the Cumberland Moun- tain, between the Clinch River, a northern tributary of the Tennessee and the Caney Fork, a southern tributary of the Cumberland. In consequence of some misunderstanding about what was called the treaty of Holston, it was uncertain at the time to which race it belonged, the white or the Indian, and consequently neither held it in possession. It com- menced, I believe, about forty miles west of Knoxville, and terminated about sixty miles. east of Nashville. And as the distance between Knoxville and Nashville is two hundred miles, it must have been about one hundred miles across. A beautiful description of this wilderness you may find in Parton’s Life of Jackson, Volume I, chapter 16. It was written by Francis Bailey, the celebrated English astronomer, who crossed it in 1797, about ten years before we did. It was necessary for all who passed through this wil- derness to provide food for themselves and their teams, before attempting to do so; especially for themselves. There were many places where the teams could find an abundance of grass and wild pea-vines. These pea-vines were preferred by horses and cattle to any other food whatever. And it was said to recruit them when in low condition faster than any other known. These were abun- dant among the hills and mountains of Tennessee in early times, and afforded the richest pasturage. Soon after entering the wilderness, we descended a very long and steep hill, not far from Crab Orchard, in Morgan County, Tennessee, I think, and encamped near a pretty BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS. 103 Stre Seta pee It was a beautiful and romantic spot. Page = ream was called Daddy’s Creek. This name thing sa : ighted us children. We would have given any- ans obi sr how it came by that name. The hill we had " “Tat e was the famous Spencer’s Hill, so called from a - : iat name who had been killed upon it by the i —— _ ere was a great deal said that night around Sigs po is about poor Spencer, how he and another teesied oliday crossed the mountains together and on until they reached the neighborhood where _ Steir gy now stands; how each built a rude : “fle eared a little field; how Spencer would cut “i = tree, take a rail-cut on his shoulder, and mast € place where he was making his fence, split i. rs and lay them upon it, all of which he was i pi, E account of his prodigious strength; how is ie ——— he was in the country, and seeing fled from 5 oot-prints in the snow, became frightened, lost his ae ee reported it full of giants; how Holiday ei aaas —— Spencer broke his own in two and gave nished his 1 —— they parted; and how, after he had way home pe in, and fenced his little field, when on his country he had his wife and children to the beautiful Savages on th Pea for them, he was killed by the cruel he ae © hill which bore his name. thought of 93 shed tears for the noble hunter, when we in the “ide 1s manly form lying stark and cold far away : Y Mountain, never again to be seen by his Sorr OWlne wif i Our feels: ® and fatherless children; and gave vent to Carry j 1t into enabled & hunte ne i W upon his murderers. I may observe ost, if not all of what we heard that night Pencer is, I think, historically true. Nettie: 104 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. We were alarmed on several occasions while in the wilderness, two of which I remember. One evening, after our tents were pitched for the night, a solitary Indian came to us with some venison for sale. He told us he was “good Injun.” Our people, however, thought dif- ferently, and set him down as an Indian of the very worst kind, sent as a spy by his tribe, perhaps not far off, to ascertain our strength and means of defense; and if he found us weak, to return and bring a party down upon us during the night, to tomahawk and scalp the last one of us before day. The more we thought about it, the greater the danger seemed. A council was held, and the “ con- script-fathers”’ decided to buy the Indian’s venison, and to invite him to stay with us all night. Should he con- sent to this, well and good; if not, to place him under arrest, and keep him prisoner till morning. When the proposition was made he readily consented, and at bed- time rolled up for himself a bed of dry leaves, got into it and went to sleep. Not so your grandmother, Aunt Rosa, and others. All night they watched that pile of leaves, expecting every moment to see the Indian crawl stealthily from among them, and start off to bring his gang upon us. But this did not happen. When morning came he was still there, remained with us till after break- fast, then shouldered his rifle, bade us adieu, disappeared in the forest, and this was the last of our “ good Injun,” as he really turned out to be. The next trouble we had in the wilderness occurred when at the close of a day's journey, we reached a stream of water too late to cross over it. Other emigrants, though, who reached it earlier in the evening had crossed, and encamped on the opposite side. land there, on w BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS. 105 teh: — you, if you do not already know it, that snes a 8 or canes, when thrown on a hot fire, will pattes “ urst with a report very much resembling the iliseac : rifle. The children on the other side of the hike after all had become quiet, and before going to a il ot into a frolic, and commenced throwing armfuls Se canes on the fire, and shouting when they burst. ° on our side took this to be the report of rifles, ac- Panied by the yells of Indians, and thought all on the °r side were being massacred by them, and that it com oth Woul 5 : Si: s Soon be our turn. Wild shrieks now arose among din omy children, dogs, and negroes, and dire was the at followed. The people on the other side, hearing Toar among us, and never dreaming that the burst- the reeds and the shouting of the children of their was the cause of it, concluded the Indians were a = and would soon be on them, and raising a neha te rene shout, joined in the concert. It would be Bitte o empt a description of the scene that followed. length “te words would be needed for the purpose. At » “owever, quiet was restored. On reflection, we Wwe : bis, = = ashamed of what we had done, and those indee i: us in charge thought theirs was a hard lot the up Ing of party amon regul Caney earing the wilderness behind us and crossing the Met a oo a River, while going towards Nashville we tion eg ntleman in the road, who getting into conversa- and sot Pb Srandfather, advised him to purchase land, iver Pe what, I think, was then called the Dutch tile re io = Aescribing it as being a beautiful and fer- Sion, telling him at the same time that he owned hich he had built a good cabin, which he ELDER REUBEN ROSS. might occupy until he could find land to suit him, and gave him at the same time an order to his agent to let him have possession of the house. I have heard that this gentleman told others he was very much pleased with your grandfather’s appearance, and wanted him to settle in the part of the country where his lands lay, believing he would attract others to settle near him. I judge he was one of those great land speculators, who were then engaged in securing a portion of the rich lands lying south of Nashville. We accordingly went to the place, found his cabin, and took possession. It was situated in a vast cane-brake, a description of which would be incredible to one who had never seen anything of the kind. The canes reached half way up the tall trees, and were so thick that a bear, or Indian, could not~ have been seen at the distance of a few yards. Where a road or path was cut through it a wall, almost solid, seemed to stand on the right hand and on the left. The wild and lonely appearance of the coun- try, and the constant dread of Indians, however, had a depressing effect on most of the party, and they begged to be carried away from the dismal place, so the idea of settling here was finally abandoned. But your grand- father always regretted that he did not remain, as he thus saw the lands were wonderfully fertile, and to procure such had been his chief inducement in leaving his native state and moving to the West. Leaving this place, we journeyed on in the direction of Nashville, which a few days afterwards we reached. Here I was sadly disappointed; a few log houses and two or three brick kilns constituted the Nashville of that day, according to my recollection. But I suppose we must BEYOND THE MOUNTAINS. 107 ny passed through the suburbs only. For I see from ee History of Middle Tennessee, that two years : te we passed by it or through it, Nashville could have casted of about twenty houses, scattered around here and there, in various directions, What a change had come over it when next seen by me some thirty-five year later! It had grown to be a beautiful city, the at of wealth and refinement. A bridge spanned the Cumber- land; steamboats la : -etes y along its wharves, and its spi domes glittered in the sun. ? pires and From Nashville, after crossing the Cumberland, we traveled in a north-westerly direction to Port Ro = village situated in Montgomery County on the left hee of the Red River, a tributary of the Cumberland Thi was virtually the end of our long journey, “which m= reached on the 4th of July. 1 . y ’ 807, ha two long and eventful months. ving been on the road a WT AFTER THE JOURNEY. 109 CHAPTER XI. AFTER THE JOURNEY. On the opposite side of Red River, about two miles from Port Royal, there was living at this time an elderly gentleman named McGowan, who gave your grandfather permission to occupy, for the present, a small cabin stand- ing in his yard. He was a grey-headed man, gentle in his manner, with a pleasing expression of countenance, a wid- ower at the time, and a member of the Baptist Church. His residence was a short distance to the left of where the road leading from Port Royal: to Graysville, Kentucky, and the one leading from Clarksville to Keysburg cross each other, and in what is now a field, opposite the brick house, formerly built by James Reasons, Esq., a man of some note in his day, and occupied at present, I think, by a gentleman named Powers. A short distance from this house and in the direction of Port Royal is what was formerly known as the Woolfolk place, where there is a spring breaking out in a sink-hole, the water from which is conducted off in a wooden trough. This place is noted for the mysterious murder, in former times, of a young man near it, which threw all the country around into the greatest excitement. No one was ever brought to trial or punishment for the bloody deed, as no satisfactory explanation of it, I think, was ever obtained. Woolfolk was the name of the victim, a young man highly 108 eaieetagns.tipeaaieid esteemed by all who knew him. It was generally believed he was killed by mistake for another who was at the time riding with him. When we drove up to the little cabin, your grandfather told us children that we were now at the end of our jour- ney, as he had decided to settle somewhere in this part of the country. Could this beso? Was this place the Eldorado of all our young dreams, the beautiful Cumber- land on which our thoughts had delighted so long to dwell ? It could not be. There must be some mistake. Our little feet, sore with the sharp stones, had not crossed so many hills and mountains to find a home like this. Our hearts were nearly broken. We laid down on the ground and shed bitter tears, Our parents sympathized deeply with us in our disappointment, but there was no help for it. All was soon ‘taken from the wagon and carried in. And here, in the language of antiquity, “our household gods were set up” for the present. As it was now too late in the season to think of renting land and planting a crop your grandfather, after looking round a little, decided to teach a school for a few months. He was then about thirty-one years of age, straight, well proportioned, just under six feet in height, and weigh- ing one hundred and forty-five pounds, which was his weight for many years. All his features were good. His eyes were grey, his hair dark brown. His voice was plea- - to the ear, and finely adapted to sacred music. In the prime of life, when he became animated in his dis- Mita it had considerable strength and power, growing eeble though as he advanced in years. His complexion was dark. The expression of his countenance was thought- ful, and this deepened perceptibly as he grew older. 6 le ae j Sain ac | eesti aese oem 110 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. In a large and mixed company he was rather taciturn, but a close observer of all that was said and done around him. In the company of a few friends his conversation was free and animated. His self-possession and sense of what was becoming and proper in himself and others were remarkable traits in his character. I doubt whether any person living or dead ever saw him thrown off his guard. It mattered not how sudden and unexpected a turn things might take, he always seemed to have foreseen what was coming and to be prepared for it. This was often seen in after life while presiding over deliberative bodies as chairman or moderator. I think he had a genius for the management of affairs of great moment in church or state, had he been called to do so. Soon after stopping here his voice as a preacher was first heard west of the mountains. The place was near what is now known as the Port Royal Mills, where he was then living. His stand was under the branches of a spread- ing oak, his audience sitting around him on rude seats or on the ground during the services. I supposed when I commenced this writing that I could find some grey-headed man still living who was present on that occasion ; but T have failed to do so. They, like him, have passed away. There are some left though who have heard others speak of being present at that time. Would it not be interesting to know how many sermons he preached after that until he delivered his last short address, long years afterwards, in the old Bethel Church, Christian County, Kentucky ? At two hundred for each year they would have numbered more than ten thousand. In the month of November of this year (1807) the first great sorrow fell upon our family. While your grandfather ware * —————— AFTER THE JOURNEY. pa was lying on a sick bed, we children were playing in an outhouse near by. Our little sister Mildred, so called after her mother, about three and a half years old, was with us. We were amusing ourselves gathering dry leaves and throwing them on the fire to see them blaze up and burn. She ran out and brought in her little apron full of leaves like the rest of us, threw them on the fire, and turned pases back to it. They caught, blazed up, and soon she was en- veloped in the flames. The alarm was given. Your grand- father sprang from his bed, hastened to her, and tore off her clothing. It was too late. The burns were incur- able; and after a few days of intense suffering she died. We larger children mourned the loss of our little favorite and thought to ourselves she had traveled a long, long journey to find her tiny grave. Her parents were almost broken-hearted. These were dark days in our family his- tory, but many such were in store for us in the coming years. P There was a burying-ground near by, and neglected graves may still be seen in a cluster of trees to the left just before reaching the cross-roads already mentioned. There she was buried, and in this lonely place her ashes still remain, far from those of her kindred in other places. There is a touching reminiscence connected with her grave. When she was buried, two rough stones were set up to mark the spot where she lay. Several years later your grandfather stopped to visit the grave, as he always did when passing that way, and found to his surprise that some unknown friend had removed the former ones and replaced them by others of gray limestone, with the name and dates accurately carved on them. It was indeed a delicate act of friendship. They have long since disap- 112 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. peared, and the exact spot cannot now be identified. It is likely they were removed by some person destitute of respect for the memory of the dead, to be used for some other purpose. While living here your grandfather was visited by his brother William Ross, who had heard of his arrival in this country. This brother, soon after leaving the army at the close of the Revolutionary War, had come west and settled in what is now Missouri, but was at that time known as Louisiana, a part of the then vast domains of Spain.* The place he selected for a home while still un- married was near the Mississippi River below the old French town called by the early French adventurers Cape Girardeau, and in a “bottom” famous for its deep and fertile soil. They had not met before since your grand- father was a little boy. I was present at their meeting. It was very affection- ate. They held each other in a long embrace and shed tears freely. He had wandered so far from home—nearly a thousand miles—and been so long absent and lost sight of by his family, that he had come to be regarded very much as one dead. I have heard that he encountered almost incredible hardships and dangers during his long journey on foot, from the shores of the Atlantic to the Mississippi, while passing with his rifle on his shoulder % This is a historical mistake. The Louisiana territory originally be- longed to France, but in 1762 was ceded to Spain. In 1800 it was ceded back to France, and in 1803, during Mr. J efferson’s administration, it was purchased by the United States for fifteen millions of dollars. If this were the place, it would be interesting to show why the great Na- poleon was willing to sell so valuable a possession at that time. J. M. P. AFTER THE JOURNEY. 113 through the deep forests and savage Indian tribes. He was very gentle and affectionate, and in consequence we all became much attached to him, considering the short time he remained with us. He greatly desired your grandfather to remove from where he was and settle near him, describing the country in which he lived as surpassed by none in point of fertility of soil, and in the fall of the next year your grandfather went to see him and to look at the country. But from what he saw of it he concluded it must be unhealthy, and was afraid to take his family there. In the autumn of 1836, long afterwards, I had occasion to visit that country myself. I Jearned that he, his wife, and some of his children had been dead many years, and the rest had left there and gone farther west, no one could tell me where. I went to the house where he had lived, but it was occupied by strangers, who knew nothing of the family. It was a pretty place, situated on a little stream called Cape-la-Cruce, near the western bank of the great river. Although not a great deal could be said in praise of the little village of Port Royal itself, near which we were now living, it would perhaps be safe to say no finer citi- zenship could have been found anywhere at this time than in the country around it, extending into Robertson and Montgomery Counties. In evidence of this one need only mention such names as Fort, Norfleet, Northington, Dortch, Baker, Cheatham, Washington, Bryant, Turner, Blount, Bailey, Johnson, and others, too numerous to men- tion. They were generally men of large stature, dignified and patriarchal in their bearing, many of them wealthy, very hospitable, and always ready to assist those who needed it, especially the stranger who cam among them. tween these people and your gran lasted while they lasted,-and descended to their posterity. 114 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. e to settle Of these some were professors of religion, and those who were not generally manifested great respect for it and for all whom they considered pious Christians. of them were Carolinians who had been at section of country by its noble forests, fine springs, and beautiful streams of water, it to other portions where the land was richer, were less favored in other respects. Most tracted to this which caused them to prefer but. which A mutual friendship and esteem soon sprang up be- dfather’s family, which ears he built up a flourishing church among In after y where he preached to large these people, called Harmony, audiences; and there, it is said, he delivered some of his ablest discourses. It is not to be inferred, however, from what has been said of this population, that there were no exceptions to be found among them. There were many wild, rough characters, as in all new countries, who would drink, gamble, and fight, often for no other reason what- ever than to show their pluck and muscle. These would sometimes collect in considerable numbers on court-days, and at elections and horse-races. Before closing this chapter I will say a few words about the country that constituted the principal field of your grandfather’s labors as a minister of the gospel after his settlement in it. It was included within the limits of six counties—Robertson, Montgomery, and Stewart, in Ten- nessee; and Logan, Todd, and Christian, in Kentucky. In 1788, nineteen or twenty years before we came here, the territorial government of Tennessee authorized a new AFTER THE JOURNEY. 115 county to be organized, taken from the northern portion of Davidson, and to be called Tennessee County, extend- ing along the Kentucky line westwardly and across Cum- berland River, embracing quite a large extent of territory. (See Putnam.) Clarksville was made the county seat. Afterwards, however, this county was divided into three, Robertson, Montgomery, and Stewart. Springfield then beeame the county seat of Robertson, Dover of Stewart, and Clarksville of Montgomery. The northern portion of these counties bordering on the State line is level or gently undulating, and the soil very productive, yielding rich crops of corn, wheat, and tobacco, producing also the fruits and vegetables peculiar to the climate in great perfection and abundance. Farther south, bordering on the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, the country becomes broken and hilly; and in early times, the hills left bare before the forests were cut down, and and unproductive, it was quite romantié, in some places assuming an Alpine character. Among these hills are various minerals; iron ore especially, in inexhaustible sup- ply, and said to be the finest article of that metal to be found in the world. It would not be easy to give an adequate description of the beautiful streams descending from the hills and hur- rying along their rich narrow bottoms to unite with those still larger, and thence to the rivers, bordered by a growth of poplar, beech, walnut, wild-cherry, sugar-maple, buck- eye, hackberry, as seen in the early times. th Tn these narrow alluvial bottoms the first settlers built here cabins, fished in the streams, and hunted among the uls ; often cultivating a few acres to raise a crop of corn, pumpkins, etc. Among many of these hills and valleys 116 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. your grandfather was the first to carry the glad tidings which he loved so well to publish. Tennessee being settled mostly by emigrants from North, Carolina, was considered the daughter of that state. These three counties in Kentucky, viz., Logan, Todd, and Christian, lying on the state line parallel to Stewart, Montgomery, and Robertson, in Tennessee, resemble them in this respect: the portion of each nearest the state line is rich and level, and that farthest from it broken, hilly, and less productive. The southern portion of these Kentucky counties may be considered one of the garden spots of the state; and had not its advancement in pros- perity and wealth been checked by our civil war, it is probable that in no distant future it would have borne the palm. The face of the country is beautiful, spreading out into wide plains, and producing the same crops as the northern portion of the three Tennessee counties across the line opposite. Its value as an agricultural region was long not even suspected. Being destitute of water and timber to a great extent, and in many places nothing but grass and a few stunted trees to be seen, they were called the “Barrens” of Kentucky. Their appearance too was dreary and forbidding during the winter months as the bleak winds swept over the dry and withered grass, from which, as in the great prairies of the North and West, there was no shelter to be found. But even while this idea of sterility prevailed, during the spring and summer months when far and wide the ground was covered with deep green prairie grass and myriads of bright wild flowers, the scene was one of enchanting beauty. ae cannadn Ric eae MOEN 86, 3 AFTER THE JOURNEY. 117 When its wonderful fertility came to be known, it filled up apace with immigrants mostly from Virginia, many of whom stood high for intelligence, wealth, and refinement. Your grandfather soon became greatly attached to this people, and began to feel deeply interested in their spiritual welfare, and they in turn to love and reverence him almost as a father. He and his brother ministers preached among them with great success. Flourishing churches were organized, and Baptist influence fully established over all this beauti- ful country, which might be called the natural home of the Old Bethel Association. But I fear I have detained you too long in endeavoring to give you some idea of the field in which your grandfather labored both in his early manhood and in his declining years. 6* CHAPTER XIL RED RIVER CHURCH ; ASSOCIATIONS. In the immediate neighborhood of Port Royal, in the year 1791, about fifteen years before your grandfather came to the country, a church had been organized, known as the “ Red River Baptist Church.” When this church was first constituted there was no meeting-house, but the meetings were held first at the residence of one and then of another of the members. At length a rude meeting- house was built, such as was common in those days, on the left bank of the Red River, and from this stream re- ceived its name. The word church among the Baptists was generally applied to the members rather than to the house in which they worshipped. In those times the cus- tom of naming the church or meeting-house for the creek or river near which it stood was almost universal. Hence we have the “ West Fork,” the “Spring Creek,” and the “Little River ” Churches. The members of the Red River Church—the oldest in the Bethel Association—as their congregations increased in size and their circumstances improved, from time to time built houses of worship more commodious, and they have lately built in the old neighborhood a large and handsome edifice at what is called Adams’ Station, on the railroad leading from Nashville to Henderson, on the Ohio River, about eighty years after the first was built 118 a RED RIVER CHURCH; ASSOCIATIONS. 119 in which their fathers worshipped. Verily this old church does not seem wanting in vitality. The original members of this church—many of whom I remember to have seen when young—a highly respecta- ble body both as citizens and Christians, exercised a happy influence in their community. Most of them were Caro- linians and members of Baptist churches before leaving the old state. They soon manifested the kindest feeling for your grandfather, and had heard of his brothers, Martin and James Ross, who stood high among the Carolina Baptists as preachers. This church had at first belonged to the Cumberland Baptist Association, which, on becoming too large for Convenience, was divided into two. The one formed from it took the name, Red River Association, either from this church, or because most of the churches that composed it Were in the country watered by the Red River. The association from which it was taken still retained its former name. Of this famous old Red River Association we shall have much to say hereafter. What is called an Association among the Baptists is a Voluntapy union of a number of churches of the same faith and order, prompted thereto by feelings of brotherly Pa and friendship, and a desire to promote the great in- a of religion. Each church belonging to one of ese Associations is expected to send one or more mes- sg to it at its annual meetings, with a letter contain- th a statement of its progress, present condition, and eas: These letters are read publicly before the body, i give it a general view of the present state of all the = urches within its bounds. The messengers elect their oderator, or Chairman, with other necessary officers. 120 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Each of these bodies has its rules of order, by which its deliberations are to be governed; and when its session closes a brief synopsis of its proceedings is printed and distributed among the churches. During the session some individual will be appointed to write what they call a Circular Letter, to be printed with the synopsis of the next year, and sent out with it, A subject is sometimes given, on which he is required to write, but the subject is at other times left to the choice of the writer. Finally, a place is appointed for the next year’s meeting, and the body is adjourned. Petitions are often sent up by several churches that the next Association meet with them, and there is sometimes a spirited contest for that honor. These Associations are often very attractive to the communities in which they are held. All the preachers belonging to them are expected to be present, and while the business is being transacted at one place some of the best preachers address the people at another. The old brethren in the early times were delighted to show their hospitality to brethren and friends from a distance. And families in the vicinity who belonged to other denomina- tions would often open their doors to visitors. Most of the beauty and fashion of the country was present also, which lent an additional charm and interest to these meetings. Many ladies, members of the churches, would travel quite a distance on horseback with their babies in their laps to be present, and might be seen days before- hand converging to the appointed place. On their return it was to them a most delightful task to tell neighbors and friends who had. gathered in, of all they had seen and heard. Especially would they tell how their great preachers plunged into the deep, dark mysteries of re- " RED RIVER CHURCH; ASSOCIATIONS. 121 ligion, and made subjects that had before caused them to feel giddy even to think of appear so clear that a child might understand them. And they would often return with all their doubts and fears dispelled, and a deep religious determination to press forward along “ the narrow way.” How much soever Baptists may be divided in their views, in other respects there are two points on which they area unit wherever found. They all believe that im- mersion is the only proper act of baptism, and that be- lievers are the only proper subjects. They think the teaching of the Bible is clear on these points, and, there- fore, can never be induced to abandon them. In the next place, they consider every church a separate and independent body, and that it is answerable to no other saintly tribunal or power whatever. If it choose to con- nect itself with an Association, and is accepted, well and good; if not, it can stand unconnected, and attend to its own business in its own way. But although opposed to being governed, there is a strong tendency to union and co-operation among them. When young I used to hear them talk a great deal about their union quarterly and yearly meetings. At these no business was transacted. A number of churches would agree through their mes- sengers to meet periodically, interchange letters of kindly greeting, and worship together for several days in succes- sion. These reunions were held first at one church, and then another in regular order. The attendance was large, and their best preachers addressed the people. As a body the Baptists constitute one of the leading Christian denominations. Isee from the statement of Dr. Bailey of Chicago that at this time they have 17,445 churches, and have increased in the ratio of one church anlideati 122 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. per day for the last forty years.* They are numerous in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. In Sweden and Germany their increase is now rapid. In the United States the independence and simplicity of their govern- ment and worship, together with their religious views commend them to the people, and it is estimated that one- fifth of the people, at least, are under Baptist influence. In regard to doctrine the Baptist denomination, like many others, has been divided in sentiment, and to some extent is still so, some adopting the views of John Cal- vin; others, those of Andrew Fuller; and others still the sentiments of James Arminius. Hence, we sometimes hear of Calvinists, Fullerites, and Arminians, among those whose general designation is Baptists. It is supposed that a decided majority of the Baptists of the United States are in accord with the views of Andrew Fuller, that there is in the atonement of Christ an “ objective ful- ness” sufficient for the salvation of the world, and that this “objective fulness” is the ground on which the gospel is consistently preached to every creature. Baptists, it should be remembered, do not like to be called by the names of men. They profess to derive their views from the word of God, to which they appeal as the supreme standard. While, therefore, they do not under- value the writings of good men, a subordinate place is as- signed to such writings. No persons more cordially adopt the sentiment that the holy Scriptures are the “only and sufficient rule of faith and practice.” * According to the “ Baptist Year Book” for 1882, issued by the Am. Bap. Pub. Society, the churches have increased to 26,373, and the mem- bers to 2,336,022, This large increase brings with it great responsibility. J: MEP; CHAPTER XIII. RED RIVER ASSOCIATION. I Do not know the number of churches that composed the Red River Association when it was organized. But in 1810, they amounted to twenty-seven scattered over a wide extent of country. : The number of members was 1020. Of this session Anthony New was Moderator, Wm. Aingell, Clerk, and Elder Reuben Ross, Assistant Clerk. he During my boyhood and youth my opportunities of forming a correct estimate of these old Baptists were much better than those of most boys of my age, had I possessed the requisite discrimination. Your grandfather always insisted on my attending the meetings, if possible, hoping, I suppose, that at some time my attention might be arrested, and my thoughts take a religious turn. I not only attended preaching with him near home, but often at some distance, both in rude and newly settled districts, and also where society was more refined and polished. At Hopkinsville, Elkton, Russellville, ete., Were many fine Baptist families fifty years ago; and the impression left on my mind is that they were worthy of all esteem. Their Christian spirit and reverence for re- ligion were every where noticeable, and, noes their creed, their hearts seemed to glow with love an gratitude to the Creator for the great and ee scheme , { { 124 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. of redemption through the sufferings and death of His Son. As far back as I can remember, what I considered a fine sermon delighted me very much, and I am even now surprised at the impression that remains on my mind, not only of the spirit of some I heard on those occasions, but in many cases of the words and sentences. Next to the fine sermons I was most interested in the experiences that used to be related among the Baptists. And though I rather considered myself a very good judge of a sermon I prided myself on my opinion of an experience, and thought I could tell whether it would pay or not before the vote was taken. There were, besides your grandfather, four preachers of notoriety in the Association whom I remember well, and whom I have heard preach many times. Of their person- al appearance and the character of their preaching, I have a distinct recollection. These were elder Lewis Moore, Jesse Brooks, Isaac Todevine, and Sugg Fort. I will attempt to describe them, that you may have some idea of the men with whom your grandfather was for many years associated in the ministry. They were staunch Predestinarians, and gloried in the doctrine they preached. All were of excellent character, and some of them of fine talents. In point of ability it was generally admitted that Elder Lewis Moore stood foremost. He was not above medium height, heavily built, with a short neck, large head, full face, and was rather careless in his dress. Out of the pulpit he had lit- tle to say, but in it he was certainly no common man. Be- fore coming to this country in 1728, he was pastor of the Reedy Creek Baptist Church in Warren County, N. C, : | : RED RIVER ASSOCIATION. 125 (See Burkitt and Reed’s Church History, page 260). When I first knew him he -was pastor of the Muddy River Church and of several others in this country. This church was, I think, situated somewhere north of Russell- ville, Logan County, Kentucky. In his style of speak- ing he was nervous, vehement, and sometimes startling. He seemed to carry in his memory every text in the Bi- ble from Genesis to Revelation that bore on election, pre- destination, and kindred subjects ; and could apply them with great force and effect. His tact in explaining away, and weakening the force of those texts that seemed to militate against his views, I thought little less than mar- vellous. His irony, too, was exceedingly sharp and cutting. It was customary in those times for the preachers while arguing their points to call on a brother, or sister even, to say if what they affirmed was not true. They would do 8o many times during a sermon after becoming heated by the argument, and the brother appealed to would sane- tion with great energy. After piling text upon text, and argument upon argument, and making his position seem- ingly impregnable, he would say : “Tell me now, Brother Todevine, is not this doctrine true?” “Yes, Brother Moore, it is true, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” “ Sister Owens, is this doctrine true?” “ Yes, brother, and bless the Lord for it.” “ And yet,” he would continue, “there are men in the world, and not a few of them either, who deny the truth of this glorious doctrine of election that has made glad the hearts of God’s people for thousands of years. They say, forsooth, it is partial and unjust, and does not give a 126 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. every one an equal chance to be saved. Now just reflect. We are all miserable sinners, conceived in sin and brought forth in iniquity ; and if we had our just deserts would every one be sent to hell, and that speedily ; but God in his infinite goodness and mercy has condescended to elect and save a few of us. And instead of adoring his holy name becanse all are not lost, they are raising a great clamor because all are not saved. A. has money and chooses to give B. a part of it. The money is his own, and he can use it as he pleases. But it is no sooner known that he has bestowed a portion of it on B. than every vag- abond in the country denounces him as partial and un- just, because he does not give him some, too. Who is injured by this? I would like to know. Some are bene- fited, but does that defraud any one else? One man makes a feast, and invites his friends to come and partake with him. Those who have not been invited raise a howl as if victuals had been taken out of their own mouths. Alas! for the folly and presumption of human beings! It is really past finding out.” “But let me tell you, my friends, what is really the matter. I am sorry to say it, but the truth is the Al- mighty don’t properly understand his business. That is clear from the mistakes he is constantly making. Would it not be a blessed thing if he could have some of our wise men to assist him? Some that have studied Latin, Greek, and Hebrew in the colleges and high schools, to help him govern the world? Or mightit not be better still as the poet has said to “Snatch from his hand the balance and the rod; Rejudge his justice; be the god of God.” RED RIVER ASSOCIATION. 127 Then would follow one of his perorations, or conclu- sions, which I used to think very fine. “ But, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let not your hearts be troubled at these things. Your bread shall be given you, and your water shall be sure. Your house is built upon the rock. Let the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing. Greater 1s he that is for you than they that are against you. Let us contend earn- estly for the faith once delivered to the saints. The con- flict will soon be over, and we shall be where the wicked cease from troubling, and where the weary are at rest. In those bright mansions not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, crowns and diadems and palms of victory await you, which shall be placed on your brows by the Great King himself.” Tt was delightful to see how happy the brotherhoo seemed to feel on occasions like this. Every countenance was radiant with these inspiring hopes, but no hands would clap or shouts be heard. These preachers would stop instantly in the midst of one of their loftiest flights Should any one give way to his emotions,—and wait for him to get composed. j Elder Moore believed that long before the morning stars Sang together, and the sons of God shouted for joy at the glories of the new creation, the Almighty looked down upon the ages yet unborn, as it were, in review before him, and selected one here and another there to enjoy eternal life and left the rest to the blackness of darkness forever ; and so he preached. I do not think he lived to be an oldman. When a youth I used to pass by his dwelling on my way to Drake's Pond Church. His resi- dence was in the extreme southern part of Todd County, ——— en Rib lia i ib ‘buSieees inna alashie ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Kentucky. The situation was low and flat, and had an air of loneliness and solitude about it even during his lifetime. I regret that I cannot tell you his age or when he died. Elder Jesse Brooks, though of the same school of theology as Elder Moore, differed from him in several re- spects. He was more social, cheerful, and pleasant out of the pulpit. His coat was always brushed, his linen clean and white, and his boots or shoes nicely blacked. He wore a broad-brimmed hat, made of the genuine fur of the beaver, which had perhaps been caught by some trapper among the Rocky Mountains. It used to be said that one of these hats, with what the ladies called a “little doing up, now and then,” would last twenty years! He, like other traveling preachers in those times, used to carry on his left arm his saddle-bags, containing his Bible, hymn-book, and a change or two of linen, if he expected to be from home some time. The umbrella was carried in the right hand, and used as a walking-cane when not needed to keep off the sun or rain. He was above the medium height, and his frame large, without any unnecessary weight. His complexion was fresh for an old man, and his expression mild and pre- possessing. Your grandfather used to admire his man- ners at home, which were those of a pious Christian who made all around him cheerful and happy. I think he was a silversmith by trade, but had long since quit the business, except as an amusement. He once put a very pretty silver band around the ivory head of a cane belonging to your grandfather, which had been fractured. I would infer from what I used to hear, that he had saved enough from this business while young to make himself and family comfortable in old age. RED RIVER ASSOCIATION. 129 Elder Brooks, like other Calvinistic preachers of the day, had but little to say to sinners, as those were called who had never made any profession of religion or con- - nected themselves with any church. Indeed, they seemed at a loss to know what to do with sinners any way. They were tough subjects, and they seemed very much disposed to let them alone. If they were not of the elect, all the preaching in the world would do them no good, so far as salvation was concerned, since they believed Christ died for the elect only. Why then preach to them at all? On the other hand, if they were of the elect, nothing could prevent their being saved. They would be sure, sooner or later, to come into the fold. Many of the Old Order of Baptists still doubt the propriety of making sinners the subjects of gospel addresses, and the late Dr. Watson, who stood high as a man of great learning, benevolence, and zeal in religion, (in a work published after his death called the “ Old Baptist Test,”) complains of his brethren for not doing so. I have heard the subject of hereditary depravity dis- cussed many times. The argument was about this :— That we are all parts of our ‘father Adam; and when Adam, who was the whole, sinned, we the parts sinned also in him; and as he deserved punishment, so do we, as being Adam drawn out at length, as they expressed it. I used, when a boy, to try hard to comprehend this mystery, but never succeeded. We know that one can receive a taint morally and physically by hereditary transmission, a8 in pulmonary consumption, and bad tempers and dis- Positions both in men and brutes. But how one can be really guilty for this inherited defect is not so easy to Conceive. Sinners were advised to shun outbreaking ao striae be 130 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. sins if possible, such as horse-racing, card-playing, cock- fighting, profanity, drunkenness, and fiddling and dancing especially. Election, predestination, the nature and extent of the © atonement, the final perseverance of the saints, effectual calling, and the glorious and happy state of the elect after death were the themes on which Elder Brooks and others loved to dwell. In lofty style, like Elder Moore, he would exhort his brethren and sisters not to be dis- couraged or faint by the way, telling them the day of their redemption was drawing nigh, and that they would soon behold the city of the Great King in all its apocalyp- tic beauty and splendor ; their spotless robes, their golden harps, were there awaiting them, which would continue to shine and sparkle in unfading brightness when the sun, moon, and stars shall grow dim with age and pass away. Elder Brooks also lived in what is now Todd County, Kentucky. He was long pastor of the “ West Fork of Red River Church ” the old site of which is hardly known. He was, I think, a native of Virginia. I do not know the date of his birth or death, though I have taken some pains to learn. He and your grandfather often traveled and preached together, and together assisted in organizing churches and ordaining ministers in the early times. I have taken unusual pains to recall my early impres- sions of these two old pioneer preachers, who may be con- sidered representative ministers among the Baptists of those days. Their preaching was chiefly directed to the defense of their doctrines and the feeding of their sheep; that is, to comfort and encourage the members of their churches ; and this was done so much to their satisfaction and de- RED RIVER ASSOCIATION . 131 light, that the aged men and women of that generation who are left still look back to those as the palmy days of their church, about which they love to think and speak, though now comparatively few in number. Of the soundness of their doctrines and the purity of their faith they had the most exalted ideas, and no doubt many of them considered themselves as much superior, 10 these respects, to the surrounding Christian denomina- tions, as did the ancient Jews in comparing themselves with the heathen nations around them. But there was one dread thought that often brought these old Christians low even unto the dust. “Am I, after all, one of the elect? May I not, after all, be mis- taken? And if so, then all hope is gone 1” The storm- tossed mariner, when his boat goes down, may find a - plank or broken spar, and on it may reach the friendly shore; but for him who is not of the elect there is no plank or spar or friendly shore; he must sink in the deep, dark waters. There is ground for believing that by this dread apprehension the reason of many has been de- throned. Cowper, one of England’s sweetest poets, was unable to bear up under it, and Cromwell himself, if 1 remember rightly, whose iron nerves never quailed before Mortal foe, trembled at the bare thought of this. I have heard many, whose minds were filled with oubts and fears on this subject, converse with your Srandfather in regard to it. While troubled with these ~ ibe apprehensions, they might often be heard singing € plaintive old hymn: “Tis a point I long to know, Oft it causes anxious thought; Do I love the Lord or no? Am I his or am I not?” $52 ELDER REUBEN Ross. Their fear was that Satan, who can transform himself into an angel of light, and deceive the very elect them- selves, were it possible, had tempted them to conclude they were the children of God when they really were not, and that they would ultimately be lost after all their fond hopes to the contrary. Before passing on to our next chapter we will add, that there was one theme of which these old Christians never grew weary, and which filled their hearts with unspeaka- able love and gratitude. That the Almighty should have loved them with an everlasting love, chosen them to be lively stones in his holy temple, made them the special objects of his regard, vessels of honor, while others, as good by nature as they, perhaps better by practice, were vessels of wrath fitted for destruction, seemed at times to fill their hearts with love and gratitude beyond ex- pression. Had he shown his loving-kindness in this way to all alike, it would not have been so wonderful, since all were in the same lost and ruined condition. But this act of peculiar and special favor, when there was no merit whatever in them, that they should be made kings and priests of the Most High rather than others, was unlike anything known before among mankind, and it seemed to them that their hearts ought to overflow with love and thanksgiving on account of it every moment of their lives. Indeed, there was a simplicity or artlessness in the way they talked on this subject that was really interesting. Is it not possible that many of them, almost without knowing it, thought they were after all just a little better than others, and were chosen or elected on that account ? This cos- 88 for subjects of conversation, [ used when a boy to think his talk very amusing. Hig utters We isti ig i ance as distinct though rapid, and his sentences short ie) WwW Oo W €xpectin & it, commence singing of ‘ one tOR, Watts, or Cowper. It was useless for any - to join in with him, for no ot her person could sin : ga ymn : the same length in the same time. He would 133 one of the fine old hymns 134 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. finish it by the time another would get fairly started. Many times late at night, while in bed, he would break out and sing one of these hymns. He lived in a solitary cabin on the bank of a pretty stream called Spring Creek, on account of the number of fine springs whose waters unite to form it. Some of these in classic times would have been thought favorite abodes of the nymphs, “domus nympharum,” on account of their romantic beauty. The maple, poplar, beech trees, and wild flowers that once grew around them have mostly disappeared, but their sparkling waters still flow on as when first seen by the pioneer hunter. When at home, the only companions the old solitary had were his horse Snip and his dog Pup. The farmers of the neighborhood gratuitously supplied food for himself and his two com- panions. Your mother’s father, a very kind-hearted gen- tleman, often filled Snip’s little crib with corn during the old man’s absence. On returning home he would be very much pleased, and if asked who had been so kind would say, “ Hither Charles Barker or the Lord, he didn’t know which.” He prepared his simple meals himself. His lady friends, kind-hearted and good as they ever will be, supplied him with clothes. Mrs. Rebecca Dudley, who lived near this ‘ old hermit, told me not long since that she and the Misses White, sisters of Willie White, Esq., all of whom you have seen when a little girl, often made up clothing for him. I do not remember to have heard any one say in what way he spent his solitary hours. I think, though, he was fond of reading; have heard him speak of Flavel, Top- lady, Bunyan, Booth, and Gill, as if he were familiar with those fine old writers. He read his Bible much, lingering 136 ELDER REUBEN Ross. saddles were in great demand. These two old preachers, from what I have heard, seem to have resembled each other very much in their ecceutricities. Every morning after breakfast, with a biscuit or two in his pocket for Snip, the old man would go out to the stable or lot. Snip, so soon as he saw his master, would go up to him. He would then ask him how he was getting on, and whether they gave him enough to eat and drink. At this the horse would lay back his ears, indulge in a low whine, and paw the ground slightly. I used to think this was carrying things a little too far, that it looked like a sort of witchcraft, and could not help feeling somewhat afraid of them. Snip seemed to expect something to eat, and would smell about his master’s pockets for it, which amused the old man greatly. In prayer Elder Todevine was quite fluent, and on that account would be requested to conduct family worship when visiting the brethren. He would commence by in- voking the choicest blessings on the family wnder whose roof he then was, then on the surrounding community, then on the nation and its rulers, then on all men every- where; and finally on the church, that she might awake and put on her beautiful garments, and that her glory might fill the whole earth. He and the darkies were far from being on good terms. When preaching on the duties of master and servant, he would take great pains to convince the latter they ought to be very thankful they had some one to whip them when they needed it, adding at the same time, very shrewdly, that it would be a good thing if some white people had some one to do the same for them. He would tell them that a good whipping, when they needed it, was worth less pit. On the other hand, if he were one of the elect ? neither his own wr i ong doings nor al ness could prevent his iaichion, inne ae order, Sometimes, h d his friends he had to him at what ao. would die. This dream had fete n his mind that he often made it the According to it he was to die in the month of March of that year 138 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. part of the county. On his way he stayed all night with his friend and neighbour Mr. Bryan Whitfield, who told him he was too old and infirm to ride so far by himself, and tried to persuade him not to go. He replied there were two souls there he was to be instrumental in awak- ening before his departure which was near at hand, and Mr. Whitfield, supposing it to be one of his fancies, said nothing more. He went on to the church, preached to the people, and returned home. Some days after he rode over to Mr. Whitfield’s, called him to the gate, told him his time to die had come, and as he would rather not die at home by himself, he would be very thankful if he would permit him to die at his house. Mr. Whitfield, after joking him a little, invited him to get down and go in. He did so, took his bed, and, as one account says, died the next day; another, a few days afterwards, on the 23d of March, 1821. One hardly knows what to think of such cases of presentiment as this; but, as there are so many on record that seem to be well authenticated, it is, perhaps, best simply to state the facts and leave each one to form his own conclusions regarding them. It is said when his remains were carried to the grave, his dog followed them, and after it was filled up laid down beside it, and remained there several days, until Mr. Wil- liam Watwood, an old friend of his master, tied a hand- kerchief round his neck and led him away. Thus ended the life of this singular but interesting old preacher. His name has nearly passed into oblivion, but brings back to my mind “the memory of the days of other years.” He was buried on the hill to the right of the road leading from Clarksville to Trenton, Kentucky, just before cross- ing the creek on which his cabin once stood; and far away from the home of his childhood. BRR RMOAT Seg ey Neen ee aR EEEEERE Sahel ie he . ee LT? 5 oe ae bee oF eae . one abe mn n the same year , and from adjoin- When a free gal- 140 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Elder Fort was the first, or among the first, to enlist in the same cause: And side by side, they passed through all the troubles that agitated the Baptist churches previous to the organization of the Bethel Association, They trav- elled and preached together, not only in their respective counties,—Montgomery and Robertson,—but also in dis- tant localities where the people were destitute of Christian religious instruction. On these tours they were always re- ceived with the greatest kindness and respect, and theatten- tion paid to their preaching showed that the religious feeling among those early settlers was much greater than is generally supposed, I still retain a very pleasant recollection of a trip I made with them among the hills and valleys of Stewart County east of the Cumberland. The people among whom we went were thinly settled along the pretty streams bordered by the rich narrow bottoms already mentioned. The ridges dividing these streams were often high and steep, and covered with heavy timber in many places af- fording wild and romantic scenery. Uncle Sugg and I had a great deal of pleasant chat riding along together over these hills and across the streams, while your grand- father would often ride on before studying, as we would say, upon his sermons, They usually left home early in the morning for some place where an appointment for them to preach had been made some time before. This was generally the residence of some well-to-do settler or some rude meeting-house made of round logs covered with boards kept in place by poles laid upon them near a spring or on the margin of some pretty stream. Here two sermons would be preached, one immediately after the other by day, and another some- SKETCHES OF EARLY MINISTERS, 141 where in the Vicinity at ni i ght, and this woul - der until they returned home again. priest =} In the neighborhood where these meetings were held 142 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. times, he was particularly so, as I thought, when he adopted the style called spiritualizing, which he some- times did. At the house of my uncle, Nathan Ross, who then lived on Saline Creek, in Stewart County, he preached a sermon of this kind which all very much admired, and I think I can give you some idea of it even now. But I will first remark that it is believed by many that much of the sacred writings has a twofold meaning, one plain or obvious, the other more recondite or hidden, and that he who sees the former only has but little or no con- ception of all their marvellous beauty. Those who had fine imaginations and could perceive and elaborate to ad- vantage these hidden beauties and relations, were con- sidered as little less than inspired. How strange that a text they had read again and again and never supposed meant anything more than just what it said, should have concealed in it, as the rough ordinary looking stone some- times has, a gem so rich and beautiful. People would go far to hear one of these gifted preachers and consider themselves well repaid for their trouble. When charac- terized by good sense and taste this preaching was very pleasing, as, beside the religious element, it had all the charm that invention and novelty throw around a subject. At the time alluded to Elder Fort took for his text Exodus 15: 27. “And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees; and they encamped there by the waters.” “ The ordinary reader of the Bible,” he said, “ will only see in this text the simple statement of the fact that the Jews, after leaving the land of Egypt, while journeying on encamped at a place called Elim, where were twelve wells of water and threescore and ten palm-trees ; and could find nothing more. But in the first place observe, my friends, this journey of the Jews through the wilderness to the land of Canaan, course of life, which, if we do no temporal, but also in spiritual o treat you, as you would enjoy e in r eternal death. Let me Pepe ternal happiness beyond the grave, to : Marah and Journey with us to Eli o El with us refresh your spirits at these delicious fountains, ra journey, than all the fountains that ever gushed from Car anon to travellers from the desert, They contain sscsdioas ‘aan “ en fi rom the careless eye. Search them diligently. They will make y ou § t y ’ Wise unto salva st and enable ou to obtain an inheritance among Jewish host might rest What beautiful emblems these of the wen recor » to publish the glad tidings of ng in darkness and in the shadow of death,” j both pleasing and inst tive would Elder Fort of ne : S a ten del : On another oce n Ge ight his audiences, asion he preached an interesting discourse 144 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. of the same kind from Proverbs 80: 26. “The conies are buta feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rock.” The coney, he told us, was a small animal of the rabbit kind, very weak and unable to defend itself from its ene- mies, and for this reason was always found near large masses of rock, in which it made its house, and to which it would flee in times of danger. Here, protected by its stronghold, it was safe from all its enemies, how powerful ‘soever they might be. These weak but sagacious little animals he considered typical of the Christians, who have chosen a tower of strength—the Rock of Ages—to which they can flee in the hour of danger, and where they can rest in safety while storms and tempests are raging without. It was delightful to sit and listen to him while running the parallel between this little animal and his antitype, the Christian, and bringing to view so many interesting points of resemblance between them. Elder Sugg Fort was pastor of the Red River Baptist Church until his death in 1829. It was organized by his father Elias Fort and other pioneer Baptist brethren in 1791, and is the oldest church in the Bethel Association. It worships in a handsome new house near Adams’ Station, on the Nashville & Henderson railroad. Elder Fort and your grandfather lived in adjoining counties. Their fields of labor were consequently nearly the same. I well remember how much they seemed to enjoy each other’s society, and how heavily the news of his fellow-laborer’s death fell on your grandfather. They were separated more than thirty years. May we not sup- pose there was joy unspeakable when they met again on the shining shore. dry-lookin year 1820, g & man, of the gi © was a smal hair and dark com lig type, with black eyes ie 146 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. the Old Order to their foundations long after the Bethel Association had been formed. It seems that when Elder Parker in reading his Bible found such expressions as, “ Your father, the devil,” or, “Child of the devil,” it set him to thinking, as did the falling of that famous apple Sir Isaac Newton,—which was, in his case, too, attended with important results. He decided in his own mind that these texts were to be understood literally and not figuratively, as they had been heretofore, and that without any figure of speech Satan had a host of lineal descendants in the world. And when we look around us and see how enormously wicked people sometimes become, this fancy of Elder Parker does not seem so absurd after all. But in order to make out that Satan had children in the world directly descended from him, he had to adopt the violent presumption that the souls of one part of mother Eve’s children were of celestial origin, as, for instance, that of Abel, and those of another part, as that of Cain, were supplied in some way by Satan. And thus came the two seeds, which are now so mingled together that no being in the universe but the Omniscient can tell one from the other—the wheat from the tares, the sheep from the goats—with any degree of certainty. At the last day, however, a complete and final separation will take place. Satan’s seed will then be sent to dwell with him forever in outer darkness, while the good seed will be permitted to enter into the joy of their Lord. According to Elder Parker, the devil’s children were the non-elect, and their being such was a sufficient reason for their being left out of the plan of salvation. This doctrine was received with great favor by numbers SKETCHES OF EARLY MINISTERS, 147 of the Old Order of Baptists, and it required all the learn- Ing and talent of those Opposed to it to prevent its general sie Any one who is anxious to look further into this subject may consult the great argument of the late hs Watson against this heresy in his work the “Old aptist Test,” before referred to. He was a professor in the Medical Department of the University of Nashville and o eee hy Biptis ace of the luminaries of the hyper-Calvinistic preach among us. He was a lar Voice was singularly rich the first order, reached the river could not join his cor Seat themselves tosay. This b its usual pitch Which was di eing done, he raised his yo; »and preached a fine ser stinctly heard on the other side, notwith- ashing of the swollen devine used to say when nnico has a voice like 148 The following sketch of him is condensed from an old record now before me. Elder McConnico was born in 177 1, in Lunenburg 4 County, Virginia, and was the youngest of three brothers | His mother was a woman of great piety, from whom he received when young many kind admonitions. An old Baptist preacher who had belonged to the British army, and remained in the United States after the Revolutionary war was over, was instrumental in awakening him to a sense of his lost condition. This old soldier had an appointment to preach in his mother’s neighborhood, and she requested Garner to go with her to hear him. To this he objected. The request was slightly modified co as to take the form of a command. With this he thought it prudent to comply. He hated the very name of Englishman, having when a youth been often compelled by the British and Tories to leave his home, and lie out in the woods when they were in that part of the country. And he determined, if he did go, not to lis- ten toa word the preacher had to say—his mother could not make him do that any way. On reaching the place, however, he concluded to go just near enough to look at the preacher. He proved such a diminutive, unsightly dwarf of a man, that young McConnico felt some curiosity to hear him talk a little. He did so, and never heard mortal man speak with such power. To use hisown expression, “ He seemed to bring the very heavens and earth together,” and when he came to himself he was standing near the old man in tears. From this time he never rested until he embraced religion, and united with the Baptist Church at Tusekiah. Soon after this he was married to Miss Mary Walker, ¥ ELDER REUBEN ROSS. i known SKETCHES OF EARLY MINISTERS, 149 and commenced trying to preach. He was, however, so disgusted with his efforts, and annoyed by the ridicule of his brother that he and his young wife left Virginia, Crossed the mountains, and in 1795 settled in Davidson County, Tennesee, hoping to get rid of the impression that it was his duty to preach. Fully resolving never to ® So any more, he enjoined on his wife, when they should Seek their new home, not to let it be known he had ever Presumed to bea minister of the gospel. Here he resided two years after his removal, in a state of great darkness, to use his words, After this he was in search of his horse that had strayed off in the spring of the year. As he was walking along a PS *ow path cut through the tall cane, in deep thought on © subject of preaching, he sawa small venerable-looking — advancing towardshim. The thought at oncecame into 'S mind that this was just such a looking person as the aul, and when they met after the usual saluta- , following dialogue ensued. ps A very rich woody country,” responded the old man. Any religion in it 2” ce A fi z ©W scattered about here and there.” 2 ad Baptist preaching in it ?” See. ere will be Baptist preaching in it next Lord’s e i aoa youare the preacher ?” HH try to preach here sometimes for want of a better.” a Sy they parted, This old man afterwards proved to Lies Dillahunty, a pioneer Baptist preacher, well in that part of the country in the early times. 150 ELDER REUBEN Ross, Young McConnico could hardly wait for the day of preaching to come round, so great was his desire to hear the venerable old man preacher. Punctual to the time he was there; and when Elder Dillahunty at the close of his sermon made an appointment to preach on a certain Lord’s Day at Richland Meeting House, young McConnico in his ex- citement rose up and said : “ And I will be with you there.” “And who are you?” says Father Dillahunty. “The man you met in the cane brake.” “ A Baptist ?” pe tg “ And a preacher ?” “Why, yes, I have tried to exercise a little in that way.” And now the great secret he and his wife were going to keep so close, was out, and he was in great trouble on ac- count of what he had done. At the time and place appointed, he attended, but tried hard to beg off from preaching ; Father Dillahunty, how- ever, held him to his promise. He had not gotten more than half through his sermon before the good old man rose from his seat, took him in his arms, wept aloud, and thanked God for having found a young brother on the frontier both able and willing to assist him in spreading the glad tidings in the wilderness This Elder Dillahunty was a Baptist. preacher belong- ing to the Neuse River Association, North Carolina; be- fore he came to the west. (See Burkitt and Reed, page 309). Richland Meeting House where this took place ~ was the name of the first Baptist Church ever planted on the south side of Cumberland River, in Davidson County. 4 Nashville. He was ordained to the ministry by this church in 1800, and took the pastoral charge of it the day he was ordained, He continued pastor until his death in August 1833, in the sixty-second year of hisage. All his life after he joined the church, about forty-five years, was Spent in preaching the gospel. He loved this church to the last, and in the dying hour when all else seemed for- gotten often repeated its name. One thing in this connection strikes us as a very sineu- lar coincidence, Tt so happened that he preached his frat . “ Examine your- ably such a thing never occurred before. It seems to have been purely acei- dental, ability to preside over their deliberations, : An extract from a notice of his life Says: “Elder Me onnico was peculiarly commanding. He was of a stout, 152 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. The happiness which those of the same faith felt when they happened to meet in the wilderness is well il- lustrated by the account given above of the interview between Elders Dillahunty and McConnico, And it is altogether unlike what is felt in densely populated sections at the present day. Their loneliness and isolation caused a thrill of joy at meeting more easily imagined than de- scribed. Who shall describe the deep feeling of brotherly love among the few men and women who met in Severn’s Val- ley, ninety years ago, under the branches of a primeval sugar maple, to organize the first Baptist church ever con- stituted in the state of Kentucky ? The men were clothed in hunting shirts, leggings, and moccasins all made of the skins of wild beasts, and wearing hats made of buffalo hair rolled round oaken splits. The women wore garments of the same materials. Their descendants who now wor- ship in costly temples have little conception of the Chris- tian affection that filled the -hearts of these strangers meeting thus in a strange land. 4 : : : ; CHAPTER XVI REMOVAL—OLD SPRING CREEK CHURCH. “ TOOK occasion after your grandfather had reached the Vicinity of Port Royal, where he remained a few months or eight miles nearer Clarksyill ' 2 e, and Went into a cabin more comfortable than the one on had left, belonging to an old gentleman Owens, who with his wi They were in good circumstances, own- They had everything plentiful butter, and wild 154 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. REMOVAL—OLD SPRING CREEK CHURCH. 155 was rather a rarity, and I had been taught to help myself blue reflections.” Their notes, though, are harsh and dis- | to it rather sparingly. Aunt Owens, however,aswecame | Ordant, s . ‘ to call her, would set out large platefuls, and noticing that tired of ice Pg Sink ke ae we children never from the effects of education I took but little, told me to Slept at night stupeided t pee y some one that they eat just as much as I wanted,—the more the better. So branches of the forest trees é T thi cae ee soon as I became satisfied that she was in earnest, I did Years past left our country. ink they have for many full justice to her kindness and hospitality, and thought can but regard it as se ee things were beginning to look something like what I had changes of residence I am pe Re ae expected to see when we reached Cumberland. Where this cabin simaccuaid i almost in sight of The old gentleman, though probably as kindly disposed Centre of a charmed circle. f, ye t seems indeed the as his wife, we did not like so well, on account of his rough Scape. » from which it is impossible to All things around it are now greatly changed he,—the beautiful stream of water, which, like cribed by one of the poets, ; manner. Whenever he saw us out of place or in mischief except o of any kind he would say: “ You little heifers, what are that des you doing there?” This word heifers we thought had some bad meaning,—though what we could not tell,—and always took to our heels when we heard it. “ Flows and flows, and will forever flow!” A fi , Ww years before his death your grandfather, while This year your grandfather raised a crop of corn. He a8 6: Vit td me | labored in the field every day except Saturday and Sun- Should ride over FA very unexpectedly that we | day, which he devoted to preaching. The crop he raised edly, because I k nd look at the place. I say unexpect- he had apy new he never liked to visit a place after Cheerfy] hen: On the way he was quite chatty and more usual. When he reached the place, however, ished elds came over him. The shadows of long van- : no doubt began to pass before him. He sat here was very fine, and the luxuriance of its growth and abundance of its yield delighted him very much. We children had rather a pleasant time while living here. Our cabin was near the river-bank, which was . change soon fringed with reeds, whose evergreen leaves looked pretty ©” his horse and looked in winter, especially when sprinkled over with snow. In Proposed that we sh a ee ect few moments, and then spring the trees nearer the river put forth their light- ry our way home tes d return ; few words were spoken green leaves very early, forming a beautiful border, con- — pe Soing when me regretted Thad not dissuaded him trasting sens with those further from the water. Here Dy “pon him, proposed it. So depressing was the we first saw flocks of Paroquets, called by Ornithologists Ting thi “Qarolina Parrots,” a little larger than ths common tail j Oonstitatad, fae at the Spring Creek Church was g-house was near Spring Creek, ‘ ork of Red River and in Mont- ennessee, a short distance south of the pigeon, and whose plumage was very beautiful. The pre-_ vailing color “a bright-yellowish silky green with light-— 156 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. State Line, and took its name from the pretty stream of water near which it stood; it was on the north of the stream, and only a short distance above its mouth, near what was long known as the Brumfield place, from an old gentleman who lived on it many years ago. A road leads from the south side of the creek to what are known as Cobb’s and Peacher’s Mills; soon after crossing the creek it passes near the old site which is a few yards only to the right. Several graves, very indistinct some years ago, marked the spot where it stood. North of the church there was a grove of heavy tim- ber owned at one time by your uncle Charles N. Meri- wether, and south of it the limpid stream in which so many were baptized in early times, nearly all of whom have since passed away. In looking over the mutilated records of the old church now before me, among others I see in faded characters three names—Sister Barbara Bar- ker, Sister Mary Meriwether and Sister Mary D. Barker. The first your maternal grandmother; the second her sister, the friend of your childhood; the third the friend of your beloved mother. This meeting-house was built of large poplar logs hewn on two sides, and the openings between them in some places were large enough for a small boy to crawl through. No ceiling intervened between the rough floor and the naked rafters. The pulpit, such as it was, stood on the — north side of the room, and the door fronted it in the south side. It was a bleak place as you may well suppose in winter—“domus ventorum,’—a temple of the winds. In summer, though, airy and pleasant, open to every pass- — ing breeze. Tt was built about the year 1804, three or four years — 7a f , : . REMOVAL —OLD SPRING CREEK CHURCH, 157 before we came to the country, and at first had no chim- ney or fire-place as ap 4 , pears from the foll from the journal before referred to. owing extract Saturday, October 3d, 1807. The dhiuedh ents ' in or- der, Brother Todevine chosen Moderator. On motion, ground near the house in very Weather for the people to warm themselves by before Oing j 8°lng in to hear the sermon. The ¥ , lane ——— who worshipped at this meeting-house ieetatges — into a church were fourteen in num- names may still be seen in the journal. rch received its name it was house Church, and the fourteen at Spring Creek Meeting house arm, or wing, or } j Meine g, ranch of the i eting-house Church. These arms, wings, or under the supervision and care of the er i ws — until regularly constituted, when they set Selves, and managed their affairs in their own eing or. moth Way, — Spring Creek win ° organize, and peti Permission to unde was 8 in 1807 concluded they would tioned the mother church to give rgo the necessary transformation, 158 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. that it should be called “The Spring Creek Church of the West Fork,” which name it still bears. On the same day petition was made for admission into the Red River Bap- tist Association. This is a brief history of the origin of this old mother of churches. About the same time they made a church covenant, in which they pledged themselves to watch over each other for good, to maintain the discipline of the church, and to try in the most brotherly and affectionate manner to re- claim those whom they saw falling away and neglecting their religious duties. They also agreed on certain rules of decorum, by which they were to be governed while transacting the business of the church. Many of these rules indicate no small degree of wisdom and forethought. Your grandfather was upon all the committees that arranged these instruments. When finished they were spread upon their journal, and frequently ordered to be read by the Clerk that they might be retained fresh in the memories of their members. They next began to think of choosing a pastor. Ac- cordingly, on Saturday before the first Lord’s Day in September, 1809, on motion, they agreed to take into consideration the expediency of calling a pastor. On Saturday before the first Lord's Day in October, 1809, the church appointed Saturday before the next meeting as a day of fasting and prayer, before entering upon this important business. On Saturday before the first Lord's Day in November, 1809, the reference respecting the choosing of a pastor for the church was taken up, and it was agreed that it should be done by private vote. Whereupon Elder Reuben © Ross was chosen. On motion, it was agreed that Brother — RE — MOVAL—OLD SPRING CREEK CHURCH 159 Ross should have some time to cons report whether h e Office, "i me ult his own mind, and willing to take upon himself ‘that ES On Saturday before the first Lord’s motion, Brother Reuben Ross is the chur ch an answer Pastoral care o whether or not he will take the tags ah this church in conformity with their Rae ee he answered in the affirmative eka ation, that both church and pasto ‘hy ek | to separate, either from the saa Scar Ae = — it to be to their spiritual sllosaitats a = er : “ — record. Here, then, we see Getta ‘ n sain dees arch, 1810, your grandfather was chosen I think, oa ng Creek Church. This connexion lasted, , and seems to have been Day in March, 1810, called upon to give Tescued fr a - ett g om oblivion by our distinguished historian Ban- ow i Se n to the present time. Ph ee now becoming one of the deeply fa influential preachers of the times a with ant crested in the work before : trouble ¢ In distress, especially wit. this hs n account of their sins, Ume his work of preaching fu “a which he did som S00the . €se occasions he was domes = troubled spirits of th ments a 8, and to turn their tho » at least, from this land o He was him. He sympathized h those who were in He commenced about neral sermons more ex- uch in the course of his sure to say something to ose who had lost their ughts for a few brief mo- f shadows and of death to 160 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. that brighter world beyond the stars where all will meet again, and sin and sorrow be seen and felt no more. The youths and maidens were pleased to have him unite them in marriage, and to hear him pray that theirs might be a long and happy union; and those who had re- pented of their sins and believed in Christ desired him to lead them down into the baptismal waters. In a word he seemed to be just suited to the people and the times, and his influence began to be felt to an extent by no means in- considerable. Our rude old meeting-house in the course of years be came a center of great attraction, and drew to it all classes of people both far and near. It seemed to have an attrac- tion also for the preachers who did not live at too great a distance. Here might often be seen and heard Elder Moore dealing heavy blows on Arminianism, against which he waged ceaseless warfare. Here Elder Todevine, with his full round faceand large black eyes, seldom failed to attend, and here were seen the mild attractive features of Elders Fort and Brooks. Still later, now and then a dis- tinguished preacher from a distance might be seen there. I remember on one occasion, on a cold dark day in au- tumn, while the wind was sweeping through the large open cracks between the logs of our old meeting-house; and each one, with his neck drawn down, and his coat collar raised as high as he could get it, sat waiting for preaching »to commence—a dark, thick set, substantial looking man, with black eyes and hair, with saddle-bags on his arm and umbrella in his hand, entered the door-way, and walked across.-the room to the pulpit. On reaching it he spoke a few words to your grand- father (introducing himself no doubt), whose countenance REMOVAL—OLD SPRING CREEK CHURCH. 161 te expressed great delight, and a warm greeting en- aa The stranger then entered the pulpit, and took his i this time we lookers on, as you may readily suppose, a ced curiosity raised toan uncomfortable height. After Pes ie Dara prayer by your grandfather, in which I fear we any eg as heartily as we ought for thinking of the stran- ne bah e pulpit, the latter rose up and read from his Bi- Woh ‘ — : “Tf any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ a, cen nathema Maran-atha,” and preached a sermon hits one remembered by those who heard it. When radiant ) bose us what it was to be accursed at the com- tad . ord, his discourse bordered on the sublime Wiser e, and many from that day, as was said, dated The encement of a better life. Hoa oe proved to be the celebrated Elder Isaac gen from Kentucky, who afterwards with Elders War- derand V. : ardeman . ae tions of the state, occasionally visited the southern por- CHAPTER XVII. SCENES AT THE OLD CHURCH. Tur first Saturday and Sunday in every month were the days for preaching at the old Spring Creek Church for many years. For some reasons the May and June meet- ings were much better attended than any others. On these occasions the people from all the country around might be seen moving towards it, as to a common centre. Buggies, carriages, and vehicles of every sort are now associated in our minds with big meetings. But as far back as 1812 and 1815 these were seldom to be seen. The first thing I remember in the way of a pleasure car- riage was a small vehicle without top or springs, called a Jersey Wagon, or Carryall. When one of these was first seen rattling along—people—especially children and negroes, would stand and look at it till out of sight. The next improvement was the gig, with only two wheels, and drawn by one horse in shafts. I first saw elderly ladies riding in these with a man-servant on horseback leading the one attached to it by the bridle. * My conclusion was that none but very rich people could afford to ride in this style. The first carriage I ever saw in this country, fitted up for two horses and an outside seat for a driver, with handsome top cushions and silver- mounted harness, belonged to two or three maiden sisters, who came, I think, from Virginia and settled near us in 162 SCENES AT THE OLD CHURCH. 163 the B. i i arrens. This was considered by us juveniles as a —— of elegance and splendor, and after the ladies . a = go into church, rustling in their silks, Bet ce and around at a respectful distance and ad- 'e its beauty. But this was long after the ti f which we are speaking. sips seein taesgge ~ ae Saar on his way to church on Wi e baby before him on a pill another little fellow riding behind him. His wife, = bh . = - a mare with a young colt, with one child in her Pe ; oop behind her also, jogging along after him of the horses would have two ‘persons on them. n g beside his young lady, holding her parasol or umbrel] a ov ir fe r ia re face to protect it from the sun or rain. [| eee me to raise any branches of trees that Sine the narrow road, thatshe might pass via nee. ; expert in these matters proportion. — the beaux had which they called uls was when a young lady and gentle- g along cosily together, and anything apart, for another gentle- : Some were more an others, and gained credit in There was a pra man were ridin h cold. This, I think, was a ommon consent considered fit could be done without jostling the young n she happened to be a sort of belle there was very ugly practice his plow » but by ¢ sessnensenenemnneneennenitiheniasaentins 164 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. It was the duty of these knights to see that their ladies did not suffer from thirst during the long hot days, and they might be seen at all times passing through the crowd carrying them fresh water from the spring which they often drank from a‘gourd. These gourds. were sometimes very pretty, and many thought water from them tasted sweeter and fresher than from anything else. Almost every mother carried her baby with her to meet- ing, and at the big meetings they would be in great force. These little fellows on account of the heat and the re- straint would sometimes become furious, and make their little fat legs fly about at a wild rate; and when a num- ber of them would join in concert, they would almost drown the voice of the preacher. After the mother had done all she could to pacify the babe and failed, she would hand it over to its father, who, if after trying in a very motherly way to soothe it did not succeed, would take it on his shoulder, and walk off under some shady tree, where perhaps soon after both might be found fast asleep. The dress of these belles some years later -was very striking. They had two appendages attached to them called sleeves, about the size of large pillows, which had the effect to make them look like birds with enormous wings, beyond all proportion to the body. The head was ornamented with a Leghorn hat, or flat, with a brim of prodigious size. Its only trimming was a broad bright ribbon which passed round the crown, with long ends which hung down behind a yard or more. These hats were costly, selling sometimes for thirty- five or forty dollars, or even higher. They were greatly prized by the girls. The effect of these hats with the broad brims and these large sleeves was to diminish the SCENES AT THE OLD CHURCH. 165 stature; and a lady, a little below the medium height, sailing along under one of them, was a queer-looking ob- ject. Yet a kind word or approving smile from one of these beauties, was as much prized as when arrayed in the beautiful costumes of later times—those of 1871 and 1872 excepted, which in hideousness excel all ever known be- fore; causing them to lookas if their backs were broken. There were several families in the vicinity of this church whose custom it was totake people home with them to dine after preaching. The more company they could engage the more delighted they seemed. They would often come to you before getting off your horse and make you promise beforehand to go home with them. I and my set usually went home with an old gentleman named Buckner Killebrew. On reaching the house, after helping their sweethearts off their horses, each young man would take off his saddle, bridle, and blanket, and lay them by themselves. Then he would turn his horse into a large enclosure, where would be a number of troughs filled with corn and pumpkins, and racks full of sweet blades of fodder stripped from the stalks of Indian corn. Here the horses would fight, and eat all the evening. If one was whipped off from his trough, he would go and drive another from his, take his place, and so on all round. On going into the house all would be invited to “ take something.” What they called something at this place, was commonly old peach or apple brandy and honey. All from the old men and preachers down to the boys, would help themselves to some of this. You must not be sur- prised, for besides the belief that something of this kind was conducive to health, we were every one old Calvinistic Baptists at that time, all of whom are supposed by nature Qx* sae e 166 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. to like something good to drink. And Temperance societies and everything of that sort were no more dreamed of than railroads, telegraphs, or ocean cables. After this preliminary movement we were invited to a dinner that it would do any one’s heart good to look at. The table would be literally covered with good things, so that there was not room enough on it for another plate or dish. But the most interesting thing of all was the pleas- ure it gave our old friend and his wife to see us eat. They watched us closely, and when they saw one about to quit were really distressed. This may seem like exaggeration, but I could mention some that even you can remember who were sorely troubled if their friends did not eat heart- ily of their bountiful tables. After the first course was ended no one was permitted to leave his seat until the debris of the first battle were swept away, and pies, cakes, and tarts brought on. These were of various flavors—some very sweet, some quite acid, and othersless so. The shapes also differed : some were round like the full moon, some like the half moon, and others again crescent-shaped, interspersed with pitchers of cider, and cold sweet milk not with the cream all taken off, asis often done “ in these degenerate days.” At length the feast ended, as everything good and beautiful must in this world. After this we would have some pleasant chat, in which the host and hostess took patt. Then someone of the company would say, “The sun is getting low” which was, alas, too true, and a slight shade of sadness might be seen stealing over our faces, and our party would break up and all start for home, sad, to think another long month must pass before we should meet again. SCENES AT THE OLD CHURCH. 167 I will only add that the last time I passed the place where this hospitable mansion stood—it had fallen into decay and ruins, and all around it looked sad and lonely. “ Sic transit.” Such are some of the recollections, still fresh in my memory, connected with this old church in the bygone times. In process of time when the wants of the community required it, the members, assisted by their neighbors and friends, decided to build a more commodious house of wor- ship. Accordingly on the opposite side of the same creek, a few miles distant and to the east of the old site, near what was known as Booth Malone’s spring, another was built retaining the same name. ‘This also in course of time, after the country became more densely populated, was found to be too small and inconvenient, and another was erected still farther to the east, on the road leading from Clarksville, Tennessee to Trenton, Kentucky. Itis a very pretty country church, and among its members may be seen on meeting days many of the descendants of those who met at the old log meeting-house first built. Some time after the first house had been abandoned an elderly lady, distinguished for her piety and deep religious feeling, remembering the happy days she had spent within its walls, had it removed and rebuilt at her own cost near her own residence, hoping that some of her old brethren in the ministry would continue to preach there occasionally. But its glory had departed, and it soon ceased to be known as a place of worship altogether. It stood on the right side of the road leading down the creek from where your grand- father lived, on the land owned at present, I think, by the Hackney family. ) ) CHAPTER XVIII LIFE IN STEWART COUNTY. WE must now return again to your grandfather, whom we left at the “Owens’ Place” on Red River in 1808, where he made a crop of corn. In the fall of that year a land-owner, or land-agent, called on him and told him of some valuable land he had for sale in Stewart County, near the Cumberland River, on Saline Creek, and advised him to go and look at it. He did so, and was so well pleased that he made a pur- chase. I do not remember either the number of acres he bought or the price he paid for it. His brother, Nathan Ross, who had moved to this country this year, also purchased land and settled in the same neighborhood, at which your grandfather was very much gratified. With this purchase he was well pleased, and hoped he had now found a home and resting-place for himself and family, and that his wanderings were at last ended. On returning home he gathered his crop of corn, and sold it to a man named Duval, who soon afterwards failed, and the money he expected to receive for it was lost. This man Duval built the first brick court-house in Clarksville, which stood so many years on the public square, and was long considered the chief ornament of the place. The crop, I think, amounted to a hundred barrels, 168 LIFE IN STEWART COUNTY. 169 and the price was one dollar per barrel. I need not say that this was a heavy loss to your grandfather at this time, when the price of the corn was so much needed. He soon after removed to Stewart County, into the neighborhood of his land, and went into a cabin where a man named Outlaw had been killed a short time before by lightning, while standing on the hearth near the fire. The place where the lightning entered through the roof was still visible. We children begged hard not to be carried into a place of such evil omen, but there was no help for it, as the weather was bitterly cold, and there were no improve- ments at all on our land. We always felt ill at ease in this house, and often looked up at the roof with a shudder. The winter of 1808 and 9 was so cold and inclement that but little out-door work could be done. The most important enterprise we undertook at that time was pre- paring a sugar camp. There were a great many sugar maples on our land, and your grandfather wished to make a supply of sugar from them for his family. The old pioneer arrangement for making sugar was very simple. A rude shelter was made with boards for protec- tion from rain and snow; under this a trench was dug in the ground as a sort of furnace, and over it boilers of every kind which could be obtained were placed so that a hot fire could be made under them. A sort of pocket-shaped notch was then cut in the tree to catch the sap, which was conducted off through reeds or pieces of elder-stalk into small wooden troughs made for that purpose. When sap enough had collected, it was put into the boilers and boiled down to a certain consistence, and then set off to cool slowly and in order to make cake sugar; ava asaats ELDER REUBEN ROSS. but if the intention was to make granulated sugar, it was stirred while cooling. In this way families often made more sugar than they needed for their own use. While the sugar-making was going on, every one, the children and negroes especially, was in high spirits. New Orleans sugar, when they could get it, was preferred by elderly people for coffee, but for all ordinary purposes the tree sugar answered well enough. The syrup made of it was then, as now, highly esteemed, for its peculiarly rich and delicate flavor. It was often necessary at these camps to sit up all night and keep fires under the boilers. This I never liked. To stand near the bright fires and look out into the “ black- ness of darkness” that surrounded us was a little un- pleasant, especially when, as was often the case, the wolves were howling and the owls hooting in the distance. The owls I disliked more than the wolves. They sometimes broke out into something like a fiendish laugh, which I abhorred. I had often heard that Indians would imitate owls when signaling each other at night on their murder- ous expeditions. On one occasion, when several hours before day, your grandfather and I were sitting up attending to the boilers, a wild beast, seemingly of the larger kind, commenced a sort of wailing cry a little way from our camp, passing round it all the while at apparently the same distance. Your grandfather stood and listened for some time, and theri said, “We had better get on our shelter.” I went up first, and, after handing me his axe, he came up him- self, The animal continued its circuit round the camp for some time afterwards. Your grandfather struck the board of our shed violently several times with his axe, which LIFE IN STEWART COUNTY. 1 ‘ made quite a loud noise, but it did not seem to be heeded. Finally the creature went off in a straight direction, utter- ing its wail as far as we could hear it. We thought it was a panther, attracted and confused probably by our fires. I may here add that we made abundance of sugar that winter to supply us till the next season. You must remember we were now on the very extreme limits of the white settlements. At this time, on the west bank of the Tennessee River the Indian territory began, and extended to the Mississippi River, an extensive country occupied by the Chickasaw Indians and wild beasts for many years until it was purchased by General Jackson, settled by white people, and known afterwards as “ Jackson’s Purchase.” When the weather was unfavorable for sugar-making, and not too inclement for out-door work, your grandfather was busily engaged in cutting logs and making boards for building a cabin. He generally took me with him when thus employed for company, and that I might be able to amuse myself, he gave me a hatchet to fell small trees with near where he was at work in the woods. One day when a tree on which he had been chopping for some time began to fall, on looking round he saw me standing immediately under it. He gave the alarm, and I sprung behind a tree near by for protection. Had it not been there, I must have been killed by the broken limbs, which fell with a crash all around me. The shock produced by this disqualified him for doing any more work that day, and he went home, taking me with him. As we walked along together he spoke of the uncertainty of human life, and of the importance of always being pre- pared for death. He praised me also for my presence of 172 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. mind in sheltering myself as I did behind the tree. My situation was indeed a perilous one, and my escape little less than a miracle. As soon as his timbers were ready his neighbors assisted him in raising his cabin, and when we moved into it all were happy in having a home and resting-place of our own, although it was one of the rudest description, built with a view of using it as a shelter only until one more comfortable could be erected, as were most of the cabins of the pioneer settlers. The floor was made of logs, split open and laid down with the smooth side uppermost, and then dressed off a little with an adze. Your grandfather was every day more and more pleased with the tract of land he had purchased. The growth upon it indicated great fertility. Besides the larger trees, such as the poplar, ash, walnut, and sugar-maple, there were also the buckeye, hackberry, papaw, redbud, spice- wood, and grapevines of enormous size, reaching to the tops of the tallest trees. When spring had fairly opened, and the forest was decked in its gay attire, its beauty was not to be easily described. The poplar with its tulip-like blossoms, the dogwood with its gay white petals, the redbud with its delicate purple bloom, and the blackhaw with its snow- white clusters mingled with the light green leaves of early spring, made a picture of surpassing beauty. Our cabin was near the right bank of a small stream, a tributary of Saline Creek, that wound along its gravelly bed, and whose water was so clear that one could see the smallest fish playing at the bottom, even where it was deepest. On its margin at that time grew many flowers —bluebells, wild pinks, a delicate little iris of singular LIFE IN STEWART COUNTY. 173 fragrance and beauty, and a tiny white one, which I sup- pose was a variety of the anemone, or wind-flower. This year we cleared off a few acres of land, and had the first log-rolling I had ever seen. This was to my mind a grand affair—six or eight strong men on each side of a heavy log, carrying it along with measured tread to the heap where it was to be burned. Yet we did not get our little field ready for a crop of corn this season, but had to rent one. This lay immediately opposite where the Saline Creek Baptist Church now stands, as I learn, in a little bottom near a small spring which breaks out under the bluff. This spring attracted our attention sev- eral times while we were living near it. It was observed, that when the creek was high, and the water flowing a little flush from the spring, great numbers of fine black perch would come out from under the bluff and flutter along down the little branch to the creek which was near. Many, when this was known, went with bags and baskets, and filled them with fish which they took out of the shal- low water with their hands. At this time, though living in the plainest way one can well imagine, as regards both food and raiment, we were very cheerful and happy, the demon of discontent not as yet being awakened among us by seeing others better off than ourselves. To this our pretty wild frontier home, in which we all felt so great an interest, in no small degree contributed. But alas, all our pleasing anticipations were destined soon to be blighted. Your grandfather now learned, when too late, that the individual of whom he had purchased the land had no legal title to it, and consequently could make him none ; and that it, with the little improvements he had made on ar 174 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. it and the money he had paid—which was about all he had—was lost without any recourse whatever. This was a cruel blow, and one from which he did not recover for many long years. I remember well how unhappy he ap- peared to be, but there was no help for it. He imme- diately rented a small place in the neighborhood, and we bade adieu to our pretty home, where for a short time we had been so hopeful and happy. I do not remember that I was ever at the place afterwards, though we lived some two years near it. None of us, I believe, wanted to see or think of it again. Notwithstanding all these disappointments and misfor- tunes, your grandfather, during the whole time he lived in Stewart County, which was nearly four years, kept up his regular courses of preaching two days in every week in the different settlements within his reach. These days were Saturday and Sunday. Besides these he often preached on other occasions, funeral sermons mostly. Although until late in life he gave much of his time to this kind of preaching, I think he never had any particu- lar partiality for it. But as on these occasions he gene- rally had large and attentive audiences, he considered them as opportunities for doing much good, and availed himself of them to direct the thoughts of the people to the importance of being prepared when they too should be called to stand in the presence of the Great Judge, and give an account of the deeds done in the body. ‘As the death of many whose funeral sermons he preach- ed were not hopeful, he did not dwell long on the life and character of the dead, unless there were peculiar circum- stances connected with them which could be turned to the advantage of his hearers. But after making a few re- LIFE IN STEWART COUNTY. 175 marks suitable to the occasion, he would proceed to preach a discourse after his usual manner, first to invite attention to what the Bible and our own experience teaches us in regard to our being in a state of irreconciliation with our Creator, and the necessity of coming to love and serve him before we can be adopted into the heavenly family and become heirs of salvation. He would then explain the great and glorious provision made for our salvation by the sufferings and death of Christ, and then exhort us to flee from the wrath to come by every consideration,—the uncertainty of life, the cer- tainty of death, and after death the judgment when all must appear in the presence of God to give an account of the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or whether they be evil. He warned us not to neglect this great salvation, but while we had time and opportunity to seek the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him while he is near, since, as the Bible teaches and the poet sings, “There are no acts of pardon past In the cold grave to which we haste ; But darkness, death, and long despair Reign in eternal silence there!” In preaching funeral sermons of little children, which he was often called to do, he would give expression to many beautiful thoughts calculated to soothe the bitterness of parental grief. It was generally believed, he would say, that one-half at least of the human race die before reaching the age of accountability, and consequently, all had safely reached the mansions of eternal rest, were numbered among the happy spirits, and safe forevermore. Add to these the myriads of holy men and women who had ss ie re = or many years it seems to have been his chief delight oe ; great camp-meetings, “to ride the whirlwind wad se bes storm,” “to see men,” according to his own ex- Pression, “ fall around him, as if slain in mighty battle.” Ce a. — el i tats = \ “Sienna aes eae tae eee eee eee eee oc REESE 232 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. By day, the scene was picturesque and striking, but at night it became wild and weird beyond description. To stand apart and listen to the groans and lamenta- tions, the prayers and exhortations, the shouts and halle- lajahs, of the vast crowd, mingled with the voices of the preachers, in the dimly illuminated encampments, would produce impressions nevér to be forgotten. At the close of the sketch of his eventful life, written by himself, when far from his “old Kentucky home,” and the old church where he was converted; he begs his brethren of the Methodist Episcopal Church “not to let camp-meetings die out.” And says in his pathetic lan- guage : “ He wants to see their revival before he descends from the walls of Zion and goes hence.” At the time of which we are speaking, the great revival of 1800 was still felt by the people of the West,—and especially by the Methodist and Presbyterian communi- ties. From the latter of these a new denomination arose, ~ destined to rank high as a religious organization—the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Elder Cartwright saw the beginning and the end, and was a chief actor in the wonderful drama. As this was an important event in the times of your grandfather, I propose giving you a short account of it in our next chapter. CHAPTER XXIII. GREAT REVIVAL, AND ITS PHENOMENA. — the year 1799, several ministers of the Presbyterian : urch, Elders McGready, Hoge, and Rankin, and one elonging to the Methodist. Episcopal Church, Elder Joh McGee, held a sacramental meeting, at the mr Red Ri z Church, which stood on or near the same site as the an of that name now does. The meeting drew to troy large congregation, considering the thinly settled ae : On Sunday Elder Hoge preached and, as he was shan heard to say afterwards, addressed the assemblage witl ee freedom and power, never before felt. The ins thor h riveted in their attention, remained silent and ‘quiet "A he closed his discourse, Elder John McGee rose, dead ? Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove, With all thy quickening powers Kindle a flame of sacred love, In these cold hearts of ours. He had not sung more than the verse quoted, when an nha nt Pacely, sitting quite across the congrega- sheep ii and Mrs, Clark, also advanced in years, tah o the right, began in rather suppressed but dis- hes nes, to hold a sort of dialogue with each other, and oe Pains: sentiments of praise and thanksgiving to al st High, for his grace in redemption. Still the cher sang on, and the venerable ladies praised God, 233 career eeY Re a Mata me wiillen Abii l tads'eain ras Tee ee 234 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. in louder tones. The preacher, still singing came down from the pulpit, intending to take the hands of these two happy old sisters; shaking hands, however, as he passed along, with all those within his reach. Suddenly persons began to fall as he passed through the crowd—some as dead ; some most piteously crying for mercy ; and a few, here and there, lifting their voices high, in the praise of the Redeemer. Among these last was Elder William McGee, who fell to the floor, and, though shouting praises, was for some time so overpowered as to be unable to rise. The other ministers, McGready, Hoge, and Rankin, were so surprised and astonished at this apparent confusion in the house of the Lord, that they made their way out of the door, and stood asking each other in whispers, “ what is to be done.” Elder Hoge looking in at the door, and see- ing all on the floor, praising or praying, said, “ We can do nothing. If this be of Satan, it will soon come to an end; but if it is of God, our efforts and fears are in vain. I think it is of God, and will join in ascribing glory to his name.” He walked into the house where the others presently followed. Rapidly those who had fallen to the floor mourning and crying for mercy, arose, two or more at a time, shouting praise, for the evidences felt in their own souls, of sins forgiven—for “redeeming grace and dying love.” So there remained no more place that day, for preaching or administering the Supper. From thirty to forty, that evening, professed to be converted. Thus began that wonderful religious movement, which not only pervaded Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio, but crossed the mountains, and spread over many of the states on the Atlantic seaboard. On account of the strange GREAT REVIVAL, AND ITS PHENOMENA. 235 bodily agitations attending it, it was considered the most wonderful event of the times. “The next appointment was for the Saturday and Sun- day following, at what is to this day called the Beach Meeting House, situated a little south of the Gunbadind Ridge, ten miles west of Gallatin, Sumner County Ten- nessee.”” Here a vast crowd assembled, and scenes simi- lar to those at Red River Meeting house transpired But the most wonderful meeting was at Muddy River Church, a few miles north of Russellville, Kentuck the Sunday after. “The people came in from eee t : = states twenty, thirty, fifty, and even a hundred miles. Some came in tented wagons, some in open wagons, some in carts, some on horse back on foot.” The meeting house, hours before preaching commenced could not seat the third part of those on: the gro a And still they came by dozens, fifties, and hase = temporary pulpit was quickly erected under the shady = and seats made of large trees felled and laid upon 1e ground. The preaching commenced, and soon the presence of theall-pervading Power was fel , t vast assembly. oF elt, throughout the , and many a oe on it was apparent the crowd did not intend to dis- nti ks thr “a0 to be done? Some took wagons, and hurried to eae tees rom barns and treading-yards. Some fell to sewing the pp stele ogether, and others to cutting forks and poles, on which eta gens Counterpanes, coverlets, and sheets were also fastened ee 6 snes oy e tents or camps. Others were dispatched to town and ep atta me bpiescr to collect bacon, meal, flour, with cooking utensils bes pare food for the multitude. In a few hours it was n sight to see WwW much was gathered together for the encampment.” . ates hee a ea 236 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. “Fires were made, cooking begun; and by dark, candles lighted, and fixed to a hundred trees; and here was the first, and perhaps the most beautiful camp ground the world ever saw.” (See Smith’s Legends of the War of the Revolution.) Barton W. Stone, at that time in the fellowship of the Presbyterian Church, and Pastor of the Cane Ridge and Concord congregations, in Bourbon County, Kentucky, heard of the mighty work going on in southern Kentucky, and determined to go down and see for himself. He seems to have been a man of fine talents, respectable learning, spotless character, and childlike simplicity; but easily attracted by what was strange and marvelous. Early in the spring of 1801, he set out for Logan County, to attend one of the great camp meetings. “On arriving,” he writes, ‘I found the multitude assembled on the edge of a prairie, where they continued encamped many successive days and nights, during all which time, worship was being conducted in some parts of the encampment. The scene to me was passing strange. It baffles description. Many, very many, fell down, as nfn slain in battle, and continued, for hours together, in a comparatively breathless and motionless state. Sometimes for a few moments reviving and exhibiting symptoms of life, by a deep groan, or piercing shriek, or by a prayer for mercy most fervently uttered. After lying thus for hours, they ob- tained deliverance. The gloomy cloud that had covered their faces, seemed gradually and visibly to disappear; and hope, in smiles, to brighten into joy. They would then arise, shouting deliverance, and address the surrounding multitude in language truly eloquent and im- pressive. With astonishment did I hear women and children declaring the wonderful works of God and the glorious mysteries of the gospel. Their appeals were solemn, heart-rending, bold, and free. Under such addresses, many others would fall down in the same state, from which the speakers had iust been delivered. “Two or three of my particular acquaintances from a distance, were struck down. I sat patiently by one of them, whom I knew to be a careless sinner, for hours, and observed with critical attention, every ‘kinds of bodil nearly touching the floor behind and before. 8 sinners, strong as well as weak, were thus a: account for it, but some have told me, these moments of their lives, lar to professors of religion. to dance, and then the jerks would cease, heavenly to the spectators, culated to excite levity in beholders, countenance of the whole person, the jerks. A repent and come to Jesus. I was astonished at the knowledge of gospel — displayed in these exhortations. The effect was that several sank own into the same appearance of death. After attending to many such cases, my conviction was complete, that it was a good work, nor has m mind wavered since on the subject.” Elder Stone, in chapter sixth of his book, enumerates six x ! y agitations during this great excitement. e falling exercise ; the jerks; the dancing exercise; the bar kin exe e€ iau hing exercise and the sling 4 xercise ) th ] L & 5 ’ sing exercise, “ 1; eae The falling exercise,” he Says, “ was very common among all classes ’ both saints and Sinners of every age, and every grade, from the philos- opher to the clown. The subject of this exercise, would generally, with ud, and appear All classes, saints as well flected. They could not Were among the happiest “The dancing exercise generally began with the jerks, and was pecu- The subject, after jerking awhile, began Such dancing was indeed g init like levity, or cal- The smile of heaven shone in the subject, and assimilated to angels, appeared the [Rather highly colored 1 8) a8 opposers contemptuous! person afflicted with the 1i* There was nothin The barkin y called it, was nothing but jerks, especially in the head, 238 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. would often make a grunt or a bark, (if you please) from the suddenness of the jerk. This name“ barking,” seems to have had its origin from an old Presbyterian preacher of East Tennessee. He had gone into the fields for private devotion, and was seized with the jerks. Standing near a sapling, he caught hold of it, to prevent his falling, and as his head jerked back, he uttered a grunt, or kind of noise similar to a bark, his face being turned upward. Some wag discovered him in this posi- tion, and reported that he found him barking up a tree. “The laughing exercise was frequent, confined solely to the religious. It was a loud, hearty laughter, but one sui generis. It excited laughter in no one else. The subject appeared rapturously solemn, and his laughter excited solemnity in saint and sinner. It was truly indescrib- able. “The running exercise, was nothing more than that persons, feeling something of these bodily agitations, through fear attempted to run away, and thus escape from them, but it commonly happened that they ran not far before they fell or became so greatly agitated, they could pro- ceed no farther. “The singing exercise is more unaccountable than anything I éver saw. The subject, in a very happy state of mind, would sing most melodiously, not from the motth or nose, but from the breast entirely, the sound issuing thence. Such music silenced everything and attracted the attention of all. It was most heavenly. None could ever be tired of hearing it. Dr. J. P. Campbell and myself, were together at a meet- ing, and were attending to a pious lady thus exercised, and concluded it to be something beyond anything we had ever known in nature.” This is, in part, what Elder Stone saw and heard, when he visited Southern Kentucky, in 1801, at the commence- ment of these strange exercises, expressed in his naive, or artless way. Lorenzo Dow, while on a tour of preaching in 1804, says: “T passed by a meeting house, where I observed the undergrowth had been cut down for a camp-meeting, and from fifty to one hundred saplings cut off about breast high, and on inquiring about it, learned that they had been left for the people to jerk by. This excited his curiosity, and on going round, he “found where the people had laid hold of them and jerked GREAT REVIVAL, AND ITS PHENOMENA. 239 80 powerfully that, they had kicked up the earth, like horses in fly-time”! He believed the jerking was “ en- tirely involuntary, and not to be accounted for, on any known principle.” Peter Cartwright, in his book, speaks of the strange bodily exercises of the times, and seems to have been rather amused at what he sometimes saw. Just in the midst of our controversies on the subj exercises among the people under preaching, among us called the jerks, which was overw the bodies and minds of the people, saints or sinners, they would be taken and seized with a convulsive jerking all any possibility avoid. And the more they resisted, the more violentl they jerked. If they would not strive against it and pray in good e : nest, it would usually abate. I have seen more than five higndired aa Sons jerking at once in my large congregati ) gations. Most usually, pe taken with the jerks, to obtain relief, as they said, would nn euek nce—some uld Tun. but could not get away—some wo resist, — da wo . ] y i : uld on such the erks were most severe. “To see those proud youn i i 8 gentlemen and ladies, dressed in thei silks, jewelry, and prunella from top to toe, take the jerks, would pend excite my risibility. The first jerk or two you would see their fine bon- nets, caps, and combs fly, and their long, ] i BE nee me 8, loose hair crack almost as loud ect of the powerful a new exercise broke out helming in its effects upon No matter whether they were under a warm song or sermon over, which they could not by He tells an amusing story of two young men who ought their sisters to meeting one day, each armed with Sema, and told the crowd that if Cartwright gave cur sisters the jerks, they intended to horse-whip him, br The girls went in, took their seats, and the youngsters ——- the door, Being a little unwell that day, and om ‘8 a vial of peppermint in his pocket, just as he rose Ae mence preaching he drank a little of it. The young ows, keeping their eyes on him steadily, saw this, 240 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. While in the midst of his sermon the girls fell to jerking violently. When he had finished, and came down from the pulpit, he was told by a friend to be on his guard, as there were some fellows at the door who intended to whip him. On hearing this, he went to them, and asked why they were going to whip him? They answered, because he had given their sisters the jerks. He told them he hal not given them the jerks. They replied he had, for they saw him with the medicine he carried about with him for that purpose. He then said, if he had given the girls the jerks he reckoned he could give it to them too, and commenced taking his peppermint out. At this the young fellows wheeled, took to their heels, and he saw no more of them. Elder Stone tells us he had never seen anyone injured by the jerks; but Elder Cartwright says: ‘During a camp-meeting, at a place called the Ridge, in William Mc- Gee's congregation, there was a very large, drinking man, cursing the jerks and all religion together. Soon he commenced jerking himself and started to run, but could not get away. He then took out his bottle of whisky and swore he would drink the jerks to death, but jerked so vio- lently he could not get the bottle to his mouth, though he tried very hard to do so. At length he fetched a very violent jerk, snapped his neck, fell, and soon expired, surrounded by a very large crowd.” After Elder Stone had spent some time in Southern Kentucky, he returned to Cane Ridge, and related the strange things he had geen and heard. The people seemed to be solemnly impressed, and much feeling was mani- fested. During the second sermon he preached, after his return, two little girls were struck down, and the most intense excitement ensued, which overspread the whole country. At some of the great camp-meetings that fol- 3 GREAT REVIVAL, AND ITS PHENOMENA. 241 lowed, it was thought that from twenty to twenty-five thousand people were present, and bodily exercises of the most wonderful character were there likewise. Thus far, no one, in public, had ventured to say aught against these strange phenomena, every one being as it were overawed by what they saw and heard. But at length, during a great camp-meeting near Paris, Ken- tucky, a Presbyterian minister arose and in the strongest terms denounced what he saw as extravagant and mon- strous. A party took ground against it immediately, A bitter opposition arose, and from that day the wonderful movement began sensibly to decline. B. W. Stone, Richard McNamar, John Dunlavy, John Thomson, Robert Marshall, and David Purviance, the leading spirits of the revival, finally seceded from the mother church and formed a new organization called the Springfield Presbytery. A year or two after, they aban- doned this enterprise and Presbyterianism likewise, and formed a new body which they called the “ Christian Church,” but which others called New Lights, if I remem- ber rightly. This body held many of the views which characterized Elder Campbell’s Reformation; and Elder Stone intimates pretty clearly, in his book, that they had adopted his Views, or stolen his thunder, especially the famous dogma, “baptism for the remission of sins.” The Shakers came along, however, and took off two of his preachers, Dunlavy and McNamar. Marshall and Thomson went back to the Presbyterians and Elders Stone er Purviance united with the Reformers ; and thus the re) Campbell's Reformation, which has adopted the old name again, “ Christian Church.” “Christian Church” finally disappeared in Elder CHAPTER XXIV. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANS. THe Cumberland Presbyterian Church, so called be- cause it was organized in the valley of the Cumberland, arose out of the great religious movement at this time. The revival of 1800 extended from Logan County, Ken- tucky, into the border counties of Tennessee, and many were added to the Presbyterian Churches. Many more ministers were needed to organize churches and adminis- ter the ordinances. Although there were a number of able and pious preachers among them, the mother church would not ordain them, since their education was not such as the rules of the church required; and, in addition, they were considered rather unsound in their faith in regard to Election and Predestination, and altogether too noisy in their meetings and worship. The celebrated Gideon Blackburn expressed the sentiments of the old order when he told Elder Barnett that “noise and nonsense never con- verted anybody, or the world would have been converted by thunder long ago.” After much dissatisfaction and contention, thesé deter- mined to withdraw from the mother church and organize an independent presbytery, which was effected in 1810 by Elders Finis Ewing, Samuel King, and Samuel McAdoo, in Dixon County, Tennessee. This is now a large and flourishing body of Christians, and spread over the great 242 fa CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANS. 243 Valley of the Mississippi, south and west. As to their doctrinal views, they occupy a sort of middle ground be- tween Calvinists and Arminians. Their church govern- ment is similar to that of the Presbyterian, from which they separated. The leading spirit in this movement was the celebrated ' Finis Ewing, a man of marked ability and great influence. Though he had been a member of the Presbyterian Church for several years, he was not truly converted, according to Dr. Cassett, his biographer, until the great revival at old Red River Church. He was a very able preacher and a great revivalist. I heard him, when a boy, preach the funeral discourse of Mr. James J effries, one of our neigh- bors. He compared human life to a narrow isthmus tying between two shoreless oceans, and human beings as emere- Ing from one of these, hurrying swiftly across the narrow slip of land, and then plunging into the other, no more to be seen forever. Yet, during this brief transit, we had to decide the momentous question of endless happiness or endless woe ! He organized a very flourishing church near Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky, near which he lived for many years. This place was famous for camp-meetings. All the marvelous bodily exercises and agitations, before de- Scribed, were séen there as late as 1816 or 1817, and people from far and near were attracted. ‘ At length, land in that part of Kentucky was found to © eminently suited to the growth and culture of tobacco, and accordingly rose in value. The first settlers, who —— composed the membership of the Lebanon Church, empted by the rise in the price of land, began to sell their “ms to immigrants from Virginia, and to remove to Mis- 244 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. souri. Elder Ewing, who said, “ the country was destined to be occupied by tobacco-makers and Baptists,” deter- mined to go with his flock to Missouri; and in May, 1820, he bade adieu to old Lebanon, “the mother of churches, and glory of Southern Kentucky,” as Dr. Cassett fondly terms it, and turned his face toward the distant Missouri, far from the theater of his early lifeand fame. He settled in Cooper County, Missouri, where he soon built up a flour- ishing church, which from a fond recollection of the old one he had left in Kentucky, he named New Lebanon. To this a camp-ground was added. He lived in this state till 1841, when his pilgrimage ended. Dr. Cassett says: ‘The Baptist influence was promoted here, by the instrumentality of two pious and devoted Baptist ministers—Elders Tandy and Bourne, who preached in the demonstration of the Spirit, and in power ; a blessed work of grace ensued, and flourishing Baptist churches were collected, on the very ground, once occupied by the Lebanon congregation.” So far as I have learned, the great religious excitement of the times, was hardly felt by the Baptists. I think it never or very rarely appeared at their meetings, in the shape of any bodily agitations, which fact seems to give plausibility to the opinion that they seldom appear to any great extent where they are not encouraged. I have witnessed but one instance of the kind at a Bap- tist meeting. While we were living near Port Royal, when your grandfather was preaching, a Miss McFadin was taken with the jerks. Could it have been possible, the poor woman would have been stared out of countenance. I watched her closely and expected to see her fall to the floor every moment. But she did not, and when preach- CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANS. 245 ing was over went to her horse, and was helped on it, still jerking. I did not think it possible for her to keep her seat in the saddle, but as far as we could see her, she held on, still jerking. ‘The expression of her countenance was both unnatural and unpleasant, altogether unlike-the hea- venly beauty witnessed by Elder Stone. I think she never spoke after the jerks came on, but looked like one who was weary and needed rest. It was supposed by many, that the strange manifesta- tions seen during this and other great excitements, in the history of the Christian church, were the effects of divine power, and to be considered in the light of miracles, attest- ing the truth of religion, as those on the day of Pentecost. Others again considered them as caused by Satanic influ- ence, and intended by the evil one to discredit religion gen- erally, and camp-meetings and revivals in particular, which he feared would convert the world, and destroy his power. They are, perhaps, to be considered as neither, but only the effects of natural causes. The imagination is one of the mental faculties, which Operates directly on the nervous system, by means of the Images it creates. And the sensations produced, partake of the nature or character of the images presented. If they are pleasing and attractive, the sensations are pleas- ing and attractive also, just as the contemplation of a beautiful picture will draw forth expressions of delight and Satisfaction. ; So when the preacher presents to view a picture, or do- Scription of the joys of heaven, the glories of the upper World, and an eternal deliverance from all the sufferings and Sorrows of this mortal state, it is so delightful that in « Congregation where these manifestations are allowed and rr 246 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. encouraged, some will clap their hands and shout on ac- count of the beautiful vision. These feelings are not caused by any supernatural power, any more than the de- light caused by the contemplation of a beautiful landscape, but are alike in every particular. On the other hand, should the preacher, instead of hold- ing up to view a picture of loveliness and beauty, present one of dread and horror, the sensation corresponding to the character of the picture might produce groans and trembling, instead of shouts of joyous gladness. All this would be simply the effect of a frightful impression on the nervous system, nothing more. When we remember that the shock produced on the human frame by fear is often so great as to cause death, we should not wonder that men and women become convulsed, and fall, or exhibit some other strange bodily affections under it. Nay, sometimes a flood of joy produces the same effect. As when an aged father recently met his long-absent son in Philadelphia, and expired with happiness too great to be borne. But it will be asked, why were lookers-on, who were not moved by joy or fear, often affected in the same way ? To this it may be answered, that this was the effect of sympathy, something which no one seems to understand, but with which all are familiar. It may be defined as an involuntary inclination to do or act as we see others doing or acting. You will see, for instance, a man at work, and a little child looking on, going through the same motions with its little hands, and even exhibiting the same contor- tions of face. A number of persons may be sitting to- gether ; one gapes or yawns, and every one goes through the same performance. Your friend is in deep distress,— the tears flowing down his cheeks,—and your eyes will © CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIANS. 247 immediately fill, likewise. Why, then, may not one who gazes at others jerking, fall to jerking too? This appears Strange because it is uncommon. Perhaps many good Christians felt these strange agita- tions, and honestly believed them to be the effects of di- vine power. But this does not show that they were such, or had anything supernatural about them. These singular affections were not by any means peculiar to the times of which we are now speaking, since history informs us that in times of great excitement they have appeared in other ages and in other countries. In the days of Whitefield and the Wesleys they were common and remarkable for their violence. These great and good men believed they were from God, and accord- ingly encouraged them. But wherever they have been discouraged, they have prevailed very slightly, or not at all—an important fact. Although nothing ever rejoiced the heart of your grand- father more than a revival of religion, he was in no sense of the word a modern revivalist. No one ever saw him descend from the pulpit, pass through the crowd, shaking their hands, and leading them to the “ mourners’ bench ” or “anxious seat.” Under proclamation of the great and solemn truths of the gospel, to see a deep interest in religion pervade a community, to see men troubled on account of their sins, Tepenting of their wickedness and folly, reforming their lives, turning to God, confessing him before men, going down into the baptismal waters, and crowding into the churches, full of deep religious emotions, but free from all Noise and confusion,—such was his ideal of a religious re- Vival ! Feat arrester ary TN Re ern ore CHAPTER XXV. LORENZO DOW. Axout the year 1814, after the excitement growing out of the great revival had nearly subsided, the famous Lo- renzo Dow made his appearance among us. He preached at Clarksville, Palmyra, Hopkinsville, Russellville, and other places in our vicinity. Many went to hear the strange old man, but. many more to see him of whom so many anecdotes were related. I was nearly crazy to see and hear him, but for some reason, now forgotten, never had the pleasure. He was, without doubt, partially deranged. But like many others in that unhappy condition was an exceedingly sharp observer of men, and quick to detect their characters, motives, and weaknesses. Among other anecdotes related of him, I remember the following. One of his brother preachers, at the close of every dis- course, would give a description of the day of judgment, when at the sound of Gabriel’s trumpet, the Son of man would appear in the clouds of heaven, with all his holy angels to judge the quick and the dead, uniformly adding a description of the alarm and terror that would overwhelm the impenitent sinner, but saying what a glorious day it would be for the righteous, of whom he humbly hoped he was one. Lorenzo becoming disgusted with his repetition, resoived to put a stop to it, and engaged a boy famons for 248 LORENZO DOW. 249 his skill in blowing the trumpet, to climb a tree near the church that night, and when the preacher got to the day of judgment and Gabriel’s trumpet, and how his heart would rejoice that the day of deliverance had come, to blow a loud terrible blast. All worked well, the preacher gave an animated discourse and at its close, as usual brought in Gabriel and his trumpet. At this the boy pa his trumpet uttered such an awful peal, that every one’s heart died within him, and leaving hat, saddle-bags, and umbrella, the preacher cleared the pulpit at one leap, rushed to the door and took to the woods, followed by his terror-stricken hearers. Henceforth the preacher gave Gabriel and his trumpet a wide berth. In the beginning of his ministry, it was said, he made a vow never to accept anything for his preaching more than Just enough to enable him to continue his labors. When this was known, many would ostentatiously offer him costly presents knowing they would not be accepted. He deter- mined to put a stop to this, Accordingly when a pompous young fellow in a large crowd, offered him a costly gold watch and begged his acceptance, he thanked him for his kindness and deliberately put the watch in his pocket, and went his way. The young fellow was nearly broken- hearted, but there was no help for it. Presents were not | offered after that, for the sake of showing off. One of the most characteristic anecdotes of him is the | following: While travelling on foot, one day he sawa man sitting by the way side, disconsolate at the loss of a fine axe, which was his chief dependance for a living, but Which had been stolen. Dow told him to cheer up, and Come with him to the preaching, the thief would probably be there and he could get the axe. 250 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. The wood-chopper was greatly surprised to see him get up to preach. “Thou shalt not steal” was the text, and keeping his sharp eyes on the crowd, he made stealing ap- pear to the last degree odious and detestable. During his discourse he noticed that one person winced and appeared very uncomfortable, whenever he gave thieves a hard blow. ‘Before dismissing his audience, he related the circum- stance of the stolen axe, adding that the thief was sitting just before him, and he intended to hit him with his hymn book, and raised his arm. The thief dodged, and on being questioned, told the wood-chopper where to find his axe. Many such anecdotes caused numbers to believe he was no ordinary mortal, but could divine the thoughts of men. This singular but interesting old man was born, as we learn from his journal, in Tolland County, Connecticut, 1777. He was a very delicate child, and during most of his life suffered severely from asthma, often for months being unable to lie down and sleep from difficulty of breathing. This affection had been caused by drinking too much cold water when overheated. His parents were tender of their children, and endeavored to educate them both in religion and common learning. His early religious experience bears a striking resem- blance to those of the olden times. There was first an awakening, a deep repentance and sorrow for sin, troubled dreams and gloomy apprehensions: then, in many cases, some text of Scripture containing a blessed promise, heard as if distinctly spoken to them, a thrill of joy unspeakable, followed by a hope, bright and clear, that their sins were forgiven, the Holy Spirit bearing witness with their spirits that they were born of God. Dow gives the following ac- count of his awakening : LORENZO DOW. 251 “When past the age of thirteen years, and about the time John Wes- ley died, it pleased God to awaken my mind by a dream of the night, which was this: An old man came to me at mid day with a staff in his hand, and said, ‘Do you ever pray?’ I told him ‘No.’ Said he, ‘You must,’ and then went away, but soon returned, and the conversa- tion was repeated.” Soon after this dream he began to be distressed on ac- count of his sins, and it is sad to hear him tell the story of his troubles, heightened evidently by the deranged state of his mind. He prayed and fasted, as his delicate frame could endure, slept but little for fear he might die before he awoke and find himself in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. At length, at the words, “ Son, thy sins which are many are forgiven thee,—thy faith hath saved thee,” the burden of sin and guilt fell from his shoulders, and he could rejoice in the hope of a blessed immortality beyond the grave. From reading his journal, one will perceive he considered himself under the immediate guid- ance of the Holy Spirit, and when the Spirit pointed out the way, it was his duty to obey implicitly, notwithstand- ing all dangers and difficulties. This will account for most of the wildness and extravagance of his conduct. There was a singular family likeness in most of the con- versions we hear of in old times. This was considered very desirable, since it indicated that all were led in the Same way, by the same Spirit. When bordering on the Supernatural and terrible, they were listened to with great attention. After his conversion he attached himself to the Meth- odist connection, and it was impressed on his mind that he ought to preach the gospel; for being alone in a solitary Place, kneeling in prayer, these words came to him: “Go ELDER REUBEN ROSS. ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every crea- ture.” At first he thought this must be a temptation of Satan; but, finding that the more he resisted, the more unhappy he felt,—clasping his hands together, he said: “Tord, I submit to go and preach thy gospel ; only grant that my peaceful hours return, and open the door for me.” It was usual among the Methodists of that day, when an individual of their church expressed a desire to preach, to permit him to go around with a circuit preacher, and if he showed some aptitude for praying in public and ex- hortation, to give him permission to do so. And if he appeared to improve and to promise well, then to allow him to preach from a text and to become a circuit-rider. From a beginning like this, have arisen many of the able men of that flourishing denomination. Lorenzo’s preacher, after giving him a trial, advised him to give up all idea of preaching and go home. He was then only about eighteen years old. Another preacher, after a trial, ordered him to go home. This nearly broke his heart. “Two or three handkerchiefs were soon wet with tears, for the worth of immortal souls lay heavy on his conscience.” But, notwithstanding so many discouragements, and so many “ buffetings of Satan,” sometimes on foot, sometimes on horseback, sometimes almost without money or clothes, he continued trying to preach. So strong was the im- pression that,it was his duty. At length he began to show unmistakable signs of no ordinary ability. And, though his addresses were often below mediocrity, they were frequently remarkable for their power and effect. From reading his journal, one would infer that this was characteristic of his preaching all his life. LORENZO DOW. 253 Hoping they might now make him useful, his church tried hard to make him du steady work, but in vain. He would, if put on a circuit, leave it, if he had an impression that he ought to go somewhere else, and would soon be heard from, perhaps, a hundred miles away. Finding it impossible to make him submit to the discipline of the church, they finally ceased to consider him as belonging to it or to their jurisdiction at all. He now flew from place to place and from state to state. In 1799 he crossed the Atlantic, and went to Ireland to preach to the people there, and became really a Cosmopo- lite, as he now called himself. While there, he preached in the prisons, in the barracks to the soldiers—in the towns and cities—sometimes in churches, then in the streets and in private houses, and at length became known as Crazy Dow, or the Crazy Preacher. On going to a strange place, he would put up a number of little hand bills, which he carried about with him; soon a large crowd would be collected, and he would preach them a sermon none would ever forget. He had a plan of bringing the people into a “covenant.” When he per- ceived they had been much moved by his discourse, he would invite them to come forward and give him; their hames, and if they would agree to join him, promised to pray for them at a certain hour every day for a month or more, wherever he might be. When all their names were Written down, he would call God to witness the covenant, fold up the paper, put it in his pocket, bid them an affec- tionate farewell, and perhaps never be seen by them again. By this simple device many were led to pray, and to commence a better life, having been drawn into this prom- ise = their hearts were tender and easily influenced. 2 254 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. In controversy, it was said few could equal him; his knowledge of the Scripture was so great and his logic so powerful. Unconditional election and reprobation, he was much opposed to, and used to tell the high Calvinists that their doctrine simply amounted to this: “ You can and you can’t; You shall and you sha’n’t; You will and you won’t; You’re damned if you do, and you're damned if you don’t.” Atheism, deism, and infidelity, generally fared badly when they encountered him. It appeared strange to see one so uncouth, in appearance, argue his points with so much force and clearness. . Many liberal donations made by those who pitied his hard life and destitution, were not accepted. Some, though, in taking leave of him in a crowd, would put money in his hand, and disappear before he could return it; or would drop money in his coat pockets. On pouring out some . crackers put up for him, he found a sum of money among them. His wants were sometimes supplied so opportunely and unexpectedly, that he could but think himself in the care of a special providence. Arriving one day at a ferry without money, or anything to pawn, to pay his fare, he saw something shining in the sand, and on picking it up, found it to be a York shilling, just the sum needed. At another time when he needed money for the same purpose, two strangers put each a half dollar in his hand. So many incidents of the same kind, constantly occurring, gave him confidence, and he would venture on long and distant journeys, believing, to use his own expression, that “the door would be opened.” The speed with which he travelled seems almost incredible. In one day he rode twenty-five miles, preached five times, and addressed three “‘ classes.” LORENZO Dow. 255 ae says, in order to do this, “I had to be in earnest.” : entered a meeting house on one occasion, having on = old ete great-coat, and with two hats on my head ome were alarmed, some blush 2 oo ushed, some laughed, and all = the 17th of June, I rode thirty-five miles, and preached five times, On the 18th, I rode fifty-five miles ee five times, and spoke to two classes, On the th, I preached six times, and rode twenty-five miles.” In two ; =a mouths he rode 1,500 miles and preached 180 , would prevent his bei in the place punctual to the time. Mountains and sled storms of hail and sleet, swoll t wore unheeded by him, en streams, cold, and hunger Strange as it ma y seem, Lorenzo Dow, just li men, thought he must have a wife ; i ——- young woman who had said: she would rather marry a trav = he called on her and inquired if this were so? She Ss —— He then asked her, if she thought she — cept of such a looking object as himself for a hus- “ge she became frightened and left the room. Soon “age is he called on her again and told her he was going —- and would not return under eighteen months, In meantime, if she saw no one she liked better than him and he saw no i ap one he liked better than her, on his return, and hearing of a if she ever married at all elling preacher than any one 256 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. interfere with him in regard to preaching. For if she did, he would pray to God to take her away, and he believed he would do it! At the appointed time he returned, on the third of Feb- ruary, 1804, he and Peggy, poor thing, were married. She seems to have been a sweet-tempered, gentle, uncom- plaining creature, content to ramble over the world with him—sometimes walking by his side, sometimes riding on horseback, or in a rude vehicle. Occasionally he would deposit her in some cabin by the wayside, to remain until called for. In England, where she followed him after her marriage, she gave birth to a little daughter, who died soon after- wards. She being prostrated by a long and dangerous illness, it was taken away to be cared for until her recov- ery. She saw it once again before it sickened and died, while she was in a state of utter prostration. Just before leaving England to return to America, in her artless but interesting journal she writes: “T stayed in the town of Warrington a few weeks, and frequently visited the little chapel where my sweet little infant’s remains were de- posited ; and often felt a pleasure of the sweetest kind in contemplating that my child had escaped all the dangers and vanities of this uncertain world, for the never-fading glories of Paradise, where I hoped, when life should end, I should meet her, to part no more,” Dow’s strange life and restless wanderings at last ended. He died in Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, in 1834, in the 57th year of his age. On the front leaves of his journal are two quaint pictures of himself and Peggy, Above them is written: “The morning of life is gone— the evening shades appear.” And below: “ We are journeying to the land from whence there is no return.” ficult voyag “Teached t Cumberlan of his com to settle,” CHAPTER XXVI. CLARKSVILLE AND ITS RECOLLECTIONS. CLARKSVILLE, our country town, was a place in whose spiritual and temporal welfare your grandfather ever felt a deep interest, on account of the many kind friends h made there, and because, too, he first carried there B ; tist influence, and planted a Baptist church. It ne 9 — @ special notice in our narrative. i: ere ‘onpied tugs and cities of the South, its 2 1s a point of id i portance, however, on account hi silaabie es ae Be productions, among which is its fine tobacco ge ‘a almost every part of the world. The first notice h . of its locality, is as far back as the Spring of 1780, about twenty-seven years before your grandfather came a the ey: At that time the celebrated Col. John Donelson aoe eerie his toil-worn voyagers, from the distant 2 aving descended the Tennessee and ascended the , and Cumberland Rivers, on their dangerous and dif- @ to the spot, where Nashville now stands he mouth of a small river emptying into the d on its north side, which, Moses Renfroe, one panions, called Red River, up which he inieaiiel See Putnam’s Annals of Middle Tennessee. Tl i : ‘ 1ere 1s no event in the history of Tennessee, of deeper or more thrilling interest, than this voyage of Col. Donel- 258 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. son and his party. He was the father of the beautiful Rachel Donelson, wife of our heroic Jackson, more beloved and prized by him, than all the honors heaped upon him, by his admiring countrymen. Few, perhaps, without drop- ping a tear have read the account of her father’s tragic death—killed almost in sight of home, returning from a distant journey. It would seem the hills, above and below the mouth of this little river, were attractive, even then, for by the mid- dle of the next year, the number of settlers amounted to more than twenty, whose sad fate has not been forgotten. Learning that a band of savages were approaching to de- stroy their settlement, they gathered up a few of their effects and started in haste, hoping to reach the stations near Nashville before they were overtaken. But at night, while encamped on the banks of a little stream that flows into what is called Sycamore Creek, in Cheatham County, they were attacked by the Indians, and all—men, women, and children—murdered, except one poor woman, who made her escape, and reached a station next day, twenty miles distant, with her clothing all torn off by the brush and canebrakes through which she passed in her lonely flight- The little stream, the scene of this tragedy, is still known as Battle Creek, though in truth there was no battle, but ‘a cruel massacre. Here, too, Col, Valentine Sevier, brother of General John Sevier, one of the heroes of King’s Mountain, who attempted a settlement at the mouth of Red River, lost three of his sons. They had started to Nashville in a pirogue, were fired upon by a band of Indians concealed in the cane on the banks of the Cumberland, a short dis- tance above where Clarksville now stands, and all three CLARKSVILLE AND ITS RECOLLECTIONS. 259 were killed and scalped—a terrible blow to their aged parents, who, in these perilous times, so much needed the strong arms and brave hearts of their gallant sons. The struggle for this locality, and the beautiful country stretching to the west, north and east of it, was long and persistent, but the white man finally prevailed here, as elsewhere, and the Indian disappeared forever, Thomas Reasons and wife, and a Miss Betsy Roberts, in the year 1796, were the last victims of savage cruelty eae Clarksville. For some slight cause, the little party which was to be at Mr. Reasons’ that night did not take place, or many others would have been killed. This, if the Ta are correct, took place about eleven years before your grandfather came to the country. Seldom, we presume do the citizens of Clarksville and New Providence call js mind the perils of those who won these places from the savages. In the spring of 1808 I first saw this place. Your grand- father had occasion to go there to make some little pur- chases, and took me with him. We crossed Red River in a ferry-boat some distance below the present bridge. Mr, William Farrier, who put us across, was one of your grand- father’s highly-esteemed brethren, and owned the ferry and farm adjoining, If I remember rightly, the whole distance from the ferry to the public square was a forest of tall and beauti- ful trees, at least two miles in extent. This was princi- pally owned by a son of the Emerald Isle, Hon. James B Reynolds, called Count Reynolds, at one time a member of Congress, who named his fine property, Grattan’s Grove in honor of his illustrious countryman. But its glory his long since departed, and the ground where the stately 260 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. forest once stood is now almost covered by the shanties of “‘ American citizeas of African descent.” Clarksville was then quite a small place ; there was the Public Square, called the “ Public Lot,” by the first County Court held in 1791, and which it ordered to be “cleared up,” like any other piece of woodland, “and put in order.” Around this were a few unpretending houses, thrown in the shade by the new brick court-house stand- ing in the middle of the square. I think there were as many houses down near the river as on the hills—in all very few. The next time I saw Clarksville, which was after our return from Stewart County to the Barrens, it was very much improved. The dry goods stores of Messrs. McClure & Elder and of John H. Paxton were doing a good busi- ness. There were lawyers, doctors, tailors, blacksmiths, etc. The flatboats were being loaded with corn, pork, flour, whisky, and tobacco, at various points at or near the town, to descend to New Orleans. Our town had taken quite a start in the world. The occasion of my visit to town was to see a lion, which some one had brought there for exhibition. I had read of lions in the Bible, and formed most extravagant ideas of their size, power, and ferocity, and was nearly crazy to see one. I wanted especially to hear one roar, shake the panes of glass out of the windows, and terrify not only man but all the beasts of the field. The price for seeing him was a silver dollar. But alas, how great was my disappointment. Instead of the terrific monster I expected, with fire flashing from his eyes, lashing his sides with his tail, and bending the iron bars of his cage in his efforts to break them, I saw what seemed to be little more CLARKSVILLE AND ITS RECOLLECTIONS. © 261 than a large brindled dog, quiet and respectful in behavior, and little “like the lion roused by the swelling of Jordan,” mentioned in the Bible. Before the building of the brick court-house, Clarks- ville had no place set apart for public worship. After this was built, any of the religious denominations used it that chose, and from what I have heard, the old preachers often had some hard cases to deal with there. It was here, according to tradition, that parson N., a good old Methodist brother had his feelings so much out- raged. While describing the lower regions in the most dismal colors, and exhorting his hearers in the most earn- est and affectionate manner to repent of their sins, and re- form their lives, in order to escape it, a half drunken fellow arose and said: “ Parson, I don’t think there is any such place as that, or some body would have heard of it before.” This sounded so droll and unexpected, that the audience could not help laughing. The parson soon brought his remarks to a close, and as he passed the door was observed to move his feet slightly, as if to shake the dust from them and never preached there again, but left them to be con- vinced, when too late, that there is such a place, or ought to be. In former times, the court house and public square used to be lively places on public days. Nearly all the men and boys from the country would be there. It was a time to settle accounts, swap horses, drink whisky, listen to law- yers and candidates, hear the news, and see something of the world. My greatest delight was to hear the lawyers trying their cases ; They would sometimes, as in my sim- plicity I thought, become “ fighting mad,” and I would expect to see a fight, so soon as court was adjourned for 12* 262 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. dinner. But instead of this, they would walk off arm in arm to the tavern, like brothers, much to my amazement, after saying so many hard things of each other. They were to me a great mystery. The horse swapping was very amusing. Sometimes they would swap even—horse, saddle, bridle, and martingale,— again boot would be given, and generally one would have to treat. When the fever for swapping was high, the same horse would perhaps have half a dozen owners in the course of the day. The drinking was managed rather differently from what it is now. So soon as one came to town, he dismounted, hitched his horse securely,—there were no livery stables then, or until long afterwards—went into a tavern,— no saloons then in Clarksville, at least none bearing that name —and bought a half pint, pint, or quart of whiskey or brandy. Each one received in a bottle the quantity called for, from the barkeeper, took a drink, and set his bottle on a shelf provided for that purpose, and then went out to at- tend to his business, if he happened to have any. And whenever in the course of the day he felt his thirst coming on, he would go in and help himself, sometimes accom- panied by a friend. When his bottle gave out, he would have it filled again, if he thought it necessary to his comfort. A long row of these little bottles, side by side, on their shelves, looked very showy. Any one living near town would see men, after one of these gala-days, riding home in a variety of strange ways, sometimes leaning forward, or on one side or the other. Some would camp out all night, and not get in until next day, often minus hat or saddlebags. One old gentleman whom I knew, before leaving home would carefully divest himself of everything CLARKSVILLE AND ITS RECOLLECTIONS. 263 that could be lost, and his family could always tell by this what was on his mind. For many years, most of the change, or fractional cur- rency used in Clarksville, was made by cutting silver coins into smaller pieces. Before this, mankind understood that no 6ne thing could have more than four quarters, but now found they were mistaken, for skillful manipulations de- * monstrated that, by the aid of a mallet or cold chisel, a Spanish dollar often contained five or six quarters. This discovery was quite profitable. The people at first grum- bled at this, but, as the silver was very pure and the change convenient, by common consent it passed freely among them. Sometimes the angles of this fractional currency were so sharp that one had to be careful when handling oe was not safe to thrust one’s hand incautiously into one’s pocket. Judge Humphreys used to hold the courts in Clarks. ville at the time of which we are now speaking. He was a mild and pleasant gentleman, of whom I stood in great awe, on account of the deference and respect every one paid him, and the vast amount of wisdom and learning I supposed him to possess. He was, I think, a Carolinian by birth, and held in such estimation as to give his name to one of the counties of his adopted state. Your grandfather used to speak of him after his death, as one of his particu- lar friends of the lower part of the county, where he often preached and married the young people. The most distinguished lawyer in Clarksville was Wil- liam L. Brown, a small, delicate-looking man, with fine black eyes, dark complexion, and low, massive forehead. As aspeaker he was bold, confident, and vehement. Young cee ARAN - 264 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. as I was,I could perceive his superiority to the other lawyers, and his greater influence with the court and juries. While sitting one day in the court-house, watching the proceedings, I thought I observed him look towards me several times. At length he rose up from where he’was - sitting within the bar, passed out of it, took a few turns in the room, and then coming where I was, leant against the wall near me, and entered into conversation; in the course of which he asked me my name. When I told him who I was, he said : “Is that so?” seemed to be pleased, and told me he and my father were great friends. He next asked how old I was? If I was going to school? If I thought I should like to be a lawyer when I grew up to be a man? - After chatting with me a short time in a very pleasant manner, he said that he was going up to his office, and if I would go with him he would give me some books. On entering the office, he went to the library and brought out a Latin dictionary, well bound and covered with buck- skin; a fine Delphine Virgil, and Wettenhall’s Greek Grammar, and made me a present of them, saying the dic- tionary was the one he used when he studied Latin. He advised me, in conclusion, by all means, to make myself well acquainted with the Latin and Greek, adding he would talk with me again some day about being a lawyer. I hardly need say I was very much pleased with my books, and at being thus noticed by the great lawyer. After this he removed to Nashville, where he became famous on account of his legal abilities, and was appointed by the Federal Government one of the Commissioners to settle the long-vexed question of boundary between Ken- tucky and Tennessee. CLARKSVILLE AND ITS RECOLLECTIONS. 265 Your grandfather saw him at Nashville several times afterwards, and said he always made many kind inquiries about me. He died comparatively young. Had he lived, he would have ranked high among the great men of the West. On account of his knowledge of the law and his high moral character, General Jackson had intended to place him on the bench of the Supreme Court, which place was filled after his death by Judge Catron of Tennessee, Judge Brown was twice married, and his children by both marriages died when young. On the banks of the Cum- berland, a stream which he loved from his boyhood, is his residence, called ‘“‘ Ross Cliff ;” and there, in a cluster of beautiful cedars, I saw the handsome tomb which marks his last resting-place. Among the truest friends of your grandfather, in Clarksville, not belonging to any church, was the Hon. Cave Johnson. His appearance, in the prime of life, was truly noble and striking—tall, handsome, and of a com- manding presence—a fine specimen of the young Tennes- seeans who fought under Jackson in the Indian wars. He had, as a lawyer, politician, and sagacious man of the world, few equals; he rose to high distinction, was four- teen years a member of Congress, and four years a mem- ber of the Cabinet during President Polk’s administration. In his palmiest days he never forgot an old friend, or failed to meet him with a pleasant smile and kindly greet- ing. Even when a young man, he manifested great esteem and regard for your grandfather, called on him whenever he was in town,—and, when he had business in court, as guardian, always attended to it for him free of charge. Many years later, as you remember, when it was desired by his friends to get your brother Reuben appointed a 266 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. cadet in the Military Academy at West Point, he took the business in hand and arranged it all in the most satisfac- tory manner. There is an incident of his life both pleasing and ro- mantic, which throws light upon his character. While living in the family of Judge Humphreys studying law, which he commenced full of hope, never doubting of suc- cess, he became acquainted with Miss Elizabeth Dortch, then in all the freshness of her early beauty, fell in love, addressed her, and was rejected. At this he was deeply mortified and resolved never to marry. But, instead of moping about, as many love-sick swains do on such occa- sions, and neglecting his studies, he applied himself with renewed energy, obtained license to practice law, rose in his profession, was appointed States Attorney by the legis- lature of Tennessee, without ever having applied for it, or knowing when it was done,—was elected to Congress again and again against the most determined opposition. Time rolls on. Miss Dortch marries, and becomes a widow with three children. His old love revives; he again pro- poses, is accepted, and they were married by your grand- father in 1888, and spent many happy years together, in- cluding those during which he was a member of the Cabinet, amid the gayeties and pleasures of Washington society. - He, too, has passed away, with nearly all the men of that shining period; but had the happinesss to live in what will, perhaps, be remembered hereafter as the golden age of his country’s history. One, at first, will be apt to think it strange that your grandfather, who never turned aside to seek the friendship of any man, but always accepted it frankly, when offered, / CLARKSVILLE AND ITS RECOLLECTIONS. 267 should have had so many true and lasting friends among those who never manifested any very decided interest in the great subject to which He devoted his life. But it is probable, that all men have an ideal of a good man, and when they meet one who corresponds to this ideal in- stinctively love and esteem him. I am not able to say when your grandfather first preached in Clarksville; whether he did so by request of the citizens, or sent an appointment of his own accord. His audience was at first very small, one account made it only two ladies—Mrs. McClure and Mrs. Elder—and one gentleman, who took their seats in the court house, though a good many stood near the door outside. He sang a hymn, prayed, and delivered a short address, and at the close told his little audience, that there was a good promise on record, when two or three were gathered to- gether in his name. After this his audience steadily in- creased, became large and attentive, and an impression was made in the place, favorable to religion and Baptist senti- ments. By reference to the journals of the old Spring Creek Church, of July 1831, an order was passed for the organ- ization of the Clarksville Church. Isham Watkins, Jesse Ely, William Killebrew, Joshua Brown, and others being petitioners for the same. Previous to this time, it had been an arm, or branch, of Spring Creek Church. Your grandfather acted as one of the presbyters on that occa- sion, and was its first pastor. It is now (1870) a large and flourishing church, under the pastoral care of Elder A. D, Sears, D. D., with a new and handsome house of worship. To the building of this church, 8. A. Sawyer, formerly 268 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. a merchant of Clarksville, but now of Brooklyn, New York, contributed most liberally, showing that though far away, his heart is still with his brethren of former times. The religious sentiment has been well developed in Clarksville. And in this respect it will compare favorably with any of the towns and cities of the South and West. In it, the Baptists have one church; the Methodists, one; the old Presbyterians, one; the Cumberland Presbyterians, one; the Episcopalians, two; the Reformers or Christian Church, one; and the Catholics, one. At all these large and attentive congregations meet for worship. The population of the city of Clarksville is now about seven thousand. For morality, intelligence, and refinement, it will compare favorably with any town or city of the West. The South-western University, under the manage- ment of the Presbyterian Church, and a flourishing female college under that of the Methodist Episcopal Church are here located. CHAPTER XXVIII. FAMILY AFFLICTIONS. Or all the years of your grandfather’s pilgrimage, 1815 was the most sorrowful. In less than one month, during this year, he lost four of his little children—Thomas, Mar- tin, Reuben, and Maria, the last of whom was about nine years old; the others, younger. Two of these were dead in the house at the same time. At this great affliction, our family was struck with awe and astonishment, and our kind neighkors almost-as much so as ourselves. It will not be easy for those who have never experienced a like affliction to imagine the feelings of a family that has lost so many of its inmates in so short a time. Your grandmother was almost heart-broken, and for days to- gether sat with her head covered. and mourned the loss of her loved ones. Your grandfather was silent as men will sometimes be who, in deep distress, are afraid to speak, lest in doing so they should lose control of themselves. We children who were left moved noiselessly about the house on which a dark shadow seemed to rest. It no longer appeared the same home; too many little voices were hushed forever which were wont to make it so cheerful and pleasant. Your grandfather selected a place not far from the house for a burying-ground, and made their little graves. The wild cherry tree was always a favorite with him, and 269 270 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. he went into the woods and collected a number of these which he planted around the graves, so as to form a little grove. They grew very thriftily, and their spreading branches, and green leaves soon made a pretty shade. It was a pleasant spot when I last saw it, long years ago; here your aunt Polly was buried the next year, and your uncle Garrard, who died of erysipelas, October 5th, 1823, in the sixteenth year of his age. You will no doubt ask the cause of this unusual mortality. An unusual quantity of rain had fallen in the early part of the year, and all the low places in the barrens were covered with water, and much vegetation was either killed or in a dying condi- tion ; so that when the hot suns of August and September came, a malaria was produced, that brought on ague, chills, and bilious fever. Large families were often so prostrated, that there was not one left able to hand another a cup of water. Neighbors less unfortunate would render all theas- sistance they could to each other, by going themselves or sending their servants to wait upon them. The little children in our family were reduced to mere shadows, but might have recovered had not the whooping-cough supervened. Then nothing could save them. No doubt many are still living besides myself who remember but too well those unhappy seasons. During the next winter, your grandfather went down to Woodville, a little town in Mis- sissippi, near the Louisiana line. He had some years before, formed the acquaintance of Col. Charles Stewart, the first proprietor of what is known as the Peacher’s Mill property, situated in Montgomery County, Tennessee. This, together with the large body of valuable land connected with it, was a fine estate, but being full of enterprise, and fond of making money he sold FAMILY AFFLICTIONS. 271 it to your grandfather Barker, and removed south in 1813, believing, that cotton planting there would prove more profitable than any business he could follow in this coun- try. His brother, Duncan Stewart, had settled near Wood- ville the year before. Although making no pretensions to religion himself, Colonel Stewart had formed a great friendship for your grandfather, and persuaded him to leave this country, as he had done, and go to Southern Mississippi, and settle near him, offering him at the same time considerable in- ducements to do so; telling him of the mild and pleasant climate, the ease with which he could make a support for his family, and hinting at the good he might do there by preaching to a people almost entirely destitute of religious instruction. Fearing that the place on which he now lived was un- healthy, and having but little hope of getting a supply of water by sinking a well, he concluded to go and look at the country first, and then decide whether, all things con- sidered, it was likely to be an advantageous move for him- self and family. Major John Nevill, being about to take a boat-load of produce down to New Orleans, invited him to take passage on his boat to some point on the river near where Colonel Stewart lived. This invitation was thankfully accepted, and he accordingly went and was absent from home about three months. His voyage was tedious, and attended with much danger, on account of fogs, sawyers, and float- Ing ice. At length, however, he landed, bade adieu to his com- panions, and soon arrived at the hospitable mansion of his friend, who received him with great cordiality and treated 272 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. him with the kindness of a brother. Here he remained some time looking at the country, which was already clothed in the beauty of early spring. After seeing a good deal of it, he decided not to move his family there. The manners and customs of the people seemed strange to him, and their thoughts so full of cotton, sugar, and money- making, that he did not think the voice of the preacher was likely to be heard by them to much advantage. I may mention here that Colonel Stewart had two twin- brothers—Duncan, already mentioned, who removed to Mississippi in 1812, and James, who remained in Tennes- see till 1818. The latter at all times felt that singular attachment for his brother which is characteristic of the Scottish race, and especially desired to be buried by his side when he died; and as age and infirmity increased, this desire increased also. Finally, he determined to leave his home (a few miles from Clarksville, and long known as the Stewart Place), and descend the Mississippi to where his brother lived. He had a substantial coffin made, and what the people persisted in calling his funeral sermon preached. After which, placing as much of his effects on board a boat as he thought he should need, together with the coffin, he finally reached his destination; and after his death, according to his wish, was buried by the side of his brother. It was long before the community ceased talking of this strange transaction. But, no doubt, the coffin was pro- vided in case hé should die on the journey, and the preach- ing was intended to bring his friends and neighbors to- gether that he might give them a hospitable entertainment before bidding them adieu. - An old lady, with whom you are well acquainted, told me lately that she was at what FAMILY AFFLICTIONS. 273 was called the funeral, and thinks your grandfather preached on the occasion. These Stewarts were said to have been of the royal fam- ily of Scotland, and from a description given me by your grandfather of Mary Stewart, a daughter of James Stewart, she must have been little less beautiful and lovely than the renowned Scottish Queen herself whose name she bore. While considering in what way he should come home, your grandfather had the good fortune to meet with an old Kentucky friend, Dr. Walker, who was about to return by land, through the Indian nation. He immediately pro- cured a horse, and taking leave of his kind friends there, whom he now saw for the last time, turned his face home- ward. He followed what was then called the Old Natchez Trace, through the country occupied by the Chickasaw Indians. This was the road usually travelled by boatmen and traders on their way home, by land, from New Orleans. This journey home proved to be one of great entertain- ment to him; and was a subject of conversation long after- wards. On it he saw the Indians engaged in one of their famous Ball Plays, in which they displayed wonderful agil- ity ; he also heard them uttering their lamentations for the dead. : For a certain length of time it was their custom he said to go out twice a day, after they had lost one of their fam- ily, and raise a wail or lamentation that could be heard to a great distance, and fell sadly on the ears of those passing by. When the mourners were too few to produce an im- posing effect they would hire others to assist them. He also first heard, while travelling among the Choctaw In- dians on his way home, the following interesting legend 274 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. connected with their early settlement in the country they then occupied. “Their tribe came originally from the distant regions of the West, and when they commenced their journey had two guides—a long straight pole and a large dog, In crossing the Mississippi their faithful dog was drowned and henceforth they had to depend on their pole alone. Every evening this was set up in their encampment perpendicularly. In the morning they observed carefully which way it leaned and journeyed in that direction This they continued to do till they came to the bank of a beautiful river. Here on setting up their pole they saw with the pleas- ure only known to those who are weary from long travelling, that it re- mained perpendicular for several days; hence they named the river Alabama, which in their soft and musical language means; ‘ Here we rest.’ “ But their wanderings were not yet ended, for again they perceived their pole leaning in a certain direction and again they travelled on until they reached the place known as the Chickasaw Old Towns, where when the pole was set, it stood erect permanently and here the tribe re- mained ever afterwards.” On this old trace which your grandfather travelled stands the lonely Monument of Governor Merriwether Lewis, a striking and startling object when first seen by those who still occasionally pass by this wild sequestered spot. After his exploration beyond the Rocky Mountains, in 1803, to the distant Oregon, then a “terra incognita,” he was ap- pointed Governor of Louisiana, by President Jefferson, and being on his way from New Orleans, in a violent attack of hypochondria, to which he was liable, he put an end to his life, as is generally supposed, though many thought he came to his end by other hands than his own. It would be hard to find a more beautiful tribute to the memory of any one than that penned by Mr. Jefferson, for his young and gifted friend, as it may be seen in the Encyclopedia Amerwana. Seemed incredible, FAMILY AFFLICTIONS. 275 After his return from Mississippi, your grandfather devoted himself more than usual to preaching. His long = S from his people seems to have endeared them to 'm more than ever, and they too were happy to learn he had abandoned all thought of leaving them. In 1816, the Bethel Church was constituted. This church and their pastor, Elder William Tandy, were greatly beloved by him, and he often preached for them in those early times. I well remember the little log meet- ing-house, near the salubrious springs, where the people used to meet before the present church was built; and the pleasant rides with your grandfather along the narrow path, bordered with flowers, through the beautiful prairie we crossed on our way to it. tn the month of August of this year your aunt Poll died, and our house again became a house of mourning I still retain a vivid recollection of her last illness and death, She had been ailing for several days, and the family physician, Dr. Gilmer, had been called in to see her. After prescribing some simple remedies for the irri- tation of her stomach, of which she complained, he left us Soon after this she became very pale, said she thought she fics going to die, and requested her mother to make her a 7 let on the floor, such as was often made for children to ty on In warm weather. This was done, and she was ad upon it. The paleness increasing, we became alarmed a _ gathered round her, some chafing her hands, some Nes ipa ag some fanning her. She breathed only a few yea alter this, and then her gentle spirit passed away. rst we could not realize that she was gone. It But it was even so. Her soft, blue ®yes were closed forever, Thus died, in her early bloom, + pam: Se ene ee a mee ELDER REUBEN ROSS. had been baptized just one month before her death. The other twin, your aunt Nancy Morrison, lived on amid the usual vicissitudes of human life, until February 23d, 1862. The circumstances attending her death were likewise such as not to be soon forgotten. Her health had not been good for many years in consequence of a fall from a buggy, which greatly impaired her nervous system and confined her much of her time to her bed, Soon after the first great battle of Manassas, your brother Reuben, while walking over the battle-ground, picked up a bomb-shell, which he brought home as a curiosity. This had been carried about from place to place, until finally it reached your uncle Morrison’s, as you no doubt remember. There it remained. until a few days before the battle of Fort Donelson, when, while your cousin Eugene, her only son, and some others, were endeavoring to extract the powder it contained, it exploded, a fragment of the shell striking him and inflicting a dangerous wound, from the effects of which his recovery was long doubtful. This, in her weak state of health, produced a shock from which she had not recovered when the news of the” fall of Fort Donelson was received, in which the fate of so_ many dear to her was involved. In her feeble condition she was unable to bear up under it, and soon afterwards breathed her last. Thus, in darkness and in sorrow, the days of her pilgrimage ended, which, in Heaven's myste- rious providence, has been the lot of so many whose hearts © like hers were full of Christian charity and devotion to the happiness of others. She sleeps by her father and mother at the Old Place, where many others whom she loved also repose, and nothing could be more appropriate than the one of the little twins, the first born of the family. She FAMILY AFFLICTIONS. 277 Church. They were born Sept. ‘ere two years and a few days older than I think, though, that a close observer at your aunt Nannie’s face was a little less isters. She had also a mark on her shoul- semblance of a strawberry, which always » 1! we could catch and hold her long enough They would often try to pass themselves off eaaiaa other, were, mightily pleased when they suc- In doing So, and were so inseparable that when you melee poluntarily looked for the other. We wer ater Guct ae and they were so gentle and lo¥= eis’ sia aarliae as to permit _— to domineer over iit ee ts oie fe and, nda: I got into disgrace for mis- einai ey se dom did—I received a world of Pathy from them, It is pleasant, even now, to think OF £ Sila! happy years we passed together, and how com- Y our lives were identified in every respect. 13 RENEE CHAPTER XXVIII. ELDER ROSS EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS. WE will now pass on tothe year 1817, which may be regarded as an epoch in the life of your grandfather, since during this year he gave utterance to those views which culminated in his separation from his hyper-calvinistic — brethren, and in the organization of the Bethel Baptist Association. At the commencement of his ministerial labors, as was to have been expected, he adopted the rigid views of his family and of the church to which they belonged,—in which faith so many great and good men have lived and died. It would, perhaps, not be extravagant to say that — many of the brightest intellects from the earliest ages of the church down to his own time had contended for these views as for “ the faith once delivered to the saints.” They believed in particular and unconditional election — and reprobation, that Christ died for the elect only, and that not one of the elect would ever be lost, or one of the — non-elect ever be saved. That the Almighty, who knows — the end from the beginning, looking down, as it were, upon the generations of men yet unborn, without the least re- gard to character or conduct had elected or selected one here and another there to be saved and had passed all 7 others by as vessels of wrath fitted to destruction. These views, as he thought, represent the heavenly 278 ELDER ROSS EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS. 279 : ather as a parent who had lavished all his care and ten- erness on a part of his children only. These he had pro- vided with food, raiment, instruction, and all things neces- Sary to their comfort and happiness. The rest he had left to struggle on as best, they might for a time against hun- = cold, and neglect, and finally to’ perish, not because : °y were less deserving than their brethren, but simpl mae it — his will and pleasure to pass them by - arly in is ministry his mind became per lexe ce on this subject. He could not eee — Is could be when the sacred writings declare that his tender mercies are over all his works; that “he is no re Specter of persons, but in every nation he that fears Sie he could avoid doing so. “ a he ~ to the West he found his brethren here — — ° ief, and tenacious of it to the last degree. pe Y watched over it with the utmost solicitude, and over ery member of their communion in regard to it, and es- hep over their preachers. If one of them was sitspected ~ being unsound in the faith or Arminian in his tend Cies, they turned away from hi a them was at an end. cee 7 doctrine be true? he often thought. Does hein — that our happiness after death depends on hahiews —_ election? That if elected, we shall be saved = 63 cause Wwe are elected, and if lost, it will be because ® not elected.* He doubts this and is determined to m, and his usefulness among ba « : © advocates of election would be slow to admit that this is a cor- 280 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. bring all the faculties of his mind to the investigation of this subject, one of the most important in his estimation in the whole range of Christian theology. On one side of this great argument stands John Calvin, of Geneva, with his hard, cold, merciless, but powerful logic. On the other, James Arminius, of Holland, no less able, with his warm, generous, and merciful interpretation of the sacred writings. Mighty men, so to speak, have fought under these lead- ers respectively, and for a long time victory seemed to be perched on the banners of the former; but, in these latter days, the signs are, that the views of Arminius will triumph in the end.* In calling to mind-the disadvantages under which your grandfather labored, one can but regret the strait he was in; and nothing shows more clearly what manner of man he was than the patience and courage manifested by him. He was almost literally without books. He did not own a Concordance even—a work so indispensable to the Bible student. With the Bible alone he went to the work, and, beginning at the beginning, he passed through it again and again, comparing chapter with chapter and verse with verse, often carrying it to the field with him when at work there, and opening its pages when occasionally resting from rect view of the doctrine, They certainly do not believe that election saves independently of a compliance with the requirements of the gospel, but that election leads to such compliance, and that God in choosing ends chooses means to,accomplish them. On the other hand, it is not serip- tural to represent sinners as lost and punished, because they are not elected; but they are lost and punished for their sins, and for no other reason. oo GPs * The biographer here expresses his opinion, which he had a perfect right to do; but from this opinion many, no doubt, will dissent. EM ELDER ROSS EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS. 281 his labo i . : rs. It is not stran is k aan ge, therefore, that his knowledge or years was so extensive and accurate. Gill’s « _ vill Body of Divinity” was a book held in high es- timation by Baptists at that time. He greatly posal a rid it might throw much light on the subject of studies, and he knew where it could be had for six dol- ars. But six dollars were something to him in those days. i * Andrew Fuller, in his day, — m England quite simil a lee labors. It was to them a troublesome question whether pet should be preached to sinners at all. Dr. Gill hesitated about th tea as wa learn from Dr. Cramp’s “ History of Baptists.” Fuller : rom Gill, and believed in an objective fulness” in the provi- in perishing need of salvation, Eternit i ‘ y alone will accomplished, by God’s blessing, on Fuller's “ Gospel J. M. P. 282 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. present of this. On one of the blank leaves is written: “ James Ross’ Book, a present from his father, Reuben Ross, Sept. 22, 1818. Price $4.” The above is in his own handwriting, and the most perfect specimen of it I have. I need hardly say I value it much. This book he found to be a treasure indeed, saving him much time and labor in finding and comparing various texts and portions of the sacred writings. He would often speak of the delicacy of his position during these years. He was all the time engaged in preaching, and it was of the utmost importance to express himself so that it might not transpire prematurely to what his investigations were tending. For ecclesiastical history shows that as much wisdom and sound discretion is neces- sary in religious movements as in those of governments and armies, and that, for want of these, many great and good men have failed in effecting much needed reforma- tions. Fortunately for him, the Baptists in this country at that time were divided in sentiment in regard to preaching to sinners or calling them to repentance; one class knew that if they were reprobates, it would all be of no avail, Others thought it would do no harm to scatter the seed broadcast, since none but the elect germs would, after all, vegetate and bear fruit. He availed himself of this state of things to the full extent, and urged all alike to repent and believe the gospel. As he proceeded in his investigations, he saw that the Bible, from beginning to end, was instinct with the doc- trine that all our blessings, both spiritual and temporal, are more or less conditional. To our first parents it was said: “ For the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely ELDER ROSS EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS. 283 die.” They, however, disregarded the condition, and thus “ Brought death into the world and all our woe.” To fallen Cain it was said: “If thou doest well, shalt not thou be accepted ? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.” He did not choose to do well, murdered his brother, and was driven forth a fugitive and. vagabond, with the mark of Heaven’s displeasure branded upon him. Here, then, in the early dawn of twilight, as it were, of the revelation made to man, he is informed that good and evil, blessing and cursing, life and death, are set before his eyes, and that his fate depends upon his own voluntary choice. If he is obedient —chooses the good and shuns the evil—all will be well with him. If not, calamity and sor- row await him. Moses in his dying address, Solomon at the dedication of the temple, and all the ancient seers and prophets reite- rated the same great principle of the divine government, that happiness and misery, joy and sorrow, life and death, Were conditional, more or less, on our own conduct, and not on foreknowledge, election, or predestination. Though his memory was stored with numberless pas- Sages from the Old Testament bearing directly on this Subject, none I ever heard him repeat were more conclu- Sive, at least to my mind, than those remarkable texts to e found in the Prophecy of Ezekiel, 18: 21-24, 27, 28, » 32, i “But if the wicked will return from the sins he hath committed, and : eep all my statutes, and do all that which is lawful and right, he shall urely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath com- pei they shall not be mentioned unto him. In his righteousness that € hath done shall he live. pupunetannesaitsiiciaanil> Cail REN 284 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God, and not that he should return from his ways and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness and committeth iniquity and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned. In his trespass that he hath trespassed and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die. “When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. “Cast away from ye all your transgressions whereby ye have trans- gressed and make you a new heart and a new spirit, for why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves and live.” “Who,” he would say, after reading these texts, “can doubt that man’s salvation is conditional?” And not only are the blessings of life and salvation conditional, but those of a temporal character also. This underlying principle he taught was everywhere visible. Industry, economy, and prudence are the conditions of wealth ; temperance and exercise, of health; good order and system, of success in business ; uprightness and integrity, of esteem and con- fidence. This has been the judgment and belief of all man- kind. To the husbandman his Creator had given the fertile soil, the early and the latter rain, the sunshine and the dew ; with strength and intelligence to cultivate his crops and bring them to maturity, on condition that he will do his part. But the Creator will not plow his fields or gather in his harvest. This he must do for himself, or, like the sluggard, who will not plow by reason of the cold, in har- vest he must beg and have nothing. ELDER ROSS EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS. 285 In the New Testament, likewise, this doctrine is every- where taught. The merciful are to obtain mercy. The pure in heart are to see God. The peace-makers are to be called the children of God. Those who ask are to receive, To those who knock it is to be opened. Those who be- lieve on the Son are to have everlasting life. Those who believe not on the Son are not to see life. When asked if there were not texts which seemed to teach differently? he would reply that many good men thought there were such; but that conditional and uncon- ditional salvation could not both be true, since this would involve a contradiction in terms ; and hence the conclu- Sion that they were misunderstood, and that, were this not the case, all parts of the sacred writings would be found to harmonize on this subject. By supplying a word or phrase, now and then, which is done in every language, to bring out the meaning (and no- Where oftener than in the Bible, as may be seen by the number of italicised words on almost every page), there would be found, as he thought, but few texts not in accord With the drift and scope of the Bible in its teaching in re- gard to salvation as being conditional or unconditional. In the text that reads: “ For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,” were the reading thus : “ For whom he did fore- know” would love and serve him, “he did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son,”* what an important * Would not this turn the text from its true meaning? The question whether the love of God’s people is the cause of his foreknowledge, or whether his foreknowledge has a causal influence on their love? The mysteries of foreknowledge and predestination are proverbially deep. J, MP: is 13* 286 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. turn it would give to this text? And so of others like it. The same method of reasoning should hold in the inter- pretation of Scripture that does in all other writings. When the great law of nature is established, that all ponderable bodies are attracted towards the earth, it must not be set aside because smoke and vapor are often seen to ascend from it. The exceptions must yield to the rule, not the rule to the exceptions. So when the Bible clearly teaches that all our blessings, political and temporal, are conditional in a greater or less degree, if a few texts seem to teach differently, we must conclude that, for some rea- son, they are not well understood, rather than that the Bible contradicts itself, which we are compelled to do when we make it say that salvation is both conditional and un- conditional, this being a contradiction in terms and conse- quently absurd, as already observed. He now bade adieu forever to the Calvinistic dogma, “That God hath chosen a certain number of the fallen race of Adam in Christ before the foundation of the world, unto eternal glory, according to his immutable purpose and of his free grace and love, without the least foresight of faith, good works, or any conditions performed by the creature ; and that the rest of mankind he was pleased to pass by and ordain to dishonor and wrath for their sins, to the praise of his vindictive justice.” (Buck’s Theological Dictionary. Art. Calvinist.) What next claimed’ useful investigation was the nature and extent of the Atonement made for sin. That is to say, whether it was made for all or limited to a part of the human race only. He concluded the shortest and best way to ascertain the teaching of the Bible on this subject, ELDER ROSS EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS. 287 was to ascertain the nature and extent of the invitations— . Since, if the Scriptures teach that all are invited, the natural inference would be that the Atonement was made for all. And here, with deep emotion, he would repeat . those glorious texts which forever set this question at rest. To him this was a delightful theme; one on which he loved to dwell; one every way congenial to his nature. Some of these I remember as distinctly as if I had heard him repeat them yesterday. Among them were such as these : “Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, for I am God, and beside me there is none else.” “ Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money: come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.” “And the Spirit and the bride say come, and let him that heareth say Come, and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” “Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, who will abundantly pardon.” “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” “God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted of him.” These texts, and many others like them, left no doubt on his mind that the Atonement was general and unlimit- ed, and that “ Christ had, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man” (Heb. 2: 9) who would become his fol- lower and learn to love and serve him. , Having thus satisfied himself that man’s salvation is con- ditional and depends on his character and conduct * and * More scripturally accurate to say, according to his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ or his continuance in unbelief and in ‘‘ neglect of so great salvation.” SSS RETR ean warmer 288 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. not on election or predestination, and that the atonement is general, he determined henceforth to preach in accord- ance with these views, and a fitting opportunity soon after presented itself to address the people in regard to them. In the month of July 1817, he was requested to preach the funeral sermon of Miss Eliza Norfleet, who had died some time previously near Port Royal, Tenn. From what I have heard of this young lady she was greatly esteemed and beloved in the community in which she had lived, on account of her gentle and amiable character,—one of those bright flowers so often seen to bud, bloom, and fade away in the morning of life. The place where the funeral ser- mon was preached was a short distance only from Port Royal, on the road leading thence to Nashville, distant only a few miles from the spot where ten years before he had first been heard as a preacher in Tennessee; and now as then in a grove of shady trees and in a community where he was highly esteemed both as a man and asa preacher. The wish was general to pay marked respect to the memory of the departed, and to hear a favorite preacher on the occasion. I have seen lately several old gentlemen of the highest respectability who were then present and from whom I learned many interesting particulars. Your grandfather, on that occasion, preached a sermon remarkable, both on account of the deep impression it left on the minds of the people who heard it and on account of the important consequences that followed. In the conclu- sion of his discourse he gave utterance to those views which characterized his preaching until the close of his minis- terial labors; they were as follows: That the human race in consequence of disobedience, are in a state of alienation and rebellion against their Creator ELDER ROSS EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS. 289 and they must become reconciled to him before they can obtain his favor and forgiveness,—that Christ by his suf- fering and death has made an atonement sufficient for the sins of the whole world,—that salvation to all who will accept the terms, is as free as the light of heaven or as the air we breathe,—that he has given his word to teach them the way and plan of salvation and the terms on which they will be forgiven and received into favor,—that these terms are repentance, faith, love, and obedience—in a word to become followers of Christ;—that in addition to the word the Holy Spirit is given to influence men directly to believe in Christ, to love and serve God, and lead pious and godly lives; yet that he never operates with such power on the human soul as to destroy its free agency, but leaves to man the fearful responsibility of deciding for him- self whether he will serve God or not. That is, if we yield to the influences of the Holy Spirit and become followers of Christ, we shall be pardoned and Saved. If not, we shall be lost. If we are lost, it will be our own fault. If saved, it will be on account of the good- ness and mercy of God and not for any meritin us. That the election spoken of in the Bible is not unconditional, but always has reference to conduct or character. That the Almighty before the foundation of the world elected those to be saved, that he knew from the begianing would love and serve him, These views, it is said, were received with great favor by the people, and a suppressed expression of approbation was heard to pass through the multitude. When his discourse was ended he descended from the Stand, passed silently through the crowd, mounted his horse and rode home, about twenty miles distant. He does not 290 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. wish just now to meet face to face his kind old brethren; those who ten years before had received him with open arms when he first came a stranger among them; who had given him so many proofs of sincere friendship, and came to hear him as one of the ornaments of the church. He prefers at present to persue his solitary ride and indulge his feelings of regret that so often in this life duty and friendship cannot go hand in hand together. But while he is wending his way homeward. let us re- turn to the grave he had just left. Here alittle apart from the dispersing crowd might have been seen a group of men, many of whose heads were gray with age, in earnest con- versation trying to decide what was best to be done under the circumstances. It was finally settled that Elder Fort should go down to see your grandfather; expostulate with him in regard to his strange course; and try, if possible, to induce him to reconsider what he had said in his sermon, and save his church from the great reproach he had brought upon it by falling into the grievous heresy of Arminian- ism. Elder Fort had a kind heart, was greatly attached to your grandfather, and dearly loved the church to which they both belonged. On going, he found him in his field plowing his corn. Riding up to the fence, after the usual greeting he at once made known his business, told him he had caused great trouble among his brethren by the wild Arminian doctrine he had preached at the funeral, and he had come down at their request to try to convince him of his error and to persuade him, if possible, to alter his course. He answered that he would take his horse from the plow, go to the house, get the Book and examine the sub- ELDER ROSS EXPLAINS HIS VIEWS. 291 ject with him. To this Elder Fort replied, that he would prefer taking a seat with him under the trees and discus- Sing it where they then were. This was done. A long and careful examination ensued, at the close of which Elder Fort rose up and said, “ Brother Ross, I believe you are right; I am with you;” and henceforth they stood side by side in proclaiming a free salvation to all who would repent, believe, forsake their sins, and turn to God. When Elder Fort returned and reported that Brother Ross still adhered to the views he had already expressed, and that he himself had come to adopt them, his brethren turned from him as from one no longer of their faith, and thus commenced that estrangement which continued to in- Crease and widen until a separation took place and a new ‘Association was formed, as will in due time be related. It is proper here to add that although a difference of Opinion in regard to election and predestination, or rather to the grounds of election and predestination, was the chief « Cause of the wide spread dissatisfaction among the churches at this time, yet this was not the only cause of alienation and estrangement. There was a wide difference also among them on the subjects of an educated ministry and Foreign and Domestic Missions. The Old School Baptists, as we may now term them, were violently opposed to everything of this sort, and in favor, so to speak, of letting all these things take care of theniselves. The others felt a deep in- terest in sending the gospel into foreign lands, to those sit- ting in darkness and the shadow of death, to the heathen nearer home, and also to giving the ministry the advan- tages of learning and general culture. rss asi iad Aer CHAPTER XXIX. AFTER DECIDING UPON HIS CHOICE. Havine thus, after long and careful study of the Bible, satisfied himself in regard to what it was his duty to preach, he never afterwards hesitated to proclaim that ample provision had been made for the salvation of all men ; that a great and generous feast, as it were, had been provided, and all were affectionately invited to partake of the bountiful provision freely, without money and without price; that the Atonement was general and unlimited; that the Holy Spirit had been poured out on all flesh ac- cording to the ancient prophecy; and that all who yield to his divine influence, repent, believe, forsake their sins and turn to God, have the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. These views which sounded strange, coming from a Baptist minister, drew together crowds of attentive hear- ers. Many of his old brethreri adopted them heart and soul, and rejoiced to believe that the gates of heaven were open to receive not only their children and friends, but all nations, kindreds, and tongues who were willing to enter in. And being no longer held in check by the chilling dogmas of unconditional election and reprobation, their zeal became more lively and active. Each one felt more like trying to aid the good cause, instead of waiting with folded hands until the Holy Spirit should come with irre- sistible power and convert the sinner notwithstanding all 292 AFTER DECIDING UPON HIS CHOICE. 293 his efforts to the contrary. ‘And thus most of the churches and communities where he preached seemed to awake, as it were, from a deep sleep and manifest greater interest in the subject of religion. It may be remarked here that the Baptist communities, extending over the region of country in which he preached, Were even then a very respectable body of Christians, though a little antiquated and primitive in some respects, as already stated, when compared with those of the present times, Their democratical form of church government was their pride. They would not permit king or Cesar to in- terfere with their spiritual rights. They were, indeed, in this so straight, that, like the Indian’s gum-tree, they leaned a little over to one side. Their beloved and time- honored act of baptism, hallowed by Christ and the har- binger in the sacred Jordan, was and is a great bond ot Union among them in every land: This love of order and decorum was so great that in their worship they often Seemed cold and formal. If a good sister, giving way to her emotions, kindled by the warm and glowing descrip- tions of heaven and eternal rést, clapped her hands and Shouted for joy, the preacher even then generally came to % dead pause, waited till she “ got through,” and then went ©n again, and the good soul often felt see te: She had done. -. Aware of the damaging effects of the love of money, they contributed but little to the support of the preacher; _ and, other things being equal, esteemed him more highly if he Managed to support himself. They would have gazed * With astonishment at a man, “hat in hand,” passing through their congregations, begging money for their Preachers ; yet they often showed by their kindness and 294 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. liberality to their brethren, friends, and neighbors, that this was more from principle than from the love of money, of which, indeed, they had but little to give in those days. Without the assistance they rendered your grandfather and his family in various ways, it would have been impos- sible for him to have given his time and thoughts, as he did, to ministerial work. In planting his crops and gath- ering them in, his brethren and friends often came and assisted him with their own hands, or sent their servants when they had them. The kind sisters would often come themselves or send their daughters to help your grand- mother in times of sickness, and they sometimes remained for weeks together, not to be waited on, but to render most needful assistance. Many of these gentle nurses I remem- ber well. As time rolled on and their circumstances improved some of the churches for whom he preached gave him small sums of money. This was first done by the Spring Creek Church in 1824. The amount made up for him there was, I think, sixty dollars. He likewise married a great many young people. Sometimes as many as three couples a day, often living at some distance from each other. For this he sometimes received small sums. Frequently at the re- quest of friends at a distance he spent two or three weeks preaching funeral discourses, and some of these were con- siderate enough to make him some compensation. If they were not, nothing was ever said. His little income from _ these different sources, together with the excellent man- agement and economy of your grandmother, enabled him to live in a plain, inexpensive way, and to give his time and thoughts to the work in which he felt so deep an in- terest. Much, though, as his heart was set on this work 7 i Pai a a a 4 | | AFTER DECIDING UPON HIS CHOICE. 295 he always considered his duty to his family paramount, remembering that the sacred volume placed those who did not provide for their families lower than the infidel him- self, As they became more: prosperous the Baptists of this country exhibited a commendable spirit of liberality in supporting the ministry, contributing to aid in spreading religious knowledge, building up churches, schools, and colleges, and promoting the general interests of society. I have already told you that your grandfather’s preach- ing, after he began to proclaim a free salvation, became More and more impressive. The terrible thought that Perhaps a large portion of each congregation he addressed Was predestinated to eternal death no longer haunted his imagination, nor like an incubus, weighed upon his spirits and paralyzed his strength. He now no longer felt it in- cumbent on him to investigate the endless mazes of liberty and necessity, free-will, fatality, and predestination. But to call upon men everywhere to repent and to publish the glad tidings that “God is indeed no respecter of persons, but that in every nation he that fears him and works righteousness is accepted of him.” It was his earnestness, based upon his deep conviction of the truth of what he proclaimed and his compassion for his fellow men, that gave such emphasis to his preaching during these years. He no more doubted that eternal happiness or endless woe depended on the conduct of men in this life, than he doubted his own personal existence. With him this was no myth or fable, “No idly feigned poetic dream,” but a tremendous reality. Hence, when he contemplated roe re mnn> ate STREP weer nnie 296 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. the thoughtless and giddy multitudes passing swiftly over the narrow space allotted them in this world, like shadows over the ground, and then plunging, as it were, without preparation into the shoreless ocean before them, his pity knew no bounds; and he often spoke in accents little less moving than those of the old prophet when he exclaimed : “Oh that my head were waters and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” And very few, indeed, could remain unmoved by his affectionate appeals when he would earnestly pray them as in “ Christ's stead ” to be reconciled to God, During these and the following years, his thoughts dwelt much on the nature of the soul and its capacity for happi- ness before and after its separation from the body. There is in it, he would say, a certain class of feelings or sensa- tions that produce a high degree of enjoyment or happi- ness, such as those caused by the contemplation of excel- lence, beauty, and goodness. Also, a consciousness of rectitude and of having done or tried to do our duty in all our relations to our Creator and our fellow man. On the other hand, there is another class which produce intense unhappiness in the soul, such as the feelings of sorrow, regret, remorse, and guilt. When preaching from the text: “ What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” as he _ often did, he would call attention to this interesting sub- ject. The lost soul, he would say, is the soul that has lost its happiness by continuing in sin until the time for re- pentance has been closed by death. On the contrary, the soul that is saved is the one that has gained endless happi- AFTER DECIDING UPON HIS CHOICE. 297 ness, by laying hold on the hope set before it in the gospel and “by patient continuance in well-doing,” until called away to its reward. ‘ Although both our happiness and unhappiness in this life may be great, there is, he would say, reason to believe that it bears no comparison to what it would be capable of when, released from the clay tenement, it became a pure, disembodied spirit. With all its powers and capacities enlarged either to bear an exceeding and eternal weight of glory and happiness in the presence of the King of kings, surrounded by all that is beautiful and good; or to bewail forever its blindness and folly, with remorse and anguish for having lost an inheritance so bright and a destiny so glorious. What profit now, had it gained the Whole world, with all its power and riches and glory? How willingly would it barter them for the happiness for- ever lost ! Two other distinguished preachers, about this time, adopted your grandfather's views, and joined heartily with him in preaching a free salvation ; the first. of these was his beloved brother and friend, Elder William Tandy. Elder Tandy was born in Virginia on the 27th of February, 1778, and was consequently about two years your grandfather's jurfior. On removing to Kentucky in 1815,* he settled in Christian County, near Bethel Church, which immediately licensed him to preach. The next year (1816), in the mouth of July, he was ordained by Elders Jesse Brooks, Leonard Page, and your grandfather. And * This date should probably be changed to 1811. My father removed to the same county in 1812, and one of the strong reasons that induced him to buy the tract of land on which he settled, was, that it was in What was called the “ Tandy Settlement.’ J. M. P. 298 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. in July, 1817, one year after his ordination, he was called to take charge of Bethel Church as its pastor. I was often at his house when a boy, and remember it well. It was a pleasant place to visit, so orderly and quiet. He was both a polished gentleman and a pious Christian minister. One hardly knew which most to ad- mire—himself or his amiable, gentle wife. He completely won me over. For, seeing me greatly pleased with a beautiful copy of Goldsmith’s “ Animated Nature,” filled with pictures of birds, beasts, fishes, and reptiles, he permitted me to carry it home with me. I considered this a great favor, and found it little less inte- resting than the Arabian Tales, written, as it was, in the beautiful style of the author whom, as I think, Dr. John- son used to call the “inspired idiot.” Especially was I charmed with the description of that monster of monsters, the Kraken, which it was said, when basking on the sur- face of the sea, the mariners mistook for an island, accord- ing to Milton, and cast their anchors in its scaly rind. Elder Tandy was a man of fine abilities, and greatly be- loved and admired as a preacher. Very soon after begin- ning to speak, his eyes would fill with tears, and this would continue until the close of his address. Although his appearance was stout and manly his voice was low and weak ; and, in order to hear what he said, all endeavored to make as little noise as possible while he was speaking. One needed to listen to him but a few moments to become deeply interested in what he said. For about twelve months at one time his voice failed him entirely. It was then touching to see him with his tablet and pencil trying to converse with his friends. He partially regained his speech, however, but never so as afterwards to be able to speak in public. AFTER DECIDING UPON HIS CHOICE. 299 After his voice failed him, your grandfather was chosen to take his place as pastor of his church, and continued to act as such about seventeen years. In this church he made his last public address, as we shall have occasion to Mention in its proper place. Here, too, in July, 1860, his beloved brother, Rev. J. M. Pendleton, prea: hed his funeral sermon, During the years he was pastor of this church, I think your grandfather’s success as a preacher was more splen- did than at any other period of his ministry; not only Within the bounds of the church, but in all the surround- Ing country. Here, too, on one bright summer morning “in 1838, he baptized at one time sixty-six converts. Though often before and afterwards he baptized many at the same time, I think this was the greatest number he €ver baptized on one occasion. He was greatly attached to this people and to Elder Tandy, who rejoiced to see his church grow and prosper under his ministry. Among them he chose to spend the last years of his life, and some of them were around him When he breathed his last. Of Elder William Tandy it has been said : “He was an every-day Christian, who exemplified the precepts of the 8°spel he preached. He was a man of vigorous intellect, sound judg- mens and affectionate heart, and remarkable for his knowledge of church ‘Scipline. There were, owing to his judicious management, but few Mliculties in the churches that enjoyed his ministry. His sermons were Plain, full of truth; and often were the emotions of his heart such as to PE his utterance and fill his eyes with tears. There was eloquence oe tears, for they were the exponents of feeling, to which language ‘ used to give expression. After many years of faithful labor, having ska at one time entirely deprived of his voice, he fell asleep in Jesus, » as Peter said of David: ‘his sepulchre is with us unto this day.’” ! | cen evict iimearcipenitssscentsili> cnn 300 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Elder William Tandy was born in Virginia, February 27th, 1778, and died in Christian County, Kentucky, Oct. 12th, 1838, in the sixty-first year of his age, and was buried on the place where he lived when I first knew him in my boyhood. After his death his name was never men- tioned but in terms of the highest esteem and regard by your grandfather. The love between them much resem- bled that of David and Jonathan. Elder Ambrose Bourne was the other of the two brethren alluded to. He removed, I think, from Bourbon County, Kentucky, and settled near Allensville, Logan County, then and now considered one of the most fertile and beautiful regions of the southern portion of the State. I cannot say at what date he came among us. I notice, however, in some of the minutes of the Red River Associa- tion, that he and a Mr. Stephen Trabue were sent by the Mount Gilead Church as Messengers to an Association held at Cave Spring Meeting-house, in Robertson County, Tennessee, in 1816. Elder Bourne was below medium height, well-formed and active, lively and cheerful in company, and possessed of a good deal of pleasant humor when among his friends ; the more striking because, when he chose to do so, he ‘ could assume an expression of countenance that indicated anything rather than wit and humor. Your grandfather had many amusing anecdotes to relate of him. I heard him say that once he and Brother Bourne set off together to a big meeting at a distance, when the roads ~ He on his grey mare Juno, with | his saddle-bags on his saddle under a piece of buffalo-robe, : were nearly impassable. AFTER DECIDING UPON HIS CHOICE. 801 to protect them from the rains; his umbrella tied to the pommel of his saddle with a thong of buckskin; his great coat rolled up and strapped behind his saddle on a small pad, to prevent being soiled by the sweating of his horse; and in a suit somewhat travel-stained and worn. 4 may here remark that something like this was his usual outfit when out on active service. Brother Bourne, on the other hand, being a widower had a new buggy with silver mounting, drawn by a hand- Some Kentucky horse, and was dressed in a suit of fine broad-cloth—a marvel of an outfit for those times. On step- Ping into his buggy, before giving his horse the reins, with & Serio-comic expression that he could so well assume when he chose, he said: “ Brother Ross, I know how you must feel. I was a poor man once myself, and had to ride on horseback just as you do now. But don’t be discouraged; See how I have risen in the world. Your time may come Some day. And, as I shall not see you again before we Teach the meeting-house, I bid you good morning,” dashed off and was soon out of sight. But the fates were against Brother Bourne that day. The roads grew worse and Worse and the buggy moved more and more slowly. Juno Seemed to be in a lively mood that morning, and fell into @ long, Swinging trot, as if she thought she and her master i behind time. In about an hour he began to see the : 'nting of the bright mounting of the buggy. At length — ame in full view of it and could see Brother Bourne we up his weary horse and occasionally putting out ae and looking back. It was clear he did not wish — psa gs at that time by his pursuer; but there was ©'p for it, and soon they were side by side. It so hap- Pened re just then something on the other side of the 302 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. road seemed to attract Brother Bourne’s attention, at which he continued looking long’ enough for your grand. father to have passed on. But he did not. At length he said, turning his face to him: “ Brother Ross, what disgusting things these buggies are? If it were not for the grandeur of the thing, I would much rather be on horseback like you.” Here they both broke down and had a hearty laugh. “The grandeur of the thing,” became a saying with your grandfather afterwards, and he would repeat it when he observed any one sacrifi- cing comfort and convenience to show. Subsequently, Elder Bourne and several other preachers were entertained by one of their hospitable brethren, where were several handsome young ladies, one of whom was named Charity. After they retired to their rooms, a dis- cussion rose about the comparative beauty and accomplish- ments of the young ladies. An appeal was finally made to Elder Bourne for his opinion, when he said: “In my judgment, my brethren, the greatest of these is Charity.” I know you will be in- | terested in learning that he and the fair Charity, in whose favor he decided, were afterwards married. Elder Bourne heartily concurred in your grandfather's views, and said, as Elder Fort had done before, they were right, and he never intended to preach the hard old doc- — trine again, but proclaim the great truth which he thought — the Bible clearly taught, that salvation is free to all who will avail themselves of the offered pardon. He was a very fluent speaker, and, when animated, had — a peculiar tone of voice which many thought very pleas- — ing. His discourses were adorned with many beautiful - quotations from the Bible, selected and applied with taste — and judgment. a his faculties, © the hearts o brother } : Were ae whose side he stood when friends such as he AFTER DECIDING UPON HIS CHOIE. 303 remember to have heard him when speaking of those ° come to see and feel their own sinful nature, repeat with great effect som ‘ e of the sublim iat - chapter of Isaiah : ime verses in the sixth oe I . . . ‘ n the year that King Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon @ th i i Tone high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it Stood i the seraphim; each one had six wings; with twain he covered his fac * . te Spee: = twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And 0,another and said: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts; the wh : : é: ear byes * full of his glory, And the posts of the door moved at of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. ath i en said I: Woe i : 8 me for I am undone, because I am a man of un- Clean ]j ips, and I dwell in the midst of a peopl i ‘ F yes have seen the king, the Lord of hosta.* sae i oi =: He ick often mad Miliary givin him made quotations from the older Britis as Milton and Young, with whom he aan » and the lines he repeated were always appropriate & force and weight to his thoughts. I first heard inne near the residence of a worthy brother named m tinsly, near what is now called the “ Big Pond,” former] y; “ R fi ’ cs Sout sie oa s Pond” in the southern part of Todd ld : er Bourne was born in Virginia, September 12,1778, and died i October 13, 1823, in the fifty-first year of his leheaaa pleased the Master in whose vineyard he had ong and faithfully to remove him to his reward though in the midst of his ? usefulness and in the maturity The news of his death brought sorrow f many, but to none more than to the I May in ar 1818, a; ing here state that about this time in the he Little West Fort Church was organized. 304 a ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Until then it was an arm or branch of Spring Creek Church. When constituted your grandfather became its pastor, and acted as such about forty-two years. Of this church you and your grandfather were members when they died. Elder 8.8. Mallory became its pastor after his death in 1860, Seldom perhaps has been witnessed a greater degree of esteem and brotherly love than subsisted be- tween your grandfather and Elder 8. 8. and John Mal- lory who were members of this church. They were raised up under his ministry ; and on the one side there was something resembling filial love and reverence ; and on the other, parental affection and regard, which knew no abatement to the last. In his old age their names ‘seemed to sound pleasant in his ears, and a visit from them ap- peared to afford him the sincerest pleasure. It was one of those pure unselfish friendships, so pleasant to witness and so creditable to the human heart. Only one of these, §. 8. Mallory, is still living—an honored member of the old church. In its palmy days the Little West Fork Church was a large and flourishing body of Christians imbued with as much of the true religious element as could any where be found. When a boy I was a regular attendant at these meetings, and well remember many of the old brethren and sisters, who, on account of their piety and Christian — spirit, still remain with me the ideals of the Christian character. Many of these aredead; many moved away to find homes elsewhere; but I learn it still numbers about eighty members. May it again revive and flourish — as in the days of its former prosperity. CHAPTER XXX. FORMATION OF BETHEL ASSOCIATION. Au ; L the churches of the Red River Association became at lenoth : ngs 2 a -_ or less agitated by the preaching of the isters were not — : ee same creed, but all the min- gollisien hoe preaching in accordance with it. A direct << hited seldom or never occurred. A coolness aversion ar ih To this succeeded something like sittin ? 1 finally the brethren could no longer be seen The together in the same pulpit. th © advocates of the milder doctrine boldly proclaimed eir views, b voi ut i » avoided the mistake, too common among r : : ciao of discussing them incessantly. When these thins ‘et up naturally in their preaching they noticed h €n passed on to that which lay nearer their farts, tryi Conciled A foe to persuade men in Christ's stead to be re- of the Snitindy, e : orn the impression on the minds rather than sa thay wished them to become Christians in all eer aaa ytes. This is a great element of success his audience Res ii He that leaves on the minds of © Impression that it is their good he has at eart, a . tened aah ae votes or support, will always be lis- reater inter: . Ya eine 2s att : r interest, all else being equal. old, in othes ; hurches a majority was in favor of the nearly sy of the new, and in others again they were - In none of these cases, however, did they 305 806 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. bring to trial and excommunicate each other, but granted letters of dismission, which each one could take, and unite with any other church that held views similar to his own. In these letters the old formula of “ the same faith and order’’—was not often inserted, I think, but an ac- knowledgment simply of their being in good standing and fellowship in the churches they had left. In this way, by the simple operation of the forces of attraction and repulsion, the kindred elements, so to speak, were brought together and united. In a few cases, however, an effort was made to do something more. In the year 1823, his brother, Christopher Owens, a worthy member of Spring Creek Church, preferred a charge of preaching unscriptural doctrine against Brother Ross. The church immediately took action in the case, and decided by a unanimous vote that in its judgment, Brother Owens was mistaken, and he withdrew the charge. But it is probable he was not satisfied on the subject, as he and his wife soon after applied for letters, and left the church. He has been mentioned in this narrative before —was a good man and one of your grandfather's earliest friends. I believe it was thought he had been put for- ward by some other person who did not wish to be known in the affair. Had the charge been that your grandfather had preached contrary to the creed, it could have been easily sustained, for it was clear he had been doing this. No doubt, the old brother thought the Bible and the creed were pretty much the same thing, and that preach- FORMATION OF BETHEL ASSOCIATION. 307 Principle,” declaring it to be her belief that “if she was a oid of God, at all, it was long before she was regenerated.” : eee one might say, “ rem tetigit acu,” “She touched Cal subject with the point of her needle,” for all orthodox Pore: believe they were the children of God while yet i xy sins.* She requested, moreover, that this declara- - Should be committed to record, and accordingly it 48 put on the journal and. her letter given her. oe ohn 8. Wilson about this time preached a ser- as ret rake's Pond Church from Rom. 1:16, “ ForI am fo os amed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power ss salvation unto every one that believeth.” In his re s s he said, “The Atonement is general, and all who aaa ay avail themselves of its benefits.” Soon after a a er of the brethren and sisters met —drew up a pro- gery such a declaration, and set their names to it. eit a oO these you have seen and remember well —honest : pright men, as well as high toned Calvinists. mention these incidents to show you what was going * Thi “« ae his does Orthodox Calvinists" great injustice. They do not be- liey whee oy who are “in their sins” are really the children of God, tio ‘awe may be in the divine purpose. There are certain state- the whole tiptures which they fully believe, and which clearly settle all the eh; A hase —Ist. The Apostle says to the Galatians, “ Ye are fore faith ig ren of God by faith in Christ Jesus ;” of course then, not be- lieved, rl ePrpipcens 2. He says to the Ephesians, “ After that ye be- beliey Saher: with the Holy Spirit of promise,” not before they Newed state — again to the Ephesians, that when in their unre- veney “were without [outside of ] Christ, being aliens from the common Wealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, ae Ving no hope an ing against one was the same as opposing the other. About the same time one of the sisters, a prominent unas is, after that member of the same church, who always expressed herself pay freely, demanded a letter from the church as she said “ on d without God in the world ; but now in Christ Jesus y the bi ye believed], ye who sometimes were afar off are made whée lood of Christ.” It is often difficult to do exact justice to ® Views do not accord with our own. le ee 308 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. on during these years among the churches. Coming events were beginning to cast their shadows before. Many la- mented the breaking up of the old brotherhood which now seemed inevitable, and days of fasting and prayer for the peace of Zion were often appointed by the churches, as may be seen by referring to the church records of the time. “ At length, in 1823, a convention of delegates from the churches of the Red River Association was appointed to meet at Union Meeting-house, in Logan County, Kentucky, with the view professedly of establishing peace within its bounds.” To this convention your grandfather, your grand- uncle, Edward G. Walton, and Mr. Bryan Whitfield were sent as delegates by the Spring Creek Church. “ The pro- posed object was a good one, and it is not strange that a majority voted for the measure.” But when the Convention met it soon became apparent that it was the object of many leading members who were opposed to your grandfather’s doctrinal views to put ham on his trial, condemn and suppress them. The charge, though, was that he had disturbed the peace of the Asso- ciation by preaching doctrines contrary to the creed, or “ Abstract of Principles.” This took him rather by sur- prise, as he expected to be called to account for preaching doctrines not in accordance with the Scriptures. His promptness, sagacity and coolness on this occasion, I remember to have heard spoken of with admiration long afterwards. He at once refused to be tried by the Creed as of any binding authority, and said: “Tnasmuch as that instrument itself declares that the word of God 1s the only rule, then there is no other, and I will be tried by no other The creed itself confesses its want of authority when it declares, in its very first article, that the word of God-is the only rule. The creed i ——————— ——- _ — - FORMATION OF BETHEL ASSOCIATION. 809 _ pe of man ; the Bible, of God; and as the heavens are higher than me cn , 80 is the authority of the Bible higher than that of the creed. ea pe not to a creed as such. It simply expresses one’s belief as to em e Bible teaches, and so far is not objectionable. All men who dea e anything have a creed, either written or unwritten. The word ean Paige a belief, Prove that my preaching is not in accordance ee : ible, and Isubmit. Quote the Bible, and I listen with rever- ‘hd : - not the creed, for the sake of our holy religion and a decent pe o the common sense of mankind. I stand here able to prove, the peru, that the doctrinal views I advocate are in accordance with oe Pa —_ That the Atonement is general and unlimited, suffi- oak uae all. That salvation is offered to all who will accept it, with- verte a and without price. That all men are the proper subjects of Seas ress, and that the gospel is indeed the power of God unto sal- © every one that believeth.” i cciae victory, so to speak, was now won. When the ne shifted from the creed to the Bible it was decisive. re was no one willing to meet him there, for few h Studied it as he had done. Ghee aac of his friends, whom I mainly follow on this subject, is va ~ he display a loftier moral courage than on this occasion. eS nts were taken by surprise, They expected to make it appear Winns he RE conflicted with the ‘ Abstract of Principles; but Solas is ‘feos ‘eS stand on the capital truth announced in the first ar- inicins: ane em into an embarrassment from which they could not Was to he co eee afraid to meet him in argument if the Bible alone Bisiendee rg to. He presented his views, and sustained them by thet mes een now proposed that the whole subject be dropped, and B0ciation rey live in peace. This was agreed to. But when the As- doctrinal « ext year, there was no peace, but the same collision in entiments. Elder Ross now proposed in ‘Committee of Ar- rangem ’ ents,’ a peaceable division of the Association. “ The ai he itera, ‘vision was nearly equal in numbers, though a majority of the Temained in the Red River Association. Those who withdrew 14* 310 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. from the body, recommended to the churches of which they were mem- bers to send messengers to meet at Mount Gilead (now Allensville), with a view to the formation of a new Association. The recommendation being carried out, the Convention met October 28th, 1825, and organized a new Association which was styled, and is yet styled, Bethel. “ The churches entering into the organization were the following: Red River, Spring Creek, Drake’s Pond, Mt. Gilead, Bethel, Little West Fork, Hopkinsville [then called New Providence], and Pleasant Grove. The three following churches were received by petition afterwards—Elkton, Lebanon, and Mount Zion. “ As soon as it was resolved to form a new Association, the messengers from Union and Russellville withdrew. They were in favor of a different policy. They wished the Red River Association to remain undivided and still hoped that peace might be restored. It is proper to say that these two churches, not many years after, united with the Bethel Asso- ciation, Russellville, in 1828, and Union in 1830.” After the division was agreed upon, it was carried out in a way highly creditable to both parties, as the following, extracted from the minutes of the nineteenth session of Red River Association, will show : “The Association agrees to divide, as recommended in the report of the commiftee, as follows: We recommend that the Association be di- vided into two Associations. The upper district to be called the Red River Association; the lower one to be called ————, giving each and every church in each district choice as to which Association it will join and live in. And further, if this plan should be adopted, we re- commend to the Association to advise the churches, if any member or members should be dissatisfied on conscientious sentiments of religion, to give them letters of dismission to join any church in either Associa- tion. “ Resolved, That we recommend the above advice to the Churches. “ Resolved, That al? the delegates from the churches who feel them- selves now authorized to unite with the lower Association [Bethel], enter into the house and appoint the time and place when and where they will meet to organize and name such Association ; and that those who — wish to unite with said lower Association are requested to meet at Mount- Gilead by their messengers on Friday before the fifth Lord’s Day in Oc- tober next, agreeable to this resolution. Of those who feel themselves ; FORMATION OF BETHEL ASSOCIATION. Sit authorized to form said lower Association, it is requested that each send three messengers. Elder William Tandy is requested to preach the In- troductory Sermon. “ Resolved, That our Treasurer, after paying the expenses of this As- Sociation, divide the balance of the money between the two Associations, having respect to the number of churches in each.” Thus, nineteen years after its organization, the old Red River Association, which so long represented all of Baptist Sentiment in this portion of the country, was, for satisfac- tory reasons, divided. At the formation of Bethel Association it consisted of eight churches, as already stated, and about seven hundred members. Before your grandfather's death, there were Sixty-two churches and more than seven thousand mem- bers! This, too, notwithstanding the numbers that left it and joined what is now called the “Christian Church.” 18 high success cheered him in his declining years—a Proof, he thought, that his labors and those of his brethren — not been in vain. It was now a power in the beau- ifal Country over which its churches were spread, destined, ry he fondly hoped, to be a blessing to generations in the far distant future. Of all the ministers who met in the Convention at Mount ; a not one is now living; and of the delegates, since ~ are death of the venerable D. J. Burks, only one is ios > G. Slaughter, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, an intimate a ong-cherished friend of your grandfather, who, as you Y remember, stood near his grave at his burial in 1860.* nee the stream of time, on its mighty but silent current, srk away the generations of men. 6 i see by my quotations how much I am indebted Metis uneral Discourse by Rev. J. M. Pendleton, in the ern Baptist Review,” September, 1860. * Since dead. CHAPTER XXXII. MORE CHANGES—SKETCH OF ROBERT RUTHERFORD. Arter the formation of Bethel Association in 18285, it continued to grow and flourish for a number of years under the labors of its pious and influential ministry. And as I remember to have seen them all and to have heard them preach frequently, I propose giving you briefly the impression left on my mind in regard to them as re- spects their character and style of preaching. But before doing this, in order to keep you advised of our family history, I must inform you that in 1824 your grandfather sold the tract of land on which we had lived the ten or twelve years preceding, and removed to the place he called Cedar Hill, some ten or twelve miles farther east, but still in Montgomery County. He had become convinced by sad experience that the q place was unhealthy, or this, together with the belief that he would never be able to procure water on it by digging wells, was his chief inducement to leave it. You will re- member that cisterns had not then come into use. This new home lay on the north side of Spring Creek, which you, when a little child, used to call Grandma's Creek, in which you loved to wade and dabble so well. From a mass of rocks on the north side of the creek, where also was the house, issues the small spring of pure cold 312 MORE CHANGES—SKETCH OF ROBERT RUTHERFORD. 313 water, so highly prized by him after having lived so long Without this great luxury. The old house, as you remember, stands on an elevation Overlooking the creek, which is here bordered by cedar trees. Its name was suggested by the hill and the cedars 8rowing on it. Here he lived about thirty-two years ; and to it was more attached than to any place he had ever Owned. I need not describe to you the fine old oaks, inter- Spersed with the sugar-maple, mulberry, and other trees, that surrounded it, or the deep verdure of grass growing Under them. It was a pretty place when you last saw it, 'S so still, and there is reason to believe it will long so con- on since it has great natural beauty and has come into © possession of a family of taste and refinement who can 4ppreciate it. a The house was built by your grandfather, assisted by the neighbors, who were little less interested in the work rs 4n himself, so much were they pleased to have him ae them. Here he lived till age and infirmity made Necessary for him to leave it, and live with some one of ee children. His intention at first, you may remember, h *. live with me, but he finally decided to make his naa In the family of your aunt Nancy Morrison, near die roke, Christian County, Kentucky. His desire to be a a his brethren of the Bethel Church and the people rs — community, for whom he always retained a particu- achment, decided him to make his home there. fter this digression, I continue my reminiscences he preachers of the Bethel Association as proposed, As Elders Fort, Tandy, and Bourne, have already been m i e “Trgmg I will next speak of Elder Robert Ruther- of 314 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. He was born near Jedburgh, Scotland, in 1785. This place, famous for its ancient monastery, and for the school in which Thomson, the poet, was educated, is situated about thirty-six miles southeast of Edinburgh; near the Cheviot Hills. He left England in 1816 for the United States, and in 1818 or 1819, came to Russellville, Kentucky, where, be- ing a tailor by trade, he worked some time at that busi- ness. I regret not being able to give you some account of his history, as it would no doubt be very interesting. As a man and a Baptist preacher he was so prepossess- ing that he soon won the esteem and confidence of the whole brotherhood, and of none more than of your grand- father, who soon came to love him as a brother, and, like Paul and Barnabas, they traveled and preached together for many years among the churches of Bethel Association. In 1833, when your grandfather visited his native State, Elder Rutherford accompanied him, and became greatly endeared to him by his kindness during the jour- ney. They left home, in the month of November, intend- ing to spend the winter in North Carolina, preaching to the people and visiting old friends and localities interest- ing to him on account of early associations, and returning home the next spring. His brother James, then an old man, and his youngest sister Elizabeth were still living; the former in Bertie, the latter, in Martin County. These he greatly desired to see once more, and to visit again and for the last time the graves of his father and mother which he had left behind twenty-six years before. The weather soon after they left became very inclement, and in crossing the mountains your grandfather took @ | deep cold, so that when he reached the end of his journey — MORE CHANGES—SKETCH OF ROBERT RUTHERFORD. 315 he was quite ill. This deranged all their plans and brought on a depression of spirits from which he could not rally. This was increased when he noticed the changes that had taken place. Nearly all whom he wished to sée Were either dead or had removed to distant States as he ad done, some to Kentucky, some to Tennessee, and others again to Alabama or Mississippi. A singular illusion, too, which he attributed to the state of his health, took possession of his mind. The very face of the country seemed to have undergone a great change. - here he thought there had been little hills or elevations °re were none. The ground on which his father’s house — Stood, and which he remembered as being somewhat Pah was now a dead level. One thing and one only ‘ ©med unchanged, the beautiful Roanoke, on whose sur- ace he had sported in his boyhood and youth, still swept along its sandy shores. 3 Finding he had contracted a slow fever, and believing if eo there, he would not recover, he stayed a short jeans with his brother and sister, and preached a few dis- Son Pe only, and then bade them adieu, and turned his ‘een omeward. To our amazement, in the middle of Jan- Y, when we thought they were in Carolina safe among “Ir friends, they rode into the yard and dismounted. hear Was so changed by fatigue and sickness that we 7 knew him, and he always afterwards seemed to bare = his journey with a sort of horror. No one could ©en more grateful for the kindness and sympathy Of his fp; : : Pha friend during this long and weary journey than he uf wis Mrs sine to have heard him, after his return, men- & few incidents that occurred. One was the beauti- tio ELDER REUBEN ROSS. ful meteoric display of what was called the“ falling stars” on the 13th of November while they were among the mountains of Tennessee. This he described as one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen. They fell thick all around from the upper regions of the atmosphere in large flecks of snowy whiteness, and from a cloudless sky. He spoke also of the deep emotion manifested by Elder Rutherford, when gazing upon the sublime mountain scenery often presented to view; he would stop in the road at certain points, and, sitting on his horse, survey in the ~ distance mountains piled on mountains, lost in admiration of the beauty and grandeur of the scene. Did they bring to his mind the gray, historic mountains of his native land ? I heard him more than once speak of a little incident that occurred near Chapel Hill, where is the famous Uni- — versity of North Carolina, of which he always seemed to think with interest and pleasure. Here they stayed all night, and were put into a room to sleep where were — several beds. Soon after they, weary with their day’s — travel, had lain down to rest, two little boys who were there at school came into the room, and, after they had undressed, knelt down by their bedside, placed their hands — together, palm to paim, and repeated their prayers; then — lay down and fell asleep. He could but invoke a blessing — on them as they lay in their peaceful slumber. Elder Rutherford, being skillful with the needle, made — up all his own clothing, even his shirts. The sisters com- — plained of him for this, and would most cheerfully have — done all his sewing for him had he permitted them. Some- — times, when he had clothes to make or repair, he came to — your grandfather's and remained several weeks, sewing, — MORE CHANGES— SKETCH OF ROBERT RUTHERFORD. 317 reading, and conversing alternately. In his intercourse With the family he was very pleasant and cheerful, and when T happened to be at home from school, during his Visits, I enjoyed his society very much. Seeing him at work one day on a pair of trowsers, he appeared to get on with them so easily, I thought I could make a pair, too, 2 Went to your grandmother for the cloth. She gave it i me, and he cut them out and showed me how to put Rit together. I took a seat by him, and we talked and . = away like two tailors for some time. The next day a ua them except the button-holes, and commenced Po em. On finishing one, I thought it had rather a queer 9 - It was perfectly round, and such edges! I thought Bes better show it to him before beginning another, and in led it to him for that purpose. On seeing it he wee his work, put both hands to his face and laughed elec € tears ran down his cheeks. I was rather discon- hie; for though I did not think myself it had the right » Thad no idea it was so bad as that. It was some tj ‘me. before he became composed. When he did he made Sasi: out all the stitches and work it over again. When tka vie ne pressed them for me, made me put them on, ope * “they did very well, considering.” ‘eat er him one day when we were talking of Scot- tifa) “* Burns, which of his songs he thought most beau- the Ss answered without hesitation: “Of a’ the Airts iy . can blaw.” On turning to the book and reading - Ought he could not be far wrong. It ran thus: “Of a’ the airts the wind can blaw, I dearly like the west, For there the bonnie lassie lives, The lassie I lo’e best. 318 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. There wild woods grow and rivers row, And mony a hill between ; But day and night my fancy’s flight, Is ever wi’ my Jean. I see her in the dewy flowers, I see her sweet and fair ; T hear her in the tunefu’ birds. I hear her charm the air. There’s not a bonnie flower that springs By fountain, shaw, or green, There’s not a bonnie bird that sings, But minds me o’ my Jean,” This set my fancy at work, and I soon made out a sad, romantic story. He had- been in love that was certain. And this beautiful song, in his mind was associated with — some fair Scottish maid, who had either died or married another, I could not tell which. After this there was no place left for another love. Then bidding adieu to his — native land where all his young hopes lay buried, he crossed — the stormy seas. It was distressing to think of it. | He made his home with Mr. William Dickinson, who — lived in Christian County, Kentucky. Here he lived | about twenty years, I think. Mr. Dickinson and his | wife were kind-hearted, friendly people who had no child- — ren, and were members of the “Christian Church,” — while Elder Rutherford was a thorough Baptist in princi- — ple ; yet such was the Christian charity of these excellent — men, that no abatement of friendship and esteem was ever J felt. Elder Rutherford was a zealous, earnest, and impressive — preacher. He studied the Bible much, and his knowledge — of its teachings was thought to be both extensive and ac- — - and MORE CHANGES—SKETCH OF ROBERT RUTHERFORD. 319 Curate. His memory was stored with numberless beauti- Ful Passages which he used as gems to adorn his sermons. Spoke with ease, and his rich native brogue was very Pleasant to the ear. His countenance while speaking Paci With love and good will to all mankind, and all ies delighted to see him rise in the pulpit to address ia I doubt if a purer man ever lived among us ; or if aia Was in all his acquaintance an individual who did i ve and esteem him. For many years he was the ved pastor of Mount Zion and Salem churches, He rag your grandfather preached much together, not among which orn churches only, but in distant localities B were destitute of religious instruction. vay at length the work assigned him by his Master was he tis Being on his way to the Concord Association, as prostrated by an attack of congestive fever at Yess oe Robertson County, Tennessee. There, after a his Ths illness, he died. Those who stood near him in Oiiba z moments remember to have heard him more than the Paina in a low tone, the word: “ Victory.” Yes; an had been fought, the victory won. of hig led on September 12, 1841, in the fifty-sixth year tii cae His grave may be seen where he died, far a as : early home and the land of his fathers, but among and i ee a brotherhood in whose memory his name He 8 virtues remain embalmed. complesi, about the medium height and well formed. His times ig was generally fresh and healthy, but some- and th. Ittle pale. His general appearance was serious talkative ont though in the social circle he was quite » Very polite and affectionate, and extremely fond Of an j ‘MNocent joke, His manners were dignified and easy. 320 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Since writing the above, I have seen an obituary of - Elder Rutherford, written by Elder Robert Williams. It is so appropriate and interesting, I know you will read with pleasure the following extract : “ Elder Rutherford was born in Scotland, but I know nothing of his history before his coming to this country, eighteen or twenty years ago From that time he has been a useful and able minister of the New Tes | tament, as well as a pious and devoted Christian. Our lamented brothel was universally esteemed by all who knew him for his purity and amiable disposition, and was very remarkable for his prudence. I have know? him for the last fifteen years, but never heard any one say he had acted imprudently in anything. Indeed, all who saw him might have said: : ‘ Behold an Israelite, indeed, in whom there is no guile’ He was on? | of the most evangelical preachers in the land, and all were much edifiod and delighted with his sermons, which were but a tissue of Bible thought. When preaching he manifested great earnestness and greab affection for his congregations. The goodness of God and his love manic fested for a lost world, together with the practical duties of religioM were the themes on which he delighted to dwell.” : But I need not attempt to describe him. His charactel is too well known. His praise is in all the churches, and he yet lives in the memory of his brethren, and will long continue to do so. His death was such as might hav@ been expected. ‘“ Mark the perfect man and behold th® upright, for the end of that man is peace.” i, From the commencement of his illness he express’ entire resignation to the will of God concerning life ° death. He said to a brother: “TI shall not rise from here; but I have a desire to depart and be with Christ CHAPTER XXXII. SKETCHES OF ELDERS. Eiper Wrii1aM Waroper, if I remember correctly, Was a little above medium height, of a frame rather spare and delicate, with a mild and prepossessing countenance. Nias he rose insthe pulpit to speak all soon became fully he mh the belief that he felt a deep interest in nde Spiritual welfare. Notwithstanding his emotional . fi Te, he was a close and logical reasoner, and very soon Xed the attention of his audience by the strength and ree of his arguments. ae: often traveled and preached in company with Elders m3 i Hodgen and Jeremiah Vardeman, two distiriguished sa ae Preachers from upper Kentucky. They held the tion octrinal Views as did the Baptists of Bethel Associa- oh Sometimes visited their brethren in the Green Country and preached among them. No church in i days was large enough to hold the immense crowds %t would assemble to hear them. In summer they col- le Sted under the trees and covered, as it seemed to me, Whole acres of ground. reg! Vardeman, I thought then and still think, was ae ‘ the most eloquent speakers I ever heard. His face a8 ki: Tge and handsome, his head massive, sitting finely 'S shoulders, his height six feet, and his weight over th Gas hundred pounds. A noble specimen of the Ken- Klan of those days. 321 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. ered him during the religious wars of that period. ‘Itis stated that in the early setlement of Kentucky, having been sent by his father to a mill about one hun- dred miles distant, to procure alittle seed corn, on arriving — there he heard the lively strains of a violin, and the nimble feet of dancers on a puncheon floor in a house near by: | He approached it and saw the fiddler himself, the most ‘conspicuous figure in the merry group, “a young man of fine face and form, dressed in a gay coat and yellow velvet trousers.” This was young Jeremiah Vardeman, after wards one of the most distinguished pulpit orators of his day in Kentucky. This was perhaps about the time your grandfather, ol the other side of the mountains, was leaving home at night and attending similar frolics to the great unhappiness of his parents. Verily it is difficult to tell where the youth - of eighteen or twenty, full of life and gayety, will be - found twenty or thirty years hence. Other thoughts aftel this took possession of young Vardeman’s mind which Jed him to high distinction among the people as a preacher. When he arose to speak in the midst of a vast assem blage the hum of voices soon died away. At the first he would speak in a low, but very distinct tone, and to my fancy had the appearance, for some moments, of one com _ templating some distant object. Gradually his voic® which was rich and powerful, became more and more ele vated in its tones, his attitude more and more command: The earliest glimpse we have of him may be seen in thé } life of Elder John Smith, that famous old hardshell Bap- tist, who afterwards joined the “ Christian Church,” and — according to President William, his biographes, whipped | owt nearly everything in upper Kentucky that encount — SKETCHES OF ELDERS. 323 ing, and his words and sentences fell with greater emphasis and power, until finally his oratory, like an inundation, would Sweep over his audience and seem to amaze, aston- ‘sh, and bewilder it. For me, after hearing Elder Varde- man preach, I never doubted the effect Paul’s discourse ; Said to have had on Felix the imperial governor of pees ; or Cicero’s on the great Roman Dictator, or eridan’s on the British House of Commons in the trial of Warren Hastings. — were the palmy days of eloquence in Kentucky. tio 9 the pulpit, but the bar, the forum, and the na- B ms councils were illustrated by it—the days of Clay, it — Crittenden, Pope, Rowan, and others. Strange, is a an that poetry and eloquence will rise and flourish at oy 1 periods in such perfection, and then fall into neglect comparative decay ? coe that perhaps, being young, I might have ere exaggerated notions of the effects of Elder Varde- tide Pen I have inquired of others since, and par- a Rca of one who was born and brought up near where aaa a In Kentucky, attended his church, knew him well, i €n witnessed the effects of his preaching. He fully cco the truth of my early impressions. From his fresh ‘on of what he had seen and heard, one would be lea ¥ reminded of the days of Whitefield and the Wes- pe Vardeman, however, lived to see his usefulness the «¢ uence greatly impaired. When the doctrines of People reek Reformation” were first presented to the tent: } y Elder Campbell, he adopted them to some ex- » but when he saw their tendency more fully, he re- tra : * his steps. Thus he lost favor with the new party, 324 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. involved him in trouble and perplexity and he determined to leave the theatre of his brilliant success in former years man life. It is probable the troubled condition of the the Reformation under Alexander Campbell, contributed — to his untimely death. : visited Virginia on a preaching tour in 1817, and I hav@ — heard that their success was great beyond their expecta — tions. The Virginia Baptists were delighted with this among them, and great numbers added to the churches where they preached.* Russellville, Kentucky, near which place he lived. 0 this church, and to the sister churches in the surrounding — country he delighted to preach, and of no one could it b@ said with more truth that, like Paul, he ‘“ warned every — one night and day with tears,” until removed to a highet and nobler sphere. q On account of the purity of his life and his beautiful ing remembranée by the churches of Bethel Associatio™- * These two able ministers attended the Old Triennial Convention fof J Foreign Missions, which met in Philadelphia in 1817. On their way home, they preached for some time in Virginia, and there was a remark able revival of religion under their labors. No doubt there are now’ few living in Virginia who remember that year as one of “the years? the right hand of the Most High.” J. M. Fam and, at the same time, with the old brotherhood. This 4 and remove to Missouri. He accordingly sold his Ken- ; tucky home, settled in that State, and soon after died, — affording a melancholy example of the vicissitudes of hu- — churches he so much loved during the upheaval caused by — Elder Warder, accompanied by Elder Isaac Hodgen, — visit from their western brethren; religion was revived | He was for many years pastor of the Baptist Church at — Christian character he will be held in affectionate and last 9 SKETCHES OF ELDERS. 325 oe Warder was born June 8, 1786, and died Au- a 9, 1836, in the fiftieth year of his age. His grave Y be seen in the Baptist cemetery at Russellville. On h ton i Wi that marks his last restin lace th ° a on gp ese words & In th c rs the iititensy OF of his youth he became pious, and devoted himself to United | f the gospel. In the thirty-sixth year of his age he was 2 Marriage to Miss Margaret Morehead. He was a kind hus- and and f, 4 i man, Seiabange Before his God, he walked humbly ; before Elder Kentuck taken wi ©Xcellent Joun §. Wrrson was born in Franklin County, y, July 3, 1795. Much care is said to have been th his early religious education by his pious and abet Faas, and he remained under its influence until came i een years of age, when religious restraint be- and be, Some to him, and he finally threw it off altogether, : ea Cae and git = : in the eighteenth year of his age, under th Preaching of Elder Isaac Hide. he was ate ps at Mount Gilead Church, Adair County, Ken- Yeas Soe he became a member. In the twenty-third Benak wp 18 age, he was married to Miss Martha Wag- eat} mekt se I have often heard spoken of as being a most Sp ee ady. She was a first cousin of your uncle, 1895 Bee dees of Russellville, Kentucky. In the year a elise. 2 twenty-seventh year of his age, he was led Would mn at it was his duty to preach the gospel, and church "te engage in exhortation and prayer. The Branted | ing pleased with his promise of usefulness, Soon Phe license and requested him to preach for them. 15 r he was ordained to the ministry and received a: 326 ELDER REUBEN ‘ROSS. onueeer erase call to the pastoral care of the Lebanon Church, Todd — a of religion depended h on County, Kentucky. j acter and ze ed much on the evangelical char- I may here remark that opinions differ among the var And he fen mit es oe: out to publish the glad tidings. rious denominations of Christians in regard to whence the Sermons, 1 Tim 5: a 2: text, when preaching ordination call to preach the gospel is derived. Some think it comes ~ neither be partak ‘22: “Lay hands suddenly on no man directly from the church, and that the individual should | * Putting them ca He other men’s sins.” That is to say, be prepared for ministerial duties by a course of regulat § Sion, and by saiacs & position to injure the cause of reli- study, as for the practice of law, medicine, or any othel Candidates ention to the lives and characters of the profession. Others, and among these the Baptists, believ® — I t was while he w. the call comes directly from the Holy Spirit, who im b first Saw Elder Wile pastor of the Lebanon Church that presses the minds of some men in a special manner with 4 Tick church that mars and heard him preach in the old belief that it is their duty to preach the gospel ; and thab — and hig Cumberla = been built by Elder Finis Ewing the individual so impressed feels a desire above others 9 - ae of diminutive en a terian .brethren. He was a for the salvation of men and the spread of the gospel. * 7 hi ly, to perform the Beep parently unable, physi- They do not, however, undervalue learning, study, an® 41 field of labor I arduous duties assigned to him in general information. On the contrary, these are held i2 © than others of hi 2 he was thought to be less high estimation. But the ability to edify the church ; to Derstasive eloquence pate ze the ministry, But, in expound the Sacred Writings by a close personal study 4 ms Y- In his efforts 7] exhortation he had few equals, if the Bible; to awaken their fellow-men to a sense of the a Ueh in r: apid es this kind, he seemed to be able to value and importance of religion, and to adorn the doe eee to turn their “i = la A topic that could influence trines they preach by a pious life and godly convers® ” " long-suffering Bers 's to religion. The forbearance tion,—these they value in their preachers more than 9 Miliation and de. Soodness and mercy, of God ; Christ's 4 eternal h eath, in the great work of redemption ; besides. nd 1 Piness and endless woe: the « : grave, the resur- It is customary with them when an individual of . t ? and the fi i ™m church professes to have the above-mentioned impresslO™ § Be woned ace Judgment,—were the themes of his of duty, to grant him a license to preach, and then, if ” oe ane E think, is of the firat of th gives promise of becoming a useful laborer in the vine thin ng the Baptists called R 7 ‘ e class of preach- yard, though an humble one, to call a presbytery and ha ing . aa among them to ed Revivalists. It was some- ands see men singing, praying, shak- him solemnly set apart for the work by the laying 02 ™ hands and prayer. ‘ This your grandfather considered one of the most ~ sponsible and important duties of the churches, as ™ “ « | Ss » and e : “ats and xhorting all at the same time. Anxious : mo j things Pa Stes benches were hardly known. These 328 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. needed, judging the future by the past, which wise me? : tell us is all we can do. : Elder Wilson preached with success in Southern and Central Kentucky until 1833, when he was chosen as its | pastor by the First Baptist Church in Louisville. He was one of the leading spirits in the great revival in and near Shelbyville, Kentucky, in 1835, the most consider able ever known, perhaps, in that part of the State, and thus described by Elder George Waller: ; “ On the Friday before the fourth Lord’s Day in May, 1835, a mec | ing was convened ut Shelbyville by J ohn 8. Wilson and other brethre? in the ministry, most of whom participated freely in the glorious work which then and there commenced, This meeting continued fifteen day’ in which time one hundred and one were added to the church in place by baptism. “The brethren on their way home stopped at Bethel, five miles east 4 of Shelbyville. Crowds who had been at Shelbyville flocked to Bethel and in three or four days seventy or eighty were received for baptis™ This church continued to receive members till in three nionths, one hu dred and nineteen were received for baptism. Buck’s Branch shared lightly, Dover, Buck Creek, Elk Creek, Plum Creek, Taylorsville, and Little Mount, have shared freely in this glorious revival, 3 “ Others of us have borne our humble part in this good work. Among the rest of my brethren it has fallen to my lot to baptize one hum and twenty up to this time. Upwards of eight hundred have bee added to the Long Run Association in the last three months, and by a0 counts received it is believed that not less than twelve hundred are fruits of this glorious revival, commencing at Shelbyville. ” These were brilliant successes; but they were Wilson® last. Like the gallant warrior he won them, but fell the achievement. He was taken severely ill at the clos? these labors, and being conveyed home found that his 9g?" | mother, whom he tenderly loved, had just breathed b& last. This in his weak and suffering state, hastened 5” SKETCHES OF ELDERS. 329 end - > and : fons he soon expired. : His last words oi Sic ‘ were, “ Mother g after thee.” He was about forty sedi of nae he di ; Teak ire He sleeps in the beautiful cemetery of he Tee imple marble slab marking the place where CHAPTER XXXIII. SKETCHES OF ELDERS CONTINUED. | Exper Rosert T. ANDERSON was born in the State of Virginia, April 9, 1792. He emigrated to Green County, § Kentucky, 1818, was baptized by Elder William Wardet in 1812, and became a member of Mount Gilead Chureb 7 in Adair County, where in 1828 he commenced préaching the gospel. 4 He was above medium height, well formed, with dark hair and eves, a pleasing and cheerful expression of cout” tenance; and more social and lively in company than his” brother, Henry T. Anderson, who was an able advocate of the Reformation, and used to preach for us at the Oikadel phia Church. ‘ = Of him, Rev. J. M. Pendleton thus speaks : a He was a man of kind heart and excellent qualities. He was betwee? thirty and forty years of age when he began to preach ; his time hav ing been devoted to teaching. Nor did he abandon the school when he beg came a preacher. He loved to preach, and though willing to devo® himself exclusively, to the ministry, he found, after making the exP® iment, that he and his family, could not live entirely of the gos? a Hence, for the greater partof his ministerial life, he taught school five days in the week, preaching every Saturday and Lord’s Day, and #® quently at night during the week. He was a laborious man, with @ large heart, and in proportion to his means, he gave much to object#™ benevolence. His sermons were chiefly of the expository class, ® many of his pulpit efforts were quite happy. He was a useful ™* 330 ° the interp SKETCHES OF ELDERS CONTINUED. 331 and bapti : doubtion. fee ayaa who were the fruits of his labors, and will of in the cro f hi ioici 4 Years, Clerk of Beihai Le rejoicing. He was, for a number He w as discovers q fully persuaded for several years, that he had could be - ea by which deaf and dumb children u ag ‘ heart iii ght to speak intelligibly. His benevolent and he ape engrossed with this subject for a time, and Gistasn number of little boys under his instruction terested c The public generally became greatly in- Successfin] ~ scheme, and many thought it would be ®ppointment it proved otherwise, greatly to his dis- ave been vi an regret, since, had it succeeded, he would as ieee high on the roll of public benefactors. Baged in nS years before his death, he was much en- Profitable of at, perhaps, has proved to be the most un- of all the intellectual labors of many good men thie. 4 a of the dark prophetic portions of the much Sethe rH by some that his mind became so wh at impaired, Yy these subjects, that its vigor was some- le Upon the «prophet Daniel besought the angel that stood Vision, it tne ers, to reveal to him the meaning of his Words are al said to him: “Go thy way, Daniel; for the Are we not — up and sealed till the time of the end.” too hee heesmabuiahed by this, not to push our inquiries involved the “es have done, from the earliest times, and endless. con; Selves and their readers, in the mazes of that it all Jecture and doubt, only to learn when too late At tho oo to nothing, or worse than nothing ? Now itis -_ time the veil will be lifted, and all that is thin 88 belo © will appear distinct and clear. “The secret 48 Unto the Lord our God ; but the things which 332 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. , 2 are revealed belong unto us and our children for ever. — Deuteronomy 29 : 29. As the poet Cowper, has well said : “‘God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain.” Is it not probable that the chief advantages of the prophecies are derived after their fulfilment? Then they J . strike the mind with great force, and yield the most cone 4 vincing proof of their divine origin. When the Jew before their accomplishment, read the — prophecies contained in the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah, — what could he understand of them? The most learned Rabbi, on undertaking to explain them, would have found | them utterly incomprehensible. He never could have — made them point to the life, sufferings, and death of the promised Messiah. But since their accomplishment, all see with amazement that the inspired prophet, seven hut” — dred years before, pointed out each particular, as though ; he had been an eye-witness, and in the small space of on@ ~ chapter, of only twelve verses, has epitomized the gospel In 1830, Elder Anderson, preached for the church iD Russellville. In 1831, he settled near Pleasant Grov? Church, eight miles south of Russellville, of which church he became pastor. He was then called successively to the pastorate of Hopewell Church, Robertson County, Tenne? ; see, in 1832; of Keysburg Church, in 1834; of Hopkin ville Church, in 1839; of Olivet and West Union Churche® in 1840. He next became pastor of Salem Church, int Christian County. Then he built up Locust Grove ane Pleasant Grove Churches, the former in Christian, pe latter in Caldwell County, Kentucky. Of this last, a ; for Upwar: SKETCHES OF ELDERS CONTINUED. 333 Oli sto on was pastor when he died. The above will show oa uch his ministerial labors were sought for, and how and busy must have been his life, Eld aap A. D. Sears, now of Clarksville, Tennessee, in an Sting biographical sketch of Elder Anderson, to be found ; in the March number of the “ Christian Repository” , observes : o Ss . Ome time last ty, enjoyed a Winter, the church at Pleasant Grove, Caldwell Coun- Wry a interesting revival. The meeting continued several He ce in, Se seemed to demand of him more than usual exertion. inclement, he eo erent through several days. The weather being the Sep _ a severe cold, which continued several weeks after ier ates ae and finally terminated in neuralgia. This disease settled ove, ee arm, gradually moved to his head, and ultimately on the 8th of ra ght eye and terminated in apoplexy, of which he died Which ape os We are thus particular in describing the disease of mind was — tigger a rumor went abroad that Elder Anderson’s as of . his is untrue, Although at times a great sufferer tee months, the native strength of his intel ect re- Mained uni 4 f , paired until the last; and he was always aware of his con- dition.” Thus. ; : 8, In the sixty-third year of his life, and in the twenty- : es is Spar of his ministry, after long suffering, which excellent ape borne with submissive resignation, this tered into : ate his laborious and useful life, and en- eousness } ana, rest. Having turned many to right- » Re will shine as the stars forever. I heg ard Elder W. 0. Warrtenp preach, and have seen him Occasion Were } ally at your grandfather’s. ‘His sermons Y no mea . 7 Well p ns of uniform merit. Some of them were re are * energy, .S St logical, eloquent, and delivered with great tion, and al betrayed some want of thorough prepara- © defective in methodical arrangement. This 15* ELDER REUBEN ROSS. was more noticed in him than in his co-laborers, on ac- count of his superior educational advantages,” and because he had been a student of Princeton Theological Seminary. When his feelings became excited, as was often the case in the close of his sermons, his appeals to the impenitent, in referring to “ the terror of the Lord,” were striking spec- mens of denunciatory eloquence. Sometimes, with appa- rent harshness, he admonished sinners of their danger, and warned them “to flee from the wrath to come.” In the prime of life he fell beneath the stroke of death. He was born in Lexington in 1796, and died at the residence of Elder William Tandy in Christian County, Kentucky, No- vember, 1835. Exper R. W. Nrxon was born in Hanover County, North Carolina, May 3, 1799, where he lived till about twelve years of age. His father, Col. Richard Nixon, then emigrated to Bertie County, in the same State, and while living there, had his son placed in the Military Academy at West Point. In 1821, his father came to Tennessee. Here the son married, in 1822, Miss 8. C. Whitfield, daughter of Needham Whitfield, Esq., of Montgomery County, an early friend of your grandfather, mentioned in aformer chapter. After his marriage he changed his place of residence to Brownsville, Tennessee, and sold goods for some time in that place. In 1827, he returned to Mont- gomery County and settled near his wife’s father. He made a profession of religion in 1828, and was baptized by your grandfather, as a member of Spring Creek Church. In 1830, he commenced preaching, and in 1831 was ordained to the ministry by your grandfather, and Elder Robert Rutherford. Some years after, when your grandfather resigned the nin i ene BRM ONE (PPM in AO W SKETCHES OF ELDERS CONTINUED. 835 Pastorate of this church, Elder Nixon was chosen his suc- Cessor, and continued his pastoral care, until 1857, when he removed to Lauderdale County, Tennessee. ‘‘ Besides his pastoral care,” says a friend and brother, “ he rode and preached extensively, as a missionary for the Bethel Asso- Ciation some three years. He spoke of his labors in that department with great satisfaction.” After his settlement in Tennessee, he was pastor of several churches and also a Missionary, under the patronage of the West Tennessee Baptist Convention. He died of pneumonia, March 4th, 1881, in the seventy- Second year of his age, after an illness of twelve days, during Which he suffered exceedingly, often trying in vain to sing Some familiar hymn. “Elder Nixon loved to preach; it was his constant thought. He frequently said: ‘A preacher ought to love his work.’ His talent for preaching was above mediocrity, The order and systematic arrangement of his sermons Were superior. His thoughts were well arranged, and pre- Sented to his hearers with a force and energy that arrested attention,” In the language of Elder J oseph Borum, from whose notice of the death of Elder Nixon, the above has been condensed, and for whom he had an unusual attachment, ‘His work on earth is done. H¢ has gone to receive his re- ward. Christians will no more hear his words of encour- ®gement. Sinners will no more hear his faithful warnings, Let all remember that the Lord has said: ‘ They that be Wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever.’ A beautiful and glorious promise to the faithful ambassa- dor of Christ.” . 336 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Elder Tuomas Warts was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, in 1787. He emigrated to Sumner County, Tennessee, about the year 1810. In 1812, he settled in Christian County, Kentucky. After this he resided alter- nately in various border counties of Kentucky and Ten- nessee. In 1827, when about forty years of age, he pro- fessed religion. In 1830, he began to preach. As a minister of the gospel he was zealous and earnest. As a man and Christian he had the esteem and confidence, not of his brethren only, but of all who knew him. He died in Logan County, Kentucky, May, 1860, a few months only after your grandfather passed away; fortunately escaping the horrors of the impending civil war. Elder Jonny Matuory completes the number of the brethren in the ministry most intimately associated with yourgrandfather in giving stability and character to Bethel Association, who have passed away from “this mundane sphere.” From a friend I have obtained a copy of the “Record made by order of the church to which he be- longed, immediately after his death; it is as follows: “Elder John Mallory was born in Caldwell County, North Carolina, January 5, 1798. While a youth, his father emigrated to Tennessee, In 1828, he professed faith in Christ, and was baptized into the fellowship of the Little West Fork Church by Elder Reuben Ross, Not long after his connection with the church, he was chosen to the office of deacon, which office he held with acceptance and profit to the church until he was licensed to preach in November, 1839. “In February, 1841, he was ordained to the work of the ministry. The elders who officiated at his ordination were—Reuben Ross, R. Ruther- ford, R. W. Nixon, and Thomas Watts. Shortly after his ordination he became Pastor of Blooming Grove Church. His work was greatly blessed, and many were added to the church. “ After resigning the pastorate of this church, he was employed sev- eral years by the Association as one of her missionaries to preach to the destitute within her bounds. OW BCE CONE 2S oh er BRA SKETCHES OF ELDERS CONTINUED. 337 “On the fourth Sabbath in September, 1862, he was arrested by the Federal authorities at Bay Rock meeting-house, Stewart County, Ten- Nessee, and carried to Fort Donelson, where he was kept a prisoner sev- eral days, but finally released on taking the oath of allegiance to the Government. He was soon after taken ill, his disease being contracted while a prisoner from exposure, and died in a few days after at his resi. dence in Stewart County, on the 14th of October, 1862, in the 65th year of his age, leaving a wife and several children and many loving friends to mourn the melancholy close of his life. But their loss is his great 8ain, for a voice from the volume of inspiration says; ‘ Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.’” _ He was a good man. I remember him well. At the time of his death the clouds of war hung black and heavy Over his unhappy country; but he soon reached the “sun- bright clime,” where, “the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.” To my mind, the memory of such men as Fort, Tandy, Bourne, Rutherford, Wilson, Warder, Warfield, Anderson, ixon, Watts, and Mallory,—names that have been men- tioned in these sketches, is worthy of lasting preservation ; for, in many respects, they challenge our admiration. They were all fully persuaded that it was their duty to Preach the gospel to their fellow-men ; and with this be- lief, under many discouraging circumstances, they gave themselves to the work. Not one of them, in the full ‘mport of the word, could be called a man of learning. €ing in most instances poor, they neither had access to books nor leisure to read them. What time they could Spare, after providing for their families, they devoted to Preaching, Consequently, the Bible was the book they chiefly studied. It thus became the source and fountain of their religious knowledge. This they were compelled to Study diligently and to form opinions for themselves in regard to its great and solemn truths, instead of learning the Opinions of others feom books and lectures. <= == i i > | 338 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Although in criticism and dialects they were by no means masters, their knowledge of the sacred writings was, in many instances, both accurate and extensive ; and this, aided by no inconsiderable degree of native eloquence and talent, enabled them to present the teaching of the Scrip- tures with no small degree of power and effect. The thing that lends a peculiar interest to the memory of these men, is their unblemished characters. It would, perhaps, be difficult to point to the same number of men anywhere, associated together for any purpose, whose lives and characters were more faultless and pure. On this account the churches of the Bethel Association have good reason to felicitate themselves. They stand as bright examples for imitation in the coming years. With men like these to give them dignity and character, they may anticipate a long career of usefulness and honor. Your grandfather remained till almost the last of those had passed away. This produced a feeling of loneliness and desertion, like that of the traveller who has been left behind by his companions to finish his journey alone. Remembering that these excellent men have finished their course and will never again appear in the fields of their former labors, their brethren that are left behind might well feel that their loss was irreparable. But, though Elder Williams is no longer in the bounds of Bethel Association, and the familiar face of Elder Holland will no more be seen among them, they still have a corps of able and efficient ministers to carry on the good work. Among them may be mentioned the names of Morrow, Baker, Keen, Sears, Gardner, Lamb, Plaster, Forgy; Crutcher, 8. 8. Mallory, and Dicken. OW RCE CONE 2 oh er BERL HU CHAPTER XXXIV* THE TRUANT. In order to call your attention to some particulars Which could not have been introduced so conveniently at 4n earlier period, I will go back to the year 1818, and 8ive you some account of them. There was, at this time, in our vicinity a youth with Whom I was well acquainted (it is unnecessary to mention names), who had a great desire to be well educated, and “Specially to acquire a knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages, He had somewhere picked up a work on Mythology, and read with much interest of the gods, god- desses, demi-gods, and heroes of antiquity. He had also read in Plutarch’s Lives, of Cesar, Hannibal, Pompey, Alexander, and other illustrious characters, and had a Steat desire to read of all these in the language in which they were originally written. Moreover, he had heard that a course of classical studies would be of great benefit to one who might study a profession, which he hoped he Might at some time be able to do. He could not see how e could accomplish these ends, as his father was unable to incur the expense, and, being a preacher, he was a good ol The critical reader may doubt whether this. chapter, strictly speak- ye should have a place in this volume, especially as it does not appear chronological order. The matters related, however, are not only in- ti F 39 a's Petty but exciting ; and it is not too much to say that those who read © chapter will be glad of its insertion. J. M. P. 339 340 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. deal away from his family, which made it necessary that this youth should stay at home to protect and assist his mother, and also to aid in the work of the farm. Not being able to solve the problem himself, after much — reflection he concluded to get the advice of a young man who attended the school, whom he considered a true friend and very wise withal, being several years older than himself. The student listened to the youth’s statement of the case very attentively ; then inquired if he knew enough ~ to teach a school. He was told that he could read and~ spell very well, knew a little of Arithmetic and Gram- — mar, and was pretty well up in Geography. “ But what — about your writing?” His copy-book was produced, — and, after examination, he was told it would do. “Now,” said he, “if you will go over into Muhlenburg — County, Kentucky, where I am acquainted, you can get a school of fifty scholars, if you want them. The people there, in some places, are thickly settled, and would be the gladdest in the world to have their children taught to read and write a little. But, as you can teach Arithmetic and Grammar, especially if you are willing to board rownd, you can make from one hundred and fifty to two hundred — dollars a year with all ease. In this way, in the course of — two or three years, you may have four or five hundred a dollars in your poekets, and go to school and learn Greek — and Latin to your heart’s content, study law if you choose, E and become famous, perhaps, like Clay, Rowan, and the resb of them.” This scheme appeared so grand and beautiful, and also so practical, that he was completely fascinated. It is prob- — : able that most boys, at his age, have felt a similar tempta- tion. A few days after this consultation, just as the Oc OW) ACE ONE LRP oh or BERL, Y THE TRUANT. 341 tober sun was rising above the hills east of Hopkinsville, might have been seen a youth about seventeen years of “ge, with a small bundle in his hand, walking briskly through that part of the town where the old brick semi- nary used to stand. He desires much to pass through this place unknown, so as to escape observation and trou- blesome inquiries. In order to accomplish this, on the night previous, immediately after his supper, he went to his room, made up his bundle, wrote a short note to his Mother, as cheerfully as possible, in which he informed her he had started out into the world, to make his fortune, and expected wonderful success ; that she was to feel no @nxiety on his account; that all his plans had been well Considered, and could not possibly fail of success; that, '0 due time he would write and tell her how he succeeded. He concluded by requesting her to persuade his father to Sive himself no trouble on his account, or to try to hunt him up, as it would be altogether useless, This note he folded and laid on the table, took his bundle, stepped out ‘nto the darkness, and started for Muhlenburg County, via Hopkinsville. After passing the town as above stated, it being no lon- Ser necessary to hasten, he slackened his pace, and pro- Ceeded quite leisurely. The day was delightful. No tropic plant in full bloom could outvie in gorgeous color the trees of the forest ; every leaf was brighter than the 8ayest flower, and clothed the forest in variegated and romantic beauty. The traveller, somewhat fatigued by the. long walk of the morning, occasionally stopped by the way, and reclined at the roots of some giant tree or on the margin of a stream; thus at the same time he rested himself, and enjoyed the beauty of the surrounding ELDER REUBEN ROSS. scenery. It was at the season when the woods were filled with wild pigeons, and the squirrels busy, gathering nuts and acorns to store for the coming winter. Whether he reached Muhlenburg County a little earlier or later was to this traveller of little moment. The feeling that, henceforth, he could act in every re- spect, just to suit himself, untrammeled, independent, was new and strange, and very agreeable. At noon, or perhaps a little earlier, he stopped at a wayside cabin and procured refreshment. For this he paid a mere trifle which was received rather reluctantly. After this he pursued his journey till near the close of the day, when he called at a house and obtained lodging for the night. The family consisted of an old man, his wife, and daughter. They were in a good deal of trouble at the time. The husband of the daughter, who had been lately married, had gotten into a difficulty of some kind, which rendered it necessary for him toleave home. After supper, the traveller learned, rather to his embarrassment, that they were all to sleep in the same room. After taking off his coat and hanging it on the back of the chair, as a sort of screen while undressing he turned down the cover, and rolled into bed. He never forgot the luxury it was to relax his weary limbs in that comfortable bed. He now for the first time, began to feel some misgivings in regard to what he had done. had acted right in leaving home in the manner described. The more he reflected the more uncomfortable he became. — He finally determined that if he could not throw off these unpleasant thoughts, rather than be thus annoyed, he would straightway return home. deep sleep from which he did not awake till broad day. — 4] | a . R That is, to doubt if he He then fell into a By EW: ACA CONE LP ™ 94 er BERL THE TRUANT. 843 After breakfast he took leave of the kind old people who had entertained him so hospitably. They refused to re- Ceive any pay for their trouble and with kind wishes he departed, With a light heart and buoyant step, he now began the second day’s journey, but he had not proceeded far When the unpleasant impressions of the night returned, and continued till noon, when he entered a house.on the - Toadside to rest and procure dinner. The man of the house proved to be a very inquisitive and excitable fellow, and a number of questions and answers ensued as follows : “Tf it is a fair question,” said the host, “may I ask Where you are from ?” “From Tennessee,” was the reply. “And where may you be going?” “To Muhlenburg County, Kentucky.” “From what part of Tennessee did you come ?” “From Montgomery County.” “And what may be taking you to Muhlenburg County, pray ?” “T am going there to teach school.” “Indeed ! To teach school did you say ?” “ Yes; to teach school.” “And what can you teach, pray?” “Spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, and Seography,” pronounced very promptly. “Well, I declare! you boys, over in Tennessee, must be Peart lads. What is the name of that last thing you teach?” : “ Geography.” é “And what is that?” “Geography means a description of the Harth its— ELDER REUBEN ROSS. lakes, rivers, mountains, oceans, islands, continents, king- doms, and empires.” He begins to show off. “The Lord save us! And can you teach all them things?” “They are nothing. I can explain to you the torrid, frigid, and temperate zones; the Arctic and Antarctic cir- cles ; the eclipses of the sun and moon; the planets primary. and secondary, and the tides of the ocean.” “Holy Angels! Stranger, if it’s a school you want, you need not go a step from this place. I will get on my horse directly after dinner, go round among the neighbors, and have them all here after breakfast in the morning, and we will make you up a school before you know it. And I want you to board here too. I like to hear you talk.” “Many thanks, but I will first go on to Muhlenburg, and if things do not look favorable there, I can return as you seem to think I can do well here.” “Think, did you say? I think nothing about it. I know it. But, bless me! I don’t even know your name yet.” Here the stranger tells his name. “There it is again,” said he. “ The very name of the preacher that was down here at the big meeting lately. Any kin?” “‘T believe,” said the stranger, “ nearly all of that name think they are related. But tell me, did the preacher of my name talk pretty well ?” “You may say that,” said he. “He told us what a awful fix we would all be in when we die, if we didn’t re- pent and believe the gospel, und begged us so hard to be + At eB aa ~ A NN AiR a ae nme CW) ANA CONE LP oh or BERL YoU ws THE TRUANT. 845 800d, and seemed so sorry for us, that we all fell to crying like our hearts would break, and some of the meanest old Sinners in the whole settlement cried like young gals when they are in trouble. Some of them jined the church, and they aint been so wicked as they was before. Some of us were kinder shamed of ourselves, for taking on so, but We couldn’t help it, for I tell you he preached powerful.” The youth never forgot this interview, and it was ever after a pleasant recollection. After dinner he bade adieu to his lively and kind- hearted host, and started, not for Muhlenbury, but straight for home, which he reached late in the evening of the third day after leaving it. Had he encountered real hardships and dangers on his wild adventure, his reception, on re- turning, would have more than compensated him. His Mother and the children were greatly delighted, and Praised him extravagantly for returning, and on his telling her that when he came to think about it, he was satisfied he had acted wrong, and turned back on that account, his mother said, that was just what she thought he would do from the first. This pleased him not a little. He re- lated to her all he had experienced on his travels, and it is Probable so poor a tale had never been listened to with deeper interest. It was often mentioned, years after, by the family, as a remarkable event in its history. When, in turn, he was told all that had occurred during his absence ; how business was suspended ; the wheel and loom forgotten ; how they all sat up till late at night, listen- ing for him to knock at the door; how they watched the Sate and looked down the road all the long days; how the neighbors would come in and inquire about him, shake their heads and go away. But it is time we were looking Ws =s CW ACE ONE LP 9h er BERL, WEIR oe PEA © reer ELDER REUBEN ROSS. the day before his son, from a tour of preaching, and learn- ed what had taken place, he, to use a phrase now in vogue, “was very much demoralized.” It was not uncom- mon at that time, and still less so some years earlier, for wild young “ scamps,” to leave home for the purpose of “running the river,” as they called it, which was to get on a keel-boat, barge, or flat-boat, and become regular boatmen. This often made ruffians of them, especially if they ran the lower Ohio River, which was long infested by desperadoes'of the worst type. Many no doubt, still remember the bad reputation of “Ford’s Ferry” and its vicinity in former times, when traders were murdered for their money, and owners of trading boats with their families were said to have been killed, the goods taken out,and the boats burned, and where Ford himself, who it was thought belonged to the gang, was shot dead in his own house, by whom, it was never discovered, though the house at the time was full of men drinking and carousing together. I 4 remember to have seen somewhere a description of the cave, called “The Hole in the Rock,” in which these men lived. It was said to be near the river and not far below the Ferry. I once heard a gentlemen speak of an amusing ; incident in reference to this old Ferry, years after the death of Ford. He stated that, being on his way to look at some of the fine lands in Illinois, he reached the ferry late in the even- ing, where he had expected to stay and cross the river next morning. But every thing about the premises ap- peared weird and uninviting, and brought to his mind the ugly tales he had heard about the place. These took such x hold of his imagination, that, notwithstanding respectable i after the youth’s father. When he returned home, only 1 THE TRUANT. 347 People were then owners of the premises, he offered an xtra price to be set over the river at once. When he Teached the Illinois shore he felt much relieved, but his Tejoicing did not last long ; for, while riding across the gloomy bottom, he saw a man sneaking along the under- 8towth, evidently intending to get into the road just be- fore him. He concluded at once that the man was a rob- ° ber, Holding his bridle in his left hand, and putting his right into the pocket of his overcoat, where was his pistol, © cocked it, intending, so soon as the suspicious-looking fellow put his hand on the bridle, to shoot him down. Thstead of doing this, he stopped short, took off his hat, and bowing politely, said: “ Stranger, if you have any to Spare, please give me a little piece of terbacker.” The “ terbacker ” being given, there were two happy fellows— One because he had a plug of fine tobacco, the other that he had escaped a rencounter with a supposed robber. The youth's father had more than once expressed to his Mother much anxiety on his account, having observed that his mind seemed to be too much occupied with tales of ro- Mantic adventure. Being an ardent admirer of Daniel Boone, who was then hunting and trapping in Missouri, he Sometimes, in a rather peculiar way, would say to his Mother: “You needn’t be surprised if some day I leave home to join Daniel Boone.” Having his fears now fully aroused, the father of this truant now determined to set ut early next morning in search of him, before he wan- dered off too far, and I doubt not would have rivaled Ceres In his fabled search for Proserpine, had he not found him; for he was not easily deterred from anything he under- took, Knowing this, the young adventurer made all haste to depart. Late in the day he was happy to discover he 348 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. was, in Indian parlance, on “ the right trail ;” and a little before nightfall met a man who said he had seen his father dismount at Elder Horne’s gate and go into the house. Elder Josiah Horne was a Baptist preacher, an excellent man,—one whose “ praise was in all the churches” on ac count of his gentle Christian character. He resided in what was called the Blooming Grove Settlement, some ten or twelve miles below Clarksville. His father had been vainly trying to ascertain what direction the truant — had taken, and, when night came, found himself near his — friend’s residence, and concluded to remain there for the : night. It was dark when the lad reached the place where his — father was, and, getting off his horse, went to the door of the room where he and Elder, Horne and other members of the family, with several neighbors, were sitting round the fire, rather a melancholy group, having heard the sad news. After knocking, and being invited to “ enter,” he stepped in. In a moment all were on their feet. Going to his father, he shook hands with him—told him he had reached home safely, and, on learning he was in search of him, had started almost immediately to find him, and had succeeded in tracing him to this house. His father was greatly delighted, and the boy never remembered having seen his expressive countenance more radiant with pleasure than on that happy occasion. It was evident that a load of anxiety had been lifted off his mind. All gathered round, and a general shaking of hands ensued. “Old Brother Horne” was the happiest person present, your grandfather excepted—for I sup- pose it is not necessary to use our thin veil any longer. We had an excellent supper, spent the evening very happily and on the morrow returned home. ais CW) BA CONE 98 er BQ UR, oe. CHAPTER XXXV. DR. CHARLES MERIWETHER AND HON. JOHN W. TYLER. Tur Spring after the adventure narrated in our last chapter, your grandfather informed me that there was a School near Dr. Charles Meriwether's, taught by a Mr. Boy er of Todd County, Kentucky, and that he’ had been ‘NVited to take me there to board in the family and attend the school, This proved to be a most fortunate arrange- Ment for me, for there I was received as one of-the family, and treated with the utmost kindness. The Doctor had Tee sons, one near my own age, two younger, and if there Was ever any difference made between us, I never per- “elved it. This kindness made a deep and lasting impres- ‘lon on me; remaining green and fresh in my memory though the changing vicissitudes of many long years. Dr. Charles Meriwether was a native of Albemarle, Virginia, He was a large and handsome man. Let no one suppose he sees his real likeness in the portrait still to be seen in the parlor at Meriville. His form was noble and com- ‘anding. His features were cast in nature’s finest. mold. His Smile was of the utmost suavity and kindness, and his Xpression striking and engaging. However, you need Rot to be told this, who remember him well, though later 'n life. I have no doubt that he was the most educated and highly cultivated gentleman in the West at that time. ‘8 grandfather, generally known in his day as“ Parson Suglas,” belonging to the Church of England, came from 16 349 350 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Scotland, and settled in Virginia in early times. He was descended from theancient and powerful house of Douglas — so famous in Scottish history. His mother, Margaret Douglas, married a Welsh gentleman named Meriwether — Parson Douglas was considered a man of extensiV@ learning and ability. Many books may be still seen ab Meriville, the name of the family seat, in which is written “ Ex libris Gulielmi Douglass.” One of the books of Wik liam Douglas. After having passed through a liberal course of study — in Virginia, Dr. C. Meriwether was sent to the far famed University of Edinburgh, in Scotland, then in its palmy — days, where he remained a number of years, and graduated in the school of medicine. I used to get his Diploma—th@- first one I had seen, and which was a showy affair—and a try to decipher the Latin, but with indifferent success — During his sojourn at Edinburgh, he formed the acquaint ance of many of the great men who shed luster on th@ — University at that time. I have heard him speak of intel" — views with Robertson, the historian, then principal of thé ‘ practiced medicine. Having an ample fortune, he paid but — little attention to collecting his fees. He once showed m@ — a large, well bound book in which all his accounts wer® — made out with gare and neatness, which had never bee A collected. ~The total amounted to a large sum of money: — About the year 1817 he emigrated from Virginia @ land in what is now Todd County, lying along the Stal b line. Here he was living when I entered his family a8 9 La University ; Blair, the famous rhetorician, and others dis tinguished for science and literature, who attracted stl- ] dents from all parts of Europe. ; After graduating he returned to his native state all t f Southern Kentucky, and purchased a large body of fertile CW BCA ONE LP 98 er BIEL ty DR. CHAS. MERIWETHER AND HON, JOHN w. TYLER. 351 boarder. I, of course, was amazed at the extent of his Knowledge. From the humble, the fascinating science of Potany, to the profound subjects of physical and metaphys- ‘cal learning, he was familiar, having explored them all. And when, after supper, he would remain in the dining- “oom an hour with me, as he sometimes did, conversing on these and kindred subjects, so interesting was he, the time glided swiftly away. -Chemistry seemed to interest him More at that time than any other subject, as wonderful discoveries were then being made in that department. He also took much delight in Mathematics. He said to me on One occasion: “If you will remain with me during the Olidays, I will give you any assistance in Geometry you may need,” Accordingly I procured Euclid’s Elements, the work then in common use, and went to work. When the demonstration of a proposition did not appear clear to MY mind, he would explain, and show me wherein the de- Monstration lay, in so few words and with such perspicuity, 48 to excite my admiration and surprise. He concerned himself in all natural phenomena, and when in 1825 those Singular and beautiful circles appeared around the sun, WAich some may still remember, he became greatly inter- Ths and he and Mr. Jefferson, President of the United tates, were in correspondence on the subject. They were Very wonderful as well as beautiful. Your uncle, Charles er Meriwether, has in his possession a diagram which his — left, showing the manner in which these circles in- “rsected each other. But in the diagram the lovely rain- ©W tints were wanting. I think Mr. Jefferson and Dr. “riwether together discovered what they considered a Satisfactory solution ; but, I regret to say, I do not now Temember what it was. 3852 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. } During the years I remained in the family, the doctot enjoyed life very much. It was at the time when Sif : Walter Scott held the literary world spell-bound. First by his poetical works, and then by his novels, nothing 4 comparable to which, in the realms of fiction, had appeared ~ previously. The Scottish character was well understood — by the doctor, having lived so long in Edinburgh; and when it was so well delineated by the magic pen of the E “ Wizard of the North,” it afforded him unmixed delight — It was with the comic or lower characters, such a Mompliss, Dandie Dinmont, Captain Dalgetty, that he 3 was most delighted. Old Mause, who appeared to such advantage at the battle of Loudon Hill and on other 0% | casions, was a great favorite with him. Her sneer ab ; “the old woman in scarlet, who used to sit upon sevel ~ hills,” “as if one was not enough for her,” amused him pat 7 ticularly. I have heard him say that he had no doubt of having seen the original of the Black Dwarf, the famous | “Canny Elshie.” | Quite a friendship at this time existed between him and : ex-Guvernor Blount of Tennessee. The latter would com? — : occasionally and spend several days with the doctor. It was a great entertainment to me, at such times, to heal — their conversation. Doctor Meriwether was familial — with the progress of literature, arts, and sciences in the old world, and could relate anecdotes of the distinguished ei men, many of whom he had seen. The Governor, on the — other hand, wag well versed in the history of our ow? — country, the thrilling events of its early settlements, Ge™ — | Jackson, and the Indian Wars. The Governor was T@ 4 markable for being very spare. I doubt your having see? any one more so, who was in health. He often made this OW) ASAE ONE 2 98 or BQ YOU) DR. CHAS. MERIWETHER AND HON. JOHN Ww. TYLER. 353 matter of amusement. Being on one occasion at a fashion- able watering-place among the mountains of Tennessee, © was seen by some of the mountaineers, who had brought venison and other game to sell. They looked at im inquisitively. At length, one, a little more forward than the others, said: “ Mister, please tell me what might be your ailment?” “I am afflicted,” said the Gover- aan, “with a swelling of the legs,” pulling up one leg of 1S trowsers to show them. “ Well, I never,” said the Ountaineer, “the water of these springs is powerful.” © Governor was a most agreeable gentleman, and one whom Tennessee delighted to honor. Dr. Meriwether’s ideas of economy differed from those of Most men, both then and now. He lived strictly. on his income. If his crops brought him large sums of Money, it was well ; if not, it was likewise well. Much or little, he never went beyond it. This kept him free from all *nnoyances of indebtedness. He never bought any thing because it was cheap. I Have heard him say that he bebe had during his life, purchased any thing to sell “gain, or to make profit on it, but to keep for his own use. He disapproved of all kinds of gaming and betting. When 8ny one he esteemed bet money and lost it, he always re- Jolced, and would say, “ that was the best that could hap- Pen to cure him, as no advice and warning is likely to do ny good while one is successful.” He was, at the same time, kind-hearted and liberal, and assisted your grand- ather and his family more than any other individual ®Mong his friends. His wife, was also, a very excellent character, As the mistress of a family she had no supe- - Order and system every where prevailed. ‘She was Not afraid of the snow for her household.” It was pleasant 354 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. to see her servants in their clean, warm, and comfortable clothing. All their wants were well supplied, both im — sickness and in health. The most striking trait in her char- — acter was her extensive, but unostentatious charity. All the needy in her vicinity were her beneficiaries, Like the glorious woman mentioned in the Bible, “She stretcheth — out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth forth her hand to the needy.” In the day when “ secret things shall be” revealed,” but not till then, will all her good deeds be known. It is pleasant to write and think of characters — such as these. Your maternal grandmother, Mrs. Barbara a Barker, was her sister, and resembled her in all her ex ‘ cellent qualities, and benevolent impulses. The two sisters, 4 your beloved mother, and Dr. Meriwether were baptized - by your grandfather, and now, after the journey of life, — sleep tranquilly together, in the cemetery at Meriville. The Shakers, a strange new set, first made their ap- A pearance in our country, while I was at Meriville, and — were very active for some time in making proselytes. We attended one of their meetings, at a place then called the — Cross Roads; since, Graysville. Several elders were pres: ent. Their costumes were plain and neat, though singt- — lar; their appearance, rather striking. ; We had several discourses on that occasion. They said that all the world eventually would become Shakers One of them spelled atonement thus, “at-one-ment” and q said it indicated that all people would, eventually, becom@ | one; and thaty then Shakerism would appear in all its” beauty and excellence. In conclusion, they sang one of h their songs to a lively air called, “ Fire in the Moun- tains.” The chorus of which was 7 | OW): RAE ONE LP 9h er BERL Ww De, " DR. CHAS. MERIWETHER AND HON. JOHN W. TYLER. 355 “ Babylon is fallen, is fallen, is fallen, Babylon is fallen to rise no more.” Some years after this, being on my way to Louisville I Visited their village, South Union, then rather a new Place, At that time dancing was one of their public re- ligious exercises. I saw them perform on Sunday. Two lines Were formed facing each other and extending quite “cross their handsome church. A man with a fine voice Sang a quick air, and all fell to dancing, keeping time to the music, and dancing forward and back. This they con- tinued with spirit until, on a signal, all would stop a few Minutes, during which a short exhortation was given, and then dancing was resumed. After they had been well °xercised in this way, they were dismissed. There was nO appearance of gayety whatever; yet still, I imagined, 't was rather a pleasant excitement. I have learned that dancing in public has-been discontinued by the brotherhood. The Shaker religion seems to have been the Most absurd of all “ hwmbugs,” if I may use a slang term. he credulity of a large portion of mankind may be re- 'ed on to an almost unlimited extent, but it was asking too much to require belief that the old Lady, Anne Lee, Was a second “ manifestation of Christ.” This, was bad °nough, but when they forbade “ marrying and giving in Marriage,” many considering this as being mostly what they were made for, there was no longer a hope of suc- ess. Mahomet and Brigham Young understood human nature better, and were “ wiser in their generation” than the Shakers, Shakerism must in the nature of the case die out. The school at Meriville closed some six or eight months after I entered. In the mean time Hon. John W. Tyler, a H ~ rte se stat ese i sa a eee | ' ] | . ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Virginian by birth, had opened a school in the vicinity. To this I was sent: I soon came to admire and esteem our — teacher very much. He reached my ideal of a gentlemaD — in every respect. His knowledge of the Latin was ac- 4 curate. He translated with great ease and elegance, iD — strict accordance with its idiom and grammatical construc- from the classic authors. tion. It was delightful to hear him translate a fine passag? — 4 ‘ 4 . ; After reading Latin with him for several months, I was one day expressing regret, at not being able to read the Greek also; he then remarked that he once commenced : learning that language, but for some reason discontinued it, and added that if I was willing, he would resume it, — and we would study it together. I went into the arrange ment with pleasure, hunted up the old Greek Grammar given me by J udge Brown, and committed it to memory } a then with some difficulty, procured the “ Lexicon Schrev- — elii,” the meaning of every word in which was given in Lat- in, and also a very valuable Greek Testament, with a Latin — version, and took my first lesson in John’s gospel, which we read through. We declined all the nouns, pronouns, “adjectives ; conjugated all the verbs, pointed out the princi- pal parts of the tenses formed from them, and also the man 4 ner of formation, even to the “ Paulo post futurum,” that terror of the school-boy of those days, and in search of . a which an old Greek student is said to have lost his wits iI Westenhall’s Grammar gave us a specimen of the Greek Tree, which consisted of the root of the verb, and all the — tenses or branches formed from it. We.took great plea sure in seeing this tree grow up under our pencils, and — spread out its branches, one after another, until it attained — perfection. You must understand that Mr. Tyler was CW PCR OVE LP 4 er BIER WL DR. CHAS. MERIWETHER AND HON. JOHN W. TYLER. 357 then a young man, only five or six years older than myself, So that there was a good deal of sympathy between Master and pupil. I dwell the longer on these small Matters, first, because they go to show the truth of the old adage—* Where there is a will there is a way,” and also, because it fs pleasant to think of those old school-boy days, ' the morning of life. After John’s Gospel we read other books, Graeca Minora and Majora, Lucian’s Dialogues, the Anabasis and Cyropeedia of Xenophon etc., and finally plunged into The iad, that grand old epic whose sublimity and beauty, Notwithstanding its gray antiquity, remain and will re- Main, a marvel and a mystery ; and which, like the deity \t describes, “ts glory shrouds, In gloomy tempest and night of clouds,” Mr. Tyler, from this time continued at the head of a large and flourishing school, till his death in 1866, except the years he was in the Tennessee Legislature, both as Senator and member of the lower house. His death filled the whole community with lasting sorrow. Between him and his family and your grandfather, there Were for many years relations of a pleasant kind, the re- Sult of mutual esteem and friendship. I always considered him a Superior, and in many respects a remarkable, man. hile all proceeded smoothly in his school, he was singu- larly mild and gentle. But when insubordination or defi- ance made its appearance—which he was quick ‘to observe and the crisis came, he met it with a nerve that never failed fully to impress all with the knowledge that he Was “master of the situation.” On account of the fine 16* ————— : EW): BCA CONE 2 9 er BR Y ELDER REUBEN ROSS. qualities of both his head and heart he was greatly . beloved by his pupils, and “Old Luke,” as he was famil- ; larly called among the boys, will long be remembered with affection and tenderness by many, who have not for- gotten the happy school boy days spent under his instruc — tion, ‘ CHAPTER XXXVI. ALEXANDER CAMPBELL. _ For several years after the organization of Bethel Asso- Clation, all looked bright and cheering. Peace reigned in all her borders. New churches were constituted, and her Membership was constantly on the increase. Not a cloud Was visible on the distant horizon. The most experienced a Mariner would have predicted a long and prosperous voy- a | “Se over a tranquil sea. But even then, far away among the distant Alleghanies, a storm was gathering, destined to try the timbers of the goodly ship. 4 The storm king, on the present occasion, was the cele- ral ated Alexander Campbell. He was a native of Ireland, : rn in 1788 in the county of Antrim. He was finely edu- cated, and possessed talents of the highest order. 7 _He landed in New York city in 1809, having in charge a ‘8 mother and sisters, all on their way to join the hus- | band and father, who had come out two years previously ‘0 prepare a home for them on their arrival. The history of their voyage is of uncommon interest, especially that relating to their shipwreck during a storm on the coast of , Scotland, which caused a long separation between the Aa father and his family. From New York they proceeded i to Philadelphia—thence, across the Alleghany Mountains, to Western Pennsylvania, where Elder Thomas Campbell, ia the father, attracted by the romantic beauty and fertility of the country, had selected his home. 359 a callin Saves ELDER REUBEN ROSS. He was a minister of the gospel belonging to the de nomination of Christians known as the Seceders, who se ceded from the Presbyterian Church of Scotland in 1733, © on account of their opposition to what was called the “law _ 4 of Patronage.” All accounts describe him as an excellent 4 character. He was distinguished alike for learning, talents, — philanthropy, and piety. In emigrating to this country he seems to have had two i 4 objects in view—providing a home for his now large family, where land was both cheap and fertile, and hoping, or rather dreaming, that he might here be instrumental in 4 bringing the various religious denominations together im one great brotherhood, where all would see “ eye to eye, — and speak the same thing,” preparatory to the introduction of the Millennial glory. There is reason also to believe that he had largely imbued the mind of his son Alexander % with this idea, which in after years suggested the name of 4 his periodical, the Millennial Harbinger. When Thomas Campbell, in 1807, reached Washington 4 County, Pennsylvania, he was happy to find among the 3 pioneer settlers a number of his Seceder brethren, who had already organized presbyteries and a synod. They re ceived him with open arms, and considered themselves highly favored in having among them so good a man and a preacher so able; and, as was natural, they anticipated much happiness in the future. But these hopes were not to be realized, for Elder Campbell soon began his reforma- tory measures, by permitting persons to partake of the Lord’s Supper, who, by the rules of his church, were nob authorized to do so. This produced trouble, and he was o finally summoned for trial before the Presbytery, which ; decided against him, when he took an appeal to the Synod. eT ALEXANDER CAMPBELL. 361 Finding this also unfavorable, he seceded from his brother Seceders, and, as is usual in such cases, carried off a num- ber of his brethren with him. The turn things had taken seems to have perplexed the old man greatly, finding almost at the commencement that he was about to add another denomination to the number which, according to his views, was already far too Steat, and which he had fondly hoped to reduce. Finally, however, as there seemed no alternative, he formed his followers into a body, not to be called a church, but “ A Christian Association,” to meet at stated periods for wor- ship. He recommended to this body the adoption of the formula, that “ When the Bible speaks they would speak, and when the Bible is silent they would be silent.” This formula Dr, Richardson, Alexander Campbell's biographer, Considers ag containing the germ of the “current Refor- mation.” Here he began to foresee’ the difficulties that lay ‘2 the way of his progress. For no sooner had he an- ounced this principle in the meeting than Andrew "nro, a shrewd Scotchman, rose and said: “ Mr. Camp- bell, if we adopt that as a basis, there is an end of infant ‘ptism,” Mr. Campbell replied, in substance: “If in- fant baptism is not found in the Bible, according to our Tule, we must give it up.” Here another brother arose, and, with tears in his eyes, said; “I hope I may never See the day when my heart will renounce that blessed say- ‘nS of the Bible: ‘Suffer little children to come unto “ne, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of eaven.”’ The Seceders were thorough Pedobaptists. However, by common consent, they agreed to waive the Subject of infant baptism for the present, and to publish a ®claration or Address” to the people. 3862 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Elder Thomas Campbell, still feeling uncomfortable in the position he and his little flock occupied; next con-_ : cluded to make an overture to the Presbyterians to unite faith and practice. This movement was disapproved by his son, Alexander, who had by this time joined his fathet — and took a deep interest in what was going on. The Presbyterian Synod, fearing probably that, on account of their latitudinarian and reformatory proclivities, they would occasion trouble, declined to admit them into theif with them, they differing but little from the Seceders in communion, This called forth a severe philippic from 4 Alexander Campbell against the Presbyterian Synod, ; whence may be dated his war with that influential denomi g nation, which was waged with much vigor on both sides for many years. be The Christian Association now determined to form them- EI selves into a regular ‘church organization, chose Elder a Thomas Campbell as their pastor, elected deacons, and ; ordained Alexander Campbell as a minister of the gospel, who immediately began to preach in the surrounding 4 country with marked ability. % The members of the “ Brush Run Church,” as this was “4 called, were at first Pedobaptists; but what Andrew Munro had said, seems to have set them to examining the — subject, and they found, as they thought, that there wa no authority in the Bible for infant sprinkling, and they — were all finally immersed, Father Campbell and Alexande! — included.* Some of them at first, however, did not com® 4 * This comprehensive statement does not enter into details, ‘The his ef torical fact is that Thomas and Alexander Campbell and others recei¥ a immersion June 12, 1812, at the hands of Elder Mathias Luce, a regulat ic Baptist minister, a pastor in the Redstone Association. f ALEXANDER CAMPBELL. 363 to believe in immersion so readily as afterward. On one ,ccasion, when several were to be baptized, Father Camp- bell. took them down to Buffalo Creek, to a place where the Water was quite deep, coming up to the shoulders. He himself did not enter the water, but stood up on a root that Projected a little over the surface, and bent their heads ~OWn until they were buried in the liquid grave, repeating a €ach case the baptismal formula. This was now, essen- Hally, a Baptist Church, Calvinistic in doctrine,—as the Baptists generally were of that day,—opposed to sprink- ing, believing immersion alone the proper act, and be- lievers only the proper subjects of baptism. But for some Cause it did not seem to take root and flourish, notwith- Standing it had two of the ablest preachers in all the coun- try. Its membership being at this time only about twenty- “ight, Father Campbell felt quite distressed at their slow Progress, and still greatly desired a union with some reli- 8l0us body, ‘This was eventually effected. tt There was at that time, 1813, in the rich valleys among *© Western slopes of the Alleghanies, a number of Baptist churches organized into the Redstone Association, so Called from an old Indian fort of that name, on the Monon- eras River, sixty miles above Pittsburgh, where the °wn of Brownsville now stands. This Association num- bered Over thirty churches and about eleven hundred Members, _ From what we can learn of the “laity” of this Associa- tion they seem to have been a quiet and orderly body of Christians, fond of reading the Bible, the Pilgrim’s Pro- 9’ess, the Holy War, Booth’s writings, and other standard ge of Baptist literature, and guarding with special care © baptism instituted by the Great Head of the Church 364 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. himself. But, although this honorable testimony was borne to the character of the members of these churches by Elder A. Campbell, he gives an invidious picture of the — 4 “clergy” of the Redstone Association when he says: ; a ‘The people were much more highly appreciated by me, than theif ministry. Indeed, the ministry of most sects, is, generally, in the” 4 aggregate, much the worst part of them. It was certainly so, in the Redstone Association thirty years ago. They were little men in big office. The office did not suit them, They had a wrong idea, t00, % what was wanting. They seemed to think that a broad rim on the! hat instead of a narrow one, a prolongation of the face, ahd a fictitious” gravity, a longer and more emphatic pronunciation of certain words) rather than spiritual knowledge, etc, * * were the grand desiderata.” In the above we have an illustration of that bitterness p: feeling towards “clergymen” that so much marred th@ beauty of his Christian character. F Still feeling isolated and lonely, Father Campbell and his little flock next turned their eyes to the Redstom Association, and petitioned for union with them. Admit ting the Baptists to be harmless as doves, they certainly were not wise as serpents. For unlike the Presbyterial® and Seceders, they received them with open arms, allé— rejoiced, no doubt, at having in their number, those tw?” able preachers. But this proved to be a fatal step Lay them, and was the “ beginning of their end.” “The fatal = ) machine had entered their city.” a Elder A. Campbell soon preached doctrines that soundet 4 strange in their old Baptist ears. By some these ne¥ doctrines were approved, by others condemned, and wat was inaugurated. Those opposed to Elder Campbell's viewS at one time thought they had matured a plan to excol” municate him, or throw him overboard, as the frighten® ai ALEXANDER CAMPBELL. ~* 365 Mariners did Jonah of old, during the storm that threat- ®ned them with destruction. But they little knew their man. When they were about to take the vote for this Purpose, to their amazement, they found that Jonah had already gone on board another ship that was near by,— that is, had transferred himself to the Mahoning Associa- tion ; and thereby having checkmated his adversaries, as wr. Richards says, was out of their jurisdiction and still 'n the Baptist denomination. Still the fight went bravely "nh among the Redstone people, long after the cause had left them, and it continued till scarce a vestige of the Red- Stone Association was left. One can but feel sorrowful at their fate, when he remembers how cozy and comfortable they were before the evil days came upon them. We may Say, in passing, that Father Campbell, when he saw his little bark, that had so long been drifting about at sea, Safely anchored, gave the helm into the hands of his son, and was no more seen actively engaged in its manage- ment, For several years after Elder A. Campbell united with the Baptists, he preached a good deal, and his reputation for learning and talents was on the increase. In 1820, he and a Presbyterian minister named Walker had a debate on the Subject of Baptism, in which he gained additional laurels and proved himself to be an able debater. The year 1823 was an important era in the life of A. Campbell, In this year he held his celebrated debate with Bay. Wm. ©. McCalla, also a Presbyterian minister ; the Subject again was Baptism, and again he obtained fresh laurels, It was in this debate he turned the laugh upon his adversary (who had been saying a good deal about the Unhealthiness of the practice of going down into the water 3866 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. and being immersed), by requesting the audience to look first at Elder Jeremiah Vardeman, one of the moderators, a man of magnificent proportions, over six feet high, and— weighing about three hundred pounds, who had perhaps immersed a greater number of converts than any other man in America,—and then, at a little, dry Presbyteriat 4 minister (another moderator), sitting near him, who during” all his ministerial career had been sprinkling babies, and . then decide on the unwholesomeness of immersion. In this year also, the publication of the “Christian Bap- . tist’’ was begun by Elder Campbell, which had a wide cits, culation, and added to his reputation, by proving him 10 be a ready writer as well as an able debater. This work created considerable interest among all religious partie’ especially among the Baptists, many of whom considered some of its teachings not so much reformatory as unsoun@ and revolutionary. Although the Baptists in Southern Kentucky felt ay views, yet, as they thought, he had defended them so gal 2 lantly against the Pedobaptists, their old hereditary opp nents, they could not conscientiously turn against him, by” saying anything to his disadvantage. He was the pride of their hearts, especially of those who were present at th?” McCalla debate, which was held in Washington, Maso County, Ky.; after which he occasionally came down ane preached among us. a In one of these visits,-he came as far south as Elk 00 Todd County, and preached in the old court house. oS house was closely packed. His reputation bringing maly aa from distant points, I rode fifteen miles to hear him 7 that occasion. ” father, EW) BCE CONE LP 98 rR ALEXANDER CAMPBELL. He was then somewhat out of health, and remained Seated most of the time while speaking. The people gen- erally, were disappointed, as they had come with the ex- Pectation of hearing a great display of oratory, and his dis- Course happened to be rather didactic on that occasion. He told us of the Temple and the utensils used in it, and What they symbolized. I remember becoming greatly interested in what he said of those things. Toward the Close of his discourse, he rose to his feet and treated us to Some very fine oratory, in which Kentuckians delighted “Specially in those days, On leaving the court house, after the discourse ended, while standing near the door, some ne called my name, and on turning around, I found it was Our old family friend, Mr. William Dickinson, whom you vemember no doubt, and a great admirer of your grand- He asked me my opinion of the discourse? I told him I thought it very fine. “ Yes,” he said, “I sup- Pose it was, but your grandfather can beat him any day in the year, give him an even start.” I replied, I had my doubts about that. He said, “ I have none whatever,” ut I suppose he thought differently afterwards, as he finally went over to the Reformers. This was the gentle- wn with whom Elder Robert Rutherford resided till his Sath. I saw Mr. Campbell twice after this, once at Doctor Meriwether’s and again at Oikadelphia Church, Where I heard him preach a second time. Your mother and I, with a number of others, spent the evening with him at Cctor Meriwether’s at the time alluded to, and heard him “onverse with much interest and pleasure. A gentleman Present, inclined to infidelity, got into an argument, and Elder Campbell soon disposed of his case in a very pleasant a leaving no disagreeable feeling. He was a superb 368 ELDER REUBEN ROSS talker, and passed gracefully from one interesting subject. to another, till a late hour of the night. Some years after this, when on his way to Nashville, he again visited Doctor Meriwether, spending several days, and a messenger was sent, requesting your grandfather to g0 and be with him while there. He did so, and they spent two nights and a day together, during which interview, they talked over all the new issues that had been raised by Mr. Campbell concerning faith, baptism, and spiritual — influence, : After your grandfather returned home, desiring to heat his report, I rode over to see him. He said, he had been | very favorably impressed by Elder Campbell, both as a@ gentleman and a Christian, and added that “ when he un- | folded his views in conversation, they seemed less objection- | able, than when seen in print.” Being asked if he thought union and harmony could be preserved among the Baptists, _ he shook-his head and said, he “feared not,” and that much trouble was in store for the Baptist churches, and that many friendships of long standing were destined to be broken up. This he felt very acutely. After this Mr. Campbell at one time would seem to moderate a little, and — with Elders Semple, Meredith, Broadus, and others, ab then again to go to greater extremes. In his discussions _ f times, he would so express himself as to encourage hop@ E. of their coming to an understanding. He, and old Bishop a Semple, as he was sometimes called, went so far as to get a in the same bed and sleep together.* This was really, i ‘ ; | i | :} P i 3 B very encourageing, and it would seem that some good, ought to have come of it, but unfortunately, none ever did. F * See Memoirs of Mr. Campbell by Dr. Richardson, CHAPTER XXXVII. DISSENT FROM ELDER CAMPBELL. I propose now to notice some of the points wherein Your grandfather differed from Elder Alexander Camp- bell. These were often the subjects of conversation during the rise and progress of what was called the “ Current eformation,” He had read with care all that Elder Campbell had Written and published both in he Christian Baptist snd in The Millennial Harbinger. And when, in 1835, he published a small volume entitled: “ Christianity Re- Stored,” he perused that also with special care, as it was = PPosed to contain his more mature views. He was now fully Satisfied that they were unsound on several subjects, “Specially so in regard to faith, baptism, and spiritual Influence, As to faith, he differed from Elder Campbell in this : = at the Bible clearly teaches that the forgiveness of sins ‘S predicated on faith in its true, scriptural import, in Which is always implied a disposition to love and obey God : Whereas, Elder Campbell taught that no one’s sins Ste forgiven unless he is baptized, immersed in water, Tt was your grandfather’s custom, in order to determine what the Bible taught on any subject, to group together a Sufficient number of passages bearing on it, like so many independent Witnesses to a particular fact. — 36 370 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. would leave on the mind a conviction little less strong ~ than demonstration. Some of the texts he cited to prove that forgiveness of sin was predicated on faith, were a8 a follows : > | “And, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must i the Son of man be lifted up. That whosoever believeth on him should — not perish, but have eternal life.” Be “He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth — F not, is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of © the only begotten Son of God.” e “ He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that be lieveth not the Son shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” ; @ “Jesus said unto her; I am the resurrection and the life, He that A believeth on me, though he were dead yet shall he live.” ; “ By grace are ye saved, through faith.” “ And whosoever believeth on me shall never die.” “ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Chrish — q is born of God.” “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ ; fot it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” ; Now it seems, as your grandfather would say, little less than incredible that any one should come to the conclusion — that salvation is not predicated on faith, after readi these texts and many others like them. And if languag® 4 like this could be explained away, who can say that any- thing certain cén be learned from the Sacred Oracles He would remark that, not only the voice of Revelation teaches this great truth, but Reason also. Bible that brings salvation is a faith in Christ, “ th works by love,” disposing men to love, reverence, and obe dience. This brings them into the relation of children whereby they can say, “Abba, Father,” for the apostle says, “ Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus,” and hence, “heirs of God, and joint heirs with — ’ OW « BCE ONE Le ™ 98 dee kA Wu DISSENT FROM ELDER CAMPBELL. 371 Christ.” J ust as Noah’s faith moved him to build the ark, as God commanded, and saved him and his family from being swept away by the deluge; so does faith in Christ, —it works by love and brings the sinner into fel- lowship with God and with his Son Jesus Christ. They are then “in Christ ;” and thus by grace are they saved, through faith. Hence, he would say, both reason and revelation predicate pardon and eternal life on the faith of the Sospel. But, since the Bible speaks of a living faith, or “faith that works by love,” and a dead faith which is of no value, every one should take heed to the kind of faith he possesses, The former he compared to a tree planted ya fountain, bending under its load of fruits; the latter, toa blighted trunk, with decayed branches and withered leaves, ‘The man who has living faith—the faith that looks to Christ, and rests in him, and longs to be with tim—he likened to one who, having confidence that there 18 a better country, with more fertile soil, a milder climate and more salubrious air, begins without delay his journey to this « better land ;” while he whose faith is dead, never Moves away from the bleak and sterile soil on which he first drew breath. Many, he feared, who simply admitted er assented to the truths of the gospel, mistook this for true faith, No one, though, need be deceived on this Momentous subject. If his faith leads him to love and Teverence God, and to walk in all the ordinances and com- Mandments of the Lord, blameless, he need have no fears “He has the witness within One can as certainly know that he loves the favenly Father, as that he loves an earthly friend and ©nefactor, | | | \ seein nuinmesmemenmemeneeemenennnenen ee Se a a ee oe ee 372 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. According to your grandfather's views, the faith which ¢ saves the soul involves not only the assent of the under standing to the truths of the gospel, but the consent of thé will, and the approval of the heart. He thought Mr Campbell’s view defective, because it makes faith almost exclusively an intellectual exercise. If “faith works by love,” it has to do with the heart, for it is the heart thab_ loves. It is not necessary for me to enlarge, as you cal_ see wherein your grandfather and Mr. Campbell differed.” Elder Campbell’s views on baptism, also, were objected | to. On page 213 of “ Christianity Restored,” he says: “Tf, then, the present forgiveness of sins be a privilege and a right of those under the new constitution in the kingdom of Jesus, and if being ‘born again,’ and being ‘born of the water and the Spirit’ is necessary to admission ; and if being born of water means immersion, as is clearly proved by all witnesses, then remission of sins in this life cannot be" : ceived or enjoyed previous to baptism. The remissio® of sins, or coming into a state of acceptance, being one of the present im- munities of the kingdom, cannot be received or enjoyed by any one pt vious to baptism.” ; * It is well to emphasize the fact that Christ is the object of gospel faith. He who exercises this faith not only believes what the gospé says about Christ, but believes in him, Faith is a personal matter, 0° merely because it is the act of a person, but because Christ, its object, ¥ a person. No belief of any propositions concerning Christ has any 88¥" ing element in it, apart from faith in him as a personal Saviour. Faith is a trustful reception of Christ as the only Saviour. This faith follo } repentance. There is, of course, a faith that precedes repentance. That is to say, a man must believe there is a God against whom he has sinned, before he can repent; but this differs from faith in Christ. It is only ® preparation for the exercise of faith in Christ. He who is convinced tha? he is a ruined sinner, in perishing need of a Saviour, is ready to give ™ the Lord Jesus that reception which the gospel claims for him. ReceiY ing Christ is inseparable from love to him, and therefore “ faith wor by love.” J. M. Pe EW NRE NE eee DISSENT FROM ELDER CAMPBELL. 373 oe then, Elder Campbell unequivocally teaches, that N Out immersion there is no remission of sins. or ts Baptist, perhaps, living or dead, had ever believed que “iy dreamed of a dogma like this before ; and, conse- atly, it fell like a bombshell in their ranks. Its very n Nal though, seems to have had a kind of fascination oY some Notwithstanding the great importance your grandfather ia attached to baptism, in its proper place and import, ana = believed that the forgiveness of sins was predi- aad Sr = Faith, in its Bible import, as already stated, conditic odily act whatever that men can perform, is the Saihiaas, of salvation. Men ought to be baptized, as an New life or symbol of death to sin, and resurrection to a » and not to obtain the forgiveness of their sins. ut ar ‘ep : : q © not the “ Reformers” beginning to reconsider this ae of a ? An article has recently appeared from the pen eet T. Anderson, whom we used to hear preach so ees at our old Oikadelphia Church, in the stormy days Soa beginning of the Reformation, and who was.then Elder ered one of the most uncompromising advocates of Campbell’s views, in which he says: eer: aptism j te ; for w Pusm in water for the remission of sin can never be sustained, ater affects : eart, as seers only the body. But the blood of Christ affects the throngh nr oe bg words above quoted, and can affect the heart only teaches the x... pai “In Rom 6:4, 6, we have language that resurrection. Tene of baptism. It is the likeness of Christ's death and 7 Ke 8 it not then a symbol, or if any one prefer, an emblem? @nd rose Sra are sufficient for our purpose. Christ died, was buried, of What Me r We are buried in water and raised again as a likeness WwW did. But the likeness of his death can never affect our sins. Ww nd him, lay hold on him by faith, and be baptized in of our being baptized into him in Spirit.” ® must apprehe ater as & symbol 17 374 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Thus we see that Elder Anderson, a veteran in the army of the Reformation, and a laborious student of the Bible, having given what is thought to be an excellent transla- tion of the New Testament from the original Greek, after the lapse of forty years, holds the identical views your grandfather did from the beginning, namely, that bap- tism is a symbol or emblem of the forgiveness of sins, and not that by, or through which, the pardon of sin is obtained. Elder Campbell’s views in regard to Spiritual Influence were not in accord with your grandfather’s views. On page 350 of the volume referred to, Elder Campbell says : “As the spirit of man puts forth all its moral power in the words which it fills with its ideas, so the Spirit of God puts forth all its convert- ing and sanctifying power in the words which it fills with its ideas.” * * %* “Tf the Spirit of God has spoken all its arguments, &c., then all the power of the Holy Spirit that can operate upon the human mind is spent.” From these and kindred passages, your grandfather said — it was clear that Mr. Campbell believed and taught that — all the converting power of God was in the word alone. — Now, he believed equally with Elder Campbell that the Holy Spirit operates on the human mind, by and through the word, but not by and through the word alone.* He * It is safe to say that the Holy Spirit operates through the word. It is not, however, necessary to say that he always confines himself to this method of optration. We disparage the Spirit if we say that he cannot gain access to the human heart without words; for we vitl- tually represent him as unable to. do what Satan does every day. Some of Mr. Campbell’s opponents, forty years ago, did him injustice in insist- ting’ that he identified the Spirit and the word. He never did this, but the view which he urged was that the Spirit is in the word—so that if — we have the word we have the Spirit in all his converting and sanctify- DISSENT FROM ELDER CAMPBELL. 875 believed and thought that the Holy Spirit often influences the souls of men, entirely independent of the word, but always in accordance or in harmony with it; that he influ- ences the human mind, even in the dark corners of the earth, where the word has never been; and that to this divine influence is to be attributed all that is good and Virtuous in heathen lands. “Why,” he would ask, “may not the Good Spirit, without words oral or written, influ- ence the minds of men, since Satan, the Evil Spirit, and according to the Scriptures the enemy of God and man, is now, and ever has been doing this without any word oral or written ?” Elder Campbell's reason for not believing this was that no one could understand how it was possible that Spirit could act directly on spirit, except through the medium of words. Your grandfather thought this objection not only unscriptural but unphilosophical. All know that matter attracts or influences matter. Of this they have no doubt. But the greatest philosopher, living or dead, could not tell how it was done. He could say, that matter is attracted by attraction or influenced by influence, and that would be the end. He would say that men know something about many things, but understand very few things fully, either in the natural or the spiritual world. And that he was a Wise man who said, he that believed only what he under- Stood, had the shortest creed known. And he concluded that Mr. Campbell was mistaken when he denied that Spirit Could operate on spirit, unless through the medium of words es power. This, however, may not have been his uniform view, for he ten changed his opinions, and, indeed, came as near as any man of modern times, to passing through all the signs of the theological zodiac. J. M.P. 376 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. “filled with ideas ;” since, according to the Bible, the Old Enemy and his emissaries are “going about seeking whom they may devour,” or lead to destruction by their wicked influence, independent of words. When he wishes to make one murder his neighbor, or do any other wicked- ness, great or small, he does not hold a talk with him, but by temptation, suggestion, or impulse induces him to com- mit the deed. Or he enters into the wretch, as he is said to have done into Judas Iscariot, to tempt him, without the use of language, to betray his master. We believe that there are many other passages of Scripture, which led to the belief that Spirit operated on spirit, directly, with- out the intervention of words, such as “ My Spirit shall not always strive with men.’’ “The Spirit of God came upon him.” (Balaam.) The personal experience of each individual also, he thought, proved the voiceless influence of the evil spirit on the mind. He would say that probably most persons re- member times when suddenly, by some evil influence, their whole nature, for the moment, seemed to be changed for the worse, and then slowly “to right up again,” as if by some beneficent influence or spirit. And, also, times when his nature seemed to be mysteriously exalted to a higher degree of purity and excellence. So far then, from believing with Elder Campbell that, all the power of the Spirit of God upon man is in the word alone, and that — ; when the word was given all was given, he thought that even dead inanimate matter was often governed by the — Spirit as when in the early days of creation he moved upon — the waters, bringing order and beauty out of chaos. When i DISSENT FROM ELDER CAMPBELL. 377 for these the waves could neither hear nor understand. When he laid his malediction on the barren fig tree, and it Withered and died, when he called the lifeless form of Lazarus from the grave, it was not the words alone that produced the effect, but an awful and invisible power be- yond them. Indeed, there was no subject on which I ever heard your grandfather converse more interestingly than that of the Holy Spirit, whose power, he thought, pervaded all the realms of creation, ever bringing good from evil, and counteracting the baleful influence of the Prince of Dark- ness and his emissaries. Christ spoke to the storm-tossed waves of the Sea of | Galilee, the power that stilled them, was not in the words, — CHAPTER XXXVIII. END OF THE REFORMATION. WE learn, from his Memoirs by Dr. Richardson, that Elder Campbell made a profession of religion in his youth. And his experience, as then given, seems to resemble all those of the times, “As his convictions deepened he underwent much conflict-of mind, and experienced great concern in regard to his own salvation; so that he lost, for a time, his usual vivacity, and sought in lonely walk and by prayer in secluded spots, to obtain such evidence of divine acceptance as his pious acquaintances considered requisite. / ‘Finally, after many strugglings,’ he adds, ‘I was enabled to trust in the Saviour of sinners, and feel my reliance on him as the only Saviour. From the moment I was enabled to feel this relianceon the Lord Jesus Christ, I obtained and enjoyed peace of mind.’” I doubt not that during the interview at Dr. Meri- wether’s, Elder Campbell gave your grandfather this ac- count of his conversion, and of his subsequent Christian life, as we are informed he did to Elder John Smith. After his conversion he became a member of his father’s church, and before leaving the old country, it is probable they con- versed often concerning the possibility of doing something in the new world, to aid the cause of religion and Christian union (which seems to have occupied much of their thoughts), as here civil and religious liberty were fully enjoyed. On arriving in this country, taking it for granted that religion was in its depressed state on account of the number of sects, creeds, and.errors in doctrine that every- — 378 END OF THE REFORMATION. 379 where prevail ; and concluding that if these could be all thrown overboard, and what he called “ Primitive Chris- tianity, or the ancient order of things, restored,” the church would spring into new life and beauty ; and supposing also that he could make others see this as plainly as he himself saw it,—he commenced war upon them all, being naturally of a sanguine and determined character. This brought down upon him, in turn, the ministers of all the various denominations almost in solid phalanx. He accepted battle and fought like a Titan. And, if what some witty fellow has said be true, namely: “that an Englishman is never so happy as when miserable, a Scotchman never so much at home as when abroad, and an Jrishman never so much at peace as when at war,” Elder Campbell, for many years, must have enjoyed a peaceful and happy time. But Elder Campbell, your grandfather thought, made a capital mistake at the beginning. He was in the predica- ment of a physician who had failed in the diagnosis, and was treating his patient for one disease while he was dying of another. It was, he used to say, not the number of sects, creeds, and false doctrines, that was doing the mis- chief; these were the effects of the malady, not the cause, and would disappear when the real cause should be re- moved. What the Christian world needed was religion. What Christianity needed was Christians to exhibit its power and beauty in their lives and conduct,—men and women who would “let their light so shine before men, that they, seeing their good works, would glorify their Father who is in heaven.” There is nothing in any form of church government, he thought, to prevent any member thereof from leading a truly Christian life and serving God “in the beauty of holi- 380 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. ness.” ‘ What is a Christian,” he would ask, “ but one who loves the Christ and delights in his service?” He is a good citizen, obedient to the laws made for the benefit of society. He is a kind husband, a kind father, a kind master, a kind neighbor, just and honorable in all his deal- ings, a friend and benefactor of the poor and destitute, and according to his means, “ abounding in every good word and work.” Now, supposing all “ who name the name of Christ” to come up to this standard, what would be the result? The power of Christianity would subdue the world, and truth and righteousness extend from the rivers to the ends of the earth, and “fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners” (to all evil doers); and it would soon “cover the earth, as the waters cover the face of the great deep.” Of course, there would be a breaking down of all the dividing walls between the fol- lowers of Christ. He taught that the downfall of creeds, false doctrines, and sects, depended on the rise of Chris- tianity, in its power and beauty, and that the Reformer should devote his talents and zeal to this object with unre- mitting ardor. When the doctrines of the Reformation reached our part of Kentucky, they produced quite a sensation among all classes of people, both religious and irreligions. The tur- moil was greatest, I think, between 1830 and 1840. The — din of politics was, for a time, not so loud. Clay and Jackson, Whig and Democrat, Tariff and anti-Tariff, were — no longer the only subjects of debate and controversy; — but Campbellism and anti-Campbellism were endlessly dis- cussed. The Baptists in our section of Kentucky were much — END OF THE REFORMATION. 881 agitated, though not as much so as in the northern coun- ties. The questions of hyper-Calvinism had been pretty much settled among us; and Campbellism, as it was called, was the only cause of discussion. But in the northern counties they had both hyper-Calvinism and Campbellism to fight. To add to their distress, they lost several of their distinguished preachers, who deserted their ranks and Joined the Reformation; among whom were the Creaths, and Elder Philip 8. Fall. With the latter your grand- father became acquainted, and loved and esteemed him as a highly cultivated Christian and an ornament to the Bap- tists. He is the father of Elder James S. Fall, an ac- quaintance of yours, late of Russellville, highly esteemed as a preacher. The Reformers had quite an advantage over their oppo- nents in one respect. They had an able leader, who used & press of his own, and by this means, through his periodi- cals, could furnish his disciples with his views, and the arguments to be employed in their support, all prepared for use, which, when well learned, all were equipped for fighting in column and to act in concert ; whereas, their adversaries had each to choose his own ground and make his own fight as best he could. A number of preachers, some of whom possessed good talents and popplar manners, came into our country from a distance, among whom were Elders Jesse B. and John D. Ferguson ; and, some years later, their venerable father from Baltimore, Elder Charles M. Day, and Henry T. An- derson from Virginia, to whom Elder Isaiah Boone, a good local speaker, rendered efficient aid. He had been raised up under your grandfather’s ministry, but went over to the Reformers. These men, well suited to giveres pecta- © de 382 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. bility to the cause, were very active and influential, and some of them good debaters; they canvassed very thor- oughly the region of country in which your grandfather lived, and made many proselytes and converts. The feature of the new doctrine, that seemed to be most fascinating, was “ baptism for the remission of sins.” They, everywhere, and on all preaching occasions, promised the forgiveness of sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, to all who would make what they called “the good confession,” viz: that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, promise to obey the gospel, or submit to immersion. Elder H. T. Ander- son told them one might obtain the forgiveness of his sins in three minutes, as well as in a thousand years; and at another time said to me, standing on the bank of the stream while he was baptizing: “If you will go with me down into the water, I will bring you up from it free from sin as an angel.” These terms seemed so easy and favorable, that many availed themselves of them, and were baptized; others, again, fearing there might be some mistake in this, held aloof, thinking they ought first to show some “ fruits meet for repentance,” or be conscious of a éhange in themselves for the better, before they professed to the world that they were followers of Christ. Those who accepted this doctrine to the letter, earnestly entreated all they loved, without delay, to obey the gospel, viz: be immersed, and were amazed that any,one should hesitate for a moment in ob- taining the pardon of sin, when it was made so easy; others were alarmed, lest those they loved should be hur- ried on to take a step for which they were utterly unpre- pared. “Crimination and recrimination” followed, and many of the oldest and purest friendships were broken up 2 nah Rae A RL aN END OF THE REFORMATION. 883 forever. Husbands and wives, parents and children, were in many instances, unhappily, estranged. There are, in- deed, few things more sad to contemplate than a disturb- ance of the religious peace and harmony of families and churches, when there is no good reason for it. There is always a greater amount of unhappiness produced than is at first apparent. Sorrows and regrets often remain through life, though they may never be mentioned. The common family altar has lost its interest and charm, and the old church, where those that once loved each other used to meet and worship, is deserted and falling into de- cay and ruin. My thoughts revert to our own Oikadelphia Church, where, in other days, so many loving friends and relatives met for worship. While the Reformers were busy in-dissseminating their views and making converts, your grandfather and his brethren in the ministry were not idle. They changed their manner of preaching but little. Seldom selected a text which indicated that they intended preaching a ser- mon of a controversial character. This was especially the Case in regard to him. But he always expressed himself freely when any of these subjects came incidentally in his way. The necessity of “ repentance towards God, and faith in Christ ;” the importance of making preparation during life for the solemn hour of death and the final judgment ; and of walking blameless in all the ordinances and com- mandments of the Divine Master, formed the burden of his €arnest appeals to the people, from which he seldom devi- ated. His warning voice was not heard in vain, and oe were added to the churches, even in those troublous imes, 884 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Many of his brethren, some from a distance, visited him in their perplexity and trouble for advice and counsel. And many, who were not in any church, but were inter- ested in their individual salvation, came to learn of him the way and plan of salvation. In this manner, and by his conversations in the family circle, when.out on his tours of preaching, his influence was felt throughout the country. At last the din of battle began gradually to die away, and when the smoke had lifted, a new denomination was the result, in addition to the number, already too great. It was found that the Baptists had fully maintained their ground in the contest, and that their banner still waved . over more than sixty churches, composing the Bethel As- sociation, with prestige unimpaired. It is sad to remember how many who fought in this fratricidal war have passed away, and now, after their work is done, sleep in their silent graves, where— “ The storms that wreck the wintry sky No more disturb their last repose, Than summer evening's latest sigh ° Disturbs the rose.” CHAPTER XXXIX. PHRENOLOGY,—-MESMERISM,—SPIRITUALISM, ETC. Arter the quiet, which had been disturbed by the promulgation of the new doctrines advocated by A. Camp- bell and his adherents, was restored, another season of peace and prosperity prevailed among the Churches of ~ Bethel Association, which continued until the commence- ment of our great civil war, in 1860, which paralyzed all the interests of the country, both civil and religious, in a Sreat degree. Several things followed in succession during this period, to interest and amuse the people in our parts of Kentucky and Tennessee, which, perhaps, should be noticed in giving an account of these times. These are Phrenology, Mes- merism, Spiritualism, etc. Phrenology, I believe, aspires to the dignity of a science, It professes to be able to throw light upon the character, disposition, temper, and the moral and intellectual quali- ties of each individual, by the size, location, etc., of the bamps, or protuberances, to be found on his cranium. Each of these is supposed to have a significance of its own ; and he who could read it, could tell every one his character, and lay it bare to the inspection of spectators. The idea Seems to be somewhat like this: In the substance of the brain the feelings, passions, desires, and intellectual powers have each a particular location, and operate there with 385 . ) . i i 1 - ee ————SS ELDER REUBEN ROSS. such force as to cause an upheaval of the bone immediately above them, as the forces below the earth’s surface some- times raise hills, mountains, and other inequalities. So, if one can know the character of the force that produces these bumps or inequalities, he can know, also, the char- acter of the individual on whose head they are found. This the adept professes to be able to ascertain, as each has its local habitation and its name. Accordingly, the use and value of phrenology may be seen in this. If one desires to know his standing in morals and intellect, he has only to procure a chart of his head from an adept, and with pencil set down all his good qualities or bumps under one head and his bad ones under another, and compare the difference ; he can thus see at a glance his standing, whether he is an honest man or a knave, a wise man or a fool, or whether he is between the two extremes, where, perhaps, the majority will be found. He must be careful to take into account the size of the bumps, of each kind, as well as the number, for if the evil bumps are very large, though fewer in number, they may outweigh the good, and vice versa. Yet, notwith- standing all this, by the skillful use of Algebra and Arith- metic, something may be done. Another benefit to be derived from a knowledge of Phrenology is, that it enables a parent the better to manage the education of his chil- dren. If the son has no capacity for grammar, let him omit it, and pursue something the bumps indicate as more con- genial. Should the daughter manifest no aptitude for the solid branches of education, let her drop them, and turn ete. While Phrenology was attracting much attention, I was 7] her attention to those merely ornamental—m usic, painting, . y PHRENOLOGY, MESMERISM, SPIRITUALISM, ETC. 387 conducting a school near Trenton, Kentucky, as you, no doubt, remember. The students would often obtain per- mission to go and hear a lecture, have their heads —— and get a chart. This gave me a good opportunity 4 comparing, in many instances, the lecturer's chart = what I already knew of the abilities and tastes of the boy, and I was often struck with the wide mistakes made. One Student, in particular, who was making eo progress in Latin and Greek, was advised never to _ Oo studying these languages, as he had no aptitude whatever for them. In the times of which we are now speaking, young peo- ple seemed very much entertained in the towns and Villages, attending these lectures and having their heads examined. Judging though from what I hear and see in the literature of the present times, I conclude phrenology has lost the interest formerly felt in it. Mesmerism, or animal magnetism, also attracted much attention at this period. This is supposed to be a force or fluid, by means of which a peculiar influence may be ex- erted on the animal system. It was at first thought to be Caused by a mineral magnet only, but afterward it came to be considered a force belonging to the human body, and also to some of the lower animals. When spoken of in ref- erence to these, it is called fascination or “ charming. Those persons who possess influence in a high degree, are noted for strong wills and healthy constitutions, while those, on the other hand, most easily influenced are of a More feeble will and constitution. Writers speak of five or six phases or degrees of this mysterious influence. Tn order to produce it, the magnetizer seats himself immedi- ately in front of his subject, and places the palms of his 388 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. hands and balls of his thumbs, in contact with those of the _ subject. After sitting thus a short time the influence begins to be felt, when he makes what are technically called “passes ” with open hands and outstretched fingers, over the subject, from head to foot. During this process, he keeps his attention fixed on the subject, and by a silent exercise of the will, commands him to become mag- netized. In the first stage, the subject professes to feel a strange sensation pervading his body, and frequently a prickling somewhat like that felt in a limb when the cireu- lation is retarded or, as is commonly said, it is asleep. The second state is that of drowsiness. The third is that of coma, or senseless sleep. The fourth state is somnambu- lism. He has now consciousness and sensation, but not his own; they are those of the magnetizer. He tastes as the magnetizer tastes, hears as he hears, sees as he sees, feels as he feels, and smiles as he smiles. His own sensi- bility is obliterated, but he feels all the impressions made on the body of the magnetizer. The fifth state is that of clairvoyance. This is a heightened or intensified degree of the fourth stage. In this, the subject has means of per- ception unknown to man, in his normal state, and if judged from the common experience of mankind, seems to be an — impostor. He can see with his eyes closed and bandaged. In that condition he sees what waking men cannot see with their eyes open. He can see what is going on in rooms above, below, and around him. He sees things not — His own — only outside of the body, but inside of it also. sense of smell, taste, or touch, is generally dull.. A tea- spoon full of the strongest cayenne pepper placed in his mouth, does not affect him. He inhales the strongest — ammonia, through his nose, and it produces no effect. Pins PHRENOLOGY, MESMERISM, SPIRITUALISM, ETC. 389 may be thrust through his hands, or he may be pinched, or have an arm or leg cut off, without feeling pain. He will even laugh and talk while this is being done. Yet should his magnetizer be pinched, or have a pin thrust into him, or have his hair pulled, the magnetized feels it sensi- bly, and rubs the places on his own body, to relieve the pain. The sixth state is stated to be still more wonderful. This is that of perfect clairvoyance. He sees what is going on hundreds of miles away; reads the thoughts of persons about him ; reads the past and foretells the future. His soul dwells in light and delight, and he often regrets that he cannot remain in that state forever. (See “New American Cyclopedia. Article, Animal magnetism.”) Mesmerism, like Phrenology, for a time greatly inter- ested and amused the people. They attended the places where the itinerant lecturers, with their trained attendants, Showed off the wonders of their so called science. They Were somewhat awed at some of its manifestations, but still would laugh to see how the person magnetized would jump and ran, when a pin entered the skin of the mag- netizer, or when his hair was pulled; and the faces he would make, when ammonia or snuff was put into his mouth. But when it came to be known that a person frequently mesmerized by another, was more or less liable to be unduly influenced by him afterward, and that bad men had often taken advantage of this to effect their wicked puposes, it fell into general disrepute. I remem- ber to have heard it said, that ladies complained that at church, even, they had felt their minds disturbed and con- fused, and on looking round would see the eyes of some one in the congregation gleaming upon them trying to exert a Mesmeric influence. 390 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. After the interest manifested in the phenomena of mes- merism had subsided, “ another wonder” of still greater interest came to light, which has since acquired gigantic proportions. I allude to what is known as modern spirit- ualism, which began to attract attention, as you may re- member, in the year 1848, in the State of New York, under the “mediumship,” as it is called, of two young girls, the Misses Fox. This teaches that the spirits of the dead are still in communication with the living, through the agency of what are called mediums, of which there are said to be three kinds, speaking, writing, and rapping mediums. Such persons as have but little will of their own, or are of a yielding, passive disposition, and are easily brought under the mesmeric influence, are thought to make the best mediums, because they yield more readily to the in- fluence of the spirits, and can deliver their revelations more accurately than persons of a more decided will and character. Many of these mediums profess, also, to have a power of vision unknown to common mortals. They claim to be able to see spirits daily, walking on the earth, standing still, or floating in the air above. You, no doubt, - still remember several who professed to have this wonder- ful gift. This, though, is so contrary to the experience of mankind generally as to be considered one of the many — freaks of an abnormal imagination, which so frequently makes dupes of people sound of mind in other respects. Such is the power of this wonderful faculty, that, you re- member, it caused one lately to publish to the world that he saw a spirit step out from a closet into a well-lighted room, then fade away and become invisible, then gradually reappear, more and more distinct, until it stood clear and 4 PHRENOLOGY, MESMERISM, SPIRITUALISM, ETC. 391 well defined as at first. And, had it not been proved af- terwards, that this was really a young woman, the mother of a living child, he would have lived and died in the belief that he had seen a spirit. The belief in spiritualism spread far and wide after its appearance in New York, not only over the United States, but in Europe also, till the number of those now profess- ing to believe in it is said to amount to several millions, Many reasons may be assigned for the hold it has taken on the popular mind. It teaches that the living are still surrounded by the spirits of those lost by death, and that they still feel a deep interest in their welfare, and will con- tinue to do so till they, too, enter the “Spirit Land.” This, to many, is a source of real happiness, and they cher- ish the belief accordingly. Spiritualism also teaches— unlike the Bible—that men have still another chance, or probation, after death, which is very consoling to a poor mortal, who has been taught to believe that his fate here- after depends on his conduct in this life. He, very natu- rally, hails with delight and embraces with cordiality the new gospel, which teaches that, however deep the stains of @ sinful life—however polluted the soul may be with the blackest crimes—after death, it will enter upon a state of endless progression, and rise from sphere to sphere, until it finally reaches perfection and becomes a bright and glo- Tious spirit, worthy to dwell in the presence of Deity- But, perhaps, much the larger number have become Spiri- tualists because they honestly think they have satisfactory evidence for the grounds of their faith. To illustrate : Let us suppose that A, an entire stranger, visits Louis- ville, where are a number of Spiritualists, and, as he has 392 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. heard a good deal of the new ism, concludes to visit a seance, and judge for himself of its claims,—and that, on enter- ing, he asks the following questions mentally :—‘ Where do I live ?”—* In the State of Arkansas.” “ Am I a mar- ried man ?”—“ Yes.” ‘ How many children have I ?”— “Five.” “How many sons ?”—“ Three.” “Is the eldest a son or a daughter ?”—“ A daughter.” “ What is her age ?””—“ She is twelve years of age.” ‘ What is the age of the youngest ?”—*“ Three years.” ‘“ What is the com- plexion of my wife ?’”—“ Very fair.” “The color of her eyes ?”—“ They are hazle.” “ The color of her hair ?”— “ Dark brown.” A takes his hat and leaves rather hurriedly, with a feel- ing of awe, for every question has been answered accu- rately. He decides at once that Spiritualism must be true; since no living being could have known the correct answers under the circumstances, every question having been asked mentally. But, mark the sequel. A had a brother who had left home five years previously, of whose fate he was ignorant, not having heard from him from the time he left home. Thinking it an excellent opportunity to learn something concerning his brother, he returned to the seance the next night, told the circumstance of leaving home, and also that no information regarding him had been received to the present time. He inquired if his brother still lived, and was told that he was dead. “ How long since his death ?”—‘ Two years.” ‘ Where did he die ?”—“ Among the mountains of Califorrria, searching for gold.” ‘“ Where was he buried ?”—“ In the lonely spot where he died.” ‘ Was anything done to mark his grave ?”—“ Nothing whatever.” With a sad heart he leaves the circle and returns to his hotel. Not a doubt of a Aa NA SC eS PHRENOLOGY, MESMERISM, SPIRITUALISM, ETC. 393 his brother’s death crossing his mind. Three days after, when he is about to leave the city, a knock is heard on his door. On opening it, who does he see standing before him but his long-absent brother, sound in body and in fine spirits, having met with gratifying success in business. These illustrations show the condition in which Spiritu- alism stands at present. At one time the answers are all true in every particular; on another occasion they are false. The question now arises: Why were the answers in the first instance true? Answer: Because the answers to them were in the mind of A, and refleeted from it to the medium. Why were the answers in the second case false ? Because the true answers were not known to A, nor to any other person ‘present, and, therefore, could not be re- flected to the medium. Hence, a total failure. “Tt is now believed that there is in nature a medium of communication between mind and mind, other than that by which communications are had through the ordinary Channels of the senses, and that, through this force or channel, one mind may—when proper conditions are ful- filled—control the actions of the mental and physical pow- ers of another mind.” The conclusion, then, is that all the true information the inquirer receives comes to the medium from the mind of some other person or persons present, and that spirits have nothing to do with it; that, if no one present is cognizant of the true answer, not a “ spirit from the vasty deep” can furnish it. All that a medium can do is to guess. Hence, the endless mistakes and contra- dictions, At the beginning of spiritualism, we are informed by the celebrated Robert Dale Owen, that a peddler, known to have some money, suddenly disappeared from near 394 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. Rochester, New York. The spirits said, he had been murdered, and his body thrown into the canal. A crowd collected, and the canal was dragged, but no body found. The so called spirits then said the body would be found at another place. This was also dragged, with a like result. Two months after, the peddler returned and said he left suddenly, and went to Canada, because he learned that his creditors were on his track. According to the fore- going theory, no one present knew what had become of the peddler—the medium included. But numbers were impressed with the belief that he had been “made way with” in the manner stated, and this impression was con- veyed from their minds to that of the medium, and she re- vealed it as coming from the spirits. It would seem that the mind of the medium is powerfully influenced by the belief or opinion of those about her. We are informed that the spirit of old Deacon Branch, in Madison, Ohio, when a crowd of Baptists were present, always said that immersion was the right mode of baptism ; to the Pedo- baptists, that sprinkling was ; to those who believed in end- less punishment, that theirs was the true belief; and to | : Universalists that all mankind would be saved. To a d circle of friends who did not believe in Spiritualism he said, it was a miserable humbug. That the thoughts, feelings, desires, and opinions of one person can be reflected to another, seems to be fully proved by experiments in mesmerism; and also all the ideas and sensations of the magnetizer passed directly to the person magnetized, so that he became, as it were, for the time, his “alter ego,” seeing as he sees, feeling as he feels, tasting as he tastes, and thinking as he thinks. why it was that the ignorant young shoemaker —Andrew This will explain © iii” PHRENOLOGY, MESMERISM, SPIRITUALISM, ETC. 895 Jackson Davis, when magnetized by Doctor Lyon, a man of learning and ability, could discourse by the hour on learned subjects, of which he was ignorant in his normal condition, receiving all his thoughts from Lyon himself. No one at all acquainted with the superstition of ancient Greece and Rome, can fail to see how nearly identical are modern Spiritualism and the ancient Oracle. So much are they alike, that, “nomine mutato,” one might be taken for the other. Waiving all the arguments for and against the existence of spirits around us, and the influence they may exert on the human mind, your grandfather thought, ad- mitting such to be the case, it was very sinful to court familiarity with them, since the Bible forbade this, even under the death penalty. He once made out a list of all the references in which this was condemned, which I regret is lost. He was fully persuaded, that they are things which we, in this life, ought not to know, as they Would not contribute to our happiness. Our first parents, he said, wished to be like gods, “ knowing good from evil.” In an evil hour, this discovery was made, and with it the awful disclosure also, that they had brought down death and ruin upon themselves and their posterity. To keep each order of being in its proper bounds ; ‘To hide from brutes what men, from men what spirits know,” he thought was clearly the divine will, since from the beginning, all the attempts of men to look into the dark Mysterious future, have been worse than useless. The few glimpses from the Bible are all the Creator has thought necessary for us to know until this great and mysterious drama is wound up. “Spiritualism,” he said, “denies all the great truths of the Bible—the fall of man, the atone- ment of Christ, miracles, the divinity of Christ, his miracu- 396 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. lous birth, a hell, a devil, a resurrection of the dead, and a day of judgment. Therefore, the teachings of spiritual- ism are utterly irreconcilable with the Bible, and he who adopts them will finally lay it aside.” The desire to lift the veil that hides from mortals the secrets of the unseen world, he said was very improper, and for that reason, magic, necromancy, divination, oracles, demonology, witch- craft, the consulting of familiar spirits, and astrology, (which taught that the destiny of men and nations was controlled by stellar influences, and was believed in for ages by some of the most enlightened minds of Kurope, as spiritualism now is,) should be abandoned at once and forever, since as the Apostle Peter tells us: ‘ We havea more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in our hearts.” His words, when speaking on this subject would bring to — mind the following lines of the poet. “Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate. P All but the page prescribed, their present state ; From brutes what men, from men, what spirits know ; Or who could suffer being here below? The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day, Had he thy reason, would he skip and play? Pleased to the last, he crops the flowery food, And licks the hand just raised to shed his blood. Oh! blindness to the future! kindly given That each may fill the circle marked by Heaven.” * * * * * * * * * * - “Hope humbly then ; with trembling pinions soar ; Wait the great teacher, death, and God adore.” AGP ASRS RE AL Steam Doctors were among the things new and strange that sprang up in these times. It should not be forgotten | or passed over in silence. 4 4 Be iA sre PHRENOLOGY, MESMERISM, SPIRITUALISM, ETC. 397 In the famous old State of Massachusetts, a man, calling himself Dr. Thomson, about the year 1822, published a little book which he called “ The New Guide to Health.” He seems to have taken up the practice of medicine, with- Out any education or previous preparation whatever. Hear What he says of himself: “‘ Possessing a body like other men, I was led to inquire into the com- Ponent parts of which man is made. I found him composed of the four elements—earth, water, fire,and air. The earth and water I found were the solids, the air and fire, the fluids. The two first I found were the component parts, the two last kept him in motion. Heat I found was life, and cold—death And, again, it must be recollected that, if heat is life, and cold is death, fever is a friend and cold an enemy. It is there- ri hecessary to aid the friend and oppose the enemy, in order to secure ealth,” These extracts are given to show what stuff quacks are Made of. You perceive, cold is considered not simply as the absence of heat, but as a real entity or substance. These two principles are considered as carrying on a cease- less warfare. When cold gains the ascendancy, the man 'S sick, and it is the duty of the doctor to come to the aid of heat, and, if possible, to overpower and drive out cold. If this can be done, the patient recovers; if not, he dies. Heat and the doctor together can hold cold in check for a longer or shorter time. But cold in the end will prevail and triumph over all living creatures; consequently, to Keep cold in check as long as possible is all that can be done by the doctor. In order to fight cold, the old doctor Proposed certain heating medicines, numbering them from °ne to six. Lobelia, or what he called the emetic’weed, + — I think, “No. 1.” This was used to cleanse the Omach of “kanker” and enable it to digest food and sup- Ply ith be the system. Marvelous things were said to be 398 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. performed by lobelia. If an individual ate a variety of food at a meal, and any one article disagreed with him— cucumbers for instance—it was only necessary to give @ dose of lobelia to the sufferer, and it would enable him to throw up the deleterious substance and retain the other food; and so, nothing that would be assimilated was lost. The strongest Cayenne pepper was the principal ingre- dient in “No. 2.” That which grew in tropical climates was chosen, as having the greatest heating property. “ No. 6,” I think, was composed of capsicum and French brandy and other ingredients not remembered. When this was taken a writhing would follow, so great was its pungency. These exciting preparations were given to drive cold from the interior to the surface of the body. When this was effected in some degree, the patient was stripped, placed on a chair and wrapped in blankets. Then the tea- kettle, filled with boiling water, to which a tin pipe or tube was fitted, through which the steam was conducted under the blankets around the body. If, during the time of taking this steam-bath, the patient seemed faint or dy- ing, a little cold water was sprinkled on his face. This would revive him. By this arrangement the cold was be- tween two fires,—the pepper within and the steam with- out,—and ignominiously routed. too weak to endure this, and died during the operation ; Occasionally, one was” but the wonder’is, that no more succumbed to such mal- practice. Old Dr. Thomson himself was, once at least, indicted for murder in the first degree, and thrown into prison, where A he remained “ forty days and forty nights.” This proved — to be of great advantage tohim. He cried, “ Persecution,’ } and his name and fame spread far and wide. * otitis etilli a 399 PHRENOLOGY, MESMERISM, SPIRITUALISM, ETC. ’ He obtained a patent for his “ invention.” He em- ployed agents, whom he sent all over the country, author- ized to sell his little book and the right to practice medi- Cine on this plan. The right was sold for twenty dollars. F armers, blacksmiths, mechanics, and overseers bought the right, bought a stock of medicine, provided themselves with the complicated apparatus for steaming, mounted their horses, and scoured the country in search of patients, and reported wonderful and unheard-of cures. One of the pre amusing parts of the farce was, to hear these ignorant ellows, who knew absolutely nothing about the human anatomy or the diagnosis of diseases, ridiculing the old, ex- Sesame: and scientific physicians of the country, whom ey denominated “ mineral doctors.” This, too, like other Popular delusions, has passed almost into oblivion, and ae room for some other nine days’ wonder, to die in its ‘eat The number of intelligent, practical people, who ‘re carried away by this shallow quackery, can hardly be imagined by those who do not remember the excitement it Created, CHAPTER XL. THE DEATH OF MRS. ROSS. For a number of years after the troubles consequent upon the religious movement begun by Elder Campbell, the churches of Bethel Association enjoyed a high degree of prosperity, during which your grandfather devoted him- _ self assiduously, cheered by the hope and belief that he 4 was instrumental in turning many from the power and dominion of Satan to the light and liberty of the gospel. The Baptist Denomination during these years, exhibited a good deal of activity, east, west, north, and south. Educa- tion; Home and Foreign Missions ; Sunday Schools; and the great Temperance agitation, by which it was fondly — hoped mankind would be redeemed from the curse of j drunkenness, all claimed its attention. In all these “good — works,” he felt the liveliest interest, and to their advance- — ment contributed cheerfully of his means, which he was — now enabled to do, his circumstances having become less stringent than heretofore. The indications at this time | were that a season of comparative ease and leisure lay — before him, which would enable him to gratify his taste | for reading and meditation. But these pleasing anticipa- | tions were not to be realized, as it is often the case in this — checkered and uncertain life. On the second day of June, 1847, your grandmother 7 died, after which I perceived his interest in this life was 400 THE DEATH OF MRS. ROSS. 401 lost, to a great extent. ‘Though to the last he dearly loved his friends, and still felt a deep solicitude in the for- tunes of the churches, and in the success of the gospel, his thoughts were now more of another world than this. Of all persons I have ever known, he spoke least of his own personal sorrows, though he spoke feelingly of those of his friends and neighbors. I have heard him say, that his bereavements were sometimes felt more keenly, long years after, than when they first occurred. Your grand- mother had frequently been prostrated by severe indispo- Sition, sometimes rheumatism, and sometimes a diseased condition of the stomach. The latter her physicians said was the cause of her death. For weeks previous she could retain neither food nor medicine. Her suffering was so great that it was evident to all that she ardently desired her release. She had nothing to fear after death. She had made her “calling and election sure,” long years be- fore, in the morning of life, and no expression of anxiety On that subject escaped her lips. For several days pre- vious to her death she was unable to speak, and answered our questions by a slight movement of the head, signifying yes, or no. It so happened that when she breathed her last, your Srandfather and I, were the only persons standing by her bedside, the others having left the room a moment before. Her dissolution was calm and peaceful, preceded by a slight shudder and a moan just audible. I still remem- ber how quickly my thoughts reverted to her, as she appeared to me when I was a child, and how distinctly I could trace her along the journey of life to its close. She had many noble traits of character, among which a strong and abiding sense of duty was the most striking. With 402 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. her gentleness she possessed no small degree of firmness of character. Soon after her marriage, and long before your grandfather’s thoughts were turned in that direction, and, even when he discouraged her, she made a profession of religion, and was baptized, became a member of the church, and all the remainder of her religious life was in harmony with this beginning. In the discharge of her domestic duties, what she ac- complished, considering her means and feeble health, seems almost incredible. In clothing her family, such material as linsey, jeans, and cotton cloth was spun, woven, and dyed at home. Sheets, quilts, blankets, counterpanes, and all kinds of bedding were provided abundantly in the same manner. And her house was always orderly and neat however humble it might be. When unable from rheuma” tism to be on her feet, she found some work she could do sitting in her chair or lying on her bed. You, no doubt, remember how well cooked and savory was the food she set on her plain though neat table, and how, while the principal part of her meal was prepared in the kitchen by the cook, she would superintend something extra nice for us by the fire in her own room. When your grandfather made a profession of religion, and came to believe it to be his duty to preach the gospel hoping he might do some good in that way, she determined to do all in her power to make his way smooth, and keep him in they field of his labor as much as possible, — though well aware that it would entail upon her a life of self-denial. She seldom enjoyed the pleasure of attending public worship, but spent most of her Sundays at home with her young children, in reading her Bible, and other religious Jota Sasi n 2 aii Bitte RI sai 403 ” THE DEATH OF MRS. ROSS. books. The “ Pilgrim’s Progress,” and the “ Holy hai by Bunyan, were favorites when I was a child. Her a tom was to read aloud, and to pause occasionally, as if to reflect on what she had read. Her voice, when thus read- ing, was singularly soft and pleasant, and often — me to her. If she happened to be reading anything that I could understand, and that interested me, I generally lay down near her and listened. The story of the old Pil- grim, after he fled from the “City of Destruction, and his marvelous adventures, together with the terrible battles fought around the beleagured city of “ Mansoul, in the “ Holy War,” I listened to with deepest interest. T was then at the happy age when we believe everything written in a book—allegory, parable, etc. —to be true. The sto- ries of David and Goliath, Samson and Gideon ; the death of Saul and Jonathan, in the great battle fought upon the mountain of Gilboa, and David’s lamentation over the fallen heroes, which are so wonderfully beautiful, she would often read tome. The infrequency of her attendance upon public worship caused her to enjoy these rare occasions with pe- culiar zest, She was universally beloved aud admired by her sisters and brethren ; for, although very gentle and modest, she was sprightly and intelligent. Later in life, when she became more helpless from rheumatism, and never left home, your grandfather would occasionally have preaching in his own house, and invite his neighbors to attend, that they might have an opportunity of seeing them and uniting in worship at the same time. On these occasions, Elders Rutherford and Tandy were generally the preachers. They were his most esteemed friends, and great favorites of hers. Strange as it may seem, at one time she endeavored to ELDER REUBEN ROSS. attain to a state of sinless perfection. In the neighbor- hood where we then lived before removing to Cedar Hill, there were several families of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as stated before, who were among our kindest and most esteemed neighbors. A daughter of one of these families, Miss Gilmer, a beautiful and interesting young lady of deep and fervent religious feelings, bordering on enthusiasm, became much interested in the possibility of becoming perfect—a subject much discussed at that time by the denomination to which she belonged. Though so much younger, she and your grandmother, resembling each other in religious zeal, often met and conversed on this subject—examining the Bible in regard to it; at the same © , time, to be able to live without sin was a pleasing thought, assimilating one to the angels, They at length determined on the experiment. And while this was in progress they met at every opportunity to compare notes and report progress. Your grandmother was the first to decide that, for her at least, it was unat- tainable, as she could seldom pass a day, surrounded by so many busy cares, during which her conscience did not tell her that she had said or done something that was wrong, Her young friend, however, continued the attempt some time ; but she, too, finally reported failure. This grieved her much, as her heart had been set on becoming perfect. And some of her friends thought that this, with declining health, caused a state of settled melancholy, from which she never recovered. After your grandmother's death, your grandfather was greatly interested in preparations for her funeral. It seemed to afford him a melancholy pleasure to be thus employed. He selected Elder Samuel Baker, then Pastor THE DEATH OF MRS. ROSS. 405 of the church in Hopkinsville, to preach the funeral = mon. Under a beautiful spreading oak tree, then and sti forming a fine shade in the rear of the house, he had = prepared, sufficient to accommodate a large wenn : beautiful day, the reputation of the preacher, an e respect felt ‘by all for her memory, brought a oo assemblage together, who heard a discourse 80 vaca aud appropriate to the occasion, that it would, = = safe to say, none who were present could have orgotten. The text was from the words: “ And if Christ be in et the body is dead, because of sin; but the spirit is life, “oa cause of righteousness. But if the Spirit of _— raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that —s up Christ from the dead shall also quicken aed morta bodies by his Spirit, that dwelleth in you.” Romans, 8: 10, 11. And here it may not be inappropriate to add, that ~ all honor is due to the memory of the pioneer preachers 0 the various religious denominations, for having endured ~ many hardships and dangers in spreading the light of le ospel in the wilderness,—no less praise 1s due to their pious, devoted, self-sacrificing wives. And it will perhapa be found in the end that their “crowns of rejoicing are no less bright and enduring, though their names and their praises are less frequently heard among men. Doctor Samuel Baker was born in Sussex County, Eng- land, in October, 1812. In 1833 he became a Christian, and was baptized. In January 1834, he left his native Country, and from London embarked for the United whe: and in March following landed in New York City. His first home in America was in Alton, Illinois, to which place he traveled on foot, from New York, carrying a small 18 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. THE DEATH OF MRS. ROSS. 407 bundle in his hand, as I think I have heard your grand- I remember to have heard Doctor Baker preach on father say. various occasions before he left Kentucky, and once : On arriving at Alton, he entered Shurtleff College, which particular, at Spring Creek Church, from be ae 4 he was prepared to do, having received an English educa- \ “ How long halt ye between two opinions ? if t se or 5 tion in his native town. The college was a Baptist Insti- | God follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” it wasu tution, and from it he received his degree of A. M. In questionably a discourse of great power and effect. rey October, 1834, he was licensed to preach the gospel, by the 4 Doctor Baker was the third Baptist preacher ape * g Baptist Church of Upper Alton, and was publiely ordained, | land that came,among US, according to my recollec oe. to the ministry, in December 1837. The first was a minister named Ebenezer Rogers. a The ordination sermon was preached by the Rev. | was a young man highly esteemed and admired a % Dwight Ives, pastor of the Lower Alton Church, from 2 1] brethren, and indeed, by the people generally. He di aie Corinthians 2: 16. “And who is sufficient for these . remain long, however, but went, I believe, to eorneng i things?” The ordination prayer, was made by Elder | nois, and took charge of a Baptist church in that 3 vil Loomis, then President of the Shurtleff College. His first + Your grandfather regretted his leaving, as he cons! a pastorate was at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In 1839, he ih him to be both an earnest Christian and an able preac a came to Kentucky, and was chosen as their pastor by the i The second was Elder Robert Rutherford, of whom men Shelbyville Baptist Church. In 1841, he became pastor of 1) tion has been made. They all spoke with marked pie a the Baptist Church at Russellville, Kentucky, for which he ‘ accent, which, though novel, was rather pleasing to the preached about five years, and then removed to Hopkins- 1 ear. ville, at which place he was living when he preached your 1 grandmother's funeral sermon. After leaving Hopkins- fi ville, he became pastor of the First Baptist Church in Nashville. Finally, after serving as pastor of various other churches, in the beginning of the year 1870, he was | chosen as their pastor, by the Herkimer Street Baptist Church, in the city of Brooklyn, New York. But when in a the summer of 1872, he visited his brethren in Kentucky, : who still retained affectionate recollections of him, they gathered around him, and entreated that he would again cast his lot among them. He consented, and in December following returned to Russellville, and was again called as pastor of the church at that place, where his many friends fondly hoped many useful and happy years await him. ae RCAC FCS eects CHAPTER XLI. LAST YEARS AT HIS OLD HOME—FINAL REMOVAL. AFTER your grandmother's death, your grandfather continued to live at Cedar Hill with his three old servants, Jacob, Viney, and Fanny. Viney he had brought with him from Carolina when a mere child. She kept his room in order, washed, cooked, and attended to the poultry and cows. Jacob and Fanny worked in the field and garden, got up his fire-wood, and attended to his horse and other stock. He always kept some good cattle, among which were several fine milch cows. These he highly prized. Next to his cows, his hogs claimed his attention. He often called them together, and fed them himself, enjoying the greediness of the little pigs cracking corn at his feet. His horse was an object of prime importance—his only means of transportation when traveling from place to place among the churches. Three qualities were indispensable. It was required that he should walk well, four miles an hour, be strong and gentle, and never under any circumstances to stumble. This offence was unpardonable. If he did, he must be sold or exchanged. : His field crops were corn, oats, and pumpkins, which he usually grew in great perfection. His corn had to be worked in a certain way, plowed a certain number of times, with a certain number of furrows in each row—or he feared there would be but a light yield. When sufficiently matured, 408 Scan Seal Sn . 409 LAST YEARS AT HIS OLD HOME.—FINAL REMOVAL according to the old pioneer custom, the -— _ stripped off the stalk as high as the ears, cured Into sa fodder, and stocked. Then the tops, above the ear, wer 2 offand tied around the stalks to dry. His field now oy be quite showy —the large ears of corn in full view. vba sweet-scented fodder, and the golden pumpkins sca “— thickly over the ground, were to him objects a look upon. He had the finest apple orchard in the sei try—fruit of choice varieties, of his own erase — was, to a considerable extent, public property. - ie - and negroes would come with bags and baskets 2 _ absence, and often when at home, and help t _ ; without asking leave. Yet, notwithstanding, ig" . a up quantities, more than he could use, and divi a4 Jo neighbors in winter, which afforded him gratification. When he went to his appointments, his saddle-bags were fragrant from the fine apples for the children where he visited. All his interest in fruit was for others, as he = seldom tasted any himself. He also took interest an pride in his bacon. As the time for killing Ba al proached, he was watchful for suitable weather. He - it to be quite cold, the wind from the north-west or oe and would sometimes get out of bed at night to sai from what point it was blowing. He did not ete “ae killing when the moon was on the increase or . - affected the shrinking of the meat. His bacon - a i ys very fine, and it delighted him to see his frien - v - and to hear their praises, which - him an oppor y to tell them his process of curing it. : Another shin Be gave great credit to —— re pe his success in raising fine turnips. Perhaps he ¥ 6s make a failure in raising them once 1n twenty years. Jac Bei pet : ce 410 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. used to say: “ Master has as great a gift for raising tur- nips as he has for preaching.” He had a piece of ground on which he penned his cows at night, which was plowed frequently during spring and summer. When the time for sowing came, it was neatly prepared, and on the Fri- day before the first Sunday in August, the seed were sown. In this, you will see, he departed a little from the time- honored day— “ The twenty-fifth of July, Let the same be wet or dry.” If the first sowing did not succeed, on aceount of the fly or dry weather, he continued sowing until he secured a “ good stand.” The turnips were generally very fine, and the tops, which he considered a great delicacy, supplied himself and neighbors bountifully, while in season, which continued through the spring months. Such were some of his out-door amusements during these solitary years. In his diet, when at home, he was very abstemious. Coffee and cold biscuit constituted his breakfast and sup- per, for the most part ; a piece of fried or broiled chicken was sometimes added. His dinner consiste d of something boiled, with a few vegetables. Before each meal, when at home, he always said a silent grace. At night, before going to rest, he knelt down by his chair and engaged in silent prayer. He read a great deal when at home, while living alone. On my visiting him, he would tell me he had been reading téo much. The condition of the country was now becoming alarming, and men of thought and re- flection had many gloomy forebodings. The religious denominations North and South were becoming violently agitated, and none could tell what the end would be, At the season of the year when there was a succession CEE NE ovaL. 411 LAST YEARS AT HIS OLD HOME.—FINAL REM ? ome most of large and interesting meetings, he bir ies: faithful of the time, leaving everything in charg en meetings, servants. The days that intervened cai when out on a tour of preaching, pase iv his - presence and their families. On visiting a a y 1—children ed to be cheering and exhilarating to alle ae peer aca included. This was the result - petit affection. His ministrations at the waite the minds solemn and impressive, leaving the Here pace nearer of all that he felt a deep interest in t ast se influence temporal welfare. No inconsiderable part of th the family was due to the character of his intercourse wl ircle. ; be- he politics he was an old-fashioned pase nee lieved ours to be the best form of niet? and good ; tuted, so long as the people remained fee: re but, like Washington, Patrick Henry, age into ruins, revolutionary fathers, that it would soon i He fore- when the people became vicious and geese = aa tel boded trouble to the country on account o ce RET much on account of the thing itself, as * t op peg agitation and hate it would engender. pee have alone” by impertinent meddlers, he nie pane aaa: found a peaceful solution by the agency & siety, which cipation, and through the Colonization Sek wi BAI found advocates among the purest wie oe formed in our country has ever known. This oat : cept 1817, and had for its first presidents, a a of Car- Washington of the Supreme Court, Charles x ad rollton, Ex-President Madison, and ir ll pviee per- for its first object the opening of a home ~~ gna States, sons who might obtain their freedom in the . aon ne LAST FLD 412 ELDER REUBEN ROSS. where they might dwell, free from the overshadowing su- periority of the white race. For its second object it had in view the civilization and Christianization of benighted Africa, where the people have so long sat “in darkness and the shadow of death.” In regard to gradual emancipation, it appeared clear to his mind that, if let alone, first one of the border states would have adopted it, then another, until finally it would have reached the Gulf, and accomplished, without havoc and bloodshed, all that has now been effected by civil war. Feeling the infirmities of age increasing upon him, in 1851, he thought it best to offer his resignation of the Moderator- ship of the Bethel Association, which he had held from its organization, The following is the report made by the Committee ap- pointed by the Association on that occasion, written by Elder Pendleton : “Elder Ross has been Moderator of this Association since its organi- zation in 1825, a period of twenty-six years. He can with more pro- priety than any other man, living or dead, be designated the father of the Association. The influence resulting from the dignity of his Christian character, and from the salutary counsels he has through suc- cessive years imparted, cannot be fully known until the revelations of eternity supply all the elements necessary in making the calculation. This fact precludes the necessity of any attempt to make an elaborate report, and the committee request that the brevity they study may be considered more intensely impressive, than any thing they could say. They recommend the adoption of the following resolutions : : “ Resolved,—That Eider Ross’s resignation of the Moderatorship of this body constitutes an important epoch in its history ; and that the thanks of this body are eminently due to him for the impartiality, dig- nity, and affectionate kindness, with which he has presided over its de- liberations. “Resolved,—That our ardent affection for him prompts us to comply with his request to be released from our service, and that in accepting his resignation we cannot suppress our emotions of sorrow. ae AL. 413 LAST YEARS AT HIS OLD HOME.—FINAL REMOV i i tion the i i th affectionate venera Ab A ther in Israel, and offer to tain him amid the life may set ina “ Resolved, = name, the character, and the labors of our God our fervent prayers that divine grace | sus infirmities of age, and that the sun of his declining cloudless sky.” ave been extracted from a “ dis- Ken- ’ who The above resolutions b rac course delivered at Bethel Church, Christian County, tucky, July 23rd, 1860, by Elder J. M. Pendleton, goes on to add: i Associa- “This report was unanimously adopted, as expressive of the was due tion's high appreciation of the retiring Moderator. ; rapes sie him, and was cordially rendered. It is 7 f moses Associa- sada that for several years after the ogee widers William tion Elder Ross had, as co-laborers in the minis af Warfield, John Tandy William Warder, Robert Rutherford, bedineere he that I were s. Wilseti: and at a later period Robert 7 ee a