an imperfect sketch, was the son of the late Dr. J. Smyth Rogers, and
born in the city of New York, on the 28th of January, 1825. The beauty
of his infancy struck every observer, and this continued to increase as
added intelligence lighted up his noble features. As his brilliant mind
expanded, amiable and generous dispositions were revealed, clothed with
peculiarly winning manners. It would seem also that these graces and
virtues, like wreaths of bright buds, and clusters of rich fruit, sprang
from the best of all roots: a truthful and pious heart.
At the early age of three years, his excellent mother was suddenly taken
away. That mournful event made a deep impression upon his unfolding
character. For three years she had been permitted to watch over this
fair opening flower; in three more it was to be laid on her bosom in
heaven.
The night after the death of this beloved parent, his deportment was
remarked as evincing a degree of reflection and sensibility to the
magnitude of his loss, surpassing what is usually seen in infancy. It
was Sabbath evening, the period in which she had been accustomed to
gather her little ones around her, and impart religious instruction.
Now, at the fireside, the happy circle was broken: the blessed mother's
seat vacant. He yearned for her sweet smile, the sound of her tuneful
voice. Turning from the other children, he walked long by himself with a
slow and noiseless step; often fixing his eyes on his bereaved father
with an expression of the deepest commiseration. No attitude of grief
escaped his mournful notice, and it seemed as if he restrained his own
sorrow that he might offer consolation to his afflicted parent. That
mingling of perfect sympathy with the exceeding beauty of his infant
countenance, neither pen nor pencil could adequately describe.
But the early maturity of his heart was fully equalled by the
development of his intellect. Before acquiring the elements of reading,
he listened so attentively to the recitations of an elder brother and
sister, as to become master of much correct information. His desire for
knowledge was insatiable. He was sensible of no fatigue while employed
in attaining it. Though fond of amusements, he was always happy to quit
them when the allotted hours for study arrived. The rudiments of science
he acquired with astonishing rapidity. Before the completion of his
fourth year he could read any English book with ease, and also with a
propriety and understanding of the varieties of style, not often
discovered by students at twice his age. At this period he was expert in
the simple rules of arithmetical calculation. With the geography of his
own country, and with the outlines of that of the world, he was
intimately acquainted. At five years old he was well versed both in
ancient and modern geography. In mental arithmetic, many problems
requiring thought even in mature and long disciplined minds, he solved
readily, and as if with intuitive perception. Of the history of his own
country, his knowledge was well digested and chronologically arranged.
At the age of six years, he could with the greatest fluency give a
judicious abstract of it, placing in due order the events connected with
its discovery and settlement, the period of its several wars, their
causes, results, and the circumstances by which they were modified. From
the characters who were conspicuous in its annals, he evinced
discrimination in selecting those most worthy of admiration. The
biography of the celebrated John Smith he related with animation, often
mentioning their similarity of name. In repeating his feats of heroism
and endurance, he seemed to identify himself with the actor and to
partake of his spirit. But he regarded with still higher enthusiasm the
illustrious Pitt. When rehearsing his speech in favour of America, he
would involuntarily add the most bold and graceful gestures. These lofty
and noble sentiments seemed to awaken a warm response in his bosom, and
to rule, as if with congenial force, the associations of thought and
feeling.
In the science of geometry he displayed a vigorous and highly
disciplined mind, by the ready demonstration of some of its most
difficult propositions. But in no attainment was the superiority of his
intellect more clearly defined than in his acquisition of the Hebrew
language. He commenced this pursuit when four years of age, at the
suggestion of a cousin older than himself, to whose recitations he had
attentively listened. Having been restrained by modesty for several days
from mentioning his wishes, he at length ventured to ask his preceptor
if he might be permitted to study Hebrew. Happy to gratify such a
desire, he called him to his side, intending to teach him two or three
letters, when he discovered, to his surprise, that he already knew the
whole alphabet. From that time he continued to study the language with
perseverance, and constantly increasing fondness. Soon, without aid,
except from the grammar and lexicon, he could read, translate, and parse
the Hebrew, with an elegance that might have done honour to an adept in
that sacred language. Before his death he had read more than fifty
chapters; and so great was his ardour and delight in prosecuting this
study, that after having received two exercises daily, throughout the
week, he would often be found on Sabbath with his Hebrew Bible,
earnestly engaged in reviewing passages by himself. On one occasion,
when his tutor was to be absent for a few days, he inquired, "How will
you spend your time?" The prompt reply was, "In studying Hebrew." In
Greek, also, he made such proficiency as to read the original of the New
Testament with accuracy and ease. On every attainment, however difficult
or abstruse, his genius seized, and almost without effort rendered it
his own; so that this infant student seemed to adopt the sentiment of
the great Bacon, and to "take all knowledge to be his province."
Yet with these astonishing acquisitions there mingled no vanity, no
consciousness of superior talent, nor distaste for the simplest
pleasures of childhood. He had all the docility and playfulness that
belong to the first years of life. In the delightful country residence
where the family were accustomed to pass the summer months, those who
saw him only at the period allotted to sport and exercise, would have
remarked him as an exceedingly beautiful, vigorous, light-hearted boy,
without imagining him possessed of accomplishments that might have put
manhood to the blush. Amid a flow of animal spirits that were sometimes
deemed excessive, he was never regardless of the feelings of others.
During the active sports of childhood, if he received unintentional
injury from his companions, he was anxious to assure them, by an
affectionate kiss, of his recovery and reconciliation. He possessed the
most lively and amiable sensibility. This was fully depicted upon his
countenance, so that the most careless observer could scarcely have
mistaken its lineaments. He ardently participated in the joys and
sorrows of those around him. His love for his friends was testified by
the most tender care for their accommodation and comfort. He was found
one evening in a flood of tears, because he feared his teacher had gone
out in the rain without great-coat or umbrella. So great was his
generosity, that whatever was given him he desired to share with
another. He seemed incapable of selfish gratification. When from
delicacy of health his appetite had been long subjected to restraint, if
a small portion of cake or fruit was allowed him, he was never satisfied
until he had imparted it. He would even urge the domestics to
participate in his gifts. On one occasion, after a period of abstinence
from fruit, four grapes were given him. Two of these he ate, and saved
the remaining two to give to his nurse. The merit of this self-denial
was enhanced by the circumstance often remarked by the servants, that
the nurse was far less fond of him than of his elder brother, who, from
being more immediately under her care, was the object of her partiality.
But there was nothing of vindictiveness in his nature. His generosity
was as disinterested as it was unbounded.
One morning his father testified approbation of his conduct by saying,
"You may go into the garden and gather twelve strawberries." "And may I
divide them equally?" he inquired with great animation. Amid a profusion
of the finest fruits, for which he had an extreme fondness, and which
he was accustomed to see hospitably dispensed to numerous guests, he
would never transgress a prohibition to partake, or a limitation with
regard to quantity. Obedience had been taught him from the beginning,
and his fidelity in keeping the law of those who directed him, whether
they were present or absent, was one of his prominent virtues. In the
indispositions to which he was occasionally subject, he would cheerfully
take the most unpleasant medicines, and submit to the most irksome
regulations, if simply told that his father had desired it.
Openness and integrity of character were conspicuous in him. He seemed
to have nothing to conceal. He had no disposition to practise mischief,
or to devise means that any thing which he had done should be kept
secret from those who had the charge of his education. As his course of
instruction was pursued entirely at home, he was preserved from the
contagion of bad example, and from many temptations to deceit. The
little faults which he committed he confessed with the utmost
ingenuousness, and complied with the precept which had been early
impressed upon him by parental care, to solicit the forgiveness of his
Father in heaven, if he hoped to obtain that of his best friends on
earth. When he received any punishment, he made immediate returns of
penitence and affection. He considered it as the appointed way in which
he was to be made better, and so far from indulging in complaint or
sullenness, was inclined to think it lighter than he deserved.
A tender and true piety pervaded his heart, and breathed its fragrance
over a life as beautiful and transient as the flower of the grass.
Accustomed from infancy never to neglect his prayers, morning or
evening, and to keep the day of God sacred, he delighted in these
exercises. To lay aside all implements of light amusement, and to read
or hear only books adapted to that consecrated day, had been required of
him from his earliest recollection. He was grieved if he saw any violate
these injunctions. There seemed to have been laid in his heart a firm
basis of Christian principle, on which he was beginning to rear a noble
superstructure. He never discovered more ardent delight than while
listening to the inspired pages, or greater brilliancy of intellect than
when conversing on their doctrines and practical illustrations. The life
and sufferings of the Redeemer, and the hopes held out to sinners
through his mercy, were his treasured and favourite subjects. He often
with great earnestness solicited instruction respecting them, and his
absorbed and delighted attention would survive the endurance of his
physical strength. Of religious books he was particularly fond. He
conceived the strongest attachment for 'Doddridge's Family Expositor.'
He would voluntarily resort to its perusal with the greatest apparent
satisfaction. Observing that his cousin and sister received weekly
lessons from that excellent volume, in the explanation of difficult
passages, he said to his instructor with a mournful air, "You give the
elder children a lesson in Doddridge, but you don't let me recite with
them." He was told that it was probably too difficult an exercise for
him, and that therefore he had not been permitted to join them. On being
asked what he understood as the meaning of the expression, where John is
said to come in the "spirit and power of Elias," and to "turn the hearts
of the fathers to the children," he gave without mistake the two
interpretations to which he had listened some time before. Thus, while
this infant disciple was pursuing religious knowledge as a delightful
and congenial study, he was also cherishing a lively sense of the
obligations that it imposed. He received the truth in its love and in
its power. It began to be within him a prompting and regulating
principle. Whenever the full flow of childish spirits became excessive
or ill-timed, they were restrained by suggesting a precept drawn from
the Scriptures.
Among his modes of recreation, riding on horseback in the freshness of
the morning was highly enjoyed and prized. One morning, when the usual
period for this exercise had been somewhat delayed, his tutor asked,
"Would you like to take your ride?" and he replied, "I am afraid we
shall not be back in time for prayers. So I would rather not go."
Of his departed mother his recollections were tender and vivid. He
delighted to speak of her as the habitant of a world of joy. His
affectionate spirit seemed content to resign her that she might be with
Christ. To a beloved relative, whose efforts for his religious
instruction were unceasing, he said, soon after the death of his mother,
"Aunt, do you not wish that the judgment day was come?" "Why, my son?"
she enquired. "Because then I should see my _dear mamma_ and my blessed
Saviour."
The religious exercises of Sabbath evening were to him a season of high
enjoyment. After the catechism and other appropriate duties, some book
of piety was read, and the children indulged in such discourse as its
contents naturally elicited. Piety, disrobed of gloom, was presented to
them as an object of love, and by his heart was most fondly welcomed.
On Sabbath evening preceding the Christmas of 1831, he was observed to
enter with extreme ardour into the conversation that flowed from the
perusal of 'Parlour Lectures,' an analysis of Sacred History adapted to
juvenile minds. His father, whose labours in the pious nurture of his
children had been as untiring as successful, being absent from the city,
he drew his chair as near as possible to his aunt, listened eagerly to
every remark, poured forth the rapturous pleasure that filled his
breast, and desired to protract the enjoyment beyond its usual period.
It was to be his last Sabbath on earth. In the course of the ensuing
week he became a victim to the scarlet fever, and on Friday, December
24th, 1831, went to his Father in heaven.
Thus passed away, at the age of nearly seven years, a being formed to
excel in all that was beautiful, intellectual, and heavenly. Precocity
in him was divested of the evils that are wont to attend it. All his
associations of thought were healthful and happy. There was no undue
predominance of one power at the expense of the rest. No one department
of character eclipsed the other. The mind and the heart pressed on
together with equal steps, in a vigorous and holy brotherhood. The soul,
like a lily, fed with dews of Hermon, breathed its first freshest
incense in piety to God.
That he was highly gifted by nature none can doubt. That he owed much to
education is equally certain. It would be difficult to define the
precise point where the influence of the one ceased and that of the
other began; so finely did their hues and pencillings blend in the
flower thus early offered to its Maker.
Strict obedience to his superiors, and the duty of stated prayer, were
so early impressed as to be incorporated with the elements of his
character. Simple habits, rural tastes, control of the animal appetites,
and correct deportment to all around him, were carefully inculcated,
while a thorough course of classical instruction under his father's
roof protected him from the dangers of promiscuous association and
sinful example. The most favourable results might reasonably be
anticipated from a system of culture so vigilant that temptation could
not assail from without, nor spring up within, without being detected;
so judicious that wealth had no power to enervate either the body or the
mind; so affectionate that the tendrils of the heart were free to expand
in innocent happiness; so faithful in its ministrations to the soul,
that the Divine blessing seemed visibly to descend upon it. This wise
discipline combining with the Creator's exceeding bounty, rendered him
what he was: a being to be loved by all who looked upon him, and to be
held in lasting remembrance by all who knew him.
To borrow the expressive language of one who had long superintended his
education, and was intimately acquainted with his mental and moral
structure, "So insensible was he to all those passions which prompt to
self-defence and self-protection, and so entirely under the influence of
that forgiving spirit which being smitten on the one cheek would turn
the other also, and that overflowing generosity, which, after the cloak
is taken, would give the coat likewise, as utterly to unfit him for the
society of selfish, avaricious, overbearing men, whence I have fondly
thought, that he was thus early invited to a mansion where he might
enjoy the communion of more congenial spirits."
The Dying Sunday School Boy.
His hands were clasp'd, his eyelids clos'd,
As on his couch he lay,
While slumber seem'd to wrap the form
That pain had worn away:
But still the watching mother marked
His pallid lips to part,
As if some all-absorbing thought
Lay on his dreaming heart;
For yet he slept not. Silent prayer
Commun'd with God alone,
And then his glazing eyes he rais'd,
And spoke with tender tone:
"Oh mother! often in my class,
I've heard the teacher say,
That those who to the Saviour turn
He would not cast away;
And so, beside my bed I knelt
While early morn was dim,
Imploring Heaven to teach my soul
The way to turn to Him;
And now, behold! through golden clouds,
A pierced hand I see,
And listen to a glorious Voice,
Arise! and come to Me."
His breath grew faint, but soft and low
The parting whisper sigh'd,
"I come, dear Lord, I come!" and so,
Without a pang he died.
Oh blessed child! with whom the strife
Of fear and care are o'er,
Methinks thine angel smile we see
From yon celestial shore,
And hear thee singing to His praise
Whose boundless mercy gave
Unto thy meek and trusting soul,
The victory o'er the Grave.
The Precocious Infant.
The infant of whom the following traits will be remembered by many, was
the son of the Rev. Dr. H. N. Brinsmade, and born in Hartford,
Connecticut, February 28th, 1827. At an age when babes are considered
little more than attractive objects to the loving eye, or toys to amuse
a leisure hour, he was acquiring new ideas, and a subject of discipline;
for his parents became convinced, through his example, that the mind in
its earliest developments is susceptible of culture.
From the age of four months, he was observed to regard surrounding
objects with a fixed attention. During those periods of inspection, the
name of the article thus regarded was slowly repeated to him, until he
associated it with the sound, and afterwards, would earnestly turn his
eyes to any prominent piece of furniture, or particular portions of his
own dress, or parts of his body, when designated by their respective
names. At ten months he commenced learning the alphabet, from small
wooden cubes, on which each letter was separately painted. This process
was soon completed: not that he was able to utter the corresponding
sounds, but would point out any letter that was inquired for, without
mistake; and if he saw one in an inverted position, was never easy until
he had restored it to its true attitude.
By the aid of prints pasted on cards, he readily acquired the names of
animals and birds, arranged according to a judicious system of Natural
History. He was encouraged to become thoroughly familiar with one print
ere he was permitted to take another. Thus a basis was laid for habits
of application, and the idle curiosity restrained, with which children
are wont to wander from picture to picture. His parents in showing him a
landscape or historical painting, accustomed him to regard every object,
however minute, with an accurate eye, and so retentive was his memory,
that what had been thoroughly impressed he seldom forgot. There were few
toys from which he derived satisfaction, but seemed to find in pictures
and books, with the explanations which they elicited, his principal
delight. His careful treatment of books was remarkable, and this was
undoubtedly in a measure produced by a little circumstance which
occurred when he was quite young. He had torn the paper cover of a small
volume. His mother remarked upon it with a serious countenance, and as
the members of the family entered, mentioned what had been done, in a
tone of sadness.
Presently his lip quivered, and a tear glistened in his eye. The lesson
had been sufficiently strong, and it was necessary to comfort him.
Afterwards, expensive volumes were fearlessly submitted to him, and the
most splendid English annuals sustained no injury from his repeated
examinations.
Geography, as exhibited on maps, became a favourite study, and ere he
had numbered his second birthday, I saw him with surprise and admiration
point out upon an atlas, seas, rivers, lakes, and countries, without
hesitation or error.
A short time after, I found that he had made acquaintance with the
rudiments of geometry, and was continually increasing his knowledge of
printed words, which, with their definitions and combinations in simple
phrases, were rapidly initiating him into his native language. It may
possibly be imagined that he was made a mere book-worm, or might have
been naturally deficient in animal spirits. On the contrary, nothing was
taught him by compulsion, and no child could be more full of happiness.
His sports, his rambles in the garden, and the demonstrations of
infantine pleasure, were sweet to him. His mother was his companion, his
playmate, and his instructress. Deeming her child's mind of more value
than any other feminine pursuit or enjoyment, she devoted her time to
its cultivation; and to her perseverance and the entire concurrence of
his father in the intellectual system devised for him, his uncommon
attainments may be imputed, more than to any peculiar gift of nature.
Still, I am not prepared to say, that there was not something originally
extraordinary in his capacity; at least I have never seen his docility,
application, and retentive power, equalled in the early stages of
existence. Portions of every day, suited in their length to his infancy,
were regularly devoted to the business of instruction. But these were
often unconsciously extended in their limits, by his eager desire to
learn something more; and the winning and repeated entreaty of "Pray,
_dear mother_, teach me," was wont to secure him an additional
indulgence of "line upon line, and precept upon precept." His love of
knowledge was becoming a passion, still there seemed no undue prominence
of one department of intellect to the injury of another. Perception,
understanding, and memory, advanced together, and seemed equally
healthful.
He was destined for a learned education; a great part of which it was
deemed preferable that he should receive under the parental roof; and
his mother was preparing herself to become an assistant to his father in
teaching him different languages. So indefatigable were her attentions
to him, that she never left him to the care of a servant; and thus
correct habits and purity of feeling, were preserved from contamination.
Among the pleasing traits of character which revealed themselves in him,
his love of home was conspicuous. Though fond of seeing new objects, yet
home was the spot most desirable to him. During a journey to New York,
after the completion of his second year, where museums, and every
alluring curiosity were inspected by him with delighted attention, the
prospect of returning to his own flowers, shells, and books, gave him
inexpressible joy.