born in 1821. Following her course through her youth, we are no where
surprised at the development of any remarkable power of mind. She was
prayerful and conscientious, diligent in acquiring knowledge,
enthusiastic in her love of nature, evincing in every thing a refined
and feminine taste, and a quick perception of the beautiful in art, in
literature, and in morals. But the charm of her character lay in the
warmth of her heart. Love was the element in which she lived. She loved
God--she loved her parents--she loved her companions--she loved
everybody. It was the exuberant, gushing love of childhood, exalted by
the influences of true piety. She seems never to have known what it was
to be repelled by a sense of weakness or unworthiness in another, or to
have had any of those dislikes and distastes and unchristian aversions
which keep so many of us apart. She had no need to "unlearn contempt."
This was partly the result of natural temperament, but not all. Such
love is a Christian grace. He that "hath" it, has it because he
"dwelleth in God and God in him." It is the charity which Paul
inculcated; that which "thinketh no evil," which "hopeth" and "believeth
all things." It has its root in humility; it grows only by the uprooting
of self. He who would cultivate it, must follow the injunction to let
nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of heart
esteem others better than himself. As Jesus took a little child and set
him in the midst to teach his disciples, so would we place this young
Christian woman in the assemblies of some who are "called of men Rabbi,
Rabbi," that they may learn from her "which be the first principles" of
the Christian life.
But let no one suppose that there was any weakness or want of just
discrimination in the subject of this memoir. It is true that the
gentler elements predominated in her character, and her father knew what
she needed, when he gave her the playful advice to "_have more of
Cato_." Without Christian principle she might have been a victim of
morbid sensitiveness, or even at the mercy of fluctuating impulses; but
religion supplied the tonic she needed, and by the grace of God aiding
her own efforts, we see her possessed of firmness of purpose and moral
courage enough to rebuke many of us who are made of sterner stuff.
For want of room we pass over many beautiful extracts from the memoir
made to exhibit the traits of her character, and to illustrate what is
said by the reviewer.
In September, 1843, Miss H. was married to the Rev. J. Van Lennep, and
in the following October sailed with him for his home in Smyrna. Our
readers have learned from the letter of Rev. Mr. Goodell, which we
lately published, through what vicissitudes Mrs. Van Lennep passed after
her arrival at Constantinople, which had been designated as her field of
labor.
It was there she died, September 27, 1844, in the twenty-third year of
her age, only one year and twenty-three days from her marriage-day, and
before she had fully entered upon the life to which she had consecrated
herself. Of her it has been as truly as beautifully said:
"Thy labor in the vineyard closed,
Long e'er the noon-tide sun,
The dew still glistened on the leaves,
When thy short task was done."
And yet this life, "so little in itself," may be found to have an
importance in its consequences, hardly anticipated at first by those
who, overwhelmed by this sudden and impetuous providence, were ready to
exclaim, "To what purpose is this waste?" Her day of influence will
extend beyond the noon or the even-tide of an ordinary life of labor.
"_Sweet Mary Hawes_" (as she is named by one who never saw her, and
whose knowledge of her is all derived from the volume we have been
reviewing), shall long live in these pages, embalmed in unfading youth,
to win and to guide many to Him, at whose feet she sat and learned to
"choose the better part." Her pleasant voice will be heard in our homes,
assuring our daughters that "there is no sphere of usefulness more
pleasant than this;" bidding them believe that "it is a comfort to take
the weight of family duties from a mother, to soothe and cheer a wearied
father, and a delight to aid a young brother in his evening lesson, and
to watch his unfolding mind." They shall catch her alacrity and cheerful
industry, and her "facility in saving the fragments of time, and making
them tell in something tangible" accomplished in them. They shall be
admonished not to waste feeling in discontented and romantic dreaming,
or in sighing for opportunities to do good on a great scale, till they
have filled up as thoroughly and faithfully as she did the smaller
openings for usefulness near at hand.
She shall lead them by the hand to the Sabbath-school teacher's humble
seat, on the tract distributor's patient circuit, or on errands of mercy
into the homes of sickness and destitution,--into the busy
sewing-circle, or the little group gathered for social prayer. It is
well too that they should have such a guide, for the offense of the
Cross has not yet ceased, and the example of an accomplished and highly
educated young female will not fail of its influence upon others of the
same class, who wish to be Christians, and yet are so much afraid of
every thing that may seem to border on _religious cant_, as to shrink
back from the prayer-meeting, and from active personal efforts for the
salvation of others. Her cheerful piety shall persuade us that "_it is
indeed_ the _simplest_, the _easiest_, the _most blessed thing in the
world, to give up the heart to the control of God_, and by daily looking
to him for strength to conquer our corrupt inclinations, _to grow in
every thing that will make us like him_." Her bright smile is worth
volumes to prove that "_Jesus can indeed satisfy the heart_," and that
if the experience of most of us has taught us to believe, that there is
far more of conflict than of victory in the Christian warfare,--more
shadow than sunshine resting upon the path of our pilgrimage, most of
the fault lies in our own wayward choice. The child-like simplicity and
serene faith of this young disciple, shall often use to rebuke our
anxious fears, and charm away our disquietudes with the whisper--"_that
sweet word_, TRUST, _tells all_." Her early consecration of her
all to the great work of advancing the Redeemer's kingdom, shall rouse
us who have less left of life to surrender, to redouble our efforts in
spreading like "love and joy and peace," over the earth, lest when it
shall be said of her, "She hath done what she could," it shall also be
added, "She hath done more than they all."
There has been no waste here,--no sacrifice but that by which, in
oriental alchemy, the bloom and the beauty of the flower of a day is
transmitted into the imperishable odor, and its fragrance concentrated,
in order that it may be again diffused abroad to rejoice a thousand
hearts. If any ask again, "To what purpose was this waste?"--we answer,
"The Lord had need of it."
* * * * *
We are indebted to God for the gift of Washington: but we are no less
indebted to him for the gift of his inestimable mother. Had she been a
weak and indulgent and unfaithful parent, the unchecked energies of
Washington might have elevated him to the throne of a tyrant, or
youthful disobedience might have prepared the way for a life of crime
and a dishonored grave.
* * * * *
Original.
INSTRUCTION OF THE YOUNG IN THE DOCTRINES AND PRECEPTS OF THE GOSPEL.
MRS. A. G. WHITTELSEY:
DEAR MADAM--It is among the recollections of my early youth,
that your departed husband was pastor of one of the churches in the
southern section of Litchfield County, Conn. Among the distinguishing
religious characteristics of that portion of country, at that period,
was the soundness of the Congregational churches in the faith of the
gospel: the means for which, in diligent use, were, the faithful
preaching of the gospel in its great and fundamental doctrines and
precepts; and catechetical instruction, in the family and in the school.
I am not informed as to the present habits there, on the latter means.
But knowing what was the practice, extensively, in regard to the
instruction of children and youth, and what its effects on the interests
of sound piety and morals in those days, I feel myself standing on firm
ground for urging upon the readers of your Magazine, the importance of
the instruction of the young in the doctrines and duties of the gospel.
The position taken in your Magazine, on that great and important
subject, Infant Baptism, is one which you will find approved and
sustained by all who fully appreciate the means for bringing the sons
and daughters of the Church to Christ. I hope that in its pages will
also be inculcated all those great and distinguishing doctrines and
commands of our holy religion, which, in the Bible, and in the minds of
all sound and faithful men, and all sound confessions of Christian
faith, stand inseparably associated with Infant Baptism.
Such instruction should be imparted by parents themselves; not left to
teachers in the Sabbath-school alone; as soon as the minds of children
begin to be capable of receiving instruction, of any kind, and of being
impressed, permanently, by such instruction. It should be imparted
frequently--or, rather, constantly,--as God directed his anointed
people: "And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine
heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and thou
shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up."
It should be done with clearness and simplicity, adapted to the minds of
children and youth; with particularity; and with a fullness, as regards
"the whole word of God," which shall not leave them uninstructed in any
doctrine or command in the sacred word. These points in the manner of
instructing the young are suggested, with an eye to the fact, that since
the establishment of Sunday-schools, there is a temptation for parents
to leave to others this important work; that it is therefore delayed
till the age at which children have learned to read,--by which time,
some of the best opportunities for impressing truth have become
lost--because also there is infrequency and omission of duty; and
because there is not always the requisite pains taken to have children
understand what is taught; and indefinite ideas on the doctrines and
precepts of the gospel are the consequences; and because there is an
inclination, too often indicated, to pass over some doctrines and
precepts, under the notion that they are distasteful, and will repel the
young mind from religion. We set down as a principle of sound common
sense, as well as religion, that every truth of the Bible which is
concerned in making men wise unto salvation, is to be taught to every
soul whose salvation is to be sought, and that at every period of life.
Let a few words be said, relative to the advantages of thorough and
faithful instruction of the young, in the doctrines and duties of the
gospel. It pre-occupies and guards their minds against religious error.
It prepares them early and discriminately to perceive and understand the
difference between Bible truth, and the words taught by men, however
ingenious and plausible. It exerts a salutary moral influence, even
before conversion takes place,--which is of high importance to a life of
correct morality. It prepares the way for intelligent and sound
conversion to God, whenever that desirable event takes place; and for
subsequent solidity and strength of Christian character, to the end of
life. Added to these, it may in strict propriety be asserted, that the
influence of thorough instruction in the sound and sacred truths of
God's word is inestimable upon the intellect as well as on the heart.
Divine truth is the grand educator of the immortal mind. It is therefore
an instrumentality to be used in childhood and youth, as well as in
adult years.
The objection often made, to omit instruction as advocated in this
article,--that children and youth cannot understand it,--is founded in a
mistake. Thousands and thousands of biographies of children and youth
present facts which obviate the objection and go to correct the mistake.
It is the beauty of what our Savior called "the kingdom of God,"--the
religion of the gospel,--that while it is to be "received" by every one
"_as_ a little child," it is received _by_ many "a little child," who is
early taught it. But on the other hand, it is an affecting and most
instructive fact, that of multitudes who are left uninstructed in early
life, in the truths of the gospel; that Scripture is proved but too
true, "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the
truth."
May your Magazine, dear Madam, be instrumental in advancing the best
interests of the rising generation, by its advocacy of bringing up
children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;" into which enters,
fundamentally, teaching to the young,--by parents themselves,--and that
"right early," constantly, clearly, particularly and fully, the truths
of the gospel; the sure and unerring doctrine and commands of the Word
of God. With Christian salutations, yours truly,
E. W. HOOKER.
_South Windsor, Conn., August, 1851._
* * * * *
Original.
THE DEATH-BED SCENE.
The following death-bed conversation of a beloved daughter, detailed to
us by her mother, exhibits such sweet resignation and trust in God, that
we give it a place in our Magazine. Would that we all might be prepared
to resign this life with cheerfulness, and with like hopes enter upon
that which is to come!
"Mother," said she, "I once thought I could be a Christian without
making a profession of religion, but when God took my little Burnet from
me, I knew he did it to subdue the pride of my heart and bring me to the
foot of the Cross. Satan has been permitted to tempt me, but the Savior
has always delivered me from his snares."
I was absent from her one day for a short time; when I returned she
looked at me with such a heavenly expression, and said:
"Mother, I thought just now I was dying; I went to the foot of the Cross
with my burden of sins and sorrows, and left them there. Now all is
peace; I am not afraid to die."
Her father coming, she took his hand in hers and said:
"My dear father, if I have prayed for one thing more than another, it
has been for your salvation, but God, doubtless, saw that my death
(which will, I know, be one of the greatest trials you have ever met
with) is necessary to save you; and although I love my parents, husband
and children dearly as any one ever did, and have every thing in this
world that I could wish for, yet I am willing to die--Here, Lord, take
me."
Her sister coming in, she said to her:--"My dear Caroline, you see what
a solemn thing it is to die. What an awful thing it must be for those
who have no God. Dear sister, learn to love the Savior, learn to pray,
do not be too much taken up with the world, it will disappoint you."
After saying something to each one present, turning to me, she said:
"My dear mother, I thank you for your kind care of me, for keeping me
from places of dissipation. I thought once you were too strict, but now
I bless you for it. I shall not be permitted to smooth your dying
pillow, but I shall be ready to meet you when you land on the shores of
Canaan. Dear mother, come soon."
To Mr. H. she said:--"Dear husband, you were the loadstone that held me
longest to the earth, but I have been enabled to give you up at last. I
trust you are a Christian, and we shall meet in heaven. Take care of our
children, train them up for Christ, keep them from the world." She then
prayed for them. After lying still for some time, she said:
"Mother, I thought I was going just, now, and I tried to put up one more
prayer for my husband, children, and friends, but (looking up with a
smile), would you believe I could not remember their names, and I just
said, Here they are, Lord, take them, and make them what thou wouldst
have them, and bring them to thy kingdom at last."
When she was almost cold, and her tongue stiffened, she motioned me to
put my head near her.
"My dear child," said I, "it seems to distress you to talk, don't try."
"Oh, mother, let me leave you all the comfort I can, it is you who must
still suffer; my sufferings are just over; I am passing over Jordan, but
the waves do not touch me; my Savior is with me, and keeps them off.
Never be afraid to go to him. Farewell! And now, Lord Jesus, come, O
come quickly. My eyes are fixed on the Savior, and all is peace. Let me
rejoice! let me rejoice!"
* * * * *
NOTICES OF BOOKS.
"ROGER MILLER," OR "HEROISM IN HUMBLE LIFE,"--Is the title of a
small "Narrative"--a reprint from a London Edition, by Carter and
Brothers, 235 Broadway, New York.
The field of benevolent action of this holy man, was that great
metropolis--London. His life and character were in fact a counterpart of
our own Harlan Page. The somewhat extended "Introduction" to this
reprint was prepared by Dr. James Alexander. We feel justified in
saying, with his extensive experience, and his keen perceptions of truth
and of duty in such matters, this Introduction is worth all the book may
cost.
The main thought of the work suggests "_The condition of our
metropolitan population_"--points out the "_true remedy_" for existing
evils--shows us the value of "_lay agency_," and "how much may be done
by individuals of humble rank and least favored circumstances."
Every parent has a personal interest to aid and encourage such
benevolent action. Vice is contagious. Let our seaboard towns become
flagrantly wicked--with "railroad speed" the infection will travel far
and wide. Mothers are invited to peruse this little volume--as an
encouragement to labor and pray, and hope for the conversion of wayward
wandering sons--for wicked and profligate youth.
Roger Miller, whose death caused such universal lamentation in the city
of London, was for many years a wanderer from God, and was at length
converted by means of a tract, given him by the "_way-side_," by an old
and decrepit woman.
"NEWCOMB'S MANUAL"--Is a carefully prepared little volume,
containing Scripture questions, designed for the use of Maternal
Associations at their Quarterly Meetings.
"MARY ASHTON"--Is the title of a little work recently issued
from the press, delineating the difference between the character of the
London boarding-school Miss, and one of nearly the same age, educated
and trained by the devoted, affectionate care of a pious mother. The
influence which the latter exerts upon the former is also set forth
during the progress of the story. Those readers who are fond of
delineations of English scenery and of the time-hallowed influences of
the old English Church, will be pleased with the style of the volume,
while some few mothers may possess the delightful consciousness of
viewing in _Mary Ashton_ the image of their loved ones now laboring in
the vineyard of the Lord, or transferred to his more blessed service in
the skies. But few such, alas! are to be found among even the baptized
children of the Church; those on whom the dew and rain gently distilled
in the privacy of home and from the public sanctuary bring forth the
delightsome plant. God grant that such fruits may be more abundant!
* * * * *
Original.
RECOLLECTIONS ILLUSTRATIVE OF MATERNAL INFLUENCE.
In thinking over the scenes of my childhood the other day, I was led to
trace the path of some of my youthful companions into life; and I could
not but be struck with the fact, that in almost every instance, both the
character and the condition were referable, in a great measure, to the
influence of the mother. Some of them were blessed with good mothers,
and some were cursed with bad ones; and though the conviction is not in
all the cases marked with equal distinctness, yet in several of them,
the very image and superscription of the mother remains upon the child
to this day. I sometimes visit the place which was the scene of my early
training, and inquire for those who were the playmates of my childhood,
and I receive answers to some of my inquiries that well nigh make me
shudder; but when I think of the early domestic influence, especially
the maternal influence, to which some of them were subjected, there is
nothing in the account that I hear concerning them, but what is easily
explained. For the cause of their present degradation and ruin, I have
no occasion to go outside of the dwelling in which they were reared. I
am glad to put on record, for the benefit of both mothers and their
children, two of the cases which now occur to me, as illustrative of
different kinds of maternal influence.
One of the boys who attended the same school with me, and whose father's
residence was very near my father's, was, even at that early period,
both vulgar and profane in his talk. He seemed destitute of all sense
and propriety, caring nothing for what was due from him to others, and
equally regardless of the good-will of his teacher and of his
companions. When I returned to the place, after a few years' absence,
and inquired for him, I was told that he was growing up, or rather had
grown up, in habits of vice, which seemed likely to render him an outlaw
from all decent society: that even then he had no associates except from
the very dregs of the community. In my visits to my native place ever
since, I have kept my eye upon him, as a sad illustration of the
progress of sin. He has been for many years--I cannot say an absolute
sot--but yet an intemperate drinker. He has always been shockingly
profane; not only using the profane expressions that are commonly heard
in the haunts of wickedness, but actually putting his invention to the
rack to originate expressions more revolting, if possible, than anything
to be found in the acknowledged vocabulary of blasphemy. He has been
through life an avowed infidel--not merely a deist, but a professed
atheist,--laughing at the idea both of a God and a hereafter; though his
skepticism, instead of being the result of inquiry or reflection, or
being in any way connected with it, is evidently the product of
unrestrained vicious indulgence. His domestic relations have been a
channel of grief and mortification to those who have been so unfortunate
as to be associated with him. His wife, if she is still living, lives
with a broken heart, and the time has been when she has dreaded the
sound of his footsteps. His children, notwithstanding the brutalizing
influence to which they have been subjected, have, by no means, sunk
down to _his_ standard of corruption; and some of them at least would
seem ready to hang their heads when they call him "father." I cannot at
this moment think of a more loathsome example of moral debasement than
this person presents. I sometimes meet him, and from early associations,
even take his hand; but I never do it without feeling myself in contact
with the very personification of depravity.
Now, I am not surprised at all this, when I go back to the time when he
had a mother, and remember what sort of a mother she was. She was coarse
and vulgar in her habits; and I well recollect that the interior of her
dwelling was so neglected, that it scarcely rose above a decent stable.
The secret of this, and most of her other delinquencies was, that she
was a lover of intoxicating drinks. I believe she sometimes actually
made a beast of herself; but oftener drank only so much as to make her
silly and ridiculous. It happened in her case, as in many similar ones,
that her fits of being intoxicated were fits of being religious; and
though, when she was herself, she never, to my knowledge, made any
demonstrations of piety or devotion; yet the moment her tongue became
too large for her mouth, she was sure to use it in the most earnest and
glowing religious professions. A stranger might have taken her at such a
time for a devoted Christian; but alas! her religion was only that of a
wretched inebriate.