CHAPTER XI.

DOMESTIC AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS.

All who knew Mr. Ballou intimately, can bear witness that his home was a

happy one. This, of course, was owing to the manner in which he had

framed and modeled that home after his own heart and the dictates of the

religion he professed. He was the master mind there; his word was law,

his simplest wish strictly complied with. He was looked up to with a

degree of respect and veneration by his children, that was an abiding

evidence of his true character. In the government of his family, he

_led_, but never _drove_, his children, endeavoring, to the utmost of

his ability, to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,

and, taking his divine Master for his example, he governed them by love

and kindness alone.

He was strongly characterized for his fondness of domestic enjoyment,

and throughout his whole life, to the very end, evinced the most

constant and tenderest solicitude for each and all of his children. Even

after they had married and settled in life, with families about them,

this solicitude continued as ardent as ever; nor was there one of those

children who would undertake any matter of importance without first

consulting his wishes in the premises, and seeking his advice upon the

subject; so highly were both respected and esteemed. This is mentioned

in this connection, not as an encomium upon the family, but simply to

show the reader the universal love and respect that its head always

commanded. We find this subject referred to by Rev. Henry Bacon, in his

published remarks concerning the decease of the subject of this

biography. He refers to the respect in which his advice was held upon

secular matters, not only in his own family, but by others of his

acquaintance.

"He was great," says Mr. Bacon, "in the clearness with which he saw the

essential truths of the gospel, and in the power with which he

communicated them to others, by that spirit of calm earnestness, and

that wondrous faculty to make himself intelligible, which peculiarly

distinguished him. He was great as a logician; great in wisdom that

penetrates to the reality of character, and opens the real motives that

sway the man; _and his counsel in matters far removed from his peculiar

walk in life was weighed as the utterance of an oracle that must not be

slighted_. Simple in his habits, he lost nothing of life in indulgences

that rob existence of its serenity; fixed in a few great principles, he

made everything contribute thereto for the enlargement of his views of

men and things; and, reverencing the Scriptures with a depth of

reliance that was beautiful to behold, he brought forth the harmonies of

the divine Word in a manner that suggested more than he ever expressed,

though he expressed enough to satisfy millions of souls."

May we add here, how grateful such words of appreciation are to the

hearts of his family.

The following was furnished us by Rev. Thomas Whittemore, and would seem

to come most properly under this chapter of Domestic and Personal

Characteristics. Mr. Whittemore was solicited for something relative to

the subject, being so old and valued a friend of the deceased, and he

thus speaks:--

"The life of Hosea Ballou is, in almost every respect, pleasing to

contemplate. It was a very active life. He travelled much, he preached

often, he studied continually, and he wrote not a little. In the earlier

part of his life he joined teaching of the young in the common sciences

to his other avocations. No small portion of his leisure time he spent

in reading; but he _thought_ more than he read. He was always digging

for gold; not, however, in books, but in the mine of his own intellect.

His mind was very active.

"The most pleasing part of his life was his serene old age. The writer

of this remembers him well when he was forty years of age. Ten years

afterwards, the writer entered his family to pursue a course of studies

for the ministry. Mr. B.'s mind at fifty seemed never at rest. If not

reading, he was busily engaged in mental effort. Often, when he was

walking in the streets, have we seen his lips move, as if he were

talking. At his home, he would sit frequently with his eyes closed, his

lips moving, as if holding conversation with some invisible person; and

when he apparently came to some crisis in his meditations, he showed

some outward sign of his feelings, sometimes by a smile, at others by

suppressed laughter, at others by a sigh.

"A mind thus active is in danger of disturbing, if too much indulged,

the proper action of the digestive powers, which, in their turn, react

upon the mind, and produce lowness of spirits and gloom. Mr. Ballou at

fifty was troubled in this way. His heart had an affection sympathetic

with the stomach, and its action was irregular and intermittent. At this

point of his life, he had lived but three or four years in Boston; and

he had had occasion to perform a large amount both of mental and

physical labor. He had preached three times almost every Sabbath; had

edited, for two years, the 'Universalist Magazine;' had visited many

parts of the country to preach the gospel, sometimes under very

animating circumstances; and these complicated labors were too much for

him. His most sagacious friends then had fears either that he would not

live to old age, or, if he did, that his later years would be unquiet.

"We remember, with very great satisfaction, the exceeding gentleness and

amiability of his wife, in the days of which we speak. While this

excellent lady still survives, it is not proper for us to express all

that may be justly said of her. She presided over her household with a

fidelity, a blandness, a kindness, steady as the current of a river, and

unruffled as a lake in the calmest day. This season of intermixture of

health and sickness, joy and sadness, light and shade, continued for

some half dozen years, when it was very gratifying to Mr. B.'s friends

to see that each change denoted that his life might be protracted

perhaps to old age, and that, peradventure, his old age should be as

serene as his earlier days had been laborious and useful. Such proved to

be the fact. He died in his eighty-second year, and his life grew more

and more serene unto its close; like the sun, obscured somewhat by

passing clouds at noon, but shining clearly during the rest of the day,

making its course through the western sky, and passing away from the

earth, as it were, into the boundless heavens beyond.

"This quiet old age I attribute to several circumstances. Mr. Ballou was

a man of sound sense. It was his aim to make the best of everything. He

was a Christian philosopher. He sought to rule his own spirit. He

believed that humility and meekness were the brightest jewels in the

Christian's crown. He had a firm trust in his Maker's goodness. He

believed that God was the Sovereign of the universe, a Father of

infinite goodness, as well as of infinite power, who executed his will

in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and

who, by everything which he did, and by everything which he permitted

to be done, was seeking infallibly the good of his creatures. What an

influence would such a faith exert on Mr. Ballou's life!

"Added to this, he had a wife whose constant effort and highest joy was

to make her husband happy. Few such women have lived. It is my duty to

declare, that, during thirty years' acquaintance with her, I never have

heard the first unkind word from her lips, respecting any human being.

Towards her husband, there was a devotion that never tired. It was her

constant desire and aim to make him useful and happy. She appeared well

in any society, but home was her genial sphere. Much of the quiet of

Father Ballou's old age must be attributed to her. His children, also,

have been sources of great comfort to him. They diligently aimed to make

him happy. He loved them all with surpassing tenderness, and they loved

him in consequence. Had anything unfavorable happened to either of his

children, it would have been like a dart driven through his soul. We

know that, even in that case, his religion and his philosophy would have

come to his aid; he would have believed that God had a wise purpose in

it; but, even with that alleviation, it must greatly have disturbed his

life. No such affliction, however, awaited him. Two of his sons became

preachers of the same gospel which he had defended, and by their prudent

lives gained the respect of all who knew them. They have not, like many

clergymen, moved frequently from place to place, but, for about a

quarter of a century, have remained stationary pastors. In respect to

the goods of this world, they have been prudent, and have prospered. * *

* * The daughters have all been married to faithful, kind, and prudent

husbands, of whom two are preachers of the gospel, and all, men of

respectability, intelligence, and thrift.

"Such have been the circumstances of Father Ballou's family. But we have

yet to mention another source of the happiness of his last days. He saw

himself standing at the head of a large and prosperous body of

Christians, who loved and venerated him for his labors, the purity of

his character, and the good he had done. He saw their regard for him

manifested at such times, and in such ways, that he had reason to

believe it was not done for effect, but was the outgushing of the real

feeling of their hearts. At the meetings of conventions, associations,

and other public bodies, all were happy to greet the old soldier of the

cross. His strength was spared to him to such a degree, that he was able

to travel and preach up to the close of his life. His last sermon was

delivered within eight days of his death. He used frequently to say that

it seemed to him no man had more to be thankful for than he. Prudence in

diet; prudence in labor; a kind heart; an affectionate companion; loving

children; ease in his worldly circumstances; the homage of the class of

Christians to which he belonged; the respect of mankind at large;

ability to pursue his favorite calling to the end of life; a strong

trust in God, whose commands he sought diligently to obey;--these were

the causes of the serenity of his old age. 'Mark the perfect man, and

behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.' Psalm 37:37."

Especially was he fond of children and infants. This was a markedly

prominent feature in his feelings; and children, too, never failed to

make friends with him at once. In our own humble experience, we have

made this a criterion of judgment in character. He who warmly and

quickly interests a child,--whose temperament is such that infancy can

easily assimilate with it,--whose sympathies are of a nature quickly to

unite when brought in contact with childhood,--that man has at heart

much of the real _purity_ and _innocence_ which are the main

characteristics of those whom the Saviour blessed. We never saw a child

shun or turn away from him; but we have seen scores of those who were

strangers, put out their little hands and go willingly to him. In his

own family circle his love of children found ample scope and a genial

field for exercise.

More than forty of his own grandchildren might have been gathered

together at one time during his life. But, as we have intimated, it was

not with these alone that the spirit we refer to was evinced; it was the

same with one as with another. All children he dearly loved, and

particularly noticed. There seemed to be a magic power in his voice, and

in the gentle beaming of his clear, expressive eyes, that carried

assurance to their timid bosoms; and they would nestle happy and

undismayed in his arms, or listen to his words, so cunningly adapted to

the powers of their tender intellect.

The secret of Mr. Ballou's remarkable success in his family government,

was, doubtless, his following those rules which he has so well expressed

and laid down for others. It is a valuable excerpt that he has left, and

we doubt not that the reader will thank us for introducing it here, and

in his own words:--"When giving to your children commands, be careful

that you speak with a becoming dignity, as if not only the right, but

the wisdom also to command, was with you. Be careful not to discover a

jealousy that your injunctions may not be attended to; for if the child

sees that you have your doubts, they will lead the child to doubt too.

Be cautious never to give your commands in a loud voice, nor in haste.

If you must speak loudly in order to be obeyed, when it is not

convenient to raise your voice you must expect to be disobeyed; and if

it be convenient for you to speak loudly, you must remember it is

inconvenient for others to hear it.

"But, with regard to manner, be careful to speak in a soft, tender, kind

and loving way. Even when you have occasion to rebuke, be careful to do

it with manifest kindness. The effects will be incalculably better. When

you are obliged to deny the request that your child may make, do not

allow yourself to do this with severity. It is enough for our dear

little ones to be denied of what they may think they want, without

being nearly knocked down with a sharp voice ringing in their tender

ears.

"If you practise severity, speak harshly, frequently punish in anger,

you will find your children will imbibe your spirit and manners. First

you will find that they will treat each other as you treat them; and

after they arrive to a little age, they will treat you with unkind and

unbecoming replies. But if you are wise, and treat your little ones with

tenderness, you will fix the image of love in their minds, and they will

love you and each other, and in their conversation will imitate the

conversation which they have heard from the tenderest friend which

children have on earth."

In this connection we are reminded of a letter, lately published, from

Mrs. C. A. Soule, relative to her impressions touching the death of the

subject of this memoir. It will be remembered that her husband was a

warm and cherished friend of Mr. Ballou's, and that he was associated

with him as colleague over the Second Universalist Society, in

School-street, Boston, as late as 1845.

"As vividly as though it were but yesterday, does memory bring to me

that sunny April day, in 1844, when I first entered the sanctuary where

he had ministered so many years. There was a dedication service, and I

thought then, and I think now, that I never gazed upon a more impressive

sight than was presented at that moment, when the aged pastor took in

his arms the little helpless babe, and in touching words consecrated it

to Him who said 'Suffer little children to come unto me.' That picture

of infancy and age,--how I longed for a pencil to sketch it! Thank

Heaven, memory, with faithful touch, inscribed it on my heart, and it

will ever hang there, one of its most beautiful pictures. And now I see

him at my own threshold. I meet him, and present him my own little one,

my firstborn. How tenderly he caresses it! Long he looks into her

laughing eyes, and then exclaims, in a tone I can never forget, 'How I

wish I could read her thoughts!' Then, sitting down, he tells me that he

never yet looked on a babe without longing to know the workings, the

thoughts, of the infant mind; and afterwards gave me some excellent

advice about so training that little one that when age should enable her

to reveal her thoughts, they might all be pure and beautiful. How

life-like is the portrait I have of him in my mind's eye! It seems so

palpable that I almost feel the light as it streams from that thrilling

eye, and hear the eloquent words that tremble on that 'heaven-touched

tongue.'"

In illustration of the feelings which influenced him as it regarded

intercourse with his children, and consideration for their enjoyment,

and sympathy with them even in many seeming trifles, we relate the

following anecdote, which, though perhaps trifling in itself, is by no

means without value in point of application.

When Mr. Ballou engaged, in 1834, to go to New York and Philadelphia, it

became known to one of his parishioners, who desired to send his child,

a young lady, to the latter city, on a visit to some relations or

friends. His request to take charge of the young person was cheerfully

acceded to by Mr. Ballou. It so happened that the person who was to

accompany him was a classmate at school and a very intimate companion of

one of his own daughters, the eldest then at home. When this daughter

learned that her classmate was to accompany her father on his journey,

she could not but express a wish that she were going also. There were no

railroad conveniences then, nor were scarcely any of the present

accommodations for travelling perfected. It was not only considerable of

an undertaking to commence a journey of three hundred miles, but it

necessarily involved not a trifling expense.

It came to the ears of Mr. Ballou that his child really desired to

accompany him; and, when he understood the circumstances, he immediately

gave his consent,--telling her, playfully, not to say anything to her

young friend of this, but that he would manage an agreeable surprise for

her. The stage came to the house very early on the morning appointed for

starting,--long before daylight. Mr. Ballou and his daughter got in, and

took their places on the back seat, the latter well wrapped up about the

face. They then drove to the house of her schoolmate, who was to

accompany them. She also took her place in the vehicle, exchanging a

salutation with Mr. Ballou, and they drove off in the darkness. It was

not long before the young lady took occasion to remark, casually, to Mr.

Ballou, how agreeable it _would_ have been could Elmina (the daughter)

have accompanied them. "Very,--very indeed," said Mr. Ballou; and they

still drove quietly on. At last, the city being now left far behind, and

daylight having appeared, Mr. Ballou asked the young lady if she knew

the person by her side. On hearing this inquiry, she turned to see her

neighbor's face, and lo! it was her classmate and dearest friend with

whom she had been thus seated so long without recognizing her! The

daughter has since often declared that she knew not which enjoyed the

ruse most on this occasion,--father or child.

During the year 1845, Mr. Ballou, being then seventy-four years of age,

wrote and published two or three essays in the Universalist Quarterly,

upon certain passages of scripture which had seemed to be a

stumbling-block to many of his own denomination. One of these texts was

that commencing, "In my Father's house are many mansions," etc. This, by

some of the order of Universalists, was supposed to signify that in the

future state there would be different degrees of blessedness, in

proportion to the worthiness of the spirit, or to its moral character

and mental cultivation. This idea was thoroughly exploded, as it

regarded many minds, by the article referred to, which was thus the

means of converting many doubtful minds, as they acknowledged, some of

them orally, and some by letters addressed to him from at home and

abroad. The clear, logical style of reasoning evinced in this essay, and

in one published by him not long subsequent in the Quarterly, relative

to the question as to what influence our present being may have on our

future existence, showed conclusively that the full strength and vigor

that originally rendered his writings so forcible were with him still,

that his mental vision was as keen as ever, and that none of his powers

of intellect had waned in their fire.

These articles were penned as correctly and distinctly, as it regarded

the chirography, as was his early custom, and generally written, if not

at one sitting, within the space of a few hours; for, when he had

anything to do, he could not feel contented until it was done. The

article completed, he would carefully fold it, and wend his way

personally to the publishing-house in Cornhill, and deposit it there,

never failing at the appointed time to read the proof, concerning which

he was very sensitive, and very correct. It was but a few days prior to

his decease that he read thus the proof-sheets of his last article,

furnished for the Universalist Quarterly.

In the manuscript which Mr. Ballou furnished the author of this

biography, there appears written about this period, the fall of 1845,

the following interesting paragraph relative to the immense change that

he had lived to see transpire in the religious world about him.

"Since I came to this city, I have enjoyed the happiness of seeing the

cause of religion prosper, and the different denominations growing more

liberal and more charitable towards each other. I have seen, too, my own

peculiar views received very generally, and regarded very favorably by

the denomination to which I have belonged from the commencement of my

public labors. Since I came here I have been rejoiced to see the

wonderful increase of Universalist societies in Boston and the

neighboring towns, as well as in the other States of our Union. There

are firmly established ones now in Roxbury, Cambridgeport, East

Cambridge, Medford, Malden, etc., besides five or six in Boston, to the

commencement and building up of which I have had the pleasure of adding

my mite by way of labor."

It was very natural that he should then contrast the state and condition

of the cause with its feebleness when he first came to Boston. A few

scattered believers were all it numbered then; persecution and obloquy

greeted its defenders at every step. To be called a Universalist was

equivalent to being called anything vile and wicked, and the name was

held as one of reproach by nearly all. But how vastly different was the

prospect that presented itself to his view in the closing days of his

life, and how grateful this must have been to him who had borne the

burthen and the heat of the day! He saw the denomination vastly

extended. He saw Universalists respected not only for numbers, but for

the goodly influence they exerted far and wide.

He saw that there were now nineteen annual state conventions, eighty-two

associations, eight missionary societies, ten hundred and seventy

societies, professing the doctrine; seven hundred and ninety-nine

meeting-houses devoted to this worship, and some seven hundred preachers

in his Master's vineyard, who taught the doctrine of God's impartial

grace. These, and other facts equally illustrating the wonderful change

he had witnessed, caused him, when toasted and called upon at the late

festival of brethren in Boston, to speak to them, to say, that as he

gazed on the crowd before him, and thought of the multitude they

represented, he was reminded of the beginning of Universalism in New

England, and to quote the words of the prophet: "There was a handful of

corn in the top of the mountain, but its fruit shall shake like

Lebanon!"

How apt and true the quotation.

We have seen that the vigor and keenness of Mr. Ballou's mind had in no

way abated, that every mental faculty still shone brightly as at the

prime of his manhood. Let us show the reader statistically what that

mind had performed in its time. During his professional life he

delivered _over ten thousand sermons_. This calculation, which at first

appears to be so very large, is nevertheless strictly correct, and will

not seem to be overrated, when we call to mind the fact that for more

than thirty years of his ministration he not only preached three times

every Sabbath, but _frequently_ for several consecutive days of the week

beside. Until within five or ten years past, three sermons on the

Sabbath has been his usual performance, in the line of his professional

duty. And after his sermons in country towns, the answering of

questions, and the conversation he was obliged to hold in private with

honest seekers after truth, were quite as laborious, in fact, as were

his public services in the pulpit. We have known him to occupy nearly

half the night, not unfrequently, in this manner, patiently and

zealously.

Including his essays and treatises upon doctrinal subjects, his fugitive

sermons furnished for the different magazines and papers of which he was

editor for a long period of time, and afterwards a constant contributor

to the very end of his life, beside a large number which appeared in

pamphlet form, and of which no particular mention is made in these

pages, and the works herein referred to, Mr. Ballou has written and

published enough to make one hundred volumes, containing the same amount

of matter as the one now in the hands of the reader. The mere mechanical

labor of writing such a mass of composition is in itself a Herculean

task; but when we consider that each page is characterized by careful

reasoning upon points that required much thought and study, and that the

whole is largely original; that the author was unaided by any other

books, save the Bible, in the formation of his arguments and opinions;

and that he was a self-made man withal, we shall come to the conclusion,

that, to say the least of it, the subject of these memoirs was

particularly blessed and aided by Divine Providence.

One secret of his having accomplished so much, is the fact that he was

never idle, never contented to sit down with folded arms in his chair

and do nothing; a book or a pen was ever in his hands, except when he

was taking the ordinary and necessary daily exercise. His life had been

too stirring and active for him ever to relapse into dormancy, while

his faculties were left to him. How well we can see him at this moment,

in the mind's eye, as he used to appear at the centre-table, with his

book close by the lamp, of an evening, and his wife opposite to him,

listening to the work which he was reading aloud to her; such is almost

the last evening scene we can recall in connection with him; his clear,

distinct pronunciation, proper emphasis, and fine voice, even in old

age, seeming to portray with singular accuracy the author's ideas, and

to add a charm to the subject treated upon.

Mr. Ballou had always deprecated the idea of capital punishment,

believing the law based on a wrong principle that would take the life of

a human creature, while none but God could give it. During the winter of

1845, there was more than the usual interest evinced by the public on

this subject, and numerous public meetings were held relative to the

subject, and to endeavor to bring about a reform in the criminal code,

so as to exclude the death penalty altogether. At several of these

assemblies Mr. Ballou made eloquent addresses upon the subject, and

wrote a number of articles, which were published, advocating the cause,

in which he felt a very great interest. We subjoin the following poem,

written by him at this time. It is peculiarly illustrative of his plain,

straightforward style of composition.

THE CRIMINAL CODE.

If in the heart the virus dwell

Of murder, can we that expel

By dire revenge, or shall we find

We miss the law that governs mind?

To quench a flame should we engage,

And fuel add, behold the rage!

Now fiercer still the flame ascends,

And fear with consternation blends.

Man kills his neighbor. Why? Because

His passions rise against the laws,

Which God hath written on his soul,

Unmanned the man, and made a fool.

To cure the evil, now the law,

With tiger rage and open jaw,

Cries out for blood, for blood it cries,

Seizes the culprit, and he dies.

Two men are dead in room of one;

And now the work is but begun:

The virus spreads, and everywhere

The deadly taint infects the air.

And murder now becomes more rife;

Lighter esteemed is human life

And he who could not just before,

Now coolly looks on human gore.

Revenge is wrong; cannot subdue

The vile affections, but renew

Their actions to a flame more dire,

To rage like a consuming fire.

When will our legislators learn,

That blessed, heavenly truth discern,--

When will it well be understood,

That evil is o'ercome with good?"

Mr. Ballou always had a purpose in view when he wrote, whether prose or

poetry, and to this end, more than to the musical cadence of the verse,

he exerted his ability at composition, and always successfully.

The subject of this biography was far from being loquacious, and seldom

talked without some important and definite purpose in view. Yet, though

he might be said to be somewhat reserved in speech, he was by no means

secluded or abstracted in his habits, but, on the contrary, generally

evinced the liveliest interest in the conversation of those about him.

He was not one to break in upon the conversation of others, and if his

opinion was given at all, it was almost always because it was solicited.

There is such a thing as eloquent silence; and when we see a mind, much

enriched by study and experience, offered as it were uninvited, at all

times and on all occasions, we see very plainly that there is something

wanting. Sidney Smith said of Macaulay, that he only wanted a few

brilliant flashes of silence to make him perfect!

There are few old people, or such as have reached the advanced age of

threescore and ten, who have not stored up in their memories a fund of

stories and personal anecdotes, many, perhaps, of their own individual

experience. These they are in the habit of relating frequently as they

go on their way of life, and often do so over and over again to the same

individuals, through mere forgetfulness. This is perhaps one of the

earliest evidences of mental decay. Although, in the course of his long

and chequered life, Mr. Ballou had experienced many interesting

incidents, and learned many curious anecdotes, yet it was a very rare

thing for him to relate one, unless when, in conversation or argument,

some one peculiarly applicable to the subject in hand, suggested itself

to his mind as illustrative of some feeling or passion of our natural

dispositions. When he did speak, those about him always _listened_. It

was on such occasions, that, like the sage of "Rasselas," he spoke, and

attention watched his lips; he reasoned, and conviction closed his

periods. This was particularly the case in his large family circle,

where his opinion, as we have before observed, was sought and repeated,

on all subjects and on all occasions. While there never was a parent

more truly respected, there never was one more dearly beloved. This

could not be brought about by an iron rule, and a stern, inflexible

character. No. It was accomplished on his part by the exercise, in his

domestic relations, of that holy fatherly love which formed the basis of

his creed, and which he worshipped in his God.

For a number of years Mr. Ballou was in the habit of carrying a

snuff-box in his pocket, and of using the article as freely as is

generally the case with those who carry it about them. We all know,

doubtless, how very easy a matter it is to contract a habit, and more

particularly is this the case in advanced years. But if it is difficult

for young people to abandon any bad habit, when the practice has once

been fairly contracted,--if it is hard for them to conquer a pleasant

but baleful appetite, with the many channels of amusement, occupation,

and substitutes that youth and physical vigor present,--how much more

difficult must it be for those who are aged and infirm, and who are

thrown so much upon their own resources for amusement, and the means of

agreeably passing their leisure moments. After having made habitual use

of snuff for several years, Mr. Ballou found that it cloyed the nasal

organs or passage, and thus slightly affected his voice as to

distinctness in public speaking. Perceiving this, he laid by the article

at once, without a murmur, and did not use it at all for three years,

and never again habitually. This instance of resolution simply serves to

show the natural firmness of his character, and the complete

self-control which he exercised over himself.

There is still another illustration of this spirit, which we will give

here.

About a year subsequent to the period of his discontinuing the use of

snuff, a physician suggested to him the propriety of smoking tobacco

after each meal, and being at that time slightly dyspeptic, it was

thought that it might aid and stimulate the digestive organs. The

suggestion was therefore adopted, and Mr. Ballou consequently soon

acquired the habit of smoking regularly after each meal, three times a

day, which practice he continued for a period of some two years. This

habit is universally acknowledged to be one of the most seductive in its

character, and one which will draw stronger upon the inclination and

appetite than any other, except perhaps the use of ardent spirits. One

day we observed that the old gentleman did not light his pipe as usual,

after dinner, and we asked him if he had forgotten it. "No," said he.

"I have been thinking that I am becoming a slave to this habit, inasmuch

as I find that I have to do it _regularly_ every day at certain periods.

It is no longer a medicine, but a pleasant habit, and I shall leave it

off until I find that I require it again for my health's sake." His pipe

was thenceforth laid aside, as his snuff-box had been, without a murmur,

or any external advice to influence him; thus showing the strict

self-denial he exercised.

The careful reader will follow out the application of this spirit, for

it was adopted by Mr. Ballou in every bearing in which it was possible

to affect himself, in accordance with the dictates of his better

judgment, not only as it related to simple appetite and agreeable habit,

but it was one of his fixed and fundamental principles of character,

often evinced. Probably no person who possessed the means, ever desired

more to travel over his own and foreign countries, than did the subject

of this biography. Well read in ancient and modern history, and familiar

with geography, frequent reference was made by him to this desire to

visit more particularly Palestine and the East generally. But when urged

to gratify what his children knew to be so strong a wish, and with every

facility offered him, and one or more of his children to accompany him,

his spirit of self-denial caused him to say:--"How much there is to do

yet, that I may accomplish in my Master's vineyard. To gratify this

desire would indeed be delightful to me, but what benefit could it ever

be to my fellow-men?"

He was assiduously kind and thoughtful in relation to animals. For many

years, and until latterly, he kept a horse and vehicle for his own use,

and he was always particular to see _personally_ that the animal was

properly fed and protected. He was accustomed daily to prepare from his

own plate, after dinner, food for a large dog that belonged to a member

of the family, as late as his seventy-eighth year. This kindly

solicitude and thoughtfulness for the dumb animals about him was an

evidence of the natural goodness of his heart. Animals soon learn to

love those that are kind to them, and even the family cat purred more

cheerfully when resting by his feet, while he often gave it a kind

caress.

Mr. Ballou was very regular as to his personal habits, particularly

during the last twenty years of his life. We refer to the taking of his

meals, his sleep, exercise, and the like. In late years he was

accustomed to retire early at night, and to rise very early in the

morning. In former years, as we have shown, he borrowed much of the

night for his hours of study. This was particularly the case when he was

engaged in his earlier writings, and when acting as sole editor of the

various papers with which he was at different times connected. He was

indeed remarkably frugal in his diet, and to this may be attributed, in

a large degree, the constant good health he enjoyed. He ever preferred

the most homely and simple food, partaking of little meat, and more

freely of milk and bread. Before the noon-day meal on the Sabbath, with

his family assembled about the board, he always asked the divine

blessing, in a most impressive manner, but on no other day was he

accustomed to do so aloud.

His hand upon the door, or his footfall upon the sill, was a sweet sound

to us all; for it was with him as Dr. Doddridge said of his venerable

friend Dr. Clark, of St. Albans,--"He brought joy into _every_ house

which he entered, but most of all into his own house, when he returned

to it."

We have once already referred in these pages to Mr. Ballou's wife. Our

feelings would naturally prompt a much more elaborate allusion to her

many virtues, both as a mother and as a wife. But as we design this

biography to be strictly a memoir of Mr. Ballou, we only refer in these

pages to such other matters as are deemed necessary to mention, in

furtherance of the main object of the work. Mr. Ballou was fortunate in

allying himself to a companion who was in every way worthy of him, one

whom he loved with the most tender and undying affection through his

whole life, and who was to him all that a wife should be. Her

characteristics were remarkable industry, simplicity of heart,

devotedness to him, and untiring domestic assiduity. With a naturally

strong intellect and good judgment, she also coupled the agreeable

attraction of personal beauty; but the outward comeliness of her person

was far eclipsed in his eyes by more enduring loveliness.

We have already given, in these pages, some remarks from the pen of the

editor of the Trumpet, who, in a notice of Mr. Ballou's life, given on

the occasion of a full-length portrait being completed of him, for the

School-street Society, at the age of seventy-six, says of his

companion:--"Sept. 15, 1796, he was married to his present wife, a woman

of unsurpassable goodness, concerning whose praise it would be almost

impossible to speak too highly." Mr. Whittemore was, some years since,

an inmate of the family for a considerable period of time, and his words

must therefore have weight, as coming from one who spoke advisedly.

Many of us know from personal experience how great is the influence upon

our lives and actions of her to whom we have been bound by the holy tie

of matrimony. Characters are often made or marred by this association.

The calm dignity of demeanor, the evenness of temper, the perfect

contentment and general life of the subject of this biography, all

manifested the true character of his home relations, influences, and

associations. Had those relations been different from what they were, a

sterner hue would have tinged his character, and a different spirit

doubtless have imbued his whole career in life; at least the inference

is but natural.

The following lines were written by Mr. Ballou, then at the age of

seventy-four years, in an album which he had presented to his wife, and

are introduced here to show the affectionate regard that existed between

them at this advanced period of life. No comment is necessary, save that

the lines were written by a husband to his wife after _fifty years_'

companionship.

TO MY WIFE.

"Thou dearest of the dear to me,

Of the beloved the best,

Could'st thou but read this heart and see

The treasures of my breast,

Assurance surely would be thine

That undiminished love,

By age grown better, like to wine,

Can never faithless prove.

Not when the virgin rose of youth

Blushed on thy snowy breast;

Not when we pledged ourselves in truth,

And were by Hymen blessed,

Could strong affection boast as now

Of such resistless sway,

When age sits wrinkled on my brow,

And mortal powers decay."

The patient reader who has followed us thus far in this desultory

memoir, must feel more than a passing interest in her who was the bosom

companion of Mr. Ballou; and in this connection we therefore introduce

the following extract from a communication to the Christian Freeman,

dated Sept. 5, 1851, which refers to a visit to the house of Mr. Ballou,

who had been indisposed for a few days. After a brief introduction, the

writer says:--

"I wish to say a word through you respecting our venerable and beloved

father in Israel, H. Ballou. As your report last week spoke of the

indisposition of this good brother, and knowing there would be a great

desire, both at home and abroad, to know how he might be at this time, I

did myself the pleasure, last Thursday, August 20, to call upon him at

his own peaceful home. Here I met this aged saint, with his faithful

companion, who have lived together over half a century, enjoying that

undisturbed domestic peace and felicity, which it is to be feared that

but few, comparatively speaking, attain to. Indeed, Father Ballou's

family may well be called a '_model_' family, for love and attachment,

fidelity and trust; while the happiness of all is that of each, and the

happiness of each is that of all. They have had eleven children, and

eight are living to bless their declining years.

"Mrs. Ballou has not been so extensively known to the _world_ as some;

but as a _wife_ and _mother_, none can excel her, and her amiable and

happy disposition has enabled her to retain her former pleasant and

affable manner, so that she is the same interesting and agreeable

company that she was when I first knew her, thirty years ago. And hers

is the privilege to have her children rise up and call her blessed.

"And now, with regard to the present health of Father Ballou. I was

pleased to find him much more comfortable than I had expected. He has

been suffering very much from a severe cold which he took about two

weeks since, and which has been attended with a bad cough. He was quite

unwell last Sabbath, and fears were entertained that he would be obliged

to relinquish some of his appointments, which his friends are depending

upon with such deep interest. But the simple remedies which have been

applied, finding such a perfect and unimpaired constitution to work

upon, have wrought a very favorable and happy result; so that, on

Thursday, he seemed very comfortable, though his cough was not wholly

removed. He seemed to have no apprehension but that he should yet, for

some time to come, be able 'to be about his Father's business.' And many

will be the fervent prayers that will ascend from the altar of pure and

devoted hearts, that this faithful watchman on the walls of our

spiritual Zion may be yet spared to us, to teach us the blessed truths

of that glorious doctrine which, for sixty years, he has most faithfully

and perseveringly preached, never shunning to declare the whole counsel

of God.

'And when he dies, how many hearts will mourn.'"

This communication is from the pen of the sympathizing lady of Rev.

Sylvanus Cobb. It is sufficient to show the opinion held by other people

of Mrs. Ballou, and will also evince the general anxiety and interest

realized at any symptoms of illness experienced by one whom so many

loved and revered.

The only game that Mr. Ballou ever engaged in at all was the very simple

one of chequers. This he would sometimes, though very seldom, sit down

to on a long winter's evening, with one of his children, or perhaps some

aged companion who was fond of the game. It is the most common thing for

two persons, who are good players and thus engaged, to evince not a

little feeling at the result of the game, either of pleasure at success,

or of chagrin at being defeated. But as it regards this matter, we

never saw him evince the least feeling either way, beyond one of his

pleasant smiles, as often caused by defeat as by victory. He was what

would be called an excellent player, but he evinced only a passing

interest in the game.

At the age of seventy-eight Mr. Ballou was still as fluent and distinct

a speaker as at the age of forty. His sermons were still characterized

by the same powerful reasoning on every point, as well as bearing

evidence of constant study, showing also most conspicuously one

peculiarity of his, that of the practical as well as philosophical

character of his investigations. One might think that, having preached

for a term of nearly sixty years at the date of which we write, there

would from necessity be a disagreeable sameness and repetition of ideas

in his sermons; but this was far from being the case. We have heard old

members of his society, who have listened to his public communications

for more than thirty consecutive years, say that they have never heard

him deliver a discourse without learning from his lips some fresh and

beautiful evidence of the gospel truths,--some new and touching

illustration of the ennobling sentiments he professed.

"Age could not wither him, nor custom stale

His infinite variety."

He has himself often remarked that each successive year of study made

him happier than before, in the fresh truths and manifestations of

divine goodness developed in that never-failing source of

knowledge,--that flowing river of wisdom,--the Bible.

In his style of speaking, Mr. Ballou was very peculiar. There was none

of the study and pomp of declamation in his delivery,--no attempt at

effect; but he ever spoke to the people, before whom he raised his voice

as that which he professed to be, an humble servant of all men. And yet

he was eloquent, at times brilliantly so, and his oratory has been cited

by competent judges as a rare example to follow. There are comparatively

few men in these days, when the style of ranting, and tearing plain,

straightforward sentiment to tatters, is so prevalent, who can so absorb

an audience as he always did. When he commenced to speak, he would lay

the subject before his hearers in a quiet but distinct tone, so as to

place it within the capacity of a child, calmly and with judgment. Then

as he proceeded he grew by degrees animated, and anon enthusiastic, yet

ever to the purpose, while the expressive countenances of his hearers

evinced how fully they entered into the spirit of the speaker. And when

they retired from the place of meeting, the people were accustomed to

feel that they had listened to profitable matter, and to follow out the

theme which he had so distinctly and legibly marked for them.

In this connection, and as being illustrative of that which we have just

remarked, we quote here from the sermon of Rev. Otis A. Skinner, of

Boston (having been kindly permitted to do so), delivered before his

society, relative to the decease of the subject of this biography.

These remarks are as follows:--

"His sermons were all characterized by strength. They were not pretty,

not declamatory; but noble, grand, strong. The hearer always felt as

though his arguments were unanswerable, his conclusions above dispute.

Who can gainsay that? That is unanswerable! Such has been the feeling of

thousands at the close of his sermons. I question whether there was ever

a preacher who made so many converts by his pulpit labors, as Father

Ballou. Thousands on thousands have been convinced by him; and his

converts were always those most remarkable for ability to reason, and

for hearts of benevolence. He was ingenious as well as strong. The

moment he began to open his subject, you began to be interested. You saw

so much ingenuity in his mode of reasoning, in exposing error, in

illustrating truth, that whatever you might think of his subject, you

could not refrain from listening with marked attention. It was no

uncommon thing for him to excite a smile, to move his whole

congregation; but usually that was done by some ingenious argument that

would electrify every mind present. In his preaching he was never light,

never irreverent, but always grave, serious, devout; but he was

ingenious, and his ingenuity often created a smile."

His discourses in the city generally averaged about thirty-five minutes;

but in the country, where people came many miles to hear him speak,

frequently crowding the place of worship to overflowing, and even

standing at the windows on the outside, so thronged was the house

within, he would sometimes speak from one to two hours. Inspired by the

undeviating attention of the mass of honest seekers after truth who were

before him, and incited by their eloquent countenances, in which he

could read the influence of his words, it was difficult for him to know

when to stop. At such times he was ever zealous, yet prudent, devout

without ostentation, vigorous and unyielding in his opposition to error,

but still always kind and conciliatory. He always complained that on

such occasions he could not find one-half the time he wanted, while

speaking upon the holy theme, and that minutes never flew more quickly

than under such circumstances. The power of his eloquence upon the

people at such times can be but poorly described; it must have been

witnessed to be realized and understood. Honest countenances beamed with

delight, calm and peaceful joy sat on the wrinkled brow and face of age,

the eyes of the young sought each other in sympathy, full of a realizing

sense of the riches of God's goodness. Even children were thoughtful,

and forgot the restraint that the services had put upon them. As has

been said in an extract herein, his converts were many. We do not mean

that by one discourse he accomplished this reformation in their minds;

but he removed the clouds from their mental vision, showed them the

loveliness of the gospel as it is in Christ, and by hints shrewdly

strown and arguments most potent to convince, with references beyond the

point of his discourse, he led them to study and judge for themselves,

when he had left them.

Rev. A. R. Abbott, in a discourse before his society, has expressed in

brief, and very truthfully, some of the characteristics of his style of

preaching. He says:--"His discourses were always simple, powerful,

clear, perfectly intelligible to all, yet made so, apparently, without

the least effort. You find there no attempt to carry his points by any

artifice of oratory. Everything is plain and direct. Even the most

intricate and perplexing subjects, under his treatment, gradually became

clear. His thoughts were like clear waters;--their perfect transparency

disguised their depth. When speaking upon any intricate topic, perhaps

no one ever listened to him attentively, under favorable circumstances,

without being astonished at the apparent ease with which he removed the

difficulties from his subject, and at the felicity with which all his

illustrations were chosen. Often, when his hearers have been wrought up

to an intense and painful interest by some apparently insuperable

obstacle or unanswerable objection to a point he was laboring to

establish, they have been both surprised and delighted, by the

application of some well-known truth or familiar text of Scripture, to

see the light break in upon the dark point like sunlight through a

parting cloud. And when they saw how clear the subject then appeared,

they were vexed with themselves to think that so obvious an explanation

had never occurred to them. His treatment of a subject was like the

prophet's healing the Syrian leper;--the method was so simple that its

efficacy was doubted, till its success was manifest."

Rev. A. A. Miner has kindly furnished us with the following authentic

anecdote, which is very appropriate in this connection, illustrating as

it does the magic-like power of Mr. Ballou's eloquence, and the delight

with which he was listened to by the masses, when his mission carried

him into the country.

"He had an appointment to preach," says Mr. Miner, "some years ago, in

the town of Berlin, Vt. There was residing in that town a

highly-respectable gentleman by the name of James Perly, with whom I was

personally acquainted. Mr. Perly was exceedingly anxious to hear Mr.

Ballou preach; but, unfortunately, he was so lame with the rheumatism

that he could not get into his carriage. The distance to the meeting by

the travelled way was some two miles; but a cross-way, through a piece

of wood, was much shorter. With crutches in hand, he started at an early

hour, determined, if possible, to reach the place of meeting by the

cross-way. He had not proceeded far, however,--having just entered the

wood,--when, to his great annoyance, he found himself arrested in his

progress by a large tree, lying directly across his path. To go round it

was impracticable, from the obstruction of the underbrush; to step over

it was impossible, on account of his lameness. What could he do? After

studying the problem for a time, he threw over his crutches, and,

balancing himself on the body of the tree, managed to roll himself to

the other side, and to regain his feet. At length he reached the place

of meeting, and listened with even more than his anticipated delight.

The speaker was all that he had been led to expect, in person, voice,

and power of reasoning. He was more than pleased,--he was charmed by his

doctrine. The word of divine grace found a most welcome reception in his

heart, and the very glories of the upper world seemed to possess his

soul.

"The meeting over, he wended his way homeward again; 'but whether in the

body, or out of the body, he could not tell.' As he entered his house,

every hand was upraised in astonishment; and with one voice his family

exclaimed, 'Why, Mr. Perly! where are your crutches?' Sure enough, where

were they? The eloquence which had enraptured his soul had heated the

body, and made the lame to leap for joy. He had quite forgotten his

crutches, and returned home without them!

"I give this narration," says Mr. Miner, "on the authority of a sister

of Mr. Perly, herself not a Universalist. To many persons such a story

may seem incredible; but those who are acquainted with the effects of an

intense pleasurable excitement, will find little difficulty in believing

it fully true. Few persons, sympathizing with him, could have heard Mr.

Ballou, on the occasions of his visits to the country, without being

able, from their own experience, to understand something of this

wonderful influence. The writer of this first listened to him at the New

Hampshire State Convention of Universalists, held at Walpole, in 1838;

and rarely, if ever, have I seen a man so deeply interest an audience as

he did on that occasion. Tears of joy rolled down the cheeks of

grey-haired fathers, as the hopes of the gospel burned anew in their

hearts. Such scenes are remembered with gratitude by thousands of

believers throughout New England."

A certain brother in the ministry said to the writer of these

pages,--"You are preparing a biography of your father?" We replied in

the affirmative. "Well," said he, "you have sat down at home and

listened to his preaching before his own society, and have doubtless a

true appreciation of his ability; but you should have seen him before a

body of ministering brethren, at a state or national convention. You

should have seen him there, to write truly of him. When it was announced

at such assemblies that Father Ballou would preach, we all knew what to

expect, and all reaped a harvest of rich thoughts, pure doctrine,

original arguments, and available material for our own future use in a

more limited sphere. He was not only eloquent, he was electrifying; and

while we reverenced him, we also loved him like a father." And this we

feel positive is not merely the opinion of one man, but of the order

generally.

"Would that I could renew the sights I have seen," says the Rev. Henry

Bacon, "where thousands, in a crowded and heated assembly in New

Hampshire, were held in wondering and admiring attention, as the

venerated preacher set forth the 'exceeding great and precious promises'

as exhibitive of creating and preserving Love. The riches of grace were

poured upon the souls of the people as a refreshing shower on the earth;

and hundreds of old men, who had been awakened from the nightmare of

traditional theology, or the sleep of indifference to God and his

service, listened, while the tears coursed down their furrowed cheeks,

as he renewed in their souls the raptures of the past. O never can I

forget one sermon thus delivered, when he spake to us of those who knew

God's name and would put their trust under the shadow of his wings,

which wings were stretched over time and eternity! Eloquent, was he?

Yes, if rapt attention, if profound emotion, if lasting enthusiasm and

tearful gratitude be any test of the effects of eloquence. With no

exertion, that wondrously clear and silvery voice would float over the

congregation, and the auditor who was the farthest removed from the

speaker, caught the simple words, conveying the grandest thoughts most

felicitously illustrated. There was no pretension in his oratory; he

spake right on, warming with his subject, setting up the noblest claims

for adoring obedience to God, in all his requirements, exhorting the

people to religious duty by the mercies of God."

The effect of his words, in public delivery especially, was greatly

heightened by the truly benevolent expression of his countenance, and

by his remarkably venerable appearance. It has been beautifully said of

President Kirkland, that his face was a benediction; and we have often

heard similar comparisons made by those who have known and been familiar

with Mr. Ballou. He wore his hair, white with age, parted smoothly in

the centre of the forehead, and resting behind the ears, but not long in

the neck. In a number of lithographs, engravings and miniatures, in the

possession of his family and others, the hair is represented as short,

and parted thus; but latterly he wore it long, as described above.

There was expressed in his countenance a serenity of disposition that

was peculiar to him, a philanthropy of purpose which characterized all

his dealings, and a wisdom and calm dignity that led even the stranger

to feel a degree of respect for him at once. The blamelessness of his

life and the gentleness of his disposition alone form a theme over which

memory and friendship have poured their consecration. As to the matter

of his personal manner and bearing, while he avoided the strict rules of

forced etiquette, yet he was scrupulously attentive in society to the

dictates of true politeness. His form was as straight and erect at the

age of seventy-five as at twenty.

As he advanced in years, his style of delivery grew perhaps more

subdued, but none the less distinct and impressive. He spoke perhaps

with less of the fire of zeal, yet with none the less spirit and real

effect. He could not treat of the divine love and sufferings of Christ,

or of the deep and unbounded grace of God, without evincing the warmest

feelings, and moving the audience to tears by his eloquence upon these

touching subjects. He would not unfrequently be completely overcome

himself, in dwelling upon this theme in public.

His was a noble example of a well-balanced mind, without any of that

startling, comet-like splendor, which has usually been considered as the

very light in which genius lives and moves. His faculties were all

brought into admirable harmony, and thus operated with powerful and

never-failing effect. There were no contending elements in his nature;

no struggles of ambition; no strife of penuriousness; no battling of

passion. Like the beautiful harmony of the elements of nature, his bosom

was redolent of concord. And what a worshipper he was, too, of the forms

of nature, and her mysteriously glorious works about him! There was no

object in nature so minute or so apparently unimportant but had

attractions for his scrutinizing eye. He was exceedingly fond of

flowers,--those "illumined scriptures of the prairie,"--of the rural

scenery, the lowing herds and various tenants of the grove. Often have

we heard him praise and dilate upon these, when, a mere boy, we have

travelled with him upon his various missions into the country. He was

one to

"Find tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,

Sermons in stones, and good in everything."

"Stay for a moment," he said to us, on a certain occasion, as we were

riding through the country, and had just surmounted a high elevation,

commanding a beautiful view of the outspread plain below. It was the

closing of a clear autumnal New England day. "What a mild and holy

religion is breathed by nature in such a scene as this! How soft the

influence that steals over the senses! Though fresh from God's own hand,

and quickened by his presence, it teaches us no terror, no gloom; it

rouses no fierce passions within the heart; it is calm, meek, forgiving;

and equally for all breathing things. How hallowed and God-like are the

blissful teachings of nature!"

He gazed so long, in silence, upon the silvery Connecticut, where it

threads its course not far from Holyoke Mountain, following out the

theme of his thoughts, that we marked well what he had just said, and

remembered it. We had just risen a hill that overlooked the verdant

plains of Hadley, and the scene is as fresh to us now as though but an

hour had intervened. Such appreciations and realizations were most

natural to him; and a vein of illustration, drawn from these lovely

exhibitions of nature, will be found running through the broad meadows

of his doctrinal arguments, like a purling stream, refreshing and

vivifying the verdure of divine truth. A reference to nature in her

rural dress and belongings, as illustrative of the great plan and

purpose of God's goodness and impartiality, was a favorite custom with

him. He would draw thence so many incentives for thankfulness, such

unmistakable tokens of Omnipotent impartiality and universal love, such

powerful reasons for disbelieving the unhappy creed that imputed to a

Being, whose works are redolent of loveliness, attributes so repugnant

to the heart of his children, that few could listen unmoved,--few

refrain from outwardly evincing the realizing sense he produced in their

pliant understandings. With a full appreciation of these divine

evidences of God's goodness, we say it was most natural for him to pause

thus; and, with eyes drinking in of the spirit of the scene before us,

exclaim, as he did, that it "taught no terror, no gloom; but that its

influence was meek, forgiving, and equally for all breathing things."

By strict frugality and industry, Mr. Ballou acquired for himself a

competency, besides dividing a handsome sum of money between his

children; and in this latter respect he was somewhat original in his

mode of carrying out a disposition of his property. He chose to give to

his children while he lived, preferring to witness the pecuniary

assistance he might render to his family, and to participate in its

enjoyments in his own life-time. His means were acquired solely through

patient labor and frugality. He never enjoyed a farthing in the way of

legacy, nor by any fortunate turn of business or speculation. These

matters he never engaged in at all, and often said that he was perfectly

satisfied with a return of six per cent. for his money; and that if

others felt the same, much of misery and misfortune would be spared them

and the world at large. Some idea may be formed of the careful manner in

which he considered his responsibilities by the following facts, namely:

he never placed his name to a note, or due bill, in the whole period of

his life; never borrowed money; never kept an account at any place of

business, but always paid for that which he bought at the time of

purchasing, however large or trifling the amount; and, after his long

experience of life, he endeavored to impress upon his children that an

adherence to these rules, as far as was practicable, would be productive

to them of much good, and prevent a vast deal of trouble, and needless

anxiety of mind, in relation to secular matters.

By the different societies over which Mr. Ballou officiated as pastor,

he lost, in all, a considerable amount of money, through want of good

faith in the payment of his salary. This refers to his associations

before he came to Boston. In one instance, the sum of money thus

sacrificed by him exceeded one thousand dollars; yet he was never known

to institute a suit against any individual or society, but left them to

settle their unfaithfulness with their own consciences.

"Some write their wrongs in marble; he, more just,

Stooped down serene, and wrote them in the dust."

His greatly improved prospects, and increased pecuniary means, never in

the least influenced his manner of living, his habits or demeanor. These

ever continued to be characterized by the same simplicity and prudence

that marked his course from earliest manhood. At his house there was

ever the same open and free hospitality exercised; and every one, who

knows anything about the life of a settled clergyman, is aware that he

must, of necessity, have constantly about him a large number of visitors

and partakers of his hospitality. Besides which, as we have before

signified, his hands were ever open for the needy, whose wants he

delighted to supply; enjoying in return that happiness that true charity

alone can impart.

"It always appeared to me inconsistent," says Mr. Ballou, "with the

profession of a minister of the gospel, to live expensively; that is,

far beyond what is required for the necessities and comforts of life. As

the minister is supported by the people of his charge, the propriety of

his living beyond the income of his parishioners in general, seems

questionable. Moreover, it has best suited my natural taste to avoid

extravagances and superfluities."

Tupper, the erudite and truthful author of Proverbial Philosophy, has

very beautifully said,--"The choicest pleasures of life lie within the

ring of moderation." Believing thus, Mr. Ballou wrote contentment on

every dispensation of Providence that fell to his share.

The work we have in hand might be filled alone with the most sincere

eulogiums from ministering brethren, who have referred in public to the

life and character of the subject of this biography; but, in the few

which we have selected and introduced here, we have been guided by the

purpose of presenting only such as have seemed to us--knowing the facts

from long experience--to be the most truthful in the delineation of the

character and disposition of Mr. Ballou. Moreover, the reader will,

perhaps, be too often led to remember that it is a son who writes this

biography of a father; and when he can bring to bear the mind and

evidence of older and abler writers than himself, as treating upon the

subject before us, the work may be thus strengthened and enriched. In

this spirit, and under this chapter of "Domestic Characteristics," the

following extract from the discourse delivered upon this subject by Rev.

Henry Bacon is given:--

"I am not now to speak of a stranger, known only by reputation, but of

one with whom I have been familiar from my earliest childhood. The more

I attained power to judge his qualities, the more have I learned to

esteem the man, his character and ministry. He came to Boston, as pastor

of the Second Universalist Society, when I was scarcely four years old,

and though my parents were members of the First Society, yet their house

was one of his homes. The impression made in boyhood by the stately form

of Mr. Ballou,--his meekness, his speech of singular clearness,

adaptedness and wisdom, his singular temperance at the table, and his

kindness to childhood,--was never removed; and I use no strained and

forced language when I say Hosea Ballou was a great man. I say this, not

looking from a sectarian point of view, but as guided by the principles

that ought to govern us in our judgment of men, comprehensively

regarding their qualities, and what they have been to their age.

"He is a great man who is impelled to bear the new truth abroad, that,

like its Great Source, he may be 'found of those who asked not after

him;' to make the hill-side and the grove, the river shore, the barn,

the humble farmer's room, or the shadow of a great tree, his church, and

there proclaim the gospel in its wholeness, with a readiness that shows

the heart is full of the matter, and with a willingness to answer any

queries, and respond to any voice that speaks a word against the

completeness of the redemption proposed in Christ. By his keen insight

into human nature, his rare powers of logic, his unique use of words,

his intelligibility to the humblest capacity in treating of the greatest

subjects, and his profound wisdom in choosing means to reach directly

the ends desired, Hosea Ballou was a great man. In an instant he

stripped away all the show and tinsel of learned ignorance, or drove the

dart between the joints of the harness of barbarian bigotry, and laid

low the pretender. By his unshaken and majestic faith and trust; by the

steadiness with which he kept the honor of God, in the supremacy and

efficiency of the Scriptures, ever before him; and by the willingness

and capacity to receive any new application of the great principles of

the gospel, he was a great man. All this was crowned and glorified by

his personal character, by the purity of his walk and conversation, his

rare temperance amid the most solicitous temptations, and the harmony he

breathed into all his children and the rule he swayed over them; he was

a great man, abiding the last, best test of greatness, 'being such an

one as Paul the aged.'"

As will be surmised by previous remarks in this work, Mr. Ballou, in the

matter of politics, had of course his preferences of principles and of

men, and he always voted for them, besides keeping himself well read in

the most important political matters of the day, pro and con, and

weighing well in his own mind their bearing upon the true principles of

political economy; but here his interest ceased. He took no active part,

even in conversation, upon the subject, though at times he would show by

his remarks that the great principles of either party were familiar to

him. Still he always avoided, as a topic of conversation, a subject

which is so often the theme of bitter contention between those who in

all other respects are excellent friends. He never changed his political

sentiments, which, however, for very good reasons, were scarcely known,

or, at least, not intimately so, out of the family circle.

His irreproachable life was in itself one of the strongest arguments in

favor of his religion; his mild and dispassionate manner on all

occasions, his unblemished integrity and unimpeachable character,

through his whole life, rendered him universally beloved, as well as

showing a living example of the divine principles he endeavored to

inculcate in his public teachings. There is an energy of moral suasion

in a good man's life, passing the highest efforts of the orator's

genius. The visible but silent beauty of holiness speaks more eloquently

of God and duty than do the tongues of men and angels. A minister's

religious faith should be delivered to his people, not as a matter of

theoretical knowledge,--something learned in the study,--but as

something experienced. "Nothing," says Bishop Stillingfleet, "enlarges

the gulf of atheism more than the _wide passage_ which lies between the

faith and lives of men pretending to teach Christianity." Religion is

not a didactic thing, that words can impart or even silence withhold: it

is spiritual and contagious glory, a spontaneous union with the holy

spirit evinced in our daily lives and example. Those who have true

religion make it the garment worn next the heart, but, alas! too many

make a cloak of it. The most learned divine or philosopher that the

earth has ever known, though he spoke with an eloquence and wisdom near

akin to inspiration, must yet be powerless as to spiritual and godly

influence, if, at the same time that he points to wisdom's way,

"Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads."

Hooker has very beautifully remarked, that "the life of a pious

clergyman is visible rhetoric;" and some one else, with equal truth,

that "to preach sound doctrine, and lead a bad life, is building up with

one hand and pulling down with the other." Preaching, to be available,

must be consistent.

Mr. Ballou may be said to have _lived_ the doctrine he professed, in the

strictest sense of the phrase, and to have followed the glorious example

set him by his Divine Master. His ambition was to be an imitator of the

meek and lowly Jesus.

"His preaching much, but more his practice wrought,

A living sermon of the truths he taught."

Touching this subject he was wont to say to his hearers:--"Brethren, I

want a doctrine that I can prove by reducing it to practice; for we are

enjoined to 'prove all things, and hold fast that which is good.' People

may go to the house of devotion, they may hear learned ministers hold

forth the doctrine of future rewards and punishments, they may admire

the beautiful oratory and flowery rhetoric in which such sentiments are

dressed, but they must leave them all behind them when they go home to

their beloved families. They can never practise the domestic virtues and

duties on these principles of doctrine. The doctrine of Jesus is a

practical one, and we can never do our duty in the family circle unless

we live and conduct according to it."

This is an example of Mr. Ballou's style of argument and of

illustration. He brought everything _home_, where all could understand

the analogy; he never went abroad to seek for illustrations, never

indulged in deep philosophical dissertations, thus hoodwinking his

hearers and marring his subject. The reader will at once be struck by

the force and truth of the remark, that, however sincerely a person may

believe the doctrine of future rewards and punishments, still, on

leaving the house where these principles are taught, he must leave them

behind him. No one, not even the most zealous supporter of such a creed,

ever attempted to practise it in his family circle. Washington Allston

has pithily said, "A man cannot lie _all over_;" so it is a fact that

he cannot be utterly wrong from top to toe; though his mind may be

deceived, and his sentiments indicate partial delusion, yet his _heart_,

ten to one, will be right. Some token of his nicely constructed nature

will turn itself into "king's evidence" against his false theories. And

thus we find men, sincere Christians at heart, who believe and

promulgate the doctrine of partial grace, all the while evincing in

their home influences and general lives, the truth of the gospel of

Christ.

When Mr. Ballou was last in New York, some one of the brethren in that

city induced him to visit the office of the American Phrenological

Journal, where his head was examined after the rules of the science, and

the following characteristics were written out by the examiner, as is

customary in such cases. Since the decease of the subject of these

memoirs, they have been made public through the journal referred to. To

many this extract will possess more than ordinary interest, and we have

therefore given it place here, under the head of personal

characteristics.

PHRENOLOGICAL CHARACTER.

"His organization is very favorable to long life, good general

health, and uniformity of mind. The vital temperament was

originally decidedly strong. He has an amply developed chest, lungs

and digestive apparatus, which have imparted health and prolonged

life; and the muscular system is also fully represented. His mind

is active, but not so much so as to prematurely exhaust his

organization; nor is he particularly excitable. He has general

harmony and evenness, rather than eccentricity or want of balance.

The tone of his organization is such as to give him energy and aim

to carry through his purposes, without friction or waste of

strength. The size of brain is average, and the vital functions are

sufficient to supply the exhaustion of mental action; hence he has

been able to live within his power of sustaining mental labor for

so long a time.

"He is remarkable, phrenologically, for evenness of development;

none of the organs are extreme, and he is not inclined to those

excesses which cause eccentricity.

"One of his leading traits arises from Adhesiveness, which gives

attachment to, and interest in, friends.

"He still clings to his youthful friends, and enjoys their society.

This quality of mind enters largely into the whole tone of his

feelings.

"He is also kind to children, and interested in them, and quite

successful in entertaining them, and adapting himself to them.

"He is interested in woman, and capable of enjoying the marriage

relations highly, especially the social, domestic relations. He is

a strong lover of home, but lacks continuity of mind; his thoughts

and feelings are easily diverted, although he may finish a subject

that he commences; yet he enjoys variety in the general exercise

of his mind.

"His Combativeness is of the higher order, connecting with the

reasoning and moral, rather than with the animal nature; and it

gives him the disposition to overcome the obstacles in his way, and

to argument rather than the quarrelling propensity.

"He has fair energy, without any surplus, and a full degree of

appetite, without being excessive. He values property for its uses,

and is not selfish in money matters. He is remarkable for his

candor, frankness, open-heartedness, truthfulness, and

disinclination to deceive; he speaks the real sentiments of his

mind, as far as he speaks at all. He is not suspicious, but

confiding, and prefers to rely on the honesty of mankind rather

than to guard himself against the dishonesty of others. He is not

vain or showy; has merely ambition enough to stimulate him to do

what is his duty, without any reference to publicity; but he is

decidedly independent and self-relying.

"He does not lean on the judgment of others, nor does he feel that

his character depends on their opinions; he merely states his own

opinion, and allows others to judge for themselves.

"Firmness is another strong feature of his mind: he is uniformly

firm, each day successively; not stubborn one day, and

over-yielding the next, but consistently steady and persevering.

"He is very anxious to do as he agrees, and is just as honest at

one time as another; is consistent in his professions and

pretensions, and has always studied to harmonize and balance his

character, rather than to encourage any extremes.

"He neither hopes nor fears to excess; enjoys what good there is to

be enjoyed, and makes the best of an unfortunate occurrence. His

mind is open to conviction, is ready to look at new things, and to

be instructed; but is slow to believe, and requires positive

evidence before he gives his assent. He has a marked feeling of

worship, deference, and respect, and regard for superiority and

sacred subjects. Few persons have naturally more of the disposition

to worship than he.

"His sympathies are also strong. His feelings are tender towards

objects of distress, either mental or physical. Imagination and

sense of beauty and perfection are decidedly strong. He is disposed

to beautify his ideas, and make as much of them as possible,

especially by way of elevating the idea, and giving it a refined

direction.

"He is not inclined to mimic and imitate others; his ways are

peculiarly his own.

"He is mirthful, and enjoys fun as naturally as his food, and it

has been difficult for him to suppress the disposition to joke. His

intellectual faculties are well balanced; the perceptive faculties

are all large. He is quick of observation, readily forms

conclusions from what he sees, and is very much interested in all

classes of experiments.

"He is disposed to make himself as much acquainted with this world

as possible before leaving it, and is particularly inclined to

study character and motives, and the conditions of mind. He has a

good perception of forms, outlines, shapes and proportions, and has

a good memory of places, localities, and the whereabouts of things.

"He is quite particular as to order and arrangement, and must have

everything done correctly: is precise in his style of doing his

work, or in arranging his ideas. His memory by association is good;

he is a very punctual man in his engagements, and careful not to

consume the time of another. He is never in the way of others, and

does not go where he is not wanted; and, from diffidence and fear

that he may intrude himself, he does not go where he is really

desired. He is copious in the use of language, yet is not wordy;

his language is direct and to the point. He has a clear mind,

adapted to analytical logic, and drives as straight to a conclusion

as the bee does to a flower; yet he reasons more by association and

analogy than from cause to effect.

"He readily sees the adaptation of one thing to another; he seldom

makes enemies, or fails to perceive the character and motives of

others; is more successful than most persons in making friends,

because he knows how to adapt himself to others, and make himself

agreeable. He says and does things in a human-nature way.

"The six leading traits of his character are,--

"1st. His affection and friendship.

"2d. Independence and self-reliance.

"3d. Honesty, justice and circumspection.

"4th. His devotion and respectful disposition.

"5th. Sympathy and interest in the welfare of others, and general

philanthropy of spirit; and,

"Lastly, His practical common sense, and system, and availability

of intellect."

Mr. Ballou was once asked, in a most triumphant manner, by a religious

opponent, in the presence of a large number of individuals, "If your

doctrine be true, sir, how is it that it has never been preached before?

Here in the nineteenth century it would seem to be a new discovery." He

replied, in his usual calm and effective manner, "Friend, it has been

taught by two eloquent witnesses at least, so long as the sun has shone

and the rain fallen on mankind. These faithful agents of Almighty love

have ever taught the doctrine of impartial grace to all men; they

dispense their blessings on rich and poor, high and low, and thus bear

witness of the character of Him who sends them."

We well remember being present on a certain occasion when an intimate

friend of Mr. Ballou's asked him,--"Do you not think that the life of a

clergyman is far from being a desirable one, when you consider all the

sorrow and grief that the discharge of the duty attendant upon the

profession necessarily makes one acquainted with?" He replied, evincing

the peculiar light that was ever emitted from his eyes when he spoke

earnestly, "Were I to live my life over again, knowing what I now so

well know, by more than half a century of experience, I would choose

again the same profession I have followed so long. The humble and

faithful servant of Christ enjoys an inward happiness that none but his

Master may know. There is no employment more fitting for the human

heart, more ennobling to the nature of man, than the study of God's

word, and none from which so great and reliable happiness may be

derived." These evidences of his experience were treasured by many who

were accustomed to seek his society for the benefit and pleasure of his

conversation. The brethren throughout the order, and indeed every one

who knew him, seemed actuated towards him by a spirit which the

universal title he bore served to indicate; they always called him

_Father_ Ballou. I do not think there was one minister in the numerous

order of Universalists who did not acknowledge his preeminence in

original talent, wonderful reasoning faculties, and unblemished moral

excellence.

As illustrating this fact, we will let one of these brethren's remarks

upon this subject speak for us here, by again quoting from the eulogy of

Rev. Otis A. Skinner, delivered before his society in this city.

"But he was not merely our leader to the promised land; he entered it

with us, and for more than half a century he continued with us, standing

first in our esteem and affection, honored and beloved, with no effort

to obtain authority, and no ambition to be a leader. The place which he

occupied was voluntarily assigned to him; it was given in consequence of

his true heart, his profound judgment, his undeviating attachment to

principle, his entire freedom from art and management. Envy hurled at

him its arrows, but they fell harmless at his feet; ambition sought to

rise above him, but it sought in vain. There he stood like a father at

the head of his family, content to exercise the sway which he obtained

by his superior judgment, his commanding talents, and his devoted

services. He never dictated; he was never impatient when opposed; he was

never unkind to those who differed from him; he comprehended fully the

true idea of religious liberty, and in no instance exhibited a desire to

act the Pope. We doubt whether, in all the history of the church, an

instance can be found in which a minister has had so high a rank in his

sect, and yet manifested a less desire to bear rule.

"Nothing is more natural than for old men to oppose departures from

their measures. All sects have had those who bitterly denounced every

step taken beyond what they themselves had gone; but our honored father,

when he saw movements for progress, when he saw new men proposing new

plans of operation, placed himself on a level with the humblest, freely

discussed the plan, and yielded with cheerfulness when convinced. Not

only did he yield, but held his mind open to conviction, and on, several

points he came in and worked faithfully for what at first he hesitated

to sanction. He was not like some advanced in years, ever looking to

the past, and talking as though all wisdom was concentrated in it; he

believed that new discoveries were yet to be made; that progress was a

law of the true church, and that measures must be suited to the times.

Hence the most radical, those most desirous for reform, never felt that

he stood in the way: for there was not a reform which engaged the heart

of the philanthropist that did not have his sanction. He was a modern

man, and lived in the present time, as much, almost, as the youngest in

our ministry. _Let us go forward_, was his motto."

Such was the universal meed of honor that was accorded to him by his

brethren in the ministry.