CONCLUSION.
A modern writer says, after a visit to the splendid tomb of David Hume,
at Edinburgh, "When I looked upon the spot, I could not forget that his
best powers had been deliberately exerted to load the minds of men with
doubts of their God."
"To poison at the fountain's source
The stream of life throughout its course."
Let us contrast the feelings thus naturally arising in the mind, as it
contemplates the life of the English historian, with those that will
spring up spontaneously in the heart of him who looks upon the last
resting-place of the subject of this biography. His whole life was a
practical plea for the glorious character of his Heavenly Father, and
every power of his nature, both mental and physical, was entirely
devoted to and expended in bearing witness of God's love and impartial
grace. Who covets the world-wide fame of the infidel historian? Who
would not leave behind him the glorious memory of the true Christian?
Greatness may build the tomb, but goodness must write the epitaph.
"Only the actions of the just
Smell sweet, and blossom in the dust."
We have thus brought the narrative of Mr. Ballou's life down from its
commencement to its close. In the execution of the task, it is feared
that many imperfections and deficiencies will be detected; but we have
the consolation of reflecting that, at least, we have not been guilty of
exaggeration, and throughout have sought only to present the truth in
the clearest light, and with the same simplicity that the subject of
these pages would have commended. We have most ardently endeavored to
make manifest the pure character, consistent conduct, the high
intellectual ability, the unaffected piety, and laborious and unremitted
services of the deceased to the great cause he espoused in early life.
Had he placed a higher estimate upon his own labors, he would have left
behind him a complete record of his toils, that would have interested
the most careless and worldly reader. But, while he never spared
himself, he appears to have seen no unusual merit in his unexampled
labors; he was simply discharging his duty to his Maker and his
fellow-men. The thought of challenging admiration for his sacrifices of
comfort, for his exposures and trials, seems never to have occurred to
him; and hence the minutes of his personal adventures are brief and
imperfect. He has only given us enough to enable us to guess at the
extent of his toil. For the result of his labors and travels, we have
only to look around,--to behold the multiplied churches springing up
where he first preached in school-houses, dwelling-houses, or even
beneath the fruit-trees, to numerous congregations that have found faith
and hope through his ministrations, who fondly regard him as the father
of their order, and who rise up to bless his name. Though his lips are
now sealed forever, yet his doctrine, a precious legacy, is left for us
still, in his own language; and, with the example and influence of his
pure life, we may find the surest guide to the understanding of the
gospel as it is in Christ.
It is true that the bow is broken; but the arrow is sped on its message,
and will pierce the heart of error. The subject of these pages was not a
man for his own time alone; he has lived for all time. We find in the
pages of history actors upon the stage of life peculiarly fitted for the
immediate period in which they lived; men active, bold, successful, and
ever ready for any emergency; men governed by principles and incentives
peculiarly adapted to the day and hour, without whom it would have been
difficult to realize the seeming destiny of man, and the results and
history of the times. Yet those persons, if they were to exist now,
would be out of their element; there would not occur the same exigencies
to call forth their particular endowments of courage and endurance. They
illustrated tangible matter, and performed deeds of personal prowess;
but Mr. Ballou enunciated, defined, elucidated and illumined, a great
principle, a fundamental truth, something that will live through all
eternity,--not the ephemeral act of an hour, which, however timely and
important at the moment, is forgotten with the casualty that gives it
birth. No! Mr. Ballou was not for his own time alone,--he was for all
time.
His advent in the religious world was the commencement of a new era in
the church; and from that day and that hour the little glimmering of the
light of truth which was seen as afar off grew daily larger, and
brighter, and clearer, as, in the onward journey of his years and his
understanding, he came to behold the gospel as it is in Christ, and to
preach it to the world. Nature about him had taught this impartial grace
and goodness of God for ages and ages, but the tongues of men had been
fabricating and declaring another creed. It was no new truth that he
illustrated and believed; but he gave it oral form, and depicted it
before men's eyes.
Our task draws now to its close; we have recorded the closing incidents
of that life on whose eventful record we have reverentially dwelt, and
we must soon resign the pen with which we have feebly depicted the story
of departed worth. It remains for us to give a rapid retrospective
glance at the career we have traced, with a brief recapitulatory view of
the subject. The author has made no attempt at fine writing, and has
sought only to present a "plain, unvarnished tale," in keeping with the
unostentatious simplicity of the subject of his pages. In these busy and
stirring days, most readers crave an exciting book of thrilling
incident. In preparing the life of a distinguished warrior, or a bold
adventurer, startling incidents and scenes crowd upon the writer, till
the task of condensation becomes both imperative and difficult. The
turbulent stream, rushing from its mountain home, tumbling amidst rocks
and dashing over precipices, affords a picture at every point of its
progress; while the course of a river, that rises in some placid lake,
and pursues its pathway noiselessly and tranquilly, till lost in the
world of waters that swallows up its individuality, however pleasing an
object of contemplation, is little fitted to figure in an elaborate
personal record, or to minister to the restless eye of the lover of the
bold and startling in nature.
The life of the subject of these pages may be compared to that of a
quiet streamlet, making itself felt by the verdure and freshness it
diffuses around it, but not startling the ear by the tumult of motion.
Hence, those who merely take up a book for amusement or excitement, will
find themselves disappointed with this biography. It was not, however,
for such tastes that the book was designed. It is rather a medium of
communication between filial affection, and that scarcely colder feeling
of friendship and respect, shared by a large and increasing denomination
of Christians, whose common love for the subject of these pages will
secure indulgence towards the author.
They will rather follow the delightful traits of Christian character he
evinced, will admire the truth and genuineness of his nature, the sweet
simplicity of his soul, and the magnitude and glory of his doctrine,
than pause to criticize the simple garb that has clothed these special
and important matters. It will be the kernel, not the shell, that our
readers will discuss; and if we have, in our humble way, succeeded in so
portraying the life of our parent as to place it any more clearly and
faithfully before men's eyes, then we have done a good work, and our
labor has not been in vain. If, by the exhibition of his happy faith,
and the application of his own arguments, we shall have succeeded in
confirming even one soul in the sacred and cheering faith he advocated,
we shall have sufficient reward in our own heart for the toil of this
work. He would have labored continually and unceasingly to lead a soul
in the straight and narrow way; no fatigue, no disappointment, was ever
any hindrance in his path, when duty held the lamp. His eyes were turned
onward and upward; they overlooked the rugged way, strewn with rocks and
quicksands, over which he strode towards the great goal of his life, the
promulgation of God's fatherly love to man.
More fortunate than many whose works have enriched the world, we have
seen that Mr. Ballou lived long enough to enjoy an honorable fame. Long
before he died the voice of calumny was hushed. He had accomplished what
Burke had advised for the refutation of slander,--he had "lived it
down." The shafts of malice fell harmless from the shield of his
unspotted conscience. He had achieved a greater triumph yet than the
surviving of the assaults aimed against his reputation as a man; he
lived to behold the truth he had so advocated, in which and for which he
lived, adopted by hundreds of thousands as the staff of their lives and
the rock of their salvation. It would be difficult to find, in any age,
the record of a greater victory of intellectual power.
As we have fully shown, Mr. Ballou started in life with no aids for the
development of his mental energies. His circumstances were such as would
have completely crushed a majority of gifted minds. Isolation,
privation, the want of mental stimulus, surrounded him. The example and
aid of elder scholarship was wanting. The steps to the temple of
knowledge were hewn by his own hands out of the rugged and unyielding
rock. He had no strong hand to grasp his own, and bear him up, and stay
his tottering footsteps. Yet, with an iron grasp, he seized upon the
rudiments of knowledge, and made them his own. And, while satisfying the
cravings of his nature, he neglected no duty of life. Those who had
claims upon his industry suffered no injury or loss from this source,
for the hours devoted to his early studies were heroically subtracted
from hours of repose. When others rested from bodily toil, he was
wakeful and toiling mentally.
The energy displayed in his pursuit of knowledge, under such
extraordinary difficulties, prepares us for the yet greater energy
exhibited in his subsequent course. Accustomed to accomplish his purpose
by severe labor, we find him continually proposing to himself questions
of difficulties to be solved only by severe intellectual exertion. He
cultivates his moral intellectual nature so rigidly, that he is not
lightly satisfied on any subject. But we are most impressed with the
beauty of his spiritual nature. Most energetic minds are, we think,
prone to scepticism. They doubt, resolve their doubts, and then cling
firmly and forever to the truths they have established.
It is said, "A resolved doubt is the strongest proof." Paul began by
opposing religion, and ended as one of its champions. But with Mr.
Ballou there was no necessity of going through with this usual process.
His existence and his belief were identical. He recognized his Maker in
his words and in his works; faith was his earliest companion, and she
was with him to the last. Her light illumined his earliest and his last
step; as it beamed upon him with its morning radiance, and cheered his
noon-tide with its glow, so it was the broad, unshadowed sunset of his
life.
We have seen how early his inquiring and steadfast mind began to pierce
the shadows and darkness with which dogmatism had obscured the true
nature of God, and the spirit of his law. The clouds were not dispelled
all at once. By degrees they rolled away, as his vision strengthened,
until, at length, his eyes beheld the full glory of God in its effulgent
splendor. The moment when the last veil was withdrawn, and he beheld the
glorious form of Truth embodied in the creed which he ever afterwards
professed, was the crown and summit of his existence. Then he found and
grasped a treasure which the world could not take away. Years might
pass before the many would embrace his doctrine; but he knew that it
must eventually make its way to men's hearts and understanding, and that
it would be universally recognized and triumph in the end.
From the moment of his discovery, his mission was decided, his calling
confirmed, his path through life traced out as clear as daylight. He
felt called upon and inspired to preach the gospel of love to all
mankind; and he went forth upon his mission, resolved to fulfil it to
the utmost of his strength and talent. Surely no man ever more
faithfully performed his allotted task. In the discharge of his duty, we
behold him fearing no toil, sparing no exertion, shrinking from no
obstacle. A man loving peace and quiet, yet he hesitated not to assume
the weapons of controversy when his doctrines were assailed. With him,
indeed, the truth was everything,--himself nothing. Hence, we are left
no record of his many journeyings, his lonely wayfarings, his midnight
labors. He accounted these things as nothing, as dust in the balance,
weighed against the service he espoused, and the gospel interests which
he strove to advocate.
The following letter addressed to us from Manchester, N. H., a few years
since, now lies open before us, and will serve to show the reader the
indomitable perseverance that the subject of these memoirs brought to
bear upon his professional duties;--how little he spared himself in the
prosecution of his great mission; how totally he disregarded bodily ease
or comfort, when brought in opposition to the prosecution of his sacred
mission on earth. It is also another of those brief, meaning and
affectionate epistles such as he ever wrote, exhibiting the same
reliance upon Divine Providence that ever exercised his bosom:--
"MATURIN: Last Sabbath was to me a day of severe trial. Early in
the morning I was attacked with a sudden illness, which so weakened
me by meeting-time that, although I made two determined efforts to
go on with my discourse, the last was as unsuccessful as the first,
and I was finally compelled to yield to my bodily weakness, giving
the people to expect my services in the afternoon. Dr. Colburn
kindly conveyed me to his house, and he and his good lady so nursed
me that, by meeting-time in the afternoon, I walked to church and
went through with my usual services, sparing myself the labor of
reading the hymns. Through the goodness of an all-ruling
Providence, that has ever sustained and supported me in every
trial, I am now recovering, and am quite as well as before this
attack, save that I am very weak.
"The reason I have written you particularly is, that your mother
and the family generally may not be alarmed by the report which
will very naturally reach you before I can return home. Please send
me a few current newspapers. Affectionately,
"HOSEA BALLOU."
He neglected no means for the advancement of truth; discourses from the
pulpit, colloquial discussions, written essays, poetical effusions, all
were brought to sustain the one great idea he advocated. Though his oral
instructions were poured forth on every occasion, he well knew the
mighty power of the press over the minds of community, and he wielded
this agent with vigor and effect. As his example in the pulpit was
followed by a host of disciples, so did his essays in the press give
birth to a race of vigorous literary champions of the gospel. But, above
all, was the "daily beauty of his life" the strongest evidence of the
sincerity of his convictions, and the truth of his doctrine. The example
that teaches better than precept was manifested in his social existence.
His cheerful deportment, his resignation under trials, were proofs of a
"peace which the world cannot give."
His principles forbade him to teach or to show that this beautiful world
was created as a gloomy prison-house to the sons of men. Late and
copious extracts from his own pen, in these pages, will abundantly show
this. He delighted to point out the radiance of the raiment with which
our Heavenly Father has gladdened our temporary abiding-place. He loved
to trace the "smile of the Great Spirit," in the gushing water-courses,
the verdant meadows, the bright skies, the murmuring woodlands, the
flower-enamelled fields, and the blue arch that bends over all,
enclosing it within a crystal sphere. He was no enemy to social
enjoyment; no frown of his ever checked the joyous laugh bursting from
young lips, or dimmed the brightness of the domestic fireside. In the
relations of husband, father, friend, he was loved and revered,--how
dearly and deeply, let the sorrow that has fallen on our hearts at
parting speak!
He has gone from our midst! His stately form will no more gladden our
eyes, the music of his voice will no more warm our hearts, the pressure
of his hand will no more answer responsively to ours. But he has
departed, full of years and fame, to that bright world above, whose
glory was the theme of his existence. Emulating the virtues which his
well-ordered and beautiful life exhibited, cherishing the gospel truths
in all their purity, simplicity and attractiveness, as he taught them,
may we improve our own lives by the recollection of his, and open our
hearts to the still yet eloquent sermon he now preaches to us from the
silent tomb! And let that sacred belief, which he taught us to rely upon
and to hold as most dear to our hearts, fill us with a hope and
assurance of a final and happy reunion with him in heaven! In his own
family he fully succeeded in implanting a spirit of belief in and entire
reliance upon God's love to his children; and, could the reader behold
the influence that this belief now exercises over the heart of his aged
widow, what a tower of strength and calm resignation she realizes from
the faith he impressed upon her, he would find fresh reason for
Christian fortitude, and new hope and faith in the gospel.
And now, ere the reader closes these pages, permit the author to ask for
the book a kind consideration, and to solicit the lenient judgment of
the public for these records of a parent's life, written and compiled
amid the arduous duties attendant upon his editorial calling. The work
has little else to recommend it, save the homely truthfulness of its
record, and the sincerity that has dictated its composition.
To the many friends of Mr. Ballou, and more particularly to the
denomination, clergymen and laity, with whom he has so long held
fellowship, the author trusts this book may prove an acceptable memento
of one whom they delighted to honor.
NEW WORKS,
JUST PUBLISHED.
MEMOIR OF REV. S. R. SMITH.
By Rev. T. J. SAWYER, D.D. With a splendid Portrait. Pages 432. Price,
in plain binding, $1; in full gilt binding, $1.50.
Dr. Sawyer has had an acquaintance with the subject of this Memoir for
twenty years; besides, he has in his hands all the papers which Mr.
Smith left behind him, copies of letters, &c. The work is made up, to a
considerable extent, from those various materials, and may therefore be
regarded as in a manner an autobiography. The last words written for the
press by Father Ballou relate to this book and the Life Sketches of
George H. Clark, hereafter referred to. Mr. Ballou says:
"Having carefully read this Memoir, and by it having been made
acquainted with many particulars in the life of a highly-esteemed
brother in our ministry, with whom I have, for many years, enjoyed a
most cordial and affectionate fellowship, it is a pleasurable duty to
recommend the work to the favorable consideration of the whole
fraternity of believers in the gospel of a world's salvation.
"The learned writer of the Memoir has taken much pains to bring together
much of the writings of his favorite subject, whereby he has rendered
the work in a great degree autobiographical, and made his readers
acquainted with the strength of mind, temper, spirit and taste, of our
departed brother. This work carries us back to the parentage, birth,
childhood and youth, of one who has distinguished himself, by the
evident aid of divine wisdom, as an able, faithful, and successful
minister of the gospel of our Divine Master. And if our young men, who
are desirous of making the ministry of divine truth their profession,
would carefully read this work, poverty in its more meagre shapes would
present no formidable objection. Br. Smith, having successfully grappled
with poverty, and won a praise and a name which throw crowns and diadems
into the shade, seems now to be looking down on these youth, and
pointing them to the path which he has trod, to bid them put their trust
in Him by whose aid he has won an unfading crown.
"Br. Sawyer surely deserves the gratitude of our denomination for the
justice he has done to the character of our departed brother, and for
the encouragement which this Memoir is calculated to give to our
brethren who are laboring in our Master's vineyard. And our thanks and
patronage should be generously rendered to the publisher of this work,
not only for the handsome style in which it appears, but for his
laudable devotion to the cause of truth, and his successful labors for
its prosperity."
"Great interest has been excited in the denomination by the promise of
this book. * * The life of such a man, from the pen of one so highly
distinguished and so gifted as Rev. Dr. Sawyer, cannot but awaken a
wide-spread and anxious desire for its appearance. It has now been given
to the public, and well does it sustain the reputation of all parties
concerned in its publication. * * A work of this class has never
appeared in the denomination which, for fineness of paper, beauty of
print, and neatness of binding, has excelled this. We predict that it
will have a very large sale."--_Christian Ambassador._
"It will be read with great interest by all."--_Trumpet._
"Mr. Sawyer has done well in allowing his hero to tell so
much of the story of his times through his own letters and
reminiscences."--_Christian Inquirer._
"His example is full of encouragement to others, and cannot fail to
stimulate thousands, who are drooping, to push on in the career of
self-improvement."--_Yankee Blade._
"This is one of the most thoroughly executed Biographies that we have
met with among recent publications of the kind. * * * The Memoir is
worthy of the author and of the venerated subject; and, if we mistake
not, it must exert a powerful influence for good upon the Universalist
Connection, as well as upon others, through the more noble example it
holds up of a true minister of Jesus Christ. By it, he, 'being dead, yet
speaketh.'"--_Universalist Quarterly._
"This is a specimen of true Biography. We have attentively and
gratefully read it, and our estimate of the man, the greatness of his
aims, and the thoroughness of his devotion thereto, has been increased.
There is nothing of the spirit of man-worship here; and if there be any
lack, it is on the side of enthusiasm of personal friendship, holding
back the writer from a full expression of heartfelt admiration of his
subject."--_Ladies' Repository._
* * * * *
GRACES AND POWERS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
By Rev. A. D. MAYO. 12mo., about 300 pages. Price 75 cents.
This is a series of twenty sermons, by Mr. Mayo, on the above subject,
which cannot but prove a valuable acquisition to our Denominational
Literature.
"This is a beautifully printed book, and its interior life and its ideal
corresponds with its actual. * * The style of the author is modern and
graceful, and the moral influence of the work cannot be otherwise than
safe and good."--_Banner._
"Mr. Mayo's composition reveals a pure spark of genius, gleaming, if it
does not blaze, running like a bright thread and clue through the
labyrinth of thought, and bringing to light many a blessed region of
truth and peace."--_Christian Register._
"We have been greatly charmed in reading it, both by the earnestness and
depth of its thought, and the sweetness and purity of its
style."--_Blade._
"Its influence, wherever it circulates, will be most elevating and
sanctifying."--_Christian Ambassador._
"We take pleasure in saying that this volume of sermons has our hearty
fellowship, and the prevalence of the spirit in its pages would enlarge
vastly the communion of liberal Christians."--_Christian Inquirer._
* * * * *
LIFE-SKETCHES OF REV. GEORGE H. CLARK.
By his Brother. With a fine likeness. 16mo. 160 pages. Price 50 c.
Sketches of the eventful life of this early-fallen brother were written
by the request of many friends. The volume embraces a rapid succession
of scenes and incidents, drawn from numerous papers left by the
deceased, and portrayed by one dearly familiar with him from early life.
Father Ballou's note of this work is as follows:
"This brief memoir of our young and esteemed brother in the ministry of
God's universal efficient grace commends itself as an affectionate
tribute to the memory of the departed, from the pen of a loving brother.
It must also be grateful to the whole family circle, who survive the
departed son and brother, to have in their possession so valuable a
treasure.
"This work will be read with interest and profit by youth in general,
and especially by such as think of devoting their lives to the
ministerial profession. When such shall learn the fact, that moderate
circumstances and limited means do not necessarily prevent a young man
from becoming a minister and a pastor, highly esteemed and beloved by a
good and respectable church and society, they need not shrink from a
hope of success.
"We need not look forward to the good time, for it is now come, when
ministers are esteemed for their knowledge of divine truth, and their
ardent love for the same, together with their faithfulness in dispensing
it to their people, and their living and walking in the precepts of
Jesus."
"The subject of these memoirs died young. He had been in the ministry
but a few years. He had lived, however, and labored, a sufficient length
of time, to prove himself to be an able and eloquent preacher of the
gospel, and to become endeared to all who formed his acquaintance. It
abounds with incidents in the life of the deceased."--_Christian
Ambassador._
"The book abounds in incidents, and is very interesting."--_Banner._
"The book is one of thrilling interest."--_Freeman._
"The book is a record, traced with a loving, sympathetic, and brotherly
hand, of the trials, hopes, joys, sorrows, life experiences and death,
of a professional as well as a natural brother."--_Springfield
Republican._
"This is an affectionate tribute to the memory of a worthy man,--one of
the many instances where high aims are unfortunately united with slender
means, rendering life not so much 'a battle and a march,' as a perpetual
struggle. We respected the brother whose life is here sketched, and have
thoroughly read the volume with interest."--_Ladies' Repository._
* * * * *
GLIMPSES AND GATHERINGS,
During a Voyage and Visit to London and the Great Exhibition, in the
Summer of 1851. By Rev. W. A. DREW, Commissioner of the State of Maine.
With a Portrait. About 400 pages. Price $1.
The undersigned issues, in connection with the publishers of the Gospel
Banner, the above work. It is one of the most attractive and instructive
volumes of travel ever published.
"This volume consists of letters written by the author to the _Gospel
Banner_, of which he is the well-known editor, during his recent visits
to Canada and England. During their original publication they were read
with keen interest by the numerous patrons of that paper, as well as by
the Maine public generally; and it was a happy idea to gather them into
a volume for more distant readers, as well as for future perusal and
reference. The author has a sharp eye for observation, as well as great
felicity in description; writes in an easy, off-hand, yet vigorous
style; and, on the whole, has placed before us the clearest and most
graphic picture of London and the sights in the Crystal Palace that we
have yet met with. Not the least interesting portions of the volume are
the descriptions of Montreal, Quebec, and their environs, to the
accuracy and felicity of which we can testify."--_Yankee Blade._
"An interesting series of sketches."--_Univer. Quar._
"It is highly attractive in narration of incidents, scenery and sights.
What makes it more valuable to us is a very natural likeness of the
author, executed with much skill and beauty."--_Christian Ambassador._
* * * * *
THE WORKS OF REV. HOSEA BALLOU.
The death of this Patriarch of the Universalist Ministry gives
additional value to his Works, and especially to those written in the
years of his strength and vigor.
The subscriber is the publisher of those works, and will furnish sets of
the same, or single volumes, issued in the best style of typography and
binding.
I. Notes on the Parables of the New Testament. One vol. 12mo., 297
pages. Price 50 cents. First published in 1804.
II. A Treatise on the Atonement. One vol. 12mo., 328 pages. Price 50
cents. First published in 1805.
III. Series of Twenty-six Lecture Sermons. Delivered in the
School-street church, Boston. One vol. 12mo., 375 pages. Price 62-1/2
cents. First published in 1818.
IV. Twenty-five Select Sermons. Delivered on various occasions, from
important passages of Scripture. One vol. 12mo., 360 pages. Price 63
cents. First published in 1828.
These are the works in which the convictions of Father Ballou are best
expressed, and circulation should be given to them by all who are
desirous of diffusing the wisdom of that sainted man. The "Notes on the
Parables" are remarkable examples of Scripture interpreting Scripture;
the "Treatise on Atonement" is a piece of mental reasoning intelligible
to the humblest capacity; and the "Lectures" and "Select Sermons" are
rare expoundings of the divine word, and the great principles of
Scripture truth.
The subscriber is also preparing to issue a fine edition of the above
works, to be bound in a uniform style with the Biography; and the whole
will then be sold at $4 per set.
A. TOMPKINS.
BOSTON, August, 1852.
AGENTS WANTED TO CIRCULATE THE FOREGOING WORKS.