USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > New Haven > History of the South Congregational Church, New Haven : from its origin in 1852 till January 1, 1865 > Part 2
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very last preachings ; and my conviction is, not to the detri- ment, but rather to the advantage, of my official work. You understand from this extended sketch, what my response is to any application to accept the permanent pastorate of a church. * * * Had the call been to a temporary service, (and such the early language of your letter seemed to indi- cate, when you said, 'to dedicate this church or assist in dedicating it, and then go on preaching in it until such time as you may see fit to organize a church,')"-had such been the nature of the call, Dr. Stiles leaves it to be inferred that his difficulty on this head would have been obviated. He adds, " Now my brother, let me say in conclusion, I honor you and your three coadjutors in my heart. You are doing a good work. Surely the Lord will in due time point out His man for your church. I need not say that I will take a special interest in your enterprise,- shall delight in its pros- perity-shall love at any time to speak the Master's mes- sages to your people,-and do now pray, The Lord be with you."
MACON, GEO., April 14, 1852. "The Lord lead us, in the matter of the church,- command my services if He so directs,-forbid my connex- ion with you if this is His will."
"P. S. I have this moment received your last. God bless my dear brother Sawtell. My friends everywhere think too much of me."
Not to extend these extracts, suffice it to say, that on reading them, our application was so modified as only to invite Dr. Stiles to come and dedicate the church, and then to remain with us so long as his sense of duty, under all the circumstances, as seen by himself, should seem to require. The reader will bear in mind that there was at this time no church organ- ization,-much less an ecclesiastical society. What- ever arrangements were to be made for the supply of the pulpit, must be made by the proprietors, for there
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was no one else to do it. Well, Dr. Stiles at length came. Mr. Sawtell also came. The dedication had been fixed for the last Sabbath in June, 1852, and these good men, as if moved by an invisible attrac- tion, were here the day previous, and stopped at the house of one of the proprietors, where they were thrice welcome. The new church and its prospective dedication and promise of usefulness, were the absorb- ing theme of their conversation and prayers. On the (Saturday) evening previous to the dedication, Mr. Amos Smith called to see them, and nearly the whole evening was spent in fervent addresses to the Throne of Grace,-each of the three brethren officiating in turn,-or in serious conversation suggested by tho occasion which had brought them together. It was an evening long to be remembered ; for if ever a church was thoroughly and honestly dedicated to God in advance, it was then and there, in that im- promptu meeting of four persons. They prayed that God would own and bless that sanctuary from its very beginning ; that his Holy Spirit might ever dwell in it and overshadow it; that the faithful Gospel might ever be faithfully preached there, and blessed to the conviction, conversion, and salvation of a multitude of souls. There was no formality about the exercises,-no effort,-nothing pre-concerted ; it was the spontaneous outflow and overflow of Chris- tian hearts, united in one object, and moved by a heavenly influence. To these prayers, and the an-
2*
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swer to them, Dr. Stiles alludes in one of the ex- tracts quoted below.
The first sermon ever preached in the South Church was by Rev. Dr. STILES, on Sabbath mor- ning, June 27, 1852, from the text, "Why will ye die ?" It was a deeply impressive discourse, and was preached to a very large audience. Not only the fame of the preacher, but the novelty of the occa- sion, drew together a crowd of hearers. In the after- noon the pulpit was occupied by some other clergy- man. In the evening, Dr. Stiles preached the DEDI- CATION sermon, from the text, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." He now laid out his full strength, stimulated alike by the greatness of his theme, and by the sea of up-turned faces which he saw before him. Every slip and aisle, every gallery and entry, every standing-place, and even the pulpit stairs of that spacious edifice, were filled to overflow- ing, and hundreds went away, from the impossibility of gaining admittance. Rev. Mr. Sawtell was pres- ent to enjoy the scene, but was unable to take any prominent part in the exercises. Several persons, who afterward obtained joy and peace in believing, date their first religious impressions from the solem- nities of that day. One man in particular, then be- tween 45 and 50 years of age, who had lived a very wicked life and gloried in his wickedness, was melted down under convictions of the truth, and never found rest until he found it in Christ. He has ever since witnessed a good confession,-always ready to lift up
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his voice in prayer or praise,-to do or to suffer for his Divine Master,-and is now an officer, as well as a most efficient member, of the South Church. Lest it should be thought that this statement is too high- ly colored, we here present his own account of the " great change" which took place in his views and feelings, as published in a little Tract, not very long after the date of his conversion. In that Tract he says,-
"From early boyhood, say for the last thirty six years of my life, I was a disbeliever in the Bible, the day of judg- ment, and even in the existence of God himself. I saw a controlling power all around me, but never connected it with a divine person. My creed looked to this world as the end of all things, and taught me, if happiness was to be found at all, it must be reached in this life. The fact is, at the age of thirteen years I discarded all the influence of my pious parents and friends, and claimed the right to control my own acts.
"As I advanced in life I denounced the clergy, closed my ears to all Christian advice, and my eyes to all the provi- dences of God. I seldom entered a church. My Sabbaths were desecrated by devotion to boating, fishing, hunting, nay, to all sorts of amusements, which I took great pleasure in boldly prosecuting before the eyes of the public. I ridiculed and even abused those who were disposed to ob- serve the Sabbath. I have a vivid recollection of the pre- vailing state of my mind when I heard the Sabbath bells, and looked upon the multitudes repairing to the house of God. I said in my heart, 'You fools, I never saw God, and you never did ; why not act as sensible beings, and enjoy yourselves as 1 do ?' In a word, I determined 'to sail the ship myself,' and for thirty-six years I did so. Was I happy ? No; all was dark and gloomy in the prospect. Death and the grave were constantly before me, and though in perfect health, yet when thinking of the future I was always disturbed.
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" My views and feelings are now greatly changed. And why ? I gave a moment's honest attention to the salvation of my soul, and by the grace of God I am now happy. Dear fellow sinner, whether you admit your accountability or not, if you will open your eyes and ears, and lift up your heart to God for mercy and salvation through Jesus Christ, you can secure that same change, and be happy too.
" I was induced to attend the dedication of a church in the place where I lived. The preacher was earnest and warm in his appeal to the consciences of the audience. I was a close listener to his words. Truth was permitted for the first time to light up my dark mind. The Spirit of God became an inmate of my heart. From a listener I became an inquirer. In due time the great truths of the gospel opened upon my agonized soul. I saw my sins and my ruin. The anguish of my spirit was awful in the extreme. I was actually on the very borders of despair. None but God knows the strugglings and sufferings of that hour, or, blessed be His name, the peace and comfort which I now enjoy. I can tell you of my present happy faith, and of the contrast between the hope of the unrepenting sinner and that blessed hope which by the grace of God now cheers my soul. I can tell you that the future now looks bright ; that there is now no sting in death, no victory in the grave, no bliss in ignorance. Open your eyes and ears and heart, and God will give you the Holy Spirit, and with it a bless- ing so great that your soul cannot contain it."
This is a good beginning, it may be said ; but did he hold out ?- did his religion last ? His old com- panions in sin, when they heard that he had been converted, predicted that in six months he would be as bad as ever. If he should not, they would be compelled (they said) to believe there was something in religion. Well, it is now twelve years since his conversion, and where does he stand ? The follow- ing extracts will show. They are taken from letters
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which, on each anniversary of his spiritual birth, he has been in the habit of addressing to a friend who took a part in the erection of the South Church buildings.
NEW HAVEN, NOV. 23, 1861.
" Nine years ago, by the grace of God, I entered upon a new life, with strong promises that as the previous years of my existence had been a failure, the years to come should be to the glory of God, and the training of my soul to enjoy His presence hereafter. Every returning anniversary reminds me how poorly I have kept that promise, and how little I have done for Christ since it was made. I delight to see the return of this day and hour, because my heart goes out in gratitude, full to overflowing, towards God, that He then gave me such strong assurances of His love and favor, thus placing within me a Hope which has thus far been an anchor to my soul at all times. Yet while I am made happy under these assurances, I find one draw-back ; and I ask, what have I done for Christ in return for his boundless love to me. I however still look up, and apply the only remedy which can carry me safely through. I have never for a moment doubted the beginning of a work of regeneration in my heart; and while the occurrences of nine years ago are so vividly before me, I never can. I am reminded of the faithfulness of our mutual friend, Dr. Stiles, who pleaded with and for me, and how he threw his whole heart into the work of kindling and fanning the faint glimmering light of hope in my soul. O how faithfully and perseveringly did he do his work! I love to remember him. I am also reminded of your many kind acts to me and mine ; for, through the blessing of God and your liberal enterprise, we are looking beyond, for the rest that remaineth for those only that love our common Saviour. If at present the interests of this great enterprise appear neglected and tend to dis- couragement, may it not be a consolation that many souls have been saved through its instrumentality. I was in hopes that you would ere this have seen a great work done within its walls. But perhaps a greater is to come, after
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you have gone to your rest .- I am reminded at this hour, that a long life of wrong-doing is seldom repented of; or if repented of, the heart is in a poor condition to shuffle off evil associations and habits. The wounds are but partially healed, and I must carry through to the grave much that tends to hinder me in the Christian race. Almost all my companions in life, especially in middle life, have gone to the grave, full of sin, I fear. I am reminded especially to-night, as I reflect on former associations, that I am a monument of God's mercy ; and I ask,-
Why was I made to hear thy voice,
And enter while there's room ?
" With fresh resolutions and hopes, I trust to enter the new year stronger in Christ, richer in grace ; and if before its close my soul shall be fully sanctified and fitted for a change, then God shall have the glory of my salvation in the new home where I hope to meet you."
" NEW HAVEN, November 23, 1862.
"Another year is gone, making ten in which I have tried to live worthily of the smiles and blessings of God, and with a hope of heaven. This anniversary is an eventful one,-for it comes freighted with bright hopes for our church, and evidently bearing testimony that God is with us, and is comforting us its members, removing from us the clouds which hung over us but a year since. It comes too, cementing our mutual friendship, begun ten years ago ; and
- with my heart so full of gratitude to God and the kind souls instrumental in my welfare, I must let some of it escape by means of this letter. What wonderful kindness and mercy have been bestowed upon me, a poor, unworthy, wicked, blinded man ! A few years ago my soul was unsuitable for the fellowship of God or godly men. It now sees mercy and love unmeasured, and light has taken up the darkness, revealing almost two heavens,-one begun on earth, and the other to come. * * We have rejoiced together that our church (and I know as but few know how dear the whole enterprise is to you) is now in the hands of a good shepherd, and its prospects glorious for the future. The
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roots of bitterness over which we have mourned, are dead ; and with God's help, I pray they may never be seen again. * * Now, blessed with spiritual comforts,-blessed in my ' basket and store,'-with numerous friends to give me en- couragement, I step into the new year with a thankful heart, and a firm reliance on Christ, that he will perfect in His own time and way, the good work begun November 23, 1852."
"NEW HAVEN, NOV. 23, 1863.
" The return of this hour is to me a comforting one. It reminds me of the dreadful pit from which I was digged just eleven years ago. It seems but a dream,-a new life, and one that gives me good cheer as I look forward. I feel that with all my short-comings and failings I can look back to the testimony that was mine eleven years ago, and onward I go with new hopes and renewed exertions. O what shall I render unto God for all His mercies to me in the space of eleven years! What changes-what blessings -- what love !"
" NEW HAVEN, NOV. 23, 1864.
" This anniversary hour brings to my mind circumstances that occurred just twelve years ago ; and they are before me now as vividly as at that moment. But it is twelve years (and they seem but a few days) since the light of God's forgiveness and love shone so brightly in my heart. The years have been short, but eventful ; full of changes, intermixed with prosperity and adversity ; and yet through them all to this present hour, not one doubt in the religion of Jesus and the work of His good Spirit in man's heart, (and by God's grace I can say in my own,) has ever crossed my mind. The testimony then given me by those influences, was just what my dark, wicked heart needed, to stay it in its new life. O the goodness of God in leading me to re- pentance, that I might see my obligations, my flagrant sins, and a way of escape from a just retribution .- This anni- versary never comes, in its welcome round, without thoughts of that man of God, our mutual friend, Dr. Stiles. Though almost a stranger to me, yet knowing the value of a soul better than I did, he seemed to me almost as an angel of
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mercy standing between me and an offended God, and there earnestly and faithfully pleading that the light might illu- mine the darkness of my wicked soul, and salvation be given me. How often since I have obtained a knowledge of this great plan of salvation through Christ, (for until then I could not spiritually discern it,) have I thought of his anxiety and earnest pleadings with his Master in my behalf, as resembling the attitude in which Christ now stands to- ward me, as my Mediator. It would be a happy day could I meet this good friend again ; but should it be ordered otherwise, I feel the consolation that we shall know each other there, in Christ's kingdom. Blessed thought, and thrice blessed hope !"
We have followed out this case to such a length, not only as one of special interest in itself, but as an illustration of the transforming power of religion in the soul ; and also as showing the character of the ministrations with which the South Church was favored at this early period of its history. By a comparison of dates, it will be seen that the person alluded to, was struggling with convictions nearly five months before he yielded. During all this period his anxious Pastor was bearing him on the arms of faith to the Throne of Grace, often conversing and praying with him personally, and, as we have reason to believe, passing many sleepless hours of night, and sometimes nearly the whole night, in mingled emo- tions of hope and fear as to what would be the result. Verily he watched for souls as one who knew he must give an account. Other cases of conviction and con- version occupied his thoughts also ; but he seemed to feel that "this kind" of possession was not to be
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overcome except by extraordinary effort. And when at length a flood of light broke in upon the hitherto darkened mind of the convicted man, it was hard to say which most rejoiced, the new-born babe in Christ, or he who had so long travailed in birth for his sal- vation. A knowledge of the fact that the Spirit of God was moving upon the minds of the people, gave tone and direction to the preaching, as the preaching and other attendant means had been blessed to the descent of the Holy Spirit. It was not, however, the rushing, mighty wind, but the still, small voice. Profound attention and deep solemnity pervaded the large assemblies, especially under the powerful preaching of Dr. Stiles. Some of the texts from which he spoke, are as follows ; and the very mention of them will recall to the minds of many who heard him, the general scope of his remarks :-
July 4, 1852. If then I be a Father, where is mine honor ? Matt. i. 6.
Evening. "To-morrow." Exod. viii. 10. Subject, Procrastination.
July 11. Christ in you the hope of glory. Col. i. 27.
Evening. That there should be time no longer. Rev. x. 6.
July 18. See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also. Gen. xix. 21. Subject, Intercessory Prayer.
Afternoon. The redemption of the soul is precious, and it ceaseth forever. Ps. xlix. 8.
Aug. 8. All my springs are in thee. Ps. Ixxxvii. 7.
Afternoon. What could I have done more to my vineyard that I have not done in it? Isa. v. 4.
Aug. 15. And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, How old art thou ? &c. Gen. xlvii. 8, 9. Subject, Life's Pilgrimage.
Afternoon. Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory. Ps. Ixxiii. 24.
Aug. 22. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and of one soul, &c. Acts iv. 32, 33.
Afternoon. Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. - John i. 29.
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Aug. 29. Hear, O heavens. and give ear, O earth, for the Lord hath spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have re- belled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, &c. Isa. i. 2, 3.
Sept. 5. And again, when He bringeth in the first begotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of God worship Him. Heb. i. 6.
Afternoon. And declared to be the Son of God with power, accor- ding to the Spirit of Holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Rom. i. 4.
Sept. 19. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1st Timo. ii. 5, 6.
Afternoon. Same text.
Sept. 26. Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew xvi. 24.
Afternoon. And they that be wise, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever. Dan. xii. 3.
Oct. 3 -- afternoon. Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time, &c. Hosea x. 12.
Oct. 10. And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host, for I have delivered it into thy hand, &c. Judges vii. 9, 10, 11. Subject, God's tenderness to His people.
Oct. 24. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, &c. Luke xiv. 18.
Oct. 31. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matt. xi. 29.
Nov. 8. That they all might be one; as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us. John xvii. 21.
These are all the discourses preached by Dr. Stiles in the South Church pulpit prior to the organiza- tion of the Church on the evening of Nov. 8th, 1852. On those Sabbaths when he did not preach, he was absent from the city, fulfilling engagements which he had made before coming to New Haven. By reason of impaired health, it was understood beforehand that he would not be expected to preach more than once on a Sabbath ; besides which he would give an extempore address in the evening. But as yet the
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Chapel was not completed, and the evening services, when there was not preaching in the church, were held at private houses, in some of which the voice of prayer and praise had never been heard before. There were also more or less meetings during the week ; all of which were well attended, and many of them crowded. The Spirit of God was manifestly present. Those were happy seasons, as many who read these pages can testify, from their own recollection and ex- perience.
We remarked above, that Dr. Stiles did not engage to preach more than once on a Sabbath. But, in point of fact, he generally did preach twice at this period of his ministry, as will be seen from the record of texts just quoted. His sermons, too, were gene- rally long, occupying about an hour in their delivery, and sometimes more. Although not written out, they were well studied ; and a page or two of manuscript, in addition to his mental resources, was all that he was accustomed to rely on, for the re-production of the most complicated processes of reasoning, often divided into heads and sub-heads, to an extent that would bewilder any but the most attentive hearers. To this argumentative character of his preaching and to his close analysis of subjects, is attributable the fact, which we believe is undeniable, that his discour- ses were more highly appreciated, and more effective for good, in the case of persons of vigorous minds and mature judgment, than among the young, or unedu- cated adults. We here speak of his discourses gene-
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rally in the South Church. That he was able to adapt his preaching to the humblest capacities, is shown by his amazing popularity and success among the negroes in the low country of Georgia, where he labored for a considerable period between the date of his own conversion and his going to Andover Theo- logical Seminary. When the negroes learned that he was about to leave them, they begged him not to go, manifesting toward him much the same feeling as the Ephesian elders did towards Paul, when they "fell on his neck and kissed him ; sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more." As, however, the Ephesian elders ac- companied Paul to the ship which was to take him from them forever, so the negroes collected by hun- dreds at the landing from which their spiritual teacher was about to depart, to hear his last words and re- ceive his benediction. He accordingly addressed them from the boat, telling them that he was a new axe which had never been ground. His edge was thick, and he had to pound away a long time before he could batter down even a small pine. He was going away to get sharpened ; after which he hoped he should be able to cut down more trees in one day than he now could in a week. Carrying out this illustration, so familiar to the negroes, in such a manner as few other men could, they were convinced that it was best for him to go, and shouted "Go, massa, and de Lor be wid you," or to that effect. This is the merest outline of a most thrilling description of the scene, as related
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by Dr. Stiles, ten or twelve years ago, in the presence of the writer. And here we may be permitted to copy, briefly, from " Sketches of Western Men," as published in the N. Y. Evangelist of Feb. 7, 1856. Speaking of Dr. Stiles, the writer says :-
" In the Winter of 1842, it was my good fortune to hear this gentleman in Oxford, Ohio, several successive evenings and on the Sabbath. He was at this time in the prime of a vigorous manhood, and his bearing was solemn without affectation and marked by a noble manliness. He seemed to feel ' how awful is this place !' and his whole de- meanor betokened his sense of the responsibility of one who preaches the Gospel. His prayers, in their wrestling, pleading fervency, exceeded anything I had ever heard. There was no vaunt or cant in them, but they were of that style we see in Abraham's intercession for Lot. His tones of voice were reverent but earnest, and he literally ' filled his mouth with arguments,' as he approached the mercy seat. I have never seen any flagging of interest as he en- gaged in prayer. I have heard him in revivals, at com- munion season, in prayer meetings, once on the Mayflower on Lake Erie, with a little swearing French Catholic priest just opposite, and yet in all places his prayers have been so reverent, fervent, scriptural, and pertinent, that I put them down in my own mind as models.
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