PREFACE

TO THE

SECOND EDITION.

IN giving the Second Edition of this Memoir to the public, it may be proper to introduce it with a few remarks. The compiler has carefully revised the work, and corrected such verbal inaccuracies as he has been able to discover. This he believed to be of some consequence, as he had no opportunity of correcting the proof sheets of the first edition. The amount of monies received by Mr. Parsons, in different places, while employed as an Agent of the American Board, is here omitted, it being considered of no consequence at this late period. A letter or two is introduced into the body of the work, otherwise, with the exception of some slight alterations, it remains the same.

The addition of an Appendix or Fourth Part, will, it is believed, considerably enhance the value of the work. This comprises a Sermon on the subject of Missions, and extracts from a Farewell Address delivered at Andover, to "the Society of Enquiry on the subject of Missions." These, none of which have been published before, are thought to be equal to any thing from the pen of Mr. Parsons.

I would take this opportunity to tender my sincere thanks to those reverend and respected gentlemen, who

kindly furnished me with their recommendations for the first edition, and thus aided in its circulation. But as the work has now for sometime been before the public, the insertion of them in this edition is thought to be unnecessary.

Interesting changes have affected the Mission to which the subject of this Memoir was devoted. The lamented Fisk, no longer a dweller in this vale of tears, has, we doubt not, joined his beloved companion in the Jerusalem, which is above. Perhaps both were taken away from evil to come. But whatever may be the future destiny of the American Mission to Western Asia, whether wars and rumors of wars and persecutions, may or may not be permitted, for a time, to suspend its operations, much good has already been effected. To some extent the light of heaven has expelled the darkness for a thousand years, and some just fruits to God and the Lamb have already appeared. In this day of trouble and rebuke of wars and fightings in the east, ought not all who love our Saviour to make the Missions that are established, and the benevolent efforts that are made, on the shores and islands of the Mediterrenean, subjects of special and unceasing prayer?

Once more, this Memoir is commended to God and to the Christian public. May it, through the Divine blessing, contribute an important influence towards the advancement of that kingdom which is destined to fill the world, and to be the joy and glory of heaven for

ever.

DANIEL O. MORTON.

Shoreham, February, 1830.

MEMOIR.

PART I.

SKETCHES OF MR. PARSONS' YOUTH AND

EDUCATION.

LEVI PARSONS, the second son of Rev. Justin, and Mrs. Electa Parsons, was born in Goshen, Massachusetts, July 18, 1792. His childhood was not distinguished by any remarkable events. That loveliness of disposition, however, so conspicuous in manhood, spread a charm over his early years. He was very careful not to offend or displease his parents. And they remember, with melancholy joy, that they never had occasion to correct him, nor even to administer a sharp rebuke. He needed only to know their will, and it was obeyed. The same pleasantness of disposition was also manifested toward his brothers and sisters. He never had any contention with them. It might be expected that a child so obedient and pleasant at home, would be easily managed at school; and it is not known that he was ever censured by an instructor.

He was greatly attached to the domestic circle; and when sent abroad to school a few miles only, he could seldom depart without weeping. This was not the effect of childish weakness; but it resulted from the strength and tenderness of his affections. That he had resolution and decision when a child, was fully manifested to his school-fellows. In moments of leisure, he would unite with them in healthful sport, and would re

tire whenever he thought proper. It was in vain to call him back, for he would never return.

Perhaps some facts, but recently communicated, and then only in confidence to a christian friend, ought not to be suppressed. Levi was particularly a subject of prayer before his birth, and when in the cradle he was selected from the rest of the sons to be a preacher. Thus early was he loaned to the Lord to minister before him all the days of his life. The thoughts of the pious reader will instantly recur to the early dedication of Samuel, the prophet. And perhaps a story not dissimilar might have been told respecting thousands, who have been luminiaries in the church of no ordinary splendor. With the view just mentioned, Levi while quite young was sent abroad to school. He had seasons of seriousness from early childhood; but as his concern for his soul did not, for a considerable time, eventuate in hopeful conversion, it became a serious question with the parents, whether they ought to give him a classical education. For though secretly dedicated to the work of the gospel ministry, they had no desire that he should engage in it with an unsanctified heart. They determined, however, to proceed, in the hope that at no very distant period, he might experience a spiritual renovation. How much depended on that decision is in part already known.

During a season of "refreshing from the presence of the Lord" in the winter and spring of 1808, Levi was hopefully renewed by the Divine Spirit; and in June following, be publicly professed his attachment to the Redeemer, and united with the church of Christ in Goshen.

From this period little is known to the writer respecting him, till he became a member of Middlebury Col lege in August, 1810. Previously to this, in the course

of the same year, his father had been ordained pastor of the congregational church in Whiting, Vt. and had removed thither with his family.

My acquaintance with Mr. Parsons began with the commencement of his college life. Though two years earlier in college, I often met him in the same conference room and prayer meeting. It is well known that the necessary distinction of classes in college is, in some measure, done away by a union, which makes believers "all one in Christ Jesus." The writer well recollects the pleasure, which he experienced, when young Parsons was admitted a member of the Philadelphian Society, an association of pious students. Though then almost an entire stranger, his modesty and evident humility greatly endeared him to the writer; and it is believed the same effect was produced in other minds.

Not unfrequently does Jehovah prepare those whom he has selected for extensive usefulness, by sore outward afflictions, or distressing inward conflicts. The latter was the fact with Mr. Parsons. During a revival of religion, in that favored, institution of which he was a member, in the autumn of 1811, he began very seriously to question the genuineness of his piety; and for a number of weeks almost despaired of mercy. When delivered from this cheerless bondage, his joys were. very great. As his exercises at this time, especially after he had a spiritual discovery of the divine glory, and the way of life through a crucified Saviour, evidently gave a cast to his whole future life and character; it will probably be interesting to learn from his own pen the state of his mind.

The paper containing this account is dated

"MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE, November 22, 1811. "The revival of religion in this college commenced about the beginning of last September. For several months previously to