CHAPTER XXIII.

SOCIETY IN PROVIDENCE.

THE removal of Mr. Cook from New York to New England from the country to the city-marks a distinct era in his life. It therefore deserves particular notice.

Hitherto his ministry, for the most part, had been confined to small country villages in his native state. Commencing with Chili, he found there a few generous souls who had come to cherish the hope which points to the ultimate triumphs of grace in the divine government, but who had, beyond the suggestions of this hope, little conception of Universalism as a system of religious faith and practice. It was his, therefore, to begin with the inculcation of "the principles of the doctrine of Christ; and he remained there long enough to see the great importance of so applying these principles as to awaken in the hearts of his hearers aspirations for a diviner life, to develop their moral and religious energies, and direct them to the diffusion of truth and the promotion of right

eousness.

In Churchville there were the fragments of a society organized before he was born. Its members were scattered; if it still retained its connection with "the true

Vine," to all human appearance it was withered and dead. In Fairport and Victor he was more fortunate. Here were organized societies, each owning a meetinghouse. And these societies were composed of persons standing high in the public estimation; persons many of whom, at least, were well instructed in the principles of the Gospel, as understood by Universalists. They loved their Bibles, loved the truth, loved Universalism. And hence, as in most rural districts, they regarded the ornaments of style far less than they did the substance of a discourse. They were satisfied only with sound doctrine, based upon the promises of God in Christ Jesus; and if presented them in a homely garb, dazzling in none of "the wisdom of words," they loved it none the less, and could love it no more.

But on removing to Providence a very different field of labor was open before him. The seat of one of the most distinguished literary institutions in the country, and blest with a ministry of educated minds, it presented claims for literary attainments which he had hitherto found little time to consider. The pastor of the First Society also, with whom he was to measure swords in the great warfare for truth, had already earned the reputation of a ready writer and an eloquent preacher; a circumstance of itself sufficient to incite him to a more careful preparation for his pulpit services. But, as will be seen, the multiplicity of his engagements in society matters left him but little time for study.

This is not all. The society in Providence was very different from any to which he had ministered. And, indeed, we hazard little in saying that there was none in

the whole denomination bearing any very striking resemblance to it. Its constituents were most remarkable. Many of them were Universalists, not all. Common sympathies made them dear to each other, and yet no common faith in Christ united them as a whole. With few exceptions, they were religiously opposed to the dominant party in state politics; absolute haters of what they familiarly termed the Algerine policy. They longed to see it abolished. It was ill-suited to the times, and every sentiment of their hearts was opposed to it. They were not fanatics. They were men of sterling integrity; judicious and prudent, yet quite hopeful of a "better time coming." Many of them, as already intimated, were well instructed in the Gospel, and drew from its principles of fraternity and equality a sanction of their political creed. Others thought they discovered in Universalism something analogous to democracy, and, though not familiar with its scriptural basis, were willing to unite with its votaries for the diffusion of its principles, thus paving the way for political reforms. Still another, and a very large class, composing this society, in connecting themselves with it, sought religious improvement alone. Alienated from the altar at which they had hitherto worshipped, they were anxious only to erect another which they could call their own.

It will readily be seen that a congregation so heterogeneous in its elements, coming together without any strong religious affinities, and actuated by widely different motives, must needs be influenced by a powerful mind, in order that harmony of action between the different portions may be promoted, and the whole speedily

engaged in those works which evince the ascendency of religious aspirations. And yet this was accomplished. All classes became so deeply interested in the labors of their young pastor,- so quickened by the unction of his eloquence, so fired with his enthusiasm in behalf of the doctrines of Christ, and so permeated with his zeal,that they were willing to forget the motives which originally brought them together, and, in the unity of spirit and the bonds of peace, to strive together for the faith of the Gospel.

CHAPTER XXIV.

LABORS IN PROVIDENCE.

ACCORDING to arrangements previously made, Mr. Cook entered upon his duties as pastor of the Second Universalist Society in Providence the last Sunday in November, 1845. Delayed in getting his release from Fairport and Victor beyond the time he had hoped to secure it, his friends in Providence had become very impatient for his arrival; and, as he appeared in the desk for the first time, a crowded audience was before him, and in every countenance beamed an expression of joy,— the realization of hopes deferred. His discourse was one of great power, and was listened to with profound attention. It was a masterly exposition of the principles of the Gospel, and of the course which he intended to pursue for the diffusion of these principles in his new field of labor.

His words fell upon the hearts of his hearers as a refreshing shower upon the parched ground. They retired full of hope, and fired with an enthusiasm which uttered itself in their every word and action. The hour of their triumph had come, and they were prepared by past trials to enjoy it to excess. Much was to be excused to circumstances, and we may not, therefore, too