Life and Letters of Rev. Aratus Kent Introduction

I passed through Dundee and spent an hour or two with Br. Wells, passed through Marengo or Pleasant Hill where Br. Reynolds officiated and spent the night with Br. White 4 miles this side. He said the last 4 ministers who had laboured there would not equal one of ordinary talents or words to that effect.

There is a great & rich settlement about there and the fragments of an Old School and of a Cong. Church which might by a judicious and efficient N.S. minister be gathered into a strong church. Cannot you send us such a man?

Rockford May 10th: Having been one day with the Gen. Association and seem Br. Kirby a moment I [am] ready to ride westward.

Yours & etc.

A. Kent

______

Rockford, May 18, 1850

Dear Brethren,

The Com. Brs. Clarke, Brown, and Wells all agree to recommend the sum of $200. They think they could not cut down this application and that notwithstanding I laboured some time to show that our churches were asking too much, i.e., too large appropriations, and too many of them insisting on having the whole of a ministers time. There are several churches near this at Batavia where I thought the missionary might preach there a day and go to another church and have them there to fill up the Sabbath with S. Schools, Bible Class & prayer meetings.

But they are afraid of the methodist influence etc.

It is Saturday an I must go to Freeport without staying to hear the discussion whether they will any longer patronize Missionary Societies that tolerate Slavery.

Your servant in Christ,

A. Kent

[Chapin Papers - Beloit College]

Galena, June 24, 1850

Dear Br.,

Br. C.R. Clark of Granville, Putnam Co., in a letter of business, enquires rlative to Mr. Squire’s appointment to the Professorship of Int. and Mor. Philosophy & says “I suppose you will be thoroughly satisfied as to his being the man for that department before you install him. Allow me to enquire how it would be to induce him to endow the professorship and divide the department of Intellectual from the Moral - I have a friend in Bellvue, Huron Co., Ohio by the name of S.H. Waldo who is emminently qualified for an instructor in Int. Philosophy. He is also a thorough linguist & I would take the liberty to introduce him to your notice and if you think proper to correspond with him.” This from Br. Clark.

I should be happy to converse further about the Theo Sem but am too tired to write it. I think you would not have taken umbrage at any thing said or done at the Chicago Convention.

Yours very truly,

A. Kent

I regret I had no opportunity with Mr. Gridley. Some thought him rather terse: Some and good judges of preaching thought he was superlatively excellent.

________

Galena, Ill., June 24, 1850

Dear Br.,

I have signified to Br. Clark of Granville that I approve the action of his Presbytery recommending him as a Missionary labouring within their bounds to have his whole support assured for one year provided that you approve of his remaining at Granville at present for six months or a year in view of the relative position of the fields and his wants of a better knowledge of their relative importance.

Br. Clark seems to enter cheerfully upon that itinerary which I regard as very important for the region which he is serving, but says it will involve some wear and time.

In reply I stated to him that I strive to preach to the destitute when not on the duties of my agency : that I am now staying at home for some time being somewhat enfeebled by reason of the hot weather, but yet I go out, 18, 20, 25, 30, & 12 miles on the two last and the 3 following Saturdays and return on Mondays. Last Sabbath I preached in 2 vast places and had congregations of near 100 in each besides visiting and talking a half-hour with the Sabbath Schools and travelling in all near 12 miles - a pretty good Sabbath day’s work for a sick man.

And I may add in “a parenthesis to be read in a quicker and weaker tome of voice” and not any wise to be published that Mrs. K. and myself called on Saturday night at 9 o’clock (having rode late on account of the extreme heat of the day) at the house of a family recently from Victorias dominions, and were deposited in the hottest and filthiest place I ever encountered. Having our buffalo robe along we used it as a partition wall between us and the residuum. I rose early went and went out [and] took a long breath of some of the sweetest fresh air I ever inhaled. My horse complained a little that he had but a short supper (grain being exceedingly scarce in all these parts) but I told him to hush for he fared vastly better than we did. And we rejoiced afterwards for it enables us now to appreciate our own mattress and other fixings which is one vast improvement upon the feather bed which must have been picked off Noah’s geese and the cotton comfortable an inch thick, our only cover and which might have served Methuselah for a considerable portion of his protracted life. I write this for your amusement and because you want the lights and shadows.

I ought to have mentioned before what is now is a measure slipped from my mind. Br. Whitney said that it was a condition of his going to Minnesota that he should have something to pay off old debts, or words to that effect. I believe with this addition I have said all I need to day in reference to Br. Whitney’s case in a previous letter. I thought it not necessary to visit Minnesota this spring. But I would go very cheerfully in August or September should you deem it necessary.

In as much as I thought myself more poetical than fanciful in this letter I read it to Mrs. K. who said I ought to have added that my afternoon congregation was crammed into a little school house 18x20 : there she counted 77 inside including 11 babies and were told by some who had a body outside that there were more than 35 standing by the windows and that one woman who came 20 miles to the meeting having previously lived in the neighborhood said “it was good to be there.” I may add this was encouraging for I have [been] holding on at that point amidst more discouragement than I ever met with at any other place. And now every time I preach there I feel compelled to make another appointment.

And here I wish to raise the question which you may answer if you have any advice to give.

If matters continue as interesting here and on Plum River as they now are, ought I not go & dispose of my agency as to devote some weeks or months of continuous labours to those very destitute and neglected fields next fall or winter : fields too so badly provisioned (with straw & providence) that I dare not ask one of our city ministers to go and stay all night. (I enclose a bill of 7 dollars I paid...)

Yours, Etc.

A. Kent

I have just been writing a letter of rebuke and affectionate entreaty to one of my old church members now a rowdy in California but once a remarkably firm and as I deemed faithful and worthy servant of Jesus.

You may conceive of their enterprise a indomitable perseverance from the fact that poor and inefficient men cannot go and lazy men will not go.

And as to the piety of the emigration you may judge of that from the pledges most of them have entered with that they will not travel on Sabbath and from the complaints of the churches in all this region that they are greatly weakened in moral influence and pecuniary ability by the loss of their best men who have gone to California.

This of course constitutes a powerful argument in favor of sending out missionaries to watch, rebuke and strengthen these erring disciples until they shall have come to themselves and become convinced of the delusion that now bewilders them.

I have counted up 13 once members of this Presbyterian Church are now in California or on the way thereto. A.K.

P.S.: I remind you of the Guernsy Frocks lest they be forgotten. They are deposited safely in my cellar. They won’t sell here.

________

Galena, Ill., July 8, 1850

Dear Br.,

Having an appointment for the Sabbath at Fair Play and Menominee I deferred answering your inquiries concerning the Wisconsin Agency until this morning that in the circumstance I might consult Brethren Phillips, Warren and Lewis which I did on Friday & Saturday.

I am slow in forming a judgement of men but my judgement of Br. Clary (as also of Br. Chapin) was matured by the frequent and protracted discussions we have had (in committee of the whole as Trustees of Beloit Col.

There I learned to regard Br. Clary as a careful, discreet but sometimes independent thinker who acting as secretary usually said but little, yet whenever called out by some knotty question was ready to give his own views and seemed to appreciate and approve all that had been said but would throw out new thoughts and thus “in conference add something to me.”

But I have admired most that spirit of deep toned piety which attempered with a vein of delicate pleasantry, renders him an exceedingly agreeable companion.

In conversation with the three brothers above named, I propounded the question distinct, Do you need an agent. They were unanimous in the opinion that such an agent was needed and equally so in relation to the qualifications of Br. C. They thought him a suitable man and knew of no one in the state more generally acceptable. I think $600 and travelling expenses a sufficient salary for me and I think it would be satisfactory to him.

Yours,

A. Kent

I still think that an agent having a small field which he can supervise with and still leave him time to throw himself for a few weeks of missionary [work] in an important opening and occupy until other arrangements can be made is true economy. Since March I find by my log book that I have preached 20 times to the destitute besides 3 Sabbaths spent in presenting Home Missions, one Sabbath occupied with Mr. Loss’ installation and I have found great encouragement to continue these labours. My congregations yesterday would range from 75 to 100.

An agent is needed to have a general oversight for various reasons. I will specify on that I picked up in my trip to Platteville.

Various motives prompt men to organize churches and they often act hastily. Br. Chaffee is doubtless a good man : “a better man than I” said one Br. and it was hard to tell him he can’t preach. But the conviction is gaining ground that he had better go into other business. He spent a good deal of time some 5 weeks since attempting to show that Br. Peets prejudices had injured him with the Committee in New York.

Since that time it is reported that he has gone over the Wisconsin R. and organized 2 churches. And, if so, they well be likely to be reported to you. But the newness of the field and the rapidity with which Wisconsin is filling up and the importance of occupying at the earliest practicable moment every centre of influence constitutes a special plea for sending them an agent. But I will not enlarge for it is very hot and I am very faint and I am only saying things which you have become familiar with.

Br. Raymond is here and is going into Wisconsin. Br. Neill has gone up to Minnesota.

________

Galena, Aug. 14, 1850

Dear Br.,

I have received a letter from Rev. W.J. Murphy who has located himself in a farm in Grundy Co. as a sick man but is so far recovered that he is anxious to preach in the vicinity on trial of his health, sends me a copy of testimonials very satisfactory from W. A. McDowell and adds that he has no preference between Old & New School issues but would be employed in missionary work where it would not be necessary for him to study much on account of health. I wrote back encouraging him to find a field and labour in it.

I have now received a line form Br. Loughead requesting that he should give up his plan the south side of Ill. River and he will occupy in addition to Marsailles & Nettle Creek Churches, Dresden, Kankakee & Au Sable destitutions. I was pleased with the suggestion for I anticipate from the recommendation that Br. Murphy will make a valuable Pioneer Miss. There is work enough in the county for both and appointments on 2 sides of a River as large as the Ill. should be avoided in winter.

I replied to Br. Loughead cautiously but advised him to try the experiment for a few weeks or months of exploration and then we cam better judge of the case.

In such a case what could I do but encourage an experiment with the implied recommendation that a commission would date back.

Sept. 7th Elgin, Kane Co. I left Galena 2 weeks since in the midst of the cholera and have been quite sick myself. The tendency is with those who have not the cholera to diarrhea & dysentery.

Under the circumstances and in despite of the floods consequent upon the unprecedented rains of late by which the swamps are filled and the bridges carried off, I have been over the flat country along the Lake and into Lake Co. which I have never visited before. I brought my wife along because I feared to have her at home alone amidst the Cholera (feeble and extremely nervous) and we have forded streams and waded trough morasses that might have deterred is had we known what was before us. And the result is that we have returned here (where I am to preach on Home Miss.) much improved in health & spirits.

I spent a night with Br. Drake, He has been quite sick but is better. He is rather discouraged and does not know but he should leave his field. But I see no better way than that he should continue there. I called on Br. Mills, a good man in the Half-Day Cong Church to whom Mr. Cook preached. He is the brother to Father Cook who is the ultra abolitionist associated with Belfast at Ottawa and is playing the same game in trying to draw off the churches from all connection with Missionary Societies except American Miss So.

Dr. Mills is anxious I should preach on Home Miss. and I expect to visit them again in Nov.

I called on Br. Payne of Libertyville and finding my time too short, I turned west without visiting Father Dodge, Br. Downs, and Mr. Parson of Little Fort (until Nov.) and called on Br. Hart at Greenwood a little village just being started (on account of water power improvements) 7 miles north of Woodstock, County seat of McHenry.

The next day I came to Virginia Settlement and Crystal Lake and called on Br. Wilson & Langdon, and was rather confirmed in the opinion previously formed that the organization of the Cong. Church at Algonquin was premature,, and that they should have remained connected with the Crystal Lake Ch. which in that case have been associated with the Virginia Ch. under one minister. As it is, Br. Wilson and Langdon will draw largely upon Miss, funds.

The Brethren what I have seen most of them complain of the great difficulty of sustaining prayer meetings by reason of the distance of the Brethren from each other. But on the other hand I expect but little will be achieved where no prayer meeting is sustained.

I spent the Sabbath before last at Buffalo Grove and found Br. Gray had engaged to spend half his time with them. They were anxious to retain his services. There is a feeble hope that he may unite them and he is not accomplishing much at Mount Carrol. Perhaps providence will point out that a change of field is expedient on Br. Gray’s part.

Br. Bergen at my suggestion has visited Paw Paw & Shabbony Groves and it has resulted in organizing one Presbyterian Church in the vicinity.

Sept 14. Having preached last Sabbath at Elgin & Union and taken up collections, I went on Monday to Napiersville, spent an hour with Br. Brown and spent the night at Downers Grove where Br. Atwood is preaching, also talks of getting up a school of high order : doubt of his success in either effort. Spent 2 nights at Chicago and inquired about what was doing for Home Missions. The first Ch. is likely to be vexed as other such like churches in all this region by the labours of Mr. Cable a new agent for “free missions”. Thursday night I spend in their bounds of the ??? Church where Br. Henderson preaches. It is weakened by removals and is destitute.

I reached Br. Langdon Crystal lake Friday : and thought to spend a day there in trying to raise a prayer meeting Br. Langdon consulted me about buying old building; but I advised him not to move in that direction until they should show more disposition to sustain him.

I found on inquiry that he was discouraged about preaching at Algonquin and had resolved to give up that part of his field and after six months spent at Crystal Lake they have not yet filled his subscription above 48 dollars. They all profess to like Br. Langdon but they plead the misconduct of Br. Beech as an excuse for giving nothing.

Sept. 15. I preached yesterday for Br. Wilson and Hart on Home Missions and took up collection at Greenwood 22 dollars, at Virginia Settlement...

Br. hart showed me an application they had made out asking $150 for his support which I shall approve if the committee do.

Rockford, Sept. 20: I shall be obliged to send these notes “by the way” without copying because I cannot do it now and I want to say a word or two about an application for Br. Lawson which I heard was being made. He has been received into the Winnebago & Ogle Association in the absence of Brs. B. & Pearson and his application will (I suppose) be endorsed by Br. L. Porter one of the ministers of this place. If you need further light you may write to those brethren just named...

Yours, etc.

A. Kent

Galena, Sept. 25, 1850

Dear Br.,

I have received a letter from Daviess Grove asking me to as agent to sanction the application of the Ch. at Weathersfield, Henry Co. and giving reasons which appear to me quite satisfactory. I intended to go to Mercer Co. and through those parts to the villages of Henry, Ottawa, Newark, Lisbon and Lockport but I must first attend Synod & Presbytery and shall not reach them short of 5 or 6 weeks. I therefore enclose a letter from Br. Farnam. He expresses a wish to have Lockport and I have thought perhaps he has better and Br. Smith of Princeton (who has a commission from you) take his place. If you have any suggestion on that subject please write me at Chicago care of Rev. Mr. Curtis. And also I would ask for instructions concerning the Geurnsey Frocks. Shall they remain in my cellar. There seems to be no call for them. I have room enough for them if you choose they should remain for the present.

Br. Smith has preached once in my hearing at Buffalo Grove (but Br. Gray occupies that ground). He has expressed a wish to become permanent in some growing village. Lockport is a hard spot but important as I suppose. Br. Farnum has not succeeded in his ministry as I think a man of his power ought to do.

26th. In reading Dr. Todd’s dream narrated before the Board, I was reminded of a dream I had some nights ago and of the reflections consequent. It was to the effect that I might go east next year & after General Assembly visit the churches I am acquainted with and raise some what for Home Miss. The plan was suggested by the dream and the dream was recollected by Dr. Todd.

I should detain this letter longer but it might be too late for your action on Br. Gore’s case.

I am ready to depart on the morrow for a trip of 5 weeks and I propose to report myself.

Yours, etc.

A. Kent

Oct. 3

A. Kent

Freeport, Oct. 21, 1850

Dear Brother,

The Presbytery of Galena at out late meeting at Elk Horn Grove resolved to employ the Rev. W.F. Wheeler of Wabash Congregational Association a missionary to labour within our bounds in the direction of the committee of Home Missions and to request the Ex. Committee to give him a commission dated Oct. 16 accordingly with a salary of $400 hoping however that the half of more of this sum will be raised among the people where he labours.

The place immediately in view are Como, Union Grove, and Garden Plain constituting parts of a wide field of destitution in Whitesides County on Rock River. He will be subject to a change if Como should not present the opening for his labours which we anticipate. From our limited knowledge of Br. W. we have high hopes of his usefulness in that region.

His Post Office address will be Freeport, Stephenson Co. until otherwise informed to the care of Rev. J.G. Downes.

A. Kent

Eld. F. Wagoner

Having disposed of this item of business, I take occasion to say that we have had a very precious meeting of Synod. Our own Presbytery at least came home praying that as God has gone before in this bustling village so we might promote and not hinder it and we have adopted one new measure which was received with favor and was attended with a blessing. It was the adoption of a rule to devote an hour between 10 & 11 to devotional exercises. The reasons given were that it would secure a more general attendance of the members. It would facilitate the transaction of synodical business and be more likely to reach and bless the community. Those reasons have very greatly refreshed our hearts and when the Sabbath comes it fount the Synod in a frame of mind to appreciate and enjoy the preaching the Lords Supper and the Prayer meeting, which filled up the day. I heard several corresponding members express high gratification and I do not hesitate to say that yesterday was the best day I have had for many years, and I anticipate great results to the members of our body from the holy convocation.

Perhaps it might instruct you to follow my track for the last week or two and I have scarcely found a moment’s leisure for a week past.

I spent Sabbath at Como (a village starting up around an extensive flouring mill) with a view to determine whether it was best to send a missionary there. “The chief man and one of the proprietors of the island” belongs to the German Reformed Church and would prefer a minister of that denomination, but perhaps he will welcome our missionary. from Como I went by a straight course to Paw Paw and Shabbony Groves.

It is a very new field and if I could have sketched the incidents that occurred while they were fresh in mind I might have given an amusing description of the “rough and tumble” of missionary life in a new field.

Suffice it to say that one dark night after meeting I was obliged to drop into the nearest tavern and “wish for the day”. Another night we has a regular fight before the school house and the preacher was interrupted in his discourse by a rowdy and when on Sabbath morning he went out into the grove to find a place for prayer he was disturbed by two young men who were out hunting. He reproved them so kindly that they could not be rude but they had gone a few rods form him they called out to inquire if he was hunting timber.