Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1846-11-19

student al law. "A. hIS eaerglcS were io'
some months engaged IN this study. Dui
soon n reaction took place which gave a al.
fersnt direction 10 his mind aud determthei
his destiny tor life.
This change. which gave to the profession
of divinity one OF its brightest "rhahieu'S'
and = moss eloquent exposition, may &c as
rrihed in n rrqat measure To the influence oi
DIR. Dwight, who, much interested IN ms Ia
vorite pupil, was de irouS OF engaging ia
this service so much active talent. lie
was nroud of this son of his beloved inSlltu-
tion: one who was no bad example OF his
own mind and manner, his powerful eio-
ouence and his successful instructions.
Accordingly, in the summer of lSO4, IDOL
lev entered as student of theology under
DR.. Dwight, and resided in the family otthe
venerable DR.. Dana Here he engaged IN
his new course with all the zeal which nov
city as we'll as ardor, and lively satistac-
ton with the late change in his destiny,
could inspire. Here also he cultivated po-
etry, and INDUCED his tastes and his friend
ships.
On the first of January, 1905, Mr. Holley
was married in New Haven, to Miss Mary
Austin, a lady of many and varied ae-
complishments, and since distinguished as
the biogl apher of her husband, and as the
author of The History Of Texas" to which
country she some years since accompanied
her uncle, the celebrated General stephen
Austin. The first six months after their
marriage was spent beneath the paleTnal
roof at Salisbury. The time OF the young
divine, the date of whose license preceded
but few days that of his marriage, was
employed, during a severe winter in the
country, in composing sermons and purSu'
ing his theological studies. In the follow
ing summer he repailed to New Haven, and
various invitations were received by him.
Much expectation was excited by new pull
pit orator, young man whose course had
hitherto been brilliant, and it was in no res
pect disappointed. Invitations pressed upon
him, and he was not long in selecting
a residence, and the selection, in personal
point of view, as often happens to the young
and romantic, was made less in reference TO
the real wants of life, than to taste, literary
ease, and rural retirement. 1t is sufficient
to name Greenfield Hill, Fairfield, Connec.
ticut, which once beasled as its pastor the
venerated President of Yale, DR.. DWis
who celebrated its beauties in verse, and
Wa
mics. He was ordained by the Western
Consolation of Fairfield county, September
the 18th 1905. The Society voted TO give
Mr., Holey five hundred and sixty dollars
per wear for his services in the ministry, so
long as said soc ETY. and Mr.. Holley could
agree 1t was at the option OF either 10
dissolve the unioa, when they should con-
slider it no longer expedient 10 remain to-
gether. There was never the least dlsaffec'
ton between them, but after the experiences
of nearly three years, it was found that Inc
salary was too small. And though the sit
uation was delightful, the people kind, the
professional duties congenal, the tender
charities of life agreeable, it was not in the
power of so small a community to increase
the annual stipend of their pastor. r. ...
A dissolaeior 81 his pastoral connection
with this parish was consequently effected
on the 18th of September, 1903
Again at New Haven, ever the starting
point of his hopes, and freed from all en-
gagements and every external influence, MIR.
Holley determined on a journey through
Massachusetts and Maine. He was now at
maturity, and perhaps no man ever present
ed finer combination of rare qualities.
His mind was active, vigorous and glowing
his person manly, graceful and imposing
and he had power of eloquence which few
possess and none SurpaSs. On the 10Th OF
October we find him in Marblehead, where
he remained several weeks, preaching with
such success that he was invited to become
pastor Of the church in that place. This,
however. he declined. He received also
about this time invitations from Mddletown,
Albany, New York, and other places; but
he determined against establishing himself
in either. Having finished his engagement
in Marhlehead, he repaired to Boston, with
er his fame had preceded him; and we next
find him preaching al the Old South Church,
always 10 crowded houses. Subsequently, he
was engaged at the Church in Hollis street,
where, after several weeks of probation, he
was invited to take the pastoral charge. He
did not hesitate to accept of situation so
eligible-a situation that not only promised
but more than realized all he had hoped.
His installation took place on the 9Th of
March, 1909. This connection continued
for ten years, and perhaps no society and
minister ever lived together mere harmoni
ously-he giving 10 his people the most en-
tire and perfect satisfaction, and receiving
from them every demonstration of affection
and esteem. His sermons we're generally
extemporaneous, or, if written, were seldom
finished, but left to be filled out by the sug-
gestions of the moment. His method of
composing, or Of preparing them, was as
follows. His mind was richly stored with
information on all subjects; he never for
got anything he had once learned, and he
learned all things accurately and definitely.
Whatever he read or saw in his walks dur
ing the week, was made tributary 10 his
Slbhath exercises, Frequently visit, or
an accidental conversation with one Of his
Pensioners, would furnish a train ofthought
u ION which his hearers hung with intense
Interest. Hence these sermons were always
practical, always addressed to the heart and
understanding; and hence, in part, their
power.
1t was his custom to enter his study on
Saturday evening, and remain there until a
late hour, more for The purpose of reflection
than composition, TO arrange tue plan of |
discourse, and TO make notes. After few |
hours Of sleep he was again in his study,
when he would suffer no interruption, either
for breakfast, Or any other circumstance.