Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-03-11
Original Shet1bes,
For the Monmouth Weekly Herald.
LIVES or
Distinguished Jersey1nen.
BY "a "a w ward.
XIII.
Rev. VIM. Tennent.

In the Gospel Ministry, many have
been the bright and shining lights"
who if they did not equal the Apostles in
all things, it was only because the age of
miracles had long since ceased, and the
gift Of inspired tongues was no longer
impaired by the Holy Spirit. Such an
Ambassador of the Gross, was the Rev.
WILLIAM TENNENT.
He was a son Of the Rev. VIM. Ten
nent, of Ireland, and was born in that
country. on the 9Th Of Feb, 1903. Atan'
early age, he came with his father to
Pennsylvania and thence to New Jersey.
When he first arrived in America, he was
only thirteen years Of age. His father at
this time being q minister in the Presby-
terrain Church, and his brother Gilbert
pursuing his classical studies, both exer-
ted themselves %strenuously in training
the mind Of young William to high and
lofty pursuits. And his ambition to ex-
eel, was far too great for his physical
powers of endurance. So intense was his
application to his fayorite study Of divin.
ity that his health soon began to decline,
and fears were entertained that he never
would live to preach the Word Of Life to
perishing sinners. His constitution was
not naturally strong; and in the ardor of
his zeal to become a finished workman in
the spiritual Temple of the Divine Re-
deemer, he neglected that degree Of ex-
ercise and relaxation, which is indispen-
SADLY necessary for the preservation Of
haaith; more particularly to the sedenta.
ry and studious.
lie was just upon the eve Of an examin-
alton before the Presbytery as a candi
date for the Pulpit; when he was seized
with a violent pain in his breast; and a
slight hectic fever, and a frame almost
attenuated to a. skeleton, alarmed his
friends, who feared that he was rapidly
falling into q quick consumption, and that
his precious life would be of short dura-
ton. A young physician who was ar
IDENTIFY attached to him, b. the most heart.
felt ties Of s%4ddying friendship, attended
MIN night and day, through ALL his singu-
lar illness. He became more and more
feeble; and was finally compelled to be-
take himself to his bed; and all but his
faithful physician ~despaired of his life
The truth is, his nervous energy had be
come completely exhausted, if not paral-
yzed; and he fell into a deep trance, and
had the appearance of one actually dead.
Just before this event, his mind seemed to
be under q dark cloud; and he expressed
the most gloomy forebodings in regard to
the future and eternal condition OF his
soul. He was laid out for burial, and a
day was appointed for his funeral obse-
quies. Thanks to his kind physician tor
his ~asslduous attention, he would not con-
sent that his body should be committed to
the grave. He still thought he perceived
faint signs Of life in the hopeless sufferer,
and exerted all his skill and perseverance
to restore him to consciousness. At length
to the understandable joy Of his relatives
and friends, he succeeded. Gradually the
patient opened his eyes, heayed several
deep greans; and at length recognized the
countenanees Of his weeping attendants.
and spoke, BY careful nursing and the
most judicial medical treatment, he in
twelve months entirely recovered his
health.
AS soon as he was capable Of convers-
ing with his friends, he said, that while in
his trance, all the glories of Heaven were
revealed to him; yea, that he was in the
Celestial Paradise, and heard such sera-
phic strains Of melody, and saw such eff
fulgent scene Of glory that no pen could
describe them; no language give utterance
to the mighty-the unearthly theme. just
as he was abort to join the shining ranks
Of the heavenly host, be heard a voice
saying to him, You must return to the
earthlP and then, he Immediately came out
of his trance. Such an effect did this vis-
len have upon his mind, that it came up
Wv dly to his remembrance through all his
subsequent life, and led him to regard the
things Of time and sense, as vain and un-
worthy Of pursuit,
He resumed his theological studies; but
with more prudence and moderation; and
was ordained gpastor over the Presbyte-
riam Church near Freehold. The venera-
bic ediGce in which he preached; is still
standing on a beautiful slope, near the
ground where the memorable battle Of
Monmouth was fought. 1t still bears the
marks of g grim-visaged War" being per-
forated in many places with the bullets
that were discharged in the terrible en-
counter. Within its walls was once heard
the matchless ~eloquence Of White6eld;
and the solemn and persuasive preaching
of Brainard. But its regular pastor, Rev.
Mr.. Tennent, with a pathos and eloquence
that thrilled the Utmost souls Of his large
audience, and held them spell bound, Or