BIO: Rev. John Patterson Finley, Unknown Co., KY
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Contributed for use in USGENWEB Archives by:
Judy Landauer <plants@srv.net>
Date: July 30, 2001 1:35 PM
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BIO: Rev. David YOUNG, Unknown Co., KY
The information below was obtained from the book "Autobiography of
Rev. James B. Finley, or, Pioneer Life in the West", printed in 1854
at the Methodist Book Concern for the Author. Edited by W.P.
Strickland, D.D., R.P. Thompson, printer, Cincinnati.
Sketch of the Rev. John Patterson FINLEY:
The Rev. John Patterson FINLEY, my brother, was born on the 13th of
June, 1783, in the state of North Carolina. In September, 1810, he
received license to preach in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Having
received a classical education, he was early called to take charge of
literary institutions; and from that time till 1822 he labored in
that department with great success in different parts of the state of
Ohio. During this time, however, he labored much in the pulpit, and
strove hard to show himself approved of God, "a workman that needeth
not to be ashamed."
In 1822 he was appointed Professor of Languages in Augusta College,
Kentucky, the oldest Methodist college in the west, now a heap of
smoldering ruins. This institution, the first-born child of the
Church, cost much care and anxiety, and, alas! regrets. I have
letters to show the part I took in the establishment of the
institution; ay, in the earliest incipient movements connected with
it, and, hence, the reader will indulge me in what remarks I may deem
proper to make.
Augusta College, like Cokesbury, seems to have been a child of
destiny, to have been born under some malignant star. Patronized by
the two largest conferences in the west, having a faculty, from time
to time, composed of the brightest stars that shone in the galaxy of
western literature, such as DURBIN, TOMLINSON, BASCOM, FIELDING, and
others, and having for her alumni a host of talented men in every
profession, scattered all over the country, still, like an
ill-guided, but richly-freighted vessel in a stormy sea, she
foundered and went down, and the waters closed over her unhappy fate
forever.
During the connection of my brother John with Augusta College, he was
received into the travelling connection, and, as far as his
professional duties would allow, he preached the word, "instant in
season and out of season." His connection with this college lasted
till May, 1825, when it was terminated by death.
Professor BASCOM, the great pulpit orator of the west, one of his
colleagues in the faculty, and who has himself since passed away to
the world of rest, paid the following tribute to his memory:
"I have thought I could not spend an hour more profitably, this
evening, than in sketching a few imperfect notices of the late Rev.
John P. FINLEY, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. I became
acquainted with the amiable and worthy subject of these recollections
in 1815. From that time to the period of his death, I possessed his
confidence, and enjoyed his friendship; and, perhaps, no one of his
numerous friends knew his mind and heart more intimately than I,
during a term of nearly ten years. He has frequently assured me that
even his own family knew less of him than I did, and that I had
understood his whole heart. I may, therefore, be permitted to say a
few things to preserve from oblivion the name and services of an able
minister of the New Testement, and devoted friend of mankind. John
P. FINLEY was certainly no ordinary man, whether we consider his
natural parts, his literary pretensions, or his gracious attainments.
Nature had done much for him, various learning had largely
contributed to improve him, and Christianity had perfected him into a
model worthy of imitation. By nature he possessed a strong, manly,
and ingenious mind; his education was good, and well directed through
life; his Christian character was of the first order; and all
conspired to render him strikingly interesting, both in and out of
the pulpit. But as my remarks will be almost entirely confined to
recollection, I can only furnish an imperfect outline of the
character of my deceased friend. It has long been my impression,
that men of distinguished worth in our Church, who have been removed
from their 'labor of love' on earth, have not received those
distinctive marks of respect, in the official obituary notices of the
Church, to which they have been obviously entitled, from the
elevation of their character, and the nature and value of their
services; and I would wish, that in all such notices, instead of a
general and indiscriminate commendation of piety and usefulness, our
numerous readers might be able to form some accurate idea of the
peculiar and distinguishing attributes of character in each
individual, becoming the subject of biographical report. If men,
and especially ministers, are to be 'esteemed in love for their works
sake,' they ought certainly to be esteemed and held up to
imitation,in proportion to the nature and extent of their relative
usefulness, as well as aggregate worth of character. I mean to say,
simply, without indulging in any thing censorious, that it is the
duty of the living among us, to report faithfully, and with some
particularity, the various usefulness and diversified excellence of
the dead. In looking over, recently, some scores of notices of the
death and character of our deceased ministers, I have observed a
generality of description, a sameness of report, which, I fear, is
calculated to make an impression, unfriendly to the well-known fact,
that we have had in our Church a great variety of talent and
usefulness: and certainly it belongs to the history of the Church,
the biography of her distinguished individuals, to point out, an
clearly develop, the diversity of talent, character, and labor, of
which we are now speaking.....but to return to our subject.
"John P. FINLEY was born in North Carolina, June 13, 1783. From
childhood he was marked as possessing no common share of intellect.
He was early placed at school, and while in his abecedarian course,
he evinced an aptitude to learn, that induced his father, a
distinguished Presbyterian clergyman, who is now, at the age of
seventy, a Methodist travelling preacher, to give him a classical
education. Owing to his habits of industry and perseverance, he soon
acquired a competent knowledge of the sciences, and a reputable
acquaintance with the learned languages. Of the English language he
was a perfect master, and taught its proper use with almost unrivaled
success. From the age of twelve or fourteen years, he was often
deeply affected with a sense of sin, and the importance of repentance
and faith; but his mind was so much perplexed with the doctrines of
absolute personal predestination, of which his father was then a
strenuous and able asserter, that he came to no conclusion on the
subject o religious opinions, till he reached the years of manhood.
About the age of twenty-one he married, and soon after was brought to
the knowledge of salvation by the remission of his sins. Early after
his conversion, he was convinced that a 'dispensation of the Gospel'
had been committed to him. He weighed well the impressions and
convictions of his mind and heart, in relation to the fearful and
responsible business of a Christian minister; but when finally and
fully convinced of his duty, he did not hesitate. There were indeed
many reasons why he should confer with flesh and blood; but, with his
characteristic firmness, he rejected them all, and took the pulpit, I
think, in 1811. At the time of his conversion he resided in Highland
county, Ohio. His ministerial career was commenced during a
residence in Union, Greene county, Ohio, whither he had been called
to take charge of a seminary. At the head of this institution he
continued about six years, living and preaching the religion of
Christ in its native simplicity and power.
"From Union he removed to Dayton, distant only about thirty miles,
and conducted an academy in this place for two years. It was here
our acquaintance and intimacy commenced, which ended only with his
useful life. He left Dayton, beloved and regretted of all, and
accepted a call to superintend a respectable seminary in
Steubenville, Ohio. In this place he continued not quite two years.
In his ministerial exertions he was 'instant in season and out of
season,' and labored with more than ordinary success. His next move
was to Pique, Ohio, where he continued as principal of an academy for
four years. In all these places his pulpit efforts were highly
acceptable; his social intercourse seasoned with dignity and piety,
and his residence a blessing to all about him. From this place he
made his last move to Augusta, Kentucky. Here he taught a classical
school for some time, and was afterward appointed principal of
Augusta College, in which relation he continued till the time of his
death. In these several places his labors in the pulpit were
considerable, and extensively useful. All who knew him esteemed him
as a man of talents and irreproachable Christian character. He was,
indeed, all in all, one of the most amiable, guileless men I ever
knew: never did I know a man more perfectly under the influence of
moral and religious principle. His uniform course was one of high
and unbending rectitude.
"One error, as reported in the 'Minutes,' respecting his conversion,
I must beg leave to correct. I do it upon his own authority, when
living, and that of his brother, the Rev. James B. FINLEY,
superintendent of the Wyandott Mission. There is something rather
remarkable in the manner in which these worthy ministers were first
brought to reflect with more than ordinary concern upon their latter
end. John and James were amusing themselves in the forest with their
guns; and as John was sitting carelessly upon his horse, James's gun
accidently went off, and the contents came very near entering John's
head. The brothers were mutually alarmed, humbled, and thankful;
there were more than ever struck with the melancholy truth, that 'in
the midst of life we are in death.' they reflected upon their
unpreparedness to meet death, and appear in judgement. Each promised
the other he would reform; and the result was, they were both led to
seek religion, as the only preparation for eternity. Both the
brothers agree in stating that this circumstance was the means, in
the hand of God, of their awakening and conversion, as neither of
them was in the habit of attending the preaching of the Gospel before
the inquietude and alarm created by this occasion. I have been thus
minute in detailing the immediate means of his conversion, at the
request of a surviving brother, in whose estimation the apparent
incompetency of the means magnifies the grace of God, in this
singular dispensation of blended mercy and providence.
"John P. FINLEY was in the ministry about fifteen years. He was
ordained deacon by Bishop ASBURY, on the 17th of September, 1815. He
received ordination as elder at the hands of Bishop ROBERTS, July 2,
1820. At the time of his death he was a member of the Kentucky
annual conference, actively dividing time and energies between the
business of collegiate instruction and the labor of the pulpit.
"As a man, the subject of these recollections was engagingly amiable,
ingenious, and agreeable. Egually removed from affectation and
reserve, the circle in which he moved felt the presence of a friend,
and the influence of a Christian and minister.
"As a teacher, his excellence was acknowledged by all who were
competent to decide upon his claims; and though he gloried more in
being found a pupil in the school of Christ, yet he was no stranger
to the academy and lyceum.
As a husband, there is one living whose tears have been his eulogy,
and to whom, with his orphaned children, friendship inscribes these
lines.
As a father, he was worthy of his children; and in pointing them to
another and better world, he was always carful to lead the way
himself.
As a friend, he was warm, ardent, and confiding, and not less
generous than constant. His intimate friends, however, were few and
well selected.
As a minister, in the pulpit, he was able, impressive, and
overwhelming. The cross of his redemption was his theme; and in life
and death it became to him the 'emphasis of every joy.' In all these
relations I knew him well, and can, therefore, speak from the
confidence of personal knowledge and accredited information.
"The last time I saw him, I preached a sermon, at his request, on the
'Inspiration of the Scriptures'. When I had retired to my room, he
called on me, in company with a friend, and, in his usual frank
manner, embraced me, and observed, "H_______, I thank you for that
sermon, and I expect to repeat my gratitude in heaven.' Little did I
think at this interview that I was gazing on my friend for the last
time, and that in eighteen months his ripened virtues were to receive
the rewards of the heavenly world! But so it was; and I, less fit to
die, am spared another and another year.
"He died on the 8th of May, 1825, in the forty-second year of his
age, and sixteenth of his ministry; and at the same time that this
bereaved family wept upon his grave, and sadness of the Church told
that she had lost one of her brightest ornaments. Just before his
triumphant spirit rose to sink and sign no more, he was asked how he
felt, and what were his prospects upon entering the dark valley and
shadow of death. He replied, in language worthy of immortality, 'Not
the shadow of a doubt; I have Christ within, the hope of glory. That
comprehends all!' and then, with the protomartyr, he 'fell asleep.'
"Such is a very imperfect sketch of the life, character, and death of
John P. FINLEY. God grant, reader, that you and I may share the
glory that gilded the last hours of his toil!"
I will close this sketch by inserting the Rev. Jonathan STAMPER's
dream. He was intimately acquainted with my brother, and the
remarkable dream which he had was in relation to him. It was
communicated to me as follows:
"I was much attached to brother Finley and he to me. We lived in
habits of the closest intimacy and Chrisian confidence. He was taken
ill when I was at a distance, and the news of his sickness and death
came together to me. I felt that I had lost one of my best friends,
and mourned for him as a dear brother departed , and probably that
gave rise to the dream. In my slumbers I thought I went to his
house, where I used often to go with pleasure in his lifetime. He
welcomed me at the door with his usual urbanity. I was glad to see
him, and he expressed great joy to see me, thought I knew he was
dead. We sat down side and side by the fire. I was at once filled
with curiosity to learn something from him respecting the world of
spirits. He looked at me earnestly and said,
"Brother, you are filled with curiosity?"
"I replied, "Yes, my mind has taken a very curious turn."
"Well,' said he, 'ask me any question you see proper, and I will
satisfy you so far as I can consistently with the laws of the country
where I live."
"I then proceeded, and asked, "Brother, are you happy?"
"Yes,' said he, 'I am happy as heaven can make me.'
"I then asked, 'When you died did you enter immediately into heaven?"
"No,' said he, 'but I immediately started for it, and I was the
space of three days arriving there, though I flew with more than the
velocity of a sunbeam. I passed beyond the boundaries of this
system, and lost sight of the most distant star that twinkles in
these skies, and entered into thick and uninterrupted darkness.'
Then pausing, he looked at me most expressively, and said, "O, hell
is a solemn reality! After this,' said he, "I all at once burst into
the glories of heaven.'
"Said I, 'The scriptures represent heaven as a glorious city,
such a one as was never seen on earth, and by other splendid and
beautiful imagery. Is this entirely figurative, or is it a literal
description?"
"It is,' said he, 'partly figurative and partly real. Heaven is
a local residence, gloriously fitted up for the abode of saints and
angels, where the glory of God is revealed to an extent that is not
known in any other part of his dominion, where the glorified humanity
of Jesus is ever seen and admired by the whole company of heaven.
There is nothing material there, but all spiritual, immaterial, and
imperishable. All the beautiful imagery of the Scripture are there
seen, though of a spiritual character, such as the trees ever green,
the golden streets, etc.'
"I then inquired if the saints in heaven knew each other.
"More perfectly,' said he, 'than they did here. I knew at sight
all the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles.'
"I then desired to know if the saints in heaven were acquainted
with the affairs of earth,
"Only,' said he, 'as they are permitted to visit the earth, as I am
at this time. This they often do, and are sometimes sent as
ministering angels.'
"After this he said, 'I desire to know how you are getting on in the
work of God.'
"I replied, 'About as we were when you used to be with us.'
"He then asked, 'Do the Methodists pay their preachers no better than
formerly?"
"I said, 'No.'
"'O,' said he, 'what a pity--what a pity! The itinerant plan is the
plan of God. He designs it to take the world, and nothing will
prevent it but a want of liberality in our people. But, said he, 'you
must never locate. God has called you to this work. He will support
you. You will live to be a very old man, and may be very useful.'
He then repeated, with a very heavy emphasis, "You must never locate.
If I had my life to live again, I would travel if I begged my bread
from door to door. You know I often told you I believed it was my
duty to travel, and had I obeyed I should have shone much brighter in
heaven than I now do.' He then added, with a most affectionate tone
and look, "O, brother, don't locate; God will support you.' He then
reached up to the chimney-piece, and took down a considerable roll of
bank-notes of the most singular and beautiful appearance I had ever
seen, and, handing them to me, he said, "Here, these are for you.'
"I said, "Brother, I would rather you would give that money to your
wife. You know your family are dependent."
"He answered, 'No; it is for you. There is a bank in heaven for the
support of itinerant preachers, and this is for you. I then took it.
He then said, 'It is almost time for me to go; but we must worship
together before we part.' He sang loud and animated, and while I was
praying he shouted aloud, as he used often to do when we were
together at meeting. My soul became filled. I never was more happy;
and even after I awoke my very heart sung praises to God. He then
bade me an affectionate adieu, we parted, and I awoke."
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Richard & Judy Landauer