EMMONS, NATHANAEL, an., was b. at East Haddam, Conn., in 1745, and gradu ated with honor at Yale college, in 1767. He began his theological studies with Rev. Nathan Strong, of Coventry, Conn., and continued them with Dr. John Smalley, of Berlin, Conn., who had been a pupil of Bellamy. In 1773, he was ordained pastor of the Congregational church in Franklin, Mass., and continued in the office 54 years. In this church, during and after his pastorate, he rejoiced over five revivals of religion, and received into communion about 400 persons who, almost without exception, were through life consistent Christians. He superintended the studies of nearly 100 young men in preparation for the ministry, many of whom became strong and useful preachers; some of them were distinguished as professors in colleges and theological seminaries; and about 50 have a place in published accounts of eminent men. He was one of the originators of the Mass. missionary society, and one of the editors of its missionary magazine from which the Missionary Herald grew. When masonry was popular he zealously opposed it; when the anti-slavery movement was denounced he actively favored it. He was a decided "Federalist," and caused great excitement by his political writings. As an author and preacher he exerted a very great influence on the churches. During his life he published 4 elaborate dissertations, more than 100 magazine articles, and about 200 sermons, of which 7,000 copies were issued. He preached about 6,000
times. At his death a part of his sermons was published in 7 octavo volumes, and a new edition, enlarged, in 6 volumes. About 75 years of his life were spent in earnest and systematic study, during the greater part of which time he read and wrote 10, 12, and sometimes 14 hours a day. He has been described by those who knew him well as " methodical, temperate, regular in his habits, distinguished for punctuality, precision and sharpness of mind, keen analysis, self-consistency, wit, frankness, honesty, and rev erence for the truth. As a Calvinist he wished to be considered neither " high " nor " low," but consistent. On one Sabbath he would present the doctrine of divine sover eignty with such strength that some might think him a fatalist; the next Sabbath he would advocate free will so powerfully that some might call him a Pelagian; and in a third sermon he would lay out his strength in showing that the sovereignty of God was not inconsistent with the free-agency of man. He steadily adhered to old usages and wore the antique dress and three-cornered hat as long as he appeared in public. He lived to his 96th year, retaining the strength of his faculties to the last, and died with an unfaltering faith in Christ.