21. Paysons Zeal and Fidelity Rewarded by Success.

Paysons Zeal and Fidelity Rewarded by Success

Payson’s success may be attributed in a great measure to his ardent and persevering prayers, and the undoubted sincerity of his belief in what he taught. Though he drew crowds around him, there was nothing of stage effect either in his eloquence or personal appearance—no imposing attitudes or gestures ; no extremes of intonation ; no affectation. It was a simple uttering of the deep convictions of the heart. It was the eloquence of truth spoken in love. The words seemed to come from his mouth encompassed by that glowing atmosphere in which they left the heart. He was always in earnest, and impressed the fact upon his hearers. " It is a glorious day to live in," said he; " so much to be done. I would not now exchange a place in the Church below for a place in heaven. The longer our time of labor is, the better. There will be time enough for rest." With such a spirit he could not fail of success. In one year of his ministry his Church received an accession of seventy-three, and in the year of his death seventy-nine. The average number was more than thirty-five a year during the whole of his ministry.

He often performed services for other congregations, and went on missionary tours to places not having a settled ministry, spending several days in arduous labors, and with signal results. His agency was also felt in raising the tone of piety in all the Churches that could be reached by his influence ; and his presence, counsels, example, and prayers, gave shape tone, and energy to many public institutions of his day.