Memoir of Rev George W Bethune

erent denominations and would select various places for theological study. Mr. Codwise, the most intimate friend of young Bethune, was attached to the Episcopal Church, and this, with the added influence of Mr. Pyne and other associates at Columbia, would incline him in a similar direction. But his father's wish was law with him, and it was determined that he should enter the Seminary at Princeton. A season of relaxation from study was granted which was spent, in part, among the pleasant scenes at Salem, where he read Paley's Philosophy, Watts on the Mind, the works of Lord Kames, and various poets. He was much pleased with the writings of Dr. Alex. Proudfit, and purposed to make his Practical Godliness a frequent companion in future. These books had been seen before, but had never been read as they deserved. The student now develops and seeks to recover wasted opportunities. He was appointed to declaim at the Washington Adelphi Eorum. Later, he accompanied his father, whose health was impaired, on a tour through Pennsylvania. Soon the time for labor returned and his father makes the following record : " On the 5th of November I went with my beloved son George (early, frequently, and fervently devoted to the service and glory of my God), and five of his pious, youthful companions, in order to place them in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey, where Dr. Alexander, Dr. Miller, and the Rev. Mr. Hodge are the able, faithful and pious teachers and p...