learning. A large edition was printed and gratuitously distributed. It was, we believe, the FIRST TOTALABSTINENCE TRACT published in this country. When the principles of temperance became more operative in the community, Mr. Metcalfe freely contributed his aid and influence in the organization of societies and in the support of lecturers.

But he was early convinced that the DIETETIC REFORM would be of a much slower growth than that of temperance. The evil of drunkenness so openly manifests itself in the fearful blight which falls upon its victims, that but little effort was needed, he supposed, to call forth those who would see and proclaim its wickedness. But eating the flesh of animals-though really as criminal, as debasing, and as barbarous as that or any other known evil-does not manifest itself in the same heinousness OUTWARDLY: therefore its opponents, he was assured, would not be so numerous nor so popular. He was satisfied, however, that there is a desolation wrought in the soul by the sin of flesh-eating more fearful than any outward ghastliness, but which cannot be understood, because of the long and unlimited prevalence of the custom. Hence a constant and self-sacrificing devotion was needful on the part of those who were enlightened in the principles of Vegetarianism, to awaken the public mind to its enormity. Mr. Metcalfe gave his time, talent, and means, unstintedly, to present to the world this cause simply as a moral reform. In 1821, he published a tract on the subject of "Abstinence from the Flesh of Animals," which was freely and extensively distributed. He resorted to the columns of the newspapers to excite public attention to the subject. Articles were published in the "Saturday Evening Post," "The Philadelphia Gazette," "The American Sentinel," "The United States Gazette," and other papers, from his pen, at various intervals, to excite public attention to the

consideration of this humane reform. He also instituted correspondence with any inquiring mind, upon the least appearance of interest in the principles which he had so deeply at heart.

During the first ten or twelve years, his labors in this direction appear to have been entirely unproductive of any promising results. In 1830, Dr. Sylvester Graham was employed as a temperance-lecturer, and was introduced to some of the members of the Bible-Christian Church. He was at this time earnestly studying human physiology, as furnishing testimony upon the subject which was the theme of his public lectures. He had arrived at some conclusions in regard to the dietetic character of man, by this study. The mode of life adopted by his Bible-Christian friends was made known to him; and this most probably caused him to make a more searching investigation as to the scientific grounds for such a course, and finally led him to adopt its teachings and to become its champion. As soon as my father became aware of his position, he addressed a letter of encouragement to him, and also one to Dr. William A. Alcott, who had likewise publicly declaredhis conviction that a vegetarian diet was the most proper for mankind. This correspondence with them was continued through life, with much interest to all. The basis of the dietetic reform was freely discussed, and projects suggested for the propagation of its principles. In 1835, Doctor Alcott commenced the "Moral Reformer," a monthly periodical, which was afterwards substituted by the "Library of Health." In 1838-39, the "Graham Journal" was also published, in Boston, and physiological societies were organized in several of the New England towns and in Philadelphia, principally among the Bible-Christians. The inquiry began to be agitated as to "The Bible Testimony on Abstinence from the Flesh of Animals;" and a sermon with this title was preached and published by the

Rev. William Metcalfe. It had an extensive circulation throughout the United States, and was generously reviewed, pro and con, by the newspaper press generally.

It would be almost impossible to enumerate all the varied projects in which Mr. Metcalfe engaged to promote the cause of Vegetarianism. Suffice it to say that, next to the Church, it had his most anxious thoughts and his most constant labor.

But he was overtasking his strength by his close and constant application. School-teaching itself, at the time he was engaged in it, was a health-destroying profession. Then, the school-rooms were generally low, ill-ventilated apartments; and his was greatly crowded. During fully one-half the year he was employed with a day and an evening school, from eight o'clock in the morning until ten at night; Saturday was devoted mainly to preparation for his Sunday duties: so that he had no time for relaxation or bodily exercise. It is not surprising that he found his health failing, from his close confinement and labor in a vitiated atmosphere.

After following the avocation of a school-teacher for more than twenty years, as a change, he engaged, in 1832, with the writer of this in the letter-press printing. We published a weekly newspaper, entitled "The Independent Democrat,"-my father being editor and pressman. It was political in its character, but a large portion of its space was devoted to moral and literary articles. In 1838, a daily newspaper was printed at our office, called "The Morning Star." The principal object of the projectors of this paper was to secure the nomination and election of General HARRISON to the Presidency of the United States; and we were assured by many of the leading advocates throughout the country that the undertaking would be amply sustained. The patronage it had was not sufficient, and the promises of the politicians were not

fulfilled. It finally ceased in 1841, and we were involved in great pecuniary embarrassment. Although General Harrison was no party to the promises which had led us to undertake the publication, yet, being personally acquainted with my father, he volunteered, after his election, to assure him that we should be repaid. His death, a month after his inauguration, put an end to this prospect. Excepting the subordinate position of measurer in the custom-house, which my father held about two years,and a position in the post-office by the writer, no recompense was ever made.

My father, meanwhile, carried on the printing-business himself, issuing from his office "The Temperance Advocate." This was also an unprofitable undertaking; and he resolved to direct his attention to another channel for support.

In

He had always entertained the idea that the union of the medical and ministerial duties was eminently proper and desirable. With this view, he attended a course of lectures in the college, as early as 1820-21, but was compelled to abandon his intention for want of means. 1845, with the advice and assistance of his son-in-law, Dr. Henry Taylor, he recommenced the study of medicine, under the homoeopathic system. After private study, he entered the college, and graduated as an M.D. in 1852.

In 1844, the frame building in which the Bible-Christians held their meetings began to bear evident marks of decay. Its repair was almost out of the question. The trustees, therefore, commenced taking the necessary measures for the erection of a more substantial edifice. The incumbrance on the ground had been extinguished; and a fund was accumulating in anticipation of requiring a new edifice. To aid this fund, the ladies of the church held a fair, which realized a handsome sum. A subscription was opened, and the members and friends of the church were liberal in their contributions: so that the trustees felt