USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Southington > Ecclesiastical and other sketches of Southington, Conn > Part 14
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As Dr. Edward Robinson says, the 2 question of immunity from taxation " was obviously the rock on which the whole negotiation was wrecked. The uneasy spirits who now had rule, not satisfied with Mr. Robinson's absolute renunciation of all salary, demanded that he should contribute largely (as they supposed) for the support of a colleague."
The committee appointed Dec. 11th, visited Mr. Robinson on the 18th, and had an interview.3 One of the members, with great diffidence
1 Just how large is not known. A friend of the writer, (Rev. Dr. Withington of Newburyport, Mass.,) visited this town in 1821, and he says that then Mr. Robinson was reputed worth $100,000. When he died he really left property, that if put at in- terest, would yield only about $1,500 a year. See Memoir, p. 157.
2 Memoir, p. 133. 8 Memoir, p. 134.
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and embarrassment, undertook to state, that the Society did not see fit to comply with the conditions proposed to the meeting, and was about to make some suggestions, when Mr. Robinson, seeing his embarrass- ment, relieved him by saying in substance: "Make your own condi- tions, gentlemen; if the Society feel that it will be right, according to justice, and true Christian principles, let them dismiss me without any conditions." The final vote of the Society to that effect was taken the same afternoon.
Thus far the Society had obviously proceeded ex parte, without the concurrence of the pastor or the Church. The dismission could not well take place without some like action of the latter. The Church, as appears from the minutes of the council, still desired to settle a col- league. The matter lay along for nearly three months, when on the 13th of March, 1821, Mr. Robinson addressed to the Church the fol- lowing letter:
"To the Consociated Church of Christ in Southington:
. " Brethren,-It will be remembered, that more than two years ago, I requested the people in this place to settle a colleague with me, or to allow me to be dismissed on account of my age and infirmities. You were unanimous in voting to comply with my wishes by settling a col- league. The Society determined otherwise. A committee was then sent to me, requesting me to continue preaching, as God should give me health and strength. I have continued till this time; but often with great pain, and difficulty in standing.
"I now renew my request to you, (since circumstances forbid me to say anything on the subject of a colleague,) that my pastoral relation to you may be dissolved at such time and in such manner, as you shall judge most expedient.
"I thank you for all expressions of Christian friendship and kind- ness which I have experienced from you, and pray that God will give you grace to be faithful in every duty, and at last receive you to his kingdom.
"' WILLIAM ROBINSON, pastor."
This letter was laid before the Church at a meeting held March 13th; and after discussion, the meeting was adjourned till March 29th, 1821, when the following vote was adopted:
" Voted, to comply with the request of the Rev. Mr. Robinson; that his pastoral relation to us be dissolved."
A committee, consisting of Dea. Eli Pratt, Dea. Phinehas Pardee, and Mr. Theodosius Clark, was appointed to take measures accordingly.
The way was now open; and a mutual council was convened in the course of the next month. The following is a record of its proceeding's:
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"At a meeting of an ecclesiastical council convened in Southington, April 24, 1821, by a special request from the Rev. William Robinson, and a committee of the Church and Society.
" Present: Rev. Messrs.
John Keyes, Pastor of the church in Wolcott,
Noah Porter,
Farmington,
Newton Skinner, " New Britain,
Jonathan Cone,
Bristol,
Royal Robbins, . "
.. Kensington,
"Mr. Skinner was chosen Scribe, and Mr. Porter, Moderator.
"The council was opened with prayer by the Moderator.
" Certain documents were laid before the council, from which it ap- peared, that after various communications between the Rev. William Robinson, and the Church, and Society, in regard to the continuance of his pastoral relation to them, the Society came to the conclusion, that it was expedient that the said relation be dissolved; and though the Rev. Mr. Robinson and the church would have preferred the settle- ment of a colleague, they concurred with the result of the society. ยท
" The council would express their regret, that the relation between an aged and faithful minister and his people should ever be dissolved, except by death; and they are of opinion, that, if measures had been taken to preserve the relation between the society and their aged pas- tor, it would have been happier for them and for him. But after taking into serious consideration what had passed between the society and their pastor, and the present circumstances of this people, the council feel themselves under the painful necessity of adopting the following resolutions:
" First, That in the judgment of the council, it is expedient that the relation between the Rev. William Robinson and this church and so- ciety, be dissolved.
" Secondly, That the said relation be dissolved; and by the authority devolved on us, as ministers of Christ, it is declared to be dissolved.
"In conclusion, the council would notice with gratitude the good- ness of God, in favoring this church and people, for many years, with the able and faithful labors of their late pastor; and though they regret that it should be found necessary, that the relation between him and them should now be dissolved, they hope that he will be enabled to be further useful to them, and still see the fruits of his labors among them. They affectionately commend him to the grace of God; and also entreat this church and congregation to cultivate towards him those affectionate regards, which his late relation to them and his declining years so feelingly demand. And finally, they unite with them in prayer, that the great Head of the church would soon send
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them a pastor after his own heart, abundantly pour out upon them his Holy Spirit, and build them up in holiness, peace, and love to his Heavenly Kingdom.
Attest, NOAH PORTER, Moderator, NEWTON SKINNER, Scribe."
To his successor, the Rev. Mr. Ogden, he gave a cordial welcome and support. The latter thus writes: "It is an old proverb, that dis- missed ministers make bad parishioners. I do not believe that it is founded in truth. At any rate Mr. Robinson was no example of it. He was not a man of great professions without action; but he gener- ally did more than he said, being remarkably sincere and unostenta- tious. As an instance of this I learned that he went around among the people to induce them to help me in building the house which I afterwards occupied; but he never told me a word respecting that fact." Much of his time he passed in driving in his light wagon about the town; often also extending his drives to the adjacent towns. When at home he continued to take pleasure in cultivating his garden, and occupied himself daily in the smaller domestic cares around the house and its premises. He also read much, and made himself extensively acquainted with modern literature. In all his duties-as a member of society, and in connection with the church- he was punctual and exemplary, and still attended regularly the meet- ings of the Hartford South Association, to which he belonged.
His infirmities continued gradually to increase. The dropsical symp- toms, and especially the swelling of the feet and lower limbs, and the difficulty of breathing, became more and more marked, and occasioned much distress. He was conscious that his strength and life were thus wearing away, and there were times when he expected that the "silver cord " would soon be loosed. In all these trials he manifested a spirit of entire resignation to the divine will. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him," was the language of his conversation and of his letters to his sons.
Near the close of 1824 Mr. Robinson was called to endure his last great domestic affliction, in the death of his wife, who now for thirty- four and a half years had been the cherished companion and stay of his life. After her death the health of Mr. Robinson continued to decline.
About the first of August he went to New Haven, (then a much more fatiguing journey than now,) and returned on the following day. The weather was very warm. While there he was very much alarmed and agitated by the sudden illness of his only grandson, who bore his name, and in whom he took strong interest. On the third day he went to Farmington and back, and on the fourth, drove as usual, about the town.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
All this exertion and fatigue, coupled with some irregularities of diet in the too free use of improper food, was too much for his enfee- bled frame, and on the fifth day he found himself quite ill. For a week, though he had fever, and was only able to sit up a part of each day, the family were not particularly alarmed. At the end of that period the physician pronounced the case to be very critical, and desired counsel. Dr. Todd, of Hartford, who had been for many years his consulting physician, was then sent for, but he too gave no hope. On Saturday, August 13th, he rose and dressed himself for the last time, but with great effort. After that he was entirely confined to his bed.
The disease took the form of a diarrhea and lethargy, under which he sank rapidly. Throughout Sunday he was evidently becoming weaker. In the few intervals when the lethargic cloud was lifted from his mind, he signified his trust in God, and his strong confidence and consolation in the doctrines which he had ever preached. On Mon- day morning, when the physician asked him how he felt, he replied, "Miserably." Soon after this he exclaimed,1 "God be merciful to me a sinner!" These were his last words, and he soon became unconscious. His head was burning with fever, and blisters applied to his limbs pro- duced no effect. He continued in this state until seven o'clock P. M., when he was released from his sufferings. He died August 15th, 1825, on his birth-day, aged seventy-one years.
The entire period of Mr. Robinson's ministry was one of more or less trouble and strife. The change he suggested in the government and discipline of the church at the very outset of his ministry incurred for him the opposition of one or two prominent members, that never abated. Then came the question of abandoning the half-way cove- nant, which provoked such an opposition that large numbers withdrew, and laid the foundation of the Baptist and Episcopal societies. Then came dissatisfaction with the terms of his settlement. As his salary , was, in a measure to be paid in grain at specified rates, of course he was exposed to fluctuations of prices, and might possibly be the loser. But when after the war prices advanced, he was the gainer. So soon as this was discovered, that he was to gain by the state of the market, the traditional troublers of Israel began to complain. They were willing
1 "At times when his disease was heavy upon him, and he was panting for breath, he has said to me, 'God's time is the best time for my death ; all that I suffer is right.' The day before he died he sent for me to lead in his family devotions. He devoutly joined in the supplications, and told me at the close that he could follow them. I asked him how he felt in prospect of death. He told me he had not 'a full assurance. He might be deceived; but God would do right. He was willing to be in his hands.' ' I am a great sinner,' added he. 'I have no merits to plead. My prayer is what I have always inculcated on my people-God be merciful to me a sinner.'"-Extract from Ogden's Funeral Sermon.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
he should lose, but not that he should gain. Then came difficulties of a business character that involved him in controversy with some whom he had tried to help, but who, by want of industry and economy, failed to meet pecuniary engagements with him. At various stages of his ministry he was involved in theological1 disputes with members of his society. He was himself a decided Calvinist, while many of his hearers were inclined to Arminianism and Universalism. During his ministry of forty-one years about two hundred withdrew from the society. Many of these afterward returned, and their children remain in the fold to this day. But few pastors ever had to contend with fiercer opposition than he. Fortunately for him he was, in a pecuniary sense, independent of his people, so that no question of this kind could move him. He gave the first place in thought and labor to his high office. The first few hours of the day were invariably spent in his study. By a strict adherence to system he accomplished what otherwise would have been impossible. He was prominent in the public schools, and in all questions that affected the town. Even if his interest and activity in public matters stirred up opposition, he faltered not in what he believed to be right.
In person Mr. Robinson was tall, well formed, erect, and imposing. He had light, sandy hair, grey eyes, and shaggy, overhanging eye- brows. He related that while in college he was called " fire-skull," and used a leaden comb to darken the color of his hair; but the reddish hue was gone long before he was known to any now living. He measured six feet, two inches in height. His head was very large. When he was between forty-five and fifty he weighed two hundred and forty pounds. He was nevertheless alert and active, and usually rode about the town, and often further, on horseback.
His general appearance and manner in the pulpit, while strikingly natural and unconstrained, were yet full of dignity, and even of majesty. To this his tall, commanding figure, and the expression of his eyes and features, greatly contributed. He apparently made no use of his few notes while preaching; so that, except when reading from his Bible, his eyes seemed to be fixed constantly upon his hearers. His manner and appearance were such as to secure, in an uncommon degree, the attention of his audience. If his sermons were doctrinal, there was often great tenderness and pathos in the application. He was himself not seldom affected even to tears, and his voice then fal- tered with emotion. The late Mr. Lowrey thus speaks of his preaching:
1 It was, probably, the tendency of some of his people to be easily led away into error that induced him to invite his members to visit him for the purpose of talking on doctrinal subjects. See Memoir, page 154.
17
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HISTORY OF SOUTHINGTON.
" He began early to preach much on devotional subjects, and contin- ued that practice more, probably, than most ministers, throughout his life. The consequence was that the members of his society were better informed in the fundamental doctrines of our religion than the mem- bers of most churches at the present day. And if his hearers were not all pleased, they were instructed in those great principles, which furnished them with materials for profitable reflection through life. I am not, perhaps, a competent judge; but I do not believe there was any congregation in this part of the country so well instructed in the fundamental truths of Christianity as were the members of the con- gregation to whom Mr. Robinson preached. Nor do I believe there was any other congregation in this vicinity who were better judges of correct preaching."
It is very possible that while the great cardinal doctrines of the Gos- pel were thus fully dwelt upon, there might be sometimes too little of encouragement held out to that class of minds which are constitution- ally humble, timid, self-distrustful. The enforcement of the absolute sovereignty and infinite holiness of God, and of the utter helplessness and unworthiness of man, did not in itself tend to bring such minds nearer to God; they needed to be urged forward by representations of the love and mercy of God in Christ. It was for this reason, perhaps, that not a few persons sat for many years under the preaching of Mr. Robinson, who did not come forward to profess their faith in Christ until the last years of his ministry, or even until they came under the ministry of his successor.
As a theologian the views and reasonings of Mr. Robinson were clear, systematic, and decided. His mind was remarkably logical, and also practical; nor did he hesitate to carry out his principles to all their legitimate consequences. But his theology was eminently scriptural; and one appropriate proof text outweighed with him a whole cart-load of metaphysical reasoning. His views and system rested altogether on Scripture; and were wrought out mainly by his own independent processes of thought and reasoning, and not acquired from reading or instruction. It has already been remarked, that in his system he per- haps received stronger influences from Bellamy than from any other source.
In his personal address, he was kind, affable, and dignified. In his last years his appearance was exceedingly venerable. He was a man of strong feelings and of great tenderness, which he could not always control. He had himself been greatly afflicted, and he knew how to sympathize with others in affliction. In all his inter- course with others there was the demeanor of a gentleman, and he ever
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exhibited a courtesy and propriety of manner which rarely failed to secure respect and confidence.
Yet with all this he was singularly and almost morbidly retiring and unostentatious. He had a shyness among strangers, a shrinking from forming new acquaintances, and a repugnance to put himself before the public, which were constitutional, and which he never over- came. Hence his reluctance to take part in conducting societies and public bodies. Although living in habits of friendly intercourse, more or less, with the leading clergymen and laymen of his own State, and many in Massachusetts, some of whom were authors of note, yet it is not known that a single line from his pen was ever printed during his lifetime. Nor would he ever permit his likeness to be taken.
It was just this shrinking nature, this reluctance to put forth his power openly, that weighed him down through life. Had he conquered this weakness; had he in his retired parish, like Bellamy in Beth- lem, given all his powers to theology and preaching; there was no reason why he might not, like Bellamy,1 have become one of the giants of the day in his seclusion; or have been called, like Dwight, to a wider sphere of influence and usefulness; and thus have conferred lasting benefits upon the church at large. Or, had he at first chosen a different profession, and given himself to business as a jurist or a statesman, he might well have become eminent as a benefactor to the State and nation. As it was, his efforts and his influence were mainly circumscribed within the narrow boundaries of his own parish; and while Le never omitted to fulfil all his duties towards his people, yet his life in other respects was occupied in private and material pursuits. Herein lay the great mistake of his life. In this way the loss fell, not upon his people, but heavily upon himself.
The following estimate is from the historical discourse delivered at the late anniversary, by the author of these sketches:
He continued his labors until 1818, when he asked for a colleague. The church voted to grant his request, but the society ungenerously declined. And just at this point the real nobility of Mr. Robinson's character appears in a bright light. The controversy is not a pleasant one to trace, but a brief notice of it is needful to a proper vindication of this aged pastor. He had come to this town and settled on an inadequate salary, which for several years was neither promptly nor fully paid. He had partly supported himself, and educated his family by means procured through his own forethought, labor, and economy. He had generously helped members of his society by solid advice and substanec. Probably no member of the church honestly believed that he had failed in parochial duty. And now. at 64 years of age, broken in health, he asked for a colleague to take from him a burden he felt he could no longer carry. For nearly forty years he had borne the heaviest of burdens for this
1 Memoir, p. 156. This opinion of Dr. Edward Robinson's was that of many leading ministers of the State fifty years ago.
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people, and was fainting in their service. No doubt a majority-and a large majority -felt the justice of his claims and stood ready to grant it, but a few who had influ- ence in the society were unwilling. This fraction of the society would not consent to hire a colleague and continue Mr. Robinson's salary. And even if he were dismissed, they would insist that he should be taxed to support his successor. They supposed him very rich. This exaggerated view of his property, and a desire to have it avail- able for current society expenses, were the root of the difficulty. Finally, rather than to have a perpetual strife, Mr. Robinson yielded every claim of courtesy and justice, and submitted with rare christian generosity to the indignities put upon him. His friends, however, were blameworthy, for they had a large majority and could have adjusted the matter upon principles of honor and right. But they became wearied by the factions that reigned in the society. Or as the late Stephen Walkley expresses it (than whom there is no better authority) 'But disgusted at the conduct of the uneasy and dissatisfied portion, many staid away from the meetings and let them have their own way.' The council that dismissed him expressed regret at the result and in a quiet way rebuked the whole proceedings.
The more I study the services and character of Mr. Robinson the greater my admiration of the man. As Mr. Lowrey has put it, 'he was one of the great men in an age of great men.' Mr. Ogden says 'he was remarkably sincere and unostenta- tious.' 'Eminently sagacious and discreet,' says Mr. Jones. Says Dr. Gardiner Spring of New York, 'Had he been able to ' live by the gospel ' he would have stood on the same platform with Smalley, Dwight, Hart, and Strong.' Dr. Ebenezer Por- ter, president of Andover theological seminary, said, 'I regard him as possessing powers of mind superior to those of any other minister in Connecticut.' President Humphrey said, that by the contemporaries of both he was not considered 'as inferior to Dwight in intellectnal power and promise.'
His independence of character is exhibited in this. A fellow-tutor at Yale accosts him-' So you are about to be settled over the people of Southington.' 'Yes,' he replied, ' If I am settled there I shall be settled over and not under them.' And he was the presiding spirit here for forty years, and as Mr. Roger Whittlesey said, 'He taught the people of Southington how to live.'
Taking his history in its every aspect I cannot but regard him as fully equal to any of his contemporaries. And had he been placed under circumstances favorable to a theological development I know of no New England theologian he would not have equaled unless it were the elder Edwards. I honor his name. I revere his memory. I have stood by his grave with friends and remarked-' There lies a great prophet of the Lord ; he went in and out before the people of Southington forty years and they never knew him. They don't know him to-day.'
And from this platform to day I repeat the words: He was a greater and better man than your fathers ever thought him-than you, the children, think him. The time will come when to him, and the other noble names that so honor your history, will be reared a monument of stone. Let it be an occasion of grateful praise that William Robinson was once the pastor of this church.
CHAPTER X.
MINISTRY OF REV. DAVID L. OGDEN.
Mr. Ogden called ; Extracts from records; Terms of settlement; Couneil; His birth ; Early religious impressions ; College and Seminary course; Popularity ; Settlement at Southington ; Theologieal views; Successful ministry ; Revivals ; Personal traits ; Simplieity of character; Relation to the Baptists ; Insufficient salary ; Letter to the Church ; Votes of the Church ; Reluctant to dismiss him; Small minority ; Coun- cil; Removes to Whitesboro', N. Y .; Labors; Removes to Marlboro', Mass .; Returns to New Haven, 1850; Engaged in study and writing; Latter days and death ; Publications; Note on Revival of 1831.
THE Church and Society had become divided on the question of Mr. Robinson's dismission, and it was feared that it would take a long time to heal the breach. A few could remember the great trials of the Church after Mr. Chapman had retired, and the dominance of the So- ciety in all ecclesiastical concerns. And now, again, the Society had secured the ascendency in the debate over Mr. Robinson. The Church felt very keenly the injustice done to the retiring pastor. The members were dejected, but more than ever turned in faith and prayer to Him who helpeth. It was while they were in sorrow and fear that Mr. Og- den came to them. He preached for the first1 time April 22d, 1821. There was something about his preaching that not only quickened the Church, but pleased the Society. There was increased religious inter- est, and within a few months about forty united with the Church. But most of these persons referred to the preaching of Mr. Robinson as first affecting them; and Mr. Ogden felt that he had only "entered into the labors of his venerable predecessor." Thus did God deal kindly with his aged servant, whom the people had in one sense re- jected.
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