USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Warwick > Half-century discourse : a sermon, delivered in Warwick, Mass., Oct. 12, 1864, it being the fiftieth anniversary of the author's ordination as pastor of the First Congregational Church and Society in that town > Part 1
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Gc 974.402 W26s 1851352
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01068 8676
HALF-CENTURY DISCOURSE.
A
SERMON, at
DELIVERED IN WARWICK, MASS., __
OCT. 12, 1864,
IT BEING TITE FIFTIETHI ANNIVERSARY OF THE AUTHOR'S ORDIN- ATION AS PASTOR OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN THAT TOWN.
BY PRESERVED SMITHI.
(FOR THIRTY YEARS THE PASTOR OF SAID CHURCH AND SOCIETY.)
NEW BERRY LIBST ARY CHICAGO
GREENFIELD : . PRINTED BY S. S. EASTMAN & COMPANY. 1864.
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1851352
D SMITH, PRESERVED, jr. 2844954 Half-century discourse. A sermon, delivered .8 in Warwick, Mass., Oct. 12, 1864, it being the fiftieth anniversary of the author's ordination as pastor of the first Congregational church and society in that town. Greenfield, S. S. Eastman
& company, 1864. 26p. 23cm
2540
ICN 42-3032
D : $99 754.8
REV. P. SMIVII.
WARWICK, Oct. 23, 1864.
DEAR SIR :-
In compliance with the expressed wishes of the members of the first Congregational Church and Society in Warwick, and of its citizens generally, we as Parish Committee respectfully solicit a copy of your anniversary sermon for publication. Aside from the importance attached to it on account of its associations, we deem it valuable for its instructions and as a record of the rise and progress of the first religious organization in this town.
Very respectfully yours, E. MAYO, 'S. W. SPOONER, { Committee. Parish A. BLAKE.
GENTLEMEN :-
GREENFIELD, Oct. 28, 1864.
I am happy to learn from your polite note that the discourse delivered on the Fiftieth Anniversary of my Ordination as Pastor of the first Church and Society in your town was favorably received both by you, the Parish Committee, and the friends and citizens whom you represent. Agreeable to your request a copy of the discourse is at your disposal.
Very sincerely yours, &c., PRESERVED SMITH.
Messrs. E. MAYO, S. W. SPOONER, Parish Committee. A. BLAKE.
2540
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SERMON.
HAVING THEREFORE OBTAINED HELP OF GOD, I CONTINUE UNTO THIS DAY. Acts, XXVI: 22.
The Apostle Paul, the author of these words, could use them with strict application to himself. He had experienced signal deliverances from the power of his enemies and persecu- tors through the interposition of the Divine hand. He could not fail of being most sensibly impressed that he was indebted to more than human protection in the preservation of his life, and to more than human strength in prosecuting the work that was especially assigned to him, as "an Apostle of the Gen- tiles." He was at this time far advanced in life, as he speaks of himself as " Paul the aged," and he had labored in his Mas- ter's cause nearly thirty years. The text so applicable to him has, as I am most solemnly reminded, a degree of application to myself. To one who has traveled life's varied journey more than three score years and ten, whose cup has been mingled with joy and sorrow, and who can recognize the finger of Providence in shaping circunstances and events beyond hu- man control, and which have had an important bearing in di- recting his course, the text has a meaning. I would, there- fore, say with humble gratitude, " that having obtained help of God, I continue unto this day." This DAY, on which I would lay peculiar emphasis, because it is the 50th anniversary of my ordination to the work of the gospel ministry in this place. This DAY, which a half a century ago I little expected
السـ
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to see. Thus far my heavenly Father has led me and sustain- ed me. I can see His wisdom and kindness in ordering my lot under circumstances sometimes apparently unpropitious, but which were designed for good.
Fifty years ago the 12th of October, 1814, was an interest- ing day, and was so regarded by the people of this town, as ordinations formerly were of more rare occurrence than now. It was an occasion in which the town participated. I was set- tled by a vote of the town. My salary was raised and paid by the town. I was the town minister. My settlement was sup- posed to be permanent, at least, during good behavior. The dismission of a minister at that day ever excited suspicion to his discredit. The late Rev. Dr. Emons of Franklin once re- marked in reference to the unfavorable effect of a dismission on ministerial reputation, that every time it occurred it depre- ciated twenty-five per cent. But such events now in a minis- ter's lot are so common and expected that they cause no sur- prise or comment.
The day of my ordination was a beautiful, bland autumnal day, and the occasion drew together a very large assemblage of people. The old meeting house was crowded to its utmost capacity and many stood without not being able to gain ad- mittance. The ordaining council was composed of ministers and delegates from churches of the congregational order with- out regard to doctrinal test. Calvanists, Arminians and Uni- tarians met and acted in ministerial fellowship. All its pro- ceedings were in fraternal spirit and fifty male members of the church* in venerable procession escorted it to the meeting- house, where the public exercises were as follows :- Introduc- tory prayer by the Rev. Mr. Brown of Swanzey, N. H .; Ser- mon by the Rev. Mr. Smith of Rowe, (father of the candi- date, ) text 2 Cor. 12: 9; Ordaining prayer by the Rev. Mr.
NOTE .- Rev. Mr. Rogers of Bernardston was a member of the council. Rev. Mr. Ifarding of New Salem, whose church was represented by its delegate, was necessarily absent, officiating at that time as Chaplain of a Massachusetts regi- ment in the vicinity of Boston.
*Appendix A.
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Kilburne of Wendell ; Charge by the Rev. Mr. Lee of Royal- ston ; Right hand of fellowship by the Rev. Mr. Estabrook of Athol ; Concluding prayer by the Rev. Mr. Willard of Deer- field. The singing was appropriate and by a large choir in the style of that day, closing with an anthem.
It has been said that "a man has the worst theme in the world when the subject is himself." I hope, therefore, to re- ceive the candor of the audience as so much in this discourse will necessarily be uttered in the first person.
In the early part of my ministry there were many members of this church and society, who were the original settlers of this town, Though far advanced in life, yet they were men of manly form and aspect, and showed full well how they were able in more vigorous years to grapple with the hardships and meet the privations necessarily to be endured and experi- enced in converting a wilderness into fruitful fields. Often have I listened to interesting naratives of what they passed through in providing for their families and to enjoy religious privileges. An elderly lady related how in the days of her first two children, her husband carried the youngest and she led the other as they walked two miles to church. Such were the men and women who planted and early sustained the in- stitutions of religion in this town, and in doing it they made great sacrifices and surmounted great difficulties. They were of genuine puritan stamp. Here, as usually in the early set- tlements of New England, the meeting-house and the school- house rose side by side, and these have made her the head and heart of our country's growth and prosperity.
The first Congregational Church was organized in Dec., 1760. The Rev. Lemuel Hedge, the first minister, was ordain- ed at the same time. Mr. Samuel Leonard, who lived to an advanced age, informed me that he was present at the occa- sion, being then 19 years of age. It would be interesting to know something of the transactions and services of that day so full of hope, but no record of them has been preserved ex- cept the Church covenant then adopted and the names of those
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who originally signed it .* That covenant with some abridge- ment has been the platform of this Church to the present time. Its main point is the sufficiency of the scriptures as a rule of faith and a holy living and a guide unto salvation.
Mr. Hedge was a man of intellectual, moral and christian worth. I often heard those who sat under his ministry, speak of him with great veneration and respect. He was born in Hardwick and graduated at Harvard University in 1759. This town was then unincorporated and was called " Roxbury Canada," from the circumstance of its being a grant of land to the widows and children of the soldiers from Roxbury, who served in an expedition in Canada in 1690. The proprietors of the township, who resided in Roxbury, to encourage set- tlers, erected a saw-mill, a grist-mill and a meeting-house, and to aid in the settlement of a minister, they appropriated one- hundred acres of land to him in its center. On this he built a house, which is now standing, enclosed a park for deer, and on a small stream in the south part of the tract, he erected a saw-millt which by way of exercise he often took charge of himself. He was of an athletic frame and of great energy of character, of a benevolent disposition and unaffected piety, of liberal views in theology, an earnest preacher, and much en- deared to his people, ready to bear with them the burdens to be sustained in a primitive settlement, often wending his way from house to house by marked trees in making parochial visits. His ministry was highly blessed in training up a church going people.
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About that time a change was going on in the New Eng- land congregations as to the mode of conducting the singing. To effect which in many instances was attended with great difficulty, being deemed an alarming innovation. Mr. H. had his trial in a movement so delicate to manage, but by a pru- dent course, he accomplished what the more enlightened part 4€ of the community desired. A sermon of his, delivered at the
*Appendix B.
+Appendix C.
#Appendix D.
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close of a singing-school, treating of the advantages of such a change, was published. The previous mode of conducting this service was not by the choir, but by the congregation led off by one of the deacons, who read the hymn line by line. The people were tenacious of a usage that had decended to them by puritan example, and the deacons were more so, as it took from them a function which they deemed as especially belonging to them, and might in consequence lessen their offi- cial importance.
At the commencement of the American revolution, he was suspected by some, who were ultra liberty men, and violent and rash in their measures, as leaning to the Tory side of the controversy that then agitated the country. The sacredness of his office did not shield him from persecution and insult. They not only depredated his property by destroying his park, but outraged his person, taking him from his bed and tying him behind one of his captors on horse-back to be taken to a neigh- boring town for trial .* But as soon this outrage was known a company of his friends pursued after and rescued him. Such unmerrited and brutal treatment so wounded his refined and sensitive nature that it preyed on his health, and no doubt, tended to accelerate the disease with which he was soon after seized, and which terminated his useful life, which occurred Oct. 1777, in the 47th year of his age and the 17th of his ministry .;
His friends did not doubt his patriotism, though he was probably in favor of moderate measures, and saw with many others the fearful odds with which the colonies were to con- tend. He wrote a lettert to his friend and class-mate, Gen. Warren, which was found in the pocket of the latter after his . fall at the battle of Bunker Hill, and in which he professed a sincere interest in the liberty of his country, yet expressed
*Appendix E.
tThe sermon at his funeral was preached by the Rev. Bunker Gay of Hins- dale, N. H. It was printed and freely breathed the spirit of that period. #Appendix F.
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fears as to the issue of the struggle. Had he survived the revolution and been permitted to see the dawn, then so over- east, to brighten into day, he would undoubtedly have been among the firm friends of American independence.
His death was felt to be a great loss to his people, for he had been to them a father, councilor and friend. They had shared his tender and fraternal sympathy under their hard- ships, privations and trials, and the religions society, that he had led by the hand in its infancy, seemed to require his fos- tering care to give it further maturity and growth. But God, who does not forsake his people, did not forget this little flock. The good seed planted by this faithful Pastor was productive of a far-reaching influence even unto this day.
In this connection it seems fit to make some notice of Dr. Medad Pomroy, who was a cotemporary with Mr. Hedge, a near neighbor and intimate friend. As one was the minister, the other was the physician of the town. He was a native of Northampton and a graduate of Yale College in 1759. They having received similar literary culture, it is to be supposed that there would be a similarity in their tastes and sympathies and that they would as naturally as the law of attraction, seek and enjoy each others society. Ile gave me many inter- esting reminisences of his beloved minister and of those carly times, truly " days of small things," when both united their efforts to advance the religious and material interests of the new town. Every new acquisition to the population was to them a mutual gratification. Often when he was attending on . patients, whose means of comfort were scanty, Mr. Hedge would fill his saddle-bags with such necessaries as might be timely and acceptable.
He was quite a theologian and had clear and decided views , on religious subjects. Ilis sympathies were very tender for the afflicted, and on funeral occasions he was expected to have a seat in the room with the mourners, not unfrequently ming- ling with his tears words of christian consolation. In him the social clement was very prominent and his house was distin-
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guished for a generous hospitality .* His kind feelings to all endeared to him a large circle of friends. Near the close of his protracted life he expressed great gratitude for the many blessings that had distinguished it and a cheerful resignation to the will of Heaven, sustained by a christian faith. He died in Oct., 1819, five years after my settlement, at the advanced age of 83.
The successor of Mr. Hedge was the Rev. Samuel Reed, who was a native of Massachusetts and a graduate of Yale College in 1777. . He was ordained in 1779, when the country was in the midst of the revolution, and this town, like others of earnest patriotism, was bearing its part of the burden of the contest. The people under such circumstances could not give a minister a very liberal support in a pecuniary sense, but they gave what is invaluable to him, their united affection, a uniform and candid attendance on his ministrations. Being my immediate predecessor, I learned much of him from living lips as being an interesting man, a forcible preacher and a faithful Pastor. There is evidence of this from the fact that this was regarded as one of the largest congregations in this region and the church consisted of about 150 members. He was a man of more than common talents, which, had he en- joyed larger means for their cultivation, would have given him a high rank in his profession. He was better read in men than in books. Ile had a kind of intuitive insight into character, which enabled him to adapt himself with wisdom and pru- dence to all classes. Hle possessed unusual conversational powers and his keen and innocent humor rendered his society attractive. He was a great foe to superstition and could readi- ly detect the delusions, to which religious fanatics are prone. Some things of this kind severely tried his patience.t
His preaching was more practical than doctrinal, and he did not often introduce subjects of controversy. His sentiments were of the Arminian type. The discussion of certain doc-
*Appendix G. +Appendix HI.
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trinal points, which now divide the congregational churches in New England had not then commenced. Had he lived in later times, he would have undoubtedly taken his stand on lib- eral ground. This I infer from what I have learned from those acquainted with him, who must have understood the gen- eral tone of his religious views from his usual style of preach- ing. IIe died in 1812, after a ministry of about 33 years, which upon the whole was peaceful, yet, probably, not entirely exempt from trials. He was much lamented by an affectionate people, who, in token of their regard, erected a monument, with an appropriate inscription, over his grave.
Several of his grand-children are now living in town, and are the worthy members of this religious society.
It was no small privilege to enter npon a field that had been favored with the labors of two so eminent Pastors as those who preceded me, and whose characters and ministry I have at- tempted to describe. A field all ready and waiting to receive the good seed of gospel instruction. There was no work re- quired to build up a society as is often the arduous labor of a minister at the present day, as that was already done. My work and care was to feed and watch the flock that was gath- ered in the fold. I entered upon this sacred relation with much misgiving owing to my inexperience in my profession, but I soon found myself among a people of christian candor who came to meeting not to criticise, but to be guided in duty, yet not deficient in discrimination in regard to gospel doctrine and requirements. That was a golden period in New England parishes. It was a pleasure and satisfaction to minister to such a people. Many a good man and woman were to me, what Aaron and Herr were to Moses, to sustain me under my labors and responsible charge. There was a satisfaction in breaking bread to a large church and in receiving frequent additions to it, a satisfaction that none but a minister can truly know. I shall never forget these excellent parishoners, who aided my settlement and gave me their faithful friendship. Their vener- able forms, as they filled the old meeting-house, are still in my
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mind's eye. I shall ever cherish their memory with pleasure. I shall ever remember how cordially they used to receive me to their houses and how unreservedly I was accustomed to open my heart to them on subjects connected with our common in- terest as Pastor and people. I can never forget the pleasant interviews in the social circle. How I often rejoiced with them in their joys and as readily sympathized with them in their sorrows. I can recall many scenes of sickness, death and affliction, which, at the time, were too painful for utterance .* My own cup, too, more than once was mingled with bitterness. I was a " companion with them in tribulation," and in those seasons, when my dwelling was shrouded in sackcloth, I shared the kind and substantial expressions of their sympathy.
That generationt, of whom I have just been speaking, near- ly all passed away during my thirty years' ministry ;. It might in truth be said that I buried one congregation. A great portion of the original church had been translated to that above. Those, who were children at my settlement, had . become heads of families and were occupying places of influ- ence and responsibility. In several instances, I joined those in marriage, whose parents, a quarter of a century before, I had united in the same solemn relation. Such changes often deep- ly affect the connection between a minister and people. The new generation and the new comers do not always feel the at- tachment that the fathers manifested. It ought not to cause any complaint. It is according to human events and human destiny. Old things pass away and there is a preference for the new. And this, probably had some influence in dissolving the connection between me and this society. I do not allude to it with any but the kindest feelings. Perhaps it was for the best in regard to both parties that a separation should take place. That the one should have the benefit of new men and new measures, and that the other should be removed to a fresh field of usefulness.§ But I am free to say that it caused a
*Appendix I. tAppendix K. #It closed Oct., 1844.
§Appendix L.
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painful struggle to break off a connection that had been of so long continuance, as it was here among a people of my first love that I had devoted the best and most vigorous part of my life. The young seemed to me like children. I had been connected with them in the various stages of their education* both in the Sunday and district schools. The church, too, was com- posed mostly of those that had been admitted under my min- istry. There was also kindred dust reposing in yonder ceme- tary that served to bind my heart to this place. It could not be that a separation under all these circumstances should oc- cur with a stoic insensibility on my part, but that it should excite the most tender emotions.
" There is a divinity that shapes our ends, "Rough hew them how we will."
" A man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps."
The relation between a minister and people, when entered into and cemented by pure motives, is very intimate and ten- der, the most so of any that is formed in this life, the matri- monial excepted. Resting on a spiritual basis, it is far differ- ent from those connections in commercial intercourse, which rest on pecuniary considerations and which continue no longer than those considerations bear sway. If this union is more a matter of dollars and cents than of the affections, it is brittle and easily dissolved. To this source may be traced the fre- quent dissolutions of this kind in latter years. But when this connection is such as we apprehend it was designed to be, by the great Head of the church, the minister feels a warm inter- est in the edification and general welfare of his flock and they regard him as their spiritual guide, friend and comforter. He enters heartily into all their joys and sorrows and they freely unbosom to him their feelings and wants in reference to their peculiar trials, or doubts, or hindrances in a christian course. He aims to meet all their reasonable demands on his time and services, " both in season and out of season" and they suitably
*Appendix M.
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appreciate his devotion to their highest good and show a read- iness to co-operate with him in every christian work. Happy the people that are favored with such a Pastor, and happy the minister that labors among such a people. Their mutual efforts, sacrifices, prayers and sympathies all sweetly commin- gle as an acceptable offering to heaven. With a minister and people in such a case the work of the gospel cannot fail to prosper, "for there the Lord commandeth his blessing."
It will not be deemed inappropriate to this occasion, I trust, to introduce some statistics relating to my connection with this society. During my thirty years' ministry there were 544 deaths in town, and at a greater part of whose funerals I offi- ciated. Of this number 270 occurred in families that were constant worshipers in this society, and 115 of these were members of this church. Of the number of deaths in town, 65 were over 80 years of age, and 16 over 90. This shows the longevity to which the fathers attained. Of the consump- tion, there were 106. This during that period was a marked disease, and in one year (1827) there were 9 as its victims and nearly all in the bloom of life. I solemnized the rite of mar- riage in 206 instances and of these 26 were in other towns. There were 174 admitted to the church, a large majority of whom by profession and the residue by letters from other churches. In the carly period of this church there was intro- duced what was called " the half-way covenant," which was formerly extensively adopted in the New Churches. Accord- ing to the provisions of this anomaly in religion, those, who desired, might offer their children in baptism, without coming to the communion. This implied that those, who entered into this relation, had faith enough to accept the privilege of the former ordinance, but not enough to enjoy the benefit of the latter.
Under my ministry 338 received the ordinance of baptism ; and I refer to this subject with no ordinary satisfaction that so many, both adults and children, were admitted to this beautiful and significant rite-adults by christian profession and children
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of such, and of such only. It was no uncommon occurrence that whole families were presented in the congregation by their parents-the place most proper for receiving the rite except under some peculiar circumstance. It is truly appropriate that parents should, in this appointed way, dedicate the precious objects of their affections to Him, to whom " children are a heritage." It is meet that in the solemn assembly the tender lambs of the flock should receive the gospel mark, to signify that they belong to the christian fold. But latterly this much neglected rite, whenever observed, is usually in pri- vate, as if it was thought vulgar or unfashionable to bring such dear objects of angelic beauty and purity into the house of God.
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