USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Concord > Half century discourse, delivered November 16, 1828, at Concord, Massachusetts > Part 1
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Gc 974.402 C74ri 1820245
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
U ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01105 8267
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/halfcenturydisco00ripl_0
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D2844190 1
HALF CENTURY DISCOURSE,
DELIVERED NOVEMBER 16, 1828,
AT
CONCORD, MASSACHUSETTS.
BY EZRA RIPLEY, D. D.
1
Published at the request of the HIcarers.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
CONCORD :
PRINTED BY HERMAN ATWILL. 1829.
1820245
1:
D Ripley, Ezra, 1751-1641.
2844195
.7 Half century discourse, delivered November 10, 1523, at Con- cord, Massachusetts. By Ezra Ripley ... Concord, Printed by H. Atwill, 1829. 47, [1] p. 22}cm.
1. Concord, Mass .- Hist. I. Title.
1-11312 Library of Congress F74.CSR5 -- - Copy 2. [Mis-
cellaneous pamphlets, v. 301, no. i. AC:01.M3 vol. 301
13788
Messe. 1701
A few sentences are omitted; and one paragraph has been added since the discourse was delivered. It is presumed that the subscribers will not object to these alterations.
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HALF CENTURY DISCOURSE.
Psalm lxxvii. 11, 12.
I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of ull thy works, and talk of thy doings.
IT is wise to note and improve the current of time and the events which that current is continually ex- hibiting. This is the main object of the present discourse. In this subject the inhabitants of this town are interested, and especially their minister, whose official labours have been protracted to half a century. Last Tuesday completed fifty years since his ordination in this place.
The psalmist thought it his duty to remember the works and ways of God in years then past,-to med- itate on them, and to speak of them. It is no less proper for us to engage in similar services, which we ought to perform in a religious manner, with our whole mind and heart.
Our text is an address to God, and a devout ac- knowledgment of his wonderful works and doings. We also should realize that we now set ourselves to
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recollect and meditate on the works, the providence, and the grace of God. It is with Him we have to do ;- His doings we are to remember and speak of ; and therefore in his fear, and with gratitude to him, we are to act, and by his aid make application and form resolutions. Religious sentiments should per- vade and sanctify our recollections and render them useful.
I propose the following method of discourse, viz. to make some observations on the passing of time, - give a brief historical sketch of this religious so- ciety,-and close with application adapted to our- selves.
Time, how 'still and swift it flies ! Although we know it to be true, it requires some effort to realize and to feel that fifty years have passed away since my sacred connexion with this people. The succes- sion of days, months, and years is so silent, yet constant, we scarcely perceive it. Engaged in the various cares and business of life, we are too often insensible to the progress we have made towards its close. At length, our attention being arrested by some interesting event, or period, we look around us, and are almost surprised at the changes we perceive, and that meet our eyes from every quarter. "One gen- eration has past away, and another has risen up." Those who were aged half a century ago, are gone to the grave. "Our fathers, where are they ? and the prophets, do they live forever ?" Those who then were in middle life, if yet living, are become old ; the youth have past their best estate ; and the little children are now the citizens for business, and
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pillars in society. Grey hairs are upon those who were infants when the speaker first settled here. Thus one generation is pressing close upon the heels of another, while the foremost is fast falling into the grave and eternity. But this is not the full picture of human life ; many of the younger classes have been untimely snatched away. We often witness, and many deeply feel, what the scriptures affirm, that "childhood and youth are vanity, and man at his best estate is altogether vanity."
When I cast my eyes over the assembly that stat- cdly worships here, I see, not only many new faces, but a new face to the whole. Here and there only is a countenance which I beheld fifty years ago. Full well do I remember the white locks that adorned the long seats which here stretched before me. Now the heads that are white and grey were then on the shoulders of children. This house too is changed. I have not forgotten its former figure and inconvenience. There were two galleries flat and deep, and a high ceiling, which rendered speaking in it very difficult. But it has, long since, undergone a general repair, and been rendered handsome and convenient and easy for the speaker.
It is vivid in my recollection, that Harvard Col- lege was here collected in the summer of 1775. I was then a member of the Senior class. I listened with attention and respect to my worthy and el- oquent predecessor, with whom I became personally acquainted.
It was not my expectation, when young, to live so long as I have. I was supposed to be slender
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' and very liable to fail in early life. The only man who voted against my settling here, personally assured me, that the reason of his vote was my feeble appear- ance, and the expectation that I should live but a little while. So true it is, that "God sceth not as man seeth." Although I have been repeatedly sick and apparently threatened with dissolution, yet, through the power and goodness of God, I continue to this day, and enjoy a good degree of health and strength. Two ministers only in this county are living, who were ordained before me. And I know not of more in the Commonwealth, who yet are able to perform public services. There are now living on- ly two male members of this church, who were ac- tive in my settlement.
It is very interesting to me, to recollect the many scenes of joy and of sorrow, in which I have alter- nately rejoiced and wept with your fathers, and with many now living. I do not indeed forget some un- pleasant scenes ; but with joy and gratitude I remem- ber the many expressions of affection and respect from my beloved people.
It sometimes fills my mind with grief, and always with solemn reflections, to observe the changes that have taken place in the town, in neighbourhoods, and in families. In some instances, whole families have disappeared ; in other, they have been diminish- ed or dispersed. But changes have not always been grievous. In many instances they have been for the better, and gloomy clouds have been dispelled. New families have risen up, or have emigrated to us, to repair the ravages of time and death. We have often
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seen that "instead of the parents are the children,"' who have done worthily. The doings of the Lord have a bright as well as a dark side. I will notice both sides.
We have lived to see, to suffer the evils, and to en- joy the benefits of a great political revolution. Some of us were eye witnesses and personal actors in the Revolutionary war, from its commencement in this town, on the ever memorable 19th of April, 1775. A revolution this, probably, the most interesting to the world ever recorded in history ; and to this country important and happy beyond all calculation. In this revolution and the events connected with it, we have seen more of the wonderful doings of God, more in- teresting consequences as the legitimate results, than were witnessed in the course of centuries preceding. We have seen established FREE REPUBLICAN GOV- ERNMENTS, both National and State ; and, in de- grees unexampled, are daily enjoying the happy fruits. In this connexion, I would not omit a tribute of grat- itude and praise to the memory of our fathers by whose services and sacrifices, under the conducting providence of God, we possess such high and precious advantages.
In the progress of the sharp contest with the migh- ty power of Great Britain, which at some periods was doubtful, my sacred connexion with this people was formed. Though the people were driven into an un- natural war with the mother country, they were dis- posed to be at peace with Heaven, and in all their troubles, to cling to the word and the altars of God. It was their religious confidence in the Almighty, that
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sustained them in their struggle for liberty. Had not the people of the Thirteen United States been actuated by principles of piety and virtue, as well as the love of liberty and country, they would not have gained their freedom and independence. And let it be kept in mind, that the same principles alone can preserve them.
But many difficulties were unavoidably to be en- countered. Evils existed which could not be easily nor expeditiously remedied. The rapid depreciation of the paper currency of the country involved many in great embarrassments. Numbers of the rich sudden- ly became poor, and some of the poor became as sud- denly rich. Property rapidly changed its possessors. At some times, "taking to itself wings, it flew away,"' and at other, by laying still, lost its value. It is not forgotten by many, that salary-men, and generally all who lived upon their money, were great sufferers. This was the case with your minister, without any design or fault of his people. 'They had endeavour- ed, by a formal contract, to guard against the ef- fects of the depreciation of the currency; but it seemed next to impossible. You would scarcely believe, were you told, the straits and difficulties to which your pastor was reduced. With all his ex- ertions in various ways, as teaching scholars, man- ual labour, &c. he could not have waded through them, had it not been for a particular event in Prov- idence, and the long credit given him by one be- nevolent trader in town." In due time, when a
* Deacon John White; whose generous friendship will never be forgotten.
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. scale of depreciation was established by authority, my people, in due time, made up the loss I had sustained in settlement and salary. But it was impossible to repair the loss in ministerial studies and acquirements. My people, however, were kind, made reasonable al- lowance for disadvantages, supplied my pulpit during a long sickness, and generally remained satisfied with my exertions and services. From those times we have lived in peace and harmony, mutually endeav- ouring to promote each others' comfort and happiness. The late separation from us of a Trinitarian society is an exception, of which something may be said in the sequel.
Another change of high importance merits partic- ular notice. After the revolution, and indeed during its progress, infidelity, imported from Europe, was embraced by more than a few in America, and in- dustriously propagated. The writings of Voltaire, Hume, and other deistical authors were sought and read with avidity. To stem this increasing torrent, the manner in which the gospel was then generally preached, it is believed, was not well adapted. A large portion of the learning of the country, not possessed by the clergy, was leaning to deism, if not decided in its favour. Christianity and its pecu- liar institutions were treated with more than indif- ference, and not seldom directly opposed. But the religious principles and steady habits of the bulk of the people held in check the deistical and licentious. I have been an eye and ear witness of the proud boasting and - confident assertions of profane and blasphemous infidels, and have seen the poison plen-
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. tifully cast into one fountain of literature. But, thanks be to God, the times are happily changed. Now, nearly all the solid learning in our country, especially in New England, is engaged on the side of christianity. The great current of mind sets strong- ly to the divine authority of the Bible, and bends to the doctrines and sceptre of Jesus Christ. Many of our learned men, and those in the highest offices and most influential stations in the National and State governments, are professed and practical christ- ians; and others are favourable to the cause, and cheerful supporters of Christian ministers and wor- ship : while many of those who take no active part in favour of revealed religion visibly respect its teach- ers and institutions, and cease from opposition and ridicule. A vast accession of power and influence is here gained to the cause of Christ and his religion. In this view of the moral state of society, I am far from saying or thinking, "the former times were better than these."'
I am aware, that in one of the middle States, there is a nest of bold and artful infidels, who are diffusing their corrupt and demoralizing principles with activi- ty and zeal. But we hope and trust in God that their race will be short, and that the light of truth, which is rapidly increasing in our country and throughout Christendom, dissipating the clouds of error and mys- ticism that have long shrouded Christianity, will soon convince or disarm them and ail opposers of our holy religion.
We have lived to see great and honorable improve- ments in the science of government, in legislation and
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the administration of the laws. Our Judicial courts, supreme and subordinate, are, we believe, the most enlightened, upright, prompt in business and respecta- ble, of which any country can boast. Our seats of justice being filled by men of talents, learning, piety, and exemplary lives, become a blessing to the com- munity not easily nor sufficiently appreciated.
The improvements that have been made in the course of the last fifty years, in our primary and high- er schools, in Colleges, useful arts, manufactures, ag- riculture, commerce, &c. are astonishing as well as highly gratifying to observers. Learning, invention, and enterprize have taken strides and made progress unexampled in the same period. The establishment of Sabbath schools, which is of recent date, promises to be highly beneficial, both in a civil and religious view. We scarcely begin to perceive the happy in- fluence which these schools are designed and adapted to exert on the minds and the morals of the young, and through them, on the community at large. Per- paratory to these are Infant schools, which are gain- ing attention, and are actually in operation in Eng- land and in some cities in this country. The inhab- itants of the city of Boston are attending to the sub- ject in earnest. A plan is now in operation for col- lecting money to defray the expense of instruction to the little children of the poor. These schools, it is highly probable, will be multiplied, and will produce the most salutary effects on the health, manners, and character of the generations rising up, and those yet unborn. They are best adapted to populous towns and are peculiarly favorable to the labouring and
poorer classes of people. Such establishments are not insulated, not confined to the places, the period, and the scholars that first attract our attention. Their influence is diffusive, progressive, and will gradually extend to the great body of the people. In these and similar institutions, farther improvements will, doubtless, be made. These are the seeds now sowing, which, under the smiles of Heaven, are to spring up and yield a rich harvest of blessings to our country. These institutions of Sabbath and Infant schools, if they shall be conducted with wisdom and pursued with energy, will, I have no doubt, influence and form the civil and moral character of the community more than any human measures that have been hitherto adopted. This is beginning with the child, the little boy and girl, where education ought always to begin, but where it has been sadly neglected. When these modes of instruction shall be well understood and perfected, and the people in general shall see and feel their importance, the fruits will be great and good. Even Sabbath schools are yet so new, that many parents and heads of families do not appear to understand them, do not appreciate and improve them.
Among other changes, which we may consid- er as improvements, are those in the art of sacred mu- sick and the matter of the holy song. Some of us well recollect the discordant singing in public wor- ship, and when the tune was interrupted by the read- ing of the psalm or hymn, line by line. This practice of reading the lines by the deacon, or some other per- son, probably, was first introduced on account of the scarcity of books and the poverty of the people.
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Now books are plenty and cheap, and the people are able to buy. Every intelligent and serious wor- shipper ought to have a hymn book at church. And I do soberly recommend, that every pew be furnished with books, and that every adult person at least have before his eyes the words in which we sing praise to God. Money expended for Bibles and Hymn books is put to the best interest, and will afford the best re- flections.
The attention that has been given by this society to the support and improvement of sacred musick is very gratifying and praise worthy. We are specially obli- gated to the singing society for their assistance in di- vine worship, and for their persevering exertions and sacrifices to make improvements and render their ser- vices acceptable and pleasant.
The first regular version used in this church was that of Sternhold and Hopkins ; many parts of which could scarcely now be read with sobriety in the assembly. Next was used, and until very lately, the version of the pious and excellent Dr. Watts. The Cambridge Collection is now in use, which, we trust, will be an additional aid in our religious services, till one more improved and perfect shall be provided and chosen. All human compositions may be improved and changed, and vital religion be thereby better pro- moted : but the Bible, " the word of the Lord abideth forever." No man, nor body of men may add to or diminish from the sacred volume. It is our duty and our proper work, to understand, explain, enforce, and obey the Bible. The light of this blessed book, in ages of ignorance, and in the hands of Papal pow-
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ers, has been obscured and Christianity has been corrupted. But considering the state of the Christ- ian world in ages past, and before the art of print- ing was invented, nothing otherwise could be rea- sonably expected. The bold and pious reformers from popery, to whom we are highly obligated, partook, unavoidably, of the imperfection, spirit, and bigotry of the age in which they lived, and were educated. But their spirit of reform has descended to our times ; a spirit of inquiry and improvement has gone forth, and while it rejects the superstition and corrects the errors of the Reformers, it fearlessly, but reve- rently, searches the scriptures, penetrates the clouds of mysticism, discovers truth, and presents Christian- ity to the public and private eye in its own native simplicity and purity.
I am well aware that what many of us look upon as the discovery of truth and the disclosure of error, is by others considered as erroneous and heretical, among whom are, I doubt not, many who love our Lord and his holy cause. They may be conscientious in opposing what we ardently advocate, and cannot be persuaded to renounce. But do they not prove the want of the spirit of Christ by withholding charity from us and affecting to treat us as though we were not Christians ? They seem to fear that error will be embraced in our search after truth,-that Christianity will suffer loss by being freely examined, and the pil- lars of the church be shaken, if not supported by hu- man creeds, priestly power and policy. So thought the church of Rome, and therefore silenced inquiries, chained the human mind on religious subjects, and
held the people in ignorance. And what was the re- sult ? True, the people all thought alike,-all sub- scribed the same human creed, and tamely gave up their bibles to their priests, and blindly worshipped in an unknown tongue .. But it was a death blow to vi- tal religion. Christianity became a mere name, en- veloped in a thick cloud of mysteries and ceremonies that had no tendency to inform the mind, interest the heart, or mend the life. We live in a happier country and age,-we may inquire for truth freely under a sense of accountability to God only. Our fathers, though not perfect, were inspired by the spirit of re- ligious and civil liberty. They could not endure un- reasonable restraints on their rights and consciences. They fled from the oppression of civil government and of the priesthood. Here they found an asylum from tyrannical men in church and state ;- here they could breathe a free air, though surrounded by sav- ages and wild beasts, and subjected to privations and hardships which we, their posterity, can scarce- ly realize. Religious liberty they chiefly sought, and here the precious boon was found.
Another improvement of the present age I would not fail to notice, I mean Peace Societies, whose great object is the abolition of war and the establishment of peace among all Christian nations. This Common- wealth has the honor of forming the first Peace Soci- ety in the world. This society was instituted, Dec. 25, 1815. 'The father* of it and the author of the Solemn Review and Friend of Peace, has immortal-
* Dr. Noah Worcester.
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· ized his name, and done vast benefit to the communi- ty, and eventually to the world. Many similar soci- eties have since been formed in this country and in Europe, having in view the same benevolent objects. The efforts of this society have produced great and happy effects, especially in diffusing a pacific spirit, in throwing light on the subject never before perceiv- ed by ordinary observers, and converting thousands from the spirit of war to that of peace. By the writ- ings above mentioned any person of ordinary capacity may understand that war, except when it is strict- ly defensive, is altogether inconsistent with the spirit and principles of Christianity, and that, were these latter to prevail through Christian nations, the spirit and practice of war would be banished from christen- dom. In generations and ages to come, in all coun- tries where the peaceful religion of the Gospel shall prevail, the Peace Society in Massachusetts, and its pious and benevolent founders will be highly honored and had in everlasting remembrance. It seems to me, there can be no doubt of great benefit to the commu- nity, were the Friend of Peace more generally read. Those numbers would inform and correct the public mind respecting the spirit and the practice of war, and respecting the nature, design, and spirit of Christ- ianity.
Though I may be thought to wander, it is my pur- pose to attend principally to things that are directly or remotely connected with religion. The psalmist affirms in the words following our text, that "God has his way in the sanctuary." By this we are to understand that God exercises a moral government
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over men,-that he graciously regards the church in every age, and in every country. The Christian church is the peculiar care of Heaven, and is divine- ly assured that " the gates of hell," the powers of wickedness, " shall never prevail against her." To this " little flock," compared with the world of men, "it is the Father's good pleasure to give the king- dom." We will advocate her cause, and recollect the wonders of divine providence and grace in her behalf, and especially in reference to this church and society. And this brings me to the matter of histo- ry, a brief sketch of which I proposed to give. On this subject, I shall make free use of a sermon deliv- ered in this place, on a general repair of this house and its dedication to God and christian worship, in 1792. But before I bring to view the particulars of our history, I ask your attention, for a few minutes, to the fathers, the first settlers of this town. They have been too much overlooked and forgotten by their de- scendants. It is time, high time, to redeem our char- acter, and to stir up our minds by way of remem- brance, that we may be excited to praise the Lord, and to honour the memories of the godly men whose piety, labours, and sufferings laid the foundation of our prosperity, and that of our fathers for almost two centuries.
We have read or listened with satisfaction and de- light to the learned and eloquent discourses and ora- tions, on the anniversaries and centuries of our Pil- grim fathers of Plymouth and Salem. We have felt an exciting interest and sympathy in those characters and events. Our joy has been in common with the great
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family of New-England, which has descended from those pious and benevolent adventurers. But who has duly remembered and honored, with hearts swelling with gratitude to God, the character and memory of Bulkeley, Jones, Willard, Spencer, and others, who here first planted the standard of the cross and of liberty ? This is our work, our binding duty.
It was scarcely, if any, less adventurous, or peril- ous, at that day, to come from Cambridge to Con- cord, than from Holland to Plymouth, in 1620, or from England to Salem, seven or eight years afterwards. This was the first settlement in the wilderness away from the sea and shipping :- it was a pathless desert, except the paths of the Indians, which were danger- ous. The Savages were here at home on their native soil, jealous of the white strangers, and often making war upon them in various parts of the sea- coast. The wild beasts were numerous and terrify- ing. The war-hoop of savages was continually dreaded, and the dismal howl of ferocious animals disturbed the slumbers of the night. But terrific sounds were not the chief causes of fear. The fire arms, the tomahawk, the scalping knife, and fire- brands were hourly in vision before them. In what fear must they labour by day, and repose themselves at night ! With what anxiety and trembling must the affectionate mother have clasped her tender babe on her couch of rest and sleep !
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