USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Southampton > Address delivered at Southampton, Mass. : at the centennial celebration of the incorporation of that town, July 23, 1841 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
1
29
ber of the council that dismissed Mr. Edwards, and voted with the majority. Still, he possessed, by no means, the spirit of a partizan. He was uniformly mild and conciliating in the statement of his opinions. It is said, that the father of the late Mr. Daniel Kingsley, and one or two others, who removed from Northampton, and who strongly sympathized with President Edwards, were, notwithstanding, the attentive hearers and cordial friends of Mr. Judd.
From the imperfect records, which we possess, of Mr. Judd's labors, he appears to have been a successful minister. The church increased in numbers from time to time, and it was favored with the special influences of the Holy Spirit. About the year 1761, or 1762, there was a happy revival of religion. Between May and December, 1762, more than thirty persons were added to the church. The same Divine influence was experienced in 1766, and 1770. In the year 1785, an uncommon attention was given to religious subjects. Twenty-four persons united with the church. In the year 1797, the grace of the Holy Spirit in the conversion of men was once more witnessed, just before the time-worn and venerable shepherd of the flock was called to his eternal rest. During the year, twenty-two individuals became com- municants.
The whole number that joined the church, during the ac- tive ministry of Mr. Judd, was 442. Some of them had been previously members of other churches. Nearly all of the sixty-three original members, were dismissed from the church in Northampton. The number of baptisms during Mr. Judd's ministry was 1034. The number of deaths. from the settlement of the town to the close of Mr. Judd's ministry, has been estimated at 440. The number of births, in the same period. was about 1550. The first birth in the town was a child of Joshua Clark. The first individual who died was Simeon Wait, aged 19 years. This was in 1738. His death was occasioned by drinking cold water. His remains
30
were the first which were interred in the present central burying-ground.
The Rev. Vinson Gould was settled as colleague pastor with Mr. Judd, Aug. 26, 1801. During the brief remnant of Mr. Judd's life, the aged veteran, and he, who was gird- . ing on his armor, lived and labored on terms of the most perfect esteem and cordiality.
Those events, which pertain to the civil history of the town, and which occurred during Mr. Gould's connection with the church, it is not necessary for me to detail. Such of them, as might be important enough for rehearsal, are well known to many who hear me. It may be said, in general, that the proceedings of the town, were characterized by an uncommon degree of harmony. This was especially the case during the last war with Great Britain, and the stirring events which preceded and followed it .*
The attention which was early given to the subject of common schools has been before alluded to. The same in- terest in this vitally important institution has been exhibited in subsequent years. The happy influence which Mr. Gould exerted in his visits to the schools, and the facility with which he could adapt his remarks to the capacities of those whom he addressed, has been acknowledged by every one acquainted with the circumstances. The select, voluntary schools, which were taught, almost from the commencement of the present century to the establishment of the academy, with some interruptions, have furnished opportunities for the more complete education which was commenced in the pri- mary department. The erection of the Sheldon Academy, mainly through the muniticence of Mr. Silas Sheldon,t has been productive of results, thus far sufficiently valuable, great- ly to outweigh the expenses incident to the undertaking. Instead of being an hindrance to the common school, such a seminary is in every way, an auxiliary and supporter.
· Sce Note F.
t See Note G.
31
In these schools, the individuals, now numbering almost half a hundred, began the course which they prosecuted at college, and finished with the professional teacher or institu- tion ; and most of whom are now alive, and actively enga- ged in the responsible duties of their different vocations .* The county of Hampshire has furnished more students for college, with possibly a single exception, than any other county in the United States. The town of Southampton, it may be said, without any undue exultation, is in this re- spect at the head of the county. In that which is paramount to all things merely politieal or social, it is the banner town, of the banner county, of the banner State. Of these forty- six individuals, thirty-seven are now living. Thirty-two are, or have been, ministers of the gospel. Those who are pas- tors, (I may say it without offence, not being one of them), are laboring, or have labored, with distinguished zeal and success, in the most honorable function committed to man. This town, and this church of Christ. have thus been the means of proclaiming the messages of life to thousands, and of · guiding multitudes to mansions of rest. This is an honor which might well be coveted by any town or church in the country, however flourishing in wealth or numbers.
It may, possibly, be objected by some persons, that there has been an excess of a good thing. Too many have receiv- ed a public education. The learned professions are already crowded. By withdrawing young men from agricultural and other manual labor, they have been unfitted to resume it when necessary ; or they have cherished prejudices against the working classes in society. Even the aged parents, who have toiled early and late, in order to support their son in college have not received from him always that consideration to which they were entitled.
But such incapacity, or waywardness, is not the effect of a liberal education, but of the want of it. One, who has been
. See Note H.
32
properly taught, looks with contempt on no class of his fellow creatures. True learning will make him considerate, fair- minded and charitable. Airs of self-importance, the con- temptuous look, pride in any of its forms, are as abhorrent to the genuine scholar, as they are detestable in their own na- ture. Knowledge does not alienate from hard manual toil. It rather fits one for it, and predisposes to it. We wish every farmer in the country could enjoy the benefits of a liberal education. There is no necessary discrepancy between a man who works with his head, and him who works with his hands. It is for the general good. indeed, that the profes- sions should be kept distinct. A minister has his work, and a mechanic has his. But there need be no hostility between them. We know a body of most skilful mechanics, who are accustomed to sharpen their minds by reasoning on theologi- cal doctrines. Every advance in knowledge, which the tiller of the soil makes, adds happiness to himself and dignity to his pursuit. It is time that the wretched nonsense about the hostility of different classes was done with. They are all working classes-all producing classes.
Mr. Gould was dismissed from his pastoral relation with this church, on the 5th of January. 1832, after a ministry of thirty-one years. The present pastor. Rev. Morris E. White, was ordained on the 20th of June, 1832. Mr. Gould was born in Sharon, Connecticut, August Ist, 1774. He was the eldest son of a numerous family. His parents were high- ly respected, and eminently pious. In June, 1795, he join- ed the Sophomore class in Williams College. During his connection with that Seminary, the serious impressions, which he had for some time cherished, ripened into personal piety. He graduated in 1797. Among the members of his class, which was the third which left that institution, was the Hon. Elijah H. Mills, afterwards a senator in Congress. Having superintended an academy in Sharon, thirteen months, he be- gan the study of divinity with the Rev. Dr. Backus of Som-
-
33
ers, Ct. He was licensed to preach in June, 1799. From Oct. 1800 till June 1801, he acted as a Tutor in. Williams College. He then came to this town to preach as a candi- date for settlement. He was ordained on the 26th of Aug. 1801. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Dr. Backus. In 1808, he was married to Miss Mindwell Wood- bridge, only daughter of Dr. Sylvester Woodbridge of this town. They had six children, one son and five daughters, all of whom are living. Mrs. Gould died in Nov. 1837, greatly and most deservedly lamented. She was a lady of high excellence in moral and religious character, and of ex- traordinary powers of mind. For vigor of intellect no wo- man in this part of the country, within our knowledge, has surpassed her.
Mr. Gould, after his dismission from this church, taught a school in South Hadley. He subsequently preached, for some time, in Bernardston, and other places. He died at his residence, in this town, on the 4th of April, 1841, in the 68th year of his age. His labors while pastor here were abundant, and his success was corresponding. In the year of his settlement, twenty-one persons were added to the church. In 1805, there was an extraordinary revival of re- ligion. The power of the Holy Spirit, in the conversion of men, was never, in this place, more signally manifested. Eighty were added to the church. Many others were hope- fully converted. In 1812 and 1813, fifteen persons joined the church as the fruits of a revival of religion. The same Divine influence was enjoyed in 1815 and 1816, when the church received an addition of fifty-six members. At seve- ral periods subsequently, the preaching of the gospel was fol- lowed by marked and auspicious results. In such seasons, Mr. Gould's mode of dispensing the truth was singularly plain and solemn, and, sometimes, very striking.
The most remarkable trait in Mr. Gould's intellectual powers, was the rapidity of their movement. . This was
5
-
34
manifest in his various performances, written and extempore, and, perhaps, most of all, in his conversation. It seemed to have been owing to several causes. His passions, which are the great motive power of the intellect, were casily arous- ed, and were capable of great intensity. He had, also, un- common readiness of apprehension. When a subject came before him, he seized instantly on its main features, and while others were laboriously tracing its relations, he had arrived at his results. The imperceptibly rapid glance of his eye was an index of the swifter intellectual movement within. He had, also, the ability to present an object vividly before the mind. He seized the most striking incidents, and pourtrayed them in such a manner, that they left a perma- nent impression. If he had been in circumstances, which would have compelled him to cultivate and mature these original tendencies, he would have, unquestionably, reached a very high rank among those who move the minds of men. A wider range of reading, and more exact habits of compo- sition would have made the original traits, of which we speak, still more obvious.
Mr. Gould was a good classical scholar. He retained, through life, a familiar acquaintance with the authors he had studied in college ; adding, also, some to the list. In this way, he made himself very useful to not a few, who com- menced with him their elementary studies in Latin and Greek. As a teacher, he possessed kindness and prompti- tude ; ever ready to appreciate difficulties, while he had the firmness to require that the pupil should be master of his lessons.
Mr. Gould was cordially attached to the evangelical sys- tem of religious truth. The great doctrines of the gospel were the life of his preaching and the life of his soul. He would not allow them to be set aside or undervalued. He was steadfastly opposed to tendencies which, as he thought, went to undermine them. He had little patience with any
-
35
1781127
speculations, which threatened to obscure their brightness, or abridge their saving efficacy. They lay at the foundation of his own prospects for eternity, and they were the only hope of a lost world.
But his faith wrought by works, and by works was made perfect. His preaching was eminently practical. He spoke to men, plainly, on themes which they are so apt to oppose or neglect. In many revivals of religion, he toiled as one who meant to work while it was the day of harvest, and to stand at last with acceptance before his Judge. His preach- ing was not merely in the house of God. By the way-side, in fields, on journeys, in public conveyances, he delivered, habitually and conscientiously, his message. His faith, too, sustained him amid the many trials of his eventful life. In the agonies of a fierce and inexorable disease, with the cer- tain prospect of a speedy death, and while many things made it pleasant for him to live, this faith bore him above the pains of mortality. It, doubtless, cheered his soul, when it became insensible to outward scenes, and when it stood before its Creator and Judge, naked and alone. Beyond a doubt, he is now shining as the brightness of the firmament, with the multitudes whom he turned to righteousness.
The number of births in the town, from its settlement to the present time, cannot be ascertained with certainty. Some · estimates were made by the Rev. Mr. Gould, an abstract of which, together with a few additions, is here subjoined.
From Mr. Judd's settlement to the year 1775, there were not far from 640 births. It is known that from 1775 to 1793 inclusive, there were 608 births, or thirty-two, on an average, annually. From 1793 to 1832. the close of Mr. Gould's ministry, the number of births was about 1230. The num- ber of births from 1832 to the present time is estimated at 255. The total of births, therefore, since the settlement of the town, is 2,733. In these statements no regard is had to
36
those parts of the town which have been set off to other towns. In 1785, a number of families were connected with Easthampton, when that place was erected into a District. The north line of Southampton was, previously, a little north of Easthampton meeting-house.
The number of deaths in the town, from its settlement to 1820, was about 813. During the following twelve years, the whole number of deaths was about 234. Since Mr. White's settlement, 188 persons have died ; making the whole number 1,235, a few more than the present population of the town .*
The whole number of members of the church, since its or- ganization to the present time, is 1,319. The number that joined it, during Mr. Judd's active ministry, was 442; while Mr. Gould was pastor, 715; since Mr. White was ordained, 162. The present number of members is 397.t
One of the most striking lessons which the observance of this day teaches, is veneration for the character of our fathers.
We do not attribute perfection to them. They had, with- out doubt, their share of infirmities. There was in some of them an incongruous union of qualities-a strange mingling of the grave and the light-a disposition to indulge in witti- cism, or somewliat gross raillery, on the most solemn occa- sions. Some of their social customs, we should not wish to revive. The multiplication of libraries, schools, lyceums, and the like, have furnished our generation with better sources of amusement, than were prevalent eighty or fifty years ago.
But after making every allowance which truth would de- mand, there remain sterling qualities, which we cannot but admire.
They were bound together by strong affection. For sixty or seventy years, nothing occurred seriously to interrupt their harmony. There were differences in theological opinion
· See Note 1.
t See Note J.
B
37
among them ; but these never interfered with christian fel- lowship. In other places, there were ecclesiastical wars. The old town, where their fathers lived, was the field of fierce encounter ; but there was no commotion in the new precinct. In many towns in Connecticut, the old and new lights fought each other with desperate malignity ; but no party was forin- ed here. Our fathers had one church, one faith, one baptism, and but one.
We reverence them for the general soundness of their faith .* The great truths of the gospel were embraced with singular earnestness. Our fathers were rooted and ground- ed in them. We recollect some venerable men of the second generation, who have but just descended to the grave, who had the most intelligent conviction of the doctrines of the Bible, and the warmest attachment to them. They used to speak of the conversions, which occurred in their youthful days, as the result, so far as human agency was concerned, of long continued, personal, solitary application to the truth. With them, feeling flowed from contemplation. Anxiety of mind was caused by clear apprehension of their duties to- wards God. They had but few books, and the large quarto Bible, with the family register in the middle, was the one great and inestimable treasure in every house. Their books were Boston's Fourfold State, the Berry Street Sermons, Flavel's Touchstone, Stoddard's Safety of Appearing in the Righteousness of Christ, Ruth's Resolutions, and the like. These volumes were thoroughly read and digested. Every leaf bore the marks, possibly caused by the tear of some ven- erable octogenarian, of the earnest perusal, perhaps of several successive generations. Our fathers listened, not merely without weariness, but with great delight, to the protracted three hours' service of the sanctuary ; intending to carry away, not a momentary impression, produced by an impassion-
" One or two of the following paragraphs have been inserted by the author in a periodical publication.
38
ed hortatory appeal, but the substance of the long sermon, with its scores of divisions and subdivisions.
The piety of the first settlers of this town was distinguished, even in that period. All the heads of families, who came from Northampton between the years 1733 and 1740, had heard sermons, which, for a searching and experimental char- acter, have never been equalled in this country, before or since. They went to the depths of the soul. The young women, who kept lonely watch, many long days in their log- house, with a single room, had learned their lessons of faith and patience with the prince of New England preachers ; or while listening to the burning strains of Whitefield. The emigration to this town took place, when the parent settle- ment was pervaded, almost saturated by religious influence. The church and the precinct were entirely coincident. The civil and the religious community were one, almost to a man. Prayer went up from the town-meeting and the church con- ference alike.
It is a common saying, that for the settlement of New England, three kingdoms were sifted. On a smaller scale, we may say, that for the settlement of this place, the mother town was sifted. The choicest grains of wheat were trans- planted to the south side of Manhan river. In one respect this was certainly true. As a matter of course, the young . men of most enterprise and character. would commence a new plantation. Several inefficient individuals tried the ex- periment, but soon went back to the comfortable dwellings and rich meadows at Northampton. It was really a removal involving great hardship. It is exceedingly difficult for us to realize the severity of the privations, which must have been endured. In several respects a removal to Wiskonsan now, would incur less self-denial. It would be somewhat like a residence, at the present time, on the borders of Florida. The burning of Deerfield, the butchery a: Bloody Brook, the rough scenes at Sudbury, Brookfield and other places, were
39
fresh in the recollection. The forest, for eight or ten miles, was almost unbroken. The roads and bridges were few in number, and poor in construction. Convenient modes of conveyance were the invention of a much later period. The country, too, was involved in almost constant war. There were hardly ten years, of what might be termed peace, from the time in which this town was settled, till 1782. The French and Indian wars had not ceased, before the encroach- ments of Great Britain on her colonies had commenced. With the return of peace, after the Revolution, prosperity did not return. The distresses were greater than ever, until the Federal Constitution was adopted. The first half century of the existence of this town was, therefore, a period demanding constant self-denial, and often large and heavy contributions. Yet all these burdens were borne without a murmur. Taxes were cheerfully submitted to, which would now require an armed force to collect. Thirty families, -a population smaller and poorer, than some of the present school-districts,- cut down the forests, erected dwellings, built a house for the service of God, gave a liberal salary to a minister, defended themselves against the Indians, sent their minute-men to al- most every battle-field of three wars, from Louisburg to the White Plains ; and when all were over, had nothing to con -. sole themselves with but heavier taxes and continental money !
Surely such ancestors are entitled to our reverential regard. Nobly they bore up, under their complicated difficulties. We can do nothing less than record, in our poor manner, their heroic deeds, and their calm and christian fortitude.
Heartfelt thankfulness is due, also, to the beneficent Pro- vidence that sustained them, and made them what they were. We have entered into their labors. We are reaping the fruits of that seed which they sowed in blood. Our in- heritance was hard-earned. It is the fruit of care-worn and sleepless vigilance ; of toil and sacrifice of which we have
40
but feeble conception. We are stewards of God's mani- fold gifts. We are living on the character and prayers of those who went before us. They supplied sterling capital for their children, and their childrens' children.
Let us act, therefore, in no mercenary spirit ; rioting on bounties which we had no agency in procuring ; enjoying privileges, which come to us, like the light of Heaven, un- solicited. When we speak of what our fathers did-of the civil and religious institutions which they contributed to plant, we do not use idle words. They have a meaning which our indolent minds and our insensible hearts are not apt to compreliend nor feel. When the acknowledgement of the independence of the United States was wrung from George the Third, he said, that he hoped, that the experiment, which we were going to try. would prove successful ; but he did not believe that constitutional liberty could be enjoyed, except in connection with a monarchical government. A
trial of sixty years has shown that George the Third was mistaken. Our system of government has attained that per- fection, that we do not perceive its movement. We spend months, it may be, hardly conscious that we live under any legal restraint,-all things move on so noiselessly. Every man, almost, is a law unto himself. It is only on rare occa- sions, that the slumbering statute shows itself. We are pro- tected by its invisible shield. We need to be transported, for a few weeks, into Austria or Spain. in order to realize, in any proper degree, the extent of our privileges. A short ex- perience in cither of those countries would give some energy to our gratitude, some sincerity to our thanksgiving. We are accustomed lazily to bless God, that we may meet together on the Sabbath unmolested. Were we in Scotland, this mo- ment, perhaps the most favored country in Europe, we might change our note of praise into earnest entreaty, that God . would not permit our dearest religious privileges to lie at the mercy of some godless politician, or worldly-minded court.
41
Yes, a solemn trust is put into our keeping. We are bound by every motive, which can touch the heart of man, to be faithful to it, and transmit it untarnished, to those who who shall come after us. If we could open the graves of a hundred years, and interrogate the sleepers there, what voices of encouragement, what notes of expostulation should we hear ! all urging us to the performance of our duty, warning us by their failures, animating us by their own noble deeds. An assembly, greater than that which now hears me, would, if the veil, which hides the invisible world, were, for a mo- ment, withdrawn, speak to us in tones such as only the dead can use.
Say not that you are a little community, but one out of three hundred in a great Commonwealth ; that it matters little what course you take. Your influence, as an organized society, or, as individuals, can be but slight. Whatever be your course, others will not be much affected by it.
Such was not the way in which our sainted progenitors reasoned. The men, from whom we claim descent, talked and acted in no such selfish style. They were filled with concern for their distant posterity. They laid foundations, which, if we are not wickedly degenerate, will last for ages. Out of their deep poverty, the riches of their liberality abounded towards us their children.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.