USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Beverly > An address delivered in the First Parish, Beverly, October 2, 1867 : on the two-hundredth anniversary of its formation > Part 7
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" I hold that this bill contemplates, and will if it becomes a law constitute, a radical and vital change in the policy on which the union of these States was originally formed, and by which its affairs have been administered throughout its entire history. It will be an aban- donnent of the course that has been pursued from the first. The country will swing from her moorings, and we shall embark, with all the precious interests, all the glorious recollections, and all the magnificent prospects of this vast republican empire, upon an un- traversed, unknown, and it may well be feared stormy, if not fatal, sea. Heretofore the South has profited by our divisions. Those divisions have arisen, to a great degree, from the restraining and embarrassing influence of a sense of obligation on our part to adhere to the engagements and stand up to the bargains made by the fathers, and renewed, as I have shown, by each succeeding generation. But let those engagements be violated ; let those bargains be broken by the South, on the ground of unconstitutionality, or any other pre-
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tence, - from that hour the North becomes a unit and indivisible ; from that hour 'Northern men with Southern principles' will dis- appear from the scene, and the race of dough-faces be extinct for ever. I do not threaten. I pretend to no gift of prophecy. Any man can interpret the gathering signs of the times. All can read the hand- writing on the wall. The very intimation that the Missouri Com- promise is proposed to be repealed by Southern votes, in defiance of the protest of four-fifths of the Northern representatives, has rallied the people of the free States as they have never been rallied before. Their simultaneous and indignant protests pour in upon your table, in petitions, resolutions, and remonstrances, without number and without end. They are repeated in popular assemblages, from the seashore to the Rocky Mountains ; and in the newspaper press of all parties, and all creeds, and all languages. You have united the free States at last, by this untimely, unprovoked, and astounding proposal. If you execute it by the passage of this bill, they willbe united for ever in one unbroken, universal, and uncompromising resistance of the encroachments of the slave-power everywhere and at all points, whether north or south of 36° 30'. Their unalterable determination is heard over the whole breadth of the land, pro- claiming, in thunder tones, What has been pledged to freedom shall be free for ever.
" If you pass the bill, or if it is defeated in spite of the combined Southern vote, there will be an end of all compromises. Some of them may remain in the letter of the Constitution, but it will be a dead letter ; their moral force will be gone for ever. The honorable member from South Carolina intimated that perhaps it would be well to abandon the policy of compromises, and for the two great conflict- ing interests to meet face to face, and end the matter at once. I have suggested the reasons why, heretofore, I have contemplated such an issue with reluctance. But if the South say so, so let it be."
But I have trespassed too long on your patient listening, and must hasten to gather and present the events and thoughts which could not properly be omitted on the present occasion. They fall chiefly within the compass of the passing century. The ministry of Abiel Abbot commenced in 1803. I hardly need sketch, or attempt to sketch it, - so familiar is it to many of you, fathers and mothers, who have told it from your per- sonal experience, better far than by me it could be described
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or narrated, to your children. Born and bred under Christian influences, with a heart to receive and improve them, he may be said to have been a minister of religion from and by birth ; even as the poet proverbially is born, not made, - nascitur, non fit. His ministerial course here, as I have learned more and more of it, has seemed to me to picture an all but Elysian pastor's life. With the delights of an intellectual, refined, religious, and happy home; a parish composed of great varieties in culture and social condition, with all which he had the good sense and right feeling to be in cordial sympathy ; with ready and unfailing tact to adapt himself to all conditions and circum- stances, " his whole manner so informed with the grace of a kindly and persuasive wisdom;" in his own or other pulpits always acceptable and welcome; an acknowledged light, guide, and ornament of society; regarded among his parishioners, townsmen, and the community the friend and pillar of learn- ing, virtue, and religion, - how could his position be otherwise than most desirable, and, if envy might be supposed to intrude, be more enviable ? An instance of his readiness of resource at this moment occurs to me. When called to preach in a neigh- boring parish, where one of those unfortunate jars, which will sometimes occur in the best-regulated choirs, had happened, he found the singers' seats wholly vacated. After reading the hymn, he announced the tune, invited the congregation to join him in it, and led off in the singing, followed by such numbers and with such effect, that the choir, if only for fear that their occu- pation would be gone, concluded to return, change their discord to harmony, and take their usual part in the afternoon service. In Sprague's " Annals of the American Pulpit," that monument of industry, of talented and liberal research, it is mentioned by the author himself, that he was witness of the effort made by Abbot when the Consociation of Connecticut had his brother on trial and decided on deposing him ; and pronounces his man- agement of the case and final argument to rank among the best instances of knowledge of ecclesiastical law, and ability in its illustration and enforcement. No man could be, more sincerely and earnestly than he was, a lover of peace. Yet
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commotions, disturbing causes, and contests, neither few nor small, were embraced within the time of his ministry. During a portion of it, there was bitter strife between political parties : there was the embargo under Jefferson's, and the war with Great Britain under Madison's, Administration, - both of which bore very heavily on this commercial and seafaring population. Controversy on religious topics also broke out, and was pursued with great warmth and vigor, not to say violence. It arose naturally, inevitably, from radical differences of opinion among those whom we are bound to believe equally sincere and earnest followers of Christ and of God. If he of whom I am speaking, amid the din of theological disputation, were of the number who strove to hush it, and cried peace when there was no peace, it must be attributed in no small part to his peace-loving spirit, and furthermore to a circumstance by no means to be left out of the account, - that a respectable minority of his parish, between whom and himself there existed strong per- sonal regard and attachment, differed from the great majority and from him, by being Trinitarian and Calvinistic.
Above all was he a lover of the profession which, together with its objects, he had from his youth espoused, - which he adorned, in the discharge of the duties of which he delighted, and to which he gave his best energies. When, in the midst of his labors and usefulness, he was arrested by disease, and ad- monished to seek the restoring influence of a milder clime, among his last words before quitting - as the event proved for ever-his dearly loved home, were these, uttered to an intimate professional friend : "I believe the hour of my departure is at hand, - how near I cannot say ; but not far distant is the time when I shall be in the immediate presence of my Maker. This impression leads me to look back upon my life, and in- wardly upon my present state. In the review, I find many things to be humble and penitent for, and many things to fill me with gratitude and praise. I have, I trust, the testimony of my heart, that my life, my best powers, my time, and my efforts have, in the main, been sincerely given to God and mankind." His publications consist of two volumes of sermons, a catechism,
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several occasional discourses, and a posthumous volume of letters from Cuba ; which last, written under failing health, addressed to the endeared members of his family household, pervaded by love and correct appreciation of the beautiful and true in nature or human character, showing careful observation and nice dis- crimination between the good and bad, and devout recognition, throughout, of the God over all and in all, - so altogether genial, affectionate, pious, and delectable, that it has struck me, as I doubt not it has some of you, - like the notes attributed to the dying swan, - as among the sweetest and best of his produc- tions.
It was during his pastorship that the first Sunday school, as that institution now exists and is conducted, was founded in connection with this parish. This was in 1810, nearly sixty years ago. Two young ladies, Misses Prince and Hill, com- menced the good work by collecting, on the sabbath, poor and neglected children, to whom they imparted religious instruction, and whom at least they hoped and helped to rescue from temp- tation and harm. In this good enterprise they received the cordial co-operation of the pastor and other influential friends. So interesting and attractive did they make it, and so popular did it quickly become, that the more, not less than the least, favored children and youths gladly came forward to partake of its benefits ; and it soon grew to be an adopted and favorite foster-child of the parish. Within a few years, the example thus afforded was copied into neighboring societies ; and now, in not much more than half a century, has come to be univer- sally established, and to be regarded, next to the church, a mighty lever with which to move the world. We, who are or have been inhabitants of this town, have been accustomed, not without some show of reason, to pride ourselves on several first things that are interwoven with its history. The first vessel, which, at the commencement of the Revolution, unfurled the Continental flag, and went forth, in defiance of British domina- tion, to brave the mistress of the seas, sailed hence. Here the infant American navy was born and cradled ; William Bartlett, after whom one of your pleasantest streets is named, having
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been the first commissioned navy agent. Here the first cotton- factory in America was established. Here, too, was organized the first lyceum for debate and lectures, which, in some form or another, has spread through the length and breadth of the land. But who of us - certainly not I - will question, that the best first, or first best, whichever way you may please to put it, on which we congratulate ourselves and each other, is - when viewed in all its aspects and bearings on society and the human soul - the parish Sunday school? Of this parent school, Rob- ert Rantoul, so well known and highly esteemed in church and State, - who long, from experience and acknowledged ability, wielded an influence second to that of few, if any, in our State ; and whose name, by the offices he filled and the services he ren- dered in this church and parish, must ever be identified with them, - was the first superintendent, and always the ardent and consistent supporter. Nothing could be more characteristic of the unflagging interest he felt in its objects, and of the spirit of the man, than the following entry in his diary, occasioned by a recent attendance at a sabbath-school convention : -
" The occasion has been one of healthful excitement and enjoy- ment to me. The more than thirty years that I was connected with the Sunday school in this parish, give an example of perseverance in an attempt to do good, however numerous were my shortcomings, that may have its just influence with some others to induce them to hold out and hold on, although the good result of their labors may not be very apparent. Progress, if slow but certain, will ultimately confer its own best reward, in the reflection that we have tried to do good, and that we have persevered in our best endeavors as long as circumstances would justify it. My resolutions are strengthened by this occasion."
And this was written at or near the close of his seventy-eighth year.
Here I must pause. It would ill become me to speak of the ministry which succeeded that of the revered Abbot. For you, and not for me, is it to say how far you were harmonized in doctrine, established in sacred and everlasting truth, led to the observance of the commandments and ordinances; how far, in
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short, under it and by it the great ends of religion have been answered ; namely, the upholding and extending of good insti- tutions, the promotion of piety and pure morals, of universal reform and progress. It will always be to me a pleasant and precious memory, that the sacred trust, which for more than a quarter of a century you reposed in me, was given back with - so far as I know or have heard - no mutual censures or re- proach, but in entire reciprocal concord. Whatever may have been my deficiencies or failures in duty and usefulness, I ac- knowledge with unfeigned sensibility the candid construction and kind judgment you have uniformly hitherto extended to them in my lifetime ; not doubting, moreover, that, when I am gone, those of you who shall survive me will tread lightly on my ashes, and tenderly guard - it may be, cherish - my memory.
What my successor has accomplished and may expect to accomplish, what may be hoped by, for, and of him, in the con- secrated relation you. and he sustain, it might be unseemly in me, before his and your presence, to declare or predict. Still, I will not forbear congratulating him and yourselves on this society's present condition and prospects ; on its union, firmness, and zeal in maintaining what I regard, and from the first advo- cated among you, as the most pure and the best form and doc- trine of Christianity yet attained, - those of Unitarianism ; and now, especially, on the spirit exhibited in the renovated and beautified aspect of this temple ; trusting, at the same time, that you and he will be ever mindful, that the most beauteous and holy of temples on earth is the purified and sanctified soul of man, infinitely exceeding in grandeur and beauty all gracefully turned and lofty arches, all frescoed walls, or material splendor.
We have dwelt much and long, and with, I hope, a pardon- able exultation, on the labors and worth of them who have pre- ceded us. Of our worthy predecessors we may well exclaim, keeping in view also the uncertainties that cast their shadow on all human life and experience, -
" "Tis well with them. But who knows what the coming hour,
Veiled in thick darkness, brings for us ?"
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Amid all shades, however, of uncertainty and vicissitude that may surround the path before us, we should rejoice that duty only is ours, and that events are with God alone. Let us work while the day of life lasts, be it longer or shorter, in well-doing as universal and thorough as may be in our power. Never before, in all the series of ages past, was such a plane afforded for human exertion. Earth and the heavens are all aglow with the light of new discoveries, new means of physical, intellectual, moral, and religious improvement, - with ideas, old and new, of truth, liberty, justice, love, holiness, and heaven. What bet- ter counsel could I, in addressing you of this society collectively, for possibly - I had almost said probably - the last time, leave with you or take to myself, than that we should be faithful to our great trusts, seize the moments of precious privilege as they fly, and improve to the utmost our golden opportunity for the soul's enlargement and elevation, for being and doing good, and so securing for ourselves and many others - how many eternity only can reveal - real and highest felicity ? If only we are true to our high vocation, our sacred obligations, and vast opportuni- ties, act well the sublime part Providence has assigned to us of this generation, we shall live honored and die lamented ; we shall constitute a not inglorious link between the past and com- ing centuries ; our spirit shall be diffused in good influences through the ages that are to come ; and future generations will rise up and call us blessed.
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ORDER OF EXERCISES
ON THE
TWO-HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
first Darish, Beberly.
VOLUNTARY AND CHIORAL.
INTRODUCTORY PRAYER.
ANTHEM.
SELECTIONS FROM THE BIBLE.
ORIGINAL HYMN.
GIVE glory to the Holy One, Who dwelleth not in heaven alone, Nor scorneth humble work well done, Though high exalted is His throne ; To Him our hearts would still upraise A church, a monument of praise.
Defying time, despite all change, And grateful as the dew to flowers, The records of His mercy range O'er all the varied, fleeting hours. While felt His might and owned His sway, Two hundred years have passed away.
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What are we, who so long have known A habitation and a name ? One meek and lowly guide we own, " One God, one faith, one baptism " claim. We gratefully the past review ;
Our God is love, and ever true.
MARY E. WORSLEY.
PRAYER.
ORIGINAL HYMN. -
" Lo, I am with you alway even to the end." - MATT. xxviii. 20.
E'EN to the end, the Master said, I will be with you; and to-day The Church responds to her great Head, Thou hast been with us, Lord, - alway.
Alway - through these two hundred years, Alway - upon this holy ground Made sacred by the feet of saints, Who their eternal rest have found.
Alway - to keep undimmed the faith, The blessed faith we have in thee, Alway - to make its heaven-born truth More broad, more beautiful, and free.
Through time and change, through life and death, We still upon thy promise stand, Strong in Thy strength, as stood of yore The fathers of our sainted band.
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Like them, we scek to wash our robes ; Like them, to do our Master's will. God grant us faith and hope and love, And Thy abiding presence still.
EMILY O. KIMBALL.
HISTORICAL ADDRESS, BY REV. C. T. THAYER, OF BOSTON. - DOXOLOGY. "FROM ALL THAT DWELL BELOW THE SKIES."
- BENEDICTION.
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After the services at the Church, an elegant and sumptuous dinner, at which Dr. W. C. BOYDEN presided, was served at the Town Hall; and the festivities of the occasion were continued with animated and interesting remarks by various gentlemen of the Parish and from abroad, singing by the choir, and the reading of a poem.
The following original Hymn was sung in the course of the afternoon : -
THE sea made music to the shore Two hundred years ago ; To weary pilgrim ears it bore A prelude deep and low.
They gathered, in the Autumn calm, To their new house of prayer, And softly rose their Sabbath psalm, A blessing on the air.
The ocean took the echo up ; It rang through every tree ; And praise, as from an incense cup, Filled earth and sky and sea.
They linger yet upon the breeze, The hymns our fathers sung ; They rustle in the wayside trees, And give each leaf a tongue.
The murmuring sea is burdened yet With music's mighty pain ; . No fitting chorus men have set To that great organ-strain.
When human hearts are tuned to Thine, Whose voice is in the sea, Life's moaning waves a song divine Shall swell, O God, to Thee !
LUCY LARCOM.
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