USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Bradford > Discourse, delivered in the East Parish in Bradford, December 22, 1820, two hundred years after the first settlement in New England, containing a history of the town > Part 5
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6. The people have not only had houses for public worship, they have had ministers of the Lord also, to lead in the services of these sanctuaries. Very few years, I believe, hardly seven in the whole, since 1668, have passed, but the people have beheld their teacher. And even during the short intervals which have passed, between the removal of one and the settlement of another pastor, the pulpits have been so supplied, that for 170 years, hardly a sabbath has passed, but the word of God has been read and explained in the public congrega- tions of the people, and I shall be supported by all who have knowledge on the subject, when I say for the most part, by those too, who were able to teach and willing to wait on the things of the ministry. If there is any advantage then in the constant enjoyment of an able and faithful ministry, this town has had it as fully, I presume, as any other town in the Commonwealth. What improvement, individuals have made of the price thus put into their hands to get wisdom, must be left to the decision of the great day. That there are real and substantial benefits connected with the ministry of the word and ordinances, is as certain as the word of God and the history of the church can make it. Both the word of God and the history of ages, teach us that, faith cometh by hearing, and that by the foolishness of preaching, it pleases God, to save those that are lost. The records of our churches bear evidence, that this or- dinance of the Lord has not been in vain in this place.
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For previous to the separation of the town into parishes, there were 399 gathered into the visible church ; since that time, 333 have been added to the church in the west parish, 542 to that in this, making 1284 in all. While the town worshipped together, there were 837 baptized, since that 1175 have been served with this ordinance in the west parish ; and if our calculations concerning the number baptized by Mr. Dutch, be correct, something more than 1000 in this, making together more than 3000. Of those who have made profession of religion, about 1100 had received the ordinances of baptism in infancy, the remainder, amounting to about 184. were baptized upon profession. And now, in review of these facts, let us, with the full impression of the immense value of souls upon our minds, ask ourselves, whether the hope- ful piety of 1284 persons, who actually professed reli- gion, together with those who may have obtained a sav- ing interest in Christ, but did not, from various causes, unite outwardly with his visible kingdom, and also the baptism of nearly half of all who have lived and died in this place, is not more than a hundred fold reward for all the expense the town has been at, to support the wor- ship and ordinances of God. Or even, if you suppose, many may have professed the name of Christ, who not- · withstanding, had not received him into their hearts, would not those who remain after all the deductions that you can think ought to be made, be a more than full return for all that has been done in this place, to pro- mote the salvation of souls.
7. And to the question, What profit is there in baptism ? do not the records of our churches reply as an apostle did in relation to another ordinance, whose real design bore a striking resemblance to this ? Much every way. Above one third of all, who have in this town been serv- ed in carly life with this ordinance, have in mature age
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made a profession of faith in Christ in some of our churches. It is known also that many, who received this ordinance in this place, have professed Christ in other towns to which they had in the providence of God re- moved. Above three hundred are still living, concern- ing whom, both the promises of God and the past history of our churches, justify us in the hope, that many of them will, at some time, do better things than to continue in un- belief. While from among a greater number, who had not this seal of the covenant put upon them, something short of two hundred have in after life confessed Christ before men. I make these observations in relation to facts connected with the history of redeeming love in this place-facts too, which call for the serious con- sideration of all who make the things of religion the subject of their concern ; bearing, in my own breast, at the same time feelings of good will towards those who differ from me, in regard to the requirement of God respecting the proper subject of this ordinance. And I hope I shall be believed when I say, it is my earnest prayer that all in this place, who love the Lord Jesus Christ, may really love one another, and so doing we shall have reason to hope, if in any thing we be differently minded, God will, in due time, reveal even this unto us.
8. But when we have the greatest reason to thank God because so much good has resulted from the enjoyment of his ordinances in this town, we have also reason for the deepest regret that so many have apparently neglect- ed this salvation. The whole number, who have lived and died or do still live in this town, according to the best counting I can make, is about 7000, of whom, as we have already mentioned, 1284 have made open profes- sion of having obtained a saving interest in the Lord Jesus Christ. If we should reduce this number, by tak- ing from it all, who may have been suspected of having
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a name to live, while they were really dead, and compare what are left with those, who made no pretentions to re- ligion, and those the world judged to have none, what a striking illustration shall we have of the words of the Saviour, That wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be that go in there- at ; while strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life and few there be that find it. A num- ber may be considerable in itself, and yet comparatively small, and such is the case in relation to those, who have in this town professed an interest in Christ ; 1284 persons gathered into his visible kingdom, and in charit- able hope saved from wrath through him, is such a display of divine goodness and such an overflowing return for all that has been done here to promote his cause, we can nev- er sufficiently adore His unspeakable grace, whose Spirit has done all this. And yet how lamentable to reflect, a number five fold greater have neglected the offers of salva- tion. Does it not, my friends, seem strange, that so ma- ny, who lived before you, with all the advantages they enjoyed for acquainting themselves with God so as to be at peace with him ; advantages too, which others im- proved to their salvation, should notwithstanding con- tinue impenitent and unbelieving ; and is it not equally strange that you, who are this day without faith, should walk in the same way of unbelief. Your advantages for attending to the concerns of your souls are great, and your opportunities for religious instruction numerous ; what reasons then have you for thus neglecting the offers of recovering mercy and pardoning grace ? Or what is there in your case, which in the place of torment will prove any such alleviation to your sufferings as to justify you in the present neglect of this great salvation. The space afforded you to make your peace with God is . passing swiftly away. Consider the former generations.
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Our fathers, where are they ? Four generations since the settlement of this town all sleep the sleep of death. Of the fifth, but here and there one remains to tell us of the years that are past, while those of the sixth pass for old men and old women among us .- And the prophets, do they live for ever ? Six, who have ministered here in holy things, have been gathered to the fathers, all but one of whom slumber in the same ground with those who received instruction from their lips. These all rest from their labours, and their works have followed them. And you, my friends, will soon sleep in the same dust. Give all diligence then to make your calling and election sure. For though they sleep, though the earth has received them out of our sight, and the grave has closed upon them, the Lord hath his eye upon them, counts their numbers, weighs all their dust in a balance, writes all their mem- bers in his book ; not a part will be lost, not an individ- ual will be overlooked, not one be left unrecovered from the ground ;- they will all rise and come forth out of their graves, and you will rise also and come forth out of your graves, and we shall all meet at the judgment seat of Christ. At that time and at that place, you will meet with all, whose names have been called to recollec- tion this day, and all, who have lived in this town, and indeed with all, who have lived in all other towns, states and kingdoms. What a solemn and interesting day ! 'The Judge of quick and dead will then be upon his seat, the books open, the trumpet sounding, the uni- verse assembling. Towns and parishes, their pastors as their leaders, in company approaching the final tribunal ; heaven and hell, the everlasting dwellings of the right- eous and the wicked, in view, and nothing remaining but the awful sentence to be pronounced, and the condition of all is fixed for ever-
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"A point of time, a moment's space, Removes us to yon heavenly place, Or-locks us up in hell."
My friends, is it not prudent to prepare beforehand for this solemn, interesting day : and, since all your ac- tions are written in the book of the chronicles kept in heaven, to see that your names are also recorded in the book of life.
NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM FALLING AND TO PRESENT YOU FAULTLESS BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY WITH EXCEEDING JOY, TO THE ONLY WISE GOD OUR SAVIOUR BE GLORY AND MAJESTY, DOMINION AND POWER BOTH NOW AND FOR EVER .- AMEN.
ERRATA.
Page 8, 7th line from the top, for 1700, read 1750.
Page 15, 3d line from the top, for have been given orders, read orders have been given.
Page 53, 2d line from the top, for to January this year, read in January that year.
APPENDIX,
Containing a number of interesting facts, some omitted by mistake in copying the discourse for the press, others of such a nature, as could not well be introduced into the body of the discourse, and a few not known at the time. 1. The first person born in Rowley, on record, was Ed- ward Carlton, born 1639, ancestor of those of that name in this town. The other persons born this year, were Thomas Migall, ancestor of the first Mrs. Dutch, Jona- than Lambert, Jonathan Remmington, and Mary Jack- son. William Tenny, the great grandfather of our Deacon Tenny, was born 1640, and was chosen Deacon in 1667 ; and it is a circumstance worthy of notice, that there have been in our churches of his descendants, per- sons bearing that office, from that time to the present day ; and several of the same family have held the same office in other churches. In October 1639, Robert and Anna Haseltine were married ; the first couple on record. November 14, 1682, Anah widow of Robert Haseltine and Anah widow of Thomas Hardy, were received into the church in this town ; and were as a note attached to the church records by Mr. Symmes, informs us, the first received by confession. The first birth record- ed in this town, is that of Martha Wilford, daughter of Gilbert Wilford, born January 18th, 1671. The first death recorded, is that of John Simmonds, son of John Simmonds, July 20th, 1671. The first marriage, is that of William Hardy and Ruth 'Tenny, May 3d, 1678. The first person baptized, was Hannah, daughter of John and Hannah Boynton, December 11th, 1682.
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2. The following persons have held the office of Dea- con in this town.
Time of appointment. Names.
Deceased.
Age.
David Haseltine,
Woodman,
1712
Richard Bailey,
1712
Samuel Tenny,
1718
Hall.
While the town worshipped to- gether.
IN THE WEST PARISH.
1728
Moses Day,
1730
Thomas Kimball,
1730
Thomas Carlton,
1745
David Walker,
1750
Moses Day,
1754
Stephen Kimball,
1762
Obediah Kimball,
1797
Richard Walker,
1804
John Griffin,
1806
John Hasseltine.
IN THE EAST PARISH.
1727
Richard Bailey,
1728
William Hardy,
died 1747. aged 81
1747
Jonathan 'Tenny,
1759 1764
Timothy Hardy,
Obt. 1777, small pox.
1764
Phillip Tenny,
Obt. 1783. aged 77
1777
William Balch,
1779
Thomas Tenny,
Phineas Carlton,
1797 William Tenny,
1804 Daniel Stickney,
1806 Thomas Morse.
It is apprehended this is considerably short of a full catalogue of those who have held the office of Deacon in this town, particularly of those who were in office be- fore the town was divided into parishes. Such is the writing of the first Mr. Symmes, I have not been able
Nathaniel Jewett,
removed to Hollis.
Joseph Hall,
---
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yet to decypher but a part of the records made by him, and since his day there must have been a deficiency in record- ing the names of those called to the office of Deacon, as I have found from enquiry, the names of some who are not upon record, or I have been so unfortunate, after repeated search, as not to notice them. In the conclusion of this article, it becomes my pleasing duty to remark, that, from all the enquiry that I have made, and from the evidence afforded by the records of the church, there is the greatest reason to believe, that most or all who have been appointed to this office, have been men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, who used the office of a Deacon well.
March the 18th, 1718, Richard Bailey and Samuel Tenny, were, agreeably to the recommendation of the Cambridge platform, appointed to the office of ruling Elders. Of the former of these I have no particular knowledge, farther than what may safely be inferred from a declaration which Mr. T. Symmes has left on record, as what he himself said to the church when as- sembled to appoint persons to this office ; " that he would be content if they would appoint the two aged deacons to the office of Elders," of whom Mr. Bailey was one. Of Elder Tenny, who was the other, and who upon the division of the town into parishes, was appointed to the same office in this church, it would be easy to write a considerable of a volume, filled with interesting circum- stances. He was, I apprehend, both by nature and grace, one of the most distinguished men this town has ever produced ; and as he grew old, was truly patri- archal. The old people, now living, who knew him in some of his last years, recollect with pleasure and thank- fulness, the good instruction he gave them in early life. He could write in short hand, and was in the habit of taking off the sermons he heard, and used to spend the
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intermission ou sabbath days, in reading these over to the people who stayed at the meeting-house, in praying with them, and in communicating to them good and wholesome instruction. As he deserved, so he received the respect and confidence of the town, being in most of its concerns, preferred to those offices which were con- sidered the most respectable or involved the greatest trust. One anecdote I shall record not because it is the most interesting that might be presented, but because it may be instrumental in calling the attention of some, especially of the rising generation, to a circumstance which perhaps they do not sufficiently think of. The old gentleman had a plum tree stading by the road a little out of sight from the house, which on a certain year, bore pretty fully ; about the time these were ripe, a young man of the neighbourhood passing by and think-". ing no one was in sight, gave the tree a shake and then with great haste went to picking up the plums which fell to the ground. At this moment the old gentleman providentially came out. But before he had said any thing, the young man under all the embar- rassment of the moment, began to make his excuse and plead as an apology for what he was doing, that he had shaken the tree but once. To which the old gentleman made this simple reply. that if every one should do the same, that he himself should not be able to shake even once. This reply, while it suggests an in- teresting truth, is said to have had a most salutary effect upon the youth. And I hope that its repetition here may serve, as one inducement among many others, to prevent the rising generation from exposing themselves to the chagrin which this transgressor must have experienced. Elder Tenny's house was just below Mr. Nathaniel Wallingfords.
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3. The town's expense in 1720, was 601. 16s. 4d. in 1820, 9001. average for the ten years past, 2700 dollars. From which circumstance may be known, in some de- gree, the increase of wealth in this place, for the last hundred years. It does not appear that the tax now is greater according to the value of property than it was then.
The average expense for maintaining the poor, the last 10 years, has been 839 dollars.t.
The following circumstance will give' some idea of the increase in the value of land. Before Thomas Kim- ball moved into this town, probably about the year 1660 or a little after, he was driving a herd of cattle through on his way to Haverhill or Hampstead, when he was met by one of the land holders in this place, probably
Haseltine, who offered to take his cattle at a generous price, and to let him have land upon the river at eight pence an acre in exchange.
4. First Settlers .-- This town was at first laid out in lots, running from the river to what is now called the Rowley line. These lots were of different widths, but the boundaries of most of them are easily discovera- ble by the course of the fences. And a sufficient num- ber of them are still in the possession of the descendants of the first inhabitants, to give any one much acquainted in town, an idea sufficiently accurate of the place where the first people lived, and the land they occupied. We will repeat their names in order, beginning at the east end of the town. These were Joseph Richardson, Jonas Platts, John Hopkinson, Joseph Bailey, Edward Wood, * Benjamin Savory, William Hutchens * Ezra Rolf, Samuel Tenney, Frances Jewett, Samuel Woo.
t Since the writing of this discourse, the town has purchased a house and farm for the use of the poor, where it is presumed they will be made more comfortable, and the expense of maintaining be less than formerly.
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ster. His lot was the one on which Mr. William Balch now lives. Next to this was that of Samuel Stickney. Then followed that of * John and * William Hardy, brothers ; who it is said came into this country in the family of Gov. Winthrop as labourers. But he, not find- ing business for them, gave them at first land in Ipswich, but as they did not like the soil, he gave them leave to come to this town, and furnished them with their patent. Their house stood just back of Mr. David Mardin's, where the cellar may now be seen. Next to them was the Phillips Patent, settled by Abraham and Dan- iel Parker, cousins ; the former born in Rowley, the other from Chelmsford. Their house stood almost in the same place that Mr. Stephen Parker's well now occu- pies. Next to them was the Carleton Patent. They lived near the Mills described before. Then was the Haseltine Patent extending from near the mouth of John- son Creek to Chadwick's Ferry, and was settled by Thomas Kimball, whose place of residence we have al- ready described, * William Jackson, * David Haseltine, Shubel Walker, * Abraham Haseltine and Capt.
Woodman. Then followed the lots of Thomas West, whose house stood near where Abijah Gage now lives, and that of John Boynton, and John Griffin. Next to them and extending to Andover line, was the patent of John Day, whose house was the fourth built in the West Parish. On his lot were three original settlers, beside himself, * Nehemiah Carleton, * Richard Hale and * Alexander Campbell. The land on the Neck, so called, was pa- tented to * Phillip Atwood and John Head. Abraham Gage. John Annis and Samuel Kimball settled with them.
5. The following are the names of Physicians, who have resided in this place. It is not known that they
Note. It is not absolutely certain though highly probable that the christian names having this mark * are correct.
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stand in the order of life. Bailey, John Bishop,
from Ireland, Ezekiel Chace, Benjamin Muzzy, John Tenny, who died with the small pox, Seth Jewett, Eli- jah Proctor, Manley Hardy, Ebenezer Jewett died in 1817, and Dr. Benjamin Parker and Jeremiah Spofford, the present practioners.
6. There is a Post-office in this town opened in 1811, and was granted at the instance of Benjamin Parker, Esq. Such are the arrangements at present in this office, that the people in both Parishes are almost as well accommo- dated as though there was one in both places.
7. In addition to the mechanics already enumerated, we ought to mention, that the town is well furnished with well-taught carpenters, blacksmiths, masons and paint- ers. And indeed with tradesmen of almost every descrip- tion, whose personal services are needed in common life, and it is with real satisfaction, that I add, that the most of them are men of industrious habits and sober lives.
8. Peat, and of a very good quality, abounds in this town. Large and increasing quantities of it are cut every year. And such is the extent of the meadows, that there is the fullest reason to believe, people of many genera- tions will be supplied with good fuel without any considerable advance from the present price. It is more- over the opinion of good judges on the subject, that the quantity of wood has not diminished but rather increas- ed for the 30 years past. And a few, among whom is Mr. Daniel Spofford, have commenced the cultivation of wood, by sowing, on suitable land, acorns, walnuts, &c. an example, which it will undoubtedly be wise for those to follow who have rough and waste land.
The soil in this town is, as has been observed, gener- ally good ; it is also much benefitted by the large quan- tities of salt hay, which are yearly brought into town ; but its produce might still be greatly increased by the
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proper use of Plaster of Paris. And it is not a little sur- . prising, after what is known on the subject, that this arti- cle is so little used in this town and vicinity. I have found itof the greatest service in my garden. It is well known that Mr. David How, of Haverhill, who so far as the cultivation of land is concerned, is not only one of the greatest but best farmers in this part of the county, makes great use of and finds it of great service. And why should it not be equally beneficial to others, and if so why not use it ?
9. Meeting Houses. When the first meeting-house was built I have not been able to ascertain. It must have been, as appears from circumstances, several years before the first meeting of the town on record. In 1705 a vote passed to build a new meeting house, 48 feet long and 42 broad ; but it was afterwards voted it should be 40 feet wide and 20 feet between plate and sill ; and Capt. David Haseltine, John Chadwick and Ensign Jo- seph Bailey were appointed a committee to inquire about the expense of such a building, and Capt. Haseltine, Cornet Richard Kimball, and John Hutchins a commit- tee to carry on the building.
In 1726, the year the town was divided into parishes, this parish built their first meeting-house. Standing as you all know, but a little distance from the one in which we now worship.
In 1790 the one in which we now worship was built. The committee entrusted with the direction of this were Bradstreet Parker, Phineas Carleton, William Balch, Samuel Adams, Retier H. Parker, Thomas Morse and Peter Russell. The contractors were Phineas Carleton, Ebenezer Hopkinson, Silas Hopkinson, Ed- ward Sargent, and the sum for which they undertook it was £602 8 0 ; and it is no more than justice to say, the plan does great credit to the committee who contrived it,
and the work to those who performed it. It is certainly a very convenient and neatly finished house. I wish I could add, that it was in all respects in that state of per- fect repair which a true regard to beauty and economy really requires.
About the year 1750 those who separated from this Parish bought a meeting-house in Rowley, and moved it into the east part of this town, where they met, for some time, for religious services. This building has since been removed, and is now improved by the Bap- tist society in Rowley.
The west parish built their present meeting-house in 1751. The committee appointed to attend to the build- ing of this were Benjamin Gage, Daniel Thurston, Na- thaniel Gage, Josiah Chandler and Moses Gage.
10. It was observed in the discourse, that this town was always ready and did in reality bear its full pro- portion of the expense and labour of the revolutiona- ry war. . One instance of the remarkable preservation of the lives of those, from this town, in the day of battle, is worthy of being recorded. Capt. Nathaniel Gage, with a company of 40 men from this town was in the Battle at Bunker Hill, and in a place much exposed to the en- emy, an yet not a life was lost. This company had been instructed in military manœuvres by an English deserter who is still living in H -. And was one of the best disciplined and most effective companies engaged in that ever-memorable day.
There was something of a similar preserving provi- dence extended to the company, which marched from this to Stillwater, N. Y. during the French war of 1755, under the command of Capt. William Kimball. All of whom returned again to their own homes in safety. The journal of Capt. K. during this service has been pre- served and is now in the hands of Jesse Kimball, Esq.
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11. There are in the East parish 121 houses ; 165 families ; 131 married couples ; 10 widowers ; 36 wid- ows ; 39 male and 71 female members of the Congrega- tional church, now in the parish. The whole number belonging to the church about 130. 9 Calvinistic Bap- tist professors ; 9 Free-will Baptist professors ; 170 baptised persons not in full communion. About 500 persons under 21; 10 above 80; and 850 in all. In the West parish there are 94 houses ; 97 married coup- les ; 8 widowers ; 24 widows ; 25 male and 35 female members of the Congregational church ; 12 Calvinistic Baptist professors ; 15 Freewill Baptist professors ; about 450 under 21 years ; 8 above 80 ; 800 in all.
And now before I come to a final conclusion, I will take this opportunity to express my obligations to all, who have assisted me in collecting any of the facts con- tained in this discourse, particularly to the old, for the cheerfulness with which they have heard and answered my many inquiries. And I will further observe, however highly I may have esteemed and respected them before, I have, from the intercourse, which the writing of this dis- course has caused me to have with them, found abundant cause still more highly to esteem and respect them, espe- cially when in addition to the wisdom which experience has taught them, their old age is found in the ways of right- eousness. And I do believe, did the youth know what a fund of useful information they have, information too, which can be found only with them, concerning the ways of God and the conduct of men in this town, and the in- teresting manner, in which many of them communicate this knowledge, their company would be sought for as that from which the greatest delight and pleasure were to be derived.
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MAY 75
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
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