USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Warwick > Half-century discourse : a sermon, delivered in Warwick, Mass., Oct. 12, 1864, it being the fiftieth anniversary of the author's ordination as pastor of the First Congregational Church and Society in that town > Part 2
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).
As far as I can ascertain there are only six men and that number of women now living in town, who were members of this society at the time of my settlement and four of the above number, two males and two females are the only survivors of those who then constituted the church *. "The fashion of this world passeth away." When thus we contemplate what a half a century has wrought in removing one after another from the ranks of the living, the question of the prophet comes forcibly home to every heart, " Your fathers where are they ?" Echo replies, " where are they ?" This would be the only an- swer, were it not for the Gospel of Jesus Christ that "hath brought life and immortality to light."
During the existence of this church to the present time fourteen persons have filled the honorable office of deacont- six of these officiated during my Pastorate, and they " used the office well." The importance of this office as regards the welfare of the church may be inferred from the fact that at its institution it was especially directed that " men of prudence and of good report" should be selected to fill it. And the annals of Protestant churches will show that those in distinguished po- sitions have readily served in that capacity that they might
*Appendix N. tAppendix O.
1851352
15
the better serve the interests of religion. It being of Apostolic appointment, it is nearly or quite coeval with that of the christian ministry and they are evidently designed to be associ- ated. One to have in charge the spiritual, and the other the temporal or financial interests of the church.
As carly as 1818 the Sunday school was organized, and Watts' catechism was the first used, and subsequently some others, but after two or three years, it was suspended, not re- ceiving a cordial support, being viewed by many a sectarian innovation. It was resumed in 1827 and became a popular institution, and in connection with the bible class and library, has been an important auxiliary to this religious society. I was very much strengthened in this good work by the aid of a worthy superintendent, (the late J. Blake, Esq.,) and a de- voted band of teachers. This institution when based on the Scriptures as a text-book, may be regarded as the nursery of the church and its value has been so thoroughly tested that no religious society now would be willing to dispense with it. A retrospect of my labor in this department of Pastoral duty is very gratifying and I hope that therefrom there may have been planted some good seed that will yield fruit unto eternal life.
It will undoubtedly be expected that some allusion be made to the formation of the second society in this town, it being a secession from this. I would only say that I regretted to part with those, whom I esteemed as valuable parishioners and friends. Yet, if they could be better edified under a different ministry there could be no objection to their course, though it might at the time, be at the expense of some unpleasant feel- ings. It is not to be expected that in this world, "seeing as we do through a glass darkly," our views on all points of christian doctrine will perfectly harmonize. In accounting for this some allowance is to be made for difference of culture, to education and training under unlike means and influences and to constitutional tendencies. All that can be reasonably re- quired, is, to grant to others the freedom of enquiry and mode
4
1
16
of worship that we claim for ourselves. It is well to bear in mind that however great a divergence there may be in human speculations on certain matters of " doubtful disputation," there is notwithstanding but one true church and " one communion of saints." It is a broad church embracing all " who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." It is a sweet communion, its essence being brotherly kindness and charity.
The Apostle observes that "the world lieth in wicked- ness." This sad truth is known and felt in all its force, even at this distance of time. War, slavery, intemperance, sensu- ality and all kinds of frand, injustice and oppression are the fruits of sin. It is the purpose of the gospel to procure a re- demption from these evils which spread so much desolation and woc. It is termed " the word of reconciliation." This signi- ficantly points out what should be the prime object of the christian ministry, to battle against every form of vice and im- morality, to bring mankind by its persuasive power into har- mony with the divine perfections and the spirit of heaven, and to establish the reign of righteousness, . peace and charity. " Repentance towards God, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," and a future retribution are ever to be urged as seasonable and of supreme importance as preparatory " to walking in newness of life." We ought not to loose sight of these central doc- trines of the gospel, concerning which there is a general agree- ment and which are essential in the formation and growth of the christian character. Much stress is also to be laid on per- sonal religion as the source of inward peace and joy, and as an attainment to this there is the assurance that every sincere effort in this direction will be attended with the divine blessing. " God worketh in us to will and to do of ITis good pleasure" when we are devoted to the interests of the soul.
In reviewing my sermons, I do not perceive that my views on the above and kindred points have experienced any materi- al change, yet increasing inquiry may have modified my senti- ments on matters not so essential, and may also have imparted new light on some parts of scripture. A man must have a
17
fossilized mind not to experience any change in his opinions on many subjects of religious interest during half a century, and especially during a half century in a period of the world's history so distinguished for progress and information. It is not to be supposed that all the truth embodied in the serip- tures has yet been fully apprehended. "God," as the pious John Robinson assured the parting pilgrims, " has more truth to break forth from His holy word." It is the sincere inquirer, in his researches in that inexhaustible treasure, that may hope to make new discoveries.
A ministry to be affective must not ignore the sure founda- tion, which is Christ. We cannot have a christianity of vital power if it be lacking in this element. The apostles made him the corner-stone, on which those churches early planted were to rest, and there must be the same germ in every church and society now to give a spiritual growth and prosperity. Their discourses as recorded in the Acts, their epistles, and especially the teachings of Christ, all are replete with that heavenly knowledge, " which maketh wise unto salvation." Why for- sake the fountain of living water and repair to broken cisterns ? In substituting human wisdom for the divine, and regarding the intuitions of the soul as imparting a light on a par, if not paramount to that of revelation, we are attempting to draw spiritual nourishment from a fallible source. The light within would be dim indeed were it not aided by the reflection of that from above. Should we deem the light of a star sufficient to guide our steps when we could have that of the sun ? Should we not in that case, prefer the greater to the lesser light? Christ is the moral luminary to enlighten the world, and all other lights are but feeble tapers in comparison to Him. "In Him we have the light of life."
In 1836 I prepared and delivered a series of sermons on theology, aiming at a systematic treatise of such doctrinal and practical subjects as are supposed to be taught in the gospel. From the listening-attention they received, I was led to believe that they were acceptable. However that may have been,
18
they were a benefit to myself, as they required a course of in- vestigation, which served as a good mental discipline, and brought me to a more thorough acquaintance with those por- tions of scripture, which define the articles of our faith and the rules of christian duty. The carrying out this plan of sermonizing required no small degree of application, but it was attended with a satisfaction rarely exceeded in the course of my professional studies. From this brief experience, I am in- clined to the opinion that the efforts of the pulpit would be fol- lowed with greater results if more system were observed in the selection of subjects. There is a system in nature, and why should there not be in the treatment of all important doc- trines and duties.
" All are but parts of one stupendous whole."
We speak of the system of Astronomy, of Anatomy, of Geology and of Botany, and are not doctrinal, moral and re- ligious subjects worthy to be treated in a systematic order ? By giving each its prominent place and connection there is more readily discerned the harmonious whole. Christianity when thus presented will exhibit a beauty and symmetry, har- monizing with nature, that will more effectually commend it to the understanding and conscience.
In looking back fifty years we are filled with amaze- ment at the great stride that has been made within that time in the application of science to the various departments of civilized life. When we contrast the present with the state of things then, we can hardly believe that it is the same world. Perhaps within no fifty years since the christian era have the inventive powers of man been so active, and been crowned with so great results. It is certainly a great privilege to have lived in such an age. Dr. Franklin, who did much for the advancement of science, often observed, " how he should like to revisit the earth a hundred years after his death, in order to see what improvements and discoveries had been made in his absence." And in a letter to Dr. Priest- ley he says, " the rapid progress true science now makes oc-
19
casions my regretting sometimes that I was born so soon. It is impossible to imagine the height to which may be carried, in a thousand years, the power of man over matter." Had he lived at the present time his highest flight of imagination in this direction would have been realized.
The inquiry is often made whether it be possible during the next 50 years that the march of mind and discovery will be as great ? We perceive no reason why it should not. There is much yet in the hidden and mysterious laws of nature that "philosophy has not dreamed of." The present attainments in mind and achievements over matter, the boast of the pres- ent age, may be only stepping stones to future and greater progress. God in His providence seems to have raised up and endowed men from age to age with peculiar penetrative and inventive powers to be the essential instruments in the world's advancement. And not least in the progress of this auspicious period is the extension of christianity and its practical appli- cation in the removal or mitigation of much physical privation and suffering. On many of the heathen nations it has lifted its benignant smiles through the agency of missionaries and the scriptures, and in christian lands it has given birth to vari- ous philanthropie institutions, which are daily scattering their blessings. Surely great responsibility rests on those living in such distinguished times to give an impulse to every good ob- ject and to make such advantages subservient to the moral and religious elevation of the race.
The greatest draw-back to the present period, otherwise so highly favored, is this fratricidal war, which has, and is filling our land with suffering and tears; yet this terrible scourge of the nation may be over-ruled for good. "The Lord seeth not as man seeth." It may have been necessary that this nation should be purified of its great sin of slavery, " the sum of all villanies," as by fire. And other national sins, no doubt, de- mand such a retribution as is now grievously experienced. This war in God's hand may be working out for the people a regenerating life. Future generations may speak of it, as we
THE . NEWBERRY LIBRARY A
20
do of that of the Revolution, as having been an unspeakable blessing in purchasing universal freedom and equal rights. But on the present generation it has laid a heavy hand. The good that is hoped to be received from it is bought with a price. It can be safely said that in no age or country has more devoted patriotism been exhibited, or greater sacrifices* been made, or heavier burdens more cheerfully borne in order to preserve a national existence. And in sustaining these heavy burdens the females of our country are entitled to a large share of the credit and praise. They have done and are doing what lies in their power to save the nation. In how many instances has the mother resigned her son that was to be to her the staff of her declining years, and the wife her husband, on whom she leaned for protection, and the betrothed maiden called to weep over the blighting of fondly cherished prospects. Their un- tiring labor's in furnishing comforts for the army has contribut- ed to give great support to our cause, as sympathy and aid from such a source cannot fail to nerve many an arm in battle and mitigate much of the suffering in the hospital. Their good deeds will not fail to be recorded in our country's history.
It gives me pleasure to find that this society is in a prosper- ous condition, steadfast in maintaining the faith and order of the gospel. I could hope that some fruit of my ministry is yet visible. It is exceeding gratifying to me that so many, nurtured under it, are occupying respectable and useful posi- tions both in this town, and in other and distant places, t a most gratifying comment on my past Pastoral labors. I shall ever regard them with parental interest, and I am happy to say that whenever I meet them in the varied walks of life, they ever show me a filial respect.
Be assured, my friends, that I have never forgotten the peo- ple of my early attachment. It is my fervent desire that you may be blessed and happy in your domestic relations and pros- perous and united as a people. May the vine planted by your
*Appendix P. tAppendix Q.
21
fathers receive your fostering care. May you give your min- ister occasion to feel that his labors receive your co-operation to give them a desired success. Refuse not to provide oil for the lamp that gives you light. Let him have substantial evi- dence that he shares your affections and sympathies. Be faith- ful to the great Head of the church by arranging yourselves under his banner, and you will share his promise to his deci- ples that " he will be with them to the end of the world."
This society has entered upon the second century of its ex- istence. Several generations have come and passed away since its formation. May you suitably appreciate the inheri- tance bequeathed to you by a pious and worthy ancestry. " The glory of children are their fathers." It is an honor and a privilege to be able to trace one's lineage to such a source. May you continue to be distinguished for your interests in the education of your youth .* Whatever may be the measure of your material prosperity, you may be assured that the rearing a generation of well educated young men and women is to be regarded as among your most valued interests. A people distinguished for intelligence, morality and religion gives a higher character to a town than anything that can be said of the fertility and production of its soil.
During my twenty years' absence the resistless march of time has made a change in this society that I can readily per- ceive. Many of its present worshipers are strangers to me, yet this does not abate my interest in its prosperity. It gives me pleasure that I can greet so many familiar faces. It be- comes me to thank you for your kindness in inviting me to unite with you on this occasiont so suggestive of tender re- membrances. May it be blessed to our mutual benefit. Hav- ing obtained help of God our lives have been thus prolonged and crowned with many signal blessings, which demand un- ceasing gratitude. Many with whom we have been associated in earlier and later years have, like autumn leaves, fallen on our
*Appendix K.
tAppendix S.
right hand and on our left, and caused a painful void in many a bosom. The dissolution of earthly ties should aid us in our preparations for that life, which has no end. May we all live under a solemn sense of our responsibility and with an earnest devotion to duty that "the spirit itself may bear witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." We are ap- proaching a period when all earthly distinctions will be for- gotten, and where the least christian services will be remem- bered,-when both ministers and people, who have been faith- ful unto the end, "shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
Be pleased, my friends, in conclusion, to accept my parting benediction in the appropriate words of the Apostle-" Finally, brethren, farewell : Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
APPENDIX.
. A .- Names of those members of the church, who, in procession, escorted the Council to the meeting-house.
Isaiah Bangs, Jonas Conant,
Josiah Proetor,
Zachariah Barber,
Nathan Hastings, Medad Pomroy. M. D.,
Abram Barnes,
.
Jonas Leonard, Josiah Pomroy,
Samuel Barnes,
Francis Leonard,
Josiah Pomroy, Jr.,
Jonathan Blake,
Francis Leonard, 2d,
Josiah Smith,
James Blake,
Jonas Leonard, Jr.,
Wilder Stevens,
Jonathan Blake, Jr.
Nathan Leonard,
Nathaniel G. Stevens,
Obadiah Bass, sen.,
Perley Leland,
Nathaniel G. Stevens, Jr.,
William Burnett,
Thomas Mallard,
Ebenezer Stearns,
William Burnett, Jr.,
Caleb Mayo,
Ebenezer Stearns, jr.,
Samuel Bowman,
Samuel Mayo,
Benjamin Tewell,
James Ball,
Mark Moor,
Asa Thayer,
John Ball,
Jonathan Moor, Jr., Daniel Whitney,
Samuel Ball,
Jonathan Moor,
John Whitney,
Benjamin Conant,
Nathan C. Morse,
Joseph Williams,
Asa Conant,
Ebenezer Pierec,
Joseph Williams, Jr.
Benjamin Conant, Jr.,
Peter Proctor,
B .- The names of those who signed the church covenant at the time of its adoption in Dec. 1760 :- Lemuel Hedge, David Ayers, Ebenezer Davis, Ephraim Perry, Ebenezer Prescott, David Barnett, John Farrar, Asa Robbins, Charles Woods, deacon, James Ball, Jeduthan Morse, Amzi Doolittle, Silas Town, deacon. It is presumed that the wives of the persons, whose names are here given as the signers of the church covenant, were also included as the orig- inal members of this church.
C .- The late Prof. Hedge of Cambridge, son of the Rev. Mr. Hedge, informed me that he remembered, when a lad, of going with his father to tend the saw-mill and that his father with much muscular vigor could wield its labors. On a visit to his native town a few years since, he went to the ground onee occupied by the old saw-mill, and found a part of the water-wheel, from which he took a piece and carried home as a choice relic.
D .- This was the opinion of his son, the late Prof. Hedge of Cambridge, from whom I received the impression and on whose authority I was led to make the above statement.
E .- Capt. Peter Proctor, who gave me an account of this out- rage on the person of Mr. Hedge, was one, and probably the leader, of the party, who, on the alarm being given, immediately pursued after and resened him from his captors as they were taking him to Northfield for trial.
F .- The fact of this letter from Mr. Hedge to Gen. Warren, I received from Lieut. Josiah Pomroy, an ardent and tried patriot of the Revolu- tion, and he regarded it as on good authority.
24
G .- The following lines Dr. Pomroy used to repeat to his friends as the expression of his hospitable heart :-
"To my best, my friends are free,- Free with that and free with me, Free to pass the timely joke, And the tube sedately smoke : Free to act and free to think, (No informers with me drink)- Free to stay a night or so, And when uneasy free to go."
13 .- In the early part of Mr. Reed's ministry there were several persons of both sexes, some of whom, I believe, were members of his church and congregation, who became new-lights, and adopted what in modern times is called the "free-love doctrine." They had reached so great perfection, in their own estimation, that they were deluded with the idea that it was lawful to have spiritnal husbands and wives, which of course led to the exchange of partners. If their religion began in the spirit, it ended in the flesh, and resulted in break- ing up and ruining several families, who scattered and left the town for distant parts.
I .- In 1831 Warwick was visited by a dysentery of a very ma- lignant type, which swept off, in about seven weeks, 16 persons old and young. In the families of John Whitney, jr., and Jolm Bowman there was distressing mortality, four dying out of each, within a few days A sister and child of Mr. B. were buried at one time, and the next week Mr. B. and another child were buried at the same time.
IA .- I feel that some particular and honorable mention of the generation here alluded to should be made. There was the sainted Barnes, whose walk was with God. J. Blake, sen. was truly in dress and manners, a gentle- man of the old school. C. Mayo, Esq., noted for his straight forward upright- ness and integrity. Capt. P. Proctor, the unflinching patriot. Capt. M. Moor, the substantial friend of good order; and there were others, too numerous to in- dividualize, worthy citizens and of examplary lives. And women not a few who were mothers in Israel, full of good works and ministrations of merey and kindness.
I .- A few months after my dismission I was invited to Pembroke, where I had a pleasant ministry of four years, and was obliged to resign on ac- count of ill-health.
NE .- Before the present law in this state, which provides a com- mittee to take charge of the district schools, that labor and responsibility de- volved on the town minister. For many years I performed this service and it was no small tax on my time and strength in examining the teachers and doing the visiting of eleven schools. But it was a field of extensive usefulness.
N .- The following are the persons, heads of families, here alluded to : Benjamin Conant and wife, Nat. G. Stevens and wife, David Ball, Joseph Wilson, Eben. Barber, Nathan C. Morse, widow T. Leonard. widow E. Stearns, widow J. Moor, and widow A. Barber. Of those members of the elmrch at my settlement only the following survive: Benj. Conant and wife, Nathaniel G. Stevens and widow E. Stearns; Nathan C. Morse and widow F. Leonard sceeded to the other church.
D .- The names of those who officiated as deacons during the ex- istence of the church to the present time: Charles Woods, Silas Town, James Ball, Benjamin Conant, Caleb Mayo, Eben. Pierce, Samuel Ball, Eben. Stearns, Josiah Proctor, James Blake, Hervey Barber, Joseph Wilson, Danford Tyler, and Edward Mayo.
P .- In no town of like population and means have there been nobler exertions and greater sacrifices in meeting the requirements for suppress- ing this unholy rebellion than in Warwick. Every quota has been promptly filled, and many of her patriotic sons have fallen in battle, or breathed out their
25
devoted lives in the hospital, as precious offerings on the altar of their country. Dulce est pro patria mori.
Q .- For several years in the early part of my ministry I gave instrnetion in the Languages and English branches, but finding it pressing too elosely on my other duties, I relinquished it. The following persons I aided wholly or in part in their preparation for College: J. Goldsbury, S. L. Pom- roy, J. F. Griswold, N. Gould, N. Ball, C. C. Wheaton, F. Smith and A. D. Mayo.
R .- In the winter of 1840, there were twelve young men and several young ladies, natives of the town, employed as school-teachers in town and in other places.
S .- The fitting preparation for and cordial reception tendered to me on the occasion here allnded to were all that conld be desired. I shall carry its pleasant recollections to the latest period of my life.
ORDER OF EXERCISES
AT THE SEMI-CENTENIAL CELEBRATION, AT WARWICK, MASS., OCT. 12, 1864.
1 .- Voluntary, by the Choir.
2 .- Reading of Scriptures, by Rev. J. Goldsbury of Warwick.
3 .- Hymn of Welcome-Original, by Miss M. A. Reed.
Friend and Pastor! Thon who ever Helped to time our lips to praise, We, with willing hearts and voices, Greet thee with glad welcome lays. Ilere thy church, our place of worship, Here the people of thy care; Welcome! welcome! faithful pastor, Lead again our praise and prayer.
Fifty years, with all their changes, Deep inwrought on Time's bright seroll, Here, to-day, on Memory's tablet, Gently, backward, seem to roll. Once again, we seem to see thee, As by Christ-like faith sustained, In thy manhood's strength and vigor, To thy life's great work ordained.
Girded with the Christian's armor, Thy great mission just begun, Through long years of patient labor Still we see thee pressing on : Guiding erring feet from danger, Telling weary ones of rest ; Leading onward, pointing upward, To the haven of the blest.
مواقيت طيع كلوب أحصيد
26
Fifty years ! where are the faces That were wont to greet us! where? Where the voices wont to mingle, In our praise, and in our prayer? They, like autumn leaves, are scattered, Some afar, on Life's broad sea, Some, in foremost ranks of battle, Some, AT HOME, oh God! with Thee.
Fifty years, dear, christian pastor, One by one, swift cireling round, Have THY life with bright-hued glories Of Life's autumn, RICHLY CROWNED. Soon, thy weary steps will linger, Close beside our Father's door, Then thon'lt hear a GLORIOUS WELCOME On that happy, Heavenly shore.
4 .- Prayer, by Rev. J. F. Moors of Greenfield.
5 .- Hymn, from Greenwood's collection, read by Rev. S. Barber.
6 .- Sermon.
7 .- Prayer, by Rev. A. Harding of New Salem.
8 .- Farewell Hymn-Original, by Miss M. A. Reed.
Thy mission well fulfilled, True servant of the Lord ; Thy "good seed sown on fruitful soil," Shall bring thee rich reward.
O, Holy Father, hear Our hearts' united prayer : May our loved pastor, here on earth, Thy richest blessings share.
O, Holy Father, grant, When from his loved employ Thou call'st him home, he may find rest In realms of holy joy.
So, when this life is o'er, And all his labors cease, Unelose thy pearly gates, and grant Him joy, and rest and peace.
Dear pastor, fare-thee-well ! May we, a christian band, All join in holy praise with thee, In Heaven, at God's right hand.
9 .- Benediction, by Rev. I. S. Lincoln, the present Pastor.
After the services in the church there was a collation in the vestry at which there were remarks by both Clergymen and laymen, closing with Dismission Hymn.
The church was very tastefully decorated with flowers and emblems appropri- ate to the occasion.
I 28444957 8
#வாக
MAY 75
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
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.