USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > West Brookfield > Historical discourse delivered at West Brookfield, Mass., on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the First Church in Brookfield, October 16, 1867 > Part 7
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Yet nourishing the common wealth ! No ministries to publie vice, Destructive of the social weal, Or schemes of crushing avarice, The doings of the day reveal. Thus labor hath its recompense, Work of the lusty brawn or brain,
And all have healthful competence, The landlord, and the humblest swain.
Extend the view, on either side, Which trade or travel may ineline, And see the prospect opening wide, No artist's pencil can define ; The hills ascend-their summits climb- And gaze around where'er you stand ; Observe what elements combine To beautify and bless the land ! Each sunny slope, and graceful swell, Each pasture, with its lowing herd, Each rivulet, and mossy well, Salutes you with a welcome word : " Pause, pilgrim, and enjoy the sight ; Communion hold with Nature here, Drink in the fullness of delight,
Which dignifies this earthly sphere ; Nor deem it strange that those who trod These paths aforetime, in their prime, Held converse with Almighty God, 'Mid flush of scenery so smblime !"
Yet where are they-the stalwart men -- That traversed thus these hills and plains ?
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Whose like we ne'er may see again. Save as posterity remains : And worthy women, meek in mein. Of aspect and of movement bland. What wives and mothers then were seen, The joy and glory of the land ! Daughters of Brookfield, ever fair ; With health and energy endowed, Domestic jewelry most rare, Of which the dwelling may be prowl. Sisters and sons, with grateful sires. The labors of the homestead share. While neither to the fame aspires Of welessness or ennui there. All love the country - well they may ; Its atmosphere, its trees, its tieldls. The summer and the spring so gay, And goblen fruits that autumn yields. Here winter hath its hearty joys, With books, and friends, and music blest. While each his industry employ- To render happy all the rest.
Thrive fifty years their course have run. Eventful in their various date. Since godly fathers here toun The history we commemorate. Soares hat finner stages retired From streams and grounds they based so will. When friendly spirits prompt afinal In Christian follow ship to iu. II.
Would these he's men afford,
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Nor ceasing from their alms and prayers, Unitedly to serve the Lord- Till place was found for worship free, Amid these pleasant vales and woods ; Provision for society, Instead of wastes and solitudes.
Honor to those who sought to lay Foundations for religion pure, And to posterity convey A heritage of good so sure.
Their culture of the mind, no less Than ground that needed earnest toil, To rescue from the wilderness, And render it a fruitful soil, Secured at once most constant care, And steady exercise of skill, The harvest wealth of soul to share, Which was their wisdom and their will. Thus, near the church the school-house rose, However humble, still at hand ; As with religion learning goes, Enriching liberally the land. E'en then what sportive games were seen, When children sprightly, fresh, and fair, Tripped gaily o'er the village green, With guileless face, and flowing hair. The spelling-book was not forgot, Nor Testament perchance, though rare, As issued from their humble cot The little groups so free from care, To meet the Mistress of the day, Whose smile was sure, whose word was rule.
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Who favored knowledge more than play. Within her well-taught, simple school. True, John was roguish now and then, And James too restless to sit still, And Mary missed her page or pen. [ Now obsolete the gray goose-quill. ] Some stolen glances, ton, were paid- Ever, of course, against the rule- From loving youth to blushing maid, The merest accident at school ; Still study was the main pursuit, Good learning and good manners taught, " The young idea how to shoot," Was foremost in the teacher's thought. Slight rivalries perhaps arise. As pupils on success intent The head to keep, and win the prize, Nor suffer social detriment. These have their stimulus, to aid The indolent in quest of lore. Inspiring those of various grade, To lessons never learned before. Fond intimacies ere long grow To richer ripeness in the heart, Till schoolmates are constrained to show Reluctance evermore to part. These signify their several choice. In tokens never meaningless. Each causing other to rejoice In wollock sure their lives to bless The nuptials finally are sealed. With fitting rites and general glee. And friendly feelings are revealed
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In generous hospitality. Thus families arise and spread- Society its ranks extends- Though fond ones drop among the deal, The fairest and the best of friends !
Yet other strains our theme requires : Time runs too rapidly to waste ; And we are following our sires, In paths no more to be retraced. They had their Sabbaths, blessed days, And sermons from the wise and good, Sweet seasons oft of prayer and praise, When worldlings dared not intrude. So had they sacraments of grace, Such as their children still sustain, The sacred font, in time and place, Serving the covenant the same; Symbol of cleansing and of eure, Pure water sprinkled on the brow, Doth all of simple form insure, Availing to the service now. Christ's table spread with bread and wine. Choice elements, expressive still, Perpetuates the feast divine Of those who seek to do his will. What numbers here have followed him. Obedient to his blest command, Whose spirits pure have entered in, And joined the bright celestial band. There dwell they with the sainted host. Whose song on earth was want to ris. To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Jehovah great, alove the skies! 13
These holy men who trol these ways. In paths of pleasantness and peace. Where memory we rightly praise, Whose influence will never cease- Well bore the burden of their day, Working with all their might and main. Foundations here in truth to lay, The cause of virtue to sustain. What care had they to leave behind, Not lands alone, and dwellings good, But nurture for the immortal mind. Substantial spiritual found ! Such training children had in course, From saintly mothers and from sires, A- told the nature and the source Of their intense and kind desires Born of the Spirit from above, And blest with teachings so divine. It was the prompting of pure love. To be their Fright example shine. How intimate with Heaven were they : How conversant with sacred truth. Which was their study day by day. The me of life, the guide of youth Happy those homes whener daily prayer. In grateful offering arose The Him whose tender merrins spare. And give at night some requise. What favored families were their. Where parent ore was to toplet With blessing for then " he's and hell Bit tương from the many wat
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Ancestral honors well we prize, And social benefits no less, From " parents passed into the skies," Who wrought such works of righteousness. Preachers besides, for scores of years, Glad tidings here of grace proclaimed, With weary watchings, toils and tears, Of whom we need not be ashamed. Successive pastors reverence claim, Who fed this flock in days of yore, Whose record is enduring fame, To live when time shall be no more. One still survives, whose hoary head * It gladdens us afresh to see, Though most are numbered with the dead, Who waited on his ministry. His is the privilege to wait A little longer on these shores, Ere passing to that higher state, Where is the Lamb whom he adores. Others there are who since have stood On Zion's walls as watchmen here, Whose influence, however good,
It may not be their choice to hear. These severally have sought to know Their high commission from above, And clearly to the people show The riches of eternal love. Of God-of man-of Christ- of heaven. They taught right tenderly, and true ; The way to have our sins forgiven,
: Rev. Ehakim Phelps. D. D.
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And to begin our lives men Ab. well they harmonize l in this. What every human soul must In To enter through the gates of his. Anl dwell with Gol eternally. Nor las do they in hvert rej ive At Zion' increase and success. Praying with me ement and void That God will still his servent bloss. This latest leader may he crown With glory's signal coronet. When he shall lay his armor down. With trophies at our S. vier's feet. Historie incidents we trate. In series of joyance and of grief, As blessings have cariche l the place. Or trials called for large relief. Serons of greve have been enjoyed, In measure more than we can tell, When God and men have been employed In saving sinful soul- from hell The spirit hovering amand. Ha startled slumberers to think. bol made them hear the dreadful sound, Is standing on that fatal Trink. When . fiere destruction thehes wrath.
Swaying the guilty motel's path With samme of sound deel ! from there coup & sed nete voper Winning the train had het to il.
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And bids it make the happy choice, And be with grace and glory blest. What looks of loveliness has He Who agonized for human guilt, And hung upon that cursed tree, Where blood, most precious blood was spilt ! Was it for us he bled and died- The harmless sufferer for sin- The Son of God thus crucified That we might endless glory win ! Then dearest service evermore, Submission sweet, and faith, and love. Are due to Jesus o'er and o'er, In realms below, and realms above !
All praise to that eternal plan Which Sovereign Goodness saw and chose. By which to save rebellious man, And reconcile malicious foes ! Strains such as these have often rung, From many ransomed souls forgiven, Whose offerings of the heart and tongue. Have raised their incense pure to heaven.
O happy hours of praise and prayer, When converts from the world have come Like little children, to declare, What love divine for them hath done !
Their tongues are loosed, their lips unsealed, Their hearts with gratitude o'erflow ; The blessedness to be revealed. Is such as only Christians know. These have their sympathies expressed. In joys the stranger feeleth not,
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Of anxiousness for souls distressed. Once felt, not easily forget. Yet harvest times have often come. Ingathering- of goodly grain, To this our temporary home, So recently refreshed again. Thanks to the Lord whose loving power. The blessing in advance has sent To consecrate this festive hour Is one of mutual content. Third jubilee of years-how blest ! The period we celebrate. Is worthily the pilgrim's rest. In prospect of a purer state.
Let not our lyre refuse a strain Of plaintive melody the while, Though little more of time remain Than friendly porting with a smile. While Providence hath largely lost Our various residences here, It hath mot loen unlocken rest. Voil of affliction, or of fear. No-clouds breve come over brightest skies. And sorrow visited each heart ; Chave mommies of grief alise. In which we shared a mourner's part. What shadows have each threshold crossed. Where sanh he had been bright before ; What companies have our dwellings best. The thought ơn couth can der restore Parents and children her Lin lane
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Leaving more lonely ores to mourn Sad vacancies not soon forgot. Sisters and brothers too, how fond, Have separated at the grave, Not solaced with a thought beyond, But the Redeemer's power to save. Others more dear have gone the way Whence no returning footsteps come ; And widowed mourners see no day When seems it as before at home. How many mingle thus their tears, O'er sorrows which each heart can feel, That e'en the silent lapse of years Has no effective power to heal !
The youngest from the cradle dear, How sadly is it laid aside In that receptacle so drear, Where many of its class abide. Yet few the families exempt From sorrow over children Hled, And silencing of merriment, That such are numbered with the dead.
Forgive the strain, the gentle sigh, Parental fondness, if you please,
That brings some moisture to the eye, In sympathy with scenes like these. Three little graves are side by side, In yon inclosure near the gate. With tablets severally supplied To mark the name, the age, the date : A sister and two brothers there, Sleep peacefully beneath the sod.
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In after ages to appear
Among the risen saints of Und. Our infut offspring, why deplore. When stoldenly removed from sight ? Faith says. .. Not lost, but gone letore." To regions of celestial light. Thither let us henceforth aspire. With parer ardor for the prize, All cherishing devout desire To dwell with them above the skies.
Fraternal greetings we exchange With friendly spirit- here at home, Ingathered from an ample range. Whenee various duty calls to roam. This mother church her children doar Invites beneath the old rooftree. Together thus their hearts to cheer. And Find in bonds of charity. Daughters of comelines and strength. Surround her here on every hand. Whose godly intienes at length Extends, how widely in the land ! Even foreign shores are sometimes trod By those who go for home to touch The lively males of Good, And his incarnate love to per ich Welcome, right welcome, all who came To celebrate des fond de. Which calls a mother's dulden home. They endeful ton- 19 Yes, vil age all to ting as prot.
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Well gathered from the fruitful past, To give us plenteous supplies. Here let the hand, the heart, the voice, Their friendly sentiments express, And each in other's joy rejoice, With pure unbounded thankfulness. Thus as the moments glide apace, As moves the Autumn's golden sun, No cloud shall eross our cheerful face, Till day's delightful work is done.
What though as now no more we meet, To take such retrospeet of time- Or gather round this sacred seat, Where memories so sweet combine? A larger company ere long Will greet us on the shining shore, And join in one triumphant song, That there we meet to part no more ! All hail the prospect, ever bright, Of meeting in that world above, Where all is purity and light ; All righteousness, and peace, and love ! Still would we breathe a fervent prayer, That those who follow in our train May evermore most largely share These priceless blessings that remain. May children's children here enjoy Rich benefits of Gospel grace, And mightiest energies employ To renovate and save the race. Thus may the blest succession run, In ages future as the past ; 14
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Nay. brighter, like the shining sun, Each generation till the last. Then come with joy each golden year, To celebrate this jubilee, Till nations shout the triumph here, Which earth has sighed so long to see !
Appendix.
ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS.
AT a meeting of the Congregational Church in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, held at the conclusion of the preparatory lecture. Friday afternoon, July 5, 1867, it was voted to celebrate the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the formation of the Church, to occur on Wednesday the sixteenth day of the succeeding October ; and at the. same time the following persons were chosen a Committee to make all necessary arrangements for the occasion, viz :
AVERY KEEP, ABNER C. GLEASON,
JOIN M. FALLS.4 RAYMOND CUMMINGS.
REV. SAMUEL DUNHAM, WARREN A. BLAIR. DEA. MOSES HALL, CHARLES E. SMITH. DEA. ALFRED WHITE.
ADOLPHUS HAMILTON,
SHERLOCK D. LIVERMORE.
In the evening of the day on which the above Committee were chosen. they met, and organized by the choice of Rev. S. Dunham, chairman. and S. D. Livermore, secretary, and voted to submit the whole matter of the arrangements to the consideration of a sub-committee of three, who should report at a future meeting. Messrs. Dunham, Gleason, and ITall were appointed to that service.
The Committee subsequently met and voted that the pastor be invited to deliver an Historical Discourse, and to procure the writing of an Anniversary Hymn, and a Poem.
* Died suddenly of heart disease Friday morning after the Andreplass, De ber 18, 1867.
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They also issued a circular letter, inviting former Pastors. Ministers reared iu the parish, Members and Friends of the Church generally. to be present and participate in the exercises of the celebration.
They further determined to have a general collation, and chose a Committee on Collation, consisting of the following named gentlemen :
EDWARD T. STOWELL .. DEA. SAMUEL N. WINTE. WILLIAM PAIGE, WILLIAM ADAMS, JR ..
JOSEPH E. BAILEY, WARREN A. BLAIR, CURTIS GILBERT, LYMAN II. CHAMBERLAIN.
The Committee of Arrangements likewise elected John M. Fales a Committee on Finance ; appointed the officers of the day, and prepared the order of exercises.
The Celebration fell upon the delightful season of Indian Summer, and proved to be one of Nature's balmiest days. The occasion drew together a large assembly from a wide region of country, and perhaps exceeded in interest and enjoyment the expectations even of the most sanguine.
OFFICERS OF THE DAY.
PRESIDENT, REV. FRANCIS HORTON.
VICE PRESIDENTS.
DEA. GEORGE MERRIAM, REV. ELIAKIM PHELPS, D. D.
DEA. JACOB DEPEE. ADOLPHUS HAMILTON, ESg . DEA. ALFRED WHITE.
COMMITTEE OF RECEPTION,
S. D LIVERMORE,
A. C GLEASON,
C. R. SMITH.
CHIFF MARSHAL .. HARRISON BARNES.
ASSISTANT MARSHALS.
EBENEZER B. LYNDE. LEWIS GLEASON. IRA M. SOUTHWORTH.
GEORGE W. BIENS. JOSEPH S. GLEASON, GEORGE W. STONE
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ORDER OF EXERCISES. MORNING. VOLUNTARY-ANTHEM. Tune-Denmark.
Before Jehovah's awful throne, Ye nations, bow with sacred joy : Know that the Lord is God alone ; He can create, and he destroy.
His sovereign power, without our aid, Made us of elay, and formed us men ; And when, like wand'ring sheep, we strayed, He brought us to his fold again.
We are his people, we his care, Our souls, and all our mortal frame : What lasting honors shall we rear, Almighty Maker, to thy name ?
We'll crowd thy gates with thankful songs, High as the heaven our voices raise ; And earth, with her ten thousand tongues, Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise.
Wide as the word is thy command, Vast as eternity, thy love : Firm as a roek thy truth shall stand, When rolling years shall cease to move.
INVOCATION AND READING OF THE SCRIPTURES, by Rev. Joshua Coit of Brookfield.
SINGING.
Heavenly Father, graciously hear us ; Hear the petitions we offer before Thee ; Let thy merey rest upon us ; Heavenly Father, graciously hear us ; Hear our prayer, Hear our prayer.
PRAYER, by Rev. L. S. Parker, of Derry, New Hampshire.
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ANNIVERSARY HYMN. [Words iy Miss Car .... A. Parker. of Ie.ry. New Hampshire. Tune-InCham. Thrice fifty years have swiftly flown, Since first a little band Of Christian laborers set this vine. And trained with loving hand.
The Lord hath visited Ils vine With showers of heavenly grace, And blessed His waiting children's eyes With shining of His face.
The precious send in weakness sown, And watered well with tears, Hath grown unto a noble tree, And generous fruitage bears.
While humble souls have watched and prayed, And with temptation fought. God hath made bare his own right arm, And great deliverance brought.
His hand hath loosed the captive's bonds. He bade the slave go free ; His voice the heathen nations calls To Chri tian hberty.
And now his still, small voice is heard Through our redeemed land : .. Go. Christians, in my vineyard work. Nor longer idle stand."
Not the anointed ones alone. As preachers, now and sent ; But all when the art . have felt His live. And will to Its have bent.
Brand af sine . the children tu ;
To follow the faithful en. And Pre tor je m Il ... ven.
HISTORIA DiscoursE. on partirly Res. & Dunham.
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HYMN. Tune-Harvard.
No change of time shall ever shock My trust, O Lord, in thee ; For thou hast always been my Rock, A sure defence to me.
Thou my deliv'rer art, O God; My trust is in thy power : Thou art my shield from focs abroad, My safeguard, and my tower.
BENEDICTION, by Rev. Dr. Phelps.
RECESS-COLLATION.
AFTERNOON. HYMIN-THE CHURCH'S WELCOME.
Children of Zion ! what harp-notes are stealing, So soft o'er our senses, so soothingly sweet ? 'Tis the music of angels, their raptures revealing, That you have been bro't to the Holy One's feet. Children of Zion ! we join in their welcome, 'Tis sweet to lie low at that blessed retreat.
Children of Zion ! no longer in sadness, Refrain from the feast that your Savior hath given ; Come, taste of the cup of salvation with gladness, And think of the banquet still sweeter in heaven. Children of Zion ! our hearts bid you welcome To the church of the ransomed, the kingdom of heaven.
Children of Zion ! we joyfully hail you, Who've entered the sheep-fold thro' Jesus, the door : While pilgrims on earth, tho' the foe may assail you. Press forward, and soon will the conflict be our. Children of Zion! Oh ! welcome, thrice welcome ! Till we meet where the foe shall oppress you no more.
HISTORICAL PAPERS : The Deacons and Meeting-Houses, by Her. > Dunham.
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HYMN. Tune-O!muts.
Far down the ages now. Much of her journey done. The pilgrim church pursues her way, Until her crown be won.
The story of the past Come up before her view ; How will it seem to suit her still -- Old, and yet ever new !
It is the oft-told tale Of sin and weariness, Of grace and love yet flowing down To pardon and to bless.
No wider is the gate. No broader is the way, No smoother is the ancient path, That leads to life and day.
No sweeter is the cup, Nor less our lot of ill : 'Twas tribulation ages since. 'Tis tribulation still.
No slacker grows the fight, No feebler is the for. Nor less the need of armor tried, Of shield and spear and bow.
Thus onward still we pres: Through evil and through good, -. Through pain and poverty and want. Through peril and through blood.
Still faithful to our God. And to our Captain true, We follow where he leads the way. The kingdom in our view.
Apparus, by Rev. Ehakim Phelps, D. D., of Jersey City, New Jersey
REMARKS, by Rev 1. > Parker, of Perry, New Hampshire.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH : Ministers from the Church and Parish, by Rev. S. Dunham.
HYMIN. Tune-Coronation. Oh ! 'twas a joyful sound to hear Our tribes devoutly say : " Up, Israel, to the temple haste, And keep your festal day !"
At Salem's courts we must appear, With our assembled powers, In strong and beauteous order ranged, Like her united towers.
Oh, pray we then for Salem's peace ! For they shall prosperous be, Thou holy city of our God, Who bear true love to thee.
May peace within thy sacred walls A constant guest be found ; With plenty and prosperity Thy palaces be crowned.
POEM: Memorials of Brookfield, by Rev. F. Horton, of Barrington, Rhode Island.
REMARKS, by Hon. Amasa Walker, of North Brookfield.
PRAYER, by Rev. William B. Bond, of Palmer.
HYMN. Tune-Dismission. Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing, Bid us all depart in peace ; Still on gospel manna feeding, Pure, seraphic love increase ; Fill each breast with consolation, Up to thec our voices raise ; When we reach that blissful station, Then we'll give thee noble praise. And we'll sing Hallelujah, To God and the Lamb ; Hallelujah forever,-Amen.
BENEDICTION, by Rev. Mr. Horton.
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THE COLLATION.
Through the efficient exertions of the Committee who were entrusted with the task of providing the entertainment, this part of the day's ex- ereises was rendered a complete success.
Previous to the day, this Committee appointed and made skillful dis- position of the following ample corps of assistants, to superintend and aid in the distribution of the refreshments, viz :-
Anson Githin Jr., Mrs. E. B. Taintor, Mrs. W. A. Marcy, Mrs. San- ford Adams, Mrs. B. P. Aikin, Mrs. Doct. Blodgett, Mrs. Doet. Forbes, Mrs. L. 11. Chamberlain, Mrs. M. J. Miller, Mrs. Sarah J. Rawson, Mrs. G. W. Bliss, Mrs. Enos Gilbert, Mrs. W. A. Blair, Misses Abbie C. Blackmer, Eugenia Taintor. Ella G. Paige, Maria Reed, Ida E. Reed, Laura A. Giddings, Ida R. Giddings. Emma Rawson, Emma Sprout, Nettie Jackson, Clara J. Dane, Susie Beaman. Carrie M. Gleason. Annie Brown, Ann Elizabeth C. Gleason, Lottie M. White, Anna E. Bruce. Mary Jones, Julia Miriek, Lottie Miller, Arvilla Stone, Alice A. Rich- ards. Messrs. Eddie F. Livermore, Alfred C. White, Frank L. Bailey. Alvin W. Gilbert, Augustus N. Makepeace, Charles S. Southworth, Albert W. Bliss.
At the close of the morning services, all who were present were in- vited to repair to the Town Hall, where a plentiful supply of provisions. of divers sorts, was in readiness, having being brought, by previous request, from every quarter of the town. The large audience was mar- shaled at the church, and proceeded to the hall in the following order :- Committee of Arrangements ; President and Officers of the day ; Clergy and Invited Guests ; Strangers and Citizens generally.
The blessing having been invoked by Dr. Phelps, the appeals of hunger were sated by a repast which, as the Worcester Daily Spy of the next morning said, " was bountifully sufficient, good and well arranged. and set forth to the satisfaction of all who were privileged to partake."
At a meeting of the Church, held November 1, 1567, it was voted that measures be taken for publishing the doings of the anniversary celebration, and the following persons were appointed a Committee on publication : - A. C. GLEASON, S. D. LIVERMORE, DEA. J. DOFFE, REV. S. DUNHAM. W. A. BLAIR.
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