USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Natick > History of the town of Natick, Mass., from the days of the apostolic Eliot, MDCL, to the present time, MDCCCXXX > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
Mr B's rgeliious sentiments, in general, agreed with those of Arminius ; but he called no man master on earth. He had neither so high an opinion of human na- ture, as some have advocated, nor so low a one, as has
£
62
HISTORY OF NATICK.
been embraced by others. He considered man not ex- alted in the scale of being to a rank so elevated, as the celestial intelligences, nor degraded to so depraved a condition, as infernal spirits ; but maintained that he oc- cupies a grade between the two, at a very considerable distance from either. He contended that by the right use of the means of grace a person may become fitted for the company of the former ; and that by the neglect or abuse of these means, he must be qualified only for the society of the latter.
He taught that love to God and man is the essence 1 of religion ; and that a sober, righteous and godly life is at once the fruit of this love, and the evidence that it is shed abroad in the heart. He considered the second commandment, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, like unto the first, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, as being equally essential to present and future happiness. No one, he would observe, can be profitable unto God by his best devotional services ; but he, who is wise, may be profitable to himself and his fellow men, by being a worker together with God in the promotion of human felicity ; and this working together with God is the best proof that we love him. Hence he affirmed constantly, that they who have believed in God, should be careful to maintain good works. He held with Paul, that by the deeds of the ceremonial law no flesh living can be justified ; and with James, that faith without the works of the moral law is dead. To enkindle and increase the love of piety and virtue in the soul was the end and aim of all his prayers, his preach- ing and his practice.
He could discern the wisdom and even goodness of Deity in permitting so many denominations to exist in the Christian world, differing in articles of faith and
1
63
HISTORY OF NATICK.
modes of worship, as it gives the best possible opportu- nity for the exercise of that charity, which the inspired apostle declares to be greater than either faith or hope. This charity he extended to all, whether they profes- sed to be of Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, provided they gave evidence, in their life and conversation, that they were of Christ. He was ready always to give a reason for the hope that was in him; but, that he might not give just cause of offence to others, he did it with meek- ness ; and feeling his own liability to error, he did it with fear. But while he was thus candid towards others, he demanded a return of the like candour from them.
If any accused him, or any other respectable minis- ter of " leading his flock blindfolded to hell," he consid- ered them as usurping the judgment seat of Christ, who is appointed sole judge of the quick and the dead, as guilty of judging another man's servant, and of judging before the time; and he shuddered at their impious te- merity. In short he exercised more charity towards every thing else, than towards uncharitableness.
Like Paul before Felix, he reasoned of the personal, social, and religious duties ; esteeming it as absurd to preach to rational beings, and yet deny them the use of their reason, as it would be to preach to those animals, which are created without this distinguishing gift. He never adopted the maxim, " credo quia impossibile est," I believe it because it is impossible ; but he embraced Christianity because he considered it a reasonable sys- tem ; and he allowed that, if it were not so, we should have no reason to believe in it. He did not degrade this godlike endowment by calling it carnal reason, as those are apt to do, who wish to establish an unreason- able doctrine ; but insisted that the inspiration of the Almighty hath given us understanding, and that every
64
HISTORY OF NATICK.
one is accountable to the Giver for the use, or abuse of it.
If any told him that they knew positively by their feelings, that they had the Holy Spirit witnessing with their spirit, that their system of belief was certainly the right and true one, and his as certainly false and dan- gerous ; he would reply, that our feelings, when uncon- troled by reason and common sense, are extremely lia- ble to lead us into error and spiritual pride. Though he felt it to be his duty to oppose what he deemed to be errors in opinion ; yet he considered it to be of vastly higher importance to correct deviations in practice ; as he thought the former would much more readily be forgiven by our final Judge, than the latter.
Mr B. has been accused of having been of an irritable temper. If this were true, it must be acknowledged, that such were the trials, which awaited him, he must have possessed more of the Christian, or the Stoic, than generally falls to the lot of man, to have been other- wise.
It has been said by his opposers, that he was a Uni- versalist. On this point he shall speak for himself; for, though dead, he yet speaketh, in his 'Discourses on Drunkenness,' from which the following passage is ex- tracted.
' Both reason and the word of God lead us to fear, if not conclude, (if we can come to any conclusion at all about him,) that the case of the habitual drunkard is hopeless, and his end inevitable misery and destruction. And his being more exposed to be overtaken and cut off by the hand of death in a drunken fit, should alarm and put him upon the most serious consideration of the emi- nent danger he is in, when he is overcharged with in- toxicating liquor, and what account he will be able to
65
HISTORY OF NATICK.
give of himself, when summoned before the judgment seat of Christ, by whom God will sentence him and the rest of mankind to eternal happiness, or misery, accord- ing to the state, in which they are found at the great day of his appearing.'
While Mr Badger urged the importance of good works, he did not teach his people to depend on them alone for salvation ; but insisted that by works faith was made perfect, and that man must be saved by grace through such a faith. This appeared particularly in his prayers. He generally concluded the afternoon service by repeating the Lord's Prayer, having prefaced it in some such manner as the following-
' Wilt thou enable us by thy grace to avoid every known sin, to live in the habitual practice of every known duty ; and, when we have done all, may we consider ourselves as unprofitable servants, and place our hopes of salvation on thy mercy, declared unto man- kind in Christ Jesus our Lord; who died, that we might live ; who rose from the dead for our justifica- tion ; who hath ascended to his Father and our Father, to his God and our God, where he ever liveth to make intercession for us ; and, in whose perfect form of words, we conclude our publick addresses unto thee at this time-" Our Father, &c."
It was said of him, as of the great and good Addison, by one, who was constantly with him in his last sick- ness, and at the time of his departure, that ' he died like a Christian philosopher.'
Had Mr B. lived in this age of 'Self-created Socie- ties,' it is easy for those, who knew him, to conjecture which of them would have met his most cordial appro- bation.
Temperance Societies he would have pronounced a 9
.
66
HISTORY OF NATICK.
suitable foundation for all the rest, which have utility for their object, as life, health and the power of doing good, in a great degree, depend on the practice of this virtue. He would, however, not have them entirely confined to the abolition of the use of ardent spirits ; but extended to the immoderate use of wine, and every oth- er liquor, capable of producing intoxication. Even strong tea and coffee he denominated strong drink, and deemed them equally pernicious to the nervous system of their votaries, and the reputation of absent acquaint- ances. He furthermore agreed in opinion with a cele- brated physician, that 'more dig their graves with their teeth, than with their tankard,' in other words, more are destroyed by gluttony, than drunkenness. Hence he would have called that man a sorry president of a Temperance Society, who, while he denied his work- men a pittance of ardent spirits to mix with their water, himself fared sumptuously every day, devouring large quantities of high seasoned food, and allaying, or rather increasing his thirst with a bottle of Champaigne, or Madeira, or both. In short he taught his people, by precept and example, to be temperate in all things.
Bible Societies for the disseminating of the Holy Scriptures in all languages, without note or comment, would have met his most cordial cooperation ; for these he ever insisted on, as alone sufficient, for every. one, who could peruse them, to enable him to gain all re- ligious information, necessary for present and future hap- piness.
Gamaliel Societies he would probably have proposed, for the suppression of religious, or rather irreligious, controversy ; recommending for a motto to the various Christian denominations the following passage, to be observed by each sect toward all the rest-' Refrain
£
67
HISTORY OF NATICK.
from these men and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.' This he would have- done from a full persuasion, that nothing tended so powerfully to impede the progress of Christianity and promote the cause of infidelity, as the bitter dissensions among- Christians about articles of faith and modes of worship; about the mere theory of religion, while the practice was sadly neglected.
Peace Societies he would have regarded as of prime importance ; for he could not conceive of a more wretch- ed comment on that religion, which proclaims 'peace on earth and good will to men,' than for its professors to be frequently embroiled in bloody wars, not only with infidel nations, but with each other, and often on most trivial pretences.
Societies for the prevention and abolition of Slavery would have met his most hearty approbation and sup- port ; for he was a strenuous advocate for freedom of mind and body, both in church and state.
Societies for promoting morality and piety among seamen he would have considered as of incalculable im- portance, to give unchristianized nations a favourable opinion of our holy religion, when they should see our mariners, who visited them, obeying the divine precepts of the Gospel, in all their trasactions.
He would have said that all these societies must have a general and powerful influence on the character of Christians, before very exalted hopes of success could justly be entertained, from the exertions of Societies for the promotion of foreign Missions.
Societies for the improvement of agriculture he would have delighted to encourage; for, on his own little farm, he set an example of neatness and good husbandry,
1
68
HISTORY OF NATICK.
which was imitated by few of his parishioners, and equalled by none. In fine, every society, which adopt- ed judicious measures for the encouragement of the use- ful arts and sciences, and for the promotion of pure mo- rality and real piety, would have been accompanied by his fervent prayers and strenuous exertions for their success.
Mr Badger was twice married. His first wife was Miss Abigail Hill of Cambridge, who presented him with seven children. Five of these died in early life. One of the others was the first consort of the Revd Mr Greenough of Newton. The other is the widow of the late Capt Micah Jackson of the same place. His sec- ond wife was the widow Sarah Gould of Boston, who survived him about twenty years.
Mr B. never caused any monuments to be erected to the memory of his departed relatives. After his de- cease, his grave and those of his family were inclosed with a picket fence, and a stone was placed at one end, bearing the following inscription.
Deposited in this enclosure are the remains of Revd. Stephen Badger.
He was chosen by the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel in N. England, & ordained as a missionary over the Indians in Natick March 27, 1753; died Au- gust 28, 1803: ÆE. 78. Mrs. Abigail Badger, his con- sort died August 13, 1782 : ÆE. 57-and five children- also Mr. Stephen Badger Senior-died June 19, 1774 : Æ. 80. As a tribute of affectionate respect this stone is here placed. "While memory fond each virtue shall revere."
All the publications of Mr Badger, that are known to the writer, are the following-
.
69
HISTORY OF NATICK.
-
Several Essays on Electricity, printed in the Colum- bian Centinel, soon after the establishment of this paper in Boston. In these he offers the conjecture, that by drawing the electric fluid from the clouds by rods, the necessary quantity of rain may be prevented from fall- ing .- A Letter from a Pastor to his people, opposing the requiring of a confession of particular transgressions, in order for admission to church fellowship. Not hav- ing this pamphlet at hand, I cannot give its title accu- rately. Both these publications are anonymous .- Let- ter to the Secretary of the Massachusetts Historical So- ciety, partly republished in this compilation .- Two Dis- courses on Drunkenness, printed in 1774, and recently reprinted by the Society for the Suppression of Vice and Intemperance.
Freeman Sears was the first minister ordained in the central meeting house. For the following notice of him I am indebted to Rev. Stephen Palmer's Occasional Ser- mon, delivered in Needham, March 22, 1812 .- " He was born at Harwich, in the county of Barnstable, Nov 28, 1779. At the age of 17, he moved with his parents to Ashfield, in the county of Hampshire. About this time his mind became seriously impressed by a sense of his danger, while destitute of an interest in Christ ; and in the course of this year, was enabled to taste and see that the Lord is gracious. In the winter of the follow- ing year, he taught a school in Ashfield ; and such were the serious impressions upon his mind, that his youthful diffidence did not prevent him from praying morning and evening in his school. At the age of 19 he was called to part with an elder brother. Under this affecting be- reavement he was calm and composed, and prayed with his brother in his last moments. In the year 1800, a little before he was 21 years of age, he entered Wil-
ʻ
1
£
70
HISTORY OF NATICK.
liam's College, and was graduated there in 1804. April 10, 1805, he was approbated to preach ; and Jan. 1, 1806, he was ordained pastor of the church and soci- ety in Natick."
" Though he had a weak and slender constitution ; yet he was enabled in general to perform the duties of his pastoral office, till the latter part of the year 1810, when his health became essentially impaired. His com- plaints were consumptive and began to assume an alarming aspect."
" In this critical situation, his physicians advised him to go to a warmer climate, as the only probable means of recovery. Accordingly in the month of December, he sailed for Savannah in Georgia, where he arrived and spent the following winter. During his absence from his family he found many kind and generous friends, who administered to his necessities. He was a stranger and they took him in ; he was sick and they visited him. These acts of kindness made a grateful impression on his mind."
" But though these kind attentions were soothing to his feelings ; yet his health was not restored, but seem- ed to decline. Still, however he indulged the hope, that he should be able to return to his family and friends, whom he wished again to see. Accordingly about the first of April, he left Savannah, with a view of revisiting his distant home, and concluded to return by land. He was weak and debilitated, and the jour- ney was long and fatiguing. But through divine good- ness, he was enabled to accomplish his object, and on the 2nd of June he arrived at Natick. He was now in a very low and reduced state. From his extreme de- bility and emaciated appearance, it was matter of sur- prise to his friends, that he should be able to complete
--.
1
71
HISTORY OF NATICK.
his journey. After his return, he continued gradually to languish till the 30th of June, when he expired. On the 3d of July his remains were respectfully interred at Natick, at which time a sermon adapted to the occasion, was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Bates of Dedham."
" He died in the 33d year of his age, and 6th of his ministry. This was not only an affecting loss to his family and people, but to the public. His talents were respectable ; his elocution was pleasing ; and from early life, he was exemplary and distinguished for his piety. He was, however, permitted to remain but a little while in the vineyard of Christ, before he was called, in the judgement of charity, to receive the reward, not of a long but of a faithful service. From the bright pros- pect, which he had of entering, at so early an hour, into the joy of his Lord, the language of his departure seem- ed to be-Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. Not only for ourselves and children, but for the interest of Zion we then had and still have occasion to weep. He was. dear to me; and in a feeling manner, I am still constrained to say-Alas, my brother !"
From the acquaintance, which the compiler had with Mr Sears, he judged him to be a Calvinist of the Dod- dridge school ; biest, by the Author of every good gift, with too much good sense to be an enthusiast, and too much gcod nature to be a bigot.
The following letter is believed to be the only pro- duction of his pen which survives him, and is here pre- served, as a pleasing proof of the soundness of his un- derstanding and the goodness of his heart.
Savannah, Janury 25, 1811.
MY dear people, over whom I am placed in the Lord! Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus! Though absent, and
72
HISTORY OF NATICK.
feeble in body, I have not forgotten you. My health was such, when I left you, that I was unable to give you such directious and counsel, as became a faithful minister, on separating from his people for a season. My health is no better, but rather worse. In the after- noon, I have a high fever ; cough very much in the eve- ning ; have cold sweats at night and sleep very little. To day my physician talks more discouraging, and I heard that he told other people that I could not contin- ue six months.
At first, my feelings almost overwhelmed me, and rose superior to my better judgment. But I am in the hands of God, who can and will protract the brittle thread of life, so long as it will be for his glory, and the best good of his kingdom, which ought ever to be the summit of my wishes.
With this thought fixed in my breast, however natu- ral feelings operate, I am still ! I am not without hope, that I shall return to you again, in the land of the liv- ing. But all this I leave with Him, who never does wrong.
It is for the benefit of my dear people, that I now write ; and I wish you to receive it as a pledge of love: I do not say it is my last advice .* I may yet preach to you for years ; but it is such advice and counsel as my conscience would approve on a dying bed, for I feel something at present, like a dying man.
On a critical and prayerful review of my ministerial labours among you, I find myself in many respects defi- cient; not that I regret the plainness of my preaching, nor the doctrines that I so frequently inculcated ; these to- gether with the threatenings denounced against the un- godly, and the comforting of saints, afford me pleasure to reflect upon. I do not think of any doctrine, that I have advanced among you, that I am not willing to seal with my death. I must therefore solemnly exhort you to continue unshaken in all the great and glorious doc- trines of grace.
But this is not all, there must be a principle of in-
* It was, however, the last public communication that he made to his people, and they should receive it as the words of a dying man.
A
£
73
-
HISTORY OF NATICK.
dwelling religion, which, like a never failing spring, al- ways refreshes the thirsty traveller. That religion, which has not its seat in the heart, is of very little avail. Christians! I call upon you to know how you stand. I doubt not your tenderness towards me, and that your prayers have often ascended to heaven on my behalf. You feel your lonely situation, that you are like sheep without a shepherd. But have you not rea- son to fear, the angel of the churches hath somewhat to write against thee ? Either that ' you have left your first love,' or are indifferent to things which demand your first attention ? As in life, so in death, I must de- clare to you, that the condition of the hypocrite, is of all others the most desperate and alarming. To have on- ly a name to live, whilst in reality we are dead, is de- plorable in the extreme.
But if ye are Christ's in reality, as I fully believe some of you are, He will provide for you. Like the primi- tive disciples of our Lord, meet often together ; spread your wants and your sorrows before God; trust in his promises ; heartily believe what Christ told his disci- ples, that he would not leave them comfortless. And though your pastor be absent, you may draw comfort from the never failing fountain, Christ Jesus !
Sinners ! What shall I say to you! Gladly would I weep over you as Jesus did over Jerusalem, if that would touch your hearts. I know not all the feelings of the wicked towards me, but I think I know my own towards you. Although I have borne pointed testimo- ny against some of your conduct, my conscience bears me witness that I love your souls.
Think for a moment on your condition; Enemies of God by wicked works-exposed to his wrath-your feet on slippery places-and hell beneath ready to receive you. What if your feet should slide ! I tremble for you, and once more, not from the desk and face to face, but from a distance, and with a trembling hand, I most af- fectionately warn you to flee from the wrath to come. Make no delay. Tarry not in all these plains. Es- cape it is for your life ! 10
74
HISTORY OF NATICK.
Finally, brethren and friends, farewell. May the God of all grace bring you to his kingdom, in the end, where, if not on the earth, I hope to meet you.
Yours, &c. FREEMAN SEARS.
The following is a copy of the inscription on his grave stone.
SACRED
To the Memory of Rev. FREEMAN SEARS, Pastor of the Church in Natick ; Who died, June 30 A. D. 1811 : In the 33d. year of his age and 6th of his Ministry.
HIS BEREAVED FLOCK From sentiments of gratitude and respect, conse- crate this stone to his memory.
To us, his flock, his death doth speak, Be wise in time ; your Saviour seek ; He loves his own ; he makes them blest ; They die in peace ; in heaven they rest.
Martin Moore is the immediate successor of Mr Sears in the ministry. He was born in Sterling, in the coun- ty of Worcester, A. D. 1790, and graduated at Brown University, A. D. 1810. The call of the church, invi- ting him to settle as their pastor, bears date, Nov. 18, 1813. The concurring call of the congregation was given, Dec. 6th. An affirmitive answer was communi- cated, Jan. 2d, 1814. His ordination took place the 16th of February following. The order of exercises on this occasion was as follows .- Introductory Prayer by Rev Dr Kellog of Framingham .- Sermon, Rev Mr Fisk of Wrentham --- Consecrating Prayer, Rev Mr Holcomb, Sterling-Charge, Rev Dr Prentiss, Med-
75
HISTORY OF NATICK.
field-Right Hand, Rev Mr Noyes, Needham-Conclu- ding Prayer, Rev Mr Palmer, Needham.
It is sincerely hoped, that many years will elapse, be- fore the removal of this useful servant of the Lord to that bourne, which his predecessors have sought, shall render it proper for a biographer to publish a history of his life, or a sketch of his character.
Since the settlement of the Rev Mr Moore there has been a happy revival of religion in this place. By a revival is meant, that some, who were idle, have be- come industrions ; some, who were intemperate, have become sober ; some who were dishonest, are now just in their dealings with their neighbors ; some, once openly profane, now reverence the name, word and worship of God ; while those, who, in the judgment of charity, were sober, righteous and godly persons before, have persevered with increasing diligence and devotion. This has been effected with much less of enthusiasm, bigotry and uncharitableness, than too frequently ac- companies what are called revivals. The power of God has not been visible in a rushing mighty wind, in an earthquake, or in fire ; but in the still small voice of strict morality and sober piety. That such revivals may take place among people of all demominations, must be the devout wish and prayer of every virtuous and pious soul.
James W. Thompson, pastor of the South Congrega- tional Church and Society, was born in Barre, in the county of Worcester, A. D. 1805, and graduated at Brown University, A. D. 1827. He was invited by a unanimous vote of the society to become their pastor, Decr. 31, 1829. His answer, accepting the invita- tion, is dated Jan. 15, 1830. He was ordained, Feb. 17, 1830. The following is the order of exercises .-
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.