USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Lanesborough > History of town of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, 1741-1905 > 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 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
John de Mowbray, 3rd baron, was summoned to parliament from 10 December, 1327, to 20 November, 1360. This noble- man found much favor from King Edward III., who, in consid- eration of the eminent services of his progenitors, accepted of his homage, and gave him livery of his lands before he came of full age. He was subsequently the constant companion in arms of his martial sovereign, attending him in his glorious campaign in France, where he assisted at the siege of Nantes, and the raising that of Aguillon. He was likewise at the cele- brated battle of Durham (20th Edward HII.). and at one time
58
was governor of Berwick-upon-Tweed. His lordship m. the Lady Joane Plantagenet, dan. of Henry, Earl of Lancaster, by whom he had issue, John, his successor. Lord Mowbray, who was styled in the charters, Lord of the Isle of Axholme, and of the honour of Gower and Brember. d. in 1361, and was s. by his son.
John de Mowbray. 4th baron, summoned to parliament from 11 Angust. 1362, to 20 January, 1366, as "John de Mowbray of Axhohne." This nobleman in the lifetime of his father was in the wars of France; and he eventually fell, anno 1368, in a conflict with the Turks, near Constantinople, having assumed the cross. and embarked in the holy war. His lordship m. Elizabeth, dau. and heiress of John, Lord Segrave, by Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk (dau. and eventually sole heiress, of Thomas Plantagenet, of Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk-see that dignity), whereby he acquired a great inheritance in lands, and the most splendid alliance in the kingdom. By this lady he had two sons, John and Thomas, and several dans., of whom one m. Roger, Lord De la Warr: and another, m. John, Lord Welles; and a 3rd Anne, was abbess of Barkyng. Ilis lordship was s. by his elder son,
John de Mowbray, 5th baron, who was created Earl of Not- tingham, upon the day of the coronation of King Richard 11., anno 1312, with a special clause in the charter of creation, that all his lands and tenements whereof he was then possessed, should be held sub honore comitali, and as parcel of this earl- dom. Ilis lordship d. two years afterwards, still under age, and unmarried, when the Earldom of Nottingham expired, but the Barony of Mowbray and his great possessions devolved upon his brother,
Thomas de Mowbray. as 6th baron, then seventeen years of age, who was created Earl of Nottingham, as his brother had been, by charter, dated i? February, 1383, and three years after- wards was constituted Earl Marshal, by reason of his descent from Thomas, of Brotherton: his lordship being the first who had the title of carl attached to the office. In the 10th Richard Il. his lordship participated in the naval victory achieved by
59
Richard, Earl of Arundel, over the French and Spaniards, and the subsequent conquest of the castle of Brest. In the 16th of the same reign he was made governor of Calais, and in four years afterwards obtained the king's charter of confirmation of the office of earl marshal of England to the heirs male of his body, and that they, by reason of the said office, should bear a golden truncheon, enamelled with black at each end, having at the upper end the king's arms, and at the lower, their own arms engraven thereon. Moreover, he stood in such favour, that the king, acknowledging his just and hereditary title to bear for his crest a golden leopard, with a white label, which of right be- longed to the king's eldest son, did, by letters patent, grant to him and his heirs, authority to bear the golden leopard for his crest, with a coronet of silver about his neck instead of the label, and the same year appointed him justice of Chester and Flini- shire for life. In the 18th Richard he attended the king to Ireland, but afterward siding with the parasites, who controlled that weak and unfortunate prince, he not only aided in the de- struction of his father-in-law, Richard, Earl of Arundel-being one of the chief persons that guarded the unhappy nobleman to the place of execution-but he is also accused of being an ac- complice in the murder of Thomas, of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, the king's uncle. Certain it is that he was at this period in high estimation with the prevailing party, and oh- tained a grant of all the lands of the unfortunate Lord Arundel, with those of Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, which had also vested in the crown, by forfeiture. These grants bore date 28 September, 1396, and the next day he was created Duke of Norfolk (his grandmother, Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk, be- ing still alive). Prosperous, however, as this nooteman's career had hitherto been, it was doomed eventually, to a disgraceful termination Henry, Duke of Hereford (afterwards Henry IV.). having accused his Grace .. f Norfolk, of speaking disrespectfuily of the king, a challenge ensued, and a day was named for the combat. when the lists were accordingly set up. at Gosford Green, Coventry, and the king and court were present; but just as the combatants were about to engage, and the charge had
60
been sounded, Richard interfered, and by the advice of his council, prohibited the conflict. banishing the Duke of Here- ford for ten years, and the Duke of Norfolk for life-who, thereupon going abroad, d. at Vepice. of the pestilence, but ac- cording to Sanford, of grief, in 1400.
APPENDIX V.
Sermon of Elder Leland at Opening of Baptist Church.
The Baptist meeting house in Lanesboro was open for public worship February 10th, 1829. Rev. Leland Howard preached on the occasion; after which the following closing address was delivered by Rev. John Leland.
ADDRESS.
Mountains of gold, rivers of oil, the cattle upon a thousand hills, and all the treasures upon the earth cannot purchase a pardon of sin nor a title to the kingdom of heaven. Yet the re- ligion of Jehovah has always cost his worshippers time and property. The excellent offering of righteous Abel consisted of the firstlings of his flock and the fat thereof. The sacrifice of Noah of the clean beasts ;- the oblation of Abraham a ram, a heifer, a she goat, a turtle and a pigeon. About the time that the Almighty brought the oppressed Israelites out of bondage, he ordained the observance of the new moon, or first day of the month. This ordained statute, the God of Jacob appointed in the life time of Joseph, before the Israelites generally under- stood the language of Egypt. This solemn feast day, at every new moon, was ushered in by blowing a trumpet. Psalm lxxx., 3, 4, 5. Soon after this the passover was appointed, and God delivered the shoulders of Israelites from burdens and their hands from the pots. On the second month after the de- liverance the rest of the holy Sabbath was enjoined, to be ob- served every seventh day, with a penalty of certain death.
In the religious code of laws which Israelites received from God, at Mount Sinai, provision was made for building the Tab-
62
ernacle, alias. Sanctuary, at considerable expense. The Gold, Silver and Grass used in this building was moved from place to place, with its utensils; carried partly in wagons, and partly on men's shoulders. until it was settled at Shiloh; and exceeded 10 tons.
In the days of King Solomon, the most superb and costly Temple was erected that was ever on earth. This building was a house of God, built by divine direction. The treasures which David had collected for the building of the temple, during his troublesome wars, exceeded 5,000 tons of Gold and 50,000 tons of Silver: besides iren, brass, timber and stone without estima- tion. His personal contribution was equal to $85,000,000. After the Tribes took possession of the promised land, all of them were to meet at the place which God chose, three times in each year. and continue there seven or eight days. Time was spent-travel sustained, and great offerings made at these yearly feasts. And in addition to the daily free will and feast offer- ings, the tenth part of their yearly products was given to the priestly tribe of Levi. From the organization of the Jewish church until the introduction of Christianity, religion here bore a national character. Internal godliness was not necessary to qualify a member of the church. Natural birth and circum- cision were the prerequisites. The ordinances imposed on that church were such as natural men could perform, consisting of what could be touched, tasted and handled: every way corres- ponding with their worldly Santcuary. Hence splendor, show and majesty were proper.
That the temple of Solomon was a figure of the gospel church admits of no doubt-but the splendor of the church consists of internal and spiritual excellence, and not of external pomp and grandeur. The immense treasures that David. Solomon, and the kingdom expended in the temple faintly point to the price given to redeem the church. The incarnate God purchased the church, not with gold and silver, but with his own blood. The redemption of the soul is precious. This sanctuary and the temple worship was congenial with the first testament, but look- ed forward to a better covenant. established on better promises.
63
It had no glory in comparison of that which excelled. Having answered the purposes of the night, the day-spring from on high, at length appeared, and the unveiled truth was ushered in. By a man of rusticity-fitted out for the ministry in the wilderness (John the Baptist) the gospel was introduced. In this begin- ning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, repentance for sin, belief in Messiah, with correspondent fruits, were proclaimed by the voice of one erving in the wilderness, who also declared that the matural seed of Abraham, without repentance and faith, were serpents and vipers. John was a traveling preacher. and his success was astonishing-but he had no legal salary or support from missionary funds. He came to prepare the way of the Lord, who soon appeared. John had not known Jesus before. but by a token given, he saw him, and said to his hearers, "Be- hold the Lamb of God. who taketh away the sin of the world.'
Jesus began his ministry in the strain that John preached, saying repent and believe the gospel. The incarnation of Christ is inconceivable and of course inexplicable. That he was God over all-the true God and eternal life-the first-in whom dwelt all the fulness of the God-Head-the creator of all things bearing all the names and titles, and doing all the works of Is- rael's Jehovah is certain. And that he was man having flesh, bones and blood, subject to hunger. thirst, weariness. sleep, tears and death is as certain. But the great mystery of Godli- ness. God manifest in the flesh, can be no more comprehended by men who believe it, than the conception of a virgin and her bearing a child can be understood by those who believe he was merely a man. As a preacher, he went about doing good- preaching the gospel of the kingdom-healing all who were dis- eased and granting pardon of sin to all who were penitent. His public ministry was short (but about three years) and yet in that short period, his wonderful works and marvelous words were so many, that a history of the whole would be too volumi- nous for the human mind. But living and working miracles was not the whole of his work. He came to lay down his life for his sheep. As a martyr, he resisted unto blood. bearing all abuse, perjury and cruelty of implacable enemies. A- a med-
64
iator, he endured that trouble of soul-that excruciating dis- tress-that agony and bloody sweat-that forsaking of God that was necessary to vindicate the divine honor-magnify the law- make an end of sin, and bring in everlasting righteousness; that enemies might be reconciled to God. He died for our sins ac- cording to the scriptures. He commended his love to us, in that when men were enemies Christ died for the ungodly. That he died, the Jews believed, and rejoiced at the event; but that he arose from the dead, they were so loath to believe that they de- nied it: and (as a body) continue to deny it to this day. The Resurrection of Christ from the dead, is the grand pivot of the controversy betwen the Jews and infidels on one part, and Christians on the other part. That the body of Jesus, which was bruised and wounded with whip, nails and spear, did rise from the dead and was seen, conversed with-handled and caten with after his resurrection, is boldly affirmed to us, by the writ- ers of the New Testament- and as promptly denied by the Jews and Infidels.
If the testimony of the watch, that the disciples came and stole him away while they were sleeping is true (for although they could not tell what was done when they were sleeping, yet such an event might possibly take place) I ask what they did with the body? Could they, in a few minutes, watched as they were, have secreted it from the eyes of search? What became of the body? Who has ever seen it, except those who declare that it arose from the dead? The first preachers of the resur- rection of Christ did not go into distant land to publish the strange event, so far from where it took place, the truth of it could not be tested; but (according to their orders) they began at Jerusalem, at the very place where the event took place, that every man might have it in his power to test every word which they said. The adversaries to the resurrection had every advantage to prove the imposture, if it was so. Now, if the preaching of the resurrection of Christ, by plain, simple, un- learned men (who had nothing to accept for their labor in this world but the axe or the cross) gaining such evidence in the minds of every class of men, that in 300 years it overturned an
65
Empire, claiming universal sway, who can deny the truth of it? It is true that the Mohamedan religion has gained as much ground as Christianity has-but law, sword and fire were their most powerful arguments. Quite the reverse with Chris- tianity. Not only without the aid of law, sword or college; but in opposition to all of them: by simply appealing to the reason and judgments of men, without coercive means: requesting only a dispassionate hearing and a correspondent faith they pursued their ministeral career .*
When Jesus was on earth he chose whom he would of his dis- ciples, 12 in number, ordained them, and gave them a limited district to preach and heal the sick in. And afterwards he appointed ?0 others and sent them forth with similar orders. But after his resurrection, he enlarged their commission, saying, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every crea- ture." This commission seems to say, "Now the middle wall of partition between Jews and Gentiles is broken down-now the door of faith is open to the Gentiles; therefore quit your Jewish prejudices, and call no man common whom the Lord has cleansed." In accordance with this commission, they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them. Not only in the first instance did the Lord neglect the wise and pru- dent and send forth fishermen babes to preach his gospel, but afterward in Corinth, we find that not many wise men, noble or mighty, were called to the work; but the foolish, weak, base, despised and nothings of the world were chosen to confound the wise and mighty-that no flesh should glory in his presence. Paul seems to have been one of the few called to the work, who was a man of science, but speaks thus of himself :- "When I came to you, I came not with excellence of speech or of wisdom -my speech and my preaching was not of enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, which none of the Princes of this world know."
In the commission which our Lord gave to the apostles. there was no condition. He did not say, "Go and preach if the peo- ple will pay you, applaud or honor you." Nothing like it. Hle
66
told them that the labor was worthy of reward: and Paul by in- spiration, enjoins it on those who are taught to communicate to the teacher-not to muzzle the mouth of the ox who treadeth out the corn-assuring them that God had ordained that those who preach the gospel should live of it, etc.
But this duty of the people is not made a condition in the commission: the preacher must not, therefore, be disobedient to the call. if hearers neglect their duty: but preach as much as he can. consistent with other duties.
After the ascension of Christ, the success of the gospel was astonishing. When Matthias was chosen an apostle, the num- ber was 120. To these, on the day of Penticost, 3,000 was add- ed. Soon after this the number of them that believed was about 5.000. Still further, believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women; but one meeting- house, built for Christian worship, was at that time in existence. The old temple and private houses were the places where they preached daily.
David speaks of synagogues, but it is most likely his words were prophetie of a future period; for there is no historical ac- count of any synagogue in the time of David, nor in any time before the Babylonish captivity. The Temple was the only meeting house for the Tribes. After the Jews returned from Babylon, they built synagogues to assemble in every Sabbath and read the laws of Moses. For the building of these syna- gogues there was no divine order given, nor any reproof for it. It was a prudential matter, in which men of themselves are to judge what is right. So with regard to houses for Christian wor- ship.whether they are called Cathedrals, Chapels, Churches, Tabernacles, Meeting Houses, or by any other name: no orders are seen in the New Testament for the churches to build such houses, nor any prohibition. It is a matter of convenience to be managed with discretion. I know not when or where the first house of this kind was built. I have preached in 460 such honses and seen many more: which. together would make but a very small part of what are in christendom. It is said that 1,600 of them were consumed in the late destruction of Moscow. To
67
ascertain how many such houses are now in the world would be a Herculean task: and to know how many have been, which are demolished. impossible. Abundance of pride, pomposity and unnecessary expense is to be seen in many of those buildings. reared to worship HIM in, who was born in a stable and cradled in a manger. And if we are to judge by all the course of His life and precepts which he taught, all this bombast is unaccep- table with God and unprofitable to man. To see a magnificent state-house filled with starved senators and purple princes in the midst of a multitude of subjects, clothed in tattered gar- ments and begging for bread, is not so terrific as it is to see one of those splendid edifices shining with gold and pearls, filled with worshippers, adorned with every badge of pride and self- importance: claiming the peculiar favors of HIM, who dwelleth not in temples made with hands, but in the humble spirit and contrite heart: and seeketh such to worship him, as worship in spirit and truth.
To consecrate these houses and the burying ground attached to them, baptize the bells, and speak of the sacred desk and al- tar, is a hotch potch of Paganism. Judaism, and superstitious Christianity. Such foppery and foolishness is but a stench in Jehovah's nose-he will not smell in such assemblies.
Common sense dictates that meeting-houses should be built at places the most convenient-in a manner the most advanta- geons to the assembly with materials the most durable-at an expense within the command of the proprietors, without crowd- ing on other benevolent duties, having nothing in or around them to foster the pride or deject the spirits of the assembly: or any way draw off their thoughts from eternal realities.
Benevolence is a human and a Christian duty-but liberality should always be governed by discretion. For a man to give all that he has to relieve one object in distress, and thereby render himself, incapable of relieving another, in most cases would be improper. Liberality at the expense of moral honesty is des- picable: 'tis cheating one to favor another. To bestow that to religious nses which God appoints for human relief is reprehensi- ble. God commanded the Jews to honor Father and Mother.
68
that is, to relieve and requite them; but they said (CORBIN) it is a gift. Instead of relieving father or mother they would give what they had to spare to God. This made the commands of God void by their traditions. He who gives his income to the indolent poor and neglects his debts, is a dishonest man.
The faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the kind of glory, for- bids partiality in religious assemblies. To appoint the good places for the rich, who wear gold rings and fine apparel; and neglect the poor, who have vile raiment, is censured in Scrip- ture: from which it seems that no respect should be shown be- tween the prince and the servant. Each should have an equal opportunity. as each is equally responsible. Meeting-houses should be as common, in this respect. as burying grounds. That distinction which exists, and is necessary in civil and domestic concerns, subsides in religious assemblies. Each individual there should realize that he stands on common ground with all others: equally mortal-equally apostolized-equally responsi- ble, and equally addressed with the glad tidings of peace through the blood of the lamb. A proper sense of these arti- cles is the best Sexton to keep order in religious assemblies.
When we enter a meeting-house for religious worship, each one may ask the question, "What was this house erected for?" "To pray, preach and sing praise in. How is God to be wor- shipped? In spirit and in truth. Can unconverted men, as such, perform any part of religious worship acceptable to God? None at all. If worship is a spiritual exercise, why was this house built? To acomodate the saints in assembling together in one place. Ought none to assemble but the saints? If any man has ears let him hear, let him hear; force none to come-forbid none that would!"
When Christian assemblies were first established, whether they assembled in dwelling houses, school-houses, or meeting- houses, the exercise of prayer, preaching, prophesying, exhort- ing, singing, etc., were performed in them; performed in the spirit, in a manner that all could understand and be edified. But how often they assembled-whether once a week or once a month-whether statedly or occasionally; and whether these va-
69
rious assemblies convened on the same day. or had each of them a self-appointed day (which seems to be the most likely) is not so certain.
What condition the religious world would be in at the pres- ent time, if previous events had taken a different course, can never be ascertained. Events have revolved as they have, and produced the state of things which now exist. What becomes professors at the present day is. "to mark existing errors and avoid them-withstand the strong currents of custom, where it is wicked and vain-rally round the standard of the Holy Scriptures and list under its banners. Never adapt or reject any sentiment or rite on account of its long standing or novelty -but test all by a standard." That the Christian world has been in a gross error, from the days of Constantine until the present time. admits no doubt. From that period down, the Christian religion has been an institute of state policy, regulated by the laws of men. and supported by the sword of the Magistrate. Whether in a papal or protestant mode. the principle has done incalouable mischief and drenched the earth with blood.
In the United States, the felonious principle has been appre- hended, tried. condemned and executed. Roger Williams, and Wm. Penn first attacked the villain, and Thomas Jefferson did more than any one man to bring him to the stake. Some few roots of this principle are yet in the soil of Massachusetts, in- terwoven in the constitution and laws of the State. But the spirit of the people triumphs over those evil roots. There are but few places in the State where the people would suceumb to a legal distrait for religious uses.
Another scheme now supercedes. Application is now made to the benevolence-the honor-the piety and pity of the people to raise funds, by all visible methods, for the purpose of erect- ing colleges and theological seminaries, to fit out pious youth, to send as missionaries to different stations, to spread Christianity over the world. And notwithstanding the immense sums that have been realized and are in train, still the agents complain of heavy debts now existing, and other imperious calls for money to keep the machine in motion.
Among Christians, equally pious and wise, there is a differ-
70
ence of opinion respecting the present exertions, which are in the full tide of experiment. Some see in them the rising of the latter-day glory, when kings shall bring their gold and treasure into the church, and the Lord be kind over all the church. In this view of the subject every mendicant or solicitor, is not only well rewarded ont of the money which he collects, but is con- sidered as purchasing a good degree and great boldness in the faith. And all who will not unite with them, hand and purse, to aid this work, they consider covetous men, who have no re- gard for the salvation of souls.
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.