USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Longmeadow > Proceedings at the centennial celebration of the incorporation of the town of Longmeadow, October 17th, 1883 > Part 22
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The following is a sample of his addresses to soldiers : I would exhort you who are going abroad in the public service. My dear friends-remem- ber that you are under Bonds to God by y" Baptism, and let me entreat you, if you have not done it already, that you wd now personally and particularly dedicate yourselves to God ; instantly, by private transaction of ye covenant between God and y' own souls. This may be done by every one of you if God dispose y' hearts to it. I am very sorry it is done by no more in a pub- lick, solemn manner as it was done by most of ye young people in this place above 16 years of age in some of the first years of my ministry. I urge this matter upon you that are now going abroad ; thus truly to dedicate yourselves to God. Take an oath of allegiance to God, that the Lord shall be your God, that you all be for Him and none other. You are wont in yr notes for public prayer to ask that you may be especially preserved from sin, and some add it-the worst of evils. Yes-so indeed it is-I hope and desire you would second your own desires with answerable endeavors to keep yourselves pure, to keep at a distance from all sin. Be careful to do violence to no man of your friends and countrymen in any places where the army may be called to reside. Dont take the name of God in vain ; dont give yourselves to intemperance, to gaming, stealing, uncleanness, quarrel- ling. Be much in prayer, and watch as well as pray. Acknowledge God in all your ways. Live sensible of your entire dependence on God. I do now, my dear friends, bid you farewell, and may the Lord preserve your going out and coming in from this time forth and even forevermore. Amen.
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July 1. I expect to move this day to join the army. I desire to give up myself to ye Eternall Jehovah, praying He wa grant me his gracious pres- ence and enable me to do ye work, business, and service justly expected of me. Gracious God, be pleased to take care of my family and flock at home. I leave them with a Gracious Covenant God. If it be thy pleasure, be pleased to return me in safety and peace. Ye Lord is my God, and my Father's God. O Lord, I am thy servant.
(During that campaign occurs the battle of Lake George, September 8th, in which his kinsman, Col. Ephraim Williams, and his deacon, Lieut. Burt, are both killed.)
Oct. 28. 1755. I returned to my home in safety and find my family in comfortable circumstances. (He blesses God for the cordial welcome of his neighbors, who flock into the parsonage, and for his opportunity on the Sabbath with his dear flock in the public assembly.)
Dec. 5. I hear that 8000 hand cuffs were found aboard a French vessel taken near Louisburg. Alas! were they designed for poor Protestants ? Dec. 10. The people in ye place are fond of disposing of the school land by sale or lease. I wish they were not so hasty. I pray God to grant them prudence and discretion in managing ye publick affairs. Dec. 26. This day we have an acct of an awfull Earthquake at Lisbon and Cadiz. A previous entry, November 18th, records " About 4 A. M., awaked and surprized with the amazing shock of an earthquake that shook the bricks from the chimney."
Jan. 6. 1756. It is proposed than my son Davenport should ride post this week to Boston. 12. I have been at some pains to get some Sassafras roots, hoping that they may be serviceable to purify the blood. O that God would purify my heart.
Feb 29. 1756. Sabbath-My subject was awfull : ye text Matt 25. 41. O that God we speak to the consciences of poor sinners.
(While the pastor's daily petitions are continually being offered in connec- tion with passing events, on the day preceding the Sacrament of Commun- ion there is almost invariably recorded a special prayer of preparation, unusually copious, thoughtful, and minute :) March 6. Tomorrow Sabbath and Sacrament Day. After abundant confessions of unworthiness and shortcomings : "Cleanse me from my sin ; sanctifie me thro-out ; sweeten me for ye enjoyment of Thyself ; give me to do duty as duty, in obedience to thy commands-shew me my duty upon all accounts. If there should be any application made to me to go again in ye Army, be pleased to make ye way of duty plain. If thou wouldst not have me go, give me to see and know ye mind of God." After full petitions for the nation, " in all these provinces and colonies," and in view of the peculiar exigencies of the pend- ing war, and after supplications for the town and precinct : "Oh Lord, be pleased to bless my dear family ; comfort, console, and calm my consort ; bless my children that are gone out into families ; let Samuel be preserved and protected and taught now he is abroad ; let Davenport have ye gracious
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Presence of God and health; let Martha's health be precious in God's sight and bring her willingly to sit at Jesus' feet "-(and so on, not forgetting any members of the family, whether children or servants.)
March 3. People in a ruffle about choosing a deacon insisting upon ye deacon's being ordained, which I can't see to be duty, unless we have a church stock which many of the brethren are averse to. 11. I attended the Weekly Lecture-but many were absent. I fear they are tired with the service. I don't know but it will be best to lay down the Lecture for a season.
16. Town Meeting. I preached. The publick affairs went on with good agreement, but we were interrupted by a number of rude soldiers who came along and behaved rtotously and wounded severall men that attempted by order of Authorities to seize them. M' Tom Hopkins was knocked down, but I hope may do well, tho' much hurt.
19. Received a letter from Brigadier Gen1 Dwight inviting me to go as a Chaplain in ye army again. 21. Sabbath. I was warm and affectionate in my addresses to ye people, and I do pray that God would speak to ye hearts of my hearers. 23. This day I went to Enfield to see my Dear Friend and B" M" Raynolds and his family-had an opportunity to pray with him, and had great pleasure and comfort in so doing. 29. At y" Lecture I preached from John 8. 39 and endeavored to show how unreasonable ye papists are in denying ye use of ye Scripture to ye Laity. May 2. Sabbath and Sacra- ment. I had my children severall of them about me at the Lords table. O, ye amazing love and grace and condescension of God. I hope I have had some sense of it. Would that I might be one of ye poor in Spirit, for theirs is ye Kingdom of Heaven.
26. Now I have passed my Grand Climactericall year. I wd not think any other than that my times are in God's hands and I rejoyce that they are so. 27. I hear Co1 Ruggles is gone along and it is expected we march speedily. 31. The Church met and brot in votes for a deacon. Mr Aaron Colton had the majority of votes but not so great a majority as I could wish for.
Dec. 10. Ye inhabitants of ye Precinct met to grant money. They are desirous that I remit a part of my salary, because I had (they apprehend) good wages when abroad. I can't see it my duty, since they were so well provided for in my absence. They have adjourned the meeting and made no grant to me. I pray God to keep them calm and give me prudence and meekness, and prevent confusion among us. 12. Sabbath. I have en- larged considerably extempore as I was preaching and hope and desire that my so doing may not be hurtful, but serviceable. 14. I don't know but people will get into a heat about my salary. I pray that they may be kept from wrong measures. 15. Nathan invited to be Tutor of Yale. 23. The conversation among the neighbors is yet about my salary. Their spirits are evidently raised. The Lord be pleased to calm and quiet their spirits, and keep mine calm and composed. 26. Sabbath. Some rain and many people absent from the publick worship. We need resolution.
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Jan. 2. 1757. Sabbath and Sacrament Day. I enjoyed calmness and serenity at ye Sacrament, though my affections were not moved as at some times. Jan. 6. I have signified my mind to the Clerk of the precinct in writing respecting my salary. 9. Sabbath-very stormy-had prepared a new Sermon, but preached an old one because the assembly was small, and not able to write new sermons sometimes ; hope I did not indulge sloth.
24. Funeral of Capt Isaac Colton, attended tho' a stormy day by a great number of people. Thus honour was done him as one that had been useful among us. 26. Concerned about my son Davenport who acts as Deputy Sheriff. Ye Lord give him to do justly and grant that he may behave with tenderness and prudence. 27. Went down to see my Dear M' Raynolds and family and find that he is perplexed at ye conduct of his people who incline to go to ye Separates. The Lord be pleased to support and comfort his servant, and teach and restrain that people.
Feb. 15. Council at Blandford-adjourned to Westfield. The minister imprudent and the people violent and almost outrageous. (This Council, adjourned from time to time, appears to have been conducted with some- thing like legal form, " P. Nelson. Complainant. A Rising. Appellant." and consumed much time, the Council besides using the daytime, sitting up late at night, and the final result not, after all, of much avail.)
Feb. 24. Long talk with Cap' S. Colton and Serg' D. Burt (two of pre- cinct Committee) about ye affair of my salary. I am in fear peoples spirits and tempers are too much raised ; and so mine may be. The Lord keep us from dishonoring his great name. 23. Oh Lord, lead me not into tempta- tion, but deliver me from evil. 26. Sabbath. I found myself more com- posed than at some times and some what enlarged. I have been concerned lest I become ruffled and discomposed because of ye conduct of my people. Oh, Lord, don't leave me to myself and my own counsels.
13. Sabbath. I have used great plainness of speech in cautioning against lewdness and lasciviousness. Ye Lord grant his blessing may fol- low these cautions and make them really serviceable. April 7. Letter from Nathan that Yale College is about to form a Collegiate Church. July 4. We have had thôts of buying another negro, but am at a loss in my own mind. I pray God to help me do my duty to those under my care. 8. This day a shock of an earthquake at 2 o'clock P. M.
Aug. 11. Hear Co' Ruggles is gone along and left a pressing message for me to follow him. Went to Town-met Sir W" Pepperell and Sir John St Clair.
Oct. 19. M' Raynolds and his consort came here to ask our daughter Martha for their son Samuel. The young man is in Good reputation and of Good Behaviour. The family is most agreeable to me. I hear that Rev Mr Edwards is chosen President of a New Jersey College. Jan. 18. 1758. Last night I met the young men at y" School House ; prayed with them, advised and counselled them.
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Feb. I. I perceive that there is some notice taken of ye school y' Mr Wheelock and others have projected for the poor Indians by Lord Halifax and others in England. 26. Sabbath. Lord London and his attendants passed by. I am sorry there are such examples of travelling on the Sab- bath by Great men.
March 14. I am at a Great loss what to do abt Settling my Estate-how to do justice among or to my Children. I do pray that He yt is wonderfull in counsell would be pleased to direct and help me. 23. Co1 Ruggles has writ to me again to engage in the expedition. I do fear that it won't do for me to think of it because of my age and infirmities.
April 3. This morning Cato was taken with a cold shaking fit. I hear that the Revª M' Jona Edwards is dead (he dyed in the Jerseys) a valuable man-and a great loss to ye church of God. 7. Ye Lord be pleased to pour out of his Spirit upon us in order to our Reformation -- morall means of themselves, will not do it. 10. This day we hear ye Aların of War, ye beating up for volunteers. I prayed with ye company.
July 31. This day Mrs Edwards-ye relict of ye Revª M' Jona Edwards and her son Jonª were here. This Gentlewoman has had sore bereavements of Late. I pray God to be her support.
Aug. I. I attended upon the children at ye publick Catechising. 28. I catechised ye children-a fine sight of Children in ye place. (The good pas- tor rejoices in his frequent catechisings. He has generally about eighty present.) Sept 7. We have had an opportunity for Sociall prayer at the House of G. D. Praised be the Lord.
8. A memorable day-this day three years ago we had our fight at the Lake. I desire never to forget it. 16. What a poor stupid creature am I. Oh for wisdom and patience and a care to redeem time. 20. Dear M' Raynolds visited me and we prayed together. I bless God for such a friend.
Nov 19. 1760. 'Tis said a man y' came from ye Army and was lodged at M' Sam1 Bliss's in ye Town is supposed to have ye Small pox and is carried to ye pest-house ; 'tis feared yt he has communicated ye disease. (His fears are sadly realized. The disease spreads ; a hospital is established at Mat- thew's swamp for those who voluntarily contract the disease by inoculation, about which doubtful remedy there is great excitement and difference of opinion. His son Stebbins, Jonathan Ely, and a number of others are inoculated. His son's house and the "new room " in the parsonage are occupied for a time as hospitals, but as the disease spreads, all infected per- sons are removed either to the "Swamp House " or the pest-house.) Feb. 29. 1761. This day my son Sam1 carried out in a sleigh six persons y' have taken ye Small pox by inoculation. Ye Ld be pleased to be with them and carry them well thro. March 11. This day my son Raynolds and others came hither in order to prepare to receive ye small pox.
12. Last night about 2 of ye clock there was a considerable shock of an earthquake. (He improves "ye late Providence " in next Sabbath's dis- course.)
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13. This day the doctor is here and inoculated ye Gentlemen with us. 19. Town meeting. M' Mckinstry preached a good sermon. A turmoil is raised among ye people in y& Town as to ye affair of inoculation. Severall of ye persons yt were at Matthews Swamp are removed this day. I hope and pray ye infection may not be spread by them. (As time proceeds the inoculation process seems to prove successful and gains favor. The good pastor goes out to the swamp from time to time and confers with his in- fected parishoners through the window.)
30. This morning Cato has moveingly advertised me of my mortality by asking me what he shall do when I am dead, which he says will be by and by. The Lord help me to realize this, and to wait on the way of faith, re- pentance, and new obedience till my change come ; and ye Ld be pleased to take care of the poor fellow, and enlighten him with ye knowledge of Christ and bring him home to Thyself.
April 12. Sabbath. I have been preaching about publick reading of the Scriptures. I hope people may be convinced of ye duty and yt we may attend it with seriousness and reverence. (On the next Sabbath he again sets up the practice of reading the Scriptures from the pulpit.)
April 27. This day ye doctor determined that Joseph Chapin's wife has got the small pox. We are in a toss, but all our care will be to no purpose unless God help us. 28. There seems to be a Tumult among us upon ye acct of J. C's children who are put into ye School House. May 8. I re- turned home from Tolland-ye place in an uproar. Several of J Chapin's children sick with ye Small pox. Ye mother is carried up to y" pest-House in a chair and four of the children, and E. M. (M' Woolworth's apprentice) is broke out and is carried to the pest House also. Ye Ld preserve and help and mercifully prevent the spreading of this awfull disease.
9. This morning George C. Cooley came to me to desire I wd go and Baptize a child of his born last night, and not like to live in ye opinion of Mrs Warner ye midwife, and I went and Baptized it-a number of neighbors being present. This afternoon my son Samuel's wife was safely delivered of a daughter. 1 bless God who by his Providence seems to be speaking the continuing of my house for awhile to come-this being ye fifth Grand child born in ye space of half a year. O Lord be pleased to establish thy Covenant with me and mine-to be a God to me and to my seed after me.
June 28. Sabbath. I have used plainness of speech respecting the sup- port of ye Gospel ministry-a part of ye Counsell of God y' I thot it my duty not to shun to declare. I desire that it may be well received.
30. This day my Sister Eunice, her Husband, her daughter Katherine and others come hither from Canada. Y. L' Grant it may be in mercy to her y' She makes this visitt. We have no interpreter and So can't say what her intentions and pretensions are. (His sister Eunice was taken captive with the rest of the family, at the sack of Deerfield, she then being 7 years old and he 11. She was brought up by the Indians, embraced the Roman Catholic faith, and married an Indian chief who adopted the name of Wil-
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liams. When this Indian party in their blankets, beads, and moccasins arrived at Longmeadow, and encamped in the orchard behind the parsonage, there was a great stir in the village. The most assiduous efforts were made to induce her and her family to remain. The Legislature of Massa- chusetts offered a grant of land in case she would consent.)
July I. I have been seeking for an interpreter-have sent to Deerfield. Thus I am in concern. Ye Ld be pleased to direct and bless me-Grant I may take prudent measures. 2. We attended ye meeting before ye Sacra- ment, and after meeting people came in Great numbers to see my Sister. I am fearful that it may not be agreable to be gazed upon. I am sending hither and thither to my children and friends, and I pray God to bring them together that we may have a comfortable and profitable meeting. My cares increase. I have an interpreter come from Sunderland-sent by Sister Wil- liams of Deerfield-but I fear he does not understand ye Language very well-but hope he will be somewhat serviceable.
4. Sabbath and Sacrament. My daughters Eunice and Martha are now here with me upon ye joyfull sorrowfull occasion of my poor Sister Eunice who is now with me-also her Husband ; Katherine and her Husband, and a little son of Mary. I beg God to Direct me what to do for my Sister ; be pleased to incline and dispose her and her Husband to come into, or comply with, such measures, as may have a proper tendency, to promote her Spiritual and Eternall Good, and that of her family and offspring ; oh that ye vail might be removed from her eyes, and that God wd give her to know ye truth as it is in Jesus.
6. My children, John and his wife, Stephen, with our interpreter, M' Dodge, are come hither. Our company and cares increase. Ye Lª Grant us his guidance. 7. This day my son Nathan and wife, Cap' Grant and wife came hither. I had a sad discourse with my Sister and her Husband, and find they are not at all disposed to come and settle in ye Country. I am at a great loss to know what course to take, what measures to go into. I do pray God to direct me and show me my duty. About night M' Salter and others came hither. Our numbers increase. My daughter Raynolds returned Home wearied and Fatigued. July 8. Capt Grant and M' Salter went from us. At night my son Warham came hither, John and his wife went home. 9. Hot-and we are fatigued and full of Company-at night my wife poorly.
Io. This morning my poor sister and company left us. I think I have used ye best arguments I could to persuade her to tarry and to come and dwell with us. But at present they have been ineffectual. I must leave ye matter with God-this I desire to do. N.B. Y' when I took my leave of my sister and her daughter in the parlour they both shed tears, and seemed affected. Oh, that God wd touch their hearts and encline them to turn to their Friends, and to embrace ye religion of Jesus Christ."
Would that some master painter might depict this touching scene.
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K .- THE DAUPHIN (?) WILLIAMS.
The name of Eleazer Williams is related to Longmeadow not only by his reputed relationship to the first pastor, Dr. Stephen Williams, the brother of Eunice Williams, Eleazer's grandmother, but also by his own early residence in the village for several years while he was acquiring an education. It was at the earnest request of Deacon Nathaniel Ely of Longmeadow that his parents were induced to allow him to receive this education thus, and the liveliest interest was felt in Eleazer, not only then but in all his subsequent life, by many Long- meadow citizens.
The following hitherto unpublished letter of Pastor Storrs to Rev. Dr. Romeyn of New York, will be found of much interest in this con- nection, not only as a clear statement of the facts relating to Eleazer's early residence here, but as casting a strong side light upon subse- quent claims in his behalf. The statement of Thomas Williams, Eleazer's father, as to the origin of Eleazer's baptismal name is of special significance.
LONGMEADOW, April 6, 1811.
Very Dear Sir :- Yours of the Ist inst was received yesterday. The subject of our correspondence has long been to me one of importance ;- that it has become apparently so to you, and to other New England friends, is highly gratifying.
In addition to those cares which are common to me, I have on hand special concerns-a circumstance which must excuse me while I attempt nothing more at this time than a plain statement of a few facts concerning which you enquire.
Eleazer Williams came to this town in January of the year 1800 ; the May following he was 12 years old-the friends here have never known any other name of the family than that of Williams. Eleazer was baptised, as is supposed, in his infancy by a Catholic priest. His father informed me that he named him after his great uncle, Eleazer Williams, first minister of Mansfield, Connecticut. [N. B. It has been a serious question with Eleazer since he became hopefully pious whether he ought not to be rebaptised by a Protestant. Dr Romeyn's opinion on the subject would give pleasure.]
The great grandmother of this lad, Eunice Williams, though she lost the knowledge of her native language, never lost the knowledge of her native friends and country. She married in early life and had two children, viz : Catharine and Mary, who lived to grow up and were married. Mary, the mother of Thomas the father of Eleazer, on the bed of death, gave her son to her sister Catharine, who never had children.
After his return from captivity and re-settlement at Deerfield the Revª J. Williams, unto the day of his death, did not cease to labor and hope for the
Cleaner Williams
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redemption of his daughter Eunice, but he never witnessed the fruit of his exertions, nor an answer to his prayers and the prayers of his numerous re- lations and acquaintances. His son Stephen, the first minister of this town and my immediate predecessor, was so happy, after many fruitless attempts, as to obtain an interview with this sister in Albany, New York, in the year I 740. She, with her husband and children, were persuaded to accompany him to Longmeadow and spend a week in receiving the visits and largesses of their friends in New England, who flocked together to see her. She and her family at three different times afterwards came down from Canada to New England and spent one whole winter in this quarter. She lived till the year 1786 or 7.
The grandson Thomas, the father of Eleazer, was here on a visit in the latter part of 1796 or beginning of 1797, bringing letters from her and from Gen1 Schuyler of Albany ; when it was proposcu to him by Dean Ely to send on one of his sons to receive an education here. The proposal seemed to give him pleasure, but we heard nothing from him until some time in Decem', 1799. One of our neighbors who was going to Montreal took on a letter from Dea" Ely, in which he expressed a desire to Thomás that he would immediately forward one of his sons, agreeable to the proposal which he had formerly made to him.
Accordingly, at the close of the month following, viz, Jany, 1800, he came with two of his sons, Eleazer and John. He left them both, and they were with us about three years, attending school the most of that time, learning to speak read and write our language ; in all which branches they both made good proficiency, especially Eleazer. It was an object with us to have them, however, retain their Indian language, which Eleazer did. In the winter of 1803 their parents both came to visit them, and informed us that unless they carried one or both of them home, their priest (who had expressed great displeasure from the beginning with the business) would excommunicate their mother from the church. Taking John, they were persuaded to leave Eleazer for two years longer. John was at home one year, perfectly re- gained his knowledge of the Indian language, and returned to us again. He remained in these quarters about four years more, learning to read and write and perform tolerably well most kinds of farming business. He then returned to his father's, where he now is, never having manifested any special regard for labor ; nor any abiding sense of religious things. Eleazer has made but two visits to his parents; the last a few weeks since, having heard that his mother was near to death. He has at all times to this day been able to speak readily his native language. Canawaga lies across the river about nine miles from Montreal. It contains about 300 families of Indians, who are a part of the Six Nations.
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