USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Taunton > The ministry of Taunton, with incidental notices of other professions > Part 16
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JOHN WALES.
Gospel ministry is hard and difficult, so I dare not rush myself into that office with precipitation, but have, as I hope, sincerely laid the case before God by prayer, and earnestly sought direction from Him. Further, I have taken the advice of sundry of my fathers in the ministry. And therefore looking upon the call to come from Heaven, as well as from man, I dare not refuse it, but accept it, earnestly asking your prayers to God for me, that I may so faithfully acquit myself, in the office of a Gospel minis- ter, as to save my own soul, and those whom God shall commit to my watch and care."
There is no official record of Mr. Wales' ordination, but in the hand-writing of Doctor Fobes, his immediate suc- cessor, I find it stated, in the first book of Records, that " he was ordained, as near as can be ascertained, Oct. 20th, 1731," the day following the organization of the church. Mr. Sanford supposes that the same council or- ganized the church and ordained Mr. Wales. The church consisted of the following persons dismissed from the church of Christ in Taunton : Abraham Jones, John Sta- ples, John Leonard, Samuel Hacket, Senior, Joseph Jones, Samuel Leonard, Seth Leonard, Samuel White, Ebenezer Campbell, John White, Gabriel Crossman, Jonathan Hall, Thomas Baker, Samuel Hacket, Jr., Henry Crane, Han- nah White, Mary Hacket, Katharine Leonard, Hannah Campbell, Susanna White, Hannah Staples, Mehitable White, Ruth Crane, Elizabeth Shraw, Mary Jones, Joanna Leonard, Abigail Hall, Lydia Brittain, Patience Hackett, Sarah Hall, Rebecca Leonard, Abigail Baker, fifteen males, and seventeen females .* John Staples and Samuel Leonard were chosen deacons.
* A Book has been discovered among the papers of Rev. Thomas Clap, once a minister of Taunton, containing a portion of the Church
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THE MINISTRY OF TAUNTON.
Their first minister, according to the author of a Topo- graphical description of Raynham in the eighth volume of the Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society,*
Records during his ministry. In it I find the following: " At a church meeting held at the Public meeting-house in Taunton, Oct. 7, 1731, the request of Abraham Jones, &c., (enumerating all the names in the above list, but Henry Crane's,) all brethren and sisters in full commun- ion with this church, living in the town of Raynham, for a dismission, in order to their being incorporated into a church state by themselves, and thus have the Gospel ordinances administered among them, was read to the church. The church taking the matter into consideration, and approving their desires to be regular, voted, that they be dismissed accordingly, commending them to God and the word of His Grace, which is able to build them up, and to give them an inheritance among all those which are sanctified. At the same time, the request of several persons, who had only renewed their baptismal covenant, for a dismis- sion, was read; upon which the church voted, that if any of them did desire to embody in a church state, with the aforesaid brethren and sis- ters, they might do it, without any offense to this church."
* In this article furnished the society by Doctor Fobes, it is also stat- ed that "the first meeting-house was built the year preceding the Incor- poration of the town, when there were within its limits about thirty families. The first meeting-house was conveniently situated for the first inhabitants, and continued as the place of worship for more than forty- two years, that is, until June 9th, 1773, when a new meeting-house was erected nearly in the centre of the town. The number of families in this town now, (1793,) is near two hundred, which, according to the late census, contain about a thousand souls. Of this number nearly one sixth part are of the Baptist denomination.
Raynham has been considered as one of the most patriotic towns in the State. The inhabitants, especially those who attend publie worship, have been distinguished for their zealous attachment to Republican Gov- ernment, to learning, to military discipline, and church music.
The unanimity and ardor of their public decisions during the late war, their cautious but spirited exertions, their prompt and peaceable compli- ance with the numerous calls of Government, in the days of exigences and danger, are well known, and perhaps ought the rather to be remem - bered, as their patience long endured the trial of, and opposition, and the shock of ridicule, from the tongues, the pens, the public votes, and contradicting examples of great numbers all around them. The people here can appeal to the living and to the dead, when they say, that not among this number was ever yet found either a tory, a paper money man or insurgent. Fired at the name of insurgency, and hearing that a con- spiracy was formed to prevent the sitting of the October Court of 1786, the troops of this little town, consisting of two small companies, roused unanimous; and at the first call of their leaders, mustered in arms, marched down to Taunton, entered the Court House as a preoccupant guard, there lay upon their arms through the whole of the night pre- ceding the day of the Court's sitting, and in open defiance of all the bloody threats of an unprincipled and outrageous mob, in constant ex-
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" was blessed with talents which rendered him very amia ble and entertaining in social life. In public prayer, his performances were eminent, and on some occasions, almost unequalled. He was a faithful, plain preacher; and hav- ing served in the Gospel ministry thirty-four years, he died February 23, 1765, in the sixty-sixth year of his age." His ministry continued thirty-four years. Mr. Wales graduated at Cambridge in 1728. He married Hazadiah, daughter of Deacon Samuel Leonard, "the fourth son of Thomas, the son of James Leonard." They were married November 8, 1733. Mrs. Wales died October 14, 1752, in the forty-first year of her age. Their son, Rev. Sam- uel Wales, D. D., a graduate of Yale College in 1767, "held the office of Professor of Divinity in that Institution. His son, Hon. John Wales, has been in the United States Senate from Delaware. Catharine, daughter of Rev. Mr. Wales of Raynham, married Samuel Montgomery, gradu- ate at Yale in 1773, a surgeon in the Revolutionary army. Their daughter, Catharine, is wife of Job Godfrey, Esq., himself a descendant."* Prudence, the eldest daughter
pectation of hundreds in arms ready for battle, they stood firm, but alone, until the next day about noon, when by a reinforcement of troops from the County of Plymouth, and a number gleaned from different parts of the country, they formed, and under the command of General Cobb, the insurrection was crushed, the Supreme Court sat, and Govern- ment was triumphant. (Sec Minot's History of the Insurrection, p. 59.) From the whole county of Bristol, not another whole company appear- ed, except the two companies from Raynham.
But that which gives this town a claim on public attention is the fact that here once lived Philip, the Indian King. Here they can mark the place and point it out to their children, saying, 'our cars have heard, our fathers have told us, there once lived the tawny chief, a terror that walked in darkness. On that spot of ground, stood his house ; my great grand parent knew him. He once sold him an ox for beef, and often supplied him with iron made with his own hands, in yonder forge, which he himself built, and the first America saw. There yet stands the friend- ly dome, the once well known garrison, to which our friends in numbers fled, eager for life, and panting in horror of Indian foes."
* William R. Deane, (Gen. Mem. of Leonard family, p. 12.) who has sent me the following notice of the earlier ancestry of Rev. John Wales.
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of Mr. Wales, married his successor in the ministry, Doc- tor Fobes.
Mr. Wales published nothing in his lifetime. William R. Deane, a descendant by marriage, and Rev. Mr. Carver, present minister of Raynham, agree in saying that they never saw any production of his in print, with the single exception of a letter sent Rev. Mr. Prince in 1743, in at- testation to the wonderful Work of Grace which had been witnessed in the churches. It was published in the twen- ty-fourth number of the Christian History, in connection with other letters, being the fifteenth in order:
"From the Rev. Mr. Wales, Pastor of the church in Raynham, in the County of Bristol.
"I having lately been informed by the public Prints, that it is the Desire of a number of Ministers in Boston, and elsewhere, that those of their Brethren in the ministry, who are convinced, that the present Operation upon the Minds and Consciences of People in this Land, is the Work of God, would meet in Boston the Day after Com- mencement, to consult and advise what may be proper to be done for the promoting this good Work, and also to prevent those Imprudencies that in some places have been said to attend it; my Circumstances will not admit of my coming down. I therefore thought I would write a Line to let you know, that I most firmly believe the present Op-
Nathaniel Wales came over with Richard Mather, in 1635, " was of Dorchester 1636. Perhaps the same who died in Boston 4 Dec'r 1661, leaving son Nath'l who died in Boston 1662." [Farmer.] His son Nathaniel was the father of Elder Nathaniel, who married Joanna -. settled in Braintree about 1675, died 23d March 1718. Mr. Nathaniel Wales was a Deacon in the church at Braintree, and, "afterwards or- dained Ruling Elder, viz : Fcb. 27, 1700, by Mr. Fiske. The Rev. Peter Thacher of Milton, and Elder John Rogers of Weymouth, joining in the laying on of hands." [Hancock's Century Sermon, p. 23.] Elder Nathaniel was the father of Rev. John Wales of Raynham.
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JOHN WALES.
eration to be the Work of the Blessed God; and I, and many of my Charge, shall I hope, forever bless and praise the Great God for the great Display of His special Grace, He has lately made in this Place, in bringing many souls savingly to close with Christ, and embrace Him according to the Gospel offer.
"As to the Imprudencies and Irregularities that have been said to attend this blessed Work, I can say nothing about them ; for I have seen, (blessed be God for it,) few if any of them. I should greatly rejoice, to have any Thing donc, that might have a Tendency to promote this Work of the blessed God in this Land, and through the World ; and should be willing to have my Name annexed to any Thing that may be published for the promoting and encouraging this Work of God. In the general, I am full in my Thot's with Mr. Edwards in his Discourse, upon the present Revival of Religion, in five Parts; and am willing to have my name set to what may be published consistent with that. It is my Purpose to give in my T'es- timony to this great and good Work, and an Account of the Rise and Progress of it among us, in a short Time ; and therefore shall not now enlarge. Praying that the GREAT SHEPHERD may lead His faithful Ambassadors into such Methods, and Measures, (on the Day of their Con- vention,) whereby His Glory may be advanced, and the Kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be made to flourish everywhere, by Souls being brought into it; Intreating an Interest in your Prayers to God for me, and my Charge, I subscribe myself your most unworthy Ser- vant in the Labours of the Gospel of the Blessed Jesus.
JOHN WALES.
Raynham, July 4th, 1743."
19
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It is not known that Mr. Wales ever fulfilled his " Pur- pose" in giving additional "Testimony to this great and good Work," as he rejoiced to call it. This brief epistle reveals "the great and good heart " of this man of God. In the language of one* of his successors in the ministry of that place, referring to the letter, "his testimony is given strongly and with his whole heart."
"During Rev. Mr. Wales' ministry, three hundred and fifty infants and adult persons were baptized, and one hundred and twenty-six persons admitted to full commun- ion."+
Rev. PERES FOBES, LL. D., was the successor of Mr. Wales, and the second minister of Raynham .¿ A very full account of the personal history and pastorate of Doc- tor Fobes has been prepared for this work by Rev. The- ophilus P. Doggett, son of Rev. Simeon Doggett, and thus grandson of Doctor Fobes.§
* Rev. R. Carver. t Rev. Enoch Sanford's Historical Sermon.
# The church made choice of Mr. Fobes the 29th of July, 1766, about two years after the death of Mr. Wales. August 18th, the town concurred, and voted him a salary of £78, ($260,) which was afterwards increased. The Churches and Pastors invited on the Ordaining Coun- cil were: Church in West Bridgewater, Rev. Mr. Perkins, Pastor; Church in Bridgewater, Rev. Mr. Shaw; Ist Church in Middleboro', Rev. Mr. Conant; Church in Berkley, Rev. Mr. Tobey; Church in No. Middleboro', Rev. Mr. Reed; Church in Middleboro', Rev. Mr. Turner. Dea. Jonathan Hall, Israel Washburn, and Joseph Shaw signed the letters missive. The following notice of the ordination appeared in the Boston Evening Post, December 1, 1766:
" Raynham, November 19, 1766. This day was ordained, as Pastor " over the Church of Christ in this town- Mr. Peres Fobes. The Solem- "nity was carried on with great Decency. Mr. Solomon Reed began with " Prayer, Mr. Samuel Tobey preached the Sermon from Collossians IV. "7th, these words " A faithful Minister." Mr. Perkins gave the Charge ; "after which Mr. Sylvanus Conant Prayed and Mr. John Shaw gave the " Right Hand of Fellowship."
§ Pedigree of Doctor Fobes, traced by his grandson, William R. Deane.
John Fobes came from Duxbury, was one of the original proprietors
B. W Thayer & Cos Lith. Boston.
Jever Foles
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PERES FOBES.
" There is no species of biography more beneficial to the reader than that of eminent divines. The perusal of the life and labors of those who have arisen to distinction in the other walks and professions of life, is not likely to produce so pure and elevating an influence upon the heart. The life of the conqueror, the scholar and the statesman, if the biographer is faithful in his delineations of their ca- reer, is too frequently adapted to excite sentiments unfa- vorable to the cause of virtue and piety. The life of the conqueror may inspire a thirst for glory. But it is a glory inscribed in characters of blood on the perishable marble. The young mind may glow with aspirations for literary fame while he reads of the scholar's labors in the fields of science. He may feel a fervid ambition for office and honor while perusing the records of the statesman's popu- larity and political promotion. But in the mean time, his taste for devotion and his love for deeds of disinterested philanthropy may receive no improvement nor strength. But it is not so in respect to the lives of those who have reached a deserved distinction, by devoting them to the christian ministry. Few can give their attention to this kind of biography, without having their hearts improved and inspired with a disposition to imitate those who have been actuated by a motive higher than that of worldly fame.
Impressed with these considerations I have thought it
of Bridgewater where he settled and died about 1661, leaving a son, Dea. Edward, who married Elizabeth, daughter of John Howard, and died abont 1732. Dea. Edward left son John, born 1679, who married Abigail Robinson, in 1704. and died about 1725. Ile left son Josiah, born 1716, who married Freclove, daughter of Capt. Josiah Edson, in 1739, and died 1794, aged 78. Josiah was the father of Rev. Doctor Fobes, who married Prudence, daughter of Rev. John Wales of Rayn- ham. He had two sons who died young. His daughter, Nancy, mar- ried Rev. S. Doggett; daughter, Polly, married Rev. Elijah Leonard.
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might be useful to arrest from oblivion by the few follow- ing pages, the life and labors of a man whose influence and success as a preacher and pastor, give him a claim to be ranked among the distinguished divines of New-England.
The Rev. Perez Fobes was born in Bridgewater, Sep- tember 21st, 1742. His father originated from this place. His family consisted of twelve children, and he was long known as a worthy and enterprising farmer. His mother came from a respectable family by the name of Edson. She was a judicious woman, and united in her character to a high degree, the qualities of the christian. His pa- rents adopted the wise and just plan of allowing their chil- dren to choose their own profession, and to follow the orig- inal bent of their minds without exercising in this respect any influence upon their own determinations. In accord- ance with this plan the subject of this biography had not been expressly designed, as some sons are, by their parents for the profession of the ministry, nor for any particular pursuit. From this we may justly conclude that his choice of the sacred profession was the result of the promptings of his peculiar taste and genius.
In his early days, though cheerful and full of life, and action, yet he was thoughtful and religiously disposed. This is evident from a Diary which, I am told, he kept while a youth. It appears from this that he early conse- crated himself to God and Christ and the christian minis- try. He was among the happy number who, like Timothy under the instruction and influence of pious parents, be- come religious and keep so from their youth up. In such instances no particular time of life will be remembered as marked with deep religious impressions. It was so in his case. His boyhood was also distinguished by devotedness
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and profound respect for his mother. He was not like those boys, who, when the father is absent, feel no restraint from the presence of the mother. It is probable that he imbibed much of religious trust and piety from a maternal source, as Timothy did from his mother Eunice.
His mind was always active, and he loved books and study. But physical feebleness and want of health while young, considerably impeded his progress. Previous to commencing the study of Theology, he taught school. In this occupation he was successful. He thought his expe- rience in it qualified him when a minister, for greater use- fulness in superintending the common schools, in the wel- fare of which he was always ardently interested.
He had high views of the literary and moral qualifica- tions which the ministerial office requires. Hence he en- tered upon it with a humiliating consciousness of his inad- equacy to the discharge of its weighty duties. This very
feeling no doubt contributed to render him a burning and shining light in the church. As he often labored under bodily imbecility, he was always careful to seize those moments for study when he felt the best. Hence, although he had appropriated particular hours of the day and the night for mental labor, he often found it profitable to devi- ate occasionally from the plan he had adopted. His style of writing was earnest, flowing, full of happy illustrations, and highly scriptural. His happy manner of quoting scripture, notwithstanding his style was familiar, and sim- ple, imparted to it an evangelical impressiveness. His familiarity with the language of the Bible secured to him an advantage which it is to be feared, many ministers now, do not fully appreciate. Next to the Bible, his favorite authors were Blair, Barrow, Tillotson, Sherlock, Price, 19*
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Paley, Johnson, Addison. Frequent extracts from Shaks- peare and Pope, to be found in his old Manuscripts, seem- ed to show that he studied and admired those great poets. He wrote rapidly, and often left his sermon when but part- ly written, to be filled up by extemporaneous effort. All his composition commonly had the appearance of extempo- raneous production. The more a discourse is marked with this, to the most of hearers, the more engaging it becomes. When he spoke upon the evils of sin, his language was strong, persuasive and alarming. When he prepared a production for the Press, a deep solicitude for correctness and accuracy weighed painfully upon his mind. He would sometimes read some discourse, imbue his mind deeply with it, then write upon the subject of it, improving, if possible, upon the writer. At other times he would write first upon the subject, and then compare his trains of thought upon it with those of the writer. He was accus- tomed to recommend both of these methods to young min- isters, affirming that they were well adapted to interest the mind, and call forth its vigor.
As a Pulpit Orator, Doctor Fobes had but few equals. The tones of his voice were clear, sweet and strong. When carnestly engaged, no audience could slumber under his animating and thrilling enunciation. His attitude in the pulpit was dignified and commanding, his gestures natural and graceful. It is said that when he felt well, and be- came warmed and filled with his subject, his interest in it was so palpably displayed in his manner, that it seemed to descend from the pulpit, and pass like electricity from heart to heart Not merely females of tender sensibility, but the strong man who guarded well his heart, would find at times the influence of his impassioned eloquence steal-
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ing upon them silently and overwhelmingly. His power in the pulpit was not always every Sabbath felt to this de- gree, but frequently. Hence he was widely known as a popular preacher. His fame abroad was such, that people not unfrequently came from a distance to hear him.
It was particularly in the devotional duties of the pro- fession, that Doctor Fobes excelled. However little at- tention comparatively these may receive from the majority of the ministers, it was his belief that the power of the ministry lie almost as much in the prayers, as the discours- es of the sanctuary. With this persuasion, it is believed that he devoted to this part of the sacred office more time and attention than ministers usually do. Although he was undoubtedly blessed with more than ordinary gifts, for it, yet he never would have attained to the excellence he did, without much anxious preparation of heart and diligent cultivation of mind. He was known to spend much time in retirement for private meditation. He cherished the devout affections by much secret communion with the Be- ing from whom cometh spiritual gifts. By such culture he attained to an eminence in devotional performances not often equalled. The two qualities which give every prayer a claim to be called excellent, are its fervency and its ap- propriateness to the occasion. These two qualities com- monly distinguished the devotions of Doctor Fobes. It may be proper and entertaining to relate here some instan- ces illustrative of the power and celebrity which he had acquired in this department of professional duty.
On one occasion while officiating at the evening devo- tions of the College chapel, there came up suddenly a ter- rific thunder storm. During the time of prayer an awful clap of thunder startled the students assembled there.
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While the aspect of terror and dismay sat upon every countenance, Doctor Fobes calmly paused a moment, and then caught the inspiration of the occasion, and went into a strain of devotion so appropriate, so sublime and impres- sive, that every heart present was melted into penitence and filled with devout sentiments as it never was before. The pathos of his tones, and the heavenly engagedness manifested in his manner at the time, could not have been surpassed. While they produced in all a lasting religious impression, they subdued and quieted at the same time every rising emotion of fear that was agitating the assem- bly.
On another occasion, while the land was parching up under the effect of an alarming drought, during his prayer the heavens were suddenly overclouded, and suffering veg- etation was refreshed by a most copious rain. He had begun his devotional exercise with the most fervent peti- tion for rain, but perceiving before he ended, this altera- tion in the weather, the whole congregation were struck with the wonderful facility with which he immediately adapted himself to the change in the same prayer, closing with the most earnest and sublime language of thanksgiv- ing for the reception of the blessing so soon after it was implored.
This fact and others similar to it reached the ears of neighboring and distant societies. The eloquence and efficacy of his prayers were described by those who heard them in such glowing terms that the mass of the people in some places regarded Doctor Fobes with a respect that was mingled with superstitious feeling. On every great occasion in the county, his devotional services were sought. When a criminal was to be executed in former times, a vast
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concourse of people assembled, and all eyes were turned to Doctor Fobes as the officiating chaplain. As he gave expression to what one would suppose to be the criminal's dying prayer, there was always a pathos and thrilling so- lemnity in his manner, which made men feel that he was gifted from on High, and spoke the language of inspira- tion.
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