USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Taunton > The ministry of Taunton, with incidental notices of other professions > Part 17
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On three different occasions of Public Fasting, in conse- quence of long continued drought, he was called at Bridge- water to perform the public services. There is a tradition among the descendants of the eminent preacher in that place, that every time he came he went home with a wet coat.
Other instances might be cited in proof of the reputa- tion which Doctor Fobes had acquired in this difficult part of a minister's official duty. But in a limited sketch like this, those already mentioned must suffice. It is just to remark here that in estimating his power over an audience in public devotion, we must remember there prevailed then among the people much more than now, a profound rever- ence for the office which he held. Men believed more easily than now that a minister may be aided by supernat- ural influence. There was more faith in the efficacy of prayer. All this was favorable to effect. Doctor Fobes knew this, and he justly availed himself of the advantage which it afforded. In his time and in the days of Whit- field, the same degree of eloquence in the pulpit, would produce much more effect probably, than it could now.
It often happens that when a minister excels in the pul- pit, he is found deficient out of it, in the parochial duties. But it was not so with Doctor Fobes. These duties re- ceived as much of his attention in proportion to their
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importance, as any other belonging to the office. His at- tention to the sick was affectionate and devoted. His conversation and prayers with them were earnest, comfort- ing, and frequently produced impressions and awakened resolutions which did not pass away with their sickness, but were diligently cherished and strengthened after their recovery. His general visits were free from formality, accompanied always with such a manner as to make the people feel easy, and strip them of restraint while in his presence. His conversations were instructive, and cheer- ful without being frivolous.
He possessed a peculiar tact for uniting and harmoniz- ing a discordant people. I mention this as being a trait in the man, not as insinuating that the society over which he was settled, had ever imbibed to any remarkable de- gree, the turbulent spirit of discord. If the seeds of any difficulty had been sown, and sprung up in any quarter, and shot their roots deep and wide, yet he had the gift of eradicating them with such a gentle hand as not to dis- turb the soil of the flourishing vineyard on which he labor- ed. He hushed a complaint before it run round a neigh- borhood. If we were to speak more particularly of the causes of his ministerial success, we should refer to his social spirit as among the most prominent ones. He was eminently familiar with all. He was ever ready to con- verse with the parishioner whether he met him at the fire- side, or in the shop, on the field or in the street. The most inconsiderable member of his parish could never mect him without having the important sentiment of self-respect and the spirit of laudable ambition excited by some en- couraging word which the minister had dropped in his ear in passing. He possessed the faculty of adapting himself
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to every variety of character. His resources of conver- sation constituted a common fund of information, facts, anecdotes, and ideas from which all his flock, of whatever standing or occupation, might always derive something that was pleasing and suitable to their case. Cheerful without levity, he would more generally have an agreeable story to illustrate some topic of conversation, and in such a manner as to enliven the dullness of the unsocial circle. Where he was, something would be said that might be remembered to advantage. Serious without austerity, he would never allow his familiar good humor to overstep the rules of that sober deportment, the absence of which is wholly uncongenial with the ministerial office. Penetrated and actuated by the true spirit of the Gospel, the rich and the influential of his Flock, never received more of his time, attention and regards than the poorest and the hum- blest members of it. His familiarity was not limited to any portion of his parish, but extended to its most obscure corners. His parochial visits, I am told, did not general- ly average more than two a year to each family. Yet this number of visits, at a time when his society contained probably more than one hundred and fifty families, must have been a great labor and occupied a large portion of time. His versatility of talent in conversation, gave him the happy faculty of adapting himself to persons of every description of temperament, disposition, age and occupa- tion. To the man of refined taste and extensive reading, and to the man of humbler capacity and limited attain- ments, he was equally interesting. He could so variate and change his subject and manner as to satisfy the wants and taste of the mechanic in his shop, or the ploughman in his field, or the scholar in his study. This social spirit,
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possessing such facility of adaptation, not only rendered him useful out of the pulpit in the way of his profession, but an agreeable companion, and secured to him the re- spect, the friendship and affection of his people. If there be any thing, which can make a people united, harmonious and happy in the one whom they have chosen to minister at the sacred altar, it is their affectionate regard for him as a neighbor, as a friend and companion. This perpetu- ally operates as a strong bond binding them to him, and him to them. It disposes them to overlook and excuse faults in his preaching, and peculiarities in his character, which otherwise would occasion disgust and dissatisfaction, obstruct his usefulness, and terminate in his dismission. We may say therefore with great assurance, that the deep hold which Doctor Fobes secured upon the affections of his people by means of his familiar and social spirit out of the pulpit, was the most obvious and prominent cause of that distinguished success which attended his protract- ed ministry.
While he was faithful to his duties as a minister, he was ardently engaged in the cause of education and of science. He made his study a school to prepare young men for the ministry. He seemed to possess a peculiar power of im- buing minds whose studies were under his direction with his own ardent spirit, and inspiring them with enthusiasm in their profession.
Amid his many avocations, he found time to investigate the higher departments of science. It would be unjust to omit mentioning the interest with which he turned his at- tention to experimental Philosophy. Following the dic- tates of his taste for the sciences, he procured the Air Pump, the Electrical Machine, and a valuable Philosophi-
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cal Apparatus. Among his unfinished manuscripts we find the outlines of courses of lectures on the different branches of Natural Philosophy.
Astronomy was his favorite study. He devoted to it a large part of his leisure hours. He constructed an Orrery, illustrating the motions of the heavenly bodies in a manner that attracted much attention, and greatly interested the friends of science.
Botany also engaged his attention. He formed and cultivated a small Botanical Garden. He interested him- self in finding flowers belonging to the different Classes, with the characteristics of which he had familiarized his mind. He delighted to stroll over the fields for this pur- pose, and in this way he took much of his exercise. But however much attention his love of science prompted him to devote to it, all his acquisitions in it were made subser- vient to his usefulness as a minister of Christ. He never lost sight of this as the great calling to which he had early dedicated his powers. If he studied Astronomy, it was that he might acquire information to communicate to oth- ers in his daily conversation, and derive from it new illus- trations to bring the truths of the Gospel to bear with more power upon the heart. If, in his rural walks he roved the fields to verify the principles of Botany, it was that he might draw fresh lessons of Divine Goodness from the flowers of the wayside, to add ardor to his own piety and love to God, and in his preaching to inspire others with the same ennobling sentiment. Thus in all his stud- ies and investigations, he kept steadily in view the inter- ests of his sacred profession, and made them tributary to this as the chief end of his life. In all his fondness for
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the sciences, he seemed " determined not to know anything among men save Jesus Christ and Him crucified."
I trust that the sketch, which follows, many not be deemed out of place, procceding, as it does, from the pen of a son-in-law of Doctor Fobes, the late venerable Sim- eon Doggett, of Raynham, and touching upon points for the most part omitted in the preceding narrative.
"The Rev. Peres Fobes, LL. D., was born in Bridgewa- ter, September 21, 1742. Blessed with worthy and chris- tian parents and a religious education, he early showed a disposition congenial to piety, and the fostering aids of Divine grace. When quite a youth, as appears in a short diary which he kept in the early part of his life, he sol- emnly and repeatedly dedicated himself to Almighty God. While that piety which glowed brilliantly through life be- gan early to dawn, not less early was begun his literary career. So forward, prompt and manly was his literature, that at the early age of thirteen, he was intrusted with the school of his own neighborhood. Though much im- peded in his literary progress through want of health, he received his first degree at Harvard University in 1762. In 176- he was approbated to preach the blessed Gospel, to which his pious heart had long been aspiring : and on the 19th of November, 1766, was ordained a minister of Christ to the church and society of Raynham. Here he continued a burning and shining light until the year 1812, when on the 23d of February, death closed the scene. National independence and civil liberty being ever near his heart, in 1777, times which tried men's souls, forget- ting his great bodily weaknesses, he volunteered as a chap- lain, in the armies of his country. In 1786, Doctor Man- ning, then President of Brown University, being elected
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Representative to the American Congress, in the interim of his absence, Doctor Fobes was, by the Honorable Cor- poration, called to its Presidency. Discharging the ardu- ous duties of this station with usefulness and honor, he was in the succeeding year, chosen a Professor of Exper- imental Philosophy in that University. In this Professor- ship, then in its infancy, without funds to support it, with an apparatus much of his own construction, he, for a course of years, rendered useful instruction and highly important services to the Institution. In 1787 he was chosen to its Fellowship, and in 1792 received its highest honors. Ever engaged in the cause of literature and the improvements of the rising generation, in 1796 he was called to the over- sight of Bristol Academy, in the prosperity of which In- stitution he took a deep interest; and while his health permitted, his presence and addresses, on its Quarterly Examinations, added increased respectability to its Hon- orable Board of Trustees, and animation and renewed energy to its literary exertions. In 17- he was chosen a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Neither were his exertions in the cause of literature wholly exhausted abroad. Soon after his settlement in the ministry, he opened a school for young gentlemen, in his own house, and many who now are acting honorable parts on the theatre of life, with respectful gratitude rec- ognize him as a kind and skillful preceptor. Here also candidates were indoctrinated into the sublime truths of Theology ; many of whom, clad in his mantle, have be- come able ministers of the new and everlasting covenant of Grace. Ever devoted to the people of his charge, the education of their youth presented another rich field for the exertion of his literary and philanthropic energies.
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The schools of Raynham under his patronage and inspec- tion were, for years, an example for the county, and bear an honorable testimonial to the public of the vast impor- tance of a learned clergy to our country."
While he shone as a star of distinguished magnitude and lustre in the hemisphere of letters, it was in the minis- try, for which he seemed peculiarly formed, that his prime excellencies were displayed. Receiving and studying the Bible as the Oracles of God, from this living and blessed fountain he drew the doctrines of his religion, and the rules of his morality. Founded on Christ and his Apos- tles, so happily did he blend in his creed the excellencies of Calvin and Arminius, that he seemed a friend to both. While a friend to experimental religion, he stood aloof from superstition and enthusiasm. Though an acute met- aphysician and learned theologian, yet knowing the gospel to be designed for all, plain, practical, evangelical discour- ses were his chief aim. Few preachers had higher pre- tensions to pulpit oratory than Doctor Fobes. He was logical in system, though not formal, and his sentences were simple, perspicuous, pithy, and often elegant. His thoughts lively, striking, and frequently sublime. His imagination winged and chastened by devotion was rapid, towering and inventive. With a voice soft and sonorous, his elocution was flowing, commanding and truly impres- sive. But it was in his prayers, that the whole soul of the good man shone forth. With a mind fraught with the great truths of our holy religion, and a heart warmed with
* Rev. Mr. Carver, present Pastor of the church in Raynham remarks: "He took a great interest in education, and succeeded, I am told, in in- fusing a portion of his own interest into the minds of the youth. It is said, the schools in this town during Doctor Fobes' ministry, and prin- cipally by his agency, were of a higher order than in the adjacent towns."
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piety, as ever he approached the throne of grace, all his faculties seemed, at once, to be wrapt into their sublimest exercise. While he poured out his soul to God, his hear- ers were constrained to kindle and to adore. While his excellencies were displayed in the pulpit, he was peculiar- ly attentive to all the duties of parochial life. He was in- stant in season and out of season. His intercourse and conversation easy and familiar, were instructive and pleas- ing to all. His frequent visits and prayers cheered the gloomy chamber of sickness, soothed the pillow of death, and were a choice balm to the bereaved heart.
The works* of Doctor Fobes, given to the public from the press are numerous sermons, delivered upon various and some most important occasions. But that especially to be particularised is his Scripture Catechism.t The
* The following list was prepared by William R. Deane :
I. Sermon at Providence, R. I., July 31, 1791, occasioned by the death of Rev. James Manning, D. D., 8 vo. Providence.
II. Sermon at Pembroke, Mass., January 26, 1803, at the ordination of George Barstow, 8 vo. Boston, 1803.
III. Election Sermon, 8 vo. Boston 1795.
IV. History of Raynham, 1794, (Mass. Hist. Coll. III.)
V. Sermon to young men, 1794.
VI. Sermon at the Execution of John Dixon at Taunton, 1784.
VII. " A Scripture Catechism, or system of Religious instruction in the words of Scripture, adapted to the use of schools and families." Cambridge, 1804.
VIII. "An Abridgement of Dr. Fobes' Scripture Catechism, revised by an Association of Ministers, and designed for the children of their respective societies," Cambridge, 1809.
(Probably some others which I have not seen. W. R. D.)
t Concerning this two-fold work, Rev. T. P. Doggett thus remarks :
"Dr. Fobes' larger and smaller catechisms are works of much merit and originality. With a little alteration, it is believed that no books now used to impart religious instruction in our Sabbath Schools, would be superior to these, although written many years before thesc Institu- tions were known. The writer of this notice has heard that men of dis- criminating minds have remarked, that the larger Catechism throws more light upon the comprehensiveness of the Ten Commandments than any work they ever read of the same size. It shows with great acute- ness and ingenuity that these commandments, though few and brief, em- brace the whole of human duty. It shows that they have a deep, inter- 20*
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happy design and vast importance of this work constitute it a rich legacy of a faithful minister to every family.
As a social friend Doctor Fobes was peculiarly happy. Few men possessed more eminent colloquial talent. He was always ready for an interchange of soul with his liter- ary and religious friends.
In domestic life, where the character is more unveiled, his worth also appeared. With a high sense of order, he was the indulgent husband and the affectionate and kind parent. Unembarrassed with the cares of the world, study and religion were the prime objects of his domestic hours. Nothing could interrupt his stated times of devo- tion. Regular as the morning and evening sun, from his little family and closet his prayers ascended as incense to the throne of Grace.
As religion shone in his life, it was his peculiar support in a painful sickness and death. He settled his temporal concerns, and set his house in order to meet death, with much calmness and fortitude. So violent and distressing were his disorders, that his mind gradually weakened with his body ; yet lucid moments would succeed which he of- ten improved by religious remarks. Upon one of these occasions, though he had practiced so well, he, with much humility lamented the defects and short-comings of his religious life, and placed his hope of salvation upon the infinite mercy of God, through the great Mediator: Upon another, he expressed the immense obligations of gratitude we were under for the hope of eternal life, promised in the Gospel. At another time, a friend said to him, she trusted
nal meaning which is not apparent to the mind at first view. The much beloved Dr. Sanger of Bridgewater, was accustomed to say that it was so suggestive and rich in religious thought, that when he wished for top- ics on which to discourse, it never failed to furnish him."
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there was a rest for him. He replied with his usual pathos and animation, that he had no doubt that there was a rest remaining for the people of God. Though life to him had many ties, in view of that rest, he met his fate with res- ignation and Christian fortitude.
Help, Lord, for the Godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men."
I have several MSS. sermons, and printed productions of Doctor Fobes in my possession, but must content myself with a few selections from "a sermon, the substance of which was delivered at Taunton, Nov. 11, 1784, upon the day of the execution of John Dixon, for burglary, ætat. 24, with an appendix on the nature and enormity of bur- glary, and a sketch of Dixon's life."
LUKE, xxiii. 42, 43.
" And he said unto Jesus, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom ; and Jesus said unto him, verily I say unto you, to Day shalt thou be with me in Paradise."
TN this pitiable object, who stands before us, we behold, at once, an instance of the folly and wickedness of hu- man nature, and a moving spectacle of wonder and horror, ' to the world, to angels, and to men.' He is one of our kindred race, who, for a capital crime, has lately received, from an earthly tribunal, a sentence of death, which is this day to be carried into final, fatal execution upon him.
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This is the tragical scene, and most solemn occasion, which have brought together this numerous assembly. 0 the day, the critical day, is come ! the decisive hour is at hand, which must end a mortal life, and fix an immortal soul in heaven or hell ! before this sun goes down, his body, now vigorous and active, will be a lifeless ghastly corpse, coffined and buried, deep down among the sheeted dead, while his ever-existing soul, like the dying miser's in the gospel, ' this night,' yea, before night, 'will be required of him,' and sent into the world of spirits, to smile or mourn forever. To this poor prisoner, therefore, if not to some of us, it is beyond all doubt, that this is the last opportu- nity for public worship; and the only message from the gospel of peace, which he will ever hear in this world. And O may he so hear that his soul shall live! for this, ' God forbid that any of us should cease to pray,' until he ceases to breathe - let every heart in this great audience, be lifted up to heaven, in fervent, united prayer to the 'Father of Mercies,' that the same 'exceeding abundant grace,' which was once so gloriously magnified, and most triumphantly displayed, in pardoning a penitent thief, may this day reach and conquer the heart of this malefactor. Oh that the divine Philanthropist, the inimitable original of all love and compassion to our guilty race, who once spoke from his own cross, the merciful words recorded in the text, to a dying criminal, would again speak, 'as the Lord from Heaven,' to another, and 'say unto him, this day shalt thou be with me in Paradise.'
The preacher proposes to
1st. Describe the character of this dying thief, as a real penitent.
2. Consider the promise our Lord made to him as such.
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3. Apply the subject to ourselves and to this criminal in particular.
We have room only for the application of the subject to the prisoner.
" UNHAPPY. young man, how disappointed in your expec- tations, how wretched and forlorn is your condition ! 'Have pity, have pity upon you, O my God, and look down from thy sanctuary to hear the groaning of the prisoner.' Time ! your appointed time on earth is come, and die you must, in all the bloom and vigor of youth, with breasts full of milk and your bones moistened with marrow. This day, which to you is the last of days, will form the important crisis that must determine your happiness or misery for
ever. To day you must appear before the judgment seat of Christ; on the brink of the grave, on the verge of vast eternity you now stand; and after a few flying minutes more, you will know beyond a doubt, that there is a God, a heaven and an hell. Behold the numerous guard* about you, the executioners of justice await your doom, the in- struments and appendages of death are in sight, a coffin and a grave for you are open, a prisoner in chains, and you cannot escape; this, ah, all this, have you merited at the hands of your injured country, by the laws of which your mortal life is forfeited, and now demanded as the sac- rifice ; condemned also you are by the laws of God, which extend to the thoughts and intents of the heart. The wages of sin is death; 'the soul that sinneth, it shall die,'
* A guard of one hundred and thirty men were ordered to attend the execution. This added to government a dignity, as well as security, which the Sheriff exemplified in his own person, with honour and ap- plause, refusing a mercenary executioner, offered him for a mere pit- tance, he claimed the office as a part of his duty, and a proof of his fidelity in it, and with an amiable mixture of soft compassion and dig- nity he executed the criminal with his own hands.
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and 'cursed is every one who continueth not in all things written in the book of the law to do them'; this is the law, with its tremendous sanctions and curses; and these all await you, as a transgressor of it-offending in one point, you are guilty of all, and all heaven and earth will sooner pass away than one jot or tittle of it fail. The tenor of this law therefore, none can alter, the tone of vengeance you cannot soften, a God all mercy, and too indulgent to punish the wicked, can never be found; 'whose heart can' endure, or whose hands be strong,' when the sentence of this righteous law shall be executed-was the sentence of an earthly judge lately pronounced, with the meltings of compassion, and the flowing of tears, ordering you to be hanged by the neck till you are dead ;- was this ter- rible to you, how much more so must it be to hear your almighty Judge in righteous anger pronounce that unal- terable sentence, 'depart ye cursed into everlasting fire.' Is this then your doom and just desert ? Are your day and means of grace just expiring ? Have you but a few min- utes more to make your peace with an injured neglected God, and to be made 'worthy to escape all these things, and to stand before the Son of Man?' Is this your case ? In the name of God! what can be done ? What shall I do to be saved ? Is this your heart ? Are you in earnest ? In earnest then, and in the language of Inspiration, I most gladly say, 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; if thou be- lievest with all thine heart thou shalt be saved,' though in point of justice you deserve ' to be punished with everlast- ing destruction ;' Jesus is the end of the law for righteous- ness; he died to redeem us from the curse of the law; ' he was numbered with the transgressors,' with thieves in his death, that penitent thieves and transgressors might be
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