USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Londonderry > A century sermon : delivered in the East-Parish Meeting House, Londonderry, New Hampshire, April 22, 1819, in commemoration of the first settlement of the town. Containing, a sketch of the history of the town from its earliest settlement > Part 3
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situation in which they would soon be, he exhorted them to look in faith to the great Head of the church, who is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and repeatedly bore testimony to the truth and importance of those doctrines which, for more than forty years, had been the subject of his preaching, and which are termed, by way of distinction, the Doctrines of Grace.
Dr. Whittaker, of Salem, preached his funeral discourse, from those words of Elisha, on the removal of Elijah, " My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof."
Previously to the death of the Rev. Mr. M'Gregore, a new meeting house had been erected in the West Parish, the one now occupied by the society, in which he preached a certain part of the time. After his decease, they remain- ed a few years destitute of a settled Minister.
In 1778, by an act of the General Assembly, the forty families which had been allowed to pass from one parish to the other, for the more satisfactory enjoyment of relig- jous privileges, and which number had increased to nearly seventy, were confined to their respective bounds in main- taining the Gospel. A greater part of them, however, con- tinued for a few years to worship as they had formerly done.
The West Parish having made trial of a number of cane didates, was at length unanimous in the choice of the Rev. William Morrison, their late respected and beloved Pastor; to whom a call being presented, and sustained by the Asso- ciate Presbytery to which he belonged, he was ordained over that church and society, February 12, 1783.
Soon after Mr. Morrison's ordination, the Session, which then consisted of but few members, was, in 1783, enlarged by the addition of John Bell, John Pinkerton, Robert Thompson, Abel Plummer, James Aiken, Jonathan Griffin, Abraham Duncan, Thomas Patterson, and James Nesmith,
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who were ordained and set apart to the office of ruling El- ders in that church. The Session was afterwards increas! ed by the addition of James Pinkerton, William Adams, David Brewster, John Fisher, and Jonathan Savary. Thom- as Carlton and John Pinkerton have recently been added.
The Rev. William Davidson, who sustained the pastoral charge of this society, continued to officiate as their Minis- ter more than half a century. He was ordained in 1740, and he died February 15, 1791, at the advanced age of 77. He was born in Ireland, in 1714 ; and was educated at the University in Scotland. He graduated in 1733. He was a Minister of an amiable character, possessing a peculiarly mild, friendly, and benevolent disposition. He was exem- plary in his life and conversation, and devoted to the inter- ests of his people. He did not perhaps excel as a theolo gian, or a publick speaker. His doctrinal views were not so clear and distinguishing ; yet as a Pastor, he was diligent and affectionate. If he were not extolled for the brilliancy of his talents, or the powers of his mind, he was beloved and respected for the qualities of his heart, and the virtues of his life.
He did not in any degree entangle himself in the affairs of the world. Attentive to the duties of his office, and the calls of his parish, he left the management of his temporal concerns in a great degree to Mrs. Davidson, a lady well qualified to fill the station in which she was placed. He greatly studied to preserve the peace and harmony of his society. His disposition to oblige, led him frequently to remit his demands upon his parishioners when requested, never suffering any to be distressed in payment of their tax for his support .- He died sincerely beloved and respected by those among whom he had long laboured, and in whose service " his locks had whitened and his eyes grown dim."
After the decease of Mr. Davidson, the society remained destitute of a settled ministry until May, 1795, when the
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Rev. Jonathan- Brown was ordained their Pastor, by the Londonderry Presbytery.
In 1800, John Nesmith, Daniel M'Keen, and John Tay- lor, were added to the Session of this church.
In October, 1804, the Rev. Mr. Brown was, at his re- quest, dismissed from his pastoral charge.
In 1809, the Third or Congregational Parish in this town, which had been formed and organized after Mr. Brown's settlement, became united with the Presbyterian church and society, and were incorporated by an act of the Legislature, as the First Parish in Londonderry. In forming this union, so desirable, and so necessary to the peace and prosperity of the Parish, cach society yielded a few of those peculiar- ities by which they were distinguished ; and we are happy to find, that they have now become so blended and so unit- ed, that the distinctions, which formerly existed, appear to be wholly lost.
September 12, 1810, the present Pastor of this church and society was ordained. On the union of the two churches in this place, they proceeded to a new choice of Elders, agreeably to the articles of their Constitution. The follow- ing gentlemen were elected, and set apart to that office, viz. Daniel M'Keen, James Palmer, Charles Smith, John Burn- ham, John Crocker, James Moor, Andrew Moor, David Ad- ams, John Dinsmore, Nathaniel Nourse, and James Gregg. Samuel Burnham, Matthew Clark, Jonathan Adams, Robert Morse, William Choate, James Choate, and John Hum- phrey, have been since added to the Session.
May, 1816, died, Elder John Pinkerton, a distinguished benefactor to the town. He had long been a useful, re- spectable, and influential citizen ; active in supporting civil and religious order. By a long course of industry in busi- ness, he had accumulated a large estate. In the distribu- tion of his property, he benevolently bestowed eight thou- sand dollars upon each of the two religious societies in this
town, for the support of the Gospel; and thirteen thousand dollars, as a fund for the support of an Academy. In con- sequence of these liberal donations, which will contribute so essentially to the interests of this people, as well as of his publick and private virtues, his name will be deserved- ly precious in this place, and be had in lasting and grateful remembrance.
March 9, 1818, died, the Rev. William Morrison, D. D. having been the Minister of the West Parish thirty-five years. He was born in Scotland, and came to this country while a young man, with a view to obtain an education for the ministry. Having completed his theological studies, under the direction of the Rev.Robert Annin, he was licens- ed to preach the Gospel. He was soon after employed to supply the West Parish as a candidate, where he was at length settled-and continued in the assiduous and accept- able discharge of the duties of the ministry until his death.
As you have all, my hearers, been personally acquaint- cd with him-as you have frequently enjoyed his ministra- tions-as his appearance, his manner, and his gifts as a preacher, are now fresh in your minds-especially as his character was so ably and correctly drawn in the Discourse delivered at his interment-a more particular delineation will not be deemed necessary ; neither perhaps will it be expected on this occasion. Though dead, he will, I trust, long survive in the affectionate remembrance of his bereav- ed people, and of the many societies which were favoured with his occasional labours.
NOTE .- As there may be some who have not been fa- voured with a perusal of the Sermon delivered by the Rev. Dr. DANA, at the funeral of the Rev. Dr. MORRISON, the fol- lowing extract, containing his character, is annexed to this Discourse, on its publication.
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Addressing a congregation so signally favoured as to have enjoyed his publick instructions for a period of more than .thirty-five years, I need not say, that they combined, in no common degree, the qualities which constitute the ac- ceptable, the impressive and useful preacher. His sermons were purely and strictly evangelical; were luminous and instructive ; faithful and searching; awfully alarming to the wicked; yet encouraging to the sincere, and tenderly con- soling to the mourner in Zion. With remarkable force and fidelity did they display the genuine, unadulterated doc- trines of the Gospel, with the distinguishing nature and evi- dences of vital and practical religion. Nor were his prayers - less. impressive than his sermons. Replete : with rever- ence and affectionate devotion ; the breathings of a soul ap- parently in near communion with its God ; full, yet concise ; adapted to occasions and circumstances; they could scarce- ly fail to solemnize and edify the hearers.
" His manner, in the sacred desk, was peculiar. It had . something of patriarchal.simplicity ; something of apostol- ick gravity and authority. Yet it was mild, affectionate, and persuasive. It indicated a mind absorbed in heavenly things, deeply conscious of its awful charge, and anxiously intent to fasten eternal truths on the consciences and hearts of men.
" As a Pastor, he was faithful, assiduous, and tender ; in- stant in season, and out of season ; watching for souls, as one that must give account; and finding his delight in the discharge of the most laborious and exhausting duties of his office. How little did he spare himself, even in those clos- ing years of life, in which his emaciated form proclaimed the ravages of disease; and infirmity, combined with age, seemed to demand repose ! He was truly the father of his beloved people. He rejoiced in their joys, sympathized in their sorrows, adapted himself to their infirmities, and, without sacrificing dignity, or independence, or faithfulness,
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became all things to all men, that he might promote their spiritual good.
" But his cares and labours were by no means confined to his flock. The general interests of Zion, the peace and welfare of churches near and remote, engaged his feelings, and frequently employed his exertions. Few were so often resorted to, as counsellors in cases of difficulty ; and few have been so cuccessful in promoting the interests of peace and order. His deep knowledge of human nature, the quickness and accuracy of his perceptions, his sound judg- ment, his consummate prudence, his unaffected kindness, united with energy and independence, were eminently cal- culated to render him successful in mediating between con- tending parties, and becalming the agitated spirits of men.
" As to his pulpit labours, they were widely extended in- deed. In his days of health especially, they were so fre- quently sought by churches abroad, and so liberally af- forded, that no small portion of his time and strength was exhausted in these free-will offerings.
" He took an energetick and interested part in the vari- ety of plans and institutions, to which the present age has given birth, for disseminating the Scriptures, for extending the knowledge of the Gospel, for promoting the power of godliness, and effecting a reformation of manners. Every design, connected with the glory of God, and the best inter- ests of man, engaged his cordial concurrence, his active patronage, and his fervent prayers. He was much an- imated and delighted by the recent signs of the times. He considered the multiplied revivals of religion in our coun- try, and the unexampled exertions of Christians on both sides of the Atlantick, to evangelize the heathen, as intelli- gible and decisive indications of the approach of the prom- ised millennium.
" If we follow him into the private walks of life, we per- ceive a character consistent and uniform, estimable and
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lovely. His piety was strict without austerity, and fervent without enthusiasm. Religion in him was a pure and lam- bent flame, enlightening, comforting and attractive; but not dazzling, terrifying, nor consuming. If there was a trait in his character, conspicuous above the rest, it was benevolence -a benevolence which prompted him to unwearied and self-denying exertions in promoting the real happiness of his fellow-creatures ; which inspired candour for their fail- ings, and compassion for their distresses ; which could for- give the injurious, and overcome evil with good.
" After this, it is scarcely needful to add, that in the so- cial and domestick relations, he was signally exemplary and amiable; that he was a most affectionate husband, a most tender father, and a most faithful friend.
" No one who was familiarly acquainted with Dr. Morri- son, could fail to observe in him a habitual serenity and cheerfulness of mind ; a serenity, a cheerfulness, not the rc- sult of mere natural temperament, but obviously flowing from a lively confidence in the all-governing goodness and wisdom of God, and a habitual submission to his disposing will.
" But his life, precious, valued, exemplary as it was, must have a close. What thanks do we owe to the Sovereign Disposer, that it was protracted so long; and that it was consistent, graceful, and useful to the last ! Especially ought we to be thankful that we have repeatedly heard him speak with such humble, cheerful composure of his, approaching dissolution ; and that now we have such consoling evidence, that to him death was unstinged, and the grave deprived of its victory."
REFLECTIONS.
1. WHAT important and interesting changes have been produced, in relation to this town, during the CENTURY un- der review! Carry back your thoughts to the period of its
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settlement-the time when the' first planters' erected their tents : How changed- how improved is now the scene! This day, 1719, the spot, on which we are assembled, was a wilderness. Where then was seen nothing but a" rough uncultivated tract of country, filled with beasts of prey and wandering natives, are now presented to our view, on either" hand, pastures covered with flocks, and fruitful fields wav-' ing from year to year with abundant harvests. Instead of the Indian wigwam, are now seen the habitations of civiliz- ed men-buildings for the instruction of our youth-and Temples for the worship of JEHOVAH.
How greatly superiour, my brethren, to those of your ancestors, are the circumstances in which you are placed ! How much greater are the privileges and advantages which you enjoy ! Contrast with your safety, ease, and affluence, their dangers, hardships, and self-denials. They, when they first penetrated into this place, were few in numbers, and strangers in a land not their own: You are the undisputed proprietors of the soil on which you live, and are now in- creased to nearly three thousand souls. They fared hard- ly, being compelled for a time to seek their provisions at a distance from their settlement : You have not only the con- veniences, but many of the delicacies of life.
Through fear of the midnight incursions and the solitary attacks of the natives, not only were their families nightly garrisoned; but, in the cultivation of their fields, they held an implement of husbandry in one hand, and a weapon of defence in the other : You may sleep unmolested in your dwellings, and sit under your own vine and fruit-tree, hav- ing none to make you afraid. They were under great dis- advantages for educating their children : You are highly privileged with the means of instruction.
At first, and for some time, there was but one school house in the town, and that built of logs: Now there are eighteen school districts, and the same number of school
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houses, generally commodious and well built; also an Acad- emy well endowed, in which our youth are taught the liber- al arts and sciences. Your fathers at first worshipped to- gether in the open field, in barns and private dwellings : You have now two large and convenient houses for publick worship.
In fine, you enjoy a pleasant and a healthy situation ; you' are richly favoured with the bounties of providence, and blessed with the full enjoyment of the Gospel and its in- stitutions.
Surely, " your lines have fallen to you in a pleasant place-you have a goodly heritage." But remember, that these privileges and blessings were, under God, purchased" for you by the toils and sufferings of your fathers-they laboured-they encountered dangers-they" endured hard- ships, and submitted to privations. You, their descendants, " have entered into their labours."
2. In reviewing the Century now closed, we are called upon gratefully to notice many instances of the divine good- ness towards the inhabitants of this town. .
It was through a divine influence, and' under the divine direction, that your fathers left the land of their nativity, to seek an asylum in these then newly discovered and unsub- dued forests.
Had they remained in their subjugated isle, how enslaved, empoverished, unenlightened, and comparatively wretched, would now have been the situation of you their descendants ! Contrast, for a moment, the moral, civil, and political con- dition, of the inhabitants of that country, with the privil- eges which you this day enjoy. The mass of people, in- cluding the middle and lower classes of society, there ex- perience the greatest hardships and privations. They live in miserable huts, half naked, and scarcely provided with the common necessaries of life. Destitute, in a great de- gree, of the means of education and religious instruction,
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they are immersed in ignorance, superstition, and vice ; and exhibit, in too many instances, scenes of moral degradation, painful to the enlightened and benevolent mind.
In this situation, my friends, you might now have been, had not your fathers, influenced by an ardent and inextin- guishable thirst for civil and religious liberty, and under the divine guidance, embarked for this country, fearlessly encountering the dangers of the ocean, and the perils of the wilderness, in order to find a settlement, remote from the shackles of slavery and the hand of oppression.
The divine goodness is also to be acknowledged in their selection of a spot for a township, and in their final estab- lishment. He, whose direction they devoutly sought, in- clined the existing Authorities to patronize and assist this company of adventurers, in surmounting the difficulties which they had to encounter. The designs and attempts of those who have disturbed them, were frustrated. They were permitted to remain in possession of their lands, a tract of country happily selected, and combining advantages equal, at least, if not superiour, to those of almost any other township in the State.
The signal preservation of this settlement, during the, wars in which the Colonies were repeatedly involved for more than half a century, is also deserving of grateful no- tice. In consequence of an Indian war, which broke out soon after their arrival, they were imminently exposed to the depredations and cruelties of a savage foe, being re. mote from any other settlement which could have afforded them aid in case of an attack; yet, through a divine inter- position, they were in no instance molested. While neigh- bouring towns were assaulted, and their sons and their daughters led into captivity-while in many places, " the labourer at his work, the slumberer in his bed, and the con- gregation at their worship, were attacked and destroyed" -- the inhabitants of this town were never startled with the
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sound of the war-whoop, or pierced with the groans of the wounded and the dying.
During the French war, proclaimed in 1756, in which the American Colonies suffered very considerably, and al- so during our struggle for Independence, the sufferings of this settlement, though it bore an active and proportionate part in the defence of our liberties, were light, compared with those of many other towns and sections of the country, which were actually invaded by the enemy. While their lands were laid waste, their houses plundered, their dwell- ings consumed, and the inhabitants harrassed with continual alarms, your fields never witnessed the clashing and roar of arms-were never crimsoned with the blood, or whiten- ed with the bones of the slain. And what deserves partic- ular and grateful notice is, that notwithstanding the town kept in actual service nearly a hundred men during the war of seven years, who were in many of the principal engage- ments which secured our Independence; yet, but one of its inhabitants was slain-Capt. David M'Clary, a distinguish- ed officer, who fell at Bennington.
The settlers of this town were also greatly prospered in their civil and temporal concerns .- Blessed with unusual strength, and inured to habits of industry and frugality, they soon acquired not only a competency, but became possessed of good estates. In point of wealth and respect- ability, the town early ranked with almost the first in the State.
It is, however, in relation to the religious privileges which have here been enjoyed, that your gratitude to God should be particularly excited. From the very settlement of the place, to the present day, the publick ordinances of the Gospel have been supported, and uninterruptedly enjoyed. The town has at no time been destitute of a reg- ularly ordained Minister, and a greater part of the time there has been one in either parish.
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The form of doctrine, and of church government, received from your fathers, and which we conceive to be in all es- sential points agreeable to the word of God, have been pre- served during the past Century uncorrupted. The church- es and religious societies in this town, retain the same arti- cles and the same mode of worship, which were originally adopted. Their walls have never been broken down, or defaced, by the incursions of the enemy.
It is indeed.matter of thankfulness, that _while many oth- er towns, once united and respectable, have, during this pe- riod, been greatly agitated and rent; while many once ยท flourishing churches have become almost extinct, and the regular administration of Gospel ordinances suspended, in consequence of the prevalence of errors and divisions in religious sentiments ; this town, though large and populous, has remained generally united in support of those puritanic- al principles, and of that order, which were first introduced. Being early instructed in the essential truths of the Gospel, its inhabitants have not been carried about with every wind of doctrine, or the prevailing errors of the day. Our tem- ples have never been deserted, or occupied by irregular teachers of religion.
It is also worthy of notice, that the Ministers, who have been settled in this town, have lived in peace and harmony with the people of their charge-generally united in relig- ious sentiments, and mutual affection. The Pastors who have here deceased, continued in the acceptable discharge of the duties of their office, until their death; and have slept in quietness, surrounded with their beloved flocks. But one dismission, and that by request, has taken place during the Century.
We may also notice, with grateful emotions, the ample - provision which has been recently made for the permanent support of the Gospel in this place. These donations, while they will greatly contribute to the preservation of the
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religious societies in the town from the incursions of other denominations, will also serve as an important means of perpetuating, in this place, through succeeding Centuries, the enjoyment of Gospel ordinances : so that, the future prospects of this people, as to their religious interests, are highly encouraging. And shall not the past and long expe- rience, which we, and our fathers and elders, have had of the kindness and faithfulness of God, lead us to implore the continuance of his favour, that his blessing may still rest. upon us, and upon our children, and our children's children, from generation to generation.
3. It becomes us, on this occasion, to inquire, whether we have not, in some respects, departed from the religious principles and habits of the original settlers of this town.
Although, during the Century now past, there has been a very great and important improvement in education and manners-though, as a people, you are doubtless more in- formed and refined than were your fathers-though some sentiments and practices, prevalent in their days, may have given place to others preferable in their nature and tenden- cy ; still we fear, that there is not among us, that Christian simplicity and spirituality-that attachment to the Gospel and its ordinances -- which they evidently manifested.
The genuineness and strength of their religious principles, of their love and adherence to the pure doctrines and forms of the Gospel, were fully evidenced in the persecutions which they and their fathers endured in their native land, rather than conform to the corruptions of the Papal church. The same religious principle influenced them to seek an abode in this western world.
They were generally the professed followers of Christ. They here early erected a house for publick worship, and were uniform and punctual in their attendance upon divine institutions, notwithstanding the distance and roughness of the way which they had to travel. They loved the gates
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of Zion-delighted to inquire in his temple, and hear from his word. The Sabbath was not to them a weariness, but a delight. "They were glad when it was said, Let us go into the house of the Lord."
They were constant and devout observers of family wor- ship. In almost every dwelling, was regularly heard the voice of prayer and of praise. In every family, there was an "altar consecrated to God, around which they statedly and devoutly assembled to present their morning and evening sacrifice.
They also carefully observed the divine direction, " to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."-They not only brought them, from time to time, to a throne of Grace, and presented them before God for his blessing ; but they diligently and faithfully instruct- ed them. Children were early taught that excellent Sum- mary of Christian Doctrines and Duties, the SHORTER CAT- ECHISM ; and very many were enabled to repeat the LARGER also, with its Proofs and References.
They were also restrained from violating the rest of the Sabbath, by spending it in idleness or amusement. Neither were the publick streets thronged with travellers, prosecut- ing their worldly business; nor was any unnecessary la- bour allowed in the family ; but a sacred stillness pervaded every dwelling, and reigned through the society. And it was this firm, united, and cordial attachment to the Gospel and its ordinances, manifested by your ancestors who com- menced this settlement, which evidently laid the foundation of that degree of order and respectability, by which this town has been distinguished, and which we consider so es- sentially necessary to our temporal as well as spiritual interests.
Surely then, my friends, it becomes you, if you regard your own happiness, or the welfare of your children after you, to take heed to the divine counsel-" Thus saith the
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Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest to your souls."
4. Our subject naturally leads us to reflect upon the pro- gress of death .- " Our fathers, where are they?" Where are the first inhabitants of this town? Where are their im- mediate descendants, and many of their more remote pos- terity ? Alas! the places that once knew them, know them no more! They have gone down to the grave, and seen corruption. "One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh."
The sentence, " Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return," has been executed upon countless millions of the human family, during the past Century .- How many have here been born-how many have here died-since the set- tlement of this place ! How populous are your grave-yards ! From the first who was laid under the clods of the valley, to the present time, what numbers have followed each other to the land of silence ! As no accurate account has been kept of the bills of mortality, it is difficult to ascertain the number who have died in this town-probably double to that of its present inhabitants. In this number of the dead, are included, six Ministers, and sixty Elders,
Yes, my brethren, the former Pastors of this town, and their flocks, sleep together in the place of burial. And let us remember, that " we also are strangers and sojourners, as all our fathers were"-"our days on earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding." There is not one in life, who took an active part in the settlement of this town : and at the close of the present Century, not one now upon the stage will probably be living. We and our children, and many of our children's children, will be numbered with the dead. A new race of inhabitants will move over this ground, and fill our places. Our descendants will then, as they pass over our graves, be pointing to the grassy mounds
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which;hclere our dust, and saying, " There rest our ances- tors !! there; sleep our fathers."
It is recorded of Xerxes, that when, "from a lofty em- inence, he took a view of his immense army, he wept at the reflection, that in one age they would all be dead. And can we look around upon this assembly, and contemplate the scene of mortality before us ?- Can we, without the deep- est solemnity and tenderest emotion, cast our eyes over this town, and reflect, that within a few years to come, in a lit- tle time, not one of its now busy inhabitants will be living? That they all will have left these seats-their houses-their farms-their merchandize-this world-and have entered the mansions, either of everlasting happiness, or misery !
Extending our thoughts forward, let us inquire, where- O where will our souls be found, while our mortal part lies mouldering in the dust ? Shall we, when thus absent from the body, be present with the Lord, and join that glorious company, who stand before the throne ? Or shall we have our part with unbelievers ?
While then, my friends, we contemplate the revolutions of time, and the ravages of death, let us seriously think of our dissolution-think how soon time with us will be no more! By faith, let us look "for the coming of the Lord Jesus, who will re-animate the slumbering dust of all his true followers, change their vile body, and fashion it like unto his glorious body."-When he shall thus come, to be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that believe, may we also appear with him in glory.
AMEN.
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