USA > New Hampshire > Grafton County > Lebanon > Historical recollections : a discourse, delivered at Lebanon, N.H. on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1830 : embracing the leading events in the civil and ecclesiastical history of said town to the close of Rev. Isaiah Potter's ministry > Part 2
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March 21, 1775, Deacon Joseph Dana, advanced in life, resigned his office in the Church, and Nehemiah Estabrook and Jonathan Da- na were chosen deacons in the Church.
July 24, 1777, was observed by the Church as a day of fasting, liu- miliation and prayer, "on account of the distress of the war, and the near approach of the enemy after "Ticonderoga was given up."
They who estimate things merely by human reason, aud weigh all events in earthly balances, and expect in the tug of war that victory will teem with the strongest physical force, would in the days of the Turn. American revolution have concluded that the assailants in the end would be conquerors. But to those who view the subject in the bgh!
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of justice, and know how deeply the pious in our land felt their depen- dance on God, and while they fought bravely they prayed fervently, it is no mystery that the nation became free and independent. It is a decree of heaven that " righteousness exalteth a nation," and that oppres- sion and robbery shall not go unpunished. It is doubtful whether his- tory furnishes a parallel, since the Jews in their best state, where so much supplication was made to heaven during a war, as in the Ameri- can Churches.
On the day of fasting just named, the members of the Church re- newed their covenant with God. October 12, 1781, the Church elect- ed Zaccheus Downer for one of their deacons ; and on the 18th of April following, Theophilus Huntington was appointed to the same of- fice, in place of Dea. Dana removed from town.
On April 28, 1782, occurred an event, on some accounts the most remarkable this Church has yet witnessed. It was the gathering in the first fruits of a revival of religion, amounting to fifty-three persons. These were added in one day. Not long after, thirty-three more were added at one time. Considering the number of inhabitants then in town, which did not probably exceed 500, and it can hardly be suppos- ed that the like was to be found in New England. In these days of re- vivals, such additions in our large towns are no very common event. This highly interesting occasion made, as it ought to, a suitable impres- sion on the Church. We observe them at the time making public confession of their sins to God, and asking forgiveness of God and of each other.
The remark, though common, is worth repeating, that a season of revival is a sifting time withi professors. The Holy Spirit is near, and believers inquire, How shall we meet him ? The answer is, " up, sanc- tify yourselves-stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draw- eth nigh." Then commence deep self-examination and thorough heart-searchings. Then sin is viewed in the light of God's counte- nance, and discoveries are made which produce self-loathing. Then begins a mourning, on account of backslidings, like the mourning of Hadadrisman. Then Christians abhor themselves on account of un- belief and remissness of duty. Did not the members of the Church humble themselves at such seasons, there would be wanting one im- portant evidence that a real work of grace was in operation.
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At the time the above were admitted, the members then belonging to the Church, and those previously added, amounted to 204. Con- sidering its infancy, there was probably not a more flourishing Church in this region. And we have the testimony of christian observers in other places that this was the fact. Its prosperity warrants the belief that it was built on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus
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Christ himself being the chief corner stone. The evidence is also conclusive that the doctrine dispensed, was the faithful exhibition of the truth. The remark has been made by aged Clergymen, that at the time your first pastor was settled, the number of those denominated " revival ministers" in New Hampshire was less than ten ; and that he was one. By " revival minister" is understood one who considers the greatest blessing attending his ministry to be a " season of refresh- ing from the presence of the Lord," resembling that on the day of Pentecost, and who would do all in his power to promote such a sea- son. There is evidence that a portion of the spirit of Edwards, Bel- lamy and Brainerd, dwelt in the first leader of this flock.
That the Church endeavored strickly to maintain the discipline of God's house is equally evident. Their records plainly shew a holy concern, that the household of faith be kept from heretical sentiments and irreligious practices. "March 3, 1784, the Church voted that they consider it unbecoming in a profession of godliness, for young persons, professors, to practice frolicking and vain mirth; likewise, for elderly persons to indulge in idleness, in foolish talking and jesting-that they will set a watch about them in future, and refrain."
All consistant christians of this day fully concur in the above resolu- tion. "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity."
In the year 1787, Deacon Jonathan Dana having returned to reside again in town, it was proposed to the Church by Deacon Huntington, that lic be requested to accept his former office in the Church. It will be recollected that the latter was chosen in the place of the former, when he removed from town. That the proposal should come from Deacon Huntington to have Deacon Dana re-instated, when the con- sequences were his own retirement from office, discovers a temper be- coming a disciple of Christ.
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love ; in hon- or preferring one another." " At a Church meeting, November 21, 1788, Deacon Dana having removed from town the second time, the Church requested Deacon Huntington again to take his seat, and serve them as a deacon." "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Some time after this, the date not mentioned, Mr. Nathaniel Storrs was appointed a deacon. Those who have been named may be considered the carly officers in the Church.
It will be recollected, near the beginning of the history of the Church, that in its regulations it was denominated "pedo-baptist." That its members scrupulously regarded infant baptism as an ordinance of the gospel, is evident from what appears on the records, in the year 1786. A member having removed from town requested a dismission for the
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following reason-" That he believed in believer's baptism, instituted by Christ for us to follow ;" meaning, as is supposed, that he held with the Baptist denomination on this point. The church voted and sent him the following reply : "Our faith is the same as yours, we hold to none other but believer's baptism, 'instituted by Christ for us to fol- low ;' and that it is in faith only that believers are to give themselves and their seed to God in baptism, as Abraham, the father of the faith- ful, gave himself and his seed to God in the covenant of circumcision, that the blessing of Abraham might come on us Gentiles. But, Sir, if you reject believer's baptism to their infant secd, herein we think you reject an ordinance of God, in which you have covenanted to walk with this Church. We have no desire to control your conscience, but if you depart from your covenant obligation, in any divine ordi- nance, it must be at your own hazard, for we have no power to absolve any one from covenant vows. We wish you divine direction, and that the spirit of truth may teach and lead you into all truth.
Your friends and brethren in the Church, &c."
From this letter, it seems the church adhered strictly to their first faith, and that they knew how to defend it.
There is an event, recorded by a funeral sermon preached by Mr Potter, which deserves a place in this account. Mr. Potter and three others, by the names of Chamberlain, Currier and Brace, were crossing the Mascoma River in a high freshet, a little north of Hubbard's mill, April 16, 1798. By some means they lost the management of the canoc, and were drifting fast towards the falls below, when Mr. P. leaping into the stream, swam ashore ; Chamberlain and Currier were drowned. Bruce han,;ing to the canoe while it went over the falls, at length made his escape by swimming. As might be well supposed the event made a most deep impression on those preserved from a wa- tery grave, and on the inhabitants generally. The text on which the funeral discourse was founded, was in Job 1 : 19 .- " And it fell upon the young men, and they are dead ; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee."*
* Extract from the Sermon.
" While I tell you these things, you are to remember, that I have not only es- caped to tell you the young men are dead, but in connection with the serious event, as a minister of the gospel, to preach to you the great truth, il. which you your selves are most highly interested : that there isa God, in whose hand your life and `reath is ; at whose disposal you are ; who is of purer eyes than to behold evil; who judgeth the righteous, but who is angry with the wicked every day. I am to tell you that you are under the curse of the law, if yon have not repented ; that your feet stand on slippery places, while yet in sin, and that your danger is great, and that you must repent, or perish. I am to tell you, this life is your probationary season to prepare for eternity ; that beyond this life, there is a heaven for the righteous, into which they will enter, and dwell in the presence of their God, and
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From this to the close of Mr. Potter's ministry, are recorded no events particularly deserving notice. Additions were frequently made to the Church, and the whole number who united during the above pe- riod, was 372. Out of this number have arisen twelve ministers of the gospel ; some of whom have been the favored instruments of build- ing up large and flourishing churches. In this way ministers live in their successors, perpetuating the gospel seed through the long line of successive generations, exemplifying that consoling promise, "Lo 1 am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
'The faithful paster who is instrumental of raising up twelve others to dispense the word of life, multiplies himself twelve times. The church, while it exists on earth, is debtor to such a man.
Mr. Potter retired from his public labors, Sept. 19, 1816, having per- formed the arduous duties of minister to this people, forty-four years. About eloven months after, he departed this life, aged 71. When he was ordained there were in town but 40 families. Two and half years after his death the number of inhabitants was 1710.
More than forty years did your pious leader conduct you through the wilderness, until you arrived at a respectable civil and religious eminence. To say his influence was not great and good in training this people from infancy to manhood, would be an act of injustice to his memory, and ingratitude to God. The influence of a faithful servant of Christ forty years, commencing with an infant settlement, is ini- mense. This influence is felt when the organ which exerted it is no more. It has a posthuinous existence. Though the minister is dead the ministry lives. I see its effects in the attachment to truth, apparent in a portion of this people. I see it in the existence of a Church, legitimate in its descent, steadfastly adhering to the sentiments and principles which constituted her glory in her brightest days.
I see it amid many painful exceptions, in some pious youth, the offspring of a believing ancestor, who was trained by its precepts and ordinances. I see it among the aged, especially when some are brought to witness their faith in the hour of dissolution. Their piety seems like that of another age. It is faith of no sickly growth. It shows many points of alliance with that once delivered to the saints. O that I could see it more generally in the second and third generations. I pity the man, when questioned about the religion of himself and fam- ily, who can give no other answer than that his parents or grand- parents were pious. Shades of my ancestors ! let me never attempt to
be happy forever ; and that there is a hell, a place of unutterable torment and dis- tress, for the wicked who continne in sin, and will not come to Christ Jesus for lito ; and all the time you live in sin on the earth, you are treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath, and the revelation of the righteous judgment of God."
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borrow a short-lived reputation by naming your virtues, while my own conduct proves me unworthy such a lineage.
It were indeed an honour to form a link in that bright chain which connects the present generation with the pious founders of New Eng- land. It is believed such links may be found among us.
I love to trace the unbroken line from some pious youth through his immediate and remote ancestors to the little band which composed the infant church in this town. From thence I follow it to a family in a distant State. There it passes from generation to generation, associa- ted with examples of piety, eminent in the church of God. Thence it runs to the early fathers of New England, and shows its origin to have been from those of whom the world was not worthy, and who suffered the loss of all things for Christ.
The day is coming when to be one in such a lineage would be greater honour than to stand in the line of the Cæsars.
In conclusion, I would invite the people of this place to remember all the way in which the Lord thy God hath hitherto led thee, and you will find abundant reason for thanksgiving and praise. "Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." To know when you were the most happy, you have only to compare the different portions of your history before and since your first Pastor's death. Do you desire union? What surer way to obtain it, than to return to your first love, and do your first works ? After walking together in the funeral procession of your beloved pastor, what evil angel hovered over you, and scatter- ed among you the seeds of discord ? Alas, what a growth of energyenty hatred, jealousy and prejudice has sprung up on every side ? While you inhabit a town second in wealth to but one in the County, do not forget those who laid its foundation. Your fathers made their beds with the leaves of the forest, and had for their covering the canopy of heaven ; and you dwell in your " ceiled houses," and sleep on down. They, with their countrymen, fought and bled in the "tented field," and you sit quietly beneath your vines and fig trees. They made sac- rifices to establish the gospel ; at an early day enjoyed its precious con- solations, died in its faith, and have transmitted the invaluable legacy to you, their descendants. Will you receive it ? Are you thankful for it ? Or do you spurn it, and pronounce their religion superstition, folly ? If you wish to cherish the memory of their virtues you will follow their pious example. Their enterprize, their temperance, their religion, are worthy your imitation. Counteract, by energy of charac- ter and purity of morals, the humiliating remark, that the descendants of the first inhabitants usually degenerate. The time is recollected by
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some, now on the stage, when but two persons in town indulged the vulgar and sinful use of profane language. By the virtues of your fore-fathers, by due regard for self-respect, by the fearful responsibili- ties, arising from moral accountability, I entreat you to fear God and keep his commandments.
Christians, the subject awakens in your hearts a thousand grateful recollections. You inherit the Bible and faith of your fathers. You will not give them up. You will not exchange " old gold for new tin- gel." "You will not hastily receive doctrines essentially different from those transmitted you by your fathers, unless they are attested by a piety more deep, and fervent, and by a practice more pure and exem- plary." Having seen in many instances, the happy issue of their faith, you will not launch into the sea of experiment, on which so many at this day float, heedloss of the breakers in their path, and the rugged çoast on which they are in imminent danger of being shipwrecked and lost. With mournful pleasure, you will reflect on the days of other years, when the candle of the Lord shone on the tabernacle of your fathers, and when the good Spirit of our God revived his work among them. The solemn fact that there is a less number of visible believers in the town than when it contained only 500 people, will cause you to weep for the slain of the daughter of Zion, and to pray, " Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach." You will pause-You will reflect, when such moral degeneracy presents itself to view. " Awake, awake, pul on strength, O arm of the Lord ; awake, as in ancient days, in the generations of oldl. O Lord, rerive thy work in the midst of the years ; in the midst of the years make known, in urat's remember mercy."
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