USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Mason > History of the town of Mason, N. H. from the first grant in 1749, to the year 1858 > Part 33
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towns. This part of the vineyard, although in a very deplor- able state, was not wholly passed by; some few christians were awakened, and brought to submit themselves to their long neglected duty.
Many of the people of Mason, especially of the young, flocked to the solemn meetings at New Ipswich, and were struck with wonder, and soon some were convicted of sin, and became anxious for their soul's salvation, and shortly after were rejoicing in the hope of pardoning mercy. But such was the state of the church in Mason, destitute of a minister, broken, dispirited, that the new converts sought to unite with the church in New Ipswich, to which they had become greatly attached, by their acquaintance with the members, which the situation and intercourse had brought about, and by that mutual love, which new born souls who have mourned, and wept, and rejoiced together, feel. Their request was granted, on condition that they removed their relation, whenever the church in Mason should become settled. One happy effect of this revival, was a determina- tion in the church and congregation, to seek the settlement of a gospel minister ; and, in the very mysterious providence of God, the present speaker was elected to this office, and is continued to this day.
Just before my ordination, those who were residing in town, members of other churches, and these members of the New Ipswich church, removed their relation to this church. The church consisted of thirty-six members when I settled with them, and has now rising one hundred and fifty-seven, in this town, in regular standing. The whole number added, during my ministry, is two hundred and eighty-one; of these, two hundred and sixty-one by profession. A small number indeed compared to the number of inhabitants, and length of time, although we have been favored with some precious seasons of refreshing, from the presence of the Lord, seasons when the Holy Spirit has come down with power, and wrought wonders, making the word of God powerful, and causing joy
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and gladness on earth and in heaven, over penitent sinners. It will be doubtless refreshing to some, to be reminded of those years, in which they rejoiced when first they knew the Lord, or rejoiced when salvation came to their house, and their dear friends became dearer to their hearts, by being united to the family of God.
The years 1801 and 1802 were indeed years of the right hand of God. After a long season in which but few, and at distant intervals, were persuaded to embrace the Savior, God was pleased to grant such a refreshing season, as never had before been experienced in this place, and the fruit that was gathered, was an addition of fifty-four members by profession. The number that united with the Baptist church, I cannot tell. It seemed then, as if it could not be, that there should be such a lowering down as would be like night after a bright and glorious day. But oh ! what wonderful changes we have witnessed, which should humble our souls, while we rejoice in the goodness of God, that after his spirit has been grieved away, and his people gone away backward, he should remem- ber them in mercy. Again, in the year 1812, was a short season of the special display of the mercy of God, and twen- ty-five were added to the church. After this, only now and then a mercy drop was found to fall, until the year 1826, which was a year more distinguished than any other in the annals of this church. God wrought gloriously, every part of the town was visited, and so manifest was the work of God, that for a time, all opposition seemed to be silenced, and the fruit of this glorious revival, was an addition to this church, of sixty-two members. Oh! that we may soon see such another day of the mercy and goodness of God. As the fruits of this revival, there were added to the church in 1826 and in 1827, seventy-nine members; in 1831, twenty- one, and in 1834 and 1835, thirty-two. Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations, and think what changes will shortly take place here.
When I look around on this assembly, I can see but one of
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the number of those, who from this town joined the church in New Ipswich, and removed their relation at the time of my settlement. Then they were young, but where are they ? I can see but two [Jonathan Batchelder, and the widow Polly Dunster] of all the thirty-six, which composed the church in that solemn hour, when I was constituted their pastor. Where are they ? Some have removed to other churches, and perhaps remain on earth, but most of them have fallen asleep. Oh ! how near at hand, should this view bring the time of our own departure ; how excite us to be up and doing, while it is day. It is matter of rejoicing certainly to me, that when we leave this house, we have a place of worship to which we may repair, and that, although I minister no longer in this house, or any other, I do not leave you as sheep without a shepherd.
Where will be the present inhabitants of this town, after the revolution of such another period as we have contem- plated. Certainly, with many, the places that now know them, shall know them no more. Some few may remain on earth, monuments of God's sparing mercy and goodness. It is hoped, that many will be shouting the praises of redeem- ing love in heaven; and oh ! distressing thought ! it is feared that some will be wailing their folly and madness, in eternal despair. What changes may be expected to take place, in half a century to come, in this church and congregation, and the inhabitants of this town. The farms we now culti- vate with so much care, will have passed into other hands. The houses we now inhabit, will not be inhabited by us then. This honse, which has been consecrated to God, for his ser- vice, and the place where he has displayed his mercy, will then be mouldered into ruins.
The house to which we are about to remove will become old, and the religious assembly will be another generation ; while we shall probably all be sleeping in dust. Yes, that communion table will be surrounded with other members, unless God in his wrath shall remove his candlestick. Not
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only will these seats be vacated by this assembly, not only will the present communicants cease from coming to this table, not only will these walls cease to resound with the voice of praise from the lips of this assembly, but the house in which we are to worship after this day, will be filled with other worshipers than those who may have the privilege to unite with us in the first religious exercises in that earthly temple. In thirty years another generation will occupy our present places.
It is right that as we leave this house, we should leave it under the impression of such remarkable truths. I cannot however, say farewell to this house, before once more calling on christian brethren and sisters, to remember the time is short, and to do with their might what they have to do; think not your work is done because you leave this house of wor- ship. Keep in grateful remembrance the works of God. Take courage from his precious promises and his dealings with his people, in the years that are gone, be instant in season and out of season. Cease not to plead with God, for the outpouring of his spirit upon this church and congre- gation. Let your light so shine, that others seeing your good works, may come and put their trust in that God and Saviour you love and adore. Oh! sinners, this is the last message to you from this place, you can have but little time left, the door of mercy is now open; O! fly to the Saviour, who stands with open arms to receive you, while it is yet an accepted time, and a day of salvation.
I now bid farewell in my own name, and in the name of this church and congregation, to this house as a place of wor- ship, as the place of our solemn assemblies.
FAREWELL TO THIS PULPIT : to me indeed, for many years, the dearest spot on earth. And although I expect not to labor any more in this pulpit, if I do in any other, I never shall think of this place, and remember the days of old, without such associations as will be calculated to move the feelings of humility and gratitude.
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FAREWELL TO THIS HOUSE, which has been the place, in which we have witnessed many painful and joyous scenes.
O ! may these walls, once consecrated to God, never be desecrated or polluted, by being made the place where infidelity or error shall be disseminated ; or the spirit of party, manage to subvert the freedom of this favored land.
OLD MEETING HOUSE. FIRST OCCUPIED NOVEMBER 3, 1790.
NEW MEETING HOUSE. FIRST OCCUPIED NOVEMBER, 1837.
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A FUNERAL SERMON, DELIVERED AT MASON, N. H., ON LORD'S DAY, DECEMBER 10, 1826,
OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN HIRAM SMITH, Who Deceased December 6, 1826, Aged 25 Years.
BY REV. EBENEZER HILL.
JOB XXI. 23, 24, 25, 26.
One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow. And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
ONE interesting point of instruction conveyed in these words of the aged, experienced, and afflicted Job, is mani- festly this. The grave may be very near to the most pros- perous, and healthy, and strong, as well as to those who endure the greatest afflictions, and most severe sufferings. I shall endeavor, briefly, to establish this truth, in order to exhibit some of the important instructions which the great uncertainty of life seems forcibly to convey to us all; and to prepare the way for such application and addresses as the solemn scene which so lately passed before our eyes, together with others of no long date, seem to require.
Job was a man of very eminent piety. It appears from divine testimony, that he exceeded all the men on earth in his day, in devotedness to God, and in labor after inward
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purity, and practical holiness. "Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil ?" Job was a wise man ; a man of good understanding; a man of much and careful observation. It is evident he was well acquainted with the history of preceding ages, so far as this was handed down by tradition; and he had atten- tively observed the dispensations of Divine Providence in his own day. The remark in the text was the result of his own observation, confirmed by the testimony of the fathers, who had lived long before him. And the same truth has been gaining additional evidence in every age of the world since, down to the present day. " One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. His breasts are full of milk and his bones are moistened with marrow. And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They shall lie down in the dust, and the worms shall cover them."
This truth also comes to us with authority ; being written by the pen of inspiration, preserved by the providence of God, and making a part of the holy scriptures. O let us feel our personal interest in this solemn truth ! As we know that it is appointed to all men once to die; as we know that we are of the dust, and must return to dust again; so we are taught in the text, that we are not sure of any long previous warning of the time of our dissolution. No circumstances in life can give any security that death is not at the door.
If to be full of strength, and free from any disease, the blood and spirits flowing with life and vigor, can give no secu- rity for the continuance of life; then surely no attachments to life, no worldly circumstances, no pleasing prospects, no connections formed, no engagements made, can give the least assurance that the grave is not just before us. How often do we see this melancholy truth demonstrated ! We do not need to repair to the chronicles of ancient times for evidence that the young, even children, and the sprightly youths of fairest
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promise, may suddenly drop into an untimely grave. Neither need we go far for proof that the young, the strong and vig- orous-their parents' hope, their parents' joy, while in the full enjoyment of health,-their warm and lively imaginations painting bright prospects before them, which seem to them certain ; perhaps forming connections, which they fondly believe will be lasting, and on which they ground the warmest expectations of happiness-we need not, I say, go far for proof, that such may, in an unexpected hour, fall into the cold embrace of death.
Parents, while they feel not, or scarcely begin to feel any of the decays of nature; while their nerves are strong, and their bodily organs are able to perform their functions with ease, and they behold with joy, their children like olive plants around their tables, or settling in the world with hopeful prospects-no sickness, no apparent messenger of death alarms them-they may drop and die in the fulness of their strength; or their children may fall before their eyes. In either case, how unlooked for, how surprising the change ! Circumstances in life give no more security against death, than health. Death spares the rich no more than the poor. Engagements, of whatever kind, are unavailing to protect against death. We may have much upon our hands to do, much unfinished business, according to our promises to others, or plans which we have laid out for ourselves; but as our full strength will not be able to withstand, so our engage- ments and promises will not move death to delay his stroke, when commissioned to strike. And oftentimes there is little or no warning given, by any previous indisposition, before the strong man is made to bow. One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at case and quiet, as well as another at whose door death had seemed to knock, by long continued, or fre- quent sicknesses.
Death, in unnumbered forms, stalks in every path we tread. The grave is ever before us, and we are constantly approach- ing it; and no one can say that the next step is not into it.
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As David said of himself, so it may be with us, "There is but a step between me and death." The prophet was directed to cry, "All flesh is grass, and all the goodness thereof as the flower of the field. The grass withereth and the flower fadeth; because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it. Surely the people is grass." Job also, guided by the Holy Spirit, hath said, "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down; he flecth also as a shadow, and continueth not." Surely then no one may consistently boast himself of to-morrow. However firm his health now is, he may then be in his grave.
It is not my intention to labor to prove a truth so evident in frequent occurrences. I have barely reminded you, my fellow-mortals, of what we all admit, I trust, and what every one must admit, who receives testimony of God, or only casts his eye over a little space around him ; and I have done it for this purpose, that our minds might be prepared to receive the instruction which such facts press upon all the living.
You will suffer me to state, and, I bescech all duly to weigh, some consequences which must follow from the forego- ing acknowledged facts. And,
1. If then in the midst of life we are in death; if, in the fullness of our strength, and in our brightest worldly pros- pects, we are liable every moment to be cut down by death, and in the grave to be hidden from the world and all it con- tains ; to have all our connections dissolved, and to leave all our carthly enjoyments behind us forever; then, certainly, they are miserably poor who have no better interest than what this world affords ; nor enjoyments superior to all those of time and sense. Though they be now free from suffering pain, in full health and strength; though placed in the most easy and flattering circumstances, and having the brightest earthly prospects before them, they are poor indeed ! We may feel ourselves to-day to be'full and happy in our wealth and friends ; but if these be all we have, in one short hour
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we may have nothing. Is not vanity inscribed on all this world, when immortal beings seek their happiness in it; and neither the most vigorous health, nor the greatest abundance, nor the most endeared connections and friends, can save us a moment from death; and as soon as death passes upon us we must leave the world as naked as we came into it! O, if we have not a better inheritance, richer enjoyments, and more glorious prospects than all this world can afford, we are in an unenviable, in a most pitiable state.
2. A correct view of the uncertainty of life, the certainty of death, and the change produced by death, shows the ines- timable value of Religion.
It is only religion, personal religion, which consists in con- formity of heart to the character and government of God, and the gospel of salvation by Jesus Christ, that can reconcile the mind to leave the world, support it in the near view of death, and render the soul happy after death. O then, of what incalculable worth is religion ; since we all must die, leave kindred and friends, and possessions behind us, and launch into the eternal world. Nothing but that glorious hope which springs from feeling reconciliation to God, trust in Christ's atoning blood for the pardon of sin, and belief in the promise of his favor forever, can enable us to view the world receding, and the constant, near and certain approach of death, without dismay. And it is only evidence that they possessed this religion, which can give us consoling hopes, and comfort our hearts, concerning those who were dear to us, but are hidden from our eyes in the cold grave. It is this religion only which fits the soul for heaven. Who then can conceive, much less express the danger of every soul, desti- tute of religion, and thus unprepared to die. For no one knows the day of his death; and there is no change of moral character after death. There is no work, nor devise, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave; yet the soul must exist forever, and in a state to be decided according to the charac- ter formed, and the deeds done in the body : Who then can
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rest without evidence of a heart by grace subdued to the will and service of God ? without evidence of vital union to the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Savior of sinners ? Surely to know Jesus Christ, and him crucified; to know him as the Savior in whom we trust, whom we love, and whom we serve, must be that wisdom which is thus described by the king of Israel, "Wisdom is more precious than rubies; her merchan- dise is better than the merchandise of silver; and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her; and happy is every one that retaineth her." O, who can dare, in this dying world, to believe his own immor- tality, and not seek this treasure !
3. The view which has been presented, of the close con- nection between us and death, between every thing here and the grave, should teach us to live habitually as strangers and travelers in this dying world, and not to set our affections on things below. Surely our hearts ought to sit very loose to all things we hold by such an uncertain tenure as life. And to make anything which is purely of this world, our con- fidence, our hope, our idol, is not only exceedingly criminal but exceedingly absurd. Why should we cleave so fast to that which we may so soon be called to leave forever ? O if the case be with us as has been represented, how careful should we be not to suffer any inferior attachment to hinder us in seeking the present enjoyment of God, and laboring to secure an heirship to the glories of his heavenly kingdom.
In attempting an application of the subject to the assem- bly at large, the few aged people present will permit me to offer a word directly to them in the first place.
Is it true, my aged friends, that some die in youth, yea, die in their full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet ? Have you walked so many years on earth, that but few of all your youthful acquaintances are left ? then, while you well may wonder that you are alive this day, you may know that the time of your departure is at hand. Although you have been wonderfully spared, you have not obtained a discharge from
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the warfare. You must meet the king of terrors. Are you prepared now to meet death ? Are you prepared to stand in the presence of the holy God? If any of you have lived to this day without returning to God by unfeigned repent- ance, and by faith in Jesus Christ, not only death, but ever- lasting destruction is before you. The sparing merey of God, if you have rejected, and continue to reject his grace, offered in the gospel, will only aggravate your condemnation. O then, while a few more sands may run, and you are continued pris- oners of hope, turn to the strong hold. If any of you, aged friends, have a comforting evidence that you are prepared, through grace, for a peaceful death, see that ye be as servants who watch and wait for the coming of their Lord at an unknown hour.
From the aged, I turn to call upon the middle aged, and young people. I ask you, dear friends, to consider, in view of the subject, and the occasion of it, and let your own understanding answer the following questions. Is it possible that you can have any business, or concerns of so much imme- diate importance as the immediate care of your souls ? Is there any thing you cannot neglect with more propriety, and less hazard than preparation for death ? Can you believe that you may die in the fulness of your strength, and yet dare to live to another day without seeking God! Can any of you dare, not to attempt now to do what you must wish you had done, but it may be too late to do, when you feel the cold hand of death ?
But it is expected that some particular address will be made to the mourners; made mourners indeed, by the affect- ing instance of mortality which has been publicly mentioned this day ; and for whom, I trust, many have earnestly prayed, that they may be sanctified, and supported, and comforted, under their heavy trial.
To the dear friend of the deceased we first look, and with no ordinary feelings of sympathetic grief. How has this truth, thus painfully realized, " one dieth in his full strength,"
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struck a death blow to your pleasing earthly prospects ; per- haps fond dreams of years to enjoy the society of a beloved friend; and that ye might go down the vale of years together. Perhaps you were anticipating much worldly comfort and res- pect, by your mutual efforts, and mutual kindness. Perhaps hoping that you might be helpers of each other's joy in a wearisome journey to a brighter world. Death has stepped in, and the bright visions have disappeared. Your friend is gone ! But while the scene through which you have passed, is heart affecting, and long must be, it is instructing; for it is the voice of God. He does not forbid you to mourn ; and no one may ; but He calls you to take up the cross, to humble yourself under his mighty hand, to bear the yoke of trouble in your youth ; and you have the prayers of many that you may find it good for you.
I say, the scene through which you have passed, is instruct- ing. You cannot easily be taught, and more impressively, the uncertainty of life, and the importance of being prepared for death, at an unwarned hour. You cannot have set before you, more feelingly, the uncertainty of all earthly prospects. But are you comfortless ? O there is a source of consolation always open for the afflicted. God reigns. The heavenly Father reigns. He who afflicts calls the afflicted to seek him early in their afflictions. We hope you know the way to the mercy-seat through a crucified Savior. Draw near in humble boldness in his name, and he who has laid this burthen on you will support you. O let the loss of an earthly friend render the Friend of sinners more precious to your heart. Let the disappointments in human calculations raise your heart above the world, and lead you to seek divine consolations, and press forward towards the mark for the prize of the high calling, and you will find lasting benefit from the scenes, which for the present are so grievous. If Christ be indeed the friend of your heart, he will never leave nor forsake you. And you may look forward to a sudden death and an early grave with composure ; or quietly wait all the days of your appointed
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time, till your change shall come, even though you continually bear a cross.
To the bereaved parents all our eyes turn, and our hearts move with tenderness.
God has been very gracious to you, in bestowing an uncom- mon share of health in your family. Your children have all been spared to grow up to manhood ; and the voice of health has been heard almost constantly in your habitation. Now grievous sickness and death have entered your home. The breach is made. A beloved son is taken away in the fulness of his strength ; and while your hopes and fond expectations were rising, and his prospects brightening. How suddenly, how unlooked for, has your trouble come! But you will remember, mourning friends, " Affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground." You will eye the hand of God, which has touched you in this event ; and O listen to his voice. It is, Prepare suddenly to exchange time for eternity. You see a breach made in your family, which is a sure presage that all the rest must go, and that you must follow, or precede them. You see that you are not sure of wearing out with old age, or that you shall have long warning of the approach of death. Healthy, promising, children are apt to be their parents' hope in their declining years : but you are now feelingly admonished not to lean on such props. O let the Lord be your confidence, and then, though all earthly props sink under you, you will be sup- ported and comforted ; for in every affliction you may repair to him, and he will be found a present help. Your age admonishes you that your time must be short; but what scenes of trouble, what sore disappointments are first to be endured, you do not, and cannot know. You are to look for troubles in this world. May you be favored with the teach- ings of the Holy Spirit, and make a wise improvement of this affliction, and be prepared for what is to come. We wish you divine consolation. God has inflicted the wound, and He alone can heal. You may lose the sensible and pun-
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