USA > New Hampshire > Minutes of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention, 1878 > Part 2
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During the year the Secretary of the Committee has corresponded with nearly all the churches in the State in regard to the raising funds for Con- vention work and has received responses very generally-indeed only one or two failing to reply.
In connection with this brief summary of the doings of your Commit- tee, we would suggest for your consideration some of those changes in our plans and methods which are deemed necessary to the successful prosecu- tion of our work.
First, We would suggest that the State Agency and the Secretaryship of the Board be combined and both offices vested in one person.
Second, That the agent be relieved from the work of collecting funds.
Third, That a responsible Committee be appointed in each Association whose business it shall be to see that the churches do their full duty in the matter of raising money for Convention work.
Finally, We would suggest that a portion of the invested funds belong- ing to the Convention be used for the purpose of erecting houses of wor- ship in localities which give promise of success and that such investments be governed by such regulations as those adopted by the Baptist Home Mission Society in the same line of work."
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At the meeting of the Board at Concord, in October last, appropriations were granted to twenty-six churches to the amount of $2.475. The Prudential Committee subsequently added a further appropriation of $75.00 to the church in Sun- cook, making a total of $2,550.
From the reports of the several churches, we gather the fol- lowing facts for your consideration.
ACWORTH. Rev. William J. Smith commenced his pastoral labors with this church Nov. 25, and closed the same March 25, on account of ill health. The sabbath following Bro. J. D. Graham entered upon his la- bors, having held a series of meetings in the place in the preceding au- tumn. Early in the year the Sabbath School was re-organized, after a long vacation, and has gradually increased in numbers and interest. There has been a similar increase in the attendance upon public worship. Total 56 ; loss 6; appropriation $75.
AMHERST. This church reports a good degree of harmony and interest with a steady gain of numbers in the congregation. Total 77; loss 5 ; ap- propriation $50.
CANAAN. Rev. Joshua Currier closed a six months' pastorate with this people April 21; thus they are again left as sheep without a shepherd. With a resident membership of but twenty, they find it difficult to sustain the means of grace. Total 43 ; loss 2; appropriation $125.
CHESTER. This church was supplied by Rev. Horace Eaton for about four months, at the beginning of the Conventional year, at the expiration of which time, he was laid aside from farther ministerial labor by reason of sickness. Since then, it has been regularly ministered to by Rev. Josh- ua Clement. They rejoice over the completion of their new church edi- fice after so many delays. It was dedicated Aug. 29. While grateful for their outward prosperity, they are laboring in hope of a rich harvest of spiritual blessings. Baptisms 1; total 58; gain 1; appropriation $100.
CONWAY. From Oct. 25 to Nov. 25 meetings were held every evening and also in the afternoons of the first week. They were aided in the meetings by Revs. J D. Tilton and T. M. Merriman of the Meredith Asso- ciation, D. H. Stoddard of the Portsmouth, and J. F. Fielden of the Sal- isbury, and by Dea. S. K. Mitchell of Haverhill, Mass. As the result, an interest in the subject of religion was awakened in the community, the church was quickened and sinners converted. Baptisms 7; total 41; gain 8; appropriation $150.
DANBURY, Has had a few valuable accessions, and enjoyed a good de- gree of prosperity. One brother is preparing for the ministry at Newton, and two others are pursuing their studies at Colby University. They re- quest no further aid for the present, hoping after so long a time of depen- dence, to become self sustaining. Baptisms 2; total 42; gain 5; appro- priation $50.
EAST WEARE. A good degree of interest is reported the first quarter. Their pastor left the first of June for a visit to his home in England. While without preaching, they maintained sabbath and week day prayer meetings and the Sabbath School. Total 46; loss 1; appropriation $100.
F.TZWILLIAM. Rev. Sumner Latham closed his labors on the last sab- bath in March. They have had preaching every sabbath but two during
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the year. Rev. William Reed entered upon his pastoral duties July 7. Prayer meetings have been well attended. They express themselves will- ing to contribnte according to their ability for the support of the gospel among themselves, but find it hard to raise the requisite amount. Total 72; loss 2; appropriation $125.
GOSHEN. In their last quarterly report they express regret at the pros- pective loss of their pastor, who has served them faithfully for a little more than a year. They request aid in the support of preaching for the year to come. Total 69; loss 1; appropriation $100.
HAMPTON FALLS. They were encouraged by the aid granted them, and express gratitude for spiritual and temporal mercies. Total 67; loss 1; appropriation $75.
HINSDALE. Under the labors of Rev. C. A. Piddock they have been greatly cheered and strengthened. A better state of feeling and greater harmony prevail in the church, and sinners have been converted to Christ and added to their membership. Baptisms 14; total 85; gain 9; appro- priation $125.
LYME. This church has made a change of pastors. Rev. S. S. White being succeeded by Rev. E. P. Merrifield, May 12. They have been favor- ed with some religious awakening and a few additions within the year. Baptisms 4; total 76; gain 3; appropriation $50.
LYNDEBOROUGH. Like the church just named, this one has also changed pastors during the year, Rev. William R. Warner closed his la- bor March 3, and May 5, Rev. H. G. Hubbard assumed the oversight of this flock. Very little change is reported in their spiritual condition. To- tal 78; loss 5; appropriation $100.
MEREDITH. They report very few changes within the year. Their pastor closed his labors Oct. 6. Total 73; gain 2: appropriation $50.
NEW IPSWICH. Through the goodness of God, they have enjoyed the labors ef a self-denying pastor during the entire year; it is feared his la- bors must soon close for want of adequate pecuniary support. They re- port themselves as never so poor financially as now, but stronger spiritu- ally, through lopping off some dead branches. Baptisms 2; total 29; loss 20; appropriation $125.
NORTH SANBORNTON. The past has been a season of mingled blessings and trials. Some have been added to their number of those hopefully converted, while it has been found necessary to withdraw the hand of fel- lowship from others who were walking disorderly. Baptisms 3; total 82; gain 1; appropriation $75.
PETERBOROUGH. This church has been numerically reduced by the dismission of several non-resident members and the exclusion of delin- quent ones; a process which is thought to have materially strengthened the remaining working force. There have also been some additions .- Baptisms 12; total 94; appropriation $125.
PITTSFIELD. Rev. J. M. Coburn resigned the pastoral office early in the year, and has been succeeded by Rev. Edwin Bromley, late of Nor- wood, Mass. They report themselves as in a good condition to labor for the Master. Have chosen two new deacons and various committees for different portions of church work. Baptisms 4; total 125; gain 6; appro- priation $100.
RICHMOND. After a lapse of eight or ten years of inaction, they have been aided in their efforts to sustain preaching for the last three years by
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the Convention. In all their period of despondency, there was no depart- ure from the distinctive principles of the denomination. They are en- couraged by the few accessions from time to time of those seeking a home with them. They are very few in numbers, and therefore seek assistance from abroad, hoping for a harvest in due time. Baptisms 2; total 21; gain 3; appropriation $100.
SALEM. The past year has not been one of spiritual ingathering, but a good degree of material prosperity has been enjoyed. The ladies have purchased a new organ for the church and removed the old one to the vestry, which they have also furnished with blinds. In closing their last report they write: "This quarter closes the twelfth year in which we have received aid from the Convention. Without that aid we could not have maintained our existence as a church in all human probability. We rec- ognize, however, the obligation of self support at as early a date as possi- ble, therefore, with the deepest gratitude for past help, we will make the effort, with the help of God, to support ourselves the coming year, and will pledge to the Convention our sympathies, and, as soon as circum- stances will allow, our contributions. We depend, however, upon the full amount of our appropriation this year to enable us to take this step " Total 64; loss 2; appropriation $125.
SOUTH HAMPTON. The pastoral office has been filled the past year by Rev. E. L. Scott. No very marked changes have taken place in their con- dition or prospects, save the loss of ability to sustain the preached word caused by deaths and removals; a loss, as they estimate it of twenty-five per cent. Baptisms 2; total 34; appropriation $75.
STRATFORD. Rev. J. L. Sanborn closed his pastorate with this people April 15, having been with them seven years and a half. Since the com- mencement of the last quarter, they have been regularly supplied by Bro. Samuel A. Reed, a graduate of Newton Theological Institution, who was ordained as pastor of the church on the 9th inst. With a resident mem- bership of only eighteen, they promise him a salary of $500, desiring the Convention to furnish $150 of the amount. Several conversions are re- ported as the result of the preaching of Bro. Graham in February and March. Total 27; loss 4; appropriation $100.
SUNCOOK. They complain of spiritual coldness, the result in part of their financial condition, they having become involved in debt something less than $300, from which they see no way of relief. Total 68; gain 2; appropriation $150.
TROY. They have toiled on through the year amid many discourage- ments. At the present time, the pastor is in feeble health, as he has been for some time past. During the last quarter, when he has been unable to preach, the pulpit has been acceptably supplied by his son, a recent grad- uate of Newton. For two weeks past, he has been holding extra meetings with manifest good results. Total 81; loss 5; appropriation $100.
WILTON. This church has suffered from the disaffection of some of her members, caused by a painful case of discipline; but is hoping, laboring and praying for the dawning of brighter days. Baptisms 3; total 74; loss 5; appropriation $100.
WOODSTOCK. No special changes have marked the history of this church during the year. They have been favored with the . regular instructions of the word except for a short season, when they were somewhat inter- rupted by the illness of the pastor. They feel the importance of main taining a church of their own faith in their isolated position; but are hoping, that in due time, their material prosperity will be so enhanced,
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that they shall become self-sustaining. They earnestly desire to see the cause of God triumph in their midst, in order to which they need to have their hearts warmed by Divine grace, so that they may not shrink from any duty which that success may require. Total 60; loss 3; appropria- tion $100.
From the above, it will be readily seen, that twelve of the twenty-six churches, report fifty-six baptisms in all,-ten a gain of forty members, and twelve a loss of fifty-six, making a net loss of sixteen. Had the last quarter's returns been received from all the churches, it is hoped these figures would have been improved. Most of these bodies, although disappointed in not receiving quarterly payments, have regularly forwarded their returns, thus enabling those whose duty it was, to sympathize with them in their joys and sorrows, and minister more under- standingly to their necessities.
Rev. David Gage has continued in the service of the Con- vention as heretofore. With the exception of two sabbaths, one spent at Brentwood, and another at East Weare, he sup- plied the church in Londonderry for some four months, preach- ing twice every sabbath in the church and in the evening in a school house near the depot. At the latter place, the situation is far more favorable for gathering a congregation ; and the la- bors of the Agent were largely directed towards securing the moving of their meeting house, to that location ; but without success. The church were offered a gift of land on which to place their house, but did not see fit to remove, preferring to let their light shine upon the hill for a longer season.
Five sabbaths in March and April were spent with the church at South Lyndeborough, then destitute, which vacancy he as- sisted them in supplying. In the mean while, he visited East Canaan, where he found the pastor about leaving, on account of ill health. This church was afterwards supplied for a time in the summer by a student from Newton.
By direction of the Prudential Committee, he went to the north part of the State, remaining from the first of May till past the middle of June ; preaching in Carroll, Jefferson, Lancaster, and North Stratford, and visiting from house to house. All of these towns were at that time without Baptist pastors. The last named vacancy having been filled, there is now one pastor
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in Coos County, and another in the Association, over the line in Vermont.
Leaving this portion of the field, he visited Brentwood, War- ner, Milford, Greenville, New Ipswich, Salem, Antrim, East Wash- ington, Hudson, Bow, Rumney, Keene, Troy, Amherst, North Sut- ton and Newport, for the purpose of raising funds. In closing he adds :
"I have also attended and addressed five Associations. During the year I have preached ninety-eight times ; attended one hundred and four prayer meetings and made one hundred and sixty-four vis- its. During my connection with the Convention as Missionary, I have gathered two churches, aided in the building of two meeting houses ; opened ten houses of worship that had been for a long time closed ; baptized one hundred and nine and preached more than fif- teen hundred sermons. During the forty-three years of my Chris- tian ministry, I think I can honestly say that I have never felt that I was more in the way of duty than during the twenty-three years of my missionary work for the Convention. I have labored very pleasantly with the pastors of the churches. It rejoices my heart to see so many young ministers coming into the State, to take the places of those who must soon pass into the spirit land. It is my prayer that they may be blessed of God in the salvation of many precious souls."
We trust we shall be pardoned, if we point out some of the more imperative needs for the successful prosecution of our missionary labors, and briefly hint at some of the obstacles which have seem- ingly retarded our progress in the past.
One of the first and most essential requisites, for the prosecution of any enterprise in which two or more people are engaged, is har- mony in council. Mutual agreement upon some definite plan of Operations is an indispensable factor in making up the account. It was when the disciples lifted up their voice to God with one accord that the place of assembly was shaken, and the multitude of believ- ers, being of one heart and soul, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spake the word of God with boldness,-and great grace was upon them all. We need to have well defined ideas of the work to be accomplished, and a hearty agreement in the selection of the best methods to be employed to secure its accomplishment.
Having formed our mutual plans, after a patient and prayerful exercise of the highest wisdom which God bestows, we need con- certed action in carrying out those plans. The most skilfully or-
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ganized campaign, in time of war, may end in a disastrous defeat, if each common soldier acts the part of a guerilla, or if each captain constitutes himself a general and assumes to direct the tide of bat- tle by the whim of the moment. So in spiritual warfare, our well drilled soldiers ought to concentrate their efforts in the common aim to dislodge the enemy from his strongholds.
Another need for the prosecution of our work, and which presses itself upon our notice with more urgency from year to year, is a larger amount of funds. When we count up at the close of the year the visible results of our work, we are some- times tempted by the lack of sheaves, to enquire whether the reapers have been faithful with the sickle. But, before we cast censure upon any, we need to enquire how many of them have had their hands palsied in the weary struggle for bread. The daily questioning of "what shall we eat, and what shall we drink, and wherewithal shall we be clothed," tends neither to promote mental vigor nor spiritual strength. When Paul wrought at his trade of a tent maker, and was chargeable to none for his maintenance, he taught that those who preached the gospel should live of the gospel.
We speak upon this point with reluctance, knowing too well how hard it has been for many to obtain money during the past year ; but when clergymen are compelled to pay ordinary day laborers, for the service they may need, much higher wages than they themselves receive, there is little equality or justice. It shows the appreciation in which religious offices are held in the community. Would we make our preachers strong mentally and spiritually to do the work that is needed at their hands, we must provide for them a comfortable maintenance and re- lieve them of all undue anxiety for the wants of the morrow. Some of them can rub along for a few years on the scanty sums they are now receiving, but if obliged to spend all their work- ing years in this way, they will purchase for themselves and families free tickets to the poor-house in time of sickness or old age, unless the Lord providentially interpose for their relief.
We need more consecrated wealth among our people gener- ally. A larger amount is needed in the treasury for the sup- port of preaching in the churches already established, and also
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to plant the standard in new fields, where there may be oppor- tunity to build up strong and vigorous interests.
In times like the present, when the pressure of want is felt in many a household, where formerly was abundance, there is a loud call for increased self-denial, on the part of pastors and peo- ple. To a portion of our pastors, this is not applicable. When by the necessities of their limited allowances they are kept con- stantly at the point where they know the meaning of pinching want, with all its deprivations and mortifications, they have reached the limit of of proper self-denial, in the estimation of reasonable people.
But there are occasionally to be met, those who are very im- provident in the management of their resources ; who are always embarrassed with debts which cripple their own energies, and are a source of grief and mortification to the churches they serve. Upon such as as these we would urge a self-denial which should husband their resources, and, if these are limited, a wise economy in their use.
While of the very few, raised above pecuniary pressure by the more abundant means or generosity of the flock over whom they are placed, we would enquire if they owe nothing in the way of Christian charity and kindness, to these less favored brethren and less favored churches ? Will not a little self-denial on their part, enable them to obey the Scriptural injunction : "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ?"
But if there is need of self-denial in the pulpit, there is no less occasion for it in the pew. We have on our list to-day too many churches afflicted with a species of chronic immobility and dependence. Year after year they repeat the same story of loss- es by deaths and removals, by which their ranks are thinned and their funds diminished. These circumstances are of themselves disheartening ; but a still more disheartening view of the case is the small number of additions. At the rate of decrease in some localities, the Convention will soon need to do all the work. We cannot reasonably look for as large increase among a sparse pop- ulation as in large communities; but while these latter have many advantages in their favor, they also have some serious drawbacks. People in the country have more leisure for serious meditation, and far less temptations to go astray than those in
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more populous communities ; and again, if money flows less free- ly among them, they have far less calls for its use. We do not think it unreasonable for the Convention to expect growth, in- stead of decay, among these rural churches, so long pensioners upon its bounty.
In order to this there must be self-denial on the part of the mem- . bers. That part of the reports, "All our members do not aid in the support of preaching;" needs to have the negative truthfully omitted. Members of churches who do not contribute for the sup- port of the gospel in their own midst in proportion to their ability, have too long been carried as a dead weight by our churches. Un- less they are speedily removed, they threaten to drag down and crush the whole body. Disaffection with the pastor, or some of the members, may usually be scented afar off as the cause of this bur- den. He who has not grace enough to acquiesce in the will of the majority, and co-operate with them in building up the cause of Christ, even if it goes against his personal preferences, has not grace enough to remain in any church, provided of course, the majority continues to keep the faith and ordinances as delivered to them.
The inborn covetousness of some, called by the apostle, idolatry, is another cause of this withholding-all such should be cast out as heathen. We have too many members, who would not hesitate, as David did about accepting the gift of a piece of land upon which to erect an altar for the worship of God ; they would accept not on- ly the land, but would still hold out their hands for a contribution wherewith to build the altar; furthermore, it would save them trouble if Araunah would also furnish the priest to slay the sacri- fice. Then they would lift up their voices, if the effort were not too fatiguing, and cheerfully sing the refrain :
"I'm glad salvation's free"-
or the other :
"Nothing either great or small Remains for me to do; Jesus paid it all."
The call,-"Honor the Lord with thy substance, and the first fruits of thine increase," would not disturb their delicious ecstacy.
But while there is a necessity laid upon our poorer brethren to practice self-denial, the call is not less imperative upon those pos- sessing a greater abundance of this world's goods. Many of them
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cheerfully contribute a portion of their substance for religious pur- poses, at home and abroad ; but the liberality needs to become more general. There needs to be awakened on the part of our in- telligent laymen a deeper and more wide spread interest in our home field. The expenses for the maintenance of public worship in their own midst are oftentimes heavy, and their liberal contribu- tions are needed for sending the gospel to the heathen, but they are surrounded on every hand, throughout the length and breadth of the State, by poorer brethren, who have a scriptural claim upon their regard and almsgiving. There needs to be a more intelligent appreciation of home duties and responsibilities, and a heartier zeal in building up the cause in our own allotted field. There is a mul- titude of the needy and unsaved at our very doors, who will never receive the gospel, unless it is carried to them by friendly hands.
There are many churches discouraged, because of changed cir- cumstances, who need a little material aid and much encouragement before they will learn the grace of self-help. These should receive the timely assistance of sufficient means for their necessities, and a large share of warm hearted sympathy and cheerful counsel. There is nothing of novelty in this work ; but it is one of necessity laid upon our churches, if they would save some portions of our State from moral waste and degradation.
Another want, most deeply felt, but which we sometimes hardly dare lisp for fear of giving unnecessary pain, and wounding where we would only heal, is a larger amount of consecrated talent. True, talent is a heaven born gift ; but each one is required, ac- cording to the word of God, to double the gift. It is to be feared that some of our ministers, having only a limited number of these gifts bestowed, settle down over small churches, with small salaries, and content themselves with small efforts and small results.
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