USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Derry > The history of Londonderry : comprising the towns of Derry and Londonderry, N.H. > Part 3
USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Londonderry > The history of Londonderry : comprising the towns of Derry and Londonderry, N.H. > Part 3
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Mr. Parker was also deeply interested in the higher institutions of learning in the town. From their first establishment, he was a trustee in the Pinkerton Acad- emy, and in the Adams Female Academy, and took a prominent part in their organization, and in advising and directing in regard to their various interests. While there were at times marked differences of opinion in regard to the general measures to be adopted, and like- wise some cause for strong personal feeling, it is believed that in all cases he zealously sought their best good with- out reference to his own private feelings, or the odium that might attach to him from advocating views different from those of his associates. Certainly, no member of either board had his sympathies more warmly enlisted in behalf of these institutions ; and no one was more fre-
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quently found at the quarterly examinations. At the time of his death he was the president of both boards.
The remarks already made show the laborious habits. of Mr. Parker; but this feature deserves to be brought out still more prominently. It may be said with little hazard, that no minister of New England performed a greater amount of pastoral labor, and that no one preached as many times within the same period, as he did. In favorable weather, he usually preached three times on the Sabbath, - the third service being held in some one of the school-houses or in a private house. Besides this, he often held in the summer a prayer- meeting or teacher's meeting, before morning service, and always attended a Bible class or the Sabbath school during the intermission of the public exercises. And it is judged that on an average he preached three lectures a week, in different parts of the town; in seasons of religious interest the number being much greater. The following extracts from his memoranda, embracing two weeks, commencing with the first of January, will exhibit the general character and amount of his labors abroad among his people during the week.
" Monday, Visited Mr. W., being sick with fever, but recovering ; also Mrs. H., very low with consump- tion. Her hope is firm, desirous to depart. Afternoon, Monthly Concert.
" Tuesday. Visited Mrs. McK., Mr. D., Mr. P., and others in the neighborhood. In the evening, attended a meeting of professors of religion at Mr. P's ; serious and I hope profitable meeting.
" Wednesday. Visited Mr. P., whose wife recently died. Attended a meeting of professors, and those who
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were serious, at Mr. N's ; meeting full. One person expressed the hope of having obtained light and comfort the day before from the Word of God ; may it prove gen- uine. In the evening, attended a similar meeting at Mr. C's. I have now fulfilled my appointment of visiting the church in their respective neighborhoods, with a view to ascertain their spiritual state, and to concert measures to be adopted and pursued to revive religion in their hearts and among those around them. The effect has been, I trust, favorable. I feel much satisfied with the course pursued, as I find it has served to rouse many who had begun to slumber.
" Thursday. Attended a conference meeting at Mrs. C's.
" Friday. Visited Mr. M's family, and left some tracts. Also Mr. P's; had an opportunity to converse with his son ; hope that it may not prove in vain. Visited Mr. N., Mrs. G., Mr. H., Mr. N. Found him resting on the dangerous ground that a sinner must wait God's time. Visited Mr. G's, Mr. D's, and Mr. S's. In the evening, attended a conference at Mr. G's."
" Monday. Visited a school near Mr -; dined with Mr. F; conversed freely with him on the subject of delay ; afterwards visited the school in
" Tuesday. Attended the funeral of -; visited at Mrs. T's.
" Wednesday. Visited Mr. P., Mr. - - - Conversed particularly with him on the subject of his suspension ; admonished him of his critical situation, which he received kindly. In the evening, preached a lecture at Mr. A's.
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" Thursday. Visited Mrs. C's, and preached a lecture in the school-house near Mr. W's."
The next week he visited one school, fourteen families, preached four lectures, and attended an inquiry meeting.
The following extracts from his journal, will show the strong interest which prompted these labors : -
" I will cherish love for my people, and feel that for every soul I must give account."
" I will prepare a list of my people, and will in the course of the year if practicable, and oftener if I can, apply divine truth to the heart of each, personally."
"I will converse with my people more freely and more directly on the great subject of religion, as I have opportunity, and let no occasion pass unimproved."
The history of his pastoral labors can never be written ; they could have been fully understood only by going with him on his visits to schools, to families, to individuals, and by witnessing his deep interest in their behalf, and the faithful manner in which he discharged his duties to them.
Notwithstanding this amount of labor abroad, he . secured time for study and for the preparation of his dis- courses. But this he did only by the strictest economy. No one could find more hours in a day than he ; nor could any one turn to better account the fragments of time. He could never be found idle. Some valuable author was constantly by him, which was taken up when he had a leisure moment. He had a keen relish for study, and it was no task for him to turn his mind, at once, to the subjects he wished to consider. While his reading was by no means limited, it could not be said to be extensive. It embraced but comparatively few authors,
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but they were worth the reading, and were well di- gested. With those writers who believe in the infinite divisibility of thought, he had no patience. He would frequently speak of the condensing process which needed to be applied to many authors. Though his sermons, as before remarked, were not elaborate productions, they were by no means hastily prepared. The plan and gen- eral arrangement of them he made as he rode on horse- back from place to place among his people, and subse- quently wrote them out in the quiet of his study. He was a man of system ; he had a system in his studies, and a system in his parochial and other duties. This gave him an amount of time for the numerous demands made upon him, which would seem incredible to those who do everything without a plan.
Mr. Parker was a man of sound judgment. He formed his plans intelligently and judiciously, rarely making a mistake in regard to their practicability. His judgment · was often put to a severe test in determining the course to be pursued in critical emergencies, but he seldom took a wrong step. This shielded him from the difficulties into which so many men are constantly running. He was not a man to run hastily after any new or popular notions, merely because they were such ; nor was he a man to be carried away by any popular current. Neither his opinions nor measures were characterized by any extremes ; they were neither radical nor so conservative as to admit of no departure from what usage or time might have established. He took practical and safe views of whatever came before him, and was ever esteemed a wise and valuable counsellor by his brethren in the ministry.
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While Mr. Parker was not liable to be deceived by new movements, or to run into them because they were new, his good judgment was manifested in his readiness to adopt any measures, from whatever source they might come, provided they promised substantial, permanent good. It is believed that the first temperance society in New Hampshire was formed among his people ; and he was among the very first in the State to introduce the system of Sabbath school instruction.
He was well acquainted with human nature, and formed a correct estimate of character. He was quick® to detect the prejudices of men, their particular bias and varied motives. He knew who had an honest heart, and who, only an honest appearance. He was not deceived by smooth words, nor misled by a show of friendship. Modest and retiring worth, too, he never failed to see and appreciate, however rough and forbidding the exterior.
With a sound judgment was united a remarkable prudence. The former enabled him to see what was wise, the latter kept him from doing what was unwise. Judgment, gave him an insight into the characters of men ; prudence, put him on his guard against giving them unnecessary offence. The former devises wise measures, the latter keeps out of the way influences which might prevent their accomplishment. These two characteristics were happily combined in Mr. Parker, and to their influence is to be attributed much of the success of his ministry, as well as the general harmony among his people. These are important elements of success in any situation in life, but especially in the min- istry. There are states of feeling and times of excite- ment both among individuals and an entire society, when
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a false step or even an imprudent expression may prove disastrous to a pastor's influence and counteract the benefits of his past labors. Mr. Parker's prudence did not degenerate into timidity, though in some cases a bolder and more decided course might have been wiser. It was not a mere negative virtue, whose only merit consists in preventing men from acting, lest they may act wrong ; nor was it a compromise of duty for the sake of a dead quietism. It was a studious effort in all his ministerial duties, in all his relations as a citizen, to do nothing whereby his ministry might be blamed, or its influence impaired. It showed itself in foreseeing and preventing the occasions of evil ; in pouring oil on the troubled waters ; in studying fitting times and seasons in which to rebuke any prevailing evil ; in addressing with a spirit of kind- ness mingled with fidelity the erring ones of his flock, instead of bringing a railing accusation against them.
An incident which occurred but a few weeks before his death, will show how sensitive he was to whatever might in any way prejudice the mind against the truth. The Sabbath school was held in the vestry, which is ad- jacent to the entrance-hall, where many persons usually stand during intermission. The door to the vestry would often be left open ; and some persons, not connected with the Sabbath school, would stand near the door to hear what was said, while the conversation of others was a serious annoyance to the exercises of the school. To send some one to shut the door, would deprive those who wished it of an opportunity to hear, and others too might regard it as a mark of censure towards themselves ; and who could tell the consequences of an act apparently so unimportant ? He was unwilling, therefore, that any
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one should close the door, but said to the superintendent : " Can you not put-a spring on the door which will always close it when it is opened ?" To the unreflecting this might seem the merest trifling, but whoever understands the nature of the human mind, its nice susceptibilities, the slight causes which often give it a permanent direc- tion for good or for evil, and that the destiny of indi- viduals is sometimes so delicately poised that a feather's weight might turn the scale, will not regard it as an unimportant circumstance, whether that door were closed by conscious or unconscious agency. The spring was soon put upon the door, but the watchful and solicitous pastor never entered the room afterwards.
Mr. Parker was a man of ardent piety, and his Chris- tian character was eminently consistent and exemplary. " No one becomes a villain at once," said the Roman satirist, and with more truth may it be said that no one becomes an eminent Christian at once. The formation of character, whether good or bad, is progressive ; it is not the work of a moment ; time and appropriate influ- ences are requisite. Particularly is this the case in forming and perfecting that character which the poet has justly termed the " highest style of man." Mr. Parker recognized this principle in the cultivation of piety. He devoted much time to prayer, usually having three sea- sons of private devotion daily. He had also special seasons of fasting and prayer. It was one of his resolu- tions to devote the last Saturday of each month to this object. He was a constant and prayerful student of the Bible. He always rose early in the morning, and before his mind was engrossed with other things, he gave the first hours of the day to the study of the Scriptures ; and
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as he grew older, they became more and more a favorite study. He often remarked that he found in them inexhaust- ible treasures. Those who were for any time in his fam- ily, will remember how often he was seen with his Bible in his hand. This he studied, not merely as a biblical critic, though his Greek Testament gives abundant evi- dence that he had not neglected that duty ; but partic- ularly that he might imbibe the spirit of its teachings, and draw from it that nourishment whereby he might grow in grace. His piety was not fitful and intermittent, at one time ardent and at another without any evidence of vitality ; there was a remarkable uniformity and symme- try in it, much more than is noticeable in most Christians. Amid the general declensions in the church, the fire did not go out on his altar, but burned with an almost uni- form brilliancy. Indeed, when the piety of others shone but dimly, he felt the need of cultivating with increased watchfulness his own graces. The people of his late charge will remember the earnestness and fervor of his appeals both in public and private, when a spirit of world- liness had made them forgetful of higher interests. The following extracts from different parts of his diary, while they imply his own convictions of the low attainments he had made in holiness, give evidence of his earnest endeav- ors to grow into a nearer resemblance to his great Pattern and Exemplar.
" I resolve to be more frequent and earnest in prayer. I resolve to read the Scriptures more attentively, and with self-application."
" I will aim after singleness of heart, and devote more time to. devotion."
On recovering from sickness, he says : " May it be so
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sanctified as to be instrumental in leading me to greater spirituality and to be more devoted to the duties of my office."
" I will maintain a devotional frame and a more spirit- ual conversation."
" As I am less engrossed this week than usual, I resolve to dismiss all other subjects from my mind, and to make the attainment of a good hope in Christ my special concern."
" How many precious moments have I wasted, which should have been consecrated to the cultivation of piety."
" I resolve to be more engaged in my great work ; to strive to advance religion in my heart and life ; to suffer no other object to divert my attention."
" I fear I do not make advances in the divine life. I find from unhappy experience that the least neglect of duty, the least perplexity about the world, proves de- structive to the soul. May I be excited to live nearer to . God, and may I. enjoy more of the light of his counte- nance."
" I now determine to seek after holiness, to be much in prayer, to live above the world, to feel myself no longer my own but Christ's, to be employed by him in the ser- vice of this people, over whom I am placed as a spirit- ual watchman. I will especially guard against worldly cares and anxieties. I will redeem time, and consider every hour lost which is not employed in some way to promote my personal holiness and my usefulness as a minister of Christ. I will do more and more every day to promote the salvation of men."
The following was entered in a note-book, while he was at Philadelphia. " During my absence in attending the (General Assembly, as I shall be unincumbered with do-
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mestic concerns and parochial duties, I determine to improve the time at my command in attending more par- ticularly to the state of my heart, and the evidence of my piety."
About five years before his death, after he had made arrangements which relieved him almost entirely from domestic cares, he says : " As I am, by a kind providence, in circumstances more favorable to an entire consecration of myself to the work of the ministry, I resolve to free my mind as much as possible from worldly cares, and to study to promote in every practicable way my own holiness and the spiritual interests of others, especially of the souls committed to my charge. I resolve to give myself more to prayer; each day to present the case of some one before God."
The measure of good which he accomplished, whether greater or less, cannot be told. Who can follow the waves of influence, either for good or for evil, in their ever-widening circles ? But that he did much in promoting a spirit of harmony among the people of his charge, in correcting or preventing various evils, in raising the standard of education, in elevating the general character of the people, in awakening interest in the great benevo- lent operations of the day, and above all in bringing many under the controlling power of the truth, will not be called in question. At the time of his ordination, the church contained ninety-eight members ; at some periods of his ministry, before the formation of the church in the Lower Village, and the removal of quite a number of families and individuals into the several manufacturing villages which have grown up in the vicinity, the church contained over three hundred members. At the time of his death,
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the number was two hundred and eighty, about forty of these being non-residents. During his pastoral office, about five hundred were added to the church by pro- fession.
In the course of his ministry, Mr. Parker published several sermons, most of them on funeral occasions. On the death of Elder John Crocker ; James Parker, Esq., of Bedford, N. H. ; Elder James Pinkerton; Rev. Amasa A. Hayes, pastor of the church in Londonderry ; Elder Samuel Burnham, his early preceptor ; Miss N. M. Clark, who was to have accompanied the late Rev. A. K. Hins- dale, as a missionary to Mosul ; Rev. Calvin Cutler, pastor of the church in Windham, N. H. He also published a " Century Sermon," commemorating the settlement of Londonderry, delivered April 22, 1819; a sermon at the ordination of Rev. Abijah Cross, over the first Con- gregational church in Salisbury, N. H .; also two sermons on the Supreme Divinity of Christ, in 1827. These two discourses were considered an able defence of the truth they were designed to establish. The Century Sermon may be considered as the germ of the History of Lon- donderry. It awakened much interest at the time, in regard to the early settlement of the town, and the edi- tion then published was soon exhausted. Application being made to the author from time to time for copies of this sermon, which he was unable to supply, he was fre- quently urged to prepare a more full account of the early settlement and subsequent history of the town. But he felt that his ministerial duties were paramount to all others, and that he could not comply with such a request without interfering with his obligations to his parish. Nothing therefore was done towards the preparation of the work
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till four or five years since, when he had made such ar- rangements in regard to his domestic and secular affairs as to allow him more time for such a purpose. And even when he commenced the work, it was with the full purpose that it should not diminish the amount of his ministerial labors. If he ever departed from this purpose, it was only during the few last months of his life, when he evi- dently began to feel, that what he did must be done quickly.
Mr. Parker was a man of strong and vigorous consti- tution, which he retained in an unusual degree till nearly the close of his life. He was rarely subject to sickness or disease of any kind. For the first thirty-six years of his ministry, he was absent from the pulpit only seven Sabbaths on account of ill health. About four years since, he experienced the first symptoms of the disease which finally terminated his life. It was a pain in the region of the heart, at first causing but little anxiety, and at no time affecting his general health, or his ability to devote himself to the ordinary duties of his office. Any unusual physical exertion, however, gave him consider- able pain. On consulting physicians in regard to the nature of the difficulty, it was pronounced a disease of the heart, technically called angina pectoris. There was no occasion to apprehend any immediate danger from the disease, particularly as his health, during the last six months before his death, was generally good ; still, he was evidently convinced that his life was precarious, and might at any time terminate suddenly, But he had no fear, in view of such an event ; he spoke of it from time to time, to some members of his family, with perfect com- posure. Indeed, he was never more cheerful, and even
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playful, than during the few last months of his life. The last time his daughter visited him, he conversed freely with ber respecting some plans he wished to have adopted in case of his death. In a letter to her, a few weeks before he died, he says : " I hope I can truly say, I do not feel so much concern as to my health and life on my own account, as on that of your mother, and my dear family and people, for whose good I may yet be in some measure instrumental. We are truly happy when we can say : ' Not my will but thine be done.'"
On the Sabbath, July 14, 1850, he exchanged with the Rev. Mr. Day, pastor of the church in the Lower Village. In an obituary notice of Mr. Parker, Rev. Mr. Day says of his afternoon discourse on that day : " He preached his last sermon from the words of the prophet : ' The soul that sinneth it shall die.' There seemed to be an univer- sal conviction on the part of all who heard him, that it was one of the most solemn discourses he ever preached. His appeals at the close were heart searching, and seemed to prognosticate his own approaching dissolution." At the close of the second service, he returned home. Later in the afternoon, he went to attend a third service at one of the school-houses in a distant part of the town. He preached with his usual earnestness on such occasions, and at the close of the meeting started to return. When he had gone about one half of the distance, and was a inile and a half from his home, his horse stumbled and fell. He ran back a few rods to Mr. Clark's, the nearest house, to call assistance. Undoubtedly feeling pain from the effort already made, and conscious of the danger to which he was exposed by over-exertion, he told Mr. Clark that he must return slowly, and would then aid
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him in attending to the horse. On returning to his carriage, and while stooping over his horse, either to prevent him from rising suddenly, or to loosen some of the harness, Mr. Clark heard him groan, and saw him in the act of falling forward. He immediately caught him in his arms, when he expired without a strug- gle, not breathing more than once afterwards. Thus ended the days of this faithful minister of the gospel. It was a fitting time to die, - in the midst of his labors, - on the Sabbath, after its duties were all performed, - and at the going down of the sun. Appropriately did one of his parishioners remark : " He served his Master faith- fully all day, and went home to rest at night." It would have been gratifying to his friends could they have stood beside him as he breathed out his life, and received from him his last messages and parting blessing. But " what God appoints, is best." They know how he had lived, and they know what would have been the burden of his message to them and to the people of his charge, could he have spoken to them as he was entering another world. His remains, sustained in the arms of his young- est son, were borne home to his stricken family, who, while they mourned the loss of an endeared husband and father, bowed with becoming resignation to him who had afflicted them.
His death occurred at so late an hour that it was not generally known that evening. But when, in the early morning, the long-protracted tolling of the bell announced that some unusual calamity had occurred ; and when the word flew from house to house that their pastor had fallen dead in the street, the effect was overwhelming. More than twelve hundred of his flock had gone down to the
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grave since he had dwelt among them; and now the pastor who had so often been in the midst of death, and seemed almost exempt from its power, had passed through the dark valley. The deepest grief pervaded the whole parish. Every one whom you met was subdued and solemn. Strong men turned aside from their labors, and sat in silence through the day ; and some of the children in the schools were inconsolable with grief.
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