USA > New Jersey > Somerset County > Raritan > Forty years at Raritan : eight memorial sermons with notes for a history of the Reformed Dutch churches in Somerset County, N.J. > Part 2
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II. Another illustration is furnished in the feelings which grow up between Christian friends. Suppose the existence of strong bonds of affection between two individuals. Such en- dearments are often formed to cheer and bless this scene of misery through which we are passing in our earthly pilgrim- age. They may have resulted from habitual intercourse and many acts of reciprocated kindness. They may be the effect of family alliance leading to intimacy and the appreciation of mutual good qualities, as in the instance of David and Jona- than. Or perhaps they result from similarity of sentiment and taste-from kindred feelings and attractive accomplislı- ments. Love may have endeared the sacred bond, an antici- pation have desired and agreed that it should be cemented and consecrated at the matrimonial altar. The two hearts are now perfectly united in sentiment and feeling, in taste and desire ; but there is one subject where their views separate, and they have nothing in common. The one is a follower of the Lamb -the other rejects Christ and his Gospel. The one sees a beauty in Christ and loves him ; the other is more than indif- ferent, lic tramples him under his feet. The one experiences all the power of faith and hope, and tastes all the sweetness of communion with God ; the other knows only the pleasures of sense, and is moved alone by the fascinations of the world. They are one in all things, except that which is the most im- portant to be agreed in, because it is capable of exciting the strongest feelings, and really has the largest share in forming character and shaping our destiny. Here they are obliged to separate. Here there is no common bond of sympathy; and they are mutually afraid to touch the tender chord lest its vi- brations should produce discord-perhaps even excite feelings of dislike. Is all this nothing to their happiness? It is ; for how can the voice of affection and conscience be silenced, the thoughts of eternity be prevented ?
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MEMORIAL SERMONS.
In this state of things, therefore, how will the Christian be affeeted ? Ile knows the importance of the grand reality ; but how shall he communicate his sense of it ? He is deeply con- vineed of its value in every point of view, and for every pur- pose of life, now as well as hereafter ; but how shall he impart his convictions, and persuade his friend to entertain the same sentiments ? Can he prevent his thoughts from wandering to death and judgment ; or his imagination from pieturing the awful condition of that very friend, when the soul is lost ; or fail to feel the anguish of a separation forever ? Think of all his love-how often he has borne that friend on the arms of prayer to the merey-seat, how many contrivances he has adopted to win his heart from sin and bring him to Christ, how closely he is bound to him, and how many ties must be broken in a final separation.
Is there nothing now in such a scene as we have painted ? Will it not naturally engender the greatest anxiety, and pro- duce the strongest yearnings of heart-anxieties and yearn ings proportioned to the blessings to be seenred and the evils avoided ? It is not a mere temporal good which is sought ; but an interest in the grace of God. The pearl is the pearl of great priee; and no earthly treasure has ever been desired more ardently than Christian love hath often sought to enrich the object of its affection with that priceless gem, or than it has striven to turn away the wrath of God from him who is dearto it. Tears have been copiously shed ; and oh ! how many ardent prayers have aseended to heaven ! Think of it ! How can we snffer a friend whom we love to go down to destrne- tion without efforts to save him ? How can we day by day see his onward course and not attempt to draw him baek ? How can we realize the wretchedness of his condition, and his hope- less end, withont feeling impelled by the interest which he has in our hearts, to endeavor to arrest his career, and turn his feet from death ? Ah! yes indeed ! Many a tender Christian heart hath wept in seeret bitter tears-many a friend impor- tuned Heaven to have merey upon and spare his friend. Many a pious wife or daughter pleaded long and earnestly for husband or father; and even sorrowed like the Prophet, after the fountain of her tears was dry, that she could not weep on
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and make them flow night and day. If tears and prayers could save souls, tears would flow and prayers ascend perpetu- ally to accomplish that end ; but they will not always succeed. Impenitence is proof even against the power of the heart; and who can tell the anguish experienced when hope is lost and despair throws its dark mantle over such a loving spirit ?
Oh ! that the impenitent knew how much they always resist to continue in their sin ! The church prays for them, their Christian friends pray for them, and their associates and bosom companions in secret weep over their condition, and by strong cries and tears seek to move Heaven to save them from perdi- tion. Oh! that the impenitent knew what anguish of heart their ungodly course causes those who love them to suffer ! Yes, and there are some of you who do know this, but it does not move yon. Your nature is so perverted-your heart so hard, you love your idols so well-that after them you will go, even though friends and lovers should weep ever so much. Let me tell you, however, that you are sinning against your own souls as much as you are sinning against affection ; and that the bitterest dreg in your cup of trembling will be the thought of what you have done all your life, in resisting so stoutly the kindness of Christian affection.
Is it necessary now to remind you, Christian brethren, that I stand related to each one of you individually as a friend ; that I experience all the solicitudes of that relation ; that all the earnest importunity that love has ever engendered in the heart and employed in prayer, has been employed for you -- employed for these five long years ; and that all the bitterness of disappointment mingles in the cup which you commend necessarily to my lips, by your remaining in sin ? Need I ap- peal to you on this ground, and remind you, as the apostle did his Philippian converts, that "I have you in my heart ?" that I have been willing to impart to you all the treasures which grace has laid up for us in Christ ? If kindness could have won you, it must have done so before to-day ; or if importu- nity had power to overcome your disinclinations to holiness, it must have brought yon to the feet of the Redeemer. Alas! that it has not ; and that the close of a cycle of years finds you yet in the attitude of an opposer to Christ's authority, and
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a rejector of his merey. Will you continue so until you die ?
III. We may suggest another application of the sentiment in our text. The angnish of parental bosoms when their in- structions, prayers, warnings, and expostulations all prove vain. Many a bleeding heart has felt the import of the pro- phet's language, Oh ! that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people !
Among the interesting relations which are formed by that ordinance of heaven which has "placed man in families upon the earth," none is more sacred-none is stronger, than that which exists between parents and children. On the one hand there is all the instinctive love of a father or mother for their offspring; strengthened by the care which it has rendered neces- sary and the kindness which it has prompted. On the other there is all the gratitude which a consciousness of these expres- sions of love originates. No tics can be more sacred than these, and no relation involves more feelings that are natural- ly calculated to awaken sentiments of interest and kindness. A parent experiences pleasure in seeking the welfare of his child in all possible ways. He subjects himself to toil and la- bor, to lay up for him a store of good things for the present life. He denies himself many gratifications which he furnish- es willingly to him ; and in doing so he regards not the self- denial-he does not even count it a sacrifice ; for he finds sat- isfaction in it-so deeply solicitous is he to advance the inte- rests and secure the welfare of those he loves. If he could be- stow a thousand times more, and deny himself a thousand times oftener, he would not grudge it, could he only shower down all upon the object of his affectionate solicitude.
Such is parental affection-so deep-so self-denying-always so full of anxious concern-always so ready to make sacrifices. It is a noble, a heaven-derived endowment. In it God's wis- dom and his mercy to his creatures are both displayed. How mnuch the world is benefited by it !
But the affection of a Christian parent, what is it? Has it not the same deep and instinctive feelings ? Has it not all of these ennobled, consecrated, and directed to higher ends ? Does he
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MEMORIAL SERMONS.
not as a Christian necessarily experience a strong desire that his children should enjoy the hopes of religion, and be brought un- der the ægis of its protecting power ? He knows how much it will benefit them, for he has himself tasted of its fruits in his own pilgrimage. He is sensible how much the heart of man needs such a kind hand to soothe its anguish in the hour of trial ; for lie lias himself been pelted by adverse storms. He is conscious, from his own errors, that.nothing can so effectu- ally guard in temptation-guide in perplexity-and restrain when corrupt desires importune, as that blessed monitor. He has tasted the bitterness of sin-has trembled before the aw- ful judgment-scat-has gone down into " the valley of Baca, weeping," and saw no "springs of water" there-and knows well that there is no hope but in the consolations which the Gospel of Jesus Christ imparts. His knowledge and experience both confirm the declarations of divine Revelation, and con- vince him that nothing but its influence, in converting the soul and sanctifying the heart, can make salvation sure.
The depth and force of these convictions may be shown from several circumstances. You may consider the motive of those careful instructions in the doctrines and duties of religion. What was it but the manifestation of a desire on the parent's part to bring his child acquainted with its power? You may consider the motive of his example, walking carefully before his house-what was it but that he might be a guide to one whom he knew to be prone to err and hard to be convinced ? You may listen to his prayers ; and if you do so, you will clearly perceive how affection deepens their tone of earnestness and kindles an ardent flame of his devotion as soon as his little ones engage his heart, and he begins to plead in their behalf.
But suppose now, that Christian parent called in providence to witness the infatuated course of a prodigal-all his in- structions despised-all his affectionate connsel disregarded- all his prayers and pleadings in vain ! Sin, the monster sin, proving too strong for all the barriers which he has opposed to its power ; and like a victorious conqueror capturing one after an- other the defenses set to protect the citadel of the heart against its assaults. That beloved child who was trained so carefully for heaven, going forward in the forbidden way until his feet
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MEMORIAL SERMONS.
take hold on hell. What are his feelings now ? Is any pen adequate to describe the bitterness of his heart, or paint the an- guish of his bosom ? Ah! it is horrible ! There is a sense of disappointment, a feeling of indignation, and a sentiment of abhorrence and disapprobation, all mingling their bitter dregs in the cup which is presented to his lips, and which he is forced to drink, which almost dries up his spirit. So many fond an- ticipations are blasted, and so much enjoyment prevented, that he can not cease. Tears are shed, and bitter tears, as often as he remembers the lost one. He almost feels, sometimes, as if he could have given his life's blood, if it would have redeemed that child from ruin. IIe never goes to a throne of grace but he remembers him there. He never bows himself in confes- sion before God, but the bitterness of his sorrow is brought to remembrance. The slain idol of his affections-the cherished jewel of his fond desires-how can he forget him ? "How shall I give thee up, Ephraim -? " is his constant cry ! " Oh ! that Ishmael my son might live before thee"-his daily prayer -- and often the anguish of his spirit breathes itself forth in the language of David, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom ! would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, iny son !" "Oh ! that my head were waters, and my eyes a foun- tain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people."
And is there not, in the relation of pastor and people, every thing that gives force and tenderness to that of a parent and his offspring ? What then, I ask yon, are my feelings to-day, in being obliged, after five years of patient toil, to see you yet with- out an interest in Christ ? Some of you may conceive of them from experience. Perhaps your prodigal has wandered from the shadow of your roof, and spent all his substance in riotous living-perhaps your son has been blind to the obligations of duty, and the instincts of self-preservation, and lived in sin un- der a plenitude of gospel light and influence. Perhaps you have often sought to win him, but in vain ; and now can only yearn and yearn, even though hope seems denied. Ah Christian parent ! you know the feelings of our heart. You can tell what a weight lies upon it to-day-and why it is, that we endeavor to give utterance to its deep emotions in the prophet's words,
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MEMORIAL SERMONS.
" Oh! that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people."
Application .- Let us now for a moment consider what mo- tives the subject presents to the impenitent to turn from sin. We do not at the present time "reason with you of righteous- ness, temperance, and a judgment to come ;" we do not seek to move you by the love of Jesus Christ, or the grace of the Holy Spirit ; we do not entreat you by the worth of your souls or the joys of heaven ; nor warn you to beware, for there is wrath. All this has often been done ; and alas! with many it has been in vain !
We seek to-day an avenue to your hearts less trodden, and we hope, on that account, more sure of success. Perhaps your feelings have become jaded by the frequency with which ap- peals have been made to them-Gospel-ridden and grace-har- dened, you have ceased to feel the force of religious obligations. Wetell you then to-day how much your pastor loves you-how often he prays for you-what distress of mind your continued impenitence causes him. Do you love him ? Are you sensible that he is your friend, and that he is seeking to do you good ? Oh ! grieve no more his affectionate heart ! Give him no more cause to cry unto God, "O that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people." He can have no rest while you live in sin. He can, as a minister of Christ, know no comfort but in seeing your joys abound and your hearts melting for the beatitudes of heaven.
We come also to tell you how your Christian friends and companions feel, when they see you rejecting the only Saviour and madly following after ruin. How they regret that amid all the bliss of communion, and the pleasure arising from asso- ciation of friend with friend in heaven, they can not anticipate the joy of seeing you there. That their hearts now yearn over you, and ceaseless prayers ascend to heaven in your behalf : and to ask you whether all this tenderness, solicitude, and affec- tion is to be in vain ? and shall it indeed be in vain ?
We come to call up to your remembrance the tears and prayers of that parent who is perhaps now in heaven, looking
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MEMORIAL SERMONS.
down from his serene abode, and watching your course-those prayers and tears which your welfare prompted, and which your impenitence multiplied ; and to ask you, whether they are to be in vain. To remind you of that parental instruction and example, under the influence of which your earliest years were blessed, and to ask you, whether you are going to forsake it finally and render it all abortive ? We come to elaim a place in your hearts to-day, for we are speaking in the name of those who have the best right to speak to you, and to ask you wheth- er you have forgotten their love, and mean to disappoint their hopes, disavow their counsels, and wound them in their ten- derest affeetions ?
Think how many hearts are burning to see yon in the way of life. How many prayers have made you consecrate to God. How many affectionate, how many solemn motives urge you to-day to make your choice. Five years of warning and solici- tude, of prayer and privilege, .is no small account to answer for to God. Shall they all prove vain ? Eternity will answer the question, though you do not.
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THE SECOND MEMORIAL SERMON.
PREACHED OCT. 30TH, 1842.
THE REVIVALS OF RELIGION IN THE CHURCH OF RARITAN.
" Remember ye not the former things; neither consider the things of old."-ISAIAH 48 : 18.
THE inquiry of the Prophet implies astonishment that any men of consideration could be so reckless as to neglect the in- struction of the past; and well might he be surprised. What is our experience but the memory of former things, and the judgment of reason in regard to them ? What is our prudence but avoiding the evils of the present as we have learned them in former days ? A course of life in which prudence and ex- perience should both be neglected would be sure to end in disaster. It is wise therefore always to remember " the for- mer things" and "consider the things of old." When it is possible for us to do so, it is also important to embody it in the form of a narrative, that its lessons, being faithfully and impressively presented, may the more deeply impress our minds and influence our hearts.
History therefore lias by the general sense of mankind been considered as one of the most important sources of knowledge. All men seem to be aware how much " that which hath been" is " that which shall be," and how necessary it is for us to know it, in order to judge right and live to advantage. There is, however, a moderation to be observed in the reverence which we attach to " the things of old," and the use which we make of their teachings. The manner in which it is sometimes spoken of would almost lead us to infer, that it was regarded as having embodied all truth and righteousness; and that all wisdom and good conduct have since failed from the earth ! Such extravagance is unwise and mischievous. It arises from
"
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that indiscriminate admiration, in which neither reflection nor judgment has been exercised. Lord Bacon seems to have stated exactly the use of antiquity. "It deserveth that reve- renee that men should make a stand thereupon, and discover what is the best way ; but when the discovery is well taken, then to make progression." It is good as a Teacher, but not safe or proper as a resting-place.
On the other hand, to disregard entirely, as some are disposed to do, the experience of the past, and boldly launchi out into the stormy sea of life without a chart to guide us, may display a venturous spirit, and be commended as sueli ; but certainly it is not a mark of prudence or of wisdom. Says Burke, " When ancient opinions and rules of life are taken away, the loss ean not possibly be estimated. From that moment we have no compass to govern us, nor can we know distinctly to what point we steer." This is true: and the wisest and best men have been those who were neither slavish in their reverence of the past and their subjection to it, nor heedless of the many lessons which it teaches; not unwisely trammeled by it, nor yet so self-confident as to rush forward without its guiding wisdom and instruction in the conduet of life. It deserves to be 'well considered, but not " rested in." Bacon's " progres- sion" is the watchword of improvement, and by listening to it the world has arrived at her present stage of advanced per- fection, in almost every branch of human wisdom-to have rested would have prevented all.
To-day seems to be a point from which it may be proper to take a retrospective view of the dealings of Divine Providence with us as a people. It is the anniversary of the tenth year of my ministry among yon : and I purpose to ereet an Ebe- nezer here and offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. God's good- ness has been great, and should be recognized; and the poet tells us
"'Tis greatly wise to talk of our past hours, And ask them what report they bore to heaven, And how they might have borne far welcomer news."
There is much in the past that will be "of real advantage to us by way of encouragement in the future. In reviewing the history of this church only in one partienlar-the amount of
2
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MEMORIAL SERMONS.
spiritual influence which God has deigned to bestow upon us, I have been so much delighted, as to induce me to arrange the facts in their order, and present them in the form of a succinct narrative. Adopting the recommendation of inspired wisdom, to remember the former things and consider the things of old, I shall present the history of those spiritual communications with which God has been pleased to accompany the dispensa- tion of the word and ordinances among the people of this congregation. I believe there are but few churches in the land that have records so full of the manifestations of divine good- ness, or a history more rich in evidences of divine care.
During the first twenty years after the organization of this church-March 9th, 1699-it enjoyed only occasionally the means of grace. The records would seem to indicate that twice, or sometimes thrice, in the course of the year, some preacher visited them, and then children were baptized and the Lord's Supper administered. From such a scanty seeding of the ground no adequate crop could be anticipated ; and yet, by the blessing of God, the church did increase, at least in the number of those who attended on the means of grace and aided in supporting them, until in process of time it began to feel strong. About 1718, in connection with New- Brunswick, Six-Mile-Run, and North Branch," the church of Raritan ventured upon the effort to call, and agreed to provide for the support of a pastor. The important docu- ment, after having been duly prepared, was dispatched to Holland, and the Classes of Amsterdam was expected to select the pastor and send him out by their authority and with their recommendation. It was an anxious time among those who loved Zion and prayed for her prosperity, and these prayers were happily answered. The call was accepted by Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, and he arrived in New-York in Janu- ary, 1720. As early as February he assumed the duties of lis pastoral relation, embracing in the wide range of it almost the entire county of Somerset at that time sparsely settled and almost destitute of roads and bridges and other facilities of intercommunication.
* Now called Readington.
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MEMORIAL SERMONS.
It is impossible to ascertain accurately what was the state of the churches at the time when Mr. Frelinghuysen as- sumed the pastoral charge of them. No record remains, if any ever existed, of those who had been admitted into its communion previous to his day. There occur, however, on the list of baptismns the names of about seventy families belong- ing to the congregation. This indicates its numerical strength ; and there had been three hundred and eighty children and two adults baptized, during the preceding twenty-one years. There must therefore have been at least a general external regard to . the ordinances of God's house by the first settlers of this see- tion of our State, and some benefit resulting from the occasion- al services which they had enjoyed under all the disadvantages of their circumstances, or these facts would not remain as materials of history. The baptism of the adults proves that a church existed, preserving order and providing for the admi- nistration of sacraments ; and that the preaching of the Gospel was blessed to the conversion of some.
But although the records of the church are so meagre, we are happily furnished with testimony from another source,. which will not be disputed, to aid us in forming an estimate of' the spiritual state of the church, though not immediately referring to it. This testimony will show that although there might be an external observance of the forms and the sacra- ments of the Christian religion, yet that an experience of their power was by no means a general accompaniment of such observance. There must have been a great want of practical and serious Christianity. It was the fault of the age and the natural result of the destitution of the church. It was the common fault of all the churches at that time, and was true not only of Raritan but also of many other parts of the country.
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