USA > New Jersey > Ocean County > Historical reminiscences of Ocean county, New Jersey > Part 10
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The late Samuel Cox, an aged, es-
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teemed citizen of Barnegat, whose death account has made the Potter Church so was noticed in the COURIER of Dec. 27, noted in the religious history of our country. 1877, was a native of Pemberton, and knew Mrs. Bacon after she married Morris, and bore testimony to the respect in which she was held by those who knew her.
After Bacon's death his widow came to Forked River, and Mrs. Huldah Wil- liams, then quite young, went with her to Bacon's principal cave near Frank's crossway, where they found a sword and other articles belonging to the Refugee. The last attempt of which the writer has heard to find the location of the caves of Davenport, Bacon and other Refugees was by the late Charles I. Errickson, who some thirty years ago started from Toms River with an old woods guide, and was successful in finding vestiges of them on branches of Toms River and other streams.
THE POTTER CHURCH AT GOODLUCK. THE BIRTHPLACE OF UNIVERSALISM IN AMERICA.
The Rev. John Murray, the first preacher of Universalism in America, sailed from England for New York, July 21st, 1770. When he left England, though a warm advocate of the principles of that society, yet he was not a regular preacher, and had but little idea then of becoming one in America. During a thick fog in the early part of the month of September, the brig "Hand in Hand," on which he was acting as supercargo, struck on the outer bar of old Cranberry Inlet (now closed, ) nearly opposite Tonis River. She soon passed over, and was held by her anchors from going ashore. Here she remained several days before she could be got off. While lying here the provisions of the brig were exhausted, and after locking up the vessel, all hands proceeded in a boat across the bay in search of sustenance. Being unacquaint- ed with the main, they spent the greater part of the day before they could effect their purpose, after which, it being late, they proceeded to a tavern to stay all
A singular and interesting chapter in the religious history of our State, relates night. Mr. Murray's mind appears to to the historical old Goodluck Church, to have been much exercised by eventful scenes in his previous life, and to have formerly known as the "Potter Church," built from 1760 to 1765, by the noted longed to get somewhere where the busy Thomas Potter, a benevolent citizen of the village, who then lived east of the late Capt. Benjamin Stout. Before building the church, Potter had been in the habit of opening his house to travel- ing preachers of all persuasions ; and,
ares of the world would not disturb his meditations ; and hence as soon as the church on the farm since owned by the boatmen arrived at the tavern he left them for a solitary walk through the dark pine grove. "Here," said he, "I was as much alone as I could wish, and my heart exclaimed, 'Oh, that I had in this after a while, to accommodate them, he wilderness the lodging of a poor way- erected this edifice free for all denomin- faring man ; some cave, some grot, some ations, and it was used by Presbyterians, place where I might finish my days in Quakers, Baptists and Methodists, and calm repose.'" As he thus passed along in it was preached the first Universalist sermon ever delivered in America.
musing, le unexpectedly reached a small log house where he saw a girl cleaning fish ; he requested her to sell him some. She had none to spare, but told him he could get all he wanted at the next house. " What, this ?" said Mr. Murray point-
In giving the history of this church, it is proper first to quote the account found in the journal of the celebrated Rev. John Murray, the founder of the Universalist Society in America, as this ing to one he could just discern through
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the woods. The girl told him no, that ting married, but in going to New York was a meeting house. He was much once I was pressed on board of a man-of- surprised to find a meeting house there war and taken in Admiral Warren's ship in the woods. He was directed to pass to Cape Breton. I never drank any rum, on by the meeting house, and at the so they saved my allowance ; but I would next house he would find fish. He went not bear an affront, so if any of the of- on ns directed, and came to the door, ficers struck me I struck them again, near which was a large pile of fish of va- but the admiral took my part and called rious sorts, and standing by was a tall me his new-light man. When I reached man, rough in appearance and evidently
Louisburg, I ran away, and traveled advanced in years. "Pray, sir," said barefooted through the country and al- Mr. Murray, "will you have the good- ness to sell me one of those fish ?" " No, sir," was the abrupt reply of the old most naked to New York, where I was known and supplied with clothes and money, and soon returned home, where gentleman. "That is strange," replied I found my girl married. This rendered Mr. Murray, "when you have so many me unhappy, but I recovered my tran- fish, to refuse me a single one !" "I quility and married her sister. I settled did not refuse you a fish, sir ; you are down to work, and got forward quite fast, welcome to as many as you please, but I constructed a saw-mill, and possessed my- do not sell the article ; I do not sell the self of this farm and five hundred acres
fish, sir, I have them for taking up, and you may obtain them the same way." Mr. Murray thanked him ; the okl man then inquired what he wanted of them, and was told he wished them for supper for the mariners at the tavern. The old of adjoining land. I entered into navi- gation, own a sloop, and have now got together a fair estate. I am, as I said, unable to read or write, but I am capable of reflection ; the sacred Scriptures have been often read to me, from which I man offered to send the fish over for him gathered that there is a great and good und urged Mr. Murray to tarry with him Being who has preserved and protected that night. Mr. Murray consented to me through innumerable dangers, and to return after visiting the erew at the pub- whom we are all indebted for all we en- lie house. The oldl gentleman was joy ; and as He has given me a house of Thomas Potter. Mr. Murray says he my own I conceived I could do no less was astonished to see so much genuine than to open it to the stranger, let him politeness and hospitality under so rough be who he would; and especially if a an exterior, but his astonishment was traveling minister passed this way he al- greatly increased on his return. The ways received an invitation to put up at old man's room was prepared, his fire my house and hold his meetings here. bright and his heart opened. "Come," "I continued in this practice for more said he, "my friend, I am glad you have than seven years, and illiterate as I was returned, I have longed to see you, | I used to converse with them, and was have been expecting you a long time." fond of asking them questions. They
Expecting him ! Mr. Murray was pronounced me an odd mortal, declaring amazed, and asked what he meant. Mr. themselves at a loss what to make of me; while I continued to affirm that I had but one hope ; I believed that Jesus suf- fered death for my transgressions, and this alone was sufficient for me. At length my wife grew weary of having meetings held in her house, and I determined to Potter replied, "I must answer in my own way. I am a poor ignorant man, and know neither how to read or write ; I was born in these woods, and worked on these grounds until I became a man, when I went on coasting voyages from here to New York ; I was then abont get- | build a house for the worship of God. I
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had no children, and I knew that I was | the man-this is the person whom I have beholden to Almighty God for everything sent to preach in your house !'" which I possessed, and it seemed right I should appropriate a part of what He be- stowed for His service. My neighbors offered their assistance, but 'No,' said that his wish could ever be realized. He I, 'God has given me enough to do this work without your aid, and as he has put it in my heart to do so, so I will do.' ' And who,' it was asked, ' will be your preacher ?' I answered, 'God will send me a preacher, and of a very different stamp from those who have heretofore preached in my house. The preachers we have heard are perpetually contra- dicting themselves ; but that God who has put it into my heart to build this "Have you never preached ? Can you say you never preached ?" house, will send one who shall deliver unto me His own truth-who shall speak " I cannot, but I never intend to preach again." of Jesus Christ and his salvation.' When the house was finished, I received an ap- plication from the Baptists, and I told them if they could make it appear that God Almighty was a Baptist I should " I trust he has." give them the building at once. The Quakers and Presbyterians received sim- ilar answers. 'No,' said I, ' as I firmly believe that all mankind are equally dear salvation, why should you not show it to to Almighty God, they shall all be equal- ly welcome to preach in this house which
that I should never see a preacher whose sentiments corresponded with my own, but I uniformly replied I assuredly would. I engaged for the first year with a man whom I greatly disliked ; we part- ed, and for some years we have had no stated minister. My friends often asked me, ' Where is the preacher of whom you spoke ?' and my constant reply was, 'He will by and by make his appearance.' The moment, sir, I saw your vessel on shore it seemed as if a voice had audibly sounded in my ears, 'There, Potter, in that vessel, cast away on that shore, is the preacher you have so long been expect- ing.' I heard the voice and believed the report, and when you came up to my door and asked for the fish, the same voice seemed to repeat, 'Potter, this is
As may be supposed, Murray was im- measureably astonished at Mr. Potter's narrative, but yet had not the least idea asked him what he could discern in his appearance to lead him to mistake him for a preacher. " What," said Potter, "could I discern when you were on the vessel that could induce this conclusion ? Sir, it is not what I saw or see but what I feel which produces in my mind full conviction." Murray replied that he must be deceived as he should never preach in that place or anywhere else.
" Has not God lifted up the light of His countenance upon you ? Has He not shown you the truth ?"
"Then how dare you hide this truth ? Do men light a candle and put it under a bushel ? If God has shown you His your fellow men. But I know that you will-I am sure that God Almighty has I have built. My neighbors assured me sent you to us for this purpose. I am not deceived, sir, I am sure I am not de- ceived."
Murray was much agitated when this man thus spoke on, and began to wonder whether or no, God, who ordains all things, had not ordained that this should come to pass ; but his heart trembled, he tells us, at the idea. He says he en- deavored to quiet his own fears and to silence the warm-hearted old man by in- forming him he was supercargo of the vessel, that property to a large amount was entrusted to his care, and that the moment the wind changed he was under solemn obligations to depart.
" The wind will never change," said Potter, " until you have delivered to 118, in that meeting house, a message from God."
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Murray still resolutely determined as a private individual ; if such was not never to enter any pulpit as a preacher ; His will, that I should engage as a but being much agitated in mind, asked to be shown to bed after he had prayed with the family. When they parted for the night his kind host solemnly request- ed him to think of what he said. preacher in the ministry, He would vouchsafe to grant me such a wind as miglit bear me from this shore before another Sabbath. I determined to take the changing of the wind for an answer.
" Alas," says Murray, "he need not have made this request ; it was impossi- the close of the Saturday afternoon he ble to banish it from my mind ; when I entered my chamber and shut the door, I burst into tears ; I felt as if the hand of God was in the events which had brought me to this place, and I prayed most ardently that God would assist and direct me by His counsel."
So much exercised was he in mind that he spent the greater part of the night in praying and weeping, " dreading more than death " he says, " supposing death to be an object of dread, the idea of en- passage " Take no thought what ye shall gaging as a public character."
In his writings he gives the substance of his meditations on that memorable night. In the morning his good friend renewed his solicitations : "Will you speak to me and my neighbors of the high formed expectations of his kind things which belong to our peace ?"
Murray, seeing only thiek woods, the tavern across the field excepted, request- ed to know what he meant by neighbors. " O, sir, we assemble a large congre- gation whenever the meeting house is opened ; indeed when my father first set- tled here, he was obliged to go twenty miles to grind a bushel of corn, but now there are more than seven hundred in- habitants within that distance."
But the wind changed not, and towards
reluctantly gave his consent to preach- ing the next day, and Mr. Potter imme- diately despatched his men on horseback to notify the neighbors, which they were to continue to do until ten o'clock in the evening. Mr. Murray appears to have liad but little rest that night, thinking over the responsibilities of the avocation he was so unexpectedly about to be en- gaged in, and of what he should say and how he should address the people ; but the
say," etc., appears to have greatly re- lieved his mind. Sunday morning they proceeded to the church,-Potter very joyful and Murray uneasy, distrusting his own abilities to realize the singularly
host. The church at that day is de- scribed as being "neat and convenient, with a pulpit rather after the Quaker mode, withi but one new pew and that a large square one just below the pulpit in which sat the venerable Potter and his family and visiting strangers ; the rest of the seats were constructed with backs, roomy and even elegant." As Murray was preaching, Potter looked up into the pulpit, his eyes sparkling with pleasure, seemingly completely happy at the ful- fillment of what he firmly believed a
Murray still could not be prevailed upon to yield, but Potter insisted and seemed positive the wind would not promise long deferred. We have no re- change until he had spoken to the peo- cord of the substance of this, the first ple. Thus urged, Murray began to Universalist sermon in America, nor of waver, and at length he tells us he "im- its impression upon any of the hearers plored God, who sometimes condeseends save onc-that one, Thomas Potter him- to indulge individuals with tokens of His self, appears to have had all his expeeta- tions realized, and upon their return home overwhelmed Murray with his frank warm-hearted congratulations ; and soon visitors poured in. Said Potter to approbation, graciously to indulge me upon this important occasion, and that if it was His will that I should obtain my soul's desire by passing through life
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them, " This is the happiest day of my occasion, in that memorable old chapel, life ; there, neighbors, there is the min- ister God has sent me." Murray was so overcome by the old man's enthusiastic demonstrations that he retired to his room, and tells ns he "prostrated him- self at the throne of grace, and besought God to take him and do with him what he pleased."
After a while he returned to the com- pany and found the boatmen with them, who wished him to go on board imme- diately, as the wind was fair. So he was compelled to leave. His host was loth to part with him, and exacted a promise from him to return, which he soon did, and preached often in the Potter church, and other villages. The first place he visited during this stay was Toms River. He relates two or three interesting scenes occurring here, in explaining to individ- uals his peculiar religious views. The next village he visited was probably Manahawken, for though he does not mention the name, yet he speaks of a Baptist preacher and church, of a family of Pangburns, &c., and there was then a Baptist church at that village, and the Pangburn family were then prominent members of it. Lines Pangburn was a delegate from the Manahawken Baptist church to the Baptist General Associa- tion, in 1771. A man named Lines Pangburn was afterwards killed by Ref- ugees at Manahawken-probably the same one.
is a touching specimen of Murray's elo- quence. A brief extract will serve to give an idea of Murray's style and of his feelings towards his departed friend. His text was, "For ye are bought with a price ; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." Towards the close of his discourse, point- ing towards Potter's grave, which could be seen from where he stood, he says :
"Through yonder open casement I behold the grave of a man, the recollec- tion of whom swells my heart with grat- itude, and fills my eyes with tears. There sleeps the sacred dust of him who well understood the advantages resulting from the public worship of God. There rests the ashes of him who glorified God in his body and in his spirit, which he well knew were the Lord's. He believed he was bought with a price, and there- fore he declared that all that he had and all that he was were righteonsly due to God, who created and purchased him with a price, all price beyond. There rests the precious dust of the friend of strangers, whose hospitable doors were ever open to the destitute, and him who had none to relieve his sufferings ; his dust reposes close to this edifice, itself a monument of his piety. Dear, faithful man, when last I stood in this place, he was present among the assembly of the people. I marked his glistening eye ; it always glistened at the emphatic name of Jesus. Even now, I behold in imagina-
For many years, and though travelling in various parts of the United States, tion, his venerable countenance, benig- yet as long as Thomas Potter lived, his nity is seated on his brow, his mind ap- honse at Goodluck was considered by parently open and confiding, tranquility Murray as his home. At length, after being away some time upon a religious mission, he returned and found that his good old friend was dead ; his letter de- scribing this visit, reconnting some of the scenes of Potter's life, his traits of character, his own feelings, etc., is full
reposeth npon his features, every vary- ing emotion evincing faith in that endur- ing peace which passeth understanding. Let us, my friends, imitate his philan- thropy, his charity, his piety. I may never meet you again until we unite to swell the loud hallelujahs before the of tender feeling and sincere grief, ad- throne of God. But to hear of your mirably expressed, and the substance of faith, of your perseverance, of your the discourse which he preached on that works of charity, of your brotherly love,
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will heighten my enjoyments and soothe my sorrows, even to the verge of mortal pilgrimage."
Potter, in his will, left the church to Murray. The clanse in his will reads, as given in Murray's Life, as follows :
" The house was built by me for the worship of God ; it is my will that God be worshipped in it still, and for this purpose I will that my ever dear friend, John Murray, preacher of the gospel, possess it, having the sole direction, dis- posal and management of said house and one acre of land upon which it stands and by which it is surrounded."
It was Mr. Murray's desire as well as Mr. Potter's, that the church should be kept free to all denominations for the worship of God. In his sermon just quoted he says : " Thomas Potter built the house that God might be worshipped without interruption, that he might be
letter to their churches generally, in which, among other things, they say : " We have been on a mission of love and gratitude, have assembled in the ancient house of our Fathers, have convened around the grave of the venerated Potter, and dropped a tear of grateful remem- brance on the spot where repose his ashes," etc., and then earnestly invite their brethren from the East and from the West, from the North and from the South to unite with them "in an annual pilgrimage to this sacred spot-this Holy Land-in order that we may all receive a little of the Godlike spirit of benevolence which warmed the soul of that man of God, and friend of man, Thomas Potter."
THE CENTENARY OF UNIVERSALISM. CELEBRATION AT GOODLUCK. .
Rev. Abel C. Thomas, a noted and an worshipped by all whom he should aged minister of this society, furnished vouchsafe to send. This elegant house, the following account of the centennial my friends, the first friends who hailed celebration in 1870, at Goodluck, for the my arrival in this country, this house NEW JERSEY COURIER, shortly after it with its adjoining grove, is yours. The occurred :
MR. EDITOR :- In behalf of many that none of you may be deprived of it," Universalists, I thank you for your late and in Mr. Murray's will he expressly fair and liberal article respecting Thomas left it free to all denominations.
faithful founder bequeathed it to me
Potter, of Goodluck, and the Rev. John
This church property is now under Murray. We expect no man to endorse the control of the Methodists ; the Uni- the statements of the latter, as recorded versalists, although manifesting little or in his autobiography ; nor the tradition- no disposition to dispute their claims, al accounts of liis remarkable interview yet contend that its sale was through with the former ; but we are happy to " the mismanagement of the executor to know that the time has arrived for a satisfy illegal claims," &c. The Univer- truly catholic representation of our his- Ealists held an interesting conference at tory as a people, as illustrated recently the church, May 15th, 1833, which was in your columns. In one item you were attended by many of their leading misinformed. We had no expectations preachers and laymen, and while there of large " delegations " of our members erected the tombstone over Potter's at the late celebration in Goodluck. grave, which yet marks the spot where Our centenary had been attended the he was buried. The ceremony was quite week previously in Gloucester, Mass., impressive ; Rev. A. C. Thomas deliver- the number present being variously es- ing an appropriate discourse, after which timated from ten to fifteen thousand, in- cluding two hundred and fifty out of six a hymn composed for the occasion was sung among other exercises. This con- hundred and fifty clergymen, It was ference, while there, adopted a circular the date of the stated annual session of
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our general convention, and was ap- termined to spend the exact Centenary pointed to be held in Gloucester under at Goodluck. This was what took 11s there ; precisely one hundred years from the landing of Murray, we held a memo- rial service in the old church, and also at the grave of Thomas Potter-the order being substantially the same that we had used in Gloucester. The only change was this : " We strew this evergreen and these flowers in memory and honor of Thomas Potter, the friend and patron of John Murray, our early preacher of Uni- the following circumstances. In 1770 a Mr. Gregory, presumably a mariner, brought from London to Gloucester a book written by Rev. James Relly, in advocacy and defence of the doctrine of the restoration of all souls, in the Lord's own time and way. This book was passed from hand to hand, and made happy converts of a number of influen- tial religious people.
It would require no great stretch of versalism in America."
imagination to date the landing of that book on the 28th of September, of the year named, and on that day Rev. John Murray, a disciple of Relly (in the sense that Relly was a disciple of Christ) land- ed on the coast of New Jersey, as nar- rated in your recent article.
After a brief address by the Rev. Abel C. Thomas, who conducted the services, the following hymn was sung, and the service proceeded in the order given be- low.
Whilst far and wide thy scattered sheep, Great Shepherd, in the desert stray.
After an extended missionary service Thy love by some is thought to sleep, Unheedful of the wanderer's way. in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New England, Murray was for the second time But truth declares they shall be found Wherever now they darkling roam ; Thy love shall through the desert sound, And summon every wanderer home. in Boston, in 1774. Having heard of him as a disciple of Relly, the Glouces- ter people sent for him. He accepted the invitation, the visit being a meeting Upon the darkened waves of sin, Instead of terror's sword and flame, Shall love descend-for love can win Far more than terror can reclaim. of the lines of providence in the case. Here he afterwards settled as a pastor, his meetings for worship being held in private houses until 1788. In that year And they shall turn their wandering feet, By grace redeemed, by love controlled Till all at last in Eden meet, One happy, universal fold. a meeting house was erected, and a more pretentious one in 1805. The old build- ing was then sold and devoted to seeular uses in the village. Ten years later it All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee ; was removed to a farm about two miles distant, and since that time has been For the kingdom is the Lord's, and He is the Governor among nations. used as a hay barn. In 1804 Murray re- moved to Boston, and his successor in Send forth thy light and thy truth, O Lord ; let them lead ns and bring us to thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles, even unto God onr ex- ceeding joy. Gloucester, Rev. Thomas Jones, for forty-two years was minister of the parish, dying in 1846. During the ses- Thou wilt show us the path of life : in thy presence is fullness of joy ; at thy right hand. there are pleasures forevermore. sion of our general convention last week, we had a memorial service at the old church barn, and also at the grave of How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts ! My soul longeth, yea, even faintetli for the courts of the Lord ; Father Jones, the latter being marked by a huge granite obelisk in the cemetery. My heart and my flesh crieth out for the liv- ing God. The late great convocation in Gloucester antedated the landing of Murray by the As the sparrow findeth a house, and the space of one week, and a few of us de- wallow a nest for herself where she may hides
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