History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 34

Author: First Presbyterian Church in Morristown (N.J.)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print
Number of Pages: 942

USA > New Jersey > Morris County > Morristown > History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1 > Part 34

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as in his opinion those events might affect the interests of the Republic.

Much interesting matter will be found in the Palladium, and reference may hereafter be made to it to show change and progress, and how our ancestors thought and lived,

PULPIT ECHOES. NO. I.

A wise man, like Socrates ; a powerful executive, like Cæsar ; an enthusiastic philanthropist, like Howard, continues to exert a certain sway over all the genera- tions that remember the thoughts and deeds of such a heroic leader. But the influence of Jesus Christ in the world to-day is as real and active and direct as the mysterious influence of the sun upon vegetation. Yes, that is but a faint figure. It is more than an influence ; it is a personality. The work of the Holy Spirit is the work of Jesus Christ. We are influenced not merely by a memory, or an example, or an inscrutable force ; but by the living, present Jesus, our Savior, the Son of God.

Take the inspired idea of Redemption as a guide in reading the history of the world. As surely as the law of gravity draws the water of the mountain springs towards the sea, so all the events of time have trended to the broad estuary of christian civilization where we are now resting. Before the ad- vent, patriarch and law giver, priest and prophet, the flood and the dispersion, the rise and fall of kingdoms, the culture of Egypt and Greece, the power of Babylon and Rome, famine and plenty, the regular course of the heavenly bodies, and the won- derful Star of the East-all events are seen now to have been the preparation of the world for the advent of its Redeemer.

Upon no other principles car. subsequent history be explained. What but Redemp- tion reveals an intelligible purpose in the conversion of the Roman Empire and its overthrow ?- that thus both the civilized states around the Mediteranean, and the barbarous hordes of pagan Europe, might learn the story of the Cross.

What but a Redemptive aim can account for the occurrences of the 16th century ?- the revival of learning, the invention of printing, the opening of a new world, the Reformation ; all factors in the establish-

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THE RECORD.

The present century will be most memor- able for two things : the marvellous achiev- ments of physical science, and the enthu- siasm of missions. Why were the secrets of steam, electricity and chemistry-which now, though still in the infancy of their de- velopment, have so stimulated industry and commerce as to bring the ends of the earth nearer together than Rome and Jeru- salem were in the days of the apostles- why were these potent secrets kept hidden from man until the Reformation had crys- talized into enduring forms and begun to exhibit an unprecedented missionary zeal ? Why, unless the Son of God is ruling in all things so that the good news of Redemp- tion shall go forth to every creature in all the world.

In the light of the gospel of Redemption, past and present display one, grand, benefi- cent purpose for the future of mankind. If the pessimists, whether professed infidels like Shopenhauer and Hartmann or pro- fessed Christians like the Plymouth Breth- ren, would read the signs of the times, as Jesus bade us do, their creed for humanity would not be, "The goal of Christian civ- ilization is barbarism ; Christ is surrender- ing the world to Satan ;" but, instead, they would be praising the Redeemer, who makes each new dispensation of his grace wider and more effective than the last. If the ma- terialists could be induced to read the indel- ible marks of design on the face of the heavens, on the rocks of the earth, in the historic life of man, they would discard a creed which makes Eden a frog-pond, and whose gospel has been aptly called by Carlyle, " the gospel of dirt." If the Christian, who does not believe in foreign missions, were more desirous of learn- ing his Lord's will in the signs of the times, he would perceive that the secrets of steam, electricity and chemistry, with all the ma- terial benefits they bring, were not disclos- ed for our selfish indulgence, but, on the contrary, are the wards of the providential key with which the doors of heathen souls are being opened. By thus opening doors our Lord himself beckons for our prayers and our self-denying gifts, to send the mes- sage of Redemption within.

The Redemptive aim of Providence is in- dividual as well as general. It must be so.

A machine cannot be manufactured, an army cannot be marshalled, without design- ing and constructing each smallest part, without drilling each common soldier, for special adjustment to the plan that covers the whole. Whosoever will may receive the new life, may share the glory of the redeem- ed. Do all the Christian influences which have surrounded each one of us, from the cradle to the present moment, go for noth- ing ? In whose ears has not the word of life sounded? With whom has the Holy Spirit not striven long? Look back over the way you have come and see if the trend of the whole has not been to show you the vanity of this world and the value of your soul, to reveal your need of pardon and the hope of it in Christ Jesus, to ex- hibit your own weakness and sin and the power and holiness to be had through faith in the Redeemer.

There are times, indeed, in the lives of sincere Christians, when providence is dark and bitter and hard. But redemption and suffering are not incompatible ; suffering is the heroic drill for perfection ; our Redeem- er himself was made perfect through suffer- ing. A child does not appreciate the love which prompted its mother to govern it by painful discipline. But the child, grown to be a man, whose character has thus been built up in noblest principles, looks into the placid eyes, or stands over the grave of that mother, with a heart full of tender grat- itude for the love that did not shrink from keenest pain to herself in giving him the painful discipline which has made him noble and godly. An infinitely greater love, even that of our crucified Redeemer, sends trial and chastisement, affliction and tribulation, into the earthly lives of his disciples for their eternal good. Now we see through a glass darkly, and often murmur that our Lord deals so severely with us ; but when we shall see him face to face, the wisdom and the love in all his providence will shine out clear and bright ; and we shall praise Him because all things have worked for our redemption.

CHRIST'S INCARNATION.

Christ took our nature on him, not that he 'Bove all things lov'd it for the puritie ;

No, but he drest him with our humane trim Because our flesh stood most in need of him.

THE RECORD.

THE RECTOR'S ASSISTANT

is welcome. It is an excellent church paper, a credit to its editor and his parish. Its reference, in the last issue, to the Rev. Mr. Green's sermon, on church worship, is pe- culiarly graceful, and has the true Christian, brotherly spirit. With this spirit ever ani- mating the various denominations, there could be no contentions, no strife, but one, and that who should serve the Master in the best manner.

The Presbyterians in Fredonia are a wide-awake people. The Fredonia Presby- terian is a bright, spicy publication of ten pages, full of Presbyterian news and pub- lished monthly. Its proprietors promise to issue one thousand copies monthly, and do not require payment as a condition for sending the paper, but leave its support to voluntary contributions. It states some facts which deserve notice. The salaries of all the ministers in the United States amount to six million of dollars. Dogs cost seventy millions ; lawyers, thirty-five mil- lions ; over six hundred millions are expend- ed annually for tobacco and twice that sum for liquors.

We will always be glad to receive the Fre- donia Presbyterian.

Our good friend and former pastor, Rev'd R. S. Green, of course, would not be satis- tied, in his new field of labor, if he did not fill up his time with useful work. So he edits and issues his excellent church or- gan "Our Church at Work." An exceed- ingly appropriate name, for the paper shows conclusively that the Lafayette Street Pres- byterian church at Buffalo. is a most indus- trious organization, fully alive, alert and abounding in every good word and work, Irom pastor down.

The paper is an eight-page issue, well printed, and like all that Mr. Green does, is well edited, and shows a lively interest in all matters pertaining to church labor. Our Church at Work will always receive a hearty welcome in Morristown.

So many congratulations crowd upon the RECORD, at its reappearance, that their very wealth embarrasses. They come from the great West. from the North, from our own

State and now Morristown has added its word of greeting. Is this the result of con- spiracy, or does the RECORD, really, de- serve it all ?

The West always gives words of hearty cheer ; the north never flatters; staid New Jersey, severely just, should speak the truth. What shall be said then to the greeting of the Banner, so warm in its con- gratulations ; so strong in its commenda- tions, both of paper and editor? All are received with thanks and will act as incen- tives to future effort.

Will kind friends, who make such gener- ous donations, please accept hearty thanks. It would afford great pleasure to mention names, but the liberal giver is always modest.

One sends fifty dollars ; he is of our kith and kin. Another, not worshipping with us. bearing another denominational name, but always alive to every good word and work and ever alert in Christian benevolence, un- solicited, donates a smaller amount.

But the kind words accompanying the gift and the kinder sympathy prompting it, add a hundred fold to the pecuniary value.

A pleasant word comes from Cleveland, Ohio. So pleasant that it is repeated.

"The receipt of THE RECORD was a very pleasant surprise and I wish you every suc- cess for its publication."

The words are few, but they are more than encouraging.

Another good word comes from nearer home, from Cranford, N. J. " I assure you," says our correspondent, "I was pleased to receive the RECORD again. I hope you will have as much and greater success than the Rev. Mr. Green, who so nobly com- menced."

CHRIST'S ACTION.

Christ never did so great a work, but there His humane nature did in part appeare ; Or ne're so meane a peece, but men might see

Therein some beames of his divinitie ; So that, in all he did, there did combine His humane nature and his part divine.

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THE RECORD.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Of South Orange, will dedicate their new house of worship on Friday evening, Feb'y 2, 1883.

The following correspondence speaks for itself :

" SOUTH ORANGE, N. J., Jan. 25, 1883. To the Pastor and Congregation of Morris- town First Church :

The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of South Orange, cordially invite you to attend the dedication of their new house of worship on Friday evening, Feb- ruary 2d, 1883, at half-past seven o'clock. By order of the session.

JAS. W. CONROW, EDW'D D. SHEPARD,

Committee. To Messrs. Conrow and Shepard, Committee :

The old First Church of Morristown re- joices in the prosperity which your service of dedication bespeaks, and desires to unite in your prayers that the Spirit of God may fill your new house of worship with his wis- dom and power for the saving and sanctify- ing of souls through many generations.

IV. DURANT, Pastor."

The teachers in the Sunday schools of the various churches in Morristown deserve a library. Books of reference, encyclopedias, commentaries, church histories and other books, useful for Sunday school teaching, could be easily procured and in sufficient numbers, at comparatively trifling expense.

Two or three hundred volumes would be all that is necessary. Each church, of course, could have its independent library. If the First Presbyterian church should adopt this plan, the books might be placed in the study in the chapel.

But a suggestion comes from a friend of Sunday schools worthy of attention, not only by reason of its source. but also be- cause of the excellence of the suggestion.

Combine all the strength of our churches and provide a library exclusively for the use of the Sunday school teachers of the city and make it free to all. In this way the necessary number of volumes could be readily procured. Doubtless the directors of the Library and Lyceum would devote a place to them in their building and provide means for access to them. If each congre-

gation have a separate library, some room, in connection with the church, must be pro- vided for the books and some person to take charge of them. If the combination suggested be formed and a general library procured and placed under the charge of the librarian at the Lyceum, access could be had to the books at all times. a pleasant place would be at the service of the teachers and means provided for full examination and reference and for taking extracts and notes.

If thought necessary to procure distinc- tive denominational books, so much the better. Each sect would have its own com- mentaries and the others could ascertain the opinions held by their fellow Christians of different name. More than one advan- tage could be derived from the plan pro- posed of a general library. Want of space forbids a further discussion of the plan. Let the subject be brought to the attention of superintendents and teachers and the friends of Sunday schools.

A newspaper was published in Morristown prior to the Palladium of Liberty, called the Genius of Liberty. Some files, perhaps the whole of it, may be in the possession of some one who would be willing to donate it to the Library, or, at least, place it at the disposal of the editor of THE RECORD, for a short time. A favor will be conferred if this can be done. It is hoped that, by an ex-

amination of its colums, in connection with those of the Palladium of Liberty, some de- fective registries of deaths and marriages may be restored. Some of these, about the time of the publication of these two papers, are missing.

There were not many newspapers pub- lished, in this country at the close of the last century ; but there were a number suf- ficeut to show that they had become a necessity and that the cammunity was a reading one. The citizens of Morris County, in Revolutionary times, were overwhelm- ingly Whig in their political sentiments. They had no organ, so far as is known, through which to express their views. For news, they depended, generally, on papers published in the city of New York. The principal one, printed there, was called Rivington's Gazette, which was published

THE RECORD.

before and during the Revolution. It was intensely loyal to King and Parlia- ment. Some of its utterances, indeed its general tone, gave great offence to the Whigs of Morris County, during the excit- ing period, just before the breaking out of the war between the Colonies and the mother country. The paper and its editor were denounced in the severest terms, the paper burnt with great indignity, an effigy of the proprietor tarred and feathered, and other measures taken to show the disgust telt at the sentiments uttered by the pub- lisher.

These facts give occasion for some state- ments about newspapers, which are taken from the Portland "New Northwest."

The first daily newspaper printed in the world, was published and edited by a woman named Elizabeth Mallet, in London, in 1702. In her address to the public she announced as her reason for publishing a newspaper, that she desired " to spare the public half the impertinences which the or- dinary papers contain." It was to her credit that like most enterprizes under- taken by women. her paper was reformatory in its character.

The first paper published in America was in Massachusetts. It was called the Massa- chusetts Gazette and News Letter. After the death of the editor his widow edited it for two or three years in the most spirited manner. It was the only paper that did not suspend publication when Boston was be- sieged by the British. The widow's name was Margaret Craper.

In 1732, Rhode Island issued its first newspaper. It was owned and edited by Anna Franklin. She and her two daugh- ters did the printing and their servants worked the printing press. History tells us that for her quickness and correctness she was appointed printer to the Colony, supplying pamphlets, &c., to the colonial officers. She also printed an edition of the colonial laws of 340 pages.

In 1776, Sarah Goddard printed a paper in Newport, R. I., ably conducting it; after- wards associating with her John Carter. The firm was announced as Sarah Goddard & Co., she taking the partnership prece- dence as was proper and right.

In 1782 Clementine Reid published a paper

in Virginia, favoring the colonial cause and greatly offending the Royalists, and two years after, another paper was started in the interests of the Crown by Mrs. H. Boyle, who borrowed the name of Mrs. Reid's paper, which was the Virginia Gazette ; but Mrs. Boyle's paper was short lived. Both of the papers were published in the town of Williamsburg. The colonial paper was the first newspaper in which the Decla- ration of Independence was printed.

In 1773, Elizabeth Timothy published and edited a paper in Charleston, S. C. After the Revolution, Anne Timothy became its editor, and was appointed State printer, which position she held seventeen years. Mary Crouch published a paper in Charles- ton about the same time, in special opposi- tion to the Stamp act. She afterwards re- moved her paper to Salem. Mass., and con- tinued its publication there for years after.

Louis Richards, Esq., of Reading, Penna., has gathered much information and many facts about the genealogy of the Richards family in America. Through his kindness much of this information has been placed at the disposal of the RECORD.

It will be used for a sketch of the Rev. Dr. James Richards, former pastor of the church, which will appear in the March number.

In the meantime a great favor will be conferred if any one will furnish facts, an- ecdotes or other information about Dr. Richards. It is desirable to place cor- rectly upon record these sketches of the men, who have ministered to the church.

Information received from Hon. A. W. Cutler settles a matter about which there was no certain knowledge at the time the article in the last number of the RECORD. relative to SILAS CONDICT, was written. The house now occupied by Mr. Cutler was built by his great grand father, Mr. Condict, and in it he actually lived. The building was erected by Mr Cutler's father, Gen. Cutler, for Mr. Condict.

The house has been altered and improved by its present occupant, but the main build- ing still remains.

Solidity in houses as well as in character marked the times of our ancestors.

THE RECORD.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MORRISTOWN. N. J. " THIS SHALL BE WRITTEN FOR THE GENERATION TO COME."-Psalms 102 : 18.

VOLUME III. MARCH, 1883. NUMBER 3.

[Printed with the Approval of the Session. ]

THE RECORD

Will be published monthly at Morristown. N. J. Terms $1.oo per annum, in advance:

Subscriptions may be made at the book- stores of Messrs. Runyon and Emmell, or to Messrs. James R. Voorhees and William D. Johnson, or by letter addressed to the

EDITOR OF THE RECORD, Morristown, N. J.

Entered at the Post Office at Morristown. N. J., as second class matter.

The Sunday School of the church reports as follows for 1882 :

Officers :

William D. Johnson, Superintendent.

Mahlon Pitney, Assistant Supt.

P. B. Pierson, Sec'y and Treas.

O. F. Lozier, Librarian.

William Leek, Henry Potts,

Assistant Librarians.

Miss Emma Campbell, Miss Lottie Campbell, Superintendents of Primary Department, Miss Laura Pierson, Assistant Supt.

Number of Officers,, 9

" Teachers, 47

" Scholars in primary depart-

ment, 85

" Scholars in main school, 263

Total, 404

Average Attendance in 1882. Officers, Teachers,

Scholars.

Average attendance, 250

Largest attendance, 278

Smallest attendance,

Number of Books in the Library, 502

Contributions by the Children's Missionary Society,

A history of the Sunday School would be interesting. Mrs. Condict, wife of Dr. Lewis Condict, it is said, was its first Superinten- dent. She was the daughter of the Rev. Na- than Woodhull, of Long Island, a very suc- cessful and noted preacher.

Will not some kind friend furnish the material for an article on that history or, what is better, write the article? The RECORD will gladly publish it.

A new order of service was introduced at the first Sunday evening worship, in Febru- ary. This was the result of unanimous ac- tion on the part of the session. The service was certainly a success. It has been con- tinued to this time and for the present will be retained in the evening worship of the church. The order of service and the church calendar for February and March, 1883, appear in this issue of the RECORD.

The rebound, at the outset of the Puritan Revolution in England, from what many deemed to be prelatical formalism, was so great as to carry the reformers to the op- posite extreme. An excess of reform is sometimes a greater evil than the mischief intended to be remedied. Zeal is not al- ways controlled by wisdom. The severe simplicity of worship introduced into Scotland by the Covenanters, and into Eng- land by the Puritans and brought to this 7 country by the Pilgrim Fathers, served its 38 purpose. It was a necessity when first in- 205 troduced, but the time for that necessity has passed. The Covenanter, the Puritan. the Pilgrim Fathers were grand men ; they 250 worked out a great revolution, grander in its results than they dreamed ; but they would be sadly out of place now. Their in- I28 fluence lingers with us yet, but it is temper- ed by a warmer heart, a kindlier spirit than $566 59 could possibly have existed in their time.

THE RECORD.

They accomplished the purpose for which God intended them .. We are of a different mould, and live in a different atmosphere and must work on a loftier plane, for the same great end, it is true, but with more various means. They broke the sod, lev- elled the primeval forest, met the stern real - ities of the first years of a radical reform. We are plucking the fruit from trees of their planting ; we are reaping the har- vest of their sowing ; we are rejoicing in the peaceful years which follow their rug- ged, stormy times. They could not avoid harshness, sternness. It was an absolute necessity for them to repress the softer promptings of human nature, and that re- pression extending, as it did, to the whole of their life, went, of course, into their wor- ship. They believed as implicitly in the necessity for all this as they did in their ex- istence. We are the better for it and they must ever be foremost in our love and in our admiration, as the men who laid the foundations of religious reform which has given us so many blessings.

But Presbyterianism, while always rejoic ing in, and clinging tenaciously to, a simple order of service, is neither puritanical, nor is it bound by the harsh severe rules which, some centuries since, seemed right to the Scotch Covenanters, and was right then. There can be no good reason why Presby- terians should not enjoy a liturgy or liturgi- cal exercises.

There is, however, no intention to offer an excuse for the apparent innovation. Whatever is right in any church is right in the Presbyterian. Let but the heart join the intellect in the praise and worship of God, and it matters little in what form that praise and worship may be rendered. Sim- plicity has its merits; forms and ceremo- nies have theirs. A happy blending of both may encourage, may strengthen, may edify, Christians ; may give voice to heartfelt de- votion, where the others might freeze, or might disgust. The cold, barren worship which chills and benumbs, is as much to be avoided as the gorgeous and unmeaning, Ritualism, which detracts from the worship due to the Creator and leads poor humanity to forget Deity in candles and genuflexions.

The service, as rendered at the Sunday evening meetings, has been most enjoy-

able. Minister and people have heartily en- tered into its spirit. The choir, under the admirable training of Mrs. Halsted, has added much to its interest and impressive- ness.

ORDER OF SERVICES.

Chant or Anthem : (By the choir.)

Gloria Patri, (All uniting; congregation standing.)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

And to the Holy Ghost ;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

World without end. Amen.

Invocation : (Congregation standing.)

Apostles' Creed : (Congregation standing and joining.)

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost ; born of the Virgin Mary ; suffer- ed under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried ; the third day He rose from the dead ; He ascended into heaven; and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

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History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 34

Author: First Presbyterian Church in Morristown (N.J.) Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print Number of Pages: 942

Author: First Presbyterian Church in Morristown (N.J.)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print
Number of Pages: 942