USA > Vermont > Windham County > Marlboro > The history of the town of Marlborough, Windham County, Vermont > Part 7
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28
[ 66]
"At a legal meeting of the covenanters for the supporting of the Gospel in the town of New Marlborough, holden by adjourn- ment on the 5th day of August, 1778, the committee appointed to see the ministry lot and make proposals for the settlement and salary of said Mr. Lyman brought in their proposals as follows:
In the first place that they had viewed the ministry lot and found it was not so good as might be wished, but that there might be a good farm made on said lot of land.
Then they were desired to make their proposals to the town for the settlement and salary of Mr. Lyman and proceeded as follows:
1st. That they would build said Mr. Lyman a dwelling house after the following plan, viz .: 38 feet long, 18 feet wide, two stories high with a kitchen on the back side 22 feet long, 18 feet wide and one story high, both of which to be boarded and shingled on the roof, boarded and clapboarded on the out side and glazed, the kitchen chimney built and the kitchen finished the inside. Voted in the affirmative.
2d. That they would clear for said Mr. Lyman, five acres of land fit for seeding. Voted in the affirmative.
3d. All to be accomplished in twelve months from the time that Mr. Lyman gives his answer if he answers in the affirma- tive. Voted in the affirmative.
Proposed for Mr. Lyman's salary as follows: that they give him fifty pounds reckoning dollars at six shillings, the first year, with an addition of five pounds a year till it amounts to eighty pounds, and after that they should give him eighty pounds an- nually as a stated salary so long as God in his Providence shall continue him their pastor. The proposal supposes the money so good that four shillings will purchase a bushel of wheat, three for a bushel of rye and the several sums above mentioned for salary are to rise and fall in proportion as these articles rise or fall above or below those prices. Voted in the affirmative.
Then the meeting directed the committee to wait on Mr. Lyman, and lay before him the votes of said meeting and request his answer as soon as may be, whether he will comply with their call and accept their proposals for his support.
Attest per me, William Mather, Town Clerk."
Rev. Gershom C. Lyman's Answer
"To the Church and other inhabitants of the town of N. Marl- borough, Greeting:
I have received by your committee and the moderator of the church the concurring votes of the church and other inhabitants of the town, choosing me to take the pastoral care of the church and congregation in this place. I have also received your votes
[ 67]
containing offers for my settlement and support amongst you importing as follows, viz .: Voted 1st. That they would build a dwelling house after the following plan, viz .: 38 feet long, 18 feet wide and two story high with a kitchen on the back side, 22 feet long and 18 feet wide, one story high, both of which to be boarded and shingled on the roof, boarded and clapboarded on the sides with a good cellar, the whole to be completely covered on the outside and glazed; the kitchen chimney built and the kitchen finished the inside.
Voted 2dly. That they would clear five acres of land fit for seeding.
3dly. That all be completed in twelve months from the time they shall receive an affirmative answer to their call.
Voted 4thly. That they will give £50'salary, reckoning a dollar at six shillings, the first year, with an addition of £5 a year till it amounts to £80 and after that they will give £80 annually as a stated salary so long as God in his Providence shall continue me as their pastor. This proposal supposes the money so good that 4/ will purchase a bushel of wheat and 3 / a bushel of rye, and the several sums above mentioned for salary are to rise or fall in proportion as these articles rise and fall above or below those prices.
I have taken the matter into serious consideration, and have asked counsel of others, and notwithstanding difficulties and obstacles hard to surmount lie in the way, I have thought it my duty to comply with your invitation and to accept the settle- ment and salary proposed for my support, hoping to find in the cordiality and affection of a people whom God has so remarkably united in their choice that comfort which may be a counter balance to the many trying circumstances which must attend my settling among you. I have only one thing to propose respecting the article of wood, the procuring of which is attended with much difficulty to a minister, more than to other men. I have been advised by no means to neglect inserting that in my answer, but as I would do nothing that should be thought burdensome to an infant people embarrassed with difficulties which ever attend new settlements, I would propose to relin- quish £5 of the salary and let £75 be the highest sum it shall rise to, and that after five years the people should cut and draw for me such quantities of wood as I may need from time to time. Your complying with this will take a burden and a hindrance off my hands, and will I trust be very little felt by you. Wishing you may through grace in Christ be built up in holiness and brotherly love and ever maintain the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace, I subscribe myself,
Gentlemen your humble servant,
GRM. C. LYMAN.
[ 68 ]
N. Marlborough
Oct. 23, 1778
P. S. Perhaps it will be thought needless, but I may just mention that as I shall be at so great a distance from my friends, the people will doubtless expect that I shall sometimes be absent from them and perhaps several Sabbaths at a time.
The foregoing record is a true copy of Mr. Lyman's answer to the church and congregation in this place.
Attest per me William Mather, Town Clerk"
"At a legal meeting of the above said covenanters on the 15th day of November, 1778, at the meeting house in said town, after choosing Francis Whitmore, Moderator, to order said meeting passed the following votes:
1st. Voted to adjourn said meeting to Capt. Granger's.
2d. Voted to accept of Mr. Lyman's answer that is above recorded.
3d. Voted to choose a committee to become surety to said Mr. Lyman for the offers made to him for settlement and salary.
4th. Voted Zadock Granger, William Mather, Abel Stock- well, Jonathan Underwood, Jr., Francis Whitmore, Abel Dimick, Nathaniel Whitney, John Church, Jonathan Warren, Isaac Pratt, Freegrace Adams, Phinehas Mather, Jonas Whitney and Zarager Bartlett should be said committee.
5th. Voted to choose a committee to oversee the building Mr. Lyman's house and the clearing of that five acres of land as appears on record as aforesaid.
6th. Voted Abel Stockwell, Phinehas Freeman, Jonathan Warren, William Mather and Zadock Granger should be that committee.
7th. Voted Capt. Granger, William Mather, Capt. Whit- more, Jonathan Underwood, John Church, committee to provide for the council at the ordination aforesaid.
8th. Voted to dissolve the meeting.
I attest the foregoing to be a true record per me, William Mather, Clerk."
"At a legal meeting of the aforesaid covenanters at Capt. Zadock Granger's on the 18th day of January, 1779, after choosing Capt. Francis Whitmore, Moderator to order said meet- ing, passed the following votes:
1st. That the valuation should be as follows: poll £18; one horse, £4; one ox, £4; cow, £3; three-year old, £3; two-year old, £2; one-year old, £1. Plowing land for each acre, 12/, and clear pasture for each acre, 15/, other bush pasture left to the judgment of the listers.
2d. Voted that work done to Mr. Lyman's house and clearing the 5 acres of land shall be allowed 3/4d for each day.
[ 69 ]
3d. Voted that the committee that was appointed to over- see the building said house and clearing said land should use their endeavors that all commodities necessary for the purposes aforesaid should be in proportion with the aforesaid work.
4th. Voted to raise one hundred pounds lawful money for the purposes above mentioned.
5th. Voted Jonathan Warren and Jonas Whitney, listers.
6th. Voted William Mather, Jonathan Underwood and Jonathan Warren, a committee.
7th. Voted that the aforesaid committee be empowered to make the rates of the £100 aforesaid and Mr. Lyman's first year's salary and to give warrants to the collectors, directing them how to collect and where to pay such money.
8th. Voted Capt. Zadock Granger, Treasurer.
9th. Voted Jonathan Underwood, Jr., and Moses Granger, collectors.
Attest per me, William Mather, Clerk."
"At a legal town meeting at Marlborough, on the 15th day of May, 1780. Jonathan Underwood, Moderator.
Voted. That whereas this town did as a town, vote to give Mr. Lyman a call to take the pastoral care of this church and congregation in this town, that it is the duty of this town as a town to support him. Unanimously voted. That we will as a town, pay Mr. Lyman's salary by a town tax, according to the contract that those have signed the covenant with Mr. Lyman yearly, and every part thereof, reference thereto being had for particulars.
Attest, William Mather, Town Clerk.
The above vote of the town respecting the payment of my salary having been presented to me, I have taken it into con- sideration and hereby declare my acceptance of it and com- pliance with it.
Gershom C. Lyman."
On the 12th of Nov., 1778, they united in calling a council for his ordination, and invited the assistance of the following churches, viz .:
"The church in Coventry, Conn., New Society, in Hatfield, Mass., in Brattleboro, in Newfane, in Bernardstown, Mass., in Guilford, in Colerain, Mass., to meet on the 9th day of December, next, at the house of Capt. Zadock Granger, in this town."
"At an ecclesiastical council convened at Marlboro, the 8th day of December, A. D. 1778, pursuant to letters missive from the church of Christ in said Marlboro, dated Nov. 12th, 1778, for the purpose of separating Mr. Gershom Clark Lyman to
[ 70 ]
the work of the Gospel Ministry over the church and congrega- tion in said town, present Rev. Abner Reeve chosen Moderator, with Dea. Jacob Spaulding delegate from the church in Brattle- boro: Joseph Lyman chosen scribe with Mr. Samuel Dickerson delegate from the Church of Christ, in Hatfield, Massachusetts. Henry Williams with Dea. Thomas Cutler, delegate from the Church of Christ in Guilford. The Moderator opened the council with prayer. There were laid before the council Mr. Lyman's credentials; the call given by the church and people of Marlboro to Mr. Lyman to settle with them as their minister; his compliance with their call; the obligation of the committee of the covenanters to pay a certain stipulated support. After reading and considering the aforesaid papers, the council pro- ceeded duly to examine Mr. Lyman respecting his skill in the- ology; his qualifications for the gospel ministry and his attain- ments in experimental religion. Examination being finished, the council voted unanimously to proceed to the ordination.
Dec. 9th the council proceeded to separate Mr. Gershom C. Lyman to the work of the gospel ministry in Marlboro. Rev. Mr. Lyman made the first prayer and preached the sermon from 1 Cor. 4. 1-2, "Let a man so account of us, as of the Ministers of Christ and Stewards of the Mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in Stewards, that a man be found faithful." Rev. Abner Reeve made the ordaining prayer, performed the separa- tion to office and gave the charge. Rev. Henry Williams gave the right hand of fellowship and made the concluding prayer.
A true copy from the minutes of the council.
Attest. Gershom C. Lyman, Pastor of the Church in Marlboro, Vt."
On the 21st of December, 1778, the church adopted the follow- ing as their confession of faith and covenant; and to be used in the admission of persons to their communion, viz .:
You believe that there is one only living and true God ex- isting in three persons in one undivided God head, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
That God is the creator and governor of all worlds possessed of all natural and moral perfections in an infinite degree.
That the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the word of God and the only rule of our faith and practice.
That God made man upright and holy, placed him under a covenant of works, with a promise of life annexed in case of his obedience and a threatening of death if he was disobedient.
That man being left to his own free will fell from his original state of holiness and by sin involved himself and all his posterity in guilt and misery
[ 71 ]
That fallen man could never have made satisfaction to the divine law, restored himself to a state of holiness, or obtained the divine favor.
You believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only mediator between God and man.
That in order to effect a reconciliation between them, he assumed human nature and became God and man in two distinct natures and one person forever.
That by obeying all the requirements and suffering the penalty of the divine law in man's stead, he hath purchased eternal salvation for sinners; and that sinners may receive the benefits of Christ's atonement, they must be elected of God to eternal life; regenerated by the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit, receive the gift of faith, and exercise hearty repen- tance for sin.
You believe the resurrection of the body and the reunion of the soul with it, and that both will be joint partakers of endless happiness or misery.
You believe there will be a great and general judgment when the whole world shall stand before Christ, the judge of the quick and the dead, to give an account of the deeds done in the body, the issue of which will be that the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.
You believe that it is the duty of Christians united in par- ticular church relation to walk together in love, to watch over one another in the Lord, to exhort and encourage each other to the performance of all gospel duties, to dedicate their children to God in baptism and train them up in the admonition of the Lord, to maintain family religion and government and the public and secret worship of God.
In the admission of persons as members of the church by profession, they give their assent to the following:
COVENANT. Being humbly sensible of your unworthyness and guilt in having committed many and aggravating sins against God, professing sincere penitence for them and resolu- tions through the assistance of his grace, to forsake every evil and false way; and being sensible that it is an awful thing to transact with the living God. You do now in the presence of God and this congregation receive and own the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Ghost to be your God.
You promise by aid of his grace to yield yourself, at all times to be his willing and obedient subject, sacredly to keep all his commands and to walk in all the ordinances of the gospel blamelessly, to walk in his church as a faithful subject of his Kingdom and child of his family, to watch over those who are united with you in particular church relation with all carefulness and charitable tenderness and fidelity; and will submit to the
[ 72 ]
gospel administrations and instructions of the Church of Christ in this place.
Upon this platform was founded the first religious congrega- tion in town with the selection of a pastor of like precious faith. On the 21st December, 1778, they united in the choice of John Church and Jonas Whitney as Deacons. The discipline of the church was strictly Congregational and their records show that it has been maintained with scrupulous fidelity and in such wisdom and prudence as not to require in a single instance the necessity of calling an eccelesiastical council to settle differences among brethren. Under a faithful ministry the church increased in numbers and it is hoped in grace. A divine blessing has rested upon the people as they advanced in numbers, wealth, and refinement. Our recollections extend back to the period when full congregations assembled on the sabbath and even in the inclemency of winter would sit in the house of worship without a fire and listen attentively to the solemn proclamations of truth. The Sabbath has been honored as a day of rest and devotion and the sanctuary as the house of prayer and of God. The ministry of Dr. Lyman was successful, for it was faithful. He was evidently consecrated to his work and he continued at his post until separated from the dear flock of his charge by the messenger of death, April 13, 1813, in the 61st year of his age and 35th of his ministry. During the period of his ministry the history of the church is closely interwoven with his labors. We remember the man but have no recollection of seeing any published biographical sketch of himself or of his labors which is our apology of what may follow as a reminiscence and as an honest conviction in our own mind of what should be better said of so good a man.
The Rev. Gershom C. Lyman, D.D., the first pastor of the Congregational Church in Marlborough was the only son of Dr. Lyman, physician of Lebanon, Conn., and a graduate of Yale College, 1773, after which he officiated as tutor in his Alma Mater. In 1812, he received from Middlebury College the honorary degree of D.D.
Soon after his settlement he married Miss Lucy Hubbard of Hatfield, Mass., who proved a desirable help mate. She survived him for several years and died at Whitingham, March 16, 1831,
[ 73 ]
aged 78, and was interred beside the remains of her husband in Marlborough. They had four sons and two daughters, all of whom lived to have families. All have removed from the place, so that none of his descendants have resided in town for many years, but some few of the second and third generation remain in the State of Vermont, and so far as we know are reputable in their stations.
Dr. Lyman was a man above the middle size-of fine pro- portion-of graceful and dignified manners; his hair was combed back with precision exhibiting a noble countenance of light complexion with piercing eyes, rather large and prominent. He possessed a hale constitution and strong physicial and mental powers, was neat in his person and particular in his attire, to conform to the style of his age and the position he held in society.
In the early part of his ministry he accustomed himself to manual labor in clearing away the forest and cultivating his new farm, which was done with much wisdom, prudence, and economy. It was said of him, that but few men of his time could do a better day's work. In those early days of Revolu- tionary struggles and their poverty stricken affairs strong efforts and rigid economy were indispensable to obtain the staff of life and provide for a rising family. Reserved in conversation, he was seldom seen in the bosom of his family, or known to sit down in familiar chat with any of its members. He was with them at his usual meals and was particular in calling the house- hold around him morning and evening, at which time all of sufficient age were required to read a portion of the Holy Scrip- tures, and he led them in prayer at the throne of grace. When not engaged in manual labor or in parochial duties, he was found in his study, which was a room sacred to himself, and closely occupied in reading, in preparation for the pulpit, and in scientific and theological investigations. He succeeded in forming a library association among his people, of which he was the principal agent in the purchase of books, which were selected in the wisdom of his sound mind and cultivated judgment and proved of great utility to himself and associates. This furnished him with choice and valuable reading matter beyond the means which he could afford to appropriate to such an object. These facilities were laboriously improved and his people felt their power. In addition to these advantages, he had a brother-in-law, a member of the
[ 74 ]
United States Congress, who furnished him with State and news papers and public documents, by which he kept himself informed of the political movements and advance of a rapidly growing Republic. If it could properly be said of any mortal man, it might judiciously be said of him, "He was diligent in business, fervent in spirit, and increased in wisdom and know- ledge."
His theological views corresponded with the Westminster Catechism, without mitigation or modification, which he taught his family, and urged upon his congregation to study and treasure up in their hearts as the basis of sound doctrine.
His sermons were usually written out in full, and in a fine hand with many abbreviations, with distinct heads, clear illus- trations, and choice instruction, with words well chosen like apples of gold in pictures of silver. He shunned not to declare the whole counsel of God. The doctrines of the Holy Scriptures as well as their required practice, were clearly set forth, ex- plained and enforced evangelically without any attempt to accommodate and pacify captious unsanctified hearers. He preached what he believed to be God's revealed will, accompany- ing the same by a well ordered life and conversation. His people were satisfied with his sincerity and had confidence in his in- tegrity and ability to investigate and better understand the mysteries of godliness than themselves. His clearness and candor in handling the scriptures and in supporting his strong arguments with appropriate and well chosen passages from the sacred word were received with implicit trust on the part of his parish- ioners, with their acknowledged conviction of the truth. God added his blessing to the preached word. The impenitent were convinced of sin, hopeful conversions followed, the glory of which he ascribed to the riches of sovereign grace. The elect were gathered into the fold of their Redeemer. Reformation succeeded reformation. The church was strengthened by an increase of members sound in the faith. Parents brought for- ward their children and presented them for baptism pleading an interest in the everlasting covenant which God has established between himself, his people, and their children. Discipline was maintained in the church in much wisdom and without partiality by enjoining upon the members to do right, live peaceably and "let alone contentions before they be meddled with." He
[ 75 ]
kept the records of the church and of deaths with care and much exactness, a worthy pattern for imitation as were all the examples of his ministerial life.
As a preacher but few in his day were more acceptable. The uncommon dignity of his personal appearance and the deep solemnity which rested upon his countenance as he entered the pulpit, commenced, and continued the exercises of divine worship, commanded the respect and secured the attention of his audience. His manner was plain and grave without ostentation or much gesticulation, appearing calm, candid, and deliberate, without apparent excitement. His voice was suffi- ciently strong and clear to be heard, and was used naturally, with distinct and correct pronunciation, without any rhetorical flourish or theatrical display. Solemnity rested upon his audience as they were instructed and edified by his services, concise and savory.
As a pastor he was less inviting, having the appearance of being distant, diffident, and of embarrassed sociability. Yet he was affectionate and sympathising with the afflicted, the sad and sorrowful, gave wise counsel to the timid, the fearful, the halting and the doubting, and especially would he discourage those who in his opinion were embracing a delusive hope, and strengthen such as had received feeble rays of light. His visits were few, save to places where his especial services were needed as a spiritual guide. In seasons of revival his soul was in the work, visiting from house to house, conversing with all classes as opportunity offered, attending meetings for prayer and conference in private houses and lecturing in school houses on appropriate subjects. Yet as means to be used in promoting revivals he placed unshaken confidence in the regular worship of God in the sanctuary on the Sabbath and in preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified, accompanied by the prayers of the church. But more especially did he rely upon the operations of the Holy Ghost and the free rich sovereign grace of God to save the souls of his flock through the Redeemer.
As a counsellor his services were extensively sought in the churches as a member of ecclesiastical councils. Such was his profound knowledge of human nature, the laws of God and of Congregational discipline, together with his far seeing and penetrating judgment, as to give him a weight of influence
[ 76]
second to none in healing divisions and restoring harmony among brethren.
As a philanthropist he was a patron of good works, was active in the cause of domestic missions and of supplying vacant and feeble churches around him, also in the foreign missionary enterprise as it began to waken into life in New England, before his departure. The cause of education found in him an earnest advocate, and the religious press shared in the production of his pen as he furnished matter for publication. Of his writings these were printed:
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.