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 BX 9793 .B616 16 1905 
 Blinn, Henry Clay, 1824- 
 
 1905. 
 In memoriam. Elder Henry C. 
 
 Blinn, 1824-1905 
 
 
 
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'in memoriam 
 
 Elder Henry C. Blinn 
 
 1824-1905 
 
 CONCORD, N. H. 
 
 RUMFORD PRINTING CO. 
 
 1905 
 
INSCRIBED 
 
 TO THE MEMORY 
 
 OF 
 
 OUR BELOVED "ELDER HENRY" 
 
 BY THE 
 
 HOME CIRCLE 
 
 AT 
 
 EAST CANTERBURY 
 
 NEW HAMPSHIRE 
 
 " Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, 
 be of good comfort, be of one minJ, live 
 in peace; and the God of love and peace' 
 shall be with you." (Cor. 13:2.) 
 
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL NOTES. 
 Henry C. Blinn. 
 The writer of the following pages was born in the 
 City of Providence, R. I., July 16, 1824. 
 
 My father, James ]\I. Blinn, was the captain of a 
 merchant ship that sailed between Providence and the 
 West Indies. At that date the trade was a matter of 
 as great interest as is the trade of today between the 
 United States and China. His last voyage was in the 
 year 1825, at which time he was taken sick and died 
 of a fever at Kingston, Jamaica, at the age of 36 
 years. His funeral was conducted by the American 
 residents on the island, by whom he was kindly laid 
 away in his last resting-place. 
 
 T^Iy mother's maiden name was Sarah Williams, and 
 her early home was in the state of Connecticut. Seven 
 children were included in the family : James M., Jr. ; 
 Robert, Amy T., Sarah A., Joseph T., William C. and 
 Henry C. 
 
 A superabundance of wealth was neither the good 
 nor ill fortune of the family, and yet so much of this 
 world's blessings was possessed as to be able to live 
 very comfortably. A moral tone pervaded the family 
 
 3 
 
and the cliiklren had the care and kindness of good 
 parents, of whose instruction they had no cause to be 
 ashamed. 
 
 My first note of special interest will refer to the 
 visit of General Lafayette to this country in 182-4--'25. 
 Those who were better informed on this point than the 
 writer, say that I was carried in the arms of my 
 father to see the procession as it passed thi'ough the 
 city. I, however, failed to catch the thread of mem- 
 ory till at the age of six years, when a pupil in an 
 infant school. How much I learned or how well I 
 behaved is, at this date, blotted from memory. From 
 the primary, I passed into the City Public School; 
 but was permitted to enjoy the privilege only a few 
 years, as it was found that so large a family of chil- 
 dren was fast reducing the small income that had been 
 left in the charge of my mother. She was induced to 
 buy a ncAV house and allow a mortgage on the prop- 
 erty, which resulted as is usual in such cases. The 
 mortgage ate up the property and she was forced to 
 retire to a more humble dwelling. 
 
 The record of accidents which have fallen to my 
 lot begins quite early in life. Although not occurring 
 very often, or being of very tragic character, and all 
 passing without fatal result, it may not be amiss to 
 refer to one of the most serious. "When eight years 
 of age, while attempting to cross a carriage-way, a 
 
 4 
 
horse and chaise suddenly turned from the street and 
 I was thrown to the ground and the carriage passed 
 over my body. Two ribs and the right arm were 
 broken and a severe wound made on the head. As I 
 was carried home, I knew nothing of the dangers of 
 the accident at that time. 
 
 My first remembrance of being able to own a book 
 was of one bought at the store of an old man for one 
 cent. The aged book-seller had, in his printing office, 
 a variety of small picture-books, which he sold for one 
 and two pennies each. Previous to this date, I had 
 received a few little story-books as presents, but this 
 one I bought with my own money, and for it I paid 
 one cent. As small as it was, it had several illustra- 
 tions. For the running of errands I gathered a few 
 pennies from time to time and purchased many more 
 of these little books, and when I had saved enough to 
 be the owner of a "Mother Goose's Melodies" and a 
 "Peter Prim's Pride," I thought myself quite 
 wealthy. 
 
 It was during the summer of 1833 that the Presi- 
 dent of the United States, Gen. Andrew Jackson, vis- 
 ited the City of Providence. A steamboat from Fall 
 River brought him to the city and thousands met at 
 the landing to do him honor. The city was filled with 
 music as the procession moved through the several 
 streets. It was one of the wonderful things to see a 
 
 5 
 
president, and this occasion gave me an opportunity 
 veiy rare indeed. 
 
 As a party was preparing to take a sail down the 
 Providence River, in which I was to accompany my 
 mother, there was great joy in the anticipation, and 
 everything was ready for the company to go on board. 
 In my haste to reach the boat, I made a misstep and 
 fell into the water where it was several feet deep. I 
 was more frightened than hurt, but this incident 
 caused a great disappointment to those who were 
 obliged to remain at home to redress and care for the 
 little boy. 
 
 Although my parents were not members of any 
 church, I was permitted to enter the Universalist Sun- 
 day-school on Westminster Street and to attend the 
 church service, then under the pastorate of the Rev. 
 Wm. Balch. Subsequently, I entered the Unitarian 
 Sunday-school, as my sister, Sarah, Avas a member of 
 that church. Being privileged to take books from the 
 library, I became very much interested. 
 
 At 12 years of age I was placed in the store of Butts 
 & Lockwood as an errand boy. They were merchant 
 tailors and rented a room on the lower floor of the 
 "Arcade." This deprived me of attending school, 
 and on this account I felt very sad. However, it had 
 become necessary that I should begin to earn a little 
 toward a personal support. 
 
 6 
 
The family had become somewhat scattered. James 
 M. had died, Robert had followed the sea for several 
 years and was the first mate of a large ship; Joseph 
 was on a farm in Connecticut; the two sisters were 
 married, and William was a sailor on a coasting ves- 
 sel. As I had no desire for an experience on board 
 ship, I found employment in the city. My business 
 was to open the store in the morning, build the fires, 
 sweep the room, and then through the day and even- 
 ing carry garments to the makers or to customers in 
 every part of the city. 
 
 This first experience in the business relations of the 
 world did not please me, especially as I was obliged to 
 go long distances at a late hour of the night and when 
 the streets were poorly lighted. Stories of kidnappers 
 were not uncommon. They were represented as being 
 a class of men who stole children and sold them for 
 slaves. 
 
 There was an object in having the children hear 
 these fables, as it evidently kept them more at their 
 own homes. The effect, however, upon the minds of 
 the children, did more harm than good, as these kid- 
 nappers or "bug-a-boos," who were said to steal chil- 
 dren, did not exist. Such incentives to fright, no 
 doubt, increased the timidity of the listeners and made 
 the dark, stormy nights doubly frightful. 
 
 In 1836, the "Arcade" was considered one of the 
 7 
 
most wonderful buildings in New England, and so 
 late as 1899 it is referred to as a place that would 
 interest everj' one who has occasion to visit the City 
 of Pro\'idence. The rooms on the second floor, in 
 1838, were but partially occupied. One, however, is 
 fresh in my memory, and that was the office of the 
 Anti-Slavery Society. In the large windows could be 
 seen some attractive illustrations, while kind-hearted 
 men who were in attendance presented some of the 
 little anti-slavery books to all who wished to read 
 them. 
 
 From these tracts came the first impressions to my 
 mind of the wrongs and the cruelty of slavery, and 
 years have only increased the intensity of these first 
 lessons. i\Iany years have come and gone since the 
 reading of those books ' on Universal Brotherhood. 
 Wonderful changes have taken place, and a deeper 
 love for humanity has been developed in the mind. 
 Human beings are no longer held in chains of slavery 
 and bought and sold like cattle. 
 
 One of the most worthy pioneers of that sacred 
 cause, who maintained till the last his love for univer- 
 sal freedom, has recently passed to the higher life 
 from the City of Concord, N. H. (1898.) Parker 
 Pillsbury was an unflinching advocate for those who 
 were under either temporal or spiritual bonds, and 
 
 8 
 
became through a long and useful life the friend of 
 man. 
 
 The Emancipation Proclamation, that message from 
 God, has made the United States a free country. 
 
 At the age of 13 years I was accepted as an appren- 
 tice by Edward P. Knowles, a jeweler, who lived in 
 the north part of the City of Providence. Being the 
 youngest apprentice, my business largely consisted in 
 doing chores. In this shop were the master, a hired 
 man, three apprentices and the writer. Some of the 
 work was gold-plated and some gilt. 
 
 During the hours for work, from 7 a. m. to 12 m. 
 and from 1 to 6 p. m., no conversation was allowed 
 among the employes^ and this term of silence was 
 sometimes quite severe. Such rigid discipline, how- 
 ever, required the master's presence for enforcement. 
 When he was not in the shop the business was more 
 or less neglected by the journeyman and by the ap- 
 prentices. As our master held the office of city coun- 
 cilman, he was obliged to visit the city hall quite fre- 
 quently, a distance of nearly a mile. This trip was 
 certain to occupy several hours, so that absolute quiet- 
 ness was not recognized during this term. He was 
 also subject to severe attacks of headache, and when 
 these dispensations came on, the apprentices counted 
 for themselves two whole days, and these were hailed 
 with joy. 
 
 9 
 
AVliile I remained in this place, about eighteen 
 months, I was requested to attend the Baptist Church, 
 that being the place of family worship. All the ap- 
 prentices were expected to attend some church, and 
 any departure from this advice was severely rebuked. 
 
 I was kindly offered the privilege of attending an 
 evening school during the winter. I was anxious to 
 secure this opportunity, and every evening was ex- 
 pected to carry my books, a slate and a small tin petti- 
 coat-lamp, as this was the usual custom. After I had 
 ascertained the distance, which was about one mile, 
 and the obscure section of the city where the school 
 was located, the pleasure was very much lessened. I 
 made the journey one evening, but could not be 
 induced to repeat it. It was too far to go alone on 
 dark, stormy nights, as I was not only timid in mak- 
 ing the journey so late on streets sparsely settled, but 
 was also too thinly clad for the severity of the 
 weather. 
 
 By this I lost the opportunity to add to a limited 
 stock of education, very much to my regret. At this 
 date, however, I could read and write quite well. I 
 had commenced the study of the intermediate geog- 
 raphy and had learned a very little in arithmetic. I 
 also owned a baker's dozen or more of books, which 
 served to keep me employed in reading during the. 
 evenings. Occasionally, I borrowed a book from a 
 
 10 
 
companion, and this, in part, compensated for the loss 
 of the school. 
 
 In the latter part of the year 1838, I began to grow 
 uneasy in regard to my place of business and was so 
 discontented that it became a matter of investigation. 
 In the first place, the associations were not congenial. 
 I thought I could find a place where I might earn my 
 living and at the same time obtain an education. My 
 master seemed surprised and urged me to remain, at 
 the same time promising increased wages and better 
 care while learning the trade. My mind, however, 
 had become fixed to find a new home, and I accord- 
 ingly bade him farewell on the last of August, 1838, 
 nor did I meet him again till the year 1878, when, a 
 Shaker, I called at his residence Avhile on a visit to 
 the City of Providence. 
 
 Fortunately, the opportunity was soon presented 
 for the betterment of my condition, and in this comeis 
 the ministration of the good spirit. It opened the 
 way for me to receive a religious education and a bet- 
 ter situation than I had ever enjoyed. As I look back 
 on these preliminary steps toward a more advanced 
 life, I can trace the guidance of a holy light that led 
 me from a lesser to a greater privilege. 
 
 "While at the home of my mother, where I usually 
 spent a portion of the Sabbath, I observed a man pass- 
 ing so quietly on the street and being dressed so differ- 
 
 11 
 
ently from the other citizens that he attracted my at- 
 tention, and at the same time awakened in my mind 
 an interest to know who he was and where he lived. 
 I saw the man a second time, and soon after learned 
 that he was a Shaker. 
 
 It then became a puzzle to know what a Shaker was, 
 and why he was in the cit}'. A great many Quakers 
 resided in the City of Providence, and it was no un- 
 usual occurrence to meet them from day to day. Al- 
 though this man was dressed, in part, like a Quaker, 
 yet the people said he was a Shaker ; but no one could 
 give any information where he lived or concerning his 
 religious belief. 
 
 It was thought very singular that I should be at- 
 tracted toward a stranger, and why I was I could not 
 tell. I only knew this, that his general appearance 
 pleased me, and I would like very much to live with 
 him. Not long after this, it was reported that a 
 Shaker was on a visit in another part of the city, and 
 I soon persuaded my mother to go with me and see 
 him. The visit was very pleasant, and I learned that 
 the man was from Canterbury, in the State of New 
 Hampshire, some 120 miles distant. He represented 
 the Shakers as being a very kind and charitable people 
 who were engaged in farming and manufacturing, 
 also told us that they lived in large families, which 
 sometimes numbered not less than eighty or one huu- 
 
 13 
 
dred persons. The conversation soon assured us that 
 the Shakers were willing to receive good boys and 
 girls and, by adoption, provide for them an excellent 
 home. The stranger said that three of his children 
 were at the Shaker Village, and that he had arranged 
 to return to the communit}^ within a short time. 
 
 His story was very interesting, as he told of the 
 Idndness of the people, of their religious services, of 
 their schools, and of their fields, orchards and gar- 
 dens; so that I became fully determined to accom- 
 pany him to his home in New Hampshire. 
 
 On the day appointed for my departure from the 
 city, I was hurrying at an early hour to the railroad 
 station on India Point. It was the journey of a young 
 Pilgrim, after many hurried farewells to dear friends, 
 some of whom protested against the wild scheme of 
 going among the mountains of New Hampshire to find 
 a home, and to be entrusted to the care of an entire 
 stranger, while others dismissed the case with an 
 anxious hope for the better. 
 
 I was soon, however, on my way to Boston in com- 
 pany with the Shaker, Nathan Willard, as he had 
 agreed to take charge of me. At Boston we took the 
 cars for Lowell, the terminus of the railroad at that 
 date, going north. From Lowell, we rode to Concord, 
 N. H., in a stage, and then hired a private conveyance 
 to Shaker Village. Our trip from Concord was over 
 
 13 
 
the pine plains, through Loudon Village and over 
 Beck's Hill. On reaching this last elevated spot, the 
 whole of the Church Famil}- Avas presented to view, 
 and the presentation was a beautiful picture on the 
 mind. At that date, the white and light yellow houses 
 with bright red roofs, heightened the beauty of the 
 village very much and to my youthful mind, after a 
 long and tedious journey, it seemed to be the prettiest 
 place I had ever seen. 
 
 Everything at the Shakers was new and strange, 
 and yet they received me w-iih the kindest of care. 'My 
 first impressions of the place and the people were very 
 pleasant, although I was among a new class of people, 
 whose language, dress and manners were so unlike 
 those of the city; yet their kindness found access to 
 my heart, and at once I began to feel quite contented. 
 That the people said yea and nay, instead of yes and 
 no, had no bearing on my mind, and the plainness of 
 their dress was rather agreeable than otherwise. I 
 soon learned that my home would be, for a few days, 
 in the Trustees' Office, but the man who brought me 
 to the village passed on to the Second Family, as that 
 was his home. 
 
 We subsequently learned that some of the officers 
 thought it would be' best for me to enter the Novitiate 
 Order, as my age of 14 years made me quite too old 
 to be admitted into the Church relation. This, how- 
 
 14 
 
ever, was soon overruled by the Elders, and I was per- 
 mitted to enjoy a home in the First, or Church 
 Family. 
 
 As my entrance into Shaker Village was on Sabbath 
 morning, September 9, I anticipated it would be very 
 quiet, as indeed it was. At 10 a. m., I attended the 
 religious service at the church, and was deeply inter- 
 ested in the order of the exercises. The marching, 
 singing and speaking were quite unlike anything that 
 I had ever seen or heard ; and although not converted 
 at heart, it was pleasing and I felt happy under the 
 religious influence. A large number of spectators 
 were present and the service continued about an hour. 
 
 In a few days I was placed under the charge of a 
 young man, who was four years my senior. He was 
 engaged in sawing staves for pails, as at that date the 
 family made about 1,000 pails a year for sale. This 
 proved to be a very pleasant place to work, and the 
 business continued for several days. 
 
 An aged Brother, James Johnson, had charge of the 
 mill and the wood-turning machinery. Brother James 
 was the associate Elder, and he manifested quite an 
 interest in my happiness, as well as in my general pro- 
 tection. After being allowed to attend all the meetings 
 and to enjoy all the privileges of the family for two 
 weeks, he, no doubt, thought it was about time for me 
 to receive the first lessons that were considered essen- 
 
 15 
 
tial for a Shaker boy to learn. I was sent on a short 
 errand which I was to deliver in person to Brother 
 James. It was Saturday, and a most appropriate 
 time for a preparatory work for the Sabbath. Brother 
 James very kindly detained me for a short time and 
 then informed me what good boys were expected to 
 do, and as kindly made inquiries concerning my gen- 
 eral course of life while living in the City of Provi- 
 dence. 
 
 This was my initiatory step to the life of a Shaker. 
 ]\Iy guardian exercised very pleasantly the spirit of a 
 kind father, and I was quite old enough to appreciate 
 it as a great blessing. The unburdening of my mind, 
 if this interview bore any likeness to a work of that 
 kind, must have been very simple, and not in the least 
 a spontaneous work of the heart, with which I after- 
 wards became familiar. 
 
 When the hour of worship came, I was directed to a 
 place in the ranks, and then took part in some of the 
 exercises. As I was very much at home, I was glad 
 of every lesson I received ; although I felt awkward in 
 attempting to march at the side of those of more expe- 
 rience. From this time, I began to receive more direct 
 lessons corresponding to my temporal and spiritual 
 necessities, to which I was gladly responsive. 
 
 Later, in the fall, I was employed, with several of 
 my own age, in the many duties of the large family. 
 
 16 
 
The aged Brother, who had the oversight of our Avork 
 on the farm, was, no doubt, somewhat annoyed with 
 our importunities to learn the time of day. The din- 
 ner hour was a specialty. Hungry and tired as we 
 sometimes were, and yet never too tired to run a full 
 mile if T\'e chanced to be that distance from home, we 
 would keep urging the good old man to tell us the 
 hour of the day. 
 
 No one except a Trustee would be expected to carry 
 a watch in those days, and as the sun was our only 
 guide, I now wonder at the great patience exercised 
 for our sakes, as our manager would, time after time, 
 stop his work in response to our importunings and, 
 standing erect, pace on his shadow and tell us how 
 long it would be before the bell would ring for the 
 call to dinner. As we accepted the statement with all 
 confidence, we were anxious to be able to tell for our- 
 selves, and it was not uncommon to find the boys in 
 different parts of the field pacing on their shadows, 
 but the result was not generally so satisfactory. At 
 last we were told that it required a full knowledge of 
 the laws of latitude and longitude to be able to tell 
 the hour of the day, and from this time all our errors 
 in calculation were charged to that fact. 
 
 The kind and fatherly care of Brother James was 
 all that could be asked, and a manifestation of his 
 loving spirit continued to the close of his early pil- 
 2 17 
 
grimage. I had learned that it was through his solici- 
 tations that I was received into the Church Family, 
 and this step he never regretted. 
 
 In October, I was placed under the charge of an- 
 other young man. He was a blacksmith, and only 19 
 years of age. . There was nothing disagreeable in the 
 change of employment, as boys are always interested 
 in having something new. My experience before the 
 forge may have been the best thing, and certainly has 
 never been regretted. The few lessons that I learned 
 during this time have been of considerable value 
 through my life. 
 
 The school opened the first of December, and very 
 fortunately my name was among the youth that were 
 expected to attend. I appreciated the privilege, as it 
 had been several years since I had been permitted to 
 enter a school as a pupil, and I intended to make the 
 time profitable. The teacher was a young man of 28. 
 Some thirty boj'^s attended with ages ranging from 
 8 to 19 years. This pupil of 19 was a large but 
 dull-brained lad, and his efforts at the pupil's desk 
 were not very promising. It was the custom of the 
 day for all in the school to form one class for spelling. 
 Every morning we were arranged according to our 
 ages, and on being called forward with disciplinary 
 order were required to "toe the mark." This ar- 
 rangement brought the eldest and tallest at the head 
 
 18 
 
and the little fellow of 8 years at the extreme lower 
 end of the class. At the close of the exercises it was 
 not uncommon to find this order quite reversed, with 
 the tallest and eldest at the foot and the youngest and 
 shortest at the head. The school was well governed 
 and sustained a good reputation. 
 
 The educational term was just 12 weeks for the boys 
 in winter, and the same for the girls in summer. Six 
 hours each day and five days counted one week. ]\Iost 
 of the boys of my own age were in advance of me in 
 many of their studies, very much to my disappoint- 
 ment. My penmanship was not good and my first 
 paper, written for the inspection of the superintend- 
 ing school committee, was anything but nice. I had 
 no knowledge of English grammar, and very little of 
 geography. In arithmetic, a few simple rules only 
 could be recited. 
 
 For several weeks I was obliged to stand in the rear 
 of those who were much younger, and the position was 
 by no means pleasant. When I found how easily 
 some of the pupils could command the multiplication 
 tables, I employed every spare moment to commit 
 them to memory, till they became as familiar as my 
 name. In reading I was given a place in the first 
 class. AVe used "Worcester's Fourth Book." In a 
 recitation for spelling, the head of the class was far 
 from the place v,-here I stood. Indeed, I had no special 
 
 19 
 
gift for spelling or for the proper adjustment of silent 
 letters. Phonetic spelling might have met my case 
 much better; but as that had not been introduced, I 
 must come under the system arranged by Xoah Web- 
 ster. I soon found that it was only by close applica- 
 tion that I could learn to spell correctly. 
 
 We have since that date found that incorrect spell- 
 ing was very common among those whose penmanship 
 was excellent. One word is indelibly impressed upon 
 my memory that passed several of the pupils without 
 giving the teacher satisfaction, viz., "judicature." As 
 the best pupils could not spell the word correctlj', I 
 did not dare to make the trial. 
 
 Recitations in geography and arithmetic were made 
 from memory, although slates may have been used 
 sometimes, as the class stood in the floor. No form of 
 blackboard had been introduced into the school-room 
 up to this date. Reading and spelling were allowed 
 to pass without much criticism. An exhibition of pen- 
 manship was made by attaching a few lines that were 
 written at the commencement of the term, to an equal 
 number written at the close of the term. This was 
 considered sufficient to show the improvement made 
 by the pupils. A recitation in grammar was made by 
 analyzing a few sentences found in our reading books. 
 Our superintending school committee this year were 
 Rev. "Wm. Patrick, A. M., Joseph Harper, M. D., and 
 
 20 
 
Edward Osgood. They were all friendly to the 
 society and took a deep interest in the prosperity of 
 the school. At the close of the session the superin- 
 tending school committee complimented the teacher 
 for having accomplished so much during the term. 
 
 Two more winters passed after this manner, when 
 the school came under the charge of the writer. For 
 one season the certificate was made out in the name of 
 the former teacher, but at the close of the term of 
 1842 it passed to the writer. 
 
 In the month of June, 1839, Brother James Johnson 
 informed me that as I was not strong enough to work 
 in the blacksmith shop, he would place me under the 
 care of Brother Thomas Hoit. During the summer 
 months Brother Thomas worked at the carding mill, 
 a distance of one mile from the village. The remain- 
 der of the year he was a universal chore man, and 
 enjoyed the euphonious name of tinker. He had the 
 charge of the stoves and stove-pipes, also the making 
 and mending of tin-ware. This last branch afforded 
 ready employment for me whenever I was in want of 
 a job. Thomas also took charge of the clocks in the 
 family, he cut and headed all the nails that were used 
 in the making of brooms. When winter came, he kept 
 me busy before and after school heading broom nails 
 and mending tin-ware. Brother Thomas was very 
 skillful in the use of the few simple tools of his own 
 
 21 
 
manufacture, and some of the tin-ware which he made 
 in 1840 elicited much praise. That these articles were 
 substantially made is attested by the finding of some 
 of them in use as late as 1890. 
 
 During the summer it occupied about three months 
 to card the avooI for the society. It was the custom 
 to have everything in readiness before breakfast, so 
 that upon leaving the table we were to take the dinner 
 which had been put up for us. It took some twenty 
 minutes to walk to the mill, and then the work for the 
 day began. The machinery was soon in motion and 
 till noon our identity was lost in the busy hum of the 
 wool-carding machines. At the hour for dinner 
 Thomas was cook, and he always prepared a most 
 palatable meal. Sometimes we had company to dine 
 with us, and then Thomas would have a little extra 
 care for the honor of his house. If some of the Sisters 
 chanced to be present they kindly took charge of the 
 table and excused us from the duty of washing dishes 
 and of returning everything to its proper place. 
 
 At noon we had a half hour or more of leisure, for 
 study or recreation. At 1.15 p. m. the machinery was 
 again in motion, and at 5.30 work closed for the day. 
 In this way the season passed quite pleasantly, al- 
 though there were times when of choice I would rather 
 have been at the village. 
 
 While working at the carding mill, a slight accident 
 22 
 
brought me to grief. Thomas had sent me to the 
 woods, a few rods distant, to cut some firewood. My 
 skill in the use of an axe was by no means remarkable, 
 but, armed with a sharp one, I left the mill to return 
 in a short time rather ingioriously. The blood told 
 the story before I had time to explain. The careless 
 handling of the axe had left a gash of more than an 
 inch in the leg, just below the knee. 
 
 Thomas soon took in the situation, and was equal to 
 the emergency. With a fine needle and some silk he 
 closed the wound in a manner that would have been 
 creditable to a surgeon. After suffering a slight 
 lameness for several days, I was again on duty, and 
 experienced no unpleasant result. The defeat, how- 
 ever, was to my disadvantage, as Thomas never com- 
 plimented me even on my good work of an earlier date, 
 but remarked, "Boys don't know how to use an axe." 
 
 In the summer of 1842 the business at the carding 
 mill was left in my charge, and I trust it was man- 
 aged more or less satisfactorily. After that the busi- 
 ness went into the hands of an experienced carder at 
 the North Family. 
 
 After the work had closed at the carding mill, 
 usually about the first of September, I assisted the 
 Brethren in harvesting and then attended school in 
 the winter. A copy of the certificate given is before 
 me, which reads as follows: 
 
 23 
 
To All Whom It jMay Concern :— 
 This certifies that we have this day made due in- 
 quiries, and are of the opinion that Henry C. Blinn is 
 qualified to instruct children and youth in all the 
 branches of science required by the laws of this state. 
 
 William Patrick, ) Supenntending 
 Jos. M. Harper, ) Committee. 
 
 Canterbury, N. H., Feb. 27, 1843. 
 
 For eight years, during the three winter months, I 
 gave my Avhole time to this occupation. From thirty 
 to forty pupils were in attendance and general satis- 
 faction was awarded to the teacher by the committee. 
 Our writing-books were home-made, except those used 
 by three or four of the oldest pupils. Economy' in the 
 use of writing paper was one of the essential lessons 
 of the day. Quill pens were universally used, as steel 
 pens had not been introduced. We wrote from slips 
 which were passed to the pupils, forenoon and after- 
 noon. One hour at a time was allowed for the writing 
 exercise. French's system of penmanship was in use 
 and created a commendable rivalry among the pupils. 
 After writing on every line of the page, the book was 
 turned and filled directly across these lines. Then 
 the book was turned and twice more the pupils wrote 
 diagonally, that no space might be wasted. 
 
 In the course of a few years a more liberal iuterest 
 24 
 
was taken in the education of the youth and children, 
 and new books of decided interest to the school were 
 introduced. 
 
 Between school hours the boys learned to braid whip 
 lashes. A wooden frame, some five feet square, was 
 placed in the center of the room, around which eight 
 persons might stand and braid. 
 
 In 1842, Brother Thomas Hoit and all under the 
 prescribed age were deprived of foreign tea and coffee, 
 as the use of these articles had been discontinued in 
 the family. Home productions were encouraged and 
 it was thought that tea was growing on our own hill- 
 sides quite as good as that which was brought from 
 China. Among the many varieties that were gathered 
 and packed away for use, Thomas preferred the leaves 
 of the strawberry plant, and this was his opinion: 
 "They are just as good as any tea." This season I 
 was engaged for hours and half hours in gathering 
 leaves that were without spot or blemish, so that 
 Thomas had a generous supply for several years. He 
 carefully packed the leaves away, and they were used 
 by himself and company until the foreign tea was 
 again introduced. 
 
 It had been the custom since the organization of the 
 society, for watchers to be appointed to look after the 
 property when the family had retired for the night. 
 At first these officers were on duty all night. The 
 
 2.1 
 
time -was divicled into thirds and the brethren -were 
 appointed accordingly. At a subsequent date, the 
 vratch closed at midnight, and only two persons were 
 appointed. In 1842, the watch consisted of only one 
 person, and his turn came about once in two weeks. 
 As the family in the winter season retired for the 
 night at nine o'clock, the watch began at that hour 
 and continued until eleven. Xo watcher was allowed 
 to carry a lantern or to have any light. His first duty 
 was to visit all the rooms in the brethren's shops, 
 then go to the blacksmith's shop, thence through 
 kitchen, baker.y, and on to the farmer's shop to rest. 
 At 10.30 he went the rounds as at first, and if all was 
 safe he retired for the night. The brethren were gen- 
 erally appointed to this duty at the age of 21 years, 
 and I anticipated that length of time before I should 
 be called to act in this capacity. When the good Elder 
 said that my name was placed on the list of watchers, 
 I tried to excuse myself by saying that I was only 17 ; 
 I did not want to say that I was timid, and that the 
 darkness of the night gave me the horrors; he heard 
 me very kindly, but closed by saying, "You will be 
 informed at the proper time." 
 
 My first experience at watching for two hours on a 
 dark, stormy night was highly sensational. I went 
 faithfully according to my directions, but I constantly 
 heard footsteps behind me as I walked through the 
 
 26 
 
dark passages, and saw human beings rise up before 
 me, seemingly as real as life itself. I lived through it, 
 however, and for 10 years acted as duty called. 
 
 The manifestations of a peculiar spiritual influence, 
 which made its appearance in the family in 1837, was 
 now in active operation. At first it was seemingly 
 visions, singing new hymns, the personating of those 
 who had passed into the spirit land, and bowing and 
 bending and shaking by the many mediums. These 
 mediums now became the inspectors of almost every- 
 thing that pertained to the family, and were largely 
 the general advisers. One subject that proved to be 
 of deep interest to the writer of these notes was the 
 inspection of the books that were in the family. As 
 no library had been arranged in the church, all the 
 books were held in private possession, which was an 
 encouragement to selfish interests. 
 
 The Elders now requested that all the books should 
 be brought forward for inspection and for the forma- 
 tion of a library. This touched quite keenly my love 
 for self, and my little stock of books, brought from 
 the city, which had been so choice, moved very slowly 
 toward the place of deposit. Some of them were sent 
 to the office, as not suitable for the family. They were 
 stories about the Indians, battles on sea and land, or 
 the history of some nation. Such books, we were told, 
 encouraged a warlike disposition in the reader. Only 
 
 27 
 
a few of my books were saved, and among these were 
 copies of "The Penny Magazine." These books, so 
 full of illustrations and interesting stories, may be 
 found in a good state of preservation in the library 
 at the present date, 1899. This was to be my first 
 prominent lesson in a united interest, and it was, no 
 doubt, a very useful one. A small Bible was soon 
 after presented to me as a better book for study, and 
 I trust I made good use of the exchange. 
 
 At first, the reading of the Bible was a mere ques- 
 tion of obedience, but ultimately it became a real 
 pleasure and profit. All the other members of the 
 family shared in this personal sacrifice, and many a 
 book, no doubt, felt the twinge of self-love as it passed 
 from the hands of its selfish owner into the treasury' 
 to be used for the good of the whole. Not only were 
 the books brought forward for inspection, and an im- 
 mediate decision rendered concerning any books, 
 papers, carpets, rugs, crockery, any article of wearing 
 apparel, and even the playthings that belonged to the 
 children. If these were deemed suitable for the home 
 of Believers, they were retained rnider a blessing; but 
 if superfluous, they were immediately removed. 
 
 In the spring of 1843, the printing of the "Sacred 
 Roll" was commenced, and I was sent to the printing 
 office to learn to set type and to work the press. 
 
 The family had owned a large Adam's press for sev- 
 28 
 
eral years, and had printed some hymns and several 
 small pamphlets; but had only small fonts of type. 
 The acceptance of the work which would involve a 
 book of some four hundred pages was a heroic venture 
 on the part of the family, as no one fully understood 
 the business, and the work must be done under many 
 disadvantages. Four persons were engaged in the 
 business, three to set type and one to do the press- 
 work. These four, however, had many other duties 
 to perform in the course of the day, apart from the 
 work at the printing office. As this book was written 
 under inspiration, everything connected with it 
 seemed to follow in the same line. 
 
 It was through this same inspiration that several of 
 the societies selected a place in the woods or fields to 
 be used for divine worship. At Canterbury, the place 
 was designated "Pleasant Grove," and was situated 
 about three-fourths of a mile northeast of the Church 
 Family. All who were able to assist in the work of 
 clearing the land and preparing the place for religious 
 gatherings, were expected to contribute the labor of a 
 few days. The printers, after obtaining some hoes 
 and shovels, were soon found among the zealous labor- 
 ers. A building, 40 feet long, 15 feet wide and one 
 story high, was built for the protection of the people 
 if it should happen to rain during the time of the 
 meeting. 
 
In 1847, a marble slab was purchased, six feet long, 
 three feet wide and three inches thick. This was placed 
 in the center of the enclosure. On one side of the 
 marble was engraved the name of the place and the 
 date of erection, while on the other was an extended 
 message or spiritual exhortation to those who visited 
 the sacred place. Elder Joseph Myrick, of Harvard, 
 Mass., was engaged to assist in preparing the marble, 
 and several days were spent in polishing it, prepara- 
 tory to the lettering. After imparting several lessons 
 with reference to the use of the tools and the manner 
 of engraving, he left the work in charge of the writer 
 and returned to Harvard. The stone was erected, 
 beautiful evergreens were planted around the place, 
 and meetings were held frequently for several years. 
 Subsequently, these meetings were discontinued and 
 the house, fence and marble slab were removed by the 
 writer. 
 
 In 1844, we received from New Lebanon, N. Y., the 
 manuscript of the ''Juvenile Guide, or Manual of 
 Good Planners. " A thousand copies were printed, 
 and the printing and binding were under my direc- 
 tion. A new edition of this book, entitled "Gentle 
 Manners, A Guide to Good Morals," was published at 
 East Canterbury, N. H., in March, 1899, by the wi-iter, 
 who is interested to perpetuate this valuable little vol- 
 
 80 
 
ume, so much needed as the instructor of children and 
 youth. 
 
 We also printed, in 1844, a small book entitled, 
 "Millennial Hymns." It was a work of some four 
 hundred pages. 
 
 In the spring of 1849, we received the manuscript 
 of a work entitled, "Holy and Divine Wisdom." It 
 was written under inspiration at Watervliet, N. Y. 
 It was a book of nearly 700 pages and an edition of 
 2,500 copies. The publication proved a great under- 
 taking, but we purchased a new Tuft's hand-press, of 
 excellent pattern, an inking machine, then made an 
 addition to our stock of types. The management of 
 the business was in the charge of the writer and moved 
 along very quietly, while a good union was manifested 
 by all who were employed in the shop. 
 
 In 1849, I was removed from the charge of the chil- 
 dren and of the school, as my whole attention was to 
 be given to printing. 
 
 After a vacation of six months, I again accepted the 
 care of the children, and remained \^'ith them until 
 March, 1852, at which time I was appointed to the 
 order of Elders as an associate with Elder Robert 
 Fowle. The Sisters in the order at that time were 
 Eldress Marcia E. Hastings and Sister Philinda 
 ]\Iinor. It was a great cross to leave the children and 
 enter into this new order of life. It gave me, how- 
 
 31 
 
ever, the society of maturer minds, which was a de- 
 cided advantage, and afforded much needed experi- 
 ence with the family, which it was impossible to ob- 
 tain while encumbered with the care of children. My 
 privilege in the Eldership was rather limited at that 
 time, however, as on the fifth of June, 1852, I was 
 placed in the Ministry as companion with Elder xVbra- 
 ham Perkins. The Sisters of the order were Eldress 
 Harriet Hastings and Sister Hester Ann Adams. 
 
 All my former crosses now faded away. My privi- 
 lege, as I was informed, had become greater; yet it 
 could have few attractions for one who enjoyed a 
 home in the midst of a large and busy family. My 
 interest had been, till within a few months, with some 
 twenty-four boys, ranging in age from six to sixteen 
 years. Their meetings and other duties, both temporal 
 and spiritual, had occupied my whole time. Their 
 daily employment, with the thousand and one little 
 wants to be met and their general term for education, 
 made a busy time for the caretaker. A remove from 
 all this activity to a home more remote from the heart 
 of the family, where for some time I was engaged in 
 tailoring, was not at first desirable ; but eventually the 
 responsibilities into which I grew became of primary 
 importance, and I formed many lasting friendships 
 in both the societies of Enfield and Canterbury, X, 11.^ 
 where I was called to serve. 
 
 32 
 
As the demand for artificial teeth was on the in- 
 crease, and as I had at an earlier date met with good 
 success in my attempts at dentistry, I began to do less 
 and less work with the needle and returned to a form 
 of work that was far more congenial, which gave me 
 sufficient employment. 
 
 In my position as an associate member of the Minis- 
 terial order, I shared a great many privileges without 
 having the many responsibilities that must devolve 
 upon my superiors. These have all been appreciated 
 from the first, and for these a corresponding equiva- 
 lent must be rendered. 
 
 In 1852, I printed a book entitled, "A Repository 
 of Hymns and Anthems. ' ' This was the first attempt 
 at publishing a work having the hymns set to music. 
 As the Believers at this time had no music type, and 
 as their system was quite unlike that of the world at 
 large, we were obliged to have a font cast for our 
 especial use. This involved considerable expense ; but 
 after exercising extreme patience, I brought out a 
 book of 220 pages. 
 
 Upon the introduction of the periodical entitled, 
 The Shaker, which was published at Albany, N. Y., 
 in 1871, it was suggested that some of our hymns be 
 printed and set to music. As the Shaker system of 
 writing music could not be used, the Believers were 
 forced to use the round notes. A new system of writ- 
 ' 33 
 
ing music was at once adopted, and the book of "An- 
 thems and Hymns" was at the same, time carefully- 
 laid aside, to give place to the advanced step of the 
 community. 
 
 In November, 1859, I removed from the order of 
 Ministry, and was appointed Senior Elder in the 
 Church of Canterbury. As the cross is always quite 
 near to the Christian, I found it at this time directly 
 in front. The spirit of my ministerial cares had taken 
 deep root in my heart, and I sorrowed at parting with 
 many dear friends at Enfield. The family at this 
 time numbered some fifty-five Brethren and seventy- 
 three Sisters. Several trades were in flourishing con- 
 dition. The Second and North Families were also 
 well organized and prosperous. As the new duties 
 began to increase, I soon found my mind absorbed in 
 the interests that were springing up around me. 
 
 As Tlie Shaker had, during the few years of its ex- 
 istence, passed under the management of several per- 
 sons, it was now proposed to appoint a publisher at 
 Canterbury, while the editor lived at Watervliet, N. 
 Y. As I had been engaged in the printing business 
 more or less since 1843, it was proposed for Canter- 
 bury to set the types, put the work into pages, proof- 
 read the same, and then send the type to Concord to 
 be printed. This programme was carried out in 1877, 
 while the paper was in quarto size. In 1S7S, the 
 
 34 
 
paper was changed to pamphlet form, under the title, 
 The Shaker Manifesto. The paper returned to Al- 
 bany in 1879, and the work of the type-setting and 
 printing was done by Weed & Parsons. In 1882, the 
 whole management of The Manifesto was placed under 
 the charge of Canterbury and was edited and pub- 
 lished in this place until December, 1899, when its 
 existence closed. 
 
 On the twenty-third of August, 1863, at the time of 
 the Civil War, I was notified that I had been drafted 
 into the service of the United States, and received this 
 notice from the provost-marshal : 
 
 To Henry C. Blinn, 
 Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 Sir: You are hereby notified that you were on the 
 19th day of August, 1863, legally drafted into the 
 service of the United States for the period of three 
 years, in accordance with the provisions of the act of 
 Congress "for enrolling and calling out the national 
 forces, and for other purposes," approved March 3, 
 1863. 
 
 You will accordingly report, on the 16th of Septem- 
 ber, at the place of rendezvous in Concord, N. H., or 
 be deemed a deserter, and be subjected to the penalty 
 prescribed therefor by the rules of war. 
 
 Transportation will be furnished you in presenting 
 
 35 
 
this notification at Canterbury Depot, on the Boston, 
 Concord & Montreal Railroad, or at the station near- 
 est your place of residence. 
 
 Anthony Colby, 
 Provost-Marshal. 
 2d Dist. of New Hampshire. 
 
 Through the solicitations to the government of 
 Brothers Ezra Leggett, of Ohio, and Benjamin Gates, 
 of Mount Lebanon, N. Y., the above order was counter- 
 manded, much to the relief of myself and my anxious 
 friends. 
 
 On the 16th of September I was at the war office in 
 Concord and after a few kind remarks from the mar- 
 shal, he permitted me a furlough for several weeks. 
 On the 7th of November I received from him the fol- 
 lowing : 
 
 Henry C. Blinn, 
 
 Furlough until called for, 
 
 Anthony Colby, 
 Provost-Marshal, 
 
 2d N. II. District. 
 Nov. 7, 1863. 
 
 I returned to the village and was never called upon 
 again. 
 In 1865, the direction of the public Sunday service 
 36 
 
was accepted by the Church Family, under the imme- 
 diate guidance of the writer. The house, built in 1792, 
 was opened on the first of May and closed on the first 
 of October, each year. These services were continued 
 quite regularly every summer until 1889, when they 
 were discontinued, and all the meetings of the Church 
 Family were held in the chapel, which is a part of the 
 family dwelling. In the spring of 1873, it was my 
 privilege to make a visit to the several societies of Be- 
 lievers, South and "West. I spent three days at Mount 
 Lebanon, and then passed on to the City of Philadel- 
 phia, making a call at the home of the colored Sisters. 
 From this place I ^vent directly to Pleasant Hill, Ky., 
 passing through the cities of Baltimore, Cincinnati 
 and Lexington. After a "visit of two weeks with the 
 Believers at this place, I passed on to South Union, 
 Ky., thence to Union Village, Whitewater, Watervliet 
 and North Union, Ohio, Grovelaud and Mount Leba- 
 non, N. Y., and Hancock, Mass., again reaching home 
 after being absent two months. In a diary written at 
 that time may be found a full account of every place 
 visited, with many notes of interest that came under 
 my observation. 
 
 On the 15th of September, 1880, I was released from 
 the Order of Elders, and was again appointed to the 
 IMinistry, in place of Elder Abraham Perkins, who 
 had returned to Enfield. The Sisters in the JMinistry 
 
 37 
 
at that time were Eldresses Joanna J. Kaime and 
 Hannah P. Shepard. 
 
 April 7, 1890, I returned to the Eldership in Can- 
 terbury, and found little cross in the change. The 
 force and burden of such changes become less and less 
 severe, as we advance in years and grow in knowledge 
 of our duty toward society. 
 
 On the 13th of October, 1891, I was appointed to 
 the Trusteeship, in company with Elder J. S. Kaime. 
 Upon the death of the latter, I was again appointed 
 to the Ministry, July 8, 1893. 
 
 Elder Henry lets fall the thread of history at this 
 point. His amanuensis lifts it to connect the golden 
 cord, which runs through the remaining six years of 
 his stay with us. 
 
 Gradually, gracefully, he seemed to outgrow the re- 
 sponsibilities of earth. While to the last maintaining 
 nominally the office of Minister and Trustee, he will- 
 ingly resigned active duties to younger companions 
 in both orders, depending upon them more and more. 
 
 That he might have all the care needful in his de- 
 cline, apartments at the InlSrmary were kept at his 
 disposal; though he was never better pleased than 
 when able to spend the day at his carpenter's bench, 
 engaged in light cabinet work, a favorite occupation. 
 
 38 
 
Elder Henry was never idle. ''Gentle Manners" and 
 "Spiritualism Among the Shakers," books printed at 
 East Canterbury in 1899, also "The Life and Gospel 
 Experience of Mother Ann Lee," published in 1901, 
 speak for themselves of his industry and alertness of 
 mind. 
 
 Elder Henry had always the pen of a ready writer 
 and a wide correspondence. Until about a year ago, 
 he personally answered all letters received, only occa- 
 sionally employing a penman. After the two slight 
 shocks, which foreshadowed the end, he seemed to lose 
 control of the right hand; and quietly passed the 
 choice pens, which he had used for so many years, to 
 his younger friends as gifts, saying, "I cannot use 
 them now." 
 
 He continued to dictate letters in reply to those re- 
 ceived, and followed the rounds of the day, blessing 
 and being blessed, until the week preceding his de- 
 mise. The last Wednesday of his life, in answer to 
 the query, "Are you tired, Elder Henry?" he gently 
 answered, "0, well, there is rest for the weary." 
 These were the last words he was heard to speak. 
 
 He had a premonition, we think, of the death of 
 Elder Ira R. Lawson, who departed this life at West 
 Pittsfield, Mass., April 5. He was lying quietly when 
 the nurse entered the room. As she neared him, 
 he inquired, "Plave they returned from the fimeral?" 
 
 39 
 
"What funeral?" was asked. "They wdll soon be at 
 home," he went on, as if not hearing the speaker, 
 "there was a large congregation, and our people went 
 in two separate companies, but they will all be at home 
 soon. / attended, too,'' he added, emphatically, "hut 
 they did not see me. ' ' 
 
 Representatives from our society attended the 
 funeral service above referred to, April 8, in two 
 companies, returning at different times. This oc- 
 curred seven days after the death of Elder Henrj-, but 
 as the gate was ajar, he seemed to live in both worlds 
 at the same time. 
 
 40 
 
THE TREE GOD PLANTS. 
 
 The wind that blows can nevei' kill 
 The tree God plants; 
 It bloweth east, it bloweth west, 
 The tender leaves have little rest, 
 But any wind that blows is best. 
 The tree God plants 
 Strikes deeper root, grows higher still. 
 Spreads wider boughs, for God's good will 
 INIeets all its wants. 
 
 There is no frost hath power to blight 
 The tree God shields ; 
 The roots are warm beneath soft snows, 
 And when spring comes it surely knows, 
 And every bud to blossom grows. 
 The tree God shields 
 Grows on apace by day and night. 
 Till, sweet to taste and fair to sight, 
 Its fruit it yields. 
 
 There is no storm hath power to blast 
 The tree God knows; 
 No thunderbolt, nor beating rain. 
 Nor lightning flash, nor hurricane; 
 When these are spent it doth remain. 
 The tree God Imows 
 Through every tempest standeth fast, 
 And, from its first day to its last, 
 Still fairer grows. 
 
 41 
 
If in the soul's still garden place 
 A seed God sows — 
 A little seed — ^it soon will grow, 
 And far and near all men will know 
 For heavenly land he bids it blow. 
 A seed God sows, 
 And np it springs by day and night; 
 Through life, through death, it groweth right. 
 Forever grows. 
 
 (Selected.) 
 
 42 
 
MEMORIAL SERVICE. 
 
 The service in memory of our beloved Elder Henry- 
 was held in the Chapel at East Canterbury, N. H., at 
 2 p. m., April 4, 1905. The society of Enfield, N. H., 
 was represented by Elder Wm. Wilson, Sisters Ann 
 Cummings and Mary Basford, and several friends 
 from adjoining towns were present. 
 
 A selection was read from Psalms xxiii by Elder 
 Arthur Bruce, who, in closing, said: 
 
 "The Scripture read is appropriate to the occasion 
 which calls us together at this time. In losing Elder 
 Henry from our midst, we may find much that con- 
 soles in the thought that he has but passed into a 
 larger sphere of activity. 
 
 "We cannot mourn as those without hope. In the 
 great Beyond he will stiU pursue the mission of doing 
 good. For a few years past he has been unable to 
 assume any direct burden, but his presence in the fam- 
 ily has been a constant benediction. He sought 
 always to encourage well-doing in every age and class. 
 
 ' ' While unable to participate actively in the various 
 concerns of our home, he always manifested the keen- 
 est interest in its success, and spoke often in apprecia- 
 
 43 
 
tion of those who constitute the burden-bearers of 
 today. 
 
 "Words may be multiplied in his praise, but what 
 greater encomium can be pronounced upon his life 
 than to say that he has gone to a 'righteous man's 
 reward!' " 
 
 The following anthein was then sung by the con- 
 gregation : 
 
 Fear Not. 
 
 "Fear thou not, for I am with thee; I have called 
 thee by my name. When thou passest through the 
 waters, I will be with thee and guide thee safely 
 through. Fear thou not, for I will uphold thee ^^•ith 
 the right hand of my righteousness. For I am the 
 Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. ' ' 
 
 TRIBUTE BY ELDER ABRAHAM PERKINS. 
 (Aged 92 years.) 
 
 (The following beautiful tribute was found among 
 the writings left by our aged Brother, who passed 
 away August 12, 1900; and proved a welcome addi- 
 tion to the service. It was, no doubt, composed by 
 the author during a severe illness of Elder Henry, 
 from which he was not expected to recover.) 
 
 By the demise of Elder Henry C. Blinn we are this 
 
 44 
 
day bereaved. It has pleased the Dispenser of life 
 and death to remove from our midst him who has been 
 to us a light, whereby we have found it safe to be 
 guided. 
 
 That he should be relieved of his sufferings is a con- 
 solation, and that he should rest from his many bur- 
 dens we can but feel is just, yet we who have been 
 blest to share his interest and parental care can but 
 realize that a pillar of strength is withdrawn from 
 our Church. 
 
 Beloved Elder Henry, thou hast been to us a tower 
 of strength and a wall of protection, sadly to be 
 missed, but we trust this dispensation will prompt 
 your successors to greater fidelity to divine will and 
 right living. 
 
 Those who have best understood the life and char- 
 acter of our departed Brother, know that he was ever 
 able for self-government, the greatest honor that could 
 be gained, for ' ' he that ruleth his spirit is better than 
 he that taketh a city. ' ' 
 
 Thus, by his exemplary life, he inspired confidence 
 and worked for the protection of souls. Now that we 
 are deprived of his aid and strength, we shall prove 
 our integrity, the character of our foundation will be 
 more fully tested, as also the degree of love we have 
 for purity, truth, the order of Christ's kingdom, and 
 all that is godly and most noble. 
 
 45 
 
Eternal life is at our command. The choice and 
 character of our walk in life are wholly personal. 
 Shall we choose the broad way that leads to ruin, or 
 wisely walk the narrow way that leads to everlasting 
 life? 
 
 The life of beloved Elder Henry is before us as a 
 monument of Christianity, a model of righteousness, 
 whose baptism of the "Christ spirit" we may well 
 covet, and in whose well earned "eternal weight of 
 glory" we would rightfully share. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 TEXTS SPOKEN BY THE BOYS. 
 
 F. W. — "Mark the perfect man and behold the up- 
 right, for the eild of that man is peace. ' ' Ps. xssvii, 
 37. 
 
 R. "W. — "He that overcometh shall inherit all 
 things and I will be his God and he shall be my son. ' ' 
 Rev. xxi, 9. 
 
 G. E. — "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow 
 me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the 
 house of the Lord forever." Ps. xxiii, 6. 
 
 B. W. — "I will make thy name to be remembered 
 in all generations." Ps. xlv, 17. 
 
 46 
 
p. W. — ' ' Suffer little children to come unto me and 
 forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of 
 Heaven." Luke xviii, 18. 
 
 Eldress Dorothea T. Cochran followed with appro- 
 priate remarks, the substance of which was: "It is 
 with a peculiar solemnity that we meet today, for 
 duty calls us to pay our last tribute on this side to 
 a beloved friend. Elder Henry was the last of our 
 former Ministry, who resided in the family when I 
 entered it 50 years ago. He was a man of honor by 
 nature, chastened and refined by personal Christian 
 discipline. "We are quite sure that those who were his 
 companions in burden for so many years will accord 
 him a royal welcome to the beautiful City beyond. 
 
 "Nothing that we may say can adequately praise 
 the virtues gained by the cross of Christ. "We have 
 seen characters wrought in adamant under the chisel- 
 ing of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 "Elder Henry's life has been an example of godli- 
 ness, safe for us all to follow. Through years of de- 
 votion to the cause which is very dear to us all, his 
 interest was so interwoven with ours that I am sure 
 he will never leave us. He has earned his passport to 
 the higher life. "We have the same privilege; let us 
 go and ' do likewise. ' ' ' 
 
 47 
 
HEAVEN. 
 Sung by the Chorus. 
 
 "I shall know my own in Heaven, 
 
 God's pure children of the light; 
 All their sins have been forgiven 
 
 And their robes are pearly white. 
 I shall know them in their whiteness,— 
 
 All of self is washed away, — 
 I shall know them in their brightness, 
 
 Angels of eternal day. 
 
 "I shall know my own in Heaven 
 
 By a new and hallowed name, 
 Angel ministry their glory, 
 
 Winning souls with Christ to reign. 
 I shall hear their holy voices, 
 
 I shall see their work divine; 
 Rising unto heights eternal, 
 
 I shall know them — they are mine!" 
 
 The following letter was then read: 
 
 Lebanon, Ohio. 
 Our Beloved Friends: 
 
 "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." Truly 
 the household of faith are experiencing the truth of 
 this saying. We also loved Elder Henry. While our 
 acquaintance with him, compared with that of others, 
 
 48 
 
was limited, we have known him but to love him as a 
 father and a supporter to the cause of truth. 
 
 When my home was among the cedars instead of the 
 maples, I always looked forward with much pleasure 
 to a visit from the Eastern Ministry, of whom Elder 
 Henry was one. 
 
 He has won for himself a eulogy of honor and the 
 joyful welcome, "Well done." What he has long- 
 seen in vision, he now realizes in the Holy City, to 
 which we are all journeying. 
 
 We are with you, dear friends, in your great be- 
 reavement, and our hearts beat in sympathy as we 
 speak the parting words to one we have loved so long. 
 And yet why need we say farewell? Our Brother is 
 still with us. His whole soul and interest were de- 
 voted to the upbuilding of Zion, and death can never 
 sever such tender ties. His greatest monument of 
 praise is in the hearts of his spiritual posterity. 
 
 In closing, I would say let us break the alabaster 
 boxes over our friends today, while they are with us 
 to inhale the fragrance of the precious ointment. 
 
 The Brethren and Sisters here in the West all join 
 in kind love to all. 
 
 Your gospel Brother, 
 
 Andrew B^vrrett. 
 
 49 
 
TRIBUTE. 
 By Sister A. C. Stickney. 
 
 Every evening during the mouth of ]March was seen 
 the beautiful evening star, Venus. We admired its 
 brightness and its promptness as we looked up to its 
 shining face at every day's decline. It seemed to say 
 to the observer, "Here I am again at my post of honor. 
 Nations have passed away in the thousands of years 
 that have rolled by since I first learned my place in 
 the starry vault; but as I am a part of God's great 
 plan, I can never fail my duty as a star. ' ' 
 
 As we turned aside we thought. Are there not other 
 luminaries that seem to us a part of Deific Power ? 
 
 I am thinking of our worthy Elder Henry, who has 
 just passed to the "Better Land." Has he not, since 
 his day's decline, been steadfast, like the evening star, 
 at his post of honor? We think so. Like a star of 
 progress, uprightness, integrity and self-discipline, he 
 has shone through the evening of his days, and will he 
 not soon become a morning star in the spheres beyond ? 
 
 In his character is emphasized the Scriptural pass- 
 age: "He that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that 
 taketh a city." 
 
 Elder Henry, as a man, was cosmopolitan in his 
 ideas. He maintained that the world was gradually 
 growing better. He taught his people to love and 
 
 50 
 
honor all Christian societies in the land, to sympa- 
 thize with their trials, to rejoice at their prosperity. 
 
 He had a great interest in youth and children, as 
 we all know, and many a wayward boy was won by 
 his advice to live better, carrying away from a per- 
 sonal interview with him a memory gem as a sweet 
 memento of real friendship to cherish. 
 
 His late work, "Gentle Manners," a veritable key 
 to practical life, proved him a true gentleman, a 
 scholar, and a humane friend to the inexperienced. 
 May our little friends who have learned to love the 
 departed, read often the wholesome counsels contained 
 in the work mentioned, and feel that they are improv- 
 ing themselves and honoring its author. 
 
 Beloved Elder Henry, we are able to say much more 
 in your praise, were it necessary, but you never ex- 
 alted yourself nor boasted of your attainments. We 
 can only say, ' ' A man of sterling uprightness is above 
 our praise," but we add, "Farewell, dear Elder, 
 teacher and Brother. May you rejoice in your happy 
 translation to the life beyond!" 
 
 61 
 
HYIklN. 
 
 Sung by the Youth. 
 
 There are treasures bright, immortal, 
 Which thy soul doth ever share ; 
 For through life ye kept the gospel, 
 'Twas thy interest and care. 
 In the promise of youth's morning 
 "Was thy consecration given, 
 And thy soul through every burden 
 Sought the better joys of Heaven. 
 
 Ended here thy earthly mission. 
 Filled with peace and purest love. 
 Now to be renewed in Heaven, 
 'Mid the angel throng above; 
 For the flood of Heaven 's glory 
 Now hath burst upon thy sight. 
 And the friends ye knew in earth-life 
 Welcome thee to realms of light. 
 
 Elder Freeman B. White offered remarks, eulogiz- 
 ing his Christian friendship with the deceased, cover- 
 ing a series of years. 
 
 53 
 
U. G. 
 
 A. F. 
 
 F. W. 
 
 L. F. 
 
 THE CHILDREN'S FRIEND. 
 
 Spoken by the Little Girls. 
 
 Hushed are our childish voices, 
 Our grief with yours to bleud, 
 
 For our good Elder Henry 
 Is e'en the children's friend. 
 
 R. H. 
 
 Ne'er in too great a hurry, 
 No business could defeat 
 
 Your plans to please the children, 
 Our simple wants to meet. 
 
 We loved your kind "Good morning." 
 Your pleasant voice at noon ; 
 
 And oft the friendly visits 
 Were ended all too soon. 
 
 We hold in earthly keeping 
 Choice tokens of your love. 
 
 And in our thought, bright memories 
 Of the good life called above. 
 
 Our last, the gift of parting, 
 Bestowed on Christmas Day, 
 
 Was given for all the children 
 In remembrance of you alway, 
 53 
 
E. W. 
 
 E. F. 
 
 E. P. 
 
 All. 
 
 You crossed the icy pathway, 
 
 Expressing the wish to see 
 If your gift had pleased the children, 
 
 Ajrain it might never be. 
 
 You made us think of Jesus, 
 Who called the children near, 
 
 And in your loving kindness 
 We knew we'd naught to fear. 
 
 Our hearts are sad to lose you, 
 And yet we feel quite sure 
 
 That the children's friend in Heaven 
 Will welcome the good and pure. 
 
 Good-bye, good Elder Henry, 
 
 We love you just the same, 
 And please, when you look from Heaven, 
 
 Remember each little name. 
 And bless and keep us near you ; 
 
 Our childish prayers ascend 
 For one little place, e'en humble, 
 
 In the home of the children's friend. 
 
 54 
 
This was followed by the singing of the hymn, 
 
 The Landing. 
 
 ' ' I shall meet the brave souls at the ' Landing, ' 
 "When shore unto shore shall respond ; 
 Where kindred and guardians are joyful 
 To widen the spiritual bond. 
 
 "I shall meet them as friends of the Saviour, 
 
 Who victory in earth-life have found; 
 Where he triumphed, they also had conquest, — 
 Together they reign and are crowned. ' ' 
 
 WORDS OF COUNSEL BY ELDER HENRY. 
 
 Spoken by the Youth. 
 
 G. S. — I never knew a person to make a good reso- 
 lution but what it proved a blessing to him ; but there 
 is a germ I would start in the heart of every young 
 person, and that is, faith and trust in prayer. I have 
 proved this gift to be a power to bless us individually 
 and to hold us as a people. 
 
 Turn 3'our attention more to prayer. When under 
 temptation, pray. "When under affliction, pray; and 
 even in the enjoyment of prosperity, let us pray. 
 
 H. C. — It has sometimes been said that the work of 
 God in our Church would come to naught. I have no 
 sympathy with such a sentiment. I would as soon 
 
declare myself to be an atheist as to believe the work 
 of God would be a failure. I would as soon believe 
 that God himself would fail. God is "the same yes- 
 terday, today and forever." Those who live up- 
 rightly from the rising to the setting of the sun will 
 be saved ; those who do not, will know failure. 
 
 L. H. — When taking supper to Elder Henry a few 
 days before his decease, the messenger expressed the 
 hope that he would find all that he desired, to which 
 Elder Henry beautifullj^ replied : 
 
 "I need but little here below, 
 Have little time to learn, 
 Then, that world to which I go, 
 Shall be my rich concern." 
 
 C. W.— On May 22, 1904, Elder Henry remarked: 
 **I feel to say with the Psalmist of old, 'Surely good- 
 ness and mercy hath followed me all the days of my 
 life,' but he added something grander and richer. 
 He goes on to say, 'I will dwell in the house of the 
 Lord forever.' That is what I say, — I will dwell in 
 the house of the Lord forever." 
 
 I. C. — Love is the foundation of all that is God's, 
 it endureth, trieth and proveth all things. Those who 
 accept the gospel of Christ become one with Him, as 
 they imbibe this love which endureth and is as strong 
 for their neighbor as themselves. 
 
 56 
 
L_ Y. w.— I often feel to say to the Brethren and 
 Sisters as Saint Paul said, ' ' Grow not weary in well- 
 doing." If you grow not weary, you will be success- 
 ful in the Christian work. 
 
 H. D. — We preach the gospel by our lives, silently 
 but effectually. "The gospel is a simple little lesson 
 to learn," as our older Brethren and Sisters used to 
 tell us. Let us learn it well. 
 
 L. C. — Evil-speaking is ruinous. It scatters and 
 weakens all order and peace and is destructive to the 
 virtue and character of all who indulge in it. "We 
 may see a fault in a brother or sister and take pleasure 
 in presenting it to another, the more colors the better. 
 But the thorn soon makes its appearance, pricking 
 deep and leaving a sting it is hard to remove. 
 
 LINES. 
 
 By 8. F. Wilson. 
 
 "The time of my departure is at hand. I have 
 fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have 
 kept the faith." II Tim. iv, 6, 7. 
 
 The gates of the New Jerusalem, 
 
 The city of our God, 
 Are opened wide in welcome 
 
 To such as have kept the word. 
 
 57 
 
Who the Lamb have faithfully followed 
 Shall dwell in pastures green, 
 
 Beside still flowing waters 
 The pure in heart are seen. 
 
 The text of the dear departed 
 
 Was, — Broadcast with liberal hand, 
 
 O, spread the tidings of great joy 
 Throughout our favored land. 
 
 The bread cast on the waters 
 Shall return after many days 
 
 With increase even an hundred-fold, 
 For such are God's marvelous ways. 
 
 How many rich years of service 
 In teaching the blessed Avord, 
 
 That the gospel seed in the hearts of men 
 Be sown in the name of the Lord ! 
 
 For the faith God-given and precious, 
 
 A reason be able to give, 
 So filled with the power of the spirit 
 
 That others, hearing, may live. 
 
 Who is saved, must become a savior, 
 That the lost may all be found 
 
 And restored by righteous living 
 To the pathway of Christian ground. 
 
 'And still, 'tis a simple lesson," 
 
 Elder Henry has often said, 
 'Cease to do evil, learn to do well," 
 
 So plain from the Good Book read, 
 
 58 
 
That a child need not err in the choosing, 
 
 The wayfarer not go astray, 
 But lovingly, trnstingiy, walk the path, 
 
 Growing brighter to perfect day. 
 
 ******** 
 
 The good man, like Jesus, was calling 
 
 The children so oft to come near. 
 He loved them, e'en as the flowers 
 
 That bloom in the spring of the year. 
 
 He loved all of God's creation. 
 
 Not an insect small would he harm, 
 
 His life was a volume of kindness. 
 Forbearance, forgiveness as balm. 
 
 We'll continue the work of our fathers. 
 Our mothers, who've "gone on before," 
 
 Ne'er weary nor faint in "well-doing;" 
 We shall meet them when time is no more. 
 
 We would ' ' meet them as friends of the Saviour. 
 
 Who victory in earth-life have found. 
 Where they triumphed we also have conquest, 
 
 Together will reign and be crowned." 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 By Our Friend, H. B. Hathaway, Sr., 
 of Providence, B. I. 
 
 In fulfilment of a promise made some time previous, 
 I considered myself fortunate to reach the bedside of 
 
 59 
 
dear Elder Henry before his departure. Though but 
 for a few moments, I felt it a privilege to take his 
 hand and say the last word, "It is finished." Truly 
 one of God's noblemen has passed from earth. 
 
 Several years ago, I became acquainted with Elder 
 Henry and his conversations were always helpful 
 to me. An abiding friendship grew and ripened from 
 the time of my first visit. I feel that I have lost 
 a personal friend, but it is a comfort to remember 
 that we shall meet again. 
 
 The dear friend was a monument of goodness and 
 strength, but he has left many monuments in this little 
 village to his name and life-work, and in our hearts 
 his memory will ever live. 
 
 I am glad to have kno^^^l him. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 By Dr. W. A. Megrath, of Loudon, N. E. 
 
 I have known Elder Henry for 15 years, most of 
 that time in a professional line. It is my lot to see 
 many persons under pain and suffering, but I have 
 never visited Elder Henry without admiring his re- 
 markable self-control and patience. I can truthfully 
 say that every ministration I have given Elder Henry 
 has been fully repaid in counsel and good advice. 
 
 "Whenever I called to see him, he was frequently 
 60 
 
unable to be at his work, but he always had some book 
 or writing at hand, for he always employed his leisure 
 for the betterment of his intellect. In conversation 
 with him, I never found any topic he was not per- 
 fectly at home with, and he generally showed thought 
 superior in judgment and wisdom, being a man liberal 
 in his views, always gathering only good from persons 
 and experiences. 
 
 In my travels from town to town, there is no man 
 that is so much inquired for as Elder Henry. I take 
 it, that it is because of his kindly manner to every one. 
 
 I learned to love Elder Henry. I shall miss him 
 as a personal friend. 
 
 SPOKEN BY OUR FRIEND, 
 
 Robert Morrill of Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 I esteem it a privilege to attend this Memorial Ser- 
 vice in behalf of our mutual friend, Elder Henry. I 
 have known him from a boy. 
 
 Many people respected him for his intelligence and 
 scholarly mind, but I never looked into his kindly face 
 that I did not see the mark of a Christian. 
 
 He was a good man, always looked up to and re- 
 spected. The Shakers have lost a shining light, and 
 the town of Canterbury a noble townsman. I shall 
 
 61 
 
miss my old-time friend, and I assure you my sjTnpa- 
 thies are with j'ou all in your bereavement. 
 
 The service closed with a benediction and the casket 
 was lovingly removed to its last resting-place, bearing 
 many floral tokens, among which was a memorial of 
 friendship from Mr. S. H. Mead of IManchester, N. H., 
 a bank of select flowers, lieautiful roses and pinks con- 
 spicuous; also, a floral pillow, bearing the inscription 
 "Father," from the brethren of the home circle. The 
 flowers were left upon the grave, making a pleasant 
 farewell to our Friend. 
 
 62 
 
SELECTIONS FROM ELDER HENRY'S 
 SAYINGS. 
 
 We sing, "With the hundred, four and forty thou- 
 sand, I would stand on Mount Zion with the Heavenly 
 Lamb." Many persons may join in the hjann with 
 the aspiration to be one of the redeemed number, but 
 of what avail will it be to stand in that position, unless 
 one can feel that he has honestly earned the place by 
 good works? 
 
 We read with surprise of defalcations in the world 
 among business men, yet do we not witness the same 
 spirit in our communities ? Is there not the same ten- 
 dency to evil in this and many other forms? But we 
 need not question the cause ; they are only reaping the 
 harvest which they have sown. Are not these numer- 
 ous lessons proof to us of the wonderful truth of the 
 words, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he 
 also reap"? 
 
 Another lesson comes to mind, of the man who 
 owned a good farm and his one desire was to have it 
 look pretty, but instead of taking pains to sow good 
 seed, which would produce a useful and bountiful 
 harvest of good fruit, he sowed thistles, and they grew 
 
 63 
 
rapidly to full bloom — a beautiful show, but entirely- 
 useless to himself or his neighbors. 
 
 For years he reaped in sorrow the consequence of 
 his unwise sowing, as we all know the thistle sheds its 
 seed over many miles of land and the consequences, 
 like bad habits, are not removed in a day. 
 
 There are many persons who are anxious to secure 
 a harvest of good fruit in their lives, but unless they 
 are willing to be disciplined by the law of grace, which 
 is as the cultivation of the seed, they fail to meet their 
 desire. Some will say they have striven and prayed 
 to live a virtuous life, but the more they prayed and 
 worked the worse they found themselves, forgetting, 
 meanwhile, that they have been sowing thistles, mak- 
 ing thrice the work for themselves ; for these must all 
 be rooted up, the old growth must be destroyed before 
 the good seed can be sown. 
 
 Herein we stand face to face with the stern realities 
 of life, for according to God 's law of growth we must 
 reap what we have sown, be it in joy or sorrow. 
 
 It is a pleasure to meet with you, Brethren and Sis- 
 ters, on this, the first evening of the New Year, and 
 to wish you all a prosperous journey toward the king- 
 dom of Heaven. 
 
 Let us renew our Christian watchword, and as we 
 make good resolutions for the coming year, bear in 
 
 64 
 
mind that all in our lives which is not of God must be 
 sacrificed, else we are building with "hay, wood and 
 stubble," instead of on the solid foundation of truth. 
 
 There is a hymn we sometimes sing, which is : 
 "Speak gently to the erring, know they may have 
 toiled in vain." Speak gently to the aged, their life 
 is nearly spent. Speak gently to the young, for they 
 will certainly have trouble enough to pass through. 
 
 I think of this very often, and when I meet my 
 Brethren I want to pass them as a brother in Christ, 
 not as one stranger passing another, but as a friend. 
 I want to take them by the hand and speak words of 
 encouragement and comfort to them. 
 
 Dear young people: It is no small matter to be 
 saved, but it is an easy matter to be lost. If you 
 would stand the test of your faith, you must be 
 planted in the principles of truth and uprightness, for 
 these alone will hold you in the hour of temptation 
 and trial. Unless you gain these as your abiding 
 treasure, you are in danger. 
 
 Keep the gospel, it will pay you. 
 
 Many of the things of this world often seem to 
 
 young people like attractive flowers, alluring them 
 
 from the path in which their feet should walk. They 
 
 are of all colors and sizes, and present a dazzling 
 
 5 65 
 
variety. Saint Paul speaks of them as undesirable 
 and pernicious, evils to be avoided. Let us not stop 
 by the wayside to cull these beautiful but deceptive 
 flowers, for it will retard our progress in the good 
 way. There are lovely flowers, "roses and lilies," 
 that ''eternally bloom" in the narrow path between 
 us and God. These bring peace and comfort and are 
 kindly strewn in our way for encouragement. 
 
 We have a long journey before us, but we have the 
 assurance it will bring us all to the City of Rest, "if 
 we faint not. ' ' 
 
 66 
 
HOME TRIBUTES. 
 
TRIBUTE. 
 Eldress S. C. Hall. 
 
 Well may we sing, 
 
 * ' O, the loved and blest, who have gone before, 
 We there shall meet on immortal shore 
 And join in praises forevermore, 
 As eternal life we are sharing." 
 
 What a happy thought! The chain of soul com- 
 munion with dear friends, who have toiled so faith- 
 fully with us while in earth-life still remains un- 
 broken, being formed of enduring love, genuine and 
 true. 
 
 Must we say the kind farewell to beloved Elder 
 Henry, the last of our former order of Ministry, whom 
 we cherished with deep affection? They have gone 
 to prepare a place for us, that where they are, there 
 we may be also. They have given into our keeping 
 the principles of the real Christian life, which they 
 lived and taught by precept and example. 
 
 We have known our good Elder Henry but to love 
 and respect his chastened life of peace and good-will 
 toward all. He was a strong advocate of a righteous, 
 godly life, as a means of sowing broadcast over the 
 
 69 
 
earth the teachings of Christ and the knowledge of 
 salvation as taught by IMother Ann. Elder Henry 
 often referred, in his public discourse, to the peculiar 
 mission of our Church. In the pamphlet, "The Ad- 
 vent of Christ in Man and Woman," published by 
 him in 1896, he wrote: "Ann Lee was a woman with 
 gifts so rare, sustaining a life and character so pure 
 and blameless before God and man, that those coming 
 into her presence at once felt an influence and power 
 which they could not resist." 
 
 Our beloved Brother has gone to reap the reward of 
 his labors; truly he hears "the welcome song ring o'er 
 the sea of glass." 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 FOOTPRINTS. 
 Sister L. A. Shepard. 
 
 Great and good men leave behind them "footprints 
 on the sands of time." This we may truly say of 
 Elder Henry. 
 
 Through long years of acquaintance, we have known 
 of his strict adherence to the principles of the gospel 
 and his great concern in the upbuilding of the king- 
 dom of righteousness upon earth. By precept and 
 example he sought to impress the truth that the inter- 
 
 70 
 
est manifested in keeping the laws of God as ex- 
 pressed in the code of rules adopted in our communal 
 homes, was best proof of the depth of our honesty. 
 
 Elder Henry was broad in his views of science and 
 religion, but held with tenacity to detail. A con- 
 scientious apology for a discourtesy was as familiar 
 to us from him as were expressions of his loftiest 
 ideals. Nothing seemed beneath his dignity that con- 
 tributed to the maintenance of harmony and peace. 
 "A church divided against itself cannot stand, still 
 less bring forth the fruits of the spirit," he would 
 often say; hence he freely acknowledged any effort 
 made for the promotion of health, convenience, beauty 
 and honor in our various homes. 
 
 We well know he was endowed by nature with supe- 
 rior mental and moral qualities; but these he em- 
 ployed, through a long life, as a means toward true 
 soul culture, which excelled all else in his mind. He 
 had, from his "youth up," the strength of heaven- 
 born convictions, and none can gainsay his virtue. 
 
 We feel that his life lessons in this probationary 
 school have been well learned. The chastened spirit 
 falls into line among the heavenly students so grace- 
 fully that they need not break step in their upward 
 march. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 71 
 
IX MEMORY. 
 R. Cummings. 
 
 "One more in Heaven! 
 
 Another thought to brighten cloudy days, 
 Another link on high our souls to raise 
 To home and Heaven." 
 
 Aye, one more of the bright sainted spirits whose 
 presence has, for so many years, blessed our earthly 
 home, has passed on to the other life ; and we may well 
 feel that another link is forged in the chain connecting 
 us with our heavenly home. 
 
 When we look back upon the experiences of our 
 earlier life among the teachers and counsellors of our 
 youth, Ave find beloved Elder Henry one whose counsel 
 guided and whose teaching strengthened the choice to 
 forsake the relations and ambitions of a worldly life 
 for Christ's sake, and to enter into the better relation 
 with the pure in heart. The influence and example of 
 his life, chastened and disciplined by a deep religious 
 principle, shone out before our youthful vision with 
 a lustre which the ripened acquaintance of maturer 
 jTars has never dimmed. To have knoA\Ti such a char- 
 acter of sterling integrity and uprightness has, indeed, 
 been a benediction and spiritual uplift to those priAi- 
 leged, for so many years, to share the helpfulness and 
 inspiration from such devoted, consecrated ]\Iinistry. 
 
 Such need no earthly monuments to perpetuate their 
 72 
 
memory, for ineffaceablj- impressed upon our hearts 
 is the memory of good deeds wrought, kindly, helpful 
 ■words of admonition and counsel given; and, above 
 all, the beautiful example of thorough Christian cour- 
 tesy and kindness, which constitute a memorial more 
 enduring than tablet of bronze or marble,— impression 
 not only for time, but for all eternity. 
 
 Farewell, beloved Elder Henry! Though passed 
 from mortal sight we feel 
 
 "That ever near us, though unseen. 
 The dear immortal spirits tread; 
 For all the boundless imiverse 
 Is life, — there are no dead. ' ' 
 Enfield, N. H. 
 
 A NOBLE LIFE. 
 n. B. Hathaway. 
 
 A perusal of the life of Elder Henry could not fail 
 to impress one with his high ideals and noble aspira- 
 tions. These were stamped upon his countenance, 
 making more grand, features for which nature had 
 done much. The beauty and grandeur of these same 
 qualities were sho-OTi also in his daily life, in neatness 
 of person and nicety of handiwork in whatever sphere 
 his talents were called into action. 
 
 He was a great lover of nature, and was possessed 
 73 
 
of a temperament which was keenly alive to the good 
 and beautiful in eveiything. His kindly nature was 
 sure to respond to any call from the small and weak, 
 whether of child or bird or animal. Any one coming 
 into his presence could never forget this grand trait 
 of character. 
 
 He was an earnest seeker after truth and an admirer 
 of honest convictions, no matter by whom expressed. 
 
 An ardent student of the Bible, his highest aim was 
 to bring his life to conform to what he believed to be 
 his Christian duty. 
 
 "Whatever may have been his natural inclinations, 
 he so disciplined himself that all felt the influence of 
 his dignified, yet kindly bearing. He was an honor 
 and a strength to the cause to which he gave his life ; 
 and in passing out from among us he has left an ex- 
 ample worthy to be patterned. 
 
 To have the love and regard of friends and acquaint- 
 ances as did Elder Henry, was, in itself, a tribute to 
 his integrity and sterling worth. 
 
 East C^vnterbury, N. H. 
 
 OUR FRIEND. 
 
 E. I. Greenwood. 
 
 As a young man who has known Elder Henry since 
 
 my boyhood days, I would add my tribute to the many 
 
 already written. 
 
 74 
 
"Wlien I was a boy, he always seenied like one of tlie 
 fathers. Xo one knew him but to love and respect 
 him. No matter Avhen or where we met him, there 
 was always the same kind, dignified, courteous spirit. 
 I always enjoyed talking with him. His memory of 
 the society in his early manhood was remarkable. He 
 was always ready with reminiscences of the old times 
 and the old people. He, at the same time, took a very 
 great interest in all the improvements of the day, 
 although he could take no active part in them. 
 
 The birds and the flowers were his friends, also. 
 Many a wild flower I have asked him about, and he 
 always Imew all about it, often telling me where I 
 had found it. It Avas the same with the birds. He 
 always watched for them in the spring. He would 
 take his opera glass and watch the swallows building 
 their nests, or a robin in a high tree. In the latter 
 years of his life, when confined to the house, he 
 seemed to watch them as companions. 
 
 In these last days, when the weather kept him in- 
 doors a great deal, we always watched for him on the 
 sunny days, when he could walk out. When he met 
 us, he always had a smile, a pleasant word; or, if too 
 far away, would wave his hand or cane, as a sign of 
 recognition. Now, it really seems as if he had left us 
 but for a wliile, and on some one of these bright sunny 
 days we should see him again. 
 
 75 
 
He is the last of the old fathers to leave us. We 
 have watched them go, one by one, until now we have 
 left only the remembrance of their good lives and 
 good deeds, which can never die, and which are an 
 incentive to us to see to it that when we have closed 
 this earthly pilgrimage, we may leave behind a record 
 of faithfulness and devotion to the cause to which they 
 gave their all. 
 
 East Caxterbury. X. H. 
 
 A GUIDING LIGHT. 
 A. Allison. 
 
 Our hearts need not be saddened by the death of 
 our beloved Brother, but may be made brighter by the 
 guiding light which his life has shed in our path. He 
 has set us an example, true to the standard by which 
 our Saviour lived and taught, for he believed that de- 
 votion to God con.stituted the whole duty of man. 
 
 Elder Henry was a verj" pleasing man. He had a 
 cheery word for everj' one he met. On drearj- days 
 his "Good morning" seemed to put a silver lining to 
 every dark cloud. 
 
 As young people, our hearts bring a tribute of grati- 
 tude for the good counsel which Elder Henry so will- 
 ingly imparted to us in our life struggle, where he had 
 come off victorious. 
 
 76 
 
TVe, then, as ''workers together with him/' shall 
 seek to live, as did our beloved Brother and teacher, 
 "by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by 
 kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned." 
 
 East Caxtekburt. X. H. 
 
 IN GRATEFUL EEMEIMBRAXCE. 
 A. J. Crooker. 
 
 The silent messenger of death has removed from our 
 home circle our beloved friend and Brother, Elder 
 Henry. 
 
 "We have known him for many years only to honor 
 and respect his devoted and willing ministry, given 
 for the maintenance of our gospel home. TVe believe 
 his soul's interest will still be with his people, and he 
 will, though unseen, be near to bless and comfort those 
 who remain to bear the burden he was wont to carry 
 in bygone days. 
 
 He has set his seal of neatness, order and fidelity 
 wherever he has been called to act. 
 
 We lovingly repeat the kind farewell, while we hold 
 in remembrance his loyalty to the principles of truth 
 and purity as the foundation stones of our commiuiity. 
 
 "We believe the resurrected spirit will be welcomed 
 by many former loved companions in the ' ' Sweet Sum- 
 
mer Land," and he will receive the blessed assurance, 
 ' ' Well done, good and faithful servant, enter now into 
 the rest prepared for those who have fought the good 
 fight and kept the faith unto the end." 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 A PAGE FROM MEMORY. 
 A. Cummings. 
 
 I am pleased to offer my tribute of filial regard to 
 the life and character of the beloved Brother, whom 
 I have known from childhood as a strong advocate of 
 Christianity. 
 
 As I turn the pages of Memory's Book, I recall the 
 efforts made to print and circulate the truths and 
 principles so dear to the Heaven-bound pilgrim, the 
 circulation of which has not only been good and help- 
 ful in spreading the knowledge of the truth abroad, 
 but at the same time has been the means of confirming 
 faith within the church. 
 
 Another blessing shared through the instrumental- 
 ity of beloved Elder Henry was an interpretation of 
 the Scriptures as the message of God to lead souls to 
 life eternal. 
 
 I am glad that it has been my privilege to know in 
 this life friendships that never wane. Beautiful 
 
spirits have passed from among us to the higher life. 
 May their blessing and instruction overshadow us until 
 we, too, pass the pearly gate ! 
 Enfield, N. H. 
 
 SUNSET CALL. 
 
 Mary Basford. 
 
 While looking for the last time upon the peaceful 
 features of our lifelong friend, Elder Henry, the 
 words of the poet Tennyson came to mind : 
 
 "Sunset and evening star, 
 And one clear call for me; 
 And may there be no moaning of the bar, 
 When I put out to sea. ' ' 
 
 No thought of death lingered with us; the silence 
 seemed only like a sleep from which he would awaken 
 to the full fruition of his lifework across the "Great 
 Divide." 
 
 The faith and goodness of his mission here extends 
 its influence to many hearts. The character was made 
 stronger and spiritual growth more perfect by meet- 
 ing each daily test with fortitude. We ask that you 
 bear to Heaven our best offerings, and may we meet 
 you in the house of many mansions. 
 
 Enfield, N. H. 
 
 79 
 
DEPARTED. 
 M. Keniston. 
 
 "Onr truest tributes must ever remain unwritten," 
 as only in the language of the soul can the deepest, 
 purest emotions be expressed. 
 
 The stillness of death pervades our home, a visible 
 presence is taken from our midst. A good man has 
 departed from among us. His life work, unwearied 
 and constant, declares his uprightness, and must ever 
 remain as a monument to his memory, more durable 
 than any of earthly material. He has indeed fought 
 the good fight, and kept the Christian faith, and now 
 can fully realize that 
 
 "There is a peaceful, happy state, 
 Where parting is not known." 
 
 Enfield, N. H. 
 
 IN TRIBUTE. 
 
 M. J. Tatterton. 
 
 "Beautiful soul, you have braved every conflict, 
 Nobly contended with wind and with tide. 
 Arisen, to meet the brave souls at the 'Landing,' 
 Arisen, with friends of earth-life to abide." 
 
 We may not see the familiar form, but instinctively 
 we speak of the good father as still with us. Our con- 
 
 80 
 
fidence in the life to come tells us the spirit has only 
 arisen above the environments of earth, and will not 
 forsake the people with whom he has shared Zion's 
 interests and burdens for nearly three-score years. 
 
 With friends and coworkers who have passed on 
 before, we love to believe he is now rejoicing, as they 
 alone rejoice "who victory in earth-life have found." 
 
 With untiring faithfulness, he strove to promote in- 
 telligence in our home, not only from an educational 
 standpoint, but working to the end that every young 
 disciple be able to give a reason for the faith cherished. 
 
 His example is as a shining light, and his influence 
 still rests with us as a blessing to society. 
 
 Beloved Elder Henry ! The memory of his noble life 
 will ever be an incentive to forget not the God of our 
 fathers and to forsake not the law of our mothers. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 IN MEMORIAM. 
 M. E. Briggs. 
 "Salvation comes largely from a disciplinary care 
 of the mind, and it would be a sad travesty on the 
 name of a gentleman or Christian to find that some of 
 the essentials for the foundation of a better Christian 
 character were carelessly ignored." 
 
 I quote the above keynote of the lifework of our 
 * 81 
 
arisen father, Elder Henry C. Blinn, from "Gentle 
 Manners," a book quite recently revised by him, a 
 rich legacy for future generations, bearing the impress 
 on every page of a well-trained mind and a pure heart. 
 I have hope that it may sometime be used by many 
 young people as a text-book, as one has given us the 
 assurance that his able editorials in The Manifesto 
 were just beginning to bear fruit in the West. 
 
 The mere grouping together of words on paper, in 
 the form of eulogy, is to me counterfeit if the spirit 
 has been of a different character in its relationship ; 
 indeed, it is said, ' ' The world breaks the hearts of its 
 benefactors and then, after many days, builds them 
 sepulchers. ' ' 
 
 It is my privilege to say my whole acquaintance 
 leaves pleasant memories. My first intelligent inter- 
 est in the Scriptures as a guide in life was not only 
 awakened, but established, through the labors of this 
 faithful, gentle teacher; and I am grateful to have 
 known in earth-life, one to whom so truthfully may 
 be applied the term, "Man of God." His ministra- 
 tions have ever been of an uplifting character, and I 
 seem to hear his interested spirit saying to those who 
 are yet toiling, "Weary not in well-doing." 
 
 Enfield, N. H. 
 
 82 
 
FILIAL REMEMBRANCE. 
 
 J. Evans. 
 
 ''You may break, you may shatter the vase, if you 
 
 will; 
 
 But the scent of the roses will hang round it still. " 
 
 So wrote the poet Thomas Moore; and so we men- 
 tally addressed the messenger with whom our beloved 
 Elder Henry slipped away from earth on the after- 
 noon of April 1. 
 
 He was the last of our patriarchs, as we may say, 
 and we were doubly loth to say farewell. His de- 
 parture marks the boundary, as it were, between the 
 veteran counsellors of the past and the burden-bearers 
 of the present, to whom their trusts are confided. 
 
 For this reason the past seven years have been pecu- 
 liarly pathetic with us. Elder Henry alone M-as 
 spared to us, and we loved to see the kind white-haired 
 father pass to and fro. We loved to refer to him any 
 home item that would not cause him anxiety. The 
 little keepsakes of his neat handiwork, distributed 
 here and there among us, possessed a special value. 
 As he bent upon his cane from increasing feebleness, 
 his soul, too, seemed to bend in blessing over the spir- 
 itual consecrations and the temporal enterprises of 
 those who succeeded him and his risen companions in 
 the stewardship of our home. It was touching to hear 
 
 83 
 
him often refer to his ' ' going away before long, ' ' and 
 to witness his implicit trust that all would be well 
 eared for. 
 
 None came within the radius of his influence with- 
 out honoring his sterling virtues. He had always a 
 smile and a cheery word for the inexperienced; the 
 children were never ill at ease or timid when near 
 Elder Henry. 
 
 There is another "vacant chair" in our midst, we 
 miss the dear familiar friends we loved so well ; but we 
 cannot speak of death. "To live in hearts we leave 
 behind, is not to die." 
 
 East Cantekbury, N. H. 
 
 TO OUR FRIEND. 
 
 " It is not much the heart can tell in words of human 
 
 speech. 
 Its deep recesses lie apart where only thought to 
 thought can reach." 
 
 In contemplating the nobility of character and in- 
 estimable worth of our venerated father and friend, 
 the above couplet from the pen of the immortal J. G. 
 Holland occurs to mind. We make the quotation both 
 for its beauty of sentiment and its seeming appro- 
 priateness in this instance; for how is it possible for 
 us to give fitting expression to the thoughts and feel- 
 
 84 
 
ings which fill our hearts regarding our sainted 
 father ? 
 
 Considering the glorious heights to which he has 
 attained, we are led to wonder if his thoughts can now 
 commingle with our thoughts. Yea, we verily believe 
 that although he has ascended the glorious Mountain 
 of God, his loving spirit does often return to commune 
 with the friends to whom he was bound by ties of 
 gospel love and affection ; and beautiful thoughts often 
 come to us like an inspiration. What blessed reflec- 
 tions fill our souls when we consider the benefits we 
 received spiritually through his ministrations of love 
 and wise counsels! 
 
 As an invalid he sojourned with us for two brief 
 periods of time, with the hope of improving his im- 
 paired health. We had been privileged to meet him 
 on former occasions, when, on his ministerial tours, 
 he made us brief calls. We then felt that he was one 
 of nature's noblemen, but we never so fully realized 
 the greatness of his soul and the rare qualities of 
 mind, until we were privileged to entertain him as our 
 guest on the occasions to which we refer. 
 
 We know that our lives have been enriched by those 
 associations, and we had earnestly hoped that we 
 might be permitted to enjoy at least one more such 
 season while he yet remained a pilgrim in earth-life. 
 As those cherished hopes were not to be realized, we 
 
 85 
 
"will strive to heed his wise admonitions, and so order 
 our lives that we may meet him in the supernal re- 
 gions, whither his pure spirit has gone. 
 
 His soul v.-as so illumined with divine light and 
 love, that he radiated sunshine wherever he went, and 
 the benedictions which he kindly bestowed upon all, 
 especially the Household of Faith, were like the ' ' dews 
 of Hermon. ' ' With Heaven 's glorified throng he now 
 stands robed in vestments of purity, for "he put on 
 righteousness and it clothed him. ' ' 
 
 Since we believe his spirit has found perfect rest in 
 the joy of the Lord, we conclude with the words of 
 the Psalmist: "Mark the perfect man and behold the 
 upright, for the end of that man is peace." 
 From Office Friends, 
 
 West Pittsfield, Mass. 
 
 WITH THE ANGELS. 
 L. D. Horton. 
 
 "Elder Henry is with the angels." Such was the 
 message which came to us as the day in all its loveli- 
 ness was nearing its close. How beautiful ! I thought. 
 Not dead! but entered within the portal of deathless 
 life. 
 
 We heard not the heavenly summons, but the sacred 
 hush hovering about the apartments where he had 
 
 86 
 
been passing only a feAv days before, told us that while 
 we were reverently and silently saying "Good-bye," 
 angels, bending near to earth, w'ere marking a rest in 
 life's hymn, waiting to touch their harps of gold, when 
 the lingering spirit should join the friends at "The 
 Landing," and shore unto shore should respond in 
 the heavenly anthem of welcome. 
 
 To know Elder Henry w^as to be acquainted with one 
 of God's good men, — a character made noble by self- 
 discipline, accuracy, integrity, faithfulness and indus- 
 try. These virtues, together with the graces of truth 
 and kindliness, paved for him a royal road to Heaven, 
 and won for him a treasure eternal. 
 
 Could w^e record all the pleasant memories that are 
 ours, they would be many. One lingers in thought, of 
 an occasion when experiencing a test of Christian 
 faith, resulting in the choice made to ' ' forsake all for 
 Christ's sake," Elder Henry met me with the words of 
 blessing, ' ' Yea, wisely chosen is that better part which 
 shall not be taken away. ' ' The confidence and encour- 
 agement from one who knew of the blessings of self- 
 surrender, and walked with Christ in the regeneration, 
 have rested upon my life as a benediction and been a 
 guide to right and duty. 
 
 Through declining years, Elder Henry gave us many 
 specimens of his handiwork, neatly and lovingly 
 wrought, and when the feeble hands laid aside the 
 
 87 
 
tools, and he sought the rest promised to all that labor, 
 we heard his voice in words of blessing and assurance, 
 which beautifully completed the closing record of his 
 life, placing thereon the seal of love, peace, gentleness 
 and goodness. 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 GOOD NIGHT. 
 J. E. Wilson. 
 
 "We spend our years as a tale that is told. " Psalms, 
 xc, 9. 
 
 The history of another life is ended. The last chap- 
 ter written, the seal of the death angel placed upon it. 
 We have caught glimpses here and there of the record 
 within its pages, have read of noble consecration and 
 untiring devotion to faith, of unswerving fidelity and 
 unflinching loyalty to duty. The benediction comes, 
 "Thou hast kept the faith." Thou hast fought the 
 good fight, and now liest honored with our "noble 
 dead." 
 
 When a child, I loved Elder Henry, for I could 
 realize he was a good and an upright man, but my 
 first actual acquaintance commenced when, at 14 years 
 of age, I was privileged to help the Sisters at the 
 printing office. From that date began a series of ex- 
 periences which were bounded only by my capacity. 
 
As the years passed and I grew more thoughtful, I 
 began to reverence and respect the character \^i'ought 
 out through a life of Christian discipline. 
 
 "Line upon line, precept upon precept," was one 
 of Elder Henry's favorite mottoes, and lessons of 
 punctuality and precision in the details of business 
 were matters of daily instruction. Birds, flowers, the 
 bees and even the fishes of the sea, all bespeaking 
 God's creation, were of great interest to him, and he 
 never wearied of answering our eager questions. Thus 
 we often combined business with pleasure. 
 
 And so, beloved Elder Henry, as we bade thee 
 "Good night" at set of sun each day of the long ago, 
 so, now, we say "Good night;" we will meet thee in 
 the great eternal morning. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H.. 
 
 GATHERED HOME. 
 
 E. E. Fitts. 
 
 Methinks the Angel Harvester is well pleased with 
 the rich prize borne from our home today. The sickle 
 of "The Reaper" has garnered a valuable sheaf for 
 the treasure-house of God's spiritual kingdom, — 
 ripened wheat, bending 'neath the fullness and rich- 
 ness of maturity, free from the blight and rust of 
 earthly elements. 
 
 89 
 
Nature may or may not have given the best material 
 with which to build a character for God, but the All- 
 Wise Potter molded and re-molded the vessel of clay 
 for service, and the furnace of afBiction refined, even 
 as gold is refined, till the living sacrifice was an offer- 
 ing of righteousness. 
 
 As the fragrance of the rose attracts our attention, 
 and the whiteness of the lily claims our admiration, 
 so the v/ell-developed Christian graces in the life now 
 passed beyond the vail, renew our aspirations to attain 
 the exceeding righteousness, the purity of the Christ 
 standard, the "pearl of great price." 
 
 The energies consecrated here to the mission work of 
 Christ now rise untramelled to the broader fields 
 above, and who shall say that a satisfaction will not 
 be realized deeper than earth has ever afforded, in the 
 exchange of the bread and waters of life ? 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 A LIFE TRIUMPHANT. 
 H. A. Johns. 
 
 ' ' God 's finger touched him and he slept. ' ' 
 
 We love to speak of the peaceful departure from 
 
 earth-life and sing of the glorious rest the spirit finds 
 
 amid the heavenly joys. Still, while we reflect upon 
 
 these closing scenes, our thoughts are directed to the 
 
 90 
 
years wherein we have associated with and known the 
 virtuous man whose life here was triumphant over 
 transient difficulties and selfish ambitions. 
 
 Victorious over evils which would mar the name of 
 Christian, he "pressed toward the mark for the prize 
 of the high calling in Christ." 
 
 How was this triumph obtained "1 We answer in the 
 words Elder Henry loved so well : 
 
 "Grain by grain the treasure's won, 
 Step by step the race is run. ' ' 
 
 Discipline was the beauty of his life. His conver- 
 sation was refined, pure, simple, yet marked with 
 gentle candor. According to the proverb, he was a 
 wise man, always ready to hear and increase his learn- 
 ing in all things good and useful, and he willingly 
 imparted the same to the child or the adult who sought 
 his company. His manners were always graced by 
 kindliness of heart. 
 
 A discipline of thought led him to lay aside all com- 
 mon secular matters of interest and reading at the 
 close of the week, choosing material appropriate to 
 the Sabbath of rest and worship. He fully believed 
 in such guides as "Order is Heaven's first law," and 
 "Cleanliness is next to Godliness," beautifully har- 
 monizing his words and deeds, rising on these step- 
 ping-stones to the "measure of the stature of the ful- 
 ness of Christ." 
 
 91 
 
Careful attention to the trifles made perfection but 
 "perfection is no trifle," and we look upon the noble 
 life with admiration and desire to emulate one who 
 loiew from actual life experience of the doctrine 
 preached by Christ: "Be ye therefore perfect." He 
 often quoted, too, the beautiful words of Father James 
 Whittaker,— " The way of God is strait as straitness 
 and as pure as the heavens." The earth is made 
 poorer and Heaven richer by this transition. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 CLOSING OF LIFE'S BOOK. 
 F. E. Phelps. 
 
 Elder Henry's life-book is finished. For many 
 years he has been writing it in our midst and we have 
 been privileged to often read from it of his Christian 
 experience and discipline. We have seen written 
 there his trust in God, his confidence in his Brethren 
 and Sisters, and his untiring efforts in the sacred 
 cause to which he pledged himself in early life. 
 
 Not only did he write in his own life-book, but 
 many, by turning back the pages of theirs, may trace 
 valuable lessons of counsel and instruction given by 
 Elder Henry, indelibly impressed upon its pages. 
 Well might he have said, "I have finished the work 
 thou gavest me to do." 
 
 92 
 
Often did his good thoughts appear through the 
 mediumship of the pen, and not a few treasure today 
 in their possessions the kind expressions of friendship 
 written when he was absent. 
 
 Shall we never more trace his thought in our lives? 
 Ah, we may never again in this life see the hand that 
 conveys the message, but we have this assurance, that 
 
 Today, from his home with the angels. 
 His greetings now reach us anew^. 
 Which say to our listening spirits: 
 I will still write of Heaven to you, 
 Yea, I'll write as I did when in earth-life. 
 On the hearts of the people I love, 
 The joys of this land of rich promise. 
 The kingdom of Heaven above. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 A SIMILE. 
 
 Fidelia Esterhrooh. 
 
 Upon a towering mountain top, where the bending 
 sky touched its head and cro-\vned it with light, a little 
 stream was born. Cradled by mossy rocks, lulled by 
 the breezes, reflecting the sunlight on its water, it 
 turned upward a smiling face dimpled by the pebbles 
 upon its borders. 
 
 Thus, drinking from Heaven's fount, feeding on 
 93 
 
its light, it grew each day, until overflowing, it fol- 
 lowed a rocky path do\Mi the mountain slope, singing 
 on its way, pausing to play in shady nooks, or quench- 
 ing the thirst of bird or beast, as they sought its cool 
 retreats. 
 
 Onward it rippled, coming nearer the haunts of 
 man, emerging in broad fields, or losing itself in tan- 
 gled forests, but ever echoing the same sweet song, 
 always remaining the same clear stream. It loved the 
 children of nature. The stately trees sent down little 
 rootlet water-carriers to secure supplies from its pure 
 waters; the wild flowers nodded and smiled, as they 
 rested near its surface, or gained a beauty glow from 
 a bath in its brimming basin; the grasses whispered 
 to it as they snuggled close to its edge, and the birds 
 threw back their heads and Avarbled songs of praise 
 as they drank at its fount. 
 
 Thus, scattering blessing and gro^ving thereby 
 broader and deeper, it assumed tasks as it entered the 
 valley, turning the busy mill-wheels, giving refreshing 
 drink to the cattle as it wound its way through pasture 
 lands, enriching field and meadow, leaving verdure 
 and growth wherever it had passed. 
 
 And, when the play-day of life was over, just as 
 gladly it bore the responsibilities which broader 
 growth required. Transmitting messages from shore 
 to shore, carrying heavy burdens here and there, 
 
 9i 
 
reaching arms of helpfulness to grasp the loads which 
 the busy crowd brought to its banks, it still pressed 
 ever onward, but now growTi calm and smooth, serene 
 in its conscious power. Though storms might break 
 upon its surface, or its waves rise in the winds that 
 blew over it, underneath the current ran strong and 
 true, keeping firmly on its way. 
 
 Thus many years passed. Its duties increasing, 
 proved but added blessings, for strong and tranquil, 
 it at last entered the gateway to the boundless sea, 
 there in content awaiting its recall to the upper 
 realms, to enter another phase of life. A life of 
 blessing lay behind it, a glorious trust pointed to 
 greater blessing before. 
 
 As we think of its history, we are reminded of the 
 river whose waters shall make glad the City of God, 
 and recalling the history of our loved Elder Henry, 
 who now has passed within that city, we hold his life, 
 in similitude, with the calm and peaceful river. 
 
 In early life pure and clear, loving all the many 
 forms of nature, finding companionsliip in the little 
 flowers that blossomed at his feet, and reading mes- 
 sages in the song and trill of each tiny bird, all spoke 
 to him in various languages, and he translated and 
 understood their loving words. 
 
 Through life's hindrances, over its cares, amid its 
 burdens, he passed, undisturbed by wind or storm, for 
 
 95 
 
the deep abiding peace of "a heart at leisure from 
 itself" was his. 
 
 Seeking always the highest and best, searching for 
 clearer light, he strove to instill in other hearts a de- 
 sire for a life of purity, throwing beams of light out- 
 ward in darkened places, that, perchance, some wan- 
 derer there, by its rays might seek for truth. By 
 voice gentle and earnest, by pen ready and true, he 
 circulated far and near the truths of the higher life 
 which he emulated. 
 
 Thus, through the years the broader and deeper life 
 expanded, and the calm assurance of a loyal heart 
 bade him look to the future in hope and trust, until, 
 without a ripple or murmur, in sweet peace and con- 
 tent, his spirit was merged in the sea of infinite love. 
 The higher call found him ready gladly to follow, for 
 his heart was not troubled nor his spirit afraid. He 
 had drunk at the fount of which Christ said, it should 
 be as a "well of water springing up unto everlasting 
 life." 
 
 The peace which the world cannot give was his — 
 the perfect love "which casteth out fear," and the 
 joy of the redeemed. 
 
 As his spirit passed from mortal sight, the radiant 
 setting sun shone brightly on its surface, gilding it 
 with glory; and as it passed through the gates into 
 the city, songs of rejoicing were wafted backward^ 
 
whose echoes float to us as we catch the refrain, ' ' These 
 are they which came out of great tribulation, and 
 have washed their robes and made them white in the 
 life of the Lamb. They shall hunger no more, neither 
 thirst any more; for the Lamb which is in the midst 
 of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto 
 living fountains of waters. Blessed are they that do 
 his commandments, that they may have right to the 
 tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into 
 the city." 
 
 West Pittsfield, IVLvss. 
 
 CHOICE SELECTIONS. 
 31. L. Wilson. 
 
 Now that the material presence of our worthy Elder 
 has left us, our thoughts revert to some of the beau- 
 tiful sayings of the Bible which are interwoven with 
 our memory of him, because he loved often to repeat 
 them. Especial favorites were: "Fear thou not, for 
 I am with thee, I will uphold thee with the right hand 
 of my righteousness." "To him that overcometh 
 will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and a white 
 stone and in the stone a new name written, which no 
 man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. ' ' And this : 
 * ' As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. ' ' 
 
 His letters, too, contain choice mementoes which 
 ^ 97 
 
we present as a lovely bouquet of everlastings, the 
 beauty of which is enhanced by the high light of the 
 writer 's Christian life : "I am glad to know so many 
 of you who, as the young people of today, have learned 
 to do good work, so that you can be trusted without 
 fear of harm or waste to consecrated property. I 
 often think of you all, and just now am especially 
 interested in the printers, who, I trust, will always 
 remember what is meant by 'careful justification.' 
 
 " It is good to bear in mind the earnest workers who 
 have gone before us. We might call up many sainted 
 names, the very memory of which serves to make us 
 better. 
 
 "There are those still with you equally worthy of 
 your love and veneration; l)eing true as they have 
 been true, will entitle you to an heirship with them 
 in all the good promises of God. 
 
 "Your gospel privilege is well worth all the self- 
 denial you can maintain. Keep your faith, dear 
 young friends, and the Spirit of God ^A-ill keep you. 
 
 From a letter addressed to the teachers, we cull: 
 "As I think of the duties assigned instructors of youth 
 and children, it naturally calls to mind a correspond- 
 ing avocation in which I was engaged over forty years 
 ago. The good work must go on throughout all eter- 
 nity, and if children can be guided into a virtuous 
 manhood or womanhood, what greater satisfaction 
 
 98 
 
could be desired? As it is, we are abundantly re- 
 warded in our faithfulness to God, for all the good we 
 do becomes our heavenly treasure. 
 
 "I hope my Brethren and Sisters will be blessed 
 with health to live long and do much good. Accept 
 my love for the whole household, and don't forget the 
 children. ' ' 
 
 To mission workers on a visit to Providence, R. I., 
 the following was written : ' ' We are glad you are 
 among friends who entertain a kind regard for our 
 society. Well, if you make them your friends, try at 
 the same time to make them friends of God and the 
 workers of righteousness." 
 
 "As an aid to your Christian endeavor, I send you 
 a few copies of 'The Life and Gospel Experience of 
 Mother Ann Lee,' which I have just completed. Prov- 
 idence is my native city. Be good evangelists and 
 impress upon all with whom you converse that they 
 must 'love the Lord' with all their might, mind and 
 strength, in conformity with the 'new commandment' 
 proclaimed by Christ. Sometime, I hope to be able 
 to conduct a Shaker meeting in that neighborhood, as 
 we have many good friends there. As opportunity 
 offers, extend to all our kindest regards. We hope 
 they will not be the losers in what they may do for 
 you in the name of your Church." 
 
 A day or two before Elder Henry's demise, the busy 
 99 
 
mind of the sufferer seemed to take the bearing of the 
 family, as was his wont in days of ability. Several 
 Sisters were absent from home, quite beyond recall 
 even for the parting word which would have been so 
 precious. He one day remarked, "By the way, some 
 of the Sisters are away from home; well, they are 
 worth thinking about. ' ' An attendant added, ' ' They 
 are jewels," to which came the wise and loving em- 
 phasis, "God's children are all jewels." Seeing the 
 tears start, probably at the remembrance of some that 
 might hardly rank with the jewel standard, the ques- 
 tion w^as ventured, "Always jewels. Elder Henry?" 
 to which the Christ-like voice quickly answered, "Yea, 
 always jewels; good or bad, my love never changes !"^ 
 What a beautiful closing to the kind and charitable 
 career of one of the Fathers in Israel ! 
 
 Those who have been most intimate with him heart- 
 ily witness to the unalloyed charity, which covers as a 
 lovely mantle the last decade of Elder Henry's earthly 
 experience. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 THE WORK GOES ON. 
 E. Stirling. 
 
 "The hands drop off, the work goes on." 
 These words occur to us often, as we witness one 
 100 
 
after another of Zion's staunch and loyal supporters 
 pass from our midst. More especially since the de- 
 mise of our beloved Elder Henry have we realized 
 that other hands are taking- up the Avork, upon other 
 shoulders have fallen the burdens, and other voices, 
 though familiar ones, are maintaining the testimony 
 which he was wont to proclaim. 
 
 Yea, our dear father. Brother, friend, you and your 
 contemporaries have not toiled in vain. You have 
 loyal sons and daughters, whose hearts and hands are 
 ready to further the work to which you devoted your 
 life. We cannot think that you have really left us, 
 we are sure that you are still "near, very near, to 
 your life's dearest interest," near to encourage, to 
 strengthen and to bless as we put forth renewed efforts 
 to maintain our Zion home and to preserve the gospel 
 of Christ in all its pristine purity. 
 
 It was especially Elder Henry's gift to write, to 
 speak, to preach and to live by the gospel as revealed 
 through ]\Iother Ann. It was by this means that he 
 effectually closed all avenues to the spirit of the 
 world. He was a scholar, a thinker, a reformer ; but 
 best of all, he was a disciplinarian after the Christ 
 pattern. He manifested by his life what he preached, 
 that all true reform had its root and growth in in- 
 creased self-denial and strict adherence to fundamen- 
 tal Christianity, and he often reminded us that noth- 
 
 101 
 
ing was so near like the genuine (and therefore mis- 
 leading) as its exact counterfeit. 
 
 It was our privilege to care for Elder Henry- 
 through months of sickness and pain, and during that 
 time we learned many lessons of self-control and self- 
 forgetfulness by his thoughtful care for others, les- 
 sons which will live in our memory and by which we 
 hope to be profited while life lasts. Nor did his Chris- 
 tian demeanor change as physical strength failed. To 
 his last conscious utterances he was refined in manner, 
 humble in spirit, abounding in charity. 
 
 His, indeed, was a beautiful sunset, long to be re- 
 membered by those who witnessed it. Having lived 
 under the ministration of many such lives, shared 
 their wise counsels and, above all, observed the daily 
 life of consecration in the maintenance of Chi-istian 
 loyalty, we can best emulate their example by heeding 
 the spirit urging us to follow in their footsteps. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 PREMONITION. 
 E. Cochran. 
 
 One beautiful Sabbath morning not long since, I 
 sat by the open windoAv listening to the sweet strains 
 of music borne on the summer breezes as they floated 
 in from the chapel not far distant, where the Brethren 
 
 103 
 
and Sisters had assembled for divine worship. As I 
 listened, my thought reverted to the years of youth, 
 when I enjoyed many beautiful seasons of praise and 
 prayer with friends long since departed. The words 
 of truth which had fallen so pointedly, yet beautifully, 
 from the lips of Eldress Dorothy, Eldress Joanna, 
 Sister Mary Whitcher and others, seemed to fill my 
 soul and I lived again the convictions which those 
 words had so often inspired. They were uttered with 
 power and a certainty which met my growing aspira- 
 tions, and I accepted them as the Bread of Life for 
 my soul. 
 
 As thus I reflected, I became oblivious to all earthly 
 surroundings and found myself alone on the bank of 
 a small but beautiful stream. Upon the opposite 
 bank, most lovely in its green slope to the water's 
 edge, stood an innumerable company of saints, some 
 of whom I readily recognized. They were singing 
 and, oh ! such music, I never heard before or since. I 
 looked up and saw Eldress Joanna, Eldress Dorothy 
 and Elder Abraham in their accustomed places — lead- 
 ers of their people. Naturally, I queried in my mind, 
 "And where is Elder Henry?" I waited for some- 
 time, enjoying the inspiration which the hymns of 
 praise brought to my soul, when I saw the ranks part 
 near the center and Elder Henry, with grace and dig- 
 nity, quietly took his place bj' Elder Abraham, once 
 
 103 
 
more united with his associates in official trust and 
 burden. The singing was so joyful that I began to 
 realize that this heavenly host had particularly assem- 
 bled to welcome Elder Henry, as he passed the River 
 of Life, and that they were rejoicing in his happy 
 transition into the higher realm. 
 
 Returning to consciousness, I longed to retain a 
 little of that heavenly music as a comfort in my daily 
 toil. In vain did I attempt to recall the words I had 
 heard the angels sing, though the memory of the occa- 
 sion brought much soul-refreshing and sweetened the 
 hours of labor. 
 
 At length, several days after the occurrence, these 
 words flashed across my mind like a streak of bright 
 light, accompanying a simple tune which I was almost 
 unconsciously humming to myself: 
 
 There's a peace that surpasseth understanding 
 And joys that the pure in heart do Imow, 
 Who have followed Christ, our Saviour, 
 Over mountain and through valleys low. 
 O, lead us still on, blessed Saviour, 
 Till the world we have fully overcome. 
 Till we meet with thee in glory. 
 And hear the joyful words, "Well done!" 
 
 I thus received my little measure full of blessing 
 and have treasured it sacredly ever since. 
 
 The whole experience seemed very real to me, and 
 104 
 
as summer advanced into autumn, and autumn merged 
 into the long cold winter, I watched Elder Henry's 
 waning strength and feeble steps, confident that his 
 work with us was done and that angel friends were 
 gently but surely drawing him away from earth, and 
 that he would take his rightful place with them in the 
 heavenly city. 
 
 His was the reward of a life well spent and I have 
 the assurance that he was lovingly received, yea, joy- 
 fully welcomed, by his former companions in trust. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 THE REMEMBEEED PROMISE. 
 E. B. King. 
 
 Gracefully, beautifully, the lamp of life bmnied 
 low, and as we watched the fast fading rays of that 
 bright beacon light of our Church, the Easter angels 
 advanced the message, "Not here, but risen." The 
 lamp is gone out, for the soul is in that city where 
 ' ' the Lamb is the Light thereof. ' ' 
 
 The hoary head, the Christly presence, the noble life 
 have so gradually and peacefully been withdrawn from 
 our midst, that it seems as though he had but passed 
 from one mansion into another of our Father's house. 
 We mourn not as those without hope, for whither he 
 goes we yet may come ; a holy life the passport to 
 
 105 
 
admit ns there. Sacred memories will ever cluster 
 about the name so revered among even the least who 
 knew him. 
 
 The writer enjoyed many happy hours with him in 
 childhood, and through youthful days was conscious 
 of a father's interest and prayerful solicitation over 
 the faith in Christ, which God was unmistakably en- 
 graving on a wayward heart. Could it be that he 
 loiew the hour of need, when the soul felt called to 
 forsake all for Christ's sake and the gospel? Fully 
 persuaded that the only right way for me was to enter 
 the narrow path which led to life, I yet feared to 
 take a bold stand for Christ. 
 
 Severe and varied temptations were presented, 
 wealth, human affections, flattering prospects and 
 even methods of treachery resorted to, if I would take 
 the broad path, but I dare not lose my soul. My heart 
 was sorrowful and I sought to forget my troubles in 
 loving devotion to the little girls who were under my 
 care, when I was met one morning by Elder Henry 
 with the query, "Well, Emma, faithful to the end?" 
 Something in manner and in tone of voice put new 
 courage into my heart, and I caught a little of the 
 inspiration which those who stood near Jesus must 
 have realized, when he said, " Be of good cheer, I have 
 overcome the world." Confidently came the reply, 
 "Yea, Elder Henry, faithful to the end; I never will 
 
 106 
 
disappoint you." The promise has been a talisman 
 thus far through life, and has proved such a blessing 
 that I feel I owe to him this simple token of regard. 
 
 Now, good Elder Henry, we, the young Christians 
 who have witnessed your noble career, like you, will 
 fight the good fight, will finish our course. "We will 
 keep the faith. Yea, we will be faithful to the end. 
 We never will disappoint you. 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 107 
 
WORDS OF SYMPATHY FROI\I FRIENDS. 
 
 United States Senate, 
 Washington, D. C. 
 My Dear Shaker Friends: 
 
 I beg to hand you a few words in appreciation of 
 the late Elder Henry C. Blinn, whose friendship I 
 greatly value. 
 
 I knew Elder Henry for many j^ears, having been 
 privileged on several occasions to enjoy his generous 
 and open-hearted hospitality at the Shaker community 
 in Canterbury. 
 
 He was an honest, sincere and charming man, whose 
 personal traits of character made a deep impress on 
 the minds of all who came in contact with him. Genial 
 and warm-hearted always, he had, nevertheless, a dig- 
 nity of manner that marked him as a true gentleman, 
 and made him literally a prince among men. His 
 life was unselfishly devoted to the good of his fellow- 
 men, and in his death his associates and the commu- 
 nity in which he lived lost a true and valued friend 
 and citizen, whose place it will be hard to fill. Such 
 lives not only shed sunshine and cheer while they re- 
 
 108 
 
main with us, but their influence remains through all 
 time, an encouragement and inspiration to others to 
 emulate their example. 
 
 With high regards and good wishes, I remain, 
 Your friend as always, 
 
 J. H. Gallingee. 
 
 Naval Office, 
 Custom House, Boston, ]\Iass. 
 To THE Shaker Family, 
 Canterbury, N. H. 
 
 There may be none left of your community who 
 remember me as a boy in Canterbury, attending, when 
 at home, the Sunday services of the Shakers. 
 
 My residence in town was from 1866 to 1879. Much 
 of this time I was away at school and reading law at 
 Concord. Your village separated my part of the 
 town from the Baptist district, where a former school- 
 mate and friend resided. We frequently met at the 
 Shakers on Sunday for youthful conferences and con- 
 fidences, and were drawn to the Shaker meetings by 
 our admiration for Elder Henry Blinn. Our ac- 
 quaintance with him soon ripened into friendship. He 
 numbered among these none more attentive than we 
 were, and perhaps none of the outside world who bore 
 
 109 
 
for him a stronger affection. This is my excuse for 
 writing you of your late leader and guide. 
 
 You do not realize what an influence Elder Blinn's 
 life exerted in the world beyond your community. 
 By precept and example he taught the way of right- 
 eous living, and none came in touch with him who 
 was not inspired to better thoughts and deeds by his 
 benign presence. His kindly manner, his gentle 
 speech, his generous thoughtfulness of others were 
 constant contributions to the well-being of his fellow- 
 men. 
 
 Curiosity brought many from outside to your pub- 
 lie service in those days, but few who listened to Elder 
 Henry went away without carrying with them a 
 brighter picture of life. 
 
 The short sermon of Elder Henry and the earnest 
 testimony of Eldress Dorothy are the sweetest recol- 
 lections of a Sunday visit to the Shakers. Their sim- 
 plicity and eloquence touched all hearts. 
 
 It was my privilege to listen to Elder Henry both 
 in my youth and in my maturer years, and the charm 
 of his speech and the sincerity of his convictions im- 
 pressed me at all times the same. Life brought to 
 the rest of us changes, but yesterday, todaj^ and to- 
 morrow he was the same tranquil spirit, throwing out 
 the sweetness of his nature upon all, uplifting all by 
 the grandeur of his character. Men were drawn to 
 
 110 
 
him by an inexpressible something which commands 
 the deference we pay to those nobler than ourselves. 
 He lived the simple life, but it was grand in its com- 
 pleteness. None could listen to him at the Shaker 
 meetings of long ago and not feel that he was a born 
 leader and teacher of men. 
 
 His work is done, but he survives in the hearts of 
 all those who were brought in contact with his activi- 
 ties. 
 
 With sympathy for your loss, I am 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 James 0. Lyford. 
 
 Avon, Conn. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 So Elder Henry has gone to his long home and to 
 the great family of God's children whom he has gath- 
 ered to himself. Surely, Elder Henry's reward must 
 be that of the faithful servant, abounding with joy. 
 I saAv him but for a few minutes once, at the door of 
 the office, and that morning you took me to his shop, 
 but even that was long enough for me to see the kind- 
 liness of those eyes and the gentleness of his spirit. 
 When you told him that I was studying for the min- 
 istry, do you remember the twinkle in his eyes with 
 which he gave a playful turn to his reply, ''I have 
 
 111 
 
known a great many ministers"? I have often 
 thought of that look so full of fun, so illumined by 
 the light of experience, as I have looked at his pic- 
 ture, which stood on the mantel in my room at Yale. 
 His was a fine face and told of sympathy and warmth 
 of heart, of keenness of mind and breadth of experi- 
 ence. If this seems a good deal to read in a face dur- 
 ing a brief conversation or to find in a photograph, 
 you must remember that I have read everything from 
 Elder Henry's pen that I could find in print and that 
 after several months of study and correspondence 
 with other Elders, I came to the conclusion that his 
 statement of the Shaker faith was the broadest, the 
 most fundamental and the most progressive of the 
 Shaker publications. 
 
 So, I feel that I have known Elder Henry much 
 better than might seem to be the case to others who 
 have had longer interviews with him. 
 
 I wish to express to all the friends at Canterbury 
 my sympathy with you in your loss, for though we 
 may rejoice that he has gone to his Master, yet there 
 is ever a sadness that comes to those remaining, and 
 a vacant place once filled by loved ones. 
 
 But though the "weeping may endure for the night,. 
 joy Cometh in the morning." 
 
 Let us then rejoice, for the Lord is good ; His mercy 
 endureth forever ; let us rejoice because of the life and 
 
 113 
 
consecration of him whom we mourn, and whose death 
 is one more tie that binds us all to our heavenly home. 
 
 ' ' Let not your heart be troubled ; ye believe in God, 
 believe also in me." These are the words of greatest 
 comfort to us at such times, and when we add to them : 
 ' ' Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden 
 and I will give you rest," we have a psalm of life to 
 strengthen our faith, to comfort us in sorrow, and 
 upon which to build our hope, till the doors of the 
 many mansions above shall open before us and we 
 are in the presence of our God and Father. 
 
 One could not doubt, after seeing Elder Henry, 
 that it was from the conviction of the inly-written 
 experience of his life that he wrote : ' ' The foundation 
 of the Shaker society is the spirit of peace," nor that 
 he had earnestly sought as the goal of his life that 
 "purity of heart" of which he wrote. 
 
 It should be a cause of rejoicing to us that he has 
 now passed on, to receive from the hands of the Prince 
 of Peace that "peace of God which passeth all under- 
 standing," and that he is now with his heavenly 
 Father whom only the "pure in heart" can see. 
 
 With my very best respects and sympathy, I re- 
 main, 
 
 Yours very sincerely. 
 
 Rev. Ernest F. McGregor. 
 
 113 
 
Providence. R. I. 
 Kind Friends: 
 
 It is a pleasure to express, however briefly, my ap- 
 preciation of Elder Henry C. Blinn. He stands out 
 in my boyhood recollection a most interesting and 
 noble figure. His position in the Shaker Church gave 
 him a certain official distinction, which was fully sus- 
 tained by the worth of his personal character. He 
 was the recognized exponent of his faith throughout 
 New England, and I know not how far beyond. 
 
 We who dwelt near and yet outside the Shaker com- 
 munity, all recognized the sincerity of his religious 
 beliefs and the integrity of his moral life. His was a 
 soul which knew the invigorating grasp of strong con- 
 viction; his, however, was a tolerant and kindly atti- 
 tude toward those who might differ from him. 
 
 His mind was alert and progressive. He was a stu- 
 dent. He lived near to nature and to nature's God, 
 and so he maintained a charming simplicity and fresh- 
 ness of spirit. 
 
 Dignified in manner and cordial in spirit, interested 
 in people, with no trace of mere curiosity, eager to 
 share with others what he held as the priceless content 
 of his faith, but never obtrusive. Elder Henry was the 
 model of a Christian gentleman. No man could be 
 more loyal to his friends than he, as I myself can bear 
 grateful witness. 
 
 114 
 
Having known him somewhat intimately all my life, 
 I am sure he lived contentedly and, in its highest 
 sense, happily. The Shaker Church was his household 
 and he exercised in it the office of a true spiritual 
 fatherhood. 
 
 I can only think of his life as a pure, deep river, 
 flowing in the sunlight of Heaven unto God, its source. 
 
 Rev. Carter E. Cate. 
 
 June 19, 1905. 
 To Our Shaker Friends. 
 Shaker Village, 
 
 East Canterbury, N. H. 
 The general esteem with which the late honored 
 Elder Blinn was held by all who had any acquaintance 
 ■with his rare personality needs no attestation from us. 
 As a man, as a friend, and as an example of what an 
 individual may become who arrives at a high standard 
 of life, Elder Blinn was a conspicuous figure among 
 the notable men of our state. It was always a par- 
 ticular pleasure to us to do business of any sort with 
 him. As he was a frequent caller at The First Na- 
 tional Bank, we became, as was expected, very good 
 friends. His afi^ability, his oft-dropped words of wit 
 and wisdom, his genial smile and vitality of spirit were 
 most welcome in our place of business, for such inter- 
 course is not common. 
 
 115 
 
It gives us much pleasure to ascribe these meagre 
 words of praise and appreciation to our departed and 
 honored friend. 
 
 Very sincerely, 
 
 W. F. Thayer, 
 Chas. G. Remick. 
 
 NORTHFIELD, N. H. 
 
 Dear Brethren and Sisters: 
 
 Please accept the heartfelt sympathy of Mrs. Wins-^ 
 low and myself, in this your time of sorrow. 
 
 We were very much saddened on hearing of Elder 
 Henry's death, and all the good people of this town 
 M'ho knew dear Elder Blinn will surely share in your 
 sorrow, for it can truly be said, the loss is great, and a 
 good man has gone. 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 A. Benjamin Winslow. 
 
 Providence, R. I. 
 My Dear Friend: 
 
 It was with sadness that I read your letter bearing 
 to me the news of Elder Blinn 's death. Only a few 
 days before, upon the receipt of a letter from my 
 brother, in which he spoke most pleasantly of Elder 
 Blinn, I determined to visit Canterbury this summer 
 
 116 
 
and once more meet the splendid man whom you all 
 so fondly loved and respected. 
 
 I very much regret now that summer after summer 
 has passed and my long-wished-for visit to your home 
 has been postponed, until now it is too late and I shall 
 never see your dear one again in this life. Please 
 remember me in deep sympathy to all the family; I 
 still hold the desire to visit you and shall try to do so. 
 
 Who will wear his mantle? Do you know, I have 
 sometimes thought it would fall upon your shoulders? 
 I sincerely hope a good man will be chosen. 
 
 With kindest regards to all, 
 
 Cordially yours, 
 
 C. F. T. Easterbrooks. 
 
 Canterbury, N. H. 
 Our Dear Shaker Friends: 
 
 Father wishes me to express to you our deep and 
 heartfelt sympathj^ in your sadness at the passing 
 away of one who has ever been beloved and honored, 
 not merely by your own community, but by all his 
 fellow townspeople as well. To us Elder Henry has 
 always seemed a near and dear friend, and it is a sad 
 thought that his almost saintly face will never again 
 kindly welcome us, as it was ever wont to do. 
 
 We would wish to pay our last respects by attend- 
 117 
 
ing his funeral, if this would be admissible. However, 
 you will know that your sorrow is ours, and that our 
 love is with you. 
 
 "With sincere regards from all our family, in whose 
 behalf I write, I am 
 
 Lovingly, your friend, 
 
 Frances L. jMorrill. 
 
 Boston, IMass. 
 Dear Shaker Friends: 
 
 We received word of the death of Elder Henry 
 Bliun and most sincerely sympathize in your loss. 
 His was indeed a noble life, full of example and bless- 
 ing to others; such a character never dies, but lives 
 ever to be an inspiration and support to those who 
 were blessed by his influence. Thank you for writing 
 us. With love to all our dear Shaker friends. 
 Faithfully yours, 
 
 LiLLIE WeSTERVELT. 
 
 Manchester, N. H. 
 My Dear Shaker Friends: 
 
 The sad news has come to us of Elder Henry's 
 death. We extend to you our deepest sympathy, for 
 we remember him so well; his kind ways and gentle 
 voice so like my father's. 
 
 118 
 
I am sure it was a comfort to you all to be able to 
 minister to him in his lingering illness. 
 
 One by one our clear ones among the Shakers go 
 from us. 
 
 With love and sympathy from mother, Nellie and 
 
 myself, 
 
 I am ever your friend, 
 
 Hattie a. Williams. 
 
 Canterbury Center, N. H. 
 Dear Friends: 
 
 Your letter announcing the death of your beloved 
 Elder Henry Avas received j^esterday. I do not need 
 to assure you of my sincere sympathy in your great 
 loss and sorrow. Though it has been many years since 
 I have seen Elder Blinn, there comes to me a sense of 
 loss, — almost personal, — perhaps, this is largely be- 
 cause the world always seems poorer when a good man 
 dies — perhaps, in part because I have such warm 
 friends in your community, I can but share their sor- 
 row with them. 
 
 Elder Henry has lived long and well, this should 
 comfort you, and yet the very fact that our friends 
 are good and true and noble makes our loss the greater 
 when they pass away. 
 
 Your community has been greatly blessed and is 
 still blessed, in having many strong and estimable men 
 
 119 
 
and women among its members. Their worthy lives 
 and example will ever be an inspiration. 
 
 My brother, Albert, joins me in kind feelings of 
 sympathy. Your letter expresses in a very beautiful 
 manner your estimate of the character- of your friend, 
 Brother and spiritual guide, and your affection for 
 him; and indicates the large place Elder Blinn held 
 in the affections of the community. That you may all, 
 in this time of trial, find comfort from the highest and 
 truest source is the earnest desire of 
 
 Your sincere friend, 
 
 ]\Iary E. Clough. 
 
 Concord, N. H. 
 Dear Friends: 
 
 Please accept my sincere sympathy for your great 
 loss in the death of your dear Elder Blinn, a good man 
 gone, leaving pleasant memories, a comfort to you all 
 evermore. 
 
 With kind regards, 
 
 A. S. White. 
 
 Boston, ]\Iass. 
 3Iy Dear Friends: 
 
 Receiving as I did your favor, informing me of the 
 death of our esteemed friend and neighbor. Elder 
 
 120 
 
Blinn, on the eve of my departure from home, I could 
 not find time or words with which to express my deep 
 regret and most sincere sympathy. The passing out 
 of a good man is a loss, indeed, to us all. 
 
 We can only be thankful that he has such worthy 
 successors. 
 
 Ever faithfully yours, 
 
 A. P. Shaw. 
 
 Concord, N. H. 
 Dear Friends: 
 
 ]\Iost gladly do I place on record my personal esti- 
 mate of Elder Henry Blinn. 
 
 I have known him for some twelve years, meeting 
 him soon after I became a resident of New Hamp- 
 shire. 
 
 I frequently visited him among his own people, al- 
 ways finding him the type of courtesy and dignity. 
 
 He was a familiar figure on the streets of Concord ; 
 his erect form and pleasant face, his whole carriage, 
 evidencing the genuine Christian gentleman. 
 
 To talk with him was to be impressed with his 
 richness of soul, which fashioned his countenance, — 
 was to receive an inspiration from a most worthy man. 
 We remember him only for good. 
 
 Rev. John Vannevar, 
 Pastor UniversaUst Church. 
 121 
 
Murray Hill Hotel, New York. 
 Our Dear Shaker Friends: 
 
 While the inevitable has come and our dear Elder 
 Henry Blinn has passed away to his -well-earned re- 
 ward, we could not repress a shock when your letter 
 reached us, announcing the fact. 
 
 His life and character was a most interesting and 
 charming one. He was in my thoughts very often and 
 I should have loved to have seen and conversed with 
 him once more. I could not single out our dear 
 friend, but I feel very close to the ones on the other 
 side. 
 
 Faithfully your friend, 
 
 B. H. Yard. 
 
 Dorchester, Mass. 
 Dear Shaker Friends: 
 
 I notice by this morning's paper that my old friend 
 and brother, Elder Henry, has crossed the stream. 
 
 "While this inevitable course of nature casts a mo- 
 mentary shade of sorrow over hearts that feel the ties 
 of earth, it is a beautiful and true thought that there 
 is no place in the universe that is not a center of ac- 
 tivity, and that he has simply transferred his life to a 
 higher plane. And then, God be praised, the veil that 
 hangs between these two worlds has become very thin, 
 and the suggestion for those who can see and believe 
 
 122 
 
is only a Tasrue imagination. For there is a sense that 
 the vulgar know not, and the A'oices of the departed 
 breathe softly and frequently to those who can unite 
 the Memory with Faith. 
 
 The close of this life is no. cessation of life to our 
 brother, but the beginning of another epoch of this 
 life on a higher plane. I cannot agree with the pessi- 
 mistic Psalmist who moans out the sentence, "The 
 place thereof that knew him shall know him no more. ' ' 
 I am certain that you will sensibly feel his presence 
 in your midst more than often. I congratulate him 
 on the serene life which fell to his lot here, which has 
 now merged into the higher life, of which we get but 
 glimpses, — I congratulate you that that life was 
 passed among you. 
 
 May the Divine Peace that beautified his life rest 
 ever with you all ! 
 
 With kindest hopes for the happiness and prosperity 
 of the family in Canterbury, who are very dear to me, 
 I remain. 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 James R. Phelps. 
 
 Paterson, X. J. 
 Beloved Sisters: 
 
 Your kind letter came to me the other daj', and in 
 it you invite me to send a few lines in memory of 
 
 123 
 
Elder Henry. I have but few words to say. Elder 
 Henry was always good to me. Divine love and wis- 
 dom is ours to worship. That we ought to love the 
 Shakers is right, for I have always felt them to be men 
 and women seeking to walk the narrow way. We must 
 eventually all pass the straight gate, retaining nothing 
 that would be an offense to the kingdom and queen- 
 dom of Heaven. 
 
 Elder Henry, as a genuine Shaker, has closed his 
 work. May we ever have the grace to love and wor- 
 ship the true Christ spirit. 
 
 Your brother, 
 
 Hamilton Arxot. 
 
 Concord, N. H. 
 Dear Friends: 
 
 An acquaintance with Elder Henr}^ dating back 
 many years, has left an impression of a noble char- 
 acter. 
 
 How well one recalls the classic face and the gentle, 
 yet firm, bearing! 
 
 I never met a man who seemed more sincere and 
 true, and with it all, the memory of his rare smile and 
 hearty hand-clasp will be ever present until we meet 
 again. 
 
 Sincerely yours, 
 
 W. G. C. Kimball. 
 124 
 
Concord, N. H. 
 My Shaker Friends: 
 
 You have met with a great loss in the death of Elder 
 Henry Blinn. Every member of the Shaker commu- 
 nities in New Hampshire has lost a beloved, personal 
 friend, and I, a dear, long-time friend and acquaint- 
 ance, one who had often, in past years, looked in upon 
 me at my store, his face beaming with happiness and 
 ready with a kind word which cheered me the entire 
 day. We shall see his pleasant face and hear his 
 kindly greeting no more, but we shall long remember 
 him as a man of sterling worth, a man of pure integ- 
 rity, wise and cautious in his dealings with men, be- 
 loved and honored by all. 
 
 With kindest regards, 
 
 Edson C. Eastman, 
 
 Concord, X. H, 
 Dear Shaker Friends: 
 
 It was so kind and friendly of you, writing to us 
 those particulars about the death of Elder Henry 
 Blinn, and the mouths just preceding his death. We 
 did not arrive home from our trip to Southern Cali- 
 fornia until the early part of April, and to hear that 
 Elder Henry had passed on to his next home was a 
 sad piece of news. 
 
 To be sure, we had missed his person on our streets 
 125 
 
for many months, but that was not like giving him 
 up altogether. It was such a pleasure to visit with 
 him and one always could bring away, after an inter- 
 view with him, helpful and pleasant memories. His 
 Christ-like character, daily before you, must have 
 helped you to better living. 
 
 I like to recall those happy days when Eldress Dor- 
 othy, Eldress Joanna and Elder Henry were your 
 worthy leaders. I do not forget dear Sisters Mary 
 Whitcher, Sarah Woods and others, whose names es- 
 cape me. Everything was so prosperous and happy. 
 I used to visit you often in the long ago. 
 
 You younger classes have shining examples to pat- 
 tern after ; and so far as I know you, you do credit to 
 your earlier training. 
 
 With best hopes for you, who have great respon- 
 sibilities resting upon you, and with loving interest in 
 the well-being of your large family, believe me, 
 Your very sincere friend, 
 
 Frances A. Blanchard. 
 
 Concord, N. H., June 1, 1905. 
 Dear Shaker Friends: 
 
 An acquaintanceship with the late Elder Blinn en- 
 deared him to all with whom he came in contact, but 
 none admired his uprightness of character and hon- 
 
 126 
 
esty of purpose in life more than the undersigned. 
 He was the soul of honor, and years of business rela- 
 tions with him as printers simply added to our love 
 and respect for him as a friend and fellow-citizen. 
 In all the walks of life he was an inspiration to all 
 around him, and we join in sympathy with those who 
 mourn the loss of a dearly-beloved friend. 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 RuMFORD Printing Co. 
 
 PRESS NOTICES. 
 
 Concord, N. H., April 2, 1905. Henry Clay Blinn, 
 for many years an elder and minister in the Shaker 
 community at Canterbury, died at 4.20 o'clock on 
 Saturday afternoon, April 1, his illness covering a 
 period of many years. 
 
 "Elder Henry" was widety known and respected. 
 On the 23d of August, 1863, he was drafted into mili- 
 tary service but, through the kindness of the authori- 
 ties, a "furlough until called for" was obtained — a 
 furlough uninterrupted until the summons of death 
 marshaled him into the "Grand Army of the Peace- 
 makers." — The Boston Herald. 
 
 Concord, N. H., April 2. Elder Henry Clay Blinn, 
 aged 80 years, a Shaker of almost international prom- 
 
 127 
 
inence, and long time elder and minister of the Shaker 
 community at East Canterbury, N. H., died there late 
 yesterday afternoon. 
 
 He had been ill for several years, but the fatal turn 
 only came about ten days ago, since when he rapidly 
 declined. The kindly old man had for long years 
 been known as "Elder Henry," a name which was 
 dear to a very wide circle of true friends at his own 
 home and abroad. Many summer visitors from all 
 parts of the country to the peaceful settlement at East 
 Canterbury will remember this kindly spirit and sin- 
 cerely grieve at his passing away. 
 
 From his young manhood, he occupied the highest 
 positions of care and responsibility among his now be- 
 reaved people. In the order of Elders he officiated 
 24 years, and for an equal term presided in the min- 
 istry over the two societies in New Hampshire, Enfield 
 and Canterbury. He was appointed one of the trus- 
 tees with Elder James S. Kaime in 1891, which posi- 
 tion he occupied until his death. — The Boston Globe. 
 
 Henry Clay Blinn, for many years an elder and 
 minister in the Shaker community at Canterbury, died 
 at 4.20 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, April 1. His 
 illness covered a period of many years. A change in 
 his condition developed on Tuesday last and hence- 
 
 128 
 
forward the decline was very rapid. ''Elder Henry," 
 as he was generally called, was widely known and 
 highlj^ respected both at home and abroad. He was 
 born in Providence, R. I., July 16, 1824. 
 
 In speaking of the death of Elder Bliun, a member 
 of the Canterbury community, who was closely asso- 
 ciated with him, said : 
 
 " *A prophet is not without honor save in his own 
 country,' cannot be said of Elder Henry. From the 
 hearts of his people rises the richest p«an today, from 
 the lips of those who know him best comes the truest 
 honor. He has reared an imperishable monument by 
 the sincerity of his consecration. Friends, far and 
 near, join in sympathy for the bereavement that has 
 come to them, and unite in honoring the life of the 
 deceased." — A". H. Patriot (Concord). 
 
 Teacher, writer, administrator — Elder Henry C. 
 Blinn of the Canterbury Shakers had a long and use- 
 ful life in New Hampshire and has gone, after four- 
 score years of activity, to an undoubted reward. With 
 him passes the embodiment of most of the traditions 
 of old-time Shakerism, though it was due to him in 
 large measure, also, that Shakerism adapted itself to 
 modern life and maintained itself in the face of ad- 
 verse social conditions. He was a man of fine mind. 
 » 139 
 
clear perceptions and splendid personal appearance, a 
 natural leader who did a great work. — Ed. Concord 
 Evening Monitor. 
 
 VALEDICTORY. 
 
 (We take pleasure in presenting the following 
 touching address, — the last words spoken in public 
 by Elder Henry, May, 1904. Perhaps, no closing 
 more appropriate could be added.) 
 
 "I have been considering for many weeks the ad- 
 visability of making the attempt to express my 
 thoughts in public. I feel a little tremulous even 
 now, but that is simply the result of weakness. I can- 
 not tell how long this feeling will last, whether it will 
 pass away or whether it will grow upon me. For the 
 past two years, I have not added my testimony in 
 Service on this account. 
 
 "As an old man, it is difficult for me to express 
 what I want to say; but I can look back upon the 20 
 consecutive years, when the responsibility of guiding 
 the public meetings rested upon me. Now, I feel that 
 I almost take the place of a child again. It is much 
 with me in this respect as it was with St. Peter. 
 When I was young I led others, but now I am old, I 
 put forth my hand and another doth lead me. 
 
 "I wish I was able to do more to help sustain the 
 
 130 
 
testimony of Christ; but I can only say to you, who 
 are the active workers of today, as Paul said, 'Weary 
 not in well-doing'.' You have my eternal interest, 
 and I want to thank all who have eared for me and 
 shown me so ranch kindness. We are all on the same 
 road, Brethren and Sisters; God protect us!" 
 
 131 
 


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