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 DISCOURSE 
 
 DELIVERED JAN. 5, 1816, 
 
 IN THE BRICK MEETING HOUSE IN DANVERS, 
 
 AT THE INTERMENT OF THE 
 
 l^onoralJle Samuel I^olten, 
 
 WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE 
 
 JANUARY 2, A. D. 1816, IN THE 78TH YEAR OF HIS AGE. 
 
 BY BENJAMIN WADSWORTH, A. M. 
 
 PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN DANVERS. 
 
 '* The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." Psalmist. 
 " Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the 
 children of men." Psalmist. 
 
 PufaUjGff)eb lip retjue^t* 
 ANDOVER : 
 
 PRINTED BY FLAGG AND GOULD. 
 1816. 
 

 /-^3 ^3^ 
 
 '/ 
 
J^ The just of blessed memory. 
 
 i 
 
 FUNERAL DISCOURSE. 
 
 PROVERBS, 
 
 GhAP. X. PARI' OF VER. 7.— THE MEMORY OF THE JUST IS BLESSED. 
 
 Ijharacters distinguished by public usefulness and 
 private virtues, are not only entitled to respect and es- 
 teem while actors upon the stage ; but deserve to have 
 their names transmitted with honour to posterity. This 
 is equally a tribute of justice to the dead, and of benevo- 
 lence to the living. The general eulogy in our text ou 
 true dignity and worth of character, expresses the genuine 
 sentiment of nature, and meets the concurring voice of 
 mankind in all ages. It was pronounced by king Solo- 
 mon, tlie ancient oracle of wisdom, who, as a man, was a 
 superior judge of the w^orld and human nature ; as a. good 
 man, was upright and impartial in his judgment ; as ele- 
 vated in station, had special opportunity to know and dis- 
 tinguish characters ; and as an inspired penman, wrote 
 under an immediate divine influence. He did not lavish 
 empty panegyric indiscriminately on great and splendid 
 talents, on worldly wealth and magnificence, or on heroic 
 achievements. Good qualities and worthy deeds were his 
 object. Wisdom, virtue, and piety possess charms his 
 noble soul was formed to feel, and knew how to appre- 
 ciate. These attracted his attention, and secured his con- 
 fidence. Entertaining an aifectionate veneration for real 
 excellence, the virtuous and pious he esteemed and pat- 
 
ronised while living ; and when vetued to the silent 
 shades, proclaimed their memory hlesscd. He was no 
 stranger himself to the laudable impulse the love of fame 
 naturally excites, nor would he withhold the grateful ac- 
 knowledgment due to departed worth. 
 
 " The memory of the just is blessed." 
 
 Being assembled to pay our last respects to the remains 
 of an early patriot^ a steady friend of religion, and dk. faith- 
 ful servant to his country ; while our feelings correspond 
 with the mournful scene, may our minds be open to the 
 important and interesting instructions, which these words 
 and the solemnity of the occasion imj)ressively inculcate. 
 
 Contemplations upon the general law of mortality, on 
 which the declaration in our text is founded — upon the 
 character there designated — and upon the justness and 
 propriety of the posthumous honor predicated of that char- 
 acter, will naturally lead to appropriate reflections. 
 
 The general laiv of mortality claims our first attention. 
 That this is the foundation, on which the declaration in 
 our text rests, appears evident ; for the recollection of 
 friends implies their absence, and in the connexion there 
 intended, their removal by death. Immortality seems the 
 dignified state originally designed for man ; but upon his 
 apostasy, " dust to dust'^ was his Maker's righteous 
 doom. The seeds of death are interwoven with his fjillen 
 nature. Ever since sin entered this world, it has been 
 the region of death's reign. During the long period of 
 almost six thousand years, generations have succeeded 
 generations. With tvio exceptions only, to answer 
 special purposes in providence, the history of mankind 
 furnishes one continued series of mortality. — But we 
 are not confined to the records of ages past to prove man 
 mortal ; frequent and painful ohservatiov evinces the sad 
 truth. Friends are daily leaving friends to mourn. This 
 
is the common condition upon which the tender ties oi' 
 friendship are formed. Whose heart never felt the sep- 
 arating pang ? Whose eye never paid the parting tribute 
 of tears ? Dying and deceased friends preach human 
 frailty vv^ith woful eloquence. This melting rhetoric who 
 can withstand ? Happy when it seals divine instruction 
 to the heart. — In others we only see a picture of death ; 
 we must self-apply the interesting scene, as we would 
 bring home the soleinn reality to our own hearts. It is not 
 more certain, that others are gone before than that we shall 
 follow. To them life was as sweet and death as terrible, 
 as they are to us : but prepared or unprepared, when the 
 summons came they must obey. In vain do we expect an 
 exclusive privilege. The case admits no compromise, no 
 ransom. Thin is the partition between this world and 
 another. Where time ends eternity begins. Experience 
 will soon teach us what it is to have the vital tie dissolved 
 and try the world of spirits ; and how often do diseases, 
 disasters and infirmities give the friendly admonition ! — 
 The infallible oracle adds its sanction and assures us, that 
 *^ it is appointed unto men once to die." As extensive as 
 human depravity is found, the sentence applies. He that 
 is born is born to die, or pass a change equivalent. Nor 
 was it the design of the great Restorer of man to procure 
 an exemption, even for his friends. To them the sting of 
 death is indeed taken away ; but their bodies must see 
 corruption. The king of terrours pays no higher compli- 
 ment to the palace than to the cottage. But though '^' there 
 is no discharge in that war,*' there are important dis- 
 tinctions in the human composition, and in personal char- 
 acter. Is man mortal ? He is immortal too. When " the 
 dust returns to the earth as it was, the spirit returns unto 
 God who gave it." Death opens the door to all out of 
 time into the eternal world. To the finally impenitent and 
 disobedient it opens into the regions of everlasting wo ; 
 
6 
 
 but to the pious auil good into tlic ineffable joys and glo- 
 ries of paradise, where " mortality is swallowed up of 
 
 life." 
 
 These observations lead us to attend to the character 
 designated by the general terra just. In an absolute 
 sense it imports complete moral rectitude of heart and life, 
 or a sinless conformity to the law of God. On this scale 
 of perfection, the character is not to be found among mor- 
 tals ; "for there is not a just man upon earth that doeth 
 good and sinneth not." In a restricted sense, the term 
 implies honesty and sincerity, in opposition to the arts of 
 fraud and dissimulation. And in evangelical style, a just 
 man is one who is '^ justitied by faith through the redemp- 
 tion that is in Jesus Clirist." — The wise man no doubt 
 intended a truly religious character ; the man who pos- 
 sesses a vital principle of piety, and leads a holy life ; 
 the good man, who loves God supremely and mankind 
 sincerely, and who maintains a noble superiority of mind 
 above avarice, vain ambition, and delusive pleasures, and 
 supports an exemplary uniformity of conduct, whether 
 called to move in the private walks, or on the public stage 
 of life. His principles accord with the spirit, his faith 
 with the doctrines, and his practice with the precepts of 
 our holy religion. 
 
 In the essential trait of real goodness of lieart, or a ren- 
 ovated temiier, the religious woithies of every age harmo- 
 nize ; but as each individual has a set of relations, con- 
 nexions, obligations and trials peculiar to his own situa- 
 tion and sphere of action, they exhihit a great diversity of 
 example. In some, one prominent excellence stands con- 
 fessed ; and in others, another. Some we aduiire for su- 
 periority of talents, and some for wisdom and prudence, 
 hospitality and benevolence. Here we are struck with 
 the great, there charmed with the lovely. Now we be- 
 hold the brilliant, and now the penetrating genius. Some 
 
are formed to plan, others to carry into eifect ; all service- 
 able in their respective stations, and all conducive to the 
 improvement and happiness of the great moral whole. 
 But the good man, in whatever attitude and under what 
 circumstances soever we view him, is the good man still. 
 He is the true penitent, the humble believer in Jesus, and 
 the practical christian. 
 
 Unfeigned pietij glows in his heart. He entertains a 
 sacred veneration and aifection for God, for his character, 
 law and government, and for his word and ordinances. 
 Having his treasure in heaven, he habituates his mind to 
 spiritual and divine meditations ; and knowing that the 
 formalities of religion are but empty ceremonies without 
 the heart, he worships in spirit and in truth, living near 
 to God, and walking humbly with him. The Lord's day 
 he conscientiously observes, improving it as a holy rest. 
 And the house of God, the domestic circle, and his closet 
 witness the constancy and fervour of his devotions. 
 
 But his religion is not confined to the exercises of piety ; 
 it extends to moral duties universally. Love to our neigh- 
 bour is enjoined by the same authority as love to God. 
 These are but different branches of the same great law of 
 love. Piety is the true principle of christian morality. 
 His virtues flow from the heart. The subtil arts of in- 
 trigue and deceit, injustice and hypocrisy he despises and 
 abominates ; and practises upon the established principles 
 of truth and righteousness, integrity and fidelity, carefully 
 observing this golden rule of our Lord. " As ye would 
 that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.'* 
 
 The meek, the gentle and benevolent virtues stand con- 
 centrated in his life. Envy, malice and revenge find no 
 harbour in his breast ; his endeavour is to copy the amia- 
 ble example of Christ. He is " an Israelite indeed." 
 His heart delights in acts of kindness ; his tongue is a 
 stranger to slander and falsehood. Sobriety marks his 
 
8 
 
 steps, and temperance crowus his board. Appetites and 
 passions he restrains within the honnds of reason ; and 
 christian charity disposes him to make proper allowances 
 for human failings. Humility sheds a lustre round all 
 his virtues. Patient and contented with his lot, he passes 
 the various changes of life with true magnanimity, devout- 
 ly acknowledging the hand of providence and cheerfully 
 acquiescing in the will of his heavenly Father. The ad- 
 vancement of the divine glory, the interests of religion, 
 and the happiness of mankind lie near his heart, and his 
 sincere desire is to do all the good in his power, that when 
 he leaves the world, it may he the better for the part he 
 has acted in it. 
 
 The relative and domestic virtues unite to exalt, em- 
 bellish, and endear the good man's character. In all the 
 near connexions in life, he is not unmindful of the corres- 
 ponding tender feelings and kind offices. Is he a son P 
 He becomes a pattern of iilial affection, reverence, and 
 obedience. Is he a husband? He is provident, true and 
 faithful. Is he a father ? He consults the best interests 
 of his children, both for this life and another. Is he a 
 master P His commands are reasonable, and authority he 
 tempers with mildness. Is he a neighbour P The law of 
 kindness is in his heart and on his tongue, and he is ever 
 ready to acts of benevolence. Is he a professed friend P 
 He is sincere in his pretensions, steady in his attachments 
 and faitliful in advice and reproof. 
 
 He is likewise the good citizen and valuable member of 
 society. Knowing religion does not require a gloomy 
 temper, nor a solitary retreat from the world, he enjoys 
 the social circle of friends with christian cheerfulness, 
 equally desirous of receiving and imparting useful instruc- 
 tion. Tlie welfare of the society with which he is par- 
 ticularly connected, attracts his notice, and interests his 
 feelings. Its just rights and privileges he espouses and 
 
vindicates, its honor defends, and he studies its peace and 
 pi'osperity. If his circumstances in the worhl are moder- 
 ate, and ratlier indigent ; he supplies their deficiency by 
 industry and economy. If affluent ; he considers himself 
 a steward and amenable, and his heart flows out in diflTu- 
 sive beneficence. He is not wrapt up in self, but seeks the 
 good of his fellow men. 
 
 View him as a 'patriot, and he has a single eye to the 
 best interests of his country. Amidst the confusion and 
 perplexities attending revolutionary scenes, the collision 
 of parties, and fluctuation of public opinion, he remains its 
 firm friend. Uninfluenced by foreign powers, unawed by 
 threats, unmoved by bribes, he embraces and pursues that 
 system of politics, which he conceives most conducive to 
 national peace, honor, and happiness, and esteems no la- 
 bours too great to promote so good a cause. 
 
 Contemplated in public life, his time and talents are 
 devoted to the duties of his station. Whether called to 
 officiate in the legislative, judicial or executive department, 
 and whether in the commonwealth only, or on the great 
 national scale, the fear of God is habitually before his 
 eyes, and he remembers his final responsibility. 
 
 Follow the good man through life ; and the more fully 
 he is known, the higher his amiable qualities and virtu- 
 ous deportment ingratiate him into the fine feelings of the 
 heart. Where do we find on earth a more excellent char- 
 acter ? But perfection is not predicable of frail humanity. 
 Conscious failings and infirmities clothe him with peniten- 
 tial humility, and direct him daily to that precious blood, 
 which cleanseth from all sin. But though imperfect, he 
 maintains a general consistency and regularity of charac- 
 ter, in all stations high and low, in all conditions prosper- 
 ous and adverse, and in all relations and connexions. 
 
 Having lived his day and fulfilled the work assigned 
 him, behold him drawing near the close of life. And in 
 
proportion to the strength of his faith and brightness of hid 
 evidences arc his supports and consolations. But what- 
 ever shades of doubt and fear a humble sense of past de- 
 ficiencies may occasion, liis state is safe, his end happy. 
 He dies in peace vv^ith God and man, and sleeps in Jesus. 
 Free from those bitter reflections and tormenting forebod- 
 ings, which a life filled up with sin and vanity naturally 
 awakens, a consciousness of evangelical sincerity and up- 
 rightness must afford sweet complacency ; and while the 
 eye of faith fixes on his glorious Saviour, he may smile a 
 cheerful farewell to the world he leaves behind, and anti- 
 cipate the bliss of heaven. ^' Mark tiie perfect man, and 
 behold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace," 
 
 And could we accompany the unimbodied sjiint, encir^ 
 eled by a convoy of ministering angels, wafting it home to 
 paradise ; O the briglit scenes ! the ineflable joys I the 
 transporting prospects ! Bnt we must put off these clayey 
 tabernacles, before we can know the blessed reality. An 
 impenetrable vail kindly conceals the celestial glories from 
 eyes of sense, lest they should emblazon our feeble optics 
 to darkness, or create such an ardent desire to enjoy them, 
 as would incapacitate for the remaining duties of life. 
 
 From these strokes in tlie character under consideration, 
 we proceed to show the justness and froitviety of the 
 posthumous honor predicated of it in the text. '' The 
 memory of the just is blessed." The general expression 
 seems to import, that the names, the virtues, and the good 
 services of those, who have done worthily in their day, 
 should be duly appreciated, recognised with gratitude, 
 spoken of with applause, enrolled in the bright records of 
 fame, propounded for imitation and transmitted to suc- 
 ceeding generations with tokens of respect and approba- 
 tion. To perpetual oblivion let illustrious wretches and 
 haughty tyrants, those enemies of God and man, who have 
 but too often been ranked on the list of honor, be consign- 
 
11 
 
 e<], or reeoUected only with merited infamy as warnings 
 to others to shun their crimes. But with one consent let 
 those bright luminaries in the moral, political and reli- 
 gious world, who have proved the friends of God and 
 benefactors of mankind, pillars of church and state, ac- 
 cording to their personal excellences and worthy deeds, 
 be held in everlasting remembrance. Having been bless- 
 ings to the world, it is but just that they should descend 
 to the grave with the world's blessing. 
 
 This accords with the presentiment a laudable love of 
 fame inspires — with the voice of reason — with the practice 
 of mankind in all ages — and with the language of sacred 
 tvrit. 
 
 The desire and expectation of a blessed memory seem 
 involved in a laiidaUe love of fame. This love implies a 
 sincere regard for personal character, a tender concern for 
 reputation, and a wish to convey a good name to posterity; 
 and it is a natural principle or affection deeply rooted in 
 the human constitution. Originally it was implanted for 
 "wise and valuable purposes ; and like other passions is 
 productive of happy effects when duly regulated and im- 
 proved. It is a powerful preservative against vicious 
 habits and infamous practices, and a stimulating motive to 
 noble actions. Purer and more sublime consideration?, 
 such as the glory of God, and good of mankind, give the 
 principal spring to the christian ; but who is an entire 
 stranger to its animating influence? We may judge of it 
 hy its fruits. It has effected wonders, fired the latent 
 spark of genius, roused many a lethargic soul to exertion, 
 opened the hand of charity, and no doubt founded many 
 useful institutions. How many able statesmen, philoso- 
 phers, poets, and heroes owe much of their greatness to 
 this secret impulse ! What man ever wished to have his 
 name buried in oblivion, until the baseness of liis character 
 had doomed it to infamy ? Nature feels a pleasure in the 
 
13 
 
 anticipation, and virtue inspires a hope of affectionate re- 
 membrance after (leatli. What are these presages, but 
 the Creator's impress ? Various causes, such as opposite 
 views and militating interests, an envious disposition, a 
 mixture of human frailties with shining qualities, the re- 
 proof living virtue administers to vice, and competition for 
 place, combine to detract from the acknowledgment due to 
 worthy characters while in actual service, which cease to 
 operate when life's drama is completed. When innocence 
 and virtue lie under aspersions and set in a cloud, it is a 
 consolation to think they will rise gloriously and shine 
 at last in their native beauties. " A good name is rather 
 to be chosen than great riches.'' This love of fame is an 
 index in nature pointing out immortality to man. 
 
 To bless the raemoiy of departed worth is a tribute 
 reason requires. The great body of mankind move in 
 humble sfheres and are scarcely known beyond a small 
 circle of friends and acquaintance. They live in obscu- 
 rity, and die in silence. Multitudes of such private chris- 
 tians are ornaments to human nature, to society, and their 
 profession, ximiable, pious, and exemplary, they are ad- 
 mired and esteemed v»'hile living. Piety and virtue, 
 whether in a cottage or on a throne, recommend themselves 
 to our moral feelings and command respect. The heart 
 approves, and the voice of reason applauds. When such 
 retire to the grave, the unfeigned tear of affection embalms 
 their memory ; and their precious names and good coun- 
 sels are often mentioned with endearing emotions. Remote 
 descendants glory in such ancestors, and call them bless- 
 ed. — To the lot of but a comparative few it falls to fill 
 elevated stations and act a conspicuous part on the open 
 theatre of public life. On such all eyes are fixed, and 
 their motions are carefully watched. When they support 
 true dignity, and faithfully discharge the duties of their 
 respective offices ; it is ])ut right, that the public mind 
 
i3 
 
 ishonld be alive to testimonials of praise. Let traitors and 
 enemies to their country be stigmatized with the disgrace 
 they have merited ; but friends of humanity, generous 
 benefactors, and those who have rescued their country 
 from meditated subjugation by their wisdom, inflexible 
 virtue, and persevering exertions, deserve their country's 
 gratitude and esteem, living, dying, and dead. 
 
 From this language of reason, let us advert to the prac- 
 tice of mankind in all past ages. And notwithstanding 
 the great diversity of sentiments, customs and religions, 
 which have prevailed in the world, all nations, according 
 to their modes of estimating characters, have endeavoured 
 to immortalize the memory of the illustrious and renowned 
 in their day. Wherever we trace the historic page, we 
 find the names and valiant exploits of such recorded with 
 marks of honor. Thousands must have been obliterated 
 and lost in the lapse of time and revolutions of kingdoms 
 and empires ; but where is the nation but boasts its list of 
 worthies ? Should we search the archives of Pagan coun- 
 tries, w hether of ancient or modern date, what a famous 
 catalogue of sages, w^arriors, and legislators would rise 
 to view. Jewish writings furnish a continued succession 
 of still more eminent and dignified characters. The fol- 
 lowers of the Arabian impostor likewise boast of their 
 great prophet, their caliphs, and men of bravery and skill. 
 But the christian world has contributed most to swell the 
 volume of fame. Thus that temjjle of honor has been fill- 
 ing up, as time has rolled on ; and it will continue to in- 
 crease, till time shall be no more. But never did a young 
 republic make so large additions and figure so conspicu- 
 ously there, as these United States. What an illustrious 
 train of patriots, philosophers, heroes, and public benefac- 
 tors grace the annals of this western world ! — Numerous 
 are the methods which the ingenuity of man has devised 
 to perpetuate the memory of the reputed worthies of sue- 
 
i4 
 
 cessivc ages. AVitness the renowned monuments of an- 
 tiquity, the mouldering pile, the inscrihed pillar or humhle 
 stone, the sculptured marble, the animating pencil, and 
 the poet's muse. But after the utmost labour of human 
 art, time levels all such memorials with the dust. What 
 is the praise of man to ^' the honor that comctli from God !" 
 To the sacred oracles let us appeal ; and 
 
 Honorable testimonials are there borne to the memory of 
 deceased friends and those who have been distinguislied 
 by faith and noble deeds. The patriarch Jacob erected a 
 pillar upon the grave of his beloved Rachel, as a monu- 
 mental token of affection. And books in commemoratioa 
 of the characters, reign, and acts of kings, with remarka- 
 ble occurrences and transactions were common among the 
 Jews in ancient times. But what arc perishable materials 
 to the approbation of God ? This is true glory. Be this 
 our object. This stamps immortal dignity on character ; 
 and " this honor have all the saints." Sacred writ re- 
 tains the names, celebrates the virtues, and records the 
 good deeds of a long catalogue of worthies, assuring us, 
 that *' the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." 
 Their memory is not only blessed on earth, but they are 
 blessed in heaven. Tliere the true records of fame are 
 preserved entire ; and there the names of all the pious 
 worthies of every nation and clime are registered, as a 
 perpetual memorial ; nor will their personal excellences 
 and good works ever be forgotten. They, with the whole 
 church of tlie redeemed, will forever constitute an honor- 
 able society in the pure realms of light and glory, and 
 receive a rich ^^ recompense of reward." Though their 
 final acceptance with God be not on the ground of their 
 own merit, but through the meritorious death and mediato- 
 rial intercession of the lledeemer, the brilliancy of their 
 crown of glory will bear proportion to their real excellence 
 of cliaracter. <• Their works do follow them." The 
 
13 
 
 piety, benevolence aud noble actions, which endeared them 
 in this world, will ever reflect honor on their memory. 
 Their " witness is in heaven/' and their ^^ record is on 
 high.'' What is man's book of fame to " the Lamb's book 
 of life ?" Human records are liable to be defaced, con- 
 sumed, or lost ; but not that blest volume. It remains 
 surer than the pillars of nature, and firmer than the foun- 
 dations of the earth. Who that thirsts for true glory, but 
 must devoutly wish to be enrolled there with the company 
 of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and those excellent char- 
 acters, which have proved examples of true piety and vir- 
 tue, ornaments to humanity, and blessings in their day ? 
 When this terraqueous globe, with the elementary heavens 
 which encircle it, shall be wrapt in one general conflagra- 
 tion, their unjust censures will all be wiped off, and hav- 
 ing ^' their robes washed and made white in the blood of 
 the Lamb," their names will forever stand in " the book 
 of life," aud be held in perpetual respect and esteem in 
 the everlasting kingdom of our Lord. Angels will ap- 
 plaud while the supreme Judge, in the presence of the 
 whole assembled universe proclaims, " Come, ye blessed 
 of ray Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from 
 the foundation of the world." 
 
 This train of meditation naturally leads to reflections 
 appropriate to the present mournful occasion^ and with 
 the solemnly affecting ensigns of mortality before us. 
 
 How impressively does this sulyect teach, that neither 
 greatness, goodness, nor usefulness is any security against 
 the arrest of the king of terrors. However exalted the 
 rank, or honorable the office, how wealthy or wise, how 
 pious, benevolent and exemplary soever, though gods 
 on earth, all must die like men. "' The fathers, where 
 are they ? and the prophets," and worthies of all form- 
 er ages ? '^ J3o they live forever ?" Mortality is the 
 motto sin has inscribed on fallen humanity. "'• The graven 
 
16 
 
 is the house appointed for all living." But blessetl be 
 God, Christ is " the resurrection and the life." 
 
 When public characters prove true friends to tlieir 
 country, and render it essential services, their removal by 
 death is sensibly felt, and deeply lamented. The greater 
 their sphere of usefulness and the richer blessings they 
 >vere living, the heavier the separating stroke. Not their 
 families and immediate connexions only, but society and 
 the community participate tlie loss and mingle sympathies. 
 When piety, virtue and talents withdraw, the impoverish- 
 ed world mourns. 
 
 To heaven let the dependant eye be directed for a sue- 
 cession of able and faitliful men to guide the helm of pub- 
 lic affairs, and fill the various offices of state. *^ When 
 the righteous are in authority the people rejoice; but when 
 the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." Great is the 
 influence of example in high rank and power to renovate 
 or demoralize tlie public manners. Happy for a society, 
 a nation, a country, when their leading cliaracters are 
 men of religion as well as talents. When God has judg- 
 ments to inflict on a people, how often do wicked men rise 
 to power ! But when blessings are in store, he raises up 
 and employs suitable instruments. For this however he 
 will be " inquired of to do it for them." " Help, Lord, 
 for the godly man ceaseth, and the faithful fail." 
 
 With united voice let American citizens bless the mem- 
 ory of those civil and political fathers and heroic sons, 
 who were the principal instruments, under Providence, of 
 obtaining and establishing our national independence. 
 Not to acknowledge the arduous and honorable part they 
 acted for God and their country, would be base ingrati- 
 tude ; and not to transmit to future ages with due respect 
 their names and services, would be undervaluing merit. 
 Posterity ought to know their benefactors. Living exam- 
 ples abound in useful instructions to contemporaries ; it is 
 
i7 
 
 the pen of biographers and historians that preserves their 
 memory from oblivion, and stamps a kind of immortality 
 on their well earned honors. What mingled emotions of 
 veneration and esteem rise within, when we read and re- 
 flect upon the great, the wise and good of former times I 
 But when we descend to our own country, and take a 
 retrospective view of the late American revolution, a 
 bright constellation of modern worthies crowds upon our 
 recollection. The greater part by far of these distinguished 
 friends of the rights and liberties of man, have dropt the 
 Mantle of mortality. They lived not for themselves only, 
 but for their country, for posterity and the world. Peace 
 to their ashes, and a blessing on their memory. Let chil- 
 dren's children learn to lisp their names, rehearse their 
 valiant deeds, and transcribe their virtues. 
 
 On this patriotic list shines the late Honorable Judge 
 HoLTfiN. To eulogize characters from this sacred desk, 
 has not indeed been my usual practice ; but when a man 
 of such public usefulness, exemplary deportment, and 
 universal esteem quits this mortal stage, it is but a just 
 tribute to acknowledged worth, to collect from the best 
 documents in our power and recount some of the leading 
 traits and honorary gradations of his life. The greatest 
 geniuses and most brilliant talents do not always deserve 
 the highest applause. It is the most eminently and ex- 
 tensively useful to whom the world is most indebted, and 
 who justly bear off the laurels. And rarely with his pri- 
 vate education and small advantages in early life, do we 
 find a man rise to so many posts of honor, fill so many 
 important stations, and acquit himself to such general sat- 
 isfaction as the subject of these memoirs. As the relation 
 of minute occurrences and events in the lives of deceased 
 friends affords a secret pleasure and lessons of instruction 
 to those who survive, tending to enkindle a spirit of emu- 
 
18 
 
 lation, it will not in this instance be deemed an impropriety 
 to descend to particulars. 
 
 Samuel Holten was born of respectable parents, in 
 that part of Salem, long known by the name of Salem 
 Village, June 9, a. d. 1/38. His ancestors rank among 
 the early settlers of that ancient town. Nature was kind 
 and liberal in her endowments. His form was majestic, 
 his person graceful, his countenance pleasing, his manners 
 easy and engaging, his address courtly, his talents popu- 
 lar, his disposition amiable and benevolent, and he pos- 
 sessed good intellectual powers. 
 
 His father, having no other son, early intended to give 
 him a collegiate education. He was accordingly, at eight 
 years of age, placed in the family of the Rev. Mr. Clark; 
 but at twelve he was visited with a dangerous indisposi- 
 tion, which greatly enfeebled his constitution and impair- 
 ed his hearing — a serious misfortune that attended him 
 through life. Unable to pursue his classical studies, he 
 relinquished the favourite object ; but regretted ever after 
 the mortifying disappointment. 
 
 Health being at length in some measiu-e restored, he 
 turned his attention to the healing art. So intense was 
 his application, and so rapid the progress he made in that 
 branch of science, that before he had arrived at the age of 
 eighteen, the physician, under wliose direction he studied, 
 pronounced him well qualified for the practice both of 
 physic and surgery. In his nineteenth year, he com- 
 menced an acceptable jpractitioner in Gloucester ; but in 
 less than two years after, at the solicitation of his father 
 and friends, he returned to the place of his nativity, where 
 with growing reputation he continued to practise in his 
 profession, as his public engagements would admit, six- 
 teen years. 
 
 A character unblemished and a deportment so ingra- 
 tiating stole upon the aiFections and obtained the confi- 
 
19 
 
 <leiu',e of the people. He had not reached the age of thir- 
 ty when the town of Danvers^ testified their high sense of 
 his abilities, by electing him their Hepresentative in the 
 Greneral Court, and constituting him their Agent in an un- 
 happy dispute depending between said town and some of 
 its inhabitants. The cause he managed with so much 
 skill and address as to obtain at length a final settlement 
 by an act of the legislature, which met the unanimous ap- 
 probation of all parties. From that time we may date the 
 united voice of the town in his favor. 
 
 In 1768, being tlie first year doctor Holten held a seat 
 in the General Court, he signalized himself as a son of 
 lihp.rty by appertaining to the non-rescinding number of 
 ninety two. The difficulties subsisting between the par- 
 ent country and her American Colonies from that time 
 assumed a more alarming aspect. Political fermentations 
 in the public mind indicated the approach of revolutionary 
 scenes. A nobly decided part he took in behalf of his 
 country, and became a very active and influential charac- 
 ter through the w hole of the ensuing revolution. He was 
 a member of the Provincial Convention, which was in ses- 
 sion when the British troops first landed in Boston ; and 
 a member and one of the committee of the convention in 
 the county of Essex. Highly electrified by the spirit of 
 the times, few men were more zealously engaged in the 
 common cause, or more constantly employed on important 
 services preliminary to the freedom and sovereignty of our 
 country. 
 
 In the memorable year 177^ the revolutionary war com- 
 menced. Consternation seized the people ; gloomy was 
 the prospect, and doubtful the issue. The question was, 
 Shall Americans be freemen, or slaves ? For these infant 
 
 * That part of Salem called Salem Village was included in an in- 
 corporating act of the Legislature by the name of Danvers, June 16, 
 
 1757. 
 
and defenceless colonies to contend with the parent coun- 
 try, one of the most powerful nations on earth, looked like 
 presumption ; and tamely to resign their liberties, their 
 birthright, without a struggle, was unworthy the descend- 
 ants of their noble ancestors. But petitions and remon- 
 strances having been tried in vain, these were the only 
 alternatives. The spark of liberty enkindled to a flame, 
 and spread through every province. At that momentous 
 crisis which " tried men's souls," doctor Holten ranks 
 among those venerable patriots, wlio courageously stepped 
 forward at their country's call, and risked their lives and 
 fortunes to save its sinking liberties. Public exigences 
 being very pressing, about this time, he relinquished his 
 medical profession entirely and all private business, and 
 became wholly devoted to the service of his country. He 
 Avas chosen first Major of the first Regiment in Essex, 
 though he had never before been in the military line. A 
 seat he held as a representative from Danvers in the pro- 
 vincial congress at Watertown, and was appointed one of 
 the committee of safety. When the provisional govern- 
 ment of Massachusetts was organized, he was constituted 
 one of the executive council. 
 
 In 1776, when Independence was declared, he took his 
 seat as one of the judges of the court of common pleas for 
 his native county, and performed the duties of that oflBce 
 about thirty two years, presiding half that time. He was 
 justice of the court of general sessions of the peace thirty 
 five years, and chief justice of the same fifteen. A com- 
 mission he held as justice of the peace and of the quorum 
 nearly forty years. 
 
 In 1777? Judge Holten was one of the delegates from 
 Massachusetts, who assisted in framing the Confederation 
 of the United States at York Town. The ensuing year 
 he was for the first time cliosen a delegate in the Ameri- 
 can Congress, and annexed his ratifying signature to that 
 
Constitution of government. His name was likewise af- 
 fixed to a cession of a part of the territory of Massachu- 
 setts to congress. Repeated elections occasioned so long 
 a continuance in the southern climate as very sensibly to 
 aifect his constitution. He was one of the delegates in 
 congress at that critical time when the legislature of Mas- 
 sachusetts vested in any two of them unlimited power, 
 pledging themselves to ratify whatever they should accede 
 to or transact. And so high did he stand in the esteem 
 of that august body, that they elected him President of 
 Congress, and thus promoted him to the first seat of honor 
 in his country. 
 
 He was chosen one of the convention which formed our 
 State Constitution, adopted in 178O ; but being in con- 
 gress, he was necessarily prevented attending that service. 
 At that dark period in the revolution, when public credit 
 had nearly failed, and there was reason to fear the army 
 would quit tlie field and return home, he was one of the 
 committee which planned the new emission paper curren- 
 cy, as the last expedient and only hope of saving the 
 country ; and which happily proved successful, by reviv- 
 ing its sinking credit. — In 178I he was elected in the 
 county of Essex as a Senator ; and when the State Gov- 
 ernment was organized, he was advanced by the general 
 court to the executive council. To these stations he was 
 reelected several succeeding years. For more than a year 
 doctor Holten was the only medical character in congress : 
 and to him was committed the charge of the medical de- 
 partment in the army. 
 
 In 1783 the great object of peace and Independence was 
 obtained. But new difficulties arose on disbanding the 
 army. He held a seat in congress at that time, and was 
 present when the house where they were in session was 
 surrounded with armed soldiers, imperiously demanding 
 compensation for their services before they retired to their 
 
as 
 
 respective homes. He ami several other memhers, with 
 their lives in their hand, ventured among them, attempting 
 by reason and argument to pacify their minds and quell 
 the tumult. But so violent and outrageous were they, 
 that with bayonets pointed at their breasts for several 
 hours, they loaded them with execrations and threatened 
 immediately to sacrifice them, unless they would grant 
 their request. At length however they were prevailed 
 with to desist and rest the issue. — Points of honor and 
 matters of etiquette attracted his particular attention. 
 When the first minister of state was received by congress 
 from the United Netherlands, he was appointed to con- 
 duct the business as master of the ceremonies. 
 
 In 1787 he was part of the time a representative in the 
 general court, and the other part a member in congress. 
 The next year, when the Federal Constitution was sub- 
 mitted to the people, he was one of the delegates in the 
 convention of this State, which adopted that excellent 
 plan of republican government.— In 1793 and the ensuing 
 year. Judge Holtcn, by the suffrages of the district, includ- 
 ing the counties of Essex, Suffolk, and Middlesex, was 
 delegated a representative to congress. — Twice he was 
 appointed an elector of president and vice-president. — 
 He and several other gentlemen were incorporated into 
 " the Massachusetts Medical Society," of which he was 
 a counsellor, and a vice-president ; and likewise into an 
 "Agricultural Society." He was a member of the Humane 
 Society ; and was admitted an honorable member of the 
 Bristol Medical Society. Tliough he made no pretensions 
 to the liberal arts and sciences, and never attempted to 
 shine in the republic of letters, he was a steady friend to 
 civil, religious, and literary institutions, ever consulting 
 and promoting their best interests. 
 
 In 1811, when the court of sessions was organized on a 
 new ylan, he was appointed chief justice ; which office. 
 
by the advice of his friends, solely from a regard to the 
 public good, he accepted ; but after adjusting the necessa- 
 ry forms, and regulating its proceedings, he resigned. 
 
 An invariable attachment he ever manifested to the 
 rights, liberties, and true interests of his native country ; 
 and generally took a decided part in the public debates, 
 when these were depending. Should the secret journals 
 of congress in revolutionary times be published, his char- 
 acter will be more fully developed ; but enrolled in the 
 archives of America, his name will be handed down to 
 posterity with the celebrated names of his cotemporary 
 patriots, crowned with immortal honor. 
 
 Being naturally active and diligent, always desirous of 
 doing good, when he was not engaged in more important 
 affairs abroad, he did not think it beneath him to attend to 
 the business of the town and parish in which he lived. 
 He served in the offices of selectman, town clerk, assessor, 
 and committee of safety. Twenty four years he was town 
 treasurer ; and treasurer of the parish about half a cen- 
 tury, for which last service he wished and received no 
 other compensation than their nuited approbation. — Pos- 
 sessing a happy talent at healing breaches and settling 
 private differences, he was frequently employed as an 
 •Arbitrator in difficult cases^ and occasionally attended 
 ecclesiastical councils. 
 
 Having been elected eiglit years as a representative in 
 the general court, five in the senate, twelve in the council, 
 five in congress as a representative under the confederation, 
 and two under the federal constitution, in 1796 being in 
 low health he declined standing candidate for a reelection 
 to congress. But September the first the same year he 
 received a commission as Judge of Probate for the 
 county of Essex, which he accepted, and resigned his seat 
 at the council board. The arduous duties of that office 
 he continued to perform to general satisfaction, till admon- 
 
S4 
 
 ishcd by the infirmities of age of the expediency of relin- 
 quishing all public business. Having nearly completed 
 nineteen years, on May 10th, 1815, he in due form resign- 
 ed the office,* and spent his few remaining months in 
 contemplative retirement. 
 
 Forty seven years he served his country in public sta- 
 tion ; a period that comprised one of the most extraordi- 
 nary revolutions the world had ever witnessed. Patriotism 
 warmed his heart, and his feelings uniformly sympathized 
 "with the aspect of public affairs ; but not even in the 
 darkest season did he despair. The righteousness of the 
 cause in which lie was engaged, and dependence on heaven 
 for success supported him. Integrity, fidelity, and per- 
 severance were prominent features in his character ; a 
 noble rectitude of heart marked his judicial proceedings ; 
 and never did he sacrifice the public good to private 
 emolument. Skilled in human nature and the art of gov^- 
 ernment, he rendered his country eminent services. What- 
 ever station he filled, he was all attention to its duties, 
 and remarkably punctual to his engagements. 
 
 Goodness and usefulness characterize true greatness. 
 Thousands figure on the stage in affluence and grandeur, 
 and live to eat, and drink, and enjoy high life, but do the 
 world no real good. Judge Holten affected no parade of 
 living, but chose a truly republican style. He lived to be 
 useful ; and being ever ready to counsel, advise and assist, 
 he was si favorite of the people. The charm of popularity 
 he felt in full force, nor was he insensible to the love of 
 fame. No man possessed more ambition to please, and 
 few had a happier talent. His heart was alive to the 
 tender sympathies of humanity. Formed *' to feel anoth- 
 er's wo," objects of distress, the widow's sigh, and or- 
 phan's tear contained a rhetoric he could not resist. He 
 was the poor man's friend ; and his hand was open to the 
 relief of misery and indigence. 
 
 * Sec the Appendix. 
 
Nor was he a brighter example of the public, than of 
 the pricate and domestic virtues. Who was ever a more 
 affectionate husband, a kinder parent, or more studiously 
 attentive to consult the convenience and promote the hap- 
 piness of every branch of family connexion ? And his 
 affability, urbanity, and instructive conversation endeared 
 him to his numerous friends. 
 
 But piety is the consummation of human character. We 
 should leave his memory under a cloud, did we forget to 
 notice the uniform regard he paid through life to God and 
 divine things. Blessed with pious parental instructions, 
 bis mind became serious at an early period. He was 
 universally esteemed an exemplary youth. At tlie age of 
 seventeen he joined a religious Society of young people in 
 this place, and was a zealous promoter of it. Before he 
 had attained twenty one years, he was admitted a member 
 of this church ; and amidst the greatest multiplicity and 
 pressure of business, he manifested a sacred veneration for 
 divine institutions. Whether at home or abroad, he was 
 the same constant attender upon public worship and ordi- 
 nances, notwithstanding the disadvantage under which he 
 laboured of hearing but a part of the services ; and he 
 shone a pattern of family devotion. The cause and inter- 
 ests of religion he ever patronised, seeking the peace and 
 prosperity of the church as faithfully as of the state. Tlie 
 sacred scriptures he searched for himself, and did not hes- 
 itate to declare, that the distinguishing doctrines of grace, 
 revealed in the gospel, met the approbation of his heart. 
 He was not ashamed of a crucified Savior ; but he was no 
 friend to bigotry, superstition, or religious enthusiasm. 
 Catholic in his sentiments, he embraced in t!ie arms of 
 charity the pious and good of every denomination, wherev- 
 er found. 
 
 Having filled up a long life with intense application to 
 business and extensive utility, the load of years and decay 
 4 
 
£6 
 
 of nature pvemonished liim of apjjvoaching dissolutiou. 
 Nor was the closing scene of his days less instructive than 
 liis active life. The last words of friends are precious. 
 During the course of his illness, he appeared impressed 
 with a grateful sense of the goodness of God through the 
 various periods and changes he had passed. Particularly 
 lie observed, that it was a hapi)y circumstance that his 
 mind was settled in religion before he was called abroad 
 in the world ; otherwise, meeting with so many avocations 
 and mixing with such different companies, he should have 
 been in danger of remaining unprincipled all his days. 
 Finding him at a certain time deep in contemplation, he 
 informed me that he had been taking a retrospective view 
 of his public life, and felt the satisfaction of an approving 
 conscience ; a conscience testifying, that he had invaria- 
 bly sought his country's good ; that he had never perverted 
 or abused the power with which he was intrusted : and 
 that he had in no instance, either in the great aifairs of 
 state, or in the judicial department, knowingly and inten- 
 tionally given his voice wrong. Many mistakes, he added, 
 he had no doubt committed ; but they were errours of the 
 judgment, not of the will ; for he thought at the time he 
 was doing right. Hut still he expressed a humiliating 
 sense of personal guilt and un worthiness in the sight of a 
 God of infinite purity and perfection, and gloried in noth- 
 ing " save .lesus Christ, and him crucified." 
 
 Generally his mind was serene and cheerful ; but hav- 
 ing through life been exercised with doubts and fears, no 
 wonder, as the close drew near, that he had his dark as 
 well as bright seasons. The fear of death is a natural 
 passion. Death is the king of terrours, and a terrour to 
 kings. Anticipating the solemnities of the change, he was 
 at times almost overwhelmed at the prospect. Feeling his 
 situation as a dying man, and expressing a realizing ap- 
 prehension of a just opening eternity, an uncommon de- 
 
pression of spirits was observed. To revive his lieart. the 
 great christian atonement was mentionetl. " O," replied 
 he, " that is the foundation of all my hopes. The world 
 is nothini^ ; the pomp and honors of the world are nothing. 
 Heaven is all ; religion is all my comfort." Afterwards, 
 expecting soon to make the great experiment, he said, 
 ^* Death is no terrour." And thus he declared his resig- 
 nation, '* 1 have no will but God's.'' Amidst all the 
 distress of nature, during a few days previous to his de- 
 parture he continued in a very happy frame. Were we 
 to judge from his strong and fervent expressions, we should 
 be ready to conclude, that a beam of glory opened on his 
 soul, irradiated death's dark valley, dispelled gloom from 
 the grave, and brightened to the eye of his faith the coming 
 world. Manifesting an exalted apprehension of the joys 
 and glories of heaven, he longed " to be absent from the 
 body and to be present with the Lord," and breathed out 
 life in an assured hope of a blessed and glorious immor- 
 tality. 
 
 Thus lived and thus died the honorable Judge Holten, 
 in a good old age, full in the faith of the christian religion. 
 Behold his mortal remains shrouded in the habiliments of 
 the grave. Death has closed his eyes, and sealed his lips 
 in perpetual silence. What a humiliating comment on 
 liuman frailty and terrestrial glory ! With what empliasis 
 does this admonitory providence bring home our subject 
 to our hearts ! Who but must self-appropriate the most 
 solemn and interesting reflections ? But though we mourn, 
 we rejoice in the hope that our loss is his gain. While 
 we commit '^^ dust to dust," charity contemplates his de- 
 parted spirit ascended to purer regions, and exalted to a 
 more dignified station and sublimer employments than this 
 Vv'orld affords. 
 
 With the bereaved family^ the surviving daughter and 
 grand -children, would we mingle tears of condolence. 
 
The tide of grief will flow ; may it soften the heart, and 
 prepare it for heavenly instruction. Blessed with so 
 good a parent, a thousand endearments must rise upon 
 reflection. Long have you enjoyed the high privilege of 
 his unremitting attention, judicious counsel and advice, 
 amiable example, and prayers. May they leave impres- 
 sions never to be erased. In the daily recollection, hear 
 Mm still speak. Convinced of the rectitude and wisdom 
 of tlie divine administration, humbly acquiesce in the 
 sovereign disposals of providence. What God does must 
 be riglit. The language of our Lord ever becomes the 
 Christian, " Not my will, but thine be done." lieligioB 
 yields the best supports and consolations in a day of 
 trouble ; and sanctiiied afflictions are preferable to unsanc- 
 tified mercies. Though the streams fail, the fountain 
 remains. Your heavenly Father lives ; and you cannot 
 lose so much in earthly friends, but you may find infinitely 
 more in him. As your attachments to this world lessen, 
 let your hearts centre on the Supreme Good. Exemplify 
 the christian mourner, and with redoubled zeal fulfil the 
 duties of life and prepare to follow. Would you embalm 
 Ills memory? Reduce to practice every good precept his 
 affectionate heart inculcated, and by transcribing his vir- 
 tues, may they still live, and shine, and bless the world in 
 you. His dying charge, his parting blessing, his last 
 farewell remember, till you meet him in heaven. 
 
 O could the bands of death be loosened, and he be per- 
 mitted for a moment to address Ids beloved country, with 
 supplicating eye to Heaven to take these United States 
 into divine protection, would he not say, ^ Fellow citizens, 
 preserve your rights and liberties entire, which cost so 
 much blood and treasure, and transmit them as an invalu- 
 able legacy to future generations. Maintain inviolate 
 your Federal Constitution, that most excellent bond of 
 union, that the world may know there was once virtue 
 
29 
 
 enough on earth to perpetuate a republican form of gov- 
 ernment. And as such a system depends more immedi- 
 ately upon the morals and habits of the people, would you 
 enjoy the benefits resulting from it, cherish public virtue^ 
 sacredly observe the religious institutions of Christianity, 
 guard against anarchy and despotism, and adhere strictly 
 to the principles upon which the national compact is 
 founded.' 
 
 To the few surviving patriotic fathers, who were his 
 associates as principal Agents in accomplishing the late 
 American revolution, and indeed to all in the several de- 
 partments of public life in which he was called to officiate, 
 his knell sounds the alarm of mortality, and proclaims a 
 solemn summons to preparation. 
 
 Brethren of this town, and particularly of this religious 
 society, in the death of this ivorthy citizen you have lost a 
 valuable friend, a peace maker, an able counsellor, and 
 one who felt a peculiar pleasure in advancing both your 
 individual and municipal interests. His faithful attention 
 to your pecuniary aflfairs, his long continued services, and 
 the regularity of his proceedings justly entitled him to the 
 grateful acknowledgment you so respectfully tendered 
 him. Considering his legal acquirements and judicial 
 experience, long will his decisions and advice be recol- 
 lected, and his records adverted to as precedents of re- 
 spectable authority. 
 
 The Chuj'ch in this place, of which he was an exem' 
 flary member more than fifty six years, must very sensi- 
 bly feel and lament the afflictive bereavement. He was a 
 firm jnllar in this our Zion. The cause of God, and the 
 increase and happiness of the church laid near his heart. 
 Nothing but real indisposition and absolute necessity could 
 prevent his attendance on divine ordinances. Communion 
 seasons were peculiarly pleasant and reviving to his souL 
 With what reverential gravity did he appear at the sacra- 
 
mental tabic ! And liow deep and lasting were the im- 
 pressions which he acknowledged the memorials of a Sa- 
 vior's dying love sometimes left upon his mind ! But 
 these " times of refreshing" return no more. Behold his 
 seat vacated ! No more will he unite with us in that gos- 
 pel feast. O that the Great Head of the church would 
 repair the breaches death has of late made among us ! 
 Admonished by his departure^ let us *' remember from 
 whence we are fallen, and repent, and do the first works ; 
 be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that 
 are ready to die ; for our works are not found perfect 
 before God ;" and keep our lamps trimmed and burning, 
 being ever in a waiting posture, that when our Lord Com- 
 eth, we may give up our accounts with joy, and join the 
 '"■ Church of the first born, w hich are written in heaven,'' 
 in an everlasting banquet of love. 
 
 But the voice of j^rovidence is not confined ; the instruc- 
 tions it affords are of universal extent and moment. To 
 sense, to unassisted reason and human philosophy, death 
 is a " leap in the dark," and futurity lies wrapt in uncer- 
 tainty. Without a divine revelation, ^^ the world to come" 
 is all imagination and conjecture. The dim light of na- 
 ture is unable absolutely to ascertain another life after 
 this, and point out to man the true path to happiness. But 
 blessed be God, we are not left in such a bewildered state. 
 The gospel penetrates the regions of moral darkness, and 
 brings life and immortality to light. There we read an 
 atoning Savior, and a sin-forgiving God, The present we 
 are taught to view^ as a probationary, the future as a re- 
 tributory state. While it teaches the necessity of a hum- 
 hie penitent temper and an efficient frinciple of faith in 
 Jesus, it ensures eternal life as the gift of God and gra- 
 cious reward of evangelical piety and virtue. This is the. 
 state of our minority ; the life to come is the great object 
 of our existence. What our lot and portion in this w orld 
 
31 
 
 are, is a trivial circumstance ; what we shall be hereafter 
 is the grand question. While our holy religion inculcates 
 a sublime devotion and diifusive benevolence, it refines 
 and exalts the standard of moral principle and virtuous 
 action. Would we secure the blessings the gospel prom- 
 ises, let us cordially accede to the gracious terms it pro- 
 poses. Then, when we shall have completed our labours 
 and trials in this small province of Jehovah's vast domin- 
 ion, we shall in some more extensive sphere of usefulness 
 forever ascend in the scale of dignity and blissful enjoy- 
 ment. From this land of the dying, we shall go to the 
 land of the living, and be forever with the Lord. How 
 pleasing the hope of meeting pious departed friends in 
 heaven ! How reviving the assurance Christianity gives 
 of a resurrection to eternal life for all the pious dead ! 
 May we all live like Christians ; may we die like Chris- 
 tians, and inherit the Christian's glorious crown. 
 
 To conclude in the memorable words of an inspired 
 penman, " I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me. 
 Write, Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord, from 
 henceforth ; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from 
 their labours ; and their works dofolloiv them." 
 
APPENBIX, 
 
 The following letter from his Excellency Caleb Strong 
 the Honorable Samuel Holten received iipoyi his resig- 
 nation of the office of Judge of Probate. 
 
 Boston, May 10, 1815. 
 Dear Sir, 
 
 I HAVE just received your letter of the 5th instant, in which, 
 from and after this day, you resign the office of Judge of Probate 
 for the county of Essex. The resignation, having been commu- 
 nicated to the Council, was, by their advice, accepted. 
 
 By your long and faithful services in various and important 
 stations, as well legislative as judicial, of which on many occa- 
 sions I have myself been a witness, you are entitled to the grate- 
 ful respect of your fellow citizens ; and I am happy to express 
 to you their acknowledgments. I have no doubt that the review 
 of your public life will afford you much satisfaction, and hope 
 that the evening of your days will be tranquil and happy. 
 
 I am, Sir, with sincere esteem and respect, 
 
 your most obedient servant, 
 
 CALEB STRONG. 
 
 Hon. Judge Holten. 
 
 219 59-.^ 
 

 
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