firlshittnrg fiiscnnrae  

DELIVERED IN

THE FIRST CHURCH, ‘BEVERLY,

JULY 4, 1858. I

 

BY CHRISTOPHER T. THAYER.

.-may-.... .... ........... -..-m.».~u.».-u

fiuhlisfgth fig Ejequcst.

BOSTON:
CROSBY, NICHOLS, AND COMPANY,
> ‘ V ‘ 117, Wasxmsrmom swam‘. A »

 %1s58.

B 0 ST 0 N :
PRINTED. BY JOHN VVILSON AND SON,

22, Scaoox. Srmsm.

Drscouesn.

WHEN, my friends, some months since, I was led by the
providence of God, and by duty to others and myself, to
decide on resigning the pastoral office I had long; sustained
among you, a tide of emotion came over me such as I had
never before experienced, and could, only under like cir-
cumstances, be realized. How could it be otherwise, in View
of dissolving the holy relation that had subsisted between us
for much the largest part of my life, and of’ the lives of most
of you, ----longer than no small portion of our number have

lived; with all its duties and pleasures; its toils and cares

and trials; its tender friendships and delights of sacred con»
fidence; its sweet communions in the temple, at the table

of remembrance, in the social circle, Within the domestic  
retreat, in the chamber of sickness, the house of mourning  

and death; all the scenes, joyous or sorrowful, of weal or

Woe, of the soul’s discipline, through whicli we have to-  

rgether been led? Prominent among the A emotions thns

excited was gratitude that our mutuallesteem and afiection  
were unabated, but rather strengtliened, or at least more  
  sensibly felt, at thought of the idissolntionof our connee-W
tion   as pastor and people; and that 1 might leave you i

4

strong in yourselves; strong, I trust, also in the Lord; and
prosperous,——-prospering most in the things belonging to
your higher welfare. Above all was the sense of accounta-
bility for the discharge of the unspeakably important trust
committed to me, in which were involved the rise or fall,
the great and lasting good, the very salvation it might be,
of many; and God only knows the sincerity and fervor of
the supplication which it prompted, and which rose from this
bosom, for his merciful forgiveness of any unfaithfulness of
mine to that trust. Then there was regret, not unlike that
which the sensitive spirit often feels for friends gone from
earth or about departing, that I had not contributed more
to the improvement and happiness of those from whom, as
their appointed spiritual teacher a11d friend, I was soon to‘
be separated.

Instead, however, of yielding to vain regrets, I resolved
and endeavored to redeem the time; to make my last days
in your service my best; to render departure, if possible,
more fruitful than permanence; and so, in my humble
measure, to resemble those who, by their deaths, have done
more than by their lives. And I rejoice to bear testimony,
that, in this effort, you have cordially, efficiently, nobly
co-operated. The period that has intervened has for me,
in truth, been occupied with “crowded life.” Years have
seemed compressed into months; these into weeks ; and so
with minuter divisions of time. Time, nevertheless, wait-
ing for none, has kept on in its course; and now the sha-
dow on the dial, the hand on the hour, as a guide-«post on
the way in the journey of life, indicates unerringly that the
point of divergence has been reached, and that the parting
words must be spoken. It only remains, therefore, for us
to gather up, and give fit utterance to, the recollections,

5

lessons, purposes, feelings, and hopes appropriate to the
occasion.

I In so doing, I will adopt for my text, and as correspond-
ing to the first and chief topic on which I shall speak, the
language of the Apostle Paul in his First Epistle to the Co-
rinthians (xv. 1 and 2): “Moreover, brethren, I declare
unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also
ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye

are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, C

unless ye have believed in vain.” So would I, in humble
imitation of the apostolic chief, recall to your memory what
for many years I have preached to you; which you have so
candidly received; in which, I trust, you are firmly esta-

_ blished; and which, if not unduly presuming, I would

hope may so far accord witl1 the gospel of Christ, which is
the power of God unto salvation, as———by being kept in
living remembrance, and believed, not in vain, but practi-
cally and with the heart---——-to issue in the saving of our
souls. It cannot be otherwise than well for us, before we
part, to attend thus ‘ to a main branch of my ministerial
office,--—-to its objects, the mode of iitsdischarge, and espe-
cially to the views I have aimed to present and inculcate.
Preaching is a most important part of the Christian
minister’s duty. The command, “ Preach the word,” --
given to the earliest, and intended to apply to all succeed-
ing, teachers of Christianity, -——-he will, if rightly inclined,
labor earnestly to obey. He will spare no exertions he can
properly make to prepare himself for the faithful perform-
ance of this essential function. For this will he be much
in prayer, in meditation, in study, in fervent and persever-
ing, exercise of his intellectual and moral faculties. For
this, also, there must be system. Without system of some

sort, no science or art--- certainly not the science of divine
truth, and the art of living a holy life — can be well taught
or well learned. Christian preaching, in short, to be best
executed, and accomplish its legitimate ends, must be

a thoroughly systematic. Not that this trait, wherever ex-

isting, will be invariably manifest and recognized. When
pulpit instruction proceeds on a fixed, well-defined, com-
prehensive plan in the preacher’s mind, that plan may
still not always be obvious to the hearer, who may be un-
able, while following out its details, to keep steadily in view
its outlines. The fluctuating nature of our congregations
tends peculiarly to prevent many from comprehending and
remembering it. From various causes, the aspect of reli-
gious assemblies is constantly changing; the presence of
those composing them being, for reasons sufficient or in-
sufi‘icient, in large proportion, irregular and uncertain.
Owing to the number from among us engaged in seafaring
life and pursuits abroad, our own congregation is subject
to more than common fluctuation of attendance. Thus,
and in various other ways readily suggesting themselves,
are most of the members prevented from forming a con-

t nected view of the system of preaching, if such there be,

pursued by him who statedly fills the sacred desk. For its
comprehension, it therefore becomes necessary occasionally
(and than this no time could be more suitable) to direct
our eye back on the whole track gone over; to observe the
lights that have illumined and guided our progress; to
review the general principles on which we have proceeded;
to group, as it were in one, the different views that have
been taken, We may thus have in our mind’s eye a map
of the region traversed; just as the traveller ascends the
topmost peak or dome, that he may take in at a glance

the varied features of the landscape through which he has
passed. By so doing, he obtains more exact and vivid
impressions of the whole scene; discerns its lights and
shades, its beauties and defects; learns the bearings, dis-
tances, and magnitudes of the principal objects; ascertains
in what respects his way might be improved; and fixes in
his memory landmarks for his direction hereafter. So may
we receive juster ideas of the nature and relative impor-
tance of the truths and rules to which we have been accus-
tomed to listen together; he assisted to correct the errors

taught or imbibed; and as seekers of heavenly knowledge, 4

and pilgrims to the celestial land, the better to shape our
future course, by an impartial, full survey of the system
of religious teaching that has with us been pursued.

The plan of preaching I have adopted, and endeavored
to carry out, has been based on the belief, that Christianity
is at once a profound science to be acquired, and an im-~
mense field of duty to be explored and cultivated. Reli-

gion is as much a science asany subject for man’sinvesti~

gation can be. It has its appropriate provinces for inquiry,
its general principles and laws, its peculiar sources of truth
and evidence. All these it has been my aim to discover,
and to draw from in such degrees as should best subserve
the grand purposes for which preaching was divinely insti-~
tuted. i

Taking the Bible as the rule of faith and practice, I
have sought to show it worthy to be so received by proofs
from within and without itself,—--such as the credibility,
interest, and value of its contents; their revelations of sur-
passing sublimity, beauty, joy, hope, awe, of wisdom re+
lating to this world and the one to come; their practical
design and admirable adaptation to its furtherance; their

’ 8

consistency with the operations of Providence and witli

human experience; their conformity to the teachings of
nature and reason ; , and the support they derive from cre-
dible historical testimony, especially from their own history
and influence, ever since they were given to men. The
truths, which on careful inquiry I have obtained from them,
have, as seemed fitting and requisite, been presented to
you, together with the grounds on which they rest. Their
precepts have been laid before you, as circumstances ap-
peared to demand, infiwhat I conceived their length and

breadth, and application to the Whole duty of man. The

examples they set forth of the great and good, and of the
low and bad, have been held up as models or warnings for
our conduct. The illustrations which the historical parts
of Scripture receive from and impart to cotemporaneous
common history, have, as opportunity offered, been re-

marked. Characters and events, Whether pertaining to
  individuals or communities, have been drawn from other

quarters besides the sacred records, and employed for in-
struction, admonition, and encouragement, and thus made
to give light and enforcement to abstract truths and rules.
Events particularly, occurring within the sphere of our own

experience, and appealing directly to our own hearts, have

from time to time been noticed; and I have felt that such
events, prosperous or adverse, or however affecting us, if
duly improved by the preacher, might be eloquent and
effective preachers of righteousness, -—--be indeed minister-
ing spirits sent from above to sanctify and save. In truth,
Wherever in any of the departments of nature; in any of the
sciences and arts; in any of the manners and customs, laws
and institutions, prevailing or that have prevailed; in any

of the beings or things throughoutthe material or spiritual

I 9

universe,-—-—lessons of religious wisdom might be gathered,
and motives for ‘obedience to them gained, there I have
not hesitated to be a reaper and gleaner, that What was thus
procured might contribute to the edification of my hearers.
I have, moreover, aimed to bear constantly in mi:nd, that
all discoveries of truth are valuable mainly as they are

’ applicable, and actually applied, to promote moral and re-

ligious growth in the soul.
Here I would say, that increased observation has tended
to confirm me in the impression of the absolute boundless-

‘ ness of the sources whence the Christian preacher may

draw for the Plirpose of illustrating, impressing, and giving
practical effect to, religious truth. Time would fail me
now for merely enumerating them, as 'it would for pre-
sentation of the different lights in which it has, according
to my ability, been brought before you. Instead of at-
tempting to survey the Wide space tlius indicated, I will
briefly review the principal topics of my preaching; on
which I have chiefly enlarged and insisted, because I believed
them consistent with the letter, expressive of the spirit,
and eminently promotive of the true ends, of the gospel.
They range themselves naturally in two classes. I

  First, There are those common to most, if not all, Chris-
tians. l Includedlin them are the perfect God ; an all-suffi-

cient Saviour; the immortal soul of man; its spiritual

capacities and aspirations; its   exposure to temptation,
error, and sin; the Divine Spirit Working in it; Cliristfs

  mission and agency in enlightening, converting,redeeming
it, and bearing it on to aheavenly destiny; faith of the

reason and witli the heart; repentance; progressive holi-»

  ness; looking to Scripture for inspired guidance; the com»

‘mandinents and ordinances, and walking in them blameless;  

2

10

righteous retribution ; all the duties implied in holy living,

or in preparation for peaceful death. On these and like

themes have I mostly dwelt, and delighted to dwell, in my
public ministrations. a They involve the sum and substance
of our religion; they are momentous in themselves and
their consequences; they are inexhaustible in their supplies
of wisdom, solace, strength, joy. Even when partially
obscured and imperfectly apprehended, they are not with»
out a gracious and restoring influence. A virtue goes out
from them to the humble seeker, withvision, dimmed and
feeling after it, as there did to the believing woman, who
only touched the hem of the Master’s garment. They open
a fountain, into which the very spirit of healing has
descended, where every moral malady may be removed,
Tables are spread by them. in the Wilderness of earth, at

which they who hunger for righteousness may he filled.

By them are We joined in full communion with all that
love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, and are brought into large,
loV*i11g, blissful fellowship with--~

“ The holy church throughout the world.”

illnder this head, let me specify another topic; namely,
philanthropic enterprise. Feeling, with many of you, deep

interest in this marked feature of our age, and recogniziiig

its claim to the attentive consideration of every religious
society,I have not overlooked it in my preaching. Could

  the great causes of peace, temperance, freedom; the thou»-
sand, charities thatare abroad; and, above all, the diffusion

througliout “the World of the religion from which so largely
they yspriiig and are fed,--- could these fail to be advocated

 by any really Christianpulpit? You, if I, mistake not,
will testify,that, in advocating. them, I liave avoided trench,-g

ll

ing on others’ rights; that, While Ihave exercised my own,
-r-—-among them, that of free suffrage,----I l1avenot availed

i myself of the pulpit as a vantageegrouiid from which to

descend amid the dust of political and Worldly contests, or
toinvade unjustifiablyl another-’s province. Still, I have
rejoiced to bear a part, humble 13l1011gl1 it might be, as a
preacher as Well as a man, in the great confiict goirug; on
with social evil ; from this elevated stand—-point»-—--bellolding
the Wrongs by which society, and at least persons, classes,
races in it, are darkened and oppressed-—-to proclaim, in its
remedial and beneficentteficaoy, the golden rule of right
and love; firmly and openlylto avow my own, and be the
official exponent of your, active and Warn; interest in fur»-
thering those vast objects of reform and benevolence, to-
ward which the mighty philanthropic heart of Christendom
is yeainiiig with a depth and fulnessl and power that will
become more full and deep and powerful, till they shell be
secured. And I have felt, that so I was discliargixig a high
duty of my office, and helping to bring us into sympathy
with the body of genuine be1ievers,---- into harmony with
the essential unitylof spirit in theOl1ristia11cl1urch; A

i That church, nevertheless, has its divisions and sub——
divisions. lilence arises the other class I referred to,
of subjects for pulpit discussion. This a class includes
points of sectarian belief and action- They result natu-
rally froxn differences in mental constitution, in circuxn-T
stances and influences operating in earlier or later years, in

the modes of investigation pursued, in the varying methods,

and aspects in Which, scriptural truth comes to the mind ;,
not to mention other soiircews whence they rise. Happy we,
who iaciceptitheruplon the cheerful and broad ground of tlieir
not being barsto Oliristianicommunion, or fatal to tl1e<soul’s

12

peace and safety. Yet many of them are important in them»-
selves and their bearings, and are not to be ignored by any
enlightened pulpit. As such I regard those by Which, as
Unitarians, We are distinguished. Among them are the
strict unity of God; the identity of the Spirit of God With
his person and influence; Christ’s inferiority to his and our
Father, and his absolute dependence on him; human nature
created pure, and depraved by conscious, actual sin alone;
regeneration needed by men in precise proportion to their
having thus sinned, and to be obtained just as they endea-
vor to attain it; divine aid-'--not fitful like the Wind, nor
more mysterious than that-——-ever ready and sure to attend
with favoring’ breezes the spread sail and onward course in
the Work of spiritual reform and progress; a future state
of rewards and punishments, corresponding exactly to the
virtues and vices of this; moral discipline and opportunity
for restoration not being banished thence, and no soul
whom the all-loving Parent created, and whose destiny he
foresaw, being doomed to hopeless and remediless misery.
More faith, too,-—faith even in the mercy of God, or any
thing the Saviour has done or suffered; all substitutes,
real or fancied, for personal righteousness; all sacrifices,
except that of a contrite and devout heart, of living con-
formity to truth and riglit,-——-are, under the administration
of the universal Father, ineffectual toward securing his ap-
proval, and the greatest good Whicli man may acqtxire.
These sentiments I early imbibed, and may indeed be said
to have inherited; my own father, and his before him,
having in substancelmld and preached them. On that as
well as other a.ccounts, I was led to exercise stricter caution,
in fact jealousy of association and prejudice, in investigating
their grounds and tendencies. Theimore I have inquired,

13

observed, experienced of them, the more have I been con-
vinced of their soundness andvalue. I have, and have long
had, an unwavering conviction, that they accord with the
tenor of Scripture, and will bear the test of its most search-
ing criticism; that they are of the essence of the primitive
Christian belief. I hold them to be chief elements in the
streai11;.of pure religion flowing down from the apostolic age,
which —— as the fabled river of Greece, that, losing itself in
the earth, flowed on through the sea, and mingled its waters
with those of a distant land —-has, often and for long
periods, been overlaid by false and vain philosophies, dark
and chilling dogmas, Waves of superstition and fanaticism,
but has emerged at length, Without having parted with any
of its original properties, in its purifying and life-giving effi—
cacy; its advancing current having, on either side, banks
smiling with moral verdure, bloom, and fertility; vines
widespread, and laden with rich clusters of knowledge and
virtue; stately trees of spiritual life, whose branches reach
far, and bend with immortal fruit.

In plain terms, I believe that the distinctive faith we
embrace has, from the first, been Working, and working

- mightily, to further the advance of civilization and Chris-_

tianity; to extend the dominion, and secure the ultimate

triumph, of truth, charity, and righteousness in the World;
to modify and rationalize, so to speak,-——that is, render
consistent with reason as Well as Scripture,---the opinions,
and elevate, refine, and liberalize the practice, of other sects
besides our own; to rebuke and check bigots and fanatics;
to resist and eradicate the vices and crimes by“ which souls
are degraded and ruined, by which the face of society is
marred, and the root of bitterness planted and made to
flourish in its otherwise, pleasant garden. I believe also, as

1-1

I have confidence in human progress, that our peculiar faith
is destined to be a main instrument of that progress. Not
the half of its power has been told, far less put forth.
Some of the finest spirits amonglmen have been nurtured
under it, and many more shall be touched by it to yet finer
issues. Rightly understood and applied, it is adequate to
regenerate the World; to rid the Church of the corruptions
that through ages of darkness have settled upon her, stained
her beautiful garments, and eaten into their very texture,
and to bring her back: to primeval simplicity and purity; to
convert and revive the soul, wherever and Whenever needing
to be converted or revived ; to quicken and invigorate it for

all Heaven-appointed labor and conflict, and conduct it to a A

height of knowledge, a depth of peace, a variety, beauty,
glory, of virtue, hardly yet conceived by the mind of man-
With such convictions of the nature and tendency of our

faith, I have delighted all along, in private and in public, A

to cherish and maintain it. On my coming here, this was
distinctly announced as a specific object of exertion.   Ac-

  cordingly, the first organization established in the parish,

after my settlement, was a society auxiliary to that excellent
institution, the American Unitarian Association, to which
liberal contributions have annually been made, and from

wliichhas been received much more than an equivalent in  

the diffusion of correct religious sentiments. That Asso—-
ciation I Would, in passing, commend to your continued
interest and aid. By preaching, especially, have I aimed to
explain and inculcate our denominational doctrines. Im--
pressed fully with their truth, their Worth, their being the
brightest manifestation yet made to man of the wisdom and
saving power of God, I have proclaimed them from this
desk in no faltering tone, no ambiguous phrase, no mystical

15

garb; with no threading of dubious Inazes of speculation,
in which they or their spirit might be lost; with nought to
exztenuate, ‘unless it be our Want of fidelity to the precious
faith we are privileged to hold, and cannot hold too dear;
with no leaning or turxiiiig or shifting to the riglit hand i or
the left, to one side or another, or many sides; no attempt
at coniprornise in tliirigs not admitting of it; at reconciling

differences in their nature irreconcilable; in fine, with

plainness and directness beloiigiiig to and altogether be-—
coming our peculiar principles, when set forth by themselves,
or placed in contrast, as might be required, with those from
which they differ. When, however, I have deemed it

v needful to comment on these last, and point, by Way of

caution, to their nature and effects, it has been sotiglit to be
done with mingled frankness, candor, and charity; with
the conviction entire that no diversity of opinions can fa-
tally affect salvation ; that to fear God and Work righteous»
ness are the sole conditions of acceptance with him; that
the Well of Water Jesus has opened, springing up to ever-
lasting life, is neither Samaritan nor Jewish, nor exclusive
of any sincerely thirsting who will draw and driiila; of it.

It has been my endeayorto fulfil the preachcr’s duty in a
spirit, at once catholic and eclectic, of liberality and good»-
will, and receptive of good whencesoever ofiiered. I have
welcomed, and doubted not my hearers would welcome, any
truth, from Whatever source obtained, that tended to pro-
mote enlightened and practical religion. No pulpit, I
conceive, has been more substantially free than this, for the
period we are reviewing. -It has never been closed against
the utterance of what was honestly and deliberately believed
to be truth. A prevailing rule, notwitlistandiiig, has been,
that the truth should be here spoken in love. The last

16

thing,_or one of the last, to be tolerated among us, is violent
denunciation of others differing in sentiment from ourselves.
Ministrations from widely different quarters, and varying
materially from our theological standard, have, you will
remember, often been cordially received by us. It is but
just to you and me, on this occasion, to say, that if there be
not the fellowship, including ministerial exchanges, to be de-
sired between ourselves and other denominations around us,
it is not for want of a willingness to that effect on our part,
distinctly expressed and well understood. With the views,
which I know you equally with me delight to cherish, of
enlarged Christian intercourse, I could not for a moment
consent that any part of the odium which properly attaches
itself to the division-walls by which Christians are separated
and set in hostile array, or any portion of responsibility for
the tremendous evils thence resulting, should rest here.

Let us hope, and let us do whatwe can to realize the ex-

pectation, that this occasion of offence, this weapon by

which Religion is wounded in the house of her friends,--—

even their uiinatnral and unhallowed estrangement, —-- shall
one day, and ere long, be for ever removed; when there
shall no more be repulsion, but attraction, between the
Christian spheres,-—-- attraction holy and irresistible, because

a it shall be seen and acknowledged, as of the primitive

disciples, “ how these Christians love one another.”
I Though dwelling thus much on preaching, I am not un-

. mindful of the not less important service of worship. Of

this, the sacred song is apart of no little consequence,--

more than is generally apprehended; and we may con-
gratulate ou1~selves that here it has been conducted so

‘uniformly with a taste, fervor, and solemnity: fitted to make
Inelodygin the heartto the Lord. But prayer,»-— the joint,

17

highest offering of the worshippers, the ascent of the mind
to God, communion in spirit with the Father of spirits,-----
prayer, undoubtedly, is foremost in the services of the sanc-
tuary. Word.s fail to express my sense of the solemn
responsibility he is under who is commissioned to lead in it.
Even when conducted after established forms, it must, to be
justly effective, be bathed in his spirit, and receive new life
from his engagedness and piety. When —-- as seems to me
better, more impressive, more availing ——-—he unites studious

preparation to spontaneity in its performance, he must draw.

from the deep springs of his own best thoughts and emo-
tions ; must call on his soul and all within it, that he may
pray, and bring others to pray, aright, --- sincerely, fer-
vently, with due regard to events and circumstances,
necessities and sins, to every relation and duty. Bowing,
a creature of earth, before the Majesty of heaven and earth,
and feeling that, therefore, his words should be few, ----rather
that he would be dumb, his lips sealed in silence,-—-—he is yet
expected to give utterance to the feelings and wants of his
fellow»-worshippers. Deeply conscious of imperfection and
error; abashed, covered with confusion, and blushing with
shame; ready to hide his face in the dust at the felt presence
of the all-pure One,-aw he yet must standforth to make con-
fession for the sins of the people, and supplicate for others
the forgiveness he deems almost too much to ask for him-
self. Profoundly sensible of his own weakness, and need of
strength from above; bending, it may be, with the weight
of trial and infirmity,-——he is expected to cheer the droop-
ing spirits, to lift up the hands, strengthen the hearts, and
address to the only sufficient Helper the desires, of the
congregation. Dim though his own taper may be, it must
suffice to light and keep alive a flame of devotion in many
3  

18

souls. With these views and feelings have I led in your devo-~
tions- Pure joy would there be to me in believing, that,
by any effort of mine, they hadbeen kindled, raised, and
sanctified; too great the happiness of at last finding it
associated with the higher services of them who have gone
from us to join in: the Worship of the heavenly temple, and
new tune to that their golden harps.

All the ministrations of this house I have aimed so to
perform as to have them answer to the true nature and ends
of public Worship. What is its nature? What are its
ends? It is a means of bringing man near to his Maker
and near to his fellow-man; of causing heart to meet heart,
While the soul meets her God. It draws men, by the cords
of love, and joint, faithful service, to their common Father.
It is a cement, by which to unite all, of Whatever age,
capacity, or condition, in an indestructible union. By
bringing them before the universal Former and Disposer,
it makes all earthly distinctions vanish, and the essential
equality of souls to be manifest. iiWhile it requires and
nourishes self~respect, it requires also and nurtures mutual
respect between brethren and men. They whom it assem-
bles, that together they may meditate, inquire, listen to the
Word read and preached, sing and pray, will be likely to be
inclined thereby to regard the more both themselves and
one another. A firm foundation is thus laid for stability,
order, and prosperity, alike in individuals and in society.
It aifords also a blessed refuge from the storms -of life,
sweet solace to the sorrowing and tried, and, by the horns of

the altar, a stronghold and a Way of escape to the tempted _

and sinful. It has solemn relation to the life that now is;
its observance or neglect often corresponding to rise or fall

in worldly condition. Unspeakablyi more does it concern

19

the life to come; making the house of God the gate of
heaven. N 0 wonder, then, that many of the wisest and best
should deem it their high duty and privilege to sustain
public worship by their personal presence and liberal aid.
Especially may the minister of religion be expected to direct
to this object a large portion of his energies. To invest it
with most attractiveness; to produce just appreciation of its
nature and purposes; to assist in promoting its true ends,
that have just been indicated, and are expressed by the single
phrase, pure and practical Christianity, -- all this it has
been my endeavor to keep steadily in sight, and, as far as
might be, effect by the solemnities of social worship. This,
with the increasing demand for knowledge, and for variety
and novelty in its presentation, has been, and must still

more be, no slight task. If, in the course of my ministry, '

the charm of novelty may have been wanting; if things old
as well as new havebeen produced, ——I would have you con-
sider the occasion for repeating old truths, line upon line,
precept on precept, that exists in the intellectual and moral
condition of the world and of every congregation. And I
would further plead", that while no mind, however prolific
it may be, can furnish invariably for the pulpit new views
of truth and duty, it has been my desire and effort always
to present some new light, though it might be in following
out a familiar and beaten track. Love of the sanctuary;
devotional feeling, to which it is intimately allied, illumined
and warmed by ever~brightening rays from the Supreme
Intelligence, and joined to a fixed purpose to open the
whole soul to their reception andinfluence, --- it has been my
main object to excite and cherish. As an habitual attend-
ance on religious services contributes largely to insure their
good effects, it may not be out of place here to mention,tl1at

20

public Worship has not, during my ministry, been intermitted
in this parish for a single sabbath. Our altar-fires have not
gone out or slumbered; or, if they have, it has been only
that they might be renewed With each returning Sunday.
The ordinances, so simple, so fitting as seals of Christian
discipleship and communion, and, furthermore, as means of
holiness, it has been a strenuous aim with me, not officially
alone, but from strong inclination and conviction, to ex.-

plain, and urge on your observance; and I rejoice that the

appeals of the gospel respecting these have been here com-
plied with by so considerable a number, for themselves and
those committed in Providence to their charge. The fifty
among us who have, the present season, become stated
communicants at the Lord’s table, and the seventy who
have been baptized into the Holy Spirit, show conclusively,
that with us, at least, the ordinances are not dying out. Yet

‘how many even here have not accepted these proffered means

of grace I ---~-—- proffered freely as the gospel itself. How many
neglect to offer the children. God has given them, at the bap-
tismal font Which, through his dear Son, the Saviour of all,
who took little children in his arms and blessed them, he
has instituted! How many turn from the memorial of

Jesus; are deaf to the touching tones of the parting request a

or precept,or rather both in one, that comes to them from
the sublime and beautiful rite before us, -——-— “ This do in re-
membranes of me ” ! How many have gone to their graves
lamenting, when too late, that they had not listened to this,
their Saviour’s voice! How many, it is to be apprehended,

are on their way thither, to have their   last moments dis-  
turbed by the same painful, unavailing regrets! Is it not
time (I submit to you, my friends) for the mass of our reli-
gious societies to rouse from this letliargy, to tear away I

21

the veil of mystery and indecision which has so long hung
like the pall of death on this interesting and sacred subject?
It certainly is full time that the mystical associations which
have enveloped it for ages should be swept away, as earth-
born fogs, as unnatural and pernicious delusions, from
every mind and conscience around which they still hover.
The ordinances of Baptism and the Supper, the two and only
Christian ordinances, are simply instrumental means to be
used by all who have the desire and discretion to employ
them for their own or others’ benefit; and this congrega-
tion, and every one claiming to be Christian, in which they
are not so used by all who can realize the solemn duty of
observing them, are far below the standard of our religion, ~—--
are palpably deficient in one of its chief requirements.
Were they thus observed and employed, the Church
would take her rightful position,--—-would stand where she

stood inthe early ages, when all believers, with their chil- i

dren, were, through the ordinances, taken to the bosom of

her visible family, and before custom and fashion had ga-

thered around her a vast company, who, though coming to
her worship, refrain froin the observance of her distinguish-
ing rites. She would then be indeed a living church. The
congregation would thus be virtually a resolved into the
church; which to my mind is far wiser and better than --—--
what has with no little ability been advocated---merging
the latter in the former. “Ali!” many will exclaim, “ then

we must subscribe a creed; must enter into a covenant;

must make, a profession, and profess. more than we are pre-
pared to; must, besides, submit to the abridgment of Chris-
tian liberty.” To such we may reply by asking, What creed
is requsite, beyond belief in_Jesus as the Christ? which is all

the New Testamentdemands, and to which every Christian

22

might yield a ready assent. Why not covenant for the pro-
motion of religious purposes, when you associate for so many
other less important ones ? Can profession, or confession, —-—-
as We rnayperhaps better say, though both are scriptural
terms, --—— which is joined to belief of the l1eart in the means
of salvation, and which We make Without the trials under-
gone by confessors and martyrs in other regions and times,
«---can it be otherwise than productive of strength in ourselves
and others for a true consecration to the Christian life?
Do the bonds, by which the members of a church are
united, imply necessarily any infringement of personal rights
or freedom? or do they tend, or can they be perverted, to
any which may not be prevented, certainly be remedied, by
the ultimate and inalienable right of resignation? These
questions, it seems to me, are answered in the asking. So
far as the ‘views they suggest have been followed out, they
have never, to my knowledge, occasioned complaints of
oppression, or regret for having practically complied with
them.   On the contrary, compliance with them, I have uni-
formly found, has been felt by the practisers of it to be a high
privilege and rich blessing, Fully convinced of their cor-
rectness and blessed tendencies, it has been my earnest

endeavor to procure their practical adoption among us, to

the extent of the nearest possible approximation to iden—-
tity of church and congregation; and I hope, my friends,
that youwill not rest, till this object, in itself so desirable

and important,--—-~Which the simple views we hold so favor,
and,  fairly carried out, are sure to efiect,---—-shall be com-

pletely secured. V
Another institution, Worthy to be named in immediate
connection with the clrurch, which some are ready-M and

- not Without reason--i-—-to regard as second only to that, in

23

the useful agencies of theworld, is the Sunday school.
Whatever the forms in tyhich it has existed, since its esta-
blishment by Robert Raikes, of England, in the last century,
it has been founded in and sustained by the very spirit of
Him among Whose last injunctions Was, “Feed my lambs.”
Here, on this spot, was established the first regular parish
Sunday school in New England, and perhaps throughout
Christendom. First gathered from among the forsaken
and destitute, and the debased and vicious, by two noble
Women of our society, in 1810, it soon was Warmly adopted
by other members, with the pastor, and became in its
essential organization what it has ever since remained.
During that time, there has arisen a very large body of
teachers and pupils, who have received great mutual bene-
fit, and also been fitted to strengthen and adorn the church
and the community. In both portions of this body have
been those, not a few, of high intellectual and moral en-
dowments, and of eminence in public and private life. A
majority of our present number have shared in its direct
benefits. Who of us has not been indirectly benefited by
it?, Particularly has it, and have we, been favored in its
superintendents. .
Previously to theworthy incumbent, there have been but
three. The first was Robert Rantoul [of whom, now that
his venerable form is no more seen among us, I may speak
in print, as his personal presence forbade me to do in the de-
livery of this discourse]. He had the sagacity to discern in
the sabbath school, at the outset, a prime element of social
and moral progress, and, for many years, freely gave to its
supervision his best powers; and never after, to his dying

day, ceased to regard it with tender and watchful interest-
The charge was relinquislied by him. to one singularly  

24

fitted to sustain and grace it, --~-- William Thorndike, alike
respected and dearly beloved among us; all too early lost;
vvithdravvn from us at the scarcely meridian age of forty,
though not till he had been distinguished in the legal pro-
fession, in various Walks of business, and as the dignified
and admired presiding head of our State Legislature; and
not till he had plantedia name and memory, that now, after
the lapse of more than a score of years, are fresh as with the
morning dew, and fragrant with the odor of sanctity. He
continued in the discharge of this important and sacred
trust until declining health compelled its resignation. He
was succeeded by Albert Thorndike, to Whom with him
might apply the ,‘er._clamation, Par mobile f7’£tt7"I.677z,-TWO
noble brothers; both commanding in person, of elevated
bearing, courteous and benevolent in spirit, intelligent,
high—:minded, pure in principle, airning-——-- and remarkably
successful in their aim-—--to divide rightly their superior
powers between Worldly and spiritual pursuits. The latter,
we feel but too sensibly, has just gone to take his place by
the side of the former in the spirit—w'orld. Lovely and 110-»
nored in their lives, they are no longer separated by death.
That mourning drapery with which our. orchestra is clad

bespeaks but imperfectly the new grief for him, Who, by his

decease at the mature yet vigorous age of fifty-eight, when.
so much more of usefulness Was anticipated, has vacated a
place which from his youth he had occupied there, and
ceased from the active and leading part, which for most of
that time he took, not onlyin the music of the temple, but
in tuning thevoice, and training the mind and heart, of
the young, to the service of their Creator.

Such are the men that have condescended --- rather a

counted it no condescension, but a high privilege and holy

25

pleasure -—--- to lay aside weighty public and private responsi-
bilities, and devote themselves to Sunday~sehool instruc-

tion. While they were here thus engaged, the names
and characters of Leverett Saltonstall, Stephen   0. Phil-—

lips, and others of eminent worth, were associated‘ with
similar services in neighboring parishes. These all felt
that the ground they thus occupied was holy ground,
that the time so spent was hallowed time, and that the
vigilance and energies thus exerted were consecrated to
one of the noblest works. in which they could be employed.
For myself, I feel that the hours I have uniformly passediin
the school have been among the most delightful and im-
proving in my own experience, and the most satisfyingand
fruitful of good in ministering to others.

It may justly be A expected of every Christian pastor to
watch and labor especially for the young. No part
of the care devolved on me has been more cheerfully
and assiduously executed than this, whether it was to
be exercised for them in or out of their homes, on the
sabbath or the week day, in the private or public schools;
which last»---«as from my coming here, one year excepted, I
have been a member of the General Committee, and, most

of that period, its chairman--+-have claimed and received I

a large share of my time and attention.   But, for whatever
it may have been in my power so to do for-itheyoung, I
have been richly rewarded by their friendship; and yet
more by what I have witnessed oftheir progressin know-

ledge, virtue,and preparation for future usefulness, honor, I

and liappiness. To their continued attachment, and the
fulfilment of their early promise, and the rich satisfac-

tion of seeing them useful, honored, and prosperous in the

4:

26 v

world, do I look forward for much of the support and solace
of advancing age.

In the discharge of the duties designated peculiarly as
pastoral, it has been my aim and pleasure to enter, by a
sympathy full, free, divested of Inere formality, into the
condition and wants of all to whom I stood in the endear»-
ing and sacred relation wot‘ a pastor to his people. To
impart light and encouragement to the inquiring, doubting,
or despondent; to syrnpathize with the sorrowing or re-
joicing, comfort the afflicted, provide for the destitute, sus-
tain and cheer the sick and dying; to bury the dead; to do
that which actual eirperience only can tell how trying itris,
--—— leading in the last sad ofices to thorn on Whom We re»:
posed as true and dear friends,- this, and Whatever else
is included in the sphere of pastoral duty, have I desired
to perform seasonably, tenderly, faithfully. |l For all the
co-operation and encouragement I have received in this
delicate, and often diflicult, part of noinisterial service, I
would make grateful acknowledgrnent. At the same time,
I would s11ggest that pastoral exertion might, here and
generally, be renderedfar more effective than it is by a free
communication of Wants, doubts, difficulties; by letting it
be known when and where aid is needed, and may be most
efiectually applied.   ;   r

In reyiewizng the last eight and twenty years, I realize
almost with Wonder the degree to which my existence has
been here concentrated. In this appointed sphere of duty
have centred mainly my thoughts, feelings, and interests,
during that long period. While I have Wished and sought
to meet all just claims on my services from abroad, whicli
of necessity have been many and various, I have felt
that ministerial faithfulness, like charity, begins at home,

27

and should be principally exhibited there. Here, accord-

ingly, I have chiefly aimed to be useful, and with a steadi-
ness of effort, Which, I confess, has at times seemed too
continuous. Scarce a day in this large space of time has
been Without its burden of care and sympathy, such as
sometimes to Weigh heavily on the spirits, and taskseverely
the energies of both mind and body. If ever there has
appeared a Want of sensibility in my public or private
ministrations, I cheerfully leave it, after due allowance is
made for the official need and advantage of self-«control, to
be set to the account of human imperfection- Of this, not
I alone, but most pastors and preachers, could assure you,
that often they are constrained to be calm when it would
be a relief, indeed, to weep. If my labors have not been
strenuous and abundant as some, and myself not least,
might wish, I would fain trust that something will be
pardoned to the discretion which takes warning from the
many deplorable instances --- and my own profession has

furnished its full I share-~———of those who have attained as

premature lustre only to undergo an untimely and disas-
trous eclipse; and Who, by overstrainedizeal in the morning
of their usefulness, have forfeited tlieirmeridian vigor-,iand

unfitted, themselves for bearing the burden and heat of the

day. If I have not literally fulfilled the injunction preaclied
from at my ordinatiflon,--—-—“ Give thyself wholly tothem,”

----still no small part of what I was or had have been here I
bestowed. It is, however, with no feigned humility  ac-

knowledge, that the labors of my ministry are far from
having accomplished What,_iI could desire ;I though I grate-

fully rejoice in whatever result, good in itself, , or ccrree ,

spending to thenature and design of the Oliristianministry,

“may have attended them; But such I astlicyniay have

28

been, for good or for evil, to you or me or others, their
account must forthwith close, ---- be summed up and ren-
dered in, to await the sentence of the final bar.
Increased experience, here let me say, has tended to
enlarge and confirm my sense of the solemn responsibility
of the ministerial office. Not that I have been led to
view that ofiice as alone solemn and clothed with weighty
responsibilities, or to regard it in any contracted light.
Every occupation in life is serious. All rightful occupa-
tions in which men can engage are worthy and important.
One of the greatest dangers, indeed, to which the Christian
pastor’s office is exposed, is that of being considered as
standing alone, rather than as intimately associated with
all employments and duties, having mutual relations with
them all, and helping men to do the work of religion, in-
stead of doing it for them. So to consider it must always
have the efiect to diminish materially its power and useful-
ness. It is, notwithstanding, a high and holy and blessed
office. This I have felt the more, the more I have con-
templated the subjects to which it relates; the inquiries
it includes and demands; the communion with God and
Christ, with the human soul and all souls, to which it leads ;
the elevation of character and pursuits; the devotion to the
best interests of man and society, to truth, righteousness,
and heaven, which it prompts -and requires. Also and
especially has it risen in my estimation, the more I have
entered personally and practically into its duties, its plea-

sures, and evenits trials. And though the young man, on

first surveying the Vast field of; its aims and requisitions,
may naturally be appalled by its . vastness; and the elder

. laborer, as he becomes better acquainted with it, and sees

 n continually enlarging in extent, may be oppressed,"

29

if not absolutely disheartened, by his responsibilities, ---
it is nevertheless a glorious field in which to work;
and I thank God for having been permitted so long,
though so poorly, to labor in it. To have well cultivated
that field; to have won in it the humblest title to the ap-
pellation, “ Good and faithful servant,”--—is, in truth, a
crown of righteousness. No greener or brighter wreath
should I desire to wear on my brow, or have laid on my
grave.

Instances of such fidelity have not been wanting in your
ecclesiastical history. It is somewhat more than two cen-
turies since this parish was virtually established. For
rather more than twenty years from the settlement of this
town, its inhabitants worshipped at the First Church in

Salem, of which this place was then a part. In 1649,,

owing to their increase in numbers, and the inconvenience
of worshipping at that distance, particularly as they were
obliged to cross the intervening arm of the sea in boats, they
petitioned for leave to form a separate society. This was
at first refused; but, the following year, the request, having
been renewed, was so far granted as “ to authorize the bre-
threnon Bass-River side to procure the service of an able and
approved teacher, they still retaining their connection with
the church in Salem.” With this permission, they employed

several religious teachers, till their regular organization as a  

church in September, 1667 ; when John Hale, who had for

three years previously ministered to them, was ordained

their pastor.   He so continued tohis death in May, 1700;
having been with them about tliirty-six, years, and nearly
tliirty-three from his ordination. He was acceptable and

faithful in the discharge of his office, and distinguished for g

his independence andpublic spirit.   These last traits were

30

evinced in his accompanying as chaplain, in opposition
to the wishes of his people, an expedition against Canada.
They were more strikingly displayed in the part he took in
that horrid tragedy, --~—~ the witchcraft delusion of 1692.
Having favored the prosecution, and assisted in the exami-
nation, of some of the accused, he was suddenly brought to
a pause by the fact, that his own Wife, a person of singular
excellence, was “ cried out against.” Entirely convinced
of her innocence, he was induced thereby (as he states)

to scan more strictly the principles he had imbibed on

this subject, and by scanning to question, and by ques-
tioning at length to reject, many of them. He at once--—-
and, under the circumstances, it demanded no little moral
courage to do it ~--—— set his face against the prevailing current
of superstition. Soon afterward, he prepared and published
a treatise on Witchcraft, which the revered John Higginson
commends as a work whichrthe w'riter’s “ pious and modest
manner,” and his “ singular prudence and sagacity in
searching into the narrows of things,” would render
“ generally acceptable to all the lovers of truth and peace.”

A copy of it is preserved with our church-records. It

had undoubtedly a valuable influence in overcoming a delu—-
sion which was one of the darkest clouds that ever came
over New England, and that settled with deepest gloom on
this vicinity; during which, it i has been truly said, none
could lie drown on their pillow, or walk forth in the light of

day, without the most terrible apprehension of being ac? ,

cused, brought totrial, and, Without reason; iruprisoned, or

idragged away to a cruel and infamous death ;and Which‘;

was not checked till many had thus sufi"ered, and not a few
  lzad confessed themselves guilty to save their lives.  
When their firstpastor,—--- who in such varied and trying

31

scenes, as in the usual sphere of his duty, had served them
so Well--—--~W2tS called, at the ripe age of sixty-three, from
his earthly labors, a grateful people followed him to his rest
with tears and fond regrets, with the inscription on their
hearts no less than on his ’ gravestone, ----“A pious and
faithful minister of the gospel;” while his descendants, in
successive generations, arose to bear up his honored name,
and carry forward the work which he had so nobly com-
menced, M

In October, 1701, his place was supplied by Thomas
Blowers; who is described by a coternporary as a “ very
valuable man, good scholar, and excellent minister; a dis»
tinguished example of Warm devotion, of extensive goodness,
meekness, and sweetness of temper ; of great stability in his
principles, and steadiness in his conduct; a very faithful
friend and obliging neighbor; a most tender and kind hus-
band and father; a vigilant, prudent pastor, and close,
pathetic preacher; had in great veneration among the as-—
sociated pastors in the vicinity; highly esteemed by all his
acquaintance, and universally, beloved by his flock.” His
sudden decease, in the fiftyeecond year of his age and
twenty-eighth of hisministry, was regarded as as severe be-
reavement by them, and by the whole community, that
appreciated his worth, and of which he was a pillar and
ornament, Samson Salter Blowers, Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, was his grandson; who died
in 1842, having attained the age ofa hundred years, and

been a long time the senior survivor among the graduates of

Harvard College; for Whicli the grandfather, I more than a
century before, had done good service, and shown a filial and

enlarged spirit, by publicly meeting the objections against A

  thelelection of Leverett to its first oiiice, particularly that of r  

32

his being a layman, and by contributing his aid to secure
for it his brilliant presidency.

Joseph Oharnpney,the third pastor, Was ordained here in
December, 1729, ---- less than six months after his predeces-
sor’s death. His ministry is the longest, by far, yet sustained
in this place; having extended into its forty—-fourth year, in
which he died, at the age of sixty-eight. Without con-
spicuous ability, he was esteemed and loved for his sincerity,
his mild, benevolent, and social disposition, and his devoted-
ness to the good of his parishioners and to the duties of his
profession. His life is represented by those who knew hixn
to have been that of a true Christian, and its close was
serene and happy. Owing to his impaired health, in 1772,
the assistance of a colleague was required; and Joseph Wil~
lard was ordained in November of that year. Witliin three
months after his settlemerit, he, by the death of his sdnior
associate, became sole pastor; and so remained for a little
over nine years, till his resignation on being elected Presi-
dent of Harvard University.   In that high station he passed
the remainder of his life,---~ nearly tWenty—three years; a

longer term than, with a single exception, was had by any  

who have filled it; and deceased in the sixty——siXth year of
his age. Though his ministry was comparatively brief, it
sufficed to leave here a deep and permanent impression.
Rational and liberal in his theology; plain, earnest, prac-

A tical; aiming atspiritual improvement, rather than display

of critical learning, in his public xninistrations; in his more

private ones wise, kind, syrnpathizing; respected and influ—-  

ential in the conirnnnity, through his talents, acquirements,  

and weight of character, -— it was but natural that he should
be highly prized byhis parisli, and parted from with keen

regret. “, It is with the greatest reluctance,” they say in  

33

answer to his request for dismissal, “that we think of con-
senting to our pastor’s leaving us, with whom We have lived
happily for so long a season. We, though with pain, give
him up for the sake of the public ; and ardently Wish, that,
when invested with the president’s office, he may be a rich
blessing to the world.” His character, in the Wider sphere
to which he was transferred, is too generally and Well
known to require labored eulogy. Dignified, firm, resolute,
judicious, yet condescending and gentle ; exercising a truly
parental authority; enjoying a reputation for ripe scholar-

ship in classical, and also in mathematical and astrono-.
mical, learning; and directing his powers and acquisitions, '

with great singleness of purpose, to the advancement of the
institution over which he presided, -—-— he at once maintained
and adorned his eminent position. It has been justly said
of him, by one who was both his pupil and associate in gov»
ernment and instruction, that “ his unbending integrity, his
patience and fidelity in duty, his claims to professional and
literary respect and confidence, gave him a high rank among
the worthies, guardians, and guides of his generation.”
After an interval of about three years, he was succeeded
by Joseph McKean, who was settled in May, 1785. He was
pastor of this society for seventeen years; during which his
reputation, as a sound theologian and solid scholar, was
fully established. Of noble and commanding person; with
manners and character marked by mingled simplicity and
dignity; possessing an intellect clear, strong, sagacious,
and discriminating; A frank, amiable, generous, Christian, in
spirit; as a preacher, felicitously combining instruction and
impressiveness ; impartial and assiduous in fulfilling his
parochial relations, —-- he was greatly endeared to his peo-

ple, and highly regarded at large. In 1802, with the very
. 5 A

34

reluctant consent of those with whom he had here been
so happily connected, he accepted an invitation to become
the first President of Bovvdoin College. On the new and
important field thus opened to him he entered with pro-
found interest, and gave to it his full energy. But after
five years of laborious and“ faithful service, in the midst of
his days and usefulness, when the seed he had so diligently
sown was beginning to spring up and bear fruit, he was,
in the fiftieth year of his age, summoned from earth; to
human view, prematurely and sadly departing; yet not till
he had laid an adequate foundation for the distinction and
prosperity which the institution, commenced under his fos-
tering care, has since attained.

His successor in the pastorate was Abiel Abbot, who is
still freshly remembered among us. Having had a previous
settlement of eight years at Haverhill, he came here in 1803,
Where he passed the remainder of his life; with which his
ministry terminated, in its twenty—fifth year, and the fifty-
eighth of his age. By inclination and early training, he
Was formed for the church, and the sacred profession by
which peculiarly it is upheld and administered. Inquiring
diligently into the truths of Christianity, he abandoned the
Trinity, with other kindred doctrines he had originally
adopted, and became thoroughly grounded in the Unitarian
faith. But, averse to controversy, dreading the evils often
accompanying it, and impressed with the superior eificacy
of practical religion, he dwelt little on disputed topics, and
seldom discussed them in the pulpit. Remarkable for ease,
grace, suavity of bearingand address; for ready and fluent
utterance; for solemnity, unction, pathos, in delivery; quick,

  Warm, broad, in his sympathies; instructive and entertain-

ing, genial and captivating, in the social circle; with no

35

common resources and powers for informing,moving, sway-

inga promiscuous assembly,.—?—— he‘ was eminently fitted- for
idischarging the functions, retired or public, of his profes-

sional calling. Delighting in his office, he magnified it by
thesincerest devotion to its duties. His published Writings
manifest literary culture, much skill in composition, ‘accu-
rate and acute observation of men and tliings. He had tact
tlolseize, and the vigor as Well as the disposition to follow
up and improve, opportunities of usefulness, however of»
fered. Of singular aptitudefor reachingand attracting the
young, and leading them to the pursuit of knowledge and
virtue, helcft on multitudes of them impressions, in their
nature invaluable, and lasting as the minds thus influenced.
Our common schoolswere re-organized under his supervi-
sion, and received an impulse and direction from his Wise

and guiding hand, from which vast benefits will not soon

cease to accrue. All the means of intellectual and moral
training among us were stimulated by his zeal, and pervaded
by the force and beauty of his spirit.   Measures for social,
moral, andreligious reform, and F elevation, ‘found in him a
ready and strong ally; and the Iiumerous benevolent.asso-
ciations, which in his time were springing into existence, had
his cordial Welcome and aid. The Withdrawalrof, one thus
gifted, and an instrument of so much good, could notfail
to produce a profound and Wide sensation, and a most sad
and painful void. Many of you remember the lgloomwhieh
overspread this entire region when the mournful 'announce-
ment came, that on his return from a  Southern clime,

  Whither he had gone in pursuit of 11ea.1t11, he had, while

approaching the shore, anda speedy return to his home was
fondly anticipated, been arrested by death; and that you
should see his face,hear his voice, and be blessed by his

36

presence, no more. Though the lamp of his mortal life has
long since gone out, yet the light of his beneficent ministry
will shine on, even as they who have turned many to
righteousness, perpetual as the stars.

The ministries we have cursorily reviewed, taken witl1
that now closing, average considerably more than a quarter
of a century each in duration. It is likewise a noticeable
fact, -——- one honorable alike to them and those they served,
--— that, excepting the two whose services were claimed for
the heads of two of our principal literary institutions, and
who, as we have seen, parted from their people with great
mutual regard and regrets, all the former pastors of this
society ‘died and were lamented as such; death alone
dissolving the pastoral tie which bound them in uninter-
rupted harmony to you, or to them who have preceded you.
A circumstance yet more important than either of those
just stated is, that while they were all highly respectable
for ability, and possessed an amount of talent and ac-
quirement which procured them high honor and influence
among acotemporaries and with after-generations, ----~-—— and in
which, as belonging to its succession of pastors, any parish
might take a laudable pride, --~ no stain is recorded, or is
related by tradition, to have rested on their characters
as men, as Christians, or as ministers of religion. Truly
and most significantly may we in this view say, “ Sweet is
the savor “of their names;” precious, indeed, the legacy
left in the memory of their purity and worth to those who
have or shall come after them; invaluable the moral weight
which their example has borne and must ever carry with
it, inspiring genuine respect for religion, and winning many
to virtue. in The impressions thus produced of the dignity,

p sacredness, and value of the pastoral office, cannot be

37

effaced, or lose their benign efficacy, in this parish and this
community. Let me add an expression of the humble hope,
glowing ardently in my breast, that if my memory may not
be radiant and a fount of good like theirs, and be not your
pride, it still may not bring reproach on that sacred office,
and not be for your and your descendants’ regret and
shame.

Though led, by the train We have pursued, to speak more
at length of the pastors, I would not, by any means, omit
due recognition of the character of them to whom they
ministered. That has been marked by general intelligence,
benevolence, integrity, and virtue ; by reverence for Religion
and her institutions, and observance of them to at least the
usual extent. An nnconnnon proportion of men of eminence
has been included in this society; and -~—- What We may re-
mark as a particular advantage and blessing --~—-- the most
influential members have been its firm supporters, and real
friends of religion. Two of these stand out in its history
with special prominence, --—- one having been most extensive»-
ly engaged in its concerns during a large part of the last
century; the other, for nearly all which has elapsed of the
present one, having had a leading agency in its affairs.
The former was Robert Hale, grandson of the first pastor: he
was born in 1702, and died in 1767. He was endowed with
superior natural abilities, liberally educated, and bred to
the medical profession, in which he soon had extensive
practice. Intrusted also with important financial interests;
a colonel in the expedition against Louisburg,i and dis-
tinguished in its capture ; largely occupied in public
business of the town, county, and state; commissioner
on repeated and pressing emergencies from our -OWII to

other Commonwealths,---—he acquitted himself throughout

38

with signal fidelity and ability. Extensive and engrossing
as were his other occupations, he yet found time to attend,
with characteristic thoroughness, to every thing concerning
his native parish, from grave questions of theology and
ecclesiastical government, down to-What, to be sure, in
his time, was a matter of no slight moment, though We
might attach little to it—--the framing of a precise code of
rules for “seating the meeting-house ; ”i by which there was
a range of many degrees, from the “foremost magistrate
seat” to those assigned to the unmarried and to persons
greatly in debt among the humblaest.----The other name,

  which, from its connection with the parish, may be appro-

priately coupled with his, is Robert litantoul- To him I
have already alluded, for the part he took in the Sunday
school. It was not there alone that he manifested lively
and active interest for the young, but in all the institutions
and means by which they might be benefited.   That inte-
rest, early begun and sustained, personally and officially,
through many years, abated not with advanced age. It
was touching to see him, his head White with the snows of
more than seventy Winters, moving amid youthful assem-
blies, whether gathered for instruction or amusement, and
observe his sterner aspect relax and soften as he entered by
cordial sympathy into their pursuits and pleasures. For
the reformatory and philanthropic enterprises of the day,

he Was also strongly interested; and in some i of them,

especially that of promoting temperance, he was among

  the pioneers,, and, in certain respects, took the initiative.

He was, for upwards of twenty years, a representative or a
senator in the General Court, where, from talent and . ex-

  perience, he had ‘ an influence rarely exerted by a single

individual ; was on several commissions from the State ; and

39

was a member of   the convention for revising its Constitution
in 1820, and again in that of 1858 ; in the last of which he
was recognized as its Nestontandcalled to preside, at its
organization. The services vvhich, in spheres less extensive
and nearer home, he rendered, were very nun1erous,various,
and valuable. Noted as he was for the punctilious and
perseve1~ing discharge of all his duties, there is norespect in
which, with this parish and church, he is more entitled to
high consideration and grateful remembrance, than the
uniform devotedness with which, as officer and member,

for more than half a century, he tool: a leading part in

their proceedings, and studied their ‘interests. His honorable
and useful life was prolonged to within a monthof the com-—
pletion of his eightieth year, and terminated in a peaceful
departure.   ‘A f

  Among the patriarchs of the society, on my coming to it,
were Nathan Dane and Joshua Fisher. As I saw those two
venerable men at the head of the procession leading to my
ordination, I could not but view" the circumstance as pre-

senting a marked feature in the then existing condition of

the parish, and an auspicious omen for the future. The
former was a lawyer by profession (one which has been
remarkably represented, by numbers, ability, and cha-
racter, in our congregation); the father, as he has been
called by high authority, of American law; author of
the immortal ordinance for the government of the North-
western Territory, by which slavery was for ever rexcluded
from that immenseand now populous region; vvithal, of

unimpeachable integrityand purity. His mind was richly ‘

stored with theological knowledge. He devoted much time

-——-- giving his sabbaths exclusively-—--~,to its acquisition; was A.

a constant attendant on public Worship,.even. after deafness

40

had disabled him from listening to it; and a liberal con-

tributor to its support. The latter»--—--a learned and skil-
ful physician; President of the Massachusetts Medical Socie-
ty; a proficient in natural science; a senator of the Corn-
monwealth, and deeply interested in civil affairs ; an able and
faithful officer in institutions of business and charity; in all
the relations of life upright, l1igh-minded, and Worthy-—--is
to be esteemed, in the distribution of his wealth, though
far more in his life and example, a great public benefactor
to this his adopted parish; pecuniarily, the largest. Wliile
his bounty flowed freely in Various other channels, the
ample fund, which, with the aid of Israel Thorndike,~——-- him-
self a generous friend and son of the parish, -i—--he established
for the support of the ministry in it, will cause him to be
ever gratefully remembered among us. I may add, that
from the three last named, and Moses Brown, —--—~ also aI1hon-
ored parishioner,-———donations and legacies to the amount of
fifty thousand dollars have gone to Harvard University, for
which strong interest has always here existed; where all the
rninistersof this society, one only excepted, were graduated ;
and over Which, We have seen, one of them long and wor-
thily presided.  

An enlightened libierality in sentiment, feeling, action, is
seen sending the current of its Warm and healthy life-blood,
througli our wliole parochial existence. That which seeks
out and promotes good objects, Whether within or with-
out its immediate circle, and, because manifest in deeds,
isleast to be suspected, has, I trust, been in good degree -—--

  if not to the extent justly desirable-——— exercised. The diffu-
sion of intelligence by personal effort, by boolzs, libraries,

schools, and higher se1ninaries,e or by any other methods
deemed expedient,, has been a favorite object, andhas received,

41

from those qualified to further it, strong; 00I111t811a»I106 and
aid. That there is more of truth to break forth continually
from God’s word and works; that the firmarnent of ‘know-
ledge, common and sacred, is absolutely boundless, and
should be constantly explored‘; which was uttered in sub-
stance, and partly in these very terms, by the Pilgrim Father,
Robinson, -——---has been steadily maintained. Perfect freedom
of investigation into both nature and revelation is a stand-
ing declaration of our creed; or would be, if We had any
other one than that of the Bible. The records of this
church show that the terms of communion l1a.V6‘11GT/781‘ been
narrow or exclusive, and that censures have never been
inflicted for supposed error of opinion. Its independence
has been firmly upheld. The proposal of a convention of
ministers at Boston, in 1705, for consociating the Con-«
gregational churches, found little if any more ‘favor here
than did a similar one from the Massachusetts gGreneral

Association in 1814, which, like the former, encountered an i

oppositiorn so strenuous as to lead to its abandonment. The
Cambridge Platform of ecclesiastical government was not
formally adopted by this church till nearly seventy years
after its organization; and then only with essential modifi-
cationsaiid reservations, among which was this,—--- that the
Platform should be received in “ theirown sense,” or as
the members chose to understand and apply it. These, and

many other facts and considerations that might be adduced,  

snfioiently indicate the independent tone which has pre-
vailed in maintaining the rights, of the church as a body,
andiot’ the individuals composing it. s

    The relations, however, of this society, both Within and
without itself, have, from the beginning to the present time,
been singularly peaceful and harmonious. Few councils, al-- a

6

42

most none (none, surely, since my connection with it), have
been summoned for advice or arbitration in the settlement
of disputes and difficulties. N o difierences of sentiment or
action have arisen, that have resulted in permanent con-
troversy, alienation, or division, and that have not been
quickly followed by reconciliation, or agreement to differ, or,
at most, quiet Withdrawal. Tlnity of the spirit in the bond
of peace has been the motto of practice, for yourselves and
your predecessors, in relation to those within your borders
and to other religious societies. Between the mother church
--«the first in Sale1:n———-and this, and between the niinisters

and people of both, there has always been the most friendly

union. For seventeen years after they had separate Worship,
they met—---in beautiful token of Christian fellowship and
love --at the same table of communion. ’1‘hey have kept
pace together in what We consider the advance of religious
ideas.   They hear, as they have long borne, the same dis-
tinctive appellation among the denontiinations of Christians.
May their only strife henceforth be, as it has hitherto been,
striving together for the faith of the gospel. So has it
been, so may it ever be, in the relation of i this to the firet-
born of the churches that have sprung from it, with which
We have always been in peculiar connection and sympathy;
and she to«-day has aiiectingly recognized these, by suspend-
ing her usual service, and joining-with us on this parting
occasion. For her, and for all the congregations of the
town, whether of like or difiering faith, do We Wish, from
the fruitful and loving parent of them all, at this hour, and

pi out of the house of God, prosperity, and his peace to keep
them for ever in perfect peace-   y :

 A character for stability, moreover, may justly be attri-
buted to this parish.r Here, where, for two centuries and

43

more, divine worship and the ordinances of religion have
been statedly observed, where a succession of ministers--
with less than usual interruption --— has been sustained, and
where, through all that extended period, wise and good and
devout men“ have watched and prayed, endured and perse-
vered, we may look for something stable, and not, I trust,
look in vain. Not the stability which dwells in the past,
rests where they who preceded us stood, abjures innovation,
denies the claim of any superiority of light or virtue in the
present over the ages gone; still less that which contents
itself with inactivity, and neither cherishes the desire, nor
puts forth effort, for a higher and better spiritual life than
has yet been reached: but that which looks before and
around no less than behind; with due veneration for the past,
mingles just reference to the present and the future; moves
forward with open eye and elastic step, ready to discern and
walk in the ways, commands, and ordinances, and through
the scenes of duty and trial, designed by Heaven, and to
which its unerring fingeripoints. An enlightened conserva-
tism, combined with earnest desire and endeavor after pro-
gress, and based on the scriptural formula,~—--- steadfast and
immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,--—
has with us been sought, and, we will hope, in some good
measure, though very far from what it should have been,
attained. This is the only stability on which, as indivi-
duals, as members of society, or a Christian church, we can,
amid the vicissitudes of earth, and under the grand law of
change passed on all human things, securely repose.

How wide and ‘unceasing is the operation of that law!
What change has been going on since this spot was set

apart and consecrated to religious uses, to which it has

from the first been devoted, for the place of our worship!

44

During that period, our country has been mostly reclaimed
from the savage and from solitude, and our nation all but cre-
ated. Who can describe, or merely count, the changes that
have in that period taken place relating to material, social,
and religious objects, the World of matter and mind within
and around us? The spot itself ---- While so many and vary-
ing lights and shadows have been passing over it ---— how‘
changed, from the lowly temple that stood near the site
of our Vestry, the humble nature of which is indicated by a
vote passed sixteen years after its erection, “ that the meet-
ing-—house be ceiled up to the Wall-plates, rabbeted, and the
windows glazed,”——---through the second, erected in 16852.,
which was superior to the first, but was rude in its style and
construction, as We may infer from its having been Without
“ lathe and plaster,” open to the “ ridge-pole,” and its floor
having not, till forty years after it was built, been laid
“ on the beams with boards and joist,” ———-down to the third
house, erected in 1770, enlarged in ’95, remodelled and for
the mostpart rebuilt in 1835; since which its interior has
been improved and beautified, and rendered commodious
and pleasant as we now see it! If the place and temples
show change, much more do the worshippers. With the
eye of fancy, and in the light of authentic record, We look, as

on a movable panorama, upon the assemblies fr-oxn age to

age here gathered. We ‘see the earlier ones ranged in order
and lines, according to rank, age, sex, condition, or other
qualifications, prescribed by rule, except where particular
positions were assigned by Way of reward or favor; and the

later ones, with some variations, arranged after the me»
  thods customary in our own time. In each We see reflected

its peculiar manners, habits, culture; its appointed discipline
of good and evil, joyand sorrow, temptation and trial. As

45

we see these all, so varying and transitory as they have
been, we enter more fully than we before have done
into the changing nature of human life and experience,
and realize how changeful as well as rapid is the stream
on which the generations of men, and ourselves among
them, are borne onward.

Instead, however, of further loolcing. through the two
centuries that have passed over this parish, it is enough
only to glance at the variegated aspect of the events which
have occurred since we have been together during my
pastorate. In that comparatively brief period, how have
society and the world altered! and what a new face has
come on both I Wonde1°ful discoveries and inventions
have been multiplied, by which the domain of science has
been vastly extended, man’s social condition essentially va—
ried and improved, and the material creation itself greatly
changed. Mighty revolutions have shaken nations to their
foundation, and thrones have been set up and overturned.
Peace and war have had their alternations in our own and
most other countries. New theories in government, mo-
rals, and religion, have been breached ; have had their day,
and been exploded. New truths have been proclaimed, and
brought into use; old ones have been set in new and bet-
ter lights, and so rendered more beneficial. And though
an awful cloud of sin casts its shadow, like a foul blot, on
the earth, and on all the souls living upon it, and vice and
crime stalk abroad in high places and low, I still believe

4 that the world, for the last quarter—century, has not stood

still or receded, but has, on the whole, and in vital respects,
been gaining.

What changes, too, have time and death-——--not to name
other causes--—wrought around and in the midst of us in

46

the period We are contemplating! Those who, at the com-
mencement of it, were the venerated elders and pillars in
church and state,-——-the fathers,——-—~whe:re are they? You
will, perhaps, be surprised at the fact, that none of the
pastors of the fourteen societies of our denomination in
Essex County remain Where, at the beginning of my
ministry, I found them; and only three of them are
among the living. The patriarchs of the council convened
at the time of my ordination——-—all the aged persons, also,
then belonging to the parish-——-have since passed away.
The then middle-aged have grown old; the then young
have glided into maturity. Nearly an entire generation
has come upon the stage of life, while another has left it.
A congregation of itself has yheenadded from among us
to the congregation of the dead.-—-Here We pause to drop
the tear of remembrance for the many Whom Death has not
permitted to continue with us; Whom that stern reaper has
gathered in, whetherin the early flower, or mature vigor,
or full ripeness. At the call of memory, there is scarcely a
seat here, or house, or family; “ no flock, however tended; ”
scarcely a region of earth or a sea, --—that does not give up
our dead. In all kindness and tenderness, We greet their
imagesas they rise freshly to view. For some, officers
and niemhers, tried friends and supporters, of this church
and society, and of Whatever is good, the tears of recent and

sad bereavement freely flow. Do We not still hear the sound

of departingywings as their spirits take the upward flight?
Do theynot seem to linger,that they may dispense heavenly
henedictions,and give parting assurances that their guardian

care and love will not cease towatohloverthese scenes they

loved so Well  N  t    
Great and often trying as are the changes and the Whole

47

vicissitude of life, we can hardly doubt their necessity, any

more than we can escape their occurrence. Because they

have no changes, says a sacred oracle, they fear not God.
These are needed by men and Christians, alone and indi-
vidually, or in groups and societies. They are often
indispensablynecessary toarrest attention, and prompt to
vigilance and exertion. A quiet, undisturbed current of
events has done unspeakable harm to men, and to bodies
of men, by lulling to indifference, negligence, and in-—
efficiency; and so banishing, not only the fear of God, but
concern and zeal for the Welfare of man. Even harmony
and peace may thus become the bane of a , Christian society
and church. Welcome, then, change. Let it come; let it
come fast and often, and in all its Heaven-appointed variety.
It is a blessed monitor and guide; it may be, a comforter
and healer. It brings balm from Gilead,-—-a medicine for
the mind, from the great Physician.  By it souls may be
reformed, enlarged, built up to celestial grace and beauty;
to sum all in two Words, --—-- sanctified, saved- And though
it may at times be trying, and hard to bear; may admiiiister
a rude shock; be appalling even to the sensibilities; may be
for the present not joyous, butgrievous ;   and we might not
be prepared to delight in it for its own sake, --- we may yet
rejoice in the blessing it carries with it, of which We are
invited, nay urged, to partake in full. We may, moreover,
rejoice that the cliaznging universe, is presided over   and
ordered by   Him who doeth all things rightly and Well;
who has and needs no changes; with Whom is no variable-
ness,or shadow of turning; and in Whomtwe may repose
uncliangiiig and perfect trust.   

  Notwithstanding the numerous and varied scenes through.
which We have passed together since wewere joined in the

4:8

sacred ties that unite pastor and people, it is diffioult for
me to realize how extended the space of time thus traversed.
So under bright and propitious skies, tl11*oL1gl1 green pastures,
and by still waters, has our course been ; so harmonious have
been our relations, and mutual and joint action; and, in look»-
ing back on them, --~ having no note of discord, no asperities
of feeling, not an unkind Word or look, that I am aware of,
to disturb or mar the review, but bathed, as it Were, in an
atmosphere of love and good-will,,—-5-I feel like a traveller
beguiled as to the length of his Way by its pleasantness.
In the first sermon after my ordination, I said, “ Here would
I live and WOI‘l{ ; and here, in your service, would I have
my earthly labors and oonfiiots end.” I then thought, if it
should be God’s will, and for our reciprocal benefit, to live and
die, their chosen and devoted pastor, among this my own
people. Being, however, not of firm constitution, I ex-
pected my ministry, if continued to the close of my life,
long ere this to have terminated, and to have passed, with
my soul, before the final Judge. But it has been otherwise
appointed.

And now it only remains for me to bid you, my respected
and beloved parishioners, adieu; which I utter, not so much
as indicative of   parting, much less of final leave, as in
its higher meaning, ---—- God be with you. So I say, Farewell :
in the most literal sense, fare ye well! May you partalie

most richly of temporal and spiritual good I My earnest

hope is, that, present or absent, I may hear of your afiairs,
that ye stand fast in the unity, order, purity, and excellence
of our holy faith, and are constantly strengthened and

elevated therein. Especially is it my desire that you may  

be endued with theliighest wisdomfor the choice of one to

fill the place now to be vacated. If, in due season, a pastor

49

after your own hearts, and approved of God, be granted you,
my heart, I assure you, will equally rejoice, and one of its
dearest Wishes be fulfilled. Be assured, also, that the kind-
ness here shared by me and mine, and the sweet counsel
and many happy days and years We have had together, will
not fade from my memory; that the tenderest chords of my
breast will not cease to vibrate in unison with your Welfare;
and that my fervent prayers will continually ascend for
Heaven’s best blessings on you and yours, With Whom I have
been so long, so intimately, and so sacreclly associated.

APPENDIX.

THE following is a copy of Mr. THAYEa’s letter of resigna-
tion, and of the record of proceedings of the parish in

answer to it : --

BEVERLY, April 6, 1858.
Hon. ROBERT RAN'1‘OUL._

DEAR Sm,-—-—I resign into your hands, and through you, as
Chairman of the Standing Committee, to the First Parish, the
pastoral office, which, for considerably more than a quarter of‘ a
century, has been so harmoniously, and to myself so happily, sus-
tained. My resignation, I propose, should take effect on the 1st
of July next. This step has not been taken without earnest de-
liberation, and a deep sense of the tender and sacred ties which
bind, and always will bind, me to the people to whom I have
ministered during so many years. The lapse of time, with the
changing aspects of the Christian world, might well suggest, if‘
not wholly justify, it; but I feel strongly the need of a respite, at
least, from the labors of my profession, as well as of time for
other claims and duties. While I, therefore, ask a dissolution of
my present relation to the parish, I do it in the firm hope and
trust, that its prosperity will be promoted by a new pastorate,
and with the assurance of my fervent wishes and prayers for the
welfare of all its members. i

Most respectfully and truly yours,

C. T. TISIAYER.

52

A cotnrnunication from the Rev. CHRISTOPHER T. THAYER, in
which he proposes to resign his pastoral relations to this parish,
having been read and considered, it was thereupon unanimously
voted to accept thereof‘.

Resolved, That we deeply regret the impaired condition of his
health, which (With other considerations of a. private nature) has

rendered it necessary for him to ask a. release from pastoral labors ;‘

and, in View of the dissolution of a connection now of more than
twenty-eight years’ standing, we rejoice that it has been so her-
moniously and happily sustained durixig the whole of this period,
and that the separation takes place with only the kindest feelixigs
on the part of pastor and people.

Penetrated with the strong expressions of the affectionate in-
terest of' our pastor in every member of his parish, in accepting
his resignation, We would cordially;-eciprocs.te the l~ZlI1Cl sentiments
he has expressed towards us, and offer him our best Wishes for the
restoration of his health, and a continuance of his usefulness and
happiness.

Resolved, That his faithful and arduous labors tl11'0'L'1gl1 the
whole duration of his txninistry, in relation to the municipal inte-
rests of the town, deserve the grateful recollection and acknow-
ledgment of the people; and We earnestly hope that a continued
residence among us will enable us to enjoy, as heretofore, the
influence of his example, the benefit of his talents and varied ere»
perience, and of his labors to improve the social, moral, and reli-
gions condition of our people.

‘BEVERLY, April .19, 1858.---A true copy of resolutions passed
this day at a legal meeting of the members of the First Parish in

. Beverly.

Attest: .
. Roesnr RANTOUL,
rPurish ‘C'Ze7*/1:.