MHEfflOIB, SERMONS 
 
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 THE LIBRARY 
 
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 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 
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 MEMOIR 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL, 
 
 PASTOR OF THE 
 
 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 
 
 I N 
 
 MASON, N. H. 
 
 FROM NOVEMBER, 1790, TO MAY, 1854. 
 
 WITH SOME OF HIS SERMONS, 
 
 AND HIS DISCOURSE ON THE 
 
 HISTORY OF THE TOWN. 
 
 JOHN B. HILL. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 LUCIUS A. ELLIOT & CO. 
 
 D. BUGBEE & CO., BANGOR. 
 1858.
 
 PRINTED BY SAMUEL S. SMITHj 
 BANQOB, ME.
 
 F 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 To write the biography of a parent, is a delicate task. It 
 has not been undertaken in the present instance, without a 
 full appreciation of the difficulties in its accomplishment. 
 Neither the feelings ofvthe writer, nor the proprieties of the 
 occasion, would permit any other tone than that of eulogy. 
 My endeavor has been in this sketch, to exhibit fairly, the 
 prominent traits of the character and incidents of the life of 
 my father, especially in their effects upon the church and peo- 
 ple of his charge ; and in doing so, I am not conscious that I 
 have stepped beyond the line of propriety, either in the 
 exhibition of commendable traits, or in the concealment or 
 suppression of faults or imperfections. For the main body 
 of this sketch, I am indebted to my brother, the Rev. T. Hill, 
 of Saint Louis, Mo. 
 
 The discourse upon leaving the Old Meeting House, is 
 printed from a manuscript transcribed from the original, soon 
 after it was delivered. The other discourses, are reprints of 
 the first edition, with no change, but the correction of manifest 
 errors. The portrait accompanying this volume, is engraved 
 from a painting made at the age of about seventy years. 
 The engraved page of a sermon, is a fac simile of the ser- 
 mon preached at the dedication of the meeting house, in 
 
 1795. 
 
 J. B. HILL. 
 
 BANGOR, May 1, 1858.
 
 MEMOIE. 
 
 " Every man's life is of importance to himself, to his family, to his friends, 
 to his country, and in the sight of God. They are by no means the best men, 
 who have made most noise in the world ; neither are those actions most 
 deserving of praise, which have obtained the greatest show of fame. Scenes 
 of violence and blood, the workings of ambition, pride and revenge, compose 
 the annals of men. But piety and purity, . temperance and humility, which 
 are little noted and soon forgotten of the world, are held in everlasting remem- 
 brance before God." Hunter's Sacred Biography, vol. 1, p. 24. 
 
 No two men have ever existed, whose lives were, in all 
 respects, exact counterparts of each other. Every human 
 being, is thoroughly individualized by his own will, and has a 
 history that is peculiar to himself, which can never be so 
 blended with that of another, as not to possess points of 
 interest, in contrast, to attentive observers. No two persons 
 can be found, whose physical endowments are not such as to 
 render them distinguishable by their intimate friends. So 
 also, a marked distinction will be found in the mental powers, 
 the modes of thought, and manner of action of individuals 
 most closely resembling each other. Each, in all these 
 respects, will have traits in a good degree original and pecu- 
 liar to himself. Hence, the faithful portraiture of the char- 
 acter of any individual will afford instruction to others. 
 They will recognize in it, situations similar to their own, and 
 by observing how difficulties have been overcome, and trials 
 borne, or how temptations have led to .ruin, they may be 
 encouraged to struggle for victory, and shun the path which 
 led another to destruction, 
 2
 
 6 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 If it be true, that every man is so individualized as to ren- 
 der his real life instructive to others, it is peculiarly so, with 
 the life of a Christian ; for with him a new element of power 
 is introduced, and grace controls and silently renovates the 
 man, evolving its own light from the darkness of nature, and 
 so moulding the original elements, that upon all is cnstamped 
 the glorious image of Jesus, and the man is formed anew, and 
 fitted for heaven. 
 
 Could the real life of any Christian be written, it would 
 form a most interesting volume, and it would matter little, 
 what position in life the subject of it might have occupied. 
 The life of Moses is rich and varied, but the simple sketch of 
 Lazarus, sitting at the rich man's gate, dying alone, and 
 borne by angels to Abraham's bosom, has a touching beauty, 
 equalling in interest anything found in that of the law-giver. 
 
 If these views are correct, the life of any earnest, success- 
 ful preacher of the gospel, must have an intrinsic interest in 
 whatever station his lot has been cast. He may not have 
 been as eloquent as Whitfield, as deep a theologian as Ed- 
 wards, nor have possessed the finished grandeur of Robert 
 Hall; but he has fought a good fight himself, has pointed 
 many sinners to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the 
 sins of the world ; and trained many souls for immortality, 
 and fitted them for heaven. The memory of such a man is 
 enshrined in the best affections of many who have felt always 
 his influence, and a view of his life will furnish them, and 
 others also, with new motives for leading a life of faith. 
 
 Such was the humble, earnest life of him, of whose history 
 and character, it is proposed here to give a brief outline. 
 His was the quiet life of a retired pastor of a country 
 churcli ; of one, whose highest ambition it was, to be a faith- 
 ful preacher of the gospel, to those whom God had placed 
 under his care. It is the object of this sketch, to enable 
 those who read it, to form a distinct idea of his individual 
 character, of his manner of life, and of the general results of 
 his labors ; and the many friends who revered and loved him
 
 BEV. EBENEZER HILL. 7 
 
 while living, to preserve a fresh and vivid memory of their 
 departed pastor, counselor and friend. 
 
 Ebenezer Hill, the subject of this memoir, was born in 
 Cambridge, Mass., January 31st, 1766. He was the youngest 
 son of Samuel Hill and Sarah Cutler, his wife. His father 
 was born in Boston, but of his parentage and ancestry, 
 nothing is certainly known. He was a carpenter by trade, 
 but never rose above the condition of the most humble 
 poverty. He served as a common soldier, in the war of the 
 revolution, and returned to Cambridge at its close, to resume 
 his occupation as a carpenter. After his son Samuel settled 
 in Mason, he came to that place, and resided there with him, 
 most of the time, till the close of his life. He died at Mason, 
 June 21st, 1798, aged about sixty-six years. His mother, 
 Sarah Cutler, was born in the year 1733, in what was, April 
 24th, 1746, incorporated as the second precinct of Concord, 
 and afterwards on the 19th of April, 1754, incorporated as a 
 town by the name of Lincoln. Her father, Ebenezer Cutler, 
 was one of the petitioners for the incorporation of the pre- 
 cinct. She was a woman of great energy. With very scanty 
 means, and, in a great measure, with the labor of her own 
 hands, she provided for the support, training and education 
 of her children. In October, 1781, she purchased a lot of 
 land in Cambridge, thirty feet square, for the price of "nine 
 pounds, twelve shillings, lawful money of this Common- 
 wealth." It is described in the deed, as lying "on the north 
 side of the house of Moses and William Boardman, deceased; 
 on the road leading to Lexington." It was about one mile 
 northerly of the colleges. Upon this plot, she placed a 
 small cottage house, in which she and her family resided. 
 The building was a portion of barracks occupied by the Rev- 
 olutionary army, when stationed at Cambridge. The land 
 was appraised by three disinterested persons, in June, 1796, 
 at one hundred and thirty-five dollars. It undoubtedly com- 
 prised, at that time, the principal part of the family estate. 
 About the year 1790, she went to Mason, and resided there
 
 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 with her son Ebenezer, until the close of her life. She died 
 December 30th, 1808, aged seventy-five years. 
 
 Two sons, Samuel and Ebenezer, were their only children. 
 Samuel, the eldest, was born in 1764. He was a carpenter 
 by trade, and followed that occupation through life. It 
 seems that the brothers at an early period, formed the reso- 
 lution to fix their residence in the same town. Samuel writes 
 to Ebenezer from Goshcn, Vermont, under date of November 
 24th, 1787, as follows: "If things will permit, as you wrote 
 to me about our living in one town, I hope, that by the 
 blessing of God, we shall ; but when, I know not, but must 
 wait God's own due time." This purpose, so early formed, 
 was accomplished. Samuel came to reside in Mason, proba- 
 bly, in the year 1792. He was certainly resident there early 
 in 1793, and there he passed the remainder of his life, a 
 useful, industrious man, noted for sterling integrity and inde- 
 pendence of character; a good husband, father, and citizen. 
 He died May 23d, 1813, aged forty-nine years. His first 
 wife was Dorcas Wyeth, born in Cambridge. She died at 
 Mason, January 19th, 1807, at the age of thirty-seven years. 
 
 His second wife, was Mary Adams, daughter of John and 
 Mary Adams, born in Mason, August llth, 1780. They were 
 married in September, 1809. This wife survived him, and is 
 still (January, 1858) living in widowhood, at Mason. 
 
 Ebenezer, the second son of Samuel and Sarah, was the 
 favorite son of his mother. By the devotion, on her part, 
 of all her means to that end, he was prepared at the age of 
 sixteen years, to enter Harvard college. His preparatory 
 studies were pursued at the grammar school in Cambridge, 
 under the tuition among other teachers, of the late Rev. Dr. 
 Bancroft, of Worcester, and Rev. Dr. Kendall, of Newton. 
 Students were then admitted to the college, upon a personal 
 examination into their literary qualifications, made by the 
 officers of the college ; and if found by them to be sufficiently 
 grounded in the requisite preparatory studies, and to furnish 
 the proper testimonials of moral character, their names were
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 9 
 
 entered upon the books of the steward as students, on their 
 producing the bond, and making the payments required by 
 the college laws. A printed extract from these laws, was 
 delivered to the student, whose examination had been found 
 to be satisfactory, pointing out what further was required to 
 be done on his part, before he could become a member of 
 the college. This document, as well as the bond he gave, 
 was found carefully preserved, among his papers. It is 
 thought that as a matter of curiosity, and as illustrating the 
 manners of the times, most readers of this book, will feel 
 interest enough in the subject, at least to excuse its insertion. 
 It is as follows : 
 
 "Extract from the second and third laws of Chapt. 1st, of 
 the College Laws. 
 
 CHAP. I. PART OP LAW 2D. 
 
 " The Parents or Guardians of those who have been 
 approved on Examination, or some other person, shall pay 
 three pounds to the Steward, towards defraying their College 
 Charges ; also, give bond to the Steward, with one or more 
 Sureties to his Satisfaction, in the sum of two hundred ounces 
 of silver, to pay College Dues Quarterly, as they are charged 
 in the Quarter Bills, Viz : the Stewards, Glaziers and Sweep- 
 ers. And in case of Death or Removal before College 
 Charges arise, to the sum of three pounds, the Steward shall 
 return the remainder to the person who gave the bond." 
 
 In the original paper the sums expressed were "thirty shil- 
 lings," which was erased, and "three pounds" inserted; and 
 "Forty pounds" erased, and "two hundred ounces of silver" 
 inserted; and "thirty shillings" erased, and "three pounds" 
 inserted. 
 
 "Part of Law 3d. Every one that has jDeen accepted, shall, 
 as soon as may be, exhibit to the President, a Certificate of 
 the Steward, that the foregoing rules have been complied 
 with. Upon the receipt of which, the President shall sign an
 
 10 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 Order for the Admission of such Person, in the following 
 
 words : 
 
 Cantabrigia? Augusti. 
 
 Addmittatur in Collegium Harvardinum. A. B. 
 
 Praeses. 
 
 And the Order shall be kept on File by the Steward. And 
 no one shall be allowed to take Possession of any chamber 
 in the College, or receive the Instructions of that Society, or 
 be considered a member thereof, until he has been admitted 
 according to the form prescribed." 
 
 This paper is dated July 19th, 1782. At the foot, is a 
 memorandum in the hand-writing of Joseph Willard, the 
 president, and signed by him as follows : 
 
 " The above alterations were made in conformity to a late 
 order of the Government of the College. 
 
 J. WILLARD, Presdt." 
 
 Upon the first page of the same sheet, is the admittatur in 
 the words following : 
 
 "FORM OF ADMISSION. 
 
 " Cantabrigiae Julii 13 1782. Admittatur in Collegium 
 Harvardinum Ebcnezer Hill. 
 
 JOSEPHUS WILLARD, Praeses." 
 
 The bond required, was signed by his mother's brothers, 
 Elisha Cutler of Waltham, yeoman, and Jonas Cutler of 
 Groton, shop-keeper, and is dated August 13th, 1782. 
 
 He thus become a member of this venerable and useful insti- 
 tution, and supported by the exertions of his mother, and his 
 expenses borne, in part, by the aid furnished by funds liber- 
 ally and thoughtfully contributed by benevolent persons, to 
 enable students in want of pecuniary means to pursue their 
 studies, he completed his college course with commendable 
 diligence, and a fair exhibition of scholarly attainments, but 
 without displaying any striking traits of character, or meet- 
 ing with any note-worthy incidents ; a sample of that class of
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 11 
 
 industrious, persevering and conservative students and pro- 
 fessional men, who have contributed in no small degree, to 
 make the character of the New England people and their 
 institutions, what it has been, and, it is hoped, will continue 
 to be, for all coming time. 
 
 Of his student life, few memorials remain; but these are 
 enough to prove it to have been both pleasant and profitable. 
 He always spoke of, it as if the associations connected with it 
 were agreeable, and there remain indications of his progress, 
 which shew that it must have been with him a time of indus- 
 try, and of creditable success. His knowledge of the Latin 
 language, was quite accurate, and he retained his fondness for 
 that noble speech until his old age. 
 
 While in college, he acquired a habit of exactness which 
 remained with him through life. His penmanship, which was 
 always singularly uniform, close and beautiful, was early 
 acquired. A blot or illegible word, or word misspelt, will 
 hardly be found in all his manuscripts, which are very 
 numerous, embracing a period of more than seventy years. 
 There is no difficulty, in recognizing the same beautiful hand 
 through the entire period. A sample of his hand-writing, 
 being a fac simile of a page of one of his sermons, will be 
 found among the illustrations of this work. 
 
 There is now, in the possession of the writer, a manuscript 
 book of one hundred and thirty foolscap pages, containing a 
 system of mathematics, as taught while he was a member of 
 the college, being, in fact, the exercises required to be 
 wrought out by the student, in that branch of study ; embrac- 
 ing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, surveying, drawing, &c., 
 all written and executed with the most singular neatness 
 and care. The diagrams are drawn with great beauty and 
 accuracy, and some of them are carefully and tastefully 
 colored. There is, also, in the same possession, a letter 
 written on his eightieth birth-day, which, when compared 
 with the manuscript book, shews the same hand almost 
 unchanged. Nor did it ever change, until his powers so
 
 12 MEMOIK OP THE 
 
 failed that his trembling hand no longer obeyed his will, and 
 the feeble lines traced by it, too plainly showed the decay of 
 old age. 
 
 He graduated at the commencement, in 178G. Among his 
 class-mates were the Hon. Timothy Bigclow, many years 
 speaker of the house of representatives, of Massachusetts ; 
 Rev. Alden Bradford, secretary of the commonwealth, and 
 author of a valuable history of the state ; Rev. Dr. Wm. Har- 
 ris, president of Columbia College ; Hon. John Lowell, 
 distinguished as a jurist, a politician, a controversial writer 
 and an agriculturalist ; Hon. Isaac Parker, chief justice of the 
 supreme judicial court of Massachusetts ; and Thomas W. 
 Thompson, and Christopher Grant Champlin, members of the 
 house of representatives and of the senate of the United 
 States. Of his intimate friends in the class, the Rev. Jacob 
 Norton, formerly of Weymouth, survived him. He died at 
 Billerica, where the last years of his life were spent, January 
 17th, 1858, at the age of ninety-three years, eleven months, 
 five days, being, at the time of his death, the oldest surviv- 
 ing graduate of Harvard College. 
 
 There is a fact worthy of a moment's notice, as an indica- 
 tion of the comparative longevity of the New England clergy. 
 In his class, the number of graduates was forty-five. Ten of 
 these were clergymen. When the triennial catalogue of 
 1839 was published, but fifteen of this class were living, and 
 of that number, seven were clergymen. As another indica- 
 tion of the same fact, it is worthy of note, that on the first 
 day of May, 1854, there were residing in the state of New 
 Hampshire, within a distance not exceeding in all fifteen 
 miles of each other, three congregational clergymen, whose 
 united ages would make two hundred and seventy-eight years ; 
 Rev. Laban Ainsworth of Jaffrey, at the age of ninety-seven, 
 Rev. Gad Newell, of Nelson, at the age of ninety-three, Rev. 
 Ebenezer Hill, of Mason, at the age of eighty-eight years ; 
 all of them enjoying a comfortable measure of health, and 
 all of them residing in the town and society in which they
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 13 
 
 were originally settled in the ministry ; Mr. Ainsworth having 
 passed his one hundredth, and Mr. Newell his ninety-sixth 
 year, still (January, 1858) survive. Another remarkable 
 instance of the longevity of the clergymen of that time and 
 region, is presented in the fact, that in February, 1858, there 
 were living, four graduates of Dartmouth college, whose 
 united ages exceeded four hundred years ; viz : the Rev. John 
 Sawyer, D. D., of Bangor, Maine, one hundred and two years 
 and four months, the Rev. Laban Ainsworth, of Jaffrey, N. H., 
 one hundred years, seven months, the Rev. Ethan Osborn, of 
 Fairton, N. J., ninety-nine years, five months, and the Rev. 
 Zachariah Greene, of Hampstead, L. I., ninety-nine years, one 
 month; all undoubtedly natives of New England. 
 
 Soon after graduating, in the autumn of 1786, he com- 
 menced school-teaching in Westford. He remained there, and 
 in that employment, about two years. Here he formed the 
 acquaintance with his first wife, Mary Boynton, daughter of 
 Nathaniel Boynton, and Rebecca (Barrett) his wife. While 
 residing at Westford, he seems to have finally determined on, 
 and made choice of the gospel ministry, as his profession 
 and business in life. In a letter from his friend and class- 
 mate, Tapley Wyeth, dated June 9th, 1787, occurs this sen- 
 tence. "I am glad to hear you are determined on the study 
 of divinity ; the prospects are bright, when compared with 
 those of the other learned professions." This, to be sure, 
 was a very mundane view of the subject, but it was one per- 
 fectly in accordance with the notions on this question, by 
 many entertained at that period. With the subject of this 
 memoir, there is reason to believe, that the considerations 
 finally inducing him to the adoption of this line of life, were 
 of a much more grave, serious and appropriate character. 
 The citation is made, rather to show that at this early period 
 he had made known to his friend, his determination to adopt 
 the clerical profession, rather than to indicate his ultimate 
 inducements to that choice. 
 
 It was, in those days, customary for young men soon after, 
 3
 
 14 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 if not before, graduating, to make choice of a professional life 
 according to their several tastes. It was not then, as now, 
 among the clergy calling themselves orthodox, deemed an 
 essential qualification, before commencing the study of theol- 
 ogy, that the student should possess and profess personal 
 piety, and manifest it by uniting with some church ; but the 
 embryo preacher chose his profession, undoubtedly in most 
 instances, with serious reflection and consideration ; and 
 acquired his piety and religious experience, not before, but 
 after he commenced his theological studies. Whether Mr. Hill's 
 thoughts were turned in this direction, before, or soon after 
 graduating, is not now known, but it is understood that he had 
 in his own mind, made choice of this w r alk in life, before he 
 was the subject of any personal religious impressions. While 
 engaged in his duties as a teacher at Westford. the thought 
 occurred to him, when contemplating his purpose of a clerical 
 life, how inconsistent it would be for him to undertake to 
 teach others the way of life, and become their spiritual guide, 
 when he was himself ignorant of "the way, the truth and the 
 life." This reflection fastened itself upon his mind, and led 
 to deep, serious, and anxious enquiry, resulting in religious 
 conversion, and the full and sincere dedication of his life and 
 all its energies, to the work of the ministry. This incident 
 of his religious life and experience, a subject to which he 
 was, in his intercourse with his most intimate friends, singu- 
 larly sparing in any allusion, is preserved alone in the mem- 
 ory of Mrs. Dunster, who in a venerable old age, with a 
 remarkable preservation of mental vigor, remains in the year 
 1858, the sole surviving member of the church as constituted 
 at the time of his ordination as its pastor. The authority 
 for this statement, is the funeral sermon, preached at Mason 
 village, after the death of Mr Hill, by the Rev. Mr. Kellogg. 
 
 A singular incident connected with his school-teaching at 
 Westford, was brought to light a few years before his death. 
 As it exhibits a remarkable instance of firmness, decision of 
 character, energy and perseverance in a yaukee boy, conduct-
 
 REV. EBEXEZER HILL. 15 
 
 ing him to the most honorable and useful stations in life, it is 
 hoped that the use made of the correspondence, as an illus- 
 tration of the manners of the times and the characters of 
 the actors, by its introduction here for that purpose, will be 
 pardoned. In January, 1848, Mr. Hill received by mail 
 the following letter : 
 
 M , Vermont, Jan'y 4, 1848. 
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL, 
 
 My Dear Sir: I noticed, not long since, your name as a 
 clergyman in Mason, in a New Hampshire register. My 
 object in writing to you is, to ascertain if you are the person, 
 that taught a district school in Westford, about the winter 
 of 1788. Will you be so kind as to inform me by mail, and 
 if I find that you are the same person, I will then, inform you 
 of my object, in asking for this information. 
 
 Yours, with great respect, J R . 
 
 To this letter, Mr. Hill replied as follows : 
 
 MASOX, JAN'Y 10, 1848. 
 MR. J R : 
 
 SIR : I received a line from you, requesting information, 
 whether I am the person who taught a district school in 
 Westford, in the winter of 1788. 
 
 In answer to your question, I say, I graduated at Cam- 
 bridge, in the year 1786, and in the autumn of the year, took 
 the town school in Westford, for a year. This school, I kept 
 two years, removing from one district to another. Whether 
 the turn came to the Forge, or Stony Brook district in the 
 winter of 1788, I do not recollect. But of this I am sure, 
 that there was no school kept in the town, in those two 
 years, other than was taught by me, and, for a season, after 
 quitting the schools, I remained in Westford, and made that 
 town my home, so that I feel confident, that no school-master 
 of the name of Hill, taught a school in Westford, but myself. 
 
 I shall, sir, with some degree of excited curiosity be wait- 
 ing, for the promised information, respecting the enquiry. 
 Respectfully yours, EBEN'R HILL.
 
 16 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 To this the following reply was received : 
 
 M ? vt., Jan'y 18, 1848. 
 
 REV. EBEXEZEH HILL: 
 
 Dear Sir: Yours of the 10th instant is received, in which 
 you say, you taught school in "Westford two years, commenc- 
 ing in the autumn of 1786. I am satisfied, that you are the 
 person I have been anxious to find, for the last half century 
 
 or more. I am the son of J R , living in the east 
 
 part of the town. I attended your school in the winter of 
 1787, and in the fall of the same year, when you kept in the 
 middle of the town, also, the winter school of 1788, you kept 
 in the district where my father resided. Col's Wright and 
 Osgood lived in the same district. I think you boarded with 
 Capt. Pcletiah, or Capt. Thomas Fletcher, both winters. 
 All passed pleasantly, till the last week in February, when 
 for some trifling fault, in (say whispering,) being then only 
 eleven years of age, you called me up, and ordered me to 
 stand out in the middle of the floor, about an hour before 
 the school closed in the afternoon, and let me stand there 
 without my reading or spelling, until the school closed for 
 the day, and without your saying a word to me ; which I 
 considered a great insult. I therefore remained, until you 
 and the scholars had retired, except a young man (Levi 
 Wright) who was to take care of the house. I then thought 
 of revenge, <fcc., and collected your books, inkstand and ruler, 
 with intent to burn them up ; but before I could effect the 
 object, Levi Wright discovered what I was doing, and inter- 
 fered, and saved all except the inkstand, ruler, and a small 
 book or two, say to the value from three to six shillings 
 worth. Wright told me I should be whipped to death the 
 next day, which brought me to my senses. I then resolved 
 to leave the country. I had an uncle visiting at my father's, 
 who lived at Plymouth, N. H. I resolved to go home with 
 him, to get clear of punishment, and finally persuaded my 
 father to let me go, though he would not if he had known 
 the reason, and I was off in a day or two ; so I escaped the
 
 REV. EBEXEZER HILL. 17 
 
 punishment I so richly deserved, without my parents know- 
 ing my crime, and I never returned [to reside in the town.] I 
 have ever regretted my fault and error, and have intended, if 
 ever I could see you, or learn your place of residence, to 
 make an apology and satisfaction, though, perhaps, you have 
 long since forgotten the transaction. I now sir, enclose to 
 you $5,00, to pay debt and interest, which I hope you will 
 receive with the same kind feelings, which I have in sending 
 it to you; and wish you to consider my extreme youth when 
 the error was committed. Perhaps you may have some curi- 
 osity to know my success in life, &c. I resided in Plymouth 
 until May, 1803, when I came into this state and engaged in 
 trade, and followed trade successfully about thirty years* 
 In public life, I have been eight years a representative to the 
 legislature, a justice of the peace thirty years, a judge of our 
 courts some years, also, judge of probate in this county, 
 one of the electors of president and vice president of the 
 United States, (Harrison) one of the council of censors to 
 revise the constitution of this state, county treasurer the last 
 twenty years, and many minor offices. I now live in retire- 
 ment, being seventy-one years of age. Respectfully yours, 
 with my best wishes for your health and happiness. 
 
 P. S. "Will you be so good as to acknowledge the receipt 
 of this, and oblige J. R. 
 
 The substance of Mr. Hill's letter in reply, is as follows : 
 
 HON. J R . 
 
 Dear Sir: Yours of the 18th instant, came safe to hand, 
 and you may be assured it has been read repeatedly, with 
 deeply interested feelings. I thank you for the favor. It 
 has led to some reflections on the ways of Divine Providence 
 in bringing about events very important, yet unlocked for? 
 and unexpected. Who would have thought that the wild 
 freaks of a boy eleven years old, in attempting to escape 
 punishment for a pardonable fault in school, would lead him
 
 18 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 to forsake his father's house, and all the endearments of 
 home and family connections, and youthful acquaintances ? 
 that such an event, should be the first step to bring that 
 youth to fill places of honor and trust to which few aspire, 
 and to which very few attain ? And yet, had one link been 
 
 wanting in the chain of events which placed J R ', 
 
 the little lad, with his distant relatives in Plymouth, he 
 would not be, as at this day, the Hon. J R , in Ver- 
 mont, having filled most of the various offices of high and 
 honorary trust. With respect to the " debt and interest" of 
 which you write, I had no debt, and the circumstances named, 
 were entirely forgotten. If debt was due to either, it was 
 rather to you, than to me. However, I receive the sum 
 gratefully, as a token of your kind remembrance and contin- 
 ued friendship. I rejoice in the blessings which $God has 
 bestowed upon you, and hope still to enjoy your kind remem* 
 brance while I remain on earth. Judging from the pleasure 
 I have received in the sketches of your life, I am led to 
 presume that it will not be entirely uninteresting to you, to 
 learn some of the events of my life since the time to which 
 your letter refers. 
 
 After leaving the school, I made Westford my principal 
 home, until I went to read with Dr. Payson of Rindge. In 
 the year 1790, I was ordained pastor of the congregational 
 church in Mason, and that relation has continued to the pres- 
 ent day. I have had two colleague pastors settled with me, 
 but now am alone in that office. I have been blessed with an 
 unusual degree of health, having in all my ministry, but very 
 few times been taken off from public ministerial labors, for 
 want of health, and, through the abounding mercy of God, 
 have been spared to see the last day of January, 1848, which 
 completed my eighty-second year of pilgrimage on earth. 
 But four or five are now living in the town, who were at the 
 head of a family, when I became their minister." The letter 
 closes with some particular details of his family, which will 
 be more pertinently introduced in another connection.
 
 REV. EBEXEZER HILL. 19 
 
 To resume the narrative. After closing Ms school-teaching 
 at Westford, he pursued the study of theology with the Rev. 
 Seth Payson, (afterwards known as Dr. Payson,) of Rindge, 
 N. H. While residing at Rindge, and in his family, he united 
 with the church in Rindge, by profession, September 28th, 
 1788. 
 
 At that time, there were no theological seminaries in the 
 land. The usual course was, for the candidate for the minis- 
 try, to resort to some well known divine, who had a reputa- 
 tion for learning and ability to teach, and with him to pursue 
 such a course of study, as the parties should think proper. 
 After the course of instruction was sufficiently advanced, the 
 pastor would introduce his pupil to his own pulpit and 
 people, before he went abroad ; and thus give him the benefit 
 of a certain degree of experience, under the most favorable 
 circumstances. This form of instruction, if it did not furnish 
 to the student so good an opportunity for extensive and accu- 
 rate scholarship, as the present mode, yet possessed advan- 
 tages for carefully observing the operations of divine truth on 
 a Christian parish, and thereby preparing himself for the dis- 
 charge of his professional duties, with fewer embarrassments 
 than are usually in the way of a cloister student, who has 
 passed through a full curriculum of collegiate and theological 
 education. 
 
 The reasons inducing him to apply to Dr. Payson for 
 instruction, are not now known, but he seems to have been 
 favored by a divine providence, in the selection of his 
 teacher. Dr. Payson was a man of sterling worth, and he 
 secured the regard of his pupil, and retained it till his death. 
 
 If, as stated in his letter to Mr. R , .he spent two years 
 
 as a school-teacher in Westford, he must have commenced 
 his residence with Mr. Payson in August, 1788. That it 
 was so, his letters show ; for in one bearing date at Rindge, 
 August, 1788, (the day of the month not inserted,) he writes, 
 "I have now been here eleven days." His novitiate was very 
 short, for his license to preach, bears date October 28th,
 
 20 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 1788. He commenced preaching as a candidate, immediately 
 after. Many of his sermons remaining, bear date in that 
 year. Indeed, it is probable, that his first effort in conduct- 
 ing the public worship in the pulpit, was prior to that date, 
 for in a letter dated, as usual with him at that time, by the 
 day of the week, omitting that of the month, under date of 
 Saturday evening, October, 1788, he writes, "Mr. Payson has 
 just been into my study, and says I must preach for him, 
 to-morrow, for he is not prepared. 1 ' The letter continued on 
 subsequent days, till Saturday, two weeks from the first date, 
 makes no mention of the examination or license. 
 
 The following copy of this venerable document is worthy 
 of insertion, for its quaintness, and also, as a sample of the 
 mode in which such important matters were disposed of, 
 by the fathers of the New England churches : 
 
 an/ Qst/iociahon/ in/ G/t/fufatn/tam / , 
 &oen ^ G/utf, G^t. -&/. a/i/i,ea,zcd and 
 
 / / 
 
 Sum/erf to examination aj a ^handidate/ tot 1/e/ 
 
 .-.- ^crJion/ cnauiiu info AM inoiat 
 / / / 
 
 /uinituzc', ana VKW<) in/ unacifaAina 
 </ ff </ 
 
 tn, voted ananimt-u/CM fati/Yicd with Q/Lwi/ in/ ad 
 ana QrCe/ M nea^titu ^ccom,'ntenaea Jo faeacn 
 wnetecvci 'r/.oa in/ AM ^.tovi(/cncc/ //tatt vivc/ ni?n/ 
 oh/iottunitw : ana w& wtfA Q/Cc/ mau Snove a vicn, Jz&icf: 
 ainy Jo t/w. m^/t/i and '^/ J /i& o/^r^od, and mat G/e mau 
 
 ff ' / (7 <7 
 
 6e an at-te and Q/'aitrt'/ai minifiev o/ me new te/tament. 
 
 / <f / tr 
 
 There cannot be much doubt, that while teaching school 
 during the two years in Westford, he was under the direction, 
 of Dr. Payson, pursuing his theological studies, and that the 
 date above stated, 13 that of the commencement of his resi-
 
 REV. EBENEZEE HILL. 21 
 
 dence in the family of his instructor, rather than that of the 
 commencement of his professional studies. 
 
 Among other places, he exercised his ministry in the town 
 of Marlborough, so much to the acceptance of the church 
 and people, that they gave him a call to settle in that place, 
 as their minister. This call was voted in concurrence with 
 the church, at a town meeting, held November 13th, 1789. 
 The provision for his support, offered by the town, was as 
 follows : 
 
 "Voted, To give Mr. Hill one hundred and sixty pounds, 
 settlement ; sixty pounds to be paid in specie, one half of 
 which, is to be paid in three months after his ordination, the 
 other half, to be paid in nine months. The one hundred 
 pounds to be paid in beef cattle, Equal to beef at twenty 
 shillings per hundred, or other neet stock Equivilent; sd. 
 beef to be paid the fifteenth day of October, after his ordi- 
 nation. 
 
 "Voted, To give Mr. Hill sixty pounds salary for the first 
 year, and to add Twenty shillings a year, until it arrive to the 
 sum of sixty-eight pounds, and also, 
 
 "Voted, To give Mr. Hill thirty cords of wood, delivered 
 at his house, the salary and wood to be paid annually, so long 
 as Mr. Hill shall perform the work of a gospel minister, in 
 this place. 
 
 "Voted, That when the majority of the Church and Town 
 shall agree to invite a council, to settle any difficulty, if any 
 should arise between pastor and church and Town, that Mr. 
 Hill be obligated to join with the church and town, in a mutual 
 council." 
 
 At a subsequent meeting, December 24th, 1789, the offer 
 was modified by the following vote : 
 
 "Voted, To alter the payment of Mr. Ebenezer Hill's 
 salary as it now stands, in the proposals which the town has 
 made to him, and to pay the said salary, annually, so long as 
 he shall remain our gospel minister." This was, undoubtedly, 
 intended to apply to, and modify that provision of the 
 4
 
 22 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 former offer, which limited the payment of the salary, by the 
 phrase " so long as Mr. Hill shall perform the work of a gos- 
 pel minister in this place." This made the payment contin- 
 gent on services actually performed. The contract by which 
 a preacher was settled, as the pastor of a church and minis- 
 ter of a town, was then regarded as indissoluble, without 
 fault on the part of the minister, as the marriage contract 
 was then esteemed to be. Hence it followed, that if the 
 minister should become disabled from disease or old age, to 
 perform " the work of a gospel minister," he was still enti- 
 tled to claim and receive his stipend, and the people were 
 not permitted, after having enjoyed the best services of his 
 youth and vigorous manhood, to turn him adrift in his old age, 
 laboring under poverty and infirmity, to spend his last days 
 in penury and misery. The clergy were particularly cautious, 
 not to permit any stipulations looking to an abridgement of 
 this right, to be incorporated into the contract ; on the other 
 hand, the people were somewhat inclined to entertain the 
 notion, that the principle of no work, no pay, should apply 
 to these, as well as to other contracts. These ideas, doubt- 
 less, had something to do with the framing of this proposed 
 contract, and of the modification, adopted at the second 
 meeting. These were old world notions. As the French 
 say, "All this, we have changed." Now the contract between 
 ministers and people, has little more permanency than a 
 hiring from year to year, and, from the frequency with which 
 divorces are sought, and the ease with which they are 
 obtained, in some parts of our country, the marriage contract 
 is fast verging to the same miserable state. It is sufficient 
 to say, that this call was not accepted ; for what particular 
 reasons, does not appear. He had, at the same time, under 
 consideration, a similar call from the church and people in 
 Mason, which was first in point of time, and was by him finally 
 accepted ; but he ever entertained for the people of Marlbo- 
 rough, an affectionate regard. 
 
 His first introduction to Mason, the scene of his future
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 23 
 
 labors, in which his life was to be spent, was undoubtedly, 
 through the Rev. Samuel Dix, of Townsend, with whom he 
 formed an acquaintance while residing at Westford, or at 
 Bindge, which ended, only with the life of that worthy gen- 
 tleman. Addressed "To Mr. Ebenezer Hill, at Eindge," is a 
 letter, of which the following is a copy : 
 
 "MR. HILL: I am desifed in behalf of the town of Mason, 
 to request you to preach with them four Sabbaths ; to begin, 
 the first or second in April next. They wish to know .soon, 
 whether you comply or not ; if you please to send the infor- 
 mation to me, I will convey it to them, by divine permission ; 
 I mean, in case you can't bring it yourself, to your friend and 
 servant, SAM'L Dix." 
 
 TOWNSEND, May 20th, 1789. 
 
 There is, undoubtedly, a mistake in the date of this letter. 
 It should be March, instead of May. This invitation was 
 complied with. It appears by the minutes of the Holies 
 Association, that at their meeting at Townsend, July 1st, 
 1789, there were present as "company, the Eev. Mr. Bullard, 
 of Pepperell, and Mr. Hill, a candidate preaching at Mason." 
 
 In coming to this, his future home, he came to no place of 
 ease, no well cultivated garden spot, where the young 
 preacher was to find a polished people, a full salary, and to 
 enjoy the opportunity for becoming a scholar, a theologian ; 
 but he came to an uncultivated field, which demanded, from 
 its occupant, the most laborious toil, in order for success. 
 The people were poor, unpolished in manners, but sincerely 
 desirous of the establishment of the institutions of religion 
 among them, and ready to receive their minister, with open 
 hand and heart. The " G-aius, mine host" who first received 
 and entertained this youthful apostle, upon his entry into 
 this his future diocese, was the worthy and excellent Jason ' 
 Dunster, a lineal descendant of Henry Dunster, the first 
 president of Harvard college. He then resided in the south' 
 east part of the town. Mr. Dunster, then an aged man, 
 remained his firm and unwavering friend, to the close of
 
 24 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 his life. The mode of travelling in those days, was on horse- 
 back, the wayfarer taking with him his scanty wardrobe, and 
 a few books, and manuscript sermons in his saddle-bags. 
 There were then, no wheeled carriages in the town, except the 
 ox-carts, and no vehicle for winter conveyance, except the ox- 
 sleds and pungs, a coarsely-made box, placed upon runners, 
 and drawn by one or more horses. ' The roads were rough, 
 and by no means free from stumps and stones ; so that the 
 means of passing from place to place, were only those just 
 described, or the more primitive method, the use of the 
 sturdy limbs furnished by nature to all well made up men 
 and women. 
 
 His services as a minister, seem to have been from the 
 first, very acceptable to the people of his future charge, and 
 he continued to preach in the place, with a few interruptions 
 of time, spent in other places, until his final settlement and 
 ordination. Soon after coming into town, he became domes- 
 ticated in the pleasant family of Mr. John Winship, in which 
 he resided most of the time, till he was married, and could 
 sit down by his own domestic hearth. For this worthy fam- 
 ily, he always entertained an affectionate regard. It seems, 
 that after fulfilling his first engagement at Mason, of "four 
 sabbaths," probably extended to a few more weeks, he 
 preached at Ashby, at which place he was employed in August, 
 1789 ; as appears, by the letter of the meetinghouse commit- 
 tee of Mason, dated August 29th, 1789, addressed to him at 
 Asbby; which has been inserted in the History of Mason, 
 page 111. 
 
 The people of Mason, without any long trial of their can- 
 didate, determined to invite him to become their minister. 
 A church meeting for this purpose, was held October 13th, 
 1789. Just seventeen years before that time, October 13th, 
 1772, the meeting was held for the gathering and formation 
 of the church, into an ecclesiastical body. The church, at 
 this meeting, at which the Rev. Mr. Dix presided, voted, 
 unanimously, to invite Mr. Hill to become their pastor. In
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 25 
 
 this action of the church, the town concurred by their votes, 
 at a meeting held on the 16th of October. Copies of the 
 votes of the town and of the church were communicated to him. 
 
 Thus, was presented to him, the most important question 
 he would be called upon to decide in his long life; one, 
 upon which his happiness as a man, and his usefulness as a 
 public teacher and minister of the word of God, was mainly 
 to depend. The prospect was far from cheering. There 
 were many discouragements. The town was small, and the 
 inhabitants few in number. They were poor, and there was 
 little promise that they would ever be otherwise. Their sole 
 employment was agriculture, except the few handicrafts 
 always found in agricultural communities, and the character 
 of the hard, stubborn, rocky soil was such, as to afford prom- 
 ise of rather scanty harvests, and no anticipations of rapid 
 improvement. But, on the other hand, the people were 
 industrious, temperate, frugal, warm-hearted, ready to do 
 according to their best ability for his comfort and support. 
 
 The church formed October 13, 1772, then consisting of 
 twenty-one members, twelve men and nine women, had hardly 
 kept its numbers good. Unhappy difficulties arose, soon 
 after the settlement of their first minister, the Rev. Jonathan 
 Searle. He was dismissed August 14th, 1781. After his 
 dismission, they had procured a temporary supply, from time 
 to time, and had invited several preachers to settle with them 
 but all the invitations had been declined. Only one member 
 had been added to the communion, for more than thirteen 
 years, and he, Jonathan Chandler, by letter, from the church 
 in Grafton. 
 
 But there were circumstances of encouragement. The 
 neighboring ministers, particularly Dix of Townsend, and 
 Farrar of New Ipswich, were anxious to welcome him as a 
 fellow-laborer, and to have the waste place which this church 
 had, for so many years exhibited, built up. In 1785, a reli- 
 gious revival, of a remarkable character, took place in New 
 Ipswich, in which the neighboring towns, and particularly the
 
 26 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 town of Mason, largely shared. Many of the young persons 
 in that town, on becoming subjects of the revival, had united 
 with the church in New Ipswich. All these were now ready, 
 in prospect of the re-establishment of gospel ordinances, to 
 remove their church-membership to Mason church; and many 
 inhabitants of the town, members of churches in the places 
 in which they had formerly lived, were ready to remove their 
 membership to this church. These, uniting with the remain- 
 ing members of the church, constituted at the time of his 
 ordination, a body of thirty-six in number, ready to receive 
 him as their pastor and teacher. 
 
 After due consideration, in July or August, 1790, he gave 
 his answer to this call in the affirmative, accepting the invita- 
 tion. In pursuance of these proceedings, an ecclesiastical 
 council was called, which met on the second day of November, 
 1790, and, having made the necessary examinations and 
 arrangements therefor, on the next day, they proceeded to 
 ordain him, as pastor of the church. For the details of the 
 votes of the church and of the town, his answer to their 
 call and the proceedings of the council) reference may be 
 had to the History of the town of Mason, pages 111 to 119. 
 
 His inducements to accept this invitation, rather than that 
 of Marlborough, appear in a letter to a friend, under date of 
 May 5th, 1790. He writes, "I have tried to think it was my 
 duty to settle at Marlborough, but it appears quite plain to 
 me, that Providence has pointed out Mason as the place. I 
 think I never saw such an union, and such engagedness, as is 
 apparent in this place. What their motives are, I am not 
 able to say, but trust, with regard to the greater part, they 
 are gospel motives, and upon the whole, I dare not deny 
 them." 
 
 The provision for his support amounted to $250 a year, a 
 very moderate stipend upon which to sustain a family and 
 keep up the hospitality which was then expected of the 
 clergy, and generally maintained by them. It was, however, 
 considering the habits of living of the times, quite as ade-
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 27 
 
 quate for that purpose, as the cempensation now paid gener- 
 ally by country parishes to their clergymen. It was a matter 
 belonging to the town, in its municipal capacity, to see that 
 this sum was paid, which was done by levying and collecting 
 a tax upon the poll and estates of all the inhabitants and 
 land-holders in the town, except such as by the laws of the 
 land were excused from the payment, by reason of their 
 membership of other religious societies. 
 
 According to the provisions of the charter, by which the 
 title to the lands in the town was granted, see History of 
 Mason, page 28, he would, in addition to the sum of seventy 
 five pounds annual salary, be entitled to the use of the lands 
 granted "for the use of the ministry"; but at the meeting 
 held October 16, 1789, immediately after passing a vote to 
 concur "with the church in giving Mr. Ebenezer Hill a call 
 into the work of the Gospel Ministry," the town "Voted, To 
 Reserve the Ministry Rite of land in this Town for the use of 
 sd. Town." This assumption, on the part of the town, of the 
 right to appropriate this land to any other use than that lim- 
 ited in the original grant, was clearly without authority. The 
 land was never the property of the town, and the town could 
 grant no lawful title to it. It was not given to the town, but 
 was reserved out of the grant, by the proprietors of the whole 
 township, "for the use of the ministry." No action of the 
 town could lawfully divert it from that use, or apply it to any 
 other purpose ; much less could the town sell it, and give any 
 valid title to a purchaser. No doubt, the fathers thought 
 they had a right to do as they pleased with it. The land was 
 subsequently sold by the town, and the proceeds paid into 
 the town treasury, and applied to the ordinary town charges ; 
 and thus a provision intended by the grantors of the town 
 for the support of the ministry, was, in violation of law, at 
 this early period, diverted from its original object, and, so far 
 as that purpose was concerned, entirely lost. 
 
 Of course, he was the servant, or in other words, the min- 
 ister of the town ; all of the people had a right to attend on
 
 28 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 the public worship as conducted by him, and for that purpose, 
 ample provision was made, for the accommodation in the 
 meeting house, without charge, of all who, for want of 
 means, or other reasons, were not provided with pews, or 
 seats in pews. There was no other society or meeting in 
 town than his, for many years, except a small society of 
 Baptists, composed of residents in this, and some of the 
 neighboring towns, who had religious services a part of the 
 time in town. He was expected to visit all in sickness and 
 affliction, and attend to the burial of the dead. These ser- 
 vices he considered it a part of his duty to do, and he per- 
 formed them faithfully, at all seasons, postponing thereto all 
 considerations of private business, convenience, or inclination. 
 In the sick room and in the house of mourning, he was always 
 received as a welcome visitor. His addresses and ministra- 
 tions on funeral occasions, were remarkable for appropriate- 
 ness, solemnity and tenderness. Many of his discourses on 
 such occasions were, at the request of the friends of the 
 departed, published, of which a list will be found at the close 
 of this memoir. From the time of his ordination until he 
 ceased to take any active share in parochial affairs, he kept 
 an accurate record of all marriages by him celebrated, and 
 also of the death of all persons occurring in the town, gener- 
 ally with some indication of the disease and of the age of the 
 decedent. Both these records are inserted in the History 
 of Mason. 
 
 But it is time to resume the narrative of his life and labors. 
 Having found and united himself with a church and people, 
 he forthwith proceeded to supply the next great want of a 
 New England clergyman, a domestic household. This he 
 formed, by uniting in marriage with Mary Boynton, of West- 
 ford. They were married by the Rev. Samuel Dix, of Towns- 
 end, February 2, 1791. As early as March of this year, he 
 commenced a negotiation with John Bishop & Son, of Med- 
 ford, for the purchase of the farm formerly owned by Capt. 
 William Chambers, and then owned by these gentlemen.
 
 KEY. EBEXEZER HILL. 29 
 
 This negotiation resulted in a purchase of the place, and he 
 thus secured for himself a home, in which he spent all the 
 remainder of his days. To this first purchase, he afterwards 
 added, at different times, a meadow lot, a wood lot and a 
 pasture, making in all a productive and valuable farm. This 
 was a fortunate proceeding on his part, as this farm rendered 
 him, in a good degree, independent. The house was small. 
 It was one of the oldest buildings in the town. It stood in 
 
 the garden, a little distance north and west of the present 
 edifice. The first house on the farm, was built in the north- 
 west corner of the old orchard, where the remains of the 
 cellar, now mark the place. It was occupied many years as a 
 tavern, by Samuel Abbott. It was the nearest dwelling to 
 the old meeting house, and on occasion of town meetings, in 
 the cold winter weather, the fathers would adjourn to Mr. 
 Abbott's tavern, to warm up. The road then passed east of 
 the site of the present buildings : a view of which is here 
 presented. The wall on the west side of the old orchard, 
 was the boundary of the road, which came into the road now 
 travelled near the school house. The road leading to IJew 
 Ipswich, left the road opposite Abbott's tavern, and making 
 5
 
 30 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 a curve, came into the road as now travelled, on the site of 
 the town house. 
 
 About the year 1799, he commenced the erection of a 
 comfortable and commodious dwelling, to which he removed 
 in the year 1800. 
 
 This mansion was built in the most substantial manner, in 
 a fashion common at that day, though now seldom copied. 
 The rooms are large and square, and in the internal arrange- 
 ments, as well as outward appearance, it presents a marked 
 contrast to the dwellings in the now prevailing fashionable, 
 sharp, zigzag, multi-angular, modern style, in which the object 
 of the architect seems to be, to multiply corners rather than 
 comforts. In the frame, more timber was used, than would 
 now be employed in the construction of five houses of the 
 same size. The form of the roof, though perhaps, not the 
 most convenient, is one that gives the greatest strength and 
 power of resistance to tempests. This quality of the roof 
 was severely tested, in the most violent tempest which has 
 visited the coast of New England within the last hundred 
 years, known and remembered as the September gale of 
 1815. This gale, driving from the south-east, and meeting 
 with nothing on its way from the ocean, to break its force, 
 burst with its full power upon this dwelling. The two tall 
 chimneys upon the southern side, were, by the force of the 
 gale, at the same instant broken off, at the point where they 
 issued from the roof, and fell with a thundering crash upon 
 the roof, where shattered in pcices, they lay till the storm 
 abated, when it was found that the roof had escaped unin- 
 jured, needing but a few shingles to be replaced, to make it 
 perfectly sound ; the weight of the falling mass having been 
 received and sustained by the corner rafters of the roof. 
 Such a mass of brick and mortar, thus falling upon a roof of 
 the common form, would have broken it through, and exposed 
 the whole roof, to be torn into fragments and carried away 
 by the tempest ; leading, probably, to a total destruction of 
 the edifice.
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 31 
 
 The wood seen in this view, on the east, in rear of the build- 
 ings, is a portion of the native forest, composed in great part 
 of white oaks, hickories, chestnuts and pines ; among which, 
 one , of the monarchs of the original forest is conspicuous. 
 This wood, he protected and cherished with great care, and 
 it has now become one of the most valuable timber lots in 
 the vicinity. 
 
 By means of the farm, with the aid of his salary, he 
 brought up and educated, in a respectable and creditable 
 manner, a numerous family, and had always a seat at his 
 board and fireside, and a spare couch for his brethren of the 
 clergy, who were always made welcome, whether coming from 
 near or distant parts, to his hospitality, and sent on their 
 way, on their departure, rejoicing. Many a poor student on 
 crossing his threshold, has felt that he was in a haven of rest 
 and comfort. For such, he felt great sympathy, remembering 
 that he was once himself, a poor student. 
 
 It is proper here to state, that in some years he was 
 in a great measure deprived of the benefit of his salary, 
 by the facility with which he was induced to give orders, 
 anticipating the payment of it in favor of persons, who 
 applied to him for pecuniary aid, and who frequently made 
 very inadequate returns to him for the aid so received. 
 
 During the first twelve years of his ministry, there was 
 nothing of a marked character exhibited, in the religious 
 condition of his parish ; there were no revivals, and no indi- 
 cations of any rapid changes among his people. The seed 
 was carefully sown, but seemed to germinate slowly. The 
 regular services of the Sabbath, were two long written 
 sermons. There were but iW meetings of any kind, during 
 the week, except the lecture preparatory to the regular bi- 
 monthly celebration of the Lord's supper. These discourses 
 were delivered in a meeting house, in which no fire was ever 
 found, however severe the winter weather might be. The 
 first use of stoves for warming the meeting house, was in the 
 winter of 1820-'21.
 
 32 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 But if (ho first twelve years were not distinguished by 
 success in his work, they Avoro a period of singular and 
 severe trials to himself, in his domestic; relations, such as to 
 leave their traces on his character ever after. With his first 
 wife, ho lived but three years and one month. She died 
 March lid. 17!M, aged twenty-nine years. 
 
 After a single life of a year and a half, he married 
 (November IStli. 1795) Mrs. Rebecca Howard, widow of 
 Samuel Howard, and daughter of Col. Ebenczer Bancroft, of 
 Tyngsborough. Mass. But his house was soon again left des- 
 olate. Consumption took from him the second wife July 2d, 
 1797. She was twenty-six years and four months of age. 
 
 On the 27th of September, 1799, he married Mrs. Abigail 
 Stearns, widow of Edward Stearns, and daughter of Col. 
 Timothy Jones of Bedford, Mass. With her he lived in great 
 harmony and happiness, the remainder of his days, and she 
 still lingers in lonely widowhood, at the home now desolate, 
 where for many years, a numerous and happy family was 
 gathered. 
 
 These severe afflictions scein to have had an important 
 influence upon his character; they gave him a capacity to 
 appreciate scenes of sorrow, and enabled him to sympathize 
 with, and console those who were in trial. 
 
 It has already been remarked, that the first years of his 
 ministry, were not distinguished by any particular and strik- 
 ing indications of progress. It was a time of quiet labor, 
 and preparation for future harvest, in a country community, 
 receiving no accessions from abroad, and sending off con- 
 stantly, many of its most enterprising young people to the 
 cities, and to Vermont and New York, the then distant West, 
 the increase of the church, was usually slow and silent. 
 
 In 1*02. there was a revival season, which resulted in the 
 addition of forty-four persons to the church. Again in 1812, 
 there was another season of revival, by which twenty-five 
 persons were brought into the church. From this time, until 
 1826, no time of particular attention to religion, occurred.
 
 KEV. EBENEZER HILL. 33 
 
 From time to time, persons united with the church, but no 
 period of general interest was seen. 
 
 In the year 1826-'27, there occurred a more general and 
 powerful revival, than had ever been known in Mason. It 
 was a genuine work of grace, and had immediate and perma- 
 nent effects upon the church and town. Many who have been 
 influential and decided Christians, entered the church at that 
 time. The season was one of constant and arduous labor 
 for the pastor ; he preached almost incessantly on week days, 
 in the school houses, and in the private houses of the town, 
 and held frequent meetings for conference and inquiry, that 
 he might know the state of all, and adapt his instructions to 
 their condition. 
 
 Rev. John Spaulding, who is pleasantly remembered for 
 his participation in the labors of that season, has furnished 
 some important items, respecting it. He says in a letter, 
 "It was my privilege to be a co-worker with him, to witness 
 the joy of the harvest, as he garnered the seed long before 
 sown. How many scenes and incidents during that work, 
 never to be forgotten ! That first prayer-meeting of the 
 youth at the house of Mr. W., one of the daughters of the 
 pastor, there being so impressed, that she went home to 
 weep and to pray, and to give her heart to Christ, that very 
 night. The many meetings for inquiry and prayer, in the 
 pastor's house, meetings of weeping and joy ! I seem still 
 to see the heaven-lighted countenance of the good pastor 
 glow, as successively informed that one and another and 
 another, perhaps the last and least expected, had given the 
 heart to Christ." 
 
 Several letters of his own remain, in which he gives many 
 facts, concerning this deeply interesting work. From these 
 letters, a better idea of that work can be formed, than from 
 any other source, now accessible. The first of these, is a 
 letter to his son in New York, dated Mason, March 15, 1826. 
 An extract from which, is as follows: "It is with humble 
 gratitude, that I can give you some intelligence more pleasing
 
 34 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 than I could have done a few weeks since. God is manifestly 
 visiting this long barren spot, with some tokens of his 
 special favor. There is, more than formerly, a degree of 
 serious attention in some sections of the town, but it is not 
 general. Religious meetings are frequent in some school 
 houses. Some persons are now, under serious impressions, 
 some greatly distressed, and a few, are already rejoicing in 
 hope of salvation: and many others appear to listen and 
 hear, with attention and feeling. ****** * * * * has had 
 a most distressing season for some weeks, so as not to attend 
 to any work, but he appears to have found relief, and has a 
 supporting hope. None have as yet, joined our church. We 
 hope these are but the first-fruits of a large harvest. The 
 Lord in his mercy grant that I may be able soon to give you 
 a richer account of the displays of his grace, among the 
 people of Mason." The second letter, giving a fuller account, 
 is as follows : 
 
 MASON, May 1, 1826. 
 
 MY DEAR Sox : My time is so much taken up attending 
 meetings, preaching, &c. that I can spare but little for writing 
 now, and as I scarcely know any thing that is doing on the 
 farm, shall not attempt to tell you any thing concerning it or 
 other worldly affairs. I attend one or more meetings every 
 day in the week, except Saturday. The attention to religion 
 yet increases. It first appeared in the westerly part of the 
 town and has extended on to the east, like the progress of a 
 cloud driven by the wind and shedding down rain. At pres- 
 ent it seems confined to Mason in a great measure, if not 
 entirely. You remember that a few years since, the neigh- 
 boring towns had a refreshing shower, while not a drop fell 
 on this barren spot. It seemed as if the very lines of the 
 town were a barrier to the influences of the Spirit. I pray 
 that the present refreshing cloud may spread over all our 
 region. I have not ascertained exactly the number of hope- 
 ful converts, but it is probably not much from eighty, in both 
 societies, (the Congrcgationalist and Baptist.) Thus far the
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 35 
 
 work has been different from what has been common in works 
 of revival and reformation. It is principally among the mid- 
 dle aged and heads of families, and the greater part of them 
 men ; comparatively few young men have yet been subjects of 
 converting grace. It is devoutly hoped that where stubborn, 
 irreligious heads of families are made to bow, there is a 
 blessing in reserve for their children. I mourn to see so 
 little effect on my own family. This day, the concert of 
 prayer was attended, the fullest I have attended in Mason. 
 After that, an enquiry meeting was held at my house ; more 
 than forty persons present, not all enquirers. This evening, 
 a very full conference, at J. Ws. I have noticed above, 
 stubborn heads of families, but here remark, some of the 
 most moral and regular, have been subjects of as deep and 
 pungent conviction as any. Their names will convey to you 
 all that is needful, to show you that the most moral and 
 immoral, are included in this work of grace. * 
 
 I have mentioned these persons, to give you some view of 
 the wonderful work. Several of these men I have named y 
 have their wives with them, either rejoicing in hope, or trem- 
 blingly anxious. And I must name to you, as trophies of 
 divine grace, the distinguished worldlings, **** **** 
 and ****** *******, I must not omit to men- 
 tion your friend, W. B. He has had a long season of convic- 
 tion, but has now a very comfortable, if not joyful hope. In 
 short, the greater part of the people of the town, are unusu- 
 ally thoughtful. It is late, and I am weary. I can write no 
 more, only to commend you to God, and the riches of his 
 grace, and devoutly pray that you may share, and your 
 brothers and sisters, in the same divine mercy here displayed. 
 
 From your Father, 
 
 EBEN r . HILL. 
 
 The next letter written to the same son, further described 
 the progress of the revival.
 
 36 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 MASOX, January 12, 1827. 
 
 DKAR SON : * * * * As for news from this region, tho 
 report is. the general state of health is good. The weather 
 has 1 tee M very mild and open until Christinas, then we began 
 to experience Christ man -weather. The ground continued bare 
 until new year's day, when a severe .snow storm commenced, 
 and now we have an old fashioned winter, snow sufficiently 
 deep, and drifts sufficiently large. 
 
 But to come to matters of more importance than all 
 worldly concerns. The state and progress of religion, I think, 
 is still promising in this town. After an apparent declension 
 for some weeks, of the religious excitement and attention 
 which had existed and been so powerful here, in some parts 
 of the town, there is a manifest increased attention. There 
 has been a short wintry season. Christians feared the work 
 of grace was over. They were affected to see the multitude 
 left out of the ark, and, I believe, gave themselves to prayer. 
 The church met once and again for conference, to enquire into 
 their own state of feeling, and to search for the causes of the 
 work of God declining. Their hopes now begin to revive. 
 In some parts of the town, the meetings arc full and solemn. 
 Two new eases of deep concern, and at least of conviction 
 of danger, have come to knowledge this week. The last 
 
 week, Mr. . who has been wading in deep waters since 
 
 last spring, fearing for himself, yet contending against God, 
 has discovered that nothing was in the way of his salvation, 
 but his own wicked, rebellious heart, and has joyfully bowed 
 in submission. His difficulties all removed, so that he won- 
 dered at them, and thought he could show every one the way 
 so that they must see it. Alas ! he cannot make them open 
 their eye.-. 1 hope; when I write to you again, I shall be able 
 to write you more similar interesting facts. Through the 
 goodness of God, we are all in health. 
 
 From your affectionate Father, 
 
 EuEN r . HILL.
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. . 37 
 
 Three days later he wrote to his eldest son, residing in 
 Tennessee. In the following extracts from this letter, some 
 additional facts are stated. 
 
 s 
 
 MASON, January 15, 1827. 
 
 MY DEAR CHILDREN : * * * * I have another reason 
 however,. for not writing many letters in the year that is 
 passed. We have had a season of unusual religious atten- 
 tion. The revival began in the winter, and for a time, very 
 few, if any in all the town, were not unusually thoughtful and 
 solemn. For six or eight months, I preached as often as 
 once a day, or nearly, besides on the sabbath, and attended 
 many other meetings. You must be sensible my time has 
 been fully occupied, nevertheless, I have not forgotten, but 
 daily remembered my absent, far distant children. ! may 
 they be the happy partakers of that mercy and grace, which 
 has been displayed here. We have received into the church, 
 sixty-seven members. Above thirty have joined the Baptist 
 church. Probably fifty more entertain hope in Christ. And 
 although the work seems to have abated, new cases of seri- 
 ous concern occur. Among those who have made profession 
 of religion, are our principal young married men, who are 
 taking the places of their fathers, gone and going off the 
 stage. Of my family, only Lucy has made a profession of 
 religion. I hope the rest are not all without some well- 
 grounded hope, of having chosen the better part. ! could 
 I hear from my distant children, that they are wise for them- 
 selves, this would indeed be good news from a far country. 
 Will you not each one, at my request, on the receipt of this 
 letter, sit down and calculate what will be the real profit, to 
 gain the whole world and lose the soul. Since the soul 
 may be lost, and if lost, it is forever lost, every dictate of 
 reason and prudence, urge to attend to the salvation of the 
 soul, before any other concern. We may trifle with solemn 
 subjects, we may frame or admit as forcible, arguments which 
 may make us careless about our souls, or may quiet our 
 minds, when but little moved, but so long as awake to our 
 6
 
 38 MEMOIR OF THE 7 
 
 eternal well-being, nothing but hope like an anchor, can sup- 
 port us; and 0! eternity is near ! and as surely as God is 
 lu.lv. so must we be holy, to be happy in him. Consider, 
 Can two walk together, except they be agreed ? " After 
 death, there can be no change until the judgment, the sen- 
 tence then will be eternal. 
 
 From your affectionate Father, 
 
 EBEN r . HILL. 
 
 Such letters as these, show something of the rise and 
 progress of this interesting work of grace, and also, exhibit 
 the pastor's uprightness and skill in the work before him. 
 The direct results of that revival, were the addition of 
 eighty-six members to the Congregational church, and also, 
 a large number to the Baptist church. Religious things were 
 in a better state, for many years following that interesting 
 season, than they had ever been in Mason. There were no 
 new measures used, no protracted meetings in the more 
 recent acceptation of that term, and not much preaching, 
 except by the pastor, and Mr. John Spaulding, a young minis- 
 ter, who was his particular assistant. There was no effort 
 made to gather numbers into the church, but an earnest effort 
 to have all the professed converts well indoctrinated, and 
 thoroughly acquainted with practical religious truth. Time 
 has given good evidence for the greater part of those con- 
 verts, shewing that they were the children of grace ; they 
 have been prominent in all the religious affairs of the town, 
 from that time until the present; they are now found the 
 active members of the churches of Mason and other places, 
 while some of them have gone home, leaving behind them 
 evidence that they sleep in Jesus. 
 
 In 1831, the report of the meetings held in Western New 
 York under the name of "three days meetings," attracted 
 attention abroad, and gave rise to the idea of having them in 
 other sections, and on the 19th of April, 1831, a three days
 
 BEV. EBENEZER HILL. 39 
 
 meeting was commenced in Mason. It was a new thing, and 
 attracted much attention. Many persons who had not been 
 in the habit of attending religious meetings, were induced to 
 come where the gospel was preached, and there was a general 
 attention to religion among all classes of people, for a time. 
 Several persons were added to the church, apparently the 
 fruits of this meeting and the state of things that followed it, 
 but nothing like a general revival took place. 
 
 In 1835, there was a time of religious interest, which 
 resulted in the gathering of thirty-eight persons into the 
 church. This was the last season of revival while Mr. Hill 
 remained sole pastor of the church, and during this season, 
 he was aided for several weeks, by a young man of very 
 decided ability, but somewhat erratic, who did not always 
 carry out the views of the pastor and the more judicious 
 members of the church. 
 
 These seasons of revival, were the most prominent points 
 of the long pastoral life of the subject of this sketch ; they 
 were the harvests of the seed sown in quietness, and watched 
 and waited for with care, at times when no direct results 
 were apparent. Such times and seasons, when free from 
 sectarian zeal, and when they are, as these were, the out- 
 growth of quiet, permanent influences, are the richest rewards 
 of the pastor's life, seasons of his highest joy and most satis- 
 factory labor, glorious harvest scenes, when the souls of 
 men are gathered into the kingdom of God. Blessed is that 
 minister, whose manner of preaching and course of life, is 
 best adapted to induce and promote them. 
 
 While attention should be directed to the seasons of 
 revival in a particular manner, there are many things of a 
 different character, details of common, practical life, that 
 need to be given, in order to exhibit a distinct idea of a 
 New England pastorship, and the general customs of that 
 region during the period of his life. The customs of society 
 are always silently changing, and the changes are, perhaps, 
 as manifest in religious things, as in any other. These
 
 40 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 chansres, arc also better seen in reviewing the long life of a 
 simrU- individual, than in any other way. 
 
 During Mr. Hill's life as a minister, the most remarkable 
 religious revolution that has ever been seen in New England, 
 lu-gaii, and passed on to its full development ; it was the 
 rise and progress of Unitarianism. The germs of this move- 
 ment, arc found much farther back, but there was nothing of 
 it visible, for years after he began his active ministry. The 
 Calvinism of the puritans, preserved the forms of its ancient 
 life for many years after its spirit ceased to live in the heart 
 of many of the churches. Few of the New England churches 
 passed through the period of the war of the Revolution, 
 retaining their ancient doctrine and spirit entirely unchanged. 
 But the development of principles is always slow, and it was 
 a long time before this departure from the ancient faith, 
 became fully evident. The time at length came, when those 
 holding doctrines so unlike as the Arminian or Socinian and 
 Calvin istic, could no longer walk together in the same 
 religious fellowship ; division must take place. A large 
 majority of the churches in that section of New England, 
 were divided into parties, known as Orthodox and Unitarian. 
 It was a time of difficulty and trial ; a time, when the ties 
 that had bound neighbors and families for years in harmony, 
 were to be violently sundered, and two churches, often hostile 
 to each other, or at least, one party feeling that they had 
 been deeply wronged, were found, where but one had been 
 before. In this movement, the pastor of the church of Mason 
 never was a prominent actor. His attachment to the Calvin- 
 istic form of doctrine was strong, and his avowal of his sen- 
 timents, bold and earnest; but he was never in a position to 
 become a partisan. 
 
 Neither his natural disposition nor his habits of life, fitted 
 him to be a polemic. In his own parish but little of the 
 Unitarian element developed itself. The church at its organ- 
 ization, declared itself to be Calvinistic, upon the basis of 
 doctrines set forth in the Westminster Assembly's Catechism.
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 41 
 
 Such had always been the faith of its pastor, and in this faith 
 the church and people had been carefully instructed. At 
 an equal remove from the Arminianism of some of the 
 churches in the region, and the Hopkinsianism of others, 
 this church had ever held, with its pastor, a middle ground ; 
 not a middle ground of compromises and concessions, but of 
 sound and rational interpretation and reception of doctrines. 
 But although not called upon to meet and combat in his own 
 parish, what he viewed to be erroneous doctrines, he could 
 not look with indifference on the struggle which took place 
 between the old and new doctrines in his neighborhood. In 
 this controversy the rule he adopted and followed, was that 
 to which he adhered through his long life, that is, first to 
 ascertain what is duty, and then to the extent of his ability 
 to do it, without passion, haste or undue feeling or excitement. 
 In two of the adjoining towns, this disturbing element appear- 
 ed, to the interruption of the ancient harmony and fellowship. 
 In this contingency he, without hesitation, placed himself on 
 the side of those who held to the ancient faith, and aided 
 them by his council and services, and encouraged them to 
 establish for themselves, a church organization, and the insti- 
 tutions of public worship. 
 
 In the first portion of his pastorship, the system of Sab- 
 bath School instruction, as now practiced, was not known in 
 this region. But though that important aid, now considered 
 absolutely necessary to the well-being of every church, did 
 not then exist, its place was in a good degree supplied, by 
 the careful attention given to catechetical instruction. In 
 this way, many minds were more thoroughly indoctrinated, 
 than most are, who are taught in the Sabbath Schools of 
 these days. The following extract, from a letter written by 
 one trained in his congregation, gives a picture of the manner 
 of instruction then pursued. 
 
 "The last Sabbath of every month, I think it was, the 
 children, not only of the church but of the parish, were 
 gathered together, and seated on the long seats in front of
 
 4*2 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 the pulpit, the girls on the right hand, and the boys on the 
 left of the broad aisle, to be catechised. Those were happy, 
 pleasant times, I can assure you. Many happy faces were 
 seen on catechising day, as it was called. This was all the 
 real public, personal instruction the children received, when 
 I was young; and, in truth, it was a great and everlasting 
 blessimr, to both parents and children; it was "line upon 
 line, and precept upon precept," not soon to be forgotten." 
 
 In this matter of the catechism, his precept and example 
 coincided, for he was ever careful to train his own family, 
 into a thorough knoAvlcdge of its principles. His usual 
 custom was, to assemble his whole family on Sabbath after- 
 noon, after the second service, and go through the whole of 
 the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism, with great 
 care, interfusing as he went, his own illustrations and com- 
 ments. This was continued, until the youngest of his family 
 had been trained through it. But although he was attached 
 to the catechism, he hailed with joy the rise of Sabbath 
 Schools. A Sabbath School was permanently established in 
 his congregation, about the year 1816. At that time, he 
 preached a sermon from Eccl. 11. 6: "In the morning sow 
 thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand : for 
 thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, 
 or whether they both shall be alike good." The same person 
 who has described his manner of catechetical instruction, also 
 describes the introduction of Sabbath Schools, as follows : 
 'Mr. Hill made several trials to have a Sabbath School, but 
 failed, for want of suitable superintendents and teachers. 
 Sometimes a few persons would collect together for a few 
 Sabbaths, and recite verses of hymns, learned probably, 
 years before at home, and a few chapters of the Bible, and 
 then drop away one by one, as their stock of hymns wore 
 away, and the novelty wore off. The first Sabbath School 
 that was kept through the summer, was in 1816. * * * 
 was the superintendent. Three or four females were found, 
 who would go iu and hear the children recite their lessons.
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 43 
 
 It "was the first Sabbath School I ever attended. * * * 
 would open the school with prayer, and then leave. Some- 
 tjynes he would return in season to close the school, and 
 sometimes we would get tired of waiting, and leave for our 
 dinner. The children had something set down to them, 
 according to the number of verses recited, and when it 
 amounted to one cent, a ticket was given. At the close of 
 the school, the account was reckoned up, and a reward to the 
 value of what each child had earned, was given. From the 
 commencement of the Sabbath School, the [public] catechis- 
 ing was given up." 
 
 In his care for his people, Mr. Hill was an industrious 
 pastor, watching closely every opportunity to interest and 
 benefit them. The sick and the afflicted in every part of the 
 town, and of every denomination and character, shared his 
 parochial care. He considered himself the servant of the 
 whole town, and felt bound to render them all the aid in his 
 power. Whenever any accident or calamity occurred, he was 
 among the first to be sent for, and often, on like occasions, 
 he was called to neighboring towns. Many in town, who 
 neither did anything for his support, nor attended his church, 
 were sure to send for him in time of affliction. A careful 
 observer of disease, his opinions and judgment respecting the 
 condition and prospects of the sick, were often sought for, 
 although he never in any way, intruded upon the physician's 
 profession. A quiet self-possession which never forsook him, 
 and a general knowledge of the common principles of physi- 
 ology, enabled him often in cases of emergency to render 
 useful services, one marked instance of which occurred at 
 Townsend. It was on the occasion of the preparatory lec- 
 ture, which he was to preach. The services had just com- 
 menced, when a sudden shower arising the house was struck 
 by lightning, and one of the worshipers was left apparently 
 dead. It was a scene of confusion and dismay, in which no 
 one seemed to know what should be done. He at once inter- 
 fered and directed what should be done, and saw to the exe-
 
 44 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 eution of his order?, with so much promptness and efficacy, 
 that tin- happy result was the perfect restoration to life and 
 eventually to health, of the apparently lifeless sufferer. * 
 
 An incident illustrating the character of Mr. Hill, and 
 showing the confidence which was placed in him by his parish- 
 ioners, is related thus: One of the members of his church, 
 feeling himself aggrieved with his pastor, on account of some 
 matters growing out of the politics of the day, made a com- 
 plaint against him to the church, which resulted in the calling 
 of a council, before which, the matter was to be laid. As 
 the time for the hearing approached, the complainant found 
 that it was necessary on his part, that the subject matter of 
 his complaint, should be put in proper form, to be presented 
 to the council. The brother, having exhausted his own skill 
 in his efforts to draw up, and present his complaint in proper 
 form, and not succeeding to his mind, finally brought his 
 papers to his accused pastor, whom he was about to bring for 
 trial before the council, and asked his aid in putting his accu- 
 sation into proper form, which was readily and cheerfully 
 given. It may be added, that the council, a large part of 
 which, were the political friends of the complaining brother, 
 after the hearing, by an unanimous vote, exonerated the pas- 
 tor fully, from all the charges in the complaint. 
 
 Thus time passed rapidly on, bringing the various changes 
 related above, and Mr. Hill, leading a quiet and cheerful life, 
 was .silently growing old. In 1836, he was by far the oldest 
 active pastor, in that region of country, and although appa- 
 rently as well able to perform the duties of his office, as he 
 had ever been, he proposed of his own accord, to his people, 
 that they should .select a young man as colleague with him, 
 in the pastorship of the church, offering, at the same time, to 
 relinquish his whole salary, in order that the younger man 
 might receive a support. On this subject, Rev. John Spauld- 
 irig. who was the one first written to by the church, to act 
 as colleague, says "Sometime before he resigned, and before 
 his people agitated that question, he called a public meeting
 
 REV. EBENEZEB HILL. 45 
 
 of his people, and reminded them that he was growing old, 
 expressed his willingness to resign, and suggested the 
 appointment of a committee to nominate a successor. The 
 committee was appointed, including himself as chairman. In 
 behalf of the committee and the congregation, he addressed 
 me on the subject, and after urging various reasons why I 
 should leave a western for an eastern field of labor, he char- 
 acteristically remarked, "I wish to resign my pastoral charge, 
 now, while I am in full possession of my mental faculties, 
 lest, in remaining longer, they become so impaired, I shall be 
 unwilling to resign." The proposed arrangement was made 
 in the most amicable manner, with the undiminished confi- 
 dence and regard of all parties. Mr. Hill performed all his 
 duties as -before, until a colleague was found in the Rev. 
 Andrew H. Reed, who was installed November the 23d, 
 1836. 
 
 A new society having been formed in connection with the 
 church, a new meeting house was builtln 1837, leaving the 
 old one to stand unoccupied, and Mr. Hill took leave of the 
 place where he had spent so many happy Sabbaths. In his 
 farewell sermon delivered in the old meeting house, in No- 
 vember, 1837, on taking leave of that edifice, he declared of 
 the pulpit in which he was then standing, " This is the dearest 
 spot on earth to me." In this sermon, he reviewed the his- 
 tory of the church, during the period of its occupancy of that 
 house. It is thought that this sermon is worthy of preser- 
 vation, and it is included among his discourses inserted in this 
 volume. 
 
 Mr. Reed remained until December llth, 1839, when he 
 was, at his own request, dismissed, and Mr. Hill again 
 resumed his post as an active pastor, and continued his 
 labors, until he was succeeded by his own son, Joseph Ban- 
 croft Hill, who began his labors in August 1st, 1840, and was 
 installed as co-pastor, October 20th, 1841. Mr. J. B. Hill 
 remained, until preparations were made for the division of 
 the church, for the purpose of forming the Mason village 
 7
 
 46 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 church, in February, 1847, after which at his own request, his 
 pastoral relation was dissolved, by the result of a council 
 held April 22d, 1847. The church did not secure a perma- 
 nent pastor, until 1851, when the Rev. J. L. Armcs was 
 installed as colleague with Mr. Hill, and he remained pastor 
 until the decease of Mr. Hill. 
 
 Mr. Hill was always fond of preaching. The gospel was 
 to him, a great reality, and he was happy in his work, as a 
 herald of its glorious truth. After his retirement from the 
 active duties of his own parish, he still continued to preach, 
 for many years. He preached regularly for some time in 
 Sharon, and after the death of Rev. Mr. Tinker, of Ashby, 
 he supplied the pulpit there, for a short time, but his most 
 useful labors, were at Brooklinc. The church in- Brookliue 
 was small, and disheartened by a series of untoward circum- 
 stances. Their meeting house, which, like the first houses 
 in all that section, was built by the town, passed from their 
 control, and they were left, few in number, as sheep without 
 a shepherd. In this condition, they spoke of disbanding, and 
 scattering to other towns, for the purposes of worship, but 
 Mr. Hill encouraged them to remain together, and offered to 
 preach for them until they could secure a pastor. He encour- 
 aged and aided them in their efforts to build a meeting house 
 of their own, remaining with them as pastor, preaching in the 
 school houses of the town. Soon after their house was com- 
 pleted, he met with a recent graduate of Andover, who was 
 not then employed, and he was so much pleased with him, 
 that he engaged him to preach for a single Sabbath, in Brook- 
 line, and he was there and heard him. So confident was he, 
 that God had sent them the right man, at the right time, he 
 at once informed the church that he should preach for them 
 no more, and urged them to secure the services of the candi- 
 date without delay. They followed his advice, and the result 
 wa.s the settlement of the Rev. Daniel Goodwin over that 
 church, and time has. fully shown the wisdom of the choice. 
 Mr. Goodwin in a letter to the writer, says "It was through
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 47 
 
 his (Mr. Hill's) agency alone, that I came to occupy this 
 post." 
 
 In the year 1839, and again in 1840, Mr. Hill was elected 
 by the town, a representative to the state legislature, and 
 served as such, in the sessions of those years. He was never 
 a political partisan, but he was firm and decided in his politi- 
 cal views, and was well known as an advocate of the general 
 policy of the whig party. While in Concord, he wrote to 
 his youngest son, June 16th, 1839, "It has fallen to me, to 
 perform the duty of chaplain, most of the time. Some of 
 the members of the house, were opposed to having prayers 
 by any person, yet there was a good majority for it, and it 
 was determined that the service should be performed by the 
 clergymen belonging to the house. When the search was 
 made, it was found there were but two in the house, myself, 
 and Mr. Whitaker of Weare, (a Free Will Baptist.) We 
 have leave to invite others to perform with us." The follow- 
 ing letter was written from the house of representatives, to 
 the same son, then a member of Dartmouth College. 
 
 CONCORD, June 20th, 1840. 
 
 MY SON : I received yours by Mr. B , and was glad to 
 
 hear of your health. I spent last Sabbath at home, and can 
 inform you that all the family were then well. This week 
 has hitherto been a noisy week; and I have been much 
 wearied with it. I do not attempt to describe to you, the 
 scenes of Wednesday. It has been calculated, that not less 
 than seven thousand men formed and marched on to the hill 
 in procession ; and I sho.uld judge there were as many in the 
 streets, and on the hill, as in the procession. There was 
 speaking in abundance. General Wilson took up at least 
 two hours, ii^a continued strain of eloquence. Our session 
 is short, it will close Saturday morning. It has, on the 
 whole, been a quiet and peaceable session ; nothing of a very 
 exciting nature has come forward, to stir up bad feelings. I 
 send you a small sum of money, which I hope will be a 
 supply for your present wants. I have full confidence that
 
 48 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 you do. and that you will, use all the economy, that is ncces- 
 surv for a poor scholar to use. But I most earnestly desire, 
 that while you are cultivating the mind, and laboring to fit 
 yourself for usefulness, you will have great watchfulness over 
 your heart, and strive to grow in grace. Ambition for dis- 
 tinction as a scholar, has often proved detrimental to spirit- 
 ual improvement ; your only safety is in continued prayer. 
 * * * # * # 
 
 From your Father, 
 
 EBEN r . HILL. 
 
 At this time occurred an incident of a domestic character, 
 which will long be remembered by his family; it was the 
 meeting of his whole family, for the first and only time. 
 Mr. Hill had a numerous family of children, and they were 
 early and widely scattered from their father's house. The 
 eldest left home, and settled in Fayettcville, Tennessee, 
 before the birth of the youngest, and he did not revisit the' 
 place of his birth, until the youngest had grown up to man- 
 hood. In July, 1844, there was a meeting of all the living 
 children, ten in number, at their father's house. It was a 
 time of the deepest interest to all parties, of joy to the 
 parents, at the sight of long absent children, pleasure among 
 the children, of forming acquaintance with those they knew 
 and loved by report, but who were strangers in fact. 
 
 The time spent together by the family, was quite short. 
 The intercourse was most cheerful and social, but partook 
 larirfly of a religious character; and the father threw a hal- 
 lowed feeling of calm religious reverence, into his most com- 
 mon actions. The worship around the family altar, the visits 
 at different places, were all full of tenderness, and cheerful 
 religion* emotion. After a few days spent togeUier, the com- 
 pany separated, each to his home, and never met again. 
 
 Mr. Hill retained all his faculties, both of body and mind, 
 with a good degree of activity, until about the year 1846, 
 wh-n he began perceptibly to fail in both. There was no 
 sudden change, but a gradual decline of all his powers. His
 
 EEV. EBENEZEB HILL. 49 
 
 
 
 health was good, but his strength was wasting away, his 
 memory was broken, and his mind ceased to act with its 
 accustomed vigor. It was the decline that knows no restora- 
 tion; the shadows of evening, precursors of the sunset of 
 life. About the last of 1851, the childhood of extreme old 
 age began to come over him. There was little of sickness, or 
 apparently of pain, but a gradual wasting away of strength, 
 until about the middle of May, 1854, when, in consequence of 
 having taken a slight cold, there was induced a low stage of 
 fever, under which he suffered until the 20th day of May, 
 1854, when he quietly fell asleep. His exit from the scenes 
 of time, was perfectly calm ; there was not a struggle or a 
 groan ; his breathing grew difficult, short, and with intervals 
 between each respiration, until it gently ceased forever. He 
 slept in Jesus, on the morning of the 20th day of May, 1854, 
 an old man, full of days. His age was eighty-eight years, 
 three months, and twenty-one days. 
 
 On the 23d, his funeral took place. He was followed to 
 the grave by a great concourse of relations, friends and 
 parishioners. The day was calm and bright, in which he was 
 laid to rest. The mild sunshine of spring fell upon the 
 world of nature bursting into life ; the trees and shrubs, many 
 of which planted by his own hand, bordered the road leading 
 from his dwelling to the graveyard, awaking from the death 
 and sleep of winter to the bloom and verdure of spring, 
 were emblems fit of the resurrection that awaits the good, 
 after the winter of the grave. On such a day he was borne 
 to his resting place, into which he had seen all but a few 
 scattered surviving remnants of his original congregation, 
 one after another, gathered. It was fitting that he too should 
 slumber there, pastor and people together, until the final 
 morning hour. Of the large concourse which followed him 
 to the grave, few had known him before the meridian of life, 
 and fewer still had witnessed his ordination day. But one 
 person, who was a member of the church when he was 
 ordained, survived him ; and the church of this day is com-
 
 50 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 
 
 posed mainly of the children and grandchildren of those 
 who were his people then. 
 
 Thus within sight of the dwelling- he had so long occupied, 
 was he left to repose, in the ancient graveyard ; " the garden 
 of the dead," which in his latter years, he was wont frequent- 
 ly to visit, and there to spend the declining hours of the 
 summer afternoon, calling up to recollection, the forms of 
 the departed sleeping there ; his family, his parishioners, his 
 neighbors and intimate friends of two entire generations, 
 whom he had attended to this, their last resting place, and 
 whose company he was shortly expecting, and patiently wait- 
 ing to join. 
 
 The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. A. W. Burn- 
 ham, of Rindge ; the successor of his own venerated instruc- 
 tor, and for many years, a valued personal friend. The 
 following extract from this discourse, exhibits the view there- 
 in presented of the personal and professional character of 
 the deceased. 
 
 "As a man, our departed father was small in stature, but 
 of a firm, vigorous, well constituted frame, of sound constitu- 
 tion, he enjoyed remarkable health, till overtaken by the 
 infirmities of old age. It is a singular fact, that for fifty 
 years he was detained from public worship, but two Sabbaths. 
 Exceedingly amiable in his disposition, moderate in his tem- 
 perament, a mind well balanced, conceptions clear, reasoning 
 powers of no mean order, with no inconsiderable degree of 
 shrewdness, he had a large share of that quality so much 
 needed, but unhappily not possessed by every minister: good 
 common Hen.se, .sense that could be used for good in the exi- 
 gencies of life. In his deportment, grave, as befitting a min- 
 ister of Christ, gentlemanly and courteous in his bearing, he 
 wa.s instructive in conversation, familiar and pleasant in all 
 social intercourse, in the family, among his people, and his 
 brethren. 
 
 Jn his domestic relations, true-hearted, kind and careful, 
 he aimed to fulfil every conjugal and parental duty, in the
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 51 
 
 fear of God, and with a conscientious regard to the highest 
 welfare of the numerous household, of which he was the 
 head. 
 
 "As a Christian, he appears to have had deep experience in 
 spiritual graces. Profoundly reverent of God and sacred 
 things, he was imbued with love to God, his house, people, 
 word and worship, submissive in trials, patient in tribulation, 
 rejoicing in hope, and relying on Christ alone for acceptance, 
 he aimed and was enabled to maintain a devout walk with 
 God. As a theologian he was sound in the faith, holding the 
 system of doctrines, usually denominated Calviaistic, as set 
 forth in the Assembly's Catechism. 
 
 " As a preacher, plain, effective and impressive, he set forth 
 with simplicity and earnestness, in the mode and style of the 
 generation to which he belonged, the doctrines of the gospel 
 in their true aspects and bearings, always careful to engraft 
 upon them, the enforcement of practical godliness, as their 
 genuine fruit. 
 
 " In his pastoral intercourse and duties, our reverend father 
 set an example worthy to be imitated by all who hold the 
 same office. Deeply interested in all that affected the wel- 
 fare of his people, he was affectionate yet faithful, and having 
 drunk deeply of the cup of affliction himself, he was able and 
 ready to sympathize with his people, and administer to them 
 the same consolations wherewith he himself was comforted, 
 of God. And as he watched for souls, as one that must give 
 an account, God gave him success in his ministry. While 
 under his regular ministrations, the children of God were 
 nourished up unto eternal life, and sinners were occasionally 
 gathered into the fold ; several seasons of spiritual refresh- 
 ing, more or less general in their extent, and abundant in 
 their fruits, were enjoyed. In those days, the pastor rejoiced, 
 labored and prayed with a diligence, fervency and faithfulness 
 becoming a minister of the gospel, and evincing the tender 
 concern he cherished, for the spiritual welfare of the flock 
 over which the Holy Ghost had made him overseer. In a
 
 52 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 word, lie was a good ininistor of Jesus Christ, one who 
 studied to show hiuiseli' approved of God, a workman that 
 needed not to lie ashamed, rightly dividing the word of 
 truth." 
 
 Due of his brethren in the ministry of a neighboring town, 
 and who, in point of age, approached the nearest to the 
 deceased, writes of the deceased, "He was a man of good 
 intellectual powers, well educated, andthis mind was well 
 stored with theoretical and practical knowledge. He might 
 have filled almost any department in public life, with credit 
 and usefulness/' Another, whose acquaintance with him 
 commenced after old age had gently laid its hand upon him, 
 writes as follows: "Were I to speak of him in general terms, 
 1 should say, he was distinguished for a somewhat rare, yet 
 exceedingly desirable combination of qualities, which ren- 
 dered him agreeable and instructive to all parties, gave him a 
 peculiar ease and familiarity, and at the same time, a decis- 
 ion, energy, dignity, and solemnity, which are rarely found .in 
 the same person. 
 
 Children were al \vays interested in him, and I think none 
 would be disposed, as is sometimes the case, to shun his 
 presence, for his manner and conversation were admirably 
 lilted to plaee them at their ease, and secure their confidence. 
 He possessed, for certainly he exhibited, a great amount of 
 kind, social, benevolent feeling. His house was always a 
 welcome home for clergymen, and for others who sought his 
 aid and direction. 1 have said he was an old man, when I 
 first became acquainted with him, but I would rather say, that, 
 in u most important sense, he was never old. He certainly 
 kept up with the .spirit and enterpri/.e of the age if he did 
 not go before it, and kept himself thoroughly versed in rela- 
 tion to all questions of doctrine and practice, and adapted him- 
 self with great ease and propriety, to the occuring changes and 
 exigencies. Thus by keeping up his acquaintance Avith these 
 matters till the last, he was always a warm friend of younger 
 brethren in the ministry, and was always regarded by them
 
 REV. EBEVEZER HILL. 53 
 
 as a father in affection and interest. Hence too, his services, 
 after he had ceased to be the active pastor of his own church, 
 were frequently sought, and highly prized by the neighboring 
 churches. * * As a pastor, as far as I can judge, and I 
 speak in part from what I have felt, he had few equals. It 
 was my privilege, when a beloved wife was lingering under a 
 fatal disease, through ten long months, to enjoy his frequent 
 calls, and well do I recollect how much these visits were 
 prized, not only by myself, but by her whose spirit was 
 ripening and longing for heaven." On this subject also, Mr. 
 Spaulding has said, " What a father and friend was he, in the 
 house of mourning ! ho V appropriate his addresses and ser- 
 mons, how specific and well suited his prayers ! and how sym- 
 pathetic his heart in the sick room, and on funeral occasions." 
 
 There was much of tender earnestness in his addresses at 
 the celebration of the Lord's supper, and in all things con- 
 nected with the examinations for admissions to the church. 
 He loved to dwell on those themes, that are peculiarly appro- 
 priate to the communion season ; they were ever new to his 
 taste, and sources of deep emotion, which he manifested in 
 his addresses at such times. 
 
 A lady who united with his church quite early in life, thus 
 writes on that subject: "Do you remember the day when 
 we were examined for admission to the church, at the old 
 meeting house ? There was one little incident connected 
 with it, which I shall ever remember. As my name was 
 called, and I started tremblingly up the broad aisle with but 
 little thought that I should be accepted, the pastor met me, 
 and as he took my brief "experience" from my hand, said, 
 with his kindest look and tone, "We love to see the lambs 
 come." How assured I felt. It seemed as if the Good Shep- 
 herd was speaking to me through him. I always love to 
 remember that I united with the church, when he was the 
 only pastor." 
 
 Mr. Hill was in his person small, not much exceeding in 
 stature five feet, but perfectly symmetrical in his limbs and
 
 54 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 proportions, quick and active in his movements, of a cheerful 
 temperament, fnitral and temperate in his habits, industrious 
 and economical in worldly affairs. He enjoyed through his 
 lontr HIV, a remarkable degree of health and exemption from 
 sickness and pain, having never been confined to his bed for 
 the space of twenty four hours, until his last sickness, less 
 than one week before his death. With small means, he 
 brousrht up. in a respectable style, his numerous family, all of 
 whom were trained to habits of industry arid constant em- 
 plovmcnt, to which they owe their success in life. He care- 
 fully and sedulously accustomed them all, in early life, to im- 
 prove all leisure time in reading useful and instructive books, 
 a taste and habit which they have great reason to thank him 
 for implanting and cultivating at that early period. He never 
 had the means to acquire an extensive library, but he had 
 many rare and valuable books, among which were the works 
 of William Perkins, of whom Fuller quaintly says, "He had 
 a capacious head with angles winding, and roomy enough in 
 which to lodge all controversial intricacies/' of Owen and other 
 puritan divines of the age of Cromwell, some of the works 
 of Baxter, of Bishop Patrick, of John Newton, and of the 
 pioneers of the Xew England churches, Richard Mather, Samuel 
 Shepherd, John Wise of Ipswich, "the simple cobbler of Aga- 
 wam," Increase and Cotton Mather, and Edwards. These, 
 with the social library, a small but well-selected collection, 
 whirl) he was instrumental in forming about the year 1802, 
 were his sole reliance in the way of literature. It is a ques- 
 tion well worth propounding, which deserved best of their gen- 
 oration, those who collected the social library and for more 
 than thirty years used it and preserved it in good condition, 
 or those who sold and scattered it to the four winds of 
 heaven. Jlis literary taste was sound and correct. His style 
 of writing, was plain and simple, free from ornament; the 
 sub-tancc of his discourses was direct and practical. 
 
 Of the English poets, Milton, Pope, Young, and Cowper, 
 were his favorite authors. But with him, the book of books
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 55 
 
 was the bible. To it, he always appealed. From it, all his 
 illustrations and proofs were drawn. His habits of study 
 were little methodical. The subject upon which he was to 
 preach, would be thought over in his own mind during the 
 week, but generally, he would not commence writing until 
 Saturday. Then his discourses, both for forenoon and after- 
 noon upon the same text, would be fully written out, but 
 often not until late in the night of Saturday. When compos- 
 ing his discourses, he had the p6wer of abstraction, in an 
 unusual degree ; so that when seated by the cheerful fire, of 
 a Saturday evening, surrounded by his family, uninterrupted 
 by their conversation or employments, he would pursue the 
 train of thought induced by the subject selected, and follow 
 it with a speedy pen, with as much regularity and composure 
 as if in the recesses of the most retired study. 
 
 Although his public discourses were all carefully pre- 
 pared and written out, he was by no means deficient in the 
 power of ready and forcible extemporaneous discourse. 
 This was often witnessed on funeral occasions, and in meet- 
 ings for conference upon religious topics. On these last 
 occasions, frequently taking a passage of scripture, sometimes 
 a part, or the whole of a chapter, reading it verse by verse, 
 he would accompany the reading with an extemporaneous 
 commentary and explanation, which would be pertinent, apt 
 and profitable to the hearers. Such meetings were his delight. 
 He attended them constantly and regularly, till the physical 
 and mental disability attendant on old age, deprived him of 
 the power so to do. And, in the last years of his life, when 
 his mental power was broken, and his mind was often wan- 
 dering, he would many times on a winter's evening, when the 
 household work was done, and his family, then reduced to a 
 small number, were seated by the parlor fire, fancy himself in 
 the conference room, and commence an exhortation in a quiet, 
 low, indistinct tone of voice, and continue it for the space of 
 half an hour or more ; then having closed and dismissed his 
 meeting, he would rouse up and remark that it had been a
 
 56 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 very pleasant meeting, and enquire whether a goodly number 
 had atU'iuled. 
 
 lie was not fitted by nature, nor trained by habit to be a 
 pioneer. He seldom sought out of his own accord, new 
 paths. He was content to walk in the old and trodden ways, 
 but still, he was always ready to welcome and further all 
 new movements which he judged tended to the improvement 
 and benefit of the human family. As such, he gave a ready 
 and hearty welcome to the temperance movement, which has 
 produced in many places, such immense good. The habit of 
 using ardent spirits as a beverage, was universal in his early 
 life, and until he had passed the meridian of life, he never 
 thought it a duty to abstain, or that the indulgence of the 
 habit was dangerous. The same was the case, with all the 
 clergy of his day, and indeed of all the gentry, and it may be 
 said of all the people. Some of the clergy of his acquain- 
 tance fell victims of this indulgence, and the wonder is, not 
 that here and there one was swept away by the demon, but 
 that all did not go down. 
 
 These warning examples produced no effect; but when the 
 public mind was aroused to the consideration of this evil, he 
 at once saw, as every man of sense must see, that the only 
 safe rule, was total abstinence. He readily adopted it, and 
 from that time to the close of his life, a period of some 
 twenty-live or thirty years, strictly practiced total abstinence 
 from all intoxicating liquors. He also abandoned the use of 
 tobacco, to which he had been addicted from early life. He 
 was ready to testify to the perfect safety of the immediate 
 adoption of total abstinence in both cases, and to the happy 
 effect of the reformation, whether regard be had to peace and 
 comfort, either physically or mentally considered. 
 
 Another instance of the readiness with which he saw, and 
 appreciated the importance of new movements, first brought 
 forward by others, has already been stated on page 42, in 
 regard to the introduction of a new system of sabbath school 
 instruction.
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 57 
 
 In the sermon there referred to, he directed the attention 
 of his people to the importance of the early education of 
 children, in matters of religion, and in the knowledge of the 
 scriptures, and urged them to new and more persevering 
 efforts in that direction ; and from that time, so long as he 
 was able to take any part in this portion of Christian duty, 
 he devoted a large share of his time, to the sabbath schools ; 
 and he left among his papers, at his decease, manuscript ques- 
 tions carefully prepared by him for his own use, as a sabbath 
 school teacher, embracing the whole circle of sabbath school 
 instruction, usually undertaken in his parish. His last efforts 
 as a religious teacher, were bestowed upon the children of his 
 parish. 
 
 This summary of his life and character cannot be better 
 concluded, than with the closing sentences of a notice of him, 
 published soon after his death, in The Congregationalist. " In 
 his later years especially, he was accustomed to spend several 
 hours each day, in reading the Bible and in communion with 
 his Savior. His humility was manifest, and also his love of 
 the sanctuary. To him " Christ was all," and self was mor- 
 tified and forgotten. His regard for his church was ever the 
 same, he cherished for it an undeviating affection. Between 
 him and his colleagues, there was perfect harmony. He 
 never gave them the least trouble. The ruling purpose of 
 his mind showed itself, amid all his infirmities. Often when 
 he was unable to preserve the sequence of his thoughts on 
 ordinary subjects, and when he scarcely knew whether it was 
 morning or evening, he would offer prayer in a perfectly 
 coherent manner, as if his family were gathered around him. 
 The Christian graces all seemed to be ripe in him, years 
 before his exit, and he "came to his grave in a full age, like 
 as a shock of corn cometh in his season." 
 
 " Soldier of Christ well done, 
 Praise be thy new employ, 
 And while eternal ages runj 
 Rest in thy Savior's joy.' '
 
 A SERMON, 
 
 PREACHED IN THE OLD MEETING HOUSE, IN MASON, NOVEM- 
 BER, 1837, 
 
 ON THE OCCASION OF THE REMOVAL BY THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY, OP 
 THEIR PLACE OF WORSHIP, TO THE NEW MEETING HOUSE, 
 
 BY THE EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 
 
 DEUT. XXXII. 7. 
 Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations. 
 
 WHEN Moses had conducted the children of Israel, God's 
 chosen people from Egypt, through the great and terrible 
 wilderness to the very borders of Canaan, and was informed 
 that the time was just arrived, that he should leave them and 
 be gathered to the great congregation of the dead, by divine 
 direction he gathered the people together, and rehearsed in 
 their ears the great things God had done for them, and put 
 them in mind of their many provoking sins and acts of 
 rebellion, and of the many judgments God brought on them 
 and their fathers for their sins and provocations, and also, 
 the great mercy of God in sparing them. And when he had 
 written the history of the law to be deposited in the sacred 
 ark, by the same divine command, he was led to compose a 
 hymn or song, comprehending the important facts in their 
 past history, likewise containing many predictions of future 
 events. This was designed for them to commit to memory, 
 and to be often rehearsed and sung, that so they might never 
 forget them. Here we see how important it is, in the sight of 
 God, that men should retain the knowledge of his mighty 
 acts, and remember his mercies and his judgments. He
 
 60 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 knew their liability to forget even the most remarkable and 
 solemn scenes and events, and provided a help against this 
 sinful inlirmity, by having such facts as would excite the 
 young to enquire about them, and keep the recollection of 
 them ever fresh in their own memory, embodied in a popular, 
 familiar song. This was the most effectual way of diffusing 
 the knowledge, and preserving the memory of remarkable and 
 solemn events which could be before the art of printing was 
 discovered, and consequently when books would be scarce. 
 
 This is the only way in which unlettered nations can, or 
 do preserve, any fragments of their history ; even by embody- 
 ing them in their songs, and thus handing them down from 
 generation to generation. God not only took care thus to 
 preserve the history of his church and his dealings with his 
 people and their enemies, but also in the very same way incul- 
 cated the duty of charging the memory with these truths, and 
 meditating on them much. Hence, whenever they repeated this 
 song, they would of course repeat the command to " Remem- 
 ber the days of old, and consider the years of many genera- 
 tions.'' They are cautioned, that it is not enough for them to 
 admit the facts related by their fathers, and treasure them up 
 in their memory, but it is requisite, that they frequently call 
 them up and cause them to pass before their minds, and make 
 them subjects of deep thoughtfulness and meditation. From 
 the words following the text, it is manifestly a duty to enquire 
 after and seek to obtain knowledge of what God has wrought 
 in ancient times and in later days. It is added to the text, 
 Ask thy Father and he will shew thec, your Elders and they 
 will tell tliee." it is a solemn and important duty of us all, 
 to make ourselves acquainted with the history of the days of 
 old, a.s far as we can, aud that we frequently revolve in our 
 minds the events of past generations. This was certainly 
 the case with the children of Israel, and we should remember 
 that God addresses us in the same language that he did them. 
 " Remember the days of old, consider the years of many gen- 
 erations :" and ignorance or forgetfulness in us of the most
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 61 
 
 wonderful and remarkable events of very ancient or of more 
 modern times, would be very inexcusable. For we have the 
 bible, which will carry back the mind to the very beginning 
 of time, and we have richly the means of obtaining knowl- 
 edge of civil and ecclesiastical history, in this day and land 
 of books and general education. This is required as a duty, 
 not only in the text, but in many other places, in plain and 
 positive language ; and it is designed and calculated, as all 
 other duties are, to promote our spiritual and moral edifica- 
 tion, and comfort. 
 
 In further pursuing the subject, I shall call your attention, 
 
 1st. To some things we may see as included in the requi- 
 sition, "Remember the days of old." 
 
 2d. To some of the advantages, which may result from 
 the due remembrance and the contemplation of the daya of 
 old, and the years of many generations. 
 
 I. The remembrance of the days of old; things to be 
 remembered and studied. Here I can name but few, and 
 dwell upon none of them, as their importance requires. The 
 things to be remembered and studied I name as included : 
 
 1st. The whole history of redemption, from the first inti- 
 mation of mercy to fallen man, down to the full completion of 
 the great work of redemption, by the actual sufferings of 
 the divine Redeemer, and ascension of the Son of God. 
 
 Whatever other events may be correctly related, constantly 
 remembered and carefully studied, if this be not in some 
 measure remembered, and do not engage our solemn con- 
 sideration, we shall only have the more splendid way down 
 to eternal death. It would have been better for us, never to 
 have had an existence, nor to have known what great things 
 God has wrought for sinners, than for us to disregard the 
 divine command, in this respect. 
 
 2d. Among the things included in the days of old, and to 
 
 be remembered, we may see as included, the constant and 
 
 unchangeable care which Christ has ever taken of his church, 
 
 and the protection he has afforded to individual saints, and 
 
 9
 
 (jo MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 the wonderful deliverances lie has effected for them, in sea- 
 sons of the greatest perils and sufferings. Often has the 
 church been brought low, exceedingly low, and the enemies 
 have thought that they had prevailed, but the Lord has 
 broutrht deliverance, and given the triumph to his distressed 
 people. And we should remember the instances of his faith- 
 fulness with individuals, when he has borne with them, and 
 carried them through severest trials ; though they have passed 
 through the water, it has not overflowed them, and' though 
 they have passed through the fire, it has not consumed them. 
 
 Wonderful indeed have been many instances, where God 
 has wrought for his saints, when all other hope was gone, and 
 these are recorded that we may remember and meditate on 
 them. 
 
 3d. Again, the many instances wherein God has brought 
 sore judgments upon his church and people, and individual 
 saints, for their sins, are to be remembered by us. They are 
 recorded, that we may know them well, and be admonished ; 
 for examples, we have the histories of David, Hezekiah, and 
 others. 
 
 4th. Again, the tilings to be remembered of old, are the 
 remarkable judgments God has brought upon his enemies, and 
 the enemies of his people ; such, for instance, as upon Egypt, 
 Pharaoh and his host, and upon Babylon. We may also, 
 especially on this day, view as included among the things of 
 old to be studied, the events of divine Providence in which 
 we are directly or individually concerned, such as : 
 
 1st. The preparation of our forefathers to leave their 
 native land, their pleasant dwellings and possessions, in order 
 that they might have the gospel in its purity, and worship 
 God according to the dictates of their consciences, and 
 especially, in preparing an asylum for them in this land, so 
 shortly before unknown to the old world. Here God planted 
 his choice vine, and caused it to take root and bear fruit, 
 once glorious fruit, however since degenerated. The kind- 
 ness of the Lord to our forefathers, the deliverances he
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 63 
 
 Wrought for them, when foes rose up against them, and the 
 blessings he bestowed upon all their labors, until a little one 
 had become a great nation ; these are all of them, things of 
 old, which are to be remembered, and which ought to be 
 studied, until our hearts are filled with gratitude and praise. 
 
 2d. There are many things in the history of our own life, 
 though it be short, and in the events which have led on to the 
 circumstances in which we are placed this day. .Our child- 
 hood and youth, our manhood and age, have not passed away, 
 without many dispensations of Providence, which call for our 
 continued remembrance, with deep feelings of gratitude, holy 
 joy, and lively praise. The history of this town and of this 
 church, with all the train of events, which have led to the 
 circumstances in which we are placed this day, contains many 
 things, which call for our lasting remembrance, and solemn 
 meditation. In them, we may trace the leadings of divine 
 Providence, and though on a smaller scale, yet more remark- 
 able, because so much nearer to us. 
 
 n. I proceed to invite your attention to some of the 
 advantages resulting from the continued remembrance, and 
 due consideration of past events. And it is believed to be 
 capable of proof, that historical facts, especially those which 
 are contained in the bible and the late history of the church, 
 teach us most conclusive lessons of wisdom, and the most 
 solemn, remarkable, alarming, and profitable truths. If we 
 remember and consider well, the whole history of redemp- 
 tion, we shall learn that there is, and can be but one possible 
 way of escape for sinners, from the just, though tremendous 
 wrath of God. The dispensations of God against the wicked, 
 as well as his faithfulness and truth to those who fear 
 his name and believe his promises, occur on every page. 
 The first hope that sinful man could ever indulge, was 
 grounded on the promises to the woman's seed ; the display 
 of divine anger against stubborn sinners, in the days of old, 
 is sufficient to make those fear, who are not in the way in 
 which sinners may come into the favor of God. ! what
 
 i, } MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 proofs docs the history of the world give of the prevalence 
 of sin, and of its hatefulncss to a holy God. If we look 
 through the days of old, to the very morning of time, we see 
 death reigning over all, in that all have sinned, for the wages 
 of sin is death. In every view we take of the days of old, 
 we see the evil of sin, and the dreadful consequences of 
 apostasy from God. The whole history of redemption con- 
 tained in the bible, when it is seriously contemplated, goes to 
 teach the wicked world, that vain is the effort to prevail 
 against, and overturn the church of God. How has God 
 swept away whole and mighty nations, when they have risen 
 up against his little flock ! How solemn a call is this on 
 sinners, to accept his mercy ! We may learn some of the 
 special benefits of remembering the days of old, and of 
 acquaintance with ancient times, from many cases related in 
 the bible ; and the special benefit to be obtained thereby, is 
 to be seen. Thus, is the church in a low, depressed, or 
 oppressed state ; are Christians borne down with troubles, 
 discouraged, and ready to faint ; let them remember the days 
 of old, <kc., and they will find facts, which may strengthen 
 their faith, and encourage their hope. Thus it was with the 
 Psalmist, as related in the seventy-seventh Psalm. He had a 
 season of darkness and sore trial, and was almost ready to 
 despair of the mercy of God; but when he remembered the 
 days of old, the years of ancient times, when he called to 
 mind his song in the night, and on his having made diligent 
 search, he was led to ask, will the Lord cast off forever ? 
 Can such a thing be ? Will he be favorable no more ? Is his 
 mercy clean gone forever ? Do his promises fail ? Hath God 
 forgotten to be gracious ? Such desponding, unbelieving 
 thoughts had troubled him. But how did he check himself, 
 and recover a tranquil state ; yea, a state of holy joy, by 
 calling to mind what God had done of old. His language is, 
 "I said this in my infirmity," and instead of yielding to such 
 despondency, he said, "I will remember the years of the right 
 hand of the most High, I will remember the works of the
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 65 
 
 Lord, I will remember the wonders of old ;" and we find him 
 soon speaking the language of praise. This is the benefit 
 that the people of God may derive, from remembering the 
 days of old, when they are by any means brought low. Here 
 they may take courage. 
 
 Again, when Moses would keep the people low in their own 
 minds, and grateful to God for all his wonders of mercy and 
 favor, he called upon them to " remember that thou wast a 
 servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God 
 brought thee out thence through a mighty'hand and a stretched 
 out arm." If we would call to mind past events, and even go no 
 further back than our own experience, we should remember our 
 once totally ruined state, our state of slavery in sin, and how 
 we owe all to divine mercy, if we are not now in worse than 
 Egyptian bondage. If any thing in the world can humble us 
 and hide pride from us, this would do it, and this is the 
 great good received. And when he would bring them to deep 
 repentance and continued humility, he charged them " remem- 
 ber and forget not, how ye provoked the Lord your God to 
 wrath in the wilderness, from the day when ye departed 
 out of the land of Egypt, until ye came into this place ye 
 have been rebellious until this day." And when he would 
 inspire them with courage to face their enemies and attempt 
 arduous duties to which they thought themselves not able, he 
 thus called upon them, " Thou shalt remember what the Lord 
 did unto Pharaoh and unto all Egypt." 
 
 Such benefits may result to us from proper meditation, on 
 the years of many generations gone by. And the more we 
 acquaint ourselves with the history of this nation and the 
 Church of Christ contained in it. And the more frequently 
 we call to mind, and the more closely we meditate on the 
 dealings of God ; the more we shall find to humble us and 
 bring us to repentance, to incite in us gratitude and a desire 
 to make returns for unmerited kindness. And to these mar- 
 velous events we have not time to advert. Many circumstan- 
 ces conspire to call our attention to know what to some would
 
 06 MEMOIR OF THE! 
 
 be tiling of many generations, things transacted long before 
 their birth, and to some few, although they are things in which 
 they had a personal share, they would seem of ancient times 
 long .-<ince done. But entering immediately on the subject, I 
 will eall our attention to a few inferences ; I shall barely name 
 them and then leave them for our own reflections. The Old 
 Testament, much despised by many, would be of exceeding 
 value for the edification of all, and for the strengthening of 
 their faith ; not only is it very essential to their salvation, as 
 well as the New Testament, but to their establishment in the 
 hope of the gospel. Here only have we the history of the 
 dealings of God with man and with his church for about four 
 thousand years. 
 
 2d. We see the value of his preached word. 
 
 3d. Acquaintance with the history of God's dealing with 
 the church and the world, with the history of former times, 
 is of importance, as affording subjects for profitable medita- 
 tion, at all times, to the exclusion of vain, foolish and impure 
 thoughts. 
 
 This day is an epoch in the history of this town and church. 
 This day, we leave this house, where we, and our fathers 
 have worshiped for many years, and we may receive it as 
 the voice of God to us. "Remember the days of old." Let 
 us now together meditate on the events occurring in the days 
 of our fathers, and trace them down to the present day, and 
 we shall see much to humble us, and to shew us the many, 
 and wonderful kindnesses of our God. I begin with some in 
 the civil history of the town, such as I have been able to 
 collect. The time of the first inhabitants moving into this 
 town, wan in the year 1752, and it was called township No. 
 1 ; and the first white child born in the town, would be, if 
 living, more than eighty years of age. The first settlers in 
 the town were many of them poor, and the settlement did 
 not proceed so rapidly as in some other towns, nor was it 
 until the year 1708, that an incorporation was sought and 
 obtained. In that year, the inhabitants were incorporated 'a
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 67 
 
 body politic, and the place named Mason. This was in 
 August ; and in November following, when the first tax was 
 levied, there were but seventy-six rated polls or persons, 
 liable to be taxed. The original proprietors erected a meet- 
 ing house, just by where this stands, for the inhabitants, 
 before the town was incorporated; that is, they set up a 
 frame, covered and enclosed it, but it never was finished. 
 There it stood a shell until 1790. And in that your fathers, 
 and some now living, worshiped, and even in the winter. 
 In that house, I commenced my ministry in this place. Then, 
 there was not a riding carriage in the town, and in the winter, 
 whole families would come to meeting on a sled drawn by 
 oxen, and the ladies were not ashamed to be seen in their 
 plain, decent, warm, comfortable, homemade clothing. Were 
 those times more unfavorable, or on the whole more uncom- 
 fortable, than the present, judge ye. 
 
 At length the town as a corporate body, agreed to build a 
 house for the worship of God, but were not agreed as to its 
 location. This was submitted to a committee of disinter- 
 ested persons, and they unhappily selected this spot. I say 
 unhappily, for had it been located where it should have been, 
 it might have well continued many years longer as the place of 
 our solemnities, and with small expense be made comfortable. 
 When our fathers entered upon the work of building this 
 house, it was with many discouragements and fears. They 
 felt poor, and weak handed for such an undertaking ; but God 
 smiled upon them, and succored them far beyond their fears. 
 They felt it to be a heavy burden, but they undertook it with 
 cheerfulness, and were enabled to sustain it. And forty seven 
 years ago this present month, the house was so far finished, 
 that the ceremonies of my ordination were performed in it, 
 which were the first public religious exercises in this house. 
 It was soon after solemnly dedicated unto Almighty God, as 
 a place for his worship, and through the rich goodness and 
 mercy of God, very few sabbaths have passed from that time 
 to the present, when the house has not been occupied by some
 
 68 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 as a place of worship. And since that time the Lord has 
 blessed his people, agreeably 'to his promises to his chosen 
 people of old. He has increased their number and increased 
 their wealth, proving that none arc poorer for what they 
 spend for God. In the year 1790, when this house was built, 
 there were but about one hundred and ten dwelling houses in 
 the town, poor and good, and now there are more than two 
 hundred and ten, and our eyes are permitted to behold a new 
 house completed, to be dedicated to God for the use of this 
 church and the congregation worshiping with them. Surely 
 we have cause this day to set up our Ebenezer, and say, hith- 
 erto hath the Lord helped us, and to give thanks at the 
 remembrance of his merciful kindness, when we remember 
 the days of old, and consider and think upon our present 
 state as a society, for when we go out of this house we are 
 not left houseless. 
 
 I will now add something relative to the changes that have 
 taken place in the town, to be remembered among the things 
 of the days of old. There is but one dwelling house and two 
 barns now standing in all that can be considered as contained 
 in this centre village, which were standing when I first came to 
 this town, and but one building of any kind in all the west vil- 
 lage, and there had never then been a resident physician, nor 
 other professional man, except the short time Mr. Searle was 
 the minister. Supposing five persons to a dwelling house, 
 there would not at that time have been more than five hun- 
 dred and fifty inhabitants, but they did probably some exceed 
 six hundred. We have enjoyed at least a comfortable share 
 of health with other places, and there have been many instan- 
 ces (>[' longevity. But some years have been distinguished by 
 great mortality. In the years 1818 and 1819, we were visit- 
 ed with that dreadful scourge angina maligna or throat dis- 
 tfmpcr, and it swept away many of the children. In the year 
 181 * was the greatest number of deaths that ever were in 
 the town in one year ; there were thirty four ; of these twenty 
 two were children under fourteen years of age, and of these
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 69 
 
 twelve died of throat distemper. In 1819, there were thirty 
 one deaths, and of these eighteen were under fourteen years 
 of age, and twelve of them were removed by the same malig- 
 nant distemper. 
 
 In the space of forty-seven years, there have been removed 
 from this place to the narrow house prepared for all the 
 living, somewhat rising eight hundred. What a large congre- 
 gation ! How often have all the now living, been warned to 
 prepare for death and the judgment. 
 
 But it is time to call to mind the years of many genera- 
 tions, respecting the church in this place. Previous to my 
 acquaintance with this church, it had been in a state of per- 
 plexity and trouble, for most of the time of its existence as 
 a church. Among the earliest settlers in the town, were 
 some professors, but no church was constituted until 1772, 
 four years after the town was incorporated. When the 
 church was embodied, it was stated to be a Cahinistic church, 
 and the articles of faith to agree essentially, with the West- 
 minster confession of faith. At this time Rev. Jonathan 
 Searle was ordained, and constituted the pastor of this 
 church. Shortly after, unhappy difficulties arose between the 
 pastor and the flock, which caused his dismissal, nine years 
 after his settlement. Soon after, or from the time of this 
 event, he ceased to preach. He was appointed a civil magis- 
 trate, officiated in that capacity, and remained in the town until 
 his death. During the nine years of his ministry, fourteen were 
 admitted by profession, and nine by letter, and eleven owned 
 the covenant, so called, according to the practice of most of the 
 churches in N. England, in those days. After that period, until 
 the time of my ordination, I find record of admission of one 
 member only. There was a long time of deathlike sleep in 
 the church, until about the year 1785, when it pleased God 
 to pour out his spirit, and cause a great revival of religion 
 in his people, and of his work in converting sinners, in New 
 Ipswich, under the ministry of the venerable Mr. Farrar, 
 and soon it extended, in some measure, to this and other 
 10
 
 70 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 town?. This part of the vineyard, although in a very deplor- 
 able state, was not wholly passed by ; some few Christians 
 were awakened, and brought to submit themselves to their 
 long neglected duly. 
 
 Many of the people of Mason, especially of the young, 
 flocked to the solemn meetings at New Ipswich, and were 
 struck with wonder, and soon some were convicted of sin, 
 and became anxious for their soul's salvation, and shortly 
 after were rejoicing in the hope of pardoning mercy. But 
 such was the state of the church in Mason, destitute of a 
 minister, broken, dispirited, that the new converts sought to 
 unite with the church in New Ipswich, to which they had 
 become greatly attached, by their acquaintance with the 
 members, which the situation and intercourse had brought 
 about, and by that mutual love, which new born souls who 
 have mourned, and wept, and rejoiced together, feel. Their 
 request was granted, on condition that they removed their 
 relation, whenever the church in Mason should become 
 settled. One happy effect of this revival, was a determina- 
 tion in the church and congregation, to seek the settlement of 
 a gospel minister; and, in the very mysterious providence of 
 God, the present speaker was elected to this office, and is 
 continued to this day. 
 
 Just before my ordination, those who were residing in town, 
 members of other churches, and these members of the New 
 Ipswich church, removed their relation to this church. The 
 church consisted of thirty-six members when I settled with 
 them, and has now rising one hundred and fifty-seven, in this 
 town, in regular standing. The whole number added, during 
 my ministry, is two hundred and eighty-one; of these, two 
 hundred and sixty-one by profession. A small number indeed 
 compared to the number of inhabitants, and length of time, 
 although we have been favored with some precious seasons 
 of refreshing, from the presence of the Lord, seasons when 
 the Holy Spirit has come down with power, and wrought 
 wonders, making the word of God powerful, and causing joy
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 71 
 
 and gladness on earth and in heaven, over penitent sinners. 
 It will be doubtless refreshing to some, to be reminded of 
 those years, in which they rejoiced when first they knew the 
 Lord, or rejoiced when salvation came to their house, and 
 their dear friends became dearer to their hearts, by being 
 united to the family of God. 
 
 The years 1801 and 1802 were indeed years of the right 
 hand of God. After a long season in which but few, and at 
 distant intervals, were persuaded to embrace the Savior, God 
 was pleased to grant such a refreshing season, as never had 
 before been experienced in this place, and the fruit that was 
 gathered, was an addition of fifty-four members by profession. 
 The number that united with the Baptist church, I cannot tell. 
 It seemed then, as if it could not be, that there should be 
 such a lowering down as would be like night after a bright 
 and glorious day. But oh ! what wonderful changes we have 
 witnessed, which should humble our souls, while we rejoice in 
 the goodness of God, that after his spirit has been grieved 
 away, and his people gone away backward, he should remem- 
 ber them in mercy. Again, in the year 1812, was a short 
 season of the special display of the mercy of God, and twen- 
 ty-five were added to the church. After this, only now and 
 then a mercy drop was found to fall, until the year 1826, 
 which was a year more distinguished than any other in the 
 annals of this church. God wrought gloriously, every part 
 of the town was visited, and so manifest was the work of 
 God, that for a time, all opposition seemed to be silenced, 
 and the fruit of this glorious revival, was an addition to this 
 church, of sixty-two members. Oh ! that we may soon see 
 such another day of the mercy and goodness of God. As 
 the fruits of this revival, there were added to the church in 
 1826 and in 1827, seventy-nine members; in 1831, twenty- 
 one, and in 1834 and 1835, thirty-two. Remember the days 
 of old, consider the years of many generations, and think 
 what changes will shortly take place here. 
 
 When I look around on this assembly, I can see but one of
 
 72 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 the number of those, who from this town joined the church 
 in New Ipswich, and removed their relation at the time of 
 my settlement. Then they were young, but where are they ? 
 I can see but two [Jonathan Batchelder, and the widow Polly 
 Dunstcr] of all the thirty-six, which composed the church in 
 that solemn hour, when I was constituted their pastor. 
 Where are they ? Some have removed to other churches, and 
 perhaps remain on earth, but most of them have fallen asleep. 
 Oh ! how near at hand, should this view bring the time of 
 our own departure; how excite us to be up and doing, while 
 it is day. It is matter of rejoicing certainly to me, that 
 when we leave this house, we have a place of worship to 
 which we may repair, and that, although I minister no 
 longer in this house, or any other, I do not leave you as 
 sheep without a shepherd. 
 
 Where will be the present inhabitants of this town, after 
 the revolution of such another period as we have contem- 
 plated. Certainly, with many, the places that now know 
 them, shall know them no more. Some few may remain on 
 earth, monuments of God's sparing mercy and goodness. It 
 is hoped, that many will be shouting the praises of redeem- 
 ing love in heaven ; and oh ! distressing thought ! it is feared 
 that some will be wailing their folly and madness, in eternal 
 despair. What changes may be expected to take place, 
 in half a century to come, in this church and congregation, 
 and the inhabitants of this town. The farms we now culti- 
 vate with so much care, will have passed into other hands. 
 The houses we now inhabit, will not be inhabited by us then. 
 This house, which has been consecrated to God, for his ser- 
 vice, and the place where he has displayed his mercy, will 
 then be mouldered into ruins. 
 
 The house to which we are about to remove will become 
 old, and the religious assembly will be another generation j 
 while we shall probably all be sleeping in dust. Yes, that 
 communion table will be surrounded with other members, 
 unless God in his wrath shall remove his candlestick. Not
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 73 
 
 only will these seats be vacated by this assembly, not only will 
 the present communicants cease from coming to this table, 
 not only will these walls cease to resound with the voice of 
 praise from the lips of this assembly, but the house in which 
 we are to worship after this day, will be filled with other 
 worshipers than those who may have the privilege to unite 
 with us in the first religious exercises in that earthly temple* 
 In thirty years another generation will occupy our present 
 places. 
 
 It is right that as we leave this house, we should leave it 
 under the impression of such remarkable truths. I cannot 
 however, say farewell to this house, before once more calling 
 on Christian brethren and sisters, to remember the time is 
 short, and to do with their might what they have to do ; think 
 not your work is done because you leave this house of wor- 
 ship. Keep in grateful remembrance the works of God. 
 Take courage from his precious promises and his dealings 
 with his people, in the years that are gone, be instant in 
 season and out of season. Cease not to plead with God, 
 for the outpouring of his spirit upon this church and congre- 
 gation. Let your light so shine, that others seeing your good 
 works, may come and put their trust in that God and Saviour 
 you love and adore. Oh ! sinners, this is the last message to 
 you from this place, you can have but little time left, the 
 door of mercy is now open ; ! fly to the Saviour, who 
 stands with open arms to receive you, while it is yet an 
 accepted time, and a day of salvation. 
 
 I now bid farewell in my own name, and in the name of 
 this church and congregation, to this house as a place of wor- 
 ship, as. the place of our solemn assemblies. 
 
 FAREWELL TO THIS PULPIT : to me indeed, for many years, 
 the dearest spot on earth. And although I expect not to 
 labor any more in this pulpit, if I do in any other, I never 
 shall think of this place, and remember the days of old, 
 without such associations as will be calculated to move the 
 feelings of humility and gratitude.
 
 74 
 
 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 FAREWELL TO THIS HOUSE, which has been the place, in 
 which we have witnessed many painful and joyous scenes. 
 
 () ! may these Avails, once consecrated to God, never be 
 desecrated or polluted, by being made the place where infidelity 
 or error shall be disseminated ; or the spirit of party, manage 
 to subvert the freedom of this favored land. 
 
 OLD MEETING HOUSE, FIRST OCCUPIED NOVEMBER S, 1790, 
 
 SEW MEETING HOUSE. FIRST OCCUPIED NOVEMBER, 1837,
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 75 
 
 A FUNERAL SERMON, 
 
 DELIVERED AT MASON, N. H., ON LORD'S DAY, 
 
 CAPTAIN HIRAM SMITH, 
 
 Who Deceased December 6, 1826, Aged 25 Years, 
 
 BY REV. EBENEZER HILL. 
 
 JOB XXI. 23, 24, 25, 26. 
 
 One dieth in his ful> strength, being -wholly at ease and quiet. His breasts 
 are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow. And another 
 dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. They 
 shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them. 
 
 ONE interesting point of instruction conveyed in these 
 words of the aged, experienced, and afflicted Job, is mani- 
 festly this. The grave may be very near to the most pros- 
 perous, and healthy, and strong, as well as to those who 
 endure the greatest afflictions, and most severe sufferings. I 
 shall endeavor, briefly, to establish this truth, in order to 
 exhibit some of the important instructions which the great 
 uncertainty of life seems forcibly to convey to us all ; and to 
 prepare the way for such application and addresses as the 
 solemn scene which so lately passed before our eyes, together 
 with others of no long date, seem to require. 
 
 Job was a man of very eminent piety. It appears from 
 divine testimony, that he exceeded all the men on earth in 
 his day, in devotedness to God, and in labor after inward
 
 76 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 purity, and practical holiness. "Hast thou considered my 
 servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect 
 and an upright man, one that fearcth God, and escheweth 
 evil ?" Job was a wise man ; a man of good understanding ; 
 a man of much and careful observation. It is evident he 
 was well acquainted with the history of preceding ages, so 
 far as this was handed down by tradition ; and he had atten- 
 tively observed the dispensations of Divine Providence in his 
 own day. The remark in the text was the result of his 
 own observation, confirmed by the testimony of the fathers, 
 who had lived long before him. And the same truth has been 
 gaining Additional evidence in every age of the world since, 
 down to the present day. " One dieth in his full strength, 
 being wholly at ease and quiet. His breasts are full of milk 
 and his bones are moistened with marrow. And another 
 dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with 
 pleasure. They shall lie down in the dust, and the worms 
 shall cover them." 
 
 This truth also comes to us with authority; being written 
 by the pen of inspiration, preserved by the providence of 
 God, and making a part of the holy scriptures. let us feel 
 our personal interest in this solemn truth ! As we know that 
 it is appointed to all men once to die ; as we know that we 
 are of the dust, and must return to dust again ; so we are 
 taught in the text, that we are not sure of any long previous 
 warning of the time of our dissolution. No circumstances in 
 life can give any security that death is not at the door. 
 
 If to be full of strength, and free from any disease, the 
 blood and spirits flowing with life and vigor, can give no secu- 
 rity for the continuance of life ; then surely no attachments 
 to life, no worldly circumstances, no pleasing prospects, no 
 connections formed, no engagements made, can give the least 
 assurance that the grave is not just before us. How often do 
 we see this melancholy truth demonstrated ! We do not need 
 to repair to the chronicles of ancient times for evidence that 
 the young, even children, and the sprightly youths of fairest
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 77 
 
 promise, may suddenly drop into an untimely grave. Neither 
 need we go far for proof that the young, the strong and vig- 
 orous their parents' hope, their parents' joy, while in the full 
 enjoyment of health, their warm and lively imaginations 
 painting bright prospects before them, which seem to them 
 certain; perhaps forming connections, which they fondly 
 believe will be lasting, and on which they ground the warmest 
 expectations of happiness -we need not, I say, go far for 
 proof, that such may, in an unexpected hour, fall into the cold 
 embrace of death. 
 
 Parents, while they feel not, or scarcely begin to feel any 
 of the decays of nature ; while their nerves are strong, and 
 their bodily organs are able to perform their functions with 
 ease, and they behold with joy, their children like olive plants 
 around their tables, or settling in the world with hopeful 
 prospects no sickness, no apparent messenger of death 
 alarms them they may drop and die in the fulness of their 
 strength ; or their children may fall before their eyes. In 
 either case, how unlocked for, how surprising the change ! 
 Circumstances in life give no more security against death, 
 than health. Death spares the rich no more than the poor. 
 Engagements, of whatever kind, are unavailing to protect 
 against death. We may have much upon our hands to do, 
 much unfinished business, according to our promises to others, 
 or plans which we have laid out for ourselves ; but as our 
 full strength will not be able to withstand, so our engage- 
 ments and promises will not move death to delay his stroke, 
 when commissioned to strike. And oftentimes there is little 
 or no warning given, by any previous indisposition, before the 
 strong man is made to bow. One dieth in his full strength, 
 being wholly at ease and quiet, as well as another at whose 
 door death had seemed to knock, by long continued, or fre- 
 quent sicknesses. 
 
 Death, in unnumbered forms, stalks in every path we tread. 
 The grave is ever before us, and we are constantly approach- 
 ing it ; and no one can say that the next step is not into it, 
 11
 
 78 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 As David said of himself, so it may be with us, "There is but 
 a stop between me and death." The prophet was directed 
 to cry, A11 flesh is grass, and all the goodness thereof as the 
 flower of the field. The grass withereth and the flower 
 fadcth; because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it. 
 Surely the people is grass." Job also, guided by the Holy 
 Spirit, hath said, "Man that is born of a woman is of few 
 days, and full of trouble. He comcth forth as a flower, and 
 is cut down ; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not." 
 Surely then no one may consistently boast himself of 
 to-morrow. However firm his health now is, he may then be 
 in his grave. 
 
 It is not my intention to labor to prove a truth so evident 
 in frequent occurrences. I have barely reminded you, my 
 fellow-mortals, of what we all admit, I trust, and what every 
 one must admit, who receives testimony of God, or only casts 
 his eye over a little space around him ; and I have done it for 
 this purpose, that our minds might be prepared to receive the 
 instruction which such facts press upon all the living. 
 
 You will suffer me to state, and, I beseech all duly to 
 weigh, some consequences which must follow from the forego- 
 ing acknowledged facts. And, 
 
 1. If then in the midst of life we are in death; if, in the 
 fullness of our strength, and in our brightest worldly pros- 
 pects, we are liable every moment to be cut down by death, 
 and in the grave to be hidden from the world and all it con- 
 tains ; to have all our connections dissolved, and to leave all 
 our earthly enjoyments behind us forever; then, certainly, 
 they are miserably poor who have no better interest than 
 what this world affords ; nor enjoyments superior to all those 
 of time and sense. Though they be now free from suffering 
 pain, in full health and strength; though placed in the most 
 easy and flattering circumstances, and having the brightest 
 earthly prospects before them, they are poor indeed ! We 
 may feel ourselves to-day to be full and happy in our wealth 
 and friends ; but if these be all we have, in one short hour
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 79 
 
 we may have nothing. Is not vanity inscribed on all this 
 world, when immortal beings seek their happiness in it ; and 
 neither the most vigorous health, nor the greatest abundance, 
 nor. the most endeared connections and friends, can save us a 
 moment from death ; and as soon as death passes upon us we 
 must leave the world as naked as we came into it ! 0, if we 
 have not a better inheritance, richer enjoyments, and more 
 glorious prospects than all this world can afford, we are in an 
 unenviable, in a most pitiable state. 
 
 2. A correct view of the uncertainty of life, the certainty 
 of death, and the change produced by (death, shews the ines- 
 timable value of Religion. 
 
 It is only religion, personal religion, which consists in con- 
 formity of heart to the character and government of God, and 
 the gospel of salvation by Jesus Christ, that can reconcile the 
 mind to leave the world, support it in the near view of death, 
 and render the soul happy after death. then, of what 
 incalculable worth is religion ; since we all must die, leave 
 kindred and friends, and possessions behind us, and launch 
 into the eternal world. Nothing but that glorious hope 
 which springs from feeling reconciliation to God, trust in 
 Christ's atoning blood for the pardon of sin, and belief in 
 the promise of his favor forever, can enable us to view the 
 world receding, and the constant, near and certain approach 
 of death, without dismay. And it is only evidence that they 
 possessed this religion, which can give us consoling hopes, 
 and comfort our hearts, concerning those who were dear to 
 us, but are hidden from our eyes in the cold grave. It is this 
 religion only which fits the soul for heaven. Who then can 
 conceive, much less express the danger of every soul, desti- 
 tute of religion, and thus unprepared to die. For no one 
 knows the day of his death ; and there is no change of moral 
 character after death. There is no work, nor devise, nor 
 knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave ; yet the soul must exist 
 forever, and in a state to be decided according to the charac- 
 ter formed, and the deeds done in the body : Who then can
 
 80 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 rest without evidence of a heart by grace subdued to the will 
 and service of God ? without evidence of vital union to the 
 Lord Jesus Christ, the only Savior of sinners ? Surely to 
 know Jesus Christ, and him crucified ; to know him as the 
 Savior in whom we trust, whom we love, and whom we serve, 
 must be that wisdom which is thus described by the king of 
 Israel, "Wisdom is more precious than rubies; her merchan- 
 dise is better than the merchandise of silver ; and the gain 
 thereof than fine gold. She is a tree of life to them that lay 
 hold on her; and happy is every one that retaineth her." 0, 
 who can dare, in this dying world, to believe his own immor- 
 tality, and not seek this treasure ! 
 
 3. The view which has been presented, of the close con- 
 nection between us and death, between every thing here and 
 the grave, should teach us to live habitually as strangers and 
 travelers in this dying world, and not to set our affections 
 on things below. Surely our hearts ought to sit very loose 
 to all things we hold by such an uncertain tenure as life. 
 And to make anything which is purely of this world, our con- 
 fidence, our hope, our idol, is not only exceedingly criminal but 
 exceedingly absurd. Why should we cleave so fast to that 
 which we may so soon be called to leave forever ? if the 
 case be with us as has been represented, how careful should 
 we be not to suffer any inferior attachment to hinder us in 
 seeking the present enjoyment of God, and laboring to secure 
 an heirship to the glories of his heavenly kingdom. 
 
 In attempting an application of the subject to the assem- 
 bly at large, the few aged people present will permit me to 
 offer a word directly to them in the first place. 
 
 Is it true, my aged friends, that some die in youth, yea, die 
 in their full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet ? Have 
 you walked HO many years on earth, that but few of all your 
 youthful acquaintances are left ? then, while you well may 
 wonder that you are alive this day, you may know that the 
 time of your departure is at hand. Although you have been 
 wonderfully spared, you have not obtained a discharge from
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 81 
 
 the warfare. You must meet the king of terrors. Are you 
 prepared now to meet death ? Are you prepared to stand in 
 the presence of the holy God? If any of you have lived 
 to this day witHbut returning to God by unfeigned repent- 
 ance, and by faith in Jesus Christ, not only death, but ever- 
 lasting destruction is before you. The sparing mercy of God, 
 if you have rejected, and continue to reject his grace, offered 
 in the gospel, will only aggravate your condemnation. then, 
 while a few more sands may run, and you are continued pris- 
 oners of hope, turn to the strong hold. If any of you, aged 
 friends, have a comforting evidence that you are prepared, 
 through grace, for a peaceful death, see that ye be as servants 
 who watch and wait for the coming of their Lord at an 
 unknown hour. 
 
 From the aged, I turn to call upon the middle aged, and. 
 young people. I ask you, dear friends, to consider, in view 
 of the subject, and the occasion of it, and let your own 
 understanding answer the following questions. Is it possible 
 that you can have any business, or concerns of so much imme- 
 diate importance as the immediate care of your souls ? Is 
 there any thing you cannot neglect with more propriety, and 
 less hazard than preparation for death ? Can you believe that 
 you may die in the fulness of your strength, and yet dare to 
 live to another day without seeking God ! Can any of you 
 dare, not to attempt now to do what you must wish you had 
 done, but it may be too late to do, when you feel the cold 
 hand of death? 
 
 But it is expected that some particular address will be 
 made to the mourners ; made mourners indeed, by the affect- 
 ing instance of mortality which has been publicly mentioned 
 this day ; and for whom, I trust, many have earnestly prayed, 
 that they may be sanctified, and supported, and comforted, 
 under their heavy trial. 
 
 To the dear friend of the deceased we first look, and with 
 no ordinary feelings of sympathetic grief* How has this 
 truth, thus painfully realized, " one dieth in his full strength,"
 
 82 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 struck a death blow to your pleasing earthly prospects ; per- 
 haps fond dreams of years to enjoy the society of a beloved 
 friend ; and that ye might go down the vale of years together. 
 Perhaps you were anticipating much worldly comfort and res- 
 pect, by your mutual efforts, and mutual kindness. Perhaps 
 hoping that you might be helpers of each other's joy in a 
 wearisome journey to a brighter world. Death has stepped 
 in, and the bright visions have disappeared. Your friend is 
 gone ! But while the scene through which you have passed, 
 is heart affecting, and long must be, it is instructing; for it is 
 the voice of God. He does not forbid you to mourn; and no 
 one may ; but He calls you to take up the cross, to humble 
 yourself under his mighty hand, to bear the yoke of trouble 
 in your youth ; and you have the prayers of many that you 
 may find it good for you. 
 
 I say, the scene through which you have passed, is instruct- 
 ing. You cannot easily be taught, and more impressively, 
 the uncertainty of life, and the importance of being prepared 
 for death, at an unwarned hour. You cannot have set before 
 you, more feelingly, the uncertainty of all earthly prospects. 
 But are you comfortless ? there is a source of consolation 
 always open for the afflicted. God reigns. The heavenly 
 Father reigns. He who afflicts calls the afflicted to seek him 
 early in their afflictions. We hope you know the way to the 
 mercy-seat through a crucified Savior. Draw near in humble 
 boldness in his name, and he who has laid this burthen on you 
 will support you. let the loss of an earthly friend render 
 tho Friend of sinners more precious to your heart. Let the 
 disappointments in human calculations raise your heart above 
 the world, and lead you to seek divine consolations, and press 
 forward towards the mark for the prize of the high calling, 
 and you will find lasting benefit from the scenes, which for 
 the present arc so grievous. If Christ be indeed the friend 
 of your heart, he will never leave nor forsake you. And you 
 may look forward to a sudden death and an early grave with 
 composure j or quietly wait all the days of your appointed
 
 EEV. EBENEZEE HILL. 83 
 
 time, till your change shall come, even though you continually 
 bear a cross. 
 
 To the bereaved parents all our eyes turn, and our hearts 
 move with tenderness. 
 
 God has been very gracious to you, in bestowing an uncom- 
 mon share of health in your family. Your children have all 
 been spared to grow up to manhood ; and the voice of health 
 has been heard almost constantly in your habitation. Now 
 grievous sickness and death have entered your home. The 
 breach is made. A beloved son is taken away in the fulness 
 of his strength; and while your hopes and fond expectations 
 were rising, and his prospects brightening. How suddenly, 
 how unlocked for, has your trouble come ! But you will 
 remember, mourning friends, " Affliction cometh not forth of 
 the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground." You 
 will eye the hand of God, which has touched you in this event ; 
 and listen to his voice. It is, Prepare suddenly to exchange 
 time for eternity. You see a breach made in your family, 
 which is a sure presage that all the rest must go, and that 
 you must follow, or precede them. You see that you are not 
 sure of wearing out with old age, or that you shall have long 
 warning of the approach of death. Healthy, promising, 
 children are apt to be their parents' hope in their declining 
 years : but you are now feelingly admonished not to lean on 
 such props. let the Lord be your confidence, and then, 
 though all earthly props sink under you, you will be sup- 
 ported and comforted ; for in every affliction you may repair 
 to him, and he will be found a present help. Your age 
 admonishes you that your time must be short; but what 
 scenes of trouble, what sore disappointments are first to be 
 endured, you do not, and cannot know. You are to look for 
 troubles in this world. May you be favored with the teach- 
 ings of the Holy Spirit, and make a wise improvement of 
 this affliction, and be prepared for what is to come. We 
 wish you divine consolation. God has inflicted the wound, 
 and He alone can heal. You may lose the sensible and pun-
 
 84 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 gent feeling of your trouble ; time will render the remem- 
 brance less painful ; but it is only God who can heal the 
 wound, and repair the breach. 
 
 What can I now say to the brethren and sisters of the 
 deceased ? what need I say ? The voice of God speaks to 
 you loudly, and most intelligibly. A beloved brother has 
 fallen in the prime of life, in the fulness of his strength. 
 Your health, your strength, your prime of life, can no more 
 secure you against the arrest of death. Dear friends, be 
 entreated to listen to the voice of Providence, which calls 
 you to attend to the concerns of your souls, without delay. 
 And, 0, listen to the dying request of your brother. Did 
 you witness his anxiety for his own soul, and for your souls ? 
 Did you hear his warning, supplicating voice, while his reason 
 lasted, urging you to seek religion ; to become reconciled to 
 God without delay ? Did you hear him reprobate the senti- 
 ment he had labored to believe, and warn you against it? 
 Did you hear him declare his full conviction of his own just 
 condemnation as a sinner ; and that the only hope of escap- 
 ing everlasting death was through the atoning blood of 
 Christ, even by faith in him ? 0, then, rely upon it, the time 
 will come when the favor of God, peace in the soul, and hope 
 like an anchor, sure and steadfast, will be found, by you, 
 to be of more value than the whole world, and all the fulness 
 thereof. When shall this be sought ? You may die suddenly, 
 in the fulness of your strength. You may be deprived of 
 reason before the close of life ; and then nothing can be done 
 to prepare for death. It is certain you must die, the time is 
 unknown ; and when death has his commission to strike, he is 
 inexorable. then let not the plea be made in vain, acquaint 
 now yourselves with GOD, and be at peace with him, that good 
 may corne to your souls. 
 
 On this solemn occasion the officers and soldiers composing 
 the Militia Company of which the late HIRAM SMITH was Cap- 
 tain, have a right to be particularly noticed in this address ; 
 for they are specially afflicted in this mournful event of
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 85 
 
 Divine Providence ; for they are, indeed, mourners, as their 
 appearance at his funeral, and on this holy day, clearly mani- 
 fests. 
 
 How affecting, how alarming have been the calls of Provi- 
 dence to this Company ! In the short space of one year and 
 a half, two Captains, young and active, have been cut down, 
 not by the sword of battle, but by that foe with whom each 
 one, officer and soldier, must contend in single combat, and 
 before whom each one must fall. 
 
 You, respected officers and soldiers, notwithstanding the 
 military parade you make, live in a time of profound peace 
 in your country. There are no apparent indications that you 
 may soon be called to active service. Why then all this mili- 
 tary parade ? Why all these pains to learn the discipline 
 and art of war ? O, methinks I hear you say, " It is the dic- 
 tate of wisdom, in peace to prepare for war. It is uncertain 
 how soon we may be called to defend by force and arms, our 
 dearest rights, and jeopardize our lives in the high field of 
 battle ; and what then, if found unacquainted with the art of 
 war, wholly unprepared, undisciplined, unarmed ? " Forcible 
 reasoning ! let it apply with all its aptness, with all its 
 force, in another case. Here I may address you as fellow 
 soldiers, although I am unacquainted with all your military 
 manoeuvres. Before us is a war in which there is no dis- 
 charge ; no engagements, nor attachments, nor fears, can be 
 an excuse. Here, is it not equally the dictate of wisdom, In 
 peace prepare for war ? that we should arm ourselves with 
 that armor which will not fail in the day of battle ; acquaint 
 ourselves with the holy discipline, and become expert in the 
 use of those arms ? When called to combat with the com- 
 mon enemy, death, and all the innumerable foes of our souls' 
 salvation, it is only when clad in the whole armor of God, 
 the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of 
 the spirit, and the breast-plate of righteousness, that we 
 can come off conquerors and more than conquerors. Thus 
 armed and disciplined, we shall be crowned with victory, 
 12
 
 86 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 although the enemy shall seem to triumph. You now, fellow 
 men, appear as soldiers. But are you soldiers of the cross ? 
 are you marching in the ranks of the great Captain of salva- 
 tion, and obeying his orders ? Then may you proceed boldly. 
 But whatever leader you may follow, when you fall as you 
 must, you fall to rise no more. 
 
 Hence, whenever you meet on military occasions, your very 
 manoeuvres are calculated to remind you of interesting truths, 
 and to convey to you important instruction. And it seems 
 strange that in a Christian land, military meetings are not 
 generally solemn meetings. Every word of command given, 
 every manoeuvre performed, every step marched to the music 
 should remind you of the necessity of preparation for the great 
 conflict, and of the danger of being untrained to the holy 
 war. Can this Company meet again and trifle with the art of 
 war ? Can a training be a season of rude merriment after 
 this ? Can the soldiers, who see their officers fall before 
 them, feel safe, until they have enlisted under the great Cap- 
 tain of salvation, Jesus Christ, the same forever ? This day 
 you see, you have painful evidence, that the art of war cannot 
 defend from death. No more can any other arts or devices. 
 Your Captain was esteemed a good officer ; but he has fallen. 
 Death did not respect him: no more will he respect you. 
 Soldiers may inconsiderately brave death in the field of bat- 
 tle ; but it \A only the Christian soldier who has true courage 
 in the hour of danger, and can contemplate the constant 
 approach of death without dismay. It is not courage, it is 
 dreadful hardiness to jeopardize life fearlessly without the 
 prevailing hope of a happy eternity. 
 
 Soldiers, you acknowledge Captain SMITH was a good 
 officer. But you may rely upon it, for I had it from his own 
 lips, he felt the worth of his immortal soul; he acknowledged 
 himself justly condemned as a sinner; with lively emotions 
 he mourned his past neglects ; and he was anxious for the 
 salvation that is in Christ. Now will you not be anxious for 
 salvation ? can concern for the soul be unbecoming a soldier ?
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 87 
 
 To you, the surviving officers in this Company, this day 
 must be a solemn day. Who can be the successor to your 
 late Captain, and look back one year and a half, and not 
 tremble ? Who can rise to a higher grade and not tremble ? 
 But why speak of this ? Each one, whether he rise in rank 
 or not, must bow to the king of terrors, and go to that 
 world from which there is no return. Who, which of you, 
 is prepared to follow next ? whose turn will it be next ? 
 This is a question no man can answer. One in his full 
 strength as likely as one who is diseased and feeble. then, 
 let me affectionately entreat you, and not entreat in vain, to 
 take care of your souls. Now give yourselves to Christ. 
 Delay no longer. Receive him as your commander; rely on 
 his righteousness ; believe and obey his word. Then, and not 
 till then, may you live in peace, die in peace, and be crowned 
 with victory.
 
 88 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 THE SUBSTANCE OF TWO LECTURES 
 
 ON THE 
 
 HISTORY OF MASON, 
 
 D8LIVBRED BEFORE TUB LTCECM 
 
 IN MASON VILLAGE. 
 BY REV. EBENEZER HILL. 
 
 CORRESPONDENCE. 
 
 To THE RET. EBENEZER HILL, 
 
 Dear Sir : We, whose names are here subscribed, were appointed a com- 
 mittee, to request a copy for publication, of your recent instructive and inter- 
 esting discourse upon the early history of Mason, delivered before the Mason 
 Village Lyceum. Desirous of preserving the history of the past, and admon- 
 ished by your advanced age, that we cannot long hope to enjoy your society, 
 we trust you will comply with our request. 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 GEORGE ELLIOT, 
 THOMAS H. MARSHALL, 
 D. F. RICHARDSON. 
 Mason Village, February 24, 1846. 
 
 To George Elliot, Esq., Dr. Thomas H. Marshall, and Rev. D. F. Richardson, 
 Gentlemen : The request of the Lyceum, made through you, of a copy of 
 the Lectures on the History of the Town, delivered last winter, I cannot refuse. 
 \ ct I am constrained to appreciate the request, rather as a mark of respect to 
 old age, than as an evidence of merit in the performance. 
 
 Various hindrances have caused delay in examining facts, and in transcribing 
 and preparing the copy. Such as it is, I cheerfully present it to you, and 
 through you, Gentlemen, to the members of the Lyceum, with many warm 
 wishes for the spiritual and temporal prosperity of the risen and rising gen- 
 eration. 
 
 Very respectfully your friend and humble servant, 
 
 EBEXEZER HILL. 
 Mason, May 1, 1846,
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 89 
 
 LECTURE. 
 
 MOST people take pleasure in reading history, and learning 
 the events of ancient days. But when the history relates to 
 scenes in which their immediate ancestors were concerned 
 to events which have a bearing on their own state and condi< 
 tion, the interest deepens as they proceed. 
 
 Who will not find entertainment and profit in reading the 
 history of England from its earliest period? But as the 
 time approaches when our forefathers were forced to leave 
 their pleasant dwellings and their beloved country, and seek 
 an asylum in a newly discovered continent, where they might 
 enjoy civil and religious liberty, what man of common sensi- 
 bility certainly, what true American, is not moved more and 
 more ? And is there even a scholar in our common schools, 
 who can read the landing of the pilgrims on the rock in Ply- 
 mouth, and the severe sufferings they had to endure, and the 
 labors they had to perform, without feeling his heart beat 
 quick within him ? But history, whether civil, ecclesiastical, 
 or biographical, not only affords entertainment, but in a 
 pleasing manner valuable instruction. Nor is it necessary 
 that the history should abound in marvelous and wonder- 
 stirring events, to render it pleasant and profitable. 
 
 Entertaining these views, I am led to believe that the his- 
 tory of Mason may be thus useful to the present inhabitants 
 of the town, and especially to the young people ; and in com- 
 pliance with a special request, I now attempt to present such
 
 90 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 facts relative to this town, and its early inhabitants, as I have 
 been able to collect, from records which have come into my 
 hand:;, and from conversation had with old people, almost all 
 of whom are now >as we must shortly be in the grave. 
 
 The land included in this town is part of a grant made to 
 Captain John Mason, of London, by the king of England, and 
 it appears from records that certain persons bought of John 
 Tufton Mason, heir of John Mason, a tract of his said grant 
 in Xew Hampshire, containing about 77 square miles, of 
 which tract this town is a part. 
 
 At a meeting of these proprietors by purchase of Mason, 
 held at Portsmouth, Joseph Blanchard, of D unstable, was 
 accredited their agent ; and as such, in their name, by deed 
 or charter, conveyed to a company, whose names are 
 expressed in the instrument, a certain tract of land five miles 
 square, which was the dimension and shape of this town in 
 its original grant : but afterwards a strip of land containing 
 200 acres was taken from No. 2, now Wilton, and annexed to 
 Xo. 1, so called; also when the Province line was run 
 between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, a gore of land 
 was cut off from Townsend, and annexed to Mason ; so that 
 it was no longer square, but wider from North to South than 
 from East to West. The charter or deed was executed June 
 16, 1749; and the names of thirty -four men are inserted in 
 the instrument as grantees ; most of whom, as far as I can 
 judge by the names and other circumstances, were from the 
 towns of D unstable, Hollis, Groton, Pepperell and Townsend. 
 This township, thus obtained, was designated No. 1, in the 
 Province of New Hampshire, north or back of Townsend. 
 
 In the charter were certain reservations, which shew the 
 regard, both grantors and grantees had for the education of 
 the youth, and the moral and religious instruction of all, as 
 well as for the comfort of the early settlers. For instance, 
 two lots of land were reserved for encouragement to build 
 mills ; six acres were reserved for a common, wherever the 
 meeting house should be located. Three shares were
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 91 
 
 reserved for other uses, viz : One share to the first settled 
 minister ; one share for the ministry from generation to gen- 
 eration.* This right has been disposed of, and I say happily 
 disposed of, (notwithstanding the good intentions of the 
 grantors, and perhaps the illegality of the act,) for in this 
 day it is not a bone of contention. A third share was 
 reserved for the support of schools ; and it is a matter of 
 regret that this also is disposed of. 
 
 There were not only reservations, but also conditions in 
 the charter. The first condition was that a meeting house 
 should be built by the grantees, for the use of the inhabi- 
 tants ; and built as near the centre, as by the grantees should 
 be judged most convenient. The time for this to be done 
 was limited to May, 1753. Such a house within about three 
 rods north east of the now Old Meeting House, was erected, 
 enclosed and covered, and little more ever done to it. Thus, 
 it remained the place of worship, until after what is now 
 called the Old Meeting House in the centre was occupied.! 
 
 Another condition in the charter was, that on some lot in 
 each share, three acres should be cleared, enclosed, and fitted 
 for mowing or tillage in two years from the date ; and on 
 each should be a house at least sixteen feet square, and seven 
 feet or more studded, with a chimney and cellar, fitted for a 
 dwelling, and some person or family inhabit it, before the 
 last of May, 1752; and residence be continued until May, 
 1755. 
 
 The settlement of the town advanced slowly. Yet it 
 appears from the report of a committee, appointed to ascer- 
 tain who had not performed their duty, that in three years 
 after the grant, twenty-three settlements had been begun 
 few had more than eight acres cleared, and the greatest 
 clearing was twenty acres. Two good houses, one barn and 
 
 * Supposed to be three lots. 
 
 j This house was afterwards torn down ; and at the time the following incident took place. 
 When the frame was all down except the four posts confined by the gallery sills, Amos' Dakin 
 was standing on one of these sills, when the remainder of the frame swayed and fell. He kept 
 his place until almost to the ground, and then leaped and fell flat ; the timber just passed over 
 him, and he received no injury.
 
 92 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 a young orchard were reported. What kind of houses, tho 
 first were, may be gathered from this circumstance, that Mr. 
 Obadiah Parker's house was the first framed house in the 
 town, perhaps the only one, at that time,* and only two were 
 called good. From which we may conclude that twenty-one 
 out of the twenty-three were made of round logs, or at best 
 with square timber; but one of these log houses remains to 
 this day.f 
 
 When the settlements were very few, instead of being 
 compact, as might have been expected from the social nature 
 of man, they were scattered to almost every part of the 
 town. Enosli Lawrence, whose axe was first heard to 
 resound in our forests, was from Pcpperell, and began his 
 settlement in the south part of the town, where Ephraim Hil- 
 dreth now lives. His wife was the first white woman in the 
 town, and lived to old age. Nathan Hall, known here as 
 Deacon Hall, also from Pepperell, began next to Mr. Law- 
 rence, and settled in the north part, where Joseph Saunders 
 now lives. Obadiah Parker located himself on the west side 
 of the town. There were only three women in the town, 
 when Mrs. Parker left her relatives and friends in Chelms- 
 ford, to accompany her husband into this wilderness, which 
 was then considered as almost the far West. Thomas Tarbell 
 settled in the east, where some of his descendants now live, 
 and a Mr. Powers located in the extreme east. For a time 
 the only place that appeared like a neighborhood was on the 
 hill, where deacon Hall settled. Soon after him Henry Jefts 
 began where Jonathan Batchelder lives ; Nathan Fish where 
 Ira Hall lately lived, and one Samuel Tarbell where Luther 
 Nutting lives. 
 
 The character of the first settlers was that of plain, honest 
 farmers. Most of them, in the common language of the 
 world, were poor. Some of them had scarcely more than 
 their clothes, their axe and a little provision. They were 
 
 Thii it the old house on the place where Samuel Wheeler Western now lives. 
 fThe home in which Stephen Foster now resides.
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 93 
 
 also men of little education, and their children suffered greatly 
 for want of schooling. 
 
 Would our children and youth know how great their privi- 
 leges are, and how to prize them, let them, in imagination, go 
 back fifty or sixty years, and place themselves for a little 
 time beside those of their age at that period. The children 
 were then so widely scattered, that for a time it was imprac- 
 ticable to form them into schools. The standard of educa- 
 tion also was low. A man who could read plain reading, and 
 cypher to the Rule of Three, was considered qualified to 
 teach a common school. And even in the early days of your 
 fathers, my young friends, when they went to school they had 
 not a well constructed and comfortable school house. Most 
 commonly they had a room in some private house, miserably 
 fitted up with benches to sit on, and a kind of tottering table 
 on which to write, and not unfrequently scarcely light enough 
 to see to read. Add to all this, they had very few books in 
 schools or in families. In many places scholars seldom if 
 ever heard in school of English Grammar, Geography, Natu- 
 ral Philosophy, Mathematics, &c., which are studies now 
 brought within the reach of almost every youth. If therefore 
 the present generation do not exceed the preceding in useful 
 learning, great blame must be attached to them. 
 
 Our forefathers, and mothers too, who subdued the wilder- 
 ness before them, were a hardy and an industrious race. 
 The prime object of their clothing was comfort, and their 
 food was very uniform and plain. Tea was not known among 
 them in this early period. In summer, milk and bread was 
 the food, especially of children, morning and evening; and in 
 the winter, as a general thing, they had a good boiled dish for 
 dinner, which laid the foundation for a supper, and for a 
 breakfast next morning for the family. And I presume those 
 early inhabitants of the town never heard of such a disease 
 as dyspepsia. They were not distinguishingly subject to 
 fevers ; and cases of consumption were very rare ; and where 
 they did occur, they were slow in their progress not unfre- 
 13
 
 94 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 qucntly did it take years to do the work, which consumption 
 now sometimes performs in a few weeks. Also, when our 
 hardy ancestors were going through the toil of subduing the 
 Avilderness, they did not have ardent spirits to cool them in 
 the heat of labor, when toiling in the sun, or to warm them 
 when buffeting the storms, or enduring the cold of winter. 
 
 Another trait in the character of the early settlers of No. 
 1, is to be distinctly noticed, or we shall injure them. Most 
 of them were brought up where the holy Sabbath was 
 regarded, and they were accustomed to hear the gospel 
 preached. They did not, when removed far from the sanctu- 
 ary, and from the ordinances of the gospel, feel as if this 
 were a desired freedom. They not only made early efforts, 
 even before they were an incorporate body, to have occasional 
 preaching, but they were desirous of having a minister settled 
 among them ; and few and feeble as they were, they did not 
 shrink from the effort on account of the expense. As early 
 as 1753, the proprietors and inhabitants voted to allow sixty 
 pounds (Old Tenor undoubtedly,) to pay for preaching, and 
 from this time it appears they had preaching more or less 
 every year. 
 
 Previous to this, they had voted to build a meeting house, 
 agreed upon the dimensions, appointed a committee, and 
 directed them "to enclose the house, lay the under floor, and 
 build a convenient place for the minister to stand in to 
 preach." This was an arduous undertaking considering their 
 number, and especially that they had no mill, in which they 
 could prepare materials for building from their own forests. 
 But it was done. And having a house for worship, they were 
 not satisfied with preaching part of the time. They voted to 
 settle a minister as early as 17G2, i. e., in thirteen years 
 after the grant of the township. At the same time they gave 
 a call to Mr. Ebenezer Champney, (the late Judge Champney, 
 of New Ipswich,) to settle Avith them ; and offered him as 
 settlement "700 silver, 0. T. 400 salary yearly, and a 
 right of land." This was a generous offer considering their
 
 REV. EBENEZEB HILL. 95 
 
 number and circumstances. I have named these sums more 
 particularly for the benefit, or perhaps the amusement, of 
 the young people, who may wish for some information 
 respecting this Old Tenor, and its valuation. 
 
 The currency of our ancestors in New England was reck- 
 oned in pounds, shillings and pence, and was called Old 
 Tenor, in distinction from another valuation of the same 
 denominations of money, called Lawful money, or sometimes 
 New Tenor. Now although the same terms were used in 
 both, their meaning, or valuation was widely different. The 
 denomination in Old Tenor was just seven and a half times 
 less in value, than the same in Lawful money. Hence to 
 reduce Lawful money into Old Tenor is to multiply it by 7J, 
 and to reduce Old Tenor into Lawful money, divide by the 
 same. Hence we see that the offer made to Mr. Champney 
 was, in the present currency of the day, $311 12 cents settle- 
 ment, and $177 78 cents salary.* Mr. Champney did riot 
 accept the call ; nevertheless the people were not discouraged. 
 In 1766, they gave a call to one James Parker, with an offer 
 of 400 0. T., until there were eighty families, and then 450 
 until one hundred families, from which time the salary should 
 be established at 500. This call was not accepted ; and it 
 does not appear that any other like attempt was made, until 
 an act of incorporation was obtained. 
 
 These hardy pioneers not only suffered many privations, 
 but endured many severe hardships. Not the least of these 
 was the labor of making roads, and for years the badness of 
 traveling, where something was done to make a road. And 
 until they could raise some grain on their new farms, all 
 their bread stuffs, and most of their other provisions must be 
 brought from the older settlements. The instance of hard- 
 ship, which I am about to name, may be an extreme case, but 
 it may help our young friends to form some idea of the suffer- 
 ings incident to new settlers, especially to those, who are 
 
 * Thus 700-:-7i=93, 6, 8 Lawful=$311 11-1- settlement. Again, 400 0. T.-:-by 7J= 
 53 6s. 8d. Lawful=to $177 78-l-cents.
 
 86 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 poor and destitute. Deacon Hall, who has been named, I 
 have been informed, after having toiled all day on his farm, 
 has in the night traveled on foot to Peppcrell, and returned 
 bringing a bag of meal on his shoulder for his hungry chil- 
 dren ; and then labored the next day as usual. 
 
 Not the least of the sufferings, and the cause of continued 
 suffering, arose from their ignorance of clearing wood land, 
 by felling the trees and then burning the ground over. I 
 have been told by some of them that for several years, the 
 only method of clearing the forest was to chop the wood, 
 draw it together, pile it, burn the heaps, and then break up 
 the ground with the plough, or breaking-up hoe, before plant- 
 ing or sowing. This accounts in some measure for the slow 
 progress they at first made in clearing. 
 
 Again, the people suffered very much for years from want 
 of mills. It was a primary object with the grantees and 
 first settlers to have mills erected ; and, as encouragement, 
 mill seats were looked out, and land granted and contracts 
 made, but I can find no evidence, of a mill of any description 
 in the town before the year 1766 or 7. In the year 1767, I 
 find an article in a warrant for a meeting of the proprietors, 
 to see if they will accept the road by Thomas Barrett's mill, 
 and build a bridge across Souhegan river, near said mill. It 
 appears that Benjamin Bellows, Esq., contracted to build 
 mills at this place, but did not fulfil his contract. And also 
 that Thomas Barrett and Charles Barrett built mills in this 
 place, and sold them to Amos Dakin, of Lincoln, Mass., who 
 removed with his family into this town in the year 1768. At 
 that time, seventy-eight years since, there was no opening in 
 the dense forest, where this village now stands, except for 
 the mill, and a spot cleared for a house. In 1767, Elias 
 Elliot's mill was accepted by the proprietors. I have also 
 evidence that not far from the same time, a mill was erected 
 in the east part of the town, on the Ward place so called, 
 where Mr. Bennet now lives. 
 
 Now think how much the people must have suffered who
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 97 
 
 lived ten or fifteen years, where, if they raised any grain they 
 must carry it to Townsend or Pepperell, and sometimes even 
 to Groton, to have it made into meal ; and although they had 
 timber in abundance, they could not have a board, but it must 
 come from another town. Yet they submitted to these 
 inconveniences and hardships with cheerfulness, and perse- 
 vered in labor, till they had prepared for the comfort of 
 their children. 
 
 Not only did the men display courage, and resolution, and 
 public spirit, but I have been told by the women themselves, 
 that they have traveled, some two, and some three miles 
 through the woods, with nothing to direct their way but 
 marked trees, to carry dinner to their husbands, when work- 
 ing at the meeting house. I believe that some of my hearers 
 would think such a case a great hardship, if the case was 
 theirs. 
 
 But, however strong female fortitude may be in duty, where 
 none are exposed to danger but themselves, how must the 
 tender mother suffer, if her young children are absent a little 
 longer than was expected, or if out of sight when the light 
 of day departs where the wolves and other wild animals 
 are so numerous, that their noise in the night would break 
 those of their rest, who had toiled all day, and needed the 
 refreshment of sleep ? 
 
 Many of the early settlers reared up and left large families, 
 and their descendants are numerous in the town ; but some 
 of the families are almost extinct. Our fathers, where are 
 they ? Many of them lived to be old. But they are gone.* 
 
 As to natural curiosities, this town does not abound in 
 them. There are no very remarkable caverns, or precipices, 
 or streams ; and we all know that the face of the ground is 
 uneven, and the soil is stony. There is, however, in the deep 
 
 * A case I will here name as very uncommon and remarkable. Deacon Hall, of whom I have 
 spoken, built him a house in the early period of his settlement, and dwelt in it, with hig fam- 
 ily (which was not small) to his old age till it was no longer habitable, and never did an 
 instance of death occur in that house. Nevertheless, the builder, and I believe all that were 
 brought up in that house, have gone the way of the earth.
 
 98 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 hollow, cast of the old meeting house, (where by some con- 
 vulsion of nature the rocks are thrown together in wild con- 
 fusion,) a small cave, which those who have visited, have 
 thought worthy of a visit. The streams of water are small, 
 yet they afford some valuable mill sites, on which are now 
 eight saw-mills in operation part of the year, and six run of 
 stone for grinding grain. 
 
 In this place, I will name another fact, which may be con* 
 sidercd belonging to the history of the town. The hills were 
 favorite hunting grounds, and long before a grant of the town 
 was obtained, and for years after it began to be settled, the 
 hunters frequently kindled fires in the woods for the benefit 
 of their hunting. And if the hunters did not fire the woods, 
 some men from lower towns did, that young sprouts might 
 come up for young cattle to feed upon. By these means, 
 some parts of the town, especially Pole Hill, so called, rang- 
 ing south from the stone school house, was greatly injured, 
 while yielding grain to those who did not own the soil. And 
 some families in Groton used to make hay in the meadow, 
 near the centre, called Nose-meadow, where they had a camp, 
 and in the latter part of winter send up young cattle, and a 
 black man named Boad, to feed and tend them, until they 
 could get their living in the woods.* Here Boad used to 
 spend months alone, year after year, like Robinson Crusoe, 
 "sole monarch of all he surveyed." 
 
 The period to which-we have now arrived, was to this town 
 like that of youth, just blooming into manhood. They began 
 to think, and talk of being incorporated. They had a desire 
 to be like other towns; and yet had fears whether -equal to 
 take such a stand. This kind of trembling state of mind 
 appears from their votes at meetings, where the subject was 
 agitated. At a meeting called partly for this purpose, April, 
 1766, it was finally voted, not to be incorporated at present. 
 Thus it rested until January, 1768, and the meeting was 
 
 * Boad'i camp was but a few rods from the spot, on which Joel Ames' house now stands. 
 Thit Boad wu a ilave.
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 99 
 
 adjourned four weeks for consideration. At the adjournment 
 it was voted to be incorporated, " and that Lt. 0. Parker be 
 appointed to attend to the business, and get it accomplished 
 as soon as may be." 
 
 The next point to be settled, was the name by which the 
 town should be called. And at a meeting held June, 1768, it 
 was voted that the town be called Sharon. It does not appear 
 from any records I have seen, or from any tradition which has 
 reached me, why the name of Sharon was dropped, and the 
 name Mason adopted. There was, however, a report current 
 among the old people, that "a bell wa.s sent from England for 
 this town, as a present from the heirs of Mr. Mason," which, 
 if fact, will account for the name. It is also reported, that 
 by the knavery of the agent of Mr. Mason in Boston, the bell 
 was lost to the town that he sold the bell, and absconded 
 with this and other dishonest gains. And the bell on the 
 Old South in Boston, is said to be that bell. The next meet- 
 ing was warned in the name of the inhabitants of Mason ; 
 and the place was no longer known as Number 1. But 
 although they had assumed a rank among the towns in the 
 Province, they felt themselves, as a society, weak and feeble. 
 When the first tax was assessed under the corporation, there 
 were but seventy-six rateable polls, and probably not more 
 than fifty-six voters ; for young men between eighteen and 
 twenty-one years of age were rateable, and their rates 
 charged to fathers or masters. And for a number of years, 
 Brookline, then Raby, was classed with Mason to send a rep- 
 resentative to the General Court; and the meetings for 
 choice were held alternately at Brookline and Mason. 
 
 It will be necessary now to take some notice of the church, 
 in connection with the history of the town. At that time a 
 town was an incorporate religious, as well as civil society. 
 And all the inhabitants of a town belonged to that society, 
 except they united with, or formed another religious society, 
 according to law. The meeting house erected by the original 
 proprietors, was by them given to the town, and remained
 
 100 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 the only house for their religious assemblies, and other public 
 meetings, until the year 1790. It was an uncomfortable 
 place. In that house did your fathers worship j and uncom- 
 fortable as it was, seldom did a Sabbath pass, even in the 
 cold of winter, in which there was no meeting, after they had 
 a stated ministry. A good number of the oarly settlers were 
 members of the Congregational church, in the toAvns from 
 which they removed, but no church was formed in Mason, 
 until tho year 1772. at which time Mr. Jonathan Searle was 
 ordained their pastor. The church then consisted of twenty- 
 one members, twelve brethren and nine sisters, all of whom 
 are gone to their long home. When the church was gathered, 
 it was stated to be a Calvinistic church, and that their articles 
 of faith agree substantially with the principles of religion, 
 contained in the Shorter Catechism of the Assembly of 
 Divines. 
 
 Shortly after the settlement of Mr. Searle, unhappy diffi- 
 culties arose between the pastor and the flock, which eventu- 
 ated in his dismission, in nine years and three months after 
 his ordination. From that time Mr. Searle ceased to preach, 
 but continued in the town, and officiated as a civil magistrate, 
 to an advanced age. During his ministry, only fourteen were 
 admitted to the church by profession, and nine by letter, and 
 eleven owned the covenant, as it was called, according to the 
 practice of many churches in New England, in those days. 
 The last admitted by profession in Mr. Searle's ministy, was 
 in April, 1777, and but one more, and that by letter, until 
 1700. Here was a long death-like sleep! but one added to 
 the church in thirteen years. The sleep seems to have been 
 profound death-like indeed, until the year 1785, when a 
 great revival of religion, and of the work of God, com- 
 menced in New Ipswich, under the ministry of the venerable 
 Farrar a name venerated indeed by all who knew him. 
 The gracious work extended into other towns ; and this part 
 of the vineyard was remembered in mercy. Some few chris- 
 tians were awakened, and brought to apply themselves to
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 101 
 
 neglected duties ; and the people in Mason, especially the 
 young, flocked to the solemn meetings in New Ipswich, and 
 soon some were reproved of sin, became anxious for their 
 souls, and after a time, rejoiced in hope of pardoning mercy. 
 Such, however, was the state of the church in Mason, broken, 
 and dispirited, that the young candidates for the church were 
 led to seek admission to the church in New Ipswich, to which 
 they had become peculiarly attached by that acquaintance, 
 which their situation and intercourse had brought about; 
 and by that mutual love which new-born souls, who have 
 mourned, and wept, and prayed and rejoiced together, must 
 feel. Their request was granted, on condition that they 
 remove their relation whenever the church in Mason should 
 become in a settled state. In the year 1790, the resident 
 members of other churches removed their relation, and the 
 church was increased to thirty-six in number, and in the same 
 year, Nov. 3d, was the present pastor ordained, and constitu- 
 ted pastor of this church. In this long period of fifty-six 
 years, there have been precious seasons of revival. I will 
 mention some of those seasons. In 1802, the church was 
 increased by the addition of forty-four members in 1812, 
 added twenty-five in 1826 and 7, added eighty-six in 1834 
 and '35, added thirty-eight; and in 1841, added eighty-three. 
 The whole number of members, received by profession and 
 letter, is rising four hundred and fifty. 
 
 A Baptist church was embodied in this town, Oct. 28, 1786, 
 then consisting of seven members, three males and four 
 females. Additions were made by letter and profession to 
 this church in this and neighboring towns. About this time, 
 Mr. Wm. Elliot, an inhabitant of the town, commenced 
 preaching the gospel, and labored much in this and other 
 towns, as an evangelist, until in August, 1788, the church of 
 which he was a member, gave him a call to become their 
 pastor, which call he accepted, and was ordained by an eccle- 
 siastical council, on the 3d Wednesday in November, 1788. 
 For a time, the care of almost all the Baptist churches in the 
 14
 
 102 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 vicinity, came upon him. He raised up a numerous family, 
 and had two sons settled in the ministry. He lived to a 
 good old age, his last sickness was very distressing, which he 
 endured with patience, and died in the triumphs of faith, 
 June 14, 1830, aged 81 years. The church of which he was 
 pastor, is now merged in the Baptist church in Mason village. 
 
 In the month of May, in the year 1833, another church 
 and society was gathered and embodied in this town, consist- 
 ing at the time, of twenty-three members. This society 
 assume only the name of Christian. 
 
 Since the year 1790, there has been no inconsiderable 
 increase of inhabitants, and no little improvement in build- 
 ings, and other accommodations. The exact number of voters 
 in 1790, is not ascertained; but in 1768, we may calculate 
 about fifty-six, and in March, 1845, our check list told three 
 hundred and six legal voters. In the year 1790, when almost 
 the whole town undertook to build a meeting house, it was 
 with many discouragements and fears. They felt poor and 
 weak-handed for such an undertaking. The house was built 
 and remains the meeting house of the town. And now, besides 
 this, we have three meeting houses, and three religious socie- 
 ties, and probably each society equally able to build their 
 house, as was the first. 
 
 I can reckon up but one hundred and ten dwelling houses, 
 of every description, standing in the town in 1790. And at 
 that time, on all the ground which contains this flourishing 
 village, there were standing the first mill built here, one 
 dwelling house, built at two times, for the accommodation of 
 two families, and one barn.* Now we can count fifty-two 
 dwelling houses, three stores, one meeting house, three fac- 
 tory buildings one in full operation, carrying two thousand 
 four hundred and sixty-four spindles, in this village. 
 
 Compare the present state of the Columbian Factory, with 
 the one first built here, and it will give a fair view of the 
 advance of our country in manufactures, arts and commerec. 
 
 The widow Polly Hill now occupies the remaining part of the house.
 
 REV. EBENEZEB HILL. 103 
 
 The first Cotton Factory in Mason, commenced operation 
 in the year 1813, with one hundred spindles, in four small 
 frames, and was kept running night and day. At that time, 
 the price of cotton was from twenty-five to thirty cents 
 per pound, and the price of yarn, No. 16, was one dollar per 
 pound. In 1814 cotton was forty cents, and yarn one dollar 
 and sixteen cents per pound. At that time all the cotton 
 was picked by hand, in private families, and the cloth was 
 Wove in house looms ; and the price of shirting, was from 
 thirty to forty cents per yard. For constant market the cloth 
 must be sent in wagons to Albany. And at that time there 
 was no market here for farm produce. 
 
 At the time referred to, 1790, there were but four, and 
 those very poor, school houses in the town ; now there are 
 ten ; some of them may be called good. And not only is the 
 number of dwelling houses increased, but there is an advance 
 in elegance and convenience. At that time many of the 
 dwellings were miserably poor; and but one in all the town, 
 Mr. Parker's, had any paint on the outside, and that scarcely 
 perceptible by reason of age. And I can think of only three 
 rooms in all the town, then adorned with paper hangings. 
 
 Since those ancient days there have been great changes in 
 customs and fashions, and manner of living ; and many con- 
 veniences have been introduced; but whether on the whole 
 for the better, remains to be proved. At that period there 
 was not a chaise, or other wheel carriage for pleasure, in all 
 the town, (a light one horse wagon, for pleasure or business 
 is a modern invention,) neither was there one single sleigh. 
 To ride on horseback was fashionable for men and women ; 
 and could they have a single horse, this was traveling in style. 
 It was not uncommon for a man and woman to ride on the 
 same horse to meeting or a short journey, and carry one or 
 two children. Probably if I should tell some of my young 
 friends, that their mothers and grandmothers rode on a pillion 
 behind their husbands, they would have no idea of that easy 
 and commodious seat, a pillion. But, I have frequently seen
 
 104 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 a man and his wife ride together on a horse to meeting, on 
 the sabbath, after their united ages amounted to one hundred 
 and sixty-nine years. It was also not uncommon for families 
 to ride to meeting, or to make social visits, in the winter, on 
 sleds drawn by oxen, and they would chat and smile as cheer- 
 fully, as they now do in a stage and four or six. 
 
 And will you, my young friends, believe that your mothers 
 and grandmothers, and those who moved in the first grade of 
 society, were not ashamed to be seen in the religious assem- 
 bly, or in any company on other occasions, dressed in their 
 plain, decent, warm, home-made clothing, or at the most, in 
 the summer, in a chintz gown, and a white linen apron ? Such 
 was indeed the fact. And you may judge, whether they were 
 not more comfortable than they would have been in some mod- 
 ern dresses whether the change to costly elegance and finery 
 has been a real advance in the enjoyment of life. 
 
 In the early period of the settlement, it was often imprac- 
 ticable to keep the roads open in the winter, so as to pass 
 with a team or a horse from house to house, to meeting or 
 to mill. The people were not however confined at home, 
 through a long and dreary winter. Every family, and almost 
 every man was provided with a pair of snow shoes, otherwise 
 called rackets. (It would doubtless be as difficult at this day 
 to give our young men a correct idea of rackets, as to give 
 our young ladies a correct idea of a pillion.) With these 
 snow shoes they were enabled to walk on the snow, and after 
 passing a few times would have a good foot path from house 
 to house. And not unfrequently were they necessitated to 
 get up their wood, and carry their grain to mill, on hand sleds 
 drawn on these racket paths. And although horses could not 
 travel, you may not think the young ladies or their mothers 
 were confined at home, and must lose all the pleasures of 
 social visits, while the snow lay deep on the ground. They 
 too would put on the snow shoes, and travel off; and although 
 enduring a little more fatigue, they enjoyed their visits, it is
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 105 
 
 presumed, as well as do ladies at the present day, when wafted 
 over the snow with the music of bells. 
 
 Our ancestors were a hardy race, but they were sometimes 
 visited with sickness, and death entered their dwellings. For. 
 a long time they must have obtained all their medical aid 
 from other towns ; for there never was a resident Physician 
 in the town, until about 1790, when Dr. Joseph Gray and 
 Dr. William Barber established themselves permanently here. 
 Dr. Barber is yet living. Dr. Willis Johnson commenced 
 medical practice here in the year 1814. 
 
 The inhabitants were not so exactly on the peace establish- 
 ment as to have no litigation ; but they were necessitated to 
 seek legal advice and services from gentlemen of the bar in 
 other towns. For there never was a lawyer became an inhab- 
 itant of this town, until the late Samuel Whiting, Esq., opened 
 an office, and commenced residence about the year 1825. At 
 the time of my earliest acquaintance with the town, there 
 were, and there had never been, but two justices of the peace 
 in the place, Jonathan Searle and Benjamin Mann; they 
 remained the only magistrates in the town several years after 
 this. Esquire Mann held his office until he removed from the 
 town, and Esquire Searle held his until his death. Who was 
 the first Representative of the town in the General Court, as 
 it was then called, is not easily ascertained. But it appears 
 that as early as the year 1775, Amos Dakin was chosen by 
 the joint ballot of Raby and Mason, to represent them in a 
 Convention at Exeter in December; and likewise commis- 
 sioned to act in the Assembly, if requisite. This must have 
 been the time when Mr. Dakin traveled from Mason to Exe- 
 ter on snow shoes, because not practicable in any other way. 
 He may be considered the first Representative. The first 
 Grand Juror chosen was Thomas Tarbell, the first petit Juror 
 drawn was Zachariah Davis the year 1771. 
 
 The early inhabitants of the town of Mason were true sons 
 of liberty. When the difficulties between the mother country 
 and the Colonies, arose to such a pitch as to take away the
 
 106 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 hope of accommodation, they were ready to act with decision. 
 I have never heard of but one inhabitant of Mason, at that 
 time, who was unfriendly to the cause of the Colonies. Cap- 
 tain Samuel Tarbell was then considered a tory, as those were 
 called, who were disposed to espouse and maintain the cause 
 of the King and Parliament in all their oppressive acts against 
 the Colonies. He, after the war commenced, fled and took 
 refuge within the British lines. When it was apparent that 
 the Colonies must submit unconditionally, or, weak and feeble 
 as they were, must defend themselves against the mighty 
 power of Great Britain, these sons of the forest were by no 
 means behind any of their brethren, in making preparation 
 for defence, and in readiness to step forward and exert their 
 strength, when called to action. In the year 1774, meetings 
 of the town were frequent ; and it appears that there was 
 great unanimity in their resolves, which were all of the defen- 
 sive character. In this year they voted to purchase a town 
 stock of ammunition, and a quantity of arms. At the same 
 time, they entered into solemn covenant to suspend all com- 
 mercial intercourse with Great Britain, until her acts of Par- 
 liament leveled at the rights of the Colonies should be repeal- 
 ed, and the Port of Boston, which was then shut, should be 
 opened. This covenant was substantially the same, as was 
 entered into in the Colonies generally ; but the spirit of these 
 sons of liberty was seen in the closing up of the solemn cov- 
 enant, the last clause of which was in substance, that " all 
 who refused or neglected to come into this or a like agree- 
 ment, ought to be, and should by them be considered and 
 esteemed enemies to their country." Such a covenant was 
 not only voted in town meeting to be accepted, but a com- 
 mittee was appointed to see that the covenant be signed by 
 the inhabitants, and to take and report the names of all who 
 refused to .sign, This committee consisted of the following 
 persons : Amos Dakin, Samuel Brown, Joshua Davis, Nathan 
 Hall and James Wethee. Also, in 1775, a committee of 
 infection was appointed, to see that the resolves of the Con-
 
 EEV. EBENEZER HILL. 107 
 
 tinental Congress be duly observed. And to prepare for 
 comfortable subsistence as well as for defence, in town meet- 
 ing it was voted, in view of the increasing difficulty which 
 might be expected, of procuring such a necessary article as 
 salt, "that thirty hogsheads be purchased, while it could be 
 had, for the use of the town." 
 
 We have evidence also, that-the fathers of the present gen- 
 eration were not only brave and prudent in Resolves, but also 
 in action. 
 
 When tidings arrived in Mason, that the Regulars, i. e. the 
 British troops, had gone out from Boston, and proceeded as 
 far as Concord, and that blood was actually shed in Lexing- 
 ton and Concord, the men dropped their tools, and with all 
 possible speed, hastened to the spot, where blood had flowed. 
 And I have been informed that the training soldiers, on this 
 occasion, ready to avenge the blood of their slaughtered 
 countrymen, marched under officers, who held their commis- 
 sion from the King, whose troops they were willing to 
 engage, without thinking of any impropriety. New Hamp- 
 shire troops were distinguished in the war. And as far as 
 can be judged at this time from town records and tradition, 
 Mason bore its full proportion, with other towns, in sufferings 
 and effective labor. 
 
 I wish I could give you the names of all the Mason men, 
 who were with the gallant Stark in the battle of Bennington. 
 Many of the young men of the town spent their best days in 
 the army. Some of the elderly men were found in the 
 tented field ; but many of the soldiers entered the service of 
 their country in their very boyhood, not by compulsion, but 
 by voluntary enlistment, and continued in the service, until 
 the independence of the country was acknowledged, and 
 peace spread her blessings over the land. A few, and but a 
 few of them all, survive to the present day. 
 
 The names of most of the early settlers in the town, are 
 handed down in their posterity. A few families have lost 
 their name, yet the greater part of the present inhabitants,
 
 108 MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 are descendants of those who cleared the forests for them. 
 Who will be ashamed of such ancestors ? We pretend not 
 that they were faultless ; but let their descendants emulate 
 their virtues, and avoid their errors and faults, as far as they 
 are known, and Mason will be a happy spot in our favored 
 land. 
 
 Your attention is now called to another subject, which 
 makes a part of the history of the town, yet of a different 
 character from that which we have been contemplating. 
 
 Health is said to be the greatest of temporal blessings. 
 Of this we have been favored with, at least, a common share 
 with other towns around ; and we can tell of many instances 
 of longevity. In the course of the forty last years, there 
 have died in this town fifty-seven between eighty and ninety 
 years old, fourteen between ninety and one hundred. One 
 man, Jonathan Foster, exceeded one hundred years, and 
 another, Oliver Eliott, one hundred and two and one-half. It 
 may be well to note in a passing remark, that these two old 
 men were very temperate in the use of intoxicating drinks, 
 for the age in which they lived, and their common food was 
 of the plainest kinds. 
 
 But notwithstanding the acknowledged healthiness of the 
 place, and many instances of longevity, we have had seasons 
 of calamity, in which mortal sickness has prevailed. We 
 have had two seasons in which angina maligna, or throat 
 
 o O ' 
 
 distemper, or canker rash, so called, has spread terror and 
 dismay over the place, and carried many of the young children 
 and blooming youth, to an early grave. In the year 1810, 
 this dreadful distemper made its appearance, in the last of 
 March, or beginning of April, and continued to spread dismay, 
 until the month of August. In this short period many fami- 
 lies felt the scourge, and death cut off twelve children, all but 
 two, under the age of five years. Again, in the years 1818 
 and 1819, the same dreadful disease was epidemic in the 
 town, and many of the children and youth fell before this 
 destroyer. These years were the years of the greatest mor-
 
 REV. EBENEZEB HILL. 109 
 
 tality ever known in the town ; in one 34, in the other 31 deaths, 
 65 in two years. In the reign of this malignant disease, 
 but one aged person fell before the shaft of death, while 
 40 were cut down under the age of eighteen. "With respect 
 to the visitation of this malignant distemper at this time, it 
 is to be remarked, it began in the South East part of the 
 town, in the family of Darius Hudson, in a small house stand- 
 ing on an highly elevated spot, not near any other building; 
 this was about the middle of September, 1818 ; and it continued 
 to rage until the beginning of August, 1819. It is noted, it 
 began in the South East part of the town. By this, you will 
 understand, that we have no knowledge that the sickness 
 existed at that time, in any neighboring town, and certainly 
 it was not in any other house at this time. Its first appear- 
 ance was in its most malignant form. In the short space of 
 eight days, three out of seven children died in the first visited 
 family. The disease did not spread in the nearest families. 
 This did not appear to be a radiating point, from which 
 contagion should issue forth in all directions. Instead of 
 that, its next appearance was at a good distance, at least a 
 mile to the North East, where there had been no communica- 
 tion between the families. And the third case was in the 
 extreme South part of the town. And thus it extended from 
 East to West, from North to South, to every part of the 
 town. Neither was it always the case, that all the children 
 of the same family, or who lived in the same house, where 
 the sickness was, had it. And not only, as in the first 
 instance, but in other instances, those had the disease, who 
 had not been exposed to catch it, as they say, by coming in 
 contact with the diseased, or entering infected places. 
 
 Here I will name one extraordinary case, and leave it 
 without comment. 
 
 There was a little girl in a family in the South side of the 
 
 town, somewhat remote from neighbors, who was the only 
 
 child in the house. She was an adopted daughter j and the 
 
 foster mother had such forebodings of death, should the 
 
 15
 
 Ill) MEMOIR OF THE 
 
 disease attack her child, and such apprehensions of danger 
 from exposure, that from the first knowledge she had of the 
 existence of the disease in the town, she restricted her child 
 to the house, and suffered no child from abroad to enter her 
 doors. This secluded child fell sick of this frightful disease, 
 and died. 
 
 In conclusion of this point of interesting history, I state 
 that in the space of the last forty-six years, there have been 
 removed from this town from their houses, and fields, and 
 possessions, to the narrow home appointed for all the living, 
 a number, little, if any short of eight hundred and thirty. 
 What a congregation this would make ! more than half the 
 number of the present inhabitants. Looking at the past, 
 what changes may be expected in the future ? It is believed 
 that there are but two living, on earth, who were members of 
 the Congregational church, in this town, in the year 1790, 
 (LydiaWilson and PollyDunster,) and but two who were at that 
 time at the head of a family, (widow Withington and James 
 Wethec.) how often have we all been admonished to prepare 
 for death, and for that judgment which is after death. Death 
 doth not select his victims among the aged, but often levels 
 his arrow at the fairest blooming youth. Let such another 
 period, as we arc contemplating, pass away, and few, if any, 
 of the present active inhabitants of this town, will be on 
 earth. 
 
 Be not offended, then, with one who has passed the greater 
 part of his short life with you, and whose glass of life is just 
 run out, who would affectionately entreat you to consider 
 your latter end would direct your attention to the end of 
 time, and to your present preparation to die. remember, 
 Christ in you is the hope of glory, and the only hope that 
 will not fail. Look away to the Lamb of God, as the only 
 savior of sinners go to him as sinners go without delay. 
 Or if you have already made Christ all your salvation, let 
 him have your heart let him have your life, and then when 
 you shall have done with all things here below, you will not
 
 REV. EBENEZEB HILL. Ill 
 
 only rest from all your labors in the peaceful grave, but you 
 will live in the full enjoyment of the love and favor of Christ, 
 forever and ever. Your friend prays that your future history, 
 may be pleasantly instructive to all who come after you ; and 
 may your last end be peace.
 
 112 MEMOIR OP THE 
 
 LIST OF PUBLISHED DISCOURSES. 
 
 The following list includes, it is believed, all the published 
 discourses of Mr. Hill. 
 
 1. A sermon delivered at Mason, April 11, 1803, at the 
 funeral of Miss Persis Lawrence, daughter of Mr. Stephen 
 Lawrence, aged 23 years. Text Eccl. 8 : 8. Printed at 
 Amherst, by Joseph Gushing. 
 
 2. A sermon delivered at Mason, March 22, 1805, at the 
 funeral of Miss Hannah Lawrence, daughter of Stephen Law- 
 rence, Esq. Aged 26 years. Text, Psalm 90 : 12. Printed 
 at Ainherst, by Joseph Gushing. 
 
 3. A sermon delivered at Mason, July 18, 1805, at the 
 funeral of Mr. Luther Lawrence, son of Stephen Lawrence, 
 Esq., aged twenty years. Text 1 Cor. 15 : 21. Printed at 
 Amhcrst, by Joseph Gushing. 
 
 4. A sermon delivered at New Ipswich, June 3d, 1811, at 
 the funeral of Miss Ruthy Bachelder. Text, Psalm 88 : 7, 8, 
 18. 
 
 5. A sermon delivered at New Ipswich, August 6th, 1811 r 
 at the funeral of William Kimball Bachelder. Text, Eccl. 
 9 : 12; with an appendix, containing a sketch of the life of 
 Miss Bachelder, and extracts from her letters and papers. 
 Printed at Boston, by Munroe and Francis. Sermons and 
 appendix, pp. 48. 
 
 6. A sermon delivered at New Ipswich, September 22, 
 1815, at the funeral of Miss Clarissa Davis. Text, Eccl. 9 : 
 4; with an appendix, containing extracts from her diary and 
 letters, by the Rev. Richard Hall. Printed at Boston, by 
 Samuel T. Armstrong.
 
 REV. EBENEZER HILL. 113 
 
 7. A sermon delivered at Mason, May 16th, 1817, at the 
 funeral of Mrs. Mary Blodgett, wife of John Blodgett, Esq. 
 who was instantly killed by being thrown from a wagon. 
 Text, Ezekiel 24 : 18. Printed at Amherst, by Richard 
 Boylston. 
 
 8. A sermon delivered at Brookline, November 27th 
 1817, at the interment of the remains of the Rev. Lemuel 
 Wadsworth, pastor of the Congregational church in that 
 place. Text, 2 Cor. 5 : 1. Printed at Amherst, by Richard 
 Boylston. 
 
 9. A sermon delivered at Mason, August 28th, 1826, at 
 the funeral of Joseph Addison Robbins, son of Joseph B. 
 Robbins and Hannah his wife. Text, Jer. 9 : 21. Printed 
 at New Ipswich, by Salmon Wilder. 
 
 10. A funeral sermon delivered at Mason, on Lord's Day, 
 December 10th, 1826, occasioned by the death of Capt. 
 Hiram Smith, who deceased December 6th, 1826, aged twenty- 
 five years. Text, Job 21 : 23 26. Printed at Amherst, at 
 the Cabinet press. 
 
 11. A sermon delivered at Mason, at the house of James 
 TVood, Esq., November 4th, 1835, being on the completing of 
 his eightieth year. Text, Psalm 90 : 9 12. New Ipswich, 
 printed at the News Gatherers's office. 
 
 12. A sermon preached at Ashby, at the house of Mr. 
 Jacob Cowdry, on the birth day of Mrs. Tabitha Pearson, 
 who then completed the one hundredth year of her age. 
 Text, 2 Sam. 19 : 34, 35, 37. Amherst, printed by Richard 
 Boylston. 
 
 13. The substance of two lectures on the History of 
 Mason, delivered before the Lyceum in Mason village, Febru- 
 ary, 1846. Printed at Fitchburg, by W. J. Merriam. 
 
 These, with some contributions to the Medical and Agri- 
 cultural Register, a periodical conducted by Dr. Daniel 
 Adams, and some occasional communications to the Farmer's 
 Cabinet, a newspaper published at Amherst, N. H., comprise 
 all his printed works, so far as is known at this time.
 
 la a family monument of native granite, erected in the old 
 grave yard, is inserted a marble tablet, with an inscription, 
 of which the following is a copy : 
 
 HIS CHURCH AND PEOPLE DEVOTE THIS 
 TABLET TO THE MEMORY OF THE 
 
 REV, EBENEZER HILL, 
 
 BORN IN CAMBRIDGE, JAN. 31, 1766. 
 GRADUATED AT HARVARD COLLEGE, 1786. 
 
 ORDAINED PASTOR OF THE CHURCH, 
 AND MINISTER OF THE TOWN OF MASON, 
 NOVEMBER 3, 1790. 
 
 DIED MAY 20, 1854, IN THE 89th YEAR OF HIS 
 AGE, AND THE 64th OF HIS MINISTRY. 
 
 A FAITHFUL SERVANT, HE DEVOTED HIS 
 TIME AND STRENGTH TO THE WORK OF HIS 
 LORD AND MASTER; READY AT ALL TIMES 
 TO DIRECT THE ENQUIRING, TO CHEER THE 
 DOUBTING, TO WARN THE SINFUL, TO VISIT THE 
 SICK AND AFFLICTED, AND OFFER TO THEM 
 THE COMFORT AND SUPPORT OF RELIGION; 
 AFTER A LONG LIFE OF USEFULNESS, HE 
 DEPARTED IN PEACE, HUMBLY TRUSTING TO 
 RECEIVE THE WELCOME MESSAGE, WELL DONE 
 GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT, ENTER THOU 
 INTO THE JOY OF THY LORD.
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 
 Los Angeles 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 Form L'J-50wi-4,'61(B8994s4)444
 
 M38H5 Memoir of the 
 Rev. Ebene7.er 
 
 A 00133750C 
 
 
 
 Hill 
 
 F 
 
 Wi 
 
 M38H5