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2015BIOGRAPHICAL, SKETCH

OF

DEACON STEPHEN BINGHAM.



4^

HARTFORD:

P. B. GLEASON & CO....PRINTERS.BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH, &c.

Died, at Andover, in the town of Hebron, February 19, Dea-
con Stephen Bingham, aged 94. He was born at Windham,
November 30, O. S. 1740. At an early period of his protracted
life, he is supposed to have become a subject of the renewing
grace of God. He united with the church in Andover during
the ministry of their first pastor, the Rev. Dr. Lockwood, and
was chosen to the office of deacon in 1800. He performed reg-
ularly and acceptably the duties of that office, till he was about
90 years of age.

He bore, in visible and happy union, the characteristics named
by the Apostle : being " sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith,,
in charity, in patience." That which is proverbially rare, was
to a good degree found in him—" a faithful man." He was at-
tentive alike to the devotional, and the moral duties of religion.
Whilst it was evident to his most intimata acquaintance that he
" walked with God," his conduct was exemplary in all the social
relations and intercourse of life. As a husband and a father he
was affectionate ; and endeavored to rule his house for God, and
the good of his family.* The domestic altar was seasonably
reared ; and the sacred fire upon it was kept burning, while life
lasted.

All will accord to Dea. B. the reputation of the strictest hon-
esty. He seemed remarkably observant of the plain and com-
prehensive rule of righteousness given by our Saviour. When
making the purchase of an article, he was never heard to say—
" it is noughtand afterwards to boast of the advantage he had
gained. He was a man whose sincerity none could question.
He was characterized by the utmost plainness, simplicity, and
frankness. He wore no disguise. His courtesy was unstudied
and cordial. He paid no flattering compliments, and made no

* Dea. B. was successively the husband of two wives. During his first mat-
rimonial connexion, he became the father of seven sons, and three daughters.
Five only of his children survive him, though they all reached mature age.
The eldest of his sons became a minister of the Gospel.4

hypocritical professions of friendship: yet, hardly by any one
could he be regarded otherwise, than as a friend.

He was eminently " a lover of good men," and " a companion
of all them that feared the Lord." He had a heart of Christian
sympathy for the weak, the tempted, the poor, the afflicted, be-
longing to the household of faith. He was peculiarly kind and
attentive to all the lambs of Christ's flock. Without relinquish-
ing his denominational attachment, he embraced with the warmth
of Christian affection the humble and devoted followers of the
Lord Jesus, of whatever sect.

Beholding transgressors, he " was grieved." With the great-
est plainness, though without harshness or irritation, the " works
of darkness" were by him reproved. Strict in his observance of
the Sabbath, uniform and punctual in his attendance at the house
of God, and a conscientious and liberal supporter of the institu-
tions of the Gospel—such persons of his acquaintance as were
regardless of these and like duties, or negligent in their perfor-
mance, were wont to receive from him an affectionate and faith-
ful rebuke. Whether his admonitions were heeded, or not, it is
believed the subjects of them seldom failed of having a convic-
tion that they were given with a benevolent and pious intention:
so that the testimony of their consciences was both favorable to
him, and honorable to religion.

In the active period of his life, which continued to the age of
at least four-score, he was " a man diligent in his business."
He added to this, what is essential to render it approved, " fer-
vency of spirit in serving the Lord." Whatever was the busi-
ness in hand, he did it with all his might. His active energy was
proverbial. In his private and ordinary concerns, it might easi-
ly be mistaken for world!ines. But, distinguished as he certainly
was, for patient industry and wise economy, it was not from a
desire to hoard up treasure upon earth. This was evident from
the use which he made of property. In part, it may have been
the result of constitutional ardor, and early education. It is,
however, no more than just to conclude, that he acted in this res-
pect upon sound Christian principle. Surely, had he not " gui-
ded his affairs with discretion," he could not have dispersed as
he did and given to th$ poor, and contributed to public and be-
nevolent objects, consistently with providing as he ought for his
numerous household. He proved by experiment the truth of
our Saviour's declaration, which many of his professed follow-
ers seem slow to credit; that " it is more blessed to give than to
receive." He gave as the Lord blessed him ; and whilst water-
ing others, he was himself abundantly watered. He scattered,
and yet increased. His character presented a striking contrast
to that of the churlish man, who thinks not either of devising or
executing plans of benevolence ; and who is ingenious to invent5

excuses for withholding or stinting contributions, even when so-
licited to aid the most approved objects of charity. He, on the
contrary, was the " cheerful giver" whom " the Lord loveth."
He was " ready to distribute, willing to communicate." He was
not lavish of his bounty: he bestowed it where he judged it
would do substantial good. With an appropriateness which is
uncommon in the sphere of private life, this language of Job
might be attributed to him, " I delivered the poor that cried, and
the fatherless, and him that had no helper, and I caused the
widow's heart to sing for joy."

It has been observed with much regret, that the long-cherished
sentiments and habits of the aged, in regard to the moderate use
of spiritous liquors, have extensively prevented their affording
the important testimony of their approbation to efforts in the
cause of temperance, on the only practical and efficient principle
of reformation, namely, that of entire abstinence. The vene-
rated father in the church, who is the subject of this brief me-
moir, furnished an honorable exception. Without solicitation,
he of his own accord expressed a desire to have his name enroll-
ed among the members of the Temperance Society, when he
was about 90 years of age.

His talents, natural and acquired, though respectable, did not
distinguish him among his compeers. In occupying the talents
with which the Lord blessed him, he exhibited an unusual meas-
ure of fidelity.

As long as he had strength, he ever showed a readiness to ful-
fil the duty of his office, as a helper of the ministry. He did not
leave it for the pastor alone, to visit the sick and the fatherless
and widows in their affliction. He took much pains to ascertain
their wants, and minister to their comfort. Through a long suc-
cession of years, he exerted a highly benign influence upon the
rising generation by the visitation of schools. With a becoming
deference to the views of his pastor, he co-operated zealously
in all approved measures to advance the interests of Christ's
kingdom and promote the salvation of men. When the " ways
of Zion mourned," he wept and prayed: when Zion was built
up and sinners converted, he shared in the joy of angels and the
songs of the redeemed on earth and in heaven.

When, a few years since, the little flock to which he belonged
were destitute of a pastor, it was owing to his strenuous exer-
tions, under God, that, they were not scattered, and that public
worship was regularly maintained. He then expressed it as the
consummation of his earthly wishes, that he might live to see
another pastor settled over them. In that trying conjuncture,
when the church was overshadowed with a portentous cloud, he
united with other firm friends of the Society, in making a libe-
ral benefaction, to constitute a permanent fund, for the support(>

of a Calvinistic and evangelical ministry. In connexion with
this spirited and noble effort, which was remarkably succeeded
by the Divine blessing, a pastor was installed. After the instal-
lation, he said it was still his desire to live, if it might please
the Lord to spare him, to see a revival of religion. This pious
desire of his heart was also granted. He not only lived, but
bore some active part, amid the solemn and joyous scenes pro-
duced by the descent of the Spirit, like a heavenly dew upon
the congregation. The good work was in silent progress during
more than a year. A considerable number, most of them youth,
\vere added to the church, of such as it is believed will be saved.
The season, to Dea. B., as well as many others, was memorable
and precious.

In the spirit of prayer and Christian enterprise for,the evan-
gelizing of the world, awakened at this period, he largely shared.
He was heard to say often, " I think a great deal about the hea-
then." His eye kindled up with peculiar animation, whenever
he read or heard favorable intelligence from any of the mission-
ary stations. He sympathized deeply w7ith all the self-denying
Missionaries of Jesus, in their privations, labors, sufferings, and
success. Do not very many of his brethren in the churches, in
this respect, stand reproved ? He spoke in terms of admiration
and gratitude, of the wonderful work which the Lord is doing
in these latter days, and in which he calls all his people to co-
operate, for the promised and approaching conversion of the
nations.

In his last days, he seemed to live, pre-eminently, beneath the
cheering beams of " the Sun of Righteousness." In his general
demeanor, so far as known by the writer, he was equally re-
moved from levity and gloom. His piety was rendered serious,
by a living faith in the great realities of eternity; amiable and
inviting, by habitual cheerfulness. In his religious feelings there
was a beautiful consistency and uniformity. He was accustom-
ed to look at objects on " the bright side"—the side illumined by
the character, word, and government of God. To do so, is
conceived to be at once the duty and happiness of a Christian.
He was constantly filled with admiration of the goodness of God
toward him. To attend upon him was rendered often, not only
agreeable, but delightful, by the gratitude which he expressed
for every little kindness; and by the serenity, and even heaven-
liness of his frame of mind. He noticed particularly all the fa-
vorable circumstances of his situation, and the orderings of Di-
vine Providence ; and seemed to want every one to help him
praise the Lord.

Truly, he lived to " a good old age ;" and " the hoary head"
was to him " a crown of glory." But the longest life must end.
It remains to notice a few circumstances near its close.7

One of his sons, esteemed on many accounts a very valuable
man, and living his nearest neighbor, died after a short sickness,
in June last. The old gentleman, bowed down under the weight
of years and unexpected affliction, attended the funeral: also,
public worship, on the next Lord's day. That impressive occa-
sion was the last on which he occupied a seat in the earthly sanc-
tuary, soon to be made a pillar in the heavenly temple.

His strength declined imperceptibly through the summer, and
autumn. After the cold of unparalleled severity in January last,
it became evident that the Lord was letting him down gently to
the grave. At this period, his aged consort was taken ill, and
shortly after died. That she was continued to him so long, as a
help and solace, he regarded as a distinguished manifestation of
the Lord's goodness. He survived her only three weeks. There
was no indication of disease preying upon him. His strength
was wasted by the gradual decay of nature.

The following is given as a specimen of his latest conversation:
—Does it not afford you pleasure to reflect how much good you
have done ? " I don't think much of it." Probably you think
more of the Saviour. " A great deal more—I think much of
him." Is Christ precious to you? " Very precious—the past
year I have had quite an unusual sense of his sufferings for me—
I have no other hope." The prospective pains of dissolution
being mentioned, he replied : " I don't feel much anxiety about
what /may suffer—lam more concerned about th e heathen"
He then spoke with great interest and animation of the introduc-
tion of Christianity into the empire of China; and desired to re-
ceive intelligence of the advancement of Christ's kingdom.

He expressed much solicitude in regard to prayerless house-
holds: especially those of professors. Speaking, on one occa-
sion in general terms, he said : " I feel distressed in regard to
those who don't pray—What could I do if I had no God to go
to ? How can they live so ? Do try to wake them up—won't
you ?" He left this short message for the church: " I want they
should every one strive to do all the good in their power." Said
one to him : " Well, Deacon, I suppose you are looking right into
heaven ?" << I shouldn't, said he, were it not for what Christ has
done—He is all my dependence."

He conversed with his pastor less than an hour before he ex-
pired. He seemed perfectly tranquil, and expressed inward
peace. Immediately after being removed from his chair where
he had been sitting a considerable time, and being laid upon his
bed, he ceased to breathe. Apparently he experienced no more
of " the pains of death," than if, like Enoch, he had been trans-
lated : so sweetly did he fall asleep in Jesus.

In him was found clearly, an illustration of the truth, that
" The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more8

and more unto the perfect day." Again, that was exemplified
in him which is written—" The righteous shall flourish like the
palm tree ; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon:—they shall
still bring forth fruit in old age." That there were foibles and
sinful imperfection attached to him, demanding daily application
to the blood of Christ for pardon and cleansing, the writer en-
tertains no doubt: though he feels himself neither called upon
nor qualified to point them out to his readers. The defects or
blemishes in his Christian character, were best known to himself,
and his heart-searching Judge. There is but one perfect model
for our imitation. Still, to the praise of redeeming grace, there
are many others bearing such traits of resemblance to that model,
and in circumstances so analogous to our own, that they may be
contemplated with pleasure and spiritual advantage. For this,
as the principal reason, the above sketch is given: that all who
take the trouble of its perusal, may be impressed with the al-
ways seasonable admonition-^" Be not slothful, but followers of
them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."—
" The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." / / ;{ ,This book is a preservation facsimile produced for
the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
It is made in compliance with copyright law
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Preservation facsimile printing and binding
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