A Collection of American Epitaphs and Inscriptions, with Occasional Notes (Volume 4)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1814 Excerpt: ... the then fluctuating state of our curreney, required his dismission from his people in Beverly. Accordingly, his pastoral relation to that society was amicably dissolved in the year, 1780. Soon after this event, he began his occasional services in this place; which were renewed, during several intervals of leisure from his duty in the camp; till, on the first day of October, 1783, he was installed to the pastoral office in this christian church and society. In this office he continued his useful energies for more, than nineteen years. His exertions among you were constantly directed to valuable objects. They were tenderly and earnestly pointed to the good education of children and youth. He composed, published at his own expense, and gratuitously distributed a book of catechetical instructions, and forms of devotion, suited to the first openings of the infant mind. By these helps, and by frequent addresses in the way of catechizing, he laboured to instil early and deep impressions of christian doctrine and duty. He likewise early projected and efficiently promoted the establishment of publick, or free schools, in which the children of the poor, as well as the opulent, mightenjoy competent meansof instruction. Though this establishment has not gone into extensive operation in your state, it has been adopted in thui tow n with a degree of wisdom, ardour, and success, which reflects great honour on its patrons, and promises a rich harvest of good fruit to the present and future ages. To insure this harvest your late minisler frequently visited the schools in this place, and suggested hints of advice and animation, which tended, at once, to assist and enliven the efforts of the instructors, and to rouse the laudable emulation of the pupils. To promote the same...