Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-12-22

TO oficiate, about the. sixtieth year Of his min
istry, the publick exercises Of the sabbath
were suspended only seven Sundays, on &C
count OF his indisposition, or in consequence Of
his absence in journeying.
ut. summers method in preaching was e.
evangelical; he dwelt not on controversy, but,
well instructed in the essential truths OF reve-
-latIon, he kept back nothing that was profta-
BILE to the people of his charge. He made
himself acquainted with the families and in
dividuals of his parish, learned their views and
feelings, and adapted his discourses to their
respective ages and conditions. He piousIy
observed the dispensations of Providence, and
from these drew lessons of wisdom for his peo-
pie. tie was catholic, discountenanced an
exclusive spirit, and was always disposed to
hold fellowship with those who made it mani
fest that they loved the Lord Jesus Christ in sim
cerl'y and truth. Hisprayers were appropriate
and ferYent, and piety appeared 10 dwell in
his heart as sentiment. He ever cared for
the welfare of his Pensioners. He rejoiced
at their prosperity, and was in sorrow when
they were afflicted. He was at the bed Of
sickness, tenderly to direct the minds of the
careless to the moral purpose of chastisement,
to encourage the penitent, to invigorate the
spirits OF those who were ready to despond,
and to support the dying Christian by the hope
OF blessed Immortality through Jesus Christ.
The bereaved family heard from him the
soothing voice of sympathy, and mourners
were comforted by the consultations of the Cos
pei. a....
" But it was not in the walks of private life,
nor in the Offices of parish minister alone that
Dr. Sumner was known and esteemed. He
rose to public distinction, and was often CALL
ed to give advice and counsel where con-
troverses and divisions existed in churches
His influence in every association was saluta-
ry. An advocate for Christian liberty, and
supporting the Protestant principle of the suf-
ficiency of Scripture, he endeavoured to pro-
mote the true interests OF the Church, by in
spring Christian brethren with unity of spirit,
and binding them together in the bonds Of
peace.
''The last days of our venerable friend were
favourable. His decline was gradual, and
was not attended with great suffering. He
brought forth fruit in old age. In him patience
had its perfect work. His equanimity never
failed; and though confessing consciousness
of weakness and in6rmity, he expressed con-
idence in Divine mercy, and an unwavering
hope of acceptance at the judgment-seat OF
Christ. "My work" he observed, I" is done !;
the grave is ready for me, and trust am
ready for the grave" In this disposition he
gave up the ghost, and was gathered to his
people December 9, 1924, in the sixty-third
year of his ministry, and at the close Of the
eighty-ifth of his life.''
N. B.-The Church in Shrewsbury was
gathered, and their first Minister, Rev. Mr..
Gushing, ordained December, 1928. The
ministry o. Mr.. Gushing and DR.. Sumner filed
the period of one hundred and one years.
Only one man survived Dr. Sumner of those
who invited him to become their Minister
Two Collegiate Pastors, who were indicted
into office after DIR. Sumner was incapacitated
by age, were removed Ivy death, when their
united official labours completed one year,
viz.-Rev. Samuel B. Ingersoll, who was Or
dained June IA, 1920, and officiated subse-
quently but one sabbath; and Rev. Edwards
Whipple, installed September 90, 1921, whose
official course wanted one sabbath TO complete
a year.
Sir 81 all