The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1847-01-06
A DONATION PARTY.

Mr. EDITOR The commencement of New Year
is solemn era in life Around its opening hours clus-
ter the prospects and hopes of the rich and poor the
learned and Ignorant of the good and vicious Though
time IS constantly changing the occupations and
tons of ALL still il is pleasing thought that Creation
sleeps and acts under and tie same ruling Power
But new orcbly were we reminded of this fact
than when visiting the Rev. B niamn Wood Pastor of
theCongregational Church. on New Years day. Though
an anticipated visit, lis realization not Ike some
others-a mere vain deluSon but truly ennoblng ana
impressive. To explain its object, lei us take retro
spectlve view OF the memorable occasion last June when
Mr.. Wood preached his half century sermonan occa-
sion OF deep interest and novel occurrence and one
winch made lasting impression upon the mind OF every
bearer. His friends were deSrous that such long and
faithful services should receive worthy testimonial
OF their respect and gratitude TO effect this purpose
IN the most suitable and social manner Donation Party
was proposed, and met the appro laton OF ALL The
tiendS ssembled at his residence and we're most cor
daily welcomed. Every seemed pleased aud en-
gagged on some important mission; called thllher by
ieelng OF mingled duty and pleasure they presented
ndppy company, while waiting one whom thew moi
only respected, bu' loved We have met friends in the
brilliant having room, where the mrh and merrimen,
OF the young and old united in one common voceraton
-wnere the keenest minds we're tested to elicit copious
eUuSions OF wit and pleasantly but how insignificant the
excitement in comparison with that which relened 81.
prene IN the hearts OF all on this occasion Here we're
near heighbos Who perhaps for years had not left the
pursuits OF life for the noise of the cir
Gle, entertaining themselves with the free exchange of
thought and seeming 10 be highly delighted to meet each
9th r But while they enjoyed themselves they did moi
forget the real object OF the visit. They approached
theIr venerable Pastor only with open hearts but open
hands; and, IT presents serve, in any manner to
represent the feelings OF respect OF love and OF gratitude
entertained by Society towards their pastor surely Mr.
Wood has much reason to believe, that he lives in the
affection OF his people, AID Will die receive the bless.
fngs OF heaven To the various presents We
should nave to describe the of the bank the
jeweer, the merchant, the mechanic and the tanner
ana those always acceptable offerings wrought ~ the
hands Of the Ladies'
Mr. Wood, though not enjoying his usual health adj
dressed hem IN tie most touching and impressive Ian
guage He felt deeply the ample expression OF ,heir af
fecoD and hoped all would receive in return the hIph-
esi blessings oil b aven. Would that more could have
enjoyed the common pleasures end congratulations that
prevailed ihroughouttle afternoon auJ evening The
whole scene was solemn aud affecting and would have
termed noble theme for the poets pen or the painters
pencil day will long be halIowed in our hearts
ana lei rs never furget the critical situation which a
minister occupies IN sociey-fof while he is presentnp
the world with The result OF his profonnI nveslie a,ion
they may prove pemeous to friendship but never 10 the
more exalted impulse ofhe soul Ifhe evinces uphouud
Ell goodness in conduct and feeling he is louked unon
as beng almost divlne-the good bless him with their
prayers, and the bad praise INN by their but
IS ms own devotion and purity that heghtei the happ
ness OF ms spiritual natue. The highest respec and
Veneration must ever he fell towards Mr. Wood and The
late visit will teach him find content in the promises of
GOD and the affections Of his people. Whenever he
views The Church he bath reared his soul must be- clad
oehed and long after the agent himself Withdrawn
tom human sight. his memory win be cherished and hs
abos felt more powerfully ban the pen can describe OF
conseeraied column express s
Upton, Jan. 2, I847