Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1869-09-14
Nathaniel Emmons, D. D.

Among my earliest recollecti0ns is that
of my fathers going days journey to at
tend the funeral of this distinguished di-
vine.
DIR. Emmons was born in East Haddam,
Conn, April 20, l745, and he died in
Franklin, Mass, September, %, 1910, aged
95 years. He graduated at Yale College
and pursued his theological studies with
Rev. Nathan Strong Of Coventry, Conn,
and DIR. John Smalley Of Berlin, Conn. In
the year 1773-April 21st-Dr. Emmons
was ordained pastor ofthe Congregational
church in Franklin, Mass
Asa close thinker and student, he afford
cd an example which has seldom been
equaled SO much was he employed in his
study, that he could not recognize his own
cattle by sight and he had very little care
about his own pccuniary affairs. His hab-
it, were early formed, and closely adhered
TO. even his attire to the last consisted of a
three cornercd hat, small clothes, with
shoes and buckles. But his studous life
was not without profit to himself, his pco-
ple and the christian world. He darcd TO
preach and he logically Proced that there is
no such thing as holiness or sinfulness, cx-
cept in the exercise Of the voluntary ahcc-
tions so that there is no depravity. except
in voluntary disobedience. Heheld strong
ly the doctrine Of the divine sovereignty,
likewise that every moral act is atthc same
time perfectly free and voluntary on the
part Of man.
DR.. Emmons has been called rigid, but
he had a wonderful hold on the hearts of
his people Ills charge was blessed with
three marked revivals of religion under his
ministry, and in his church was no such
declcnsion as has sometime, followed reyi-
walls Of religion. He guided the studies Of
some eighty-scyen theological students, and
theyproved almost without exception acccp-
table preachers and successful in their
labors.
DR.. Benjamin Franklin once presented
the town of franklin, where he wa, settled,
a generous and valuable selection Of books.
On the reception of DR.. Franklin's dona-
ton in the year 1856, DR.. Emmons preach
ed a sermon which William Cowpcr, the
christian poet, declared to be in his iudg-
ment the greatest sermon that was ever
preached.
Tristram Burgess, Chief Justice of Rhode
Island and for ten years member Of tho
L. :. Congress, one Of the most acute anC
perfect judges ofhuman conduct, wrote tC
friend of Dr. Emmons as follows ''AIy
Dear Sir, should you write a biography o
this good man, say ifyou please, that ann
ong the divines | have known he was til,
greatest, but you cannot forget to say tha
among the christian, he was the best"
DR.. Emmon, was Il power for good in tn.
world, and thi. was due partly tohis nativ
talent and partly because he chose to be
close student. While we admit the i'm
portance of outside ministerial labor, is i
not true that people are wise who arr
willing that their minister should prcsen
beaten oil for the sanctuary-as did tn,
good people Of Franklin?
DIR. Emmou, found match for his wit
land he was a very witty man in Rev
Thoma, Williams whom he selected, Ion,
before hi. death, to preach his funeral ser
mon. When it was nearly completed h
must needs hear it read. At one place il
the discourse, he wished Mr.. Williams t.
allow him to suggest some change But
no, said the reader, "You must rcmcmbc
that y0u are Il dead moa' GLOVER.