Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1873-06-13

| new trial to Stokes.
Rev. J. L. Maynard.
Joshua L.Maynard, pastor of the Congregation
al Church, Willston, Vt. who died ut that place
on the oath of April, was born at Montvile
Ct, Nov. 81, 1913. He was the oldest of three
children, one only Of whom is now living.
Early in life he came under permanent relig.
ious influence, which developed in him a spirit
of faith and prayer, and led him while yet Il
child to go long distance alone in order to al
tend public worship. II was then, in his bow
hood, that he formed systematic plans for future
usefulness, making that the one object of his
life, feeling at that time, As he was heard often
10 remark in later years, that ''the most we can
get out of life is usefulness
His preparatory studies were pursued with
Rev. DIR. Bond, of NORWICH City, Ct, and his
theological at the Union Theological Seminary,
New York. His education was obtained MAIN
ly through his own exertions He was encour-
aged by kind friends in Norwich, of whose
kindness he often spoke h warmth and graf:
itude, and the remembrai a of which ALWAYS
influenced him to lend helping hand, and give
an encouraging word to young men situated As
he once was
His first settlement as a Congregational pastor
was at Cornwall, Ct, where he was ordained
and installed in January, 1871, remaining there
until June. 1852, nearly twelve years. during
which the Church and Society were much pros
pered. The people there still speak with much
interest of his work among them, and how the
once feeble church was, with Gods blessing. in
creased and strengthened
His second pastorate, which was of about
eleven years duration, was at East Douglas.
Mass. II is the testimony of those who were
his neighbors at this time, and were well ac
quanted with him and his work, that his con-
scientious faithfIlness in the ministry here was
blessed with reyiyals among his people and adj
ditions to the church.
In the spring Of 1868 he went TO Plainfield. Ct.
From that place he went TO Willi,ton. Vt. in
Nov. 1864. Here he laborcd with fidelity and
success till his death, period ofabout eight and
one-halt years. During the last two wears of his
life, he has had charge of the Congregational
Church at Essex junction, supplying the pulpit
there on the afternoons Of alternate SUNDAYS.
and performing the needed parochial work dur
ing the week, As well as attending to hi> regular
duties at Williston.
From this last fact we learn one characteristic
of his whole life,-its laboriousncss. He never
spared himself in the Masters service. but al
ways worked up to his strength and frequently
beyond il. And this was done notwithstanding
the depressing influences Of impaired health.
just before his death be seemed to realize that
he had been working too hard of late, and thar
he must hold up little if he wished 10 last
much longer. But the Master saw tit 10 call
him to his reward while in the midst Of his
many and wearisome labors
In all religious enterprises At home and abroad.
he Away, manifested the liyliest interest. Civ
ing them his constant labor, and prayers.
His laboriousncs>, however, was not coniin-
ed to what was strictly ministerial or relig-
ious. He took a deep interest in all matters of
public concern, especially those relating To tenn
perance and education, and was alway, ready to
do his part here. For several years he wa, 81
perintendent Of the public school, of Willi,ton.
to which he devoted much care and labor.
Professional faithfulnes> was trait that he
evinced To an unusual degree through hi, active
ministerial career. He loved hi, work. as a
preacher. with a love not of,ep .urp,..o5 and
hence devoted himself to :, Win, ..., a.,
,bould command ,d,,ir,,i,,, mo-. t.1.;,..;..-
declare. q, he wa. often known IN Il, ,I.,, ~
..,youId rather ,.r.,cb tI,,,, mot. ., -.
il often banpened That ,,bon ,,,'.. -.
were seeking resi- l,v a total .n.,cn.i,nafi.I.,-
he wouIdbe fund in tI. mini, H., -.
alwav, ready when called mon ,I,,'-,c...;,,,.
al duty. His prep.ratious far ,b. I.,i,.i, anil
,t.. ,,,;,,f-,.r,li '1'
'"' ii'ii'''''i 'ii -N''o''Ali'hN were uniformly
carefully and specially made lIi- preaching
was characterized l,, .,r..,l, "a, -,..,,...i.. -
VIM. 49,.
IN "a ne was earnest as hc was
lailiiui IN MS profession.
such laboriou> and faithful Iic. could hardly
f,l IN s,,.,..-f.,i,.,.,
''' JIM iH'H VIM are lho''
coilpelehl 10 Judge believe that 10 was such. ]
The visible fruits Of these more than thirty wear,
of inee.>ant lai,r b.,.. loon, ,,.. ii.tl
''' '''' l'.'
, 20 '''' present prosperity oil 'hri>i~
Kingdom. But greater harvest ], reserved for |
the future. More viii hereafter rise and call
him blessed. who .r. vet ,.l.. III -.
oftI,f- c.;.i.c..r -.
~, H''''l''IH-
ms imperfect sketch should not DE closed
without noticing his far-,ish,ednc,, and sound