Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1874-10-22

"hees' says ioNeu anu venerable COtenl-
porary: BRO. Drinkwater, when in his
prime, was one OF our best preachers; he
was very dignifled in the pulpit; his dis.
courses were clear, evangelical, and very
interesting His candor and his clear
and discriminating judgment made him a
welcome and valuable advisor. Courte-
ous and respectful, he was often called up.
on to preside at public meetings, a posi-
tion ne hlled with dignity and to general
satisfaction. lie was a faithful and trusty
friend; by his kind and genial spirit. his
nice sense OF propriety, he was sure 10
avoid giving needless offence, and to win
and hold the esteem and friendship of
others. He was especially kind aud con-
descending TO those In tue ministry young
er than himself His positions particular
ly In relation to moral religious questions
were taken with evident caution, but firm
ly hold, and respectfully but strongly de-
Tended. He was man, however, of
catholic spirit, not surely that counterfeit
specimen OF it which originates in q CON-
promise or indifference to the truth, or
from holding the truth in state of extreme
dilution. As explanatory of his position
upon this point 1t may be said of him, that,
while holding firmly to the Scripture view
that the Holy Spirit employs nothing but
truth in the conversation and sanctfica-
ton of the soul, yet he admitted that this
work is wrought, though in some partcu-
lars modified, In him whose heart is car
ried for God, though some truth, usually
employed, may not, by the subject of these
changes. be clearly discerned. Ii was
evidently from the fact that he was so So
cial, pleasing and gentlemanly that his
services were specially acceptable; and
were so frequently sought in the solemn
ization of marriage. He was accustomed
to speak with evident pleasure of the opin-
lon that appeared TO have become common
among the young people of his acquaint-
ance that his were ''happy marriages and
would turn out WE'LL" He could even De-
come iacetious at times, when wire edge
required cautious turning. On one oc-
cason, being invited to take a glass of
wine by some one, evidently, who was not
apprised of his temperance principles, he
respectfully decliued, adding the remark
in nearly these words: You may not
have observed, sir, that my name is Drink
water, accentuatlng the last syllable OF
hi- name. When making a statement he
had remarkably strict regard to the
truth, being careful to use all possible pre-
cison AMI care lest he should be misun-
derstood. In early lite, being called upon
to testify in court of law, he wrote in his
diary as follows: Il was very particular
in explaining myself according to truth
And again that he felt conscious of hav-
mg testified to the truth" This trait of
character, so early developed, was often
made to appear in after life. He had also
high sense of justice and propriety.
While conversing with the writer on one
occasion. during the session OF a council,
he remarked, in substance, concerning a
who iuynlx-intr in ba -
fore Us, and whose conduct he considered
TO be worthy of severe censure. II would
not take the responsibility of the position
occupied by that man for the township on
which we are standing" II was common
for MIN TO speak of him self as "a child OF
Providence, not that he regarded himself
such more than his brethren; but rather,
as we supposed, because TO his mind the
leadings OF Providence were 50 often and
so clearly manifest. He seem, TO have
fully recognized and 10 have been niu-
enced by the fact that the HOLY Spirit
sometimes indicates the Divine pleasure
To those who are living near to God. Civ
ins thereby Kind of prophetic intimation
OF His gracious purposes. Al u given
time during his pastorate in Bloomfield
NOW Skowhesan), he had purposed to
close his labors but a sister ofthe church
characterized for her deep picty. became
assured that God was about to visit the
people in mercy, and strongly urged him
on that account TO remain. lie did So
solely from her solicitations, and was
soon permitted to witness the fulilment OF
the prediction. The Spirit of God was
poured out. and the church and people
were blessed with a precious revival OF
religion. OF the revival he was accus-
toned to speak with ardent satisfaction.
tather Drinhwater was twice married
his first marriage was with Miss Annie T.
Butler, June 10th, 1874. She was wo.
man OF deep piety, and proved to be
helpmate indeed,-a hearty co-worker, in
her sphere. in the cause OF God. She died
at Norridgewock. May 6th. 1861, having
been spared to him until near the close OF
his pastorate in that place. His secon
marriage was with Mrs. +. +. Tilton,
May 10Th, 1852. TO her has been com-
mitted the responsible, and for part at
least OF the time since, the difficult and
delicate duty of ministerng to him in the
decrepltude OF age. Since the date last
named. with the exception of an occasio
al vl,l, to his son and elsewhere, he la
remained at his residence in WaterviIe
Having laid aside the active duties OF
his calling, which had been prosecuted
during period of nearly fifty years. he
patiently waited amidst the growing in
tirmites of age for the summons OF the
Master. During this time he has frequent
ly expressed the desire to depart, il it
could be the will of his Heavenly Father
Five years ago last August he was prostrat-
ell by an attack of apopleXy; since that
time our venerated brother has walked
among us, yet behind veil; intervening
clouds have hidden from us the brightness
OF his sun as it neared its setting. Though
his right hand forgot her cunning"
though his memory and Judgment were
not equal 20 the performance ottheir won't
ed office. yet his faith failed not. When
inquiry was made of him as to the ground
of his hope, he would promptly reply that
Christ was the foundation on which his
hope rested, he had no other. He, in
whom he so long had trusted, verified to
him the promise: Il will never leave thee
nor forsake thee His last illness was
short; the few closing days of his life
were passed evidently in a state of uncon-
sciousness, caused by a second attack of
apopexy. He died Sept. 16th. at the ad-
vanced age eighty-tive years. He leaves
widow. Mrs. P. +. Drinkwater. and an
only son, the Hon. A. +. Drinkwater, of
Ellsworth.