Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-10-18
Or. Eaton,s 7arewel,


and only pastorate ard has extended
through forty years. 1t was an oeca-
sion long to be remembered, and one
full of sadness to the members Of the
church and host of friends who are
numbered among his congregation. In
the morning he administered the sacra-
ments of the Lords Supper and of bap-
tlsm, and received four new members
into the church. In tie evening he de-
liYered his farewell sermon to a large
congregation, among which were many
from other churches The Methodist
church was closed AMI the pastor, Mr..
Pengilly, occupied the pulpit with Mr..
Eaton. He offered the opening prayer,
in which he alluded feclingly to the
long passionate about to be ended. Mr..
Eaton then spoke from the following
text; II Corinthians, 18th chapter, 18th
verse. FINALLY, brethren, farewell Be
perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace, and the God ofloye
and peace shall DO with you" He
said in substance: The farewell comes
sooner or later. It cannot be post
ponod. Forty years may mean much
or little. Time is measured by events.
Forty years ago California was part of
the Mexican Republic. Since then it
has been incorporated into the United
States and has poured immeasurable
treasure into the lap of the govern
ment Forty years ago slavery was
dominant at the capital and threatened
the destruction of the Union. Now the
slaves are free men. Forty years ago
we had but begun to whisper through
the telegraph. Now we speak distinctly
through the telephone. Life is greatly
enriched by the wonderful inventions of
these later years.
The apostle sald, "Ye know in what
manner have lived among you" l
may say that have been with you for
forty years growth. Forty years ago
the houses could be counted upon the
fingers. Trees that now shadow the
town were small or just starting from
the seed. l suppose that one half this
congregation was not born forty years
ago. To-day baptized children of per-
sons known and loved in childhood,
whom | received into the church and
united in marriage
Forty years ago came here a young
man Of twenty-five Now am old and.
gray. When l came here there were
no churches. The old courthouse and
the school-house, the late residence of
Judge McGonigal were used as places
of worship. l have been with YOU in
church building. began to plan for a
church home soon after coming here,
In 1851 | personally solicited money
with which our first hoase was built,
and later for its enlargement. | also
solicited funds for building this pleas
ant aid cOmmodious church and visited
Springfield 10 procure the plans Those
years of church building, from incep-
ton to completion were anxious years.
was with you in weakness and fear
and trembling. More important far, /
have been with YOU in building the
spiritual house Of which these other
structures were but scaEOldiDg. Ihave
have great faith in church work Frank
lin said, IF man is so wicked with the
gospel what would he bewthoat it" The
intellect needs strengthening by consd-
Grafton each week OF she great things
of which the gospel teAsi the magma
ton must be taught to soar into the par
adise of rapture and song and hope; the
conscience must be educated to cause
the saloons of dissipation to be emptied,
to make order, sobriety, refinement and
purity, the law Of life.
Probably no one is so well aware Of
the failures Of this ministry rs |. have
been once separated, from you by i'll
health. | have often, been unable to Go
all the work woaIa to prepare my
sermons as | desired, but | have on
deavored to set before YOu God in all
his infinite power and infinite love- /
aave told you OF the justice of Sod
which condemns gar sins, the love OF God
| which pities our SORROWS. ! have asked
you to acquaint yourselves with GO& your
maker; perseverer, dear friend. have
asked you t. m's6e confession Of your
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