The Newtown bee., 1890-08-01
Rev Mr. HoYt's Farewell.

A large congregation gathered Mt the
Congregational church, Sunday morning,
to hear the last sermon of Rev j. T..
Hoyt as pastor of the church. Mr. IlOyt
took his text from LIST Peter !, I, the sub
jet of the sermon being the trial of faith
by sorrow and attiiction. These trials
were necessary for the purifying and sal
walton of the soul and are to be welcom-
ed. The more true Christian is tried,
the happier will he be through all eter-
nifty; therefore those who were to be
tried were congratulated. There is no
uniform Christianity and, therefore,
there will be no uniform reward, each
being rewarded according to the perfect
ion of faith. There Is too much unhelief
in the church. but the heavenly glory is
for those who have passed through the
fire of trial and left the corruption of
their natures behind them. The Christ
ian whose character is made no better by
trial Is dwarfed Christian. Discipline
and distress, rightly borne, makes larger
hearted, more whole-souled Christians,
but the full reward will not be received
until the final appearing of Christ.
At the close of the sermon, Rev Mr.
IIoyt delivered few farewell remarks,
moving many of his friends to tears.
Monday, the 18th of July, when he laid
down his pastorate, was the Goth ami
versaiy of his ordination and his birth
day. He had preached more than 1000
sermons in that pulpit and was about to
leave place beautiful for situation and
II home endeared by the tc-der and sa~
cred memories of 1G ryars. There the
severest trials had been borne and many
happy and prosperous years enjoyed, re-
sulting, as he trusted, in a better faith in
God and in more love for both the earth
ly and heavenly home. These feelings
were not understood by all, but all would
be perfect, at some time. il Gods child
rem. lie had instructed the youth and
desired the prosperity of Newtown; had
received l54 into the church, more sthan
three fourths of the membership and had
prayed for the prosperity of this Zion
during many wakeful hour by night
and anxious hour by day. He travelled
1000 miles in visiting one sick person
made 200 pastoral calls at one home and
in one room, OBLIGATED at "a wedding, four
baptisms -four funerals and received mem
hers into the church. Forgiveness was
craved for failure, for he had done, not
what he would, but what he could. Mem.
DRY would still bind them together, for,
though the workman goes, the work will
go on. He had preached the Gospel
plainly, practically and kindly and had
been guided by the wishes of the major
ity as to what was best for the church
He had been loyal to the church for II
years, declining calls and overtures, o
some OF which the people knew not
None could blame him now for aceeptin;
call to another and united church. Ill
should never forget this people, nor thei
kindness, especially the unusual generos
ity of some friends and Summer guests
They would excuse making or receiving
formal farewell calls, on account of sick
ness In his home. Remembering onl.
the things they we're glad to remembe
and the good they had seen in all, he SAT-
Farewell. The children were especial.
remembered, particularly those who ha,
known his own children and had prom
ised to care for their graves. The choi
followed with, ''God be with you till W
meet again" Miss Clara +. Keeler o
Waterbury rendered pleasing solo dur
Ing the service.