The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1890-05-23
Take life or friends away,
But let us find them all again
In that eternal day.

Take life or friends away,
But let us find them all again
IN that eternal day"
Yes, many of those whom | knew in
Christ, us parishioners, neighbors and
friends during these years, | shall find
again, sometime. Then we shall be to-
gether again. Possibly my grave will
be near theirs and in sight of this place,
of church and village and the old home,
till Time shall be no more.
Before we finally leave this summit of
the years and take our eyes from this ret
respect, let US, for our mutual encour-
agement, note these facts. My record
shows numerous seasons of religious in
terest; it appears that the average at
tendance on our services is larger than it
was 16 years ago. The Sunday school,
Notwithstanding the removal of so many
and so many changes, is larger, there be-
ing nearly 40 in the children's class
alone. Our prayer meetings, although
neglected by many, have never been
more helpful, social or spiritually uplift-
ing than in recent years. The ladies' aid
society, recently formed, raised $3.50, last
year, success unequalled by any SINH
lar parish.
Financially, your fund has increased
from $4,000 to $4,000, with the prospect of
large increase for the use and advan-
tage of our successors. The membership
has increased go per cent in these Is
years, and that, too, after thorough re-
visions of the roll and many losses by
death and removal in community where
the Protestant populati on is decreasing.
This increase in membership under the
circumstances is without precedent, so
far as know. Surely, you can thank
God and take courage, Notwithstanding
many losses and discouragements and the
hindrances we leave unnoticed. What
ever has been accomplished is due to the
divine blessing; all the imperfections of
the work and of the workmen (and there
have been many such imperfections) are
ours. | greatly desire that all whom |
have known here in Christ and to whom
| have ministered at any time may be-
come and ever remain the faithful disc-
pies of Christ and ever keep in view the
chief end of life, clarifying God here and
enjoying Him forever hereafter. Would
that | might know you all as sincere
Christians on earth and meet you in
Heaven!
My work here will soon be done: The
time have now fixed for the close of
my passionate, namely, July 2S, is near;
but pledge unchanging friendship to
you all. | am sure that the memory of
these lG years will bind us together
wherever we are found. The longest
pastorate must end some time, but true
Christian friendship never ends. The
1000 and more sermons, addresses and
services, the 100 received into this
church (three fourths of whom are still
members here); the thousands of calls
and interviews; the 100 and more hearts |
united when the wedding bells rang and |
the many scenes of sorrow, aff1iction and |
trial through which we have passed to-
gether, especially when the funeral bells |
tolled, the sacred and tender associations
gathering about the sanctuary and the
Bible and Heaven have enabled US to
know one another in Christ on earth;
and, when this short life for us all is end
ed, God grant we may all know one an
other better, in Christ and in Heaven
and forever.
Thus L have briefly ''rehearsed what
God hath done for us" during the time
IN which we have known one another in
Christ. | am grateful for the memories
Of friendship and fellowship which this
pastorate has brought to me and for all
5he kindness shown us. | accept all the
trials that have come to US as a part of
Life's discipline. l close my pastorate
with gratitude to God and to you for the
of being your pastor so long.
have gladly declined other calls at
your request. l go now only because /
leem it best for you and for my family,
for reasons stated in my resignation.
trust that you who remain may be
united in Christian bonds and may know
one another in Christ for many happy
years and that, at last, we may all see
and know Him whom to know Alright is
life eternal. Iu His presence we shall
again review what God hath done for us
md this loved church.
What changes l6 years have shown?
And, now that all these years have flown,
In this, the 18th year, raise
Our hearts in grateful song and praise.
But coming months are drawing near;
Others will gather and worship here.
Be Thou their helper and their FRIEND
Bless Thou this church till Time shall end.
Then, when Time shall be no more,
And all the bound OF life pass DER,
May we, and they, and those we love
BE welcomed home by Thee above.