The New England Ministry Sixty Years Ago (Volume 4) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1877. Excerpt: ... MOVES BACK TO HADLEY. 337 ing, driven by old friends and neighbors, she could not refrain herself; she wept as she recalled the beautiful scripture narrative of Joseph sending for his father Jacob. It was pleasant to her to return to the well-known village, though many changes had taken place there in her absence. It was the same, yet not the same. The parish had become divided, so that now there were three churches where formerly there had been but one. Many had died; many had married and removed. Children had grown to man's and woman's estate, and other children had been born. Yet the mountain, the river, the old elms, and the old familiar houses remained the same. There were also very many pleasant and well-known faces. Two of the excellent deacons were yet living and active." Says another: "When Dr. Woodbridge, with his family, re-entered the old parsonage, his wife, in the fulness of her heart, exclaimed, 'I have never felt at home since we left this dear old home, and I never want to leave it again.' 'My dear, ' said Dr. Woodbridge, 'you never shall leave it again.'" "How glad, once more nt home, sweet home Charmed is the tie that binds me here; Dear, loved spot hold me, hold me fast, Quiet for aye." He was installed over the Russell Church Feb. 16, 1842, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. 22 CHAPTER XIII. HIS SECOND MINISTRY IN HADLEY. His second installation over a portion of his old flock, and the revival of spiritual friendships of former dajs, was an event of surpassing interest to himself as well as to many others, who had wept at his departure more than eleven years before. It was a joy to him to return from the feverish excitement of his wanderings, often amid strangers and the occasional hostilities of those who could appreciate neither ...