Christ, and the doctrine according to godliness, and the best way you can defend it is to promote its growth and strength and efficacy in yourself and others. The most certain means of effecting this are the study of the scriptures, devout meditation, watchfulness and prayer. So sure, hear the warning voice, not of superior sagacity, but of superior experience;-so sure as you disseminate among your people the writings of controversialists, so surely will you awaken awaken among them a spirit of inquiry, respecting things of minor importance, which you can neither restrain nor direct; and perhaps you would not think me unkind, if, in the frankness of my heart, I should utter the wish, which my regard for your welfare, as well as theirs, would lead me to form, that they would have the wisdom not to read them.

But I have no fears of this. It is my conviction that you will go forth among this people with the single desire of promoting their spiritual improvement,―of winning them to Christ. I am persuaded,-GOD, who knoweth the heart, only knows!I am persuaded that you will study the things that make for peace, and that in public and private, in season and out of season, in the house and by the way, you will diligently sow the seeds of divine truth, and watch for souls as one who must give an

account.

It is your privilege to be allowed to avail yourself of the experience of your aged predecessor,

who retires from a peaceful ministry of more than fifty years I need not enjoin, what your own heart will prompt, that you should do what you may to smooth the path of his declining life by your respectful and affectionate attentions.

Go, then, my brother, with a humble sense of your own weakness and insufficiency, and a humble, yet firm reliance on superior strength; with a deep conviction of the infinite importance of fidelity and earnest prayer that you may have grace to be faithful,-go, and take the charge of these immortal beings. Teach them to love God and to love one another. Tell them to mark them which cause divisions, and avoid them. Tell them to beware that they do not lose the experience they now have how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Tell them that GoD is love, and that he who dwelleth in love, dwelleth in GOD and GOD in him.--And may the presence and blessing of GOD go with you! May your life, if it be best for you, be as long as the life of your predecessor. May you come to the grave ripe in years, and in christian graces, and receive the reward of fidelity in the kingdom of GOD.

THE LORD KEEP AND BLESS YOU. THE LORD

MAKE HIS FACE TO SHINE UPON YOU AND BE

GRACIOUS UNTO YOU. THE LORD LIFT UP HIS

COUNTENANCE UPON YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE.

SERVICES AT THE ORDINATION.

INTRODUCTORY PRAYER AND SELECTIONS FROM

SCRIPTURE,

SERMON,

ORDAINING PRAYER,
CHARGE,

By Mr. ROBINSON, of Groton.
By Dr. LOWELL, of Boston.

By Dr. RIPLEY, of Concord.
By Mr. NEWELL, the sen. pastor.

RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP,

By Mr. EMERSON, of Boston.

ADDRESS TO THE SOCIETY,

By Dr. HARRIS, of Dorchester.

CONCLUDING PRAYER, By Mr. WHITE, of Littleton. The musical performances consisted of an anthem and two original hymns.

The town of Stow was settled in 1653, by two adventurers from Charlestown, Kettle and Boon, on lands known by their names to this day. It was incorporated May 16, 1683. In 1686 the first church was erected and a house for the minister. In 1700 Rev. John Eveleth, a graduate of Harvard, was ordained minister, and continued about seventeen years. In 1713 the second house of worship was built. Rev. John Gardner, a native of Charlestown and a graduate of Harvard, was ordained Nov. 18, 1718, and died Jan. 10, 1775. In 1752 the population having increased to 620, the third house of worship was built, and in 1827 the present, neat, classical and commodious edifice was erected by the liberality and enterprise of the present inhabitants. The Rev. Jonathan Newell, a native of Needham, and a graduate of Harvard, was ordained colleague with Mr. Gardner October 11, 1774. Mr. Sibley, a native of Union, Maine, and a graduate of Harvard College, was associated with Mr. Newell, May 14, 1829.

ERRATUM. Page 3, for bitter, read evil.