Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

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‘[p. 117] long series of trying scenes which attended our Revolution; whose influence saved our all from being lost by division; held together, or, at least, was the most important tie in preventing the disjunction and dissolution of the first slender and ill-cemented union of these States; who presided on the great occasion when, by an ameliorated national compact, they were consolidated when the admirable machine of our present general government was constructed; who put the machine in motion, and through the course of eight years so guided its operations as to enable his fellow-citizens fully to enjoy all its signal advantages; and after having retired with the utmost dignity and honor from the cares of state to spend the short remains of life in preparation for its closing scenes, foreign violence and intrigue, combined with the turbulent, malignant spirit of domestic faction, rearing their Gorgon form and menacing the fair fabric which his labors had been so instrumental in raising, his patriotic ardor grew indignant; stepping back from his beloved retreat he again brandished his sword, and with all the majesty of heaven-inspired virtue frowned on the rebel-rout of demons let loose. At this awful juncture Divine Providence removed him from a world no longer worthy of such goodness.’

In bringing this study of our early ministers to a close I am deeply persuaded that Medford has no memories better worth preserving than those of the estimable, scholarly, and devoted men who in her ancient church were forces of good. Far beyond our power to measure, they contributed to the intelligent, faithful, and robust character which gave to New England a commanding place in our national history. During the Revolutionary struggle the pulpit of these colonies was one of the most powerful influences on behalf of liberty, strengthening the heroic spirit which carried the people through the sufferings and hardships of the time. However a later generation may regard some