The Bay State Monthly, Volume 3, No. 2 | Page 6

having a lively admiration of learned men, statesmen,
scholars, and divines, he was a reader of biographies. While emulating
the excellence which he admired, these stores of information were
employed to enliven conversation and to furnish material for public
discourses. In the gathering of the people, whether for secular or
religious purposes, he was often called upon to speak. His remarks

were received with attention, and had weight with his audience,
because they embodied the fruits of his study and reflection.
In the meetings of the Church for conference and prayer, he was often
very helpful. He had too much reverence for the place and object of the
assembly, to indulge in crude and repetitious utterances. He prepared
himself for the duty, by recalling the lessons of his own experience or
citing illustrations from the wide stores of his reading. His words were
well chosen, and his thoughts seldom common-place. In the exigencies
of the missionary cause, or on some occasion of special peril to the
truth he would bring forward an instance of signal deliverance from
similar trial, in the previous history of the Church, or in the lives of her
servants. There were those, who might speak with more fluency, or
employ a more impassioned manner, but no one spoke more to
edification. His prayers also were marked by the same evident
thoughtfulness and spirituality. He was not hasty to offer his desires
before God. You felt, in following his petitions, that he had a message,
and his voice would often be tremulous with emotion as he made
supplication in behalf of the sick or the sorrowful; as he prayed for the
youth of the congregation, or interceded in behalf of the Church and the
country. As an officer of the Church, he was considerate of the feelings
and wants of his brethren; visiting the sick, searching out the poor, and
practicing a generous hospitality. Ministers of all denominations were
welcome to his house, and among his chosen friends there were none
held in higher esteem than the ministers whom he loved for their works'
sake.
Deacon David was averse to strife and controversy; the convictions
which he cherished had been matured by careful study, and he was
ready to give them expression on all suitable occasions; but he avoided
personal disputes, and the imputations that accompany heated
discussion. He knew that these controversies were unprofitable, and he
consequently sought "the things that make for peace." When
differences arose and bad feelings were likely to be stirred, he was
happy if he could remove or allay the cause of alienation.
As a citizen, Deacon David exhibited a hearty interest in the prosperity

of the town, and he did not shrink from the duties by which the
community is served. He wished to have good schools, well made
roads, and all public buildings convenient and in good repair. A modest
man, not seeking office for himself, and always ready to commend
good service when rendered by others, he did not decline when called
to take office. He accordingly acted as a select-man, representative to
the Legislature, member of the School Committee, in addition to
special services when some interest or enterprise affecting the
community was given in charge to a committee to act in behalf of the
town.
Socially, his influence was constantly exerted in the promotion of
whatever would elevate and improve the aims and habits of his
townsmen. He was active in the movement for the establishment of a
Library which should be open to all; in the absence of an Academy, he
favored the introduction of a High School.
He constructed sidewalks, and along the streets, so far as he had control,
shade trees were planted by his direction. He was also careful to
maintain the amenities of life, prompt in meeting and reciprocating all
social obligations. Somewhat above the medium height, erect but spare
in figure, there was a mingling of dignity and sweetness in his
expression which won your confidence. The promptness and despatch,
which distinguished his methods of business, were manifest in the
general ordering of his affairs. The practical forecast, which, anticipates
the crowding of engagements, and maps out the work, was seen in the
distribution of his occupations. The materials were in readiness for
every workman's alloted task. Without formal designation, there was
time for study, or the performance of civil or social duty, in the busiest
season. It entered into his plans to maintain an order in his reading and
recreations. His farm, his buildings, tools, equipage, and the whole
estate, were kept in excellent condition. Without lavish expenditure, his
premises wore an air of neatness and thrift. He was uneasy if his
animals were exposed to ill treatment, and he tolerated no waste. With
such habits, it was pleasant to be