The Rev. Henry Burdick, was his successor, and was assisted in the ministry by Rev. Arnold Bliss. Both were young men of eminent piety and considerable ability, and both continued to exercise their holy vocation, until they were called to rest from their labours at a very advanced age. Subsequent to the death of Elder Bliss, which occurred in 1826, this church appeared to sink under an accumulation of misfortunes and unpleasant influences. This deplorable state of things continued for several years, when the General Conference took into consideration the utility of appointing a missionary to labour in that vicinity. Accordingly, Lucius Crandall received an appointment to that field, in which connexion he continued for three years. He was succeeded in 1846 by Libbeus Cottrel, a young man of considerable promise.
Besides this succession of pastors, the church at Newport had several highly eminent men in its connexion. Of these, the Wards were distinguished for holding high official stations in connexion with the royal government of the province. They were descended from an ancient and highly respectable family in England, whose elder members espousing the cause of the Parliament in the civil wars, thereby became obnoxious to the dominant party at the time of the Restoration. Mr. Thomas Ward, Esq., emigrated to America, and joined the Sabbatarian church, of which he continued a member until his death.
Richard Ward, his son, was one of those rare characters, who, with talents and capacities fitted to adorn the highest circles, are, nevertheless, not ashamed of godliness, or of a consistent observance of the humble duties of religion. He made a public profession of Christian faith, in 1753, and uniting with this, then infant church, contributed greatly by his talents, and wealth, and influence, to its support. Determined likewise to give his brethren a solid proof of his affection and regard he bequeathed five hundred pounds sterling to the church at his death, which occurred in 1766. This eminent man, as a citizen and statesman, was distinguished for patriotism and philanthropy. In his executive character as royal governor of the province, he displayed a singular ability, and his memory will long be remembered with affection and respect by the people whom he served. Samuel Ward, his son, was also governor in the years 1762 and 1765; the duties of which office he administered with fidelity and zeal. In the years 1774 and 1775, he was a member of the Continental Congress, in which difficult station all his conduct was signalized by an inflexible integrity and unfailing patriotism. As a man, a scholar, a statesman, and a Christian, his character was equally respectable.
Mr. Henry Collins, another member of this church, was pre-eminently distinguished in his time, being one of the wealthiest citizens of Newport in the days of her colonial glory, a munificent patron of the fine arts, and a highly respectable literary character. He donated the ground upon which the Redwood Library now stands, and was a liberal contributor to all public enterprises of a benevolent and useful character. Mr. Collins participated at all times in the labours of his brethren with much zeal and great effect; being always ready to act his part, sometimes as a messenger to the other churches, and often at home in the service of the congregation. In 1729, he was elected Trustee, and with Mr. Jonathan Weeden had the sole charge of erecting the house of worship. This venerable structure stands upon a lot of land donated by Mr. Almy to the church for that purpose. A rather singular anecdote relative to this meeting-house is on record. During the Revolutionary war, when Newport was occupied by the British army, most of the meeting-houses in the town were converted into barracks for the soldiers. The Seventh-day meeting-house was also selected for this use, but when the officer sent to take possession of it opened the door, he discovered the ten commandments, which were written on two tables representing marble, and placed over the pulpit. Pausing a moment, he ordered his men to retire, remarking that he could not spoil a house in which were written the sacred laws of God. The meeting-house was accordingly saved, although of but little use to the church during the captivity of the town.
FIRST SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, HOPKINTON, RHODE ISLAND.
This church was first organized in 1708, although Seventh-day Baptists, in connexion with the church at Newport, had resided here for a long period.
Rev. John Maxson, their first pastor, and one of the earliest ancestors of the large and respectable family of that name, was distinguished for great oratorical fervour and pathos in public speaking, although he did not possess the advantages to be derived from a classical education. His voice is said to have been remarkably strong, clear, and harmonious; his eye mild, blue, and beaming; his countenance noble and expressive, and then he knew so well how to touch the hearts of his auditory: always beginning his discourses in a low and subdued tone, but warming with his subject, and exhibiting throughout the general course of his argumentation an air of vivacity and glowing energy; and in his appeals, an ardour, pungency, and force altogether irresistible. When addressing sinners, he would weep from sympathy and feeling; but how would his countenance irradiate and brighten when he told of a Saviour's love! He died in 1720, in a ripe old age.
Rev. Joseph Clarke, who succeeded him, was ordained in 1712, and exercised his ministry with great acceptance until 1719, when he fell asleep in Jesus.
Rev. John Maxson, Jun., his successor, received ordination in 1719, and continued his pastoral care over the church, until 1747, when he went to receive his crown. It is said that Elder Maxson possessed one gift most rare, and at the same time most essential for a Christian minister. This was great fervency and frequency in prayer. From the closet he went to the pulpit, and he went from the pulpit to the closet. He wrestled with the angel of the covenant like the patriarch of old, and like him he secured a blessing.