18 Through Reverses to Victory 1791
18 - THROUGH REVERSES TO VICTORY 1791 THE year 1791 opened with Mr. Randall while he was wading through one of the most depressing experiences of his ministry. The expansion of the new denomination had exceeded the supply of ministerial help. Most of the churches were suffering for lack of pastoral care. Respecting the field covered by these churches it might be said, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few." This scarcity of laborers was attributable, in part at least, to Mr. Randall’s extreme caution in inducting men to the ministry. He had high ideals as to ministerial standards, and would " lay hands suddenly on no man." To his humiliation and grief, the New Durham church, which was naturally regarded as an example by others of its association, was in such a state of spiritual disorder as to need what surgeons call ’heroic treatment." The efforts put forth for reclaiming delinquents had in many cases proved of no avail. Hopeful of winning back this class, yet fearful of taking any steps that might result in driving them farther away, the pastor had borne and borne, till convinced that forbearance had ceased to be a virtue. But what should be done? This was now the perplexing question. We of the present day, with our light from history since made, would say. Let the living members slough off the dead part and cast it away. That is, let a church discipline itself. If it has in its membership incorrigible offenders, exclude them. Meantime, let the church maintain its identity. This probably was the proper course for the New Durham church to take. This was in later years conceded by Mr. Randall as the best general rule, though it did not then suggest itself to him as the most feasible for that case.
Whether wise or otherwise, this is the way he did it: after visiting his parish and thereby preparing the minds of his people, Mr. Randall announced a meeting at which decisive action would be taken. As the meeting had been widely advertised it had a large attendance. After stating the condition of the church and his fruitless efforts to correct its irregularities, Mr. Randall proceeded to say:
Therefore, considering how small is the number who stand fast in the truth, in comparison with those who have turned back, and that our covenant agreements are broken by the ungodly conduct of those professors who have become backslidden:
Agreed, that we now regard our church connections dissolved, and proclaim it so to the world. Also, that these doings be publicly read on the two next consecutive Sabbaths.
Then, as a number present felt their hearts warm toward each other, and wished to arise and covenant anew in church relationship, March twenty-third was appointed for all like-minded to meet for that purpose. As the news of this action spread, it caused no little stir in the vicinity. Some blamed Mr. Randall, and some justified him for the move. On the day appointed a goodly number met, discussed ways and means of future procedure, and adjourned to April thirteenth. At this meeting twenty-one persons declared themselves in fellowship and were reorganized into a church.
These brethren once more started with a’ prospect of better order. All felt relieved and animated with new life. The first work to which they addressed themselves was in the line of reclaiming their delinquent brethren. Their efforts were successful only in part.
Mr. Randall seemed to have received a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit, and more power attended his preaching, while the people flocked together with renewed eagerness to hear. Under his sermon of May eighth, conviction was manifested by a number. The next day some fifty became deeply affected and several cried for mercy. The revival thus started continued with power. Meetings were held with success, for a time almost every day and evening. Among those who became trophies of grace were a large number of the most influential and promising young people of the town.
Mr. Randall had six baptismal services within a few weeks, till sixty-seven were added to the twenty-one members of the reorganized church, making a total of eighty-eight. These accessions included John Buzzell, Simon Pottle, and Joseph Boody, all of whom became ministers. As John Buzzell was so intimately connected with the early history of our denomination, a few words of introduction may here be admissible. A descendant from sterling English ancestry, John Buzzell opened his eyes for the first time at Barrington, New Hampshire, September 16, 1766. He obtained a good education for the times, taught several terms, and at the time of his baptism was the New Durham schoolmaster. He had a well-developed physique, an imposing presence, and a good command of language. He at once began to preach the gospel of free grace, and was thenceforward one of Randall’s ablest coworkers. The June session of the Quarterly Meeting was, as usual, held at New Durham. Those from abroad soon caught the spirit of the place, and from the reflex influence the work at New Durham received a new impulse. The reports at this session were generally encouraging. New Durham was reported by Robert Oram, son of Elder Randall, thus: The work of the Lord prospers among us. A most blessed union prevails. The Lord reigns. Glory to his blessed name! A revival, begun in Middleton, had extended into Brookfield and Wakefield. This was under the labors of John Buzzell. The work commenced from his first sermon. His brother Aaron, who became such an efficient minister, was the first convert of this effort. Revivals were also reported at Kittery, Barrington, Bristol, and Raymond. Churches had been organized during the year at Kittery, Pittsfield, and Ossipee Hill.
Because of the pressing need of labor at home, Randall spent as little time as possible in his Kennebec tour this year. After his return, in a report of that tour, he says:
"Experienced a wonderful display of God’s power."
Thus the finger of God may scatter the darkest clouds, his hand make reverses stepping-stones to victory, and his blessing transmute trials into glory.