Channels, Fall 2019

Page 36 Guidone • Liberty Further Extended 1777 and entered the Union in 1791 with a population of 85,341. 17 In 1791, Haynes published his first sermon, given at the ordination of a fellow minister in the nearby town of Hinesburg, Vermont, entitled “The Character and Work of a Spiritual Watchman Described.” In 1798, Haynes ministered at the funeral service for a local pastor, delivering a sermon entitled “The Important Concerns of Ministers and the People of Their Charge.” The rural Vermont community affirmed and esteemed Haynes as a minister capable of speaking in the most intimate of situations. This church assignment would last from 1788–1818. The church building no longer exists but grew exponentially in the years that Haynes ministered. 18 Haynes baptized new members, performed marriages, oversaw church discipline, and attested to complaints about various issues from deacons and parishioners within Congregational. For many years Haynes ministered to merchants, craftsmen, lawyers, and farmers. “THE INFLUENCE OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT ON RELIGION” 1798 Now settled in the town of Rutland with a growing flock and family, Haynes made friends with white, black, religious, and irreligious families, prepared weekly services, and delivered patriotic and Christian discourses when called upon. Haynes bought land as a Freeman of Vermont. To be considered eligible to purchase, men had to be aged twenty-one or above and publicly endorsed by other men. 19 Once appointed, Freemen embraced personal responsibility, family, and various other challenges. Freemen had the right to vote, run for office, and elect new Freemen in town meetings. Freemen chose Haynes, a member of their ranks, to give the public address in 1798 and on July 4, 1801. Following Haynes strong commentary in True Republicanism, the “Selectmen of this town, Voted, to return their thanks to the Rev. Lemuel Haynes, for his Christian and patriotic discourse, this day delivered, and request a copy for the press.” 20 Haynes utilized the opportunity to share biblical quotes, including a discourse on Psalm 6:3, alongside five opening points related to the influence of civil government upon religion and morality. 21 Haynes associated Scripture-based religion with good civil government. 22 Some of the Scripture passages he quoted include Ecclesiastes 10:20, Exodus 22:28, Acts 25:5, and Romans 13:3. Haynes’ biographer, Timothy Cooley, claimed that Haynes could produce biblical texts with infallible accuracy. 23 Haynes lectured from scripture explaining that men who would thrust themselves into office are selfish and desire their own good over the public. Haynes reviewed the story of David and his son Absalom in the Bible to provide an example of this. Unlike national politics in 1798, local politics had not become 17 Duffy, John J., Samuel B. Hand, and Ralph H. Orth, eds. The Vermont Encyclopedia . New England: University Press of New England, 2003. 11. 18 To inspect records pertaining to Rutland, VT visit https://rutlandhistory.com/ . The historical society maintains fully searchable minutes, town records, newspapers, and private collections. 19 Examples of such oaths can be found online or in print by Charles Evans, Oaths of Allegiance in Colonial New England (Worcester, MA: American Antiquarian Society, 1922) 20 Haynes and Newman, Black Preacher to White America, “The Influence of Civil Government On Religion.” 65-76, 65. 21 Haynes and Newman, Black Preacher to White America, “The Influence of Civil Government On Religion.” 65-76, 66. Psalm 6:3 reads, “If the foundations be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?” and is a reference to David’s escape from the rule and reign of King Saul. Saul had established an unrighteous government, which forced David to flee in helplessness, hiding in caves while seeking the throne the prophet Samuel had given to him. 22 Haynes and Newman, Black Preacher to White America, “The Influence of Civil Government On Religion.” 65-76, 71. 23 Cooley, 37.