Mansfield Bruce was born at Grafton, Mass. Apr. 11, 1781. The autumn after his birth, his parents, Elijah and Abigail Bruce, removed to Newfane, The country new, schooling poor, the circumstances of his parents comparative poverty, his education while young was quite limited. In December 1804, he sought an interest in the Saviour. He united with the Congregationlist church of Newton, Mass. but in 1806, not being satisfied with sprinkling for baptism, he was baptised by immersion into the fellowship of the Baptist church of Marlboro and Newfane. He was married to Grace Goddard, Sept. 24, 1805. They had 9 children. She still survives, (1870) being 86 yrs. old. Soon after baptism, he was chosen deacon which office he well filled until September 1809 when he was set apart by solemn ordination as an evangelist, but soon became pastor of the same church ; and yet went "everywhere" preaching the Gospel to the destitute, aiding pastors in their arduous work, the sign of God's approbation following wherever he went. In 1813, he supplied the Baptist church in Wilmington one half of the time, and in 1819 became pastor of the same church until his death, Feb'y 5, 1843, in his 63d year. He supplied his desk until the last three weeks before he died. His pastorate of almost 24 years was one of success and great usefulness. As he spent the whole period of his ministry of 35 years in this vicinity he had become quite a patriarch among the Baptists in this part of the State. His counsel was more sought than that of any other Baptist pastor in Windham County - for the last years of his life. His death was a triumph of that faith in the Gospel he had so long preached. Elder Bruce was an able, sound and energetic preacher. He spoke with great clearness and power, relying on the arm of the Lord to sustain him. - He was faithful in his charge, unspotted in his life, and beloved by his flock. He was much esteemed as a man, as a Christian, and as an able minister of the Gospel. During his ministry he preached 6000 sermons, besides many lectures on temperance, moral reform and anti-slavery. He visited the sick far and near. He married 101 couples; baptized 403 persons, and traveled 70.000 miles. He was always punctual to his appointments: rain or shine, wind or snow did not keep him at home. He was a man of intelligence and blessed with great natural abilities, but had not while young the means to acquire an education. After he entered the ministry, he studied very hard and probably laid the foundation of the disease, hydrocephalas, which terminated his earthly career. He was very industrious and economical; whatever he undertook, he did with his might, so, though his salary was small, not more than half supporting his family, he managed to get a good, comfortable living.
By Rev. Oirgen Smith
By Rev. Oirgen Smith
Mansfield Bruce was born at Grafton, Mass. Apr. 11, 1781. The autumn after his birth, his parents, Elijah and Abigail Bruce, removed to Newfane, The country new, schooling poor, the circumstances of his parents comparative poverty, his education while young was quite limited. In December 1804, he sought an interest in the Saviour. He united with the Congregationlist church of Newton, Mass. but in 1806, not being satisfied with sprinkling for baptism, he was baptised by immersion into the fellowship of the Baptist church of Marlboro and Newfane. He was married to Grace Goddard, Sept. 24, 1805. They had 9 children. She still survives, (1870) being 86 yrs. old. Soon after baptism, he was chosen deacon which office he well filled until September 1809 when he was set apart by solemn ordination as an evangelist, but soon became pastor of the same church ; and yet went "everywhere" preaching the Gospel to the destitute, aiding pastors in their arduous work, the sign of God's approbation following wherever he went. In 1813, he supplied the Baptist church in Wilmington one half of the time, and in 1819 became pastor of the same church until his death, Feb'y 5, 1843, in his 63d year. He supplied his desk until the last three weeks before he died. His pastorate of almost 24 years was one of success and great usefulness. As he spent the whole period of his ministry of 35 years in this vicinity he had become quite a patriarch among the Baptists in this part of the State. His counsel was more sought than that of any other Baptist pastor in Windham County - for the last years of his life. His death was a triumph of that faith in the Gospel he had so long preached. Elder Bruce was an able, sound and energetic preacher. He spoke with great clearness and power, relying on the arm of the Lord to sustain him. - He was faithful in his charge, unspotted in his life, and beloved by his flock. He was much esteemed as a man, as a Christian, and as an able minister of the Gospel. During his ministry he preached 6000 sermons, besides many lectures on temperance, moral reform and anti-slavery. He visited the sick far and near. He married 101 couples; baptized 403 persons, and traveled 70.000 miles. He was always punctual to his appointments: rain or shine, wind or snow did not keep him at home. He was a man of intelligence and blessed with great natural abilities, but had not while young the means to acquire an education. After he entered the ministry, he studied very hard and probably laid the foundation of the disease, hydrocephalas, which terminated his earthly career. He was very industrious and economical; whatever he undertook, he did with his might, so, though his salary was small, not more than half supporting his family, he managed to get a good, comfortable living.
By Rev. Oirgen Smith
By Rev. Oirgen Smith
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Pastor of the Baptist Church in Wilmington, Vt.
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Siblings
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