which were soon to burst upon the country. Doubtless in his law study and in his intercourse with men in different phases of society, he acquired that practical acquaintance with human nature which made available his instinctive and common-sense power of meeting all classes of men.
Circumstances led him to change his purpose. He returned north, abandoned the law, and began the study of Theology in the Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Here he remained two years. Here, also, he did regular editorial work on the New York World, of which his brother was founder, and subsequently wrote for the columns of the New York Times. This experience enabled him, later, to write for five years, a large portion of the editorial leaders of the Watchman and Reflector. Leaving New York, he entered Andover Theological Seminary, where, after one year's study, he graduated in 1861. On the 5th of October of that year he was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church in Vergennes, Vt., a position which he resigned August 1, 1864, to accept a call to the Park Church, Hartford, Conn., formerly Dr. Bushnell's, where he was installed September 28. He resigned that charge, and was dismissed March 23, 1869, and was installed pastor of the First Church in Dover, September 1st, following.
Mr. Spalding's literary work has been extensive, but mainly upon current newspaper periodicals. This has given him, of course, a valuable directness and clearness of expression. Five sermons have been published: A sermon on the death of Gen. Samuel Strong, of Vergennes, Vt. A sermon on God's Presence and Purpose in War. A Discourse on the 250th anniversary of the settlement of Dover. A Memorial of John P. Hale,—a fine specimen of judicious analysis, in which he does justice to the pioneer of the anti-slavery cause in the U. S. Senate—a justice now lately apparently purposely ignored out of a desire to magnify a brilliant but later laborer. A Centennial on the Dover Pulpit in the Revolution, for which he searched and well used the manuscript of his eminent predecessor, Dr. Jeremy Belknap.
Without disparagement to others, it is safe to say that public opinion accords to Mr. Spalding a foremost place among the ministers of New Hampshire. Certainly no pastor of the ancient First Church ever had a greater public respect or a deeper personal affection. Under his ministry large numbers have been added to the church, and his administration of a strong and thinking society goes on without even a ripple. He has been frequently called to attend distant councils, some of great and even national interest, and some where delicate questions required the wisest consideration; and in all cases his calm and deliberate judgment has had an influence inferior to none.
In his preaching, one has to study him to get the secret of his influence. There is nothing in it to startle. There is no dramatic exhibition. It is the farthest possible from the sensational. There are never any protruding logical bones. He never indulges in any prettinesses of diction. But a critical analysis (the last thing one thinks of in listening to him) finds some elements. His themes are always elevated themes. One sees the most earnest convictions, held in perfect independence and honesty; a natural development of thought in an always fresh and orderly way; a diction as clear as a pellucid brook; illustrations drawn from wide observation, always simple and frequently beautiful; a genial, sometimes intense, glow pervading his whole discourse; and a dignified but simple manliness throughout. Fully six feet in height, and with liberally developed physique, he impresses one at first mainly with the idea of manly strength. Those who hear him, and especially those who know him, find an equal development of a generous nature which inclines always to sympathy, and with which he answers, in public and private, to every appeal to his helpful power. In doctrine he is understood to hold the main tenets of what is called old theology, but as forces rather than dogmas, and liberally instead of severely applied.
Mr. Spalding was a member of the recent Constitutional Convention of New
