Joseph A. Benton Collection

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Joseph A. Benton came to California in 1849, during the gold rush. He first settled in Sacramento, where he founded the First Congregation Church in 1851. He was a pastor for many years as well as a professor of Biblical literature at Pacific Theological Seminary. This collection consists of correspondences and sermons dating from 1848 to 1893. Please note that historical materials in the Gold Rush Collections may include viewpoints and values that are not consistent with the values of the California State Library or the State of California and may be considered offensive. Materials must be viewed in the context of the relevant time period but views are in no way endorsed by the State Library. The California State Library’s mission is to provide credible information services to all Californians and, as such, the content of historical materials should be transcribed as it appears in the original document.

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(6) [centered]

V 1. But why are not all God's wishes realized? Bec. [Because] the gratific. [gratification] of them sometimes depends not solely on his will – or if it did, would involve palp-able inconsistencies.

2. To secure the holiness of a moral being, something depends on the creature = his own free choice. To prevent sin – the creature must decide against it as well as God. If creature thwarts Gs. [God's] wishes as he may – then t. [the] fault is not God's.

3. But is not G. [God] Omnipotent? Can he not save all if he wishes?

Non sequitur. Omnip. [Omnipotent] doesn't lead to repentance. Distinguish nat. [nature] & mor [moral] evil physic [physical] & moral power or influence – –.

O. [Omnipotent] power to do all poss. [possible] things –.

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Dont [Don't] split rocks with aig's – nor covert man by physic [physical] force drag Indian into a party of ladies.

Moral influences must save men these may be resisted to any ex-tent – & so one may continue – a rebel all his immorality & God's wish never be realized. Men may be lost vs. all God's de-sires & efforts.

Repent then. God is not in your way – he is anxious that you should – but that will not secure it without your own voluntary action. Delay no longer – Now is the time.

[lines on the side reading bottom to top] Boston June 16th [1841?] Rev Mr Benton Dear Sir I hope you will get this line in season to know that the [there] will be no disappointment on my part as

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to the arrangement for supplying your desk & Masen Village next Sabbath.

I have been in New Hampshire since I saw you. returned last evening, Mesur's should have seen you, before this. If I do not see, or hear from you to day [today]. I may call at your place to merrew [tomorrow]. If I should not call, & you go to Masen Village – you will find entertainment at Dea Cragins. – The Middle train to West Townsend will be the Most convenient & the last I believe that connects with the stage to Masen.

Truly Yours J. W. Garlets

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[upper left corner] (No. 23.) (Mesans Rep.)

Sunday – May 28. ~ Psalm 119:59. [centered]

"I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." ——————— Luke 15:17 ~

When he came to himself, he said how many hired serv. [servants] of &c. ~ ——————— Having begun a kind of course – will carry it out still farther. Dwell on the prop. of rep. [repentance] – its nature – will speak now on the means & mode of the change ~ ——————— The passages I have cited are indications of the scripture view of the process ~ ——————— I Are there means of regeneration?

There are – All changes come by instruments. Human mind and expectation. Never acts without motive – never changes without action –

Hence there must be motives to

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(2) [centered]

Repentance – these motives when properly em-ployed become t. [the] means of regeneration ~ ~ II If so – What are these means of Regeneration? Answ. [Answer] Truth of Every Right wh [which] bars are human destiny ~ Thought of – dwelt on – applied – Not infallible but – indispensable – No conversion without some light – Some kn. [knowledge] – apply Some thought.

That divine truth is t. means of Regen [Regeneration] – (1) appears from Scriptures. Jam. [James] 1:18 – "Of his own will begat he us with t. [the] word of truth." 1 Pet. [Peter] 1.22 & 23. Serving ye have purified your Souls &c. [etc.]

(Above sermon written on top of printed copy below) Malden, April 1848. William W. N. Cox, would respectfully inform the citizens of Malden and vicinity that he has taken a Store on Main Street, and proposes to establish himself as Druggist and Apothecary. He promises that no effort on his part shall be wanting to render his estab= lishment worthy of the confidence and patronage of the public; that the most careful attention shall be given to the compounding of Physicians' Prescriptions, and that the medicines which he offers shall be of the purest quality. By assiduous and faithful attention to his business he cherishes the hope that he may not fail of securing and retaining the confidence of the community. —————————————————— Mr. Wm. W. N. Cox has been in my employ in the capacity of Apothecary for several years. It gives me much pleasure to certify to his ability, and faithfullness [faithfulness] – to his correct deportment and upright character. I cheerfully and confidentially recommend him to the pat= ronage of the public. Orlando Tompkins, [right side of page] 271 Washington, corner of Winter Street. [right side of page] ——————————————————— He he refers the following Physicians, C. Gordon, M. D. John Homans, M. D. L. B. Adams, " [M. D.] Ephraim Buck, " [M. D.] M. S. Perry, " [M. D.] D Humphrey Storer, " [M. D.] G. Heaton, " [M. D.] A. B. Snow " [M. D.]

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