The Merrimack River: its source and its tributaries. Embracing a history of manufactures, and of the towns along its course; their geography, topography, and products, with a description of the magnificent natural scenery about its upper waters./ By J. W. Meader.

TLT-E MERRIM.4ACK RIVER;
The ceremony of erecting and dedicating the Hidden monument was
interesting, and impressive. The address, which was eloquent and(
appropriate, was delivered by E. E. Adams. Four of the residents
of the town participated in these ceremonies who had, seventy years
before, been present at the ordination of Mr. Hidden. The followvimig extract from a letter written by the Rev. Mr. Coe, of Durham,
who was present at the ordination of Mr. Hidden, is very interesting.
"I will tell you about the ordination, and yet I know
not where to begin or what to say; it defies description. Mr. HIidden was ordained on a large rock, on which fifty men might stand.
His foundation must be secure and solid, for the rock will stand till
Gabriel shall divide it with the power of God. Early in the moreing the people assembled around this rock, men, women, boys, and
girls, together with dogs and other domestic animals. It is an entire
forest about this place. The scenery is wild. On the north is a high
hill, and north of this is the mountain called Chocorua, which touches
heaven. On the south and in all directions are mountains steep
and rugged. I expected to have heard the howling of the wolf and
the screeching of the owl; but instead of these were heard the melting notes of the robin, and the chirping of the sparrow and other
birds, that made the forest seem like paradise. The men looked
happy, rugged, and fearless; their trowsers came down about half
way between the knee and ankle; their coats were mostly short, and
of nameless shapes. Many wore slouched hats, and hundreds were
shoeless. The women looked ruddy, and as though they loved their
husbands. Their clothing was all of domestic manufacture. Every
woman had on a clean checkered linen apron, and carried a clean
linen handkerchief. Their bonnets! WVell, I cannot describe them;
I leave them to your imagination. But think of the grandeur of
the scene! A great rock the pulpit, the whole town the floor of the
house, the canopy of heaven the roof, and the tall, sturdy trees the
walls! Wlho could help being devoted?
"This is the place nature has formed for pure worship. Long
shall this rock stand line the rock on which our fathers landed.
Long may this church make the wilderness and the solitary place
glad, and the desert bloom as the rose.
126
I
i