Dana, James. A Sermon on the much lamented death of Mr. Ebenezer Grant Marsh, Tutor, and Professor Elect of Languages and Ecclesiastical History, in Yale College; who died November 16, 1803, In the 27th year of his age; Preached at Wethersfield, on Lord's Day, November 20, being the day after his Funeral. Hartford: Printed by Hudson & Goodwin, 1803. (First Edition). [12575]
Removed, clipped inscription on front, but a gift to "Doctor Osborne, Middletown." 8 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches, 26 pp., foxing. Newly sewn. Good. Pamphlet.
The text is Psalm 17:15, "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake with thy likeness."
"Those are justified by grace thro' faith, who are reconciled to God in Christ, and heirs according to the hope of eternal life; who are renewed in righteousness and holiness...The righteousness of the saints is at present blended with imperfection. The spirit and flesh maintain a conflict. They have to work out salvation with fear and trembling. Sometimes their mental darkness is great. It is a rare privilege to be exempt from misgivings. In this probationary state, there are many obstacles to faith and holiness; strong prejudices; potent corruption within; snares and allurements without; the prince of darkness hath great power...When a saint shall behold the face of God in heaven, how improved will his character be?" - pp. 8-9.
The original owner was likely Dr. John Osborne (1741-1825), a medical doctor for sixty years in Middletown, Connecticut.
Ebenezer Grant Marsh (1777-1803), b. & d. at Wethersfield, CT. He was the son of Rev. John Marsh, and was noted as an outstanding young scholar, becoming an undergraduate and graduate instructor in Hebrew at Yale in 1798. He was licensed by the New Haven East Association of Ministers to preach (1801), and was a preacher on campus during the Revival of 1802, the same year in which he was appointed a professorship in Languages and Ecclesiastical History. He died in 1803 from "acute complications from cancer." - Columbia University Libraries, Marsh Family manuscripts description.
