March 3, 2007

Hebrews 12:

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God

 

Dear Friends,

 

Last week a new mom came in the arrange for the Baptism of her son.  On hearing that his middle name was Mather, I asked if this was a family name.  "Oh yes, she replied.  It has been in my husband's family for many years.  I think some of his ancestor's came over on the Mayflower and were ministers.

A little searching confirmed my first suspicion.  This child is a direct descendent of the Rev. Increase Mather (1639-1723) and his son the Rev. Cotton Mather (1663-1728).  The former received the first honorary degree conferred in the new world (from Harvard to be precise), the latter wrote over 450 books and pamphlets.  Both were extremely influential in growing the church in the early colonies.

We talk about the communion of saints.  Every so often we see just how closely we interconnect through the centuries.  When I baptize little Ethan Mather I shall surely recall the some very prominent saints triumphant will be watching with interest.