  The founder of the sect called Sandemanians, born at Perth, in Scotland, about the year 1718, and was educated at St. Andrews. Instead of entering into the church, for which he was intended, he became a linen manufacturer, and afterwards turned preacher. He came to America in October, 1764, and from Boston he went to Danbury, Connecticut. In that town he gathered a church the following year. He afterwards established several societies in New England. Individuals are still found who adhere to his peculiarities, and are known by the name of his sect. He wrote an answer to Hervey's “Theron and Aspasio,” said to be a work of talent, but exhibiting great asperity. The following is copied from the monument of Mr. Sandeman, in the burying-ground at Danbury:— “Here lies, until the resurrection, the body of Robert Sandeman, a native of Perth, North Britain, who, in the face of continual opposition from all sorts of men, long boldly contended for the ancient faith, that the bare word of Jesus Christ, without a deed or thought on the part of man, is sufficient to present the chief of sinners spotless before God. To declare this blessed truth, as testified in the holy Scriptures, [pg 397] Deigned Christ to come so nigh to us, As not to count it shame To call us brethren, should we blush At aught that bears his name? Nay, let us boast in his reproach, And glory in his cross; When he appears, one smile from him Would far o'erpay our loss.” |
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