22d of May, 1822, in the 61st year of his age and 31st of his ministry: his funeral (the expenses of which were defrayed by the town) was attended at the meeting-house by a large concourse of people. The neighboring clergymen were invited to assist in the services. Rev. Mr. Easterbrook, of Athol, preached a sermon from the text "Jesus wept." His death was lamented by a large circle of friends, by whom he was greatly esteemed and beloved. His character is briefly delineated in the following lines:
"Cautious himself, he others ne'er deceived,
Lived as he taught, and taught as he believed."
After the death of Mr. Osgood, the parish listened to several candidates for settlement without being able to unite on any one as their pastor; they at length gave a call to Rev. Edmund Sewell, which was declined.
May 3d, 1824, the parish voted a call to Mr. Lincoln, who had been supplying them for a season. Mr. Lincoln accepted the call, and was ordained and installed June 16th, 1824.
Immediately after the settlement of Rev. Mr. Lincoln, the church adopted the following covenant, instead of the one of 1786.
