The1 Churches sent unto for their Countenance & Assistance by their

Delegates, Elders & Messengers, were the Old North Church at Boston,

the Church of Lynn, the Church of Redding; & y^e New-north Church at Boston.

The sermon was preached by M^r Thomas Cheever.

After the Sermon, they proceeded to Gather the Church: the Rev^r Doctor

Cotton Mather, who was chosen to manage & Moderate the whole affair, having

briefly declared to y^e whole Assembly the Occasion of the present Solemnity,

did publickly read the Covenant, by which the persons more immediately Concerned

did Coalesce into a Church-State, for the enjoyment of all Special Ordinances, & for

the performances of all the Duties, which the Lord Christ hath prescribed unto his

Disciples, in such Churches &c, desiring the Brethren to stand up & manifest their

Consent thereunto openly, which they did accordingly.

Here follows an exact copy of the Covenant, with the Brethrens names.

We, whose names are hereunto Subscribed, apprehending our selves called of God

to Combine together in order to the forming of the Church-state among us for [y^e]2

observation & enjoyment of all the especiall Ordinances; which we are pers[waded]

to be a Singular Service for our generation; Under a deep sence of our Unwo[rthines]

to be so highly favoured of the Lord, to transact personally with so Glorious a [Being]

and acknowledging our utter inability to keep Covenant with God, unless the Lord

by his Spirit & Grace inable us thereunto; admiring that free & rich grace which

Triumpheth over so great Unworthines, with humble dependance upon him for his grac[e &]

assistance, do make & renew our Covenant with God, & one with another, as follows.

In the first place, we do declare & profess our hearty belief of the Christian relig[ion]

[as] contained in the holy Scriptures, which God hath given unto man, to be the only pe[rfect,]

[s]ufficient, & perpetuall Rule of his faith & life, heartily resolving by the help of div[ine]

grace to conform our lives to the Rules of our holy Religion.

And we do this day give up our selves to that God, whose name alone is Jehovah,

ffather, Son, & Spirit, the only true & living God, & Avouch him this day to be our Go[d,]

chusing & cleaving unto him as our God & ffather, our portion & chief good.

We give up our selves also to our Glorious Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Lord our Righteou[sness,]

adhering unto him as the only Head of his Covenant people, & take him for our Only Redee[mer]

& Saviour, our Prophet, Priest, & King, & for our Captain and Leader to bring us to eternal blessed[ness.]

Likewise we profess our Everlasting & indispensable Obligation to Glorify God in all the

duties of gospel Obedience, as becomes his Covenant people, forever engaging by the help of

[C]hrist to endeavour to keep our selves pure from ^the sins of the times, and to observe & attend

[t]he duties of a Church-state, and of a Society Confederated for Obedience to, and

enjoyment of him in all Gospel Ordinances. At3 the same time we

give our Offspring with our selves up unto the Lord,

humbly adoring the grace that we & our Children may

be looked upon as the Lord’s, promising by his help

to do our utmost in the Methods of a Religious education,

that they may be the Lords. Moreover we do give up our

selves to one another in the Lord, engaging to walk by faith

as a4 Church of Christ in the faith & Order of the Gospel, so far as [the Lord hath or shall reveal]5

[2]

unto us, (& particularly as is held out in the Platform sett forth by these Churches unto [which]

for the substance we declare our adherence) promising in brotherly love to watch over one

another, & to avoid all sinfull stumbling blocks, and contentions as much as possible; and to

submit our selves to the Discipline & Government of Christ in this his Church; and to

the Ministerial teaching, guidance, & Oversight of the Elder, or Elders thereof, in

all things agreable to the Rules of Christ in his word, and conscienciously to attend the

Seals & censures, and all the holy Institutions of Christ in Communion with one another,

desiring also to walk with all Regular & due Communion with other Churches.

And all this we do, flying to the blood of the Everlasting Covenant for pardon of [our]

many failings, desiring to depend humbly upon the Grace of God in Christ, to en[able]

us to a faithfull discharge of our Covenant duties both to God & one another: & [where]

we shall fall short, humbly to wait upon his Grace in Christ, for pardon, acceptance,

and healing for this own name sake. Amen.

a true copy

Attest Thomas Cheever.

John Tuttle

William Halsy

John ffloyd sen^r

Daniel ffloyd

Edward Tuttle sen^r

Asa } Halsy’s mark

[El]isha Tuttle

Thomas Cheever

[After th]e Covenant was read & the Brethren had manifested their consent thereunto,

[D^r] Mather did declare unto them, that they were now acknowledged by the Delegates of the

Churches, as one of their Sister Churches, & that they were intrusted with the powers a[nd]

priviledges which Christ had given unto his Churches; of which this was one special priviledg[e]

to choose their Own Officers: He therfore desired them, that, as they had formerly chose[n]

M^r Thomas Cheever for their Pastour, if they did continue in the same mind, and also did

desire that the s^d M^r Thomas Cheever might now be Ordained & Solemnly sett apart to the

Pastorall Office & charge over them, they would manifest it by lifting up their hands, which they [did.]

Whereupon they proceeded to the Ordination. The Charge was given by D^r Cotton Mather.

The Rev^d: M^r Jeremiah Shepard: M^r Richard Brown & M^r John Webb did Assist & joyn

in Imposition of hands. The right hand of ffellowship was given in the name of

the Delegates of the Churches, by the Rev^d: Jeremiah Shepard, both unto the [Rev^d]

Mr Thomas Cheever as the Pastour of y^e Church; & unto the Church as a Sister C[hurch]

After all a psalm was sung: & y^e Assembly dismissed

with a blessing by the new Ordained Pastour.

[3]

Thomas Cheever. Pastour.

Jacob Halsy.

Elizabeth Cheever, since deceased.

Mary Halsy, wife of Asa Halsy.

{

John Tuttle sen^r: ^Deacon since deceased.

{

Samuel Watts

{

Elizabeth Watts

{

Martha Tuttle. since deceased.

Johnⁿ Leath

jun^r: of Maldon

L^t: John Floyd, since Deceased

Elizabeth Sprague wife of Jonathan Sprague

Rachel Floyd. since Deceased

back to Lynn Church

Abraham Skinner: dismissed to y^e Church in Woodstock

Thomas Skinner: of Maldon since deceased

Edward Tuttle sen^r since6 dismissed.

this woman was not dismissed from Lynn Church

Mary Skinner. since deceased

Joseph Whittemore, since7 deceased8

Abigail Tuttle

Elizabeth Whittemore

Elisha Tuttle sen^r. since deceased.

Nathan Cheever     the 2^d Church in Woburn

William Halsy

Susanna Richardson of Maldon: since dismissed to

Joseph Burdit.     of Maldon

Daniel Floyd

William Sargeant of Maldon; since deceased.

Asa Halsy. since deceased

Thomas Burdit     of Maldon since dismissed

Mary Burdit     to y^e South Church in Matoun

Elisha Tuttle.

John Floyd jun^r.

Richard Whittemore.

Jeremiah Whittemore this couple were afterwards

Samuel Tuttle. since deceased.

Patience Whittemore dismissed to West-town Ch:

Eleanor Leath, wife of John Leath.

Abigail Tuttle

Ruhamah Tuttle, widdow of John Tuttle jun^r:

Jacob Chamberlane: since deceased.

Ensign Joseph Belcher. since deceased.

M^r Hugh Floyd, since deceased.

Eleanor Floyd.

Hannnah Belcher

since deceased.

Rebeccah Hinckson since deceased

Patience Davis

Sarah Halsy. wife of William Halsy

Ruth Whittemore, y^e wife of Joseph Whittemore

Abigail Halsy, wife of Jacob Halsy.

Benjamin Whittemore

Sarah Whittemore.

since deceased     since deceased

Thomas Burdit sen^r: of Maldon: since deceased

Joseph Whittemore. Thomas Eastis. William Tuttle.

Sarah Halloway, wife of Joseph Halloway.

Mary ffloyd wife of John ffloyd jun^r: since

deceased

Thomas Brintnal, since deceased.

Sarah Leath, wife of ffrances Leath of Woburn.

Moses Hill, of Maldon. since deceased

Joanna Tuttle.

Mehetabel Lamson.

John Chamberlane

Benjamin Floyd. since Deceased.

M^r Edmund Bonman. dismissed to Falmouth; since deceased

Hannah Chamberlane, since deceased.

Susannah Harndel: since deceased.

Joannah Halsey.

Mary ffloyd wife of Daniel Floyd.

Samuel Floyd & Joannah his Wife.     Wife

Nathanael Oliver: Ensign Thomas Prat & Mary his

Hannah Skinner, widdow, of Maldon since

deceased

since deceased

David Whittemore & Allis his Wife dismissed to Lichfield

Abigail Halsey daughter of Deacon Jacob Halsey

M^ts Abigail Halsey Wife of Elder Halsey. Samuel

Hannah Lewis wife of Isaac Lewis

Maxwell. Abigail Eustace, wife of Thomas Eustace.

Mary Halsey Wife of John Halsey. Mary Parker

Mehetabel Davis.

Wife of John Parker. Sarah Halsey Wife of Samuel Halsey

Abigail Halsey widdow of Abraham Halsy

July 8^th: 1739: Hannah Chamberlane. Susannah Cham

berlane

At a Church Meeting appointed: Novemb: 9^th: M^r John Tuttle was chosen to the Office

[4]

of a Deacon; who accepted the same.

At the same meeting, it was agreed that One fflagon, two platters, four cups, one bason

with table cloath & one napkin should be bought for the use of the Church; M^rs Tuttle

wife of Deacon Tuttle was desired to buy the same, M^r William Halsey was desired to

be assisting unto her in that affair: & the Charges to be paid by the Church.

It was also agreed at the same meeting to have the Sacrament of the Lords-supper

upon the last Lords-day in Novemb: instant: and the next time upon the last Lords-day

in ffebruary: and afterwards once in six weeks: untill the cold & short days:

It was also agreed that the Charges of the bread & wine for y^e Sacrament should be

paid, by a contribution to be made every Sacrament day: and that each Communicant

should give six pence a time during the first year; the Overplus to be reserved as

a Church-stock in the hands of the Deacon.

Attest.

Thomas Cheever Pastour.

1715 Novemb: 6^th: A child of Asa Halsey, baptized ^named Joseph.

[1]715/16 March: 11: Baptized 2 Children of Elisha Tuttle sen^r: A son named Jabez: & a Daughter: Hannah.

[1]716. John ffloyd jun^r: was received to full Communion with the Church: on March: 25^t:

April: 1^st: A child of John Floyd jun^r: baptized: named John.

Same day: Samuel Tuttle & Abigail his wife were received to full Communion

April: 29: Ensign Joseph Belcher & Hanna his wife were received to full Communion

Same day, s^d Hanna Belcher was baptized.

May: 6^t: Sarah Halsy was received to full Communion; wife of William Halsey.

- 13 Three Children of Ensign Joseph Belcher were baptized, their names

were Nathanael. Jame. & Hannah.

- 27 Abigail Halsy, wife of Jacob Halsy was received to full Communion

June 10 A Child of Samuel Tuttle baptized: named Abigail.

Same day A Child of Jacob Halsy baptized: named Abigail.

July 8^th: Thomas Burdit sen^r: of Maldon was received to full Communion; and was

Baptized at the same time.

Novemb: 4^th: Mary ffloyd wife of John ffloyd jun^r: was received to full Communion.

Decemb: 16^th: A Child of Asa Halsey baptized named Hannah.

March: 31^st: 1717: Moses Hill of Maldon was received to full Communion.

May: 26^th: A Child of Nathaniel Richison baptized, named Rachel, by virtue of the

Communion of Churches, y^e Mother of the Child being a member of Woburn C[hurch.]9

June: 16: John Chamberlane & Hannah his wife were received to full Communion.

1717

[5]

July: 21^st: Five Children of John Chamberlane were baptized, their names were

Sarah, Abigail, Elizabeth, Hannah, Mary.

August: 4^th: Mary ffloyd wife of Daniel ffloyd received to full Communion.

September: 27^th: At a Church-meeting appointed to deal with our brother Edward

Tuttle for disorderly forsaking the ffellowship of the Church, (he having absented

from the Sacrament of the Lords-supper three several times one after the other)

and to know the reason of the same; he gave no other reason but this, he was

dissatisfied because I refused to baptize one of his Grand Children, viz, a

Child of his Son John Tuttle; he was told that could not be allowed for a

sufficient reason, for as much as I had openly & fully declared my judgment

in that matter before we Signed our Church-Covenant; he gave in a

written acknowledgment, in which he owned the irregularity & disorder of his

former absence, expressing his sorrow for the same, & desiring forgivnes both

of God & the Church for his offence, & promising to return to the Commu-

nion of y^e Church according to his Covenant duty, &c: Hereupon the

Church declared their satisfaction therein, & so y^e matter was lovingly ended.10

Attest.     Thomas Cheever Pastour.

Octob: 20: Hannah Skinner, widdow of Abraham Skinner of Maldon, was

received to full Communion.

Edward Tuttle his confession and acknowledgement, that wherein I have given

any just matter and occasion of Offence to any particular person in this Church

or to the whole Church in generall, either directly or indirectly (for in so doing

I offend & sin against God) I am sorry for it & do repent & I do desire

and ask forgivenes, first of God through the merits of his Son; and then next

of the Church, & so of every particular person in the Church against whom

I have offended.

this is a true copy of the acknowledgment given in to the Church, at

the Church-meeting: Septemb: 27^th:

Attest     Thomas Cheever Pastour

March: 16

1717/18: Hannah Lewis wife of Isaac Lewis was received to full Communion.

April 13 -

A Child of Asa Halsy baptized, named Abraham.

May 4^th Mehetabel Davis was received to full Communion.

June: 1^st:

A Child of Ensign Joseph Belcher baptized, named Jonathan.

June: 22^d:

A Child of Isaac Lewis baptized, named Abijah.

June: 29:

Edward Tuttle sen^r: was dismissed back to y^e Church of Lynn upon

his desire, he was always uneasy & therefore y^e Church readily voted his

dismission that we might have no farther trouble with him.

1718

[6]

July: 6^t Abigail Halsey of Maldon, widdow of Abraham Halsey, was received to full

Communion, & was baptized at the same time.

A daughter of s^d Abigail Halsey baptized at the same time, named Abigail.

July: 13^th:

A son of Moses Hill baptized, named John.

——

Same day a son of John ffloyd jun^r: baptized, named John.

August: 10^th:

Jacob Halsy was received to full Communion.

—— 24

Mary Halsy, wife of Asa Halsy was received to full Communion.

Octob: 19

Samuel Watts & Elizabeth his wife were received to full Communion.

- 26

A Child of Samuel Tuttle baptized, named Elizabeth.

Same day a Child of Jacob Halsey baptized, named Elizabeth.

1718/19

Jan: 25:

Elizabeth Sprague wife of Jonathan Sprague jun^r: of Maldon was received to full Com=

munion.

Febr: 1^st:

A Child of Samuel Watts baptized, named Richard.

— 22

John Leath was received to full Communion.

March: 1^st:

A Child of John Leath baptized, named John.

May: 24^th:

Abraham Skinner, Thomas Skinner, & Mary Skinner all of Maldon

were received to full Communion, and were baptized at the same time.

--

Same day a Child of Jonathan Sprague jun^r: of Maldon baptized, named Hannah.

When Abraham Skinner abovenamed first offered himself to our

Communion, & before he was publickly propounded, I stayed the Church,

and acquainted them with his desire; and because there had some years

since been a charge brought against the s^d Abraham Skinner for stealing

or carrying off a post from the parsonage land in Maldon, the Church did

appoint, severall of Our Bretheren, viz: L^t: John ffloyd, William Halsy,

Daniel Floyd, & Thomas Burdit to enquire into that matter, who accord-

ingly enquired of Deacon John Greenland of Maldon, William Serjeant

and others, and reported unto the Church, That they found the s^d Abraham

Skinner had been charged, prosecuted, & condemned by the Court for stealing

or carrying off a post as afors^d, upon the single evidence of one Thomas

Parker of Maldon; & this being directly contrary to the Law of God, 19: deut:

15: 18: Mat: 16: 8: john: 17: the Church judged that the fors^d matter was not

sufficient to barr his being received to Communion, nor could they look upon

the s^d Abraham Skinner duely convicted of the crime he was charged with.

The Church was the more confirmed in this their judgment, because the s^d

Parker had weakned his own Evidence by contradicting it. Which thus appeared

When s^d Parker was about joyning to the Church of Maldon, the

aforenamed Abraham Skinner gave in a charge against s^d Parker in writing,

a copy of which charge follows.

Maldon December y^e 30 day 1713:

To the Reverend M^r David Parsons pastor of y^e Church of Christ in Maldon.

I the Subscriber, hearing that it is the desire of Thomas Parker to joyn to

the Church of Maldon, Sir I thought good to acquaint you, that I have known

this Thomas Parker to be guilty of falsifying or lying, which is a breach of the

ninth Commandment, the which I can prove:     Thoma Abraham Skinner.

Here follows a copy of the evidences to prove the charge against Parker,

which being brought to me, I thought good to enter them in Our Church book

that our proceedings in this matter may be clear.

[7]

Hannah Skinner & Mary Skinner both of Maldon being of full age do testify &

say, that they did both of them sometime in y^e moneth of January in y^e year 1710

then hear Thomas Parker of Maldon say, that he being by some persons charged

with the stealing of postes on the parsonage land in Maldon, said he had con

fessed the stealing of one post & no more, but at the same time said, he had taken

or stolen more, but would never confess them to those he had made his former

confession unto: and they farther say that y^e s^d Thomas Parker did then with

tears confess & say, that Abraham Skinner was now charged complained of for the

stealing the postes that he had stolen or carryed away.

Thomas Skinner & Mary Skinner both of Maldon, of full age do testify & say,

that they did sometime in the moneth of March in the year 1711, then hear

Thomas Parker of Maldon solemnly protest & say, that he could not, nor would not

take any Oath referring to the postes, that were carried or stolen off the

parsonage land in Maldon, that should any wayes be to the dammage of

Abraham Skinner, for said he if I should swear that I did ^ever see Abraham Skinner

carry, or bear of any post, or posts off the parsonage land, I should take a false

oath: but at last did say, he could not tell what he should swear, till he came to the Court. true copy: June 10^th: 1710.

P^r Thomas Cheever.

July 5^th

Joseph Whittemore & E

Elizabeth his wife were received to full Communion.

s^d Joseph Whittemore was baptized at the same time; also a Child of

s^d Whittemore baptized at the same time, named Edmund.

Sept: 20^th:

ffour Children of Thomas Skinner were baptized, their names were

Thomas, Abraham, John, & Joseph.

Same day a Child of Jonathan Sprague jun^r: of Maldon baptized, named Jonathan.

- 27^th

A Child of Abraham Skinner baptized, named Abraham.

Oct: 4

Nathan Cheever was received to full Communion.

- 11

A Child of Isaac Lewis baptized, named Mary.

- 25

Susanna Richardson of Maldon widdow was received to full Communion.

Novemb: 1^st:

A Child of Nathaniel Richardson baptized, named Nathan.

—— 8

A Child of Thomas Skinner named Benjamin, baptized.

Same day a Son of Susanna Richardson baptized, named Biel.

—— 15

A Child of John Chamberlane baptized, named Susanna.

1719/20:

March 13

A Child of John Pratt of Maldon, who married Mehitabel Davis, baptized, named Mary.

April: 3^d:

Joseph Burdit of Maldon received to full Communion.

June: 3^d

At a Church-meeting appointed to choose a Deacon, one or more: Deacon Tuttle by

reason of his weaknes of body desiring to be released from his office: it was in the

first place carried by a Major Vote to choose two Deacons, first one, and afterwards a

second; According and that there should be a Majority of the Voters to make a choice.

Accordingly, when their Votes were brought in for the first Deacon, our brother M^r John

Chamberlane was chosen by a Majority of the Voters. When the votes were brought

for the second Deacon there was not a Majority of the Voters for any person, till

the third time of Voting & then our brother M^r Samuel Tuttle was chosen by a

Majority of the Voters: as was then thought; but afterwards there appeared some mistake L^t John Floyd & Asa Halsy & Jacob Halsy were

appointed to treat with the beforenamed persons and to make report to the

Church, whither they did accept & would serve in the Office of Deacons, as soon

as conveniently they could.     Attest     Thomas Cheever Pastour

Ipswich: 16 july: 1719: The second Church of Christ in Ipswich, to the Church of Christ

[8]

in Rumny-marish sendeth Greeting, & wish that Grace, Mercy, and

Peace may be multiplied unto you from God our heavenly ffather

and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev^d & Beloved.

These are to signify to you, that we have a very mournfull Case to lay before you, scil.11

the Deplorable Condition, which our Beloved Sister Church in y^e Town of Wenham, is

lapsed into. For that according to our present View the s^d Church seems to us, either

Obstinately bent upon a design to subvert the ancient Constitution of these Churches,

or through the prevalency of some temptation are rushing upon their own Confusion,

which God of his infinite mercy prevent. Now R^d & Beloved brethren, under so awfull

a prospect, we hold our selves in duty bound to express, & open their condition to your

selves & other Churches in order to their Relief, if God will succeed us. Therefore

these are to notify you, that upon a Complaint exhibited to this Church, by M^r William

Rogers member of y^e s^d Church in Wenham, wherein he Complains of great injustice

done him in y^e s^d Church &c: Whereupon we sent a Delegation of prudent men to

Represent us, with Instructions to make farther enquiry, & Administer a word of advice,

if they judged the Complaint sufficiently evidenced & just. The s^d Church in Wenham

has all along, since our first sending to them in this present case, Manifested much

Obstinancy, & put great contempt upon the Proceedings of this Church, & thereby have

plainly trampled ^upon & indignified the Constitution of the Churches, of which we shall give

a fuller account when the Churches sent to shall Convene at the time & place appointed.

Yet Beloved! Our Delegation, notwithstanding all slights put upon them, have with great

patience & stability of mind pursued duty for the good of the Church & Partie, but the

s^d Church has been very Obstinate & we are without hopes of their Compliance, but by this

way we are now taking. with them That R^d & Beloved, these presents are in the Name

of Christ, farther to Carry on the Process against the s^d Church in Wenham, according

to the Direction given by the Rule for the third way of Communion in these Churches.

Therefore we now more fully acquaint you & other Churches, that y^e s^d Church is still under

offence, for that having injured their ^brother by their Male-administrations, yet have Obstinately refused

to comply with their duty, under all the steps we have taken & offers made, by our Delegates

for his relief & their healing. The Admonition, which has been drawn up in very Christian

and proper terms sent & left among them for their use & direction, no improvement is made

of it by their Pastor according to its intent, but he rather Meditates, as we judge, in

Combination with some of the brethren how to defeat the whole Process: wherefore we

now call upon your selves & other Neighbour Churches to joyn with us in Seconding of

the Admonition which has been dispenced. We have with submission to Divine providence

appointed to meet you at Wenham upon the 29^th day of this instant July, at ten of the

clock before noon: the house for the Elders & Messengers to meet at in the Morning,

upon their first coming into the Town, is the house of M^r Samuel Kimbal. Thus,

Rev^d: & Beloved! having offered to your Cognisance a case of such great importance,

wherein the Glory of Christ is so peculiarly embarqued, and the Constitution of his

Churches is in such imminent peril, we doubt not, but you will readily come into the

Service, by sending, as we now Pray & desire you, your Elder or Elders & other Messengers

to joyn in Concert with Our selves & other Churches sent unto, for the support of our

Action, reinforcing our Admonition, & carrying on of our Process till it should come to a final

issue. So recommending all that shall be involved, & so great an example, by our most

Ardent Prayer to the Grace & Conduct of our Blessed Lord.

We rest your loving Brethren in the bonds

of y^e Gospel. John Wise Pastour

by Order of s^d Church of Christ in Ipswich

A true copy: Attest Thomas Cheever

To the Rev^d M^r Thomas Cheever

Pastour, to be Communicated to the

Church of Christ in Rumny-marish.

P^r M^r Sam^l: Kimbal.

I received this letter July 18^th, and communicated it to the Church the next Lords-day,

and the Church readily Voted to comply with the desire of Ipswich 2^d Church, and

chose L^t: John Floyd & M^r William Halsy to accompany me & attend that Service

Attest     Thomas Cheever Pastour.

Here follows a copy of y^e Result of the Council of Churches called by the second

[9]

Church in Ipswich, to Assist & advise in the case of M^r William Rogers Member of

the Church of Wenham, he having complained of injustice done him by s^d Church of

Wenham, unto the 2^d Church in Ipswich, & desiring that they would make enquiry in

order to his relief according to the third way of Communion directed in the Platform.

July 29^th 1719:

The Delegation of five Churches, viz:

the 2^d Church in Ipswich, the Church in

Rumny-marish, the Church of York, & the two Churches in Glocester,

regularly met at Wenham, this twenty ninth day of July 1719, & then & there

having supervised the case of M^r Wiliam Rogers, relating to the Suspension,

he sustains under the Censure of the Church of Christ in Wenham, & finding

that the Admonition dispensed by the second Church of Christ in Ipswich, to

the s^d Church in Wenham to be just. Yet considering the great importance of

the matter now before us, & being desirous & willing, that the s^d Church in

Wenham might have farther time offered to them, to reconsider what has past,

and the imminent peril they are in of incurring the displeasure of the Churches

in the Association, if they will abide a full process: and considering that they

have obstinately refused to attend on the process commenced against them

hitherto. We have therefore adjourned to the last wednesday in September next

ensuing, & then to meet at the house of M^r Samuel Kimbal, when & where the

s^d Church of Wenham shall have oportunity to offer any just reasons, why the s^d

Admonition should not be fully executed upon them: and order that they be duly

Notified by the Moderatour of this Delegation viz: the Pastour of the s^d

Church in Ipswich: and moreover we also appoint, that the s^d Moderatour draw

up in form, after the best manner he can to suit the Occasion, our final Resolve

in the case & have it in readiness for us.

Voted by y^e s^d Delegation: as attest John Wise moderatour.

Wenham: Sept: 30^th: 1719:

We, the Delegation of five Churches, viz: the Second Church in Ipswich which did begin

the Process, the Church of Rumny-marish (the Church of York not appearing the weather

being bad) & the two churches in Glocester, being now met by adjournment in Wenham

abovenamed: After very Solemn & humble addresses unto God for direction in this great

concern devolved upon us by his wise providence, we now proceed.

ffirst, We sent a Notification to the Church of Christ in Wenham on the 15^th of this

instant, wherein was set forth, that the Delegation of the s^d five Churches, formerly

mett in the Town of Wenham at M^r Samuel Kimbal’s on 29^th of July last, to super

vise the case of M^r William Rogers, relating to the Suspension he was under from the

s^d Church in Wenham, did then & there find & declare, that the Admonition dispensed

by the s^d 2^d Church in Ipswich to the s^d Church in Wenham, in order to the restora

-tion of the s^d Rogers was just, & also the s^d Church in Wenham was in the s^d Notifi

cation Directed to attend on the Delegation now mett, but the s^d Church refusing to

submit to the s^d Notification, & still persisting in their Obstinacy, We now in the name

of Christ, & in right of the Churches we represent, proceed to draw up a more formal

and final Result in the case, we therefore declare our judgment & sentence in y^e articles following

ffirst, That the Management of the 2^d church in Ipswich towards the Church in Wenham is

well & sufficiently founded in the Canon of these Churches, and the process of y^e s^d Church

is to be justified from what the Platform of our Church discipline says about the third

way of Communion of Churches, & therefore the s^d process is agreable to the way of Order,

and tends greatly to the promotion of Union, peace, truth, holiness & mutual edification in

and to the establishment of the Churches, and is a laudable & proper example for us, & all

other Churches in the Consociation to follow, and imitate one towards another in such like case.

Secondly. We therefore condemn the Church in Wenham for slighting & rejecting the Process,

& method taken with them by the s^d 2^d Church in Ipswich; the s^d Church in Wenham has

thereby put high contempt upon the Constitution of these Churches, notwithstanding they did

so solemnly & publickly upon the Pacification, promise for the future to Submit to the third way of

[10]

Communion in the Platform, & by their s^d contempt have begun such a rupture & breach in

their alliance & gospel order, which, if not check’t & stopt in time, tends to the utter

ruine and subversion of the Noble frame & constitution of these famous, ancient, & flourish

ing Churches. And therefore we farther declare that our judgment is, that the s^d Church

in Wenham, they continuing in fellowship with these Churches, & all other Churches in

this grand Association, are bound by the Canon at their utmost peril to Submit to such

a method when taken with them by any Neighbour Sister Church upon such or the like ^sufficient cause.

Thirdly. Thus having abundant reason to justify the 2^d Church in Ipswich in their proceeding

& having fully supervised the case of s^d M^r William Rogers, we do now in Concert with

the s^d Church declare, that y^e s^d M^r Rogers has not given any just offence to the s^d Church

of Wenham, by any groundless or injurious charge against his Pastour, on 31^st of january 1716/17

in those words of Opposition for which he was Suspended, in that they were sufficiently

evidenced unto us to be true. Therefore we now more formally & publickly Justify the

s^d Admonition dispensed on the 19^th of May 1719 by the s^d Church in Ipswich to the

Church in Wenham, in favour of s^d M^r Rogers as aboves^d.

ffourthly. In consideration, that the s^d Church in Wenham hath all along manifested great

Obstinacy, & now also after due patience & long waiting for their Compliance, the s^d

Church still continue very inflexible & obstinate, therefore in the Name of Christ &

of the several Churches we represent, these presents are to set forth & declare, that

we the s^d Delegation having joined our selves, do in concert execute, set on, and second

the s^d Admonition, & for that end do now advise, direct, & Admonish the s^d our much

pitied & greatly beloved Sister Church in Wenham, that after such a long and unjust de-

lay, they do now release their s^d brother William Rogers from the s^d suspension, and

restore him to Communion with the s^d Church in Wenham, & by all due means & brother-

ly deportment towards him establish him in the perswasion of their brotherly love to him,

and also we still continue to advise the s^d M^r Rogers, upon the Churches receiving him

to their fellowship. that he suppress all hard resentments towards his Pastour, & bre-

thren, notwithstanding the unkindnesses & injustice he has met with from them. 12: rom:

1: cor: 13: And for the present relief of s^d M^r Rogers, while the s^d Church shall deli-

berate, we grant a permit to the s^d Rogers for Occasional Communion with any of our

Churches. ffinally thus hoping our s^d beloved Sister Church in Wenham will well con-

sider how they have swerved from the rule of Charity & justice in the case of their

s^d brother Rogers, & also revise what ruptures they have made in the Order of these

Churches, & also we hope & pray that the Grace of God may be sufficient for them,

and influence their minds under the present awfull crisis they are reduced to, and

dispose & bow their hearts to comply with their duty, in the reasonable & just di-

rections that we have laid before them, & so prevent those other more terrible

parts of the process with remain yet to be fulfilled; but if not, God assisting, we

are resolved to execute the same, & that by pursuing every step to a final issue

according to the direction of our Platform.

Voted. nemine non consentiente

John Wise moderatour.

Wenham Octob: 1^st: 1719:

We the Delegates of five Churches, (the Church of York being not here, the weather being

bad) having mett at this time by Adjournment at the house of M^r Samuel Kimbal in Wenham aboves^d,

and our Sister Church in Wenham remaining very obstinate, & still continuing to resist the regular

Process carried on against them in the case of M^r William Rogers; having found on the 29^th of July

last, & then declared the Admonition dispensed by the 2^d Church in Ipswich to the s^d Church in

Wenham to be just, from the sence of duty incumbent on us, & faithfulness to Christ, & his Churches, and

a due regard to justice we have seconded, & this day farther administred the s^d Admonition to the s^d

our Sister Church in Wenham, as does more fully appear in the Instrument of Execution we have publish-

ed against the s^d Church, reference thereto being had. And farthermore considering how much the

well being of these Churches doth depend upon the careful conduct, wise & good management of this

important business, which God in his holy & wise providence hath at this juncture devolved on the

Churches we represent, & nextly on our selves, we now in due form make a farther pause, & shall

still wait a convenient space of time for the Submission of the s^d Church in Wenham, expecting their

[11]

complying with their duty, as set forth in s^d Admonition, that has been reinforced, seconded, & published

against them as aboves^d. And moreover considering at what distance several of us dwell, & also that

the time of the year is hastning on, that may make it more difficult for travel, we therefore judge

it meet to make some suitable precaution in the business, that is to say, if the s^d Church in Wenham

shall fully, & in due time comply with the s^d Admonition, then the Delegation of the s^d five

Churches is dissolved; but if not, we shall continue in being as a representative body, God helping

of us, & shall proceed with the process, & our next step will be to draw up & publish our forbearing

Communion with the s^d Church of Wenham for our s^d five churches: & then we shall farther also

do & perform such other acts as are agreable with the canon & government of these Churches, in

order to, & in hope of the repentance & full compliance of the s^d Church in Wenham. And for the

future we leave the affair, as it is now stated, to the conduct & management of the Delegates of

the three Nearest Churches in the s^d Delegation to draw up in form what may be farther need-

full, & transmit the same to the Delegates of the other Churches concerned for their appro-

bation, & also if there be Occasion for it, to determine on time & place when, & where a

grand Council of Churches shall be Convened, as the Platform doth direct; and also to fix

the number of Churches, & who shall be Cited through the whole Consociation, in order to the

Definitive sentence in this case. And moreover before we dismiss this present Session, we de-

clare, that upon issuing out the Sentence of forbearing Communion with the Church of Wenham

for our s^d five Churches, which God prevent, if it be his holy will, by bowing the hearts of our

s^d Dear Sister Church to a compliance; but if otherwise, & the s^d Sentence be pronounced by us

as above is provided, then we think due care should be taken to grant Occasional Commu-

nion to other innocent Members of the s^d Church of Wenham, & especially such as do, & have

born due Testimony against the Corruptness & Obstinacy of the fores^d Church of Wenham,

they signifying & setting forth that they have so done, & this provision is made for the ease

of the innocent, until the Grand Convention of Churches shall be made in this case, & then

to proceed to a more full Renunciation of all right of Relation to, & acts of ffellowship, as

the Platform doth more expressly direct to, with the s^d Church. ffinally, we the s^d Delega=

tion having made the best provision we can in so great a Concern, do now leave it to the

s^d three Churches as aboves^d to take care in all points for the future, & do what is

meett according to their best discretion in the case relating to the s^d Church of Wenham

and the s^d M^r Rogers, & to give to the Delegates of the other two Churches an account of

things from time to time for their approbation, before any thing of moment as aboves^d

be fully Executed.

Voted nemine non consentiente

John Wise moderatour.

A copy of the result, which the Delegation had unanimously voted & published, was sent by

several of the Members of the Delegation, to the R^d: M^r Gerrish Pastour of the Church

of Wenham, & left with his wife, he not being to be spoke with by them.

The s^d M^r Gerrish refused to communicate to his Church the result of the Delegation, &

see whither they were willing in compliance therewith to restore their brother M^r Rogers,

which was justly grievous & dissatisfactory to many of his Church.

On the sixth of January following the s^d M^r Gerrish died, the difference in Wenham not made up.

After the death of M^r Gerrish, the Church found their difference not being made up was a

barr to their Obtaining another Minister, & thereupon began to endeavour to put an end

to their long continued difference, & after some meetings & essays at last at a Church

meeting they voted to restore M^r Rogers to their Communion, & to revoke what had past

in the Church formerly against him, & that an account of their doings should be sent

to R^d M^r Wise, moderatour of the Delegation or Council that had met at Wenham,

under the hand of M^r Prescot, whom the Church of Wenham had chose to be Moderatour

of their Church meetings & to keep their Church records till they had a Pastour settled,

and that seeing the end is obtained, which was aimed at by their process, & M^r Rogers restored

that they would now cease all farther steps: &c: After R^d M^r Wise received an account of

the Church in Wenham’s restoring M^r Rogers to their fellowship, he communicated the same

to the Delegates of the 5 Churches who declared their acceptance, & so a period put to

any farther steps: and the Delegation was declared dissolved.

To y^e R^d M^r Thomas Cheever

[12]

Pastour of the Church of

Christ at Rumny-marish.

January 14^th 1719/20

Honoured Rev^d: & Beloved.

It having pleased the most Glorious Head of the Church, after, as we

hope, our most earnest, humble & Solemn Supplications unto him, on a day of

fasting & prayer for his gracious Guidance & Assistance, in a matter of so

great importance, to Direct us of the New-North-Church in Boston by a very

considerable Majority of Votes, to Invite the Rev^d M^r Peter Thacher late

of Weymouth, to the Pastoral Office among us, and to Incline him to accept

of our Invitation. We have agreed upon Wednesday the 27^th of this present

January (God willing) to fix him in the full Exercise of s^d Office among us.

We therefore humbly & earnestly intreat the Presence of your Rev^d Pastour

with such Messengers, as you shall think proper to send with him, to Concurr

with the Elders & Messengers of Several other Churches in Exercising such

Acts of Communion with us, as the Solemnity of the Ser Occasion may call for.

We earnestly ask your Prayers, that Grace, mercy & peace from God our

Father, & from Our Lord Jesus Christ may be multiplied upon us, & upon

our Offspring, & with our humble beseeching the Throne of Grace, that

the same inestimable blessings may descend on you in a most plentiful

manner.

We Subscribe Your in the faith

and fellowship of the Gospel.

John Webb, in the name and at

the desire of the Church.

To the Rev^d: M^r Thomas Cheever

to be Communicated.

You are desired to meet at the

Pastours house by Nine of the clock

in the Morning.

I communicated this letter to the Church on 17^th jan:

who readily complied with the desire of Our Sister Church

and chose L^t: John Floyd, M^r William Halsey, & M^r John

Chamberlane to accompany me and concur with the other

Church or Churches that should attend that service.

True copy. Attest Thomas Cheever Pastour

After our return I acquainted the Brethren, whom I sent for to my house,

and who gave me a meeting all except two or three, with what we had done

as to the installing y^e Rev^d: M^r Peter Thacher in the Pastoral Office at

the New-North Church, together with the reasons of our doings therein, who

declared their approbation of the same.

1720

[13]

June 17^th

A Church meeting to choose a Deacon, one or more: What was done the former meeting

June: 3^d was dropped because of great uneasiness; it was in the first place Hurried by a

unanimous Vote to choose but one Deacon at present: and when their Votes were

brought in, there was not a Majority the first time for any person: when their

Votes were brought in y^e 2^d time: our brother M^r John Chamberlane was chosen

by the Majority of Voters

July: 3^d

M^r William Sarjeant a member of Maldon Church, having a dismission from that

Church, unto the Church of Christ at Rummy-marish, was received to full Communion.

August: 7^th

Thomas Burdit jun^r: of Maldon & Mary his wife were received to full Communion.

Oct: 2^d

A Child of John Leath baptized, named Samuel.

Oct: 23

ffive Children of Thomas Burdit jun^r: were baptized, their names were

Thomas, Jacob, Jabez, Joseph, Mary.

Nov: 7^th

At a Church meeting to choose another Deacon to be joyned with Deacon John

Chamberlane. When their votes were brought in, our brother M^r William Halsy

was chosen by a Majority of Votes & voters: our brother Chamberlane was not

present, it was therefore proposed & assented to by the Church, that their accepting

the Churches call to s^d Office should be manifested by their sitting in the Deacons

seat. And whereas at the last Church meeting ^their was discourse about making some allowance to the

Deacons for their trouble yearly, as also to make allowance to the Churches Delegates

sent to Wenham & to Boston &c. Deacon Tuttle declared openly that he desired

nothing for the time he had served the Church in the Office of Deacon. After

which it was unanimously Voted that no allowance should be made to the Deacons

nor to any others out of the Church-Stock but with the knowledge & consent of

the Church, & that the Deacons should give account of their doings in their

Office unto the Church once in a year, to present any dissatisfactions or mistake.

Attest Thomas Cheever

Pastour

Nov: 13:

A Child of Abraham Skinner baptized, named William.

Dec: 4^th:

A Child of Samuel Watts baptized, named Elizabeth.

20

A Church meeting, in which the Church Covenant was read, showing that we fixed upon

Congregational principles, according to the Platform sett forth by these Chur-

ches, in which both the power of the Elders, and the liberty of the Brethren

are so sett out, as that no Church act is compleat & perfected without the con-

sent of both: when it was put to Vote, whither the Church did consent to and

were willing to abide by the s^d first settlement & Covenant, there was an

unanimous consent manifested by lifting up the hand. Afterward upon debate

with reference to the former Church meeting notwithstanding it appeared that

M^r William Halsy had a Major vote to the Office of a Deacon, because of

the fierce opposition made by three or four of the Brethren; upon the motion

of another Brother, that we might for the present rest contented with but

one Deacon viz: M^r John Chamberlane, till spirits were better composed; to

prevent further Contention & for peace it was Voted that M^r Chamberlane

should serve alone in the Office of a Deacon for the present, and passed with

but little opposition: and the s^d Deacon Chamberlane declared his accept-

ance for the present, & agreed to go to receive the Churches Vessels & stock,

if any, of Deacon John Tuttle.

Attest Thomas Cheever Pastour.

A copy of Deacon Chamberlane’s receipt given to Deacon Tuttle.

Received of Deacon John Tuttle, the vessels belonging to the Church at Rumny-marish

being two flagons, six cups, & two platters, with the table-cloth & a bottle; as also the Church

stock, being three pounds, seventeen shillings & six pence in bills & eleven shillings ten pence

half penny in pennys & half pence, amounting being in the whole to 4^ll: 9^s: 4^d 1/2: I say received for the

use of the Church, this 2^d day of ffebruary 1720/21

P^r me John Chamberlane

a true copy; Attest Thomas Cheever Pastour.

1721

[14]

April: 16:

A Child of John Floyd jun^r: baptized, named Mary.

July: 9:

A Child of William Halsy’s baptized, named Ebenezer.

Aug: 13

A Child of John Pratt of Maldon who married Mehitabel Davis, baptized named John.

- 27

A Child, of John Whittamore a member of Maldon Church, baptized named John.

Sept: 17

A Child of Ensign Joseph Belcher baptized, named Sarah.

Nov: 12

A Child of Samuel Tuttle baptized, named Abigail.

19

A Child of Deacon John Chamberlane baptized, named Lydia.

1721/22

Jan: 28:

A Child of Isaac Lewis baptized, named Nathan.

Feb: 18:

Elisha Tuttle was received to full Communion, being dismissed to this Church from

the first Church in Lynn.

Feb: 20^th:

Deacon Chamberlane laid his accounts before L^t: John Floyd. M^r W^m: Halsy, & M^r

Sam^l: Watts who were appointed by y^e Church to assist me in attending that

service according to a former Vote of the Church: Novemb: 7^th: 1721: and the Churches

stock in his hands appeared to be five pounds eighteen shillings & eight pence.

Attest Thomas Cheever. pastour.

March: 4^th

The Church was staied after meeting to appoint,

a time on the week day to consider of what should then be laid before them,

they appointed the Next Wednesday seven-night, to meet at One of y^e Clock in the

afternoon at my house. which will be y^e 14^th of this instant March.

14:

At the Church Meeting after the Church were acquainted that Deacon Chamberlane’s accounts

were fair & clear and what stock was in his hands, it was voted that the s^d Deacon should

buy a book to keep his accounts in for the future, & pay for the Chu book of the Church

records; and that he should gett the Windows in the Galleries of the Meeting house

mended, and provide hooks & staples that are wanting to secure the s^d Windows for future.

and also to take care of said Windows as their should be need for the future, and these

things to be paid for out of the Church-stock in his hands: it was likewise Voted that the

land belonging to the Meeting-house should be fenced in with a good board fence, and

to be paid for by the Church; M^r Samuel Watts, Jacob Halsy, & John Leath were chosen a

Committee to take care for the doing of it, as also to make steps at the South-door.

This ^last Vote being afterwards objected against by Several of the Brethren was laid by:

Attest Thomas Cheever pastour.

At the Meeting aboves^d, it was proposed to the Consideration of the Church with respect

to the Difference & distance that does still continue between the Church and Severall

of the Inhabitants in this place; Whither some Overtures for peace should not be made

by the Church, unto our afors^d Dissenting Neighbours & Friends; After much debate pro

and con: and after the Objections made by some were answered, and the unhappy effects

of the Want of peace, how mischievous it might prove in after times; as also the great

blessings of Peace, & y^e special blessing pronounced by Our Saviour unto peace-makers.

and after Some of the Brethren declared that Some of the Principal of Our

Dissenting Neighbours & ffriends had manifested a desire of peace. The Church

Unanimously Voted to send in the following words their proposal to Our s^d dissatisfied

Neighbours, to be Directed to Lt: John Brintnal to be Communicated to the rest

the proposal made follows over leaf:

I Communicated both the letters on the other side to y^e Church on Feb: 25^t:

who readily Complied with the Desire of the Committee; & also the desire

of Our Sister Church in the East end of Watertown; & chose Dⁿ: John Chamberlane,

L^t: John Floyd: Ensign Joseph Belcher, M^r W^m: Halsey, & M^r Samuel Watts, to

Accompany me, & Assist in Common Council with the other Churches that should

meet for that Service at Watertown at the time appointed. L^t: ffloyd, & M^r Belcher

did not appear; but the other three Brethren gave their attendance, where we mett

with eight Churches, as by y^e Records of y^e Scribe in my keeping may appear:

Attest Thomas Cheever Pas^r: the Result of y^e Council follow’s overleaf:12

To y^e Rev^d: M^r Thomas Cheever

[15]

Pastour of y^e Church of Christ

in Rumney-Marish to be Commu-

nicated to y^e Church there.

To our Brethren of y^e Church of Christ in Rumny-marish

Rev^d: & well beloved.

Wheras we of y^e Committee of y^e Church, and the rest of y^e Society belonging to the

Middle-part of Water-town, have unanimously made Choice of the Rev^d: M^r Robert

Sturgeon, to be our gospel Minister, who has seen good to accept of our Call to

settle in that work.13 These are humbly to request your Presence, & Assistance, by your

Elders & Delegates, in setting him apart for that work, according to the practise

of the Churches in New-England, & desiring your prayers for us, remain

yours in the Fellowship of the Gospel.

Dated at Watertown: this 15^th ffebruary: 1721/22

Caleb Church

The time y^t we have appointed for our

John Parkhust

Ordination is the first Tuesday but one

Simon Tayntor

being y^e 27 day of this instant.

Thomas Straight

Joshua Biglow

The place, where the Elders & Messengers

Edward Harrington

are to come to, is M^r Samuel Pearce’s.

Samuel Pearce

Ebenezer Wellington.

Committee.

Copia vera.

Attest Thomas Cheever Pas^r:

To the Rev^d: M^r Thomas Cheever, Pastour

of y^e Church in Rumney-marish to be

Communicated to the Church.

Watertown. Feb: 23: 1721/2

The Church of Christ in y^e East end of Watertown to the

Church of Christ in Rumney-marish Sendeth Greeting:

Rev^d: & Beloved

We received notice this week, of a Letter sent to you, to Desire your Assistance in the

Ordination of M^r Robert Sturgeon, to a Church in Watertown: what Church is intend-

ed we are at Uncertainties, but suppose they may be Some persons partly of the

Eastern, & partly of the Western precincts in Watertown, who endeavour to impose

upon you: for there is such a party in the Town, who have for some time had M^r

Sturgen preaching among them, & seem to have been Clandestinely carrying on

a Design to embarrass y^e Affairs of y^e Town, which were lately Established by the

Act of y^e General Court. We also desire you to send your Pastour & Messengers to

Assist in a Common Council, with the Pastours & Messengers of other Churches, on

Tuesday next, to hear what may be Offered unto you, by those who first sent to for you

and by Agents for both of the Precincts of y^e Town, Reasonably hoping you

will bear due Testimony against all Disorders.

We are your very loving Brethren in the ffellowship of the Gospel.

Henry Gibbs, Pastour

in y^e name & with the

consent of the Brethren.

You are desired to meet at eight of

the Clock in the Morning at the

house of the Rev^d: M^r Gibbs.

Copia vera.

Attest Thomas Cheever. Pastour.

At a Council, of Nine Churches, Assembled at Water-town, at the Desire of the

[16]

Eastern Church in s^d Town, A part of which Council being also Convened

at the Desire of Such as Attend on the Publick worship of God in the Middle-

Meeting-house in s^d Town. On Febr: 27: 1721/2. To advise & determine on what

should be Offered to them, relating to the Ordination of the Rev^d: M^r

Robert Sturgeon.

After humble Supplication to heaven, and an impartial hearing of what was

offered to us, by all Parties, we advise & Determine as followeth

Imprimis

Whereas there are a Number of Persons in s^d Water-Town, who by a private Sub-

scription and Pretended gathering of a Church, have Attempted the Settlement

of the s^d M^r Robert Sturgeon as their Gospel Minister, We are of Opinion,

that the Proceedings, of the s^d Subscibers relating to M^r Sturgeon’s Settle-

ment, are Contrary to the Designe of the General Court Act, relating to the

Division of Water-town into two Precincts.

2.

We also are of Opinion, that the afors^d Proceedings are not agreable to the

good Order, & practise of the Churches of Christ in New-England, neither are

those, that call themselves a Church, to be Owned as such for the reasons

beforementioned.

3

Wherefore we Determine & Declare, that the Ordination of no Person on

the forementioned or the like foundation Ought to be Proceeded in.

4

And whereas the Western Precinct have Erected a Meeting-house, which it is

supposed & hoped will in a very little time be fitt for the Publick Worship of

God, and upon hearing of what hath been alledged, We are of Opinion, that

it will be very Conducible to the peace of Water-town, that the Eastern

Precinct do proceed to Erect & finish a Meeting-house on School-house-hill, within

a year at farthest from this time, & accordingly, we earnestly advise them thereun ^to.

5

Whereas M^r Joshua Warren with Others, in the behalf of the Subscribers for M^r

Sturgeon’s Settlement, have asked the Advice of this Council concerning the

Maintaining of Preaching, in the Middle Meeting-house in Water-town; till One

is provided on School-house hill; the Council judge it Advisable that there be

Preaching at the s^d Middle Meeting house, until according to the Order of the

General Court, the Meeting house be fitted for the Worship of God in the

Western Precinct, and farther we cannot see reason to advise.

And we pray the God of Peace to give you peace always by all means.

Thomas Cheever Moderatour

in y^e name & with the

Consent of the Council.

Copia vera.

Attest Thomas Cheever.

This Result of the Council I read unto the Church, the Sabbath

after, being 4^th March:

Attest Thomas Cheever pastour.

1721/2

[17]

March: 14: The Church of Christ, ^in Rumney-marish to Our Dissatisfied Neighbours & Friends in Rumney-marish

these, Directed, by the Vote of the Church, to L^t: John Brintnal to be Communica-

ted to the rest.

Whereas there hath been, & is still an Openly continued distance & difference

between the Church of Christ in this place, & some of the other Inhabitants, which

we think cannot but be Uncomfortable both to them and Us, as well as displeasing

unto Our Glorious Lord. We have therefore, (upon serious Consideration of our said

differences with the uncomfortable effects, as also from some intimations give us by

Some of our Brethren, that Some of Our s^d Neighbours & friends were Desirous of peace,

to let it appear that We are desirous of a good peace with all Our Christian Neigh-

bours & friends,) agreed to make this Overture, unto Our Dissatisfied Neighbours and

ffriends, that they would be pleased to let us know, what are the hinderances unto a

peace on our part, that so we may remove them, if we judge them capable of being

removed, that for the future there may be a better understanding among us, that we

may live & love as Brethren, & the interest of Christs Kingdom may be the better

promoted among us, to the good not only of the present but Succeding Generations.

We would earnestly pray Our dissatisfied Neighbours & friends to let us hear from

them with all Convenient speed.

March: 14: 1721/2 Rumny-marish.

Thomas Cheever Pastour

in y^e name of the Brethren.

To Lieut^t: John Brintnal

to be Communicated.

April: 29:

The Church was staied and the following letter read unto them:

Watertown. April: 27: 1722.

The two Churches in Watertown, viz: the East & West part thereof, to the Church of Christ

in Rumny-marish, Wish the Multiplication of Grace, mercy & peace from God the Father

through Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reverend & Beloved.

The very difficult Circumstances of our Town in General, & each of these Churches

in it, are such (though the holy & Sovereign Providence of God) that we Eminently stand

in need of Direction & Assistance for giving light & Restoring peace unto us, from the

Neighbour Churches in Communion with us. The Occasion whereof is the Coming of a

Gentleman lately from Ireland into our Town, viz: M^r Robert Sturgeon, who has been ende-

vouring to Constitute a Third Church in the Town, in a very factious & Schismatical

manner. We having used all the more Private Methods to prevent the Growth of these

Disorders: and also called a Reverend Council, who by their Elders & Messengers Con-

demned the Proceedings of said M^r Robert Sturgeon & his Party; yet he & they

bidding defiance to all these Methods have gone on with great Resolution. We have

in this case no better Remedy than to call in farther Council; and we do it the rather,

because this Schisme is like to be a spreading Leprosy through all the Churches in the land

except timely Suppressed. We therefore the Afflicted Brethren in Watertown entreat

your Assistance by your Elders & Messengers on the Next Tuesday to Meet in Council

on this important matter, that by the blessing of God upon this Institution of his,

Our present Disorders may be Redressed, and all such bold Attempts for the future

on the Order of the churches in this Province Discountenanced; whereby also the

Supream Authority of the land in Civil Respects has been Oppugned, as you will

be more particularly enformed, when Present with us. Desiring your instant prayer

on our behalf, We are your very loving Brethren in the Fellowship of y^e gospel

Henry Gibbs, Pastour of y^e East Church in Watertown.

Jonathan Sanderson Deacon of y^e West Church in Watertown

1722

[18]

Your presence is desired at Nine

of the Clock of y^e afors^d day at

the house of L^t: Coolidge.

The Churches of Christ to be added to those

that have been formerly on Our Spot, are the

Old Church, y^e Old North, y^e Old South and

M^r Colmans in Boston, & y^e Church in Dorchester.

To the Reverend M^r Thomas Cheever

Pastour of the Church in Rumny-marish

to be Communicated to y^e Church.

Copia vera. Attest Thomas Cheever Pas^r

The Church upon hearing the letter, readily Complied with the Desire of

Our Sister Churches in Watertown, & Voted that L^t: John Floyd, together

with Our Brethren Deacon John Camberlane, M^r William Halsey, & M^r

Samuel Watts, who were of the former Council at Watertown, should

Accompany me, and attend that Service at time & place appointed.

Attest: Thomas Cheever Pastour.

When the time came, L^t John Floyd & M^r Samuel Watts gave their Attendance

with my self at the place appointed, where we mett with the rest of the

Churches who were desired to meet in Council by their Elders & Messengers,

the result of the Council here follows.

May: 1^st:

A Council of fourteen Churches, Convened at Watertown, on Tuesday, May: 1^st,

1722, upon the desire of the two Churches there, complaining of Disorderly

proceedings among Several people in the Town; After solemn invocation of

the Glorious Lord, and through Examination of the Matters laid before us,

(which the Persons, principally Complained of in the Town, declined to Attend,

when fairly Notified,) have declared, as followeth.

1

We apprehend the Neighbours, who have Combined, & Subscribed to fform a third

Congregation in the Middle of Watertown, have done what has a tendency to

Defeat the good intentions of Our Nursing Fathers in the Civil Government;

Whose Directions for the Establishment of two Precincts, & Churches in Water-

Town, appears to us evidently Calculated for the general Welfare of the Place,

the interest of Religion, the period of Contention, & the reasonable Ease of

the Inhabitants; and their Attempts that way are therefore to be blamed, and

are such as may not expect Countenance from the people of God: 1: Peter: 2:

13. 15: 1. Cor: 10. 37: 13: Rom: 1. 2: 14: Rom: 19:

2

It appears, that the small Number of Brethren, who have attempted the Formation of a

new Church in Water-town, were Guilty of much Disorder, and Violated their solemn

Church Covenant, when they Signed their Private Covenant before they either

had, or asked a Dismission from the Church to which they belonged: and y^e C

Church have had weighty reason to decline the granting them a dismission

from them, when they afterwards requested it. We hereby declare, that they are

still to be considered as Members of that Church, who may treat them as

Offenders, & liable to their holy Discipline, on this occasion: and they are not

to be Owned as a Distinct Church in Water-town. 10: Heb: 25: 1: Peter: 5. 5: 17: Ezek: 18. 1

3

It appears that M^r Robert Sturgeon, to qualify himself for purposes which he had

frequently promised not to prosecute, Obtained for himself an Ordination at a

Private house in Boston, from the hands of three Ministers lately arrived from,

and two of them returning to Ireland, and this without the advice, or knowledge

of any of the United Ministers in Boston, or any other Pastours or Churches that

we can learn in the Province; & also without any proper & previous publication of

what was intended: and that afterward in a Private house from the Single hand

of M^r Magregory Minister of Nutfield,14 he received an Enstalment in the Pastoral

Charge of some of the beforesaid Brethren, as a Church in Watertown; whereupon he

has gone on to the Publick actions of a Pastour to a Flock there. These proceed-

ings we judge to be full of irregularities, and carry in them a very undue imp

imputation upon the Churches in this Countrey, & threaten the introduction of

the utmost confusion among us, and are a very ill requital of the brotherly-kindness wherewith

Strangers from North-Brittain, & Ireland have been embraced & honoured among us; and [19]

require a publick testimony to be born against them; and in this testimony a Rebuke

appears to be peculiary due to M^r Magregory, whose Conduct has expressed so much

temority, presumption, and intrusion, as is greatly offensive unto us, nor may he expect

the regards due to a Minister in our Churches, until we have received suitable

satisfaction from him, for the insult he has made upon the good order of our Chur-

ches, particularly his acting in defiance of the late Council of Watertown.

13: acts: 2. 3. 1: tim: 5. 22: 1: Cor: 14: 33. 40:

4

As we cannot but commend our Brethren in the Western precinct of Watertown for

their proceeding so far as they have done, in Erecting of their New Meeting-house

as also in their Seasonable Remonstrances to M^r Robert Sturgeon, & his party;

adding our advice, that they take all speedy & proper Measures for the Settlement

of all Ordinances among them, to which we pressingly exhort the Neighbours, who

have Subscribed to a Separate intention, to fall in with a due concurrance; so we

encourage our Brethren, in the Eastern Precinct, to do what they have by the late

Council been directed unto, either by obtaining a Removal of the Middle Meeting

house to School-house hill, or building a New one there.

5

We do with all Solemnity Admonish the Brethren, who have been trying to sett

up a third Church in Watertown, together with the Person, whom they have so unad-

visedly Owned as their Pastour, to repent of & desist from their Disorderly, and

Schismatical proceedings, lest it become yet more Manifest unto all men, that the

Glorious Lord, who walks in the midst of the Golden Candle-sticks, & who hates the

work of them which turn aside, & who is terrible from out of his holy places, is dis-

pleased at the way which they have taken. We particularly declare, that M^r

Robert Sturgeon has no right to the Office of a Pastour among them, and ought no

longer to preach, nor exercise any part of the Ministry in the place where he

now is, and that the people ought not to Countenance it: and that we judge him

unworthy to be employed in any of the Churches, till he has made a publick

satisfaction. To conclude, we exhort M^r Sturgeon and his Adherents, that they

yield a ready & willing Compliance with the Admonition, which we give unto them

in discharge of our duty, to our Glorious Lord, and unto them, and unto all our Chur-

ches: and expect that they will not treat this with the same Contempt which

they have cast upon the advice, & determination of the late Council of Churches

in this place, as they would not expose themselves to a farther & more awfull

Censure upon their Offences.

Finally Brethren be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and

peace shall be with you.

a copy

Cotton Mather Moderatour.

July: 15:

A Child of John Floyd jun^r: baptized, named Jacob.

- 29^th:

Eleanor Leath wife of John Leath was received to full Communion.

Sept: 16:

A Child of Samuel Watts baptized, named Elizabeth.

Octob: 7:

A Child of John Leath baptized, named Elijah.

- -21^st

Richard Whittamore was received to full Communion, & baptized at the same time.

Dec: 23^d:

Jeremiah Whittemore was received to full Communion, & Patience his wife.

1722/3:

Jan: 20

A Child of Nathan Cheever baptized, named Nathan.

Feb: 19:

Deacon Chamberlane laid his accounts before M^r William Halsy, M^r Sam^l: Watts & M^r Jacob Halsy

who were appointed by the Church to Assist me in that Service, and the Church-Stock in his

10^s: 6: glazier | hands, (beside twenty shillings & six pence laid out by him according to a Vote of

3^s: my book | the Church, for mending the Meeting-house Windows & for y^e Church-books)15 [was found]16

7^s: ye Deacon | to be six pounds, ten shillings & a penny: 6^L: 10^s: 1^d:

Book: 20^s: 6^d:

1723:

[20]

June:23^d:

Ruhamah Tuttle, (Widow of John Tuttle jun^r) was received to full Communion.

July: 24^th:

A Child of John Pratt of Maldon, (who married Mehetabel Davis) baptized, named Sarah.

August: 10^th:

A Child of Jeremiah Whittemore baptized, named Jeremiah.

Octob: 13

A Child of Deacon John Chamberlane’s baptized, named Lois.

20

A Child of Abraham Skinner baptized, named Isaac.

Dec: 1^st:

The following letter was read unto the Church:

To the Rev^d: M^r Cheever, Pastour

of y^e Church of Christ in Rumny-marish.

From the Church of Christ in Reading North-precinct, to the Church of Christ in

Rumny-marish, Grace & Peace be multiplied to you from God y^e Father & our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev: & Beloved. Whereas nine of y^e Brethren of this Church have apprehended themselves to

be much aggrieved by their Pastour, in being denied y^e Priviledges of the Brother-hood; and in

his partiality in y^e Administration of the affairs belonging to this Church of Christ: which

matters of grievance are manifested by sundry positive articles, in a writing drawn up &

signed by them, & delivered by them to him their Pastour: and we being apprehensive of our

present uncapacity to put a peacable issue to this Difference among our selves. We, viz:

the Pastour, the Dissatisfied Brethren, with the other part of the Church do earnestly

desire the presence & Assistance of your Rev^d: Elder, with two of your Messengers, on

Tuesday y^e 26^t of Novemb, and if Thanksgiving should be in that week, then we shall

expect you, on 3^d of Decemb, which is the Tuesday following, to hear & Determine the

matters of Difference among us.

So commending you to the grace & blessing of God in our Lord jesus Christ, & desiring

your earnest prayers to God for us.

We rest, yours in the faith & fellowship of the Gospel.

Reading Novemb y^e 12¹² 1723

Daniel Putnam

Pastour

in the name & with y^e consent

of y^e Brethren.

The Churches that are sent to, are y^e first ^Church of X in

Marble-head, y^e 1^st Church in Reading, y^e Church in Woburn,

the first Church in Salem, y^e Church in Rumny-marish, the 2^d

Church in Andover, the Church in Billericah:

afterwards y^e Church in Lexington was sent to, in the stead of Woburn Church, y^e Rev^d:

M^r Fox not being well: & y^e Church in Salem-village in stead of Reading first Church.

The Church upon hearing the letter, readily Voted to comply with the desire of our

Sister Church in Reading North-precinct, & Ensign Joseph Belcher, & M^r William Halsy

were chosen to Accompany me & attend that Service at the time appointed.

When the time came, M^r William Halsy accompanied me to Reading, (M^r Belcher

had a Son to be buried that very day the Council was to meet) where we mett

with the rest of y^e Elders & Messengers of the Churches desired to meet in Council.

The Result of the Council here followeth.

At a Council of seven Churches, held at the North-precinct in Reading, on Decemb: 3^d

1723, to hear and Determine the matters of Difference there, between y^e Rev^d: M^r

Daniel Putnam, and Some of his Church, that call themselves aggrieved. The Rev^d:

M^r Putnam, & the whole Church, before the Opening of the Council, laying them=

selves under Obligation to sit down satisfied by the Judgment of this Council.

Whereas, (after having earnestly sought to God for direction) having publickly heard,

[and]17 privately Considered all, that the Several aggrieved Brethren had to alledge

[against] the Rev^d: M^r Putnam, with his Answers, the testimonies, and the Votes

[of the Church relat]ing thereto. We do find

[1

That the several Charges ma]de by the aggrieved, against the Rev^d: M^r Putnam

as to his Administrations, are groundless and unjust.

[21]

2

That the Aggrieved have greatly departed from the Platform, in chapter tenth;18

in their Carriage towards the Rev^d: M^r Putnam.

3

That although the Aggrieved Brethren have something Softned their Charges

against their Pastour, by saying that it is their Opinion that such things were

a breach upon their priviledges, and to ask farther light in these matters; Yet

it is plain, that they are too positive in their Opinion, and too sharp in the

expressing thereof, and sometimes use severe expressions & heavy insinuations.

4 That the Rev^d: M^r Putnam did Use some sharpness, as well as extent of Speech,

which the Aggrieved look upon as grievous; which, though he had great

Provocation, yet had better have been let alone.

5 That Deacon Thomas Taylor ought to humble himself before God, and to the

Pastour, & Church for his Disorder, & Opposition to his Pastour, which he hath

manifestly discovered in a day of temptation; and for the future demean himself

to the Pastour and Church with much humility & circumspection, lest he should

again give Disturbance to the Church of God, and that so doing, the Pastour and

Church receive him into their good Opinion, and Charitable affection.

6

That the aggrieved Brethren, & especially Capt: Thomas Briant, having unjustly charged

the Rev^d: M^r Putnam, as they do in their paper, and have done more so in their

publick reports, do therefore Manifest the sence of their evil, in taking up and

spreading such evil reports of an Elder without cause, by humbly asking forgive=

ness of God, & of their injured Pastour; and in their future carriage submit them=

selves peacably & orderly to the Ecclesiastical Administrations of him, who

is sett over them in the Lord.

Finally, We earnestly entreat by the Gentleness and meekness of Christ, that both

Pastour and people make it their sincere endeavour, to forget and forgive all that

hath past as grievous to them; laying aside all heart-burning, & evil surmisings,

and harsh speeches of, and to one another; and carry themselves with all gentleness,

tenderness, meekness, humility, love & charity, preserving the Unity of the Spirit in

the bonds of peace, that the God of love & peace may be ^with them.

A true copy.    Thomas Cheever Moderatour

with the Unanimous consent

of the Council.

I read this Result of the Council publickly, on

the next Sabbath, being 8^th December.

1723/4

Jan:19^th:

A Child of Isaac Lewis baptized, named Joseph.

Feb: 9:

Jacob Chamberlane was received to full Communion.

-- 10

Deacon John Chamberlane laid his Accounts before Ensign Joseph Belcher, & M^r Samuel Watts

who were appointed by the Church, to Assist me in that Service, and the Church-stock in

his hands was found to be, Seven pounds, seven shillings, & eight pence: 7^ll: 7^s: 8^d:

March:15:

I stayed the Church, and propounded to y^e Church, (which I had propounded before to Severall of

the Brethren in private, who very readily consented to the Motion) that upon days of publick

fasting, and also on days of publick thanksgiving for the future we might have a Contribution

for the poor. I mentioned several things to show that acts of Charity and alms are a very

special part of Christianity, & when performed rightly are acceptable unto God. The

Church readily as to y^e greater part came in to the proposal, and Voted that what should

be gathered on such. Occasions, should be kept by it self in the Deacons hands, and be

sacred to the forenamed use, & should be disposed of to Objects of Charity when such

Objects should appear; with the knowledge and Consent of the Church: and they agreed

[22]

to begin the next Publick fast, which is to be on the twenty sixth day of this instant

March; and that Notice should be given hereof to the Congregation, if any of

them would come in to this good proposal; which was done accordingly the

Sabbath before the ffast.

1724

March: 26^t: On this day a Contribution was made for the poor, according to the before na-

med Vote of y^e Church, & several of the Congregation came into it, and though

it was a foul day, there were thirty shillings gathered, & four pence.

April: 5^t:

M^r Hugh Floyd, & his wife, having their dismission from Maldon Church, to the

Church at Rumny-marish, were received to full Communion.

Same day. A Child of John Floyd baptized, named Mary.

June: 7^th:

A Child of Jacob Chamberlane baptized, named Samuel.

July: 12:

A Child of Samuel Tuttle baptized, named Tabitha.

August: 2^d:

A Child, of William Thompson, recommended from Ireland, baptized named James.

9

A Child of Samuel Watts baptized, named Edward.

Octob: 4^th:

A Child of John Pratt of Maldon, who married Mehetabel Davis, baptized, named Anne

18: Rebeccah Hinckson was received to full Communion.

Nov:

5^t: Thanksgiving day, stormy day: the Contribution amounted to twenty one some pence shillings & 9

29

A Child of Thomas Wait jun^r, (who married Abraham Halsey’s widow) baptized, named Ebenezer.

1724/5

Febr: 16:

At a Church-meeting Deacon John Chamberlane laid his accounts before the

Church, and the Church Stock in his hands was found to be: 8^ll: 17^s: 9^d.

At the same, John ffloyd as Executor to his ffathers Will, paid a legacy of ten

pounds, given to the Church by his ffather in his last will, into the hands of

Deacon Chamberlane in behalf of the Church; and it was Voted by the Church

that the s^d ten pounds should be laid out in a silver cup for the Use of the

Church, with the s^d L^t: John ffloyds name upon it, as his gift, & that Deacon John

Chamberlane should get it done as speedily as might be.

At the same Meeting it was agreed that we should have the Sacrament in the

winter, and that from & after the next Sacrament day which will be on the last

Lords day in ffebruary, it shall be observed Once in six weeks throughout the year,

and that it should be proposed the Next Sacrament day for the Concurrence of

Our Maldon Brethren. & This was proposed & consented to upon 28^th of ffebruary.

At the same Meeting after some Debate about the matter, it was Unanimously

Voted & agreed, that the Contribution for the Poor upon publick fast days, & thanks

givings should be Continued, & that Notice should be given, the next time when

the Proclamation was read, to the Congregation, that the Church did allow

them to Nominate some meet person to be joyned with Deacon John Chamberlane

to take an account the care & charge of what should be collected at such times.

Attest Thomas Cheever.

28

A Child of Elisha Tuttle baptized, named Jacob.

April: 1^st:

Publick fast, the Contribution amounted to thirty one shillings.

June: 27:

Patience Davis was received to full Communion.

Oct: 28:

Publick thanksgiving, very warm. The Contribution amounted to thirty five shillings.

1726

March: 13:

A Child of Samuel Tuttle baptized, named Samuel.

- 24

Publick ffast, the Contribution amounted to twenty five shillings & threepence.

- 29

Deacon Chamberlane laid his accounts before my self with Several of the

Breth^eren, & the Church stock in his hands was found to be 10^ll: 16^s: 7^d:

April: 10:

A Child of John Leath baptized, named Eleanor.

July: 24:

A Child of Isaac Lewis baptized, named Lydia

Sept: 18:

A Child of Jacob Chamberlane baptized, named Elizabeth.19

Novemb: 10:

Publick Thanksgiving. The Contribution was appointed for Ebenezer Hill of Maldon,

who, having a sore leg for several years, which the Doctours at last judged incurable,

1726

unless his leg was cutt off, [(]which was done the 7^th of this moneth) petitioned Our Church

[23]

(5:10:11)

and Congregation for our Charity: there was gathered about five pounds ten shillings.

Nov: 20.

A Child of Thomas Wait jun^r: baptized, named Mary.

- 27

A Child of John Floyd baptized, named Sarah.

Dec: 25^th

Jeremiah Whittemore & Patience his wife, upon their desire were dismissed by a

Vote of the Church, to the Church of Christ in West-town, alias Weston.

1727

March: 19

A Child of Samuel Watts baptized, named Anne.

- 20

At a Church-Meeting after much Debate, it was Voted that that the Contribution for the

Poor upon the next ffast day, which is appointed to be on the 30^th of this instant March

shall be for M^rs Marbles Daughter Hannah who has been a considerable time Under the

Doctours hand having a dangerous humour in her Mouth & throat: &c: and that Notice hereof

should be given to the Congregation the Sabbath before, if they had any thing to

Object against the Churches proceeding in this matter.

At this Meeting Deacon Chamberlane laid his Accounts before the Church; and the

Church Stock in his hands was found to be: 11^ll: 11^s: 5^d: And at the same time

1727

The Stock in his hands for the Poor was found to be: seven pounds, one & 4^d 7^ll: 01^s: 4^d

March: 30

ffast:

The Contribution, which according to the forenamed Vote of the Church was appointed

for Hannah Marble, (& of which Notice was given to the Congregation) amounted to: 3^ll: 12^s: 9^d:

three pound &c:

April: 9^th:

A Child of Elisha Tuttle baptized, named Elizabeth.

Octob: 15^th. The Church was stayed & the following letter read unto them.

Boston. Octob: 10: 1727.

To the Church of Christ, whereof the Reverend M^r Thomas Cheever

is the Pastour.

The old Church in Boston sendeth Greeting in our Lord Jesus.

Reverend, Honoured, & Beloved.

We presume you are not unacquainted that We have sometime since

Chosen, & called our Worthy Brother M^r Charles Chauncey to the

Pastoral Office among us. Now these come to inform you, that we

have appointed Wednesday, the twenty fifth of this instant October

to be the day for his Ordination. At which solemnity we desire your

presence & help, by your Elder & Messengers, to joyn with others in

Council on that important Occasion, agreeable to the known approved

Custom of these Churches. And beseech you in the mean time to assist

us by your fervent prayers, in preparing for so great a transaction,

that we may have the Gracious smiles of Heaven on our proceeding

& experience much of the promised presence of our Ascended Saviour

& Head in the midst of us. The same we wish to you & to all

the Churches. Grace be with you & Peace to the Brethren, with

Faith & Love which is in Christ Jesus. Unto whom be glory in the

Churches World without end. Amen.

The Delegates are desired to meet

at M^r Foxcrofts house by nine a clock

in the morning of s^d day.

Thomas Foxcroft Pastour

in the name of the Church

Copia vera. Attest Thomas Cheever.

The Church readily complied with the Desire, & chose D^on: John

Chamberlane, M^r Hugh Floyd, M^r William Halsey, & M^r Samuel

Watts, to accompany me, & Assist in that Service, at the time &

place appointed. At which time y^e Rev^d: M^r Charles Chauncey was

Ordained to the Pastoral Office in s^d Church. Attest

Thomas Cheever

1727:

one

[24]

Nov: 9:

Publick Thanksgiving: The Contribution for the Poor amounted to thirty one shillings & six pence

26

Ruth Whittemore was received to full Communion.

Dec: 31:

Benjamin Whittemore & Sarah his wife were received to full Communion.

1727/28:

14 Jan:

A Child of M^r Macurdin’s, (who brought a testimony from Ireland) baptized, named Abraham.

21:

Joseph Whittemore, Thomas Eustis, & William Tuttle were received to full Communion.

ffebr: 28^th:

At a Church Meeting appointed to Consider how the contributions for the Poor should be

drawn out, as Occasion should require. It was, after some debate, unanimously agreed

to choose three of the Church besides Deacon Chamberlane to be a Committee,

and that Notice should be given to the Congregation, if they think meet to Choose

an equal number to joyn with the Committee, chosen by the Church, and that this

Committee of the Church and Congregation shall have full power to drawn out, and

dispose of what is, or shall be collected, for the Poor, according to their best

judgment and prudence, until the Church shall see cause to alter this Method

when some other or better Method shall appear: (but if the Congregation do not

see cause to Choose a Committee, after some reasonable time of two or three

moneths allowed for the consideration of this proposal) then the Committe of

Church shall have the power of drawing out and disposing of the money afors^d

and give account of their acting in this affair to the Church once in the year:

at the same time M^r Samuel Watts, M^r Jacob Halsey, & M^r Samuel Tuttle were

Chosen to be joyned with Deacon Chamberlane as a Committe for the end afors^d,

and accepted.

At the same time, Deacon Chamberlane laid his accounts before the Church, and

the Church Stock in his hands was found to be twelve pounds & five pence,

out of which twenty shillings was disbursed for mending the Meeting house windows,

so the Church stock in his hands is but eleven pounds & five pence: 11^ll: 00^s: 5^d

and there was found, eight pounds, twelve & four pence in his hands for the Poor: 8: 12: 4

Attest Thomas Cheever Pastor.

March: 10.

A Child of John Leath baptized, named Sarah.

Same day Sarah Holloway, wife of Joseph Holloway ^was received to full Communion.

21:

Publick ffast. The Contribution for the poor amounted to twenty two shillings & some pence.

31:

Three Children of ^named Benjamin Whittemore baptized. Benjamin. Jacob. Sarah.

-

Two Children of Joseph Holloway baptized same day. Martha. named Mary.

June 16

Thomas Brintnal received to full Communion.

August: 11:

A Child of Capt: Nathaniel Oliver baptized, named James.

Sept: 8:

A Child of Jacob Chamberlane baptized, named Phebe.

22

A Child of Joseph Whittemore baptized, named Hannah.

Octob 20.

A Child of Samuel Tuttle baptized, named John.

Nov: 7:

Publick thanksgiving. The Contribution for the poor amounted to thirty nine some pence. shillings &

10^th:

Sarah Leath, wife of ffrancis Leath of Woburn, received to full Communion.

March: 2^d

1728.9:

A Child of Samuel Watts baptized, named Rachel.

Same day, a Child of John Grover, (his wife a member of the New-North Church,

in Boston) was baptized, named Edmund.

4^th

At a Church meeting, appointed to receive the account of the Committee chosen

to draw out & dispose of the money collected for the Poor. The s^d Committee did

give an account of five pounds drawn out & disposed of, viz: three pounds to

the Widow Lamson, & twenty shillings in wood to Widow Marble, & as much to

her daughter the Widow Tuttle. The Church were well satisfied with what

they had done. And chose the same persons, to be a Committee for the same

purpose, for this year ensuing. The Church also Voted, that Notice should be

again given to the Congregation, if they think meet to choose an equal Number

to joyn with the Committee chosen by the Church for the business afors^d, and

that Notice be given the next Lords day for Church & Congregation to meet

at the Meeting house, the Wednesday next after. Attest: Thomas Cheever Pastror.

At the same time, Deacon Chamberlane laid his accounts before the Church,

and the church Stock in his hands was found to be: eleven pounds, seventeen, & 7^d:

11: 17: 7:

9

Joanna Tuttle, daughter of Edward Tuttle jun^r:, received to full Communion.

16

A Child of James Brintnal, (his wife a member of Charlstown Church) baptized: James.

20

A publick ffast: The Contribution for the poor amounted to about twenty nine shillings.

1729

[25]

May:25^t:

The Chur I Communicated the following letter to the Church:

Woburn May 19. 1729.

To the Church of Christ in Boston, whereof y^e Rev^d: M^r Thomas Cheever is

the Pastour, Grace, mercy & peace be Multiplied. &c

The church & Town of Woburn having made Choice of M^r Edward Jackson to

be our Minister, and over us in all matters of y^e Lord; & God having inclined his

heart to accept our Invitation. We earnestly desire our presence, & Assistance by

your Reverend Elder & Messengers, to meet with the Rev^d: Elders & Messengers of

other Churches, & joyn with them in putting M^r Jackson into the sacred Office of a

Pastour over us, according to the Gospel Directory. And humbly asking your most solemn

& fervent prayers to the God of all Grace on our behalf, for a good issue of all our

Difficulties, & for y^e Success & prosperity of y^e Gospel among us. We remain Yours in

the faith & fellowship of the Gospel.

By order & consent of the Major part

of the Church & Town of Woburn.

William Lock

George Reed

Samuel Blogget.

The day appointed for Ordination

is Wednesday June 4^th next. You are desired

to meet on Tuesday June 3^d at the house of

M^r Jonathan Pool Esq in Woburn at One of

the clock afternoon to prepare matters for Ordination.

The Church readily Complied with the desire, & chose Dⁿ Chamberlane, William Halsey,

& Samuel Tuttle, to accompany me & attend that Service. Afterwards Deacon Chamberlane

Came to me & Desired to be excused from the Service;

June: 1^st:

I stayed the Church & acquainted them with the desire of Deacon Chamberlane & his

reasons, whereupon the Church chose M^r Hugh ffloyd & M^r Samuel Watts. &c

June 3^d I went to Woburn with those four Brethren accompanying of me, where we mett

with the Elders & Messengers of Lexington, Redding, Chelmsford, Billerica, Newtown, and

Brookline Churches. When we were formed into a Council, we advised to the most proba-

ble Methods we could think of for the Accomodating the differences among them, and

laboured with M^r Fox & those that held with him, & also with those who did adhere

to M^r Jackson, & who were those that had called this Council, & were by far the

greater part of both of Church & Town, almost two to one, but our advice had not compli-

ed with: whereupon the Council came Unanimously into this Vote.

We judge it not advisable to proceed forthwith to Ordination under their present Circumstan ces.

The result of a Council of 6 Churches called & Convened at Woburn June 3^d 1729

to Consider & advise with respect to the Ordination of M^r Edward Jackson &c

After Solemn & earnest prayer to God, the God of all Wisdom & Grace, for Divine direction

in the very difficult & arduous affairs before us, & upon the most mature thoughts on the

perplexed state of affairs in Woburn, We did Solemnly & Unanimously advise to the most

probably Methods, we could think of, towards an Accomodation of their unhappy difference

which were not mutually complied withall: whereupon we thought it unpracticable to pro-

ceed to Ordination under their present Circumstances. But we with bowels of com-

passion beg of the Contending parties to leave off strife, & contention, & yet pursue

the Methods proposed, or any other that can be thought of, more likely to Compose, &

heal their unhappy differences, that if it be possible they may yet live in love and

peace, that the God of love & peace may yet be & abide with them.

Thomas Cheever Moderatour

in the name & with

Consent of the Council.

Sept: 21:

4 Children of ffrancis & Sarah Leath of Woburn

baptized, their names were, Benjamin, Robert, Ebenezer, Mary.

Octob: 5:

A Child of Benjamin Whittemore baptized, named Esther.

Nov: 2^d

A Child of John Floyd baptized, named James

To the Church ^of Christ in Rumny-marish, Greeting.

[26]

R^d & Dearly Beloved.

Whereas there is a Number among us, who call themselves aggrieved Brethren, and as they say have pro-

ceded to extraordinary & uncommon means in Deposing, upon a Delinquent Offices, and which

still as they say has involved them in several difficulties, and for their Publick Vindication, &

to hear & advise upon the reasons & Regularity of their Ecclesiastical proceeding, & to direct

to peace & good Order; have by their letters missive Convened 7 Churches upon the case, who

by their Elders & Messengers in form of an Ecclesiastical Council, taking the Case into their

Consideration, have Adjourned to the first Tuesday in September next, at nine of the Clock

in the Morning to meet at the house of L^t Coolidge at Watertown, withall adding, that

the Subscriber be with Convenient speed acquainted with it, with liberty to adde a like

Number of Seven Churches to make up a Council, and also to lay before s^d Council what

may be matter of Grievance to him. We beseech you therefore R^d & dearly Beloved to

pitty us under our great calamities. To pray for us, that the God of all Grace would restore

good Order & peace among us; and afford us y^e Assistance of your R^d: Elder, or Elders & such

Messenger or Messengers as you shall think fit, to joyn in the aboves^d Council at time &

place, with such other Churches, as we have sent to, to make up our Numbers to hear, advise,

& direct in the aboves^d case, & in what else may have been amiss in their Conduct; and

shall be Regularly laid before the Council. That the Great Shepherd of y^e sheep,

through the blood of the Everlasting Covenant, would make you perfect in every good

work, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, is the hearty prayer of

yours, in the faith & fellowship of the Gospel.

Leicester. August: 4^th 1729.

David Parsons. Pastour

with the consent of the Church.

To the R^d M^r Thomas Cheever

Pastour of y^e Church of Christ

at Rumny-marish, & to s^d Church.

The Churches sent to by M^r Parsons, were M^r Barnards, & M^r Holy Okes, M^r Prescott’s,

M^r Appleton’s, M^r Williams of West-town, & M^r Coaks of Sudbury, & Rumny-marish.20

August: 24^th.

I read the letter to the Church, & y^e Church consented to send our beloved brethren,

M^r Joseph Belcher. M^r Samuel Watts. M^r William Halsey. M^r Jacob Halsey & M^r Thomas

Brintnal, to accompany me & attend that Service.

Sept: 2^d:

The afors^d Brethren appeared, & attended y^e Service at Water-town on the first day of y^e

Council. M^r Belcher & M^r William Halsy desired to be excused from farther attendance.

M^r Jacob Halsy did not attend the last day of y^e Council: But M^r Watts & M^r Brintnal

attended y^e whole time. The Council sat at Watertown four days & then adjour-

ned to Boston, to meet upon. Sept: 16.

Sept: 16:

The Council mett at Boston according to Adjournment, & sat four days in M^r Colman’s

Meeting house, and drew up their Result, & then Dissolved.

M^r Watts, & M^r Brintnal attended y^e whole time; y^e other Brethren but part of the time.

The agrieved Brethren at Leicester, being y^e Major part of the Church, had deposed their

Pastour, for Several crimes which they charged him with, under three general heads.

first of Male administration. 2^d: Of Delinquency. 3^d: Of immorality: and they branched

these heads into Several Articles: 8 under the first: 3 under y^e 2^d: under y^e 3^d head they charg

ed him with Slander in 4 articles: and fraudulent dealing: & lying in 4 articles.

they themselves in their letters Missive call their action extraordinary & uncommon, and

well they might; the like was never done in this land before; The Council of Churches

called by the Agrieved Brethren, Were M^r Colman’s, M^r Thachers, & M^r Checklys of Boston,

Reading, Medfield, New-town & Oxford. here follows y^e Result of the Council.

At a Council of 14 Churches, called by y^e R^d: M^r David Parsons, & the agrieved Bre-

thren at Leicester, Convened at Watertown Sept: 2^d: 1729. & after by Adjournment at Boston,

Sept: 16. following: to hear & judge of the Reasons & Regularity of the Proceedings of the

agrieved Brethren: & also what was matter of Grievance to M^r Parsons, & such other things

as should be regularly laid before them. After a long & full hearing of both parties

and repeated Supplications to the throne of Grace. We came unto the following Result.

ffirst:

With respect to the Several Articles of Charges brought in against M^r Parsons.

ffirst as to the head of Male administration.

1:

It doth not appear, there was any Male-administration of M^r Parsons, in appointing

the Sacrament.

2:

That M^r Parsons telling the Agrieved Brethren, that he did not desire their presence, when he

[27]

called the rest of the Church to ask, Whither they had best to call a Council upon the

agrieved’s request, was not excluding them from Church priviledges: and that M^r Parsons

calling that part, (the Minor part), of the Church with himself the Church, and taking

their advice, as referred to in the Evidence relating to the calling of the Council, We

cannot judge to be a Male-administration.

3:

As to the 3^d article referring to M^r Read’s admission, if dropt by M^r Parsons just

after his receiving the Result of the former Council, and before the Brethrens Vote

of Deposition, as he declares, We think it ought not to have been alledged as an

article against him.

4

That M^r Parsons was guilty of Male administration, in admission of the Members

referred to in the fourth article. Yet it is the Opinion of the Council, in considera-

tion of their Solemn Covenant with God & them, that the s^d Brethren be looked upon,

and accepted by the Church in Leicester, as Members in full Communion.

5

We judge that the Agrieved Brethrens absence from the publick Worship, the Lords day after

their receiving the Result of the former Council, was very blame worthy; yet M^r

Parsons was also blame worthy, in not referring to another Lords day, the readmission

of those Members.

6.

As to bringing cases of private Offence before the Church &c. We apprehend, that

as to one of these, viz: L^t: Newhals; it having been transacted before the Churches

renewal of Covenant, the Brethren should not have made it a charge upon him.

As to the other case of M^r Thomas Richardson, it having been made a publick

talk, M^r Parsons apprehended it might supersede a private dealing; which though

a mistake & unadvised in him; yet he having issued the Matter; We also apprehend

that the Brethren should not have proceeded farther in it.

7.

As to the seventh article of Charge, viz: M^r Parsons commanding the Deacon out of

his seat &c, though M^r Parsons provocation at time was very great & aggravated, yet

we judge, the Expressions (as in the words of the evidence) were very rash, & carry in

them a power, which does not belong to a Pastour, according to the Constitution of

these Churches.

8.

That it does not appear, that M^r Parsons laid, any Charge against the Brethren,

as alledged in the eighth article: yet supposing M^r Parsons had done, as they say,

We cannot look upon it a Male administration under their Circumstances.

Secondly, as to the head of Delinquency.

1

That it does not appear, that M^r Parsons was guilty of any Culpable Delinquency

with respect to the first article, considering their Circumstances, but rather gave

a just answer to them, who desired him to lead them in the Choice of a Ruling Elder.

2

As to the 2^d charge. We apprehend the State of the Church was such at that time

that M^r Parsons acted prudently in proposing, & endeavouring to issue the matters

of Difference in another way.

3

That M^r Parsons does not appear guilty of any culpable Delinquency in the case of Slander.

Thirdly. As to the head of Immoralty: and ffirst. Slander.

1.

That we cannot tax M^r Parsons with Slander, in calling a certain Meeting a Cabal,

considering his explanation of himself, as to his acceptation of the Design of said

Meeting, & the time & Occasion of Using the word, and that he professeth he

designed no reflection upon religious meetings.

2.

That it does not appear M^r Parsons is guilty of Slander, as charged in the 2^d article.

3.

It does not appear, M^r Parsons was guilty of Slander, according to y^e charge in 3^d article.

4.

We judge it a rash & injurious expression of M^r Parsons, to call a number of the Church

a Mob. Secondly as to fraudulent dealing.

It is Unanimously agreed, that there does not appear any fraudulent dealing in M^r Parsons

with respect to the bond or Note from M^r Newhal, or with respect to the Deeds of Quitclaim.

thirdly. As to lying.

It is Unanimously agreed, that it does not appear to this Council, that M^r Parsons was

guilty of lying, in the four several articles charged against him, though we think he

should have been more considerate & cautious in the expressions in his letter to

the R^d Doctour Mather.

Secondly.

After all that hath been heard & debated. It is Unanimously agreed, that the R^d M^r

[28]

David Parsons, hath not been guilty of any such Crimes, as render him unworthy of the

Gospel Ministry, or of the Ministry in the Church of Leicester.

Thirdly.

That although this Council are very desirous to Assert & Preserve the power of Particu-

lar Churches, to Depose, or Disclaim their Officers according to the Rules of Congrega-

tional Discipline, as laid down in the Platform: Yet we judge the Agrieved ffraternity

in the Church of Leicester were guilty of great irregularity, in proceeding to Depose

the R^d M^r Parsons, as they have done. And in as much as they did it, so soon after the

sitting of a Venerable Council, (which after hearing most of their Charges, and

Differences, were farr from advising to any such thing; and without seeking farther,

and waiting longer for the advice of another Council; as also contrary to the advice

and perswasion of many Worthy persons in a private way. Therefore We judge the R^d

M^r David Parsons is still the Regular Pastour of the Church in Leicester.

Fourthly.

With respect to the Articles of Charge & Grievance laid before us by M^r Parsons;

Several of which he withdrew.

1.

ffirst, we judge, (as a former Council did) that the R^d M^r Parsons hath been shamefully

treated, with respect to his Support, for the time past; and do earnestly recommend

it to the Town of Leicester, to pay those Arrearages, that have been so long due, and

to provide for his Support for the future: and do all that becomes Christians, on

their part, to Secure unto M^r Parsons a just & full title to his lands in Leicester.

2.

We cannot but bear Our Testimony against such Unreasonable, & Unjustifiable actions,

as that of Opposing M^r Parsons his going into his Pulpit on the Lords day, & setting

up another in Opposition to him, in such an unseemly way & manners though they

might be led into it from their Misapprehension of things.

3.

We judge it the Duty of the Agrieved Brethren & people of Leicester to Return from

their Private Assembling on the Lords day, to the Publick Worship of God under the

Ministry of the R^d M^r David Parsons.

4.

We judge that Deacon Southgate ought not to Withhold the Churches Vessels from

the Use of the R^d M^r Parsons, and the Church.

Fifthly.

Having thus given Our thoughts, upon the several matters laid before us, We do, as

in the fear of God, and tender mercies of Our Lord Jesus Christ, earnestly beseech

Our Beloved Brother in Christ the R^d M^r David Parsons Seriously & with grief to lay

to heart the broken State of his fflock; and to consider how far any rashness in his

words, and hastiness in his actions may have been Offensive to his Brethren, in the

day of darkness, & temptation that has passes over him, and be humbled for them.

And we do earnestly Recommend to him a just Regard to the Tenour of the Platform

of the Church Discipline, in the Allowance of the proper power of the Brotherhood pursuant

to their Church Vote. We do also with the same earnestness Exhort, & perswade the

Beloved Agrieved Brethren of the Church of Leicester, seriously to Consider, how far

they have suffered themselves, in the day of Temptation through some mistaken con-

ception of things, to be led into Uncharitable thoughts of, & rash & unjustifiable car-

riage toward their Pastour: as also how far a too Groundless Spirit of Opposition to their

Pastour, may have hindred the growth of the Church, and the Success of the Gospel

among them, and deeply to afflict & humble themselves therefor.

And now Brethren, We would call upon you all with the greatest meekness & Concern of Soul, to

remember the Solemn Obligations you have brought your selves under before God, and this

Council, to hearken to Our Christian advice, and return to each other, in the love and spirit of

the Gospel, and receive one another in the Lord: and put away from you all bitterness, and

wrath, clamour, & evil speaking, with all malice, as becomes the Disciples of the Meek and

lowly Jesus: to love one another, to put on, as the Elect of God, bowels of mercy, kindness,

humbleness of mind, long-suffering, forbearing One another, & forgiving One another, as

we hope, God for Christs sake hath forgiven you, and above all put on Charity, which

is the bond of perfectness. 13: john. 34. 35: 12: Romans. 9: 1: Corinth: 13 chapter. 5: galat. 19-22:

4: Ephes. 2. 3. 30. 32: 3: Coloss: 12. 13. 14: 3: james. 6: 14 to 18: 1: peter: 4: 8:

a true copy.

Signed in the Presence, and at

the desire of the Council.

Benjamin Colman Moderatour.

1729/30

ffebruary 22^d: Mehitabel Lamson was received to full Communion.

1729:

April 2

& some pence.

Novemb:13:

Publick thanksgiving. The contribution for the Poor amounted to thirty seven shillings

1730

April: 2:

Publick ffast. The Contribution for the Poor, thirty one shillings & 4 pence.

1730