PLYMOUTH CHURCH RECORDS

    VOLUME I

    Part IV864

    [1] The Church Records continued

    After the Decease of the Reverend Mr Ephraim Little the Church proceeded to Call and Settle another in the Pastorall Office over them; Their proceedings were as Follows:

    At a Meeting of the Church of Christ Regularly convened in the South Precinct of the Town of Plymouth on the Thirteenth day of February 1723/4

    To proceed to Chuse and Call a Minister to Settle in ye Pastorall office wth the Church and Congregation, Here; And after serious Meditation & due Consideration and earnest Application we gave forth our Votes and the Lot fell upon the Reverend Nathaniel Leonard whom we Hope and Pray may be a man after God’s own Heart.

    And Isaac Lothrop Esqr was chosen to waite upon Him and Give Him an Invitation to Accept thereof.

    February 13th 1723/4 the Precinct Concurred with the Churches Vote and Act above writ:

    Entered in the Precinct Book Folio 7th ꝑ John Dyer Clerk of the South Precinct in Plymouth

    March 19th 1723/4 The Person thus Chose and Called to the work of the Gospell Ministry by the Church and Precinct gave this Answer.

    HANDWRITING OF NATHANIEL LEONARD

    engraved for the colonial society of massachusetts

    To the First or South Church of Christ and to the South Precinct in Plymouth.

    Gentlemen

    I understand by ye Votes of your Church and Precinct baring date February 13th 1723/4 and by those Gentlemen you appointed to Inform me of them — That you have Called me to Settle with you in the work of the Gospell Ministry: which Call I have taken into Serious Consideration and have been earnest with Heaven for Direction; and Hope God hath Inclined and Disposed Me to what may tend to his Glory and your and my Spirituall and Eternall Advantage. And do now by these Inform you that I am Come to a Determination (which is This) That I do heartily and willingly Accept of ye Call you have given Me to Settle with you in the Great work of the Gospell Ministry; And shall depend upon you for an Honourable and Comfortable Support and Maintenance while God shall Please to continue me among you

    And as God shall Enable me shall lay out my-selfe to be Servicable to you in the Great work of the Gospell Ministry which by his Providence He seems to Call me to Ingage in in this Place. And Hope and Pray that my [2865] Labours may be attended with His Blessing, and yt He will assist me therein. And now Conclude hoping and Praying that the God of Grace and the God of Peace may Dwell amoung us, and build us up, and at last grant to us all an Inheritance among them that are Sanctified

    From your Sincere and faithfull Frind and Servant

    Nathll Leonard

    Plymouth March

    19th 1723/4.

    Sent to the Church and Precinct by a Comtee Chosen to Receive Sd866 Leonards answer.

    Then the Church Proceeded thus —

    Att a Church meeting at Plymouth June ye 5th 1724 The Church voted that Elder Faunce and ye Deacons should as soon as Conveniantly confer with the867 Sd868 Leonard and with Him appoint the Time of His Ordination, And then Inform the Church and Precinct with the Time when, In order to a Regular Proceeding in Said Affair.

    They did so as Follows

    To the Church and Precinct of the South part of Plymouth

    In pursuance to the Desire of the Church that my Selfe and the Deacons should confer with Mr Leonard and Appoint the Day of his Ordination; These may Inform you that we have complied with it; And appointed Wednesday the Twenty Ninth of July next to be the day if God ꝑmit

    Signed in behalfe of My Selfe and the Deacons

    Thos Faunce

    June 10th 1724

    Entered in the Precinct Book Folio 9. ꝑ John Dyer Clerk of the South Precinct in Plymouth

    Accordingly Letters were Sent from This Church to Fourteen Churches, (viz. The Church of Taunton, Cambridge, Scittuate South Church, Marshfield, Duxborough Norton, Plymouth North Church, Pembroke, Plymton, Midleborough, Rochester, Bridgwater, North and South Churches, and Sandwich) Humbly asking the Presence of their Pastors, and Such Messengers as869 the Severall Chhs should see cause to Send; To assist in such Acts of Ministerial Performancies, and Ecclesiasticall Communion as the Day of ordination might Require. Accordingly the Pastors of Most of these Chhs, with Messengers from them being met to geather at Plymouth July ye 29th 1724, The Pastors of the Churches Proceeded [3870] To Separate and Ordain Sd871 Nathll Leonard to the work of the Gospell Ministry and to the Pastorall office over this Church: The Pastors that Imposed Hands were The Revd Mr Samll Danforth; Nathll Eells, Peter Thatcher, Timothy Ruggles and Daniel Lewes. The Charge was given Him by the Revd Mr Danforth, and ye right hand of Fellowship by the Revd Mr Eels.

    The Lord make Him a Painfull, Faithfull & Fruitfull Labourer in his Vineward.

    A Catalogue of the Com̄unicants or Members of the Church of † in Plymouth when Said872 Leonard was Ordained.

    Males Females

    Nathll Leonard Pastor

    Patience Holmes widdow

    Thos Faunce Elder

    Sarah Tinkham the wife of Isaac

    George Morton Deacon Augst 2 1727

    Mehittabel ye wife of John Doten

    Nathll Atwood Deacon

    Mary the wife of Nathll873 Atwood

    Thos Clark Deacon March 20, 1726/7

    Dorothy the wife of Nathll Clark

    John Foster Deacon

    Rebeca the wife of Eph: Cole

    John Atwood Deacon

    Hannah the wife of Eliezar Jackson

    Helkiah Tinkham

    Hannah the wife of Eliezar Ring

    Ephraim Morton

    Sarah Followwell widdow

    James Clark Senr

    Bathshua the wife of Eliezar Dunham

    Eliezar Dunham

    Sarah King widdow

    Joseph King

    Margarett the wife of Abraham Jackson

    Nath Thomas Esqr

    Mary the wife of John Carver

    Eliezar Rogers

    Martha the wife of Samll Harlow

    Capt: Benj: Warren Dismist

    Mercy Holmes the wife of Nathll Senr

    John Faunce Senr Dismist

    Judah the wife of Joseph Faunce

    Stephen Barnebe Dismissed to Cape Cod

    Rebecca the wife of Eliezar Morton

    Elisha Doten

    Sarah Churchill widdow

    Ephraim Cole

    Sarah Bartlett widdow

    Josiah Finney

    Johanna the wife of Deacon Morton

    Abiel Shertleff

    Hannah the wife of Ephraim Morton

    Thos Clark

    Lidia Rider widdow

    John Faunce junr

    Ruth Tinkham the wife of Helkiah

    Joseph Faunce

    Mary the wife of Benaja Prat

    Francies Adams

    Johannah the wife of Thos Howland

    John Morton

    Mary the wife of John Morton

    Ignatius Cushing Dismist

    Mary the wife of Return Waite

    James Cob

    Hannah Morton Widdow

    Thos Harlow

    Martha Doten widow

    Jabez Shertleff

    Ruhamah the wife of874 Eli: Rogers875

    Ebinezar Curtice

    Martha the wife of Jabez Shertleff

    Isaac Lothrop Esqr

    Mary the wife of John Bams

    Haverland Torry

     

    Wm Dunham

     

    [4] Church Records

    Males Females

    Samuel Dunham

    Rebecca Clark Widdow

    William Harlow

    Abigail The wife of John Faunce

    Thos Howland

    Hannah the wife Deacon Foster

    John Thomas A: M: Dismt

    Sarah the wife of Deacon Atwood Jan. 23 172⅚

    Ebenezar Cob

     

    Thos Bartlett

    Hannah the wife of Eliezar Morton

    John Harlow

    Hannah the wife of Elisha Doten

    Nathll Holmes Junr

    Mary the wife of John Eastland

    John Watson Esqr

    Mary the wife of Nathll Thomas Esqr

    Joseph Churchill

    Lidia Shertleff the wife of Abiel

    Eliezar Churchill

    Hester the wife of Capt Warren

    Samll Totman Dismist

    Lidia the wife of Job Cushman

    Nathll Thomas876 Jur877

    Rebecca the wife of Thos Phillips

    Thos Croade Dismist

    Hannah the wife of Francies Curtice

    Robert Barrow Dismst

    Martha the wife of Thos Morton

    Isaac King

    Lidia the wife of John Faunce

    Ephraim Kempton

    Mary the wife of Thos Clark

    Samuel Kempton

    Patience the wife of James Cob

    Judah West

    Jedidah the wife of Thos Harlow

    Josiah Carver

    Mary the wife of Jabez Shertleff

    Number 54878

    Sarah the wife of John Sturtevant

    Elizabeth the wife of Haverland Torry

    Since Added An: 1724

    Abigail Billington widdow

    Augst

    30th

    Thomas Foster

    Johanna the wife of Wm Harlow

       

    Anno 1725

    Mercy the wife of Joseph King

    Augst

    15

    Thomas Delano, removd from Duxborough to us

    Elizabeth Phillips Maiden

    Sarah the wife of Thos Spooner

    Bethia the wife of Robert Barrow Dismist

    Sepr

    5

    Mr879 John Sparhawk B: A:

    March

    18

    Joshua Freeman

    Mary Dunham widdow

       

    Anno: 1726

    Mary Dunham Maiden

    June

    26

    Stephen Churchill

    Widdow Mary Osment

     

    26

    Thomas Branch

    Hannah Cotten the wife of Josiah Cotton Esqr

    July

    17

    Ebenezar Dunham

     

    Sepr

    4

    William Harlow

    Mercy the wife of Ebinezar Cob

    Novr

    27880

    Joshua Bramhall & Nathll

    Abigail the wife of Thos Bartlett

       

    Dunham

    Martha the wife of John Harlow

       

    Anno 1727

    Eleanor the wife of Nathll Holmes Junr

    Susanna the wife of Samll Cornish

    Janry

    22

    John Ryder

    Lidia the wife of Barnabas Churchill

    May

    21

    John Harlow Junr

    Rebecca Phillips881

    Janry

    21

    Thomas Rogers

    Hannah the wife of Joseph Silvester

    1728

    Desire the wife of John Churchill

    May

    12

    Elkanah Totman882 from Truro hither

    Deborah the wife of Robt Davis

     

    Johanna the wife of Nathll Holmes 3tif

    July

    14

    Elkanah Churchill

    Hanna the wife of Eliezar Holmes

    Robert Harlow

    Mary Lathly widdow

    Joseph Bartlet Baptised

    Hannah the wife of Eliezar Churchill

    Samuel Ellis

     

    1729

     

    May

    11

    Nath Shurtlef Dismised from Boston hither

     

    [5] Church Records

    May

    29

    Elisha Holmes

    Mary the wife of Francies Adams

    Solomon Silvester

    Pheobe the wife of Jacob Cooke Junr

    Anno 1731

    Bethia the wife of John Churchill Junr

    Anne the wife of Rob Finney

    Sepr

    26

    Thomas Spooner

    Abigail Wethred Widdow

       

    1732

    Bethia Barrow widdow

    March

    26

    Samuel Bartlett

    Patience the wife of Eliezar Holmes Jur

       

    23

    Anne the wife of Eliezar King

     

    Thankfull the wife of Isaac King Drowned

     

    Rebecca King maiden

     

    Bethia the wife of Samƚƚ King

     

    Patience the wife of Ephraim Kempton

     

    Mercy the wife of Samll Kempton

     

    Bethia the wife of Judah West

     

    Abigail Doten the wife of Josiah

     

    Johanna King

    maidens Daughrs of Samll

     

    Sarah King

     

    Anne Palmer Maiden

     

    Jane Faunce Maiden

     

    Thankfull the wife of Elisha Barrow

     

    Mrs Sarah Little Widdow to ye Revd Mr Little

     

    Rebecca the wife of Thomas Withrell

     

    Jane the wife of John Crandon

     

    Johanna the wife of Thomas883 Holmes

     

    number 101884

    Since Added

    Anno

    1725

    Augst

    15

    Hannah the wife of Thos Delano removd from the Ch of Duxborough to us

       

    Sepr

    12

    Priscilla the Wife of Thos Rogers

       

    Oct:

    31

    Hannah the Wife of Benjamin Ellis

    Anno

    1726

    July

    17

    Mercy ye wife of Wm Harlow

       

    Sepr

    4

    Mrs885 Sarah Warren Widw

       

    Sepr

    18

    Sarah Clark maiden Daugr to ye Deacon

       

    Novr

    27886

    Sarah the wife of John Finney

    Anno

    1727

    April

    23

    Hope the wife of Nathll Thomas

       

    May

    14

    Elizabeth Cotton887 & Baptised

       

    Sepr

    24

    Catherine White Widw

       

    Novr

    12

    Rebecca Morton widw

    Anno

    1728

    March

    24

    Ruth Dunham wife of Josiah & Baptized

    Hannah Faunce wife of Eliezar

    Deborah Morton wife of Eliezar Junr

       

    31

     

    Mary wife of Samll Ryder

       

    May

    19

    Hannah Harlow Maiden Vide Page 1 [3]888

    [6] Church Records

    Anno Dom 1724

    Novr 29. upon the Desire of the North Ch in Scittuate the Ch. chose Majr Lothrop Mr Watson and Deacon Atwood to Accompany the Pastor to the Ordination of Mr889 Shearjashub Bourn to the Pastorall office ouer yt Church Ordain’d Decemr 3d

    March 10 1724/5. At a Ch meeting at the Publick Meeting House Then Deacon Foster Capt Dyer, and Mr Ephraim Morton were chosen and Appointed Agents to Settle the Bounds of the Garden Spot given by Mrs Bridget Fuller and her son Samuel to the Church in Plymouth.

    April 18. 1725 A Male Member of the Ch made Publick Confession for being overtaken with Drink

    Anno Domini 1726

    May 17 Considering the Great Decay of Religion and the Growthe of Impiety among us, a Fast was kept by this Church and Congregation that God would Revive his work and give Success to the Ministry of Religion. Mr Thatcher & Mr Perkins, Preached — It was followed with some Success, Severall Persons Presently after Joyned in full Com̄union with this Church, Deo Gloria

    July 26. At a Church meeting Appointed at the Pastors House after having opened the meeting with Prayer, The Pastor moved to the Breathern of the Church to Consider Some things concerning the Subjects of Baptism, and the Chhs obligation to watch over ye Children of ye Chh: The Pastor Gave his Thôts in writing which were as follows

    1.890 That Baptism as tis a Seal of the Covt of Grace, so tis a Seal of our admission into the visible Ch of our Lord Jesus †. Hence we read of being Baptised into one Body 1 Cor: 12. 13

    2. That the Infants of Such as are members of this Visible Ch are to be Baptised. Hence we Read, The Promise is to you, and to your Children Acts 2. 39. Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of Such is the Kingdom of Heaven Math 19. 14 And so

    3. That Persons being Baptised in their Infancy and Living to adult age (without Scandall, but Sober and Pious, not cast out of the Ch but Remaining Members of it) upon their Renewing their Covt with God and his ꝑple, may Demand Baptism for their Children, and it cannot Regularly be Denyed them.

    4. I do not find any where in the new testament that the Apostles required (before Baptism) all or any of the Adult Persons that they Baptised with their Housholds to come Imediatly to the Lords Supper, or even so much as Informed them of that Ordinance before they Baptised them with their Households — And so

    5. Since the Scriptures are Silent in that Point we ought not to make it Such a Form of Comm̄union as to Deny Baptism to Sober and well Disposed Persons that Desire to Enter into Covt with God and his ꝑple, and their Children — nor to the Children891

    [7892] Church Records Anno Dom 1724

    The Sacrament administred Sepr 6th, Octo 25th Janry 17th March 21st

    1725. June 6. August 1st Octor 2d Decemr 5th

    1726 Feb: 6. Apl 17. June 5. August 7. Octor 2. Decemr 4. Feb: 12

    Vide Page 11893

    Persons Baptized Anno 1724

    August894

    9th

    Samuel the Son of Joseph Churchill

    Augst

    16

    Patience the Daughter of Ebinezar Holmes, and Elizabeth the Daughter of Eliezar Holmes

    Augst

    28

    Eleazar the Son of John Crandon and Eliazar the Son of Thomas Harlow, and Grace the Daughter of Edward Stephens

    Augst

    30

    Elizabeth the Daughter of Robt Finney

    Sepr

    20

    Experience the Daughter of Deacon Atwood

    Octor

    4th

    Josiah the Son of Josiah Carver Peter the Son of James Landman Lois the Daughter of Elisha Doten Thomas the Son of Thos Spooner.

    Octo:

    11

    Ann the Daughter of James Clark Junr

     

    25

    Abner the Son of

    Novr

    23

    Abigail ye Daughr of Ephraim Morton Junr

     

    25

    Josiah the Son of Josiah Cotton Esqr Baptized at his House

     

    29

    Ebenezar the Son of Ebenezar Dunham

    Decemr

    20

    Elisha ye Son of Elisha Barrow

    Jany

    14

    Nathll the Son of Nathll Thomas

    March

    27

    1725 Dennis the Son of Thomas Sturmy

    May

    23

    1725 John the Son of Thos Witherell

    June

    13th

    1725 Lydia the Daughter of Thos Clark Junr and Sarah the Daughter of Saml Kempton

    June

    20

    1725 Lydia the Daughter of Judah West

    August

    1st

    1725 Caleb the Son of Solomon Silvester

    August

    22

    1725 William the Son of Haviland Torry

    Sep:

    19

    1725 Ruth and Keziah Daughrs to Thos Rogers

    Oct:

    31

    1725 Hannah the wife of Benjamin Ellis and Admd to full Comn

    Novr

    28

    1725 Anna the Daughter of Nathll Leonard ye Pastor of ye Ch

    Jan:

    23

    172⅚ William the Son of James Lanman

    Anno Dom 1726

    Feb:

    6

    John the Son of John Crandon

    March

    6

    John the Son of John Sturtevant at his House

    March

    13

    Joshua Freeman and admitted to full Com̄union

    March

    19

    Samll the Son of Thomas Sturmy at his House

    April

    10

    Ichabod the Son of Nath: Holmes

    May

    1

    Phebe the Daughter of Eben: Holmes

    June

    5

    William the Son of Judah West

    June

    5

    Hannah ye Daughter of Benjamin Ellis

    July

    3

    Isaac the Son of Barnabas Churchill

    July

    17

    Marcy the Wife of Willm Harlow — and Lydia, Marcy & John the Children of Thos Branch

    [8] Church Records. Anno 1726

    Children895 of such as have been Baptised in their Infancy and Lead Modest and Sober Lives, They Renewing their Covt thô they may not See their way clear to come Im̄ediatly to the other ordinance. For

    6. Such Persons may have Faith to offer up themselves and Children to God, and yet be under some Doubts and Scruples with Respect to an Imediate Progress to the Lords Table. None will doubt but that the Jaylor and Lydia and Cornelius896 had Faith to offer up themselves and Famalies to God, thô we dont know that they had then heard of this other Ordinance: We ought therefore to take heed that we do not Discourage weak minds897 but Lead them tenderly and bring those on as far as they can go, for the Bruised Reed ought not to be broken nor the Smoaking Flax Quenched

    I therefore Propose to you this Question

    Question Whether It will be an Offence unto ye Church for me after an Examination of Such Persons, and after having Propounded them to ye Ch and Congregation, the Usuall time, of those we Imediately Admit to full Com̄union, and there appearing nothing Vitious or Sandalous898 in them, To admit them to a Renewall of their Covt or to Baptism if they have not Already been Baptised, with their Children?

    7. I likewise think that all Baptised Persons as they are Members of the Visible Ch of our Lord Jesus, are under the Watch and Care of the Ch and Subject to Discipline, and that they ought to be called upon to bring forth the Fruits of Repentance after they have been Guilty of Scandall and if they obstinatly refuse, after Due Patiance & Admonition to Cast them out of the Church.

    I Accordingly Propose to your Consideration —

    Question What methods are to be taken with those among us that have been guilty of scandall, and not Restored by Repentance?

    After Some Debate upon the First Question and some of the Breathren desireing further time of Consideration, The Pastor consented to wait some time for an answer.

    After some Debate upon the Second Question The Church Voted, That Elder Faunce with the Deacons should Discourse with those Persons that had been guilty of Scandall and not Restored before my ordination, and Labour to bring them to Repentance, and return an Account to the Pastor that they may Suitably be Proceeded with

    The Com̄ittee Chosen to settle the Bounds of the Parsonage Lott with Mr Cole returned an account of their Doings

    The Pastor Concluded the Meeting with Prayer.

    The Lord Lead us in to Truth and Preserve us in Peace and Enable us to watch over one another and those we are related to as becomes [† ians]

    [9] Church Records Anno 1726

    Persons Baptized

    Augst

    14

    Stephen the Son of Elisha Doten, John the Son of Ebenr Dunham. Sarah, Benjamin, William, Hannah, Marcy, Kezia The 6 Children of William and Marcy Harlow.

    Sepr

    11

    Ephraim, Nathll Stephen, Zacheus, Benjamin the Five Sons of Stephen Churchill, The Two First viz Ephraim & Nathll Owned the Covt Themselves

    Sepr

    25

    Joshua the Son of Joseph Churchill

    Octor

    2

    Sarah Daughter to Mr John Sparhawk

     

    9

    Samll Son to Wm Harlow

    Octor

    30

    Sarah Daughter of N Leonard Pastor of ys Church

    Anno 1727

    Janry899

    29

    Nathanael Son to Nathll Thomas

    March

    12

    Sarah Daughter to Thos Spooner

     

    25

    Jedidah Daughtr to Willm Harlow, and Sarah, Pheobe & Josiah children to John Finney

    April

    2

    Ten Children of John Ryder Viz Samuel, Ebenezar, Hanna[h] John Sarah (these owned the Covt being Adult) Elizabeth Mary Charles Jerusha Rebecca

    May

    21

    Dorothy, the Daūter of Josiah Carver

     

    28

    Elizabeth ye Daūter of Judah West. & Willis the Son of Thos Rogers

    June

    4

    John ye Son of John Churchill & Lydia ye Daughter of

     

    11

    Thankfull ye Daūter of Thos Branch

     

    18

    Solomon Son to Ebenz: Morton. Marcy Daūter to Thos Withrell

    July

    30

    Rowland the Son of Josiah Cotton Esqr

    Augst

    13

    Thomas900 the Son of Thos Foster

     

    20

    Joseph Son to Haviland Tony

     

    27

    Four Children of Joshua Bramhall viz Cornelius, Salvanus (these own’d the Covt) Joseph and Martha

    Novr

    5

    Seth Son of Ebenzr Curtis

     

    12

    Five Children of Rebecca Morton Widw viz Mordacai Elizabeth Nathaniel John Ichabod

     

    19

    Hannah Daughter of Elisha Barrow

    Anno 1728

    March

    3

    Jeremiah the Son of Ebenezar Holmes

     

    17

    Abigail the Daughter of James Clarke

     

    24

    James the Son of John Crandon

    April

    21

    Children of Josiah Dunham Amos, Hannah, Ruth, Lydia, Mary

    Children of Eliezar Morton Junr

    Children of Samll Ryder

    May

    12

    Joshua Son to Samll Totman

    June

    9

    Jerusha Daughter to

     

    16

    Cornelius, Ebenezar, Patiance & Lydia the Children of Cornelius Holmes901

       

    Mary Daughter of Thos Sturmy

     

    29

    Hannah Daughter of Mr John Sparhawk

    [10] Church Records. 1726

    Novr 6th A Letter from Sevll Members of the Church of † in Sandwich (being read) desiring the Presence of the Elder and Messengers of this Ch to Sit in Council with Sevll other Ches at Sandwith the 16th902 day of this Month with regard to the Revd Mr Fessenden’s Conduct &c The Ch made choice of Majr Lothrop and Deacon Foster as their Messengers to Accompany the Pastor. Seven Ches met at the Time Appointed, Viz. Taunton, Scituate, Brantrie, Midleborough, Rochester, Pembrook & Plymouth and after a hearing of the Case, The Council Adjourned till the Second Wensday in May next The Council met at the Adjournmt and after a further hearing, adjourn’d to the House of Deacon Joseph Stockbridge in Pembrook on June 28. 1727. Who then and there came to a Result wherein they Judged and Declared the Revd Mr Fessenden unworthy to Sustain the office of a Pastor in the Ches of † and Disaproved of his Preaching any longer under the Scandall they found him guilty of, advising the chh in Sandwich to Dismiss him from his Pastorall Charge over them untill he Should remove the Scandall and evidence his Repentance to the Satisfaction of the Chhs by a Penitential and Publick Acknolegmt

    The Result was Signed by

    Isaac Lothrop

    Peter Thacher Modr

    John Foster

    Nathll Eells

    Joseph Stockbridge

    Samll Niles

    Joseph Lord903

    Peter Thacher Junr

    John Wadsworth

    Nathll Leonard

    Samll White

     

    which Result was Publickly Read in Sandwich and Deliverd to Deacon Bourn by Nathll Leonard and John Foster July 11. 1727.

    [11] Chh Records

    Sacramt Administred Anno Dom 1727. April 2d June 11. August 6. Octor 8. Decernr 3. Feb: 11

    A Continuation of Baptisms904

    Anno Domi 1728

    July

    7th

    Ann Daughter to Mr James Warren & Penelope his Wife

    Silas Son to Samuel Tupper of Sandwich

     

    14

    Thomas Son to James Lanman

     

    21

    Anna Daughter to Nathll Leonard, the Pastor of ys Chh

    Job Son to Eleazar Holmes

     

    28

    Sarah Daūter to Wm Harlow

    Priscilla Daūter to Elkanah Totman

    Augst

    20

    Ebenezar, Benjamin, Isaac, Robert, Sons to Robert Harlow

    Silvanus, Jerusha, Lydia, Zaccheus, Betty, Children of Joseph Bartlet

    Mary, Ester, Samuel, Remember, Jean, Children of Samll Ellis

     

    25

    Amaziah, Muriah & Elkanah Children of Elkanah Churchill

    Sepr

    1

    Sarah Daughter to Joseph Churchill

    Novr

    7

    Ruth Daugher of John Finney

     

    24

    Pheobe Daugr of Willm Harlow

    Elizabeth & Margeret Daughters of Samuel & Elizabeth Bartlet[t]

    Janry

    12

    Thankfull Daughter of Elisha Barrow

    Thankfull Daughter of Samll Kempton

    March

    16

    Patiance Daughter of Eliezar Faunce

    Anno Dom: 1729

    April

    6

    Reuben the of

     

    20

    Silas Son of Nathll Dunham

    May

    4

    Isaac, Abigail, & William Children of Benja Hanks

     

    11

    James the Son of Elisha Doten

    James the Son of Josiah Carver

     

    18

    Josiah the Son of Haviland Torrey

    Charles, James the Sons of Priscilla and Nathll Holmes 3tius

    June

    15

    Rebecca Daughter of Elisha Holmes

    July

    6

    Bethiah Daughter of Judah West

     

    12

    Mary Daughter of Nathll Leonard (Ecc: Pasr) & Priscilla his Wife

     

    27

    Four Children of William Lucas and Mehitabell his Wife viz William, Pheobe, Priscilla; Joseph

    August

    3

    Sarah905 Daughter of Benj: Ellis

     

    17

    Seth the Son of Eliezar Morton Junr

    Sepr

    7

    Elemuel the Son of Thomas Withrell

    Nathanael the Son of Thomas Harlow

     

    23

    Ebenezer the Son of Gideon Ellis

     

    28

    Jean the Daūter of Thomas Spooner

    Octo.

       

    Nov:

       

    Decr

    21

    Thomas Son of John Crandon

     

    29

    Samuel Son of Samll Totman vid Page 15906

    [12] Church Records 1728

    January 14. 1727/8 on the Lords day Evening the Pastor Publickly Moved to the Chh to Meet at the Meeting House on Tuesday following The Chh being meet on the Day Appointed, the Pastor layed before the Chh

    1. Sister Lidia Cushman’s Case, and after Some debate thereon it was Voted that the Issueing of this Case be Suspended untill the next meeting.

    2. It was also proposed wheather it might not be proper to make choice of One or more Deacons, to which the Chh agreed and Voted that in convenient time, they Proceed and make choice of two Persons to that Office, one at Monmt Ponds and the other in the Town. Nemine Contradicente.

    The meeting was then Adjourned till the Monday Following at Twelve of the Clock at the Pastors House.

    The Pastor as he opened the Meeting, so he concluded with Prayer and all things were maniaged with Peace, The Lord preserve us in Peace and build us up in Holyness.

    Janry 22 The Chh meet at the Pastors House According to the Adjmt and Voted

    1 That this Chh now proceed to make Choice of Two Suitable persons to the Deaconship.

    2. That the Persons chosen shall have the Major part of the Votes, or Voters now Present.

    3 The Breathren907 then brought in their Votes and the Lot fell Upon our Brother Haviland Torry, and our Brother Thomas Clarke. and there was no manifestation of any Uneasiness in the Choice.

    4 The Chh then Proceeded to Consider Sister Lydia Cushmans Case and Voted that althô the Evidences given in respecting her behaviour (on908 the Last Monday of Augst 1727) raise a Strong Presumption in us that she was then overtaken with Strong Drink; yet Since there is no Posative Proof She had been Drinking Strong Drink at that time, & She declareing that Odd behaviour to be the Effect of Bodily Infirmity and not of Strong Drink, Wee cannot say Absolutly She was then overtaken with Drink. However, we are Exceeding Fearfull that she Imputes that to Bodily Infirmity which was the Effect of Intemperate Drinking. And in the Name of Christ do advise and Exhort her to Consider that the Lord is a Jealous God, whose Eyes are as a Flaming Fire, who searcheth the Rains and the Heart and will give to every man according to his work. Whereupon she was Restored to Comunion with Some Serious Advice then given by the Pasor.

    The Pastor then Concluded with Prayer.

    Feb: 11 Following. At the close of the Forenoon Exercise the Pastor Publickly declared the Concurrance with the Chh’s Choice of Brother Haviland Torry and Bro: Thos Clarke to the office of Deacons, and in the Name of the Chh desired them to Accept of that Office and take their places in the Deacons seat &909

    [13] Members in full. Com̄union910

    Females

    Anno 1728

    May

    26

    Lydia wife of Cornlus Holmes & Baptised

    June

    16

    Penalopoe the wife of Mr James Warre[n]

    July

    14

    Elizabeth wife of Joseph Bartlet

    Sepr

    29

    Sarah wife of Joshua Bramhall

    Anna wife Gideon Ellis

    Novr

    17

    Elizabeth wife of Samll Bartlet Junr

    Anno 1729

    March

    30

    Priscilla wife of Nathll Holmes 3tius

    Mary wife of Benja: Hanks

    May

    25

    Susanna wife of Elisha Holmes

    Mehitabell wife of Willm Lucas

    Sepr

    28

    Judith the wife of Jacob Tinkham

    July

    19

    Sarah the wife of John Bartlet

    Hannah Shearman maidn

    Elizabeth Dunham maidn & Baptized

    1731

    March

    28

    Elizabeth Bartlett Maidn

    May

    16.

    Elizabeth the wife of Joseph Pearce

    July

    25

    Elizabeth the wife of Micajah Dunham

    Hannah wife of Mr John Sparhawk

    Mary Leonard, maiden

    Sepr

    26

    Marcy the wife of Samll Doten

    Janry

    2

    Priscilla Faunce Maidn Eldrs Daūter

     

    30

    Hannah the wife of Thomas Jackson

    Sarah the wife of Seth Barnes

    1732

    March

    26

    Hannah the wife of Samll Bartlet

    Lydia the wife of John Polden

    Elizabeth the wife of Hilkiah Tinkh[am]

    Sarah the wife of Hen: Littlejohn

    June

    11

    Sarah LeBaron Widw

    44

    [14911] Chh Records 1728

    and912 be assisting with the other Deacons as Occasion shall require till they be Regularly Installed. The Afternoon yy took yre places.

    March 18. 1728 our Brother Thomas Clark lately Elected to the Deacons office Deceased.

    June 11. A Fast was Keept by this Chh and Town in Behalf of the Rising Generation, that God would bring forward a work of Reformation among them Mr Eells and Mr Angier913 Preached—The Lord heard our Prayers and revived his work among our young pple.

    God having in his Holy Providence witheld the Rain and Wasted the Fruits of the Earth in a great measure by an Early Scorching Drought another Day of Fasting and Prayer Was Appointed on June 30. to be keept by this Chh and Town on Tuesday Following, and it Pleased God on the Monday Night to Send in Severall Moderate and Refreshing Showers without either Thunder of Lightning, it also rained on the Tuesday morning, almost all Wensday, and another Plentifull Shower on914 Friday, so that the Earth was Plentifully Refreshed, Deo Gloria Oh that men would Praise the Lord

    Decemr 29, 1728915 Lords day Evening After Sermon the Pastor with the Concurance and Vote of the Chh Proceeded to Ordain our Beloved Brother Haviland Torrey to the Deacons Office which was done by Prayer and Imposition of Hands. The Lord make him a wise and Faithful Servant. The Assembly was Entertained with a Discourse from 1 Tim: 3. 10. Let them use the Office of a Deacon

    Feb: 1728/9. Upon the Desire of the Chh of Taunton, Deacon Torry & and Mr Thomas Howland where chosen Messenger to Accompany the Pastor to the Ordination of Mr Thomas Clap to the Pastoral Office over that Chh who was ordained Feb: 26. 1728/9.

    Nov: 3. 1729. Then the Person mentioned in P. 12 art. 4.916 Made Publick Confession of Intemperate Drinking and also of the Sin of Vehemently Denying the same (when before the Chh) and Importing her odd behaviour to bodily Infirmity. and was Restored. and tis very Remarkable that she was brought to this Confession by being followed for some time917 with Lingering Sickness and such Strong Convictions and Distresses of Conscience that she could receive no Ease till she had Confessed her Complicated and Aggravated guilt. Oh that she may be Washed and Justified and Sanctified in the name of our Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

    Jany 7 1730/1 This Day was kept in Solemn Fasting and Pray that the Lord would Forgive our Sins and heal our Diseases, we being Visitted with a very Mortal Feaver

    After Publick Service the Chh was Stayed and the Elder with the Deacons Appointed to Treat with the children of the Chh yt had been guilty of Sandalous Falls Endeavour. to bring them to Repentance and Return an918 Account &c

    The Lord render our Humitiations and Endeavours Effectual and make us a Reformed pple.

    [15] Church Records 1730

    Baptisms919

    Jan:

    27 1729/30

    Margeret the Daughter of Josiah Cotton Esqr at his House

    Feb:

    15 1729/30

    Patiance Daūter to Elisha Barrow

    Apl

    19 1730

    Thomas Son of Thomas Sturmy

    Apl

    26

    Ichabod Son of Ephraim Morton Junr Deceasd and Susannah his wife

    May

    17

    William Son of John Watson Esqr and Priscilla his Wife

    John Son of Mr John Sparhawk

    Elisha Son of Thomas Foster

     

    24

    Hannah the Daughter of Jacob Tincom

     

    31

    Sarah Daūter of Mr James Warren

    June

    7

    Thomas Son of Barnabas Churchill

     

    21

    Hannah Daūter of Nathll Thomas Jun

    Abigail Daūter of Wm Harlow

    William Son of Judah West

    John Son of John Washbun

    Joshua son of Elka: Totman

    July

    19

    Josiah the Son of Widw Ruth Dunham

     

    26

    Mary Daūter of Timothy Burbank

    Sep.

    27

    Sarah Daūter of Samll Ryder

    Jany

    3 1730/1

    Nathanael Son of Nathanael Leonard and Priscilla Daūter of Nathl Holmes 3tius

     

    10

    Patiance Daūter of Elisha Barrow

     

    17

    Thomas Son of Thomas Rogers

    Feb.

    14

    John Son of Benjan Hanks

     

    21

    Joannah the Dauter of James Lanman

    John Son of John Finny

    Anno Dom 1731

    1731

    April 11

    Experiance Daughter of Deacon John Atwood

    Elizabeth Daughter of Deacon Haviland Torrey

    Rebecca Daughter of Samuel Kempton

    April

    25

    Lothrop Son of James Clark

    Ebenezar Son of Solomon Silvester

    May

    2

    Mary Daūter of John Bartlett

    June

    6

    Rebekah Daūter of Nicholas and Lydya Drew

    July

    20

    Hannah and Joseph Children of Joseph and Elizabeth Pearce

    July

    4

    Mary Daughter of Eliezar Faunce

    Augst

    1

    Mary Dauter of Ebenezar Dunham

    Benjamin Son of Wm Lucas

     

    15

    6 Children of Micajah and Elizabeth Dunham, Viz Joshua Dunham Abigail Tommas, Joannah Ward, Ester Dunham (these four were active in the Covt themselves) Ephraim & Manasseh Dunham

    Sepr

    5

    Samuel Son of Judah West

     

    12

    Hannah Daughter of Samuel Bartlet

     

    19

    Thomas Son of Gideon Ellis

    Octo

    17

    Ebenezar Son of Ebenezar Curtis

     

    31

    Benjamin Son of Cornelius Holmes

    Nov.

    15

    William Son of Joseph920 Pearce at his House

     

    28

    Samuel Son of Samll Doten

    Decem

    19

    James Son of Joseph Bartlet

    [16] Chh Records (1731)

    Jany 24 1730/1 Three Children of the Chh made Publick Confession of the Sin of Fornication and were restored.

    March 28 A Child of the Chh made Publick Confession of Fornication and was Restored.

    Novr 14 Lords Day P: M: a Letter from the Second Chh of in Bridgewater was Read to the Chh wherein the Presence of this Chh by Elders and Messengers was Desired to Assist in the Ordination of Mr John Shaw to the Ministerial office over that Chh the 17 Curt Justice Thomas and Dea: Atwood were appointed to attend with the921 Pastor The Revd Mr Shaw was Ordained on Sd Day the Lord make him a Wise and Faithfull Servant.

    Novr 21 1731 Lords Day P: M: The Pastor Appointed a Chh meeting to be held at his House the next Tuesday to Consider the Subjects of Baptism (vide Pages 6 & 8922) but the Chh not coming Generally togeather the Affair was adjourned ’till the Next Lecture day to be considered after the Lecture.

    December 2 After Lecture the Chh was Stayed and passed these following votes

    Voted 1. That Such Persons as have not been Baptized in their Minority Understanding the Doctrine of Faith and Professing their Assent thereto not Scandalous in Life and Solemnly Entering in to Covt before the Chh and Submiting themselves to the Government of Christ in his Chh (their Desire and Purpose being Publickly Propounded the usual time of them we receive to full Com̄union and Nothing Scandalous Appearing in them) may be Baptized without offence to this Chh

    Voted 2. That Such Persons as have not been Baptized in yr Minority Understanding the Doctrine of Faith and Professing their Assent thereto Not Scandalous in Life and Solemnly entering in to Covt before the Chh Giving up themselves and Children unto the Lord and do Submit themselves unto the Government of † in his Chh (their Desire and Purpose being Publickly Propounded the Usual time of them we receive to full Com̄union and Nothing Scandalous Appearing in them) may be Baptized both themselves and Children without offence to this Chh

    Voted 3. That Such Persons as have been Admitted to the Ordinance See P. 18923

    [17924] Baptisms

    1731/2

    Decr 26

     

    Hannah Phillips Presented by Her Grand Parents Her Imediate Parents being both925 Deceased

    Jonathan Son of Eliezar Holmes

    Feb

    13

    Timothy Son of Timothy Burbank

    March

    5

    Elkanah Son of Mrs Priscilla Watson widw of John Watson Esq Deceasd

    1732

    April

    2

    Three Grand children of the Widw Rebecca Cole viz: Mary Durfy, Rebecca and Sarah Cole

    John the Son of Ebenezr Holmes Junr

    Apl

    9

    Experiance Daūter of the Widw Branch

    Abigail Dauter of John Washbun

    Apl

    16

    The Children of Samuel Bartlet viz Samuel &c

    The Grand Child of Marcy Dunham Widw Ruth Strobridge

    The Children of Sarah Littlejohn Hannah William James

    Apl

    24

    Priscilla Daūter of Nathll Leonard

    Jabez Son of Jabez Holmes

    May

    14

    Rebeckah the Daūter of Wm Harlow

    Elkanah the Son of Elka: Totman

     

    21

    The Children of Thomas Jackson and Hannah his Wife Hezekiah, Thomas, Samuel

    June

    11

    Five Children of Seth Barnes & Sarah his wife viz Elizabeth, Sarah, Seth, James, Mary

    Nathanael the Son of Mariah Morton Relict of Nathanael Morton

    June

    18

    Sarah Daugher of Jacob926 Johnson

    July

    9

    Martha Daughter of Robert Brown

    Mary, Isaac, Sarah and Francis Children of Sarah Lebaron

    [18] Chh Records 1731

    The927 Ordinance of Baptism in their Minority Understanding the Doctrine of Faith and Professing their Assent thereto, not Scandalous in Life and Solemnly owning the Covt before the Chh, Giving up themselves and Children to the Lord and do Subject themselves to the Government of † in his Chh (their Desire and Purpose being Publickly Propounded the Usual time of them we receive to full Com̄union and Nothing Scandalous Appearing in them) may have their Children Baptized without Offence to this Chh.

    Voted 4. That Such Grand Parents as are in full Com̄union under whose Im̄ediate care any of their Grand Children are928 Devolved May have them Baptized without Offense to this Chh.

    Voted 5. That those Children of the Chh that are Under Scandal be Notiffed to Appear before the Chh at the Next Chh Meeting.

    Voted 6 That the Deacons take care and Notify them.

    The Minister began and Concluded the Meeting with Prayer — and thô Some of the Breathren Objected against Passing those votes Relating to Baptism yet the Affair was manniaged with a Calm Peacable Spirit on both929 Sides and the Votes Passed with a very Considerable Majority. O that God would Succeed our Endeavours for the Building up of the Kingdom of † and make those methods Effectual to the Salvation of many Souls.

    Decmr 12 A Letter from the Chh of Plymton Desireing the Presence of this Chh by the Elder and Messengers to Joyn in930 a Council931 of Chhs sent for them in order to Ordain Mr Jonathan Parker to the Pastoral Office over that Chh was read and Coll: Lothrop, Deacon Forster and Deacon Torrey where Chosen to attend with the Pastor in the Affair. Mr Parker was Accordingly Ordained the 22: Inst the Lord make him a Faithfull Painfull and Successfull Labourer in his Vineyard.

    Janry 2. A child of the Chh made Publick confession of ye Sin of Fornication and was Restored.

    Janry 16 Two Persons that were Baptized in their Minority made Publick Confession of Fornication and were Restored. One of them was Baptized at Beverly

    [18a932] Persons that have Renewed their Covt

    Feb 20 1731/2 Jabez Holmes

    1732 June 11

    Mariah Morton Widw

    Elizabeth Bagnal Widdow, and Mary the wife of Ephraim Washbun, & Lydia Polden and Thomas Polden These four Persons Entered into Covt and were Baptized

    July 9

    Robert Brown and Priscilla his Wife

    [19933] Chh Records 173½934

    Janry 16 173½ Lords Day after Publick Service the Pastor notified the Breathren of the Chh to meet at his House the next Tuesday to consider Some Affairs he had to lay before them. The Breathren Accordingly met the said day being the 18th Instant and made this vote upon the case of our Brother John Sparhawk viz

    It being Co͞monly Reported that our Brother John Sparhawk is Exceedingly given to Intemperate Drinking and whereas it Appears that he very much frequents Publick Houses of License for Strong Liquour and has been Lately Convicted of being overtaken with Strong Liquour, Twice before Justice Cushing of Kingston and once before this Chh. And whereas Several Single Evidences Appearing who Declare that they have heard him Curse and Sware we also Exceeding fear he is guilty thereof — For all which things tis our Opinion that he be935 Suspended from Special Ordinances till there be Some Vissible Reformation in his Life and Conversation.

    The Chh also made this vote upon the case of our Sister Lydia Cushman.

    Sister Lydia Cushman being again Convicted of Excessive Drinking, tis our Opinion that she be Suspended from Special Ordinances till there be Some Reformation in her Life and Conversation.

    These Persons were then called in before the Chh and suspended from special ordinances ’till there be some Reformation in their Lives and Conversations and were Solemnly Counselled and Admonished by the Pastor: May God set home the Censures laid upon them and Rebuke given them and make his own Ordinance Effectual for their Recovery and Salvation. and Let them that Stand take heed lest they fall. The meeting as it began So it was Concluded with Prayer.

    A 3d vote was called in these or in Words to this Purpose936 viz If this Chh knows any thing Scandalous in Mary Taylor that they think propper she should be called before the Chh to make Answer to it, Please to Manifest it by the Usual Sign. It passed in the Neg937

    Janry 23. Two persons that stand in relation to the Chh made Publick Confession of Fornication and were Restored

    Feb: 6. A person that stood in Relation to the Chh by Baptissm made Publick confession of Fornication and was restored. [20938]

    [21939] Chh Records 173½

    A Chh Meeting being Appointed to be Feb: 3. at the Meeting House after Lecture, the Chh was Accordingly Stayed

    The Pastor Desired the Deacons to return the Names of Such of the Children of the Chh as were under Scandal and that they had notified to Appear before the Chh at this Time and place. the Persons whose Names they Returned were Seth Barnes, Joseph Bartlet and his wife and Benjamin Ryder.

    Benjamin Ryder Appeared and Confessed he was guilty of Fornication but discovered an unwillingness to give Satisfaction because he something Scrupled the Validity of his Infant Baptism; But maniaged Himself Decently and with Moderation and declared that he did not absolutely Refuse and Desired he might have an Opportunity to Discourse with the Minister on that point. which was readily granted.

    Seth Barnes thô he was at Lecture yet withdrew and did not Appear before the Chh nor Sent in any reason of his so doing. the Chh therefore Voted that the Deacons Discourse with him again and endeavour to bring him to a sense of his Duty.

    [I]t was also moved that the vote passed at the Last Chh meeting Respecting [M]ary Taylor might be Reconsidered, But the Chh being divided about it, this motion [w]as referred for further consideration.

    Joseph Bartlet and his wife their Case was Deferred

    This as at our Chh meetings was begun and Concluded with Prayer. May the wise and Holy God Preside over and Direct this Chh in all its Administrations, Continue Peace and promote Holyness and good Order &c

    March 30 1732 The Chh being Stayed after Lecture took into Consideration the940 Case of Mary Taylor (the Case was this, In Six months and Six Days she was Delivered of a Child after Marriage but had escaped Presentmt at the Court by the Grand Jury; the greater part of Chh were of Opinion that Notwithstanding she ought to be called before the Chh to make answer for herselfe and whereas there had been no Trial of her case wn that vote was Passed in Page 19941 A Vote whas now called wheather that Vote should be Reconsidered and it passed in the Affermative by a Considerable majority

    [Ju]ne 18 1732 Lords Day. Our Brother Eliezar Dunham Senr being942 Visited with Lingering Sickness and being Doubtfull of his Recovery Sent his Confession and Desired he might be Restored to the Fellowship of the Chh which being Read was readily granted.943

    [22944] A [ ] to the Church of Christ att Plym[out]h

    Impr a Great bible with bases of Brasse in the Costody of our Pastour mr Cotton

    Item Josephus history of the warrs of the Jewes in the Costody of our Elder mr Cushm[an]

    Item Mr Ainsworths Annotations on the fiue books of Moses Lente to the Church att Eastham att theire prteing from our Church

    Given by Edward Barcker Calvins Comentary on the hebrewes and Monseer due P[ ] trunes of Christian Religion in the Costody of Nathaniell Morton Seinr of Plymouth

    Ther is another of Monseire due Pliseys trunes of Christian Religion945 which was Given Likewise by mr Attwood; I suppose it may be alsoe att Eastham;

    Eusebious Eclesiasticall history for prsent in the Costody of our Pastour mr Cotton

    Mr Calvins Institutions; in the Costody of mr Cushman our Elder

    Mr Calvin on Timothy and titus in the hands and Costody of our said946 Elder;

    diuers other smale947 bookes belonging to the Church in a box in the Costody of our Pastour mr Cotton948

    March 15th 1724/5. Then Received of Elder Faunce & Deacon Poster the Following Mentioned Books which belong to the Ch of † in Plymouth, Recd ⅌ Me

    N Leonard viz

    1. 1 One English Bible, Folio with Brass Clasps
    2. 2 The work of W: Tindall. J: Frith & Docr Barns in one Fol:
    3. 3 Augustin of the Citty of God, Folio
    4. 4. Arthur Golding of the Trueness949 of the Christian Religion Quarto
    5. 5 A Book Shewing the Life and Manners of true Christians Quarto
    6. 6 The true Coppy of a Prologue Supposed to be written by J: Wicklife Oct
    7. 7 Mr Robinsons Vindication of Separation Quarto Lent to mr Co[ ] Returned
    8. 8 Josephus Fol: an old Book950

    [Ja]ny 25th 1760 Then Received of the Reverend mr Nathanael Leonard the Books mentioned in the above Catalogue

    John Torrey

    Jany 31. 1760 Then Received of the Revd Mr Nathl Leonard the Chh Records in 2 Vol

    Chandler Robbins Pastor