[1] Church Record

July 9 1732 A Letter from Edw^d Winslow Esqr a member of the C^hh of Christ in Rochester being read to this C^hh wherein he complained that that C^hh had suspended him from special ordinances without sufficient cause desireing the Presence of this C^hh by the Pastor and Messengers to Set in Council on that affair (with some other C^hhs he had apply’d to) on the 18 Cur^t This C^hh comply’d with the Request of s^d Winslow, and made Choice of Elder Thomas Faunce, Coll Isaac Lothrop and Deacon Haviland Torry to attend with the Pastor Nathanael Leonard on y^t affair.

July 18 the Council met viz the first C^hh of Middleboro the Chh of Plymouth and the Chh of Dartmouth and the case being submitted to the Descition of this Council by both parties; the Council after a full hearing of the Case and earnest supplication for Direction gave in such a Result as was readily comply’d with both by the Chh and said Winslow and both parties embraced each other with mutual forgiveness. The Lord confirm their Peace and build them up in Holyness and Comfort unto Salvation.

Anno Dom: 1733

May 3 Lords Day Evening a Letter from the Chh of Kingston was read Desireing the Presence of this Chh by y^r Elders and one Messenger to set in Council on the case of Seth Chipman whom they had suspend[ed] from special ordinances the Church1056 made Choice of Brother Stephen Churchil to attend with the Elders the Council met there on May 15 — and adjourned to June the 20 and then gave in a Result Justifying the Chh and exhorting said Chipman to a Penitent Humiliation.

June 3 Lords Day Evening a Letter from the South Chh in Plympton was Read Desireing the Presence of this Chh by the Pastor and Messengers to Assist in the Ordination of M^r Othniel Campbel to the work of the Gospel Ministry there on the 13^th Cur^t the Chh made choice of Elder Faunce Nathaniel Thomas Esqr Cap^t Warren and the Three Deacons to attend with the Pastor. The Rev^d M^r Campbell was ordained on Said Da[y] The Rev^d M^r Thatcher of Middleboro’ gave the Char[ge] The Pastor preached from Acts 16. 17. the Lord make him a wise Faithful & Successful Servant. [2] Church Records

1733/4 Jan^ry 13 (Lords Day) The Pastor Stayed the Chh and Appointed them to meet to morrow at 11 of the Clock to consider what is proper to be further done to reclaim our Brother John Sparhawk from his Intemperate Drinking in w^ch he still Continues The C^hh met and He being very Desirous of some further Forbearance Promising Amendment, the Chh then Voted

1 That the Chh wait upon Brother John Sparhawk a little Longer, But upon the first Offence he shall be guilty of from this time that he be Publickly Admonished.

2 The Deacons made a motion to the Chh that they would Appoint a Com^tee to Examine y^e1057 Chh Stock &c and the Church Voted that the Deacons are Desired to lay their Acc^ts before the Chh at the next meeting.

the Meeting was then concluded with Prayer

1733/4 Jan^ry 31. After Lecture the Pastor Stayed the C^hh and Moved that the Deacons may be Desired to Chatechise the Children between Meetings as soon as the Days are sufficiently Lengthened for a Convenient Intermission. To Ask them 4 or 5 Questions a time till they have Learn^d the Chatechism1058 The Chh voted to Desire them &c with a unanamous Voice

1733/4 Feb: 10 Lords Day Sister Lydia Cushman made Publick Confession of Intemperate Drinking and was Restored to Comunion.

1733/4 Feb: 17^th (Lords Day,) Brother John Sparhawk was Publickly Admonished for Scandalous Drunkenness. Você Ecclesia1059

1734 (Lords Day) Octo: 13. a Letter from Sundry Brethren in Halifax was read Desireing the Presence of this Chh by its Elders and Messengers to Joyn with other Chhs on the 16^th cur^t to embody the breathren Living in that Town members of Several Chhs into a Distinct Chh. We made Choice of Deacon Atwood & Coll Lothrop to attend with the elders and Pastor on that Affair. Accordingly Octo: 16 1734 a Chh was Imbodyed in Halifax which we hope God will Dwell and grant Light Peace, Holyness and Prosperity throout all Generations.

M^r Ignatius Cushing a Member of y^s Chh was at this time Dismist from us and Joyned with them. [3] Church Records

1734/5 Feb 23 Lords Day P. M. The Pastor with the Concurance of the Elder notified the Brethren of this Chh to meet togeather Tomorrow at the meeting house 11060 a Clock P. M. to consider of some affairs they had to lay before them.

at a Chh meeting held at this Meeting house Feb 24 1734/5 After Prayer to Almighty God

1. Voted to Thank the Deacons for their good service in Chatechising the Children the Last Year

2. Voted That the Deacons are Desired to continue the same good Services and to begin the first Sabbath after the 10^th day of March

3. The Pastor then read to the C^hh the Report of the Council that Sat at Sandwich in Octo: last wherein they take off the sentence of Non com̄union that had been laid upon that Chh and Pasto[r] &c M^r Fessendens confession was also read — Also a Letter from the Dissatisfied Breathren Requesting the Pastor of this Chh by their Elder and one Messenger to assist in Embodying them into a Distinct Chh and in ordaining M^r Francis Woster over them &c After some1061 debate the Question was put wheather this Chh will grant the Request of these Dissatisfied Brethren and send Delegates upon these affairs — It passed in the Negative a minor part only were willing to send.

4. Then the Pastor com̄unicated a Narrative of the proceedings of the Council lately held at Salem w^ch Council was called in the Third way of Com̄union mentioned in the Platf: and have declared non com̄union with that Chh & Pastor (M^r Samuel Fisk) for obstinatly persisting in Scandalous Division & contention without using the means of Peace. the Chh did not proceed to any act upon that affair leaving it under consideration.

The1062 Meeting was concluded with Prayer1063

July 27 1735 Jane the wife of Ebenezer Finny of Middleborough haveing Desired a Dismission from us to put herself under the Instruction1064 of that Chh. twas Granted.

Sep 14 1735 A Letter from the Chh lately embodied at Halifax was Read Desireing the Presence of this Chh by their Elders & Messengers to Assist in the Ordination of M^r John Cotton on the 1^st Day of Octo^r Next the Chh Made Choice of Deacon Foster and [ Thomas to attend with the elders and Pastor. At the same time Voted that M^r John Cotton the Pastor to be ordained be Dismissed from us and Recom̄ended to them The Rev^d M^r John Cotton was Ordained at Halifax Octo 1^st 1735. Whom we hope and Pray May be a Rich gift of our asscended Lord unto that Chh and pple [4] Church Records

1736 July 25 Lords Day (P:M:) a Letter was read to this Chh from a number of Brethren in the Mattapoyset Precinct in Rochester Desireing the Presence1065 of this Chh by their Elder and Messengers, to assist the s^d Brethren in their Embodying in to a Distinct Chh on the 28 instant. The Chh made Choice1066 of Nath^l Thomas Esqr and Deacon Haviland Torrey to attend with the Pastor on s^d Affair.

July 28 the Pastor and Delegates of three Chhs viz Rochester, Plymouth & Dartmouth Met at M^r John Hammonds at Rochester aboves^d and Embodied Eight Brethren there into a Distinct Chh. May they be inriched with Divine and spiritual Blessing, and increased with the Increases of God.

This Year (1736) there has been Added in full Com̄union 11 Males & 31 Females. I Bless God for this Increase. O that God would go on to add unto us Dayly of such as shall be Saved. Amen.

1738 June This Chh attended by their Pastor & Delegates at a Council at Rochester (in the Second Precinct) relating to the Settlem^t of M^r Elisha Tupper. the Council Advised the Chh & Precinct to Dismiss s^d Tupper

1738 June 27 This Chh Attended by their Pastor & Delegates at a Council at Eastham First Chh relating to the Rev^d M^r Samuel Osburn. they complained of his Preaching & venting Erronious Doctrines. the Council suspended him till Octo 25.1067 & then advised to a separation.

1738 Octo 29 Letters were read to this Chh from our Brethren at Monument viz Elisha Holmes, Thomas Harlow, Joseph Bartlet, Solomon Silvester, Samuel Ellis, Robert Harlow and Elisha Holmes Jun^r Desireing Dismission & Recomendatory Letters in order to their Embodying into a Distinct Chh: which was Granted. The Chh also Granted a Dismission to the Women in full comunion Inhabitants in s^d Precinct Viz Lydia Ryder, Elizabeth Bartlet, Sarah Blackmar, Sarah Johnson, Abigail Witherhead, Elizabeth Silvester, Hannah Ryder, Mary Clark, Hannah Ellis, Remember Witherhead Hannah Silvester, Susannah Cornish, Sarah Sturtevant Jedidah Harlow, Susannah1068 Holmes, Ann Clark, Ann May & Experience. and also Voted that our particular Relation to the Baptized Persons or the Children of the Chh in s^d Precinct be transferred to that Chh when Embodied.

A Letter was also read Desireing the Presence of the Elders and Delegates of this Chh to Assist at their embodying and at the Ordination of M^r Jonathan Ellis whom they have Chosen for their Pastor, on the Eight of Nov^r next which was Granted. & Deacons Foster & Atwood [51069] were chosen to attend with the Pastor.

They were accordingly embodied into a Distinct Chh on Nov^r 8 1738 & M^r Jonathan Ellis Ordained to the Pastoral Office over them by Prayer and Imposition Hands whom we Hope & Pray may prove a Pastor after Gods own heart & that God will Establish & Build up that Chh & Bless it for ever. Amen.

1740 Octo 19 a Letter was Read from the Second Chh of Rochester Desireing the Presence of this Chh by1070 the Elder & Messengers to Assist at the Ordination of M^r Ivory Hovey the 29 Cur^t. Deacon Atwood & Brother John Faunce were Chosen to Attend with the Pastor

1740 Octo 20 at a Chh Meeting Voted that the Deacons Discourse with our Brother John Sparhawk our Brother Ebenezer Cobb & our Sister Rebekah Staff concerning the Several things complain’d of in them & make Report at the next Chh meeting.

Brother Cobbs case was Dismist June 23 1741

1741 May 11 at a Chh Meeting Voted that if any Person in relation to this Chh shall be guilty of any Scandalous Offence & do not within six months from the time of their Offence make their Peace with the Chh; then the Chh will call upon them.

1741 June 23 At a Chh Meeting Voted That those Persons that stand related to this Chh that have been guilty of scandalous Offences if they do not make their Peace with the Chh in the usual Method, being duely notified, within three months after such Notification, this Chh is Determined to proceed with them.

Voted also That the Deacons be a Com̄ittee to notify those Persons as soon as Convenienly & return an Account when each Person was notified to the Pastor. [6] Chh Records

1740/1 March. The Rev^d M^r Gilbert Tennent came hither & Preached Eight Sermons to great Acceptance which by the Blessing of God greatly awakened this People.1071 — After this Several Ministeres of the County & others Visited us & Preached with us. We often Spent whole Days in Prayer Singing & Preaching & had frequently three Exercises in them. I often Preached Three times on the Lords Day my self & Sometimes three or four times in the week besides.

The Subjects chiefly Insisted on were these following the Sin & Apostacy of Mankind in Adam. the blindness of the Natural man in the things of God, the Enmity of the Carnal Mind, the evil of Sin, the Desert of it & the utter inability of the fallen Creature to Relieve it Selfe. the Sovereignty of God, his Knowledge Justice, Holiness, Truth, Power, & Eternity. & the dreadfulness of his Wrath Also his Grace & Mercy in Christ Jesus. the way of Redemption by †; Justification thro his Imputed Righteousness, recieved by Faith, this Faith the Gift of God, & a living Principle that works by Love. Loyal & Evangelical Repentance: the Nature & Necessity of Regeneration and that without Holiness no man can see God. All Persons were put upon Examining themselves, warned against trusting in their own righteousness which is as filthy Raggs, & resting in the form of Godliness without the Power &c These together with pathetical Invitations to come Now & Embrace the Lord Jesus † as freely offered in the Gospel made a wonderful impression on the minds of all Sorts of ꝑple & Men Women & Children were much awaken’d & some (we Believe) were converted.

Jan^r 7, 1741/2. The Rev^d M^r Croswel came hither & continued in the Town about a Fortnight. Preaching in this & Sometimes in the other Parish. At this time I think I may say as Paul Doth 1 Thess: 1.5 — & 2 Ch: 13 — Hundreds of Souls were at one time in the Meeting House Feb. 13^th Crying out in the utmost concern What they should do to be saved? & many others rejoyceing in the Lord in the sweet sense of his Redeeming Grace & Love in † Jesus as they declared. This Day & at some other times conversions were so open & Public that we Seemed to see Souls Dead in trespasses & Sins Revive & Stand up monuments of divine Grace. It appeared to be a Day of Great Grace.

After this for a considerable time the Taverns were much Reformed & the Children forsake their Plays in the Streets and Persons of all Denominations Except a few gave themselves to Reading the Word of God & other Books of Devotion, to Meditation Prayer Conference & other Religious Exercises & refrained from their customary Vices & great Additions were made to the Chh of Such as we hope will be Saved.

A violent Opposition presently arose & prevailed so far that a number [71072] of this Congregation went out from us into a Distinct Society & Nine of the Brethren asked a Dismission from us which was readily granted.

Jan^ry 5 Thursday 1743/4 The Rev^d M^r Nathanael Eells Preached the First Sermon in the New Meeting House to those that have separated from us.

Feb^ry 2^d 1743/4 The Pastor Stayed the Chh after Lecture. & the Chh Voted that Deacons Atwood & Torrey Notify Nero a Negro Man belonging to M^r John Barnes & Boston a Negro Man belonging to M^r Thomas Foster that this Chh suspend them from Com̄union at Present. they having been convicted of Scandalous Offenses before the Civil Magistrate.

Jan^ry 6 1744/5 Boston a Negro Man belonging to M^r Thomas Foster made Publick confession of his Offense & was Restored. [8] Chh Records

May 4 1744. Lords Day. The Brethren of the Chh were Stayed. & a Letter was Read from 9 of our Brethren of the New Society The Chh Voted. That what followeth should be sent in Answer to their Request.

March 28 1745 The Rev^d M^r Silvanus Conant was ordained to the Pastoral Office over the First Chh in Middleborough. O that He may be a Pastor after God’s own Heart!

Ap^l 28 1745 Lords Day. The Chh was Stayed after Public Service & the Pastor Notified the Chh to Meet at the Meeting House the Next Thusday at Two o Clock P:M: To know their Minds, weather they would Chose One or More Deacons. & if the Chh should incline to Chuse one or more to that office, & should so cause to proceed then to come to a Choice.

May the great Head of the Chh Direct us in this affair to his Glory.

May 2^d the Chh met at the Time & Place appointed. the Meeting was Opened with Prayer. & this Qury was Proposed wheather the Chh see cause to Proceed at this time to the Choice of One or More Suitable Persons to the Office of Deacons in this Chh.

1 The Chh voted unanimously to Proceed

2. Voted to Chuse two Suitable Persons to the Office of Deacons at this Time The Brethren were then Desired to bring in their Votes & Brother Thomas Foster & Brother Joseph Bartlet were chosen to the Office of Deacons in this C^hh. Which Choice the Pastor Declared his Consent to & Requested these our Beloved Brethren to Accept of said office. They Each of them Desired some time of Consideration &c [9] Chh Records

3. The Deacons were Desired to Discourse with Sister Staff in order to bring her to Repentance & Reformation in Reference to her Intemperance The Chh was then Dismist with Prayer

May 12. Lords Day The Pastor Stayed the Congregation in the fore noon & informed them that the Chh had lately Elected two of our Brethren to the Office of Deacons in this Chh Viz M^r Thomas Foster & M^r Joseph Bartlett. The Pastor also requested these our Brethren to Accept of said office & that in token of their Acceptance they would take their Places in the same Seat with the other Deacons & they did so in the After Noon.

May God make them great Blessings to this Chh & Congregation. Feb^ry 27^th 174⅚ This Day departed this Life the the Aged & godly M^r Thomas Faunce ruling Elder of this Chh. in the 47^th year of his Office & in the 99^th year of his Age. [10] Church Records March 2^d 174⅚ Lords Day the Pastor Desired the Brethren of the Church to meet togeather to morrow Morning at Nine of the Clock at this Place

March 3^d The Chh Met togeather accordingly & Voted

1. That out of Respect & Honour to the Deceased Elder they will do Something towards his Funeral

2. That the Chh in convenient time have a Contrabution among themselves for this Purpose.

The meeting was then Concluded with Prayer

The C^hh accordingly made a Contrabution among them selves for the aforesaid Purpose.

Ap^l 27 1746: Lords Day Nero a Negro man Made Confession of his Sin & was Restored. & Dismist from us to the first Chh in Marshfield where he now Dwells.

A Memorandum Of Several Ecclesiastical Councils that the Pastor & Delegates from this C^hh have been Sent for & have Assisted in Viz

• At Rehoboth first Parish Octo 26 1743. Since that time
• At Plimton Second Parish Four times
• At Middleborough first Chh Two times
• At Duxbury Two times.
• At Dorchester Three times
• At Sandwich Second Chh once
• At Farmingham once
• At Hopkington once
• At Abbington once
• At Tiverton the Instalment of y^e Rev^d M^r Campbell
• At Easton y^e Instalment of the Rev^d M^r Prentice
• At Boston Octo^r 7 1748 the Instalm^t1073 of y^e Rev^d M^r Croswel
• At Attleborough Nov^r 30 1748 the Ordination of the Rev^d M^r Peter Thacher
• At Abington Aug^st 29 1749 the Dismission of y^e Rev^d M^r Brown.

[11] Church Records

Aug^st 3^d 1749 The Chh was Stayed after Lecture & they made Choice of the Deacons to be a Comitee for the Chh to Discourse with those Persons that Stand i[n] Relation to this Chh who have for some time Absen[ed] themselves from our Com̄union. Also with Brothe[r] Samuel Kempton & Sister Rebecca Staffe. & also to call upon Persons that are in Relation to this Chh that have fallen into Scandalous Sins to Make their Peace with God & with the Chh.

Octo 31 1749 The Second Chh in this Town (at Monument Ponds) having Sent Letters to this Chh to advise & Assist them relating to the Dismission of their Revere[d] & beloved Pastor M^r Jonathan Ellis because of the Divisions among them & their inability to Support Him longer. the Elder & Messengers Joyned in Council with the Elders & Messengers of Two other Chhs viz the first Chh in Plimton & the Chh of Hallifax. After Prayer & Hearing the Case the Council Advised the Rev^d M^r Ellis to ask a Dismisⁿ & the Chh to Grant it. Which was accordingly done thô with much Reluctance the far greater part of the[m] yeilding to it only on the Account of their inability to Maintain Him in the Work of the Ministry. freely Rcommending Him to the Work of the Ministry & to Communion with other Chhs.

Nov^r 26 A Letter was Read from the Chh in Little Compt[on] desireing the Assistance of this Chh at the intended I[n]stallm^t of the Rev^d M^r Jonathan Ellis the 29^th of this M[onth] The Pastor could not go, & the Chh Voted that Broth[er] Samuel Bartlett & Brother Nathanael Foster attend on that Affair as Messengers from this Chh.

March 29 1750 This Day Died (Much Lamented) Deacon Haviland Torry a man of great Piety & Faithfulness Etatis 67.1074 O that God, with whom is the Residue of the Spirit, may repair this great breach & raise us faithf[ul] officers from time to time.

Ap^l 15 A Letter was read to this Chh from the Pastor & Chh of Duxbury desireing the assistance of this Chh by the Pastor & one Delegate to1075 Joyn with a Council of Chhs in order for the Dismission of the Rev^d M^r Samuel Veazie from h[is] Pastoral Relation to them. The Chh Chose Deacon Atwood to attend with y^e Pastor. The Council met on Ap^l 18 which consisted of Four Chhs Viz of Hanover Halifax the first of Marsfeild & this Chh. The Town [121076] of Duxbury being rent with Divisions & having Refused to Support the Pastor for some years past the Council advised them to ask a Dismission & the Chh to Grant it with Recom̄endation for his further Servicableness in the Ministry They readily granted the Recom̄endation but1077 with Reluctance parted with their Pastor. the Council united with the Chh in Recom̄ending M^r Veazie to further Service in the Ministry where God should call Him & Faulted the Town for Denying Him a Support & Suffering the House of God to Lay wast.

The remove of many faithful Ministers of late from from the neighbouring Chhs Looks as thô God is departing from us. O Lord God forsake us not but Return & visit the Vines which thine own right hand hath planted, & Pardon the Sins of thy People for thy Name Sake.

[1]751 Ap^l 4 This Day was observed by this Chh & Congregation in Humiliation & Prayer that God would give us Repentance & turn us from all our Sins, Revive the Languishing State of Religion and Stay the very mortal Fever Now prevailing among us of which many have Died

After Public Worship the Chh was Stay’d & Voted that the Deacons Are Desired to Discourse with those Persons (in Relation to this Chh) that have fallen into Sin & Call upon them to make their Peace with God & the Chh.

Sep^r 15 the Chh was Stayed & our Brother John Torrey was Chosen a Messenger from this Chh to a Council at Easton [13] Chh Records 1752 Decem^r 31 Lords Day the Chh was Stayed & a Letter was Read from the first Chh of Norton Desireing the Assistance of this Chh by the Rev^d Elder & Messengers at the Ordination of M^r Joseph Palmer whom they have Chosen to be their Pastor. This Chh Chose Deacon Thomas Foster & Deacon Joseph Bartlett to Attend with the Pastor.

On Jan^ry 3^d 1753 A Council of Twelve C^hhs Convened at Norton & the Rev^d M^r Palmer was Ordained to the Pastoral Charge of s^d Chh & Congregation by1078 Prayer & Imposition of Hands. the Pastor of this Chh gave the Charge

O that God may fill Him with his Spirit & Grace and render him a Wise Faithful & Successful Labourer in his Vineyard! Amen.

1753 Sep^r 30 Lords Day the Chh was Stayed & the Pastor informed that He being attended with many Infirmities had tho’t of taking a Journey whic He hoped might be a Means by God Blessings towards the recovery1079 of his Health. The Chh consented to it, & by a Vote Desired the Deacons to get the Pulpit Supply’d by some suitable Person in the Mean while.

The Text this Afternoon was Ps 122.7 Peace be within thy walls & Prosperity within thy Pallaces. [14] Chh Records

1753 Decem^r 16 Lords Day P M. A Letter was Read to y^e Chh from our Brethren of the Second Chh in this Town Desireing our Presence & Assistance by the Pastor & Messengers At the Ordination of M^r Elijah Packard on the 26^th Current. The Chh Voted that y^e Deacons Viz Atwood, Foster, Bartlet &. Doctor Le Baron attend with the Pastor on this Affair

Decern^r 26^th Day A Council of Chhs Met in the Second Precinct Viz the 1^st & 3^d of Bridgwater & the 1^st & 2^d of Plimouth & did unanimously Assist in the Ordination of M^r Elijah Packard to the work of the Gospel Ministry & Pastor over the Flock of Christ in that Place The Rev^d M^r Bacon began with Prayer, the Rev^d M^r Perkins Preached. the Pastor of this Chh gave the Charge & the Rev^d M^r Anger the Right Hand of Fellowship & M^r Packard Blessed the Congregation

May the God & Father of our Lord Jesus Christ make Him a Pastor after his own Heart. Amen.

17541080 Sep^r 15 Lords Day P:M: the Chh was Stayed & the Pastor Appointed a Chh Meeting to be in the Meeting House on Thursday the 3^d of Oct^r next after Lecture. in order to Chuse One or more Deacons as the Chh shall see cause.

The Chh Met on Octo 3 1754. & Voted they were content that but one Deacon should be chosen at this time. they gave their Votes & Brother John Torrey was Elected to the Deacons office by a great Majority. the Meeting was began & Concluded with Prayer. May the God of all Grace fill this his Servant with his Spirit & with wisdom & make Him in all things Faithful. Amen.

1754 Nov^r 16 Ther came hither again the Rev^d M^r George Whitefield & Preached in the Evening it being Saturday 1 Sermon

17 The next Day being Lords Day Three Sermons

18 & the next Day viz Monday Morning 1 Sermon

I waited upon1081 him to Middleborô where he Preachd again1082 on s^d Day May God make him more & more a great Blessing in his Generation & long Preserve his Life & usefulness to1083 these & other Chhs

July 13 1755 A Letter was Read from the Chh of Duxbury Desireing the Presence & Assistance of this Chh by the Pastor & Delegates to Join with Other Chhs in the Ordination of M^r Charles Turner. The Chh Chose the 3 Deacons Viz Poster, Bartlet & Torey to attend with the Pastor.

The Council Met at Duxbury July 23. consisting of 8 Chhs & Four Ministers & Seven Delegates Dissented from the Ordination1084 yet the Council Proceeded to the Ordination there being a Majority of the Delegates for it. The Ministers were Equally Divided. [15] Church Records

1755 Decem 7 Lords Day a Letter from the Pastor & Chh of Halifax was read Desireing the Assistance of this Chh by the Pastor & a Delegate to met with other Chhs there on the 24 Instant in order in order Regularly to Dissolve the Pastoral Relation between the Rev^d M^r John Cotton & them He being by the Providence of God incapatated from further carrying on the Work of the Ministry among them & the1085 Town having come to an Agreem^t with Him. This Chh Chose Deacon Torrey to go upon this Affair with the Pastor. On the Day aboves^d Viz Decem 24 1755 A Council of Four Chhs met at Halifax viz the I^s Chh of Plimouth the 1^st of Plimton the 2^d of Bridgewater & the 1^st of Middleborô & Did Approve of & consent to the Dismission of the Rev^d M^r John Cotton from his Pastoral Relation to that Flock & if God should Restore his bodily Stren^th1086 did Recom̄end Him to the Work of the Ministry else where (if God should call him) as a man well Qualified with Gifts & Grace for s^d Work.

July 4 1756 Lords Day P:M: the Pastor Notified the Brethren to Attend a Chh Meeting tomorrow at 3 Clock at the meeting House

July 5 The Chh accordingly meet. The Meeting was opened with Prayer

1 The Chh Chose a Comittee to1087 Enquire in to Affair of our Sister Lydia Barnes it being supposed that she was married to Jonathan Samson one that had been husband to her neice and Deacons Foster Bartlet & Torrey were the Com^tee

2 The Pastor then Delivered a Paper Directed the Chh & Precinct w^ch was as followeth.

Deacon Bartlet & Deacon Torry were Desired to carry s^d Paper & lay it before the Precinct & the Chh was Dismist with Prayer. [16] Chh Records

1756 Octo. 10 Lords Day P:M. The Pastor Notified the Brethren & Desired them to Attend a Chh Meeting tomorrow at 2 o Clock P:M: in the Meeting House.

Oct^o 11. the Chh Met. & the Chh Meeting was Opened with Prayer Then the Pastor Read the Coppy of the Letter He Sent to the Chh & Precinct in July last past.

1 And the Question was Put Whether the Chh is willing to Come into some Measures for Settling a Person in the Work of the Ministry in this Place with Rev^d M^r Leonard, Provided the Precinct shall Agree thereto, Also Provided the Precinct shall come to an Agreement with the Rev^d M^r Leonard Relating to his Support for the Future Voted in the Affirmative

2^ly The Question was put Whether it be the mind of y^s Chh Provided the Precinct shall Consent thereto That Application be Made to M^r Joseph Jackson to Supply the Pulpit for a Month longer than the time already Agreed for Voted in the Affirmative the Meeting Concluded with Prayer

Jan^ry 30 1757 Lords Day the Chh was Stayed & the Pastor Appointed a Chh Meeting to be next Thursday after Lecture to Consider further the Case of Sister Lydia Barnes

Feb 3 After Lecture the Chh Stayed & the Meeting being Opened with Prayer Sister Lydia Barnes Appeared & Acknowledged her Contempt of †^s, Authority in the Chh & the Chh forgave Her in that Matter. & then they Voted to make a further Enquiry into the Case of Lydia Barnes & that Brother Sam^ll Donham be of the Com̄ittee instead of Deacon Foster to Enquire as in the former Vote [17] Chh Records

Feb 20 1757 Lords Day the Pastor Appointed a Chh Meeting to be in the Meeting House to Morrow at 2 of the Clock P:M:

Feb 21 The C^hh Attended the Meeting which was opened with Prayer & it was Proposed to the Brethren That they having already Heard a Number of Candidates wheather they see Cause to come to a Choice? They Declined coming to a Choice at Present. It was Further Proposed to the Chh what further Steps they would take towards the calling & Settleing a Minister with the Rev^d M^r Leonard.

& After Consideration & the Brethren had Spoken their Minds in the Affair. Voted That it is the Mind of this Chh that Application be made to the Rev^d M^r James Sprout of Gilford in the Colony of Connecticut to come & Preach to us in order to a Settlement with us Provided that the Precinct shall Consent thereto & Chuse some Person to go to Gilford to Invite M^r Sprout to Come to this Place for that Purpose.

2 Voted that it is the Mind of the C^hh if the Precinct shall Chuse a Person to Make Application to the Rev^d M^r Sprout, & if Mr Sprout Declines coming to make further Enquiry after Some Suitable Person to Preach to us upon Probation & to use Endeavours to obtain one.

3 Voted that the Rev^d M^r John Cotton be Desired to Preach to us in the Mean time

These Votes Passed Unanimously.1088 The Meeting was Concluded with Prayer.

March 20^th 1757 Lords Day P:M: After Sermon the Pastor Appointed a Chh Meeting to be held in the Meeting House Next Wendsday at 3 o’Clock P:M:

March 23^d Wendsday1089 The Chh Met & Many Members being absent by Reason of a Severe Storm Adjourned to Friday next at 3 o’Clock PM:

March 25^th Friday. The Chh Met according to the Adjournm^t& after Prayer The Pastor made the Following Request to the Church Viz

This was Voted in the affirmative.

2^ly Voted That the Actual Dismission of the Rev^d M^r Leonard from the Work of the Ministry in this Place shall be Defered till the Settleing another Minister in this Chh; & the Same Council that shall be Here on that Occasion shall also Assist in the Dismission of the Rev^d Leonard.

3^ly The Question was put, Whether the Chh would Chuse a Com̄ittee for the Calling of Chh Meetings in M^r Leonards Absence? Voted in the Affermative & that the Number should Consist of Three Viz Deacon Tho^s Foster, Deacon Joseph Bartlet & Deacon John Torrey. Then the Chh Moved to the Rev^d Pastor, That when such Meeting shall be1091 Called in his Absence They should have full Power to Chuse a Moderator to Regulate said Meeting? And the Pastor in the Presence of the Chh Consented

4^ly Voted that the Rev^d M^r Leonard May if He Thinks Propper Remove with his Family from this Town before his Pastoral Relation be Dissolved.

And then the Pastor Concluded the Meeting with Prayer & Benediction The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with this Flock & Bless us & our Children forever. Amen.1092 [19]

17571093 The Precinct having concurred with the Chh^s vote to make application to the Rev^d M^r Sprout as in P. 17.1094 — Deacon Torrey was sent to invite him. — Accordingly M^r Sprout came, and preacht to us. 3. Sabbath in May Viz. the 8^th 15^th & 22^d

On the 22^d The Committee chosen to call Church Meetings in the Pastor’s absence, warned the Chh to meet on the morrow at 1. aclock PM in the meeting House in order to proceed to the Choice of a Pastor if they tho’t proper.

May. 23. The Chh met at the meeting House according to warning, and chose M^r John Cotton Moderator. — After Prayers for Direction, A free Conference followed, in which (to satisfy one or two objecting Brethren) both the Lawfulness & expediency of M^r Sprout’s Removal was urged. — That all the reformed Chhs held, that it was lawful to remove minister’s for the greater good of the Chh, for want of due support &c. and they practised accordingly. —Severall Instances of this Nature occur in the Chhes of New-England even from the beginning, which are the strictest of all upon this Head.

And the expediency of M^r Sprout’s Removal was urged from the peculiar Circumstances of the People in this Place, as well as that of his own Flock; which (according to the accounts we had) might be better accom̄odated by being reunited to the old Parish of Guilford— from which they had before departed — than continuing as a distinct Society — The Cause of their offence & secession from that Church being in a great measure, removed. — &c. &c.

After Discourse, The Chh Voted to proceed im̄ediately to the Choice of a Pastor. — And bringing in their Votes in writing, upon counting them It appeared that every Vote was for the Rev^d M^r James Sprout Viz. 44.

Next, The Church chose D^r Le Baron, Coll^l Watson, M^r Spooner, M^r Mayhew & their former Committee to present these Votes to the Precinct and also to the Rev^d M^r Sprout in Case the Precinct concur with the Choice.

Finally, the Church Voted to request M^r John Cotton to supply the Pulpit, till they hear further from the Rev^d M^r Sprout.

Att. Jn^O Cotton Mod^r

The Precinct having concurred with the Chh in the Call by a general Vote, The same was preferred by the Chh & Precinct-Committee to M^r Sprout, who took the affair into Consideration & returned home to Guilford. — Sometime after He informed us by Letters, that his Church refused to dismiss him and likewise wholly declined joyning with him in Council to ask Advice & Direction in the Affair. Upon which after some months, he called a Council himself. — of which he apprised this Church — upon which the Chh Com̄ittee Oct. 9, called a Chh-Meeting to be on the next Day, to chuse some persons to represent them before said Council.

October. 10. 1757. The Chh met at the Meeting House — and chose M^r John Cotton moderator. — The Meeting was opened with Prayer. — And after Consideration the following Vote past.

Inasmuch as the Rev^d M^r James Sprout has sent for a Council [20] to meet the 3^d Tuesday of this Instant October, in order to advise him with respect to the Call this Church have given him to take the pastoral Charge over them, It was Voted by the Church (that in case the Precinct concur) To send Thomas Foster Esq^r & D^r Lazarus LeBaron to represent them before said Council and to do & act all & every Thing that they may think proper in the affair for the regular obtaining the said M^r Sprout. — And if they fail of success, then to apply to some Candidate for the ministry to come & preach among us upon Probation.

Test. Jn^O Cotton Mod^r

The Committee above (being likewise chosen by the Precinct) attended the Council at Guilford Oct. 18. And after laying the Affair before them, the Council came to a Result, as follows.1095

At1096 a Meeting of an Ecclesiastical Council conven^d at Guilford Oct^r 18. 1757. at y^e Desire of the Rev^d M^r James Sproutt to hear & consider a Call to the pastoral Charge of y^e first Chh in Plymouth, to him from thence, & to look into the whole Affair & advise him what to do.

The Rev^d M^r Mills was chosen Moderator — & the Rev^d M^r Bellamy Scribe —After Solemn Pray^r to God for Wisdom & Direction the Council adjourn^d till tomorrow Morning 7 O’Clock.

Oct^r 19^th The Council met according to Adjournment — The Rev^d M^r Sproutt appear^d before y^e Council, & gave a Narrative of y^e State of his people at Guilford, & his Conduct relating to his Call at Plym^o from y^e Beginning of the Affair to y^e present Time. — Two Gent^le a Com̄ittee from the first Church & Society at Plym^o viz Thom^s Foster Esq^r & Doct Larazus LeBaron appear^d also before y^e Council, & urged the Lawfulness of removing Ministers & y^e great Necessity of one being remov^d for them — & y^e particular Reasons why M^r Sproutt sh^d be the Man. — The C^hh in y^e 4^th Society in Guilford also appear^d before y^e Council, & offer^d their Reasons why M^r Sprout ought not to be remov^d— The whole was taken into Consideration, And after mature Deliberation, the Council came into y^e following Resolves —

1. That notwithstanding y^e Cov^t Relation between Ministers & their People, a Minister may when y^e greater Good of Christ’s C^hh evidently calls for it be lawfully remov^d to another Church & Congregation.

2. That such an important Affair ought to be1097 referr^d to an Ecclesiastical Council by y^e Parties concern^d

The Council adjourn^d till tomorrow at 7 O Clock in ye Morning

Oct^r 20 — Met according to Adjournment & resolv^d

3. That althô y^e Necessities of y^e first C^hh & Congregation in Plymouth, appear so great, that we cannot say but that it is best some Ministers be remov^d for them, and though we well approve the steps they have taken [21] Yet the 4^th Society in Guilford is so situate, and attended with such peculiar Difficulties, that we cannot be satisfy^d that ’tis best M^r Sproutt be remov^d — but advise him to continue in his present Station; heartily wishing the great Head of y^e C^hh may Yet lead his1098 People at Plymouth to a Pastor after his own Heart. — And in a Sense of their piteous Case, as represented to Us, we recommend it to them still to persevere in y^e Use of all proper Means to obtain a faithful Minister, not withstanding y^e great Discouragements they have hitherto met with

A True Copy Test

Joseph Bellamy Scribe

Upon this Result, the Com̄ittee return^d to Plymouth & some Days after, came the following Letter from y^e Rev^d M^r Sproutt to ye Chh & Congregation in Plym^o directed to Thomas Foster Esq^r. — Viz

Thus1103 this poor Chh being disappointed in their Hopes of obtaining M^r Sprout (altho’ as we have been informed above one Half of the ministers in the Council favoured his Removal, but were over-voted by the Messengers) They agreed upon a Day of Fasting & Prayer for Direction under their present Difficulties; which was accordingly attended on the 9th of November — several neighbouring Ministers being present. — And at the Close of it, the Com̄ittee warned a Church Meeting to be the next Day at 1. a clock “to consider what further steps were proper to be taken for the calling & settling a minister or supplying the Pulpit at present.” — [For the Com̄ittee that went to Connecticut had not procured any Candidate — as they were comissioned to do in case of M^r Sprout’s Failure— They not hearing of any suitable one, altho’ they had asked the advice & Direction of the Council.]1104

November. 10. 1757. The Chh met at the Meeting House — and M^r John Cotton was chosen Moderator. — After Prayers &c. The Church Voted

1. That they would hear. 4. Candidates for the ministry on Probation each for the space of 4. Sabbaths at least.

2. Voted that the Chh^s present Com̄ittee Viz Deacon Foster Deacon Bartlett & Deacon Torrey (Together with such as the Precinct shall joyn with them) should be a Com̄ittee to look out for said Candidates as speedily as may be.

Attest John Cotton Mod^r

The Precinct having concurred and joyned 4. to the Church Com̄ittee, They first procured M^r Stephen Minot, who preach’d from November .20. to the middle of December. — Then M^r Livermore, who preach’d from Jany. 15. to Feby.6.1758. — The 3^d Candidate was M^r Stephen West, who preached his month from Feby. 26.— and continued preaching two months longer at the Request of the Precinct to May.12.

[During which Term Viz. April.9. The Rev^d M^r Patten of Hallifax at the Request of the Chh administred the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper to them — as also did the Rev^d M^r Wheelock of Lebanon some months after August.20.]1105

Lastly, M^r Locke was procured, who preach’d May. 28. June. 4. & 11. three Sabbaths — Being then obliged to leave us, because of his engagements at College. [23]

At a Meeting of the 1^st Chh of Christ in Plymouth (duely warned by the Chh Com̄ittee) at the Meeting House June.27.1758.

1. M^r John Cotton chosen Moderator, who opened the Meeting with Prayer.

2. Voted that the Church will not at this Time proceed to the Choice of a Pastor.

3. Voted to make further Application to M^r Samuel Lock to supply the Pulpit for 4. Sabbaths as soon as he conveniently can.

4. Voted That the former Church Com̄ittee Viz. Deacon Foster, Deacon Bartlett & Deacon Torrey should lay the Votes of the Church before the Precinct for their Consideration & Concurrence.

5. Voted that M^r John Cotton should be applied to, to supply the pulpit till we hear further from M^r Lock.

Attest John Cotton Mod^r.

Pursuant to this (and the Precinct’s) Vote, M^r Lock was again invited — and preach’d at Plym^o Aug. 20. PM. & 27. Sept. 3. 10. & 14. on the general Thanksgiving for taking Cape-Breton.

At a Church Meeting of the first Church of Christ in Plym^o duely warned & met together in the Meeting House in the first Precinct in said Plymouth upon Friday the 15^th of September 1758.

Thomas Foster Esqr was chosen Moderator. — And after Prayer to God for Direction.

1^st The Question was put, whether the Chh would at this Time come to the Choice of a Pastor? It passed in the negative.

2^d Voted that application be made to M^r Lock to preach four Sabbaths more upon Probation with us.

3^d Voted that George Watson Esq^r be chosen to joyn with a Com̄^tee of the Precinct to make application to M^r Lock to preach with us agreeable to said Vote.

4^th Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday the 25^th of this month at two a’clock in the Afternoon to meet at this Place.— And said Meeting was accordingly adjourned.

Thomas Foster Moderator.

M^r Lock being applied to agreeable to the Vote above, refused to preach further upon Probation with us. — And the Pulpit was chiefly supplied by M^r Cotton, till the 17^th of December.

[The Candidates that preacht before M^r Leonard’s Removal, from July 1756. to May 1757. were M^r Solomon Reed — M^r Joseph Jackson — M^r Smith of Casco-Bay — M^r Dana — M^r Jonas Meriam — Rev^d Josiah Cotton — M^r Thomas Brown.]1106

Nov^r 17581107 at a Church meeting of y^e first C^hh in y^e meeting house duly warnd Tho^s Foster Esq^r moderator Voted y^t a Com̄^tee be Chosen to Joyn with y^e Precinct to procure some suitable person to Preach for two months Voted that the Deacons be y^e Com̄^tee for that purpose y^e Vote was Lay^d before the Precinct & the Precinct Concurred on the Vote. [24]

1758 Dec^r 17^th M^r Job Whitney began to Preach amongst us and to good acceptance Till the 22^d of Jan^y 1759 upon which day the Church being duly warned met in y^e meeting house in the first Precinct Thomas Foster Esq^re was Chosen moderator & then Voted that application be made to M^r Job Whitney to Preach to us four Sabbaths more before we Come to a Choice then Voted y^t Deacon Foster Deacon Bartlett & deacon Torrey be a Com^tee to make application to M^r Whitney to supply y^e Pulpit agreable to y^e Vote and then Voted that these Votes be laid before the Precinct for their Concurrence. which was accordingly done and the Precinct Concured with y^e Church, and M^r Whitney Preached four Sabbaths Longer. Saving that upon the 21^st day of Jan^y in y^e forenoon, M^r Sprout Preached and administred the Sacrament.

February 19^th 1759 At a Church meeting duely warned In order to Come to the Choice of a Pastor if the Church should Incline to it, The Church mett in the meeting house in the First Precinct. and Thomas Foster Esq^r was Chosen moderator the meeting being opened with Prayer and there being thirty four members Present

The Question was first put whether the Church were now Determined to Come to the Choice of a Pastor Voted in the affirmative and M^r Job Whitney was Chosen by a Considerable majority, and y^e Vote Draughted in The Following Form Viz after as a Church Bewailing the Frowns of Divine Providence in taking away y^e usefulness of our Dear Pastor y^e Rev^d M^r Nathaniel Leonard from us by Bodily Infirmities, For whom we have a sincere Love and shall not cease to Pray For, as Long as God shall spare his life, Lamenting also our Great Barreness and unfruitfulness under his Soul Searching ministry, who while with us Break y^e Bread of life to us & Nourished us up in the words of faith and sound Doctrine, and Doubt not but he has had many Seals of his ministry, and many that at the Great day will be his Crown & Joy, Beleiving this flock over which y^e holy Ghost made & Continued him So long an overseer will yet be dear to him & always be Interested in his prayers So long as God Continues him in this vale of Tears Though his Pastoral Relation to us shall be Dissolved—and after serious Consideration and earnest applications to the Great head of the Church to bestow on us a Precious [25] Ascension Gift of our ascended Lord & Divine Redeemer even a Pastor after Gods own heart; & having had Tryal of the ministerial Gifts & Pulpit Abillities of M^r Job Whitney For ten Sabbaths Past, and being in a Good measure Satisfyed with them. The Votes of y^e Church were Called for by the moderator to be brought In in writing which when sorted & Counted it appeared that M^r Job Whitney was Chosen to the Pastoral office in this Church there being 28 Votes for him one for M^r Sprout and five y^t Did not Vote

Then the Question was put whither it be the mind of this Church if the Precinct Concur their Choice that before M^r Whitney Gives his answer (in case he accept the Call) he should Give his assent & Consent to the New England Conffession of faith Commonly Received in these Churches or Exhibit one to the C^hhs in writing to their satisfaction. It Passed in y^e Affirmative.

Then the Church Voted That Thomas Foster Joseph Bartlett and John Torrey be a Com^tee to Lay the Votes of the Church before the first Precinct in Plymouth at a meeting Called for that purpose, for their Concurrence

Then the Church Voted that Joseph Bartlett George Watson and Lazarus LeBaron be a Com^tee to Joyn with a Com^tee of the Precinct (if they Concur the Churches Choice) of M^r Job Whitney To the1108 Pastoral office in this Church & Congregation, To Cause the Votes of Church & Precinct in some suitable manner to be laid before M^r Whitney for his acceptance Praying that the Great head of the Church would Incline his heart to accept of y^e Call and take upon him the Charge of this Flock if it may be for y^e Glory of God & Good of this People, and that he may Come to us in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord & prove a Rich Blessing To us and our families and to the Children that are yet to be born, that so he that Sows & they that Reap may at Last Rejoyce together Amen

A meeting of the Precinct was Called accordingly and Concurred with the Churches Choice of M^r Job Whitney and Voted him a Sallary & Chose a Com^tee to Joyn ye Churches Com^tee in Laying y^e Votes of Church & Precinct before M^r Whitney for his Consideration and answer, which was done M^r Whitney then went out of Town & Sent M^r Potter the minister of Brookline who Preached with us two Sabbaths Viz March the 11^th & March the 18^{th [}26] and upon the Last Sabbath administred the Sacrament and then M^r Whitney Came & Preached to us one Sabbath and Gave his answer as Follows, Viz

The above named M^r Whitney died Since and1112 was Never Settled in the ministry any where; tho’ he had a Call from the first Chh in Marblehead.1113

Then after M^r Whittney went away M^r Samuel West of Barnstable & M^r Cotton Supplyed the Pulpit for some time. Till M^r Potter of Brookline was dismist from his people & application was made to him Saving M^r Livermore preachd to us one Sabbath [28]

Upon the fifth of April 1759 was held a meeting of the first Church in Plymouth in their meeting house in the first Precinct the Church being duly Notifyed1114 to Consider what steps might be Proper to be taken Relative to our ministerial affairs

The meeting was opened with prayer and first Voted that Thomas Foster George Watson Doctor LeBaron Joseph Bartlett John Torrey Thomas Mayhew and Thomas Spooner be a Com^tee to Consider what Steps may be proper for the Church to take under our present Difficulties Relative to the settling a minister and what steps may be best to be taken as to Supplying the Pulpit. and Report their opinions to the Church at their meeting upon the adjournment,

Then Voted that the meeting be adjourned to Monday the 23^d of April Instant at two aClock in the afternoon at which time the meeting was adjourned to meet in y^e Said meeting house

This Com^tee mett & Considered1115 affairs severall times and our having accounts that M^r Potter of Brookline & his people were like to part & hearing nothing there against M^r Potters moral Character and finding So many of our people Inclined to give him a Call in Case of his being fairly Dismissed from his Pastoral office at Brookline tho’t it much best to wait & See how affairs went at Brookline before we made any further attempts to Settle, but still made no written Report to the Church but verbally Informed them of our [29] Opinion and that we thôt it best to wait and See if M^r Potter & his people should part. which seemed Satisfactory, but hearing nothing further upon Lorday day y^e 22 of April y^e Chh was Stayed & Voted y^e meeting be further adjourned to monday y^e 27th of April,1116 at two aClock in the afternoon, still hearing nothing from Brookline nothing further was done only the meeting was adjourned a week Longer and if nothing was further heard y^e meeting not be attended accordingly it fell thr^o — but hearing M^r Potter & his people were parted application was made to him — and he Came the 28^th of June following Turn over [30]

the 28^th of June 1759 M^r Potter preached to us upon a fast day & upon the Sabbaths of July y^e first & July the 8^th

July 9^th 17511117 At a Church meeting duly Notifyed the Church mett at the meeting house in the first Precinct and Thomas Foster was Chosen Moderator

Then the meeting being opened with prayer The Question was put whether the C^hh would now proceed to the Choice of a Pastor Voted in the affirmative, thirty members being present Sixteen members Voted to Come to a Choice Then the members were Called upon to bring in their Votes for a Pastor there being then 31 members Present and upon Sorting & Counting the Votes it appeared that The Rev^d M^r Nathaniel Potter was Chosen to the Pastoral Office over this Church he having Nineteen Votes out of 31 Voters there being no more present

Then the Church Voted to Chose George Watson Larazus LeBaron & Thomas Mayhew A1118 Com^tee to cause the Votes of the Church & Precinct (in Case the Precinct Concur the Churches Choice) to be laid before M^r Potter for his acceptance as also to Lay the Votes of the Church before the Precinct for their Concurrence, which was done at a meeting Called for that purpose & the Precinct Concured the Churches Choice. M^r Potter while he had The Call under Consideration sent M^r Baily who preach^t three Sabbaths & M^r Livermore who preached two Sabbaths, in which time some melancholy things opened with Respect to M^r Potters moral Charecter and then he Sent us his answer as Follows

Thus this poor Church seemed to be saved from Ruine. [31]

Then the Church appointed August the 23 to be kept as a day of fasting and prayer and to seek diretion from God with Respect to our ministerial affairs.1119 Passed the following Vote, to be Read to y^e Congregation upon y^e Lords day which was accordingly Read & the Congregation1120 very unanimously attendd the fast the Vote is as follows Viz This Church Considering the many Frowns of Divine providence upon them & Especially Their1121 Disapointments with Regard to the Resetling the Gospel and ordinances of Christ among them have agreed to Sett apart1122 Thursday the 23: of August currant as1123 a day of fasting and prayer to humble themselves before God for their Sins and to Seek of him the great Blessing of a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, and they earnestly desire the Congregation to Joyn with them in observing and keeping the day & Pleading with God for this Blessing, and the Blessings of Love & Peace that the God of Love & peace may yet dwell with us & bless us. — and the day was kept by Chh & Congregation the ministers Called in to assist us upon y^e Fast were1124 Mess^rs Angier Shaw Parker & Conant, M^r Angier & Shaw Preached M^r Parker & M^r Conant also prayed Application was made to y^e above named ministers to Recommend some Candidate to us but they Could not Recommend any that they had any good degree of acquaintance with, at Least were not United in any to advise us to.

Monday the 27^th of August at a Church meeting duly Notifyed Tho^s Foster was Chosen moderator, the meeting was opened with Prayer and then held a Considerable Conference Relating to what steps were proper for y^e Church to take under our Difficulties but Considering there were so few Brethren at the meeting the meeting was adjourned to Monday y^e 3^d of September Next to meet at y^e meeting house in the first Precinct at three aClock in y^e afternoon. The Chh mett at the adjournment y^e meeting was opened with prayer

1 Voted that some Person be Chosen to go to Connecticutt and there to Confer with those ministers that were at the Councell at Guilford when this Church & Congregation made application to the Rev^d M^r Sprout to settle with us in the ministry and take their & other ministers [32] Advice with Regard to making a second application to y^e Rev^d M^r Sprout to settle with us and to Confer with the Rev^d M^r Sprout & with his Church and see if there be any opening or grounds to hope that M^r Sproute may be peaceably obtained if this Church and Congregation should Renew1125 their Call and application to him and to make Report to this Church & Congregation Also if there be no encouragement of M^r Sprouts being obtained to See if a Candidate maynt be obtained to Come and preach to us for two or three months, or if their should be Encouragement of obtaining M^r Sproute to Endeavor to procure a Candidate to preach to us for some time at least So long as y^e Church & Congregation shall have Determined whether they will make another application to y^e Rev^d M^r Sprout or not

2 Voted that Thomas Foster Esq^r be the person to go to Conecticutt & make application to the ministers &c agreable to the Vote of the Church

3 Voted that Deacon Bartlett George Watson Esq^r & Thomas Mayhew be a Com^tee to Joyn with a Com^tee of the Precinct to procure some proper Person to Supply y^e Pulpit for the three Coming Sabbaths

4 Voted that y^e moderator Lay these Votes before the Precinct for their Concurrence and for the Precinct if they See Cause to Chose Some proper person to go to Connecticutt with Deacon Foster upon y^e Business mention^d in the Votes of the Church

These Votes were Laid before the Precinct y^e Precinct Concurred them Chose a Com^tee to Joyn y^e Churchs in providing Some proper person to Supply y^e pulpit. & Deacon Foster to go to Conecticut.

Accordingly Mr Williamson of Philadelphia who was in these parts was obtained to Preach the three Sabbaths, & Deacon Foster went to New haven it being their Commencement, advised with y^e former Councell & a number of other ministers who advised y^t M^r Bellamy1126 should go with him to Guilford and Confer with M^r Sprouts Chh & Congregation about M^r Sprouts Removal to Plymouth and1127 [33] See if they Cod not be pravaild with to Consent y^t M^r Sprout should go to Plymouth or Joyn with the C^hh of Plymouth In Calling another Councell to advse them in y^e affair. M^r Bellamy1128 accordingly went and spent several days there & took a great deal of pains with the people to bring them to one or the other of y^e forementioned proposals but they would Consent to nothing nor Condesend in the Least to any proposals Relatave to M^r Sprouts Removal, when all hopes as to M^r Sprout faild M^r Chandler Robbins was advised to as a Candidate who then had a Call under his Consideration from y^e Church & Society in Middlefeild in Connecticutt accordingly I applyed to him who after some time of Consideration & taking advice Concluded to Give a Negative Answer to middlefeild & Come to Plymouth. I Returned to Plym^o a Saturday night before the Last day of M^r Williamson^s Preaching Expired the Chh & Congregation was stayed aftr Service was over at Night & I Reported what I had done and the Next Sabbath M^r Robbins Came and began to Preach with us and Continued to Preach to us, to the 30^th of October 1759, when the Church had a meeting in the meeting house in the First Precinct upon Tuseday1129 of y^e s^d 30^th of October at two aClock in the afternoon The Church being duly Notifyed Thomas Foster was Chosen Moderator and the meeting was opened with prayer

The Question was first put whether the C^hh wod now Come to y^e

Choice of a Pastor it Passed in the affirmative there being only 2 Votes to the Contrary Then the moderator Called upon the Brethren to bring in their Votes for a Pastor in writing (there being 36 Votes present) and aftr Serious Consideration & Earnest application to the throne of grace for Direction and that God wo’d favor this C^hh with a rich ascension Gift of our ascended Lord & Redeemer the Votes being brought in upon Sorting & Numbring the Same it appeared that M^r Chandler Robbins had 33 Votes Mr Hugh Williamson two & one member y^t did not Vote [34]

Then the Church Voted to Chose five Persons a Com^tee to Lay y^e Vote of y^e Church Chosing M^r Chandler Robbins For their Pastor before the Precinct for their Concurrence Viz Thomas Foster Coll Watson Tho^s Spoonr Deacon Bartlett & Deacon torry

Then the Question was Put whether it be the mind of this Church in Case the Precinct concur the Church^s Choice of M^r Chandler Robbins for their Pastor that before M^r Robbins Gives his answer he should declare his assent & Consent to the New England Confession of faith Commonly Received in these Churches, or Exhibit one in writing to the Satisfaction of the Church, it Passed in the affirmative.

Then the Church Voted That Tho^s Foster Doctr LeBaron, Deacon Bartlett Thomas Mayhew & Deacon Torrey be a Com^tee to Joyn with a Com^tee of the Precinct (provided the Precinct Concur the Churches Choice) to Cause the Votes of the Church & Precinct in some Suitable manner to be Laid before M^r Robbins for his acceptance. Praying that God wo’d Incline his heart to accept the Call and that he may prove a great Blesing to us and ours that at last both he that sows and we that Reap may Rejoice together.

The Votes of the Church were accordingly Laid before the Precinct at a meeting of the first Precinct Called & duly warned for that Purpose and the Precinct Concurred the Churches Choice and Joyned a Com^tee to Lay y^e Votes of Church and Precinct before M^r Robbins which was accordingly done, and after some time of Consideration & advice M^r Robbins gave his answer, after Publickly declaring before the Church & Congregation his assent & Consent to the New England Confession of1130 faith agreable to the Vote afore mentioned and the answer is as follows1131 [35]

Consequent1134 upon this Answer, a Church & Precinct Meeting was called.

The Precinct met first, and sent in the following Request to the Church.

At a Precinct Meeting of the first Precinct in the Town of Plym^o on the 31^st Day of Dec^r 1759. The Precinct Voted, that the Church be desired to fix the Time of the ordination of the Rev^d M^r Chandler Robbins and sent for an ecclesiastical Council for that Purpose; And that this Vote be laid before the Church by the Moderator.

A true Copy Attest Sam^ƚƚ Bartlett Precinct Cler

At a Chh Meeting duely notified to consider what steps were proper to be taken relating to the ordination of M^r Chandler Robbins met in the [36] meeting House upon Monday the 31^st of December. 1759.

Tho^s Foster Esq^r was chosen Moderator, who opened the meeting with Prayer.

1. The Church unanimously voted to proceed to the Ordination of M^r Robbins upon the last Wednes-Day of January next, agreeable to the foregoing Vote of the Precinct.

2. Then voted to Send to 20. Churches Viz M^r Robbins’s in Branford & M^r Sprout’s in Guilford in Connecticut, The 4. Churches in Bridgwater, Two in Middleboro, one in Taunton, The Chh in Berkley, The Chh in Raynham, The Two Churches in Rochester, The first Chh in Plympton, The Chh in Hallifax, The Chh in Abington, The two Churches in Attleborough, The Church in Milton, The Chh in Bristol. To which was afterwards added M^r Wheelock’s Chh in Lebanon — Connecticut, which made 21.

3. The three Deacons were appointed a Com̄itee to sign the Letters-Missive to the several Churches.

4. Voted that the Rev^d M^r Nathanael Leonard the Pastor of this Church be sent to and desired to attend the ordination before his Dismission from his pastoral Relation to us.

January 27. 1760. Lords Day PM The Pastor the Rev^d Nathanael Leonard notified the Brethren to attend in the Meeting House the next Wednesday by nine of the Clock A Chh Meeting to consider & do what shall be thought proper respecting the ordination of M^r Robbins and also the Dismission of the Pastor.

January 30. 1760. The Church met according to warning, and after the Rev^d M^r Leonard had prayed, past the following Vote

That M^r John Cotton & the 3. Deacons be a Com̄ittee to wait upon the Council now convened in this Place to desire them to proceed to the ordination and also to ask their advice respecting the Rev^d M^r Leonard’s Dismission agreeable to a former Vote and also authoriz’d said Com̄ittee to sign M^r Leonard’s Dismission & Recom̄endation in the Chh^s behalf in case the Council advise to his Dismission.

Nathanael Leonard Pastor

The Deacons having sent out Letters-Missive to 21. Churches pursuant to the vote above, on the 30^th of January 1760. 14. Churches convened (12. of them by their Pastors & Delegates and 2. of them by their Delegates only) Viz The 1^st 3^d & 4^th of Bridgwater, The first of Rochester, The first of Plimpton, The first of Middleborô, Abington, Hallifax, Bristol, Taunton, Raynham, Berkley, Milton, and Branford in Connecticut Colony. — They having formed into a Council, the Com̄ittee of the Chh waited on them & desired them to proceed to the ordination and also asked their advice respecting the Dismission of their former Pastor.

The Council having advised to the Dismission of the Pastor agreeable to his Request, They then proceeded to the ordination — The Rev^d M^r Wales of Raynham begun the solemnity with Prayer, M^r Robbins1135 [37] of Branford preach’d from John XXI. 15. 16. 17. and then after the Chh had renewed their Call of M^r Robbins to the work of the Gospel ministry among us, M^r Perkins of Bridgwater gave the Charge, and He & Mess^rs Leonard, Angier, Parker, Wales & Robbins assisted in laying on of Hands: M^r Angier gave the right Hand of Fellowship. — The Council then assisted in M^r Leonard’s Dismission — And the Church voted to dismiss & recom̄end bim in the Terms following.

[This was afterwards signed by John Cotton, Thomas Foster & John Torrey in the name & behalf of the Chh, Deacon Bartlett one of the Com̄ittee chosen for this Service being absent.]1136

The Dismission being compleated, M^r Parker of Plimpton made the concluding Prayer. — And after singing a Psalm sutable to the occasion, The Rev^d M^r Chandler Robbins (our Pastor) gave the Blessing. — Whom, we humbly hope, GOD will make a rich & lasting Blessing to us & ours.

After M^r Leonard’s Decease, the following account was given of him in the public Prints. —

June 12.1763. Lords Day — I read to the C^hh in Presence of the Congregation, a Letter missive from the 1^st Chh in Woodstock in Connecticutt, desiring the Assistance of this Chh by their Pastor & Delegates, at the Ordination of M^r Abiel Leonard to y^e pastoral Charge & Office over them, on the1140 23^d of instant June, y^e Day fix^d upon for his Seperation to that Office. After I had communicated the Letter to them, I signify^d to the1141 C^hh that as I have but just come off from a long Journey to Connecticutt, I could not attend myself — however propos^d to them whither they would vote to send Delegates to attend the Council — Voted in the Negative — The Reason of which was (as the C^hh declar^d after) because the Pastor could not go.

1764. March 25^th I this Day propounded to y^e C^hh the Desire of Lydia Cornish of Ponds to join in full Communⁿ w^th this C^hh — she being sick & unable to come to the public Worship.

April 1. Lords Day— Read before the Church & Congregation the Relation & Confessⁿ of Lydia Cornish — then stay^d the Church to know their minds with Regard to admitting her to full Communion, out of the ordinary Method, she being confin^d to her House by sickness & tis not probable will ever be able to go abroad again. The Church upon the whole thot it best, as it was a singular Case, to have a C^hh Meeting on a Week Day on Purpose to consid^r further & determine upon it — Accordingly I notify^d the Brethren to meet on Monday the 9^th Day of this Month at 3 o’Clock P.M in the Meeting House. The Chh voted at this Time to accept her Confession & restore her to Charity.

April 9^th The Church met accordingly y^e Meeting open^d with Prayer & after long Debate & Consultation as there were but few at the Meeting & they not fully prepar^d to act upon the Affair, It was concluded to refer it to Thursday next viz, The Fast Day, & so adjourn^d with^t acting upon y^e Case.

April 12’^th Thursday. I Stay^d the Church after public Exercise, & desired them to consid^r & determine upon the Case above mentioned — It was urged, that, such a Method of admitting Members to full Communion, in a Private house, that were confined by Sickness, Old Age or other Infirmities, would be going out of y^e Practice this Church as well as others have always been in, & it was apprehended, wou^d be of dangerous Tendency on many Accounts — & therefore, althô they have Charity for the afores^d Person, & are dispos^d to deal in all possible Tenderness w^th her, yet they could not think it best to deviate from the standing & ordinary Method of recieving Persons to full Communion, which they must do sho^d they grant the Request. Upon the whole therfore the Chh came to the following Vote — viz Verte [40] Church Votes & Transactions1142

Voted. — “That the Church are so far satisfyed, that they are willing to recieve the aforemention^d Person Lydia Cornish to their Communion, in Case God shall in his Providence, restore her so that she is able to come to his House & renew her baptismal Covenant in the Presence of all the People. But that at present, they do not see Light to proceed in the Manner that has been proposed.” So y^e Chh1143 was dismiss^d

July. 9^th 1764. At a Meeting of the C^hh (duly notify^d) at y^e Request of a Number of the Brethren, to confer together on some Matters relative to Singing in public Worship, & also to consid^r the Cases of some of the C^hh who withdraw from our Communion without giving the Reasons of it— The Brethren met generally, & after some considerable Conference, came to y^e following Votes.

1 Voted that our Brother John May be desir^d to set the Tune in Concert in order for the better, more regular & Decent Carrying on of that heavenly part of y^e Worship of God, viz Singing in the House of God.

2. Voted that y^e Deacons Foster, Bartlett & Torrey be a Com̄itee of this C^hh to go & Enquire of the Persons refer^d to above, into the Reasons of their Withdrawing from our Com̄union, & make Report to the Church. — The Meeting was open^d & concluded with Prayer, singing a Psm & y^e Blessing.

Nov^r — I stay^d the Brethren after public Worship on Lords Day, & read to them a Letter I reciev^d from our Sister Esther Jackson, desiring the Priviledge of Baptism for an Orphan Child of ab^t 2 Years old, under her Care. Some Talk was had upon it, & ’twas thot best to defer it for further Consideration. After some Time, of a few Weeks, Stay^d & convers^d further upon it; But as it was a New Thing in many Respects, many were not sufficiently satisfy^d to grant her Request, And upon the whole, it was determin^d not to proceed any further in the Affair for the present.

1765. Feb^r 28. After public Lecture stay^d the Brethren, & inform^d them of the Desire of John Cornish, that his Children, by his Wife Lydia Cornish, deceas^d, (whose Case is recorded in the foregoing Page) might be admitted to be baptiz^d upon her Right, & considering what she had done before her Death, & also w^t the C^hh had acted upon it, The Church now

Voted That they think it proper, and are therefore willing that her Children be admitted to Baptism, on y^e Right of their dec^d Mother. [41] 1767 Church Votes & Transactions

Lords Day. April 19. 1767. Read to y^e C^hh a Letter Missive from the C^hh of Christ in Hallifax desiring the Presence And Assistance of this C^hh on the 29^th Instant, with their Pastor & Delegate or Delegates, to form, with several other Chh’s, into an Ecclesiastical Council for the Ordination of M^r Ephraim Briggs of Norton to y^e pastoral Office over them: Whereon the Chh Voted

1. That they would comply with the Desire of the Chh in Hallifax mentioned in their Letter to this Chh.

2. That our Brethren John Cotton Esq^r & Co^l George Watson attend with the Pastor, as Delegates from this Chh on y^e Occasion aforement^d.

April 29. The Pastor with the aforementioned Delegates attended the Ordination this Day, when, after M^r Briggs had given answer to some Questions propos^d & exhibited a full & satisfactory Confession of his Faith in writing The Council, consisting of seven Chhs proceeded to his Ordination — Rev^d Mes^s Conant made the first Prayer, Porter preached, Angier gave the Charge, Green pray^d after y^e Charge & Shaw the Right Hand of Fellowship — the whole was conducted with Decency & Order.

May he long continue, with that Chh & People, a faithful & successful Minister!

Nov^r 8^th Seth Barnes, a Member of this Chh, tho’ now liv^g in Nova Scotia made a public Confession of the Sin of Fornication, & the Chh voted to restore him to Charity & recieve him to their Communion, as Providence may give him Opportunity.

1768. Jan^ry 31. Read to y^e Chh & Congregation a Memorial from the Rev^d M^r Silas Brett of Freetown setting forth his needy & distress^d State with Regard to Temporals, praying for Charity &c Whereupon Feb^ry 7^th viz y^e next Lords Day was collected for him by free Contribution of y^e C^hh & Congregatⁿ y^e Sum of £63.10. O Ten^r which was sent him by y^e hand of M^r Elkanah Watson, who bro’t back a Receipt of M^r Brett for the above Sum.

July 31. 1768. Read to y^e Chh a Letter missive from y^e 2^d Chh in Rochester (of which y^e Rev^d M^r Ivory Hovey is Pastor) desireing the Presence & Assistance of this Chh by y^r Elder & Delegate or Delegates, at a mutual Council, to meet on Tuesday y^e 23^d of Aug^st next, to give Advice under their present broken, divided Circumstances, by Reason of some Difficulties & Contentions that have unhappily subsisted for some time among them, & between the Pastor & a Number of y^e C^hh & Society — After which y^e C^hh Voted

1. That they are willing to comply with their Desire — &

2. That Deacon Thomas Foster & Deacⁿ John Torrey be the Delegates to1144 attend the Pastor at y^e s^d Council, as Representatives of the Church. [42] 1768 Transactions of the C^hh

Aug^t 23^d This Chh with 3 others viz. y^e 3^d in Bridgwater — 1^st in Middleborô & the Chh in Sandwich met in y^e 2^d Parish in Rochester to hear, & consider & advise on y^e aforementioned Difficulties between y^e Rev^d M^r Hovey & his People — and after spending the Week upon it, came to a Result on ye 27^th, in which y^e Council advis^d to mutual Forgiveness & Forbearance, & that y^e Complaints exhibited against M^r Hovey are not of so great weight in their Opinion as that y^e Pastoral Relation between him & his pp^l ought to be dissolved, &c Read the Result to this Chh on y^e Sabbath after viz Aug^t 28. — May the Lord be their Healer of Breaches, & restore Peace & Love to y^t unhappy Chh & Pp^l.

1769. Mar.12. Stay^d y^e Chh, being Lords Day, Evening, & acquainted them with y^e renewed Request of our Sister Esther Jackson to have the orphan Child under her Care admitted to Baptism on her Right, as ment^d in Nov^r — 1764. And after a little Conference upon it, the Chh unanimously Voted to grant her Request, — & the Child was accordingly baptiz^d y^e next Lords Day.

1769 Oct^r 15^th Stay^d y^e Brethren of y^e Chh after ye Blessing was given, at y^e Desire of our Sister Lydia Samson (once Barns) to lay her Case before them, being many Years ago suspended from Communion for y^e Suppos^d Marrying Jonathan Samson, whose1145 first Wife was her Niece — Said a few Things on it, but refer^d y^e full & further Consideration of it to Wednesday after next — viz y^e 25^th of this Month — And Accordingly notify^d y^e Chh to meet at this Place on s^d Wednesday at 3 Clock P M.

October 25^th This was y^e Day appointed for y^e Chh to meet & consider further the Case of our Sister Lydia Samson alias Barnes, but there were so few of the Brethren who met, that, partly on that Account, but principally because twas judged best for her sake that the Affair should be entirely drop’d, as y^e Consequence might otherwise be greatly to her Prejudice & Hurt, it appearing also that the Members of y^e Chh were, the greater Part of them, by no means satisfy^d of y^e Lawfulness of such a Marriage, but of the contrary Opinion, The Affair was accordingly drop^d without so much as the Formallity of a Chh Meeting.

Nov^r 26^th Flora, a Member of this Chh, sometime since y^e Negro Servant of M^r John Bartlett, now living at Middlborough, having for many Years absented herself from the Communion, being notoriously guilty of scandalous Drunkenness, Profaness, & Disobedience, made a public Confession of these Sins, & the Chh thereupon voted to restore her to their Christian Charity & Communion.

Nov^r 30^th Stay^d y^e Chh after Lecture, & propos^d to them to choose one or more Persons (since our dear Brother John May is taken from us by death who was our former Chorister) to lead in singing in the [431146] publick Worship. & after some Conference upon it, the Chh chose four Persons, viz our Brethren William Crombie, Deacon Torrey, Amaziah Churchill & Robert Bartlett, to be mutually assisting in that Business as they shall choose & Occasion call for.

1770 Lords Day Janu^ry 28. Notify^d the Brethren of the C^hh to meet on Thursday next, immediately after the Lecture, to consider & determine the Affair of changing the Version of y^e Psalms sung in publik Worship, as we have had D^r Watts’s & Tate & Brady’s upon Trial for 3 Years past, once a Day — & many were desirous of coming to a Determination, it being thôt the Church should take y^e Lead in such an Affair.

Feb^ry 1^st After Lecture the Church accordingly stay^d, but it being an extreme cold Day, it was moved that the Consideration of y^e affair of y^e Version of y^e Psalms should be postponed to a more convenient & comfortable Season. So y^e Matter rested, without adjourning to any particular Day.

Feb^r 11^th Being desired, I notify^d the Brethren of y^e Chh to meet on Tuesday next at y^e Meeting house in order to conclude upon Something relative to y^e Version of y^e Psalms.

Feb^r 13^th The Brethren met, in Number 23. (it being a very rainy Day) and after some considerable Discourse upon the Affair — The Question was put seperately to Each Member, whither they were1147 for exchanging the Old Version for any other — & it appeard that twelve of y^e Brethren were for continuing y^e Old Version & Eleven for Tate & Brady. The Pastor afterwards signify’d his Choice for Tate & Brady. So that there being a Tie, the Matter remained yet undetermin’d. It was manifest, in the Course of y^e Conversation, that several of y^e Brethren rather prefer^d D^r Watts’s, but as this was more particularly obnoxious to some others of y^e Brethren, they were willing to condescend to vote for Tate & Brady, that is to be understood, with the Hymns annexed to it, as we have use^d it in Time past.

After this, it appearing that a respectable Number of y^e Church were not easy with continuing y^e Old Version, It was moved, that altho’ that Version be not laid aside, yet that a Vote be called whither Tate & Brady, with y^e Hymns, should be sung in publick, wholly,

(with y^e Approbation of the Congregation) for Six Months to come, in order that we might be [441148] be more thoroughly & universally acquainted with it, & the Vote being call^d, it passed in the Affirmative unanimously

The Meeting was carry^d on with a very agreable Unity & a Condescending Spirit — & was both begun & concluded with Prayer — & then y^e Blessing given.

April 8^th Read a Letter missive from the 2^d Chh in this Town, desireing the presence and Assistance of this Chh by their Pastor & Delegates to convene with 6 other Chh’s on the 18^th of this Month, for the Instalment of y^e Rev^d M^r Ivory Hovey over the Chh & Congregation in y^e 2^d Precinct in this Town. The Church voted a Compliance with the Request, & chose Deacon Bartlett & Doct^r Le Baron to go as Delegates on the Occasion.

April 18. The Pastor, with y^e Delegates chosen, attended with y^e other several Chhs upon y^e Instalment, & y^e Rev^d M^r Hovey was peaceably install^d over y^e 2^d Chh in this Town — whom we pray God would make a rich & Lasting Blessing to y^m & their Children.

Aug^st 12^th Lords Day — The Chh, at the Request of M^rs Trenholm (Wife of M^r William Trenholm) a regular Member of the Church of England, who has lived in this Town near a twelvemonth & is a Person of sober Life & Conversation, Voted

Voted

That whereas M^rs Trenholm was admitted to occasional Communion with this Chh y^e last Lords Day at y^e Sacrament of y^e Lords

Supper, & now desires Baptism for her Infant Child, that her Request be granted, & that she may hereafter be admitted to occasional Communion with us in special Ordinances. — Voted Unanimously.

This Vote was passed professedly with a View that it may seen by after Generations, that this Chh do not renounce, but are very willing to hold Communion with regular Members of y^e Chh of England.

Lords Day Dec^r 16. At Evening Notify^d y^e Brethren of the Church to meet in the meeting house next Wednesday little after 2 Clock P M, to consider some Matters of Import^ce then to be laid before them, relative, in general to Chh Discipline; I had been preaching a Number of Sermons on y^e Subject before — from 2 Tim.2.19. “Let y^m y^t name y^e name of Christ depart &c” — wherein I endeavour^d among sundry other Things more particularly to show that y^e Practice of admitt^g Persons to own y^r baptismal Covenant & so enjoy^g Baptism for y^r Children, without coming into full Communion, which this Church have been [451149] in for about 40 Years past, (introduced by M^r Leonard) is not a Practice warranted by Scripture & therefore ought not, as I apprehend, to be persisted in.

Dec^r 19^th The Church met accordingly, but it not being a very full Meeting, & several of y^e Brethren manifesting a Desire to have the several Articles read, which they were to consider of, & then to have some time to think of ’em, before we come to a Determination on them, being Matters of great Import^ce, the Pastor readily consented to y^e Motion — & accordingly read y^e several Articles, & then adjourn^d y^e Meet^g, to no particular Day, but y^e Day to be mention^d hereafter in public by y^e Pastor.

The Meeting was began & concluded with Pray^r & a Bless^g.

The Articles propos^d to y^e Chh for their Consideration, were y^e following

1. To consider y^e Cases of two scandalous Members, viz Patience Burgiss & Lydia Phillips — guilty of Fornication, the first being a Widow & yet having a Child of late — the other having a Child also, her Husband being a long time absent, if not dead.

2. To consid^r y^e Cases of several other Members, walking disorderly in absenting y^mselves for a long time from Communion, & some of them reported to be otherways disorderly.

3. Also y^e Case of Jane Tinkham (who is an occassional Communnicant, being a Member of Middleb^o Chh — but lives in this Town), whither her Conduct be not such, from universal Report, as to deserve, that she be suspended from occassional Communion.

4. Whither y^e Chh will consider & determine any Thing relating to y^e Children of y^e Chh who have or may fall into Scandal.

5. Whither it be the Opinion of this Chh, that a Person who is the Head of a Family, living in y^e Neglect of Family Prayer, be not guilty of a Censureable Evil.

6. Whither it be the Opinion of this Chh that the half way Practice of owning or entering into Covenant, which has of late years, been adopted by this Chh, be a scriptural Method — or a practice warranted by s^d Word of God, & so to be persisted in.

7. Whither it be not y^e Opinion of this Chh, that Members of Chhs moving into this Town & becoming Inhabitants, & desireing & expect^g Communion with us in special Ordinances, should, as soon as may be, remove their special Relation from y^e Chh they came from, to this, & incorporate with us. & so of y^e Members of this, removing to other Chhs &c

8. Whither the Chh will not come to a Resolution & solemnly agree & covenant with each other, to be hereafter more particularly careful in watching over one another according to ye Rules of y^e Gospel & our own express Covenant Engagements — & this from a Sense of our Shameful & Sinful Neglect hereof in times past.

9. Settle the Version of y^e Psalms to be us^d in publick Worship, which has for sometime past been under Consideration. [46] 1771 Records of Chh Transactions.

Jan^ry 6^th Lords Day Evening — The Pastor notify^d y^e Brethren to meet in y^e Meetinghouse next Tuesday, to consider further & determine those Things that were laid before them y^e last Chh Meeting, [see y^e preced^g Page.]1150 to meet at 2 Clock in y^e Afternoon.

Tuesday Jan^y 8. The Church met accordingly — & after Prayer, the Pastor read over y^e several Articles again, y^t are propos^d for their Consideration And they concluded to go upon y^e 9^th Article in y^e foregoing Page first. And after some little Conversation, (as it is an Affair that has before sundry times been under our Consideration), came to y^e following Votes.

1. Voted that Tate & Brady’s Version of y^e Psalms, be hereafter sung in y^e public Worship, in y^e Room of y^e Old New England1151 Version, provided y^e Congregation consent to it.

2. Voted that the Hymns also that are annexed to this Version (whereof there are now a hundred & three) chiefly of D^r Watt’s Collection, be made use of likewise with the Psalms, promiscuously.

3. Voted, with Respect to y^e 1^st Article in y^e proceeding Page, That y^e Pastor be desired to discourse wflth or write to Patience Burgiss & Lydia Phillips & let them know that this Chh expect they forthwith make their Peace with God & the Chh by a humble, penitent Confession of their Sin, or that y^e Chh will, otherwise, proceed to admonish them.

4. Voted that the 3 Deacons, Foster, Bartlett & Torrey, be desired to go & talk with those Members (refer^d to in y^e 2^d Article) who have absented themselves from Communion for some time, or otherwise walked disorderly, & endeav^r to bring them to a Sense both of their Sin & Duty.

5. Voted — respecting Article 3^d, that the Pastor be desired to discourse w^th s^d Jane Tinkham, & inform her that her Conduct has been such, on many accounts & her Behavior so contrary to y^e Gospel, that it has caused such Grief & Offence to several of this Chh, as that they cannot comfortably set down with her at y^e holy Ordinance of y^e Lords Supper, & therefore she is desired by y^e Chh to withdraw from attend^g y^t Ordinance untill she gives Christian Satisfaction, or there appears an evident Reformation in her.

As to the 4^th Article, concerning the Children of y^e Church falling into Scandal, no Vote passed at this Time relative to y^e Matter, tho’ it seem^d to be y^e Opinion of y^e Chh that somthing ought to be done upon it. We all, at y^e same time acknowledge that we have been very criminally negligent & slack in the Matter of Chh Discipline. And yet alas, how strangely backward, (as a Chh) to actual & immediate reformation! The Lord give us all a heart to repent & reform in this Thing particularly, which I believe, is one awful provoking Cause of the mellancholly Withdraw of y^e Spirit & comforting presence of Christ!

As to the 5^th Article — no Vote pass^d — but it seem^d clearly y^o Opinion of y^e Chh that a person, i.e. Head of a Family living in the allowed Neglect of Family Prayer, is guilty of a Censureable Evil. [47] Records of Chh Transactions

As to the 7^th Article — The Chh were not agreed as to the Expediency & Duty of immediately insisting upon Members getting proper Dismissions & Recommendations, when they remove from other Churches to this, & from this Church to others. — Thô N.B. There is such a Vote upon Record, In M^r Little’s Day — or y^e beginning of Mr Leonards, which has never been repealed — & no Vote passed on y^e Affair at this Time

As to y^e 8^th Article — Thô no Vote passed, Yet it seem^d to be generally agreed & consented to, that we will for y^e future, be more watchful over one another, & endeavour to be more careful & faithful to God & one another, particularly relating to Chh Discipline — & act more agreable to our solemn Covenant & Engagements.

The 6^th Article, being of great Importance, was left for Consideration at another Meeting — began & concluded with Prayer — Adjourned to Tuesday next.

Tuesday, Jan^ry 15^th. The Chh met, and after Prayer to God, moved the Chh, by reason of y^e Cold, to remove into y^e School house — which being done, we entered upon y^e Consideration of y^e 6^th Article in the 45^th page,1152 — A long Conference was had upon it — On y^e one Side it was urged, that Children born of Visible Believers & baptiz^d in Infancy were properly & truly Members of y^e Visible Chh & therefore might claim the Priviledges of Chh members, when they arriv^d at adult Age, & so by owning the Cov^t we are not to understand their qualifying themselves hereby for y^e Priviledges of y^e Covenant — they had a right to these before — but that tis needful they should acknowledge w^t their Parents did for them — &c &c

On the other hand it was urg^d, That Baptism & the Lords Supper are both Seals of One Covenant, viz, y^e Covenant of Grace — And that consequently they that had a right to one Seal had a right also to y^e other — & y^t we had no right from y^e Word of God to make a Distinction betwⁿ y^e 2 Seals, as if one was more holy than y^e other — that it would be of dangerous Tendency to put asunder what God hath join^d together.

It was also observed, that no Person can with Safety or a good Conscience say what is said in y^e form used by them y^t own y^e Covenant, while at the same Time he knows himself unconverted, or has at least reason to think that he does not in his Heart avouch & choose y^e Lord for his God & Christ for his Savior — That therefore the Continuing of this Practice in y^e Church, must have a manifest Tendency to encourage Persons in solemn Dissimulation with y^e Almighty — which must be a very great Sin. — On y^e other hand again it was urged that as by their Baptism they were initiated into y^e Chh & so became Members, No one had a Right to deny or refuse them y^e Priviledges of Chh Members, & so Baptism for y^r Children. [48] 1771 Records of Chh Transactions

To this it was answer^d That Baptism in Infancy does not make Persons so Members as to entitle them to y^e Special Ordinances & Priv^s

1. of y^e Covenant of Grace — because 1. Infants are baptiz^d not on their own but their Parents Right — Therefore before they are admitted to special Priviledges for themselves, it is necessary & reasonable that something should appear to y^e Chh in them, that should be y^e Ground of their being judg^d qualifyd for y^e Sacraments. & this must be their open Profession of Faith & Repentance — For 2^dly

2. In order to enjoy the Priviledges of the Covenant of Grace, there must be a Compliance with the Terms or Conditions of y^e Covenant, but saving Faith alone is y^e Condition of y^e Cov^t of Grace — therefore there must be a Profession or Visibility of this Faith in persons in order to their being admitted to y^e visible Seals & priviledges of the Covenant— For that which is the Condition of any Covenant, is the Condition of all the Priviledges of y^t Coven^t.

Now if we allow Persons to own the Coven^t & have Baptism for their Children who dont so much as look upon themselves regenerate or to have true Faith, we do then either give up y^e Covenant of Grace, as to its requiring saving Grace, & say y^t a Person may comply with it, & yet remain in Unbelief — Or else, that Baptism is not a Seal of y^e Covenant of Grace, Or else that1153 Persons may lawfully be admitted to y^e special Priviledges of Gods Covenant while they remain obstinate Enemies to God, to his Covenant, to Jesus Christ & Enemies to all Holiness, w^ch is y^e true Charact^r of all y^e unregenerate. All which must be absurd, unscriptural & irrational, & even shocking to admit.

These, & many more Arguments were used on both Sides, for & against y^e Practice;

On y^e whole, the Pastor express^d his Mind freely that from the most deliberate & serious Consideration, Reading & Prayer, he was fully of y^e Opinion, that the Method was no where warranted by Scripture — that not one Text in y^e whole Bible could be produced to justify it, & therefore that he could not in Conscience persist in y^e Practice of admitt^g Persons to own1154 y^e Covenant & come1155 to one Ordinance & not y^e other, which, as it has been practic^d here & in other Places of late years, he tho’t did appear in many to be little else besides a Formality to get their Children baptiz^d— without any proper Sense of y^e awful Import of Covenanting with God.

And as it was ask^d why the Pastor had gone on till now contentedly in the Practice since his Settlement? He acknowledged y^t it had been for some time a matter of Doubt with him — but y^t of late he has endeavored [491156] more critically & carefully to examine y^e Word of God & other Books on y^e Subject, reading many Tracts wrote on both Sides, the Result of all which was a full Conviction in his own mind that the Customary practice afores^d is not grounded on Scripture Warrant.

On the other hand, tho’ there were a Number of y^e Chh of y^e same Opinion with y^e Pastor, Yet the major Part continued to be of y^e Opinion that y^e Old Practice, as tis call^d was right— (Which by y^e Way was a Practice never known in this Chh till y^e Days of my immediate Venerable Predcessor; & then not till after many Years Consideration & Trial.)

Thus upon the whole, the Chh came to no Vote upon the Affair — but dismiss^d the Matter for y^e present, just in y^e Circumstances above recited. Mention was made, indeed of resuming the Consideration of it again sometime hence — but no Time specified.

Oh that y^e alwise & infinitely merciful Father of Lights, would lead & direct this Chh in y^e Way that is pleasing to him, y^e way of Truth, peace & holiness, for his dear Son’s Sake!

Thus this Affair remains at this Time.

After this at y^e same Meeting, the Chh — proceeded & Voted — That our Brethren Nath^l Morton & Silas Morton be cited to appear at our next Chh Meeting to answer to some things alledged ag^st them.

The Meeting was concluded with Prayer & y^e Blessing.

See Page 71.1157 for y^e Reason of this Erasement.1158

[50] 1771 & 1772. Chh Records

1772 Jan^y 5^th Lords Day Evening Read to y^e Church & Congregation a Letter Missive from the 2^d Church of Christ in Rochester, to this Church, desireing their Presence & Assistance at y^e proposed Ordination of M^r Lemuel Le Baron to y^e pastoral Office over them on y^e 29^th Instant — Whereupon the Church Voted 1

Vote 1. That they were willing to grant y^e Request in s^d Letter Missive,

2. That our Brethren Doct^r Lazarus L. Baron & Theophilus Cotton should be Delegates from this Chh to accompany the Pastor on that Occasion, God willing.

Jan^y 29^th The pastor & aforemention^d Delegates attended at the s^d Ordination this Day, in Council with 10 other Chhs, with their pastors. The Solemnity was began with prayer by y^e Rev^d M^r Roland Thacher, of Warham — Then the Pastor of this Chh preached from 2 Tim.2.4. “That he may please him who hath chosen him to be a Soldier”1159 — The Rev^d M^r Hovey of this Town pray^d before y^e Charge — Rev^d M^r Bacon of ye 3^d Chh in this town gave y^e Charge — Rev^d M^r West of Rochester gave y^e Right hand of fellowship, & Rev^d M^r Robbins of Norfolk in Connecticutt made y^e concluding Prayer. The whole attended with great Decency & Solemnity. May God make y^e ordained, a rich & lasting Bless^g to them & theirs, & a pastor accord^g to his own heart!

Feb^r 16^th Lords Day Evening, Notify^d the Brethren of y^e Chh, (at y^e special Desire of the 2 Deacons F & T.) to meet in the Meeting-house on Tuesday next at 2 Clock in the Afternoon, in order to consider some Matters of Importance, more particularly relating to the Subject of Baptism, which Affair was under Consideration last Winter — See Page 471160 [51] 1772 Church Records.

Feb^r 17. Agreable to a Vote of y^e Church, in Page 49.1161 I this Day sent a Citation to our Brethren Nath^ll & Silas Morton to appear at y^e Chh Meeting to be held on y^e Morrow in the Meeting-house.

Feb^ry 18^th The Church met according to y^e Notification, when, after Prayer to God for his presence & Direction in y^e important affair before us, there was a free Conference held relating to the Subject of Baptism, owning y^e Covenant &c as in Jan^y 1771. Great Numbers of the Congregation & others were present. Finally y^e Church (who were mostly present, ie, y^e males) came to no Conclusion, it appearing that some were for, others against y^e practice as before— So the Meeting was adjourned by Desire to y^e last Tuesday in March next, at 2 Clock P M which will be y^e 31^st Day. — The Meeting was Concluded with Prayer & y^e Blessing.

March 31^st Tuesday PM — The Chh met according to Adjournment — and after prayer, enter^d upon y^e Consideration of the Affair relative to y^e owning Covenant &c several Things were read 2 Tracts drawn up by our Brother John Cotton1162 & one by the Pastor, on different Sides the Question in debate. & unhappily, there was more warmth in the debate at this than at y^e former meeting — but nothing finally settled. — it lasted till in y^e Evening — when some were for dissolving y^e Meeting, others for adjourning — finally, there was just a majority for adjourning — most of y^e members were withdrawn by reason of Night & Cold — Accordingly the meeting was adjourned to y^e last Tuesday in June next. The Meeting was then concluded with Prayer & y^e Blessing.

Oh y^t God of his infinite Mercy would compassionate this Chh under its present divided State, & graciously lead & direct to such Measures & Conclusions as shall be most for his Glory & y^e real Interest & Welfare of this dear Chh & People — for Jesus Christs Sake, Amen.

Lords day April 19^th Read a Letter missive from y^e Committee of y^e Church of Christ in New Yarmouth or Toboge in Nova Scotia, desireing y^e Presence & Assistance of this Chh by their Pastor & Delegate, at y^e proposed Ordination of M^r Jonathan Scott to y^e Pastoral Office over that Chh & people on Tuesday y^e 28^th ins^t at Middlborô first Precinct — The Chh voted to send & Chose Co^l Watson Delegate &c. [52] 1772 Church Records

April 28^th Tuesday — The Ordination Council of 6 Churches having met at Middleboro first Precinct, last Evening, they Embodied, & having read & heard from the Committees of y^e Chh & Precinct of Yarmouth in Nova Scotia, Matters relative to their calling M^r Jonathan Scott to the Work of y^e Ministry & Pastoral Office among them, & M^r Scott exhibiting a Confession of his Faith to the great Satisfaction of all y^e Council, & being examin^d as to his Qualifications for the Ministry, the Council Voted they were ready & willing to assist in setting him apart by Ordination to that office & work. Accordingly this Day he was solemnly, in y^e Presence of a numerous & serious assembly of People of this & neighboring towns ordained to the pastoral Charge of y^e Chh & people in Yarmouth Nova Scotia. The Rev^d M^r Reed began with Prayer. Rev^d M^r Porter preached from Acts 17.2.3.4. — Rev^d M^r Shaw pray^d & gave the Charge— The Pastor of this Church, prayed after the Charge, & Rev^d M^r Conant the Right hand of fellowship. May God make him a rich & lasting Blessing to that Chh & people!

June 30^th Tuesday — PM. The Chh met according to an Adjournment, on the affair of y^e Subjects of Baptism. After Prayer, a Paper was handed to the Pastor, to be read to y^e Church — but before it was1163 read, Deacon Foster rose & spoke for a considerable time, the purport of which was, that every one should have free & full liberty to speak further on the affair &c &c After which the afores^d Paper was read, which, as it was afterwards voted, y^e whole of it, I shall here record — ’Twas as follows. — Viz —

When the above Paper was read, with the Names of the Brethren who signed it, (which were by far the greater Part of the Male Members then in Town) a Motion was made & seconded, that it might be put to vote — But1166 opposition was made to it by 2 or 3 of the Brethren— M^r John Cotton having drawn up something, which he intended to communicate at this Meeting — It was insisted by them that he should have Liberty to read it — &c &c On the other hand, the Brethren reply^d that he & others had had opportunities again & again, at former Meetings to speak & read abundantly, & they thot sufficiently on the Subject — & they apprehended the Chh in general were weary of Dispute & Controversy about it, & thôt the Continuance of these Meetings & further Debates, only tended to encrease Animosities & Difficulties among us, & would in the Issue be dishonouring to God, & Religion, & hurtful to our Souls best Interest &c & therefore urged that the Vote be put.

After considerable Debate, (attended with too much warmth, for which we have cause to be humbled before God) the following Question was put, by Desire — viz — Whither the Chh incline to hear any thing further at this time, on y^e affair under consideration, respecting the Subjects of Baptism, agreable to the Desire of three of the Brethren? — It pass^d in the Negative, (turn over [54] 1772 Church Records

The Brethren afores^d being very uneasy at the Determination of the Chh, & saying many Things upon it, of the Unreasonableness of not being allowed to say all they had to offer upon such an important Affair, &c &c It was answered, by the Brethren on the other hand, that it would only open a Door for a Reply to it — & that for another Reply — & so would be endless, & only tend to keep the Chh & Town involv^d in miserable Dissention & Division.

It was then observed by one of the Brethren, that he doubted in his mind, whither there was a majority of hands held up in the foregoing Vote — & moved that the Vote might be call^d again, & that the Brethren might divide into two Bodies, to determine with more Exactness, upon y^e Question.

Accordingly the Question was put a 2^d Time, & a Division was made agreably to their Desire — & it pass^d again in y^e Negative.

The Brethren on the other Side being still vehemently engag^d against1167 the Vote, & insisting on M^r Cotton’s Piece being read, as they said it contain^d somthing new, & that after he had read it, then they would be willing the Chh sho^d pass the above Vote, if they saw fit, — The Chh, for peace Sake & in Condescention to y^e importunity of the former 3 Brethren

Voted to Reconsider the former Vote, & gave Liberty that it should be read. — Accordingly M^r Cotton read a long Piece on the Subject aforesaid — The former Part of which attempted to prove that Infants baptized in Infancy, did retain their Membership, & not cease to be Members, when they grew up — contrary, as he said, to the Opinion of y^e Pastor; Tho’ the Truth is, he misapprehended the Pastor egregiously— The Pastor never deny^d nor thot of denying they were Members in any Sense, when grown up — but deny^d & still denies that that they are Members in the full & compleat Sense in which M^r Cotton asserts their Membership.

The latter Part of the Piece contain^d, — as the Pastor thôt, many hard & injurious Reflections upon him — & was utter^d with much Warmth & Agitation of Spirit. But in such a Day of Difficulty & Temptation, all possible, Christian Allowances are to be made for human1168 Frailities & Imperfections, which are & will be found in those y^t are y^e real Children of God.

After he had finished reading, which lasted above an hour, near 2 The Question was desired to be put again, whither the Desire of y^e Brethren ment^d in y^e afors^d Paper sh^d be granted & y^e Meet^g dissolv^d It pass^d by a very great Majority & y^e Meet^s was accord^gly Dissolved. [551169] After which it was concluded with Prayer & y^e Blessing. — May God of his infinite Mercy, behold & visit this Vine — & grant us his holy Spirit, to sanctify our Hearts, mortify our1170 Corruptions subdue every thing in us that is contrary to y^e Gospel, & give us Hearts to love y^e Lord Jesus Christ in Sincerity, & to love one another with pure heart’s fervently — for his great Name’s Sake Amen.

1775. Feb^r 5^th Read a Letter missive from the first Chh in Plimpton desireing the Assistance of this Chh by their Pastor & Delegates at y^e Ordination of M^r Ezra Samson to y^e colleague pastoral office over them on y^e 15^th instant. The Chh voted to comply with y^e Request, & chose Deacon Bartlett Deacon Torrey & M^r Mayhew to represent the Chh on y^e occasion.

Feb^r 15^th Met accordingly at Plimpton with a Council of Pastors & Delegates of several Churches, & after usual Enquiries into y^e Proceedings of y^e Chh relative to M^r Samsons Call &c & after hearing a full Confession of y^e s^d Candidates Faith, & his Answers to several Questions thereon, The Council manifesting their full Approbation thereof, proceeded solemnly to ordain him — as follows, The Pastor of this Chh open^d the Solemnity with Prayer, Rev^d M^r Conant preached the Sermon, Rev^d M^r Shaw of Bridgewater gave y^e Charge, Rev^d M^r Turner of Middleboro’ pray^d after ye Charge, & Rev^d M^r Howland of Plimpton gave y^e righthand of Fellowship — y^e whole conducted with Seriousness & Decency. May God make their Pastor a rich & lasting Blessing to them & theirs, as well as a great Comfort to the Rev^d M^r Parker his aged & worthy Colleague.

1775. March 12^th Lords Day Even^g — Stay^d the Chh (upon having recieved a request sign^d by Six of the Brethren, that a Chh Meeting might be call^d to consider some matters of Grievance Relative1171 to Deacon Foster) to advise with them about y^e Matter contain^d in s^d Paper of Request. — The Chh thot it would be proper to defer calling a Chh Meeting in order that y^e private Steps, be first taken for a Reconciliation, according to y^e Rule of y^e Gospel — & advised that said agrieved proceed accordingly.

March 26^th1172 Lords day— Having recieved a 2^d Request, sign^d by five Brethren that a Chh Meeting might be call^d to consider as above, they also having in their request mention^d, severall articles of their Grievance relative to Dⁿ Foster, & also intimating that the previous first & second Steps had been taken, & to no satisfactory purpose, I notify^d the Chh to meet to consider on said affair, next Tuesday at y^e meeting h^s.

March 28^th Tuesday P M. The Church met accordingly, & after Prayer, The Design of y^e Meeting being mention^d, Deacon Foster read a paper containing his objections & Reasons against the [561173] the Churche’s going on to a hearing of the articles exhibited against him by the aggrieved Brethren — & requesting that the meeting be dissolved. — The Church voted Not to dissolve the meeting — & then, upon Deacon Foster’s Request, aggreed to adjourn the Meeting to the first Wednesday in May next, the meeting was accordingly adjourned to the 3^d of next May.

1775 May 3^d The Church met according to adjournment, but there being but few of the1174 members present, Deacon Foster also being absent, the Meeting was further adjourn^d to the 2^d Wednesday in June next.

June 14^th The Church met agreable to adjournment, Deacon Foster sent in a paper to be read, signifying the reasons why he did not attend this Meeting, & objecting against the Chh’^s proceeding on the affair, & again desired the Meeting may be dissolved — One of his Reasons being this, that he thought the previous Gospel Steps had not been taken, Twas moved by y^e Chh that an Account might be given what Steps the offeneded Brethren had taken, that the Church might judge thereon — Which being done, A Vote was desired to be call^d to know Whither the aggrieved had taken the Steps required by Christ

Voted unanimously that the proper Steps had been taken.

Voted — Therefore 2^dly that this Meeting be not dissolved.

Whereupon the Church thôt it, nevertheless, adviseable to use all Christian Tenderness & Forbearance with our Brother Deacon Foster, and, inasmuch as he was not present,) to adjourn this Meeting for a Week, & notify him what the Church had done. Accordingly adjourned to Wednesday next.

At the Desire of Deacon Bartlett & Deacon Torrey it was proposed to the Chh, to take into Consideration the choosing of another Deacon, especially on account of the growing Infirmities of our aged & worthy Dⁿ Bartlett, — which oblige him necessarily to be absent from public Worship great part of the Time, especially in y^e cold Season.

The Meeting was opened & concluded with Prayer.

June 21^st The Church met by Adjournment. Deacon Foster appearing & desireing the articles of Grievance against him might be more particularly specify^d & he have opportunity to make his Defence, produce Evidences &c the Meeting was by Consent of y^e Chh adjourned to the 3^d Wednesday in August next. — Open^d & concluded with prayer — & Blessing [57] 1775 Church Records

Aug^t 16^th The Church met according to Adjournment — Deacon Foster brot an Evidence (viz his Wife) in order to prove the previous Steps in a more private way, as mention^d in the Gospel, had not been taken with him. The Chh heard y^e Evidence — & the Question was put Whither the Steps had been taken — 22 Members present of whom 11 Voted in y^e affirmative — which being but just half, the former Vote of y^e Church on this Question stands in force, viz that past June 14^th in y^e foregoing page. — Next, it was moved & seconded that the Charges be read — which were accordingly read, both y^e General Heads, & the particulars explanatory of them, which latter had been sent to Deacon Foster previous to this meeting, agreable to y^e vote June 21

Hereupon Deacon Foster begun to answer to s^d Charges, but had considered only those under y^e first general Head before Evening came on which made it necessary to adjourn — accordingly, by Desire, y^e Meeting was adjourned a fortnight from this Day — viz to Aug^t 30^th instant. — The Church were of opinion that, of those Charges he answerd to, at this time, some of ’em were of such a Nature, that y^e Chh could not settle or determine absolutely upon them — & that the others, then spoke to, were not such as amounted to consurable Evils — or a just Ground of Withdraw.

The Meeting was open^d with prayer, & concluded also, & w^th a Blessing.

Aug^t 30. The Church met according to adjournment, but it being a very stormy Day, few met, & voted therefore to adjourn a fortnight, viz to Sep^r 13^th Wednesday 2 Clock PM. — Pray^d together, & parted.

Sep^r 13^th Met according to adjournment, &1175 the Pastor, being confined by sickness, the church made Choice of Deacon Torrey moderator for the present meeting, & by reason of a few members being present, voted to adjourn the meeting to Wednesday y^e 27^th of September instant.

attest John Torrey moderator

Sep^r 27^th Met according to adjournment, the pastor being yet detain^d by bodily indisposition, & few Members present voted to adjourn the meeting again for a fortnight viz to October 11^th ensuing.

attest John Torrey. Mod^r

Oct^r 11^th Met accordingly — & there being but few Members present voted to adjourn to meet again in 4 Weeks, viz Nov^r 8^th

Att: C. Robbins.

[58] 1775 Chh. Records

Nov^r 8^th The Church met agreable to y^e Adjournment but there being yet very few members present, & it being a stormy, uncomfortable day, voted to adjourn y^e Meeting a fortnight — viz to y^e 22^d instant.

Lords day Nov^r 19^th Stay^d the Church, & proposed to their Considerⁿ whither, (since the public Thanksgiving was to be the present week on Thursday, & also that I must necessarily be absent the whole week, being engag^d to act as Chaplain in the Army at Roxbury for a week) it would be expedient or necessary that the Chh sh^d meet according to the Adjournment next Wednesday— The Church were unanimously of opinion, that it would not be necessary nor expedient, & therefore agreed that the Chh meeting which was to have been on Wednesday next, be further adjourn^d three Weeks from s^d Wednesday — viz to 13^th of Dec^r next.

Lords Day Dec^r 10^th Stay^d y^e Church & after some Consultation about the Chh Meeting which is adjourn^d to next Wednesday, The Church aggreed, (considering it is Court Week this week, a public Time, & Deacon Foster uneasy at the Meeting being at such a Time) to postpone the Meeting till next Wednesday Week, viz y^e 20^th Dec^r

Dec^r 20^th The Church met, but several of the Members & particularly the Accusers being absent, out of town &c The Church concluded to adjourn, at Dⁿ Foster’s Desire, a Month — to meet y^e 17^th of Jan^y next — pray^d & dismiss^d

Jan^y 17^th Met agreable to Adjournment, but there1176 still being so few of y^e Brethren present, by Dⁿ Foster’s Desire the Meeting was further adjourn^d to the first Wednesday in March next, at 10 Clock in y^e Forenoon, Of which public Notice is to be given to y^e Church on the Sabbath preceeding y^e s^d 6^th of March, & that tis y^e Design of y^e Church then, by y^e Leave of Providence, without fail to proceed to y^e Consideration of the Articles alledg^d against our Brother Deacon Foster. — As it may well seem surprizing to many, in after times, to see an Account of so many Adjournments one after another for such a long space of Time, on acc^t of y^e Brethren not attending y^e Meetings — I think it proper to say, That I know not what else to attribute it to, but to y^e public Distresses of this Land, involved in y^e Calamities of Civil War, [591177] which so much engrosses the Minds & Concern of every one that they scarce know how to attend, even upon an affair of such1178 Importance as this is, However we must acknowledge, we are guilty of a sad & criminal Neglect — as no public or private Troubles ought ever to prevent attending on those Duties, in which y^e Honor of Christ, of this Church, & y^e good of the Delinquent, are so much concerned. The Lord heal & save our Land, & give peace & prosperity to this Chh!

Wednesday Mar. 6^th The Chh met according to Adjournment, & would have proceeded to y^e Business of y^e Meeting, but the minds of the Brethren & every one being so exceedingly agitated & concerned on Ace^d of News that our Army are now actually engaged in Battle with y^e Enemy at Dorchester, Cambr^g &c agreed to adjourn still further, (at Dⁿ Foster’s Desire) to y^e first Wednesday in May next. — Concluded with Prayer.

Wedn. May 1^st 1776. The Chh met by Adjournment, & after Prayer proceeded to y^e Business before them, relative to y^e Charges brot against Dⁿ Foster, which were contain^d under these 4 General heads — viz

1. His Falseness & Prevarication, affirming at one time w^t at other times he will deny, with Affirmations and Asseverations.

2. His frequent violent Passions & Extravagant Expressions, & wicked Wishes, bordering upon Profaness, if not actual breaches of y^o 3^d Com̄and.

3. When desired by our Pastor, at our Request, not to attend upon y^e next Sacrament, & to abstain untill y^e Objections against him should be settled in a Christian manner to our Satisfaction, He, notwithstanding would attend, & thereby obliged a Number of us to absent ourselves, as we could not with peace of mind join with him any longer therein.

4. His Political Conduct & Practices are, we think, just matter of Offence, as therein he discovers a Willingness to have this Country enslaved — & is frequently found to be an Advocate for ye Destructive Doctrines of Passive Obedience & Non Resistance.

Signed by 5 of the Brethren

Six Particular Charges under the first General Head were considered & acted upon at y^e Meeting in Aug^t 16. 1775. — See Page 57.1179

Now proceeded to y^e 2^d Gen^l Head & y^e particulars under it — The five first of which, being not supported by Sufficient Evidence, the Chh dismiss^d them. — The 6^th particular — “his calling John Churchills Wife a cursed, murderous Bitch — The Church, 1. Voted it proved. Upon which Deacon Foster, saying that thô he had no Remembrance of it, yet that if he did say it, he was sorry for it, & condem^d y^e Expression The Chh Voted satisfied. [60] 1776 Church Records

The seventh particular under this head, viz “his frequently giving people y^e Lye —treating them with Roughness & in an unchristⁿ manner,” was thus dismiss^d — viz — That altho several of them had met with what they thôt rough & unkind usage &c yet they could forgive him & had no objection against him at present on that head.

As to y^e 8^th — viz “his saying that when D^r Watts composed his Hymns, he was under the Influence of y^e Devil. The Chh voted That it was sufficiently proved that he said so, with respect to his Psalms, tho not Hymns — & that tis justly offensive. — Upon which Deacon Foster saying he was sorry he used such an Expression, if he did say it — the Church Voted To forgive him.

Then proceeded to y^e 3^d gen^l head— Upon which y^e Chh voted it not a censureable Evil.

Then went on to y^e 4^th & Last gen^t Head — as in y^e last page.1180 Upon which The Brethren manifested such Uneasiness, as his Principles were so very opposite to almost y^e whole Chh, & had a Tendency, in their opinion, utterly to sap y^e Foundation of our Churches, as well as our State — that finally The Church Voted not to determine at present, in a decisive manner, upon this Article — but to adjourn for further Deliberation. — Accordingly the Meeting was adjourned to ye 2^d Wednesday in July next, 3 Clock P M.

The Meeting concluded with Prayer & y^e Blessing.

July 7^th Lords Day. Stay^d the Church, at Dⁿ Fosters Desire, to let them know, that, as he thought the Chh meeting by Adjournment was to have been last week, he was under Necessity by an engagement, to go out of town this week, & cou^d not attend y^e Meeting, & desired the Chh would adjourn the meeting to the Wednesday after next — Which the Chh consented to — & accordingly the Church is to meet on Wednesday y^e 17^th instant, at 3 of Clock in y^e Afternoon.

Wednesday. July 17^th The Church met according to adjournment, & proceeded to y^e consideration of the last general Article of Charge against Dⁿ Foster— It being urged, that he looked upon the Brethren, who were opposite to him in political Sentiments, to be Rebels, & of Consequence deserving y^e Punishment of such; & he not denying or retracting his former Sentim^ts & declaring that he did not think it expedient to tell w^t his Thôts were on y^t head,—& not being willing to make any recantation, The Church Voted almost unanimously (20 Members present, all but 2 Voted) that they could not contentedly communicate with him at y^e Lords Table. [61] 1776 Church Records

Whereupon Deacon Foster desireing further time to think upon the affair, & that there might be an Opportunity for a fuller Meeting, the Church readily consented that the meeting be adjourn^d for further time for mutual Deliberation, without proceeding to any formal Suspension of him from Communion. Accordingly y^e meeting was adjourn^d by Agreement, to the 2^d Wednesday in October next y^e 9^th day. to meet in y^e Meeting house at 2 Clock P M. The meeting was opened with Prayer, & concluded w^th prayer & y^e Blessing.

N. B. The Pastor being necessarily absent, on a Journey, upon y^e said 9^th of October, (to which time y^e Church Meeting was adjourn^d) the Church did not meet on said Day. Thus the Affair remains to be concluded if Providence permit, at some future Meeting, to be appointed or warn^d anew.

☞ Dec^r 17^th This Day died, greatly lamented, Deacon John Toney, of the Smallpox Aged 59 Years. A man of Goodness, singular Integrity & Uprightness — an Ornament to the Church, a great Blessing to y^e Town, & a most able, zealous Friend to the Liberties of this distress^d & bleeding Country. May God sanctify such a sore Bereavement to this people, & especially to this Church!

1777. Jan^ry 5^th Lords Day Evening, Notify^d the Brethren of y^e Chh to meet on Wednesday next, to consider of y^e Expediency of choosing one or more persons to the office of Deacons in this Church, — To meet in the Meeting house at 2 Clock P M.

Jan^r 8^th Wednesday. The Church met according to Notification — And after Prayer — The Question was put whither the Chh will now proceed to the Choice of one or more Deacons — Whereupon

1. Voted unanimously to proceed.

2. Voted, (that by reason of y^e Death of our dear Brother Deacon Torrey, & y^e Age & Infirmities of our worthy Brother Dⁿ Bartlett) to choose two Deacons.

The Brethren were then desired to bring in their written Votes — When our Brethren Silvanus Bartlett & William Crombie were chosen by a great Majority — whereupon, the Chh made y^e Choice unanimous, by a following Vote. — The Brethren chosen, requested some time to consider of y^e Affair. The Meeting conducted w^th entire Love & harmony, & conclud^d w^th Pray^r

Lord’s Day Jan^ry 19^th At Noon, inform^d the Congregation of the Choice the Chh had made of y^e above persons to y^e Office of Deacons, & that our Brother Silv^s Bartlett desired to be excused from s^d Office, purely & only on Acc^t of bodily Infirmity & Loss of Voice, in a gr^t Measure. Our Brother William Crombie consenting, was then publickly desired that he would, in Token of his Acceptance, take his Place in y^e Deacon’s Seat in the Afternoon, which he did. The Chh was notify^d to meet again on Tuesday next, in y^e meetinghouse for the Choice of another Deacon. [621181] 1777 Church Records

Jan^r 21^st Tuesday.1182 The Church met according to Notification & the question being put whither the Chh would at this time proceed, to y^e choice of a Deacon, Voted in ye Affirmative. Then the Brethren brôt in their written Votes, & our Brother Lemuel Bartlett was chosen by a majority of Votes. He thôt it his duty to excuse himself, on account of his Years, &c but was desired to take the matter under Consideration for a while, which he yielded to. — Then the Chinch noted, that as Beacon Crombie, our former Chorister, had left y^e usual Singer’s Seat, on account of his being Chosen a Deacon, that our brother Jesse Churchill, & Mess^rs Andrew Crosswell, Sam^l Sherman & William Bartlett y^e 3^d be desired to act as Choristers in y^e publick worship, as occasion shall require.

The Meeting was adjourned to next Wednesday fortnight, viz the 5^th of February ensuing, to meet in y^e meet^ghouse, at 2 Clock P M.

The Meeting was opened & concluded w^th Prayer, & the Blessing.

Jan^r 23^d This day, died Deacon Thomas Foster, of the Small Pox aged 71183 & was bury^d by the Hospital, near to Deacon Torrey. A surprizing Providence,! two Deacons of this Church have dy^d within a Month, of this terrible Disease. The first, viz Dⁿ Torrey, was innoculated, but twas thôt he had previously taken it, y^e natural way. The other catched it, but had no knowledge how or when.

May this Church be enabled wisely to improve such a mysterious Dispensation.

Feb^r 5^th Wednesday. The Church met according to Adjournment for the Purpose of choosing another Deacon, our Brother Lemuel Bartlett having previously declined accepting y^e Choice, on Account of his Age & frequent Infirmities, especially a Deafness which he is often affected with. The Church therefore, after y^e meeting was opened by Prayer,

Voted1184 To proceed at this Time to y^e Choice of another Deacon. —And upon bringing in their Votes, it appeared they were much divided — & after a 2^d & 3^d Trial, no one being chosen, it was moved that y^e Meeting be adjourn^d some time, for further Consideration, in hopes, by Conferring together, y^e Brethren may be more united at y^e next meeting. Accordingly The meeting was, by Vote, adjourn^d 3 Weeks —to meet again in the meet^g house on Wednesday y^e 26^th instant, at 2 Clock P M [63] 1777 &c Church Records

At the same Meeting the Church chose Deacon Crombie for their Treasurer, & desired him, by Vote, to recieve the Church Vessels Account book &c &c and to provide for the Sacrament in future.

The Meeting was then concluded with Prayer & y^e Blessing. May y^e good Spirit of God give Wisdom & Unity to this Church to direct & govern them in y^e important affair now under their Consideration, & in his merciful Providence lead us to the Choice of such a person for y^e Office of a Deacon, as shall be an Ornament to the Church, & act in that Capacity to y^e Glory of God & y^e Edification of this Church!

Feb^r 23^d Lord’s day. Stay^d the Chh after Meeting, when it was unanimously aggreed that the Chh Meeting, which was to have been next Wednesday, should be adjourned without Day, on account of the difficulty of coming to any Choice of a Deacon, at present. And it was accordingly adjourn^d without Day.1185

1780 Feb^r 6^th Lords Day. Stay^d y^e Chh at Night, & informed them that Complaint had been made to me of several Members of this Chh walking very disorderly in absenting themselves habitually from publick Worship, as well as from y^e Ordinance of y^e holy Supper —which has given great Occasion of Reproach & brôt a Scandal on y^e Chh — Whereupon y^e Church voted that Br^o Thomas Mayhew & Deacon Crornby, with the Pastor be a Com̄ittee of y^e Chh to go & discourse with those Members who walk not according to gospel Rule, & endeavor to bring them to a Sense of y^r Sin1186 & Duty — & make Report to y^e Church.

March. 30^th Being Lecture Day, Stay^d y^e Chh after Service, reported to them y^e Reasons which y^e several delinquent Members gave to y^e above Committee, for their absenting themselves &c all of whom, except Benjamin Churchill promised to use y^e Gospel Method for y^e Removal of y^e Difficulties y^t were in y^r Minds, & to return to their Duty. — which y^e Chh was satisfy^d with for y^e Present. — With respect to Benj^a Churchill, the Church Voted, That Our Brethren Daniel Diman & John Cobb be a Comittee to go & discourse further with him, endeavouring to bring him to a Sense of his Sin & Duty; he having absented for more than a twelve Month, both from Meeting & from y^e Ordinance of y^e Supper — upon no other Reason (as he inform^d y^e other Com̄ittee) than because the people of y^e Town in general treated him with Contempt — calling him a Tory &c If this Com̄ittee sho^d be1187 unsuccessful in their Endeavors with him — the Church then Voted that the Pastor be desired to send him a written Citation, or Summons to appear before y^e Church at y^r next Meeting, & answer for his Conduct.

Lords Day Noon — Apr^l 23. Stay^d y^e Chh to know y^r Minds concerning y^e Request of our Sister Mercy Foster, that her Grandchild, (whose Mother Priscilla Foster is deceased) now under her sole Care, may be baptiz^d — As it has been done before in like Cases there was no Objection, & Silence was taken for their Consent, & y^e Child to be baptiz^d accordingly this Afternoon Turn over [64] 1780 Church Records

Lords Day June 18.1780. Notify^d the Brethren to meet tomorrow 10 Clock A M to consider y^e Cases of those delinquent Members, mention^d in y^e preceed^g page & also, of y^e Expediency of choosing one or more Deacons, as Deacon Bartlett thrô bodily Indisposition rarely attends, & Dⁿ Crombie, infirm of late — The Chh met accordingly June 19^th & after Consultation, Voted a Com̄ittee be chosen to go & discourse once more with y^e offending Brethren, & endeav^r to bring them to a Sense of their Sin & Duty — when The Pastor, with Lemuel Bartlett & Sam^l Battles were chosen for y^s purpose. The Choice of Deacons, with y^e Request of John Goodwins Wife, desiring Baptism for her Husbands Children, were postponed to y^e next Meet^g, which was voted to be on Tuesday the 11^th of July next at 3 Clock P M so adjourn^d to y^t time. Open^d & concluded with Prayer.

Lords Day Ev^g July 9^th Notify^d the Brethren of y^e Chh meet^g which was proposed to be on Tuesday next, but as the Pastor was engag^d on a Journey the beginning of this Week, he requested them to meet tomorrow, July 10^th, for y^e afores^d Purposes.

July 10^th The Church met, generally — & with respect to the Cases of those Members who have walk^d disorderly, the Committe chosen reported that they had discoursed with them, & some seemed to be sensible of their Error & promised to reform — But Benjamin Churchill appearing still obstinate the Church Voted, that the Pastor be desired once more to cite him to appear at the next Church Meet^g, & let him know that if he refuses, they shall proceed according to the Rules of Cx against obstinate Offenders. With regard to Nath^l Morton’s Case of Difference between him & Amaziah Churchill, the Chh chose our Brethren John Cotton, Lem^l Bartlett with the Pastor, a Com̄ittee to endeavour the Healing of that Breach, by getting y^e Parties together, & such Evidences as may be procured, & so attempt to bring about a Reconciliation.

The Church did not see Light yet to come to the Choice of a Deacon — but express^d that it is their Desire, for y^e present that Deacon Biman of the 3^d Church, who constantly meets with us, would assist occasionally in that Office, as Need may require.

Adjourn^d this Meet^g without Day, to be call^d by y^e Pastor anew when it shall appear requisite, for y^e purposes afores^d Began & concluded with Prayer, & y^e Blessing.

Octob^r 8. Lords Day Ev^g, Stay^d y^e Chh & propos^d to them, a Meet^g of y^e Chh this Week on y^e Above Affairs — Br^o Cotton, being necessarily engaged desired another might be added to y^e Committee — Accord^gly chose Deacon Cromby to join w^th y^e above Com̄ittee in discoursing with y^e Brethren aforementioned, & notify^d y^e Chh to meet on Thursday next.

October 12^th The Chh met, very generally, & taking y^e proposed Matters into their Serious Consideration, (after Prayer to God), they came to y^e following Votes —

Vote 1. Whereas there has been an unchristian Animosity & Quarrel between our Brethren Nath^l Morton & Amaziah Churchill, & the Chh have taken Several Measures to accommodate y^e Difference, but to no purpose, Voted that unless the Parties shall make up the Breach before the [651188] the next Chh Meeting, they be both suspended from special Ordinances untill they do.

Vote 2^d The Church also voted, that whereas our Brother Benj^a Churchill in Addition to his other Sins, of long & habitual Absenting himself from all the Ordinances of y^e Gospel, evil Carriage in divers other Respects, treating the Committees of y^e Chh who have been sent to discourse with & try to bring him to Repentance &c &c has now, twice cast Contempt upon the Authority of Christ in his house, by refusing when able, to attend upon the Chh at their Meetings, when cited regularly to appear before them, he be, herefor suspended from all special Ordinances & Communion with y^e Chh & publickly admonished.

Vote 3^d Voted that y^e Chh cannot consent to accept of a private Confession before y^e Chh only, from our Brother Silas Morton, as the Sin he stands charged with, of Drunkenness, & other bad behavior, is public — that he therefore be allowed time to consider of y^e Matter, of a public Confession till y^e next Meeting of y^e Church.

Vote 4. That the Reasons alledged by our Brother Jesse Churchill, against Brother Theoph^s Cotton, for his uneasiness with him, in the Discharge of his Military Office towards him, sometime past, are not well grounded or satisfactory to y^e Church. Therefore, upon a Motion, Voted —

Vote 5. That our Brethren Thomas Mayhew, Deacon Crombie, Eben^r Cobb, Sam^l Battles & Daniel Diman, be a Com̄ittee of y^e Chh to discourse with s^d Churchill to endeavor to convince him of y^e unjustifiableness of his absenting himself on y^e above Account. —Then adjourned the Meeting to Monday the 30^th instant. 2 Clock P M. Concluded with Prayer & the1189 Blessing.

NB. The Pastor being necessarily absent out of Town on y^e Day to which y^e Chh Meeting was adjourned, they did not meet, as was proposed.

1781. Jan^r 7^th Lords Day Evening Notify^d y^e Chh to meet at y^e Meet^g house Tuesday next at 2, Afternoon, to consider further of the Matters abovementioned.

Tuesday Jan^r 9^th The Church met, but so few, on account of y^e bad Weather that they concluded not to act upon y^e Affairs before them, but postpone them to a future Meeting, which is to be notify^d by y^e Pastor.

Lords day. Jan^r 28. Notify^d y^e Brethren to meet on Wednesday next, at the Pastor’s house, (by Reason of the Season) to consider of the matters lying before them.

Wednesday Jan^r 31. The Church met, generally, at the Pastors house; & after Prayer, & Consultation upon the Matters lying before them, came to the following Determinations —

Vote 1. — Voted, that inasmuch as our Brother Benjamin Churchill has to the Grief & Astonishment of all y^e Chh, added Contempt & Obstinacy to all his other Sins, not only by refusing, when cited several times, to appear before y^e Church, but of late contemptuously refusing, when warned, to attend an Admonition in public, That y^e Pastor send him a written Admonition, & make the same known to the Congregation in publick together with his Behavior, & y^e Grounds & Reasons of the Churche’s Procedure against him.

Vote 2. Voted to choose a Committee to acquaint our Brother Silas Morton, that y^e Church still adhere to their last Vote respect^g him, & that they expect he will make a public Confession, or must be suspended from Com̄union. Voted — That our Brethren Theô Cotton & John Cobb be said Committee.

With regard to our Brother Jesse Churchill, he being present, after much Conversation, he engages to return to his Duty & attend on all Ordinances upon which the Church were satisfyed. [661190] 1781 Church Records

Voted 3. Also, considering the Case of Amaziah Churchill, he declaring his Adherence to what he did at a late Conference before the Churches Committee, viz, that he was willing to make up y^e Matter with Nath^l Morton, upon the Terms then aggreed on, which were thôt satisfactory by y^e Committee at that Time — And Nath^l Morton alone appearing to fall from the Aggrement— The Chh voted to reconsider their Vote of y^e Octr 12^th last so far as it respects s^d Churchill & that he be not suspended from Communion for y^e present.

Vote. 4. Whereas our Sisters Sarah Withrell (formerly Jackson) & Fear Goodwin Wife of John Goodwin, have requested Leave to bring the Children of their Husbands, not their own, to Baptism their Husbands not being Members in full Communion — the Church having repeatedly for Months past had the same under Consideration, & Advice being had, by their Desire, of a Number of the Ministers of y^e Churches of Christ around us, occasionally, who all gave it as their Opinion, that the Persons in Question had an undoubted Eight to bring these Children to Baptism, — The Church Voted, very harmoniously, that their Request be granted & that the said Children be baptiz^d on Acc^t of their s^d Mothers in Law.

The Meeting adjourned to no particular Day. — then Prayer & y^e Blessing.

Lords Day March 4^th 1781. Agreable to the Vote of y^e Chh at their last Meeting, the Pastor sent to our Brother Benj^a Churchill, “a written Admonition,” & this Day, at the Close of public Worship, (conformably to their Vote) acquainted the Congregation with his unchristian Conduct & the Grounds of the Church’s Proceeding to admonish & suspend him from special Ordinances, & read to them the Admonition that was sent him, at which there appeared great Solemnity & much Affection in the Congregation. O that it may be blessed as a Means of Good to him & Others!

Nov^r 25^th Lords Day Evening. Read to the Church, a Letter Missive from the first Chh in Middleborô, desiring the Presence & Assistance of this Chh by their Pastor & Delegates, at y^e Ordination of M^r Joseph Barker on the 5^th of next Month— & the Chh voted to comply — & chose Thomas Mayhew, Deacon Crombie & Ebenezer Cobb y^e first, Delegates to represent y^e Church.

Dec^r 5^th The Ordination Council met at y^e Precinct House in Middleb^o first Precinct, & after Examination of y^e Candidate, y^e Council unanimously voted to proceed to y^e Ordination. Rev^d M^r Turner1191 of Middlebor^o1192 began with Prayer, the Pastor of this Chh preach^d from John 15.5. “Without me ye can do Nothing.” Rev^d M^r Shaw of Bridgw^r pray^d & gave y^e Charge, Rev^d M^r Le Baron of Rochester pray^d after y^e Charge, & Rev^d M^r Judson of Taunton gave the Right Hand of Fellowship — a great Solemnity & becoming Decency was apparent thro y^e whole Transaction. May God make their Pastor a rich & lasting Bless^g to y^m & y^r Children. [67] 1782 Church Records.

Jan^ry 13. Lords Day Evening, Notify^d the Brethren to meet at the Pastor’s House next Wednesday, at 2 Clock P M. in order to consider & determine what further Steps are to be taken with Several Members that walk disorderly.

Wednesd. Jan^r 16^th The Chh met, & after Prayer to God, entered upon y^e Consideration of Benj^a Churchills Case, who still absents himself wholly, & for Years, from all Ordinances, & treats the Church with Contempt &c as before mentioned — The Chh sent for him to attend at this Meeting, but he refused, under pretext that he had not had sufficient Notice — but engaged that if the Chh wo^d appoint another Time, he would attend — to which the Chh, (that they might manifest Long suffering towards him before they proceed to extremity) consented. — Then proceeded to Silas Mortons Case, who had been previously notify^d to appear at this Meeting, but neglected to come. And as he still persists in refusing to make a public Confession of his Sins, & has for many Months past wholly neglected to attend the public Worship of God, & been repeatedly seen intoxicated w^th strong Drink, of late The Chh unanimously gave their Voice that he should be suspended from all special Ordinances & publickly admonished.

Voted. That Brother Nath^l Shurtleff & Deacon Crombie be a Comittee to go & discourse w^th our Sister Patience Burgiss, & know y^o Cause of her long absenting herself from y^e house of God, & other Conduct disorderly, which is reported of her, viz Spending her Earnings by labor, to intemperate purposes.

Voted. Also that the Pastor, with Br^o Tho^s Mayhew & Dⁿ Crombie be a Comittee to endeavor the healing of the Difficulty that subsists between our Brethren Nath^ll Morton & Amaziah Churchill, which is not yet made up.

The Pastor, with Brⁿ Tho^s Mayhew, Dⁿ Crombie & David Lothrop are again desired to hear & endeav^r to heal the Uneasiness that also subsists between our Br^o Amaz^h & Jesse Churchill—As Jesse Cha still complains of hard treatment from s^d Amaziah Churchill.

Then voted to adjourn this Meeting to Tuesday ye 5^th of Febr next to meet at y^e same place. — Concluded w^th Prayer & the Blessing.

Feb^r 5^th 1782. The Church met (in a full Chh meeting) according to Adjournment, & proceeded to consider first the Case of our Brother Benjamin Churchill who had promised the last Meeting, to attend at this, being previously notify^d to attend at this time, but did not come, nor give any sufficient reason in y^e Churches Mind, for not coming — Whereupon the Church unanimously came to the following solemn Vote, express^d, not by lifting up y^e hand, as in other Cases, but by each Member giving his Voice singulatim, “That whereas our Brother Benjamin Churchill, has for a long time even several Years wilfully & habitually neglected y^e public Worship & all the Ordinances of Gods house, & the Church have used every Method of gentle Expostulation, Advice & Entreaty, both by private Members & Com̄ittees frequently chosen for that purpose, to endeav^r to bring him to a Sense of his Sin & to recover him to his Duty, & all to no purpose, but he has added Contempt of y^e Church & y^e authority of J Christ in his house, by constantly refusing to attend at Chh Meetings when desired, Whereupon y^o Church were constrain^d to proceed to a formal Vote to publickly admonish him & to suspend him from special Ordinances, in hopes he might hereby be brot to Repentance [681193] but he still remains incorrigible & refuses to return, Wherefore this Church, as bound in Duty, & by the Laws of Jesus Christ, do solemnly Vote & Declare, in Manner beforemention^d, that “Unless the s^d Benj^a Churchill shall manifest his Repentance by public Confession of his Sins, within three Months from this Time, he shall then, in y^e Name & by the Authority of Jesus Christ in his Church, be publickly Excommunicated & declared to be no longer in Visible Relation to the Church & Visible Kingdom of Christ.”

Voted — Also that Whereas our Brother Silas Morton has refused to attend in public Worship, when notify^d regularly thereto, in order to recieve public Admonition, agreable to y^e Vote of the Chh at their last Meet^g, the Pastor be desired to send him a written Admonition.

The Committees chosen y^e last Meeting, then reported, that our Sister Patience Burgiss acknowledges her fault in absenting herself from Ordinances, pleads Poverty & Want of suitable Clothes, & promises to use her Endeav^rs to provide herself with them, & speedily to attend her Duty. That the Differences between the several Brethren mention^d were, by the Blessing of God on the Endeavors of y^e Com̄ittees, very happily accommodated, & each promised to live in brotherly Love.1194

N. B. See Page 711195 for y^e reason of this Erasement.1196

The Church also, at this time, Voted that the Suspension be taken off from Brother Nathaniel Morton, which was Voted at a former Church Meeting, on Octob^r 12.1780. the Cause thereof happily ceasing.

Lords Day April 21^st 1782. At the Close of the publick Worship our Brother Benjamin Churchill appear^d & in a public Manner humbled himself before God & his people by a Confession of his Sins & his disorderly Walking (as recorded heretofore) — Whereupon The Church Voted that the Sentence of Suspension be removed & he be restored to Charity & to y^e Communion of his Brethren in all Ordinances, a Word of Exhortation was then given him to walk humbly, penitently & softly before God all his Days — then Prayer — & y^e Blessing. The Lord accept of & pardon & save him for Cx^s sake

Oct^r 6^th Lords Day— Read a Letter Missive from y^e Chh in Wareham desiring y^e Assistance of this Chh by their Pastor & Delegates, at y^e Ordination of Mr Noble Everitt to y^e Pastoral Office over them, on y^e 16^th of this Month. The Chh Voted to comply — & chose Deacon Crombie & Silvanus Bartlett to represent y^e Church on y^e occasion.

Oct^r 16. The Council met & ordain^d M^r Everitt. Rev^d M^r Robbins of Norfolk in Connecticutt began with Prayer — M^r Knap of Winchester preach^d fr. 2. Tim. 4.6.7.8. M^r Howland of Plimton pray^d & gave y^e Charge — M^r Le Baron pray^d after y^e Charge, & y^e Pastor of this Chh gave y^e Right Hand of Fellowship. [69] 1783 Church Records

N. B. See Page 71.1197 y^e Reason of this Erasement.1198

N. B. May 30^th This day died, much lamented, that eminently godly Servant of the Lord, Deacon Joseph Bartlett, Aged 80 Years; & who has used the Office of a Deacon well in this Chh 38 Years & Month. “Help Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, y^e faithful fail from among y^e Children of Men” !

Nov^r 2^d 1783. Stay^d the Chh at Noon, & proposed to them, the keeping a Day of Fasting & Prayer, on account of y^e mellencholly Decay of Religion, & to supplicate the Outpouring of y^e Holy Spirit upon us, for y^e Revival of it, agreable to the antient, laudable Practice of this Chh, in times of Degeneracy, & of other Chhs & Congregations of late, especially in Connecticutt, where God has, in a remarkable manner, shown himself to be a hearer of Prayer, in pouring out his blessed Spirit on many Congregations there in which many hundreds of Souls have hopefully been brot into y^e Kingd^m of Christ at this Day. — Glory be to his Name! — The Chh, together with y^e Brethren of y^e 3^d Chh,1199 unanimously Voted to observe Thursday next for y^e purposes beforementioned. And at y^e Close of Worship at Night y^e Congregation were inform^d of what y^e Chh had agreed on, & requested to join w^th us on s^d Day — And they accordingly did, very generally, had a full meeting, & y^e Day was kept w^th Solemnity — 3 Neighbouring Ministers attended — of which, preach^d, viz Mess^rs Niles & Barker May y^e good Lord hear y^e Prayers of his people & send an Answer of Peace! [70] 1784 Records of Chh Transactions continued

April 4^th Lords Day Evening, Stay^d y^e Church after y^e Blessing, & communicated to them a Request & Proposal, exhibited in Writing, from the Members of the 3^d Church in this Town, to reunite & incorporate with the first Chh & left the Matter for their serious Deliberation, till next Lords Day.

April 11^th Lords Day P M. This Church having consider^d of y^e Proposal of the 3^d Chh as afors^d, & no Objections being offer^d against it, The Pastor, at the Close of public Worship, notify^d the Affair to the whole Congregation — as a very affecting & remarkable Dispensation of Divine Providence — observing to them, that after 40 Years Seperation, (y^e 4^th of next Month) there should be brot about a Reunion of the Chhs. The paper was then read, as follows.

Also —

On Lords Day April, 11^th 1784, the above being presented, (as afors^d) to y^e first Church in Plym^o in public, was accepted, & the Union of the two Churches solemnly ratify^d by a formal Vote of y^e Church.

Attest. Ch: Robbins.

May God smile upon, & bless this Transaction for y^e Glory of his Name & y^e Edification of this Church! — The Texts preach^d from, this Day, on the Occasion, were, In y^e Forenoon Psal.133.1. “Behold how good & how pleasant for Brethren to dwell &c.” In y^e Afternoon Gal.8.28. — “For ye are all One in Christ Jesus” [71] 1784 & 1785 Chh Records continued

May 23^d Lords Day, At the Close of divine Worship Notify^d the Brethren of the Church to meet in the Meeting house next Tuesday, the 25^th instant at 2 Clock P M, for the purpose of choosing one or more Deacons.

May 25^th Tuesday. The Church met very generally, & after Prayer for Direction in the Affair before us, the Church unanimously voted to proceed to choose two Persons to the Office of Deacons. And upon bringing in the Votes, it appeared that Brother Jonathan Diman, & Br^o Ephraim Spooner were chosen to that Office, by a very great Majority. Upon which, on a Motion made, the Church unanimously voted their Concurrence in the Choice — Both of whom, after some Conversation on the Subject, agreed to take the Matter under Serious Consideration, & to give an Answer in due Time.

At the same Meeting, Brother Benj^a Rider, moved to the Church, whither those Passages in these Records, which relate to a Charge formerly bro’t against him, might not be wholly erased, as he apprehends they tend to give an unfavorable Idea of him, & y^e Charge being unsupported — Whereupon the Church voted to have those Passages which relate to their Transactions on this head, be erased & made illegible. The Passages are recorded in Page 49, 50, & 68, 69.1202 On which said Brother Ryder declares himself satisfy^d & will attend his Duty as before.

The Meeting was conducted with y^e greatest Love & Harmony, & concluded with Prayer & the Blessing.

1785. March 20^th Lords day PM — Stay^d the Chh & read a Complaint of our Brother Jesse Churchill against Brother Sam^ll Battles for breach of Promise in a Matter wherein they had Dispute. — After conferring a while upon it, the Church thôt proper there sh^d be a Meet^g of y^e Church to consider upon proper Steps for a Reconcilation of y^e parties— Whereupon a Church Meeting was notify^d to be at the Pastors house tomorrow Evening the 21^st instant.

March 21^st The Chh met at the Pastors house this Evening, agreable to Notification; & after Prayer, enter^d into Consultation with y^e Parties, heard what Brother Battles had to say to the Complaint against him by Brother Jesse Churchill, he urged that he had not exhibited before the Referees (chosen to settle y^e Matter) all y^e Evidence he could produce, in his Justificatⁿ, therefore wish^d for another hearing before them, & he doubted not their Award w^d be different from w^t they gave before. The Chh advised Br^o Churchill to consent to another hearing before y^e same Referees, he consented — & y^e Affair finally was settled between y^m by s^d Reference. [72] 1786 Records &c

As the Use of Tate & Brady’s Version of the Psalms, with some Hymns annex^d, has obtain^d, in our publick Worship, for some time past, viz since January 8^th 1771. at which time it was voted by the Church, to be used instead of the Old N England Version It may not be thôt improper, on a Subject of this kind, to record in this place, that by the Desire of numbers, in Church & Congregation, Doct^r Watts’s Version of the Psalms, with his Book of Hymns, was proposed to be sung in public for a Season on Tryal, & then, that the Minds of the Congregation should be expressed, whither they would, in future, sing Tate & Brady’s as before, or Doct^r Watts’s. — After a Tryal of each, for several Months, it was agreed that the matter be determined at a public Meeting of the Inhabitants of this first Precinct, in their annual Precinct Meeting, & In consequence of proper Notice previously given, on

On March 21 1786 At a very full meeting of s^d Precinct,1203 the Vote was called, which of the two versions they will use, & Voted, that Doct^r Watts’s Version of the Psalms, & Hymns united, be sung in future, in our public Worship, viz, 17 Votes for Tate & Brady, & 38 for Doct^r Watts’s, to which the rest amicably agreed. May God bless the Use of said Evangelical Psalms & Hymns, for the spiritual Edification of his people, that we may be prepared to join the Song of Moses & the Lamb, in the heavenly World!

1787. Oct^r 18^th At a Sacramental Lecture, the Chh were desired to tarry after the Blessing, & the Pastor communicated to them the Request of our Brother William Curtiss, (now living in Pembroke) viz, “That since, by the providence of God, he is removed from us, & not being satisfy^d with the Preaching of1204 the Minister of that Place, & becoming acquainted with a Baptist Society, among whom he thinks the Gospel is preached in Purity, & as he has no prospect of returning to this Place to live again, he requests a Dismission from this Chh, & to be recom̄ended to the Baptist Chh, of which M^r Robinson is the minister.” — The Chh took the matter into Consideration & were, finally, of Opinion, that our Brother Curtiss has been too hasty in this Affair, not having consulted either the Pastor or his Brethren on the Subject, before he had come to a fix^d conclusion, that our Chhs were wrong as to the Mode & Subjects of Baptism — & had determin^d to join them before he made Application to have any Objections answ^d, or Difficulties [731205] Difficulties solved, which he laboured under. The Chh therefore Voted

Voted, That the Pastor be desired to write to our Brother Curtiss, & inform him of the Sentiments of his Brethren respecting this Matter, & his Conduct afores^d — & also voted to choose a Committee of five, beside the Pastor, to discourse with Him, & endeavor yet to answer the Objections he has against our Practice in Regard to Baptism, & to convince him of his Error, in that he would by his Conduct, in joining them & being rebaptiz^d, virtually declare this Chh, (with1206 whom he declares1207 himself to be in the fullest Charity) to be no Church — & in fact, would implicitly unchurch all the Chhs in the Land, that are not Baptists.

The Brethren chosen, to be of this Com̄ittee, in conjunction with the Pastor, were, John Cotton, Deacons Diman, Crombie & Spooner, & William Watson.

1790. Dec^r 26^th Lords Day. Stay^d the Brethren of the Chh, after the Blessing at Night, & proposed to them the Case & Request of Clark, wife of Benjamin Clark, as follows. She is sick & suppos^d far gone in a Consumption — has lately recieved great Peace & Satisfaction of Mind, respecting an Interest in the favor of God thro Christ, thô before, has been in great distress on account of her Soul, & tho’tless life she lived, The Pastor inform^d the Chh, he had converse^d with her, & was much satisfy^d & tho’t there was sufficient reason to hope she had met with a real Change of Heart. Several of y^e Brethren had done y^e same. She is earnestly desirous to give herself up to God, & his Chh, & if consistent, to join the Lord’s Visible people, & our Christ before y^e World, & that her Children might be baptiz^d.

The Pastor inform^d the Brethren, that there was one Precedent, or Instance of a similar Case, before this Chh in March, 1764, of Lydia Cornish After conversing a while on the Case, it appearing that there was no Opposition to the following Vote, (similar to that in Page 401208) it was put, &

Voted That the Chh are so far satisfied with the Account given of Clark, wife of Benj^a Clark, & of her Profession & Desire, that they are willing to recieve her to their1209 Fellowship & Communion, provided her health should be so far restored, as to enable her to come to the House of God, & renew her Covenant in the usual way — & also willing, in Consequence of her present Profession & Desire, that (considering her peculiar Circumstances) his Children may, on her Right, be baptiz^d. (She is a baptiz^d Person.)

1791. Lords day, Jan^r 2^d. Stay^d y^e Chh at Noon, & mention^d to them, a proposal which hath been made by some of the Chh, that Benj^a Clarks Wife, (the person mention^d in the foregoing Article) be recieved into our Communion in her own house, in Consequence of her being apprehended near her End first as it was thôt this wo^d not be inconsistent with y^e former Vote, but agreable to the Spirit of it. Also, because it seemeth more agreable to Propriety that the [741210] that before she partakes of the special Priviledges of the Chh, & the Seal of the Covenant, viz Baptism for her Children on her Right, that she should first acknowledge & own that Covenant, by her own Act & Deed.

And thirdly, because it would take away any Occasion of Stumbling to others without, who, tis said have objected the Impropriety & Inconsistency of the Church’s Conduct — in this Instance to baptize Children, without y^e Parents assenting to any Covenant at all — when, in other Cases a solemn Covenant must be owned, & the person recieved into y^e Fellowship of the Church, by a public Transaction, before the Benefit of Baptism for their Children can be enjoy^d — &

Lastly, Because we find, by credible Information, that it has been the Practice of other Churches, on such special Occasions, to admit Persons into Chh fellowship at a private House, the Church being notify^d to be present for that purpose.

After free consultation, the Brethren were satisfy^d with the proposal & accordingly were notify^d to appear at the house of Benj^a Clark this Evening at Six o Clock, for the purpose above mention^d.

Lords day Evening, Jan^r 2^d 1791. The Church met according to Notification & a Number of the Congregation also, at the house of M^r Benjamin Clark, & after some discourse with Phebe Clark his Wife, in which she manifested much of the Spirit of a Christian, & also renewed her Request to be admitted into the Fellowship & Communion of this Chh — The Pastor proceeded to tender the Covenant to her, to which she openly signify^d her Consent, & so was solemnly recieved & declared a Member in full Communion with this Church, and her two young Children were then baptized. Concluded the whole with Prayer — & the Chh were dismiss^d

The Grounds & reasons of this Procedure, (being out of the usual Mode in this Church) are given in the preceeding Articles of Record — in this & y^e foregoing Page.

Oct^r 23^d Lords day Evening, read a Letter Missive from the Pastor, the Church and a number of aggrieved of the Chh in y^e first Parish in Rochester, desireing the presence & assistance of this Chh, by their pastor & Delegates, to hear & advise (in concurrence with 4 other Chhs) on some uncomfortable Differences that subsist among them especially between y^e Pastor, y^e Rev^d M^r Moore & Maj^r Earl Clap, &c the council were to meet Nov^r 1^st ensuing, i e, y^e Evening before. The Chh comply^d & chose Deacons Crombie & Spooner for Delegates. [75] 1791 1792 Records continued

Oct^r 31^st Accordingly the pastor with the deacons afors^d, attended this Evening at y^e house of M^r Lot Haskell in Rochester — the other Churches sent to also came — & the Council formed this Evening — chose y^e Pastor of this Chh Moderator, & Rev^d M^r Sanger Scribe — The Council consisted of Rev^d Mess^rs Turner, of Middleb^o — Niles of Abbington— Sanger of South Bridgwater — Barker of Middleb^o & the pastor of this Chh, with their Delegates. —13 in all.

Nov 1^st The Council met, by Desire, in y^e Meetinghouse, & proceeded to a public hearing of y^e Charges, Complaints &c exhibited by y^e Parties — their Witnesses, Depositions &c &c which lasted by adjournments, from Day to day (in public) till Tuesday Nov^r 8^th Then the Council adjourn’d to the house of Entertainment, M^r Lot Haskells, where they sat till Fryday P M — then, went to y^e Meeting house, (& after a pertinent & excellent sermon preached by y^e Rev^d M^r Niles,) the Mod^r read y^e Result of y^e Council, to a very numerous & anxiously expecting Assembly—which Result was left, with1211 them, & a copy of it read to this Chh, in presence of y^e Congregation, as is customary. May that God in whose hands1212 are the hearts of all, by this Result, promote his own Glory, the Cause of Truth & Righteousness, & the best Good of that poor, divided Chh & people, & their pastor!

1792 Lords Day Jan^y 22^d 1792. Notify^d the Brethren of y^e Chh to meet at the Pastor’s house on Tuesday P M. next — to consider several Matters then to be laid before them, at the request of several of y^e Church.

Tuesday Jan^r 24^th The Chh met agreable to Notification — when, after Prayer, the Pastor mentioned the Subject for Consideration — which had also been discoursed upon about 2 Months before, by the greater part of the Chh, at a private Conference at Deacon Crombie’s— 1^st Whither the Chh will now agree to meet statedly twice in a year for the express purpose of attending more specially to the Matter of Discipline — & to examine into the conduct of its Members —& take suitable measures for reclaim^g those who walk disorderly & thereby bring a Scandal on Religion. 2 Whither the Chh will take some proper Steps to raise a Fund for the purpose of relieving the poor, distress^d members of it, as often suitable objects shall appear — & 3^dly (Turn over [761213] & 3^dly To know the minds of1214 the brethren, respecting the insisting on written Relations, being read in public,1215 as a necessary term of admission into this Chh, as has been practised in1216 time past. — The Brethren conversed some time on the foregoing Subjects, particularly, the last mention^d And finally, without coming to any Vote on this Article, it appeared to be the minds of the Chh, not to recede from, but continue the former practice, with respect to Relations.

With regard to the other two Articles — The Church Voted unanimously — 1^st That they will meet in Chh Conference twice a year, viz, some time in the Month of April & in y^e month of October annually, for the purpose mentioned in the first article on the other Side — viz Chh Discipline &c. Also Voted unanimously that this Chh will comply with the proposal mentioned in the 2^d Article — relating to a Fund for the relief of poor Members — & that the Chh shall, accordingly, be notify^d to come prepared to contribute for this purpose, on the Sabbath next following the Chh’s Conference in April & October, annually. The meet^g concluded with Prayer.

1792. April 15^th Lords day Evening, Notified the Members of y^e Chh, that, agreably to the late Vote, next Sabbath the Collection for the poor of the Chh would take place — & previously to it, the Brethren1217 were desired to meet on Wednesday next, at the Pastors house, at 3 Clock PM — it being the semiannual Meeting on the Subj^t of Discipline — & to enquire into the Conduct of y^e Members of the Chh, who walk disorderly.

Wednesday. April 18. The Chh met according to notification, After Prayer, entered into a free Conversation on y^e Subject proposed — & came to y^e following Votes —

Voted That the three Deacons, Diman, Crombie & Spooner, be a Com̄ittee to go & discourse with y^e Members of y^e Chh who are reported to have walk^d in a disord^rly manner, particularly in absenting themselves from Ordinances. Voted [771218] Voted, also, That the Pastor be desired, &1219 is chosen to recieve, the Collections that may be made at the half yearly Contributions for the poor of y^e Chh, & to distribute them to those whom he shall find to be proper Objects of this Charity. The Meeting was concluded with Prayer, as usual.

Lord’s day, April 22^d The collection was made accordingly, after the Evening Service was ended — in which some of the Congregation also joined. The public discourses of y^e Day were from Math. 25. 40.

Sept^r 23^d Lord’s Day Ev^g. Stay^d the Chh, in order to a more easy & free Conversation with them, on the Subject of a Letter missive, rec^d from a Number of dissatisfied Brethren of the Chh at Wrentham under y^e Care of y^e Rev^d M^r Avery requesting the Assistance of this Chh, at a Council of 9 Chhs — to meet the 2^d of October. Being at a Loss about going myself, from Indisposition partly — & also from its being an Exparte Council, I wanted a more free Communication on the Subject, with y^e Chh than I could have, (for want of bodily strength) before the whole Congregation — it being otherwise always customary to read such Letters missive, before the Congregation. — After discoursing a while, however, such Reasons were suggested, as that the Chh, on ye whole, — voted to comply with the Request — & chose Deacons Crombie, Spooner, & Br^o Daniel Diman, (in case either of y^e others sho^d fail) as Delegates.

Mem^o We did not go to s^d Council, by reason of a violent Storm of Rain.

Lord’s day Oct^r 14^th, Notify^d the Semiannual Contribution for the Poor of the Chh, to be next Lords day, at the Close of Worship in the Afternoon, — Also the Chh Conference, to be next Thursday 2 Cl. P M, at y^e Pastor’s house, both, in conformity to the Vote of this Chh passed in January last.

Thursday, Oct^r 18^th The Chh met according to appointment, but it being very rainy, & but few attended, it was thought best to adjourn, & accordingly the meeting was adjourned to Nov^r 1^st, on Thursday, i e a fortnight from this time. The Deacons, (a Com̄ittee) to notify & warn our Brother Benj^a Churchill, to appear at s^d meeting, & give his Reasons for absenting himself so long, from all Ordinances.

Lords day Oct^r 28^th Notify^d y^e Chh to meet this week, on Fryday at 2 Clock P M, instead of Thursday, (to which y^e Meeting was adjourned) by reason the Pastor would probably be necessarily absent on Thursday at an Association of Ministers this week.

Fryday. Nov^r 2^d 1792. The Chh met accordingly at the Pastor’s house — & after Prayer, conversed on Several Subjects proper to y^e Occasion, with respect to Discipline — Particularly y^e Case of Br^o Benjamin Churchill, [781220] whom the Com̄ittee before mentioned had notified to attend this Meeting, but he refuses, not giving any sufficient reason. Whereupon the Chh came to the following Vote — That1221 Whereas our Brother Benjamin Churchill has for a long time absented himself from all Ordinances of Gods house, & thô much pains has been taken by y^e Chh to convince & reclaim him, by private conversation, & by Com̄ittees of y^e Chh, he still refuses to reform, & has also refused to attend the Meeting of y^e Chh, when warned to attend & give his reasons.

Voted — That the Pastor, in the Name of the Chh, send him a written Admonition — & at y^e same time let him know that if he doth not make his Peace wfith the Chh. by a suitable Confession before y^e Church of his Sin & unchristian behavior before the1222 Expiration of two Months, viz before y^e first Thursday in January next, the Church will then proceed according to the Rule in such cases, to suspend, & (unless he repent) to excommunicate him from this Church.

Voted. Also, that the Pastor be desired to furnish our Sister Patience Burgiss, out of the Chh’s Contribution, with such articles of Clothing as she may stand in need of to enable her to attend, with Decency, the publick Worship & Ordinances — She being very poor.

The meeting was attended with great Unanimity, Solemnity & Brotherly Affection, & concluded with Prayer.

Jan^ry 6^th Lords Day. — After divine Service at Night the Chh was Stay^d, & after some Conversation, respecting the Affair of our Brother Benjamin Churchill, (whose Case is mention^d above) — the Chh was notify^d to meet at the Pastor’s house on Thursday next 2 Clock P M. to consider what is further to be done respecting him — See next page but two.1223

[79] Confessions

Apr^l 1. 1764. — Lydia Cornish Wife of John — Confess^d Fornicatⁿ — & was restor^d to Charity. See page 391224

Nov^r 8^th 1767. Seth Barnes a Member, now living in New Yarm^th in Nova Scotia, made public Confession of y^e Sin of Fornication, & was restored to Charity & Communion w^th this Chh.

March 19.1769. Abigail Holmes, Wife of Lemuel Holmes, made publick Confession of the breach of y^e 7^th Comm^d — i e Fornication, as also breach of her Covenant, in so long neglect^s to come to y^e Ordinances, & was restored to Communion.

April 2^d 1769. John King made public Confession of the Sin of Profaness, as well as long absenting from y^e Ordinance of y^e Lords Supper, (being a Member of the1225 2^d Chh in Plimpton) & was restored to occasional Communion with this Chh — & afterwards recommended to & recieved into this Chh.

Nov^r 26.1769. Flora, formerly Servant to John Bartlett, now living in Middleboro, a member of this Chh, made publick Confession of Intemperance & other bad Conduct, and was restored to Charity & Communion.

May 20. 1770. Lucia Watson, Wife of John Watson, made Confession of the Sin of Fornication, & was recieved into full Communion with this Chh.

Nov^r 10. 1771. Patience Burgess made publick Confession of y^e Sin of Fornication & was restored to Communion.

Nov^r 29. 1778. David Bacon & Abigail his Wife, of y^e Sin of Fornication & were recieved to Christian Charity.

June 13^th 1779. Hannah Winslow, (formerly Torrey) of y^e Sin of Fornication & was restored to Christian Charity & Com̄union.

April 23^d 1780. Sarah Barnes, Wife of Lem^l — of Fornication, & rec^d to full Communion.

April 30. 1780. Rebecca Bartlett, Widow of W^m Dec^d of Fornication & rec^d to Communion.

July 30. 1780. Desire Goodwin, Wife of Thomas Goodⁿ — of Fornicatⁿ & rec^d to Communion.

Aug^t 12. 1781. Hannah Cooper Wife of Richard Cooper — of Fornicatⁿ & rec^d to Com̄union.

Nov^r 11. 1781. Richard Cooper — of Fornication & ree^d to Communion.

D^o Zilpah Bramhall Wife of George Bramhall of Fornicatⁿ & rec^d to Commⁿ

Dec^r 16. Deborah Atwood — of Fornication & rec^d to Commⁿ

1788 Dec^r 28. Ruth Morton — of Fornication & rec^d to Commⁿ [801226] [81] 1793 Chh Records continued from page 781227

Jan^r 10^th Thursday. The Chh met accordingly, at y^e pastor’s house, after some Conversation, the Chh came to y^e following Votes Unanimously — viz

That our Brother Benjamin Churchill’s offence is of such a public Nature, viz his long continued Absence from all Ordinances, & refusing to return, or to give Satisfaction to the Church thô frequently requested by one com̄ittee after another — that it is the Opinion and is unanimously voted that he should make his Confession in public, before the Congregation, in order to his being restored to the Charity & Com̄union of the Church.

Voted that Deacon Diman & Deacon Crombie be a Comittee to go & inform him of the determination of the Chh respecting him & to desire him to attend at their next Chh meeting.

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned a fortnight to meet again at the Pastor’s house.

This adjournment, & the Chh’s forbearing to suspend our Brother Churchill from Comunion, at this time agreable to their Vote at their last Meeting was expressly in Condescention to his bodily Infirmity & to manifest all possible Tenderness towards him, as he declared to one of the Brethren his Indisposition of body was the only thing that prevented his coming this day to the Chh Meeting,

& that it was his purpose to attend his Duty, & conform to the Rules of the Gospel, by a Christian Behavior.

The Meeting was begun & concluded with Prayer.

Jan^r 24. 1793. Thursday. — The Chh met — but a small Number, (on acc^t of the public civil Rejoicing this day, in this town, for y^a Successes which divine Providence has given to France, against the1228 combined Enemies of their freedom1229) therefore adjourn^d to next Thursday, y^e 31^st instant, to meet at y^e pastor’s house.

Jan^y 31^st The Chh met—but it being stormy, & but few attended, the Meeting was adjourn^d to next Tuesday, y^e 5^th of Feb^ry to meet at the Pastors house.

Feb^r 5^th The Chh met accordingly, our Brother Benja Churchill attended & after Prayer, a conversation was had with him — & he confessed his faults, in those matters charged against him, as above & beg^d forgiveness of God & his Brethren, & hoped that wherein he had done iniquity, he should, by divine grace enabling, do so no more. The Church appeared satisfied, so far, & were ready to restore him to their Charity, but did not vote, at this time, to dispense with his making a public confession, before the Congregation, agreable to their Vote pass^d y^e 10^th Jan^y. See Vote 1^st1230

The Meeting was opened & concluded with Prayer. — Turn over [82] 1793 Chh Records continued

Feb^r 17^th Lords day Evening, Stay^d the Chh, & the Pastor having recieved a written Confession, from Bro. Benj^a Churchill, of his former unchristian conduct, with a Request that the Church would accept of it, without making it before the Congregation, it was laid before them &1231 for reasons mentioned, after some conversation, the Church, in consideration of some circumstances relative to his case, which were not so particularly attended to, or known when the matter was before them, did Vote to reconsider the vote of the 10^th Jan^y last, & to accept of his Confession made before the Church.

April 21. Notify^d the Chh to meet at y^e Pastor’s house tomorrow P M being the Semiannual Conference, accord^e to usage & Vote — & the Semiannual Contribution also to be y^e next Sabbath.

April 22^d The Chh met accordingly, After prayer, conversed on several matters proper to the Occasion — & it being mention^d that several of the Congregation, as well as Chh, wish^d to assist in y^e Contribution, but were desirous it might be extended, in the distribution of it, to the distress^d of y^e Congregation as well as of the Chh, & twas apprehended the first Object, viz y^e Relief of the Chh’s poor, would be more likely to be attained by thus altering & extending the plan of Contribution, it was now Voted, That y^e above plan sho^d be adopted, at least for y^e present Also, It being moved, it was agreed by the Chh, that, for y^e benefit & Convenience of those of the Congregation, who wish to tarry as Spectators, at y^e Sacrament, the Wall Pews round the Meeting house, be appropriated for that purpose, the Members of Chh occupying them, moving, at Sacrament time, into other Seats.

Oct^r 6^th Lords Day Even^g — Read to the Chh, in presence of y^e Congregation, a Letter Missive from a Church in Rochester, desiring the presence & Assistance of this Chh, by their Pastor & De- Delegates, at y^e Ordination of M^r Calvin Chaddock to the work of y^o

Ministry on y^e 10^th instant — Whereupon y^e Chh

Voted to comply with the Request of s^d Chh — & also

Voted That Deacon Cromby & Deacon Spooner, be y^e Delegates.

Oct^r 10^th Attended on s^d Ordination, Dⁿ Spooner with the Pas^r & 9 other Chlis [83] 1793 Chh Records continued

Nov^r 9^th Mem^o After the Example of my venerable & pious Predecessor, y^e Rev. M^r Leonard, I think it may be for the Glory of God, the honor of the Redeemer, the Comfort of his Children & the Benefit of Posterity, to mention here, & leave upon Record, the wonderful Displays of Gods rich & sovereign Grace towards this Place, in a remarkable Revival of Religion by the blessed Outpouring of the Spirit of God, this Year, which first began to appear the latter part of December &1232 beginning of January last. No uncommon Dispensation of Providence, no public Calamity, or any thing of that nature, had taken place, which might be assign^d as a Cause of it — It seemed apparently to be by the Still small Voice of y^e Spirit of God, and his secret but powerful Operation upon the hearts of one & another, untill it became more & more extensive — & a general Solemnity & Serious Concern seem^d to prevail thrô the Town. Besides our public Assemblies on Lords Days, we1233 had frequent Lectures in public & private, on Week Days — & religious Meetings for Conference & social Worship in private houses, several Evenings in the week, in different parts of the Town. — Among which, it is remarkable, that the young Children, from 7 to 15 & 16 Years old, voluntarily agreed to meet once or twice a week, (under the patronage, & with the Leave of their Parents & Guardians) in which they prayed, sang & read & conversed upon the great Things of another World, & behaved with great Decency, order & Solemnity — several of these, we have reason to hope, have, in this time, met with a saving Change. — Many Scores, I may say, I believe hundreds of Persons, of different Ages in the Town have been seriously impressed with the infinitely important Concerns1234 of their Souls & Eternity — & we have reason humbly to hope, a goodly Number have been made the happy Subjects of the free, saving Grace of God, & have witnessed a good Confession, & hitherto walk agreably to their profession. More than fifty have already been added to the Chh — & many more, are expected to join, who have express^d their Desire, & who entertain a hope of being savingly converted. [84] 1793 Chh Records continued. Of y^e Revival &c continu^d

It is also to be remarked, with Satisfaction & Gratitude, that during this wonderful Work of Gods Power & Grace here, it has been free from those Irregularities, Disorders, & corrupt mixtures, which have, in times past, been the unhappy occasion of opposition, & of great Reproach being brot upon Religion. And altho’ it is not to be expected (while y^e world stands, & while y^e Chh of Christ is in its militant State), but that the Enemies of Christ & Religion will be opposed to y^e Truths & Cause of God — yet we have reason to be thankful, there hath been less visible Opposition to this work, than has1235 been usual. — Thanks to y^e almighty Power & restrain^g grace of God!

And it is pleasing & beautiful to see many who are quite young, engaged in religion, devoting themselves to his service in the days of their youth, & crying Hosanna to the Son of David. “Out of y^e mouths of Babes & Children God hath ordained Praise” — has been verified among us.

It is likewise a pleasing Sight, to behold, the Love & unity & sweet Com̄union that subsists among Christians, who often meet together, & “speak often and to another,” to1236 mutual Edification, comfort & quickening.

And, I would speak of it with thankfulness; we have found unspeakable Benefit from such private Conferences, & have reason to believe they have been remarkably own’d of God, as a means of keeping alive a sense of God & Eternal Things — even “as Iron sharpneth Iron.” & we have been often constrain’d to say at such times, “Surely God is in this place” — & that “It is good to be here.”

And blessed be the name of God, that we have still the Tokens of God’s Presence among us, now, when it is more than 10 Months since the Awakening began — &

I have cause to remark, with humble Gratitude to God his goodness to an unworthy Creature, in strengthening & supporting him under arduous1237 labors, (naturally of a very feeble Constitution) for so long a time — in preaching, visiting, conversing with persons under Soul Concern — Conferences &c &c

To God be all, all the Praise & Glory, thro Jesus Christ. And may his name be magnified, & his work be still carry^d on here, & prevail thro y^e Land & World — till it is fill^d with his Glory, Amen.

This is recorded for a memorial, to the honor of y^e blessed Redeemer, & may y^e generations to come see it, & praise the name of y^e Lord.

Ch^r Robbins

[85] 1793 Chh Records Contin^d

Oct^r 27^th Lords day Evening — Notify^d y^e Chh to meet at the Pastors house next Fryday, being the semiannual Meeting, according to a former Vote of y^e Chh, (See Page 761238), & also the Contribution as usual, to be the Sabbath following.

Nov^r 1^st The Chh met at the Pastors house, accordingly.— And after Prayer to God — had a free & friendly Conference on Subjects proper for y^e Occasion — And came to the following Votes. — viz

Vote 1. Whereas our Sister Elizabeth Morton (wife of Elisha), has for a long time, neglected to bring her Children to Baptism, & it is also reported that she has attempted to dissuade others from bringing their Children that it is the unanimous Opinion of the Chh, that such a Conduct is very irregular & reprehensible, & contrary to her Coven^t Engagement.

Voted 2^d That a Com̄ittee be chosen to discourse with her on the Premises.

Vote 3^d That three be chosen for y^e Purpose aforesaid. —&

Vote 4. That y^e Pastor, Deac^ns Crombie & Spooner, be this Comittee.

And on Information that there was just reason to apprehend that our Sister Patience Burgiss has been guilty of Intemperance — Voted

Vote 5. That the Pastor, with some or any one of the Brethren, be desired to discourse with her & enquire into the Occasion of such Report. &c & to report her Answer, at the Adjournment of this meeting.

And whereas our Br^o Amaziah Churchill represented to the Church, that he is aggrieved with our Sister Mercy Bramhall, on Account of money which he thinks is justly due to him, from her late husband’s Estate, & thinks she ought, in Justice & Conscience, to repay him her third part, of the s^d debt, it being a difficulty of long standing, & intricate, the Chh, (agreably to his offer & proposal, to have the matter left to 3 judicious, disinterested Persons, & he promising to be easy with & abide by their Determination) y^e Chh thôt it reasonable, & therefore

Voted, 6^th That the Pastor, Deacon Cromby & Brother James Prince, be be a Com̄ittee, who are desired to go & converse with Mn Bramhall & inform her that the Chh think the Proposal to be reasonable & Christian like, & that she ought to comply with it.

Adjourned to next Monday week, y^e 11^th instant 2 Clock.—clos^d w^th Prayer.

Nov^r 11^th Monday.— Met at y^e Pastor’s house agreable to Adjournment— After Prayer, y^e committees above, reported to y^e Chh, on y^e Several Cases1239 before mentioned.

On y^t of our Sister Elizabeth Morton, The Chh Voted they are satisfy^d as it appears her1240 Neglect to offer her Children in Baptism, arose from some Conscientious Scruples she then had in her mind, about infant Baptism — & not from contempt of y^e Ordinance. — As to her disswading others, she has no Remembrance of it, But if she did she acknowledges it was wrong, & asks forgiveness.

Again [861241] Also, with Regard to our Sister Patience Burgiss — y^e Committee who discoursed with her, were, by no means satisfy^d, which they reported to y^e Chh — Whereupon the Church

Voted, That our Brethren Silvanus Bartlett, Daniel Diman & Deacon Spooner be a Com̄ittee to go & inform her that unless she shall make her peace with y^e Chh, agreable to Gospel rule, before, or at y^e next Meeting of the Church, for her disorderly Conduct, she will be suspended from Communion. — Also

Voted, That Deacon Crombie & Spooner & Br^o James Prince be a Com̄ittee to go & discourse further with our Sister Mercy Bramhall, respecting y^e Complaint of Brother Amaziah Churchill, & endeavor to persuade her to execute her proposal, & y^e Churche’s Desire, of having that matter left to be decided by three impartial, judicious Men.

Concluded the Meeting with Prayer, & adjourned to this Day fortnight, viz, to y^e 25^th ins^t, to meet at Dn Spooner’s.

Monday, Nov^r 25^th Met according to Adjournment at Dⁿ Spooners — but there being very few Members, Adjourned to Thursday this week, y^e 28^th ins^t, to meet at y^e Pastor’s house.

Nov^r 28^th Met accordingly — but a very few being there, adjourned again to Monday next Dec^r 2^d to meet at y^e Pastors house, at 2 Clock P M.

Dec^t 2^d Monday. Met accordingly— After prayer, & conversation on y^e Subjects before them, The Chh Voted — That as our Sister Burgiss has not comply^d with the Vote of y^e Chh pass^d y^e 11^th ins^t that she be suspended from our Com̄union, agreable to y^t Vote.

Voted That Brother William Watson & Dⁿ Spooner be a Comittee to endeavor (if occasion call) by discoursing with Benjamin, y^e Son of our Sister Mercy Bramhall, to have the affair between her & our Bro. Amaziah Churchill, settled amicably & justly, without giving further trouble to M^rs Bramhall — as she appears greatly agitated about it, & is far advanced in Life, & ignorant of business of y^t kind, & depends on her Children to settle all Matters relative to y^e Estate of her late Husband. [871242] 1793 Dec^r 2^d Chh Records contin^d

Then adjourned to this day fortnight, to meet, if necessary at Deacon Diman’s — to be mentioned to y^e Chh y^e Sabbath Evening before — & if not necessary, then no mention made, & ye Meeting dissolv^d.

Lord’s Day Evening. Dec^r 8^th Stay^d the Church, & related to them the following transaction — viz. That on Fryday last, the Pastor was called to see Priscilla Thomas, Wife of Nath^l Thomas Jun^r, who was very sick, & appeared near her End — he had often seen & discours^d with her in her Sickness before; at which times, she manifested no good hope of her being prepared to die — was in much distress of Mind in y^e View of her sin, & miserable State — But at this time gave such an Acc^t of y^e State of her mind & y^e Views she had of Christ & ye Way of Salvation, & of her hope in him, & the sweet Peace she had enjoy^d y^e night preceeding, from those Words Mat.11.28. “Come unto me all y^e y^t labor & are heavy laden, & I will give you rest” — That induced a charitable hope that she had really experienc^d a saving Change — And now signify^d to y^e pastor, that it was her earnest desire, if it might be, to give herself up to God in Covenant, & recieve Baptism, before she died — In consequence of which, the pastor knowing that there had been precedents of 2 Cases before in this Chh, of a similar Nature, for Substance, viz, that of Lydia Cornish (recorded Page 391243)—& that of Phebe Clark — (Page 731244) — the Pastor did in her house, in the presence of a Number of this Chh, & some of y^e Congregation, propound to her the Covenant (as used in the Admission of Members) to which she solemnly gave her Consent — upon which the Pastor baptiz’d her — with Prayers &c. She dy’d soon after. — After giving this full Relation, The Chh came to y^e following Votes —

1. That, considering the peculiar Circumstances of y^e Case—this Chh consider that transaction as right, & as comprehending the Essentials of joining her self to the visible Chh of Christ, & that she thereby be View^d in that transaction as uniting with this Chh as a Member.

Vote 2. That in consequence hereof, her Children are entitled to the priviledge of Baptism, in common with all other Members in Communion with this Church. [88] 1794 Church Records continued

Feb^r 12^th Elizabeth Lanman, widow of Sam Lanman, late member of y^s Chh dee^d was this day recieved in the Communion in her own house, having been confined by bodily weakness for a great many Years — Her Case, & her Desire, were laid before y^e Chh in Dec^r last, when the Pastor gave a brief Acc^t or relation of her religious Experience as he recieved it from her — upon which y^e Chh Voted that they were satisfy’d to recieve her, as above — Her admission was delay^d to this time, (longer than is usual) from no other Cause than her husband’s intervening Sickness & Death, after she was propounded (before y^e Chh only.) — On Occasion of her Admission The Pastor preached to a very full house, & solemn Audience from Jer. 50.5. “Come & let us join ourselves to y^e Lord in a perpetual Covenant, that shall not be forgotten.” — We trust y^e Presence of God was there!

March 30^th Lords day Evening. Notify^d the Semiannual Contribution to be the next Sabbath, & the previous Conference of y^e Chh, on Thursday next both, agreable to the Vote of this Chh — See Pages 76, & 821245

April 3^d Thursday— The Chh met accordingly, in the School house — Convers^d on various things, agreably to y^e Desires of y^o Meeting

Mem^o. The Precinct, at a Meeting, having chosen a Committee of seven, (thrô the influence & desire of a Number of Men who have, of late, talk’d of a Seperation & build^g another Meeting house) to confer with a Com̄ittee of this Chh & their Pastor, on certain Propositions made by a Number of dissatisfy^d Individuals, relating to the “baptizing the Children of such as have been themselves baptiz’d & not immoral, & professing a Belief of y^e Christian Religion” — with 2 or 3 other Matters, of lesser Importance, as they acknowledged — The Chh accordingly did Vote, & chose seven Members, together with the Pastor, to confer with s^d Com̄ittee then appointed by y^e Precinct — viz — The Pastor, & our Brethren Deacons Diman & Crombie, Will^m Watson, James Prince John Cobb, Doct^r Rosseter Cotton & Lemuel Drew, begun & concluded with Prayer.

Oct^r 2^d The above Comittee met, this Evening, with y^o gentlemen chosen by y^e Precinct, who were Mess^rs Joshua Thomas — Deacon Spooner — John Davis John Cotton — & William Le Baron — Thos Jackson Esq^r another chosen, now dead — & Sam^l Jackson absent. — After a lengthy & amicable Conference, it was at length agree’d, that the two Chairmen, Viz the Pastor, & Major Thomas, be requested to draw up a form of Admission into a Christian Chh, & Confession of faith, & present them at y^e next Meeting of these Comittees, for them to deliberate & converse upon

The Object with the Gentlemen abovenamed, appearing to be, to have some Mode adopted by this Chh, of admitting Members, (& having their Offspring baptiz^d) different from that Covenant now in Use, which, they say, they can not clearly & conscientiously make. So adj^d y^e Conference a fortnight. [89] 1794 Chh Records continued

Oct^r 19^th Lords Day Evening — Notify^d the Semiannual Contribution to be next Sabbath & the Chh Conference, as usual previous to it, to be on on Thursday next.

Oct^r 21^st The Committees of the Chh & Precinct, (mention^d in the foregoing page) met, this Evening, at Deacon Diman’s, had a long, & free Conference on the Subject of Admission to sealing Ordinances — & the forms mention^d before, Page 88.1246 For, it is proper to mention here, that none of the Gentlemen of y^e Prec^t Committee desired or wish’d to have the antient Method of owning the Conv^t, revived.

At this Meeting M^r Thomas, the Chairman of y^e Precinct’s Committee, produced a Form, (as was agreed) viz, a Confession of Faith, & a Chh Covenant — being the same, (as he informed us) that is used in the Chh in Plimpton since the Settlement of their present Pastor, Rev^d M^r Samson, & drawn up by him) To this it was. objected, by the Com̄ittee of y^e Chh, that the Confession, was of so very general a Nature, that any Denomination of Men call^d Christian except Deists, could & would readily subscribe such a Confessⁿ & Coven^t. That it would therefore introduce great Confusion into the Chh, & lay a foundation for sad Dissention, Animosities & Dicord among Brethren of the same Communion, who, being so exceedingly different in their Ideas of what they deem fundamental Doctrines of y^e Gospel, cannot maintain that cordial, friendly fellowship, so becoming & necessary in a Christian Chh — for “How can two walk together, except they be agreed?” — Particularly, the great & glorious, scriptural Doctrine of the Divinity or true & proper Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, was insisted on, by the Committee of this Chh, as a doctrine which this Chh, (as well as others) have, from the beginning, held as a foundation Doctrine of y^e Bible, & which we can never give up, as we view it to be the great Ground of all our hope here, & happiness hereafter — This, therefore, it was much insisted, ought expressly & unreservedly to be acknowledged, by those who wish for Admission into this Chh — to which some of the Precinct’s Comittee w^d not agree —together with w^th Other important Doctrines, which, as it appears to us, are equally clearly held up in the Word of God, y^e only Rule of our Faith & Practice.

Agreably to this, The Pastor also, (as was before desired) produced & read a Form of Confession of Faith, & Chh Covenant — which he had drawn up, exhibiting a general View of the great Protestant Doctrines, call’^d Calvanistic, which have been held by this & the Protestant Chhes in general, ever since the Reformation from Popery

To this form, of Confessⁿ of faith, & Covenant, the Committee of this Chh, now present, manifested their hearty concurrence, & doubted not it was conformable to y^e Minds of this Chh universally. — But To the same, some Gentlemen of y^e other Com̄ittee, signified, they could not agree, — And thus, after a long & friendly Conversation, (not agreeing in any particular plan or Mode, different from that already in use in this Chh) the two Committees, in a friendly manner, broke up, & parted. [90] 1794 Chh Records continued

Oct^r 23^d Thursday. P M, the Church met, according to Notification, (See top of last Page1247) at the house of Doctr Cotton, & after Prayer, there being a full Meeting, entered on y^e consideration of several Subjects, agreable to y^e design of y^e Meeting, viz, Chh Discipline — And at this time, as was desired, A Report of y^e proceedings of the Chh’s Committee, in their Conference with the Precincts Comittee, (See two last Pages1248) was given to the Chh — On which, they unanimously manifested & express’d their Approbation of the Conduct of their Committee, on that Occasion — & also of the forms of Confession of faith & Covenant,1249 exhibited by the Pastor at the afors^d Conference, & which were also now read to the Chh. In special, they unanimously agreed in their Opinion of the Truth & Importance of that great & fundamental Doctrine of the Divinity of our blessed Savior Jesus Christ, & also That they could not, in Conscience, admit any person into our Communion, who was of a contrary Opinion, particularly on account of the practical tendency of such an Error, in promoting Dissension, & Discord in the Chh, & preventing that cordial fellowship & Love, which ought always to subsist among Brethren of the same Church, “that there may be no Schism in the Body” of Christ.

The Chh, likewise Voted, that inasmuch as some Members of the Congregation, have manifested a Dislike of Relations being read publickly, (when persons are propounded to the Church) before the congregation are dismiss’d, (Voted) that this Chh, not willing to retain any, contrary to their minds, on such an Occasion, are willing that such Relations be read, in future, after the Blessing is given — Notice being given to the Congregation, of this Change, that those only may stay, who incline.

Voted Also to choose a Com̄ittee to join with the Pastor, in drawing up a Confession of faith for this Chh to deliberate upon, at their next meeting, & see if it be agreable to them to adopt it, as1250 their belief1251 & to1252 be acknowledged by all who do now belong to, or may hereafter join themselves to, this Chh — for y^e reasons before mentiond, to promote Union & fellowship among Brethren in this Church &c [911253] This Committee thus chosen, consisted of our Brethren William Watson—Deacon Crombie, Deacon Spooner & John Cobb, w^th y^e Pastor. The greatest Unanimity, & cordial, brotherly Affection were apparent at this meeting, which, as it was begun, so was concluded by Prayer.— May such ever be the Character & y^e Glory of this Chh!

1795. March. 22^d Stayed the Chh, Lords day Evening, after public Worship, & from the Consideration of y^e inconveniency of having the Semiannual Contributions on the Months of April & Octr (agreably to y^e present Custom, & a Vote past Jan^y 24^th 1792: Page 76^th1254) on Acc^t of the Fast in the Spring, & the Thanksgiving in the Fall, being usually so near those Months — The Chh

Voted. 1^st To reconsider the Votes aboves^d, past in Jan^y 24^th 1792. — & then

Voted 2^d That in future, the Chh Meeting or Conference on the Subject of Discipline, & also the1255 Semiannual Contribution, be in the Months of June & January, yearly.

The Pastor then com̄unicated a Proposal, from a great Number of Ministers, of1256 different Denominations, to unite in carrying into Execution, the Late President Edwards’s “Humble Attempt to promote explicit Agreement & Visible Union of God’s people in extraordinary Prayer to God, for the Revival of Religion & Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom on Earth agreable to Scripture Promises & Prophecies concerning the last times — founded on Zec^h 8.20.21.22” &c A Part of the first printed circular Letter was read to the Church, relating to this Subject — the remaining part, with the 2^d letter, already recieved, (giving account of the Success of the proposed plan, & the Approbation of various Ministers, of different Denominations, & Associations— Presybteries & Synods, in Various1257 parts of the United States) is1258 reserved, to be com̄unicated, by divine Leave, to the whole Congregation the next Lord’s Day. —The Chh having thus a knowledge of y^e general Plan & Design of the Concert — Did

Vote 3^d their unanimous & hearty concurrence in it — & agreed, according to the Proposal, to meet on the first Tuesday of the four Quarters of the year, viz in January, April, July & October, at 2 Clock in the Afternoon, for Prayer & to attend on such religious Instruction as may be suited to that Subject & Occasion.

June 17^th Agreably to the Vote of the Chh, (2^d Vote above) altering the time of the Semiannual Meeting or Conference, from April to June &c the Chh met this day at the Pastor’s house 3 Clock P M, (being notify^d the Sabbath before) & after Prayer to God, [921259] conversed on Subjects relative to the Kingdom of Christ & the Peace & Order of this Chh — And the Comittee, Chosen at their last Meeting (in October. See page 90^th1260) to prepare a Confession of Faith for the Church’s Consideration, & Adoption if they see fit, in Conformity to the Practice of almost all other Churches in the Land, did lay before the Chh, at this time, a short Summary of the principal Articles of the1261 Christian Faith, drawn from the Holy Scriptures — which, after due deliberation & free Conversation thereon, the Chh did unanimously Vote to accept and adopt the same, as expressive of their Belief of those great & fundamental doctrines of Religion, as revealed in the Holy Word of God, & that1262 the same be acknowledged by all who now belong to, or may hereafter join themselves to this Chh, with a View to preserve Order, Unity, Peace & Christian Fellowship in this antient Chh — being the same Doctrines on which this Chh was at first founded, & which have ever been acknowledged by it, from the days of their Forefathers — as well as by Protestant Churches in general since the Reformation from Popery.

The Confession of Faith, thus adopted, is as follows.

[93] 1795 Chh Records continued

Voted, 2^d The Church then Voted unanimously, that, at some proper Time, shortly, (when there shall be a prospect of the Members being able to attend as universally as may be) the Members of this Chh will publickly, in a solemn Manner, declare their Assent to the above Confession of Faith, as expressive of their Sense of the Holy Scriptures, relative to the articles herein mentioned. — At the same time —

Voted. 3. The Chh voted also, that, agreably to the frequent Practice of this antient Chh, in former times, this Chh will, on the same Occasion, in a publick & solemn Manner, openly renew their Covenant with God & one another — hoping it may be a means of animating & exerting one another to walk more, as becometh Saints, & agreably to the solemn Vows of God that lie upon us.

The utmost harmony & Unanimity prevailed in all our Deliberations & Acts, at this Meeting — which was concluded (as it was begun) with Prayer. See Page 1861264

[94] An Account of y^e Deaths in this Town, beginning with the year 1760 — in January — on the 30^th of w^ch Month I was ordained.

C. Robbins

1760

1760 & 17611268

1761

1762

1762 3 & 41269

1763

1764

[95] 1764 5 & 6 Account of Deaths continued

1764

1765

1766

17661273

1767

1768

17681276

1769

[96] Account of Deaths continued

1769

1770