USA > Connecticut > A complete history of Connecticut, civil and ecclesiastical, from the emigration of its first planters, from England, in the year 1630, to the year 1764; and to the close of the Indian wars > Part 21
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him, a complaint was exhibited against him, to the asso- Book II. ciation which sat at Cheshire, in May, 1743. Mr. Rob- bins accidentally heard of it, soon after, but he could not 1743. learn who were the complainants, nor what number of them there were, nor what were the articles of complaint. Every thing relative to it had been conducted with the ut- most secrecy. However, by one of the neighboring min- isters, he learned that the articles of complaint, as nearly as he could remember them, were, " That Mr. Robbins had set up lectures, without a vote of the church for it : That he denied the platform : That he baptized a child at New- Haven : That he was a promoter of divisions and separa- tions ; and that he admitted members of the separate church at New-Haven to communion."
He learned that the complainants were six in number; one of them a man who, for some time, had scarcely been compos mentis, and had not for about two years attended public worship. He also became acquainted with the ap- pointment of a council, to meet in Branford, in June, to hear all matters of difficulty, by the appointment of the as- sociation. Mr. Robbins hearing who were the ministers that were appointed to meet at Branford, invited them to his house. He afterwards received a letter from the scribe of the association, acquainting him that a council was to meet at Branford, the second Tuesday in June, to enquire into their difficulties, and naming the gentlemen of whom it was to consist ; but mentioning no articles of complaint. But, before the time appointed for the meeting of the coun- cil, the principal complainants came to Mr. Robbins, and desired to make peace. They said if they could make up the breach among themselves, there need be no more diffi- culty. Mr. Robbins observed, that if he should satisfy them, the other complainants, who were not present, might not be satisfied. They said they would go and call the others. They all came but two ; one was not at home, and the other left it with his brethren to act for him.
Mr. Robbins then asked, what were their articles of Settle- grievance ; but they had no copy of them, nor did they ment of
difficulties seem to be able to recollect them. He then repeated what between he had heard them to be. They said those were the arti- Mr. Rob- cles. Mr. Robbins then said, to make peace, I will call a bins and church meeting, and take their vote. respecting lectures., the con- plainants. With respect to his denying the platform, they meant by it, his not going to associations, thus making the punish- ment of a former offence, the ground of subsequent accusa- tion ; he said, I will go to the next, and endeavour to make up with them. With respect to the third article, his bap-
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Book II. tizing a child at New-Haven, he said that he had given the consociation satisfaction with respect to that. As to his 1743. encouraging separates, by which they meant his preaching to the separates in New-Haven, he said he would not preach to them again, until they had got into some other formn ; until a church should be gathered, or the people should take benefit of the act of toleration. With respect to his admission of the members of the separate church at New-Haven, he promised, he would not admit those mem- bers at present. With these answers, the complainants declared themselves satisfied ; and in consequence of their satisfaction, they readily subscribed the following letter :
" To the Rev. Messrs. Jacob Hemingway, &c. desired by the association of New-Haven county, to come to Bran- ford, on the second Tuesday in June, Anno Domini, 1743; to inspect some affairs of difficulty, between our Rev. pas- tor and us :
" Rev. Gentlemen,
" We hereby inform you, that on Tuesday last we went to the house of our Rev. pastor, to discourse on some things that have been matters of grievance to us ; and we have discoursed on each of the articles that you have been ap- prised of, and whatever else we wanted to discourse of, re- lating to any difference between us; and our pastor has given us full satisfaction in all things ; so that we are in good agreement and union ; and do (we hope heartily) for- get and forgive all past offences, or matters of difficulty, whatsoever. We desire to acknowledge the goodness of God, herein, and return thanks to you, gentlemen, for your good designs and purposes to promote what we have so happily concluded ; and do rest your obliged friends and servants.
ABRAHAM HOADLY, JOUN PLANT, JOSEPH FRISBIE, for himself and JOHN ROGERS, JOHN BALDWIN."
Notwithstanding this complete and amicable settlement between the pastor and the people, the gentlemen who were appointed, met in Branford, and collected a great number of people, it was supposed by sending round pri- vate notices for all who were dissatisfied to appear. They came, with all who were inclined to hear. No arti- cles of complaint were exhibited ; but the people were al- lowed alternately to speak, of a variety of things, much as they pleased. They spoke of Mr. Robbins's admitting Mr. Davenport to preach ; of his holding night meetings,
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(that is, conferences) at his house, and having disorders Book II. there after lectures ; crying out, prayers, and the like.
1743.
After Mr. Robbins had made his answer to the matters which were thus loosely alledged, the committee drew up articles of advice to him ; with which, after some correc- tions and alterations, he complied. Peace was declared, and all were satisfied and contented.
Mr. Robbins, according to his engagement, called a church meeting to know the minds of his brethren with res- pect to his appointing lectures, and the church voted to leave it with him to appoint them as he pleased. Accor- ding to his promise, he went to the next association, which was held at the Rev. Mr. Stiles', in North-Haven, to en- deavor to obtain a good standing with his brethren. He inquired of them whether the vote of the consociation, secluding him from sitting with them, secluded him also from sitting in the association ? They replied, that the great- er implied the less, and that he could not be allowed to sit in the association.
The association then presented him with the following confession : " Whereas I, Philemon Robbins, was con- demned by the consociation of New-Haven county, for dis- orderly preaching, in the first society in Wallingford; I do now acknowledge, that my preaching there was disor- derly ; and I purpose to preach disorderly no more, and desire the reverend association of New-Haven county to overlook it ; I purposing and resolving, if opportunity fa- vor, to go to said consociation, and acknowledge the said disorderly preaching before them, in order to be restored to their favor."
As he could not acknowledge his preaching to the bap- tists was contrary to the word of God, or the Saybrook platform, and as he did believe in his conscience, that it was not disorderly, he refused to subscribe the confession. He offered a confession of his own, but the association would not accept it. But as the people were uneasy that he was not on good terms with the association, and as a. good understanding with his brethren in the vicinity was desirable, he went to the association the next year in May, while it was sitting in North-Branford, and offered three confessions to the association : the first was in these words : " I the subscriber do acknowledge that I preached at Wal- lingford, within the bounds of the first society, and without the consent of the Rev. Mr. Whittelsey, pastor of the first society, on January 6th, 1741-2, and now do acknowl- edge, that my preaching there was a breach of the order that the ecclesiastical authority of New-Haven county have
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Book II. come into, by an agreement and vote, A. D. 1741, and so disorderly preaching in that respect, as it was contrary to said vote. And now I declare that it is my full purpose, at present, not to preach contrary to said vote of said au- thority ecclesiastical, for time to come, nor contrary to the act of the general assembly in May, 1742. And further, I humbly ask that the association of New-Haven county would overlook what is past, and receive me to sit with them, &c. as formerly, and recommend me to be received by the consociation, upon my making this acknowledg- ment before them, which I stand ready to do when oppor- tunity presents. PHILEMON ROBBINS."
It was a long time debated in council, whether this con- fession should be received or not. Some were for it, but. finally a majority appeared against it, and it was rejected. They said they should be afraid ever to see Mr. Whittel- sey again if they should receive it. He offered them a second, but that did not satisfy them. He told them he had a third to offer, if they would hear it. They refused ; but one of the association wished to have it, and promised to return it to him again, and there was no doubt but the association heard it. It was as followeth :
" I the subscriber do humbly acknowledge that I preach- ed at Wallingford, within the bounds of the first society, to the people called the baptists, January 6th, A. D. 1741-2, for which the reverend consociation have secluded me from the privilege of sitting with them, and people at home and abroad have been uneasy : I do therefore declare, that, though if I was instrumental of any spiritual good to any souls there, I must so far rejoice ; yet upon every oth- er account, I am sorry that I went; and desire the associa- tion and consociation of said county to overlook it, and receive me to sit with them, &c. as formerly.
PHILEMON ROBBINS."
Finding that nothing which he could conscientiously say would satisfy the association, he went home, hoping that what he had said might give satisfaction to his own people, though it had not to the association.
The next year, by implicit advice of one of the associa- tion, who had made himself very busy about Branford af- fairs, another complaint was drawn up and carried to the association, sitting at Amity, May 29th, 1745. This was managed in the same private manner as the other com- plaint. Nothing had been said to him by the complainants, nor any opportunity given him to attempt their satisfaction. He did not so much as hear of the complaint, until some time after it was gone to the association. After he receiv-
May '29th, 1745.
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ed the news of it, and that a council was coming again to Book II. Branford, he could not learn who the complainants, or what the articles of complaint, were. But some days he- fore the council met, the three following papers were handed to him.
" To the reverend association of New-Haven county :
We, the subscribers, belonging to the first society in Branford, do humbly request you, reverend gentlemen, to take into consideration the difficulties and grievances we labor under, with the Rev. Philemon Robbins, our pastor, in not coming up to his promise to get into good standing with the association, which were the terms of his reconcil- iation with this church and congregation. We also appre- hend he is led by an enthusiastic, censorious spirit, to the great grief of a great part of this church and congregation." JOSEPH FRISBIE, and others, to the number of fifteen.
This procedure was very extraordinary. With respect to the first article, it was not true, and the association could not but know that it was not, as a great part of them had been at Branford, and heard all their affairs. All that Mr. Robbins promised, was, that he would go to the asso- ciation, and endeavour to get into good standing with his brethren. He had been, and taken great pains, and said all that he could say, with truth and a good conscience. The other part of the complaint contained only a general declaration of the apprehension of the complainants, that he was led by an enthusiastic and censorious spirit, with- out mentioning a single fact to support it, or giving any intimation to the accused, what he would be called to an- swer in consequence of it. Such general charges are al- ways rejected, in all regular proceedings. Besides, the re- ceiving the complaint, (when neither of the previous steps expressly commanded in Matthew xviii. which, in the opinion of the greatest divines, is an universal rule to be observed in all cases of discipline, had been adopted,) was wholly unscriptural ; it was inconsistent with broth- erly love, and the very spirit of the gospel.
At a meeting of the association of New-Haven county, regularly convened at Amity, May 28th, 1745.
" To Mr. Joseph Frisbie, of Branford-
" Upon the representation that you and fourteen more of the south society in Branford have made to this associa -- tion, this association have appointed the Rev. Messrs. Jacob Hemingway, Isaac Stiles, and Thomas Ruggles, a committee to repair to Branford, to enquire into the prem- ises, at what time and place you shall appoint and desire,
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Book II. and seasenably inform said committee of ; who are direct- ed to make their report of the affair to this association, at 1745. their next meeting. By order of the association, THOMAS RUGGLES, Scribe."
The complainants warned the gentlemen to meet on the third Monday in June, at 10 o'clock, at the house of Or- chard Guy. Neither Mr. Robbins nor his friends had any notification, or desire from the association or their commit- tee, to meet them ; but as the affair respected a complaint exhibited against him, in which the church and society were interested, as well as himself, he and his friends wished to be present, and to hear what was to be said up- on the subject. They therefore went to the house where the gentlemen were met, and Mr. Robbins observed, that he understood they were come on his account, and that he was come to see them, but would not interrupt them ; and that upon their desire he would withdraw. One of the principal gentlemen in the town, observed the same for him- self, and the friends of Mr. Robbins, who were present. "The committee of the association allowed Mr. Robbins, his deacons, and one or two more of his friends, to stay, but ordered the rest to depart. They proceeded to read the first confession which Mr. Robbins made to the asso- ciation, to know whether it was satisfactory to the com- plainants. When it had been read, by the order of Mr. Stiles, Mr. Ruggles represented its deficiency, and the reasons why the association would not receive it .* The complainants said but little ; the principal conversation was between Mr. Robbins, and the committee of the asso- ciation, relative to his getting into good standing with them ; but they could agree upon nothing with respect to that. Mr. Robbins made this proposal; that if it would make peace in the society, he would resign the ministry among them ; They might go to Cambridge, New-Haven, or wherever else they pleased, and obtain a candidate to preach to theni two or three months ; and when his time of brobation was expired, if they would settle him, he would quit the ministry. But the ministers were so sensible that this would not succeed, that they did not advise to the measure. The committee of the association, before they left the town, went to the house of Mr. Robbins and urged him to attend the next association, and make one attempt more to obtain his good standing ; but he imagined it would be in vain, as he could offer nothing more than he had offered. Nevertheless, upon their importunity, and
* Two of the gentlemen appointed by the association only were prese ent ; Mr. Hemingway did not attend. 1
CHAP. VIII.
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hoping that it might give some present ease, to those who Book II. were dissatisfied among his people, he consented to go. This the committee reported to the complainants, and left 1745. the town.
According to his agreement he went to the next associ- ation, at Waterbury, in September, 1745, and offered the following confession to the association :
"I, the subscriber, do humbly acknowledge that I preach- ed at Wallingford, within the bounds of the first society, to the people called the baptists, on Jan. 6th, 1741-2, for which I have been excluded the consociation of New-Ha- ven county ; which has occasioned great uneasiness to me, and among my people. And though I cannot (after more than three years study, meditation, and prayer, for light in the matter,) be convinced in conscience that my so preach- ing was contrary to the holy scriptures, or the mind of God; yet, I am free to own and acknowledge the circumstances that attended it, yiz. that it was without the consent of the Rev. Mr. Whittelsey, pastor in Wallingford, contrary to the desire and advice of two ministers, and a considerable number of church members in Wallingford ; and farther, that it was contrary to the vote of the Rev. consociation of New-Haven county ; a reverend and worthy body of gen- tlemen, whom I esteem and honor. And I acknowledge my preaching as above, to be disorderly in this respect, as it was contrary to said vote of said authority ecclesiastical. And now, gentlemen, I humbly beg forgiveness : let my ignorance of its being a crime apologize for me, that I may be restored. And I would humbly offer one motive to en- gage your compassion, viz. a prospect of peace among my people, who have been uneasy ; for I think that in other respects, they are friendly and kind; but this case has been an uneasiness with them, and a principal uneasiness, if I may judge by their complaints, or what I hear from their own mouths. And therefore, gentlemen, as you are professed lovers of peace, you will undoubtedly promote it, by restoring your unworthy servant.
" PHILEMON ROBBINS."
The association would not accept it, nor give it so much as a second reading. The association insisted on his mak- ing a confession for disorderly preaching and praying, which he could not do.
Soon after the association, a copy of the last confession which had been drawn for Mr. Robbins to make, was hand- ed about the society, to show on what easy terms the as- sociation were ready to restore him, and how obstinate he was ; to prejudice the people against him, and increase
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Book II. their uneasiness with their pastor : and a threatening was given out by some of the association, that before long, the people should have the whole matter in black and white. In this state of the business, Mr. Robbins judged it expe- dient to make his people acquainted with the whole affair ; and as a society meeting had been warned on Monday the 14th of October, Mr. Ilobbins, on the Lord's day, after the public service was ended, addressed the people in this manner, viz :
" I understand you are to have a society meeting on the morrow : I purpose to attend it myself, and give the soci- ety a particular account of iny relation to the association, and their proceedings with me ; and shall desire to know their minds in some particulars relating thereto ; and there- fore desire them to be universally present."
Oct. 21st, 1745.
At the society meeting, Mr. Robbins laid before them, the whole proceedings of the association and consociation relative to him, and what he had done to be reconciled to them, and withdrew. The meeting was very full, and the following votes were passed.
"1. That this society is of opinion, that what our pas- tor has offered to the association of New-Haven county, relating to his preaching to the baptists in Wallingford, is sufficient."
"2. That this society desire the Rev. Mr. Robbins to continue in the ministry among us, notwithstanding his preaching to the baptists, and what the consociation of New-Haven county have done thereon."
"3. That we desire the Rev. consociation and associa- tion not to send any councils or committees among us, un- less the society desire it."
:" 4. That a particular people have right to choose their own minister; and as no ecclesiastical authority has right to impose one upon them without their vote and consent, so no authority has right to censure, suspend or depose a minister regularly ordained, without the vote and consent of his people."
"5. That we cannot submit to the acts or conclusions of any councils respecting the ministry among us, that are made without the vote and consent of this society."
Votes in the affirmative, 52-in the negative, 15.
At a church meeting in Branford, Nov. 4th, 1745, the church passed the following votes :
"1. That we renounce the Saybrook platform, and can- not receive it as a rule of government and discipline in this church."
"2. That we declare this church to be a congregational church."
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" 3. That we receive the scriptures of the Old and New Book II. Testament as the only perfect rule and platform of church government and discipline."
" 4. That though we receive the scriptures as the only perfect rule ; yet as we know of no human composure that comes nearer to the scriptures in matters of church gov- ernment and discipline, than the Cambridge platform ; so we approve of that for substance, and take it for our plat- form, agreeably to the word of GOD."
" 5. That we are not hereby straightened in our charity, but are free to hold communion, not only with congrega- tional churches, and church members that are in good standing, but with "those called Presbyterian, and also with those under the Saybrook platform regimen."
" Voted, That in testimony of our respect to other chur- ches, and freeness to commune with them ; we are willing that our Rev. pastor should exchange labours with ordain- ed ministers in New-Haven county, or invite any of them to preach with us, as opportunity presents."
The uneasy party, dissatisfied with these votes of the church and society, got a complaint, or prayer, drawn, di- rected to the moderator of the consociation, to come and hear, and determine matters relative to Branford. There was nothing charged against Mr. Robbins, more than these general articles : " That he had not taken gospel methods to get into good standing with the consociation, and also for leading part of the church to fling off the authority of asso- ciations and consociations."
The moderator, on receiving this complaint, referred it to the association which was to sit at East-Guilford, in May, 1746. What passed at the association, was not known. One of the complainants went, but Mr. Robbins was not warned to attend, nor any of his friends. But soon after, upon an exparte hearing entirely, the association came to the determination expressed in the following words :
"The association, regularly convened at East-Guilford, May 27th, 1746,
To the Rev. Mr. Philemon Robbins, at Branford.
Rev. Sir,-A complaint against you and a part of your church, hath been exhibited to the Rev. moderator of the consociation of this county of New-Haven, praying that the said consociation may be called to hear and determine upon the matters of uneasiness and difficulty, which un- happily subsist among you, signed by a number of breth- ren, members in full communion in your church, and be- low by a larger number of members of your society, re- questing the same thing ; as also a paper of many articles,
May 27th, 1746.
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Book II. hath been given to the said moderator, wherein they ac- cuse you, both as to doctrine and practice, as also an at- 1746. tested copy of some votes lately passed in your church : This association having deliberated upon the premises, and being still desirous, as we always have been, that. your difficulties. might be healed in the most tender and amicable manner ; do advise you, and those with you, to concur with the dissatisfied party, in choosing three or five of our body, and desire them to come to Branford, and en- . deavour an accommodation of your difficulties ; the which, if it be not done, or the good ends designed be not attain- ed thereby, we have advised the said moderator, after the end of June next, if properly applied to and informed, to call the consociation of this county, at suitable time and place, to hear and determine upon the premises, accord- ing to our ecclesiastical and established constitution.
A true copy. Test. THOMAS RUGGLES, Scribe."
In this instrument, there was an intimation of a number of articles of complaint given in to the moderator, but Mr. Robbins had never heard or seen any one of them, nor was he desired to appear before the association to make any reply to them.
Some time after receiving the above letter, several of the dissatisfied brethren, with the deacons of the church, and others of his friends, met at Mr. Robbins' to converse on their affairs. After some conversation on the subject, and what methods could be taken for peace, one who was present, applied himself to one of the dissatisfied party in these words : "Did ever any of the ministers put you in any way for peace ? I have been on your side, and was very uneasy with Mr. Robbins, and do now dislike a great many things that are past. I was the promoter of the first complaint that was carried to the association, and have asked one and another of the ministers what we should do for peace, but never did any of them put me in any way for peace, but told me, if you can get hold of Mr. Robbins, hold fast. That opened my eyes, and convinced me that they had no desire for peace." To this there was no reply.
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