USA > Connecticut > Middlesex County > Durham > History of Durham, Connecticut, from the first grant of land in 1662 to 1866 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36
ket has not fallen, answer the four pounds I am in your debt ; and herewith the most thankful acknowledgement of your kind- ness therein, and of your other free and unmerited regards and favors ; since there could be no previous obligation, or indeed worth, it bespeaks your manifest goodness and my deeper en- gagements. It is said there are three degrees of gratitude, to requite, to deserve, and to confess a benefit received ; surely your bounty aimed at no requital, in that it chose an object of so little worth, and so little ability, the utmost reach of whose gratitude can but acknowledge such bounty, and beg the bless- ing of heaven on his benefactor. And may this truly rest on your person, your family, your wider affairs. May you increase by scattering. May he that hath given you both a large estate and a large heart, continue long in peace and honor to enjoy and wisely improve it, and then remove you to a more full, satisfying inheritance above, is the hearty prayer of him who should account it a happiness to do you the least service.
From your most obliged humble Servant,
Durham, July 25, 1717. NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY.
From the time that Mr. Chauncey came the second time to Durham, namely, May 23, 1706, to the time of his marriage, he boarded with his parishioners; first with Mr. David Robinson, and after the 24th of October, of the same year, with Mr. Joseph Norton, for a period. Mr. Chauncey was to receive from the Town, 1, a salary of £60; 2, his fire wood; 3, five pieces of land, or one allotment of land in the several divisions, to be his in fee simple. Four acres of this land the Town cleared, and cultivated, free of expense to him, giving him the produce. 4, the use of the allotment, or five pieces of land set apart for the Ministry, as parsonage lots.
HIS MINISTERIAL AUTHORITY.
In the Town of Durham, in the State of Connecticut, about a hundred years ago, the following usage prevailed :- Whenever a child, or youth, was discovered playing, or in any way disturb ing the order of public worship, the Minister would pause, and calling him by name, would publicly direct him to repair to
38
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
his house Monday morning, to give an account of his conduct. In the study of the Minister, the offense, with its aggravating or mitigating circumstances, was canvassed, and such admoni- tion and discipline imparted to the offender, as the overseer of the floek deemed wise.
So well established was this order of things, that few if any parents demurred sending their children. Nor would a child have presumed to decline obeying the summons of the saered functionary.
It happened one Sabbath, that a certain boy, named Charles then about twelve years of age, played during Divine service. The eye of the Minister caught the action. He paused, and audibly pronouncing his name, directed him to come to his house on Monday morning at nine o'clock. His parents were present, and witnesses, if not of the offense, of the solemn sum- mons.
What was said by them to their son, after service, is not sta- ted; but it was at onee admitted that the eall must be obeyed. Accordingly, the following day, his mother directed him to put on his Sunday suit, and prepare to go to Mr. Chauncey's. When ready, and about to go, she thus addressed him :-
"Charles, you now see what you suffer for being a naughty boy, and playing at meeting. You have grieved your father and mother, and greatly displeased Mr. Chauncey. Go to him, my son, and confess your fault, and, more than all, ask forgive- ness of God, whose command you have broken. I know you feel bad, but you deserve to suffer. Your conduct no one can justify, and you yourself would condemn in another what you have done."
" Mother," said Charles, " will you not go with me?"
" No, my child," she replied. "You must go alone; and tell Mr. Chauncey that neither your father nor mother wish to screen you, and do you submit to whatever punishment he may inflict upon you."
With a heavy heart, Charles proceeded to Mr. Chauncey's. Having reached the house, he went round to the back door, and gave one or two gentle taps. This he did, as he afterwards said, in the hope that no one would hear him, and that he might be
·
39
MINISTRY OF REV. NATH'L CHAUNCEY.
able to say, that he knocked, and found no one to admit him. Thus he was tempted to screen himself; but the rap, gentle as it was, was heard by Mrs. Chauncey, who happened to be near by, and who opened the door. Before her stood Charles. She knew him well, and immediately inquired,
" Charles, is it you ? and what do you want ?"
" Mr. Chauncey told me," said the guilty boy, "to come and see him this morning."
"Oh! you are the boy that played at meeting, yesterday, are you ? Mr. Chauncey is in his study. I will speak to him."
Accordingly, advancing to the chamber stairs, she called to her husband.
" Mr. Chauncey, here is Charles -, who played at meet- ing yesterday, come to see you."
" Tell him to come up to my study."
Charles soon stood in the presence of the kind-hearted, but now, somewhat stern Mr. Chauncey. Laying aside his pen, he cast a severe look upon the offender, but noticing his meek and humble mien, he immediately relaxed all appearance of the judge, and gently drawing Charles toward him, mildly inquired :
"Charles, can you repeat the fourth commandment ?"
" Yes, Sir. Remember the Sabbath day," &c.
" And did you not break this commandment yesterday, when you played at meeting ? "
" Yes, Sir."
" Well, and are you sorry that you broke one of God's com- mandments ? "
" Yes, Sir."
"Do you feel willing to ask God to forgive you ?"
" Yes, Sir."
Other questions followed, and were answered by Charles to the acceptance of Mr. Chauncey, who was satisfied, as well he might be, of the sincere repentance and good resolutions of the offender. At length Mr. Chauncey inquired :
" Charles, who sent you here ?"
"My mother."
" And was she not sorry that her son should play on God's holy day, and that in the house of God?"
·
40
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
"She was; and she told me to tell you, that neither she nor father wished to screen me."
"Charles," said the worthy divine. "Charles, you should be thankful for such a mother. Can you repeat the fifth command- ment ? "
" Honor thy father and thy mother," &c.
" Well, now look to it, Charles, when you play on the Sab- bath-day, you offend God, who says, 'Remember the Sabbath- day to keep it holy ;' and you offend your parents, and then you break the fifth commandment, which says, 'Honor thy father and thy mother.' Are you willing to promise that you will never play at meeting again ?"
" Yes, Sir; I never will."
"Now, my son, you may go, and remember your promise."
Upon this, Mr. Chauncey arose, and opening the study door, called with quite a strong voice-
" Mrs. Chauncey ! here is Charles coming down ; give him a piece of cake. He says he is sorry for playing yesterday at meet- ing, and has promised that he will never do so again."
Charles took the cake and retired. In after years he often related the above incident; and always added that his interview with Mr. Chauncey, was blessed to his good, through the grace of God. At first, his distress, which was great, arose from the fear of the man; but the kind and affectionate manner of Mr. Chauncey's address, added to the serious questions which he asked, at length convinced him of the dishonor which he had done to God.
Never, afterwards, did he exhibit a light or irreverent manner in the sanctuary.
And in maturer years, and upon other occasions, the faithful dealings of Mr. Chauncey had its influence upon his conduct.
Such was the custom, a hundred years ago, in the Town of Durham. Who admits not, that it was a salutary custom ? What friend to the order of divine worship, and the proper ob- servance of the Sabbath would not wish it had descended to the present time ?
MINISTRY OF REV. NATH'L CHAUNCEY. 41
A SPECIMEN LETTER OF DISMISSION.
NORTHAMPTON, June 8th, 1710.
TO THE REV. MR. NATHANIEL CHAUNCEY and the rest of the brethren in Durham, Reverend and beloved about to gather into a church there,
The church of Christ in Northampton sendeth greeting :
God having fixed the habitation of Capt. Samuel Parsons among you, he hath desired letters of dismission for himselfe and his wife unto yourselves, and accordingly we commend them both unto you as persons qualified for your holy commun- ion. They have been in fellowship with us for many years, and are without offence. We heartily desire that God would smile upon your beginnings and make his ordinances mighty for saving good to many souls. Thus begging an interest in your prayers, we remain your brethren in the fellowship of the gospel.
SOLOMON STODDARD,
In the name and with the consent of the Church.
HIS RELATIONS TO HIS PEOPLE.
In the year 1706, on the 23d of May, I came to preach to the people of Durham. After a considerable time of trial as to my public doings, I remember not much dissatisfaction. Yet some were minded to know my judgment as to matters of dis- cipline and came to discourse with me about that point. What- ever has been the practice of others, or whatever is most pru- dent in itself, I determine not. I think I dealt plainly from the very first, in showing my own judgment, and my purpose to act according to it, and a resolution not to be imposed upon. When the practice of some worthy ministers and churches has been cryed up to me, I have been free to say that my Master's copy is to be minded, and not the copy of my mates. Such a spirit was to be seen in sundry upon this account, and such a division appeared that I had thought of removing, having at that very time invitations to several places.
But, before I had actually concluded to leave this people, I desired the town should come together, that I might have some dis- course with them. I told them plainly upon what terms I would 6
1
42
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
serve them, and if could not be received and accepted upon those terms I would not abide with. It was then voted to accept of me as enjoying my own judgment, which was then expressed. I think there were six persons who did not vote, one of which was Mr. Robinson. Upon these terms and no other I concluded to abide. And the people concluded then to make over to me what they had designed to give to the first minister, in order to settlement. It being thus concluded, I let those op- portunities go of settling elsewhere. I thought there was enough done to make way for peace.
But before many months were passed there came a man to me, and told me some were uneasy about that matter, and de- sired to have an opportunity to have discourse with me, which I yielded to, and the time was appointed, but it proved foul weather ; none came then.
The difference and dissatisfaction continuing, if not growing (I believe growing, for the devil's bellows did not fail,) when I heard of the general meeting of the Elders to be held at Say- brook, I told some of them I thought it was wisdom to tarry until that was over. It may be, somewhat would be done there, in which there might be union. As soon as I could get a copy and let them have it, which they took a time to read among themselves. And having read and considered it, all those that were members in full communion came to me, and told me that their business was to tell me that they were all suited, and de- sired to know of me whether I could be suited; to which I man- ifested my assent, saying they had little reason to think I should stand out from the whole country. There being now such a friendly agreement they invited me to take the pastoral charge.
At this meeting something was said about the understanding of the articles, to which I replied, If difficulty should be there, we must refer ourselves to the same power which drew them up, which was not objected against, but backed by one of them as a way proper. I reckoned here was a full agreement.
The next news I had was of their drawing many articles which they were resolved to stand for, and getting hands there- to; so that when the town began to move for my ordination, a considerable number held back. After a while I proposed the issuing of difficulty by a council, and proposed that the town
43
MINISTRY OF REV. NATH'L CHAUNCEY.
should choose one, the dissatisfied persons one, and I should choose one. This was agreed upon ; the ministers were chosen, and sent to the time appointed, &c. But before that time came, sundry persons fell in and desired there might be no council ; so that there remained but four or five unquiet, so few that it was a small matter for a council to meet about. Therefore it was concluded to put by the council, and it was proposed that the same ministers should be impowered about the ordination, ad- ding Mr. Ruggles of Guilford ; and that the difficulty respecting those four or five men should be issued by them. I took it that this was agreed to, and after they and others who had pretended to be dissatisfied had taken time at the council, the result was this : I was called for and asked whether in difficult and weighty cases I was willing the mind of the church should be known by some sign. I replied I never designed any other but to be tender in such cases, and should like to have the concur- rence of the church. But it may be, that might be insisted on by some in trivial matters, whereto reply was made : "To things that I might judge or account best." This I duly assented to.
This is the whole of what I was obligated to at that time, namely, that the mind of the church be known by some sign in things that I, myself, should judge to be weighty and difficult.
Now if there is any one instance that can be given, wherein I have swerved, either from the artieles at Saybrook, or from the settlement at my ordination, or from my own judgment, or from the word of God, I am ready to answer it.
N. CHAUNCEY.
A PRIMITIVE PLEDGE.
WHEREAS, the great and glorious God hath by many awful re- bukes of his holy Providence, testified his just displeasure, agst his People in this Land, as particularly by unexpected frustrations of our Military undertakings, with ye sad disasters yt have at- tended or followed the same; as also by the Malignant dis- temper wch hath proved so Mortal in sevl of our towns, where- by many Pious and useful Persons have been taken from us.
And, WHEREAS, all the frequent and solemn Addresses to Heaven for ye Averting his judgment and obtaining his favr,
44
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
and Blessing, against wch God has manifested much anger, answering us by terrible things in Righteousness. All which tremendous dispensations as they speak us an Apostatizing and sinful people, do seem to call for some more than Ordinary en- deavours after ye Reformation of those God-provoking evils, wch are so gen'l and prevailing among us.
And, WHEREAS, there are, even with us, many of those sins agst the Lord God of Israel, wch we have reason to Reckon among the procuring causes, of those Judgments, and Conse- quently yt we orselves are under special Engagements to use all proper means to that end. Accordingly in Order hereunto we do all before the Lord this Day declare upon the Cov. obliga- tions that we are under that we will watch unto the Dutys and Carefully avoid ye Evils now to be mentioned.
1st. We will constantly attend the dutys of God's worship in Publick, Private, and secret, not allowing ourselves in ye neglect of any of his Holy Ordinances, through Carelessness, Contempt or any sinful excuse.
2d. We will carefully watch against all Irreverence in ye wor- ship of God, and all profanations of his glorious and fearful name by Causeless Imprecations, Rash swearing, or any other way in wch it is, or may be taken in vain.
3rd. We will strictly observe the Christian Sabbath, viz: One whole Day in seven seasonably beginning and duly continuing ye same and Carefully watching against worldly thoughts, words and work on that day.
4th. We will carefully endeavor to discharge the several Dutys of our several Places, and Relations, as our Superiours, Inferiors, and Equals. Particularly we will Honour, Submit to, and obey those whom God hath set over us; whether in family, Church or Common-wealth. We will look well to our Household, and keep our Children and servants in subjection, Instruct them in the principles of our Holy Religion, and Endeavr to Restrain them from all Profaneness and Immorality.
5th. Wee will as much as in us lye, live peaceably with all men.
6th. Wee will be careful to maintain a Chaste Conversation watching agst all ye Occasions and preventives to uncleaness, especially.
45
MINISTRY OF REV. NATH'L CHAUNCEY.
7th. Wee will mind or own Business, and strictly observe ye Rule of Righteousness, in our Commerce, and dealing one wth another, watching agst all violations of it by Deceit, Oppression, and all unjust and dishonest dealing wsoever.
8th. Wee will Carefully take heed to speak ye truth in our Converse one wth Another, Carefully avoiding all Lying, Slan- dering, backbiting, Reviling and Promise breaking.
9th. Wee will mutually watch over one another, giving and receiving Reproof as becomes Christians.
10th. Wee will in our sevl Capacity bare due testimony or wit- ness agst all Profaneness and Immorality, and not wthhold our Testimony when it shall be necessary for ye Convicting and Punishing Offender unless some Religions Tye of Con- science founded on ye word of God do require Secrecy.
11th. Wee will watch agst the prevailing of a worldly Covet- ous Spirit.
12th. Wee will watch agst all Intemperance in ye use of Law- ful things, and in particular agst excessive drinking.
13th. Wee will not allow ourselves in unnecessary frequenting Public or Private drinking houses ; and,
In order to our faithful and more acceptable performance of ye above expressed, we will set ourselves seriously and Diligently to seek all needful Grace and help from God.
NATHANIEL AND SARAH CHAUNCEY, SAMUEL AND RHODA PARSONS, THOMAS AND RUTH LYMAN, HENRY CRANE, RICHARD BEECH,
TIMOTHY WALTON, JOSEPH NORTON.
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF NATH'L CHAUNCEY.
Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey of Durham, Connecticut, the son of Rev. Nathaniel Chauncey of Hatfield, who was the son of President Chauncey, was born in Hatfield, Sept. 21, 1681. Hav- ing lost his father when he was between four and five years of age, he was taken to Stratford, Conn., with his father's library, for the use of which his uncle, Israel Chauncey, agreed to edu- cate him. Being thus placed under the best influences, his an-
46
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
cestral love of learning led him to prepare himself for college, under the training of his uncle.
Yale College, had just been founded. His uncle, who was one of the founders, placed him in that institution. His name stands on the Triennial Catalogue as the first who received a de- gree from that College. As the first born of Yale, he reflected no dishonor upon his Alma Mater. He was admitted to the church in Stratford, January 16, 1698.
After his graduation he taught school for a period, in Spring- field, Mass., and in the Hopkins Grammar School, Hadley. IIe pursued his theological studies, probably, partly with his uncle, and partly with Rev. Mr. Brewer of Springfield, who married his sister. In May 23d, 1706, he commenced preaching in Dur- ham, "the second time," when there were but fourteen families. To these were added ten or twelve from Stratford, where Mr. Chauncey was bred, and several from Northampton and Hat- field, where he was known. The Strongs and Parsons, and Ly- mans, were relatives, inasmuch as they were related to Elder Strong, his grandfather, by blood or marriage.
Mr. Chauncey entered with great earnestness on the prosecu- tion of his professional duties. His sermons, the result of se- vere study and well digested thought, were carefully written out in a neat, legible hand ; and so distinetly impressed were they upon his memory, that he never carried his notes into the pul- pit, until quite the latter part of his life, when he used, in his preaching, an abstract of his sermons, containing little besides the heads and the subordinate divisions of the written discourse. These abstraets were carefully placed for preservation in the written sermons, with which the present writer has compared a number of them. ITis elocution was distinet, his tones earnest, his addresses solemn and pungent, and his whole bearing grave and dignified. Said one of his intelligent and admiring hearers to the writer, many years ago, "He was not a large man, but he was a man of great presence. He looked like a man. When he was approaching the meeting-house on the Sabbath, we were all careful to be in our seats ; and when he entered the house we all rose to receive him, and continued standing until he took his seat in the pulpit."
When Colonel Elihu Chauncey, in his youth, was in New
47
MINISTRY OF REV. NATH'L CHAUNCEY.
Haven, he attended Church one Sabbath morning with his friend Chauncey Whittlesy, Jun. "How did you like the preaching ?" said the latter, when they were returning from Church. " Preaching !" said Col. Chauncey, "I don't call this preaching !"
At noon, when this was reported to the father of Mr. Whit- tlesy, who was the preacher, he said to Mr. Chauncey, "Your father preaches without notes."
" Yes, Sir, one reading in the morning will give him one ser- mon, and one reading at noon will give him the other."
He deeply interested his audience. On one occasion, in his preaching, he had not cleared up some points to the entire satis- faction of Deacon Henry Crane, who rose after the service and said, " Reverend Sir, will you please to explain further on that point of doctrine in your sermon ?" "Deacon Crane, if you will walk to my study, I will explain it to you," was the reply.
Accordingly Mr. Chauncey went immediately to his study, when lo! the whole congregation followed to hear the explana- tion, which he gave.
Personal religion, family religion, the duties of parents and children, of husband and wife, of brothers and sisters, of neigh- bors, the great doctrines of the cross, the broad distinction between sin and holiness, the necessity of regeneration, and the terrible condition of the wicked in this and the life to come; these were the topics on which he dwelt. So successful was he in promoting family religion that many in his congregation who were not members of the church maintained family worship.
He was entirely devoted to his profession. His brother Isaac, who was bachelor, took care of his farm, and his wife, a notable housekeeper, relieved him of all trouble about temporalities. To show his love of knowledge, it is related of him, that on the occasion of his son, Col. Chauncey, receiving from Dr. Chauncey, of Boston, Wollaston's Religion of Nature, in virtue of his pa- ternal relation, he took the book without ceremony to his study and kept it a fortnight, and then brought it down, and gave it to his son, who had not yet read it. Upon his son's asking him what he thought of the work, he replied, "Think, sir? I think I don't know anything. Forty years I have been studying, and this book has told me more than I ever knew."
In the early part of his ministry, he was inclining to high Calvinism ; but afterwards his views became somewhat modified,
48
HISTORY OF DURHAM.
though Calvanistic still, in consequence of reading various learned authors. Through his friends abroad he obtained the library of a deceased clergyman abroad. When landed at Middletown it was so large that it amounted to two eart loads drawn by a strong team. These books, with those which he received by inheritance, constituted one of the largest private libraries in the State of Connecticut, if not the largest.
He interested himself in promoting the welfare of his people generally. The trade of Connecticut River was connected chiefly with Boston. By means of his friends and correspond- ents there, especially of his relatives, Mr. Charles Chauncey, and his son, Dr. Charles Chauncey, and Mr. Frank Willoughby, he assisted his people to dispose of their wheat and butter, with the wheat he received for his salary, in Boston, and to receive, from thenee, necessary dry goods and groceries. I have in my possession a number of these mercantile letters, addressed to him from Boston, in which there are bills of Canary wine, and Psalm books, and pepper and ginger, and pewter ware and silk, and other goods which were in common use.
At every annual Thanksgiving, he regularly came down from his study, and carefully inquired whether portions had been sent to the poor, naming certain individuals.
In building the second meeting-house, besides, other contribu- tions, he was at the expense of building the pulpit of the rich- est and widest cherry boards. He also boarded a joiner a year, gratuitously. In gratitude, the Society voted, that he and Col. Wadsworth, who had also contributed largely to the erection of the church, should be entitled to a pew, each of them, for them- selves and their heirs, to be selected by themselves.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.