The history and genealogies of ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Vol. I, Part 67

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Hartford, Conn., Press of the Case, Lockwood & Brainard company
Number of Pages: 1038

USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > Windsor > The history and genealogies of ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Vol. I > Part 67

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We have been at the pains of thus quoting these remarks of Trum- bull's, because they serve to enlighten us very materially concerning this controversy in the Second Church.

Mr. Edwards was undoubtedly one of those who " were for high consociational government, and in their opinions nearly Presbyterians," and disposed to construe this Saybrook Platform rigidly according to the "articles of discipline." On the promulgation, therefore. of the Platform. he asserted that it should henceforth be the order of his church, as their

' This church early adopted the Cambridge Platform of church government and worship, and the Westminster Confession of Faith ; as the church in West Windsor. from which they originated, had also done ; but has ever united in associations and er clesiastical councils with the neighboring churches, who are generally settled on what is called the Saybrook Platform. (Extract from Church Manual.)

The church had only one form of Covenant for those who came into full commun ion, and those who joined by half way Covenant, it being understood that the latter on lered into the Covenant in a modified sense, not asking, nor expecting, full privileges. July 1, 1786, 163 were living in Half way Covenant, whose names are given, including

568

HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

delegates had been present at the convention which framed it, and had (impliedly, at least, ) endorsed it.' This the church denied, inasmich as they were unaware, when they sent their messengers to the conven- tion, that any such change was contemplated. They also declared their adherence to the ancient congregational order. "Finding their Pastor so much attached to this new Scheme of Discipline," and finding that according to its provisions the messengers of a church were of no ac- count unless they conformed to the major part of the elders: and not approving of the silential method of voting, they insisted to their pastor upon their right, as a church, to the free choice of messengers.

Notwithstanding this wide variance of opinion between pastor and people, concerning this platform of discipline, there seems to have been no open break until the year 1735. In the course of that year. Mr. Ed- wards, preaching to his church on the subject of church discipline, as- serted the following points :

1st. That it belongs to the Pastor of the Church to judge and do- termine what complaints or accusations shall be brought before the Church and what not.

20. That the votes of the Brethren to Conviet or Restore an of- fender, are of no force or validity without the concurrence or approha- tion of the Pastor.

It is needless to say that the brethren were both surprised and grieved at the position taken by their pastor. They immediately ad- dressed him a letter, wherein they modestly but firmly insisted on the equal rights of messengers and elders : complaining that he had always

30 in Wapping. From July 1. 1786, till March 27, 1808, when the last half-covenantor was admitted, 168 were received.

Discipline. The records leave us to conclude that licentionsness was one of the most common occasions for church discipline a hundred years ago ; and they show, also, a good degree of fidelity in dealing with delinquents.

) For our information concerning this controversy in the Second Church of Wind. sor, we are indebted to a manuscript volume, in the possession of the Conn. Ilist. Siei- ety. It tills [OS small quarto pages, written in the clear chirography of Governor Roger Wolcott, and was evidently (having title page, preface, &c.) intended for publication. It is entitled " 1 | Narrative of the Troubles in the Second Church in \ Windsor \ since the year 17:35 ; to the year 1741 \ with the Reasons why the Brethren of that Church | ad- here to the order of Church Government \ Assented to \ By the Churches of New England .1: Dom: 1948 and \ Refuse to submit to the order of Discipline agreed upon at Saybrook 1208 | lets, rrii, 11.

Siquid Novisti Rectius Illis

Candidus Imperti Si non his ntere mecum. - Hor.

Published at the Desire of Several of the Brethren and others." The heading of the first page is " The Privileges of the Church contended for."

It evidently presents an er pure view of the case ; yet its able discussion of the the- ological points involved, its strong common sense, and the dignified spirit of Christian courtesy which pervades it, inclines us to a more than usual confidence in its state- ments.

569

CHURCH TROUBLES, 1785-1711.

designated the one to be sent as messenger - unless some one objected, which is the silential method, and unfair in its operation. They concluide by requesting a fair and free conference on the matter.' This very rea- sonable request was declined by Mr. Edwards, and the difficulty existed in this unsatisfactory state, until a case of discipline brought matters to a focus. Here we quote the very just remarks of the author of Windsor Farmes (p. 56) : " The parish. in Mr. Edwards's day, was an exceedingly difficult one to eurh and direct. The community then, as now, was perhaps the wealthiest agricultural village in the State: but many of the men were far removed in their connections and practices from that spirit of self-denial that is so essential to the happy union of Church and State. The characteristics of indifference to the support of religious institutions have unhappily been transmitted to later generations. Although under the vigorous administration of Mr. Edwards, they were stimulated to a high degree of activity, even he deplores that although they are able. yet they will not contribute to the comfortable support of Gospel privileges. The investigator of the parish history, since 1760, is forced to the pain- ful conclusion that not only the spiritual but the material interests of the place are suffering from the same causes to-day. Indeed. it will be difficult to find in New England any other town that contributes so small a proportion of its wealth to the usually recognized means of religious instruction. Its present condition is not owing to any reactionary move- ment from Calvinistie theology: it is simply the result of hereditary causes." Again (p. 91), " The parish of East Windsor seems to have been in a ferment during a large part of Mr. Edwards's ministry. As has been intimated, many of the men who composed it were of an irre- ligious habit, and it required all the energy and forbearance of their pas- tor to encourage and restrain them. Their manners were, in many cases, uneonth, and to one like Mr. Edwards this was exceedingly disagreea- hle. His own address was exceedingly ceremonions, yet pleasing and often affable. Ile rebukes them, in several instances, for their ill-breed- ing. intimating in his sermons, that towards himself he wishes a greater deference shown. calling attention to the fact that he notices they do not "remove their hats when they meet their betters upon the street,' etc. Perhaps the most disagreeable contests that occurred in the parish grew out of this very element of coarseness to which we have alluded. The first of these difficulties was occasioned by an unfortunate attachment which sprang up between his niece, Abigail Stoughton, and John Moore, Jr., a profligate young man of the parish. This soon ripened into a se- eret marriage, much to the consternation and dismay of the parents and

This letter was signed " in behalf of the church." by fez. Porter, William Wol colt, Sam'l Bancroft, Joshua Loomis, Henry Wolcott, and Roger Wolcott, all highly respectable and influential men.

VOL. 1 .- 72

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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

unele of the bride. Mr. Edwards, deeply wounded, and anxious to aid the afflicted parents, used his inthence to have the matter brought before the North Association of Ministers for Hartford County. These gentle- men met at Windsor, on the 3d day of February, 1724-5, and discussed the following question : ' Whether matrimonial contracts, either pri- vate or publiek, made by children living in their father's house, and he- ing in their youth, without ye consent of their parents, and especially contrary to their minds clearly notified by them, do bind in conscience ?' To this question the assembly returned the following answer: . By the best light we have, from the word of God, & according to the concurrent Judgment of Learned, Judicious, and approved divines, we Judge that the father hath a right or power to make void such contracts, in ordinary cases,- Voted: Attest, John Graham, Scribe.' How long the con- test between Mr. Stoughton and his objectionable son-in-law continued. we do not know, but there are various writs wherein Mr. Edwards' name appears as a witness in a suit pending between the two parties. It is certain no divorce was granted [the Colonial Court not seeing a way to the cutting of the knot, as readily as the divines had done]; and, a few years later, Abigail Moore received from her father 'a setting out' in the shape of various household goods, which seems to indicate an adjust- ment of the difficulties."

The next case which disturbed the Church was a similar one, wherein " Mr. Edwards for a considerable time debarred one Joseph Diggins from owning his covenant and having his child baptized, unless he would pub- liekly confess himself guilty of a scandalous offence Mr. Edwards had charged him with," viz .: his marrying Mr. Win. Stoughton's daughter contrary to her father's wish. Joseph Diggins asserted his innocence, and claimed a trial by the church. This Mr. Edwards refused, claiming that he had a negative on the church. and that therefore, until his opin- ion was altered. it was useless for the church to trouble themselves about the matter. Thus the case rested (although Mr. Edwards was often im- portuned by the elders and brethren to allow a trial ) until October, 1788, when a council was called which decided in favor of granting a trial to Joseph Diggins. Some time after this, Mr. Edwards called a church meeting, and entered a formal protest against Diggins, charging him with having broken the 5th and Sth commandments.

The case was tried, and Joseph Diggins was pronounced not guilty. From this decision Mr. Edwards and two of the brethren dissented, and called a council. The council met Jume 12 and 18, 1739, and their de- cision sustained the previous action of the church. They, however, com- mended Mr. Edwards for his - tenderness, prudence, faithfulness, and caution " in the matter : and if he can not without scruples admit Joseph Diggins, the brethren are advised not to press the matter, and Diggins

571

CHURCH TROUBLES, 1735-1741.

himself recommended to apply to some other minister for church privi- leges and baptism for his child.

After this, Diggins again applied to and was denied by Mr. Edwards. The kindly importunities of the deacons of the church in his behalf met the same fate from the unrelenting pastor.

Then an affectionate, plain-spoken, and earnest letter. from the church, in behalf of Joseph Diggins, praying for his admission, and as- serting their rights. as a Congregational Church, was handed to Mr. Edwards. Again he refuses their request, on a plea of conscientious scruples, as he does not wish to countenance such marriages as that of Joseph Diggins.

Finding the pastor thus disposed, the church moved that Diggins be allowed to seek elsewhere for church rights. To this he demurs: 1st, on the ground of its great inconvenience : and. 24, because " it is safest for me to be here under the watch of this church. where my brethren are about me to observe my behavior and direet me."

The aspect of things was now decidedly had, and the deacons. " fearful and loth to have the affair drove to extremity," requested their pastor to call a church meeting. This he flatly refused to do, whereupon the deacons called one on their own responsibility. At this meeting (Oct., 1739-40), Joseph Diggins made a formal charge against Mr. Ed- wards of maladministration. Finally the pastor was induced to call a council, which met April 22, 1740.

To them the church propounded four questions for their considera- tion and advice.

1st. Concerning the power of the pastor to appoint messengers.

2d. Concerning the pastor's power to negative the action of the church.

3d. Concerning the pastor's power to judge and determine what complaints shall come before the church.

4th. To determine the case of JJoseph Diggins.

Involved with this was the still pending charge of maladministration against the pastor. But the council, like most councils, was too thin- skinned to manage the matter. It contented itself with declining to entertain any discussion on the first three propositions, but professed its willingness to adjudicate the case of Joseph Diggins. This, however. was but of secondary importance to the church. Deeply interested as the majority were in the case of their aggrieved brother, they could not but feel that it involved principles of vital importance to themselves and the church at large. For thirty-two years they had firmly maintained the inalienable rights of a Congregational church to govern themselves. and during all that period they had resisted the attempted encroachments of their respected pastor, with a mingled judgment and forbearance

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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

which excites our surprise and admiration. Councils had but added to the difficulties of the case. That of 1738 had wholly omitted to pro- nonnee on the duty of Mr. Edwards to submit Diggins's case to the church. That of 1739 had given advice contradictory to itself. or liable to miscon- struction. The last council had utterly refused to adjudicate the very points upon which the welfare of the church depended, and had, indeed. required them to renounce those principles. Their pastor, also, was still lying under a charge of maladministration, and for nearly three years the church had not partaken of the Lord's Supper.

" We desire," said the church, as they recounted their grievances. " no new thing, but only what were the principles and practices of our fathers ; yea, the principles of the first Puritans, as may appear from the Order of Church Government drawn up by Mr. Cartwright, the father of the Puritans, in Queen Elizabeth's time." Furthermore, they stated their convictions that the real controversy was whether the church or the pastor should have the power of nominating their elders. Finally Mr. Diggins, having, " upon importunity of some of the brethren," with- drawn his complaint, a considerable number of the church presented their pastor with the following letter :

WINDSOR, August 11th day, 1741.

REVP SIR :

It would have been a great satisfaction to us if you had granted our motion to you (the last time you called us together) to call a Congregational Council to advise us in our controversies respecting our church-order which was offered to the council that met, which they refused to hear and give their opinion upon. We are still of opinion that a Congregational Council would have been the properest way to have Jed us into peace in that matter. But since you have declined this, and we are denied the benefit of such a council, we hope you will suffer us, without offence, to declare that we are still a Congregational Church, and that in our opinion it is not with our Pastor to dehar us from any privilege belonging to us as such; but we are ready to receive any evidence from the Scriptures or reason, to convince us that the Congregational Church-order is unscriptural or unsound. We are further of opinion that merely the different under- standing between us about our church-order is not a sufficient cause to hinder our Com- muuion, and Mr. Diggins having withdrawn his complaint, we see nothing in the way but we may set down at the Lord's Table together.

To the Reys Mr. Timothy Edwards.

(Signed)

HEZ. PORTER, JOSEPH SKINNER, ROGER WOLCOTT.

JOSIAH ROCKWELL, MATTHEW ROCKWELL, DANIEL SKINNER, WILLIAM WOLCOTT, Jr., WILLIAM ELLSWORTH, JOSEPH OSBORN,

JOR ELLSWORTH, SAM'L BANCROFT, JEREMIAH BISSELL, JOSEPH NEWBERRY. JAMES PASCO.

RICHARD SKINNER, ARIEL ABHOT.

JACOB MUNSEL, SAMUEL ELLSWORTH.

Upon receipt of this letter, the pastor >> propounded the Sacrament, which was attended by the Brethren without objection."

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573

CHURCH TROUBLES, 1735-1741.

The unhappy condition of the church seemed now in a fair way to be at an end. But. " on the Lord's day, Nov. 1. 1741." Mr. Edwards read a letter to the church after morning discourse, desiring them to send a messenger to a council at Hartford. He also took occasion to re-assert his right to nominate the messenger. " get for peace sake and for this time," he condescended to leave it to them. In the afternoon the con- gregation met and appointed a messenger, who applied to Mr. Edwards for his certificates to said council. The pastor, who had been absent from the election, although invited to attend, declined to furnish such certificate to the messenger: alleging as a reason that, not having been present, he did not know who was elected.

Thus, suddenly and strangely, the partly healed wound between pas- tor and people was rudely torn asunder, and the church found themselves again plunged into a sea of troubles.

How the difficulty was finally settled we are not informed. The written account, to which we are indebted in the previous pages. although fully prepared and intended for publication, was never issued. But the following item from the society's books may possibly afford us a clue :

" To Mr. Matthew Rockwell ES for preaching 4 Sabbaths to this Society in Mr. Edwards's confinement."

" Four Sabbaths " previous to this date of December 1st would carry us back near the date ( Nov. 1) of that " Lord's day " whereon Mr. Ed- wards so unaecountably renewed the searce-healed controversy between himself and people. It is not improbable that we may find in this fact an explanation and an extentation of the aged pastor's strange conduct. Old age brings with it infirmities of temper as well as of body : and we are inclined to regard his persistence in what he doubtless thought to be the line of duty as an unconscious manifestation of that disarrange- ment of the nervous functions which more or less accompanies the grad- mal decay of the physical powers ; and of which it was, in his case, prob- ably the first marked premonition. It was at all events followed by a few weeks' illness, the first, as the records show, of a series of successive sicknesses which marked his passage to the grave.'

It is probable that this was the opinion of his people, for, as we have before said, the intended protest was suppressed, and no further

Mr. Stoughton, in his Windsor Farmex, p. 216, is disposed to question my opinion that Mr. Edwards's conduct in this matter was due to physical causes. But Mr. Edwards was at this time ?2 years of age, and though " his accounts, his sermons, thirteen years later, were written in the clear, vigorous style of his carlier productions," and though " his death did not occur until eighteen years after the controversy, " I still beg leave, from a professional standpoint, to maintain my original opinion. There was evidently the beginning of a break-up of physical power - calling so obviously, for years later (1752). for some relief, that he conceded promptly to the desire expressed by his proph that he should have a colleague -and there are other memoranda of various illnesses.

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HISTORY OF ANCIENT WINDSOR.

allusion is found on any of the records to the question in dispute. Whatever difference of opinion might have existed in regard to the mooted points of church government. there seems to have been at all times an unusual degree of affection for their pastor. They could not but feel that his whole life had been devoted to their highest good. that his character had been in strictest harmony with his teachings, that in all his dealings with them fidelity had been mingled with love, and jude- ment tempered with morey. Over the errors, as they deemed them, of his declining years, they were disposed to cast the wide mantle of char- ity : and, rallying around his bonding form, they strove, by tender offices of affection. to lighten his labors and to uphold his feeble hands.

Another yet more powerful influence was probably at work to bind them together in the bonds of Christian fellowship. The " Great AAwak- ening" of 1741-2, which had commenced at Northampton under the ministry of " Mr. Jonathan," the son of their beloved pastor, was spread- ing over the land. And this church and town partook of its blessed effects. "Some of the aged still among us," says the church record in 1791. "date their conversion from that memorable period, and have maintained a Christian life to their old age." And before the presence of the Lord all bitterness of spirit. if such there was. must have melted away, as the snows upon the hillside disappear before the genial warmth of spring.

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1742. December. It was voted that the " Galleries be enlarged all around, as it now is on two sides." And in 1745 €10 was paid to Doc- tor Matthew Rockwell and Mr. Wolcott. " for preaching in our Pulpit" in Mr. Edwards's absence.

In the year 1750 a part of the Second Society in Windsor was set off to help form the Society of North Bolton, as will be more fully set forth in another part of this chapter.

Mr. Perry Installed as Colleague Pastor.

For nearly threescore years Mr. Edwards had " gone in and out " before this people, breaking to them the " bread of life." and ministering to their spiritual wants with a fidelity and earnestness which had greatly endeared him to their hearts. His whole active life had been spent in their service, his children had grown under their eyes to positions of eminence and usefulness, and his fame had become a part of their own.

But these many years had not been without their effect upon him; the tall form was beginning to bend, the elastic stop grew daily less firm. and the snows which whitened his head reminded them that he and they were " passing away."

And so. with a consideration honorable alike to themselves and their

575

MR. PERRY INSTALLED AS COLLEAGUE.

veneralde pastor, the society determined to procure a colleague to help him in the work of the ministry, and at a meeting in August, 1752.

"The Committee, Capt. Roger Wolcott, Mr. Matthew Rockwell, and Mr. Wm. Wolcott, are directed to wait upon the Rev. Mr. Timothy Edwards, and inform him that his great age and the infirmities that attend it, have rendered him unable to preach the word to the Society to their edification as it ought to be, and that therefore the Society have agreed to settle another Minister, in which they desire his concurrence and advice."

The committee doubtless performed their somewhat delicate task in a manner acceptable both to their aged pastor and the society; as, in December following. we find the latter taking measures for procuring a colleague, and also for building a new meeting-house: which latter. how- over, was not accomplished until 1761. And. in October. 1753, it was resolved that " this society show their willingness by their committee that Mr. Edwards should be cased of the burden of preaching." until the next annual meeting. His pulpit was accordingly supplied by the Rev. Thomas Williams, who afterwards received a call from the society on very flattering terms of settlement, which were declined. The first men- tion of Mr. Perry in the Church Records is in the minutes of a " meeting of the Second Ch. of Christ in Windsor, regularly convened on the 15th day of April, A.D. 1755. Hon's Roger Wolcott. Moderator. Matthew Rockwell chosen clerk. At this meeting a call to Mr. Perry to be Pastor of this Church, together with the declaration de. of the Faith & order of this church is voted and subscribed unto. And Major Roger Wolcott. Deacon Joseph Skinner, Deacon Matthew Rockwell, Deacon Daniel Rockwell. Mr. Abiel Abbot, and Win. Wolcott. Esq. wore desired and appointed to wait upon Mr. Perry and present our call to him." At this meeting thirty-two men subscribed their names to a declaration of the Faith and Order of the Church. "And we do confess and declare our Faith and Belief is according to that confession of Faith called the West- minster Confession." "Also at this meeting Deacon Matthew Rockwell and Deacon Daniel Rockwell are appointed a Committee to wait upon the Rev. Mr. Edwards and inform him of the doings of this church."

Gov. Wolcott drew up the Covenant on the church's part. and when he laid it before the church he informed them that by the Westminster Confession of Faith they were to understand the same as the Assembly's Catechism. So that the faith which this church hath subscribed unto is contained in the Assembly's Catechism.

The society then called Mr. Joseph Perry. The terms offered him were a settlement of $2,500, old tenor. in bills, to be paid in three equal installments at end of each year, for the first three years, and a salary of € 60 proclamation money, annually, for first three years: and after that €75 in lawful money or its equivalent, so long as he should remain with them in the ministry.

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The history and genealogies of ancient Windsor, Connecticut, Vol. I, Part 67

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909 Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Hartford, Conn., Press of the Case, Lockwood & Brainard company Number of Pages: 1038

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Hartford, Conn., Press of the Case, Lockwood & Brainard company
Number of Pages: 1038