USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Chelsea > Documentary history of Chelsea : including the Boston precincts of Winnisimmet, Rumney Marsh, and Pullen Point, 1624-1824, vol 2 > Part 27
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The Rev. Mr. McClenachan proposed to the Church's Consider- ation, whether they would relinquish the use of the present version of the Psalms, in Divine Service, and for the future sing Dr. Watts' version of the Psalms; after considerable debate, it was agreed this matter should subside for the space of a month, and, in the meantime, the members would examine said Versions, and the Elders converse with any of the congregation that should be dis- satisfied, and endeavor their satisfaction.
Feb. 2. The Rev. Mr. McClenachan stopped the Church. Elder Hasey reported that he, with Nath'l Oliver, Jun., had waited upon Mr. Jacob Hasey, and urged he withdraw his desire of a Dismission from this Church, but that he insisted thereon, insisting he could not cdifie under the public worship - as did his wife and daughter. Upon which,
Voted, Mr. Jacob Hasey, Mrs. Abigail Hasey, and Abigail Hasey, Jun., be dismissed from this, and recommended to the Second Church in Malden.
Deacon John Chamberlain acquainted the Church with his desire of resigning his place as Deacon, being obliged thro' the infirmities of old age to be often absent from duty, &c. Upon which,
Voted, Deacon Chamberlain have the thanks of this church for his past services, and that he be released from his office.
9. [Feb.] The Church were desired to tarry after divine ser-
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CHAP. XXVIII] W. MCCLENACHAN'S PASTORATE
vice, when the Rev. Mr. MeClenachan read a letter from the Rev. Samuel Cooper, signifying the desires of Capt. Nath'l Oliver and Mr. Daniel Watts, that their particular relation to the Church of Christ in Brattle Street, be transferred to this Church, in which said persons were heartily recommended to the holy fellowship of this Church. Whereupon, Voted, That Capt. Nath'l Oliver and Mr. Daniel Watts be admitted to the pastoral care of this church.
The Rev. Mr. MeClenachan informed the Church that there was a necessity of a Church-meeting soon, and requested it might be held at his dwelling-house. Accordingly, Voted, the Church meet at the house of Mr. McClenachan on Monday, the 17th inst., at 2 o'clock, afternoon.
17. The Church met as appointed, at the house of Rev. Mr. McClenachan, who | stated a case of discipline, which was ad- justed by satisfactory acknowledgments, ] and restoration of the offender.
Voted, That the Church stoek for the poor, together with what shall be collected on the next fast day, be appropriated to the nse of Mrs. Marble and Mrs. Mary Breeden. That Capt. Oliver ro- ceive the same, and distribute two thirds of said moneys to Mrs. Marble, and the remainder to the said Mrs. Mary Breeden.
Mr. MeClenachan acquainted the Church, that he was obliged to be absent a week or ten days on some business to the eastward, and desired the Church would indulge his absence, if necessarily detained one or two Sabbaths; and, in the meantime, requested the Church would think on two snitable persons to supply the place of Deacons. He then dismissed this meeting with a blessing.
March 6, 1749. Voted (in town meeting) that the Rev. Mr. Thomas Cheever be allowed twelve pounds, ten shillings, old tenor, quarterly, during his life, as a consideration of his quitting any claim he may have to the contribution hereafter to be made on the Sabbath. That Deacon Hasey and Capt. Oliver wait on the Revd. Mr. Cheever, with the above vote, for his answer.22
Then it was put to vote, whether the town would allow Capt. Nath'l Oliver the surplusage of what he expended more than the town raised to provide for the last sitting of the Council: and it passed in the negative ; bnt, 17 May, Voted Capt. Oliver be allowed twenty pounds, old tenor, as a balance in full, for making provis- ion for the last council.23
1749, March 20. Ordered that Mr. Samuel Pratt take care that the fenec about the meeting-honse be repaired as soon as may be.24
Town Rec., i. 30,
23 /bid., 31.
" Selectmen's Rec., i, 1.
268
HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. XXVIII
Anno, 1749, March 27. The Rev. Mr. McClenachan stopped the Church, and requested they would appoint a church-meeting for some purposes under consideration, and to do any other business that, at such meeting, might be necessary. Accord- ingly, Voted, The church meet at the meeting-house, on Wednes- day, the 30th inst., at 2 o'clock, afternoon, for the purpose aforesaid.
March 30, 1749. The Church met by appointment. After prayer, the Rev'd Mr. McClenachan proposed to the Church whether they would alter the version of Psalnis in common use, and for the future sing Dr. Watts' version at Divine Service.
Elder Hasey desired the consideration thereof might be con- tinued a further time. Whereupon, Voted to postpone the matter for the space of two months, and if no material objection to the use of said version should be offered in that term, agreed to the use thereof.
Voted to continue the consideration of the choice of Deacons till a further time; also that 'tis reasonable that those members who attend meetings on secular matters, and yet absent themselves from special ordinances, should make satisfactory acknowledgment, or their votes should not be accounted of in this Church. After a blessing the Church was dismissed.
April 16. The Rev'd Mr. McClenachan stopped the Church and read a letter from the Second Church in Malden, dismissing and also recommending Samuel Tuttle, and Anna, his wife, from said church to this church.
Signed, AARON CLEAVELAND, Pastor.
Voted to receive said members into the pastoral care and fel- lowship of this church.
1749, May 8. They (the Selectmen) drew an order on the Town Treasurer, in favor of the Rev'd William McClenachan, for four hundred and eight pounds, old tenor, due him the 17th of April, past, by vote of the Town.25
May 8, 1749. To see if the town will accept the meeting-house and land adjacent, the proprietors reserving to themselves and heirs their pews.26 And to consider Capt. Oliver's extraordinary
25 Selectmen's Ree., i. 3.
26 It has been seen on p. 185, that the heirs of Lieutenant Joseph Hasey, October 6, 1710, conveyed unto Elisha Cooke and others, a committee of the town of Boston, the ground under and about the present ehureh edifiee in Revere; and undoubtedly the same was conveyed to the town of Chelsea by deed, though I have found no trace of it. The difficulty in traeing sueh deeds is in the fact that they were not made directly to the town, but either to the seleetmen or some unknown committee for the use of the town ..
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CHAP, XXVIII] W. MCCLENACHAN'S PASTORATE
charge, above what the town granted, for the installment of Rov. Mr. McClenachan.27
In Town Meeting, May 17, 1749. Voted to raise £100, new tenor, besides the $50 sterling, formerly voted to the Rev. Mr. Wm. McClenachan, as his salary, to defray the contingent charges of the year. Then it was proposed to make an addition to Mr. Me- Clenachan's salary, and voted not to make such addition at this meeting.
Voted, The Selectmen enquire into the state of the meeting- house and land adjacent and prepare the same to lay before the town at their next meeting.28
1749, June 9. Ordered a draught on the treasury in favor of the Rev'd Thos. Cheever, for twelve pounds, ten shillings, old tenor, due him the 6th inst., per vote of the Town.
Voted, Capt. Oliver forthwith see to the Repairs of the Seats in the galleries of the meeting-honse at the charge of the town.29
June 22. At a church-meeting, duly notified last Sabbath, after prayer, Mr. MeClenachan acquainted the church he had received no objection from any member of the town or church against the use of Dr. Watts' Psalms in public worship, but what he thought were obviated, upon which, Neme Contre, Voted, This Church will for the future use said Version at Divine services.
July 2. The Revd. Mr. McClenachan stopped the Church and acquainted them that Mrs. Mary Hasey, having become an inhabi- tant in Dunstable, desires a dismission from this church, and that she be recommended to the church in that town. Upon which, voted, that her request be granted.
September 15. The Church met at the meeting-house, by ap- pointment, to choose two Deacons. After prayer, the Revd. Mr. McClenachan desired the members to bring their Votes for two Deacons. And it appeared Messrs. Daniel Watts and Benjamin Brintnall were chosen to the office.
26. Being a Lecture, the Rovd. Mr. McClenachan, in his Ser- mon, gave a charge to the Deacons lately chosen, and in the name of the church desired they would for the future officiate as such officers, being duly elected.
Nov. 7, 1749. Voted that Mr. Samuel Pratt . . . secure the steeple of the meeting-house from the injury of the weather at the charge of the town.30
27 Selectmen's Rec., i. 3.
28 Town Ree .. i. 31.
20 Selectmen's Rec., i. 4.
30 Ibid., S.
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HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. XXVIII
1
Nov. 19. The Revd. Mr. McClenachan stopped the Church, and rcad a letter from .. . , signifying his conviction of the evil, and his sorrow for colabiting with his wife before marriage. Where- upon, voted to accept the same as ample satisfaction, and that the said ... be restored to his church privileges.
1749, Dec. 12. Ordered the town Clerk issue his warrant, ap- pointing Monday, the 18th inst., at 9 o'clock in the A.M., as a town's mecting, to consider the Petition of sundry Inhabitants of Lynn, west part, and Chelsea, north part, praying they may be a distinct Parish.
Agreed on a draught on the Treasury, in favor of William Board- man, Sen'r, for four pounds, ten shillings, old tenor, for six feet of wood delivered the Rev'd Mr. McClenachan in March, 1748.
And another draught in favor of Thos. Cheever, for four pounds, old tenor, for wood delivered Mrs. Marble.31
Dec. 18. The church met at the meeting-house by appointment. The Rev'd Mr. McClenachan read a Letter from the Rev'd Mr. Salter, Pastor of a Church in Mansfield, acquainting this church that he understood Prince, negro servant of Mr. Jacob Hascy, had offered himself to the Communion of this church. That he, said Prince, had laid himself obnoxious to suspension in their church, by leaving his duty with them and joining the disorderly Separ- ates, Whereupon,
Voted, not to admit said Prince to the Communion of this Church, till he had given satisfaction to the said Church in Mansfield.
1749, Dec. 18. The petition of Thos. Cheever and others to the Gen'l Court, praying they may be erected into a distinct parish, with some of the inhabitants of Chelsea, was read; and it was put to vote whether the prayer of said petition, so far as it respects the town of Chelsea, should be granted, which passed in the negative. Voted, Samuel Watts, Esq., Nath'l Oliver, Jun., and Thomas Douglass be a committee to give reasons why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.32
Voted, The improvement of the town's marsh be granted to the Rev'd Mr. William McClenachan, as an addition to his salary, during his ministry in the town of Chelsea.33
1749, Dec. 21. The Rev'd Mr. McClenachan stopped the church and read an acknowledgment from . . . , servant to the Hon'l Samuel Watts, Esq., whercin she owned the sin, and professed her
31 Selectmen's Rec., i. 9.
32 Town Rec., i. 31.
33 Ibid., 32.
4
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CHAP. XXVIII] W. MCCLENACHAN'S PASTORATE
sorrow in cohabiting with her husband before marriage. Upon which, voted to accept the same and restore her to her church privileges.
23. The church met at the house of the Rev'd Mr. McClenachan, by appointment, and proposed to Mr. Samuel Floyd, as an execu- tor to his father, Mr. Hugh Floyd, that it was high time the do- nation of said Mr. Hugh Floyd, deceased, of ten pounds money, should be paid; who informed the Church that he would consult his brother, the other executor to his Father's Estate, and procure a piece of plate, agreeable to the intent of the Donation.
Feb. 25, 1750. Ordered the Rev. Mr. Wm. McClenachan, a draught on the Treasury for his year's salary, being £50 Sterling, at nine hundred per cent.34
Ordered, that Capt. Nathaniel Oliver see the fence about the meeting-house land mended, as soon as may be, at the charge of the town.
March 4, 1750. Having passed Mr. Samuel Floyd's account, and allowed Mr. Isaac Lewis five pounds, old tenor, for taking care and sweeping the meeting-house the year past, they requested the Rev. Mr. MeClenachan to pray with the town before their meeting began.35
Sept. 3, 1750. Ordered that the town clerk write to Mr. Samuel Pratt, pressing him to meet the Selectmen at the house of Capt. Nath'l Oliver this day fortnet; and that he bring with him the deed of the meeting-house lands.36
Sept. 25, 1750. The selectmen met at the house of Elder Hasey, in order to converse with him and Mr. Sam'l Pratt, respecting the moneys due to the Town for their hire of the Town's marsh the last year ; and also to discourse Mr. Pratt concerning the deed of the meeting-house land.
But Mr. Pratt, though repeatedly requested, did not meet the selectmen.37
1750-1, March 23. Voted, Daniel Watts be desired to repair the meeting-house fence substantially, in the cheapest manner he can, at the charge of the town; and that Mr. Thos. Pratt speak to him about it as soon as may be.38
Sept. 2. Voted to allow Mr. Isaac Lewes twenty shillings, law- ful money, the ensuing year for his care of, and sweeping the
34 Selectmen's Rec., i. IS.
Ibid., 19.
30 Ibid., 16.
37 Ibid., 17.
38 Ibid., 21.
272
IHISTORY OF CHELSEA ICHAP. XXVIII
meeting-house, provided he see the same clean and free from cobwebs and dust at least once a month.39
Nov. 16. Ordered a Draught on the Treasury, in favor of the Rev'd Mr. Wm. McClenachan, for twenty-five pounds sterling; being half a year's salary due him. He returned a former order for a quarter's salary, which was cancelled.4º
1752, Feb. 4. Agreed, the Rev'd Mr. McClenachan have a draught on the Treasury for three quarters of a year's salary, having cancelled the former.11
March 9. Voted to refer Rev'd Wm. McClenachan's petition for two loads of hay to the May meeting.42
March 21. Ordered the Rev. Wm. McClenachan a Draught on the Town's treasury for £66, 13, 4, or £50 sterling, due the 13th April next for one year's salary, including all orders he has re- ceived ye present year.43
May 20. Voted not to give tlie Rev'd Wm. McClenachan the two loads salt hay he petitioned for at March meeting.44
1753, May 22. Voted the minister's tax be made separate from other taxes; that Mr. MeClenachan be allowed to preach once a month, for 6 mos., to the people at Pullin Point, and no longer, without the town's consent.45
1754, March 11. At a town's meeting legally assembled at the public meeting-house. Voted to give the Rev'd Mr. MeClenachan £133. 6. 8. at or before the 17 April, 1755, provided he give a Discharge of all demands he hath on the town by virtue of any Vote or Record on the town's books, and also relinquish his pastoral office and relation to the Church and town.46
Voted to reconsider the vote relating to Mr. MeClenachan, and continue the consideration till next May meeting.47
May 20. Voted, nem contradte, to dismiss the consideration respecting the vote passed last March meeting, to give £133. 6. 8, to the Rev. Mr. MeClenachan, &c.48
Dec. 17, 1754. The Rev'd Mr. MeClenachan stopped the Church, and appointed Monday, the 18th inst., a Church meeting, to con- sider a matter of importance he had to lay before them.
-
39 Selectmen's Rec., i. 24.
40 Ibid., 27.
41 Ibid., 29.
4º Town Rec., i. 36.
43 Selectmen's Rec., i. 32.
44 Town Rec., i. 37.
45 Ibid., 40.
40 Ibid., 41.
47 Ibid.
48 Ibid., 42.
--
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CHAP. XXVIII] W. McCLENACHAN'S PASTORATE
18. The Church met by appointment. The Rev'd Mr. McClen- achan desired the Church would dismiss him from his pastoral relation to this Church, and insisted thereon; upon which, Voted, unanimously, not to dismiss him.
25. The abovesaid Mr. McClenachan having dissolved his relation to this Church, by leaving them contrary to the above Vote, was received, confirmed, and partook of the Lord's Supper under the establishment of the Church of England, by the Rev'd Dr. Timothy Cutler.
1755, Jan. 2. On motion made by the Rev'd Mr. Wm. MeClen- achan, if that the Town would give hin one hundred pounds, law- ful money, he would relinquish the pastoral office in the town and church of Chelsea, and quitclaim all demands on said town : which, being put to vote, it passed in the negative. Then voted Messrs. Nathan Cheever, the Hon'ble Samuel Watts, Esq., and Jonathan Bill, be a committee to defend the town from any demands the Rev'd Wm. McClenachan may have on the town, by any former vote of the Town, supposed by him to be in his favor.49
Jan. 13. The church met, by appointment, to see what might be proper to be done respecting a supply of the Pulpit. The Hon. Elder Watts being moderator. After some debate on the destitute state of a minister, it was unanimously agreed to leave the con- sideration thereof to the town.
May 19. Put the vote, whether the Town would choose a com- mittee to supply the pulpit: passed in the negative.50
Then was put to vote, whether the town would empower the selectinen to supply the pulpit. Passed in the affirmative.51
July 12. Voted to sell all the Town's marsh, except about four acres, more or less, formerly belonging to Eben'r Kendall, in order to purchase a parsonage.52
Voted to receive for a parsonage the purchase made by Sam'l Watts, Esq., Lieut. Nathan Cheever, and Deacon Brentnall, of ve estate of Mr. John Tudor, now in the occupation of Samuel Tuttle.53
Voted to raise and collect the sum of £66, 13, 4, to refund Messrs. Sam'l Watts, Esq., Lieut. Nathan Cheever, and Deacon Brentnall, the said sum and interest thereon, which sum they have advanced in behalf of the Town, and paid to Mr. John Tudor, in
40 Town Rec., i. 42.
00 Ibid., 43.
01 Ibid.
52 ., 44.
03 Ibid. Vide Suff. Deeds, L. 91, f. 87.
VOL. II. - 18
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HISTORY OF CHELSEA
[CHAP. XXVIII
part of the lands and houses, now in the occupation of Samuel Tuttle, which the Town have accepted as a parsonage; also, that Messrs. Samuel Watts, Esq., Lieut. Cheever, and Deacon Brent- nall, be a committee to procure a good and lawful deed from Mr. Jno. Tudor of the premises, in behalf of the town, and are im- powered to mortgage the same for the remaining sum, being £186, 13, 4, payable in 2 years, with interest.54
July 12. Voted to have three young gentlemen to preach to us on probation, viz., Mr. Putnam, Mr. Byles, and Mr. Viner; and that Deacon Brentnall, Deacon Watts, and Lieut. Cheever, wait on the gentlemen, and acquaint them with our proceedings.55
Aug. 25. Agreed to allow Mr. Ebenezer Hough, 4/ lawful money, for Diet, &c., when he entertained a minister, from Sat- urday to Monday: 2/ lawful money, when he entertained him only on the Lord's Day.56
11 Jany. 1756. Voted to see if the Town would concur with the Church, in the choice they had made of Mr. Aaron Putnam, for their minister. There were 19 for Mr. Putnam, 10 for Mr. Byles.
Voted, the lands purchased of Mr. Jno. Tudor, with the build- ings thercon, and four acres of the town's marsh, be devoted for the use of the ministry, and that the said Mr. Putnam have the im- provement thercof, if he accept the call the church and Town have given him, with fifty-three pounds 6-8, lawful money, Salary, and fifteen cord of wood, and the contribution annually, during his continuance in the ministry among us; and that Lieut. Cheever and Deacon Brentnall be a Committee to wait on Mr. Putnam, to acquaint him with the above proceedings, and desire his answer.57
Jan. 12. The church met, by appointment, to choose a minister. Elder Watts was Moderator. It appeared that Mr. Aaron Putnam was chosen by a majority of votes.
A copy of Mr. Putnam's Answer
To the Church and Congregation in Chelsea : Honored and Beloved :
I, which am the most unworthy, received your solemn call the 12th inst., at the hands of Lt. Cheever and Dn. Watts, 17th inst. My time and opportunity to consider on, and to Determine so solemn and weighty affair, is very short. I hope I've endeavorcd, with some measure of hearty sincerity, to commend it to God,
54 Town Rec., i. 44.
55 Ibid.
58 Selectmen's Rec., i. 42.
57 Town Rec., i. 45.
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CHAP. XXVIII] W. MCCLENACHAN'S PASTORATE
whose cause it is, desiring to give it its weight; and in the fear of God to resolve and determine the same; and the result of my present considerations and consultations is, that I can't with a clear conscience, or with casy mind, leave the Church and flock at Pomfret, where God seems at present to point out my lot and settlement, desiring to be very humble and at the same time also thankful, that God, by the voice of his people, is pleased to mani- fest to me, his very unworthy servant, so great encouragement to engage in a public capacity in his services, returning you hearty thanks for the manifestation of your affections and dispositions towards me, who (if it were possible, consistent with my apprehen- sions of duty, ) should, as I trust, be very cheerfully ready to serve you in your best interest, in compliance with and obedience to the call given me by yon. But as it is otherwise, praying you to release me, humbly begging your earnest prayer for me that I may obtain mercy to be faithful, without which divine aid I know I am insufficient for the least good thing, earnestly praying that Grace, Mercy and Peace may be multiplied to you, and that God would lead you into paths of peace, irnth and righteousness, for his own name's sake, and the God of love and peace would delight to dwell in the midst of you, and bless and build you up ..
I remain your sincere well wisher,
AARON PUTNAM.
Pomfret, Jan. 19, 1756,58
1756, March 8. Voted, Messrs, Nathan Cheever, Benjamin Brintnall and Samuel Pratt, be a committee to supply the pulpit.5?
March 15. The Church met to consider what was proper to be done upon the refusal of Mr. Putnam to accept the Church's and town's choice of him as their pastor-cleet, when it was agreed to leave it to the town to choose a Committee to wait on Mr. Putnam and urge his acceptance, notwithstanding his refusal: and pro- posed a subscription be had thro' the town to prefer to him, on supposition his refusal might be owing to his not being chosen more unanimously.
Mem. The Town sent their Committee to Pomfret to wait on Mr. Putnam, with a general subscription, testifying a desire he would settle in this town; who, notwithstanding, finally refused.
May 18. Voted £100, lawful money, to be raised for the support of the ministry by the whole Town, and such part of it as shall be laid on point Shirley go towards the support of the ministry there.60
68 Town Rec., i. 45. 59 Ibid., 46. 60 Ibid., 47.
276
HISTORY OF CHELSEA [CHAP. XXVIII
July 3. The Church met, by appointment, to consider their covenant, and to see what they would do respecting a minister ; and considering few were present, adjourned till tomorrow, after divine service.
4. The church stop't according to their adjournment; and having chosen Capt. Nath !! Oliver, Moderator, in the absence of Elder Watts.
Voted, This Church abide by their original Covenant, with the explications agreed to by this Church, on the 5th Dee., 1748. That therewith the Covenant be fairly transcribed, and subscribed by all the present members of this Church."1
Voted, unanimously, that all past votes relative to the dismis- sion of Mr. Nathan Cheever be reconsidered, and that said Mr. Nathan Cheever be restored to his membership with this Church, provided he will subscribe the Covenant.
Voted, Mr. Samuel Floyd be added to the Town's Committee for supply of the Pulpit, and that said Committee wait on Mr. Norton, and acquaint him, 'tis the Church's desire he would preach with us a month or six weeks longer, upon probation. Then adjourned to next Sabbath.
11. The Church stopped agreeable to their adjournment. The covenant was read and signed by several members, - some others desired a perusal of it, as they said they did not thoroughly under- stand it, as it now stood, which was unanimously agreed to.
It was moved the Church do something respecting the choice of a minister.
Mr. Floyd and others reported that Mr. Norton said he thought he had been preaching some time, under the idea of probation; and that his business would not permit his tarry in town any longer. Which passed without any vote. Thereupon, voted to leave a further supply of the Pulpit to the town's Committee, and dismist the meeting.
61 I have met with no copy of this covenant "with explications." Mr. David Floyd, 2d, of Winthrop, kindly allowed me to use an early copy of the original covenant, from which I have supplied some words worn away in the records. To this is appended in the hand of Nath! Oliver, the church clerk, the following memorandum without date: "The Church in Chelsea having some debate respecting that article in their Covenant, wherein they oblige themselves to adhere to ye Platforms of Church discipline, as to ye Substance of it, and Whereas some of ye Articles therein may admit of dispute, being by many Churches at this Day practically Denied, We, therefore, members of ye Church in Chelsea, see fitt to exhibit our opinion of some of sd Disputable Points and give our assent and adherence such explanation in the following manner. TURN OVER." But, unfortunately, the second leaf of the document is wanting.
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