USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newbury > History of Newbury, Mass., 1635-1902 > Part 26
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January 31, 1670-71, the selectmen authorized Caleb Moody, John Hale, Benjamin Rolfe, John Webster, Abel Somerby, Nathaniel Clarke, Percivall Lowle, Jonathan Woodman, Daniel Thurston, Benjamin Lowle, and John Swett to build at their own charge "a pew in the south east corner of the meeting house " to be assigned to them for the use of their wives and daughters .*
The ecclesiastical difficulties and dissensions that disturbed the church for nearly twenty-five years culminated in an appeal to the county court in 1669 and to the Great and General Court in 1671.# Mr. Edward Woodman was accused of publicly denouncing Rev. John Woodbridge as a preacher
* Town of Newbury Records.
t Ipswich Court Records, vol. ii., p. 94.
# For a full and detailed account of this prolonged controversy see Coffin's History of New- bury, pp. 72-112.
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CHURCHES AND PASTORS
retained in the church by craft and subtilty and Rev. Mr. Parker "as an apostate and backslider from the truth," who would set up a prelacy, and, though unsupported by a council of cardinals, would exercise more power than the pope.
From the evidence presented to the court it appears that Mr. Woodman was interrupted in his speech, on the occasion referred to, by Capt. Gerrish, who made some reference to his gray hairs. Mr. Woodman in answer said, "Capt. Gerrish, my gray hairs will stand in any place where your bald head will stand."
After a careful examination of the evidence submitted, the following decree was entered upon the records of the court : -
MARCH 30, 1669.
Having heard the complaint prsented to this Court agst Mr Edward Woodman do judge some passages relating to Mr Parker & Mr Wood- bridge to be faulse and scandalous and that concerneing Capt Gerish, rep'chfull, and p'voking and the whole genally offensive, And hath ther- fore ordered that the sayd Mr Woodman shall be seriously & solemnely admonished and enjoyned to make a publique Confession at the next publique Towne or church meeting at Newbury of his sinfull expres- sions & just offence that he hath given or else to pay five pounds & to pay costs and fees.
I dissent from this sentance Samuell Symonds
And I dissent Wm Hathorne
Wee conceive the law allows not liberty to the members of this Court to enter their dissent in this Case, being a criminal case, & not properly concerneing religion or any other qualifiecation mentioned in ye law SYMOND BRADSTREET DANIELL DENISON.
Mr Edward Woodman appealed from this Judgmt to the next court of Assistants at Boston
He recognized in the sum of £20 with William Titcomb surety to prosecute his appeal and be of good behavior in meantime .*
A council composed of delegates from eight or nine churches was held in Newbury, November 5, 1669, to consider the questions involved in this unfortunate controversy, and settle, if possible, the differences that threatened to disrupt the church. Some advice was given in a spirit of kindness and brotherly love, that seemed to allay the excitement tem-
* Ipswich Court Records, vol. ii., p. 92.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURY
porarily ; but the contest was renewed a few months later with increased vigor, and April 19, 1670, a second council assembled at the meeting-house in Newbury. . After a pro- longed hearing and careful deliberation, articles of agreement were drawn up and signed by Rev. Mr. Parker for himself and his friends and supporters, "and by Mr. Edward Wood- man and the brethren that were with him."
These articles of agreement expressly declared "that the platform of discipline established by the general court" should be the rule or standard of the church at Newbury, and that all matters of controversy should be brought to the church for settlement .* It soon became evident, however, that the work of reconciliation was incomplete, and that the condition of affairs was very discouraging. Meetings called for the discussion of matters relating to church membership or discipline were exciting and boisterous. On one occasion Mr. Woodman and his friends "raised an hubbub, knocking, stamping, hemming, gaping to drown the reading " of charges preferred against them by their pastor.+ A few months later the same persons, or a majority of them, having met together and chosen a moderator, proceeded to admonish Rev. Mr. Parker, " and to suspend him from the exercise of his office." # Thereupon complaint was entered in the court held at Ips- wich in the month of April, 1671, accusing Mr. Edward Woodman, Mr. Richard Dummer, William Titcomb, Richard Bartlet, and others, to the number of forty-one in all, of dis- orderly conduct, dishonoring the holy ordinances of the church, and speaking contemptuously and reproachfully of their pastor, Rev. Mr. Parker.§
On the twenty-ninth day of May, 1671, the court found the defendants "guilty of very great misdemeanors, though in different degrees," and imposed a fine varying in amount from one noble (six shillings and eightpence) to twenty nobles upon the persons named in the indictment, together with the charges of witnesses and the fees of court.
Two days later, however, the questions in dispute were brought to the attention of the General Court; and the
" Coffin's History of Newbury, p. 88. t Ibid., p. 94. # Ibid., P. 99. § Ibid., p. 90.
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churches at Charlestown, Boston, Dedham, and Roxbury were ordered "to send their elders and messengers to the church at Newbury," and advise with the pastor and people there, "and make such suggestions as may be necessary to re-unite them in the bonds of brotherly love." >
Rev. Thomas Parker and his friends were evidently op- posed to the order of the General Court, which practically annulled the decision of the county court, and called a coun- cil of the churches to meet at Newbury.
In answer to an Address exhibited by the Reverend Mr Thomas Parker of the ch at Newbury referring to the act of the Councill sent by Sundry Chhs according to the appoyntment of the Hond General Court in May last, Sundry writings & pposals having been agitated and it appearing difficult to have a right understanding of the matter unless the parties concerned be admitted their lawful plea, This Council do not judge it expedient to exr't their powr to any present interposition therein, but do advise them to attend to councills of peace & therein to the submitting themselves one to another in the feare of ye Lord accord- ing to ye practice of the congregational chh. here settled.
past September 12, 1671.f
The council assembled in due time; and, after hearing the testimony of the elders and prominent members of the church, and making such inquiries and personal investigations as the circumstances of the case warranted, a report was agreed upon, and presented to the General Court, severely criticising Mr. Edward Woodman and his supporters, but at the same time declaring that his suspension from membership in the church was made in violation of the letter and spirit of the gospel, and, therefore, null and void. The report also re- quested and advised Rev. Mr. Woodbridge "not to im- pose himself or his ministry upon the church," nor obstruct the members in their choice of an assistant pastor, provided they observe "the gospel rule and approved church order." Preachers and hearers, although divided upon questions of doctrine and discipline, were exhorted "to walk according to the rule of faith, love and the order of the gospel," and to manifest "a mutual, hearty and free forgiveness of each other according to the rule of Christ."
* Massachusetts Colony Records, vol. iv., part ii., p. 487 ; Coffin's History of Newbury, p. 101 ; Massachusetts Archives, vol. x., pp. 59, 60.
t Massachusetts Archives, vol. x., p. 107.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURY
May 15, 1672, the General Court accepted and adopted the report made by the council of churches, and ordered Edward Rawson, secretary of the colony, to notify the church at New- bury, "pastor and people, preachers and hearers, however before divided," to conform to its requirements and heed its admonitions, if they would avoid further difficulties and com- plications .*
This communication, although firm and resolute in tone, did not secure the unanimity expected ; and the General Court, October 23, 1672, appointed a committee, consisting of Mr. Thomas Danforth, Mr. William Stoughton, Dr. Leonard Hoar, Capt. Thomas Clarke, Mr. Joshua Moody, and others, to confer with the pastor and people at Newbury, and urge them to submit, with meekness and humiliation, one unto the other, "and in case there shall appear any refractoriness in any amongst them that the persons so sent cannot prevail with them that they then make return to the next court of election what they find and do therein." ¡
Although no report of the conference has been discovered, some compromises and concessions were probably suggested by the committee, and promptly accepted by the church at Newbury. The questions in dispute were adjusted without further legislative action on the part of the General Court.
Rev. John Woodbridge did not probably retain his office as teacher in the church after the close of the year 1672.
He still continued to reside in Newbury, however ; and June I, 1677, he was authorized by the General Court to take depo- sitions and acknowledgment of deeds. Subsequently, he was appointed one of the associate magistrates for the county of Essex; and in 1683 he was elected "assistant" to the ' General Court, and by virtue of his office was qualified to punish criminals and solemnize marriages.# He died March 17, 1695.
* Massachusetts Colony Records, vol. iv., part. ii., pp. 521-524; also, Coffin's History of Newbury, pp. 110, 11I.
Massachusetts Colony Records, vol. iv., part ii., p. 549; also, Coffin's History of Newbury, P. 112.
# Mr. John Woodbridge, of Newbury, was granted by the General Court, October 11, 1682, "the priviledge that other teaching elders have as to freedome from rates, so long as he shall be imployed in constant preaching." Massachusetts Colony Records, vol. v., p. 379.
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THE Vifions and Prophecies OF DANIEL EXPOUNDED :
Wherein the Miftakes of Former INTERPRETERS are modeftly difcovered, and the true meaning of the TEXT made plain by the Words and Circumftances of it.
The fame alfo illuftrated by clear Inftances taken out of HISTORIES which relate the Events of time myftically foretold by the holy Prophet.
Amongft other things of Note, touching the Two Witn:fes, the New Ferufalem , the Thoufand jeers, &c. here is propounded a new Way for the finding out of the deter- minate time' fignified by DANIEL in his Seventy weeks ; when it did begin, and when we are to expect the end thereof. Very confiderable, in refpect of the great ftirs and tu- mules of this prefent Age wherein we live.
By Thomas Parker, fometune of Newbury in Berk Shire , and now Paftor to the Church at Newbery in New- England.
Dan. 12.4. But thou, O Daniel. Shut up the words, and feel the book, even to the time of the end : Many Shall run to and fro, and knowledge Shall be encreafed. Joh. 5. 39. Search the Scriptures. & Thef.c.21. Prove all things, bald falt that which is good.
London, Printed tor Edmund Paxton, and are to be fold by Nathanael Webb and William Grantham, . at the Grey-hound in Pauls Church-yard. 1646.
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HISTORY OF NEWBURY
In January, 1672-3, Rev. John Richardson was employed to assist Rev. Mr. Parker in the ministry. He was the oldest son of Amos and Mary Richardson, of Stonington, Conn .* He was ordained "teacher to the church of Christ in Newbury " October 20, 1675, and pastor December 25, 1675.1
Rev. Thomas Parker died April 24, 1677. For several years previous to his death he was totally blind. Although old and infirm, he was able to prepare students for college, and taught them Latin, Greek, and Hebrew from memory.
About a year and half before he died, that which he had long feared befel him, viz : the palsey in his tongue : and so he became speechless, and thus continued until his death : having this only help left him, that he could pronounce letters, but not syllables or words. He signified his mind by spelling his words, which was indeed a tedious way, but yet a mercy so far to him and others.#
During his life he published "The Visions and Prophecies of Daniel," and " A Letter to Mrs. Elizabeth Avery touch- ing Sundry Opinions by her Professed and Maintained." He also wrote the dedication and introduction to a posthu- mous work of Rev. James Noyes, entitled “Moses and Aaron, or the Rights of Church and State."
The title-pages of these books, as well as a portion of the introduction to and dedication of Rev. Mr. Noyes' post- humous work, "Moses and Aaron," are here reproduced from original copies now in the possession of the Boston Public Library. They reveal, in visible form and shape, something of the religious thought and life that prevailed in Newbury in the seventeenth century, and are especially in- teresting and valuable to the student of local history.
* History of New London, Caulkins, p. 302.
t Newbury (First Parish) Records.
¿ Mather's Magnalia (ed. 1853), vol. i., p. 486.
01
The COPY of a
LETTER
Written by Mr. Thomas Parker, Paftor of the Church of Newbury in NEW. ENGLAND, TO His Sifter, M's Elizabeth Avery, Sometimes of, Newbury in the County of BERKS, Touching fundry
OPINIONS BY HER Profeffed and Maintained.
Imprimatur
Novemb. 22.
1649.
JOHN DOWNAME,
London, Printed by John Field for Edmund Paxton, at Pauls-Chain, over againft the Caftle Tavern, near the Doctors Commons. 1650.
3
Mofes and Aaron:
Or, The Rights of CHURCH and STATE; Containing two DISPUTATIONS.
The former concerning the Church , in which are examined the principles of Separation, and their inconfiftency with truth and peace demonftrated : and the Government of the Church vindicated into the hands of her proper Rulers.
The latter afferts the facredneffe of the perfons and autho- rity of Kings againft Sacrilegious ufurpation and King-killing.
By that judicious and faithful Minifter of Chrift, Mr. JAMES NOTES, fonetimes of Newbury in NEW ENGLAND. Publifhed by Benj. woodbridge, Rector of Newbury in the County of BERKS ..
Numb, 16.3. And they gathered themfelves together againft Moles and against Aaron, and Said unto them, Te take too much upon you, feeling all the Congregation are holy every one of them, and the Lord is among them : Wherefore then lift ye up your felves above the Congregation of the Lord ?
Jude ver. II. Perished in the Gain-faying of Coreh.
LONDON, Printed by T. R. for Edmund Paxton, in Pauls-chain, over againft the Caftle Tavern, near Doctors Commons 1 6 6 1.
.
CANIKEL
TO THE
READER.
Gentle Reader ,
Hou mayest not expect this work Should be Jo perfect T and exact,as if the Author had been living to put it ont himfelf. The original Copy alfo was lately loft in a Ship foundred at Sea; and he wrote this Treatife in the laft half year of his life, which was a time of continual weakness and fickneffe ending in his death. I did often prefs bim long before to f'er down his notions in writing; but he was (till averfe, until the forefaid half year of his laft continuance on earth. Notwitftanding all thefe difcouragements, I thought it not meet to deprive thee of the use of this his last labour, be- caufe I conceived it would be very useful for the present time. 2 2
TIT OT CA
328
HISTORY OF NEWBURY
* * * *
*
* *
The Author M' James Noyes (my worthy collegue in the ministry of the Gospel here) was a man of Sin- gular qualifications, in piety excelling, an implacable enemy to all herisie and schism, and a most able war- rior against the same ... . He was couragious in danger . and still was apt to believe the best, and made faire weather in a storm. He was much honoured and esteemed in the Countrey, and his death was much bewailed. I think he may be reckoned among the greatest worthies of this age. Upon the rising of our late usurpers, and the beheading of our most gracious and most excellent King Charles the first, of blessed memory, by a villanous stroke and under a wicked pre- tence of Justice & upon the defeating of our renowned King Charles the Second (whom God preserve) he fell into such a depth of sadness and sorrow of heart that it hastened his death as was believed. So he died in the 48th year of his age Octob. 22, 1656. He left be- hind him this posthume, imperfect and incompleat, which if he had lived he would have perfected with the addition of many rare and excellent notions, for the enlightning and discovery of truths
Thine in the Lord
THO: PARKER
Pastor, though unworthy, of the church in Newbury in N. E .*
* Introduction to " Moses and Aaron," published in 1661.
1
To the moft HIGH and MIGHTY PRINCE CHARLES the fecond, by the Grace of God KING of great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Gc.
*
Now as touching this work that followeth I have presumed to dedicate the same to your Royal Majesty, because the matter of it pertaineth to your consideration and because of the singu- lar joy and hopes I have of your ascending into the Throne, and because the Author was a special lover of your Royal Father (of blessed memory) and of your majesty, the fall of whom stuck so close and neer unto him and wrought in him so deep sorrow and affliction, that it is thought to have been the principal cause of his death. Let your Majesties Gracious acceptation Countenance the work. ..
Now the God of all Grace and Mercy, who hath raised up your Majesty into the Throne of Royal Government . . . con- firm and establish you upon your Throne, and crown you with grace, prosperity and glory, unto his own everlasting praise, the beauty and enlargement of the Church and to the laying a foundation of higher advancement of yourself in the future world than can be here expected. This is, and shall be the constant prayer of
Your Majesties Most Loyal Servant and Subject THOMAS PARKER.
A minister of the Gospel, though unworthy, and Pastor to the Church of Newbury in New England.
Written from Newbury in New England August 6, 1660 .* .
* Dedication of " Moses and Aaron," published in 1661.
:
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1
330
HISTORY OF NEWBURY
Rev. John Richardson came to Newbury, as previously stated, in 1673 ; but he was not ordained pastor until two years later. He was evidently an earnest and faithful preacher, and was successful in healing the dissensions that had disturbed the church for more than a quarter of a century.
January 31, 1672-3, a committee, consisting of "Capt Gerrish, Richard Dole & Ensigne Greenleaf," was chosen "to build a house for the ministry the same dimensions every way according as Nath : Clarkes house is with an addition of a porch," to be paid for by a town vote .*
December 3, 1673, the committee above named was au- thorized and directed to superintend "the building of Mr Richardsons house & to carry it on to the finishing of it & the selectmen were ordered to make a Rate for the building of it." *
" March 2, 1673-4 It was voted that the finishing of the house for the ministry & the alteration of it is left to the selectmen," who were also ordered "to see that six acres of land be laid out for the ministry between Rich : Brownes pasture and Capt Gerrishes land," and also to buy glass and nails for the house .*
December 6, 1674, Rev. John Richardson was admitted to membership in the church at Newbury ; f and March 1, 1674-5, Nathaniel Clark and Henry Jaques were appointed a committee " to complete the ministry house " according to the plans agreed upon, and the selectmen were instructed to notify all persons owning carts or oxen, suitable for hauling lumber or stone, to bring them to the committee, with such other implements and tools as were needed or could be used in building a fence or wall about the house and the pasture adjoining .*
At the same meeting (March 1, 1674-5) it was voted that a salary of one hundred pounds should be paid Rev. John Richardson annually, each person to pay his proportion on or before the first day of November, "one half in merchantable
* Town of Newbury Records.
t Coffin's History of Newbury, p. 115.
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CHURCHES AND PASTORS
barley at the malt houses of Daniel Pierce or Caleb Moody" and the other half in pork, wheat, butter, or Indian corn, to the satisfaction of Mr. Richardson .*
May 7, 1675 Daniel Peirce Senr Nath : Clarke & John Bartlet Senr were chosen to compleat the finishing & fencing of the ministry house .* 1
In the summer of 1676 permission to build a new seat in the meeting-house, "in the south corner of the womens gallery," led to an exciting episode, which ultimately resulted in the indictment of Joshua Richardson, Caleb Richardson, and Edward Ordway " for breaking into the meeting house at Newbury, breaking of a pew and chairs &c." They were tried and convicted at the court held at Ipswich, March 27, 1677, and sentenced to be severely whipped or pay. a fine of ten pounds with costs and fees, and also to give bonds for their future good behavior. Richard Carr, who was accused of being associated with them in the commission of this unlaw- ful act, was found " not guilty," and discharged.t
August 18, 1680, the selectmen ordered that Anthony Morse should every Sabbath day go or send his boy to Mr. Richardson and tell him when he is going to ring the last bell every meeting and for that service is to have ten shillings a year added to his former annuity .*
Aug 29, 1681 The selectmen agreed with James Mirricke to keep the meeting house & sweep it and Ring the bell twice every meeting accord- ing to former custome in season, and to bring a bason of water to the meeting house when children are to be baptized, and to give notice to Mr Richardson when he goes to Ring the last bell every meeting both Sabath days & lecture days, and for this service the selectmen do engage in the behalfe of the Towne, that the said James Mirricke shall have yearly paid to him out of the Towne Rate the sum of three pounds & 10 shillings. And the said James Mirrick is hereby engaged also to dig graves as occasion may be, for which he is to have three shillings for every man & womans Grave in the somer & when the frost is out of the Ground, but also in winter he is to have foure shillings for such graves &c &c .*
At a town meeting held January 23, 1684-5, " Richard Bartlet not appearing, he being a deputy to the general
* Town of Newbury Records.
t Ipswich Court Records, vol. ii., p. 290; also, Coffin's History of Newbury, p. 119-
332
HISTORY OF NEWBURY
court," Nicholas Noyes was chosen moderator, and the follow- ing vote was then passed : -
The towne taking into consideration the Lord hath bin pleased to disable our Reverend Teacher by fever & that he is not able to carry on the worke of the ministry at present. It was therefore voted that the towne will allow twenty shillings in pay every Sabbath to such as shall carry on the worke of the ministry During the time of Mr Richardsons sickness. And also desire the Deacons to take [ ] for such as may preach among us from one Sabbath to another untill god pro- vide otherwise for our help .*
During the following summer the inhabitants at the west end of the town were exceedingly anxious to erect a house of worship in that neighborhood, and asked liberty to employ a suitable person to carry on the work of the ministry among them. This humble request, however, was not granted. Nevertheless, the petitioners proceeded to build, without per- mission, a meeting-house in the vicinity of Sawyer's hill, and employed Mr. Edward Thompson to preach there. A long and serious contest followed, which ultimately led to setting off part of the west end of the town as a separate parish.t
Mr. John Clark was invited to assist Rev. John Richardson in the discharge of his ministerial duties, and also to keep a grammar school at the west end of the town. He declined the invitation, and Rev. Christopher Toppan was asked to undertake the work. May 28, 1694, Mr. Toppan replied that he could not give an affirmative answer to the proposal sub- mitted to him, but expressed his willingness "to help in the work of the ministry in Newbury for a year in order to fur- ther settlement as Gods providence shall make way." *
Rev. Mr. Richardson died April 27, 1696; and, on the fif- teenth day of May following, the church invited Rev. Christo- pher Toppan to take the entire charge of the parish. May twenty-fifth, the freeholders and inhabitants of the town voted to give him forty pounds a year in money and forty pounds a year in provision, so long as he carried on the whole work of the ministry among them .*
In the month of July following, the town granted him two
* Town of Newbury Records.
t For the details of this prolonged controversy see pp. 349-356.
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CHURCHES AND PASTORS
acres of land to be laid out in some convenient place near the meeting-house, " provided that he be ordained and settle in the town." *
He accepted the office of pastor of the church, and was ordained September 9, 1696. For more than twenty years he occupied the parsonage built for Rev. Mr. Richardson, on Floyd's lane, now Hanover street, Newbury.t
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