USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Princeton > History of Princeton, Worcester County, Massachusetts, civil and ecclesiastical, from its first settlement in 1739, to april 1852 > Part 10
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" Yet, my brethren, while I rejoice in the belief that I shall be happy and useful among you, I do most sincerely lament that I have not been so fortunate as to effect a greater degree of unanimity than exists in the church and town. It is an unpleas- ant thing for me to settle with you contrary to the wishes of any individual in this place. Nevertheless, from the acquaintance I haye with those opposed to my settlement, from the civilty and
129
MR. CLARKE'S REPLY.
respect with which I have ever been personally treated by them, I am fully satisfied that although they cannot at present regard me with favor as a preacher, yet they will ever regard me with that friendship and charity which are due from man to man, and from Christian to Christian, and that they will never do any thing designedly to injure my character, or my feelings. I believe that I can say from the heart, that I feel towards them the love and affection of a Christian ; that they have, and always will have my prayers and best wishes, and that I shall at all times be ready to extend to them the hand of fellowship, of consolation and of Christian love.
" From your past expressions of kindness and affection I feel assured, my Christian friends, that they will be continued to me ; that in all seasons of want, of distress, of affliction and trial, you will be ready to assist, advise, and comfort me ; that I shall always have your prayers, that I may be faithful to you and myself, and that you will do all in your power to strengthen my hands, and encourage my heart. You will I trust always find me ready to do every thing in your behalf which belongs to me as a Christian minister and a man. Let it then be our united prayer to the throne of grace, that should our contemplated union be consummated, it may be productive of the happiest consequences both as it regards our present and eternal peace, that we may be enabled to walk together in the exercise of all the mild and peaceful graces of our holy religion. Let us be much in prayer to God for light and direction. And O, may it be our happiness to be mutual sources of improvement and com - fort in this life and of joy and rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus."
Mr. Clarke was ordained at Princeton, June 18, 1817. The sermon on this occasion was preached by Rev. Dr. Pierce of Brookline.
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130
COUNCIL CALLED.
CHAPTER IX.
Call of Council by the Church-Result-Organization of the Presbyterian Church-Ruling Elders-Call to Mr. Bond-Accessions to the Church and Congregation-New Meeting House-Seizure of Property to pay Ministerial Rates-Seizure of the body -- Mr. John H. Brooks carried to Jail-Suit, Samuel Brooks vs. Town-Mutual Settlement of the contro- versy-Settlement of Mr. Phillips-Origin of Division-Mr. Clarke's dis- mission-Biographical Notice-Proposal for a Union-First Parish, and Mr. Cowles' settlement and dismission.
The opposition manifested to the call of Mr. Clarke grew stronger after his ordination, and many left the usual place of worship. Previous to that event however, the church determined to call an Ecclesiastical Council to give them advice at this important crisis. Letters missive, in the name of the church, were accordingly addressed to five churches to advise in the case, by vir- tue of which the Council assembled at Princeton on the 29th of April, 1817, at the house of Caleb Mirick, Esq. It consisted of Rev. Dr. Payson of Rindge, N. H., Rev. Dr. Crane of Northbridge, Rev. Dr. Snell of Brookfield, Rev. Joseph Goffe of Millbury and Rev. Gaius Conant of Paxton,-each clergyman being also accompanied by a delegate. After the organization of said Council the subscribers to the covenant which was recommended by the former Ecclesiastical. Council, who formed the mi- nority of the church, together with others, were inform- ed that the council was proceeding to business ; and that they were ready to receive any communications they were disposed to make. Their doings will be best ascertained from the accompanying result.
" Received several communications from the committee of the church, relating to the repeated invitations given by the town to Mr. Samuel Clarke to be their minister,-the doings of an Ecclesiastical council lately convened for the purpose of giving their advice upon the subject of their future proceedings ; and
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RESULT OF COUNCIL.
the conscientious scruples of the church in complying with their advice, and in setting under the ministry of Mr. Clarke in case he should be established as a teacher in the town, on ac- count of his religious opinions, in some essential particulars so diverse from their own, so opposite to the covenant they had adopted and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Having also had a friendly interview with Mr. Clarke, in which he frankly avowed his religious opinions, on which the church founded their objec- tions to him as their pastor and teacher, and of which they ap- pear to have formed correct conceptions. Whereupon we would express our sympathetic feelings for the church in Princeton, with them deeply deplore their unhappy state, and lament the assumed power of the late Ecclesiastical Council, so unprecedented in our country and so unauthorized by the Gospel-a power that threatens the liberties, the privileges and the very existence of our churches which are founded upon the pillars of truth ; by depriving them of their inalienable rights, subverting their confessions of faith and their forms of cove- nant. We commend our brethren for the firm stand they have made in the defence of the truth once delivered to the saints ; so honorable to them as professed Christians. Under all the severe trials this measure may occasion them, a conscious love to the Gospel, the approbation of their own minds and their Christian brethren, and above all the approbation and gracious presence of God will be an ample support-a rich reward. In these trying circumstances we would give them the following advice :
" 1. That they give themselves unto prayer for the direction and holy keeping of the great Head of the church, that they may be guided into the paths of wisdom and Christian prudence, that they may meekly and patiently endure every trial to which, in Providence, they are subjected, as the friends of truth, and re- main united together in love as the humble followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"2. That they take all legal and proper measures to form themselves together with such inhabitants of the town as may choose to unite with them into a distinct and separate religious society, for the quiet enjoyment of Christian ordinances, and the instructions of an evangelical ministry, cleaving to their ar- ticles of faith and the holy covenant into which they have most solemnly entered, and from which their brethren so unwarranta- bly departed.
" And now, brethren, we acknowledge you as the Church of Christ in Princeton, cordially recommend you to the fellowship of all Christian Churches in our connection, and pledge our af- fectionate counsel, influence and co-operation for your support
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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
and encouragement, and for your furtherance in the faith of the Gospel. Walk in the meekness of wisdom toward those that are otherwise minded and convince them by a " uniform" Chris- tian deportment that conscience, not prejudice, a zeal for the truth and not unyielding perverseness, that the fear of God, and love to our Lord Jesus Christ, and not a spirit of discord, have prevented you from a coalescence with your brethren. Above all, brethren, we commend you to God and to the word of his grace, that he would take you into his merciful keeping, shed upon you the dew of his grace, and enable you to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Behold, O God, look down and visit this vine."*
Agreeable to the advice of the Council, the Church proceeded forthwith to take the appropriate steps to form themselves into a society for the enjoyment of Christian ordinances, and the instruction of an evangelical minis- try. A committeet was chosen on the 6th of June to confer with Rev. Mr. Merriam, a Presbyterian minister, to ascertain what measures were necessary to be taken to become united with, and also to come under the regu- lations and government of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. On the 18th day of September, 1818, it was unanimously voted by the Church, to adopt the Presbyterian Articles of Faith and discipline, and become connected with the Newburyport Presbyte- ry. This course of the Church was considered a bold innovation, conflicting with the prejudices, and also violating the usages of the times. The erection of a poll parish, bringing together those of similar opinions, without regard to local habitation, almost unprecedented beyond the metropolis, was strenuously resisted. The founders of the society grasped firmly, and thereby se- cured those rights which, after the lapse of time, have been accorded as common privileges. Their meetings
* Unanimously adopted by the Council.
+ Dea. Parker,-substitute, Jonas Brooks, Esq.
133
ACCESSION OF MEMBERS.
were held for some time in one of the schoolhouses, the Selectmen refusing them the use of the Town House.
Dea. Ebenezer Parker, Dea. Samuel Stratton, Dea. Israel Howe, Jonas Brooks, Esq., Caleb Mirick, and Thomas Wilder, were elected Ruling Elders, and were ordained on the 25th of October by Dr. Dana from New- buryport. The society being thus organized on the 25th of December invited Rev. Alvan Bond, of Andover, to settle with them in the work of the gospel ministry.
To this invitation, Mr. Bond gave a negative reply, alleging that he came to this result in view of the state of his health, and also of his intentions to engage in the work of the ministry, in a foreign mission.
Though destitute of a settled minister, the Church continued to meet every Sabbath for religious worship. They were supplied with preaching generally by some of the clergymen from the neighboring towns; and in the space of little more than two years the Lord so great- ly blessed their efforts, that upwards of forty individuals became identified with the church. At length they found themselves straightened for room on account of the great accessions to their congregation, until, in 1819, necessity compelled the erection of a house of worship. This house was located near the old burying ground, a little north-west from the old town-house. The dedica- cation sermon was preached by Dr. Dana of Newbury- port.
The boundaries of the first parish, co-extensive with those of the town, embraced the estates of the members of the Presbyterian society, and while they contributed to the support of the institutions of their own church and teachers, they were also compelled to pay ministerial rates in the same manner as before the separation. This
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134
MINISTERIAL RATES.
double taxation was peculiarly onerous. Hence, at a town meeting held Oct.16, 1818, they made an appeal to the justice of their fellow townsmen, for relief from a tax inconsistent with their religious privileges ; but without avail. On their refusal to pay the ministerial rates assessed against them, for the support of Rev. Mr. Clarke, their cattle and other property was seized and sacrificed under the hammer of the auctioneer. A second ineffectual ap- peal to the town for relief from this taxation, was made. Upon refusing to pay their ministerial rates, subsequently, their persons were seized by the constable, who, agree- able to his instructions, made his way with them towards the County jail. With one exception, however, they came to the conclusion before arriving at the place of destination, to pay their ministerial assessments. Mr. John H. Brooks was lodged in the jail at Worcester, who, after " resting quietly" for a time paid his rates and returned to his family in Princeton.
The history of these transactions has become matter of judicial record ; a suit having been commenced in 1819 by Capt. Samuel Brooks, in behalf of the Presby- terian society to recover the amount of taxes paid by them for the support of the ministry and for parochial purposes in the town subsequent to the formation of said society. This matter, however, was finally taken out of court, and amicably adjusted by the adoption of the report of a committee appointed to adjust the matter, as follows :
" The committee appointed to adjust and compro- mise the present litigation between the town, by a suit commenced by Capt. Samuel Brooks against the asses- sors of said town, and to examine all matters in contro- versy between the said town and the Presbyterian so-
135
LITIGATION-MUTUAL SETTLEMENT.
ciety or act any thing relative thereto, now respectfully report :
" That having fully and faithfully considered the sub- ject of the unfortunate controversy growing out of the assessment of taxes for the support of the ministry and for parochial purposes in the town of Princeton, since the formation of the Presbyterian Society, by a voluntary association of individuals for that purpose in said town- they are of opinion ; that as the assessment of taxes upon the members of said Presbyterian Society for the year 1818 is of doubtful legality, and it is desirable that the controversy to which the said assessment has, and may hereafter give rise, should be amicably and speedily settled ; the town should direct, that the assessors give their orders of abatement in favor of all those members of said Presbyterian Society who were assessed in the tax of 1818 for the amount of the ministerial tax of that year, to which they were respectively assessed; and that the Selectmen of said town of Princeton draw their orders upon the Treasury to be paid out of the monies raised for the support of the ministry in favor of all the members of said society, who were assessed for the year aforesaid to the amount of said assessments together, with the amount of cost to which they were subjected in the collection thereof, all agreeably to the schedule and ex- hibit herewith reported, and that the said members of said Presbyterian Society thereupon release and dis- charge all claim and demand of action, or right of action against said town, the assessors and collector of taxes therein, for the year 1818, by reason of all such assess- ments and any collections thereof as aforesaid. That the committee do also recommend to said town and So- ciety mutually to pass votes that in consideration of the
136
REV. ALONZO PHILLIPS.
foregoing terms, and upon acceptance thereof, all de- mands, claims and controversies, which have arisen or might arise between the said town and its officers, on the one hand, and the Society and its members, on the other, in any wise resulting from the assessments of mon- ies for ministerial or parochial purposes, and the appro- priation of monies thereto previous to this time be re- leased and wholly discharged." [Here comes in the names of sixty one different individuals, with the enume- ration of ministerial rates assessed for 1818, amounting, in the aggregate. to $131 00.] " To these sums are to be added the amount of surplus monies arising from the sales of property exceeding the sums of taxes respective- ly, for the collection of which property was sold, with interest thereon, together with the tax and the cost in the action of Capt. Brooks, and the fees of the collector when paid."*
On the 20th day of March, 1820, the Presbyterian Church voted unanimously to give Rev. Alonzo Phillips, who had been for some time previous supplying their pulpit, an invitation to settle with them as their pastor. To this call Mr. Phillips returned the following reply, which is found recorded in the church records, without address or signature :
"The office of the Christian Minister is doubtless the most important and the most responsible with which man can be in- vested. He receives his commission from God, and is account- able to him for the manner in which he discharges it. His business lies with immortal beings ; its design is to persuade them to become good ; if it fails of this, its design is lost and worse than lost. Obviously then, he who thinks of taking this office upon himself ought not to assume it, till he has made it
* Signed by Jonas Hartwell, David Rice, and Charles Mirick, town's com- mittee, and Samuel Brooks, Azer Maynard, and Jonas Brooks, Esq., committee of the Presbyterian Society.
137
MR. PHILLIPS' REPLY.
the subject of the most serious contemplation and fervent pray- er. This remark is applicable to his decision concerning the particular part of his Lord's vineyard, in which it his duty to labor. The first, and indeed the only question, which ought to govern his decision is-where can I do the most good? In deciding this question, several things must be taken into con- sideration ; such as the ability and willingness of a people to give him support, which will enable him to devote himself wholly to the work peculiar to his office ; the part of the world or particular place in which, at a time like the present, he is most needed ; his ability to sustain the labors and perform the duties which will devolve upon him in a particular place ; the feelings and unanimity of the people, who invite him to settle with them. These considerations I have endeavored to examine with impartiality in forming the decision now to be made pub- lic.
" In regard to the first of these, the support, I can only say, that on the part of the society there is certainly at present a very pleas- ing willingness; as to the ability they are the only proper judges. Whether the sum proposed be adequate to a support in my case, time must determine ; for on this subject I am at present wholly inexperienced. All I wish for is a support which with prudence and economy, will enable me to live in a manner which you brethren, would call respectable; which will enable me to unite with my brethren in the ministry in aiding the religious and benevolent plans which distinguish the present period of the church. In regard to the second thing to be considered-the particular place to which duty calls, this a much more difficult question to decide. When I have looked at the smallness of this society, and at their ability to live a while longer without a settled minister, I have thought it my duty to go to some other place. But when I have contemplated the stand they have ta- ken, and its bearings, the everlasting importance of the truths they wish to support, the connexion of those truths with vital religion and the salvation of men, I cannot doubt. When I look at this church, consider what it has sustained and how it has been blessed, I am fully satisfied, that it is a real branch of the kingdom of Christ, and a branch too, which is as precious to him as any other branch of his kingdom. Why then should it not be as precious to his ministers ? Of the next thing to be considered-the ability of a man to sustain the labors and dis- charge the duties of a particular place, in the present case others are judges ; if they have erred time will rectify the mistake. In regard to the last thing to be considered-the feelings and una- nimity of the people, they are all any man could wish for, to afford him happiness and give him influence.
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ORIGIN OF DIVISION.
" With these things before me, what could I do, but resolve to engage in the same cause with you-cast my lot with yours, to live or die with you ? What could I do but answer your in- vitation in the affirmative? With these things before me I do answer in the affirmative. May the Head of the church approve the answer, and to his name be glory forever, Amen."
Mr. Phillips' ordination took place on the 7th of June, 1820. The exercises were,-Introductory prayer, by Rev. Mr. Easton ; Sermon by Rev. Dr. Leonard Woods, of Andover; ordaining prayer by Rev. Mr. Gregor ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Alvan Bond; charge by Rev. Dr. Dana of Newburyport; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Parker.
We have now narrated the plain facts in the case, which led to the religious division in the parent parish. That the church in Princeton was a regular Congrega- tional church, founded upon the common faith and prac- tice of the New-England churchs in general, none can dispute. And, as it appears from its history, its mem- bers had lived in peace for many years, and had been blessed and prospered. No uncommon symptoms of disaffection appeared in reference to the doctrines of said church, either in the church or congregation, until the pulpit became vacant by the dismission of Rev. Dr. Mur- dock, and other doctrines than the people had been ac- customed to hear, were preached among them. At that period divisions and controversies began to manifest themselves. From what source they originated is plain to be seen ; and that the divisions consequent upon the settlement of Rev. Mr. Clarke, have not been remedied by the lapse of years, we shall see in the sequel. The town was now for the first time divided into two religious societies, each having a minister of their own choice .*
* Previous to this time there were several individuals of the Baptist denomi- nation but no organized society existed in town until subsequent to this period.
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BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE.
That under Mr. Clarke was in full fellowship with the Unitarian Congregational Societies. The one under Mr. Phillips maintained the confession of faith and dis- cipline of the Presbyterian Church until 1830, when, on account of the great inconvenience and expense, par- ticularly in attending the meetings of the Presbytery, they were at their request dismissed from that body, and it was unanimously voted to adopt the Congregational form of government. At the same time they also adopt- ed the covenant and articles of faith, used by the church at the time of Mr. Murdock's dismission .*
Rev. Mr. Clarke continued to preach in Princeton until 1832, when, owing to ill healtht he requested his society to unite with him in the call of a mutual council to advise as to the dissolution of his ministerial relation. The society complying with this request, a council was convened at Lamb's Hotel, in Princeton, on the 5th day of June, 1832. And, agreeably to the advice of said council, Mr. Clarke was dismissed on the 18th of the same month.
Rev. Samuel Clarke is a native of New Boston, N. H. He graduated at Dartmouth College, in 1812, at the age of 21 years, and subsequently pursued his theological studies under the tuition of Rev. Dr. Channing of Bos- ton. After leaving his official station in Princeton, he accepted an invitation to become pastor of the First Congregational Society in Uxbridge, and was installed January 9th, 1833. He still resides in Uxbridge.
At the meeting for the dismissal of Mr. Clarke, on the 21st of May, 1832, either from fear that they would be
* See chap. VII, in this work.
+ It appears that Mr. Clarke soon recovered his health which had been for
" four years on the decline" and he settled in Uxbridge, Jan. 1833. # Said society is professedly Unitarian.
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PROPOSAL FOR UNION.
unable to sustain their Society as a distinct body without assistance, or from some other cause, the Congregation- al Society passed the following vote :-
"On motion, voted that the committee to supply the pulpit be authorized and instructed to wait on the stand- ing or prudential committee of the Evangelical Orthodox Society, and request the committee of that society to call a meeting of said society, as soon as may be, to as- certain whether said society feel disposed to unite with the Congregational Society in settling a minister, and if so to choose a committee consisting of an equal number chosen by the Congregational Society, to co-operate with them in inviting a candidate to preach to both so- cieties, or take such other measures as said committee and the committee of said Evangelical Orthodox Society may deem expedient to effect a union of said societies."
This vote was communicated to the Evangelical Or- thodox Society, and it led to the following action :-
" At a meeting of the Evangelical Congregational Society held at their meeting-house, on Monday, the 4th day of June inst., to take into consideration the request of the Congregational Society, by their committee ; to see if the Evangelical Congregational Society will unite with that society in settling a minister over both socie- ties, after due deliberation passed the following vote, to wit :-
" On motion, voted, that we cannot comply with said request for two reasons ; first we have a minister whom we respect and under whose ministry we are united and happy. Second, we do not feel authorized to act on the subject as proposed, because we feel that it is proper and right that the church should have the first move in all measures preparatory to the settlement of a pastor,"
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FIRST PARISII.
At this time, it is doubtless true that a large portion of the Congregational Society were not Orthodox in sentiment, and that there was a majority who were op- posed to the settlement of a Calvinistic pastor. Indeed, this very question was submitted to the society, where- upon it was ascertained that there were seventeen in fa- vor of Calvinistic preaching, ten in favor of Universal- ist, six in favor of Unitarian, and but two in favor of Orthodox .* After the secession of some thirty individ- uals, however, which took place about this time, who were organized into a Universalist Society.t, a majority of the members that then remained invited a Calvinistic preacher, in the person of Rev. John P. Cowles, to become their pastor. A salary of $500 was offered. Mr. Cowles having accepted this invitation, the ordination took place July 19, 1833. The introductory prayer was by the Rev. H. Winslow of Boston ; sermon by Rev. Mr. Lins- ley, of Park-street church, Boston; consecrating prayer by Rev. Dr. James Murdock of New Haven, Conn. ; charge by Rev. Mr. Mann, of Westminster ; exhortation to the church and people by Rev. Mr, Clark of Rutland ; address and right hand of fellowship by Rev. A. E. Phelps of Boston ; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Allen of Shrewsbury.
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