USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Sherborn > History of Sherburne, Mass., from its incorporation, MDCLXXIV, to the end of the year MDCCCXXX : including that of Framingham and Holliston, so far as they were constituent parts of that town > Part 5
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1760 .- Decr. 3d.' The selectmen gave order to the Town Treasurer to pay Mr. Stephen Minot's Heirs what Remd due to Him for preaching.
1763 .- March 7. Voted to pay Mr. Brooks for preaching when Mr Locke was sick.
May 7 .-- Mr. Benjamin Whitney, Deacon Jonathan
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Russell and Ebenezer Twitchell were chosen to supply the town with preaching, and voted that the committee provide three young ministers to preach one month cach as soon as may be convenant. Granted £40 for the pur- pose.
Dec. 3 .- Voted to pay Timothy Hilliard his account for preaching at Sherborn.
July 9 ---- Voted to have the Committee Ingage Mr. Brown four Saborths more than they have already.
August 27 .--- Voted that the town ware determined to come to the choice of a minister before they heard any more on probation ; and that the committee Imploy Mr. Brown till the town come to the choice, and voted £30 to pay for preaching.
Septr. 19 .--- The town concurred with the Church by choosing Rev. Elijah Brown their Gospell minister by a majority of votes. Granted £160 settlement; £73 Gs. 4d. pr. annum salary. Chose a committee to Joyn with the Churches committee to treat with Rev. Elijah Brown.
Nov. 8 .--- Voted that the last Wednesday of this in- stant Novr. be the day for the ordination of Rev. Elijah Brown ; chose Dr. Lcavit to entertain the Counsel. Also voted that the town will not make a publick entertain- incut.
1771 .--- Jan. 21. Chose a committee to make appli- cation to the Hon. and Rev. Board of Overseers of Har- vard College for the necessary expence of the Resettle- ment of a minister.
March 4 .--- Granted to Samuel Sanger for keeping min- isters horses £2 6s. to Dr. Josiah Levet for providing for ordination .C10 2s. 8d.
1772 .- March 2. Voted to have the town Treasurer
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let out the money granted by the Corporation of Harford Collidge and the Province Treasuror to the town, on good security ; being in all £51, 7s. 4d.
1809 .--- August 22. From this time the " PARISH RE- CORDS" have been kept in a book, separate from the TOWN RECORDS, from which most of the following ex- tracts are made,
1814 .--- Angust 29. Voted to hire some person to as- sist the Revd. Elijalı Brown, in the discharge of his min- isterial duties, during his feeble state of health, and gran- ted $100 for this purpose.
1815 .--- May 23. A vote, 'of the same tenor with the last was past, and $240 granted for hiring Preaching.
1816 .--- March 4. A vote similar to the above was past, money granted and a committee chosen to hire preaching.
Septr. Monday the day of-A vote was asked whether the Parish would concur with the Church of Christ in this place, in giving the Revd. Ephraim Randall an invitation to settle with them, as their Gospel minister, and it passed in the negative.
Nov. 4 .--- Voted and granted $75 to defray the expen- ces of the Funeral of the late Revd. Elijah Brown.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES .- Danicl Gookin, the first minister in Sherburne, was a native of Cambridge, and son of the celebrated Superintendent of the Indians, who bore the same name, and was the indefatigable friend and companion of the apostolic Eliot, in his missionary labors. He was graduated at Harvard University in 1669. I have found no account of the time of his ordination. He is mentioned with respect by our early historians, as one,
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who possessed the same zeal for civilizing and evangeliz- ing the Indians, which animated Eliot and his venerable father. Eliot thus writes, respecting Rev. Daniel Goo- kin, to the Hon. Robert Boyle, April 22. 1684.
Major Gookin hath dedicated his eldest son, Daniel Gookin unto the service of Christ ; he is a picus and learned young man, about thirty three years old, hath been eight years a fellow of the College ; he hath taught and trained up two classes of young scholars unto their commencement ; he is a man whose abilities are above exception, though not above envy. Ilis father, with his inclination, advised him to Sherburne, a small village near Natick, whose meeting house is about three miles, more or less, from Natick meeting house. He holdeth a Lec- ture in Natick meeting house once a month ; which many English, especially of Sherburne, do frequent. He first preacheth in English to the English audience, and then the same matter is delivered to the Indians, by an inter- prefer, whom with much pains, Mr. Gookin hath fore pre- pared. We apprehend this will (by God's blessing) be a means to enable the Indians to understand religion preach- ed in the English tongue, and will much further Mr. Goo- kin in learning the Indian tongue.
A humble stone, in the central grave yard, marks the spot where his remains repose, and bears the following inscription.
Here lyes ye Body of ye Reverend DANIEL GOOKIN, Pastor of ye Church of Christ at Sherbon. Decd. Janrylye 8th. 1717 -- 18, in ye 68th. year of his age.
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE.
Daniel Baker, the second minister, was a native of Dedham, and graduated at Harvard University in 1706. Ile was settled as colleague with Mr. Gookin ; but the precise time of his ordination is not ascertained. His com- munication, accepting the invitation of the' Church and Town, is dated, Dec. 29, 1711. Hle died May 14th 1731. His age is not mentioned on the register of deaths. Allowing him to have been 20, when he was graduated, he died at the age of 45.
A large stone slab, of the grindstone kind, was placed over his grave, in the central burying ground, supported by brick work. A slate with a suitable inscription, was let into the slab ; but the brick work has crumbled away, the slab has fallen, and the slate is lost, or destroyed.
By the side of this dilapidated monument, a modest stone stands erect with this inscription.
Here rests the precious dust of Mrs. Mary Baker, Consort of ye Reud. Mr. Daniel Baker, Pastor of ye Church in Sherbourne and Daughter of Coll. Edmund Quincey, late of Brantrey, Esquire. Died, March 29th. 1716, in ye 32d year of her age.
The only publication of Mr. Baker, that I have seen or heard of, is entitled, " Two Sermons, the First preached at Dedham, October 5th 1726. On a day of Prayer with Fasting there, to ask the Pourings out of the Spirit of Grace on Them, and especially on their Children :--- The Other --- Early Piety the Duty and Interest of Youth. As it was shown in A Sermon preached at Sherbourn, on May
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10, 1727. Being a day set apart there, for Prayer with Fasting. To implore the Effusion of GOD's Spirit on the Rising Generation. By DANIEL BAKER, A. M. Pastor of the Church of Christ in Sherbourn .- Boston, Printed for D. Henchman, 1728."
This is an 18mo volume of 164 pages. The first six pa- ges are occupied with an address " To THE READER," signed by five venerable men, who were then ministers of the several towns, annexed to their names-JOSEPH BAX- TER, Medfield ; JONATHI. TOWNSEND, Needham ; SAMUEL DEXTER, Dedham ; NATHAN BUCKNAM, Medway ; OLI- VER PEABODY, Natick.
The next 48 pages contain the sermon preached at Dedham, from Chron. XXVIII, 9. Then follows a ded- ication, " To Those under my Pastoral Care," occupying 6 pages, and signed by DANIEL BAKER. The remaining 64 pages contain the Sermon preached at Sherbourn, from Proverbs III. 1, 2.
I shall extract a few paragraphs from the Dedication mentioned above, as a specimen of the author's style of writing, and as throwing some light on the situation of the minister and people of this town, at the time it was written.
" Beloved Friends,-It is now more than Seventeen Years since you first Invited me to Preach to you, and above Fourteen sinee my In- auguration into the Office of Pastor to you, as an Assistant to my wor- thy Predecessor, the Rev. Mr. Gookin ; whose Company and Help in the great Work'I had undertaken, I so much prized, that might I have yet enjoyed it, I have often thought that I could have been contented with the small Salary you first gave me. But a righteous Gon has ordered it otherwise : However mueh to My loss, yet undoubtedly to Ilis great Gain and Advantage. It is now more than Ten Years that I have had the whole Pastoral Care of you. And it has been in 9
€
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Weakness and in mueh Fear that I have been with you. Yet I have this to Comfort and Encourage me, that I have reason to hope that my Preaching has not been altogether in vain to you. Gon has (and to Him be all the Glory) since my coming amongst you, made a very considerable Addition to Ilis Church ; and I am willing to hope of such as shall be Saved. Moreover, it has been no small Encourage- ment to me that my Labours have found so mueh Acceptance with you. One Instance of which you have now given, in your forward- ness to be at the Charge of Printing those Sermons which were Preach- ed on Days of Fasting and Prayer for You and Others.
It is well known that it is owing to the Repeated and Undeniable Request of some of you (especially) that these Sermons are thus come to Publick View. Might I have had my own Inclination, and if I had no more regard to publick usefulness than my own private Inter- est, or Applause, and had it not been a pain to me to deny you, they had never seen the Light. * * *
I have one Request to you, sinee I have granted you yours. I must freely confess, I don't remember that ever I asked any thing of you of an external nature, or on a worldly account, but you always granted it. And now my Request is, that you would be earnest in your Prayers to GOD for me, that I may obtain mercy to be Faithful to GOD and Souls; that my ministry may yet be more successful among you, and that I may save my own Soul as well as yours. I am Your Affectionate Friend and Servant of your Souls.
DANIEL BAKER."
Samuel Porter, the third minister, was a native of Brookfield, and graduated at Harvard University in 1730. He was ordained on the fourth Wednesday in October, 1734. His remains were deposited in the central ground by the side of his two predecessors, in the pastoral of- fice, Gookin and Baker. The inscription on his grave- stone, which is subjoined, is supposed to describe his char- acter justly and truly, as well as to inform us respecting the duration of his ministry, his age and the time of his departure.
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Sub hoc Marmore Reliquia sunt deposita Reverendi SAMUELIS PORTER, Viri propter agiles mentis facultates insignis ; pro Pietate et Prudentia, pro Benevolentia morumque comitate conspicui ; Præconis Evangelii ar- dentis ; ornamenti Doctrina effulgentisque Exemplaris Christi Vitæ ; Pastoris vigilantissimi et benignissimi Ec- clesix apud Sherbourn per annos viginti quatuor. Eru- ditione quoque humana sacraque Theologia versati, soci- isque affectionibus et Virtutibus maxime præditi et or- nati, qui ad Regiones coclestes ab hac Vita transivit, de- cimo sexto Dic Septembris, A. D. 1758, ÆEtat. 49.
TRANSLATION.
Beneath this stone are deposited the remains of the Reverend SAMUEL PORTER ; a man distinguished for ac- tive powers of mind; conspicuous for picty and pru- dence, for benevolence and courtesy of manners ; a zcal- ous preacher of the gospel ; an ornament of the doctrine and a shining example of the life of Christ; a most watchful and affectionate pastor of the church at Sher- bourn, during twenty four years. He was also well versed in human learning and sacred Theology, and dis- tinguishingly endowed and adorned with social affections and virtues. He passed from this life to the heavenly regions, September 16, 1758, in the 49th year of his agc.
Two stones, crected by the side of his, inform us that he had been the husband of two wives, who were buried before him, both of the name of Mary. What were their surnames, previous to marriage, is not known. One dicd August 10, 1752; the other August 8, 1758.
Samuel Locke, S. T. D. the fourth minister, was born
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in Lancaster, Mass. Nov. 23, 1732, and graduated at Harvard University A. D. 1755. He was ordained Nov. 7, 1759. Being chosen President of Ilarvard Universi- ty, he was inaugurated, March 21, 1770; resigned that office Dec 1, 1773, and returned to Sherburne, where he died suddenly, January 15th 1777, in the 45th year of his age.
Mr. Locke was esteemed, as a worthy and useful min- ter, and was much respected, as president of the college, till the time of his resignation. Not a stone has been erected to tell where he lies ; but the place may be known by that at the grave of his son, Dr. Samuel Locke, who dicd August 30, 1788. The sexton mentioned in the hearing of the writer of this, that in digging the grave for the son, he discovered some of the bones of the father.
Elijah Brown was born at Waltham, Mass. May 31, 1744, and graduated at Harvard University 1764. He was ordained, Nov. 28, 1770. On this occasion the Rev. Jacob Cushing of Waltham preached a Sermon from first Corinthians, IV. 2. " It is required of stewards, that a Man be found faithful." This was printed.
Mr. B. was twice married. His first wife was Susan- na Biglow of Waltham, who presented him with two sous, who were graduated at Harvard University, A. D. 1804, and died in early life : namely, Elijah, July 28, 1805, aged 24, and Henry who had commenced the practice of law, and died August 3, 1810, aged 27. Mrs. Brown, dicd May 1, 1807. Ilis second consort was widow Abigail Flagg, a sister of his first wife, who survives him. He died, Oct. 24, 1816, after several shocks of Palsy, which destroyed his mind, aged 72, in the forty sixth year of his ministry. He was respectfully interred on
HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. . 69
the 28th day of the same month, at the expense of his parishioners. On this occasion the first prayer was of- fered by Rev. Stephen Palmer of East Needham, a Ser- mon was preached by Rev. Dr. Sanders of Medfield, from Heb. VII. 23, 24, and the second prayer was made by Rev. Thomas Noyes of West Necdham.
The Ilon. Judge Sprague, formerly of Lancaster, Ms. was a classmate of Mr. B. in College. Ile once observ- ed to the writer of this, that, in his opinion, " there were about a dozen real geniuses in the class, and that Brown was one of them." In fact, in his conversation, in his publick, extemporoncous performances and in his writings, lic gave many proofs, that he was justly entitled to this appellation, and that he had made respectable literary at- tainments.
Hlis sermons were generally practical, rather than doc- trinal. That delivered at the ordination of Rev. Zede- kiah Sanger, would now pass pretty well among those styled orthodox. It is conclued with the following dox- ology. " Now unto God, the Father, to God the Son, and to God the Holy Ghost be ascribed undivided honor and endless glory in the church-Amen." But, as lic grew older, and paid more attention to his professional studies, he grew more liberal, as it is called, and during the latter part of his life, ranked with those who are now excluded by many from their communion, as unworthy to bear the name of Christians.
Mr. Brown was averse from controversy. One philoso- pher may believe the sun to be an immense globe of fire ; another, that it is an opaque mass, with a luminous sur- face. One may suppose the moon to consist of land and water, like our carth ; another, that it is a solid substance,
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indented with deep, dark caverns ; a third, that it has an atmosphere, and a fourth, that it has none. Yet all these men may nse the light of these luminaries equally to their own advantage, and for the purposes, for which they were designed by the Creator of the universe. So Mr. B. conceived that Christians may differ widely in specu- lative opinions, and yet rejoice in the light of the gospel with equal sincerity, and walk by this light with cqual uprightuess and safety.
Ile considered those points, respecting which the bit- terest contentions arise among theologians, as having but little reference to the love of God, or man ; and he was thoroughly convinced, that controversy, as it is generally managed, is in a high degree nufavorable to both. Ile was of the opinion that, if Christians would bestow half the pains to find out how far they agree in sentiment, that they do to discover wherein they differ, and walk by the same rule, so far as they are agreed, it would have a strong tendency to increase their happiness, both temporal and eternal.
To the sick and the sorrowful his parochial visits were acceptable and consoling. His feelings were quick and tender, which led him to weep with those who wept, as well as to rejoice with those who rejoiced. This same sensibility, it was thought, rendered him too hasty in re- senting a real, or supposed injury ; but it always canscd him to be easily reconciled to the object of his resentment.
He possessed a natural vein of wit and hamour, which requires much judgment to manage without giving of- fence ; and in which he occasionally indulged, to a great- er extent, than was consistent with the dignity of his pro- fession.
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With these exceptions, he exhibited a good example to his flock, and met with fewer difficulties, either in his church, or congregation, than are generally encountered by those, who have a whole town for a parish ; and it is believed by many that there was as much genuine virtuc and piety in the town, during his long and' faithful minis- try, as there has been at any time since his departure.
Mr. Brown, his first wife and their two sons lie buried near the gate of the Plain burying ground. The follow- ing is the inscription on his gravestone.
" Sacred To the Memory of Rev. ELIJAII BROWN, who was born at Waltham, May 31, 1744 ; Graduated at Harvard University, 1764 ; Ordained. Nov. 28, 1770 ; Obit, Oct. 24, 1816 : Æt. 72.
He was possessed of strong mental powers, improved by science ; and an exquisite sensibility which peculiarly qualified him for sympathizing with the afflicted. As a friend, he was social and obliging ; as a husband, tender. and affectionate ; as a parent, kind and indulgent ; and. for many years, an able and attentive minister."
The publications of Mr. B. arc-A Scrinon preached® at the ordination of the Rev. Zedekiah Sanger to the pastoral care of the church in Duxbury, July 3, 1776. Printed by T. & J. Fleet, 1776. The text from Malachi" II. 7. For the priests lips should keep knowledge, and they should scek the law at his mouth ; for he is the mes- senger of the Lord of Hosts. And " the right hand of fellowship given to the Rev. Benjamin Green, at his or- dination to the pastoral care of the first church of Christ in Medway, in conjunction with Rev. Mr. Nathan Buck-
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nam, June 28, 1788." Printed by T. & J. Fleet, with the other performances.
No descendants of any of the deceased ministers are known to be living. Mr. Savage observes in a note to his edition of Winthrop's Journal, " that the family name of Capt. Daniel Gookin is still perpetuated in New Hamp- shire."-Vol. 2. p. 165 .- But those, who bear this name, are believed to be descended from a brother of the minis- ter of Sherburne.
1816 .- Nov. 25. Shearjashub Bourne Townsend, a native of Barrington, R. I. and graduate of Brown Uni- versity, 1814, was chosen by a vote of the church to be their pastor.
Dec. 16 .- The parish voted to concur with the church in calling Mr. S. B. Townsend to settle with them, as their gospel minister. Three hundred Dollars were granted to be paid him within one year from the time of his settlement ; the further sum of $300 in two years from that time ; and $600 annually.
1817 .- June 9. The parish voted to concur with the church in appointing the second day of July next for the ordination of Mr. Townsend.
July 2d .- An Ecclesiastical Council convened at Sher- burne, when the following pastors, with one or two dele- gates from their respective Churches, were present .-
Revds. George Morey, Walpole ; Stephen Palmer, Needham; Daniel C. Sanders, D. D. Medfield ; . Thomas Noyes, Needham ; John White, Dedham; Ralph Sanger, Dover ; Luther Bailey, Medway ; Martin Moore, Natick ; William Cogswell, Dedham; Zedekiah Sanger, D. D. Bridgewater , David Kellog,'D. D. Framingham ; Luther Wright, Barrington, R. I .; Henry Edes, D. D. Prori- dence, R. I. ; Josephus Wheaton, Holliston.
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The public performances on this occasion were the following, interspersed with appropriate music.
1. Introductory Prayer by Rev. Dr. Sanders. 2. Ser- mon, Rev. Dr. Edes. 3. Consecrating Prayer, Rev. Dr. Kellogg. 4. Charge, Rev. Mr. Morey. 5. Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. Mr. Moore. 6. Concluding Prayer, Rev. Mr. Noyes.
1828 .- August 25. Voted that the Parish Committee, in concurrence with Rev. Mr. Townsend be directed to hire a minister, to supply the pulpit, during M. Town- send's inability to discharge his ministerial ditics ; and that they draw on the Treasurer for money to defray the expense to an amount, not exceeding $100.
1829 .- July. 1. " Gentlemen, Selectmen of the Town. of Sherburne-
Having, after serious consideration, come .o the con- clusion to resign my Salary at the close of this year of my Ministry, I take this method of signifying my deter- mination to you, and through you tothe People, at a con- venient opportunity. The occasin would prompt me to say much ; but my strength adnonishes me to leave my motives to be chiefly interpreed by my past conduct and my known sentiments. Th People will not be insensible, that I voluntarily remit ,hat, if I live, I might long and. legally retain. I see » reasonable prospect that i shall within several years, i ever, be able to perform the reg- ular and necessary duties of the stated ministry, even on the suppositio: that I should live and my health be. much improved.
I deem it my duty to say that I hope it will be considered .. one of ny principal reasons for adopting the present meas ures. chat the Church and People may have an early op --
10
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portunity of concurring in the choice of a Christian Pastor and Teacher, before discord shall invade and divide a People hitherto noted for Peace.
If I make any sacrifice by this relinquishment, all I wish for myself in return is the affectionate remembrance of this People, and the permanent effect of my labors among them. I am sensible of many errors and deficiencies; I ask their forgiveness. And I shall cherish as long as life a deep sense of their past generosity and friendship.
I am yours, Gentlemen, with respect and affection.
SIERJASHUB B. TOWNSEND."
" P. S. As I have delayed till this time to make this communication, I have engaged Rev. Mr. Clarke to preach forthree succeeding Sabbaths.
If any explanation of the above is required, it will be understood, hat I desire to retain a nominal relation to this Society as Minister ; and a Person settled would therefore be settledas colleague. But he would have all the compensation to receive, and, except what might be voluntary on my part, he would have all the ministertal duties to perform."
July 20th .- Voted part.lly to discharge Rev. Mr. Townsend from his official sties- upon the conditions expressed in the above communiution.
In the autunm of this year, Mr. Townsend and his wife went on a journey for the benefit f his health ; first to Charleston, S. C. and thence to St. Augustine, in Flori- da, where they still reside.
1830 .- March 22. AMOS CLARKE, a native of Sher- burne and a graduate of H. U. 1804, was invited by a vote of the church and congregation united, to become the Associate Pastor, with the Rev. Mr. Townsend, over
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this Society, on the following conditions, to wit-1st. The Society will give the Rev. Mr. Clarke $400 annually, to be paid to him, so long as he shall officiate, as Pastor of said Society .- The Society agree that the contract shall be dissolved and determined, at the pleasure of eith- er of the contracting parties giving six months notice to the other party of their desire of having said contract dis- solved.
March 27 .- Mr. Clarke, by a written communication, " To the Inhabitants of the first Parish in Sherburne," sig- nified his acceptance of their invitation.
May 20th .- An ecclesiastical council convened at Sherburne for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Clarke. This council was composed of the following pastors of churches with their delegates.
Revds. J. P. B. Storer, Walpole; John White, Ded- ham ; Alvan Lamson, Dedham; Ralph Sanger, Dover ; William Ritchie, Needham ; J. W. Thompson, Natick ; J. Pierce, D. D. Brookline ; C. Lowell, D. D. Boston ; J. Kendall, D. D. Plymouth ; J. Brazer, Salem ; J. Bart- lett, Marblehead ; Samuel Ripley, Waltham ; J. Parker, Southborough ; Rufus Hulbert, Sudbury ; H. Ware, D. D. Cambridge ; D. C. Saunders, D. D. Medfield.
Printed papers were distributed in the meetinghouse, on this occasion, headed as follows-" Order of Exercises at the Ordination of Mr. Amos Clarke, as Associate Pas- tor with the Rev. S. B. Townsend, of the First Con- gregational Church and Society in Sherburne."
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