USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > History of Worcester, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement to September, 1836 : with various notices relating to the history of Worcester County > Part 19
USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > History of Worcester, Massachusetts, from its earliest settlement to September, 1836 : with various notices relating to the history of Worcester County > Part 19
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' Wednesday, Oct. 15. Perceived the governor to be more affection- ate than ever. After morning prayer, he took me by myself, kissed me, wept, and exhorted me to go on stirring up the ministers ; ' for,' said he, ' reformation must begin at the house of God.' As we were going to meeting, says he, ' Mr. Whitefield, do not spare me any more than the ministers : no, not the chief of them.' I preached in the open air, on the common, to some thousands; the word fell with weight indeed ; it carried all before it. After sermon, the governor said to me, 'I pray God I may apply what has been said to my own heart. Pray Mr. Whitefield, that I may hunger and thirst after right- eousness.' Dinner being ended, with tears in his eyes he kissed, and took leave of me. Oh, that we may meet in heaven. I have obser- ved that I have had greater power than ordinary whenever the gov- ernor has been at public worship. A sign, I hope, that the Most High intends effectually to bring him home and place him at his right hand. Was enabled much to rejoice in spirit. . . . Preached at Leicester, in the afternoon, 6 miles from Worcester, with some, though not so much power as in the morning.'
169
REV. ISAAC BURR.
1744.]
The health of Mr. Burr having become impaired, and differences having arisen, he was desirous of relinquishing the office he had held during twenty years. In Nov. 1744, a mutual council was conven- ed. The result, advising separation, met with the almost unanimous acquiescence of church and parish, and Mr. Burr was dismissed, in March, 1745.
The Rev. David Hall, of Sutton, seems to have been instrumen- tal in originating the difficulties which led to the dismission of Mr. Burr. The following passages from his diary,1 throw much light on the subject. Dr. Hall was a follower of Whitefield.
' Jan. 22, 1742, O. S. Preached this week twice at Worcester, in private houses. Mr. Burr gave his consent before I went : but seemed not pleased at my coming, as I was informed. I am griev- ed at my heart, to observe the violent opposition made against the work of God in the land, by those that are called his servants. But this I know, that wherein they deal proudly, the Lord is above them. I find much deadness of heart, for the most part : but when preach- ing the blessed gospel, my soul hath, of late, by times, felt all on fire : and I humbly trust the fire is from God's altar. 'Feb. 7. I am in great concern about religious matters, Mr. Burr of Worcester, re- fusing the urgent request of some people of Worcester, to hear me preach again with them. God seems to have blessed my poor labors lately among them, for the awakening of some of them. But oh ! the prejudice of Mr. B. who is, I fear, too much a stranger to the power of godliness, or otherwise, surely, he would rejoice in having his people in concern about their souls, and in the help of such min- isters as wish their salvation. Oh that the Lord would forgive him and open his eyes, and strengthen me, his poor unworthy worm, to be valiant in following the rules of my dear Redeemer.
' Nov. 30, 1744. This week Mr. Burr and the church part, under the direction of a council. The Lord stir up ministers to faithful- ness by such providences. '
Mr. Bliss of Concord, one of the most distinguished of the clergy, who, in that day, were denominated new lights, occasionally preached to the separatists at Worcester, ' where he had been requested by a multitude of souls,' in the bold, zealous, and impassioned style he had adopted.2
The Rev. Isaac Burr, a graduate of Yale College, in 1717, was born in Fairfield, Conn. in 1698, and descended from an ancient family. His father, Hon. Peter Burr, of Harvard College, 1690, was
1 American Antiquarian Society's MSS.
2 Shattuck's Hist. of Concord, 175.
22
170
FIRST PARISH.
[1744.
in the magistracy from 1703, twenty one years ; judge of Probate for Fairfield county ; judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut, from the first establishment in 1711, to 1717, and from 1722 to his death, Dee. 25, 1724.1 After his dismission, Mr. Burr removed from Wor- cester to Windsor in Vermont.
The difficulty experienced in procuring a successor to Mr. Burr is apparent from the instructions of the town to the committee appoint- ed to supply the pulpit. Dec. 1744, they were directed 'to inter- cede with the reverend Elders of the late council to preach, each one day.' March, 1745, they were charged ' to use their utmost endeav- or that the town be not destitute of preaching on the Lord's day ; to procure Mr Townsend if to be had ; if not, to consult with the Rev. President Holyoke, of Harvard College, Professor Appleton, and Dr. Wigglesworth, who to engage in a probationary way.' In May, they were desired to procure two more gentlemen for the same purpose, with the advice of the Rev. President and Professors ; and it was vot- ed, ' that when they had been heard, the church should proceed to the choice from them and the three gentlemen who had already preach- ed, Mr. Stephens, Mr. Marsh, and Mr. Phillips, and that the town will hear no more persons before a choice is made.'
On the 29th of August, 1745, Mr. Nathaniel Gardner of Harvard College, 1739, received an invitation to settle on a salary of £ 60 in bills of credit, and with a gratuity of £ 100 of the same currency, which was declined.
In the state of uncertainty and doubt which prevailed, it was vot- ed, to request the Rev. Mr. Peabody, and Mr. Rogers of Littleton, to assist 'in carrying on a day of fasting and prayer, Feb. 28, 1746, to implore the divine direction in the church's leading in the choice of a person to be ordained.' On the 9th of May following, unani- mous and earnest desire was expressed, that the Rev. Mr. Appleton of Cambridge, Mr. Williams of Waltham, and Mr. Turell of Med- ford, give their best advice, ' who they may judge proper to hear in order for a gentleman's being called to settle among us in case he can be obtained ; and to advise whether all those male persons who are in full communion with other churches, and have removed hither should be permitted to vote in the choice, provided there
1 The Rev. Aaron Burr, born in Fairfield, 1714, of Yale College 1735, the learned President of the College at Princeton in New Jersey, was son of Judge Peter Burr. He died 1757, aged 43, leaving one daughter, who married the Hon. Tappan Reeves, a distinguished jurist, and one son, the celebrated Aaron Burr, late Vice President of the United States. MSS. Letter of Rev. Dr. Harris.
171
CHURCH COVENANT.
1746.]
be no just objection.' A committee was delegated to wait on the selected advisers, ' and desire they would condescend to serve us herein.' In the interval between asking and obtaining counsel, hav- ing arrived to conclusions of their own, the opinions they had form- ed were adopted instead of those they obtained ; on the 17th of October, ' the vote was put, whether the church would adhere to the advice of the Rev. Mr. Appleton, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Turell, and it passed in the negative.'1
The following covenant, prepared by the Rev. Mr. Campbell of Oxford, and the Rev. Mr. Stone of Southborough, was adopted, Sept. 22, 1746, and afterwards subscribed by fifty members of the church.2
'We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, being inhabitants of the town of Worcester, in New England, knowing that we are very prone to offend and provoke God, Most High, both in heart and life, through the prevalency of sin that dwelleth in us, and the manifold temptations from without us, for which we have great reason to be unfeignedly humble before him, from day to day, do, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with dependence upon the gra- cious assistance of his Holy Spirit, solemnly enter into covenant with God, and with one another, according to his holy direction, as follows ;
' First : That having chosen and taken the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to be our God, we will fear him, cleave to him in love, and serve him in truth, with all our hearts, giving up ourselves to him, to be his people, in all things to be at his direction and sovereign disposal, that we may have and hold communion with him, as members of Christ's mystical body, according to his reveal- ed will, to our lives' end.
'Secondly : We bind ourselves to bring up our children and ser- vants, in the knowledge and fear of God, by his instructions, accor- ding to our best abilities, and, in special, by orthodox catechisms, viz. the Assembly's at Westminster larger and shorter catechisms, that the true religion may be maintained in our families while we live ; yea, and among such as shall survive us, when we are dead and gone.
' Thirdly : We furthermore promise, to keep close to the truth of Christ, endeavoring with lively affections of it in our hearts, to de-
1 Sept. 22, 1746. It was voted, 'that the church will esteem it an offence, if any member thereof, shall hereafter countenance itinerant preachers.'
2 Church Records of Rev. Mr. Maccarty.
172
FIRST PARISH.
[1746.
fend it against all opposers thereof, as God shall call us at any time thereunto ; which, that we may do, we resolve to use the Holy Scrip- tures as our directory, whereby we may discern the mind and will of Christ, and not the new found inventions of men.
' Fourthly : We also engage ourselves, to have a careful inspection over our hearts, so as to endeavour, by virtue of the death of Christ, the mortification of our sinful passions, worldly frames, and disorder- ly affections, whereby we may be withdrawn from the living God.
' Fifthly : We furthermore oblige ourselves, in the faithful improve- ment of all our abilities and opportunities, to worship God, according to the particular institutions of Christ for his church, under gospel administrations ; to give a reverend attention to the word of God ; to pray unto him ; to sing his praises ; and to hold communion with one another, in the use of both the sacraments of the New Testament, viz. Baptism and the Lord's supper.
' Sixthly : We likewise promise, that we will peaceably submit our- selves, unto the holy discipline appointed by Christ in his church, for offenders, obeying, according to the will of God, them that rule over us in the Lord.
'Seventhly : We also bind ourselves, to walk in love, one towards another, endeavoring our mutual edification, visiting, exhorting, com- forting, as occasion serveth, any brother or sister which offends ; not divulging private offences irregularly, but heedfully following the several precepts laid down by Christ for church discipline, in xviii. of Matthew, 15, 16, 17; willingly forgiving all that manifest, unto the judgment of charity, that they truly repent of all their miscarriages.
' Now, the God of peace, which brought again from the dead our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us all perfect in every good word and work, to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
' Worcester, Sept. 22, 1746. This church this day, renewed cor- enant with God and with one another, and unanimously signified their assent to the above written instrument, declaring, at the same time, their readiness to subscribe the same, at the next meeting of the church. Present, at their desire, John Prentice, Pastor of Lancas- ter, John Campbell, Pastor of Oxford.'
In the period of nearly two years, subsequent to the dismission of Mr. Burr, many candidates were heard. Among them, the son of
173
REV. THADDEUS MACCARTY.
1747.]
Rev. Mr. Williams of Lebanon, the son of Rev. Mr. Williams of Springfield, Mr. Brown, Mr. Emerson, Mr. Marsh, Mr. Benjamin Stevens, Mr. Walley, Mr. Lawrence of Groton, were invited to offi- ciate. On the 17th of October, 1746, the committee were instruct- ed, to request the Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty of Boston, and the Rev. Jonathan Mayhew of Martha's Vineyard, afterwards pastor of the West Church in Boston, and distinguished as one of the most intre- pid champions of civil and religious liberty, and ablest divines of New England, to preach four sabbaths each.
On the 27th of November, 1746, Mr. Maccarty preached his first sermon, on the public annual thanksgiving, and continued to officiate very acceptably, until the day was fixed for the election of a minis- ter, on the 19th of January, 1747.
The sabbath preceding the determination between the candidates, Mr. Mayhew, who had previously been heard by the people, officia- ted in the forenoon, and Mr. Maccarty performed the afternoon ser- vice. The latter was elected, by 42 of the 44 votes given by the church : three only dissented, in town meeting, on the question of concurrence. On the 10th of June, 1747, he was installed as pas- tor of the religious society. The introductory prayer at the ordina- tion was offered by Rev. John Campbell of Oxford : the sermon was preached by Mr. Maccarty himself; from 1 Thess. ii. 13. and afterwards published. Rev. Mr. Williams of Weston, delivered the charge, and Rev. Mr. Cotton of Newton, gave the right hand of fel- lowship. The concluding prayer was by Rev. Mr. Appleton of Cam- bridge. After singing Psalm Ixxviii. 2 to 7 verses, the benediction was pronounced by Mr. Maccarty.1
The town voted a salary of £100 in last emission money, ' having special regard to the small value of bills of credit, but if the future circumstances of Mr. Maccarty's family should call for it, they would cheerfully and willingly make him such further addition as may be judged proper from time to time.' From 1750 to 1759, the annual stipend was 80 pounds, in lawful money. After the latter year, the sum of 20 pounds was bestowed by the name of gratuity.
On the 23d of March, 1747, the inhabitants voted to raise the sum of £ 300, and appointed a committee to make sale of 100 acres of the ministerial lands in the town, for the purpose of purchasing a parsonage. A resolve of the General Court, passed June 3, 1747, authorized the sale, provided the proceeds were invested in real es- tate for the use of the ministry. The house of Dr. Samuel Breck,
1 First Church's Records, i. 1.
174
FIRST PARISH.
[1787.
situated on the common, south east from the meeting house, was purchased for £ 187. 10s. and conveyed, by deed dated Sept. 25, 1747, with about two acres of land adjoining, to John Chandler, treasurer, to and for the use of the town. This property was grant- ed to Mr. Maccarty, on his release of all expenses for repairs, and conveyed March 4th, 1765.
The history of these transactions, has, unfortunately, become mat- ter of judicial record ; 1 a suit having been instituted, April 30th, 1814, by Rev. Samuel Austin, to recover, in right of the parish, the tract of land from the tenant, claiming under the conveyance of the executors of Mr. Maccarty, in which it was finally determined that the deed of the town, in its parochial capacity, passed no title, and a judgment was rendered for the demandant, afterwards releas- ed by the Parish.
On the commencement of the revolution, which Mr. Maccarty had promoted by his influence, although feeling the pressure of declin- ing years, and having a numerous family dependent upon him, he relinquished a portion of his allowance.
The feebleness of Mr. Maccarty prevented his regular performance of clerical duties during the last years of his life. His long and use- ful ministry of 37 years was closed by death, July 20, 1784.
The Rev. Thaddeus Maccarty, son of Capt. Thaddeus Maccarty, an experienced commander and skilful navigator in the merchant service, was born in Boston, 1721. Early destined to a seafaring life, he accompanied his father in several voyages,2 but the delicate- ness of his constitution, rendered him unable to endure the hardships and exposure of the ocean, and his attention was directed to the more quiet pursuits of a profession. Ilis preparatory studies were in the town school of Boston, and he graduated at Harvard College, in 1739.
Soon after completing his theological education, he received and ac- cepted an invitation to settle in Kingston, in Plymouth county, where he was ordained as the pastor of that town, Nov. 3, 1742. At the ex- piration of three years, the connection was dissolved, under peculiar circumstances. The enthusiastic eloquence of Whitefield, had stirred up the slumbering spirit of piety, and his bold attacks on the regular clergy, alarmed the friends of the church. The unguarded bitterness of expressions, and the neglect of conciliatory policy on the part of that celebrated itinerant, changed mere disapprobation of his mea-
1 14 Mass. Reports, 333. Austin vs. Thomas.
2 MS. note on a sermon, in hand writing of Rev. Mr. Maccarty.
175
CHARACTER OF MR. MACCARTY.
1784.]
sures into determined hostility. The inhabitants of Kingston, ap- prehensive of the disturbance of their peace by his visit, and fearful of his power to excite commotion, appointed a committee, Jan. 29, 1745, to prevent the intrusion of roving exhorters. An unfounded report was circulated that Mr. Maccarty, who was supposed to be attached to Whitefield, then in Plymouth, had invited him to preach the sacramental lecture. Much excitement arose, and effectual care was taken to prevent the exercises of the obnoxious individual, by closing and fastening the meeting house, nailing the doors, and cov- ering the windows with boards. Mr. Maccarty, indignant at the personal insult and violation of his rights, omitted attending at the time appointed for the lecture, and immediately asked dismission. A council was convened, and, although, it is said, he had become de- sirous of withdrawing his request, it was granted, against his wishes, and the result, advising separation, accepted by the town. On the 3d of November, 1745, three years to a day from his ordination, he preached a farewell sermon, from the appropriate text, Acts xx. 31. ' Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one, night and day, with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified.' A copy of the discourse was left in Kingston, and sixty years after the delivery, and long after the de- cease of the author, it was published, with a preface, containing a brief statement of the transaction, and remarks reproachful to the people of Kingston.1
His character is faithfully delineated in the following inscription on the monument erected to his memory.
' Beneath this stone are deposited the remains of the Rev. Thad- deus Maccarty, for thirty seven years pastor of the church in Wor- cester. Through the course of his ministry, he uniformly exhibited an example of the peaceable and amiable virtues of christianity. Under a slow and painful decline, he discovered an ardent love to his master, by a cheerful attention to his service, and at the approach of death, he patiently submitted, in the full hope of a glorious resur- rection from the grave. In testimony of his fidelity, the people of his charge erect this monument. Obiit, July 20, 1784, Atatis 63.'
Mr. Maccarty was tall in stature : in person slender and thin, with a dark and penetrating eye : a distinct and sonorous, though some- what harsh toned voice. His address was impressive and solemn.
1 2 Mass. Hist. Coll. iii. 209,
176
FIRST PARISH. [1740.
In sentiment he was strictly calvinistic : 1 in politics decided and firm, ranking however with the moderate whigs. His printed ser- mons are more characterized by judicious thought, good sense, and piety, than elegance or eloquence. After preaching a convention sermon, a contemporary clergyman remarked, that he had never heard him preach either a very low, or a very brilliant discourse. 2
1 President John Adams, in a letter to the Rev. Dr. Baneroft, says ; ' when I removed to Worcester, in 1735, I found that county hot with controversy between the parties of Mr. Buckminster and Mr. Mellen. I became acquainted with Dyer, Doolittle, and Bald- win, three notable disputants. Mr. Maccarty, though a calvinist, was not a bigot, but the town was a seene of disputes all the time I lived there.' Mass. Spy, April 23, 1823.
Joseph Dyer, attorney and merchant, Ephraim Doolittle, merchant and afterward colonel of a regiment, Nathan Baldwin, Register of Deeds, were all deists. Of the two former, some notice will be found in succeeding pages. The latter was an ardent politician, and the author of many of the addresses and documents of our revolutionary annals. Ile died at Woreester, July 21, 1784.
2 The following list contains all the publications of Mr. Maccarty. 1. Farewell ser- mon, preached at Kingston, Nov. 3, 1745, printed, Boston, 1804. 2. The success of the preached gospel matter to faithful mimsters of continual thankfulness to God : sermon at the author's installation to the pastoral office in Worcester, June 10, 1747. 1 Thes. xi. 13. 3. The advice of Joab to the Host of Israel going forth to war, considered and ur- ged: in two discourses delivered in Worcester, April 5, 1759, being the day of the annual fast, and the day preceding the general muster of the militia throughout the province for the enlisting soldiers for the intended expedition against Canada. 4. The power and grace of Christ displayed to a dying malefactor: sermon, Oct. 20, 1768, the day of the execution of Arthur, a negro, at Worcester. 5. The most henious sinners capable of the saving blessings of the gospel : sermon, Oct. 25, 1770, on the execution of William Lindsey for burglary, at Worcester. 6. Praise to God, a duty of continual obligation: sermon, Nov. 23, 1775, public thanksgiving. 7. The guilt of innocent blood put away : sermon, July 2, 1778, on the execution of Buchannan, Brooks, Ross, and Mrs. Spooner, for murder, at Worcester. Most of the manuscripts of Mr. Maccarty were destroyed at his decease, in compliance with his wishes. Among them, was the historical discourse, of whose contents the following memorandum was entered by him on the church records:
' Thursday, Dec. 3, 1763. This day, being the public thanksgiving throughout the province, and the day also of this congregation's assembling in their new meeting house, which began to be erected on June 21st preceding, exactly 16 years from the time of my installment to the pastoral office, I preached a sermon from 1 Chr. xxix. 16, 17, in which some brief account was given of the original settlement of this town, the gathering of this church, its pastors, admissions, baptisms, &c. and some proper notice taken of the so- lemnity of thanksgiving.'
Rev. Thaddeus Macearty married Mary Gatcomb, Sept. 8, 1743. Their children were : 1. Thaddeus, b. July 29, 1744. 2. John, b. Aug. 16, 1745: both died in King- ston. 3. Thaddeus, b. Dee. 19. 1747, graduated at Yale College, 1766 : married Ex- perience, d. of Thomas Cowdin, Esq. of Fitchburg, Jan. 16, 1775: physician, practised sometime in Worcester, then in Keene, N. H. where he died Nov. 21, 1802. 4. 'Tho- mas, b. Sept. 24, 1749: d. March 14, 1750. 5. Mary, b. Oct. 30, 1750 : married Hon. Benjamin West, of Charlestown, N II. in 1781: d. Aug 1803. 6. John, b. Jan. 10, 1752: d. June 19, 1752. 7. Elizabeth, b. Jan. 7, 1753: d. March 25, 1823. 8. Wil- liam Greenough. b. Dec. 20, 1753 : quarter master in Col. Bigelow's, 15th Mass, regi- ment, died at Billerica, Aug. 13, 1791 : he married Hannah Soley of Charlestown, Mass. who after his decease married Nathan Adams of the same town, and is now his widow.
177
CHURCH MUSIC.
1726.]
A singular controversy in relation to the form of conducting the musical portion of public worship in our churches, growing out of attachment to ancient customs and resistance of innovations, arose at an early period. In its progress, it converted the harmony of christians in the house of prayer into discord, and though trifling in its origin, became of so much importance, as to require the frequent directory interference of town meetings, and only arrived at its con- clusion when the great revolutionary struggle swallowed up all mi- nor objects.
Anciently, those who joined in singing the devotional poetry of re- ligious exercises, were dispersed through the congregation, having no place assigned them as a distinct body, and no privileges sepa- rate from their fellow worshippers. After the clergyman had read the whole psalm, he repeated the first line, which was sung by those who were able to aid in the pious melody : the eldest deacon then pronounced the next line, which was sung in similar manner, and
9. Samuel, b. March 23, 1755 : d. July 21, 1755. 10. Thomas, b. and d. Dec. 5, 1755. 11. Francis, b. Sept. 28, 1756 : d. June 7, 1757. 12. Nathaniel, b. July 10, 1758 : learn- ed the trade of a printer, with Isaiah Thomas, afterwards merchant in Petersham, died in Worcester, Oct. 14, 1831. 13. Lucy, b. June 25, 1760: d. June 23, 1813. 14. Lu- cretia, b. July 15, 1762 : d. Jan. 1810. 15. Franeis, b. Aug. 8, 1763 : d. Sept. 9, 1764. The mother died, Dec. 28, 1783, at Woreester.
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