USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of the Old South church (Third church) Boston, 1669-1884, Vol. I > Part 9
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The which result is as followeth.
First we find that there was a momentous difference of apprehen- sions aboute the call of teaching officers in the first Church of Boston.
Secondly we finde that the Elder fore seeing the dangerous con- sequence of that dissenti[on] afore said, (if not timely prevented) and that they could not agree in their choice of officers did therefore with
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HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
the consent of the Brethren, according to God call a councill of the Elders and Messengers of neighbour churches to meet at Boston on the 5th. 6mo. 166S - impartially to heare and give their counsill and advice in the case.
Thirdley we finde that the Reverend councills advice, was, that mutuall greivances that had fallen out through humaine frailty, in the transaction of that matter might be covered in a way of mutuall for- giveness, And that in case the dissenting Brethren could not yet consent
with their Brethren in the call of officers, nor sitt downe 1669.
quietly, and submit to the act of the rest therein, that then the church upon their desire to be dismissed from them would give them up with love and prayers to the Lord, recommending them to the grace of God : in order to the propogation of another church to be set up in this Towne of Boston according to the rules of the Gos- pell, yet soe that in the meane time they might have communion with this Church or some other in the ordinances of God &c: But as to proceeding to Church Censure in such a case as this is they found no rule in the Scripture.
ffourthly We finde no other condition as to the dissenting Brethren left by the councill in order to that dismission a fore said (excepting the for giveness befor mentioned) but their desire to be dismissed from them ; to be given up by the Church to the Lord and to be recom- mended to the grace of God unto the worke above said.
sly we finde that the dissenting Brethren did according to the Councills advice, seasonably -earnestly, frequently, and humbly de- sire of the church the said dismission.
6ly We finde that the grounds held forth by the former Rev- erend Councill for such a dismission were both weighty and such as carried convincing light with them : -
7ly we assert therefore that the first Church in Boston, desiring the Councills advice according to God in that matter before them ; and this respecting the non Censuring and the dismission of the dissenting Brethren being a principall parte thereof the church was obliged according to order to acquiess therein, especially considering that no reasons that we have ever heard of have bin returned from the church unto the councill for the rejecting of that advice.
8ly The church of Boston being obliged to dismise the dissent- ing Brethren upon their desire of it, and that being duely attended as above said by them It was the right of the dissenting Brethren according to order to have bin dismissed.
gly We finde that not withstanding the desire for their dismission according to the advice of the Councill, yett it hath bin denied them by the church which deniall nevertheless, wee conceive doth not inval- idate that right which the dissenting bretheren had unto their said dis- mission.
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RESULT OF THE SECOND COUNCIL.
oly The regular sentence of a councill of churches in order and orderly called by the Church concerned, adviseing to a dismission may (not withstanding that Churches not hearking to it) stand valid and regular as to immunity from censure, And secession from that particular church relation and the Brethren concerned (as if for- merly dismissed) may seasonably proceed to unite according to order in Church fellowship by themselves.
IIth ffinally this whole Assembly having unanimously and with one voice instantly and affectionately sollicited the Reverend Elders of this Church by two addresses in writting made unto them, for an amicable and Christian conference aboute matters in difference, in order to a right and cleare understanding, And have bin by the Elders plainly and positively denied any opportunity of such conference with expressions of their deepe disgust of our interposure in this way of order, as will more amply appeare by their answers in writing, and also having made their application unto the whole Church (Elders and Brethren Assembled) by our letters wherein we did with all meekness and humillity desire a meeting with them, onely to mediate by all due meanes unto a peaceable issue of their dissenting, have bin also utterly denied by a vote of the church, not so much as to read our letters, we are therefore hopeless of any issue then what we nextly propound.
The premises being seriously considered and consented to by the Messengers of Churches conveined sent to for advice in this matter. Wee judge that the dissenting Brethren may seasonably make use of their christian liberty unto a regular coalition in an other church Body :
ffirst the holy covenant of God binding these Brethren to endeavour after communion with God and his people in all his ordinances Dut. 32 : 46 : 47 : 1 Chro : 28 : 8. Math : 28 : 19 : 20: As in particular the administration of Baptisme and ecclesiasticall discipline to the children of the Covenant, And consociation of Churches according to the late synod in 1662. which we see not that they are other wise like to ob- taine, - if they make not use of this their christian liberty : not to insist upon the danger of seduction in these dayes : in which cases when the matter is too weighty, the Apostle cautions all christians to be ware 16 Romans 17 : -
2ly from the nature of the liberty of the Brethren granted to them by Christ, for their free election of Church officers 6 : acts : 1 : 9 : and 14 : 23 : Ezek : 23 : 2 : which free election is the ground of that affec- tion and subscjection due from the people to their minister (2 Thess : 5 : 12 : 13 : Heb : 7 : 17 :) the deprivation of which liberty is reproved as injurious by the holy Ghost : Ezek : 34 : 4 :, but with force and cruelty have they ruled them, the just reproch of the prelaticall way of imposing ministers.
3ly ffrom Heb : 13 : 17 : remember your rulers who have spoken to
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HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
you the word of God whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation, whence we argue that the dissenting Brethren if they should not make use of their christian liberty above said, would neglect the duty incumbent upon them of remembring them which have had the rule over them, (as the Renowned and Reverend willson, Cotton, Norton) who have spoken to them the word of the Lord, in platforme of discipline touching this matter they must not onely doe nothing against it but they are to follow it.
4ly from 15 Acts 37 : 40 : the instance of Paul and Barnabas who departed the one from the other for peace sake in a sharpe contention, and proportion of like liberty of secession to church worke else where may be allowed those Brethren, see more in the Reverend mr. John Allins his defence of the resulte of the advice of the Messengers of the churches convened, 6 August 1668.
5ly Because the doctrine of the churches of this Collony publiquely declared from the word of God by the Synod att Cambridge Anno 1648 And approved by the act of the General Court in 1651 And par- ticularly consented to by the Brethren of the first church in Boston, at a Church meeting when they urged the Reverend mr. Norton to give his full assent unto their call of him to the office of a teacher among them the same doctrine holding forth a parity of reason in this case, and that the withdrawing of such members, as are there spoken of, from their owne church in order to Church fellowship, elsewhere, is as if they had bin orderly dismissed thereto from their owne Church, the contrary principles, and practices where unto would Render the (Yea) of such Churches to be (Nay)
6ly ffrom Math : the 6 : 11 : Lead us not into temptation from whence we argue, that these dissenting Brethren if they should not make reasonable use of this their christian liberty, are in danger to be led into temptation (as in case of soe great a paroxysme) the pre- venting or removeing of which is their duty to endeavor.
7ly Because there is sufficient ground for the use of their christian liberty, above mentioned in cases of Lesser concernment as in case of providing for those of his owne house and cleared in the platforme of discipline - (chapter 13 Section 3 : 4.) in these or like cases a mem- ber (much more number of such members) may lawfully remove, and the church can not lawfully detayn them.
8ly Because we see not any rule of Christ, that will be broken by these Brethren in the use of the above mentioned liberty : affirinanti incumbit probatio.
gly ffinally the improvement of this their christian liberty, unto such a secession is the most probable meanes unto Edification, and to the preservation of the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace as this case is circumstanced - I Cor : 14 : 26 : 2 Cor : 13 : 10 : 4 Eph : 5 :
And now Brethren we haveing laboured according to the measure
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RESULT OF THE SECOND COUNCIL.
of grace received, faithfully to discharge our duty to God, and unto all his people concerned in this transaction, and being likewise under an awfull Apprehension of that account, which we must give unto our Lord Jesus christ our great Lord and master of this our Negotiation, in this great affaire of his Kingdome.
We doe with reverence of Gods gratious presence in his name and feare, - offer you this result of our consultation as the product of the poore prayers and weake (though we trust sincere and faithfull) en- deavours of us your servants for Christs sake. We desire to be deeply humbled under the sence of our sinfull weaknesses, and infirmityes, appearing in this as in all other services, for God, and for his people which we undertake, we are also through his grace humbly confident of his acceptance of us in this our poore weake service for Christs sake, it is therefore a very small matter for us that we should be judged of man or by mans judgement he that judgeth us is the Lord.
Therefore deare Brethren wee beseech you to humble yourselves deeply before the Lord acknowledging all your sinfull Aberrations that you have bin incident unto in these past transactions, and with all selfe deniall and humillity to seek unto God for a sufficiency of Wisdome and grace, to make a right improvement of this Counsell and advice given you unto his glory and your owne and others good, and to waite upon him for further discoveries of his minde and will concerning your duty.
ffinally Brethren we committ and commend you to the grace and guidance of him, who is the God of peace that brought againe from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepheard of the sheep, through the blood of the Everlasting covenant, he make you perfect in every good worke to doe his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever Amen.
SYMON WILLARD
LUKE POTTER THOMAS COBBITT
HUGH MASSON
JOHN SMEDLY EDM : BROWNE
ROGER CLAP JOHN FREY EDW : BUCKLY
THO: LYND HEN : PALMER JOHN SHERMAN
WM. STITTSON WM. WHITE
FRAN DANE
JOHN COOLEDGE
THO FISKE WM. HUBBARD
JOHN HAINES
SAM : PHILLIPS Jos : ROWLEYSON
THO SHEPHEARD ANT : NEWMAN SAM TORRY
Jos : EASTERBROOKE EDW : BATES JAMES HUMPHRY 1
1 [" 13. 2m. 69. A great Assemblie of Elders and messengers of several Churches in the Bay, who upon the Call of their Dissenting Brethren at Boston, met together to consider and advise them what to do. They judged that the Dis-
senting Brethren might seasonably make use of their christian libertie unto a reg- ular coalition in another church-body." - Roxbury Church Records.
The Roxbury Church does not seem to have been represented in this Council, as
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HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
We whose names are subscribed though we were not sent by our churches as others of the Councill to vote therein, yet being desired by our churches to be present at the councill and to doe what Good we could, finding meanes used for mediation to be in vaine we doe approve of this Judgement of the Councill subscribed by the members there of as the next probable meanes for edification and peace.
SAM : WHITING JOHN HIGGINSON
THE LETTER OF THE REVEREND MR. JOHN ALLIN MEMBER OF THE FIRST COUNCILL TO THE 2D COUNCILL
To the Honourd Reverend and beloved Elders and messengers of the Churches assembled in Boston. 13 : (2) 1669
Grace mercy and peace be multiplyed
Reverend and Beloved in our Lord, the Brethren of this Church in Dedham not being convinced of their duty to send messengers at the desire of the Brethren of Boston calling for a Councill, I thought it my duty notwithstanding to give in my testimony to the sentence of the Councill at Boston 5 : (6) 68 which will necessarily fall under your consideration 1
And first to remove the uncharitable censure of such as say, we did onely accommodate the dissenting Brethren with neglect of the Church I can truly profess with good conscience (and I doubt not but it will be remembered and attested by others) that our first and cheif care was that the Church of Boston might be furnished with an able min- istrie, and considering how difficult it is for soe populous a congre- gation to agree in one in their choice, Therfore our care was that the dissent of these Brethren might not interrupt the Major part of the Church in seeking after Reverend Mr. Davenport, if regularly they might obtaine him with consent of his Church in Newhaven, and this was manifested by the indeavours of many that were of that Coun- cill to perswade unto their dismission before the ordination that no objection might be made, yea when that could not be obtayned, we were soe carefull and desirous of the peaceable proceding of the ordi- nation, that upon the promise of those that now are the Reverend Elders, that if the dissentors would be silent upon that day, their silence should not be taken for consent, but they should stand in the same state they then did, we upon this perswaded the dissenters to silence, and many of us concurred with other Church messengers, in giving the right hand of fellowship to these teaching officers, soe that the names of Mr. Eliot and Mr. Danforth do not appear in the Result. Mr. Wil- liam Parke, a prominent member of that church, and, then or later, a deacon, seems to have been on the other side.]
1 [Mr. Allin's church seems to have
been on the other side of this controversy from himself. Joshua Fisher and Daniel Fisher, of Dedham, voted against the report adopted by the House of Deputies in 1671, as will appear in the next chap- ter.]
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LETTER FROM THE REV. JOHN ALLIN.
if we erred in anything, it was in too much forwardnes to promote the desires of the Church in the choice of officers with neglect of the dissenters, and of the councills sentence which should have bin per- formed before ordination, or at least some reason given to us against that sentence, to the great disadvantage of setling the peace of the Church and to the losse of the use and benifit of Councills, the truth is we were led on with hopes of their dismission afterwards when offences they lay under were removed, and matters quietly settled, but now being frustrate of those hopes by the late vote of the Church not to dissmisse them, which hath occasioned these Brethren to crave coun- sell of the Churches, I shall take this opportunity to present unto your judgment, what reasons I have to prove that sentence concerning their dismission to be according to God, and therefore that it should have bin attended.
The Regular sentence of a Councill of Churches in order and orderly called to consult in a Case ought to be observed. But that sentence to dismisse the dissenting Brethren in order to the propogating of another Church in Boston according to the rules of the gospell is a regular sentence of such a Councill.
And therfore ought to be observed.
Reason : 1 : the proposition is proved part from the example of that patterne of Councills Acts. 15 : whose sentence was joyfully received Acts : 16 :
Objection : Show us such a councill as can say, it seemeth good to the holy ghost and us and we will obey it.
Answer : the same may be objected against most other primitive examples where the Apostles ordered all the affaires of the Churches. 2ly : there were diverse things in the Councill ordinary: as I the presence of Elders and Brethren. 2ly disputations and allegations of scripture : 3ly if the matter was carryed by the extraordinary power and authority of the Apostles, why might not Paull and Barnabas being Apostles have determined the case at Antioch :
2d Answer : the sentence of everie minister in his office work rightly grounded upon the scripture is a sentence of the holy ghost, who speaketh in the scriptures Heb : 3 : 7 : 2 Tym : 3 : 16. the same may be said of the sentence of a Councill rightly grounded on the scripture.
Reason 2 : because a Person or Church calling for Councill and refusing to observe it being regular, doth highly take the name of god in vaine contrary to the 3d Commandment :
Reason. 3 : Because if the regular sentence of such a Councill may be rejected, we are deprived of all meanes under God for healing of differences, errors, scandall, or maladministrations in Churches to the great scandall of the doctrine we professe.
Assumption is proved thus, approved examples of scriptures espe-
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HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
cially in the New Testament, are Paternes for the Churches to walke by in all like cases - Math : 12 : 39 Heb : 12 : 1 : I Cor: 12: 1 : 4 Phill : 9 : But that example of Abraham Counselling a departure from Lot, in a case of Contention, was an approved Example, for God gave him a large promise when Lot was departed - Gen : 13 : 14 : and the case is like to this, they being family churches living together had no doubt neere Communion in the worship of God, yet to end Conten- tions, parted to the losse of that neere Communion, which is the Case in dispute.
ely This proved by the Example of Paul and Barnabas, who de- parted one from another for peace sake in a sharp contention Acts 15 : 39 : 40 : which was an aproved example, at least on Pauls parte who was the dissenter in that contention, for he had an Infallible guidance in the worke of his minnistry Acts : 16 : 7. and 19 : 21 : and 28 : 22 : 2ly Paul was approved in his departure from Barnabas by the Church of Antioch : who Commended him to the Grace of God.
2ly: That this case of the dissenters is a like case or rather more cleare, appeareth by comparing them in all the substantialls thereof as Are these joyned in memberly relation to the church from which they are to parte ; Paul and Barnabas were joyned in a greater and nearer bond of union, Being joyntly seperated by the holy Ghost to the worke of the gospel, and set apart there unto by laying on of hands with fasting and prayer, Acts 13 : 2 : 3 :
2ly This difference and dissent arose upon a like occasion which was the chusing of John : Marke a Good man, a proffitable minnister : I Timº : 4 : II : yea an Evangelist.
3ly The reason of Pauls dissent was because Barnabas determined to take him that departed from them at Pamphillia, and went not with them to the worke Acts : 15 : 38 : which was one reason of those dis- senters in reference to the worke of God at New haven to which also they add another Reason.
from an awfull ingagement upon their hearts about the Exercise of the watch, And of the discipline of Christ to their seed, which was said in the Councill is a matter of great weight (seing to disowne them) as having no part in the Lord, is to cause them to cease from fearing the Lord Josh : 22 : 23.
4ly As then the contention grew Sharp to a paroxysme, Barnabas holding firme his determination to take John Marke, And Paul still dissenting on his former reasons (soe he) after long endeavours to unite both parties they held soe strongly to their determinations with- out councill.
5ly As both Paul and Barnabas in their parting promoted the worke of the Gospel, soe the sentence of Councill was such, as both parties should freely attend the worke of God, in promoting the Gospel and ordinances of God, The Paralel thus cleared affordes this
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MIR. ALLINN'S LETTER.
argument (a pari). If Paul dissenting from Barnabas in choice of a fellow minister, in a sharp contention departed from him, and was there in Commended to the grace of God by the church of Antioch, Then by the like reason may the church of Boston, commend their dissenting Brethren for peace sake to the grace of God, for the further- ance of the Gospell, yea the argument ariseth from the greater to the less, in three respects, first in that Paul and Barnabas parted asunder being ingaged in stronger bonds of union than Brethren in a church : -
ely In that these Brethren have a further reason to depart than any Paul alledged.
3ly In that here is an intervening of the Councill of the churches which we read nothing of in their case. - (Objection) But there is nothing said of dismission Acts 15 : and therefore it doth not suite this case.
Answer ffirst they parted asunder, and Paul the dissenter was rec- ommended to the grace of God, which is the substance of the thing here advised.
2ly for the manner by dismission of members we have no Example that I finde in the New testament, what if the church will give way peaceably and loveingly to their departure it might suffice.
objection 2d Paul and Barnabas were equalls, and might depart by mutuall consent but these are under the power of the Church.
Answer. A minor parte of a Church have an Equall right with the major part to consent or dissent in choice of an officer.
2ly The Power of a Church is for Edification and not for destruction, what power have a Church to compell such to submitt themselves and seed to any officer they never consented unto, when they profess they cannot doe it in faith, and what soe ever is not of faith is sin, Rom : 14 : 23 : not onely in things indifferent but in whatsoever, were not this to be Lords over their faith and not helpers of their joy 2 : Cor : 1 : 24 : -
objection 3d. The difference is not such but that Brethren might beare one with another.
Answer Itt is one thing to beare with one of a different judgement, but it is another thing to submitt themselves and children, to a prac- tice contrary to their Conscience a practi[se] of disowning the seed of the Church which was never heard of in Scripture, or any orthodo[x] reformed church till this time.
2d. Reason from the necessity of another congregation in Boston, unto which worke none appeared and these by the Councill, were judged both fitt and able to carry it on a thing frequently practised and even in case of dissention as in the case of Hartford.
objection Those set up a church in a nother place not in the same Towne.
C
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HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Answer In Cittyes and populous townes Multiplinge of churches is noe just offence, but for Common Edification by the various Gifts of Elders more frequent opportunities of hearing &c :
objection 2d. If there be need let the Church Chuse and send out, whome they thinke fitt. -
Answer But that being neglected Providence cast the worke upon these whoe are approved by the Churches, and doe sollemnly professe their soundness in Doctrine worship and discipline with these churches. Deare Brethren pardon my prolixness unto tediousnes accept my will and affection to truth and peace and pray for your unworthy Brother
JOHN ALLIN.1
DEDHAM 12 : 2 : 1669.
LETTER SENT TO THE CHURCH BY THE DISSENTING BRETHREN WITH THE RESULT OF THE COUNCILL AND MR. ALLINS LETTER FORE- GOING.
Honourd Reverend and Beloved Brethren
By the bearers here of we have sent unto you the result of the Honoured Reverend and Beloved the Messengers of the Churches, to whome we saw ourselves necessitated to make an application, for advice and Councill in our present difficultyes, wherewith the holy and
1 [The Dedham church, as we have already intimated, was not altogether in agreement with its minister in reference to the controversy in Boston, and did not accept the invitation to the council. Mr. Allin therefore, wrote this letter for his own justification, as a friend of the " dis- senting brethren." But when his church heard of the alteration and suppression of the New Haven correspondence, it wrote to the First Church, asking for an explanation, and received a reply drawn up by a committee appointed for the pur- pose.
"At a general meeting of the [ First] church on 16 August, 1669, it was voted by the church, that our honored magis- trates do draw up instructions for Capt. Clarke to New Haven, that they might declare the owning of the letter sent from them to this church to be a true dismis- sion for Mr. Davenport."
" At a meeting of the church : on the 20 of August : 69, It was voted by the church that major generall, the elders, with Capt. Clarke, Mr. Stoddard, and Mr. Cooke, do draw up a letter in answer to the letter sent from Dedham Church,
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