USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of the Old South church (Third church) Boston, 1669-1884, Vol. II > Part 10
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It is not to be supposed that the splenetic letters which ap- peared in the Boston Gazette five years before had anything to do with the decision of the brethren to provide no entertain- ment on this occasion. Fair and honest criticism, offered in the interest of the truth or of high Christian expediency, is always worthy of respectful consideration, from whatever source it may come; but unreasoning and irresponsible accusation, whether prompted by malice, or the product of a merely mis- chief-making spirit, deserves not a moment's attention, by whom- soever it may be made. The recommendation of the conven- tion of ministers in 1759 may have been remembered ; but it must be borne in mind that the circumstances were very differ- ent, when Mr. Blair was installed, from those existing when Mr. Cumming was ordained. Political excitement was now running high, and the people were beginning to practise a rigid economy in many ways. An entertainment that would have been alto- gether fitting at any other time would have been of very ques- tionable propriety now. Not many months later, when the news came to hand of the passage of Charles Townshend's revenue act, the declaration was made in Boston : " The Rubi- con is passed. . . . We will form an immediate and universal combination to eat nothing, drink nothing, wear nothing, im- ported from Great Britain." 1
One of the most remarkable forms of retrenchment at this period was in the management of funerals. The expenditures on these occasions had long been most lavish, and the General
1 Mem. Hist. of Boston, vol. iii. pp. 21, 22.
86
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Court in 1721, and again in 1741, had endeavored to reform them, but without effect.1 Patriotic motives now controlled, where previously exhortation and legislation in the interest of economy had been unavailing. In one of the newspapers we read : -
The Practice of the Town relative to Funerals, by which a saving has been made of 100,000 is to give Gloves only to Bearers and Min- isters : to make use of no other Mourning for the nearest Relative, than a Weed in the Hat for Men, and a Black Bonnet, Gloves, Rib- bons and Handkerchiefs for Women. Fifteen hundred or two Thou- sand Pair of British-made Gloves have been given or rather thrown away at one Funeral, before the new practized [sic] took Place - and such Families in Boston as expended f100. or £150. sterling on these Occasions, now expend scarcely £8. What a Saving will there be to the Province by the several Towns following Boston in this grand Particular.2
While such retrenchment as this was in progress ordination dinners might well be omitted.
The settlement of Mr. Cumming and Mr. Blair, at the Old South ; of Mr. Potter, at Brookline; of Mr. Whitwell, at Mar- blehead ; of Mr. Huntington, at Salem; and, later, of Mr. Lathrop, at the Old North; of Mr. Bacon, at the Old South ; and of Mr. Howe, at the New South; illustrates the growing favor with which at this period Princeton and Yale - the for- mer particularly - were regarded by the churches of Eastern Massachusetts. Various circumstances combined to this result. Governor Belcher's old friends would naturally feel an interest in the college of which he had been one of the chief founders ; and Mr. Pemberton, on his return to New England, and Mr. Cumming, both of whom had been trustees at Princeton, would be likely to keep that interest alive.3 But this was not all. President Quincy points out that as a consequence of the dis- cussions and divisions caused by Mr. Whitefield's first visit here, the ties between Harvard College and the churches had weakened, and that many of these churches began to look else- where for their ministers than to "the school of the prophets "
1 When the Rev. Mr. Cooper died in 1743, £895. was collected in the con- gregation to meet the expenses of the funeral, and to put his family, consisting of ten persons, and Dr. Colman, into mourning. Among the purchases were twenty-nine rings, for the ministers of the
Association, and twelve dozen pair of men's and women's gloves.
2 [Boston Gazette, December 14, 1767.]
3 Two Princeton graduates have been influential ministers in Boston within recent years, -- Edward Norris Kirk (1820) and Joseph Tuthill Duryea (1856).
·
87
THE COLLEGES AND THE CHURCHES.
to which they had had recourse for more than a hundred years.1 From 1769 to 1882 the Old South was served by ministers from other colleges than Harvard, except during the two very brief pastorates of the Rev. John Hunt (1771 to 1775) and the Rev. Samuel H. Stearns (1834 to 1836). This fact should not be pressed unduly, for other Boston churches in full doctrinal sym- pathy with the Old South called Harvard graduates to their pulpits during this period ; but it has a certain significance, or at least suggestiveness, which entitles it to mention.
Thanksgiving 27th Novr. 1766
Old Tenor.
Collected .
£359. 6. 44
Appropriated vizt :
To the Rev Mr. Campbel
2. 0. 0
Rev. Ivory Hovey .
4.
IO. 0
Rev. Mr. Brett .
12. 0. 0
The Charitable Fund
2.
5. 0
20. 15. 0
To Several of this Society
II. 5. º
32. 0. 0
At large .
327. 6. 4ª
Decr. 14th The Brethren of the Church and Congregation were stayed after service of the Day and Voted
That the unappropriated part of the last Collection be dispos'd of to Charitable and pious uses by the Pastors and Deacons according to their best Discretion.
At a Meeting of the Brethren of the South Church and Congrega- tion
Tuesday, Decemr 16th 1766.
The Honble Andrew Oliver was chosen Moderator.
The Deacons, who were appointed to repair the Meeting House, having laid before the Society the Account of Charge, it appeared that there was about two hundred and twenty pounds remaining due : there were two or three Bills not yet brought in, which makes the precise Sum uncertain.
And in order to raise the money to discharge this Balance
Voted That there be an assessment on the several Pews in the House as follows viz : Five Dollars on each of the Pews below Two
1 President Quincy presents the fol- lowing figures for comparison in reference to graduates. During the eight years, 1745-1752, inclusive, there were gradu-
ated at Harvard 194, at Yale 179. Dur- ing the eight years, 1753-1760, inclusive, there were graduated at Harvard 205, at Yale 254.
88
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
and a half Dollars on each of the Front Pews in the Gallery One and a quarter on each of the Back Pews in the Gallery.
And that the several pew Holders be desired to put the respective sums thus assessed on them into the Contribution Box on the first Lords Day in January and mark the same :
But, if any Persons find it inconvenient to pay the said assessment on that Day, that they be desired to put it into the Box as soon as they can conveniently afterwards, not exceeding the month of January if possible, and mark the money as aforesaid.
And it is desired that other persons, not Pew Holders would, on the said First Lord's Day in January next, or on some succeeding Lord's Day in the said Month, contribute to the service as their re- spective Circumstances will allow : it being hereby declared that what ever shall be contributed in the said Month more than sufficient to pay the usual allowance to the Pastors shall be deemed as contributed for the purpose aforesaid.
Also voted That the Honble. John Osborne Esqr be desired to pay into the Hands of the Deacons what money now is, or may hereafter come into his Hands belonging to the Society, on Account of the Pews.
Voted That the Deacons be desired to make an Estimate of the Arrearages due from the several Pews in the House and lay the same before the society as soon as may be that so measures may be taken for collecting them.
Voted That if, after all the money is collected that can be raised in either or all the methods before mentioned, it shall appear there is any Deficiency ; it will then be expected that such Deficiency, when the sum is known, be raised by a voluntary subscription or by con- tribution as shall then be agreed on.
As there are divers vacancys in the Committee of Seaters, Voted that the said Vacancies be filled up at some future meeting, and that the Church and Congregation be notified beforehand when such Elec- tions are proposed to be made.
Not many months after the settlement of Mr. Blair at the Old South, - in the autumn of 1767, - he was elected by the unanimous vote of the Trustees of the College of New Jersey to the presidency of that institution, as the successor of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Finley. The Rev. John Witherspoon, a dis- tinguished Scotch clergyman, had previously been chosen, and had declined. It was understood afterward, however, that cir- cumstances were so changed that Mr. Witherspoon would recon- sider his decision not to come to America if he had an opportu- nity to do so. When Mr. Blair learned this he at once, with rare magnanimity, declined the appointment, so as to open the way
...
89
THE CLOSING OF AN EPOCH.
for the renewal of the call to Mr. Witherspoon. The election of so young a man as Mr. Blair to this high position testifies to the exceptional reputation which he had already achieved.
Novr. 22. 1767 The Brethren of the Church and Congregation stayed and Voted, that there be a Collection for charitable and pious uses on the Anniversary Thanksgiving, Decr. 3. next: And that the rest of the Congregation be notified the next Lord's Day, and be de- sir'd to assist in said Collection. J. SEWALL.
Novr. 29. Congregation notified.
Thanksgiving Decr 3. 1767
Collected
359. 6. 7
Appropriated To Mr. Ab. Adams
8. 18.
Revd. Mr. Campbell
3. o.
4.
5.
o
3.
o.
o
19.
3. 9
At large
340.
2. IO
Total
359. 6. 7
J. SEWALL.
This was Dr. Sewall's last entry upon the record-book.1 As we note this closing of an epoch in the history of the church, we recall the last verse of the Seventy-second Psalm : "The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended."
The giving, DEet. 3.1767 Collect 359.6.7. 1
Appropriated
To bruk Ab. Adama T 8. 18.9. Read myCampbell , 3. 0 0 mr Houry 4.5. 0 m& Brett 3-0- 19.3-9.
At Large 340. 2. 10.
total 3936-7.
I Sawrak.
0
9
0
Mr. Hovey Mr. Brett
Rer Joseph Sevall ordained pastor (71) Died June 27-1747
CHAPTER III.
1768-1771
CHANGES IN THE PASTORATE. - TOWN MEETINGS.
W TE have no record of any action by the church in 1768, except in its dealing with two cases of discipline.
At a meeting of the South Church in Boston February 29th 1768.
It was Voted, That a Committee be chosen to inquire into several matters of complaint against some of their Brethren that had been laid before them ; and that said Committee make report of what evi- dences they can ascertain of the truth of such offensive conduct as had been respectively laid to their charge.
The Church appointed a committee accordingly, consisting of their Pastors and Deacons.
This committee, on the 28th of July, reported serious charges made and sustained against two brethren, and at an adjourned meeting on Monday, August I, they were sentenced to public excommunication on the next Lord's Day. From the marked severity with which these cases, involving a violation of the laws of morality, were dealt with, as compared with others which came before the church several months later, involving a depart- ure in certain particulars from the doctrinal standards of the time, it will be seen that character rather than creed was the test in determining the qualifications for good and regular stand- ing in the membership.
The Rev. Samuel Checkley, pastor of the Second Church, died March 19, after a ministry of twenty-one years. On the
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1
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I
91
THE REV. JOHN LATHROP.
18th of May next following, Mr. John Lathrop, who had been fixed upon as his colleague, was ordained as his successor. Mr. Lathrop was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1740, and grad- uated at Princeton in 1763. To guard against the danger of departure from the "doctrines of grace, and the old form of faith and discipline adopted in the New England churches," he was desired to appear before the church, and at its request Mr. Pemberton asked him a variety of questions concerning his sen- timents "upon many of the great doctrines of the gospel." This examination of a candidate for ordination, in the presence of a church which was thinking of calling him, by its request, and probably in private session, by a neighboring minister invited for the purpose, was an altogether different thing from the cross- examination in public of a pastor-elect, in reference to whose personal standing and doctrinal position a church has already satisfied itself, by a company of men who assume as the repre- sentatives of neighboring churches, to decide whether or not this church shall settle the man of its choice. In the first in- stance we have an illustration of pure Congregationalism ; in the second, we have something of a nondescript nature in church polity, answering more nearly than anything else perhaps to oligarchical power in the state.
The Second Church, in true Congregational form, passed upon Mr. Lathrop's answers, and declared itself entirely satisfied. At a subsequent meeting, Mr. Pemberton presented a confes- sion of faith drawn up by Mr. Lathrop, and a certificate from a number of ministers in Windham County, Connecticut, recom- mending him to any church that might think of calling him. These papers also were declared satisfactory, and the church then gave him an unanimous call. He preached his own ordina- tion sermon, from Philippians i. 17 ; Dr. Sewall, who was mod- erator, offered prayer ; Mr. Pemberton gave the charge, and Dr. Mather Byles the right hand of fellowship.1
1 Robbins's History of the Second Church, pp. 125, 126. Ware's Two Dis- courses, p. 53.
The Rev. John Lathrop wrote from Boston, January 20, 1769 : -
" You mention that you hear that the Convention of Ministers in this Province have actually voted to lay aside all creeds and confessions. I wish there was not too much occasion for such a report. They did not actually vote to
lay aside creeds and confessions. They have been pretty generally laid aside ; and the motion was to revive them, and that candidates should be examined and introduced in the manner they are in Connecticut. This was urged by Dr. Sewall and Mr. Pemberton ; it was also opposed by others; but, the forenoon being spent, a vote was desired whether the matter should be considered again after dinner, and passed quite full that it
92
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Some time during the year 1768 the Rev. Samuel Hopkins, then of Great Barrington, preached his celebrated sermon at the Old South, on "the Importance and Necessity of Christians considering Jesus Christ in the Extent of his high and glorious Character." His text was Hebrews iii. I: "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apos- tle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." The ser- mon was published at the desire of many of the hearers, and the preacher wrote concerning it: "It was composed with a design to preach it in Boston, as I expected soon to go there, under a conviction that the doctrine of the divinity of .Christ was much neglected, if not disbelieved, by a number of the ministers in Boston." 1
On the 14th of June, the first of those great popular meet- ings was held in the Old South meeting-house which have made its walls famous in the annals of civil liberty. An English frig- ate had recently arrived in the harbor, for the enforcement of the new revenue laws, and a vessel belonging to John Hancock had been seized for an alleged infraction of them. Men also had been impressed for service in the royal navy. The public excitement and indignation were intense, and a town meeting was called for, to give orderly expression and emphatic utterance to the popular feeling. Such a meeting was convened by the se- lectmen in Faneuil Hall, " but the hall not being large enough to contain one half of those who attended, they adjourned to the Old South meeting house." James Otis, one of the idols of the hour, was chosen moderator, and made one of his stirring and effective speeches. A petition to Governor Bernard was adopted, and a committee appointed to carry it to him at his country seat in Jamaica Plain. The meeting was then adjourned
should not. As soon as it was passed, one of the Convention declared his most earnest hope that the matter might never be laid before the Convention again. However, he need not have showed him- self in that manner, for if it should be while the Convention consists of minis- ters now upon the stage, there is no manner of prospect that a vote can be 1769, after a pastorate there of twenty- five years. Dr. Sprague says : "In . April and May succeeding, he preached several Sabbaths at the Old South Church, Boston, and a portion of the congregation would gladly have retained him as a colleague with Dr. Sewall, but the majority opposed the measure." There is nothing in the church records to obtained to bring creeds and confessions this effect. Mr. Blair had not yet given into use."- Sprague's Annals of the Am. Unit. Pulpit, p. 71. any intimation of his purpose to resign, but Dr. Sewall was evidently near his end, and some may have thought of Mr. Hop- kins as a successor to him.
1 Mr. Hopkins was dismissed from his charge at Great Barrington January 18,
er
t
S
6
93
A TOWN MEETING.
to the next day, but before the citizens dispersed Mr. Otis ad- dressed to them the following significant language : "The griev- ance the people labor under may in time be removed ; if not, and we are called on to defend our liberty and privileges, I hope and believe we shall, one and all, resist unto blood ; but, at the same time, I pray Almighty God it may never so happen." On the following day a letter of reply was presented from the gov- ernor, and Mr. Otis reported that His Excellency had received the committee with courtesy, and had manifested a disposition to do what he could to fulfil the demands of the people.
Of this town meeting it has been said : " It was in harmony, in principle and in object, with the views of a great people. It was an illustration of an intelligent American opinion, appear- ing as an actor on the public stage. And hence it indicated, not a mere ripple on the top of shallow waters, but a ground- swell of an ocean-tide of irresistible and providential power." A large majority of the regular attendants at the Old South were in sympathy with it, and with others like it which followed, and they cordially consented to this political use of their house of worship. Dr. Sewall, too, was in full accord with the popu- lar movement. In an obituary notice which appeared at the time of his death we read : -
He was greatly alarmed with every motion to introduce the Hie- rarchy into these Colonies, whose predecessors had, at the peril of every earthly comfort, fled from the face of ecclesiastical tyranny. Nor was he less jealous of the attempts made to deprive us of our civil rights and privileges. Though he warmly press'd submission to the powers that be, while they are the ministers of God for good to their subjects, yet he was greatly affected with the encroachments lately made upon us, and could not think a people were to be blamed for adhering to liberties that had been purchased at so dear a rate. These things lay with weight on his mind as long as he lived, he spake with freedom, and some degree of warmth, on this interesting topic, and often addressed heaven to interpose for our relief. His prayers, we trust, have been heard and will be graciously answered.1
The citizens of Boston not only listened for the bell in the Old South steeple to summon them to their patriotic assem- blies, but they selected the same steeple as the most central and conspicuous place for the erection of a public clock. The fol- lowing memorial, signed by Gawen Brown, a celebrated clock- maker of the time, explains itself :2 -
1 [Boston Evening Post, July 3, 1769.] into our possession. Children of Gawen
2 This memorial has. recently come and Mary Brown were baptized at the
94
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
To the Society Meeting in the South Church in Boston. Gentlemen
Having made a Clock suitable for publick Use a Number of the Inhabitants of the Town are desirous to purchase the same by a Volun- tary subscription, provided it may be put Up on the Steeple of your Church, that being the most Convenient scituation for s'd purpose on many Accounts.
These are therefore humbly to Request your consent thereto, and that you would give your Petitioner Liberty to put up the same accord- ingly, and I Promise and Engage provided said Permission is granted, that the same shall be put Up and continued there forever, free of Charge to the Society.
Your Humble Servant
BOSTON, July 23d 1768. GAWEN BROWN.
The records are silent on the subject, but the request of the petitioner was, no doubt, readily granted. There seems to have been some delay in carrying out the plan, owing, perhaps, to a difficulty in obtaining subscriptions, for, after all, the cost of the clock was paid by the town, in 1774.1 In the Boston Gazette, April 16, 1770, it is said :-
The Great Clock at Dr. Sewall's Meeting-House, made by Gawen Brown of this Town, goes with such Regularity and Exactness, that for this fourteen weeks it has not lost but two minutes of Time.
The Hon. John Osborne died on the 27th of August. He had been a member of the church since 1721, and was the treasurer of the society at the time of his death.
At a meeting of the Brethren of the Society under the Pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Sewall and Mr. Samuel Blair, Oct. 31. 1768.
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Revd. Mr. Blair.
The Hon. Andrew Oliver Esq. was chosen Moderator, but desired to be excused, as he was obliged to retire upon some special business. Thomas Cushing was then chosen Moderator.
Upon a motion made and seconded it was voted to proceed to the choice of a Treasurer.
The Votes being brought in and sorted it appeared that the Hon. Thomas Hubbard Esq. was chosen.
Col. Marshall and Capt. Thomas Dawes were appointed a Com- mittee to wait upon the Hon Thomas Hubbard Esq. and to acquaint
South Church in 1757 and 1758; and Gawen Brown, son of John and Sarah Newman, was baptized there March 26, 1769.
1 At a Town Meeting, March 30, 1774,
the Town chose a committee to purchase the Clock of Gawen Brown, and to have the same fixed on the Old South Meet- ing House. - Boston Gazette, April 4, 1774. It cost {80 lawful money.
95
TERMS OF COMMUNION.
Him that the Society had made choice of him for their Treasurer and to know his answer.
Voted, That the Hon. Andrew Oliver Thomas Hubbard and Joshua Winslow Esqrs be a Committee to examine the Deacons accounts and report.
Whereas this society when they made choice of Mr. Samuel Blair for their Pastor Voted, that as soon as he saw to settle in a family, to make provision of a suitable House for him to dwell in, and whereas the Revd. Mr. Blair is now settled in a family, therefore Voted that the Deacons be and hereby are empowered to provide a House suit- able for Him to reside in according to their best discretion, and that Deacon Phillips be allowed for the rent he has already engaged for in Behalf of Mr. Blair since his marriage.
Voted That the Deacons be a Committee till further order to cause such repairs to be made to the ministerial Houses and other Buildings belonging to this Society as they may think prudent, and that they let the ministerial House now empty for the most that it will rent for.
Voted, There be a Committee of seven chosen to stand for one year, and till further order to have the direction and ordering of affairs relative to the Pews and seats in the meeting House; and the votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared that the Hon. Andrew Oliver Esq. Joshua Winslow, Joseph Jackson, Thomas Cushing, Arnold Welles, William Phillips and David Jeffries Esqrs were chosen.
Mr. David Jeffries desiring to be excused Votes were called for and brought in for another Person in his Room, and upon being sorted it appeared that Mr. Jonathan Mason was chosen.
Voted, That Andrew Oliver, Joseph Jackson and Joshua Winslow Esqrs be a Committee to examine the late Treasurer Osborne's accompts.
Then the meeting was dissolved. THOMS. CUSHING Modr.
Mr. Blair had recently married a daughter of William Ship- pen the elder, an eminent physician of Philadelphia. It does not appear that the dwelling occupied by the earlier ministers of the church was ever used again as a parsonage after Mrs. Prince vacated it.
February 23rd 1769
At a Meeting of the South Church, a question being proposed " whether the Church would hereafter require a Relation of Experiences as a Term of Communion ? " It was voted in the Negative.
At a meeting of the South Church, March 2d 1769.
Voted, That the following Profession be hereafter required of Per- sons who seek admission to full Communion, (viz :)
You do solemnly profess your Belief in the One Only Living and
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