USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of the Second Church, or Old North, in Boston : to which is added a History of the New Brick Church > Part 24
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Mr. Emerson was chosen by a vote of seventy-four out of eighty-three, - the worshippers voting with the proprietors. The order of services at his ordination was as follows, viz. : Dr. Pierce, of Brookline, offered the introductory prayer, and read the Scriptures ; Mr. Ripley, of Waltham, preached from the text, " Preaching peace by Jesus Christ ;" Mr. Parkman, of the New North, made the ordaining prayer ; Dr. Ripley, of Concord, gave the charge ; Mr. Frothingham, of the First Church, the right hand of fellowship; Mr. Gannett, of the Federal-street Church, the address to the people; Mr. Upham, of Salem, the concluding prayer.
The present pastor of the Second Church and Society was chosen by a unanimous vote of the proprietors, Oct. 20, 1833. At his ordination, which took place Dec. 4, 1833, the order of services was as follows, viz .: Introductory prayer, and selections from Scripture, by Rev. John Pierpont ; sermon by Prof. Henry Ware, jun .; ordaining prayer by Rev. Hezekiah Packard, D.D .; charge by Rev. James Kendall, D.D .; fellowship of the churches by Rev. Francis Parkman; concluding prayer by Rev. George Putnam.
COVENANT OF THE SECOND CHURCH.
On the 16th of September, 1821, the church voted to restore and adopt for their use, on the admission of members, the ancient
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covenant used by Dr. Increase Mather. It is in these words, viz. : -
" You do, in this solemn presence, give up yourself to the true God in Jesus Christ, and to his people also, according to the will of God ; pro- mising to walk with God, and with this church of his, in all his holy ordinances, and to yield obedience to every truth of his, which has been or shall be made known to you as your duty ; the Lord assisting you by his spirit and grace. .
" We, then, the church of Christ in this place, do receive you into the fellowship, and promise to walk towards you, and to watch over you as a member of this church, endeavoring your spiritual edification in Christ Jesus our Lord."
LIBRARY OF THE CHURCH.
A valuable library belongs to the Second Church, which was founded at the suggestion of Joshua Gee, and received donations from several clergymen and others. In 1827, at the request of Mr. Ware, who stated that efforts were making to build up a library for the Theological School at Cambridge, the church " voted, that the pastor be authorized to select such volumes as he may think proper from its library, and make a donation of them to. the library of the Theological School, with the proviso, that the minister of the Second Church shall always have free use of the library of the Theological School."
COMMUNION PLATE.
At the time of the union of the Second and New Brick Churches, several valuable articles of silver plate, being unneces- sary, were sold. The following is a description of the silver communion plate now in possession of the Second Church : -
" One large Flagon, with this inscription thereon : 'Mrs. Elizabeth Wensley to the Second Church of Christ in Boston, 1711.' Also stamped on the bottom ' PO.'
One large Flagon, inscribed : 'The Legacy of Mr. John Frisell, who died April 10, 1723, to the Second Church of Christ in Boston.' Also a coat of arms is engraved thereon, with this motto : 'Jesu est Prest.' Also stamped with the letters ' IB' twice on the body of the flagon, near the handle.
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One large Flagon, inscribed : 'This Flagon is the gift of Mrs. Dorothy Frisell to the Second Church of Christ in Boston, December, 1733.'
One smaller Flagon, inscribed : 'The gift of Mrs. Dorothy Frisell to the Church of Christ in Boston, of which the Rev. Mr. William Waldron is the pastor, 1724.' Also stamped ' IB.'
One large Flagon, inscribed : "The Rev. Mr. Welsteed, pastor of this church, ordered, on his deathbed, this flagon to be given as a token of the tender affection he bears towards us, 1753.' A coat of arms is en- graved on it, but no motto. Stamped near the handle with the word ' BRIDGE.'
One smaller Flagon, no inscription. Stamped twice near the handle with the letters ' T.T.'
One large Cup, inscribed : ' A Friend's gift to the North Brick Church, 1730.' A coat of arms on the reverse side, and also stamped ' IG.'
One large Cup, stamped ' HURD.'
One large Cup, stamped ' 1G.' and engraved on the bottom, '1731.'
One large Cup, stamped ' GH.'
One large Cup, engraved : 'Given by Nathaniel Loring to the New Brick Church, 1723-4.' Stamped on the bottom ' IR.'
One smaller Cup, inscribed : Given by W. L. to the New Brick Church, 1723-4.' Stamped on the bottom ' IR.'
One smaller Cup, stamped on the bottom ' GH.'
Two small Spoons, with holes in the bowls for strainers, stamped 'P.R.'
One large Dish, inscribed : 'The gift of Edward Hutchinson to the Second Church in Boston, May, 1711.'
One Dish to match, inscribed : 'The gift of Thomas Hutchinson to the Second Church in Boston, May, 1711.' A coat of arms on each dish, and both stamped ' EW.'
One Dish, same size, no inscription. Stamped ' EW.' A coat of arms engraved thereon, but different from those on the above dishes.
One Baptismal Basin, inscribed on the under side of the rim as fol- lows, viz. : ' Hoc Lavacrum Septentrionali in Bostonio Ecclesia adusum SS. Baptismi dedicatum est per Adamum Winthrop ad ortum primi sui Filii qui baptizatus est 18 August, 1706.'
One Silver Bread Knife."
THE FESTIVAL.
[WRITTEN BY ONE OF THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.]
On Tuesday evening, June 17, a social Commemorative Festival was held under the direction of the ladies of the Society.
After the company had assembled in the church, a short address was delivered by the pastor, and an original hymn sung.
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From thence they proceeded to the vestry, where a sumptuous entertainment had been provided. An invitation had been ex- tended to all who had ever been connected with the ancient church; and the society had the happiness to welcome many friends from city and country who were formerly fellow-worship- pers, and whose sympathies and affections still lingered around its sacred altar.
After some time had been spent in social converse, and in par- taking of the refreshments furnished for the occasion, short and pertinent addresses followed, by gentlemen who were present. The pastor presided ; suggesting, from time to time, themes for remark in regard to the many distinguished men and women who have been connected with the society, reading some quaint and interesting records from our ancient annals, and inspiring all present with a glow of congratulation and pleasure at the present prosperity and prospects of our time-hallowed church, upon the commencement of its third century. In addition to the remarks of the pastor, the following gentlemen successively addressed the assembly: Rev. Dr. Sharpe ; Rev. Dr. Parkman ; Rev. Frederick T. Gray; Mr. F. W. Lincoln, jun .; Rev. Mr. Muzzey, of Cambridge ; and N. C. Betton, Esq.
On the walls of the vestry were hung the portraits of Increase Mather, Cotton Mather, Joshua Gee and wife, William Welsteed, Ellis Gray, John Lathrop, Henry Ware, jr., and Gov, Hutchinson.
The vestry and tables were appropriately decorated with flowers furnished by friends in the country. Among the contri- butions was a barrel of bouquets from the members of the ancient Pilgrim Church in Plymouth, accompanied by the following note, which was read by Mr. Robbins, to whom it was addressed : -
" PLYMOUTH, June 17, 1851.
"My dear Friend, - Your grandfather planted many a seed in our ancient church, which could never die. Will you please to imagine that these flowers represent the unfading bloom of his faithful labors? I trust that you will not think our little gift an intruder among the contributions of your own people, and that you will accept it as an expression of our interest in a commemoration which must fill your heart with thankful memo- ries and pure joy. - With my most cordial good wishes, to-day and always, " Faithfully yours, GEO. W. BRIGGS."
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The festivities of the evening were closed with singing the doxology, " From all that dwell below the skies," &c .; all re- turning home gratified with their participation in an occasion as rare as it was delightful, where the social feelings were hallowed by the spirit of our holy religion, and where the bond of union was sanctified by christian love. It was estimated that nearly one thousand persons were present during the evening.
On the afternoon of the succeeding day (Wednesday), the children assembled, and, in innocent hilarity and amusement, interspersed with the singing of appropriate hymns, passed a few hours. Many of them were accompanied by their parents and elder friends, who, participating in the exuberance of their youthful spirits, added grace to the occasion by their presence and sympathy.
The following is the original hymn referred to above, which was written by a lady of the parish : -
"Our fathers' God ! They sowed the seed in tears, When spread around the howling wilderness ; And now, the harvest of two hundred years Their children meet in joy to reap and bless.
Two hundred years ! And still thy gracious power This fold of Christ preserves with watchful care, Sets the bright rainbow on the parting shower, And gilds with sunshine clouds of past despair.
Two hundred years ! Unseen, a glorious cloud Of heavenly witnesses are here to-night ; Their silent anthem joins our chorus loud,
' Glory and praise to God above all height !'
' Glory to God !' In Christ our living Head, - Where thousand years are as a single day, -- The church below, with all the sainted dead, Blessing and thanks to thee shall ever pay."
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TO
HISTORY OF THE NEW BRICK CHURCH.
F. - PAGE 171.
The aggrieved party first published "An Account of the Reasons why they could not consent to Mr. Peter Thacher's Ordination." A reply soon followed, entitled " Vindication of the New North Church from several Falsehoods, &c., by several of the Members of that Church." Increase Mather published " A Testimony to the good Order of the Churches," in which he censured the proceedings of the New North Church, as contrary to congregational principles and precedents. To this Messrs. Webb and Thacher replied, in a small pamphlet containing " A Brief Declaration in behalf of Themselves and their Church," &c.
It appears that it was reported that " a minister of the town" was concerned in getting up the first pamphlet mentioned above ; or, at least, that he "overlooked and corrected the presswork whilst it was printing." The minister alluded to was Cotton Mather. The authors of the " Account," &c., have appended an advertisement to their pamphlet, declaring that "the report is utterly false," and affirming that " no minister in this town, nor in the whole world, ever saw or corrected one word of the whole."
I have quoted the answer of the dissentients to one of the reasons brought forward by the friends of Mr. Thacher, in justi- fication of his removal from his parish at Weymouth. Their objections to other reasons are worth reading : -
" It is said, that others have done so before him. To this we answer thus : If they have, they have had better reasons to give than have been
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given in this case ; and, though they have, yet the hurt and evil that has been done thereby has outweighed, or at least balanced, the good.
" It is said he was unable to perform the work of the ministry in Weymouth, - particularly, visiting his parishioners. To this we answer thus : He did not serve an Egyptian task-master, that required the full tale of brick, without the least straw afforded. God does not desire, nor require, his ministers to do a work when they have no strength afforded them to do it: if Mr. Thacher did according to his ability, he would never be faulted for doing that which he had not no strength, power, or ability to do.
" It is said that Mr. Thacher complained of the little good he did by his preaching there ; that there were no seals of his ministry ; and hence his discouragement arose. To this we answer thus: 1. If he was faith- ful in his work, he need not doubt of a glorious reward hereafter, though he was very unsuccessful in it. So the prophet comforted himself: Isaiah, xlix. 4 : ' Then I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain; yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.' And in verse 5: 'Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and my God shall be my strength.' 2. God must be waited on, and not prescribed to; the Spirit worketh as it pleaseth ; the wind bloweth where it listeth, and we hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell whence it cometh, or whither it goeth ; so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Though a minister toils all night, and taketh nothing, - yet, for aught he knows, in a little time he may have many for his joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord.
"It is said that Mr. Thacher came to Boston for the delight and benefit of conversation. To this we answer thus : If he be so bright a man as he is said to be, then the need of conversation to brighten him is so much the less, and more inconsiderable. Notwithstanding this reason for his removal, yet he ought not to have left that church, over which the Holy Ghost had made him overseer, for his own delight and benefit ; he ought to remain unto the end in that town which God, in his providence, had fixed him in."
Mr. Ware's opinion seems to me perfectly correct, viz. : "that the New North people wrote with most moderation, though they were clearly in the wrong; while the advocates of the New Brick, though on the right side, lost all command of their temper."
The result of Mr. Thacher's connection with the New North was certainly in the end favorable to the interests of that church, and justified the good opinion, formed by those who supported him, of his fitness for that place.
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G. - PAGE 179.
The old clock, after various fortunes, fell into the hands of the auctioneer, in January, 1839. The following appropriate speech was written for the occasion of the sale, by some lover of ancient relics. It was said to have been read by the auctioneer ; but for the truth of this statement I cannot vouch.
" Here is the relic of the early days of our country's annals, a rem- nant saved; antique of its kind, and venerable for every association connected with its history ; - the old church-clock, bearing a mark of patriarchal longevity in the date, that speaks it one hundred and eighteen years of age. Yet, while it has ticked and struck off the thousand and tens of thousands, who have looked on its calm face, into eternity, it is still in good time, and going ! going ! ! going ! ! !
" Though its existence was begun in the land of kings, moved by the spirit of our pious fathers, it followed them to the land of pilgrims, and was consecrated to serve in the house of God, whom they came hither to worship as the children of his kingdom, and not as spiritual slaves to earthly despotism.
" This sober, ever-going clock came over in the days of caution and sanity. It came when a sea-voyage was a serious thing, and religion a serious thing, and a church-clock a serious thing. It counted the moments, while the minister of God was preaching, and his hearers listening, of eternity. It echoed his text, 'Take heed how ye hear.' Then was there real clock-work and order in men's minds and principles. Vanity did not then stare this venerable monitor in the face, and study the while how to display its plumage. Avarice did not dare, under its measured 'click,' to be planning in the temple how to lay up goods for many years. Nor was pride then puffed up by the breath of its own nostrils, while this minute-hand was showing its duration cut shorter at the beat of every pulse.
" Now, who will let this venerable memento of those days be dese- crated ? Who will not wish to possess himself of it, as a relic of the age of simplicity and godly sincerity ?
"Look at its aged but unwrinkled face. It is calm ; for it has not to answer for the sermons it has heard. Look at it, ye degenerate sons of New England ! Do ye not seem to see the shade go back on the dial- plate to the days of your fathers, and to hear the voices of those aged servants of God who went from their preaching to their reward ?
"I would speak more; but the hour is come. To whom shall it be sold ? "
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H. - PAGE 183.
The names of the twenty-four persons who first associated for the building of the New Brick, and purchased the land, were the following : - Alexander Sears, Solomon Townsend, John Waldo, Owen Harris, James Tileston, Nathaniel Jarvis, Thomas Lee, Jonathan Mountfort, William Arnold, Benjamin Edwards, Peter Papillon, Thomas Dagget, Daniel Ballard, Robert Gutridge, Robert Oring, Edward Pell, Samuel Burnell, Francis Parnall, Thaddeus Macarty, James Barnes, James Pecker, James Halsey, Ebenezer Bridge, Ephraim More.
The building committee consisted of John Frisel, Thomas Lee, Jonathan Mountfort, Alexander Sears, James Tileston, James Pecker, and Edward Pell.
The following persons gathered into a church-state, viz. : Alex- ander Sears, Solomon Townsend, William Lee, Nathaniel Loring, Moses Pierce, Daniel Pecker, Josiah Baker, Henry Wheeler, John Waldo, James Tileston.
" July 19, 1722. - It was agreed upon and voted that the sacrament of the Lord's Supper should be administered in the revolution of every fourth sabbath from August 12, 1722."
The services at the ordination of Waldron were as follows, viz. : Mr. Sewall offered the introductory prayer; Cotton Mather preached from 1 John, iv. 7; Increase Mather gave the charge; Mr. Wadsworth, the right hand of fellowship; and Mr. Waldron closed with prayer.
William Waldron was a descendant from the family of Cutts, from which have sprung many distinguished persons, and the members of which have intermarried with some of the best fami- lies in New England. His father, Col. Richard Waldron, was first married to a daughter of John Cutts, President of New Hampshire. His mother was Elinor Vaughan, also a descendant from the family of Cutts. His brother Richard was Secretary of New Hampshire. His sister Abigail married Col. Saltonstall,
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of Haverhill, Mass. His only daughter became the wife of Col. Josiah Quincy, of Braintree, Mass. The Lowells of Boston are also descendants of the family of Cutts. Our pastor married Eliza Allen, of Martha's Vineyard. He was born 1697, and died Sept. 20, 1727, aged thirty-one.
" Aug. 23, 1725. - Voted, that Mr. Waldron be supplied with con- stant help for six months next ensuing from this day.
" Feb. 28, 1726. - Voted, that Mr. Waldron be supplied with help until the annual meeting in July next.
" Feb. 6, 1727. - Voted, that Mr. Waldron be paid out of the trea- sury thirty shillings per week, besides his stated salary, until the annual meeting in July next."
Such votes were often passed " whilst there was but one mini- ster, it being thought that the strength of one was inadequate to the whole duty."
Mr. Waldron's salary was continued to his widow for four months and a half after his decease.
I. - PAGE 184.
Mr. Welsteed's ordination took place on the 27th of March, 1728. " Mr. Sewall and Mr. Cooper prayed before and after the sermon. Mr. Welsteed preached. Mr. Walter gave the right hand of fellowship, and Dr. Colman the charge."
Mr. Welsteed married a sister of Governor Hutchinson.
" Nov. 18, 1728. - The Rev. Mr. Welsteed being about marrying, and as there will arise the charge of house and fire-wood thereby, voted, that there be allowed him seventy pounds a year out of the stock.
" Feb. 11, 1733. - Voted, to add four persons to the Standing Com- mittee, viz. : the Rev. William Welsteed," &c.
The letters of Waldron are some of them interesting. I have thought it not out of place to insert here a few extracts from some of them, relating to the circumstances and men of his times.
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DESCRIPTION OF PROFESSOR WIGGLESWORTH.
" And this leads me to Mr. Wigglesworth, whom your preposterous managements have obliged me to mention after Mr. Welsteed. I must needs say I can't in justice imagine that this good gentleman is second to any. He is certainly a first rate, if not the first rate. His body is the less acceptable part of him, and that is in no wise to be despised. As for his intellectual powers, his being chosen into the professorship by some of our wisest and best men must speak him superlative. As for his public preaching, you would guess him almost to be under an inspira- tion in it. His delivery is with great deliberation and distinctness. He has a small, still voice ; not loud, but audible. As for the impediment you mention, it is only a graceful lisp that does not at all affect his speech to make him unintelligible. When I have heard him preach, I never observed but that every syllable was clearly articulated. And as for his never being a candidate for the gospel-ministry, it is a mistake. He always was so, ever since he preached, and is so now. He has been in nomination (though I don't so well approve the method) more than once ; and the reason why he has been neglected is owing only to the ignorance and unskilfulness of the rabble, which make the majority. They disgust every thing but noise and nonsense, and can't be content to sit quiet unless their auditory nerves are drummed upon with a voice like thunder. His meeting with no acceptance is a great reproach upon the understandings of the multitude. I guess he would hardly be prevailed to leave his business here only to make a fruitless journey ; for I don't think he has any thing in prospect-I mean a settlement -any further. The learned this way would be loath to part with him. He is treated with great respect this way ; and, should he come to Portsmouth, your clergy, though his seniors, must stoop to him. As for his deafness, I look on it as a good ministerial qualification. Mr. Prince is an excellent preacher ; a fine scholar ; has but an uncouth delivery. He is raw and uncultivated ; not much of a gentleman. I should, for my part, pretty much suspect his conduct among you. I asked the professor whether, if he should be asked to preach anywhere for a small term, he would leave his business, and mentioned Piscataqua to him. He replied that he should consult the president in such an affair. But he added, ' I believe it will be best for them to hear only one.' He is a very prudent man ; and I am confident, that, if he had been sent to after the same manner that Mr. Welsteed has, he would not have come; and yet he is an humble, meek, modest man."
" The other day I was in at Mr. Colman's ; Mr. Cooper was there too. After other talk, we fell upon Piscataqua ; they asked how matters stood there. I told them I heard that there were some of you inclined to hear the professor ; and, said they, then they 'll have him, if they are a
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people of any taste and relish, which they determined that you were ; and I must needs say that it is now a critical juncture ; and the profes- sor's office seems to be so clogged and cumbered, that a good settlement would, I believe, draw him from his professorship. His salary is but eighty pounds ; though Mr. Colman, who is one of the corporation, says his endeavors shan't be wanting to advance it to one hundred and twenty pounds per annum. The professor is not one of the corporation, which seems necessary, not only to dignify his office, but also to the faithful discharge of the duties of it. He has been chosen into the corporation, but disaccepted by the overseers, for no other reason, that I know of, but in contradiction to them that elected him ; for you know that there is no harmony between the overseers and corporation. He is on all hands allowed to be a meek person, and I apprehend that in a short time that matter will be reconsidered, and he allowed and confirmed ; when, if an advanced salary follows, I fancy he will be seated and fixed. No such suitable person as he can be found for that business."
MEETING OF THE OVERSEERS OF THE COLLEGE.
" Last Wednesday (dated October 14, 1723), the overseers paid a visit to that venerable lady, our Alma Mater. Their business was an inquisition into the state of affairs ; and we found things not to be so well as we could have wished. Mr. President endeavored to beat off the design's proceeding, but was conquered. When night approached, the wind and rain were perpetuous ; and it was proposed and agreed upon to tarry the night over, and perfect the business, -for entry only had been made. While the matter of a tarry was agitating, Mr. President takes leave, and bids good night. One of the overseers told him that we intended to proceed in business, and expected that he would not leave us. To these he gave some short, slight, contemptuous reply, and went off. This then raised the resentment of many; and they talked, with heat and warmth, of Mr. Leverett's unworthy treatment of them, and of sending over to him to require his attendance, &c. Mr. Appleton, your classmate, stood by all this while, and at length took occasion to drop off. 'Twas guessed, and he could not deny it, that he had been over to inform Mr. President how things stood ; for the president came over in a very little time, in the utmost good humor, and sat till the matter was entirely finished, and then invited several over to take a lodging with him, - with whom your unworthy brother was numbered, but did not go. Thus I have given you a summary of that visitation."
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