USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of the church in Brattle street, Boston > Part 8
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the Independent Chronicle, a few days after his death, thus closes its description of his char- acter: -
" Formed to excel in each ennobled part That burnished life, or humanized the heart, How did thy bright example recommend The parent, partner, citizen, and friend ! Warm in affection, wise with finished ease, ' Intent to reason, or polite to please,' In private paths, in every public line, The best associate, statesman, and divine."*
Brattle Street, February 17th, 1850.
* " MONODY OCCASIONED BY THE DEATH OF SAMUEL COOPER, D. D., PASTOR OF BRATTLE STREET CHURCH, WHO DIED DECEMBER 29TH, 1783.
" 'T is done ! from earth the illustrious prophet flies, Cooper, the all-accomplished Cooper, dies ! That bosom, where benevolence abode ; That form, where nature every grace bestowed ; That eye, where soft persuasion sweetly smiled, Illumed the heart, and every care beguiled ; That tongue, which long, in virtue's cause, combined Reason and truth, and eloquence refined, Finished and fraught with all the sacred lore, Is cold, -is lifeless, - and must charm no more ! While the pure spirit which the whole informed, Glowed in the bosom, and the features warmed, Flown upward, free of elemental clay, Explores new mansions in the fields of day. From whence sure, Cooper, on thy natal hour, Immortal Genius shed his heavenly power, Thy tender mind by intuition taught, And bathed it in the lucid stream of thought,
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Adorned thy heart with every social grace, And sketched his beauteous image in thy face. Enlightened wisdom crowned thy youthful head, Fair Science nursed thee, and the Muses bred; And Taste, enamored, wooed to vernal bowers, And wreathed a favorite with her choicest flowers ; While, pleased, Religion to thy care consigned Her noblest aim, the bliss of human kind. Yon hallowed temple and thy flock forlorn Now vainly seek thee on the accustomed morn ; The sacred morn, that ushered holy days All dedicate to pious prayer and praise. When on those lips whole auditories hung, And truths divine came brilliant from thy tongue, Then did devotion beautifully climb, In glowing pathos, and the truth sublime ; Extend to future worlds our wondering sight, And ravish with ineffable delight.
Formed to excel in each ennobled part That burnished life, or humanized the heart, How did thy bright example recommend The parent, partner, citizen, and friend ! Warm in affection, wise with finished ease, ' Intent to reason, or polite to please,' In private paths, in every public line, The best associate, statesman, and divine ! And Heaven, that saw thy matchless talents rise, Embellish earth and ripen for the skies, Approving saw, - and summoned hence in love, To gain perfection in the courts above. Now to those realms, with thee, sweet hope ascends Where smiling cherubs gratulate their friends, And all the virtuous, since the world began, Compose the illustrious choir of angel man. No sorrow there, no hapless ills molest, No envy sickens, and no cares infest, Perpetual gladness and delight sincere Forbid a pain, a trouble, or a tear,
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Celestial, rosy wreaths of glory twine, And round thy temples weave a crown divine ; Increase, renewed, thy energetic sight, To drink intense, unmitigated light, Breathe on thy lips, of praise, the sweet perfume, And flush each feature with immortal bloom, Conduct with acclamations to the throne Thy spotless spirit, perfect as their own, There where the crystal streams of pleasure flow, The beryls sparkle, and the rubies glow, On golden harps their raptured notes employ, And turn thy soul to ecstasies of joy. Yet, O thrice happy shade! if, where thou art, Our softest feelings touch a seraph's heart, If spirits, severed from their mortal birth, Indulge some gentle sympathies of earth, If in their breasts those sweet emotions move, Compassion, friendship, lenity, and love, Ah, view thy sad associates weeping here, Console the sorrow, and dispel the tear ; Teach them like thee t' adorn each post assigned, T' instruct, improve, and elevate mankind ; Point to their view the path thou still hast trod, Glorious to thee and pleasing to thy God ; - But pity grief to human frailty known, The throbbing sigh, the melancholy moan, This fond regret for those beloved before, This tender melting for a friend no more ; Forgive the tide of undissembled woes Which for ourselves and for our country flows.
We mourn the loss, - we mourn the virtues fled, We mourn a brother and a patriot dead."
Independent Chronicle, Jan. 8th, 1784.
SERMON IV.
A WISE MAN'S HEART DISCERNETH BOTH TIME AND JUDG- MENT. - Eccl. viii. 5.
I PROPOSE, this morning, to continue our re- view of the history of this church, and have selected the words of the text because they seem an appropriate description of the character of its fourth pastor, Rev. Peter Thacher, D. D.
After the death of Dr. Cooper, December 12th, 1783, the pulpit was supplied for some weeks by the ministers of the association and neighborhood, who, in turn, preached to the bereaved flock. What arrangements were then made for the supply of the pulpit, I cannot ascer- tain. In the following spring, Wednesday, the 12th of May, was set apart to be observed, say the records, "as a day of solemn humiliation and prayer, to implore the blessing of God upon this society, and the influences of his Holy Spirit to direct us to the choice of such a minister as shall adorn the Christian character, promote the
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honor and interest of his Divine Master, and be of the most important advantage to us and to our children." The deacons were appointed a com- mittee "to ask the favor of the pastors of the associated churches, and the Rev. Mr. Howard of this town to lead in the solemn exercises of the day." It does not appear, however, that this observance was followed by any immediate steps towards the choice of a pastor. Indeed, so far as the records show, nothing more was done in re- lation to this subject till the following October, when a movement was made to obtain the ser- vices of the Rev. Peter Thacher, then settled in the neighboring town of Malden.
Dr. Palfrey, in alluding to the circumstances attending this call, says in a note to his sermon, " As this transaction is recent, and many of those whose judgments differed upon it survive, I do not give a detailed account of it." These survivors must have been far advanced in life when Dr. Pal- frey prepared his sermon. In the twenty-five years that have since elapsed, they have all prob- ably passed to their account ; and as the " trans- action " led to some discussion in the newspapers of the day, and involves the character both of the society and one of its most beloved and hon- ored ministers, it would seem to be just to all the parties concerned that the details of the proceed- ings should now be briefly stated. These details,
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indeed, seem to me to be honorable to all con- nected with them; at least, looked at calmly at this period, they present nothing to the discredit of either party, - nothing unworthy or unbecom- ing Christian men, in a matter of such grave im- portance.
It is due to the memory of Dr. Thacher, that it should be understood at the outset, that there is no evidence to be gathered from our records, or from any other quarter, that he in any way sought the place, or made any efforts to obtain it. There is no evidence even that he ever preached in this church previous to his invitation to become the pastor. The attention of the society seems to have been directed to him from his general reputation and character as a man, a patriot, and a divine, eminent in pulpit gifts and graces, dis- tinguished for his growing ability, fidelity, and devotedness as a Christian minister. As the
great body of this parish at that time, together with its late minister and all its prominent mem- bers, had been zealous advocates and actors in the cause of American liberty, and as Mr. Thacher had taken a very decided and earnest part in the Revolutionary struggle, it may be that this circumstance had some influence in develop- ing an affinity between him and this vacant parish. The political influence of a minister was still great, and his political position and opinions im-
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portant. Liberty and independence had just been secured by a triumph over foreign aggression, but wisdom and patriotism had yet a difficult task to consolidate and secure them from domestic dissen- sion. The society doubtless felt assured, from Mr. Thacher's previous career and known princi- ples, that in him they should secure a minister whose political influence would be directed and exerted in harmony with their own.
The movement in relation to Mr. Thacher was thus commenced and conducted. On the 9th of October, 1784, the following letter was sent to the Standing Committee, requesting them to call a meeting of the society : -
" Brethren, - It having pleased Almighty God to remove by death our late worthy, learned, and amiable pastor, under whom we sat with so much pleasure and delight, and although near twelve months have elapsed since his decease, we are still as sheep having no proper shepherd. Under these circumstances we are liable to scat- ter and fall into divisions and lessen our numbers. These reflections have discovered to us the im- portance of having the breach (which God in his providence has made upon us) repaired as soon as possible. It is the opinion of the subscribers, members of the church and congregation, that the Rev. Mr. Peter Thacher, of Malden, if he could be honorably obtained by the mutual consent of
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both societies (for upon any other terms we could not wish it), would be the most likely person to unite us, and restore us to that harmony and brotherly love which we ever enjoyed under our late worthy pastor. We therefore wish and de- sire that the committee would call a meeting of the church and congregation for the purpose of knowing their minds upon this subject, and if the church and congregation should be happily united in their opinion of Mr. Thacher, then to consider what further prudent steps may be taken in order to obtain so good a purpose."
This letter was signed by ninety-three persons, and was accompanied by a note stating that twen- ty-eight others, whose names were given, and who, for particular reasons, thought it not proper to sign the paper, "were yet as heartily for Mr. Thacher as any persons who had signed it." Tt was laid before the society at a meeting held the next day, and at an adjourned meeting, held Octo- ber 24th, after mature deliberation, the following votes were passed : -
" Voted, That Rev. Peter Thacher, of Mal- den, is a gentleman whose sentiments and char- acter are so agreeable to us, that we could wish him to settle with us in the Gospel ministry, if by honorable means he could be obtained.
" It having pleased the Sovereign Director of events in his holy providence to remove from us
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by death our late excellent pastor, the Rev. Dr. Cooper, and a great number of the brethren of this church and congregation having, by their written application for calling this meeting, expressed their opinion that the Rev. Mr. Peter Thacher, minis- ter of a parish in Malden, if in an honorable way, and with the consent of our worthy brethren of Malden, he could be obtained to succeed to the pastoral office in this society, would be the most likely person to keep us united, and thereby continue that harmony and brotherly love we ever enjoyed under our late worthy pastor, and it being probable that our brethren in Malden, from a con- sideration of Mr. Thacher's more extensive use- fulness, would consent to his removal to Boston, therefore Voted, That this society do concur with our brethren in the above-mentioned opinion, and we do hereby express our intention to invite the Rev. Mr. Thacher to settle with us in the pastoral character, provided our brethren of Mal- den shall consent thereto. Without whose con- sent, considering their present relation to Mr. Thacher, we do not mean to give the invitation."
A committee was then appointed, of which Stephen Higginson was chairman, to communi- cate these votes to Mr. Thacher, and to the deacons of the church at Malden, and to confer with any committee that might be appointed on the part of that church. This committee dis-
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charged its duty by transmitting a copy of the votes, and addressing the following letters to the parties interested.
"TO THE REV. PETER THACHER : -
" Dear Sir, - The inclosed copies of votes passed by the society who statedly worship in Brattle Square are of themselves fully sufficient to communicate the business of our commission. According to the direction therein contained, we have transmitted like copies to the deacons of your church and parish. As the idea of the re- moval of a minister from one parish to another, on an expectation of his usefulness being rendered more extensive, is not new either in the opinion or practice of this country, we hope your parish will cordially comply with the almost unanimous wish of our society ; for to them it appears evi- dent that your being placed in this town, as min- ister of so large a congregation, will render those talents with which the wise Disposer of all things has seen fit to bless you a much greater blessing to mankind, than they can be where you are now placed. We are, with sentiments of respect, your humble servants, &c."
" TO THE DEACONS OF THE CHURCH IN MAL- DEN : -
" Brethren, - In compliance with the direc-
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tion of the society statedly worshipping in Brat- tle Street in the town of Boston, we transmit you the inclosed votes. They were passed with two dissentients only. The subject of them is delicate as well as important, and we trust that the spirit of them breathes nothing inconsistent with that charity and benevolence which ought at all times to be exercised by one religious society towards another. The idea of removing a minis- ter from one church to another, when his useful- ness will thereby be rendered more extensive, is not new. This consideration has prevailed in other cases, and we trust your candor, aided by your inclination to render the Church Universal more enlightened, and to make mankind more happy, will give it weight in your minds. It is not our duty, nor within our commission, to say more upon the subject ; but should you appoint a committee to meet with us, we will then confer freely with them on the matter. Your humble servants, &c."
These letters, signed by Stephen Higginson, in behalf of the committee, were sent October 25, 1784. No reply was made by the society in Malden till December 9th. In the mean time, Mr. Thacher himself, after receiving the com- munication from this society, determined to ask a dismission from his parish at Malden, and his let-
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ter to that effect was laid before the meeting called to consider the communication from this society. Through the kindness of that branch of Dr. Thacher's family who still worship with us, I have in my possession the original draft of this letter, with the corrections and erasures. It is due to the memory of Dr. Thacher, that the principal portions of it should be presented to you. It is as follows.
" TO THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MAL- DEN : -
" Brethren, - More than fourteen years have elapsed since I entered upon the work of the ministry among you. During this period, I have often addressed you upon occasions the most melancholy and interesting, but in none of them did I ever feel the pain which is excited by my present application.
" The votes of the church and society in Brat- tle Street, Boston, with respect to my removal thither, will be laid before you at your present meeting. They will inform you that removals are known in the constitutions of these churches, and were frequently practised by our forefathers. They will inform you, (and your own knowledge must convince you of the truth of the observa- tion,) that there is a prospect of my being much more useful to the Church of God there, than I can be here.
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" Of this truth I am fully and firmly convinced, and under the influence of this conviction, I must entreat and request of you, that you would con- sent to my dismissal from the pastoral charge over you. There is not a single hesitation in my mind but that it is my duty to ask such a dismissal, and yours to consent to it ; and from the same princi- ples of regard to the interests of religion and our mutual edification and comfort, which I trust led us first to form and so long continue the connec- tion between us, I would desire you to grant this consent, and request my friends, as a token of their regard for me, to vote for such dismission.
. . .. I do not wish you to be losers by my de- parture from you ; I am, therefore, ready to give up to you, not only the sixty pounds which you gave me at my settlement, but also the whole sum which is due me from the parish when they shall consent to my removal to Boston ; but should I be refused this consent, and be obliged to call a council to determine upon the matter, I should not hold myself bound by this offer, as this meas- ure would be attended with expense, and might put you and me to difficulties totally needless, be- cause they might be prevented by consenting to
such a removal. You may be assured that I do
not mean to reflect upon you, or to say any thing which may give you pain, . .... but I would thank God and you for the union that hath so happily
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subsisted between us. I know not that I ever had a personal difference with any one among you. I could wish that we might part in the same love in which we have lived together. I can appeal to your memories, and your records, and your feelings, that I have never discovered a disposi- tion to encroach upon you, or to make a gain of godliness among you. You may be assured that I shall in any future period of my life feel myself happy in serving you, or any individual among you, to the utmost of my poor ability. May the Almighty overrule your proceedings and my con- duct to his glory and the good of his Church. I subscribe myself, your affectionate friend and pastor,
"PETER THACHER."
In the discussion which was had of this matter at the time, Dr. Thacher was censured by some at this point in the proceedings. It was thought by some, that this letter ought not to have been sent at this precise moment ; that the parish should have been left free to act as they might deem best on the communication which had been received from the church in Brattle Street. But the question arises, How could the parish act ? They could not reply to the society in Brattle Street, "You shall not have our minister ; we will not release him" ; because, if he had wished
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to go, they could not, with proper self-respect, wish to retain him. They could not reply, " You may have our minister if you want him ; we are willing to release him if he desires to go " ; for this would be interpreted into an undue readiness, if not a desire, to have him leave them. The society could have done nothing, therefore, but refer the matter to their pastor for his decis- ion. It was virtually referred to him, by the votes of this church, copies of which were sent to him and to the deacons of his society. He was the proper person to take the next step in the proceedings, by signifying to his parish his wish and purpose in regard to the communication from Brattle Street. He took that step by ask- ing a dismission, and in so doing brought the mat- ter before his parish in the only form in which they could act upon it. How the parish acted upon it may be learned from their letter to this church, bearing date December 9th, 1784.
" TO THE CHURCH AND CONGREGATION IN BRATTLE STREET, BOSTON : -
" Brethren, - Your letter of the 25th of Octo- ber last occasioned great surprise and concern to us. It was upon a subject important and deli-
cate to the highest degree. Were we to say that we were satisfied with the principles or prac- tice of removals, we should tell you that which
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was not true ; were we to express an approbation of the steps you have taken, or to say we be- lieved you to have done to us as you would be done by, in this case, we should equally violate the truth. For though we mean not to reproach or censure you, yet we cannot but suppose that you have done that, the lawfulness of which may at least admit of much doubt. We can assure you that your application alone, let it have been attended with any circumstances whatsoever, would never have induced us to part with our minister. We were at peace with him and among ourselves ; we had no desire nor inclination to dissolve the connection between us. We wished it to continue till death should have parted us. But Mr. Thacher himself hath applied for a dis- mission from us ; that which we should never have granted to your desires alone, we have given to his. The connection between us is dissolved, and he is dismissed from his pastoral relation to us.
" This event has involved us in a situation very unhappy. We are as sheep without a shepherd, and we know not when, nor how, our loss may be supplied. Very great damage upon temporal as well as spiritual accounts will accrue to us in con- sequence of it. We despise the idea of bargain- ing for a minister. Poor as we may be in com- parison of many others, we are not yet reduced
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to the necessity of asking an alms ; but we sub- mit it to your justice and generosity, and to your own principles of the propriety of removals, whether it is not suitable and proper for you to make us such a compensation upon pecuniary ac- counts, as may in some measure prevent us from feeling many distressing consequences which might otherwise take place from this measure, for we cannot doubt that your application had its influence in urging Mr. Thacher to ask a dismis- sion from us.
" We have, therefore, appointed Mr. Joseph Perkins, Thomas Hill, James Kettell, Samuel Sprague, and Hymond Bradbury, a committee to confer with you upon the subject, if you should think it proper. And although we feel aggrieved and distressed, yet Christian charity obliges us to wish that the Gospel may flourish among you, and that Mr. Thacher may be a blessing to you and to your children after you. We are in the name and by order of the First Church and Parish in Malden, your brethren and friends."
This letter, signed by the committee named in it, was laid before this society at a meeting held December 12th. It was immediately voted, " That the committee that had already acted in the matter be authorized to confer with the com- mittee of the parish in Malden, and to remove all
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cause of grievance." This committee subse- quently reported a recommendation, that three hundred pounds be raised by subscription, and paid to the society in Malden, " to satisfy their extra expenses " in settling another minister, on condition that the arrears of salary due to Dr. Thacher should previously be paid. This was ac- cordingly done ; the money was paid on the 7th of June, 1785, and the receipt of the committee of the society in Malden stands on our books of that date in the following words : -
" We, the subscribers, in the name and by the order of the First Parish in Malden, do hereby acknowledge to have received of Timothy Newell and others, a committee of the church and con- gregation in Brattle Street, Boston, the sum of three hundred pounds, lawful money, to and for the use of said parish in Malden, which sum was voted and generously given by said congregation in Brattle Street, in order to defray the extra ex- penses to which we may be exposed in con- sequence of the removal of the Rev. Peter Thacher from Malden to Boston ; and we do acknowledge that, while Mr. Thacher continued with us, he had just cause to complain of the want of punctuality in our payments to him, there being the sum of two hundred and nine pounds fourteen shillings and eight pence due to him
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when he left us. We do hereby likewise de- clare, that we do not charge the said church and congregation in Brattle Street with any un- christian or unfair conduct in their application respecting Mr. Thacher's removal from us to that society.
(Signed,) JOSEPH PERKINS, THOMAS HILL, JAMES KETTELL."
Mr. Thacher, meantime, was invited, at the meeting held December 12th, to become the pastor of the church. He accepted the invita- tion, and was installed on the 12th of January, 1784, Dr. Osgood of Medford preaching the sermon.
In reviewing all the circumstances connected with "this transaction," there does not appear to be any thing to condemn in either party. Several newspaper articles appeared at the time, and some poetical wit of the day made the matter the theme of some verses, published in the Co- lumbian Centinel,* in which the letter of our
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