USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Norton > History of the town of Norton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, from 1669 to 1859 > Part 12
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" Att a chh .- meeting, after ye Publick lecture was ended, on ye 2nd day of march, 1747-8, the chh., by a vote, sus- pended Eliezer ffisher, ye 2nd ; also william Campbel; also Solomon ffiney ; also Mary, ye Daughter of John ffiney, sen., - from communion with ym at ye ordinance of ye Lord's Sup- per, for their unjust seperation and joyning with yose yt set up and hold a seperate meeting on ye Lord's day, in opposition to ye meeting and worship of God in this chh. and precinct."
10
110
MINISTRY OF REV. JOSEPH AVERY.
It seems, from what we have just transcribed, that John Finney, sen., James Briggs, and Gershom Camp- bell, are clearly entitled to the honor of being the original " Know-Nothings" of Norton. Their party seems at first to have been a small minority ; but pro- bably increased, in a year or two, to a majority of the church. At any rate, the suspension of members at these several church-meetings did not entirely heal the unhappy difficulties that distracted the church.
The desire for the ordination of deacons and the choosing of elders became again, in a short time, the bone of contention, and kept alive the spirit of discord. Here is the evidence : -
" Att the Request or desire of several of the Brethren of the chh. att the chh .- meeting, upon the ninth of sept., 1748, the Pastor appointed a church-meeting on the 7th of October next, to see whether the chh. would vote to have the Deacons ordained, and would make choice of Lay Elders."
" Att the chh .- meeting on ye 7th of October, 1748, the chh. voted to have ye deacons ordained, and also voted to chuse Elders. att ye chh .- meeting abovesd., it was desired there should be a fast, before the choice of Elders, by John Briggs, the 2nd; and it was Proposed to have a fast preceeding ye next sacrament, and agreed upon to have but one exercise in Publick, and that sd. Publick exercise should begin at Eleven o'clock in the forenoon; and the church-meeting to chuse Elders to be Immediately after Publick exercise should be ended. " JOSEPH AVERY."
The fast came and went ; but it was not instrumental in bringing the olive-branch of peace to the contending parties, or of pouring the oil of brotherly love upon the troubled sea of church difficulties. A true spiritual fast would alone accomplish such a result. To such an extent had these men given way to their feelings and prejudices, that we fear they held " the fast for strife and debate," rather than " to loose the bonds of wickedness." We are the more inclined to this belief from the fact, - which will be more fully established in the next chapter, - that no elders were chosen after the fast-services were concluded.
111
DISMISSION . AND DEATH OF MR. AVERY.
Mr. Avery evidently did not intend they should be chosen. A portion of the church are, however, de- termined to carry their point, or " crush out" their minister in the attempt. This last might have been : at any rate, it did subsequently become the paramount purpose they had in view. It is evident, from what we have recorded, that the true spirit of Christian love and forbearance was fast losing its power over both parties, in their zeal to circumvent one another.
CHAPTER IX.
THE DISMISSION, DEATH, &c., OF REV. MR. AVERY.
" A man More sinned against than sinning." - SHAKSPEARE.
IT is evident, from what we have recorded in the last chapter, that events are fast hastening to a crisis. The sore is about to break. No one can predict what will be the actual result. There is a hesitancy about pro- ceeding to extreme measures ; yet all feel that they can- not long be delayed. Hope and fear filled the breast of the one party and the other. The annual meeting for voting the minister's salary and other parish charges is at hand. It is no doubt expected that the impend- ing storm will burst forth at that time. But the gath- ering clouds are not yet sufficiently condensed for that purpose. The meeting was held Nov. 3, 1748; and the parish vote "to Mr. Joseph Avery, for his salary this present year, in old tenor, £140-0-0."
In two days from this time, "In answer to a Peti- tion of John Wetherell, 1st, the Hon'ble George Leonard, Esqr., John Briggs, ye 2nd, Deacon Benja- min Hodges, and others, inhabitants of the South Pre- cinct in ye town of Norton," a warrant for a parish meeting is posted up, the first article of which was " To vote that the Reverend Mr. Joseph Avery be dis- missed from being the minister of sd. Precent, for reasons given in sd. Petition." The meeting was held
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DISMISSION AND DEATH
Nov. 21, 1748 ; and Simeon Wetherell is chosen mode- rator.
" 2ly, There was a vote caled for, to Know whether there should be a vote caled for to dismis the Revd. mr. Joseph Avery from his being the sd. Precint's minister ; and it pased in the affirmitive.
" 3dly, They voted, that whereas the Reverand mr. Joseph avery, the minister of this Precent, hath not Ruled and Governed the Church of Christ, in this South Precint of the town of Norton, acording to the Platforme of church Discepline (which said church had voted to be their Rule of disepline), nor acording to the Plaine votes of that church, which he himselfe had caled for, but still Refuses to Govern acording to it ; and said Precint also Looking upon sd. mr. avery as a person not able nor Capebell to sustaine the office of a minester, he not being qualefyed for it (as we think) ; there- fore it is voted, that he be dismist from being the minister in this Precint for the futer. and the sd. Precint desire the church in this Part of said towne to meet as soone as may be, and dismis him from his said trust, so that sd. Precint may be clear from any further Charge in maintaining of him any Longer; and also that the Church and Precint in this part of the towne may do their duty, and be in their way to obtaine a sutabell Person to settel with us in the ministry.
" 4ly, They voted that the vote which was Past in the Last Precint meeting to vote mr. avery a Salery for this Present year Shall be null and void, and that the assesers shall not make any Rate for it; and John Gilbert entered his Protest against ye above votes."
The war against the pastor is now openly declared. Nov. 25, the opposing brethren make and sign their allegations, and act as follows. We copy from the ori- ginal document : -
"Objections against the Revd. mr. Joseph Avery are as followeth : -
" 1st, That he has Taken Persons to owne the Covenant, in order to have their Children Baptised, or to be Baptised themselves, without any vote of the Church; and that he has made a Practice of doing so for many years, notwithstanding it hath Been conteray to the minds of the Bigest Part of his church (if not all), and many of them hath done what they could against it.
113
OF REV. MR. AVERY.
" 2ly, That he hath Refused or neglected to appoint church-meetings when he has Been desired to appoint church- meeting, not only by Persons speaking to him about it, but also when they have Petitioned for Church-meeting in writ- ing under their hands.
" 3ly, That he has Refused to Govern and Rule this Church acording to the Platforme of church discipline, not- withstanding the church voted sd. Platforme to be their Rule of discepline, & notwithstanding he himselfe was consenting to it, and Caled for those Church votes himselfe.
" 4ly, That he has not done His duty in visiting his People, and catecising the children in his Parish, nor yett done his duty in Preaching to them; for a Great number of them have absented from the Publick worship, so that they are but sildom there : and we don't Know that he takes any notice of it, either in his Preaching or any other ways.
" 5ly, That he hath Refused or neglected to ordaine dea- cons in this Church, notwithstanding the Church hath been very uneasy about it, and applyed to him about it, by times, for this many years ; but he has still evaded it to this day.
" 6ly, That he has Refused to joyne with the Church in Chusing Ruling elders, agreeabell to the sd. Church Plat- forme, which this Church had voted for their Rule of disce- pline, & when this Church had voted to chuse Ruling elders, and he himselfe was Consenting thareto, and Caled for the vote of sd. Church himselfe: and at that meeting he said he did not Like the Chusing of Ruling elders, but, Sence the Church was so much for haveing Ruling elders, he would joyne with them in Chusing of them ; for it was not against his chon- chance (or in words to that effect) ; and then appointed a day for a fast, and to Chuse the elders and deacons to be ordained, acording to the vote of sd. Church. and, when the day Came, the Church and some others of the People meet, when he did not in either of his Prayers, or in his Sermon he Preached, mention one word about elders and deacons, and then Refused to Joyne with ye Church in Chusing elders, but declared that thare was no Rule in the scripturs for Chusing lay elders (as he caled them), but said they ware officers of men's appointing, and he Could not in conchance Joyne with the Church in Chusing Ruling elders ; for it had been always against his conshance (or in words to that Import). so that we look upon this a false saying; and so he has always evaded the Chusing Ruling elders, or governing this church
10*
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DISMISSION AND DEATH
acording to the sd. church Platforme and the votes of this church, which he was Consenting to, and caled for himselfe.
" 7ly, That we of this church Look upon the said Mr. Avery as a Person not sutabell nor any ways Qualefyed for a Gospell minister, But Looking upon his settling and Remain- ing the minister of this Place to be a Great Hurt to Religion, and has almost Brought it into contempt, and such a coldness that it Seems almost Lost and decayed amongst us.
"The above and before objections are what we, the mem- bers of the first Church of Christ in norton, hath against the Revend mr. Joseph avery, his Ruling and Governing this church; for which Reasons, and what further may be offered, we desire the Brethren, Dea. Benjamin Hodges, George Leonard, John Briggs, 2nd, Benja. Cobb, to appley to the said Rev. Mr. Joseph Avery, and to See if he will ask a dismi- sion, that he may be dismist from his Pastorall offis over us ; and, in Cace he will not ask a dismision, that they send for a counsell, consisting of three or five churches, to advise this church in dismising of ye sd. Rev. Mr. Joseph Avery from his Pastorell office over this church. dated in Norton, November 25, 1748.
"John Austin, Ebenezer Eddy, Ephraim Lane, Seth Smith, Jonathan Knap, Philep Cooye, Benja. Newcomb, Je- remiah Cambell, Jonathan Hodges, Silvanus Braman, Jona- than Clap, Ephraim Wetherell, Benja. Copeland,1 John Briggs, 3d, John Wetherel, Daniel Braman, Joshua Pomery, Eliezer Fisher, 2d, John Briggs, George Briggs."
On the back of this paper is written, -
" A trew copey of the objections on ye other side, with this that is here underwritten, was delivered to ye Revd. Mr. Jo- seph avery.
"The before-written objections are what we, the members of the first church of christ in Norton, hath against the Revd. Mr. Joseph Avery, his Ruling and Govening of this church ; as witness our hands.
" Dated December 1st, 1748.
" GEORGE LEONARD, JOHN BRIGGS, 2nd, BENJA. COBB, BENJA. HODGES,
In behalf of themselves and the ma- jor Part of ye chh."
1 " To ye 1st, 6th, and 7th articles."
115
OF REV. MR. AVERY.
Mr. Avery replies to these objections against him in a note, which we here introduce : -
" To Coll. George Leonard, Esq., John Briggs, 2nd, Benjamin Cobb, Benjm. Hodges, for themselves and sundry others.
" Gentelman and Dear Brethren, - I recev'd at your hand a paper dated Decemb. ye 1st, 1748, containing sundry ob- jections, as your are pleased to stile ym, Against myself; which articles I have taken into ye most Carefull and Serious Consideration, and they appear to me both unreasonable and unjust, and by no means sufficient to induce me to think I am Call'd of God to surcease my Ministerial labors among you. Dear Brethren, I have heard that some say I am dismised already, and some that I am not qualified to sustan the mini- sterial office. I am ready to Join with you in Calling an Ecclesiastical Councel (equal number of Regular consti- tuted chhs. chosen by me and you) to Judge and council in the important affair. If you are desireous of a Council, I pray you to let me Know it this day week, and that day week (God willing) I will meet you at ye meeting-house to deter- mine what chhs. to send to, and prepare letters-missive. If you desire a council, I expect to have it in writing under your hands, and what you desire it for.
" Your friend and pastor,
Joseph Avory
" NORTON, December 12th, 1748."
The committee return the following answer : -
"To the Revd. Mr. Joseph Avery, Pastor of the first Church of Christ in Norton.
" Revd. Sr., - we Recev'd your letter Dated 12th of this Instant december, wherein you informe us that you have Considered our Paper which we delivered to you (which we Call'd our Objections against you). You also inform us that you have Consider'd sd. objections, and that they appear to you both unreasonable and unjust, &c .; and you further informe us, that, if we desire a Councill, you will meet at the meeting-house the monday after next, and Joyn with us in Calling an Ecclesiastical Council (of Equall numbers of Re- gerly Constituted Churches Chosen by you and us) to Judge and Council in the important affair, &c. to this we answer,
116
DISMISSION AND DEATH
that we are by no means Readdy to Joyn in sending for a Council yet; for all our objections which we have against you ought to be aledged against you in a regular Church-meet- ing, and there tryed to be made up, before we send for a Council to hear them. Therefore, Revend Sr., we pray you to appoint a church-meeting, to be at ye meeting-house, on monday, the second day of January next, that the church may have timely notice of it; that they generally meet toge- ther, and hear and determine on the Objections which we have already given in against you, and what we shall say to them ; and do what they shall think most for the glory of God, and interest of Religion. these are what you are desired to do before we can by any ways joyn in sending for an Eclesi- astical council; and, Revernd Sr., you will very much oblige your Grieved Brethren.
" The reason of GEORGE LEONARD, our desire to have it JOHN BRIGGS, 2d, put of so long is, that two of us are obliged to go to the General Court at Boston, and do not Expect to be at home much soon- er.
BENJAMIN HODGES, BENJM. COBB,
In behalf of them- selves and several others of ye sd. chh.
" Dated at NORTON, December 19th, 1748."
According to the desire of the committee, a church- meeting is called.
I have found, on a detached sheet of paper, a record of what was done at the meeting. It is, no doubt, in the handwriting of the moderator. Let us examine this record, and ascertain what action the church take in reference to their pastor : -
" A church-meeting, duly notified by the Rev. Pastor of the first chh. of christ in Norton to be on ye 2d of Jany., 1748, at the Publick meeting-house. The sd. chh. being as- sembled according to Notification, Rev. Mr. Avery, their Pastor, opened sd. Meeting with Prayer; withdrew, and told the chh. they might choose one of themselves Modr. for sd. Meeting. But the sd. Chh. made choice of Solomon Prentice, Pastor of the chh. in Easton, for yr Modr.
"It was then voted, that a Comtee be chosen to wait on Rev. Mr. Avery, enforming of him who the chh. had made
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OF REV. MR. AVERY.
choice of for their Modr .; and to desire Rev. Mr. Avery to come into sd. Meeting (if he pleas'd), and make answer to ye objections the chh. have Exhibited against him.
1
" Br. Ebenr. Edy, Danll. Braman, Samll. Dean, and John Wild, [were] chosen sd. Comtee, who caryed the preceeding vote to the Rev. Mr. Avery, who came into the meeting, Read his answer, Left itt with the chh., and then withdrew."
Mr. Avery's answer reads thus : -
" Brethren, - as to ye Objections Laid before you against myself, I now make answer. the first objection is, yt I take persons to own ye Covenant in order to have yr children bap- tised, or to be Baptised themselves, without any vote of ye chh. to this I answer, yt I have, in the fear of God, in this affair, Conducted, I think, according to Scriptur and ye General Practice of ye churches of christ in ye land. the 2nd objec- tion is, that I have refused or neglected to appoint chh .- meetings, when I have ben desired by persons by word of mouth and also under handwriting. I answer, yt I have not refused or neglected to Call and appoint chh .- meetings, when I could think yt the Glory of God and ye interest of Religion Call'd for it; and, when ye case was doubtfull and of Con- sequence, I always took council and advise. The 4th objon is, that I have not done my duty in visiting ye People of my Charge, and Catechiseing the Children. as to Catachising ye Children, I think I have faithfully Endeavor'd to do my duty. as to visiting the people, I don't Know that any under my charge have Sent to me in time of Distres, by night or by day, but I have visited them, when my Circumstances would Possibly allow of it. as to the 3rd, 5th, and 6th, I refar you for an answer to the paper I gave in to the precintt-meeting, wherein I Answer you, that I am fully disposed to practise according to platform in chh. discipline, and propose to Keep close to it.
" As to the 7th objection, that my settling in the ministry at Norton was a frown of providence, and a great hurt to re- ligion, I answer, that since so Great, wise, and Good a man as major Leonard, ye father of Coll. George Leonard, with the advise of the venerable Mr. Danforth, was the Chief hands in enviting and settling of me, If coronel Leonard and others don't think this objection both unreasonable and unjust, I must and Can't but think there is in it a great want of Reverence and Good manners, speaking in the softest terms.
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DISMISSION AND DEATH
" Brethren, if my answer to your objections is not satisfac- tory, I am readdy to Join with you in Calling an Eclesiastical Council of Regularly Constituted chhs. (Equal numbers Chosen by me and you) to Judge in this affair.
" Dated NORTON, January 2nd, 1748-9.
" JOSEPH AVERY."
After the pastor had withdrawn, it was "Proposed a Comtee be chosen to wait on ye Revd. Mr. Avery, In- forming him ye chh. Desires their Rev. Pastor to ask a Dismission from his pastoral office in this place; upon his doing of which, ye chh. are willing to withdraw all their ob- jections against him, and, with the Consent of the precint, to make him a hansome consideration. An answer is ex- pected now.
" Voted affermat.
" And Dr. Ware, bro. Samll. Dean, chosen sd. Comtee ; who carey'd the sd. vote to ye Rev. Pastor. Then ye meeting was adjorn'd, by vote of ye chh., to ye house of Capt. Jonathan Lawrence in sd. Town, there to meet forth- with.
" Accordingly, the chh. mett at sd. place, and waited the Return of their Comtee; who, Returning, brought a few lines from Rev. Mr. Avery, which satisfied not ye chh."
The prospect of the " hansome consideration " prom- ised seems not to have had much influence upon the mind of their minister ; for the few lines he sent back to the church are in these words : -
" In answer to a Request sent to myself by ye hands of Docter willm. Ware and Samuel Dean, a Committee Chosen by the Brethren of the chh., - Dear Brethren, I inform you now, as I informed Coll. George Leonard, Esq., John Briggs, 2nd, and Benjamin Hodges and Benjamin Cobb, upon my receiving ye objections Exhibited against myself, which arti- cles I informed you, after I had taken into ye most careful and serious consideration ; and they did appear to me to be both unreasonable and unjust, and no way sufficient to induce me to surceas my ministeriel Labours among you.
" From your friend and Pastor,
" JOSEPH AVERY.
" Dated NORTON, January 2nd, 1748-9."
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OF REV. MR. AVERY.
This communication, as we have seen, " satisfied not ye chh." *
" Wherefore they proceeded to ye Consra. of ye Several Art. of Objection against ye Rev. Pastor ; and considr'd and debated upon ye articles one by one, and passed ye following votes thereon ; viz. : -
" 1. Propos'd, wr. the chh. are Satisfied with ye Rev. Mr. Avery's ans'r yrto wc. pased in? ... Negt. Then it was proposed, whethr ye chh. are still dissatisfied and uneasy with yr Rev. past. on account of yr first Article? ... Votd. af- firmat.
" 2 Art. proposed, wr. ye chh. are satisfied with ye Rev. Mr. Avery's answer thereunto? pass'd. ... Negat. then Proposed, wr. ye chh. are still dissatisfied and aggrieved with yr Rev. Pastr's Conduct, as Expres'd in yr 2d objection ? . . Votd. affirmat.
"Then it was moved that ye form of ye vote might be altered yrfore as to .
"3 Art. Proposed, wr. ye chh. are still dissatisfied with Rev. Mr. Avery on acct. of yr 3d objection? Votd. affirmat.
"Then propos'd, wr. ye chh. are satisfied with Rev. Mr. Avery's answer to ye 3d objection ? pass'd Negative.
" 4 Art. Propos'd, wr. ye chh. are still uneasy and Dis- satisfied with ye Rev. Pastr with Relation to yr 4th Objec- tion? . . . Votd. affirmat.
" Then propos'd, wr. ye chh. are satisfied with Rev. Mr. Avery's answer to ye 4th objection ? pass'd Negative.
" 5 Art. Propos'd, wr. ye chh. are still Dissatisfied with their Revd. pastor on account of ye 5th objection ? . . . Votd. affirmat.
"Then propos'd, whethr ye chh. are satisfied with yr Revd. pastor's answer to ye 5th objection? Votd. Nega- tive.
" 6 Art. propos'd, whethr ye chh. are still very much ag- grieved with their Revd. pastor on account of their 6th ob- jection ? . . . Votd. affirmat.
" Then propos'd, wr. ye chh. are satisfied with ye Revd. pastor answer to their objection ? . . . pass'd Negative.
"7 Art. proposed, whether ye chh. are still very unEasy with ye Rev. Mr. Avery with Relation to their 7th objection ? . Votd. affirmat.
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DISMISSION AND DEATH
" Then propos'd, wher. ye chh. are satisfied with Revd. Mr. Avery's Reply to their 7th objection ? pas'd Negat.
" Then propos'd, that inasmuch as this chh. have Mani- fested yr Dissatisfaction with yr Rev. pasr. for sundry rea- sons alledged and consider'd of by this chh., whether it dos not appear to this chh. Necessary now to proceed to call in ye help of an Eclesiastical council to advise and council them undr. yr presant Difficulties ? . .. Votd. affirmat.
" Proposed to send to 5 chhs. to Constitute this our pro- posed council.
"1. Ye chh. of Ct. in Easton proposed. ... Votd. affir- mat.
" 2. The chh. of Ct. in Raynham proposed. . .. Votd. af- firmat.
"3. Ye chh. of Ct. in Rochester (Rev. Mr. Ruggles) pro- pos'd. ... Votd. affirmat.
"4. Ye 2d chh. of Ct. in Wrentham proposed. . . Votd. affirmat.
"5. The 2d chh. in Attleboro' proposed. . .. Votd. af- firmat.
" Then proposed, Col. George Leonard, Dea. Hodges, and Lieut. Benja. Cobb, be appointed to sighn ye Letters-Miss. in the chh.'s name. . . . Votd. affirmat.
"Then proposed, Tuesday, Jany. 24 currant, be ye time for the meeting of ye council ; & ye place of yr meeting be Col. George Leonard's, in sd. Norton, at 10 o'clock, A.M. .. Votd. affirmat.
"Then propos'd Dea. Benjn. Hodges be occasional Modr. in ye chh. untill further order. . . . Vot. affirmative.
" Then proposed, this meeting be adjourned to Wensday, 25 currant, 1 'clock, P.M., then to meet at the house of Col. George Leonard in sd. Norton. . . . Vot. affirmat.
" Accordingly, sd. Meeting was declared to be adjourned to ye Last-mentioned time & place.
" SOLOMON PRENTICE, Modr."
The committee appointed for that purpose, no doubt, immediately prepared a letter-missive (a blank form of which I have found), and sent it to the several churches above named. We record the letter as we find it : -
121
OF REV. MR. AVERY.
"The 1st chh. of Ct. in Norton to the chh. of Christ in Sends greeting.
" Rev., Hond., and Belov'd, -
" Inasmuch as it has pleased God in his Sovereighn plea- sure to permitt a great Number of this chh. to be uneasy with the Rev. Mr. Avery, our Pastor, for sundry things that we have taken Exception att in his Doctrine, Discipline, & con- duct, which we are justly disquieted at (as we apprehend), yt we cannot judge it any Longer for ye honr of God & Interest of Religion that the Rev. Mr. Avery should sustain ye Mini- sterial office in this place ; neither can we be easy he should, unless, our grievances being abated, we are advised yrunto by an Ecclesiastical Council. We therefore earnestly Entreat yr assistance in Council, with several other chhs., by yr Rev. elder & such Messengers you may think proper, to meet at the house of Col. George Leonard, in Norton, on Tuesday, Jany. 24 current, at 10 'clock, forenoon. In the Mean time, we Intreat a Costant Remembrance with you in yr prayrs for us, that all things may Issue for ye glory of God.
" While we rest yr brothrs in the faith and order of ye gospel.
" NORTON.
" Chhs. sent to are Rev. Mr. Ruggles, of Rochester ; Easton, Raynham, 2 in Wren- tham, 2 in Attleboro'.
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