USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Cambridge > Records of the Church of Christ at Cambridge in New England, 1632-1830, comprising the ministerial records of baptisms, marriages, deaths, admission to covenant and communion, dismissals and church proceedings > Part 16
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Voted 3dły That it be a Special Inftruction to ye above named Commit- tee yt they inquire & report as aforefaid concerning ye mony in ye hands of ye Deacons appropriated to ye ufe of ye poor. Voted 4thly That ye abovefd Committee be allso Directed to Inquire in what manner ye Chh may be moft benefitted by ye State Notes now in ye Deacons hands & report att ye next meeting.
Att a meeting of the Chh Feb. 23. 1783.
Mrs Mary Sparhawk, wife of Thomas Sparhawk Efq" & Lucy ye wife of Jonas White members of this Chh defired to be dis- mifsed & recommended with their Brethren & Sifters on ye South Side of ye River, for their being Incorporated with them
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
into a diftinet Chh for yr Enjoying Special ordinances among Themfelves. The Chh upon y" Requeft freely confented to their being difmifsed & recommended Them to that Sacred & Solemn Service with their Brethren & Sisters who were dif- mifsed on May 12, 1780, as on other Side.
Memdm I was thro Age & Infirmity detained from ye Chh Services on that so I committed ye Conduct of ye affair to M' Howard who Carried on ye Publick Services of ye day.
Memdm The above Lucy White upon further Confideration declined to be joined to ye New Chh accordingly She Still remains a member of this Chh.
Att a meeting of the Chh. Mh. 5. 1783.
The Pastor being unable to attend Wm Kneeland was chosen Moderator. A Rept of a Comttee appointed to examine the Deacon's Accts was read & accepted & the Deacons ordered to conform thereto. Said Rept contains that the Deacons have in their hand Securities for the Sum of £264.16.0
(140) That the balance in their hands (exclusive of the Poor's Money) was on 30th June last £68.7.52. £63.17.12 part of said balance is to continue in Deacon Whittemore's hands upon Interest. £4.10.4 the remainder of sd balance to rest in the Deacon's hands.
That Deacon Hill has recd of Chh Money appropriated to the use of the Poor £3.7.7.
That Deacon Whittemore had in his hand of such money.
on 28 Dec' 1751 £ 7. 4 0 upon Interest.
on 8. Decr 1767 7.18.10 upon Interest
on 10 Sept. 1770 3.10.11를
That the State Notes in the hands of the Deacons be con- solidated.
Then the Chh appointed a Comttee of three persons to make further Inquiry concerning money in the hands of the Deacons appropriated to the use of the poor. Dr Kneeland, Mr Gannett and Mr Rowe are Sd Comtee.
Then the Chh entered upon a Conference relating to a more fixed & settled provision for the preaching & administering the Gospel Ordinances among them, and after conferring some time Voted. That it will be agreable to the Chh presently to settle a Minister provided one can be found agreable to the Chh.
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
That the Parish Comtee be desired and they are hereby de- sired to insert in their next Warrant for calling a Parish Meet- ing, a Clause for the purpose of knowing the minds of the (141) Parish whether it will be agreable to the Parish presently to settle a Minister provided one can be found agreable to the Parish.
Att a Meeting of ye Brethren of ye Chh June 13, 1783.
1st Voted yt ye Same Committee for Infpecting ye manners of Profefsing Chriftians &c. be continued for this year.
2. That a committee for Examining ye Deacons account, to confist of five and three to be a quorum. The Brethren Cho- fen were viz Dr Kneeland, Mr Caleb Gannett, Gideon Froft. James Munroe, Owen Warland.
3. That ye Sª Committee render their Account to ye Chh on ye laft Monday of this Inftant June viz 30th day.
4. That ye Brethren choofe a Deacon on ye Sd laft Monday in June
The Moderator is defired to Notifie a Chh Meeting to be held ye Sd last Monday in June to choofe a Deacon if ye Chh Shall think proper So to do and to receive ye Report of ye Com- mittee to Examine ye Deacon's accounts.
Att a meeting of ye Brethren of ye Chh June 30. 1783.
1. The Committee for Examining ye Deacons accounts brought in their Report which was read & accepted & to be recorded.
2. Voted to choofe a Deacon and by written votes our Brother Gideon Froft was unanimously chofen.
3. Voted allfo to chofe another Deacon & by written votes Brother James Munroe was chofen by a full vote.
4. Voted that if it Should appear agreable to ye Congregation that ye laft Wednesday of July next be Set apart for a day of fafting & Prayer to Seek Divine Direction & Afsiftance in ye Important affair of procuring a more fixed & Settled Preaching & adminiftration of ye word & ordinances among us confider- ing ye very advanced age & growing infirmities of our very aged Paftor, In ye 90th year of his age.
Memdm It was agreed yt ye Parifh & Chh Committees Should con- fult with ye pple of ye congregation to See if ye above Propofal be agreable to ye Congregation & make report thereof to the
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
Paftor afsoon as may be. Who reported yt ye above Propofal was agreable to them. Vide P. (143)
The Report of ye Parifh Committee Appointed June 13, 1783 to Examine the Deacons Accounts was accepted & is as follows viz.
1. That ye Deacons have in their hands Securities for money belonging to the Chh & by ye Deacons put to Intereft viz : for ye Summ of One hundred & Eighteen Pounds one shilling & nine pence. Turn over
(142) 2. The above mentioned Securities Confist of a note given by ye Treafurer of this Parifh, Dated ye 3rd day of April laft in Lieu of ye Parifh Bond ye Deacons had in their hands laft June, and of a confolidation Note Dated ye 1st day of March laft in lieu of ye three State Notes ye Deacons had in their hands laft June.
3. The Deacons have not made ye Intereft of ye Several Sums lent by them payable att ye Same time.
4. The ballance of Accounts in ye hands of ye Deacons on this thirtieth day of June A. D. 1783. (Exclusive of Appropriated to ye ufe of ye Poor) is ye Sum of Seventy Eight Pounds & one half penny according to ye annexed account.
5. Part of Sd Ballance viz. Sixty Pounds four Shillings & ten pence 1/4 Principal and two years Intereft thereof now unpaid viz Seven Pounds four shillings & Seven pence is to Con- tinue in Deacon Whittemores hands upon Intereft. Nine Pounds further part of Sª Ballance is to be in Deacon Hills hands upon Intereft He having Engaged to pay therefore from this day.
One ponnd Ten Shillings & seven pence ye 1/4Remainder of Sd Ballance is to reft in ye hands of the Deacons for Contin- gencies 30th June 1783. Submitted by
William Kneeland p Order.
The Acct Annexed to Sd Rept contains in substance as follows viz. 1783 June 30. Deacons Dr.
To money by them put at Int. £118. 1. 9
To Cash in Deacn Whittemore's hands on Int 60. 4.10₺ To 2 ys Int of Sª £60.4.1 1/4 7. 4. 7
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
To the Sum which rested in the Deacons hands June 30th 1782. 4.10. 4
To Sum Total of Contributions since June 30. 1782. 14. 4.114
£204. 6.54
(143) 1783 Contra. Cr.
June 30. By Securities in their hands for £118. 1. 9
By expense for bread &c since 30 June 1782 8. 4. 8
By balance in the hands of the Deacons 78.0 0}
204. 6. 53
July 30. 1783 was obferved as a day of Fafting & Prayer by ye Chh & Congregation to Seek of God Divine Direction & Afsiftance in ye Important affair of procuring a more fixed & Settled Preaching & adminiftration of ye word & ordinances among us confidering ye very advanced age, growing Infirmities of me their aged Paftor. The Revd M' Eliot began with Prayer, Revd MY Cufhing Preached A. M. Revd Mr Jackson began Prayer. Revª Mr. Clark Preachd P. M.
Att a meeting of ye first Chh in Cambridge August 4, 1783 Twenty one Members Prefent.
1. Deacon Aaron Hill Moderator. The Revd Dr Appleton being unable to attend.
Voted
That the Revd Edward Wigglesworth Wm Kneeland Efqr & Timothy Tufts Efqr be a committee to wait on the Prefident of the Univerfity & request Him to Pray with the Brethren on ye Prefent occafion. The Prefident Complying with ye Requeft received the Thanks of the Brethren by the Moderator.
The Notification for ye Meeting was then read Exprefsive of ye Bufinefs to be tranfacted as follows. viz.
Att ye General defire of the Brethren of the Chh as well as in Compliance with my own Inclination & Earnet Wifhefs I Appoint a meeting of the Brethren of this Chh to be holden att this Place next Monday att 4 o'clock in ye afternoon for ye Purpofe of Choofing Some fit Perfon to be Settled as a Colleague with me in ye Ministerial office, if the Chh Shall See fit.
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
Camb. August 2. 1783. Nath11 Appleton Paftor.
A free Conference & deliberation on ye Subject Succeeded after which the Moderator afked Each Member Present if He was difposed that ye following Question Should be determined by a vote. viz. whether ye Brethren are ready to proceed to .the choice of a Colleague with the Revd Dr Appleton. A great Majority answered in the affirmative. Turn over. (144) Whereupon It was voted to Proceed Immediately to ye choice of a Colleague with the Revª Dr Appleton.
Written votes being brought in. It appeared that the Rev- erend Timothy Hilliard was Elected. The votes were as fol- lows Sixteen for Mr. Hilliard & 5 Blanks.
Voted. That ye Parifh Committee be defired to call a Parifh Meeting afsoon as Convenient and Lay ye Proceedings of this meeting before ye Inhabitants afsembled at Sd meeting and Defire their Concurrence : and that they would Provide a Support for the Colleague Paftor Elect.
Voted. That the Moderator apply to the Parifh Committee for the forementioned Purpofe.
[The above was Reyd N. A's last record]
At a Meeting of the first Church in Cambridge October 8th 1783.
The Notification for said Meeting was read as follows.
Whereas the Revd Timothy Hilliard has manifested his acceptance of the Call from this Church and Parish to settle with them in the pastoral office it will be necefsary that there should be a solemn introduction of him into the sacred office, therefore it is desired that there be a meeting of the Brethren of the Church to consider and determine upon the time and maner of that important Transaction, and also what Churches shall be applied to for afsistance on said Occasion. I therefore desire and notify a meeting of the Brethren of this Church on wednesday next a 3 oClock in the afternoon, at the meeting house, for the aforesd purposes
Cambridge Oct. 5. 1783. Signed Nath" Appleton Pastor.
145) Deacon A aron Hill was then Chosen Moderator.
Vote 1. That the Installation of the Revd Timothy Hilliard be as private and attended with as little expence as decency will admit.
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
Vote 2. That the Installation be in an afternoon.
Vote 3. That the Installation be on the last monday of this month. Vote 4. That the Churches of Waltham, Lexington, Brookline. and Watertown be requested to afsist by their respective Pastors and Delegates in the Instalation.
Vote 5. That a Committee be appointed to wait upon the Revd Dr Appleton to desire him if able to write letters mifsive to the Churches aforesaid, but in case the Doctor be unable, the Committee are authorized to write and fend them in the name of the Church.
Vote 6. That this Committee consist of Five Brethren.
Vote 7. That William Kneeland Efqr. Deacon Aaron Hill, M' Caleb Gannett, Timothy Tufts Esq" and Capt. Ebenezer Stedman be the Committee.
Vote 8. That it is the Opinion of the Church, that a dinner be pro- vided for the Council.
Vote 9. That the aforementioned Committee with such persons as the Parish shall join, be a Committee to wait on the Council when convened and confer with them respecting the Installa- tion.
Vote 10. That a Committee be appointed to wait on the Revd Mr Hilliard to lay before him the proceedings of this Meeting to know if he desire any alteration or addition
Vote 11. That the Committee consist of three.
Vote 12. That William Kneeland Esqr. Mr. Owen Warland & MT Caleb Gannett be the Committee.
(146) The Committee having waited upon the Revd Mr Hilliard with the preceding votes Reported : That he expressed his sat- isfaction with the votes and proposed that the Revd Dr. Cooper's church and the Revd Simeon Howard's be added to the Instal- lation Council.
Vote 13. That the Churches last mentioned be joined in Council with the Churches first mentioned.
Vote 14. That a committee be appointed to lay the proceedings of this Meeting before the Parish at their next Meeting and to ask the parish's concurrence with the votes of the Church.
Vote 15 That this Committee consist of Three.
Vote 16. That Mr Caleb Gannett, William Kneeland Esqr. Deacon Aaron Hill be the Committee.
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
Vote 17. That this committee apply to the Parish Committee to call a Meeting of the Parish for the special purpose of taking under consideration the proceedings of the Church at this Meeting.
Vote 18. That this Meeting be adjourned to wednesday the 22d instant, Then to meet at the Meeting house at 3. o'clock P. M. Attest Aaron Hill Moderator.
The Revd Mr Hilliard's acceptance of the Call to settle as Colleague Pastor with the Revd D' Appleton and which Mr Hilliard read to the Church and Congregation after divine Services on the Sabbath next succeeding the date thereof was as follows, Viz. Cambridge Oct. 4. 1783. To the Church & Congregation of the first Parish in Cam- bridge
(147) Revª Hond. and Beloved
I have taken into my most ferious and prayerful consideration your call to settle as Colleagne Pastor with the Revd Dr Appleton in the important work of the Gospel minis- try. As I have devoted myself to this Service in preference to all other employments and find my health thro' divine good- nefs, in a great measure restored, I think it my duty to accept of your invitation on the terms proposed. And I do now declare my readinefs to serve yon in your most important in- terests, with humble dependence on the great Head of the Church, who has graciously promised to be with his ministers to the end of the world. At the same time I trust that you will exercise a candid benevolent Spirit towards me, and that you will implore of God his presence and blefsing to attend me and to crown my labours among you with desired succefs. Wishing that Grace mercy and peace may be multiplied to you and to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
I subscribe myself your Servant for Jesus Sake. Timothy Hilliard.
The following is a copy of the Letters sent to the several Churches named in the votes of the Meeting of the Church on the 8th of October 1783. to compose an Installation Council, which were signed by the Revd Dr Appleton.
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
Cambridge Oct. 21. 1783. Honoured, Reverend and Beloved.
Grace & peace from God our Father
and from Jesus Christ our Lord, be multiplied. (148) It hath pleased our glorious Lord, after our earnest Suppli- cations to him to direct this Church of Christ to Choose the Revd MT Timothy Hilliard unto the Pastoral Office over them, and to incline him to accept their Call. And we have agreed that Monday, the twenty seventh of this inst. October (God willing) should be the day for his public and solemn separ- ation to that office.
We do therefore humbly ask the presence of your Revd Pastor and of such Mefsengers as you shall send to join with sundry Elders and Mefsengers of others Churches in such acts of Communion as the day of Installment calls for.
We earnestly desire your prayers, that God would pour out his Spirit and blefsing upon us and our Offspring. And we commend you to God and the word of his Grace which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified
Yours in
In the Faith & Fellowship of the Gospel. Nathaniel Appleton Pastor. In the name and at the desire of the first Church in Cambridge.
You are desired to meet at the house of Mr Caleb Gannett at ten o'clock in the forenoon.
To the Church of Christ under the pastoral care of.
At a meeting of the first Church of Christ in Cambridge (by adjournment) on the 22d day of October 1783.
It is voted
1. That the Brethren of this Church will attend between the hours of ten and eleven of the day appointed for the Install- ation of the Revd Mr Hilliard at the place where the Install- ation Council shall meet.
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
(149) 2. That the sd Brethren will meet at two o'Clock of the same day at the house where sd Council shall dine, in order to wait on the Council Attest Aaron Hill. Moderator.
On the 27th day of the same month. at ten oClock A. M. the six Churches before named for an ecclesiastic Council meet at the dwelling honse of Mr Caleb Gannett, and being formed call upon the Committee (appointed by this Church and Parish to Confer with them) for an account of proceedings relative to the election of the Revd Timothy Hilliard for Colleague Pastor with the Venerable Dr Appleton. An account in writing of the proceedings of this church and of the Parish relative to sd Election and a copy of Mr Hilliard's acceptance of their Call, are accordingly laid before the Council. The Papers are read to the Council by their Moderator (The Revd Dr Cooper) The Moderator makes public proclamation that if any person hath any objection to the sª Council's installing the Revd Timothy Hilliard as Colleague Pastor with the Revd Dr Appleton in the first Church in Cambridge, now is the time to offer the same. No objection is offered. The Council desire the Committee of the Church and Parish to withdraw and leave their Papers. The Committee do as so desired After dinner the Moderator taketh the Church into a room apart and reads to them a paper containing a dismifsion of Revd Timothy Hilliard from the Church of Christ in Barnstable and recommendation of him to the fellowship and communion of the first Church of Christ in Cambridge and puts the question to this Church. "Do you (150) receive Mr Hilliard as a Member of your Church in full Com- munion" ?
Voted in the affirmative unanimously. At half past two o'Clock P. M. the Council, preceeded by the Church and as many of the Parish as are present, pafs from the house where they dined (Mr Owen Warland's) to the Meeting house where the Revd Timothy Hilliard is solemnly installed in the office of Pastor of the first Church in Cambridge and Colleague with the venerable Dr Appleton with the same ceremonies as are commonly used at Ordinations, except the laying on of hands of the Presbytery.
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
Mem. The Revd Mr Jackson of Brookline began with Prayer. The Revd Mr Hilliard preached a Sermon from Titus 2ª Chapter & 15th Verse those words "Let no man despise thee." The Revd Mr Clarke of Lexington, prayed before the Charge. The Revd Dr Cooper of Boston gave the Charge. The Reyd Mr Howard of Boston, made the last prayer, and the Revd Mr Cushing of Waltham gave the right hand of Fel- lowship. The Fifth hymn in the Revd Dr Watts' collection of hymns was then sung. The whole Solemnity was closed by a Benediction pronounced by the Revd Mr Hilliard.
The greatest Order, decency and sobriety were observable through the whole.
Soli Deo Gloria.
(151)
May 31. A Church Meeting notify'd the Lord's day preceding to 1784. chuse a Committee to inspect the manners of professing Christians & a Committee to enquire into the state of the Chh Stock.
The Church met & after prayer it was voted.
1 To chuse a Committee of five to inspect the manners of profefsing Christians. Cap" Stedman, D" Hill, D" Frost, D" Munro & Timy Tufts Esqr were chosen.
2. Voted that the Committee to enquire into the state of the chh Stock consist of three. Doc' Kneeland, Mr Gannett & Cap" Stedman were chosen.
3. Voted that the Committee last chosen be directed to enquire into the state of monies given to the poor of the Chh & to settle all accounts relating to such monies with the heirs of the late D" Whittemore & alfo with Dr Hill, the treasurer of the Chh. The Meeting was difsolved.
Oct. 24. The Committee appointed to enquire into the state of the Chh Stock unanimously find & report.
1. That the Deacons have in their hands Securities for monies belonging to this Chh & by them put at interest viz. for the d sum of 118/1/9 of lawful Silver money.
2. These Securities are a Note of hand given by the Tresurer of £ sd this Parish for 32 9/1 dated the 3d of Ap. 1783. & a consoli- dation Note for 85.12/8 dated the 1st of March 1783.
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
3. These Securities, the same the Deacons had in their hands on the 30th day of June 1783 & no interest hath been paid on either of them.
4. The Deacons have not made the interest of the several sums lent by them payable at the fame time.
5. The balance of accots on the 30th day of June 1784 in the hands of the Deacons exclusive of money appropriated to ye £ s d use of ye poor is ye fum of 75 15 5 according to ye annex'd accot.
6. Part of sª ballance viz : 60/4/104 with ye interest yt hath £ 8 d grown thereon fince ye 30 day of June 1781 is due from Dn £
(152) Whittemore's estate 14 further part of sª ballance is to be in Dr Hills hands upon interest (he having engaged to pay in- terest for it from this day) 1.10.62 the remainder of Sd balance is to rest in the hands of the Deacons for contingencies.
7. The Committee have not yet had it in their power to find the state of monies given to the poor of the Chh.
Submitted by order Wm Kneeland.
30 of June 1784. Camge 1st Chh.
1784 Dr. Deacons of the 1st Chh in Cambridge to £ sd
June 30 money by them put at interest 118. 1. 9
To cash in Dr Whittemore's hands for which he promised to pay interest 60 4.101
To cash in Dr Hills hands for which he promis'd to pay interest 9.0.0
To a year's interest of the same sum 0.10.10
To the fum which rested in the Deacons' hands for Contingencies 1.10. 7}
The fum total of Contributions paid fince June 30th 1783 9.11.101
198.19.11
Mem. No consideration is had in the above acct of in- terest growing on ye fecurities in the hands of the Deacons. nor of interest growing on the sum in Dr Whittemore's hands, nor of the money in the hands of the Deacons appropriated to the use of ye poor.
Sd Chh Contra
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
By Securities in their hands for money by
1784 June 30 them put at interest 118. 1. 9
By expense for bread and wine fince Juue 30, 1783 5.2.9
By ballance in ye hands of the Deacons 75.15. 5
198.19.11
£
60. 4.10} of the above ballance with ye interest that hath grown thereon since June 30, 1781 is due from D" Whittemore's £ eftate 14 further part of sd balance is to be in D" Hills hands upon interest.
£ 8 d
1.10. 62 the remainder of sd ballance is to rest in the Dea- con's hands for contingencies.
This report read & accepted Oct. 22, 1784.
(153)
Voted that Deacon Frost be added to the Committee to inquire into the state of monies given to the poor of the Church & to settle all accounts relating to fuch monies with the heirs of the late D" Whittemore.
Feb. 10th A Chh Meeting notified the Lord's day preceding to receive some proposals respecting the Legacy given by the late Revd Dr Appleton to the poor of this Chh.
Voted 1. That the Deacons of this Chh be authorized to take security from the Treasnrer of the first Parish in Cambridge for the sum of £40 given by the late Revd Dr Appleton to the poor of this Chh with interest from the time of making the transfer or from fuch earlier period as the Executors of the will of the deceased may agree to.
2. That a receipt given by the Deacons Shall be a discharge to the Executors of the late Dr Appleton for the sum guien by him to the poor of this Chh.
3. That a Committee of three be chosen to see that this matter is conducted according to law.
Mr Gannett, Profefsor Wigglesworth & Dr Kneeland were chosen.
March 21 A Church meeting notified the Lord's day preceeding to consider fome further proposals respecting Dr Appletons Legacy.
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Records of the First Church in Cambridge.
Vote 1. That the Deacons of this Chh be authorized to take Mr £ Nathaniel Prentices obligation for the sum of 40 left by the
late Revd Dr Appleton to the poor of this Chh instead of an obligation from the Parish Treas" the sd Prentice procuring sufficient furities.
Voted That Cap" Walton & M' Ebenezer Wyeth be a Committee to consult with the Deacons upon the sufficiency of such furities as may be offer'd.
(154)
May 30. Church meeting notified the Lord's [day] preceeding to 1785 chuse a Committee to inspect the manners of profefsing Christians & alfo a Committee to enquire into the state of the Church ftock.
Voted. That as few of the brethren are present this meeting be adjourned to the next friday being Lecture day.
June 3. A Church meeting by adjournment. Voted That the choice of a Committee to inspect the manners of profefsing Chris- tians be put off to the next Lecture day & that the present Committee be continued to that time.
Voted. That a Committee of three be chosen to inquire into the state of the Chh Stock, Voted that Dr William Kneeland Mr Caleb Gannett & Mr Profesor Wigglesworth be a Committee for that purpose
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