USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Cambridge > Records of the First Church at Dorchester, in New England, 1636-1734 > Part 6
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M' Mather & M' Stoughton did exersis that day being a cold day
The fasting days goeing on againe in Especiall maner for England It began at Boston ye old Church on the 30 day of desem 1663 being ye fowerth day of ye weeke
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
[59] The 5 (12) 63
Ther was a fast keept at ye new Church at Boston
The 26 (12) 63
Ther was a fast keept at Charlsstown
The 29 March 64
Ther was a fast keept at dorchester M' Mather did pray & preach the former p' of ye day from 62 Esa 6:7 & M Increas Mather in ye afternoone from ye 2 Zeph 3
The 3 (2) 64 M' Mather after ye evening exersis did declare that M' Stoughton did intend ye next lords day to preach againe at ye motion of ye messengers of ye Church although he had not preached publikly full 14 saboths before only reserveing liberty to himself as well as ye Church to accept of any other motion that might be made unto him
Ther was a fast at Rocksbery the 17 of aprill 1664
Also at Cambridg 11 of May 64
The 22 (3) 64
The day above said ther was a letter read sent to ye Church from ye last gathered Church at Boston wherin was manifested & declared ther purpos for to p'ceed to ordaine M' Increase Mather to ye office of a teacher unto that Church, alsoe ther desier is yt ye Church of dorchester would send some messengers for to assist & be prsent at that work ye day appointed was the 21 of this Instant for weh end ye Church Chose o' Teaching & Rulling Elders
The 5 of ye (4) 64
The day a bovesaid Thomas Wiswall was dismissed for the beginning of a Church at that place neer wher he liveth at Cambridg village wher M' John Eliote doe preach
The same day was published an order from ye Ginerall Court appointing a ginerall day of Humilliation on ye behalfe of ye sad condition of ye Church & Peoples
[60] 1664
of god in this Cuntry & other p" of ye world ye day to be the 15" day of this instant June being ye 4th day of ye weeke
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
M' Mather did pray & preach in ye fore pt of ye day from 62 Esai 6: 7 : & M' Stoughton ye latter pt from : amos 6: 1
The 17 (5) 64
The day above said ther was a letter read to ye Church from ye breatheren dwelling at Nonandom or Cambridg villadg who (intending to gather a Church) desiered messengers to be sent from this Church to help & asist therin. The wch was granted & ther was Chose for yt work ye teaching & rulling Elders. ye day appointed was ye 20th of this instant, at web time they ordained M' John Eliot for a pastor & Thomas Wiswall, formerly a member of this Church, to be a rulling Elder
The 21 (6) 64
The day abovesaid an order was read from ye ginerall Court (who latly was called together upon the Coming of ye Comissioners from England) wherin ye Court did Commend unto the Churches the first of the next month to be keept as a publick fast in this Collony p'ly for England & Espe- sally in behalfe of this Cuntry in regard of ye frowns of god uppon us in ye ginerall blasting of our wheate as alsoe in re- gard of other troubles feared ; y' god ould grant us o' lib- ertys in Church & state. and o' fears of gods withdrawing his Sheepardly care over his people
mr mather exersized ye former pt of ye day from Zack II : 9 & Mr stoughton ye latter pt of ye day from Hosa : 14: I.
[61] The II (7) 64
ye day above said ther was dismissed ye wife of Tho Wis- wall & ye wife of goodman kimwright wch was ye wife of John Hotton & Margerit ye wife of James Trobridg to Joyn to ye Church latly gathered at Cambridge Villedg called Nonandum wher M' John Elliot is pastor :
The 23 (8) 64 M" Hinckly (who was formerly ye wife of M' Nathaniell Glover whose maiden name was Mary Smith) was dismissed to Joyne unto the Church at Bastable
The 30 (8) 64
The day above said it was publickly declared an order from ye ginerall Court who appointed a day of humilliation to be keept upon the 16th of November being the 4th day of ye weeke, both in regard of ye Church of god in other parts as alsce amongst ourselves
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
The 5 (12) 64
The day above said ther was a letter read wch was sent from ye Church at way mouth wherin they did empart to this Church ther intention namly to ordaine a teaching officer amongst them : ther former officer M' Thecher being removed. Ther request to this Church was that they would send some Mesengers to asist them therin ye day appointed is ye 14th of this Instant The Church made Choice of ther Teacher M' Mather & ther Deacon John Capen
[62] 1664 The 12th of ye 12 Mo : 64
The day above said after ye evening exersiz the Church was desiered to stay ye Reason was (as ye Elder did declare) because ther weer severall yong men in the Towne who would be willing to Joyne to ye Church if they might have ther Confession taken in privat by wrighting & declared publickly to ye Church, they standing forth & owneing what was declared, and ther engageing themselves in ye Covenant. upon this ther was some debate & divers did declare them- selves willing that it should be soe rractized but on or two of ye breatheren declared themselves to ye Contrary. in Con- clusion the matter was left to a farther Consideration & then to be spoken too againe.
The 19 of ye (12) 64
Mr Mather gave an account of what was done at Way- mouth uppon ye 14 of this Instant viz y' ye fore p' of ye day was spent in praying & preaching by M' Torry in ye latter pt of ye day mr Thecher did pray & afterward (wth ye Con- sent of that Church and ye messengers weh came thither) Mr Torry accepting therof he was ordained pastor unto that Church Mr Wilson of Boston & M' Thecher & ther rulling elder laying on ther hands & afterward Mr Wilson in ye name of ye rest of ye churches gave unto him the right hand of ffellowship & did owne him & acknowlige M' Torry to be pastor to that Church at Waymouth :
The 19 (1) 6%
a letter was read from ye Court wherin they did commend unto ye Churches of this Jurisdiction ye 22 Instant March to be keept a day of publick humilliation : but ye recorder heerof being sick was not then p'sent nor a month before
.
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
[63] The 26 (1) 65
The day abovesaid at the motion of Mr Mather ther was a Contribution for M' Thomson at Brantry unto which ther was given ye same time in money Six pounds & nine pence besids notes for Corne & other things a bove thirty shil- lings : and some more money was added afterward to ye vallew of 88- 3ª
The 2 (2) 65
The day above said it was p'posed to ye Church whether ther should not be another deacon Chosen in ye roome of Deacon Ed Clap
unto this motion some made answer yt we had two dea- cons already namely John Wiswell & Jnº Capen : but to yt answer was made y' deacon Wiswall did not attend on ye service of ye Church. therfore ye Conclusion at that time was to deferre ye bussines about another deacon untill an- other time & y' deacon wiswall should be spoken too ye next lords day to know whether he would attend upon his office according to ye rull of ye apostle or else to lay down his office
The day above said it was alsoe p'posed to ye Church yº 2ª time whether they would be willing y' men as well as women should be receaved into ye Church by ther private relation being taken in writting & publickly read before ye Church : after some adjetation ye Conclusion & vote of ye Church was yt it should be left too ye Elders namely that they might heer ther relations in privat & if ther voyce weer soe low in private yt Mr Mather could not heer them soe as to write it from ther mouths y' then ye pty might wright it himself & p'sent it to ye Elders & they to compare it wth what he had formerly declared by word of mouth & when they Judged them fitt then to read it to ye Church publickly : only if they judged any
[64]
man able to make a publick relation by his owne mouth they should endeavor to p'swad him soe to doe
Alsoe ye same day M' Withington did declare to y® Church y' (he being formerly appointed (wth ye other elders) for to seat people in yº seats of ye meetting hous) he was not will- ing to doe yt worke any longer but was resolved to lay it down ye other elders not acting in that thing wth himself but left it to him only
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
The 9 (2) 65 Deacon Wiswall being p'sent, ye question was p'posed to him by ye Elder whether hee would or Could attend uppon his office of a Deacon or whether he would leave ye office unto another whom ye Church should Chouse: his answer was that hee was called to that office, off god & by ye Church & therfore if ye Church did see cause to dis- place him they might but for his resigning ye office he did not see Cause soe to doe & soe ye matter was left at yt time after some more agetations
The II (4) 65
The day above said ther was a letter read wch Came from ye ginerall Court assembled at Boston ye 3 of may wherin they did Commend unto ye severall Churches & Congrega- tions of this Jurisdiction ye 22 of this instant June to be keept in publique fasting & prayer for severall Causes re- specting o' selves & also ye bleeding & dying condition of ye p'testant Intrest all ye world over & ye Judgment of god threatening ye removeall of his Candlestick from amongst us & his afflicting p'vedence in respect of ye Catterpiller & ye palmer worme & other Causes ther mentioned M' Mather did pray & preach ye former p' of ye day from
[65]
The 3 lamentation 39 40 41 and M' Stoughton ye latter pt of ye day from ye I Habbuk : 12
The 30 (5) 65
The day above said Elder withington accquainted ye Church y' (for some nattuerall infermetie in ye rulling elders to read ye psalmes in the publique assembly) they had therfore desiered Deacon Capen to read ye psalmes
Alsoe ye same day ther was a letter read weh was sent from ye breatheren of ye Church of Tanton wherin they doe declare ther sad Condition in regard of differences y' are amongst them & therfore desiers ye Church of Dorchester to send them some help for Counsell & advice & for ther heal- ling if it be ye will of god :
M' Mather was then p'posed to be sent but not fully Con- cluded on but left tell ye next lords day
Also ye same day ye assembly was called on to send in ye names of thos who they would have to be Cattechized ye next lords day
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
The 6 (6) 65
The day above said M' Mather declared his unabillety of Body for ye Jorney to Tanton wheerupon M' Stoughton was desiered by ye Church to attend that service but he granted it not but would Consider of it tell ye next lords day at wch time being ye 1 3th (6) 65 he consented therunto & besids him ther was Chosen Liftenant ffoster to be another messenger for to goe to Tanton
[66] The 20 (6) 65
The day above said ye messengers weh weer sent to Tanton returned an answer to ye Church Viz : yt by ye blessing of god uppon ye Counsell & advice of those wch weer mett to- gether they came to a Comfortable agreement wth a purpos y' on ye 13 (7) 65 they would humble themselves before ye lord for ther sins & renew ther Covenant & admitt those into ther Church ffellowship wch are quallefied for it
The 29 (8) 65
The day above said a letter was read from ye Generall Court unto ye Church wherin they did Call upon the Churches to keepe a day of thanksgiveing for thes Causes viz the seasonable showers yt we had this Summer wherby ther is soe much of ye harvest reserved to us as may be a supply for us & o' famelys :
alsoe for diverting a Squadron of Duch ships which threat- ened ye envasion of o' Coasts alsoe for ye peace & liberty wch we doe yet enjoy, through weh many favors from god are con- fer'd uppon us ye day appointed is the 8th day of November
M' Mather preached out of the 12 Rom I ther beinge but one exerciz that day by Reason of ye shortness of ye days
The same day alsoe notice was given from ye same Court, requiering ye Churches to keepe a pubike day of humilliation, partly because of ye many frowns of god uppon
[67]
our selves and alsoe in regard of ye rageing of ye pestelence in London & many other places in o' Native Cuntry, & other Causes, ye day appointed is the 22 of ye 9th mo next
Alsoe ye same day ther was read a letter from Tanton wherin they did declare to this Church ther intention to Call M' Shoue to ye office of a pastor to that Church and
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
did desier yt messengers might be sent to them from this Church to assist them therin. for which end the Church made Choice of Liftenant ffoster and deacon Capen : the time to be ye 15th of Novem : 65
The 17th of ye (9) 65 the messengers sent to Tanton re- turned ther messadg : Viz that upon ye 15 (9) 65 the Church at Tanton & ye towne wth ye messengers of ye Churches being assembled together at that place ther was ordained M' Shoue to ye office of a pastor to y Church
The 10 (10) 65 after ye evening exersiz it was p'posed to - ye Church whether M' Stoughton should be invited to accept of office in ye Church to weh ye most of ye Church consented by Vote though some declared y' they did not act but would
[68]
not oppose ye Church
at ye same time ye Elders and select men weer appointed to speake to him about it :
The same day motion was made to ye Church (upon occa- sion of Robert Spurs being latly admitted a member) whether his two elder daughters (ye on being marryed & ye other grown in yeers) might not be baptized as well as ye other yonger Children ? against this some breatheren objected yt they ap'hended y' seeing they weer adult they viz ye two elder daughters should manifest faith & repentance before they should be baptized upon this objecting : ye resolution of ye question was deferred till ye next lords day
The 17 (10) 65 ye Elders made report to ye Church M' Stoughtons answer weh was y he had some objections wthin himself against ye motion but yet he would not hold ye Church in long Suspence but would give them a full answer in a weeke or two
ye same time ye former motion about baptizing Robt Spurs Children Viz thos weh weer adult it was discussed againe ye major part of ye Church was for ther baptisme but some breatheren weer unsatisfied but yet would not oppos ye thing if M' Mather did baptiz them ; he Judging it his duty soe to doe; & to that end Robt Spur was appointed to bring out his Children ye next lords day
The 31 of ye (10) 65 ye Elders reported to ye Church M' Stoughtons answer Which was that he Could not accept of ye motion made unto him for to be an officer to yo Church but did thankfully accknowlige ye Churches love & respect to him therin
-
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
At the same time some of the
[69]
breatheren p'posed to ye Church whether it weer not fitt to make motion to M' Stoughton the Second time & to that end ye same p'sons weer desiered to make theer adress to him againe
The 7th (11) 65 ye Elders reported to ye Church againe M' Stoughtons answer namly that he Could not as yet be will- ing to accept of office but should be willing to Continue preaching as he have formerly done; alsoe y' he did thank- fully accknowlige ye love of ye Church though (for some rea- sons within himself) he could not accept of office
The 21 (11) 65 notice was given of a fast to be kept at Boston ye next fift day being 25 (11) 65
Another fast was kept at Rocksbery ye 6 (12) 65
Another fast was kept at Cambridg ye 14 (12) 65 Another fast was kept at dorchester ye 27 12 65 mr Mather did pray & preach ye fore p' of ye day from ye 79 pla : 9 & m' Stoughton ye latter p' of ye day out of ye 26 Esa
Another fast at Brantry ye 21 (1) 66
Another fast at Charles Towne about ye latter end of ye
(1) Mº 66
The 5 of ye (2) 66 ther was a ginerall day of humilliation kept in this jurisdiction
M' Mather did pray & preach ye former pt of ye day from ye 36 Ezek 37 verse & M' Stoughton from psa 90 10
The 20 (3) 66 Bro' James Humphry was elected Deacon to ye Church at Dorchester & ye 3 (4) 66 he was ordained
[70]
The 17 4 66
The day abovesaid after the evening exerciz m' Mather did declare unto ye Church y' the Elders being together at Boston (some time ye weeke before) they did Consider among themselves what god Called us in this Cuntry to doe at this time Considering ye troubles that weer amongst ye nations (o' owne & others) as alsoe ye fears of enemies com- ing against our selves. the conclusion was that they thought god called on us for seriouse & sollemne fasting & prayer & therfore did p'pose to ye Severall Churches heer- abouts to keepe ye next fift day being ye 21 of June in hu- milliation & ye rather because of great drouth y' is at this
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
time on ye wholl Contry unto the hazard of ye loss of ye fruts of ye earth both Corne & grass: but the Church of Rocksbery Conceaveing ye extremety of ye Drouth soe great was willing to keepe ye day on ye third day of ye weeke being ye 19th day of this Instant
M' Mather did pray & preach in ye fore-noone from 2 Cron: 7: 13: 14 & M' Stoughton ye afternoone from I Habbuk : 12
The 29 of ye (5) 66 ther was a Colection for poore distressed Christians in England at which Contribution ther was given thirty fower pounds & 13ª 10d2 in money & about 5 pounds in bils on that day but more was added afterward in money 208 & p't of ye bills also Came in in money Viz 24ª ye whole sum did afterward amount unto 401 13ª 9ª}
The 19 6 66 ye Church & Congregation Nomenated M' Stoughton & Liftenant Hopstill ffoster & deacon John Capen for to endeavor to p'cuer bills for England for the Colection y' was gathered to be sent thither
[71] The 30th (7) 66
The day abovesaid ye Elders made report to ye Church of Some offence y' lay upon M" Clark ye wif of Captin Thomas Clarke of Boston Viz her reprochfull & Slanderous tongue against ye Honored Gover' M' Rich : Bellengham & other lying expression against ye generall Court & for absenting herself from ye publique ordinances & other miscaredges for wch ye Church thought meet to call her before them to give Satisfaction therin but she not appearing, ye Church did forbear further p'ceedeing till another time to see if she would p'sonally appear to make answer ther unto :
The 14th (8) 66
The day abovesaid Mre Clarke ye wife of Captine Tho : Clarke of Boston was Called before ye Church (she being yet a member of this Church tho dismised long ago but yet never Joyned) she was I say called before ye Church for some offence commited for Slanderous & lying expresions of her tongue but she manifesting noe repentance for ye same was solemnly admoneshed before ye Church
The 28 (8) 66
The day abovesaid ther was a letter read weh came from yo ginerall Court wherin they did Commend to ye severall
52
DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
Churches in this Jurisdiction to keep ye 8th Day of November as a publique day of thanksgiveing to god for ye continuance of o' liberty in Church & Common weale & for giveing us such a portion of ye Fruts of ye earth notwithstanding his threats by ye drouth this summer & blastings & meldews & worms & for p'servation from enemys
[72]
The 17 (1) 69 M' Mather published an order wch Came from the Councell held at Boston ye 9th of this Instant wheerin they did call upon all ye Churches in this Jurisdic- tion to keepe a day of publik humilliation some of ye Cheif grounds of it weer that amazing pvedenc of god in burning ye greatest p't of ye city of London, ye raging of ye pestilence in many places in England, ye distresses of ye people of god all ye world over, ye warrs continued with france & holland ye enemys p'vailing in ye Kereby Islands ye takeing of many of o' English vessells : ye sicknesses y' have been amongst us ye blasting of ye labour of ye husbandman, ye sins of Se- curety & sensuallety & unp'fitableness under ye means of grace, ye differences y' are amongst breatheren & the like.
the day appointed is ye 21 of this Instant being ye fift day of ye weeke
M' Mather did pray & preach ye fore pt of ye day from Zeph 3 : 7 & m' Stoughton ye latter p' of the day from habbuk 3 pt of ye 2 vers
The 7 (2) 67
The day abovesaid ther was a contribution for ye distressed people at Capeford [?] at wch contribution was colected in money 3" 9' IId} and in bils 4" 15-0
The 13 (2) 67
M™ Clark was Called before ye Church (being formerly ad- moneshed) but she manifesting noe repentance for her sin of an ungoverned tongue was excomunicated & cast out of ye Church
The 22 (7) 1667
The day abovesaid ther was a Contribution for ye Kings fleet at ye Kereby Islands at wch time ther was gathered be- tween 19 & twenty pounds accounting peas at 4ª p bl of web in money 3" 5" 5ª1
1
53
1
DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
[73] The 27 (8) 67
The day abovesaid an order of ye Generall Court was read requiering ye Churches in this Jurisdiction to keep a generall day of thanksgiving to god for his mercy to this Contry in keeping off ye Common Enemy of o' Nation from enfesting of o' Coasts & for his mercy in ye plentifull fruts of ye earth this yeeare ye day apointed is ye 5 of November being ye third day of ye weeke
M' Mather did preach out of psalm 50 23 & M' Stoughton Hosea 3 latter pt of vers 5 both at one meeteing
The 24 of ye (9) Mº 1667 ther was a Contribution for John Merifeild who latly lost his house by fier at weh time ther was Colected 408 want 4ª in money & in Corne at 28 8ª p bl together wth other bills to ye Sume of 6" 15ª more and this was by ye Select men Commited into ye hands of Deacon Humphry & John Minot to dispos for the supply of his necessety
The same day ther was an order from ye generall Court read requiering ye Churches & inhabitants of this Jurisdiction to keep a day of humilliation in ye behalf of ye Church of god in o' Native Cuntry & elswhere & ye distresses of ye people of o' nation at ye Keriby Islands & ye frowns of god against o' selves in ye many losses of o' ships & vessells at sea by ye Common enemy & storms ye day appointed is ye 4th of desem- ber next
The ninth of ffeb 1667 M' Mather p'posed to ye Church whether wee should not Elect & Chous some rulling Elders for ye Church & ye next Saboth ye Church concluded to keep a fast to seek unto god for direction therin ye day appointed was ye 25 (12) 67 being o' lectuer day
M Mather did pray & preach ye fore pt of ye day from : John & M' Stoughton ye afternoon from : Revela 2 : vers I M' Eliot & M' Chancey did also pray ye same day
[74]
The 8 of ye (1) 1662 ther was an order from ye Councell published requiering a publique day of humilliation to be keept in this Jurisdiction on behalf of this Contry & Eng- land & ye people of god in other pu of ye world ye day ap- pointed is ye 26 of this Instant
M' Mather & M' Stoughton carryed on ye work of ye day
The 15 of ye (1) 166g ye Church had some adjetation
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DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
about Chousing ruling elders at wch time it was Voted that one ruling elder should be Chosen by votes ye next lords day & in ye meane time ye Church Voted y' M' Stoughton should be once more sent unto by messengers from ye Church to see if he would yet accept of ye office of a teach- ing elder ye messengers weer M' Mather M' Minot Deacon Humfry Bro' Leeds & Bro' Rich Baker
The 22 of (1) 63 M' Mather gave an account of ther Mes- sadg to M' Stoughton wch was negative he did not se meete to accept of office
The same day Votes weer brought in for one ruleing elder & deacon John Wiswall had ye Major Vote ye 5 (2) 68 y" Church by a Vote did Nominate ye Deacons Jnº Capen & James Humphry to be ther Messengers to acquaint Deacon Jnº Wiswell of ye Churches calling him to ye office of a rull- ing Elder & to desier his presence p'sonally ye next lords day to declare his acceptation of ye Churches Choice
The 12 (2) 68 a letter was read from Deacon Jnº Wiswell declaring some reasons of his non acceptation to ye office of a rulling Elder for ye p'sent ye Church tooke it into Consid- eration what to doe in y' Case, at last concluded to respit ye matter one fortnight longer
The 3 of ye (3) 68 Deacon Jnº Wiswall gave his full an- swer of his non acceptation of ye Churches Vote to ye office of a ruling Elder
[75]
The 2 of ye (6) 1668 ther was a letter read sent from ye old Church at Boston wherin they did desier y ye Church of dorchester would send ther Elders & messengers the 4th day of this week being ye 5 of this Instant for to give ther Coun- sell & advise in a matter Concerning some difference yt was amongst them about ye Calling of M' Davenport to be an officer amongst them ye Church nominated & voted for ye Elders M' Mather & M Minot Captaine Clap & Captin ffos- ter should be sent & they desiered M' Stoughton also
The 9 of ye (6) 68 M' Mather gave an accont of ther mes- sadg concerning weh they weer sent to ye Church at Boston Viz in breife y ye Church might p'ceed in Calling of M' Davenport & ye dissenting breatheren might gather them- selves into another Church. but it was more largly exprest in wrighting at that time
The 13 (7) 68 ye Church was caused to stay & they weer enformed by M' Mather yt two of o' breatheren at Melton had taken offense against Robt Badcock & weer yet unsat-
·
55
DORCHESTER CHURCH RECORDS
isfied for wch Cause the Church was appointed to Com to- gether ye 4th day of this week being ye 16 of this Instant to heer ye Case at wch time ye Case being before ye Church it did not appear y ther was such offence given as was ap"- hended
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