USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Princeton > The history of Princeton, Worcester county, Mass. from its first settlement; with a sketch of the present religious controversy in that place. Designed for the use of the inhabitants > Part 9
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This Council cannot refrain from expressing our belief, from what we have witnessed, that there is, in all the parties concerned, a sufficient desire for union-a sufficient sense of the importance of the best economy of min- isterial labor, in these days of destitution, and sufficient readiness to make any needful sacrifices for the sake of Christ and his cause, to render such a disposition as has now been made of this whole subject, the best we could make, even if it were not, as we think it is, the only one in our power.
This Council cannot refrain from pressing it upon the minds of all Christ- ians, in both Churches, that for the sake of union on the ground of Gospel truth, and for the advancement of the cause of Christ, it is their incumbent duty, while they contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, to make great sacrifices of personal feeling and private interest.
We do most earnestly and affectionately entreat the members of both Churches to love as brethren. We cannot doubt that the cause of Christ is
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equally dear to both Churches, and we do believe that if the spirit of con- ciliation and kindness, which has been manifested during the session of the Council, is continued, the troubled waters will grow more and more calm, till all is tranquility and peace. We hope, beloved brethren, that you will endeavour to cherish a child-like, a lowly and a contented spirit, and if things are not in all respects as many of you could wish, wait quietly till He who orders all things wisely shall bring all things right.
The Council beg leave to assure the members of both Churches of their kind feelings and Christian regards. We have found ourselves called to settle questions of the utmost difficulty and delicacy. Circumstances of past occurrence, cause us to feel a deep sympathy with the members of the church under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Phillips. Circumstances of a more re- cent date constrain us to look with much interest and affection upon the members of the Church under the late care of Rev. Mr. Cowles. But we beg them both to be assured, that we have earnestly sought guidance from above, that we might come to such a result, as would be mutually accepta- ble, and promote the social and spiritual happiness of all the friends of the Saviour in this place.
THOMAS SNELL, Moderator. JOHN S. C. ABBOTT, Scribe.
After this result was made known, previous to any vote upon it, the Rev. Mr. Phillips's church requested the appoint- ment of a committee of seven from the congregational church, to meet an equal committee on their part, for an interchange of views. These committees were appointed, and an inter- view, satisfactory to both parties, took place, after which each church passed the following votes, adopting the result :-
To the clerk of the church lately under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. P. Cowles :
The following is a copy of a note passed by our church, at a regular meeting, Feb. 5, 1835.
Feb. 5. The church met agreeably to appointment ; after hearing the report of the committee which seemed favorable, voted to accede to the first part of "the result," viz. that which relates to the union of the ortho- dox members of the other congregational church with this.
A true copy. Attest, A. PHILLIPS.
N. B. The reason why this notice was not given at the time is, it entirely escaped the recollection of the clerk. A. P.
February 28, 1835. The Church of Christ, under the late pastoral care of the Rev. John P. Cowles, held a meeting at the hall of Dea. Charles Rus- sell, Feb. 28, to consider and act on the result of the Mutual Ecclesiastical Council, lately convened in this place. The meeting was opened by the moderator, Dea. Charles Russell, who led the church in an address to the throne of Divine grace, for light and direction in the important business be- fore them.
The church then proceeded to a consideration of the subject before them, and after a full and harmonious interchange of feelings-
Voted, unanimously, To accept the Result of said Council.
Voted, That the Clerk of the Church be directed to transmit a copy of
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the doings of this meeting to the Church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips.
C. DANA, Clerk.
Copy from the records. Attest,
C. DANA, late Clerk of said Church.
Soon after these votes of the respective churches, the subject came before the societies, and led to the following votes :-
Voted, unanimously, That we accept of the Result of the Mutual Eccle- siastical Council lately convened at this place, by the request of the church under the late pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Cowles, and of the church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips, and that we can cheerfully, and do most heartily respond the sentiment expressed in the result of said council, that there is a sufficient degree of harmony in the views of this, and the Evangelical society, to authorise the belief that they may unite in listening to, and supporting sound Evangelical ministrations.
Voted, unanimously, That this society invite, and we do hereby affection- ately and respectfully invite the said Evangelical society to unite with us, agreeably to the recommendation contained in the result of said council.
Voted, unanimously, That we are, and have been, for a considerable time past, desirous of a union with the Evangelical society, and that we highly approve of the course taken by the church connected with us, and of the measures they have adopted, to effect a union of the two churches.
Voted, unanimously, That a union of the two societies appears to us to be very desirable, and would tend, as we fully believe, to promote the peace, Christian harmony, and spiritual welfare of the people in this place ; and we can see no reason why the division which has for a long time unhappily existed here should be longer continued, or why we should transmit such a state of things to posterity.
Voted, unanimously, That should a union take place, we sincerely desire that it may be extensive, permanent, and lasting ; that it may be such an one as shall promote the social and spiritual happiness of both societies ; and that in our endeavor to effect a union, we disclaim having any other motive than that of advancing the Redeemer's kingdom, and promoting the best interests of the people in this town. Our cause, we firmly believe, is a righteous cause ; one for which we may invoke the blessing of Heaven, and one on which we humbly trust the smiles and blessing of God will rest.
Voted, unanimously, That we believe there is no relation more sacred and important than that which exists between a minister and his people-the peaceful and useful continuance of which depends on the mutual affection consisting between them; therefere we cannot refrain from expressing our serious and solemn conviction, that a union under the Rev. Mr. Phillips would not be such an one as would be the best calculated to promote the happiness, the harmony, and the highest interest of the united society,- inasmuch as we believe there is a want of that cordiality of feeling both in him and in us, which it is so desirable should exist between a minister and people-and the attitude in which he has stood to us has been such, as to render it impossible, in our view, for him to associate with a portion of the united people, with that freedom and cordiality, which are so absolutely necessary, in order that a people may derive from their minister, and he communicate to them, that religious instruction which is so important for their highest good.
Voted, unanimously, That we are aware that there is, as there always should be between a minister and his people, a mutual attachment existing between Mr. Phillips and the people under his pastoral care-and we have no desire to do anything to weaken or destroy this attachment-still we cannot refrain from expressing it as our opinion, that should duty dictate to
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the Rev. Mr. Phillips to leave the field, as we cannot but believe under the guidance of Divine Providence it may, the harvest would be much greater under some other person than it possibly can or would be under his minis- trations.
Voted, unanimously, That if the Rev. Mr. Phillips should determine to ask his dismission from his pastoral charge, we will contribute our share of any reasonable sum which shall be thought just and right, as an indemnity for any loss he may sustain in consequence of such dismission.
Voted, unanimously, That we hope and confidently believe that after viewing and deliberating upon all the circumstances connected with a union, that neither the Rev. Mr. Phillips, nor his people, will insist upon his being the minister of the united church and society.
True copy from the records of a parish meeting, held March 4, 1835.
Attest, JOS. A. REED, Clerk.
At a legal meeting of the Evangelical Congregational Society in Prince- ton, convened in their meeting-house, on Monday, the 23d day of March, A. D. 1835, the following votes were passed, viz :-
Voted, That we accept of the result of the Mutual Ecclesiastical Coun- cil, lately convened in this place, by the request of the church under the late pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Cowles, and of the church under the care of the Rev. Alonzo Phillips, relative to the union of the said societies.
Voted, That the clerk of said Evangelical Congregational Society trans- mit to the first parish in Princeton an attested copy of the doings of said society.
A true copy of record of said parish meeting. Attest, ERASMUS D. GOODNOW, Clerk.
About this time a majority of the above mentioned com- mittee, which had been chosen for an interchange of views previous to the adoption of the result of council, waited upon their pastor, Mr. Phillips, and requested him to ask a dismiss- ion, since the well known feelings of the congregational soci- ety, subsequently expressed in the above vote, made it evident a union could not take place under his ministry. With this request he declined complying ; with how good reasons we are unable to say. He certainly, at this time, stood in the way of a consummation of the intentions of the council. How far this consummation was desirable, or how strong an argu- ment it presented for a dissolution of Mr. Phillips's pastoral relations, we leave to the judgement of others. To us it seems a point not difficult to decide. And so it seems to have presented itself to the council, who, " unauthorised and unrequested," were unable to advise, but whose " private opinion, respecting duty and expediency in this matter," differed essentially " from that of Rev. Mr. Phillips's church, as expressed by him as the organ of their committee." But whatever may be our views of this question, no one can hesitate to pronounce the proposal of the congregational soci- ety to indemnify Mr. Phillips, the pastor of another society,
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for any necessary loss he might sustain from a dismission, as extremely liberal, and evincing a sincere desire for a union.
As both churches and societies had now adopted the result of council, nothing farther seemed necessary for a consumma- tion of the union, than a compliance, on the part of the con- gregational church, with the first recommendation of said council. For the purpose, therefore, of carrying this into effect, the church met and passed the following vote, which is inserted from a preference to narrate the history of " this vexed question" from attested documents, rather than any as- sertions founded upon them.
April 27, 1835. The brethren of the church (under the late pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Cowles) met agreeably to adjournment at the meeting-house. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Clerk. Then, Voted, that Dr. Alphonso Brooks be a committee to call on the Rev. Mr. Phillips for a copy of the doings of the church under his pastoral care in relation to the result of the Mutual Ecclesiastical Council, lately convened in this place .*
The business in relation " to the union" was then taken up, whereupon, Voted, unanimously, to carry into effect the result of council ; and Dea. Charles Russell and Caleb Dana, and Br. Charles B. Temple, were appoint- ed a committee to call a meeting of the church, when they may deem it ex- pedient, and to invite the committee, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Bates of Templeton, Mann of Westminster, and Paine of Holden, to be present at the said meeting of the church, to discharge the important duties assigned them in the result of said council.
CALEB DANA, Clerk.
Copy from the Records. Attest, CALEB DANA, late Clerk of said Church.
In accordance with this vote, on the 16th of May, 1835, the committee of clergymen, mentioned in the result of the council, met at Princeton, and attended to the duties assign- ed them, with what results the annexed document will show.
May 16, 1835. The brethren and sisters of the church, under the late pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Cowles, met this day at the town-house, at half-past ten of the clock A. M. agreeably to notice given by the committee of the church appointed for said purpose, to carry into effect the result of council, said result having been adopted by the church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips.
The committee, appointed by the council, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Bates of Templeton, Mann of Westminster, and Paine of Holden, were then present agreeably to the invitation of the church, given by a committee ap- pointed for the purpose, to attend to the important duties assigned to them in the result of said council.
The Rev. Mr. Mann addressed the Throne of Grace for light and assist- ance on the solemn and interesting occasion. Important remarks were then offered by the Rev. gentlemen composing the committee. The articles of
* This will explain the note to Mr. Phillips's copy of the vote of his church, adopting the result of council, page 82.
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faith and covenant of the church, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips, were then read by the Rev. Mr. Mann, and assented to by all the brethren and sisters of the church present.
The Brethren of the church adjourned to the meeting-house; and after having had an interview with the committee of the council, Voted, to ad-' journ, to meet at half-past five of the clock, P. M. at the town-house.
Adjourned meeting. The brethren met at the town-house, agreeably to adjournment. The meeting was opened with prayer by Br. Charles B. Temple. The committee of the church, consisting of brothers Russell, Dana, and Temple, informed the brethren, by their chairman, that the committee of the council, having attended to the duties assigned them, had put into their hands the following communication as the result of their do- ings, viz :-.
To the church of Christ in Princeton under the pastoral charge of Rev. Mr. Phillips :
Rev. and Beloved,-The committee appointed by a council mutually chosen by you and the church under the late care of Rev. Mr. Cowles, to unite said churches, having satisfied themselves of the personal piety of the following individuals, members of the last named church, recommend them to your fellowship ; and they are hereby embodied in one church with you, in accordance with your vote in accepting the result of said council.
[Here follow the names of forty-six individuals.]
Wishing you grace, mercy and peace, we are yours, dear brethren, with Christian affection,
LEMUEL P. BATES, CYRUS MANN, Committee.
May 16, 1835.
WILLIAM P. PAINE,
Voted, to accept and sanction the doings of the Committee of the Council.
The deacons of the church, viz. David Brooks, Joshua Eveleth, Charles Russell, and Caleb Dana, having severally tendered their resignations of said office, in consequence of the union about to be consummated with the church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Phillips,-Therefore, Voted, to accept of their resignation, and that they are, at their own request, hereby discharged from the duties appertaining to said office.
Whereas several of our brethren and sisters have not seen fit to comply with the advice contained in the result of council, and to appear with the church this day before the committee appointed for the purposes mentioned in said result-Therefore, Voted, that the clerk of the church be authorized, when requested, to give certificates to such persons as did not conform to the result of said council, certifying that they were members in regular standing previous to the union, said certificate to bear date of this day, May 16, 1835.
Voted, That brothers Charles Russell and Caleb Dana, be directed to present to the Rev. Mr. Phillips's church, the letter of recommendation, that the union of the churches may be consummated, agreeably to the result of the Ecclesiastical council convened in this place in December last, at the request of said churches, and in accordance with the subsequent votes and transactions of said churches, in adopting the result of said council.
Voted, To dissolve the meeting.
Copy, and record of the proceedings.
CALEB DANA,
Late Clerk of the church under the late pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Cowles.
The letter of admission contained in the above record of proceedings was put into the hands of Mr. Phillips, as pastor
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of the evangelical congregational church, on the 18th of May. On the same day a meeting of the societies was held at their respective places of worship, when that under the pastoral care of Mr. Phillips voted to dissolve their society, and unite with the congregational, in acordance with the recommenda- tion of the council, the latter, in the meantime, voting them in individually, agreeably to legal requisitions.
The union was thus apparently consummated. Both churches had adopted the result of council, by which result the congregational church were entitled to all the rights, priv- ileges, and immunities of that under Mr. Phillips, upon the recommendation of the three ministers therein named. By the letter of this committee, they were " embodied in one church" with them. Two churches no longer existed. One united church had taken their place. The societies had also become legally united by the votes of the 18th of May. Yet, as we shall see in the sequel, no real union was as yet consummated. Although a great majority of the church and society were satisfied, a few were disposed to overturn all that had been accomplished, and seemingly to thwart every measure which the friends of union could propose. "It is often," says the Rev. Mr. Abbott, "in the power of one stubborn individual to keep a whole church for months in a state of disquietude. He will set up his will against the prayerful decisions of the whole church. He will persist in fomenting strife, though he knows he is destroying harmony and happiness. It is astonishing to see how much of passion, and prejudice, and unfairness, he will allow himself to exhibit. Such a man is a terrible curse to a church. The ingredients of such a character are, generally, mortified pride, disappoint- ed ambition, and self confidence. He will deceive himself by supposing that he is contending for principle, when he is the victim of wilfulness. There seems to be no access to his understanding or his heart. All appeals to his Christian feel- ings are in vain. The united opinion of all his brethren is nothing to him. The decision of the most devoted ministers of God deserves no regard. The destruction of the church, the grief of the brethren and sisters, the exultation of the foes of Christ, the ruin of many souls, are all of no moment in his eyes, compared with having his own will. A church can hardly suffer a more severe calamity than to have such a person in its enclosures." [Path of Peace, p. 146.]
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How far these remarks are applicable to a portion of the members of the church in Princeton we leave the community to judge. What hindrances such individuals would oppose to a union may be easily imagined.
Another obstacle in the way of a full consummation of the union, was, the circumstance, that Mr. Phillips must be re- garded as the pastor of the united church, he being previously pastor to that to which the congregational were added, this addition could not be supposed to change his relation to them. Mr. Phillips seems also, both by his action and the letters of October 10th, and December 2d, 1835, which follow, decid- edly opposed to a union, or, at least, of opinion that the time for it was not " at present," and "that the business of union- making must be given up until some future day." But what- ever his opinion of the desirability of a union, he was bitterly opposed to the manner in which it had gone into effect, and would and did exert the whole weight of his influ- ence to revoke and annul all past proceedings in the matter. For his views, I am indebted to his " Appeal to the Candid of all Parties Respecting the Religious Difficulties in Prince- ton," a small pamphlet, of twenty-six pages, appearing under his signature, and which, although a professed " appeal to the candid," is anything but a candid appeal, or an impartial history. Allusion has already been made, in one or two in- stances, in notes, to this " Appeal," nor should I again no- tice it were it not one of the documents upon "the union," and a professed history of the events which I am narrating. The refutation of all the positions it assumes, or all the asser- tions it makes, is not my province, and would be as ungrateful a task to me, as its perusal an uninteresting one to the reader. Yet I cannot refrain from noticing one or two of the most prominent.
After a variety of gratuitous censure upon the council, and illiberal and uncharitable impeachment of the motives of the friends of union in both churches, the " Appeal" proceeds- " The objection to this measure, (the mode of union of the churches proposed by the council,) was, that it took the right of deciding with whom they should be willing to hold fellow- ship and commune, out of the hands of the church, and com- mitted it to strangers." The measure proposed no such thing. The right of deciding with whom they would " hold fellow- ship and commune" was left to the church, and they exercised
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that right in adopting the result of council. For this was really nothing else than saying, " we will hold fellowship and commune with whomsoever three disinterested, pious ministers shall say it to be our duty." Two individuals submit a case to a reference, each agreeing to do that which the referees shall say to be just. As well might one of these individuals complain that he had no action in the matter, because the award of the referees was not re-submitted to his decision, as Mr. Phillips that his church had no action, in deciding on the admission of the members of the other church, because their action was previous, rather than subsequent, to that of the " council's committee"-because they chose to put confidence in their discretion and faithfulness, rather than exercise a su- pervision over them. The church has undoubtedly a right to decide upon the pretensions of each individual to be admitted to its privileges. But may it not, without impairing its prerog- ative or its action in the matter, delegate this right to a commit- tee ? Have the people of the United States no action in nation- al affairs, because they delegate their power in these things to representatives. The result of council " took " nothing from the church. It was a mere piece of advice, inert and useless, until the voluntary action of the church, in its adoption, gave it life and animation, received its directions, accepted the committee it nominated, and delegated to them in a perfect confidence the power recommended. Was there in this any infringement of the prerogatives of the church-any violation of its rights ?
The right, moreover, of saying "with whom the church should fellowship and commune," was not in reality submitted to the committee. The church, whom it was proposed to ex- amine, were recognized as orthodox, and in full communion with the surrounding ones, and had any one of them been present at the celebration of the supper by Mr. Phillips, they would have been privileged to accept the invitation usually extended to sister churches on such occasions. They thus enjoyed a right or privilege not appertaining to those connect- ing themselves with a church by profession. The evangelical church, by their union with the same association as the con- gregational, had in some sense decided the question, the set- tlement of which the " Appeal" says the council " took from the church" and " committed to strangers." Ought a church, in the standing of the congregational, to have submitted to an
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examination of a committee of ministers, much less the stand- ing committee of the other church, in the same manner as persons making for the first time a profession of religion ? Let the candid reader decide the question .*
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