USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Dublin > The history of Dublin, N.H., Volume 1852 > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40
" To the Inhabitants of the Town of Dublin.
"Gentlemen,-Whereas on the 17th day of October, 1771, you were pleased to give me an invitation to settle with you in the gospel-ministry, and that being an affair of the greatest importance, I have therefore taken the same into serious and deliberate con- sideration, seeking to God for that wisdom which is profitable to direct. And because in the multitude of counsellors there is safety, I have therefore taken the advice of my reverend fathers in the ministry, and have come to a determination with regard to my settlement with you, and accordingly do accept of your friendly invitation. And now, sirs, sensible of my own insufficiency for such an arduous, important, and glorious work, I desire my depen- dence may be upon Him whose wisdom, grace, and strength are sufficient for me ; and, being fully persuaded of your benevolence and good-will towards me, I beg that you would strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may have all that prudence, discretion, wisdom, grace, and strength, which are neces- sary to have my deportment decent and regular, my conversation as becomes the gospel, and my public ministrations and labors profitable and instructive. Cease not to pray for me that I may be qualified and adorned with every Christian grace and virtue, and every ministerial gift; and that, by hearty fidelity in my labors, I may have your cordial affections attached to me, be instrumental of converting many souls, and at last receive the reward of a faith- ful laborer, and rejoice with you for ever in the kingdom of glory. I shall conclude, wishing you all outward prosperity, especially that your souls may be in health and prosper, that you may always enjoy the divine presence and conduct, in all your proceedings maintain- ing the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, - that you may all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. In token whereof, I subscribe, your sincere friend,
JOSEPH FARRAR.
"P. S .- I desire this may be read in public. And I desire like- wise to know whether the people in Dublin are willing that I should be allowed two or three sabbaths in a year to visit my friends at a distance with greater conveniency, if I should settle with you."
20
154
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
The above document, in the handwriting of Mr. Farrar, may be found, pasted to the inside of the cover of the first book of town-records. The chirography is uniform, per- fectly legible, and indicates a practised penman.
At a town-meeting, March 3, 1772, " Voted to have the ordination the tenth day of June next. Voted to send to the following churches to attend the ordination, viz. : the church in Lincoln, the church in Weston, the church in Groton, the church in New Ipswich, the church in Sherborn, the church in Monadnock No. 4 (Fitzwilliam)."
According to the above vote, Mr. Farrar was ordained on the tenth day of June. What pastors and delegates were present, who preached the sermon, and performed the other services of the occasion, is not known.
A church was organized on the same day of the ordina- tion. There is no record of the names of the members. The following is a copy of their covenant : -
" A Covenant, which sundry church-members, inhabitants of the town of Dublin, entered into at their embodying into a distinct church :
" We do, under a believing sense of our unworthiness of such a favor, and unfitness for such a business, yet apprehending ourselves to be called of God to put ourselves in a way of church-commu- nion together, and to seek the settlement of all the gospel-institu- tions among us, do therefore, in order thereunto, and for the better promoting thereof, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ for help, covenant as follows :-
"1. We profess to believe the Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be the word of God, and the rule of our faith and manners.
" 2. We do also combine to walk together as a particular church of Christ according to all these holy rules of the gospel, pre- scribed to such a society, so far as we do or shall understand the mind of God, revealed to us in this respect.
"3. We do recognize the covenant of grace, in which we pro- fessedly acknowledge ourselves devoted to the service of the only true God, our Supreme Lord, and to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prophet, Priest, and King of his church, unto the conduct of whose Spirit we submit ourselves, and on whom alone we rely for par- don, grace, and glory ; to whom we bind ourselves in an everlasting covenant never to be forgotten.
"4. We likewise give ourselves one unto another in the Lord to cleave to each other as fellow-members of one body in brotherly love, and holy watchfulness over one another for mutual edifica-
155
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
tion, and to submit ourselves to all the holy administrations appointed by Him who is the Head of the church, dispensed according to the rules of the gospel, and to give our steady attendance on all the public ordinances of Christ's institutions, walking orderly as becometh saints.
"5. We do also acknowledge our posterity to be included with us in the gospel-covenant; and, blessing God for such a favor, do promise to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord with the greatest care.
"6. Further, we promise to be careful to procure the settlement and continuance among us of such officer or officers as are ap- pointed by Christ, the Chief Shepherd, for the edification of his church, and accordingly to do our duty faithfully for their main- tenance and encouragement, and to carry towards them as it becomes us.
"7. Finally, we do acknowledge and promise to preserve com- munion with the orderly, regular, and faithful churches of Christ in all such ways as we shall judge agreeable to the gospel. Now, the good Lord be merciful unto us; and, as he hath put it into our hearts thus to devote ourselves to him, may he pity and pardon our frailties, humble us out of all carnal confidence, and keep it for ever upon our hearts to be faithful to him and to one another for his praise and our everlasting good, for Christ Jesus his sake, to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
The people of Dublin had preaching occasionally before the town was incorporated. The earliest intimation that this was the case is found in the following letter : -
" KEENE, MAY 28, 1764.
"To Mr. Thomas Morse: Sir, -I received yours this day, in which you desired me to inform you when I can attend your lec- ture. I have considered it, and will do my endeavor to wait on you next week, on Wednesday, at two o'clock in the afternoon.
"I am, Sir, yours,
" CLEMENT SUMNER."
It is probable that other ministers in the vicinity preached, at different times, for the new settlers in Dublin. Having come from towns in which the institutions of Christianity were maintained, they severely felt the deprivations to which they were subjected, and they would not fail to secure a preacher as often as practicable ; if not on the sabbath, yet on week-days. The widow of Ivory Perry, when at the age of ninety-two, had a distinct recollection of many events in the early history of the town ; and she said, that the Rev. Mr. Locke, of Sherborn, rode to Dublin on horseback, in
156
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
the autumn of 1767, and preached on the sabbath at the house of Eli Morse; and that, on the same day, he baptized a daughter of Mr. Morse, to whom the name Sally, or Sarah, was given. Thaddeus Morse, Esq., a son of Eli Morse, was, at that time, four or five years old; and he was heard to say, that he distinctly remembered the occasion, and especially a question which he put to his mother, after hearing some conversation about Mr. Locke's coming there to preach. "I asked her," he said, " what do folks do when they preach ?" Mrs. Perry thought that a Mr. Wil- liams preached once or twice at the house of William Greenwood. Mr. Farrar preached twelve sabbaths before he received an invitation to settle. This is shown by a receipt in full, which he gave to Thomas Morse and Henry Strongman. The amount received was fourteen pounds eight shillings, or four dollars per sabbath.
The salary voted to Mr. Farrar (£40, or $133.33) seems very small, when compared with the salaries of the present day. But we know that money was more valuable at that period. By an account-book of Deacon Eli Morse's, it appears that the Rev. Joseph Farrar boarded for some time in his family, and the charge per week was only four shil- lings. If other things were proportionally as cheap as board, then Mr. Farrar's salary of forty pounds, with the right to land, and the addition granted as the town increased, would more than equal in real value such salaries as are paid, at the present day, in towns whose inhabitants are chiefly devoted to agriculture.
From the account given by those who lived at the period of Mr. Farrar's ministry, he was considered as a man of more than ordinary talents, and faithful in discharging the duties of his office. But, after two or three years, his health became poor, and he began to entertain strange fancies. He imagined that he had persons in his flock, especially certain women, who were plotting against him, or striving, by im- proper means, to monopolize his favorable regards. He erected a small house on his lot of land, and for a time lived in it entirely alone. His mind, however, became so impressed with the reality of his imaginations, that he introduced the subject into his public prayers on the sab- bath. This could not be borne without remonstrance from some of his people, and a general dissatisfaction soon pre- vailed.
157
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
After several town-meetings had been held, and votes passed as stated in the address, the church took up the sub- ject ; and, at a meeting, Nov. 20, 1775, chose Deacon Eli Morse moderator.
" Then voted to call a council of churches to hear the difficul- ties subsisting in the church, and to give advice.
" Voted to send to five churches, viz. : the church at New Ips- wich, the church at Swanzey, the church at Fitzwilliam, the church at Sherborn, and the church at Temple.
" Then chose Deacon Eli Morse, Deacon Benjamin Learned, Joseph Greenwood, William Greenwood, and Joseph Twitchell, for a committee to send the letters missive to the churches above named, to provide entertainment for said council, and to lay the difficulties before the council."
The council were to meet on the 6th of December ; and, on that day, three of the pastors, with seven delegates, met, and the following is the result; the original of which, in the handwriting of Rev. Mr. Goddard, has been pre- served : -
" The churches of Christ in New Ipswich, Swanzey, Fitzwil- liam, by their elders and delegates, and the church of Temple by their delegates, having met at Dublin at the house of Mr. Joseph Greenwood, in consequence of letters missive from the brethren of the church in Dublin, - previous to their forming into an eccle- siastical council, desired the Rev. Mr. Farrar, of Dublin, and the church under his pastoral care, to try if they could come into measures for a mutual council; and, upon the brethren exhibiting their articles of grievance against the Rev. Mr. Farrar, and signi- fying that they were all the matters of complaint they had against him, he readily agreed to join with them in requesting the churches now met to form into an ecclesiastical council, and take them under their consideration, and give their advice; and that the council should be to all intents as though Mr. Farrar had joined with the church in sending out the letters missive. Whereupon -
" The churches aforesaid, at the mutual desire of the pastor and church in Dublin, formed into an ecclesiastical council on Decem- ber 6th, 1775, and chose the Rev. Mr. Farrar, of New Ipswich, moderator; and the Rev. Mr. Goddard, of Swanzey, scribe; and after solemn and fervent prayer to the Father of lights and Head of all gracious influences for light and direction, took into their serious consideration the unhappy uneasiness subsisting between the reverend pastor and the church, and, after a full hearing and careful examination, came into the following resolves :-
158
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
" 1. It is the opinion of this council, that, in the instances com- plained of, the Rev. Mr. Farrar has given the church real cause for uneasiness ; but that it has proceeded from bodily disorders, which have greatly affected his mind, and not from any moral cause.
" 2. Although the brethren of the church may not, in this time of difficulty and temptation, in the particular instance of calling this council, have acted with so much prudence and caution as we could have wished; yet it is our opinion, that, making proper allowances for infirmities and temptations, and duly exercising Christian charity, there is nothing but what may be mutually over- looked and forgiven both by the pastor and the people.
"3. Although under present circumstances we cannot think it would be either for the glory of God, or for the comfort and edi- fication either of the Rev. Mr. Farrar, or the people of God in this place, for him to proceed in his administrations unto them at present ; yet, considering the sacredness and importance of the relation between a minister of Christ and his people, we cannot think that that relation ought ever to be rashly and hastily dis- solved; and, considering the cause from which we apprehend the uneasiness has arisen, we cannot but hope, that, by the blessing of God in the use of proper medicines, Mr. Farrar may be restored to health and usefulness again, and he and this people be mutually happy in their present relation.
" Therefore we would seriously advise, that the Rev. Mr. Far- rar be suspended from the exercise of his ministerial office in this place for the space of six months ; and, in the meantime, we would earnestly recommend to him that he would apply himself to some able and experienced physician. At the same time, we would seriously advise and earnestly recommend it to the beloved flock, that they also, for the above said term, continue in the exercise of that Christian patience, charity, and moderation, under their pre- sent troubles, which they have heretofore exercised, in general, to a very remarkable and commendable degree; hoping that their reverend pastor may be restored to health and a sound mind, and that their present uneasiness may be fully removed; but, if the present uneasiness should remain at the end of that term, and matters of difficulty not be accommodated, we then advise that the Rev. Mr. Farrar ask, and the church vote, a dissolution of the relation, under the moderation of the two senior pastors of this council, who are thereupon to declare the relation dissolved.
" Upon the whole, we can't but sincerely lament the unhappy difficulties which have sprung up to the disturbance of that peace which has been happily enjoyed in this place heretofore; and would recommend it to all who are immediately concerned herein, to be much in the exercise of prayer and watchfulness; that they mutually study the things that make for peace, and wherewith one may edify another ; praying that the God of peace would enrich
159
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
them with all spiritual blessings, and promote the interests of his kingdom among them.
" Zedekiah Drury. Samuel Hills. John Cragin, jun. Isaac Appleton. Benjamin Gibbs. John Lock. John Hassett.
" STEPHEN FARRAR, Moderator. BENJAMIN BRIGHAM. EDWARD GODDARD, Scribe.
" A true copy. Attest: EDW. GODDARD, Scribe.
" DUBLIN, Dec. 7, 1775."
"This result being published to the pastor and church in Dublin, the pastor, being asked whether he could accept it, signified his acceptance, with this reserve, that it should not be construed in any way, to cut himself off from seeking further light and satis- faction.
"The church also unanimously signified their compliance with the result ; with the proviso, that Mr. Farrar's salary cease during his suspension, to which Mr. Farrar also agreed, in presence of the council. Attest : EDW. GODDARD, Scribe."
During Mr. Farrar's suspension from the exercise of the ministerial office, the town employed Mr. Benjamin Chad- wick to preach. This is known from charges for board and horse-keeping made in the town-records, and from a receipt, signed by him, dated April 3, 1776.
Before the term of suspension expired, the two senior pastors of the council were requested to meet at Dublin, and dismiss Mr. Farrar. The following is the record of the proceedings on the occasion : -
" Agreeable to the result of an ecclesiastical council, met at Dublin, Dec. 6, 1775, the Rev. Mr. Farrar and the church being together, Mr. Farrar presented the following paper to the church :-
" To the Church of Christ in Dublin.
"Brethren, - An uneasiness remaining on my part, as to the matter referred to in the result of the council convened at Dublin, Dec. 6, 1775 ; and as, by your and my acceptance of their result, I am obliged to ask, and you to grant, a dissolution of my pastoral relation to you on June 7, 1776, - agreeably thereto, I ask you to vote a dissolution of my pastoral relations to you.
" JOSEPH FARRAR.
" DUBLIN, June 7, 1776."
-
160
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
"The above being communicated, it was then proposed to the church that they would dismiss the Rev. Mr. Joseph Farrar from his relation to them as pastor.
" Passed unanimously in the affirmative.
"Attest : STEPHEN FARRAR. BENJAMIN BRIGHAM."
At a meeting of the inhabitants on the same day, June 7, " Voted the dismission of Mr. Joseph Farrar from his pastoral relations to the town. Voted that the selectmen hire preaching six months ; to provide three preachers, if they can find them ; preaching to begin as soon as may be."
Whether the selectmen found three preachers, and em- ployed them, that year, is not known; but, from receipts that have been preserved, it appears that two preachers were obtained ; for, July 30, 1776, Cornelius Waters received four pounds sixteen shillings for preaching four sabbaths ; and, Dec. 16, 1776, Aaron Hutchinson, jun., received a like sum for the same number of sabbaths. Mr. Waters was afterwards settled in Ashby, Mass.
There was some difficulty in coming to a final settlement with Mr. Farrar ; and a town-meeting, May 19, 1777, " voted to buy Mr. Joseph Farrar's land in this town; and that Capt .- Thomas Morse and Capt. Moses Adams be a committee to go to Mr. Farrar, and purchase said land for the town."
The above committee effected the purchase of the land and the house ; but it appears that Mr. Farrar did not clear the house of incumbrance ; and in January, 1778, the com- mittee gave Eli Morse a power of attorney, in the following form : -
" Know all men by these presents, that we, Thomas Morse and Moses Adams, both of Dublin, in the county of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire (gentlemen), for divers considerations and good causes hereunto moving us, have made, ordained, con- stituted, and appointed, and by these presents do make, ordain, constitute, and appoint, our trusty friend, Eli Morse, of Dublin aforesaid (yeoman), our lawful attorney to notify and warn Mr. Joseph Farrar, of Lincoln, in the county of Middlesex, and State of Massachusetts Bay (clerk), forthwith to clear the house of all incumbrance, which we, the said Thomas Morse and Moses Adams, bought of said Farrar.
161
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
" In witness whereof, we have set our hands and seals, this eighth day of January, 1778.
" THOMAS MORSE. [Seal. ] MOSES ADAMS. [Seal.]
" Signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of us.
Attest : "John Muzzy: Simeon Bullard."
It is probable that the Rev. Mr. Farrar had enlisted in the army before he could conveniently move his effects ; and though the town of Lincoln was his home, yet he was absent, and could not attend to the matter. It is known that he served as a chaplain, for a time, in the revolutionary war; but when and where he enlisted, or how long he served, is not known. Great pains were taken after his death to ascertain the facts in the case, that his widow might obtain the pension, which was her due, but, as we suppose, without success. The incumbrance, for the removal of which the above power of attorney was given, remained ; and the removal was effected at last by a civil process.
The difficulties by which Mr. Farrar's ministry was ter- minated, produced among his people an alienation of feeling which caused them to have little interest in him in subse- quent years. Although he was afterwards settled in the town of Dummerston, Vt., not many miles distant, yet few persons in Dublin knew whither he went, or what fortunes befell him.
From a memoir of the "Farrar Family" in the New England Historical and Genealogical Register of October, 1852, we take the following account of Joseph Farrar, the first minister of Dublin : -
" Joseph Farrar, third and youngest son of George Farrar, of Lincoln, was born June 30, 1744; graduated at Harvard in 1767; settled as a minister in New Hampshire, June 10, 1772; dis- missed June 10, 1776 ; married Mary Brooks, of Grafton, Mass., July 28, 1779 ; installed at Dummerston, Vt., August 24, 1779; dismissed, 1783 ; again settled at Eden, Vt., December 15, 1812, till December 14, 1815; removed to Petersham, Mass., where he died April 5, 1816, æ. 72. His wife, born February 4, 1755, still lives (October, 1852) at Petersham. Children: 1. Joseph, born April 4, 1780 ; married November 9, 1806 ; farmer in Peters- ham; has two sons, Gardner F., in Fitchburg, and Joseph, in Lowell. 2. Mary, born October 18, 1781; died April 13, 1786. 3. Joel Brooks, born July 28, 1784; died April 13, 1786. 4.
21
162
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
Reuel, born November 5, 1786, lives in Petersham. 5. Anna, born February 10, 1789; married January 30, 1815, 1st, - Stevens ; 2d, Josiah S. Prentice, of Oxford, Mass., September 7, 1828. 7. Sally, born January 20, 1794; married June, 1843. 8. Humphrey, born August 13, 1798; married June, 1827; lives in Petersham. Rev. Joseph Farrar was a man of great eccen- tricity, amounting occasionally to absolute derangement of mind."
Judge Timothy Farrar, of New Ipswich, was his cousin and classmate.
At a town-meeting, August 6, 1777, "the town made choice of Mr. Edward Sprague, to settle with them as their gospel-minister." How many sabbaths he had preached as a candidate is not known; but an affirmative answer was given to the invitation of the town, of which the following is a сору: -
" DUBLIN, Oct. 25, 1777.
" To the Inhabitants of Dublin.
" My dear Friends, - The great and glorious God, who has the hearts of all men in his hands, has put it into your hearts to make choice of me to settle with you in the gospel-ministry, August 6, 1777. My mind, O my friends ! is impressed with the solemnity of the business. As great and important as it is, with a depen- dence upon the all-sufficient Saviour for grace and wisdom to fulfil my ministry, I accept your invitation, and ask your prayers for me that I may be an instrument of great good to your souls, of bringing home to my Saviour the hardened and impenitent, of awakening the careless and secure to save them from death, - eternal death. Pray for me that I may so carefully discharge my duty to your souls as that at last I may be accepted, and have you for my crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord.
" I subscribe myself your affectionate friend,
"EDWARD SPRAGUE.
"N. B. - The liberty granted to Mr. Farrar, of two or three sabbaths to visit my friends, who live at a distance, I ask of you."
The following is an extract from the church-records, as begun by Mr. Sprague : -
" DUBLIN, Nov. 12, 1777.
" The first church of Christ in Cambridge by their delegates, the church of Christ in New Ipswich, Townsend, and Fitzwilliam, by their elders and delegates, having convened at Dublin on November 12, 1777, in consequence of letters missive from the church of Christ in Dublin, and after having read the letter mis- sive: 1. Voted that they would form into an ecclesiastical council.
0
C dovard Sprague
163
HISTORY OF DUBLIN.
2. Voted and made choice of the Rev. Dr. Langdon to be mode- rator of the council. And after prayer to God, the Father of lights, for direction and assistance in the important transaction; voted that Rev. Mr. Brigham should be the scribe of the council. The council then proceeded to the business for which they were con- vened; and having made inquiry, and found that the church had in a proper way and manner called Mr. Sprague to the work of the gospel-ministry among them, and being satisfied with regard to Mr. Sprague's principles and qualifications for the gospel-ministry, voted that they would proceed to the ordination of Mr. Edward Sprague to the work of the gospel-ministry in Dublin, and to the pastoral care of that church. Voted that the Rev. Mr. Farrar, of New Ipswich, give the charge; that the Rev. Mr. Dix, of Town- send, should make the prayer before the charge, and give the right hand of fellowship; that the Rev. Mr. Brigham, of Fitzwilliam, should make the introductory prayer ; and the Rev. Dr. Langdon, the concluding prayer.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.