USA > Vermont > Windham County > Rockingham > Records of the First church of Rockingham, Vermont : from its organization, October 27, 1773, to September 25, 1839 > Part 3
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May 31. Married Ebenezer Stoell & Parmela Whitney of Rockingham June 3 Baptized Ira Son of Jehiel & Mary Webb.
June 23. Married Leonard Reed & Esther Gould of Rockingham July 19 Married Elisha Wright of Rutland & Judith Wright of Rock- ingham
July 3. Baptiz'd Eli Son of Reuben & Eunice Jones.
July 22. Baptiz'd Sabra Daughter of Oliver & Hannah Lovell.
July 29. Baptiz'd Olive Daughter of Daniel & Olive Edson.
August 19. John Ellis was Propounded to the Chh.
Ang. 26 Lecta Evans was propounded to the Chh.
Aug. 31. Chh Tarried after Lecture & receiv'd into their Communion Daniel & Olive Edson being recommended from Bridgwater Chh.
Sept 2. Receiv'd JJohn Ellis & Lecta Evans into the Chh also Plebe Stoell made publick Confession & was propounded to the Chh.
Sept. 9. Baptiz'd Charlotte, Samuel, Polly & Chloe Children of John & Urana Ellis .- also propounded Elisabeth Fuller to the Chh.
Octob. 21. Baptiz'd Salome Daughter of Caleb & Elisabeth Church
Octob. 28. Receiv'd Phebe Stoell into the Chh.
Octob. 30. Baptiz'd by Mr Houston Jane Daughter of George & Nancy McMurphy & Susanna Smith Daughter of Ebenezer & Anne Patterson.
Nov. 4. Baptiz'd Parthenia Daughter of Elias & Sibbel Olcott.
Nov. 18. Mercy Knights Wife of Elijah Knights made confession & was propounded to the Chh.
Dec. 11. Chh Meeting & the Chh Voted to Comply with the request of the Chh in Cornish & send their Pastor & Delegates to join in Ecclesiastical Council & Chose Jacob Pease & John Lovell Delegates.
Dec. 15. Married Benjamin Parker & Rachel Weatherbee late of Rindge.
Dec. 16. Receiv'd Mercy Knights into the Chh.
Dec. 23. Married Josiah Griswold of Walpole & Susanna Simonds of Rockingham.
Dec. 30. Receiv'd into the Chh Elisabeth Fuller, Brother Joseph Wood & Nathaniel Davis Publickly objecting against it. a Vote was taken. four or more of those Present holding up their hands for it, & none holding up their hands when the Contrary was put.
1782.
Feb. 10. Married Sam Smith of Amherst & Sabra Debelle of Charls- town
Feb. 17 .. Baptiz'd Simeon Son of Elijah Knights & Mercy. a Chh Meeting was appointed on Friday Feb. 224
Feb. 22. Chh met, according to appointment, when it being propos'd to Brother Joseph Wood to inform the Chh what was his Uneasiness. he Said he was uneasy with the Chh for receiving Elisabeth Fuller into Com- munion, the Chh hearing his reasons to Convince them they had done
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Wrong some proposals were made to him which were not satisfactory. the Question being mov'd was put whether the Chh are Satisfied with the Proceedings on Lord's Day December 30th in Receiving Elisabeth Fuller into Communion. passed in the affirmative.
March 24. A Chh Meeting was appointed on the 28th
March 28. Chh Met according to appointment, when a Complaint of Brother Nathaniel Davis & a Complaint of Brother John Lovell against each other were read, & the Chh proceeded to act in the following manner viz
1 The Question was put whether the Chh will act upon the Complaint of Brother Davis against Brother Lovell pass'd in the affirmative.
2. The Question was put whether it appears to the Chh that Brother Davis by the Evidence exhibited has supported his Complaint against Mr Lovell. pass'd in the Negative.
3 The Question was put whether the Chh will act upon the Complaint of Brother Lovell against Mr Davis pass'd in the Affirmative.
Brother Davis declaring that he had no objection against the Chhs pro- ceeding to act on the affair at this meeting more than at any future time, the Chh proceeded to act.
4. the Question was put whether it appears to the Chh by the Evidence exhibited that Brother Lovell has Supported his Complaint pass'd in the Affirmative.
5. Voted that the Chh Meeting be adjourned to the first Monday in May.
April 7. Propounded to the Chh William Harris
April 11. Married Isaac Stearns & Jane White of Rockingham
May 5 Receiy'd William Harris into the Chh.
May 6. Chh Met according to Adjournment. .
1 The Question was put whether Peter Evans & Elias Olcott shall Continue Deacons, of the Chh, & whether Deacon Evans on account of his Age & Infirmities shall be excus'd from providing for & Serving at the Table as he requests. pass'd in the Affirmative.
2 Chose Jacob Pease for a third Deacon.
the Meeting was then adjourned till next Sabbath Evening
May 9. Married Ephraim Guild of Chester & Philena Wright of Rockingham.
May 19. Chh Tarried according to adjournment, when a Draught of an Admonition was read &
The Question was put whether the Pastor should send this Admonition to Brother Nathaniel Davis in the Name of the Chh pass'd in the Affirmative.
May 26. Baptiz'd Electa Daughter of Asher & Electa Evans.
May 29. Married Thomas Davenport & Zipporah Gay of Rock.
June 9. Baptiz'd Lucinda Daughter of Phebe Stoell.
June 16. Evening Married Elisha Knights & Phebe Stoell of Rock
June 20. Married John Baker & Experience Gibbs, William Stearns Lydia Glazier Ebenezer Pulsipher & Unity Reed all of this Town.
June 30. Propounded Jonas Hazeltine to the Chh. also at Evening Married Daniel Richards & Sally Field of Rockingham
July 21 Baptiz'd Sapphira Daughter of Sylvanus & Naomi Kingsley
Aug. 4. Baptiz'd Patty daughter of Johnson.
Aug. 18. Propounded to the Chh Sarah the Wife of John Cooper.
Sept. 1. Chh tarried after Divine Service & upon hearing & consider-
ing the Request of Brother Nathaniel Davis comply'd therewith & Voted
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to the Matter of M' Davis Grievance to the Association, & Chose the Deacons with the Pastor to represent the matter in behalf of the Chh to them At the Meeting of the Association but two Ministers were Present viz Mr Goodhue & M' Williams who declin'd attending to the Matter or giving their Advice.
Sept 15. Baptiz'd Elijah Son of Ebenezer & Rachel Albee also pro- ponnded Vashti Evans to the Chh.
Sept 22 Receiv'd Sarah Cooper into the Chh
Nov. 10. Received Vashti Evans into the Chh. & Baptiz'd Eli Son of Eli & Hannah Evans.
Dec. 22. Propound Priscilla Pulsipher to the Chh
Chh tarried Read a Draught of a Letter to Thomas Chandler Jabez Sargeants & others in Chester. Voted that it be sent.
2. Voted that Deac. Pease Jehiel Webb Peter Evans Junt William Simonds & Daniel Edson be a Committee to Confer with Brother Joseph Woods & with Jonas Hazeltine.
1783.
January 26. Baptiz'd Abigail Daughter of Samuel & Mary Whiting Chh tarried, the Committee Chosen to Confer with Joseph Woods & Jonas Hazeltine make Report to the Chh. 1 The Question was put whether the Chh were willing to Receive
Jonas Hazeltine into Communion, it was no vote being a tie.
2 Whether the Chli were Satisfied that the Chh Covenant Should stand as it does passed in the affirmative
A Draught of a Second Admonition to Mr Davis was read
3. Voted that the Pastor send this Second Admonition to Mr Davis in the Name of the Chh.
April 20. Chh tarried Read to them a Letter from Thomas Chandler Clerk of the Chh in Chester. & a draught of answer to the Chh in Ches- ter. Voted that it be sent.
April 27. Baptiz'd John Son of John & Urana Ellis
May 4. Baptiz'd Martha Daughter of Jolin & Martha Lovell. Pro- pounded Rhoda Fuller to the Chh.
May 11. Receiv'd Priscilla Pulsipher into the Chh.
May 18. Appointed a Chh Meeting to be on Wednesday 21 Instant
May 21 Chh met according to appointment. Mr Davis being under the Admonition of the Chh. desir'd that the Chh would join with him in Calling a Council to hear & advise as to his Matter of grievance.
1 Voted to Call a Council of Neighbouring Chhs for this purpose viz Charlestown Walpole & Westminster, these being agreed to by Mr Davis.
2. Made Choice of Deac Pease Mr Edson & Peter Evans Junt with the Pastor to be a Committee with Mr Davis to Send the Letters Missive.
3. Made choice of the three Deacons John Lovell Daniel Edson Peter Evans Junr with the Pastor as a Committee to prepare matters to lay before the Council.
4 the Question was put whether the Chh were willing to dismiss & Recommend Brother Joseph Wood to any Chih of our Communion, upon their being Satisfied that he has attended on Publick Worship & Ordi- nances in such Chh for some considerable time Pass'd in the Affirmative June 29. Receiv'd Rhoda Fuller into the Chh. also Baptiz'd Elisabeth Stoell & Samuel Woods Children of David & Priscilla Pulsipher
July 6. After Publick Worship Brother Nathaniel Davis desiring the Congregation to Stop, read to them a paper in these Words or nearly. If
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I have said any thing that has given just Occasion of Offence to any in this Chh I am sorry for it.
July 6. Chh Tarried after Publick Worship
1 The Question was put, whether the Pastor be directed to Examine particularly all that offer themselves to be propounded to the Chh as to their Sentiments respecting Infant Baptism & if they do not hold to Infant Baptism as it is generally held to in the Congregational Chhs, & do not think it their Duty to bring their Children to Baptism in Infancy, that it be mention'd to the Chh when they are propounded, & if they are receiv'd into the Chh be matter of Record. pass'd in the affirmative.
2. The Question was put whether the Chh would receive Jonas Hazle- tine into their Communion & under their Watch & Care, & that it be Re- corded that he didn't hold to Infant Baptism. Pass'd in the Affirmative.
3. Receiv'd Sarah Roundy into the Chh being recommended from the Chh in Ware.
July 27. Receiv'd Jonas Hazletine into the Chh, also Baptiz'd Eben- ezer & Mary Children of Jonathan & Rhoda Fuller.
August 3. Baptiz'd Elisabeth Daughter of Lemuel & Sargeants August 14 Married David Campbell & Amela Johnson of Rockingham. August 20 Daniel Edson & Elenor Richards appear'd & he took her as his Wedded Wife & she took Him as her Wedded Husband.
Augst 24. Baptiz'd Hannah Daughter of Jehiel & Mary Webb Chh tarried read a Confession of Mr Davis Chh Voted it Satisfactory
Sept 7 Baptiz'd Abigail Daughter of John & Whitney
October 26 Baptiz'd Lynde & Polly Children of William & Susanna Simonds.
December 14 Chh Tarried after Divine Service When a Complaint of Nathaniel Davis against John Lovell & others was read & another against Daniel Edson.
1 Voted that the Chh would not act on the Complaint against John Lovell & others
2. Voted that the Complaint against Daniel Edson lie for the Present & that Mr Edson have further opportunity to make Satisfaction to the Chh, if he should see fit.
1784
Feb. 19. Chh met according to appointment at Mr Whitings, the Meet- ing being open'd, MT Davis withdrew his Complaint against Mr Edson, Mr Edson having given him full Satisfaction
May 2. a Chh Meeting was appointed to be on thursday following at the Meeting house, at 12 oClock, & an Invitation & Desire was made to the Congregation that any of them who had any matters which they de- sir'd to Communicate to the Chh, or any grievances in respect to any of the Regulations of the Chh, that they would attend & be free in Opening their minds to the Chh.
May 6. Chh Met according to Appointment, when Some of the Con- gregation being present, they Made request to the Chh, that there might be a door Open for the Baptism of the Children of Such as had Scruples upon their minds about Coming to the Table of the Lord & yet were willing to enter into Covenant & put themselves under the Watch & Care of the Chh, & offer'd further that they Consider'd this as a Priveledge which they had a right to Demand, as they understood that the Cambridge Platform was to be the Rule by which the Chh was to govern themselves by. After Con- siderable Conference, it was agreed upon that for the purpose of Coming
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to some mutual Agreement three members of the Chh should be Chosen to Join with three persons of the Congregation, as a Committee with the Pas- tor to devise & form some Rule of proceeding to be laid before the Chh, in order for their Acceptance, & voting it as a Rule of Proceeding in the Chh. the Chh made Choice of Deac" Peas, Peter Evans JunT & Jehiel Webb, to join with John Herod, Charles Richards & Caleb Church, who were Chosen on the part of the Congregation, which Committee were to meet at the Revd Mr Whitings on thursday, the 27th of May, at Noon.
May 23 Chh Tarried & Voted to Dismiss & Recommend Elenor Pres- ton from this Chh to the Chh in Rutland.
June 6. Chh Tarried after Divine Service & there was read to them the draught of a Vote agreed upon by the Committee Chosen for that pur- pose, & it was Voted that a Chh Meeting be appointed to Consider & Act upon the Same, & a Chh Meeting was appointed accordingly to be at the Meeting House on Tuesday the 15th of June Instant at one oClock in the afternoon.
June 15 Chh met according to Appointment & being open'd with Prayer, the Draught of a Vote under Consideration was again Read, when after Considerable Conference & Debate on the Matter, the Vote was put whether the Draught should be receiv'd & it pass'd in the Negative, there being a Considerable part that did 'nt Vote either way. after Considerable further Conference & Debate, the Question was put
1 Whether the last Vote should be reconsider'd & pass'd in the Affir- mative.
2. Whether the Draught under Consideration should be adopted as a Rule of Proceeding in the Chh so long as the Chh perceiv'd any good effects of the Same & pass'd in the Affirmative.
the Vote Pass'd is as follows.
This Chh taking into Consideration the Uneasiness of Numbers of the Congregation & their request that they might enjoy a Supposed Prive- ledge of having the Ordinance of Baptism administred to their Children, tho they do not Come up to the Table of the Lord & join in full Com- munion with the Chh-a liberty which is granted in many Chhs of our Com- munion tho not so generally as formerly
Voted
1. That the Chh cannot Consider it to be a profession of Faith in Christ & Obedience to him, while a Reserve is made as to Coming up to the Sacrament of the Supper, & while there is no profession of Obedience to this Dying Command of the Saviour.
2. That the Chh would Charitably Suppose that such Adult persons as had been Baptiz'd & thereby bro't into the Chh in their Infancy & of good Moral Behaviour, did not mean to renounce their Baptism, reject the Au- thority watch & Discipline of the Chh or Disclaim all Priveledges from it; by their neglect in not answering the Design of their early Baptism, even to profess faith in Christ & Obedience to Him & thereby make it Their own Act & Deed in a professed & publick manner
3 That the Chh are willing that Baptism be administered to the Chil- dren of all Such of whom they can have this Charitable Thot as mention'd in the preceding Vote & would desire their Pastor thus to practice.
4 Voted that such as have been guilty of Moral Scandal do make Christian Satisfaction therefor in order to their receiving any Priveledge in the Way above mentioned.
5 That the Applying for any Priveledge in the Chh shall be under-
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stood as an acknowledgment of the Authority of the Chh over such as Apply & that it be Consider'd as an actual putting themselves under the Watch & Care of the Chh & that they receive Priveledges no longer than they submit to the Authority & Discipline of the Chh.
6. That such as do receive Baptism for their Children or any Prive- ledge in the Way above mentioned do make a Publick Profession of their Beleif of the Christian Religion, do acknowledge the Validity of their own Baptism in Infancy, & their Beleif of the Scriptural Right of Administr- ing Baptism to the Infants of such as are members of the Visible Chh, & the propriety of the Mode as practic'd in our Chhs. that they promise to bring up their Children in the Nurture & Admonition of the Lord & will submit to the Discipline of the Chh exercis'd in a Reasonable & Gospel method.
7. That the Pastor propound such as apply for receiving Priveledges at least one Week before they are received to Priveledges & he is desir'd & directed to enquire of all applying whether they have for some Reasonable term of time Statedly read Gods Word & pray'd in their Families, & care- fully attended on the Worship of God with their Families on the Lords Day & unless they can Answer in the Affirmative in these Points, not to propound them to Priveledges as without the Practice of these things the Chh cannot Consider that there is any kind of Security for the good Edu- cation of the Baptiz'd Children or any reasonable Expectation of it.
8. Voted that inasmuch as there may be very particular Caution & Care needful, in directing persons who may apply for Priveledges, and as to propounding them to the Chh ; Agreable to the Desire of the Pastor the Chh do appoint a Committee of the Chh for his help & assistance, whom the Pastor may at any time call to his assistance in any matter of Doubt & to whom he may send any applying persons, to obtain their Consent in order to be propounded, & it is understood that the Committee assist the Pastor in any other matters ; & that this method be Continued in the Chh so long as the good Tendency & effects of it appear.
9 that Daniel Edson, Jehiel Webb, & Deac" Jacob Pease be the Com- mittee for Purposes abovementioned so long as they shall be willing to afford their Service to the Pastor & Chh & give satisfaction to the Chh therein.
July 10 Chh Tarried after Publick Worship & Voted that David Stanley, Jonas Hazeltine & Ebenezer Clark be mention'd to the Congre- gation to see if it is agreable to them that these assist with Mr. Webb in setting the Psalm & leading in singing.
It was mentioned & no Objection made.
1785
Jan. 22. appointed Chh Meeting on 26th
Jan 26. Chh Met & adjourned till Sabbath Evening the 29th after Publick Exercises.
Jan 29. Chh Tarried after Publick Worship & there appearing to be such Objection against granting the Request of Deacon Jacob Peas & brother Ebenezer Fuller as to the Baptism of their grandchildren, that it was not thot adviseable to put the Vote and the Chh Meeting was dismiss'd without acting upon any thing.
Feb. 26. the Confession of Jacob Peas Jun' was Read to the Chh & Congregation
March 26. read a Letter missive from Westminster Chh.
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1
Voted to send to Join in Council according to their request
2. Voted that Deac" Peter Evans be Delegate for that Purpose.
June 11. Chh Tarried, & Voted that Daniel Edson have a Certificate of his Regular Standing in this Chh.
June 25. Chh & Congregation tarried after Publick Worship When Brother Daniel Edson preferred a Certificate from the Anabaptist Chh in Richmond as follows
Richmond June 19 1786
These may Certify that the first Baptist Chh of Christ in Richmond hath receiv'd Daniel Edson into Fellowship as a Christian, & to Baptism, & do Stand Ready to receive him to full Fellowship & Communion, as a member of this Church when he is Dismiss'd from the Chh where he now belongs
Maturean Ballou Pastor of the Church
Upon Mr Edson Desiring a Dismission to Richmond Chh. a Form was read which was Voted & is Conceiv'd in these Words & Terms
Rockingham June 26th 1786
Whereas Brother Daniel Edson having been Dismiss'd and recommended from the fourth Chh of Christ in Bridgwater was receiv'd into our Com- munion & under our Particular Watch some years past, these may Certify of his regular & Christian Walk among Us so far as we know. And Whereas he has by a Certificate from Us apply'd to the Ana-Baptist Chh of Christ in Richmond & receiv'd Baptism there according to his Mind & has manifested his desire to Us of being Dismiss'd to Sª Chh. these may Certify also that upon his being admitted into that Chh. we shall Consider him dismiss'd from Us, & no longer under our particular Watch & Care. Wishing him the Divine Presence & Blessing & that Grace Mercy Peace Love & Charity may be multiplied to you the Chh of Christ in Richmond We Subscribe Your Brethren in our Common Lord.
To the Chh in Richmond.
Samuel Whiting Pastor in the Name & by the Vote of the Chh
2. Upon the Request of Sister Naomi Kingsley Voted that She have a Letter of Dismission & Recommendation to the Christian People where she lives.
3. Upon the request of Sister Vashti Trott Voted that she have a Let- ter of Dismission & Recommendation to the Chh of Christ in Walpole.
Nov. 26. Chh Tarried after public Exercise & made Choice of Peter Evans Jun" to be one of their Committee, Daniel Edson having Left Us & Joined a Baptist Chh. also read to them a Complaint against the Pastor for Maladministration by Nath1 Davis.
1787
Nov. 11. Communicated to the Chh a letter missive from the Chh of Christ in Reading Voted to Send to Assist in the Ordination of Mr Sar- geants there & made Choice of Dean Jacob Peas & Peter Evans Jun" as Delegates with the Pastor for that purpose.
1788. Nov. 2 Communicated to the Chh a Letter Missive from the Chh & People in Thomlinson, & agreable to their desire Voted to Assist in
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the Ordination of Mr Hall, & made Choice of Deach Peter Evans as a Delegate with the Pastor for that Purpose.
Nov. 23. Voted to dismiss & Recommend Brother George Wood & his Wife to Fitzburg Chh.
1789. June 6. Communicated to the Chh a letter Missive from the Christian Catholic Society in Windsor. & agreable to there request Voted to Send a Delegate to assist in Council at the Ordination of Mr Shuttles- worth & made Choice of Jehiel Webb Esqr as a delegate to go with the Pastor.
1790
Nov. 21. Ebenezer Clark made public Confession of the Sin of Intem- perance
1791 June 26. read a letter from Woodstock Chh desiring assistance by Pastor & Delegates to Sit in Council to hear their Difficulties & re- sult [?] thereon. the Chh Voted to Comply with their request & Chose Deac" Elias Olcott & Asher Evans Delegates. but upon their not being able to attend, made Choice of Ebenezer Fuller & David Stanley for Dele- gates
1793
July 7. Chh Tarried after Publick Worship & made Choice of Mr Philip Davis as Chorister (with M' Stanley before Chosen) to the Chh.
1794 Sept. 21. Chh Tarried & appointed a Church Meeting next thursday 2 oclock afternoon to Advise & Consult with Mr Whiting as to the propriety & Expediency of his Asking a Dismission. Met according to appointment, but pass'd no Vote after Some Conference upon the Diffi- cult & unhappy Situation of the Town. It was generally thot best to make some further Trial, to see if unhappy prejudice might not more wear away, & a Spirit of Religion, of Charity & for Supporting Gospel Order & Worship, more take place
1795
Octobr 25. Chh tarried & read to them a Letter from the Chh & Con- gregation in Wardsborough requesting to attend Ordination there Nov. 4th Chh Voted to Send & Chose Jehiel Webb, & Ebenezer Fuller Delegates
1798.
March 5 1798 the Chh met, being notified by a letter sent to each Member by the Pastor, being met at M' Whitings house, & the Meeting being open'd, the Pastor introduced the Conference & business, by reading the following Statement of facts & proposals for Consideration.
Brethren.
I have Called you together without any particular request having been made therefor. And it may be expected that I open the Meeting, by Sug- gesting Some Reasons, & making some Statement of the Situation of the Chh. & the State of Religion among us, & the matters, which may be proper for the Chh to attend to.
The Chh in this Town was gathered & Organized on the Day of my Ordination October 27 1773. It was Composed of the Pastor Elect & eleven other Male Members, who had made a Christian Profession & had belonged to other Clihs, & most of them had letters of Recommendation ; two of these eleven were residents of Chester, the others were of Rocking-
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ham. Publick Worship & Ordinances were divided between Rockingham & Chester for five years. at the Close of these five years, there was some small additions to the Chh in Rockingham & Chester ; And as they had never practiced much in attending at each others Communions they Considerd themselves as Separate & Distinct Churches.
The Chh in Rockingham however soon called upon Chester members & they by sending us a Copy of their Covenant & proceedings gave us full satisfaction that they were duly Organized & regularly separated from us as a distinct Chh. during the first five years two of the first nine who sub- scribed the Covenant were removed by Death. Since the first gathering of the Chh, about 70 have been received, some of whom have been removd by Death, others have removed from us to other places Some have so left us in principle as to have left our Communion, & there remains now about 50, little more than 12 are Males, a Considerable part of the male members are aged, & the active part of the Chh are about as small as when I was ordained.
It pleased Providence to remove from the Chh some years past & soon after each other three Deacons who as it were began with us, & were great supporters & helpers to further Religion among us.
The unhappy disputes in Politics which at several times have run so high among us, have evidently been unfavourable to the flourishing of Religion, the Disputes & divisions in respect to Religious principles which have had a great run among us, tho' they may not have lessened the Quantity of Religion, have been unfavourable to the Communion & Numbers of the Chh. The increase of Wealth in this Town & the Introduction of Luxu- ries, the Changes in Civil Government, the endeavours & attempts which have been made for Obtaining some Publick funds for providing a decent house & supporting Publick Worship therein, & the disappointments which attended these attempts, & the common Disputes which have arisen in Civil matters, all have evidently appeared unfavourable to the flourishing state of outward Religion among us. the mention of these general things read- ily reminds us of the great Share of Calamity's which we have suffered & been carried thro'. Our present weakness, & the frowns of Heaven which are upon us need not be dissembled & every private View may well be swallow'd up in a regard for Religion & Community. At the present pop- ulous State of the Town, & its great increase in Wealth no decent provision can be made for publick Worship after repeated trials; Without any addi- tion to the Minister's Salary under all the depreciation that attends it It has become more & more burdensome no decent provisions are made for the Administration of Ordinances but not to enlarge upon the peculiar Cir- cumstances of the Town as might easily be done, the Pastor wishes to be encouraged & strengthened, if it can be done consistent with truth & hon- esty, otherways not.
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