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DELIVERED,

9 NOVEMBER, 1817,

THE LORD'S DAY AFTER THE COMPLETION OF A CENTURY FROM
THE GATHERING OF THE CHURCH IN

BROOKLINE,

BY JOHN PIERCE, A. M.

THE FIFTH MINISTER OF BROOKLINE-

The fashion of this world passeth away. The Apostle Pat-l.

One generation passeth away ; and another generation coraeth Solomon-.

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BOSTON,

■PUISTSt) BT JOHN ELIOT; XO. 5 COrHT STZiST.T.

1818.

1 + lrtO

The Author affectionately dedicates the following plain
matters of fact, with the observations suggested by them, to the
beloved church and people of his charge. They may find interest
in details, which to others would appear tediously minute.

He has omitted many things, appropriate to the subject, be-
cause they are already published in his sermon, delivered, 24 Nov.
1805, on the completion of a century from the incorporation of
the town. To this, and particularly to an improved edition, con-
tained in the collections of the Historical Society, Vol. II. JVew
Series, beginning with p. 140, he begs leave to refer for informa-
tion and authorities, relating to the church and town of Brook-
line, which he has neglected to specify in this discourse.

He cannot dismiss the subject, without expressing the devout
wish, that his people may be as anxious to imitate the virtues of
their fathers, as they have been to preserve this tribute to their
memory.

CHURCH CENTURY DISCOURSE.
Zechariah I. 5.

YOUR FATHERS, WHERE ARE THEY ? AND THE PROPHETS,
DO THEY LIVE FOREVER ?

Every reflecting mind at times recurs to past gene-
rations and events. A melancholy pleasure is derived
from examining the place of our fathers' sepulchres,
from holding converse, as it were, with the spirits of
the deceased, from visiting the scenes of their former
toils, sufferings, and enjoyments, and from contempla-
ting the constant, yet gradual changes in the face of
nature and of society.

The associations suggested by such inquiries are
adapted to produce something beyond mere amuse-
ment. They are fraught with useful instruction.
They furnish us with facts important in the conduct of
life. They enable us to discern, and thus caution us
to avoid the errours of those, who have gone before
us. They bring to view whatever was praiseworthy
in their characters, and thus gently allure us-4o~hh«-
itation.

Such reflections, properly conducted, bring home
to our consciences the most forcible demonstration of
the frailty of human life, and the variable and transi-
tory nature of all earthly possessions. They assure
us, that changes similar to those, which we contem-

plate in our predecessors, and in many of our cotem-
poraries, await us, our persons, families, and proper-
ty; and they thus silently, yet powerfully admonish
us to live with reference to infinitely higher objects,
than this world can afford.

Accordingly the sacred writers frequently direct
our minds to such a retrospect. It is suggested by
the inquiries of the prophet. " Your fathers, where
are they? and the prophets, do they live forever?"

In the preceding verse Zechariah reminds the Jews
of the transgressions of their ancestors. The queries
in the text are designed to convey the sentiment, that,
though their fathers are dead, and thoy, who minister-
ed to them, are, in like manner, departed ; yet the
truths, enforced by their ministry, are the same ; and
it is of infinite importance, that they should observe
them.

I have thought, that the solemn inquiries of the
prophet are peculiarly appropriate, at the completion
of a century from the organization of this church.

It appears by our records, that the church of Christ
in this place was gathered, 26 October, 1717. If we
allow for difference of style, a century from this date
was completed, on the sixth of November, which was
the last thursday.

As then, since the last Lord's day, so important an
epoch has arrived in the history of our church, may
not the present opportunity be seriously and profita-
bly employed in such reflections, as the text and the
occasion unitedly suggest ?

" Your fathers, where are they ?" Several succes-
sive generations, it is well known, have passed away,
since the formation of this church. How many more
then, from the earliest settlements in this place, which

were nearly a century sooner, have gone the way,
whence they shall not return ?

We have historical documents to prove, that this
town was inhabited, within three years of the incorpo-
ration of Boston, of which, for more than seventy
years, it formed a part. Yet so few were their num-
bers, and so moderate their circumstances, that we
hear of no place of worship, within the present limits
of this town, for several generations.

Had our fathers contented themselves with lay
preaching, like many of the present day, they might
have had publick worship among themselves. But it
appears to have been a fixed determination, from
which they never departed, to appropriate no place to
this purpose, till they couid provide for a regularly ed-
ucated pastor from the school of the prophets.

Accordingly, for the greater part of a century, they
cheerfully submitted to the inconvenience of attending
publick worship with the first parish in Roxbury, in
such numbers, that a fifth part of the meetinghouse
was devoted to their use.

On the incorporation of this town, 13 November,
1705, O. S. measures were soon projected for the
erection of a house of worship, and the organization
of a church.

Owing however to various obstacles, they were not
carried into effect, till 10 November, 1714, when the
first meetinghouse was raised, of the same dimensions
with the one then standing in the South West of Rox-
bury.*

On 10 December, 1716, Mr. James Allen of Roxbu-
ry received a call to be the first minister of this town.

* The Rev. Joseph Jackson preached the two last sermons in this house oi
worship belonging to the 2d parish in Roxbury, 25 April, 1773.

Preparatory to his settlement, a covenant was pre-
pared, subscribed, and read in publick, and the church
gathered by the Rev. Ebenezer Thayer, the first min-
ister of the second church in Roxbury.

This step is agreeable to the general usage of con-
gregational churches in our own, and other countries.
It is recommended in the Platform of church disci-
pline, framed by our fathers, in 1648. In this they
say, " This form" of a church " is a visible covenant,
agreement, or consent, whereby they give up them-
selves unio the Lord, to the observing of the ordinances
of Christ together in the same society, which is usually
called the church covenant."*

During the reign of papal usurpation, no such lib-
erty was enjoyed. All were obliged to maintain
their faith, and regulate their practice in religious
matters by the decrees of the Roman see. This hie-
rarchy not only claimed an authority paramount to
the holy scriptures ; but also assumed the power to
dictate to the consciences of its subjects in all matters
both of doctrine and discipline.

The third century is, this season, completed, since
the intrepid Martin Luther made the first successful
stand against the usurpations of the Romish church.
Accordingly, the churches in the Lutheran communion,
as well as some of other sects, agreed to observe the
thirty first day of October last, as a jubilee to com-
memorate the emancipation of christians from the
thraldom of papacy. If we consider, from what ty-
rannical impositions the glorious reformation has
helped to rescue its adherents, and what exalted priv-
ileges it confers on those, who enjoy it in its purity,

* Chap. iv. § S,

and are sensible of its full value, we can conceive of no
higher ground of religious gratitude, and no fitter sub-
ject of joyful celebration.

But so imperfect are the best institutions of mortals,
and so gradual is human improvement, that Luther
stopped far short of the progress, which has since
been made in what he so magnanimously and glo-
riously began. The same remark may be made of
various churches, which are improvements upon Luth-
eranism.

Our scrupulous forefathers agreed in doctrine with
the church of England. But such dominion did she
assume over their consciences, in matters of discipline,
that they separated from her communion, and subse-
quently from the land of their nativity, to enjoy un-
molested their unquestionable and inalienable rights.

Yet such is the inconsistency of human nature, that
the rigours, which had been exercised upon them,
and of which they so justly complained, when freed
from the restraints of others, they persisted in imposing
upon all, who dared to vary from their faith or practice.

The rights of concience have since been better un-
derstood, and more successfully maintained ; and, I
am happy to add, that our church was founded upon
the basis, and has uniformly acted upon the principles
of the two grand doctrines of the reformation, the suf-
ficiency of the scriptures, and the right of private
judgment.

The original covenant of this church is short, com-
prehensive, and, in a great measure, scriptural. It re-
cognises no peculiarities of sect and party. It propo-
ses no result, or confession, or creed of any council, or
synod, of any leader of a sect, or of any body of men,
as a term of union. Its foundation is so broad, that it

offers communion to christians of every denomination.
Its leading engagement is " to walk together, as a
church of Christ, in all the ways of his worship, ac-
cording to his word". Proposing the word of God, as
the great rule of faith, it docs not bind the consciences
of men to explain it according to any human standard
whatever.

By a different procedure, by requiring assent to in-
tricate and unintelligible creeds of man's invention,
some of our churches have so narrowed the terms of
communion, that none, but persons of a single sect ex-
clusively, can conscientiously subscribe to them; and
thus some scrupulous christians have been virtually
excluded from church fellowship.

In reviewing the ecclesiastical proceedings of our
fathers, it is proper to add, that this church, from its
organization to the present time, has proceeded upon
the plan of the baptismal covenant. In other words,
it has admitted adults, on their assent to the church
covenant, to baptism for themselves and their chil-
dren, although they may be detained by conscientious
scruples from the Lord's supper.

This practice, it is suspected, has been misunder-
stood. What has contributed to fix the erroneous
impression is the denomination of half-way covenant,
as it has been improperly called, when owned, as a
term of baptism.

This phrase seems to assume the supposition of a
middle course between Christianity and infidelity.
But such a sentiment, it is manifest, derives no coun-
tenance from scripture or reason. The fact is, our
church, in accordance with others similarly constitu-
ted, admits persons to own the covenant, as a term of
baptism, on the ground, that they are sincere in pro-

fessing it ; or, in other words, that they are christians,
in a judgment of charity, although detained by con-
scientious scruples from the table of the Lord. We
accordingly never fail to state these principles clearly
to such, as apply for this partial admission to chris-
tian privileges. We admonish them, that the ordi-
nance of baptism is no less sacred, than the Lord's
supper ; that the covenant, which they make in the
one case, is not only no less obligatory, than in the
other ; but that it is in substance precisely the same ;
that there are not therefore two distinct covenants,
the one more solemn, or involving higher obligations,
than the other. Hence we exhort them to enter up-
on their obligations understandingly, not merely to
procure baptism for themselves, or their offspring, as
a mere form ; but with " purpose of heart" to live
agreeably to their covenant vows ; and to labour dili-
gently and devoutly to remove the scruples, which
hinder them from " walking in all the commandments
and ordinances of the Lord."

Exceedingly different are the forms of constituting
churches, and of admitting members. In order to
church membership, some demand assent to the pecu-
liarities, which distinguish them from every other
sect. Others have no express covenant. Between
these extremes there is an indefinite variety of modes
and forms.

It is not a little remarkable, that our forefathers,
with all their zeal for the peculiarities of their own
faith and practice and discipline, in matters of religion,
should admit, that the constitution of- a church may be
valid without a church covenant.*

* See the Platform of church discipline, Chap. iv. § 4.

It is manifest, that the scriptures lay down no precise
rules in the formation of a church. As they are design-
ed for all the countless varieties of taste, of disposition,
of knowledge, of character, of forms of government, of
mental powers, of means of information prevalent among
mankind, the omission is doubtless wise and benevolent
All are left to form churches after the model best adapt-
ed to their own notions of right and of duty. For their
guidance they have general principles, which they are
allowed to apply to the circumstances of their situ-
ation.

Certain articles of compact are, for obvious reasons,
proper in the formation of a church, as well as in the
constitution of other societies. In every church pro-
vision should be made to confess Christ before men.
On this our Saviour lays great stress. Attendance on
publick worship does not amount to this confession ;
because by this act no pledge is given even of belief
in Christianity. We may go habitually to houses of
publick worship from motives apart from a respect
for the gospel, and yet violate no express engage-
ment.

Every church should therefore be so constituted, as
to invite and induce all, as far as possible, who be-
lieve in Christ, openly to profess allegiance to him.
agreeably to the requisites of his gospel.

But care should be taken, in the compact adopted,
that no sincere convert to Christianity may justly scru-
ple to enter into its obligations. For this, reason, it is
best, whenever a covenant is formed, that it should
be expressed, as nearly as circumstances will admit, in
the language of scripture.

Will you say, that this will open the door of fellow-
ship too widely; because all sects profess to believe

the scriptures? If you find, that in this way undue ad-
vantage is taken, admonish the guilty of their faults ;
and, if you can reform them by no milder methods,
excommunicate them. In this case you have equal ad-
vantages for redress, as if they subscribed the best
guarded human formulary.

Will you allege, that, in subscribing a scriptural
creed, some may practise evasions ? This goes on the
supposition of their dishonesty. But may they not
with equal ease evade whatever the ingenuity of man
can devise ? Do we not in fact find, that the churches,
which require the most explicit confessions of human
invention, are most liable to evasions frcm their mem-
bers ?

The founders of this church, in the construction oi
their covenant, were careful not to descend into secta-
rian peculiarities- Nor have their successours, at any
time, deviated from this primitive simplicity.

Still as it is, in some parts, the production of falli-
ble men, it may be chargeable with imperfection. If
therefore a single sentiment, contained in our cove-
nant, should prove a stumbling block to one sincere
disciple of Jesus, so as to prevent his admission into
this church, in the name of our Master, let it be ob-
literated.

During the century from the organization of this
church, there have been four hundred and eight mem-
bers, one hundred and fifty-eight males, and two hun-
dred and fifty females. This is an average of about
four members, a year.

For the twenty-one years, in which your present
pastor* has ministered in this place, there have been
one hundred and five additions to this church, namely,

* He first preached, as a candidate, in this town, 2 October, 1796.

thirty-four males and seventy-one females, which make
the exact average of five, a year.

With solemn emphasis may I inquire, " Your fathers,
where are they ?" For of the one hundred and eighty
first members of this church every individual is re-
leased from the church militant on earth; and these
comprise all, who were admitted, during the ministry
of the three first pastors of this town, as well as some
of the first, who were added under the ministry of my
immediate predecessor.

Of all, who were admitted, before my ordination,
but fifty-one are living. Of the one hundred and five
added, during my ministry, ninety three are now alive.
So that of the four hundred and eight, comprised in
the records of this church, one hundred and forty-four
are living, and two hundred and sixty-four have gone
to their long- home.

During my ministration in this place, thirty members
of this church have died in this town, namely, fifteen
males and fifteen females ; and, besides these, twenty
occasional communicants. The whole number of
deaths, during this period, of those, who originally
joined this church, is sixty.

There are now in this town seventy-eight communi-
cants belonging to this church, besides eight in Rox-
bury, making eighty-six, who statedly commune to-
gether. Besides these, there have been, this season,
fifty-one occasional communicants from various other
churches, making a tot^l of one hundred and thirty-
seven, who have communed together, this year.

In addition to the communicants, one hundred and
fifty-one have owned the covenant, since the gathering
of this church, with a view to the baptism of them-
selves, or their children

The members originally composing this church, a
century ago, were thirty-nine, seventeen males, and
twenty-two females.* To whatever side I turn, I be-
hold the lineal descendants of these pillars of c-ur
church, some of whom are members, and the chil-
dren of members in uninterrupted succession from the
organization of this body. In some instances there
have been members of this church, for four and five
generations in succession. In one case there are mem-
bers of the sixth generation from an original member,
and some of each inclusive generation have also been
members. There are children of the seventh genera-
tion from one of the first members of this church. So
rapidly does one generation pass away, while another
generation cometh. Within the short period, which I
am sketching, some, who were of consideration suffi-
cient to belong to this church, have not only passed off
the stage of life; but the greatest antiquaries among
us can give no account even of the families, to which
they belonged. So soon may we also be forgotten by
the generations, which in quick succession will occupy
our places.

Having made these remarks concerning the church
in this place, I propose now to take a wider range;
and from additional facts, which show the changes
continually occurring, to illustrate our obligations, as
transitory, yet immortal beings.

Seventy-seven years ago, which is as far back, as
the memory of any one,t wilh whom I have convers-

* Appendix I.
■J" For many facts relating to the early history of this church and tow.i, the
author acknowledges himself indebted to Mr. John Goddard, a much respect-
ed member of this church, who died, 13 April, 1816, at the advanced age of
86. He was the son of John Goddard and the grandson of Joseph Goddard,
both members of this church, the latter, one of its founders. He was a man
of an uncommonly extensive observation, and with a memory proverbially ac»
•urate.

ed, in relation to the events in this place, extended,
there were sixty-one houses in this town.* The pro-
bability is, that the number was nearly the same, at
the gathering of the church, if not, for several years
before. For, in the autumn of 1796, which was fifty-
fix years after the period aforementioned, there had
been an increase of but eleven houses, making the
whole number seventy-two.t Yet, since the time last
stated, which is but twenty-one years, the houses have
increased from seventy-two to ninety-seven, making
the addition of more than a third of the former num-
ber.

A striking proof of the vicissitudes, to which all
earthly things are subject, is the circumstance, that of
the sixty-one places, owned in 1740, but twelve of the
present occupants are lineal descendants from those,
who possessed them, at that period.f

The baptisms on record, since the church was gath-
ered, are nine hundred and seventy-one. It is howev-
er well known, that there are several omissions in the
early history of the church. The average, for the last
twenty-one years, has been about thirteen, a year, as
there have been baptized, during that period, two
hundred and sixty-seven, one hundred and thirty-eight
males, and one hundred and twenty-nine females.

No complete account of marriages has been kept,
previously to the ordination of your former minister,
in 1760. From that time to the present, there have
been two hundred and twenty-one marriages, of which
ninety-four have been solemnized by your present
pastor.

The statement of deaths, in like manner, extends no
further back, than fifty-seven years. During that pe-

* Appendix II. f Appendix III.

riod, four hundred and eighty-two have been number-
ed with the dead.

For the last twenty-one years, two hundred and
eight have deceased; one hundred and six males, and
one hundred and two females. But, when we take
into consideration the increase of population,* the
deaths will not appear disproportionately numerous
to former times.

In addition to the instances of mortality in this towny
for the last twenty-one years, there have been nine-
teen in Roxbury in families, which worship with us.

Such have been the ravages of death, during the
short period of my residence among you, that but few
families have escaped his desolating prSgress.f Some
appear to have been marked out, as his peculiar vic-
tims. Within one household, nine have been number-
ed with the dead.J

It may serve to show the rapidity, with which one
generation succeeds another, if I remark, that of the
deaths in this place, which I have been called to wit-
ness, seventy-eight were from heads of families; and,
in fourteen instances, both heads of families have de-
parted this life.

Of those, who were voters, at the time of my call to
the ministry, thirty-one are dead ; while but twenty-
three are now living in this town, who were voters
here, at the period of my ordination.

In the families of tenants the changes have been pe-
culiarly observable. Of the forty-eight families of
this description, inhabitants of the town, this year, not

* By the census in 1800, the number was 605. In 1810, it was 784. Ap-
pendix IV.

j There has been a death in every house below the meeting-house but
four ; and most of these have been recently built.

tin the house belonging to Joseph White.

one was here so early, as tiie time of my ordination.
In several houses they have succeeded each other, a
number of times,*

But the fact, which perhaps more forcibly, than any
other, illustrates the revolutions, to which wc are sub-
ject, is, that there are but six families in the town, in
which both heads are the same, and living in the same
places, as they were twenty-one years ago. Of these
four live above, and two below, our house of worship.

As then from the glance, which I have taken of our
history, it sufficiently appears, that our " fathers" pass
away, let us briefly inquire concerning " the prophets,
do they live for ever ?''

It is well kftown, that, during the century, there
have been five pastors ordained in this place, threet of
whom died here in the ministrv; and that four of them
have gone to give an account of their stewardship.

Within the same period, there have been in our
parent town, twelve congregational churches ; and

* In some instances there have b>;en nine different families of tenants,
most of them succeeding ench other, in one house. Tlie families of every
description, at midsummer, this year, amounted to one hundred and thir-
teen.

f The remains of the two first lie deposited in the same tomb in our burial
ground. The body of the Rev. Joseph Jackson, after the funeral solemnities,
was carried to Boston, and laid in his family tomb. No epitaph is inscribed
on the tomb of e:ther of these ministers. The character of the last is de-
lineated by the Rev Jacob Cushing of Waltham, in the sermon at his funeral.
No discourse is published on the death of the others. Some account will be
found of the Rev. James Allen in the author's century discourse. Of the
Rev. Cotton Brown, nothing was then known, hut by oral tradition. He was
minister here, not quite two years and a half. I have since ascertained, that
the Rev. Dr. Cooper, who was his classmate at Harvard University wrote
his character, and says, " his genius had raised in his friends the fairest
hopes, and given them just reason to expect in him one of the brighest orna-
ments of society, and a peculiar blessing to the church." See sketch of Ha-
verhill by Leverett Saltonstall, Esq. of Salem in Historical Collections, Vol.
IV. N. S. p. 143.

The average age of the three ministers, who died iu this town, is *7 2-3

these have enjoyed the labours of fifty-nine pastors,
thirty-six of whom died in the ministry ; seven are
now living, who are not pastors of their original
charges, and ten still minister to their people.

In the six contiguous towns of Charlestown, Dor-
chester, Boston, Roxbury, Brookline, and Chelsea,
most of whose congregational churches compose the
Boston Association, there have been, this century,
twenty-two congregational churches, and ninety-two
pastors, fifty-four of. whom died in the ministry;
twelve died out of the ministry ; seven are now liv-
ing, who do not minister to the first people of their
charge ; and nineteen are still actively engaged in
the duties of the ministerial office. The additional
congregational churches, within these limits, to those,
which existed before, are nine ; and the houses of
worship erected, during this period, for congregation-
alists, twenty-five.

Of the fifty-four congregational ministers, who
died, the past century, in the six aforementioned
towns, precisely one third lived to be seventy years
of age and upwards, and exactly a ninth part lived to
eighty and upwards. The oldest was the Rev. Thom-
as Cheever of Chelsea, who died at the advanced
age of ninety-three ; while the youngest were the
Rev. Cotton Brown of this place, the Rev. Joshua
Paine and the Rev. Thomas Prentiss, both of Charles-
town, all three of whom died at the age of twenty-
five.*

But of this statement of facts illustrating the
changes, which constantly take place, and which fur-
nish irresistible evidence, that we also are rapidly

* Appendix V.

passing away, it is proper, that I suggest a suitable
imp rov erne nt.

1. The first sentiment, which should arise in our
minds, at the historical review of this day, is gratitude
to God for our present distinguished blessings.

There is a great and obvious improvement in your
external circumstances.

There may not be more comparative wealth. But
the lands are incalculably better cultivated. The
buildings are much more elegant and commodious.
The style of living is greatly advanced. Indeed bet-
ter provision is made for the various comforts of life,
than in the early settlement of this place.

It is not asserted, that these circumstances redound
to the best good of each individual so favoured. As
an oifset to these advantages, it must be confessed,
that there are greater temptations, than formerly, to
luxury and dissipation ; and it is to be feared, that a
larger proportion fall victims to excess. But it is
sureSv no argument against our obligations to grati-
tude, that the very abundance of heaven's blessings
is suffered to increase our inclination to abuse them.

In point of advantages for the education of youth,
what thanks are not due to him, who, in this respect,
makes us to diiFer from our less favoured ancestors!

During the former part of this century, but little
provision was made for publick schools. How incom-
parably more favoured are the present generation!
Conveniences are now afforded for the poorest of our
children to receive instruction, through the whole of
the year. It accordingly happens, that, from the
lowest walks of life, many become qualified to edu-
cate others. We cannot but acknowledge our obliga-
tions to the Most High for giving the present genera-

tion the disposition and the means so amply to provide
for youthful instruction.

Our present civil and political blessings call for re-
ligious gratitude.

We enjoy unmolested our invaluable rights. We
are favoured with the administration of good and
wholesome laws. That baneful spirit of party, so
destructive to the best feelings of the heart, so fruitful
of discord and every evil work, is, in a great measure,
si ppressed. God grant, that it may be extinguished
in the breast of every fellow citizen.

Seldom, if ever, has there been such general peace
among the nations of the earth. What christian but
must exult, that this favourable opportunity is so zeal-
ously employed for the distribution of the sacred scrip-
tures ? Blessed be God, that Bible Societies, throughout
Christendom, are vying with each other, which shall
be most sedulous, impartial, and generous in this truly
christian project. It is astonishing to read accounts
of the exertions now making by the parent society*
of all institutions of this kind, in the land of our
fathers' sepulchres, to seek objects of charity, in the
most desolate regions, to supply their necessities, and
to excite all, who have the means, to unite in the
same godlike enterprises ! Even missionaries are sent
forth, for this purpose, who cheerfully submit to eve-
ry hardship, both by sea and land, to effect their
munificent designs. Societies are also organizing of
almost every description of benevolence, throughout
the christian world, not only to disseminate the word
of truth ; but also to answer the calls of every kind
of distress, and to contribute, in ways too numerous

•Allusion is here made to "The British and Foreign Bible
Society," and particularly to their thirteenth report, exhibited, last May.

to be particularized, to human comfort. So that the
present has been not unaptly termed the era of be-
nevolent institutions.

When our situation, in respect of religious privi-
leges, is compared with that of the early settlements
in this place, what thanks are not due to the Disposer
of our lot !

For nearly a century, it was customary even for
the women here to walk to the first parish in Rox-
bury to unite in publick worship.

" But we have no such lengths to go." Long have
we and our fathers been furnished with a place of
worhip as convenient, as the population of the town
and the local situation of its inhabitants will allow.
Nor are there but few families among us, who are
not furnished with the means of safe and easy trans-
portation to this house of our solemnities in unfavour-
able weather.

When the late venerable meeting house was first
consecrated to publick worship, a principal part of
the lower floor was divided into long seats, and heads
of families were placed in situations, unconnected with
their respective households.* In process of time,
notwithstanding every improvement, of which the
house was susceptible, it failed to accommodate the
increased population of the town. With what won-
derful unanimity did the Author of every good design
inspire you to erect this commodious temple ! Surely
the contrast, in point of elegance, costliness, and con-
venience, between our present and former house of
worship, indicate a striking improvement in your taste

* Appendix VI.

and circumstances, which impose correspondent obli-
gations to gratitude.

2. While dwelling upon reflections, which lead us
to advert to our fathers, let us imitate their acknowl-
edged virtues.

Industry was a leading feature in their characters.
By this they subdued the rugged soil, and fitted it for
the more easy cultivation of their descendants. Shall
we then surrender ourselves to inglorious ease, and
thus lose the advantages to be derived from their sue-
cessful toils ?

Frugality was likewise in them a conspicuous trait.
Like them, let us avoid profusion* in every form, that
we may be furnished with the means of doing good
and of preventing evil, as far as our influence can
extend.

But they were remarkable for attention to religious
institutions. Alas ! how have their posterity degene-
rated from them in this respect ! How many, instead
of esteeming it a privilege, appear to account it a
hardship to worship God in their families, or in his
house; and avail themselves of the slightest pretexts
to neglect the assembling of themselves together for
religious purposes ? How many seem much more de-
sirous of vindicating their rights, than of performing
their duties ? Hence when any worldly object, which
lies near their hearts, claims their attention, especially
when called to a contested political election,t they
are deterred by no obstacle, but such, as is inevitable,

* Especially in the unnecessary, wasteful, and destructive use of spirituous
liquors, which are fraught with evils too numerous3 and yet too obvious, to be
mentioned.

fOn many such occasions every individual is at his post. Alas! how much
more faithful are men to their passions, than to the convictions of conscience*
or even the commands of the Most High !

from giving their personal attendance, and exerting
all their influence. But when invited to engage in
religious exercises, what trivial excuses will not avail
to detain them from the worship of their Maker !

Vain is it to object to this good example of our
fathers, that the present generation excels them in
some valuable properties. It is not to such objectors,
that we must look for this excellence ; but to those,
who imitate the piety, as well as the other commend-
able qualities of our renowned ancestors.

That they had failings, their most zealous, yet in-
telligent panegyrists confess. But over these defects
they, with filial affection, throw the mantle of charity,
and propose, for a model, their exalted virtues.

From the solemn recollections, which this subject
has revived, let us, my hearers, seriously consider,
what most highly concerns us, as strangers and pil-
grims here, yet probationers for eternity.

Let us not make provision for this world, as if it were
our final home. Reason convinces us, that we are frail
and transitory beings ; and we cannot advert to the
history of past times, without beholding many a melan-
choly comment upon this obvious, yet neglected truth.

If religion be of that importance, which is claimed
for it by the word of God, it should be our first care
to choose God for our portion and chief good, the
Saviour, as the medium of the choicest blessings, that
thus we may hope for heaven, as our everlasting abode.

I will close with remarks particularly relating to
the church* of Christ in this place, whose history I
have thus imperfectly given.

* Since the publication of the century discourse, Deac. Samuel Clark died,
29 March, 1814, set. 62 ; and 1 May, 1814, his son Deacon Joshua Child Clark
was chosen in his stead.

It is worthy of devout notice, that, from its organi-
zation to the present time, this church has had rest.
Instances indeed have not been wanting, even from its
early history, of those, who thought themselves wiser,
than their teachers, and purer in their faith, than the
body of the church. But, though some of them, es-
pecially under the ministry of the first pastor, appear-
ed earnestly to court opposition ; yet they have been
permitted to withdraw themselves from the commu-
nion of this church, without censure, or remonstrance,
and to seek an administration of ordinances more con-
genial to their taste, and a society of professing chris-
tians more consonant to their views.*

While other churches have, in many instances, been
rent by intestine divisions, and have cherished bitter
animosities toward their pastors, or among themselves,
our ecclesiastical records are not disgraced by a sin-
gle line to perpetuate the remembrance of such an
unhappy state of things. No Council has been called
to this place, except upon ordinary church business.
Nor has this pacifick spirit been confined to the cen-
tury under review ; it was uniformly manifested, for
nearly a century before, while our fathers worshipped,
and were united, with a neighbouring church.

God grant, that this desirable union may continue
without interruption ; that we, and our children, and
our children's children may imitate our fathers in the
purity, the well tempered zeal, and the peaceableness
of their worship and church discipline. May no " root
of bitterness" spring up to disturb this happy order of
things. May we be " valiant for the truth" ; but, at
the same time, " receive with meekness the ingrafted
word," and " speak the truth in love." May our only

* Appendix VTT.

contention be to " provoke one another to love and
good works."

Beloved, " behold, how good and how pleasant it is
for brethren to dwell together in unity." " It is" grate-
ful, as " the precious ointment," which sheds a delight-
ful fragrance all around ; refreshing, as the gentle
" dew," which scatters verdure, fertility, and beauty,
as it descends iUpon the fruitful soil. " Blessed are the
peacemakers; for they shall be called the sons of God.
Let us be at. peace, among ourselves. If it be possible,
as much as lieth in us, let us live peaceably with all
men. Let us mark them, who cause divisions and of-
fences, and avoid them. Let us follow after the things,
which make for peace, and things, whereby one may
edify another ; endeavouring to keep the unity of the
spirit in the bond of peace."

APPENDIX,

LIST of the original members of the church of Christ in Brook-
line, at its organization, 26 October, 1717.

I. James Allen, Pastor elect,

II. Thomas Gardner, Deacon,

III. John Winchester,

IV. Joseph White,

V. Josiah Winchester,

VI. Samuel Sewall,

VII. William Story,

VIII. Joseph Goddard,

IX. Thomas Stedman,

X. Joshua Stedman,

XI. John Winchester, son of III.

XII. Caleb Gardner, son of II.

XIII. Benjamin White, Deacon,

son of IV.

XIV. Samuel White, son of IV.

XV. Amos Gates,

XVI. Ebenezer Kenrick,

XVII. Addington Gardner.

XVIII. Mary Gardner, wife of II.

XIX. Joanna Winchester, wife
of III.

XX. Hannah White, wife of IV.

XXI. Mary Winchester, wife of V.
kXXII. Mary Boylston,

XXIII. Sarah Stedman,

XXIV. Desire Ackers,

XXV. Hannah Stedman,

XXVI. RebeccaSewall.wife of VI.

XXVII. Abigail Story,

XXVIII. Mary Stedman,

XXIX. Sarah Winchester,

XXX. Abiel Gardner,

XXXI. Ann White, wife of XIV.

XXXII. Hannah Kenrick,

XXXIII. Tryphena. Woodward,

XXXIV. Eunice Clark,

XXXV. Mary Gardner,

XXXVI. Susanna Gardner,

XXXVII. Elisabeth Boylston,

XXXVIII. Elisabeth Taylor,

XXXIX. Frances Winchester.

II.

Owners of dwelling houses in Brookline, in 1740. The names
in italicks designate the houses, which still remain.

1. Solomon Hill,

2. Capt. John Winchester,

3. Samuel Sewall,

4. William Gleason,

5. Capt. Robert Sharp,

6. Clark,

7. Tliomas Jlspinwall,

8. JDeac. Thomas Cotton,

9. Major Edward White,

10. Major Edward White,

11. Major Edward White,

13. Major Edward White,
IS. John Ellis,

14. Nathaniel Shepard,

15. Capt. Samuel Croft,

16. Major Edward White,

17. Isaac Winchester,

18. Rev. James Allen,

1 9. Rev. James Allen,

20. Deac. Samuel Clark,

21. Nathaniel Gardner,

22. Solomon Gardner,

23. Dr. Zabdiel Boylston,

24. Nathaniel Seaver,

25. William Ackers,

26. Isaac Gardner,

27. John Seaver,

28. Samuel White, Esq,

29. Joseph White,

30. Deac. Benjamin White,

31. Benjamin White,

32. Joseph Adams,

33. Nathaniel Stedman,

34. Ebenezer Sargeant,

35. Capt. Benjamin Gardner,

56. Joshua Stedman,

57. Ebenezer Kenrick,
38. Nathaniel Hill,
59. John Druce,

40. Abraham Chamberlain,

41. Abraham Woodward,

42. Hugh Scott,

43. James Griggs,

44. William Davis,

45. John Harris,

46. Isaac Child,

47. Joshua Child,

48. Timothy Harris,

49. John Harris,

50. Daniel Harris,

51. John Newell,

52. Andrew Allard,

53. John Woodward,

54. Christopher Dyer,

55. Thomas Woodward.

56. Nehemiah Davis,

57. John Goddard,

58. Henry Winchester,

59. Elhanan Winchester,

60. John Seaver, jun.

61. Dudley Boylston.

By the above account it will be seen, that but twenty-two houses,
which were standing, in 1740, now remain.

It will also appear, that but twelve of the present occupants of
these sixty-one places are lineal descendants of their proprietors at
the abovementioned date.

III.

It may gratify some to compare the owners of dwelling-houses
as last mentioned, with those of 1796.

4.
5.
6.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14,
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24,
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.

Joshua Griggs, SO.

William Marshall, SI.

Samuel Griggs, &c. 32.

Edward K. Wolcott, 33.

Col. Thomas Aspinwall, 34.

Edward K. Wolcott, 35.

Robert Sharp, 36.

Stephen Sharp, 37.

Dr. William Jlspinwall, 38.

Dr. William Jispinivall, 39,

Dr. William Aspinwall," 40.

Ebenezer Davis, 41.

Benjamin Davis, 42,

John Howe, 43.

Josiah Jordan, 44,

Thomas White, 45.

Thomas White, 46.

Thomas White, 47.

Eleazer Baker, 48.

Jonathan Dana,* 49.

James Holden, 50.

Capt. Cobb,*t 51.

Daniel Dana, 52.

Ziphion Thayer, 53.

Jonas Tolman, 54.

Capt. Samuel Croft, 55.

Capt. Samuel Croft, 56.

John Robinson, 57.

Enos Withington, 58,

Major Gardner,
Capt. Timothy Core} ,
Edward K. W~olcott,
Samuel Clark,
The Parsonage,
David Hyslop,
John Goddard,
David Hyslop,
John Lucas,
John Lucas,
William Ackers,
Isaac S. Gardner, Esq.
Ebenezer Heath,
John Heath,
Jonathan Jackson,
Hon. Jonathan Mason,
Hon. Jonathan Mason,*!
Benjamin White,*
Benjamin White,
Benjamin White,
Caleb Gardner,
Ebenezer Richards,
Jonathan Hammond,
Thaddeus Hide,
Ebenezer Webb,
Caleb Craft,
Thaddeus Jackson,
Abraham Jackson,
Caleb Craft,*t

59. Jacob Hervey,

60. Elisha Whitney,*

61. John Harris,

62. Elisha Whitney,

63. Heirs of Thomas White,

64. Elijah Child *

65. Widow Elisabeth Harris,

66. Dr. William Spooner,

67. John Corey,

68. Joseph Goddard,

69. Nathaniel Winchester,

70. Hon. George Cabot,

71. Hon. George Cabot,

72. Joshua Boylston.*t

The names in italicks represent the present owners. The houses
of those, with an asterisk, are demolished. Those with an obelisk
have others erected on, or near the site of former houses.

It will be perceived, that, within the short space of twenty-one
years, precisely two-thirds of the houses have been demolished, or
shifted owners.

IV.

Deaths for the last 21 years, 208.

Under 2

year

Between 50 and 60,

Between 2 and

10,

60 and 70,

10 and

20,

70 and 80,

and

30,

80 and 90,

and

40,

90 and 100,

40 and

50,

208

Diseases.

Consumption,

Fever,

Decay,

Dysentery,

Dropsy,

Fits,

Casualties,

Jaundice,
Apoplexy,
Cholera morbus,
In child bed,
Hooping cough,
Quinsy,
Cancer,

6
5

5
3
3

2
2

Worms,

Strangury,

Melancholy,

Canker,

Rheumatism,

Hernia,

Bilious colick,

Suddenly,
Paralysis,
Dropsy in bi

ain,

8
8
6

Suicide,

Tetanus,

Throat distemper,

2
2
1

Uncertain,

208

GENERAL

SUMMARY.

? a
kg

— ^

c •-
— .=
v g

£ 1

li tr

3
0

£ — i

— L.

— 3

Charlestown, 2

Dorchester,

Boston,

Roxbury,

Brookline,

Chelsea,

Total

Rev. Thomas Cheever,
Rev. Nehemiah Walter,
Dr. Increase Mather,
Dr. Charles Chauncy,
Dr. Joseph Sewall,
Rev. Thomas Prentice,
Dr. Samuel Mather,
Rev. John Danforth,
Dr. John Latiirop,

93,
87,
85,
82,

Dr. Benjamin Colman,
Rev. Samuel Checkley,
Rev. Thomas Prince,
Rev. Thomas Foxcroft,

73,
73,

72,
72,

80,

Dr. Ebenezer Pemberton,

72,

80,

Dr. Simeon Howard,

72,

79,

78,

Rev. Simon Bradstreet,
Rev. Hull Abbot,

72,

77,

Dr. Samuel West,

70.

VI.

It may gratify some to be informed of the following particulars
of the former meeting-house, and its earliest occupants.

It originally contained but fourteen pews ; and these were all
wall pews, disposed of to the following persons, 29 April, 1718.

I. Samuel Sewall, next the pulpit, West.

II. John Winchester, sen. West of No. I.

III. Capt. Samuel Aspinwall, North West corner.

IV. Lieut. Thomas Gardner, South of No. HI.

V. John Seaver, between West door, and men's gallery stairs.

VI. John Druce, left of men's gallery stairs.

VII. Joseph Gardner, left of front door.

VIII. Josiah Winchester, sen. right of front door.

IX. Thomas Stedman, right of women's gallery stairs.

X. William Sharp, left of East door.

XL Ensign Benjamin White, light of East door.

XII. Benjamin White, jun. North of No. XI.

XIII. Peter Boylston, North cast corner.

XIV. Ministerial pew, right of pulpit stairs.

Account of the .manner, in which the body and the gallery of the
old meeting-house were seated, 9 March, 1719, from a paper
found carefully folded between the upper and under floor of the
Hon. Jonathan Mason's farm house, at its demolition, in 1809.
Said house was built and first inhabited by Deacon Benjamin
Wliite, one of the first deacons of this church.

" In the men's foreseat in the body seats are seated Josiah Win-
chester, Capt. Aspinwall, Joseph Gardner, and Edward Devotion.

In the second seat are seated William Story, Joseph Goddard,
Thomas Woodward, Daniel Harris, and John Ackers.

In the third seat are seated James Griggs, Samuel Newell, Abra-
ham Chamberlain, Ebenezer Kenrick, and Robert Harris.

In the fourth seat are seated Thomas Lee, William Davis, and
Joseph Scott.

In the front foreseat in the gallery are seated Caleb Gardner, Jo- •
siah Winchester, Samuel White, Henry Winchester, Joseph
Adams, Robert Sharp, Thomas Cotton, and Samuel Clark, jun.

In the foreseat in the*side gallery are seated Joshua Stedman,
William Gleason, Dudley Boylston, Addington Gardner, John
Taylor, Stephen Winchester, and Philip Torrey.

In the second seat in the front are seated Isaac Gleason, John
Wedse, Thomas Woodward, iun. and James Goddard.

In the women's foreseat in the body seats are seated the wife
of Josiah Winchester, sen. the widow Ackers, the wife of Joseph
Gardner, and the wife of Edward Devotion.

In the second seat are seated the wife of William Story, the wife
of Joseph Goddard, the wife of Thomas Woodward, the wife of
Daniel Harris, the wife of John Ackers, and the widow Hannah
Stedman.

In the third seat, the wife of James Griggs, the wife of Samuel
Newell, the wife of Abraham Chamberlain, the wife of Ebenezer
Kenrick, and the wife of Robert Harris.

In the fourth seat, the wife of Thomas Lee, the wife of William
Davis, and the wife of Joseph Scott.

fa the front foreseat in the gallery, the wife of Samuel White*
the wife of Henry Winchester, the wife of Joseph Adams, the wife
of Robert Sharp, and the wife of Samuel Clark, jua.

In the foreseat in the side gallery, the wife of Joshua Stedman,
the wife of William Gleasoa, the wife of Dudley Boylston, the
wife of Addington Gardner, the wife of John Taylor.

In the second seat in the front, the wife of John Wedge, and the
wife of James Goddard."

Individuals seated 66, of whom 28 couples were men and wives.

VII.

This was particularly the case with several, during a period of
great excitement, in the spring of 1744. They left Mr. Allen's
church with heavy charges against him, his preaching, and his
church. But no notice appears to have been taken of them or their
charges. On this they set up new-light preaching, as it was called,
and became most of them, in their turns, exhorters. The most dis-
tinguished among them was Mr. Elhanan Winchester, father of
the celebrated preacher of the same name, who preached in Europe
and America the doctrine of the restoration. The father was first
a deacon among the new-lights, to whom Mr. Jonathan Hide \
for a season, a stated preacher, within the limits of Brookline.
When Elhanan, jun. became a baptist, the father also joined this
sect, and was immersed. The principal part of Mr. Hide's follow-
ers, one after another, became baptists, chiefly through the in-
strumentality of Deacon Winchester and son. But Mr. Hide, to
his dyiag day, though forsakea by most of his adherents, persisted
in his attachment to infant baptism. When Elhanan Winchester,
jun. became a universalist, the father soon adopted the same faith.
Some years after the death of the son, the father turned shaker,
and died at Harvard, full in the faith, Sept. 1810, get. 91. So that
he was first a congregationalist, then a new-light, then a baptist,
then a universalist, and at last a shaker. At the closing period of
life, he sent intelligence to some friends in Newton, " In every
other denomination, I have had my doubts ; but now I am sure,
that I am right."

VIII.

I shall improve this opportunity to point out a few mistakes,
which have been detected in the Century Discourse from the incor-
poration of this town, delivered* 24 November, 1805.

From want of time properly to examine the town records of Bos-
ton, I supposed, in pp. 7 and 8, that grants of four and five acres at
Muddy-river were made to the poor only ; and that those, who
had the allotments, of course became settlers. But my friend,
James Savage, Esq. of Boston, has kindly corrected this errour. By
a more thorough investigation of the subject, he has shown, that
" verv few of the grantees, whose names are found in the records,
moved from the old town ; and perhaps of the poor, who took up
lots under the town's vote, many were not recorded in the town
book."

gee note on the Historical Sketch of Brookline, in the Historical
collections, Vol. III. N. S. p. 284.

In p. 13, it is asserted, that Mr. Elhanan Winchester was the
first minister of the baptist church in Newton. I have since ascer-
tained, that he was never the stated pastor of that church. Indeed,
he was too much of an itinerant to be settled in any place. But it
is well known, that he was very active in producing the excitement,
which led to its formation ; and that he immersed numbers of those,
who became members of that church.

In p. 19, a mistake is made in mentioning the last text of the
Rev. Joseph Jackson. But five days before Ins death, he preached,
all dav, to his people ; in the forenoon, from Heb. xiii. 5. " Be con-
tent with such things, as ye have." P. M. from Heb. xii. 15. " Look-
ing diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God."

P. 25. Rev. Cotton Brown was ordained, 26 October, 1748.

P. 27. Rev. John White died, 16 January, 1760.

P. 28. Rev. Ebenezer White was minister of Norton, now Mans-
field.

P. 30. Dr. Zabdiel Boylston's birth was, in 1679.

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Full text of "A discourse delivered, 9 November, 1817 : the Lord's day after the completion of a century from the gathering of the church in Brookline"

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