Glass.
Book,
A
AsFg
y yc
EXTRACTS
FROM THE NOTE-BOOK OP
THE REV. JOHN FISKE
1G37-1G75.
WHj an Intralmrttan
By SAMUEL A. GREEK.
CAMBRIDGE:
JOHN WILSON AND SON.
SSnibcrsitg $rrss.
1898.
•J*
2 It 56
JOHN FISKE'S NOTE-BOOK.
At a meeting of the Massachusetts Historical
Society, held in Boston on Thursday, October 13, 1898,
Dr. Samuel A. Green communicated some extracts
from the Rev. John Fiske's Note-book, and made the
following remarks : —
Some years ago I came into the possession of a Note-book
kept by the Rev. John Fiske during his several pastorates at
Salem, Wenham, and Chelmsford. From the time of his ar-
rival here from England, in the year 1637, Mr. Fiske was living
in Salem till about 1641, when he went to Wenham, and
later became the first minister of the church gathered there
on October 8, 1644. His third child, Moses (H. C. 1662), was
horn at Wenham on April 12, 1642, and baptized at Salem in
the following June. The record of this son's birth seems to
show that the father was living at Wenham two or three years
before his settlement in that town as the pastor. In 1655 Mr.
Fiske removed to Chelmsford, where also he was the first min-
ister, and remained there until the day of his death on January
14, 1676-7.
The entries in the book relate almost wholly to cases of
church discipline within the membership, to church meetings
where theological matters were brought up and discussed, and
to ecclesiastical councils held in the neighborhood, together
with a sprinkling of baptisms, and names of persons admitted
to the Covenant. They cover a period of time extending
from the year 1637 to July 25, 1675, eighteen months before
his death. In regard to genealogical or historical facts, — and
these are the items most wanted to-day, — the entries are sin-
gularly meagre, and give us but little of either interest or
value. The theology of those early times in New England
may be as important now as then, but it is not so highly prized.
The old manuscript, however, brings down to us the details of
many matters of ecclesiastical polity which in their day were
deemed vital by the founders of our Puritan Commonwealth.
The pages of the book are about 5| inches by 7^ in dimen-
sions, and they number 344 (or 172 leaves), of which 48 pages
are blank, or nearly so. The book opens with the Covenant
of the Church of Christ at Salem, which is followed by 178
names, though not autograph signatures. Owing to a bad tear
through three of the leaves, and the consequent loss of a part
of the writing, a portion of the text and some of the names are
gone. The first twenty-five pages have been printed in the
" Historical Collections of the Essex Institute " (I. 37-44) for
May, 1859 ; and the part there given is a fair sample of the
rest. This printed copy also shows what portion of the text
and how many names are missing in the original manuscript.
Near the beginning of the book, immediately following the
Salem records, sixteen leaves have been torn out, which
presumably were blank, but the stubs still remain.
The handwriting is very hard to read, and contains many
abbreviations and nondescript characters which it is impos-
sible to represent in type. At that period of time it was very
common for ministers to have some knowledge of short-hand
writing ; and in the Note-book certain words and syllables are
indicated by arbitrary signs, the same as were used in stenog-
raphy. In the copy here given of certain extracts, such abbre-
viations and characters for the most part have been spelled
out in full. When Mr. Fiske began his pastorate at Wenham,
he turned the book over and made his entries at the other
end of the volume, and thus continued them even during his
settlement at Chelmsford.
Mr. Fiske, while at Chelmsford, prepared a Catechism
(Cambridge, 1657) for the use of children, wdiich was printed
at the expense of the town. Copies of this little tract are now
excessively rare, and probably not more than one or two re-
main in existence. A good specimen is preserved in the Lenox
Library, New York. For a bibliographical description of the
pamphlet, see the Proceedings (second series, IX. 411, 412) of
this Society for February, 1895. At that period there were,
perhaps, a dozen or fifteen other places in New England which
had published similar catechisms for the religious instruction
of the young. In all towns it was the custom to assemble the
children often, and, under the direction of the minister, to cate-
chise them on matters connected with their spiritual welfare.
The following extracts from the Note-book relate to this
early custom as practised in Chelmsford, which was then a
fair representative town of the times. These entries throw
a good deal of side-light on the bringing up of youth in those
da}rs, and they also allude incidentally to certain interesting
facts connected with the publication of Mr. Fiske's Catechism.
During that period, throughout New England, the education
of the young in some respects may have been sombre, but it
was sturdy and homespun in its fibre, and brought out the
marks of manhood and womanhood.
27 of 4 [1646] concluded in the Church that the 3d. d. of week at
time the laws goe forth the childre to co forward to be catechized & to
giue accont of what they learnd of the srni sab. before, to pastors house . .
& togethr heerewithal in the 4 place of the refusall (as we vnder-
stood). to disburse their nportion to the Catech. printing, wch the Ch:
stands engaged to see satisfved.1 . . .
23 of 10 58 Voted by the Church that the 33sl,s 9d wch the Church
stood engagd to see pd to Br. James Parker for the Catechises should
be for prsnt lent to him out of the Church stock. & if light app hrafte to
the Church where it lies behind, to be taken in to the deacos hand on the
accont of the catechizes in lew of this loane if not light, then this pte of
the Church stock to be here levyed in his hands as assignd to the dis-
chrge of this debt of the Church. . . .
6 of 12 64 A Church meeting Catechizing. Agreed by the Church.
that the sa course of catechizg of all under 16. yeers old. be attended
at the house of the pasto. viz. for mayds the day afte the Lecture. & for
youths the 2d. day of the weeke following the lecture.
It[em] That for all yong men aboue 16. yeers old, vnmarryd.
That it be moved, who will voluntarily app to giue in their Names to
Answr in publick. & for such as shall decline : if Children of the Church,
that the Church shall see that they attend to be catechisd by the pasto,
1 From a letter written by Mr. Fiske to Esdras Read, under date of January
31, 1657-8, and copied into the Note-book.
6
in his House upon the 2d. day of the week monthly afte the lecture at
the usual time, of meeting (viz. aboute 3 of the clock in aftrnoone & if
they shall negl. to come on one day, to bring as much the next time, as
may pportion the Time. This votd.
That we begin the worke in publ. about the begining of 2^ month
The Catechases to be ctct out by Bro. Kemp at 6^ p peece. . . .
30. of 4. 69 The Church mett . . .
After this. It was pposed the way of Catechising fro house to house.
& the yong or vnmarried psos to meet at so one house of 4 or 5. the
maryed to be visitd in their owne houses
In the Note-book Mr. Fiske gives many interesting facts
connected with the removal of his church from Wenham to
Chelmsford. In September, 1654, the proposal for the change
came from certain brethren who spoke for the Chelmsford
church. Various meetings were held by the Wenham church
in order to consider the subject ; and after much deliberation
the matter was referred to Governor Endicott and five other
prominent men for their counsel. These persons favored the
plan, and recommended the proposed removal, which was car-
ried out during the autumn of 1655. In the early history of
the Colony there were several other similar instances where
churches migrated in a body. At this late day all the causes
leading up to such changes are not clear, but it is probable
that local dissensions were closely connected with them.
I have copied the various entries in regard to births, bap-
tisms, etc., which will be of service to genealogical students.
I have also given the action taken by the Chelmsford church
in regard to the removal of three families to the neighboring
town of Groton in the year 1662, in order to show the great
formality attending their separation from that body. No
church had then been gathered at Groton, and perhaps the
want of religious instruction there may explain the reluc-
tance of the Chelmsford members to have their brethren re-
move thither, and live so far away from the sanctuary of the
Lord. I have also copied several other matters of interest,
one of which is the expression of the church when Mr. Fiske's
son, Moses, was about to leave home and go to college. Pre-
vious to his departure for Cambridge, he appeared before the
members and owned the Covenant, and made public vows
that he would be true to the church.
A few of the names found in these pages are not given by-
Mr. Savage in his Genealogical Dictionary, but some of the
facts herein mentioned are stated by him, — for instance, the
date of the baptism of Mr. Fiske's son, Moses, and that of his
second daughter, Anna, which must have come originally from
this old manuscript. I am inclined to think that Mr. Savage
never saw the Note-book, but probably Mr. Felt had used it,
and may have furnished him with some of the facts therein
found.
The Children of John & Anna Fiske
Salem mr Petrs
Born in N. E.
1638 John, borne the 29l.h of 6'
bapt. the 2d of 7.
Escaped a grte danger at wenha, in passing with the
streame vndr the mill wheele, when the mill was
a goeing. An. 1647. 6' of 3d at what time he receid
(as twere) a new life, not a bone broke &c.
1640 Sarah, borne 24. of 5! ) «i
bapt. 26* of 5. | Sal6m- m Pet
1642. Moses, borne 12 of 2d| at Wenha
bapt. 0- of 4' at Salem * by mr Norice
1644 Anna, borne 15* of 11* |
1645 baptised 2. of Is.' (the l8.' child bapt. at f Wenham
1646. Eli-ezer. borne 8* of 12* ) w .
^ r i. , « r Wenham.
bapt. 15. of 12. j
he Deceased 16. of 10. 49.)
1671. The sd. Anne Fiske wife to the sd. Jn'-' ffiske haueing liued
with him about 37. yeers. deceased 14. of 12thtmo- at Chelms-
ford.
1672. Elizabeth Hinksma [widow of Edmund] marryed to the sd. Jn?
ffiske 1. of 6.m" at Chelmsford. . . .
2d of Is* 45.
This day, being Lords day, the Seale of Baptisme was Admin istred
in this Church, the Is* time the Church had the seale Administd wch
by reason of the season, 1 sab : before the Church being constrynd to
meete in or pastors house : & now a 2d time, (weh was continued the
Church meeting there 2 or 3. Sab: after.)
The Church memb Baptised, was Anna Fiske daughtr to John
Fiske Pastor. . . .
On one Lo : day in this interl. in the 4(.mo John Moulton Baptised.
1 The date of this baptism is not clear. The record was made, probably, at a
later time, and perhaps then Mr. Fiske had forgotten the exact date.
Oil Lo : day. 6* m°. we had the seals of the Supp & also the seale ot
Bapt. Samuel Fiske, & Sarah Geere Baptised. . . .
Mary Herse baptisd. 3d- mo. 46 . . .
this d. being sab. Benjamin fairefeild the sone of g. fairefeild & his
wife of Salem Baptised 27 of 4. . . .
Br. Rich dodge of the Church of Salem had a child baptisd here . . .
Baptised. Eliezer Fiske the son of John Fiske & Anna ")
his wife C 15 of 12 46..
Baptised. Sarah Norton the daughter of Geo : Norton )
Ephraim Geere baptisd. 17 of 2d [1647] . . .
this day Elizabeth Moulton daughter of br. Ja. Moulto &c Baptised.
9 of 5. 47
this day Joseph Batcheler the son of Sister Batcheler (& bro. Joseph
Batcher deceased in month Is.1) baptised. 22. of 6. 47 . . .
Joseph the son of Wm Fisk & Bridget his wife Baptised. 21 of
3d [1648] . . .
15. of 8 or thrabouts Mary the daughf of Rich. & Mary Goldsm.
Baptisd
29. of 8 or thrabts. the wife of John Shiply Receivd into Cov?. hauing
made hr relation & declared hrselfe as. the opinion of the wo : of Eli.
honrd she had ben taken with them & the mattr in qu. before the
Church being cleared. & laye Test, coming fr Sale"1 divrs of the Church
besids the Elds on hr behalfe.
abt a 3 week after hr 3. children John. Nath. & Lidia Baptisd
abt this Time Joseph the so of Rich Dodge & his wife baptisd . . .
14 of 5l 50. Sarah the daughter of Bro : Goldsm. & his wife baptisd. . .
Vpon 4 of 7\h 1654 was dated a Lr vnder the hands of Rob' Fletcher,
Tho : Adams, W™ Fletcher, W? Buttereck in the nil of the rest, en-
gaged in the N. plantation at Chelmsford, whrin the pasto with the
rest of this church at Wenham were Invited
This Lr being aftrwrds conveyed to vs by the hands of Isa : Lernet
& Tho : Adams, was coicated to the church. & a Liberty by the Majo'
pte graunted so far to attend the pvidence : as to pmit the pastor to Goe
ouer & see the place
accordingly a day was set of meeting at Chelmsford. & thrupo the
messengers returned
Vpon the sd. day set divrs of the Brethren accompanyed the pasto
ouer vnto Chelms. where the comittee & divers others were prsnt a view
was taken of the place. The Brethren prsent satisfyecl themselves
aboute there accommodations. & pposalls were then made to the pasto
for his accommodation & yeerely mayntenance. as to be tendred vnto
9
him by consent of the whole numb of Inhabitants & in their na by the
Committee
These pposales were pmised, with their furthr request to be taken
into consideratio, & in so short seaso after the Returne an Answer &
resolution to be sent by Br. Spalding, as at his coming ouer.
After this Returne of the pastor & Brethren upon the 10th of 8m0 54
the resolution & engagm1 of divrs of the Brethren was in the face of
the whole church, at a Church meeting concluded upo whras 5. ab-
solutely engaged. 2 conditionally & in word only, refusing at prsnt
to subscribe their hands, yet after sent their Engagemts psonally by
Bro : Spalding, so as the greater number of the Church now stood en-
gagd, in case the pastor engaged also
Vpon 6? of 9n!° the pasto Sent his Engagm4.8 by Bro : Spalding & his
Resolutio, as Respecting the engag* of so many Brethren as sd.
Thus the matter Lay dormant as twere all winter till the 1st m°. 55.
at what time Bro: Read coming ouer enformed us in such wise here at
Wenha, as thrvpo both the P. & the sd engaged Brethren demurred
upo the pceedings & some thl had sold heere at Wenha, redeemed their
accomodations agayne into their possession
& a Lr. was sutably sent by Br. Read to acquainte the Chelmesf.
Comittee how things stood, & advisd to stead themselves elswhere.
Betwene this time & the 6' of 4l mo 55. things hung vncertayne &
vncleered, notwithstanding some Lrs. passed & some agitatio at Wenha
betwene Isa: Lernet agent fr Chelmsfd & Wenha Brethren. But as
upo 6* of 4th aforesd was dated a Lr. & sent by the hands of Isa: Lernet
Sim : Thompso & Tho : Adams, with full powr to them to treate &
finally to determine ths busines depending betwene both pties.
Vpon there coming ouer to Wenham. The Matter was determined
betwene them & the sd. pastor touching the Building of the house
Terms of Accommodation & of yeerly mayntenance., as under there
hands affixed to the Lrs was sent before dated in first month tenth day.
likewise it was concluded betwene them & the Brethren at Wenham
to refer the matter to Counsell ; & the pties agreed upon were. Mr
Endicot Govrnor Mr Mather, Mr Allen of Dedha. Mr Cobbet. Mr
Sherma. Capt. Johnso. of Woobuerne who determined the case for
Chelmsford.
This case thus determined : on either side p'pation was made for the
Removal of the Church.
Accordingly about the 13th of 9mo 55. there were met at Chelmsfd.
the pasto with the engaged Brethren of Wenham church viz. Ezdras
Read, Edw. Kemp. Austin Killam. Sa : Foster. Geo: Byam & Rich.
Goldsmith, seauen in all To whom such of the Brethren of Wooburne
& Concord ch : who had before ppounded themselues to joyne with the ch :
10
late at Wenham, Now in Removeing to Chelmsford. & prsented thern-
selues. with there Lr.s of Dismission : upon satisfaction & Testimony
Giuen were by an vnanimous vote Received into fellowship They being
the greater numb, in way of mutual complyance, a Relatio passd on
either side, as each one voluntarily would : ^ . d
Viz. Isaack Lernett (he dyed 8. of 10. 57. 1
Simon Thompson (he dyed about 3 qrs of a y. 2
after at Ooburne
W? Vnderwood * 3
Abram Parker. 4
Benja: Butterfeild 5
Tho : Chamberlin 6
Next received
Dan. Blogged who brought lrs of dismission from the 7
Ch : at Cambridge
So after this the seales of the supp administred & there were ad-
mitted by vote these Members of other churches, to coion with us in
these seales.
Mr Griffin
W" fletcher & his wife
Tho : Adams) & his wife
Br. Vndrwoods wife
(Edw. Spalding)
Bro : Butterfeilds wife
Bro : Chamberlins wife
Edm : Chamberlins wife
Abram Parkers wife
Jos. Parkers wife
Isa : Lernets wife
Sim : Thompsons wife
since Rec*J: into fellowship was Jacob Parker 8
9
It[em]. Tho: Adams. & Edw. Spalding . on 27 of 2d 56 10
Children Baptised
Isaack Lernets child viz. Isaack Lernett
Abr. Parkers child, viz. Mary, Parker
Jos. parkers wiues child, viz. Anna Parker
Dan Bloggeds child viz. Anna Blogged
Bro : Vnderwoods child viz. Samuel. Vnderwood
Tho : Adams child viz. Edith Adams
3 children of Jacob parkers viz. ]„ , '
on 19 of 2d. 56. 1 i^tas.
11
Vpon 274!1 of 2d- Serj. Hildrick of the ch : of Cambr. received vnto the
seale of the supp as a memo of the Church.
It. ppounded to the Ch : this day. to consider about the choyse of
some to the worke of the Deacon.
Vpon 11. of 4. 56. a publick gnal fast
In the close of the day was the Church Cov? renewed repeated &
voted by the Brethren.
It[em] there were received into or cov1 pfessing their willingness
to owne that or cov1. as had ben exprssed
11 William Fletcher } dismissed
1 Bro : Adams his wife V fro the Church Mary Adams.
2 Bro. Vndrwoods wife ) of Concord Sara Vndrwood
3 Anna Butterfeild the wife of Bro : Butterfeild
4 Mary Chamberlin the wife of Bro : Tho : Chamblin
5 Mary Lernett the wife of Bro : Isaack Lernet
6 Mary Thompso the wife of Bro : Symo Thoson
7 Rose parker the wife of Bro : Abra Parker
8 Margaret Parker, the wife of Joseph parker
9 Mary Chamberlin, the wife of Edmond chamblin
dismissed to us fro the Church of Ooburne.
Edmond Chamblin the so of the 1. sd. Mary Chamblin baptised 29
of 4 56. This d. the Lo : supp & here coicatd with vs. Rob. Proctor
of Concord
Rafe Hill & his wife ) ., ,
„ „ , Y ox ooburne
Creo : r arly )
W™ Baker of the Church of charlestowne
This day agreed by the Church that the officer should repeate &
declare the Relation of the wo : to the Church :
Also. That when any such pso as haue ben yet no memb to any
Church congregated orderly ppounds himself the sa be ppounded to
the Church prvately, Testimony concerning their life & convrsation
be enqred into, sd psos be assigned to be joynd with the officer the day
set & libty for any othr the brethren or sisters to be prsent at the
first Try all.
6 of 5 56. Agreed that next Lo : day the Bre. should bring in ther
votes by pap for the noiation of one Deaco he that had the greater
numb of votes to haue the 1st place in noiatio & in case the Church
agreed not aboute him, then in the 2? place, the 2d next & so forth.
& in case the ch. came to a joynt agreem1 about one, then that one
accepting of the call to haue the libty of noiating a 2d.
It. Testim. this day was giuen touching Jo: Nutting & his wife
who had propounded themselves to or fellowship, viz. Isa : Lernet
Sim. Thomson Abram Parker.
12
13 of 5. 56. Isaack Lernet was chosen as afforesd to officiate the
office of a Deaco by way of probation aduised to leaue the place of a
serjant as too grte a brden to retayne bth that & this too. & at the end
of \ the yeere. he to be pposed to the Church for officer.
After so Agitation, & modest refusal at 1st, he was psuaded to ac-
cept of it, wch he doeing desired withall the prayers of the Church
It was left with him at his libty to noiate a 2d to be joynd with him
upon next Lo : day. wch if upo consideration here they should refuse,
the Church then to be in a readines by pap vots as before to bring in
for noiatio. & the pceeding aftrwd to be as before, In the absence of
the pso noiated to discusse the matter, & in case of a closure, to pceed
accordingly
Before this choyse of Is : Larnet to a Decons place, (whose wrke was
declared to lye in taking care & pviding by all due just & lawfull outward
meanes the supporting & continuing of the Ordin : to the Church)
There was Joyued to the Church
Joh : Nutting after his Relation made
assent manifested to the pfession & cov* of the Church
It. Jo : Nuttings wife, hr relation being repeated by the
officer of the Church.
20 of 5. 56 The qu. being put upo what account the Church pceed
to a new election, there being 2 brethren wc.h had officiatd by a call
of the Church of wenha in that place prsent, & not put out, by any
cause alledged.
Vpon this Bro : Lernet decline the call, as quering the openes of it
1. It answrd that the Church pceeded to this way as resoluing it
this day forthnight, that twas upo mutuel agremt betwene the Church
& them the brethren frely laying downe
& Bro : Read ag : this day exprssd himself both to lay downe & also
to decline to accept of the call, if he shld be desired & called, fo so
Reasons by him alledged.
Bro : Kemp likewise lay downe & consnt to for sake of the prmises
It referrd to next Lo : day to agitate & ripen for a vote whithr Bro :
Fletcher haueing or vots of noiation or Bro?' Kemp, for 6mo shall co
unauisly to be pitcht upon
This Lo : day Bro : Bloggeds wife ppounded to the Church 27 of 5.
It Bro : W" fletcher chosen by gnal vote to occupy the place of a
Deaco with Bro : Lernet. & accepted it
Bro : Kemp also by silent consent, after so agitatio occasioned, by a
prtended case of conscience put by him how he could lay downe his
place without so reflection upo his good Name, was pmitted by the
Church to continue the place upo probation, [In margin] Deacons
pbationary elected Isaack Lernet W™ Fletchr Edw. Kemp.
13
it gaue occasion ot examining the principles we went upo vnto a
new choyse.
& found this as by the acknowll4 of many Brethren.
1 that the Church of weuha vpo the Remoue hither, not haueing
any Deacons in office, did refer the matter to a n. choyse, so as the
Brethr. of Chelm : being the grter numb might equally with them haue
satisfaction thrin, as enjoying the libty with them, as was manifest at
the coming up, upo the receiuing in the Chelmsf. Brethr. into the Cov4.
& that by como consent Br : Kemp was to be continued until! the
spring, when they together shld pceed to a new election & this by Br :
Kemp consntd thrto.
Also that this day 3 week Br. Read & Bro : Kemp both consnted to
the Church8 pceding in that way.
likewise this day forthnight they acted with the Church in the choyse
of Bro : Lernet.
likewise this day seuenight they both ag. declared themselves to lay
downe & to pceed with the Church
this day also Bro: Read fvlly declared himself before the election
pceeded. but Bro : Kemp seing wch way the election would worke ag
declared himself as before, wch causd so pplexaty in or pceedings
more the vanity of experimting till what time twas concluded as sd.
( John.
Three of John Nuttings children Baptised < James. 3 of 6. 56
( Mary.
Test, ca in of the convrsation of Bro : Bloggeds wife, such as wch was
satisffactory. & the 3"1 day set for the Tryal & examination, this day
the seales of the supp [In margin] 10. of 6. Br: Bloggeds wife
The wife of Bro : Blogged admitted into the Church Cov4 & fellow-
ship. 17 of 6'
The letts dimissory for James Parker fro the Church of ooburne were
red & he making his Relation &c & Testifying his assent to or Church
pfessio was admitted into or Covt. 24. of 6'
24 of 9th 56 Sister fletcher prsenting hr lrs of dismissio fro Concord
Church was admitted to the Cov4. of this Church.
Is4 of 11th 56 This day a Church meeting agreed upo Lo : day before,
(whrin there being absent these Brethren viz. Adams Read Vndrwood
Blogged. Foster, he being detynd by illness
24. of 11 the Church prsent concluded of these following ppositions
wch had ben before for Aboute a qf of a yeere from time to time still in
agitation.)
1 of 11. 56 & voted vnanimously the forme. In the forme as
followes
14
children of j We ft0 COnceiue
the Church. '
1. That all they that are in Ch : Gov' are ch : members.
2 That Bapt. (being the initiation seale of the Cov*)
belongs of right to all such.
(These two were voted by the whole Church the Lords day
seuennight before.
1 of 11.56
And this day the Church pceeded in the rest as folio wes
3 That the Children of Church members, vnder the age of
14 or 15. y. when there piits tooke the Cov' are included
in there pnts Cov4. & to be reputed members, & conse-
quently to be Baptised, not haueing ben before Baptised.
4. That the Ch : is not bound to extend her inspection &
care ou them : & as they grow to exceed the s* yeeres,
to exercise ch : discipline towards them, in case of their
being Scandalous.
5 That the Church is likewise bound in pursuance of this
her care ouer them, to stir them up to acquaint them-
selues betimes with God & with his will, & accord-
ingly to get the knowledge of the Principles of Religio
& to avoyd scandall in there Liues
6 That such of these as being vnder the Age of 14 or 15
yeeres, shall behaue themselues Scandalously (as by
Lying, filthy coication, or othrwise : shalbe responsible
to the Ch : by there next pnts : as either there naal pnts,
or such as be in there stead (if of the Church)
7 That such of thes as haue attayned the knowl. & vnder-
standing of the prnciples of Religio, & are without just
scandall are to be Encouraged to lay hold on & to owne
there pnts Cov' psonally.
8. That such of these yonger Ones as haue once thus
psonally Engagd in Cov' may prsent there Children to
Baptisme, now in there right who are there next parents.
9. That notwithstanding the sd. yonger psons, should be
in psonall Cov1, & priviledged with the Baptisme of
there children, as sd. yet as the case may require, The
ch : may doe regularly to satisfy themselues touching
there further fitnes ere they yeeld them the liberty, of
ptakeing in the Lords Supp & of voteing in ch : affaires
10. That in Order to the Ch? satisfaction this way, A Con-
fession of the faith, & a Relation of the manner of
Gods working with there soules, may be required ; euen
of these.
15
Heereof Lr.8 to the Ch. at Concord & ooburne were determined to
be sent to acquaint them with this.
Br. Adams made so proposalls (to be sent also) wch for (ad-peneprm)
1 of 12 56. Vpon this day the Brethren prsented their Childr, names
& Ages as follow
Mary about 10 y. old 15 of 5. 56
Anna 8. yeere old 11 of 6. 56
William 6. y. old 1. day 8. 56
Sarah 4. y. old 15. of. 9. 56
Isaack 2 y. old. 1. of 8. in y. 57.
Benoni bapt. 17. of 10. 57. •
1 Bro. Lernet
2 Br. Wm Fletcher
at this time
2 Br. Th : Adams
4 Br. James Parker
5 Br Abrah. Parker
Bro : Jacob Parker
Br. Vnderwood
John Bates aboute 15 y. old
Josua Fletcher about 12 y. old
Lidia. about 9 y. old
Samuel about 4 y. old
Paule aboute 2 y. old
Mary
Jonathan
Pelatiah
Timothy
Samuel
iEdith.
Elizabeth 12 y. old 4. of 1st 57
Anna 10. y. old & 14 dayes.
John 8. y. old & 12. dayes.
James 5. y old about 15 of 2'f 57.
Josiah 4. y. old & 4 months
Samuel 6. m. old.
Anna 11. y. old in 8 mo: 56.
John 9. y. old in 8 mo. 56
Abraha 4. y. old in 6. mo. 56
Mary 1. y. old in 9m0 56.
Jacob. 4. y. old in 3"!° 56
Sarah 2. y. old in 2d mo. 56
Thomas 1. y. old in 1st mo. 57.
Remembrance about 15. y. old
Sarah aboute 14. y. old
Priscilla about 10 y. old
Aquilla about 8. y. old.
Deborah aboute 4 y. old.
Samuel 1. y. old 1-"?° 57
He on 17 of 5.57
drowned. & on
18. of 5. bury-
ed. Onthegnal
tryning day
he dyed, being
in washing.
16
S[ister]. Vnderwoods son Tho : Pellet 22. y. old.
f Anna about 20 y. old
Bro. Tho Chamberlin. ^
I
The wife of Edmond
Chamberlin
Thomas, about 17. y. old
Samuel Chablin aboute 10. y. old
Mary, about 6. y. old
Mary, about 8. y. old
Sarah about 7. y. old
j Elisabeth about 5. y. old.
] John aboute 3. y. old
m [ Edmond about h a y. old
r Benjamin aboute 20. y. old
Jonathan aboute 15. y. old
Bro. Benj. Butterfeild j Nathaniel about 11^.
Samuel about 8. y. old
^ Joseph aboute 6. y. old.
Bro. Blogged
Bro. Read.
Bro. Spalding
Bro. Foster.
S[ister]. Shipley
who was admitted into
Cov1 with this Church at
Wenha 15. of 8. 48
Bro : Nutting
Bro. Symo Thompso
Thomas 2. y. old on 24 of 11. 56.
Anna. 1. y. old on 2d of 9. 56.
Daniel Borne 7 of 11. 56.
( Bethiah aboute 19 y. old
( Obadiah about 17. y. old
John about. 23 y. old
Edward aboute 21 y. old
Benjamin 14. y. old on 4 of 2d. 56.
Joseph 10. y. old on 25 of 8. 56
Dinah 7. y. old on 14 of 1. 56.
Andrew 4 y. old on 19 of 9. 56
Hannah about 7. y. old
Samuel aboute 6. y. old
Eli. aboute 3. y. old.
John aboute 19. y. old
Nathaniel aboute 17. y. old
Lidia aboute 15. y. old
John 5. y. old 25 of 6mo 56
James 3. y. old 30 of 4. 56.
Mary 1. y. old 10 of 11. 56
Sarah 10. y. old on 25 of 12 56
James 7. y. old 15 of 1. 56
Mary. 5. y. old 9 of 11. 56.
Anna 1. y. old 30 of 5. 56. . . .
17
William the Son of Wm Fletcher Baptised 8. of 1. 57
Elizabeth the Daughter of Rob. Procter baptised . . .
3T 57. Edward Foster The son of Sam : Foster Baptised.
[4th Mo.] In this month Edward Foster The so of Sam : Foster
baptised . . .
1. of 9m.° 57 Mary Parker the daughter of sister pker wife of
Joseph pker Baptised . . .
Josiah Nutting This d. [date uncertain] Bro. Nuttings child baptised
Joseph Hildrick Some few week befor Br. Hildrick child
12 of 7 58. This day Moses Fiske, being suddenly to depte to the
Colledge was called forth before the Church : & owned thr his followeth
Cov' in the face of the Church, psonally in cov' engaging himself to the
Church, & the Church to him, as in the forme as followes. [Here
follows the covenant.] . . .
[13 of 12, 59] Sarah Nutting the daughter of Br. & Sister
Nutting Baptised Zechariah pker the so of Bro. Ja: pker Baptised . .
21 of 7. 60 Isaack Parkr the so of Abra Parker Baptised . . .
9 of 9 61 On this day. the 3 bre : Ja : parker, Ja: Fiske, Jon Nutting
ppounded to the Church. That they haueing some thoughts and in-
clinations to a Remoue, desired to ppound it to the Church, that (as
they may see God to make way for them) they may haue the Churches
loueing leaue so to doe, & their prayers for them, for a blessing of God
upo there vndertakeings.
This being pposed by the pastor, he added that himself declined to
speake ought in the case, one way or othr: but desired that the brethren
might manifest themselves.
Br. Kemp. apprhending not any nty of the remoue, wishd they
would attend Gods call here.
Br. Ad : sd. twas a qu. whither the case wilbe resolued at prsent. as
in r of the desire. [In margin] These as a brothr he declared
Twas replyed : that they being yet disingagd, had but the opor-
tunity, as till the next 31 day of the weeke, to giue in their Auswr to
Groton. & they desired an answr fro the Church by that time.
Br. Ad. furthr sd. they saw a call of God leading them to this place
& if they apprhended a call of God away, twas ney [necessary] they
should giue an accont to the Church of their call hence.
Br. Chabl. prssed also, that they render to the Church their grounds
The pasto? answrd. that if any one or 2 more did speake to that pur-
pose, he would put it to the vote, to see if it now the Churchs mind
they should giue their grounds : & if it app to be the mind onely of 2
or 3 brethr. He should heare them, to take prvate satisfaction.
Heereupo scarce a man in the Church, but prsently sd. the grounds,
the grounds.
18
So the pasto desired the br : to approue their grounds
Br. parkr stepping up to speak, the pasto asked him, (he speaking in
the plural numb) whithr he spake the grounds of them all there or
only his owne : Answrd. tho they had each of them so ptic. grounds of
lessee conseq. yet in the mayne they now all agreed, or to that effect.
& then sd. that he for his pte owned that God had a hand in bringing
him hither : & he hoped he shold see the sa ouruling hand of his, in
his Remoue.
& as to their grounds, tis not their desire to exprsse them in ptic,
vnlese it shall be pticularly desired & urged Onely in ghal that it is
bee. of sevral things prese upo their spits as in refference to Church
Administration, & so uncomfortable differences, as they all know are
wonted to arise abt the sa ; & added, yl if he could enjoy all ordin :
or Administration, as according to Rule, as he apprhended, he for his
pte would not remoue
Br. Fiske jjfsed his assent. & added, yl as his ends of coming were
not knowne to God, & in so measure to the Church, so it would be no
smale thing that should moue him to a Remoue.
Heervpo much was sd by one & othr
& the pastor pceivd the matter to tend to much agitatio moued for a
Church meeting the following day
Br. Ad. (opposing the hearing of the grounds in ptic) haueing pposd,
that it might be put to passe in the Church, whithr the deacos of the
Church, remayn such in the Church of Chelmsford, as there is no
cause for these Br. upo that account to remoue
Br. par. Replyed.
1 that the ppo for a voate seemed not according to a rule
2. that if their grounds might not be hrd, he hoped they would
not make the Church a prfer.
the pasto moved that the grounds might be considerd, considering
it would also reflect vpo the Church, they were Bro : & eithr in an
error and mistake and they need to be holpen : or not, & then the
Church need to considr it. & so prssed for a meeting next day
Bro. Ad. declined it & objecting ag it tooth & nayl, sd it tended to
the breach of the Church : and we had no call of God to hear them.
Twice it was voted. 1 for a meeting at 10 a clock. & then all
voted exept himself & one more : then at the motio of br. Fletchr. at
9. a clock, & then 3 or 4 only dissntd
10 of 9 61. At this ch. meeting Br. Ad. Fl. & Chabl. absent rest
prsent. br. Chabl probably knew not of the meeting
At wch meeting, they prfessed if the Church had ben all togethr,
they would & had entended ingenuously to have agreed themselves.
but seeing so principal bro : and one as seems to them, purposely ab-
sent, they conceivd it their prudence rathr to decline the exprsing of
19
the grounds, in ptic than to give occasio of any breach or divisio in the
Church
& as they remoue, for their owne peace sake, so they are unwilling
to spring aught, (tho lying, as ned such greife upo their owne spits)
as should tend to the breach of the place. It being pfessed by divers
yesternight, that the Church is looked at to be in good state & union
at prsent neithr was it the meaning to speak so, if they had spoken as
to accuse the Church, or any ptic. psos in the Church, but to haue
seene what ease they could have obteynd to their owne spits.
Br. Nutting pposed one ground further in r of his one ptic. viz. the
inconveniences of his prsnt situation & that he could not help himself,
for in remoueing to his remote accomodations, haueing sevral smale childr,
he should much deprue himself or wife of the ordin : by that means. &
sought rather the setling himself comfortably for the outward ma, nigh
to the meeting house.
After much Agitation in the prsence and absence of the 3 brethren,
they ca to this result for Answr.
That the case of the br. Remoue was doubtful to vs at prsent & we
desird furthr consideration of it so as if puid : shall in meane time be-
fore they can heare futhr fro us, setle them in their pposed way, we
shall leaue the Matter to God : if othrwise, by their leafe or othr pvid :
they shalbe delayed, we shall be willing they shall hr furthr fro us, so
soone as we shall resolue orselues.
At this meeting also voted
1 that we should call upo Tho : Barret to know his reasos why
he psecuted not his motion of Joyning in or cov1
2 that Jacob parker shld be joynd wth the pasto & deac8 in prvate
Tryal
3. that in case he attend with a desire to pceed, he shold be in-
formd that tis the mind of the Church that he should w1? satisfy
the Church for his vnbrothrly & treachers appearing at Concord
Church, ag : this Church in bro : procters case, & that afte him-
self had declared himself satisfied with the Church, so (proh dolor)
the case is left, so
that in case these bre: they remoue. Suppose (as in charity to them)
their plea Real A Bro : or Breth. haueing matter of Greife or offence
vpo their C? respecting ecclesiastical Administration : neithr they may
be admitted into a capacity of becoming better informed, in case erro-
nious : nor the Church, nor any bro : in the Church, if under sin : of
seeing their owne euil : & this sin shalbe smothered, & Conscience
simply slighted !
23 of 10 61. A Church meeting appoytd upo occasio of giving in
the deacons Accounts. &c &c.
20
At wch meeting, it was agreed & votd that the Noion of so pso, to
Olficiet by way of pbatio till Bro : parker remoues.
At this meeting there were prsent 13 of the Church. Br. Fletchr
went away at the begining. And absent were Br. Adams Br. Blogged
Br. Ja : ffiske Br. Vnderwood.
& 1 it was argued whithr the Church might goe about so weighty a
busines, without the rest of the Brethren, they not hauiug notice of the
busines.
& Twas Resolvd. 1. that their absence ought to be no hindrance
to the Churchs pceedings, seeing they ought to haue been there, it being
publickly agreed of.
2. that they absent could not be ignorant of Br. parkers Rernoue,
& of the nty of the consideration of a seasonable supply in his rooine
3. that there is no rule obvious, that ties eithr the officer to moation
beforehand all the occasions of a Church meeting ; or for a Church,
if occasion be offered of the consideratio of so new matter, & when
they are together, to defer the determination throf at p'sent, bee. it was
not eithr foreseene, or soe declared, as one reaso of the meeting
4. that where a Church meeting is by ghal consnt appoytd, &
publickly knowne : that they that doe meete haue the powr of trans-
acting & defering matters, as a Church of Christ the grter numb at
least wise being assembled.
2. It was argued whither or Br. Fletchr, stood not yet a pbationer?
& Twas resolued that 16 of 9 60 it being votd that Bro. Fletchr
should be continued still upo pbation to see if he can ca off to ye vote
of the Church touching 2d. Relations, or a Tryal of membs of othr
Churches dismissd to vs, touching the worke of grace, before admissio
Bro: Fletcher thrvpfi declined, as he openly had Testifyd both by word &
action, as sevral did there hold forth, to continue in their imploye & thrvpo
euen contrary to many entreaties & psuasions had forsaken the deacons
seate. so as twas not the Church, but himself that had set himself by.
Herevpo the Brethren pceeded to noiati by paps
& whras it was objected as. Br. Ja : pker & Bro. Nuttings voteing,
bee they now upo a Remoue.
This case was also agitated & it resolued, that they being yet in full
coion with us, had by rule a right of voteing & acting with us. & ought
not to be denyed it so they two also votd
& in the votes Bro : Hinksma had 7. Br. Farwel 5 & Jacob pker
1. vote
Heerevpo the 2 form Brethen being desird their absence awhile.
The rest controvertd, argued & agitatd the matter : & in fine by an
unanimous vote agreed that the sd 2 former brethren, should be taken
in as pbationrs. & nothing apping to the contrary, that it was intended
by the Church in seaso to peed with them both to ordination.
21
So Br. Hinksma was to keep the box. booke, & acconts of consti-
tute. Br. Kemp to pvide the bread & the wine. & Bro Farwl. to
take the charge of the linen & pewter &c.
this day Br. Abr. parkr was chosen in Br. Nuttings place, to take
care of the clensing the meeting house that it be kept in a desent pos-
ture & of the hower glasse, Cushion &c. For a yeere.
[In margin] He refusing attend Br. Bia was chosen & acceptd
Br. Thos Barrets case was considerd on. as standing off fro Joyning
in with us in cov* be. of a difference (as he held forth) betweene Ja:
Richardso & himself. So twas resolvd, that he should be at prsnt let
alone & obserue to see his way, & what he would doe, seing that
neither we had reaso to urge him, nor reaso to remitt his LIS of dismissio,
such as wld passe current ad populfi
The Accounts being giuen in by Br. Ja : Parker of the Churchs re-
ceipts expenses &c for yeere past, so far as concerns the Lo : day ' con-
tributio : whras there appd so that had not contribute! to the Church
stock, or aboute what was belonging to the defraying the chrge of the
elemts it being objected they shld be brought up to their duty
Twas answd 1. the Church left them to their libty
2 that they now exempted their hauing any hand (in
the disposing of any pte of the Church stock), with the rest
of the brethren.
The accounts are to be M. in to the pasto & the othr deacons, to be
Recorded by them. . . .
28 of 3 65 Jos. pkers wife & hr children dismissed to the Church
at Groton T
as aboute aq'ofa yeere before : the wife of Jam : parker. ot Jam .
Fiske. of Jon Nutten likewise with their children dismissed, as before. .
2d of 8 65 This day after the Afternoone exercise the Church met
at my house . . •
2 My son Moses was ppounded to the Church to joyne in full fel-
lowship . . .
5 of 9 65 Moses fiske, after a pfesio of his faith made in the publ.
congregatio respecting both the doctrine of faith: & the worke of faith
upo his owne soule : & the manifestation of his appbatio of & consent
to the confessio of this Church : was receiued into the covf of this
Church, & so into full coion.
This day Moses fiske exercised in publ. on the afternoone. fro Feci.
12. 1. 12 of 9. 65 . . .
Bro: Jo" Wrights child baptized. Ebenezer Wright. 28 of 11.
11 of 12 65 Elizabeth Steuens Baptised
18 of 12 65. Lidiah Parker the daughter of Abra pker baptisd . . .
22
Samuel ( ")
Pelatiah -] Whitemore the sons of or V- Baptised 8 of 5. 66
Abraham ( sister Butterfeild in ther )
minority
gg Children Baptised in Chelms. Church
9 of 1 Rachel the daughter of Jac. & Sarah pker
15. of 11. Josiah & Benj : the sons of John & Hannah Blan chard
12 of 2. Mehitebel Baret the daughter of Tho : (& Francis)
24 of. 4. Solomo Keyes the so of Solomo & Francis
15. of. 7 Samuel procter the so of Rob. & (Sarah)
11 of 9 Ebenezer Wright the son of John (& Abigaile)
8 of 12 Eliz. Steuens the daughte of John (& Elisabeth)
1. of 2? ^ Eliz. & Mary the daughters of James & Margaret
Hildreth . . .
On this day Bridget the wife of Ja : Ritchardso taken into full
fellowship & her youngst child baptisd. [In margin] 16. of 7. 66
Bridget Ritchardso receid Eliz. hr daughtr baptisd . . .
the daughter of Sa : Fletchers Wife viz. Margeret fletcher [In
margin] Hannah Fletcher Baptised
Baptised Tho : & James the sons of sister Ritchardso the wife of Ja :
Ritchardso. [In margin] 23 of 7. 66. Tho Ja : Ritchardso Bapt. . . .
Josua fletcher Vpon a Report touching Jos. Fl. that he had ben
at Road Island among the Quakers. & of his idle expensiue caroses
at Groto Concord &c The Ch. was called to consider of the matter.
Br. Adams confirmd the report, saying to this effect in the Church That
he was in a way to mine himself, & to spoyle othrs, & he would be in
danger to spoyle his children (for at that time one of his sons was with
Jos. at Groton . gone thithr when he was fro home. & had ben thr
sevral dayes, & had bought a horse thr (but his fa : made his bargayue
voyd.) in the pcesse of the discourse. Br. Adams prssed the Church
to brake into the ground work. viz. his fathrs family, & spake much
that way, laying the cause & roote of all this, upo the phts & family,
whrvpo the Church chose sevral to be joynd with the officer to search
into the matter, & to driue it as far as they could & then to bring it
unto the Church, the brethren chosen were. Br. Farwel Br. Spalding Br.
Adams, who declined to act in the matter bee. of relatio to the Church
chose Leift. Fostr in his roome. othrs prsent at the prvate agitation at
my house were Br. Barge Br. Jac. pker Br. Kemp. Moses Fiske.
y. 66. on 26 of. 10. we met, & Jos. Fl. attended. sevral things were
spoke to him. but he excused & evaded all. & in reference to his leaving
his fa : family & so being out of Gods way, alledged his fathrs consent.
& as to the cause there were so that would manage that besids for
more prvat examining of things betw his fa: & him.
1**0.
23
y. 66. upo 1. of 11. Jos. being sent to by Br. Farwel & br. Spald-
ing to attend on this day after the Lecture, who also had pmisd them
yet attended not the brethren, who wayted for his coming till nigh sun
set. & after we had information that he wd by the house in the time
whilst we were together, with Mary Martin behind him.
Matters lay vpo furthr encfry & consideratio vntill 3'"° 67. & then
vpo a Sab. day after the aftrnoone exercise he had notice by J°-n Burge
& Jac. Parker to attend the Church but he attended not.
About a 4uight or 3. weeks after, he was called forth in the next
congregation : & chrged with these 4 ptic.
Is.1 his non-attendance upo the Church when reqred
2? his non-attendance upo the officer & Br. when reqred
3. his non-attendance upo catechising neithr in publ. nor pruate
since his leaueing his fathers house.
4. his non-attendance upo his fathrs counsel & govrn*.
his Answr to the last was, that he could not justify, bt did
condeme himself in pte. the other he somewhat shifted &
excusd
But before his charges, he publickly ownd himself (being demandd)
to be under the watch & govrn' of Christ in his Church.)
After sevral agitations in sd prvate Church meetings aboute the mat-
ter twas voted : that he should be admonished the vote passed 23 of
4. 67
The admonitio was giuen 30 of 4. 67. The ground was. his haueing
for so space of time acted the pte of a Child of Belial. 2 Cor. 6. 15. . .
18. of 12. 67 A ch. meeting upo the Deacons Accounts . . .
This day there passed these vots . . .
3 That the Deacons lay out to the value of 20 s? for the use of S.
Shiply this following yeere, to the procuring her so wine, sugar or such
other Refreshings, as she may stand in need of : & to bring it in, in the
accounts. . . .
Hannah Balke receM into full coion this day seuennight she had this
day 2 children viz Hannah & Sarah Baptisd [In margin] 23 of 3. 69
Hannah Balke . . .
This d. the scrt. (Tho. Ad. & his wife absent.) phebe Ritchardso the
daughter of sister Ritchrdso & Ja: Ritchd.B Baptised 10 of 2. 70 . . .
Mary Butterfeild Baptisd. the daughter of Mary Butterfeild 8 of 3. 70
Nathaniel Blogged the so of dan Blogged baptised 15. of 3. 70 . . .
1 of 6. 70. Bro. [Henry] Farewel dyed suddenly in the morn : &
was buryed upo or Lecture day. . . .
1 of 10. 70. Bro : Butterfeilds Accounts . . .
M to Sister Shiply 00-12-00
" to Sister Shiply y. 70 00 - 10 - 00 . . .
24
Mary Warren the Daughter of Rich. Hildr. prsentd hrselfe to
Tryal. 18 of 2. 72 ppounded to the Church, ppounded in the publ.
congregatio 22 of 2 72 After owned hr sa: Cov'. & hr 2 childr bap-
tised 28. of 2. 72 . . .
30 of 1. 73 Josiah Ritchrdso in m? 2*? his Children Baptisd
11 of 3. 73 Priscilla Spalding This day she haueing stood ppounded
a forthnight, was Admitted (Her Relation being Red) vnto full coion.
hr children Dorathy, & Deborah & Sarah. Baptised
13 of 5. 73 Lidia perha This day hr relatio beiug Red, & othr
things orderly attended. She was admitted to full coion Her Children :
Mary, John, Joseph, Anna Baptisd
10 of 6. 73 Hannah Spalding Received into full coion with the
Church & hr 6. Children on 24 of 6 Baptised viz. John, Edward, Sam-
uel, Vnice, Hannah. Deborah.
24 of 6. 73 Mary Woodhead Recei? into full coion in this Church.
& her 2 children that had ben before baptised in Concord.
17 of 8. 73 Mary Waddle She haueing ben Admitted into full fel-
lowsh with this Church : was herself & her 3 childr Mary. Rose. &
Willis. Baptised, in prsnce of the Congregatio.
9 of 9. 73 Hannah farwel, She Admittd to or cov1 & Aftr Hannah,
Joseph, Elizabeth baptised
14 of 10 73 Joseph Spalding the son of Jn° & Hannah Spalding
Baptised.
1 1 of 1 1 73 Sam fletcher Sen hs Child baptised caled W™ fletcher
18 of 11. 73 Rich Hildreth had his dismissio & of 3. of his Children,
Joseph Percy & Isaack. gravnted him, to the Ch : at Cambridge : ac-
cording to his desire, he declaring his purpose of setlem4 there & of liue-
ing & dying there.
8 of 12 73 Jacob Warren Mary Warren These two admitted to
full coion this day in or church & they had 2 children Infants, wch they
resigned to the watch of this church (Jacob. & Joseph.
31 of 11 74 Heury farwel. the son of Hannah farewel baptised . . .
Elizabeth woodhead, daughter of Sister Mary woodhead Baptised
28 of 12 74
Joseph barret (being taken into ful fellowship last Sabbat) was on
this day baptised & his daughter Rebeca : 4 of 2. 75 . . .
v "ZTW4-
EXTRACTS
PROM THE NOTE-BOOK OF
THE REV. JOHN FISKE,
1637-1675.
tffiftttf) an Introtntction
By SAMUEL A. GREEN.
r