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HISTORY

HARVARD UNIVERSITY,

FROM *

ITS FOUNDATION, IN THE YEAR 1G3G,

THE PERIOD OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.

By the late BENJAMIN PEIRCE, a. m.,

LIBRARIAN OF THE UNIVERSITY.

ME COMMUNE BONUM, PR^SERTIM GLORIA CHRIST!,
IMPULIT, ET CABJE POSTERITATIS AMOR.

Wilson. Eleg. in Joh. Harvardum.

CAMBRIDGE :
BROWN, SHATTUCK, AND COMPANY,

BOOKSELLERS TO THE UNIVERSITY.

1833.

Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight
hundred and thirty-three, by Lydia R. Peirce, in tlie Clerk's Office of
the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.

CAMBRIDGE:
CHARLES FOLSOM, PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY.

•• •

* •• .

• V * t- t

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« • • • I ,

• • « O * • «

THE HONORABLE PAINE WINGATE

THE ELDEST SURVIVING GRADUATE,

AND

TO THE OTHER SONS OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY,

THIS WORK IS,

AT THE REQUEST OF THE AUTHOR's FAMILY,

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED

BY THE EDITOR.

PREFACE.

A PARTICULAR history of Harvard University, the most ancient
Seminary of Learning in this country, has long been a desideratum
in our hterature. Occasional notices of this Institution, it is true, fre-
quently occur in the works of American authors ; but no one has
hitherto expressly undertaken the task of writing its history.

The late respected author of the present work always took
a deep interest in the University ; and, after his appointment to
the office which placed the Library under his care, his time
and thoughts were intently devoted to the promotion of its wel-
fare. Accustomed to reflect much, and to weigh with exactness
the current opinions of the age, he had formed a higher estimate
of the incalculable importance of the University to the country at
large, than is perceived by those casual observers, who too gen-
erally estimate the value of public institutions and public meas-
ures by their momentary and palpable effects, and not by those
of a more lasting but less obvious character. His attachment to
the place of his instruction w^as strengthened at once by a deep
conviction of its value to the whole nation, and an ardent sentiment
of gratitude to the benevolent founders of an Institution, to which
he felt himself indebted for his own education.

One of his first objects was, to bring before the public a knowl-
edge of the treasures contained in the University Library, by
makino^ a most accurate and useful Catalosfue of the books ;
bSbre which publication the great value of this collection was
hardly known beyond its immediate vicinity. The preparation of
that laborious work naturally brought under his notice various facts
in relation to the University ; and he employed his intervals of
leisure in collecting materials for a general history of it.

VI PREFACE.

After having collected materials for tlie present volume, and
while eno-aged in a more careful examination of the details of his
work, it pleased Providence, that he should suddenly be arrested in
his labors by that disease, which had been exasperated by those
very labors, and which soon terminated in removing him from his
afflicted family and friends.

As soon as was practicable, after his death, a partial examination
was made of his papers ; and it was found that his History of the
University had been left in so advanced a state, that it was deem-
ed by his surviving friends to be of public utility, as well as an act
of justice to his memory, that all the papers and memorandums
relative to that work, should be placed in the hands of some -per-
son, who should perform such editorial duty as might be necessary
to prepare the work for publication. The partiality of those
friends committed this delicate trust to the present editor ; whose
deference to the judgment of others, as well as regard for the
memory of a much valued friend and his bereaved family, for-
bade declining a request made under the peculiar circumstances
accompanying it, whatever opinion the editor might have enter-
tained of his own inability and want of leisure to discharge
the trust in a manner, that should be satisfactory to the public,
as well as to those friends by whom it had been committed to
him.

The present volume, which was all that the author had origi-
nally intended to pubhsh, comprises an account of the University
from its foundation, in 1636, to the close of the time of President
Holyoke in 1769, being the last important epoch preceding the
American Revolution. This early portion of the history, there is
reason to believe, cost the author much labor; and it will be
the more valuable, as his known habits of accuracy in such inves-
tigations will make it an authority, upon which reliance may be
placed by succeeding writers.

If the author had lived, he would, perhaps, at some future time
have brought his work down to a later period than is included
in the present volume, which embraces the first century and a
half of the University history. But the work now offered to
the public is, nevertheless, to be regarded as the extent of his origi-
nal design; and it comprehends a period, which from its antiquity

PREFACE. Vll

and other causes affords more materials than any other to gratify
the natural desire felt by all men, to look back to the illustrious
deeds of their fathers. It may be added, that the materials of
the present work are not merely such as may be found in books
already published; on the contrary, many of them, and some
which are of the highest interest to the sons of Harvard, have
been obtained from original sources, — such as manuscript noti-
ces, detached memorandums, diaries of deceased persons educated
at the University, and personal information communicated by aged
individuals recently or still living ; among whom, the author was
particularly indebted to the late Dr. Holyoke, of Salem, a grad-
uate of the year 1746, and the Honorable Paine Wingate, of
Stratham, New Hampshire, a member of the class of the year 1759,
and now the venerable senior of the whole body of surviving
graduates. Many interesting circumstances relative to academic
usages and manners in ancient days were communicated to the
author by those venerable men, and will be found in various parts
of the History, and the Correspondence subjoined to it.

At the time when the manuscript of the author was first exam-
ined, it appeared on a cursory view, as before intimated, to be in
such a state as to require but little editorial aid in preparing it for the
press. Upon a nearer examination, however, it was found that
the author had, in numerous instances, merely made temporary
references to authorities, and had not definitively come to a decision
as to the use intended to be made of them, or what portions of his
materials were to be incorporated into the narrative itself, and
what were to be reserved for the Appendix and Notes. In such
cases the Editor has, during the limited time allowed him, decided
in the best manner he could, though not always upon grounds so
sure as to render it certain in all cases that he has determined ac-
cording to the author's views.

It was evidently the author's intention to make his work a re-
pository of the most important and authentic information relative
to the University ; and, that it might be rendered permanently
useful as a book of reference and authority, he had noted down
among the articles for his Appendix and Notes, the College Laws,
the Statutes of the different Professorships, and much other mat-
ter of that description, which constitutes a necessary part of a work

Vlll PREFACE.

of this kind, and will be sought after by every reader who- is solici-
tous to obtain an accurate knowledge of facts, though it will
be -esteemed of little value by those who read a history as they
would a novel, not for the acquisition of knowledge, but merely
for the entertainment of an idle hour.

The simple and unadorned style of the narrative may demand
a passing remark. If the author had lived to publish the work
himself, it is to be presumed that his correct judgment and habit-
ual care in composition, might have suggested further revision in a
few instances, where, for want of time or some other cause, he ap-
pears not to have made his final corrections. From this remark,
however, it must not be inferred, that the diction would have been
more ornamented and rhetorical than it now appears. Mr. Peirce
was a diligent reader and admirer of the English classics, Addi-
son, Pope, Dryden, Swift, and their contemporaries, and had
formed his own style, upon the severest models of that school,
tinctured, perhaps, in a slight degree with the plainness of still
older writers. His style is, accordingly, unambitious, simple
and pure English ; with too little rhetorical embellishment to pro-
duce effect, as it is called, upon the age in which it is \\Titten, yet
possessing the essential requisites of a style which will confer
a more permanent value, so far as that may depend upon style
alone. He was scrupulously careful in avoiding expressions,
which had no other merit than novelty or the caprice of the day
to recommend them ; thus conforming to the sound opinion of an
eminent Enghsh classic, — himself perhaps the first writer of the
age, if estimated by the united excellences of his style and mat-
ter,— who, in adverting to the affectations and peculiarities of
certain English authors most justly observes, — " Such examples
should warn a writer desiring to be lastingly read, of the danger
which attends new words, or very new acceptations of those
which are established, or even of attempts to revive those which
are altogether superannuated. They show in the clearest light
that the learned and the vulgar parts of language, bemg those
which are most liable to change, are unfit materials for a durable
style ; and they teach us to look to those words which form the
far larger portion of ancient as well as of modern language, that
' well of English undefiled ' which has been happily resorted to

PREFACE. IX

from More to Cowper, as being proved by the unimpeachable
evidence of that long usage to fit the rest of our speech more
perfectly, and to flow more easily, clearly, and sweetly in our
compositions. " *

Notwithstanding the disadvantageous circumstances under which
this, like most posthumous works, is offered to the public, — which
none can more sincerely lament than the editor, especially in such
parts as a more competent friend might have supplied, — yet it is
beheved, that every son of Harvard will be ever grateful to the
estimable author for ha vino; brouo;ht together so much interesting
and valuable information, and presented them with an unaffected
candor and uncompromising honesty and independence, corre-
sponding to the simplicity and purity of that Truth, which w^as
his sole aim, and without which no narration, however skil-
fully constructed, or however finished in its style, can deserve the
noble, but often abused name of History.

The Editor cannot dismiss this work without making his ac-
knowledgments to his friend, Mr. C. Folsom, for numerous impor-
tant services, which his regard for the Author, as well as the
Editor, prompted him to render in relation to it.

J. Pickering.

At the period of Mr. Peirce's death, a short obituary notice of
him was published in the newspapers of the day ; and at the re-
quest of his friends, the Editor here subjoins it as it originally
appeared.

" Mr. Peirce w^as a native of Salem in this State. He gradu-
ated at Harvard University in the year 1801. — While an under-
graduate he was eminently distinguished among his fellow-students
for his zealous and untiring pursuit of knowledge, and for those
babits of literary labor w^hich have been so conspicuous during
his late connexion w^ith that Institution. It is a satisfactory proof
of the rank which he held as a scholar, in the judgment of his
instructers, that he graduated with the highest honors of his class.

* Sir James Mackintosh's Life of Sir Thomas More, in Dr. Lardner's
Cabinet Cyclopaedia, p. 46, London Edit.
h

PREFACE.

" His owTi inclination would, perhaps, have led him to pursue
one of the learned professions ; but circumstances, which too often
direct our course without control, induced him to embark in com-
mercial business with his much respected father, one of the prin-
cipal merchants of Salem ; and he continued in that occupation
for many years.

" During this part of his life he received, at different times, the
most gratifying proofs of the confidence which his fellow-citizens
reposed in him, by being elected, at an earlier age than usual, a
Senator for the county of Essex in our State Legislature (in
1811), and afterwards, for several years, a Representative of his
native town. He was not a professed debater in that public body ;
but his sound judgment and solidity of principle had their just
influence on those, who were his friends and associates in the
public measures of that day.

'' Through his whole life he was uniformly distinguished for that
first of all the social virtues — integrity ; — and never was a man,
in his various relations to society and the individuals around him,
more steadily actuated by strict moral rectitude. In the stormy
periods of our politics, and particularly on the complicated and
delicate question of the rights and duties of foreign nations
towards us, this inflexibility of principle not unfrequently exposed
him to sharp opposition from those politicians, who, 'in the cor-
rupted currents of this world ' are swayed by other considerations
than the mere right and wrong of a given case. But he never
shrunk fi'om the expression of his well-matured opinions on the
various trying questions of the day ; opinions, which he always
maintained with the sound logic of a well-disciplined and investi-
gating mind, and the correctness of which was justified by events.

" His love of letters continued through life ; and, notwithstand-
ing the avocations of business, few persons in this country have
made themselves so familiar as he was with the classical authors
in English literature. This consideration, doubtless, had its weight
with the members of the Corporation, when they selected him, in
1826, to fill the honorable and responsible office of Librarian to
the University, — an office of much greater importance in its vari-
ous relations than is generally supposed ; and which, in all coun-
tries where science and literature are respected, is not limited to

PREFACE. Xi

the mere duty of keeping an account of the dehvery and return
of books, but is reserved for men of talents and learning, who
are capable of using a library for the benefit of the community,
while they personally give distinction and character to the estab-
lishment witji which they are connected, — for such men as Por-
son in London, Hase in Paris, and Heyne in Gottingen.

'' With how much ability and fidelity he discharged the duties
of that station, has long been w^ell known to the governors of the
University ; and the public, generally, have now also the means of
forming some judgment, in his ample and invaluable Catalogue of
the University Library, lately published in four octavo volumes,
the last of which was just completed and was in a course of distri-
bution, while he was confined to his house by that malady which
so unexpectedly proved fatal to him. The value of this labori-
ous and accurate work can be estimated by those only, who know
how to appreciate the Herculean labor of executing it. Various
efforts had been made, by the government of the College, to
obtain a good catalogue before the Library had attained to its
present increased size ; and materials had been in part collected
for that purpose by different persons. But those materials, valu-
able as they would have been in the hands of the individuals, who
had made the collections each with a view to his own plan and
conception of such a work, were but partially used by Mr. Peirce,
as we have understood, in the construction of his Catalogue.

^' In addition to this important publication, Mr. Peirce had be-
gun, and brought to a considerable degree of forwardness, another
w^ork, in which every son of Harvard in particular, will take a
most lively interest, — a History of the University, from its
foundation ; with notices of its distinguished sons, w^io have been
ornaments to our country as well as to the place of their educa-
tion. A great body of new and highly interesting matter will be
found in the collections made by Mr. Peirce with a view to this
History ; and it is to be hoped, that measures will be taken, as
early as circumstances permit, for the completion and publication
of this work, — in itself, the most appropriate monument to the
memory of a devoted son of our Alma Mater, and one whose
deep interest in her welfare, and intense application to the duties
of his office, have contributed to hasten the catastrophe we now
lament.

Xll PREFACE.

'^But we are admonished to refrain from indulging ourselves in
the feelings, wJiicli this event naturally calls forth. His asso-
ciates in oflice at the University, and all others who knew the
real worth of this valuable public officer and excellent man, feel
and lament the loss sustained in his death. But by no one can
this be more deeply felt than by him, who, in justice to departed
worth and as a solace to his own feelings, has attempted this faint
memorial of the character of a highly valued and cherished friend.

Multis ille bonis flebilis occidit :
Nulli flebilior quara mihi

" Cambridge, July 30, 1831."

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Page.

The First Settlers of New England — Foundation of the Univer-
sity — Rev. John Harvard — Nathaniel Eaton, the first Head
of the University — Grammar School in Cambridge — Print-
ing first introduced into Cambridge — President Dunster — The
first Commencement, in 1642 — Charter of the University —
Donations 1

CHAPTER H.

President Chauncy — Appendix to the Charter — Indian and other
publications from the Cambridge Press — Indian College —
President Chauncy 's death, character, and publications — New
Building erected — Contributions to the University . . 18

CHAPTER HI.

President Hoar, the first graduate of the University who was
placed at its head — State of the Institution while under his
charge . 39

CHAPTER IV.

President Oakes — His Character and Publications — Philip's War
— Theophilus Gale's Donation of his Library — Other Dona-
tions 44

CHAPTER V.

President Rogers — His Character — Grant of the General Court
and other Donations 49

XIV CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VI.

President Mather — Appointed one of the Licensers of the Press
— The Reforming Synod — The Charter of Massachusetts an-
nulled — New Charter granted 51

CHAPTER Vn.

Stougliton Hall erected — President Mather's Character and Pub-
lications— Donations to the University . . . .63

CHAPTER Vni.

Vice-President Willard — His Publications — Character — Print-
ing at Cambridge, abandoned 72

CHAPTER IX.

President Leverett — The President required to reside in Cam-
bridge— Ceremonial of his induction into office — His adminis-
tration, successful and brilliant 78

CHAPTER X.

Donations to the University — Alumni, v^^ho have been Fellows of
the Royal Society of London — Governor Dudley, a Patron of
the University — Massachusetts Hall, built at the expense of the
Province 87

CHAPTER XL

Thomas Hollis — His first Donations — Scholarships founded by
him — Founds a Professorship of Divinity — Rev. Edward Wig-
glesworth, his first Professor — Liberal Donation of Mr. Hop-
kins 96

CHAPTER XII.

The Library — Number of Volumes — Proportion of Works in
difierent branches of learning 108

CHAPTER XIIL

Proceedings of the Overseers and of the General Court, respecting
the rights of Resident Fellows — President Leverett's Letter
on the subject — His Death and Character . . . 113

CONTENTS. XV

CHAPTER XIV.

Party feelings of the time — Dr. Colman — Vote of the House of
Representatives respecting the Dedication of the Theses ; and
orders to the printer not to deliver them till they should be
properly addressed — The popular party, not satisfied to see
the Constitution in the hands of President Leverett, Dr. Colman,
and their Friends — The Author's views of the controversies of
the day — Dr. Colman's sentiments 126

CHAPTER XV.

Dr. Colman and Dr. Sewall have the offer of the Presidency —
Dr. Sewall elected ; but declines it — Cotton Mather, his Works
and Character — was a benefactor to the University . . 134

CHAPTER XVI.

President Wadsworth — Ceremonial of his inauguration — -Grant
of the General Court, for the President's House — Further lib-
erality of Hollis ; founds a Professorship of Mathematics and
Natural Philosophy — His Donation of a Philosophical Appara-
tus, Books, and Hebrew and Greek Types — His Death and
Character — Donations of other individuals .... 144

CHAPTER XVII.

State of the University — New body of Laws — Rev. Timothy Cut-
ler, Rector of Yale College, makes a declaration against the
validity of Presbyterian Ordination ; and is dismissed — His
claim to a seat among the Overseers — A similar claim by the
Rev. Samuel Myles — The claims denied by the Board of Over-
seers . 161

CHAPTER XVIII.

Character of President Wadsworth — His Death — Professor
Wigglesworth's Sermon on that Occasion — Donations to the
University . ' 168

CHAPTER XIX.

President Holyoke — Grants made by the General Court, in aid of
his support ; and, to his parish, to facilitate their settling another
minister — Tutor Flynt presides at Commencement, 1737 —

XVI CONTENTS.

Ceremony of President Holyoke's Inauguration — Grant to the
Tutors, for services during the vacancy in the President's
office ........... 174

CHAPTER XX.

Dismissal of the Professor of Mathematics — Election of Professor
Winthrop to that office — A question, whether he shouhl be ex-
amined as to his religious sentiments — Inquiry into the conduct
of the French Instructor, charged with propagating dangerous
errors among the students — Professor Wintlirop's inauguration
— Dismissal of Tutor Prince — His Appeal to the General
Court 186

CHAPTER XXI.

Legacies to the University — Holden Chapel erected — The Hon.
Paul Dudley establishes his Annual Lecture — President Holy-
oke delivers the first Dudleian Lecture .... 197

CHAPTER XXH.

Mr. Whitefield arrives in New England — His opinion of the
religious state of the University — President Holyoke's defence
of it against the attacks of Mr. Whitefield — The Testimony of
the President, Professors, and Tutors against him — Mr. White-
field's Reply to them — Professor Wigglesworth's Letter to Mr.
Whitefield — Mr. Cros well's invectives against Ministers and
the Colleges 204

CHAPTER XXIIL

Further revision of the Laws — Discontents in respect to the Com-
mons — Description of the Commons — The Buttery — Proceed-
ings of the Corporation and Overseers respecting the Commons
and alleged Grievances of the Students — Case of corporal
chastisement of a student 215

CHAPTER XXIV.

A Lottery granted in aid of the University — Grants of land in
Maine — Thomas Hancock's munificence — Foundation of the
Hancock Professorship of Hebrew and other Oriental Lan-
guages— Judah Monis, teacher of Hebrew — Mr. Sewall ap-
pointed his successor — Alford Professorship — Course of Stud-
ies at this time — Report of a Committee of the Overseers upon

. that subject — Rhetorical Exercises — Subdivision of studies
among the Tutors 229

CONTENTS. XVll

CHAPTER XXV.

Death of Professor Wiggles worth — His Character — His works
— His religious sentiments — Succeeded by his son, as profes-
sor — Inauguration of his successor — Tutor Flynt — His servi-
ces — His bounty to the University 250

CHAPTER XXVI.

A new College Building erected ; and named by the Governor,
Hollis Hall — Proposal to establish another College, in Hamp-
shire — Alarm occasioned by the proposal, and Remonstrance
against it — The General Court holds its sessions in Harvard
Hall — The Library destroyed by fire — Harvard Hall rebuilt by
the Province — Donations to the new Library — Munificence of
the second Thomas Hollis — Death of President Holyo.ke —
His Character 266

Correspondence of the Author with the Hon. Paine Wingate . 307

APPENDIX.

I. — Extracts from New England's First Fruits ; containing an
account, 1. of the College ; 2. Regulations; 3. Studies ;
4. Commencement, in 1642 3]

II. — Act establishing the Overseers of Harvard College, 1642 9]

IIL — Charter of 1650 11]

IV. — Appendix to the Charter, 1657 14 ]

V. — President Dunster's Letter to Governor Winthrop, Sept. 18,
1643, requesting payment of his dues &c. ; and Report on
it, in the General Court 15 ]

VI. — Extracts from Johnson's Wonder- Working Providence
respecting the College, and Mr. Dunster's Presidency,
1654 18]

VII. — Extracts from Lechford's " Plaine Dealing" respecting

the College and its President 23 ]

VIII. — 1. Edward Hopkins's Will ; 2. The Rev. Thomas Tenner's
Library ; 3. Mr. Savage's Note on the name of Newtown
being changed to Cambridge ; 4. The case of Nathaniel
c

XVlll CONTENTS. '

Eaton, for abusive conduct to Briscoe, and scanty diet of
his boarders ; examination of" his wife respecting the
boarding ; 5. Mr. Cliauncy's opinions on Baptism ; 6. Nine
Graduates of 1G42; and the Commencement, that year;
7. Assembly of Elders, in the College ; 8. The magistrates
and teaching elders of the six nearest towns, made Gover-
nors of the College ; 9. Contributions to aid the College,
in the different towns ; and free schools established , 24 ]

IX. — Account of Indian Pupils at the College ; Description of

the Indian College 39 ]

X. — President Dunster's removal to Scituate ; and his inter-
ment at Cambridge 41 ]

XI. — Extracts from Mather's Magnalia, respecting 1. The
Course of Studies, form of conferring Degrees ; 2. The
Theses and QiifEstiones, at Commencement ; Theses of
the Class of 1642 ; 3. The Laws of the same period ;
4. Wilson's Elegy on Mr. Harvard . . . . 42 ]

XII. — Extract from Josselyn respecting the Indian Scholars ; de-
scription of Newtown or Cambridge ; and number of min-
isters bred in New England 55 ]

XIII. — Account of the First Class of Graduates in Harvard

University 56]

XIV. — Extracts from Hutchinson ; — attempts to procure a new

Charter for the College, 1685 - 1707. . . . 67]

XV.— I. See Appendix, No. II.

2. See Appendix, No. III.

3. See Appendix, No. IV.

4. Extract from the Constitution of Massachusetts re-

lating to the University 72 ]

5. Statute of 1809, altering and amending the Constitu-

tion of the Board of Overseers . . . . 73]

6. Statute of J812; repealing the Statute of 1809.—

Historical View of the Constitution of the College. —
Memorial of the Corporation, presented to the General
Court in 1812 77]

XVI. — Foundations and Statutes of Professorships . . 95 ]

XVII. — Account of Mr. Hollis 107]

CONTENTS. Xix

XVIII. — QujEstiones pro modulo discutiendae, 1740 . . Ill]

XIX. — Remonstrance of the Overseers against the establish-

ment of a College in Hampshire County, presented to
Governor Bernard in 1762 114 ]

XX. — College Laws, according to the revision of 1734 . 125]

XXI. — Professor Wigglesworth's Reply to Whitefield's charges

against the College 144 ]

Notes 149]

Index 155]

H I S T O R r.

CHAPTER I.

The first settlers of New England were men who
understood and felt the importance of education.
While as a body they were well instructed, many indi-
viduals among them came stored with the various
learning of the Enghsh Universities. From those
renowned institutions, even if nonconformity to the
estabUshed church would not have been an exclusion,
their distance would, generally speaking, have formed
an insuperable bar to the enjoyment of any direct
benefit. Scarcely, therefore, had the Pilgrim fathers of
New England subdued a few spots in the wilderness,
where they had sought shelter from persecution, when
their solicitude to transmit to future generations the
benefits of learning, impelled them, while yet strug-
gling with many and great difficulties, to enter upon
the work of providing here for such an education in
the liberal arts and sciences, as was to be obtained in
Europe ; justly regarding an establishment for that
purpose as an essential part of the fabric of civil and
religious order, w^hich they were employed in construct-
ing, and which, with some modification, now happily
stands so noble a monument of their energy of char-
acter, of their love of w^ell-regulated liberty, of their
wisdom, virtue, and piety.

2 HISTORV OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. I.

To minds less enlightened, less impressed with the
value of liberal studies, and less resolved on achieving
whatever duty commanded, such a project would have
presented itself in vain ; but from the fathers of New
England it was precisely the measure which was to have
been expected ; it flowed from their principles and char-
acter, as an eflect from its legitimate cause ; and, while
the qualities of a stream are a test of the nature of its
source, this venerable institution must be regarded as a
memorial of the wisdom and virtue of its pious founders.

Their reliance, however, was not solely on their own
resources. With a pious trust in the fostering care of
Providence, they looked abroad for assistance ; and
seem to have confidently expected it from some of the
many learned and able individuals in England, who
sympathized with them in their religious sentiments,
or were desirous of propagating Christianity among
the aborigines of America.^

In the autumn of 1636, only six years from the first
settlement of Boston, the General Court voted X400,
equal to a year's rate of the whole colony,^ towards
the erection of a public " school or college " ; of which
c€200 was to be paid the next year, and £200, when
the work was finished. An order was passed, the
year following, that the college should be at Newtown,
" a place very pleasant and accommodate," and " then
under the orthodox and soul-flourishing ministery of
Mr. Thomas Shepheard " ; ^ and a most respectable
committee of twelve of the principal magistrates and
ministers of the colony, namely. Governor Winthrop,

1 Wonder-Working Providence, p. 164 ; New England's First
Fruits, in Mass. Hist. Coll. Vol. I. p. 246, First Series. — See Notes
A, B, and H, at the end of this Plistory.

2 VVinthrop's Hist, of N. England, by Savage, Vol. H. pp. 87, 88, note.

3 See Notes A and B.

1636-1654.] JOHN HARVARD. 3

Deputy-Governor Dudley, Mr. Bellingham, Mr. Hum-
phry, Mr. Herlackenden, Mr. Stoughton, Mr. Cotton,
Mr. Wilson, Mr. Davenport, Mr. Wells, Mr. Shepherd,
Mr. Peters, was appointed to carry it into effect.^ In
Miiy, 163S, the name of Newtown was changed for
that of Cambridge, from the place in the parent coun-
try, where many of the principal men of the colony
had received their education; and in March, 1639, it
was ordered that the College should be called Harvard
College, in honor of its great benefactor, the Rev. John
Harvard.

In the year 1638 the regular course of academic
studies seems to have commenced. Historians fix on
this period as the date of the foundation of the Col-
lege ; and degrees were conferred in four years after-
wards.

The Rev. John Harvard " was educated at Emman-
uel College, in the University of Cambridge, in En-
gland ; and, having received the degree of Master of
Arts, was settled as a minister in that country. He
came over to America, as is supposed, in 1637, having
been admitted a freeman of the colony, on the 2d of
November in that year. After his arrival in this coun-
try, he preached for a short time at Charlestown, but
was laboring under consumption, and died in 1 638, on
the 14th of September, corresponding in the new style
to the 26th of September. By his will, ' which was
probably nuncupative, as it is nowhere recorded,' he
left i)779. 17s. 2d., being one half of his estate, towards
the erection of a College." ^ To this bequest, which
was a large sum in that " day of small things," he

1 Court Rec. Book I. p. 213.

2 Everett's Address at the Erection of a Monument to John Harvard,
and Appendix, 1828 ; and Winthrop's Hist, of N. England, by Savage,
Vol. II. p. 88, note.

4 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. I.

added all his library/ consisting of three hundred and
twenty volumes. From some lines in a Latin elegy
to the memory of Harvard, written by John Wilson,
" it might be inferred as probable, that he left a widow
and some other heir, who was not his son. The few
facts contained in this brief notice, are all which our
histories have preserved to us in relation to this ever
honored name."^

The first person who had charge of the institution,
was Nathaniel Eaton. He was appointed in 1637;
and was intrusted, not only with the education of the
students, but with the care of managing the donations
and erecting buildings for the College. In 1639, the
General Court granted him 500 acres of land, on con-
dition of his continuing his employment for life. He
was undoubtedly qualified for the ofl^ice by his talents
and learning ; but in other respects he proved himself
exceedingly unfit for it. In the same year the grant
of land was made to him, he was accused of ill-treating
the students, of giving them bad and scanty diet, and
exercising inhuman severities towards them ; but par-
ticularly, of beating his usher, Nathaniel Briscoe, and
that, in a most barbarous manner. His conduct, in a
word, was so tyrannical and outrageous, that the Court
dismissed him from his office, fined him 100 marks
(£66, 13s. 4d.), and ordered him to pay £30 to Bris-
coe. He was then excommunicated by the Church at
Cambridge. Soon afterwards he escaped from the
colony, went to Virginia, and thence to England,
where he lived privately tiU the restoration of Charles
the Second.^ He then conformed to the church of

i New England's First Fruits, p. 242 ; Mather's Magnalia.

2 See Notes A and C.

3 Winthrop's Hist, of N. England, by Savage, Vol. I. pp. 309-313 ;
Magnalia, Book IV. pp. 126, 127.

1636-1654.] NATHANIEL EATON. ' 5

England, obtained a living, and became a violent per-
secutor of the Nonconformists. He w^as at length
committed to prison for debt, and there ended his
days.

During this early period the interest generally taken
in the College corresponded to its importance. The
hopes of its pious founders, for the maintenance of those
institutions and advantages which they had come to
this wilderness to enjoy, and which, above all things,
they were desirous of transmitting to posterity, were
embarked in this enterprise. They, accordingly,
prosecuted it with great vigor and perseverance. Va-
rious donations, in addition to those already mentioned,
were made to it from time to time by different indi-
viduals in this and the other New-England colonies ; ^
and in 1640 the General Court enriched it by a grant
of the revenue of the ferry between Charlestown and
Boston ; ^ thus, probably, laying the first founda-
tk)n of that species of property, which was in process
of time to enable it to defray its expenses from its own
resources.^

A grammar school, in which students were fitted
for the College, was established at a very early period

1 Mather's Magnalia,

2 In a letter from President Dunster to Governor Winthrop in 1643,
there is this passage : " I desire to know whether the country will
allow me any personal interest in any of the said goods [lately arrived
for the College], for and in consideration of the abatements that I have
suiFered, from £60 to £50, from £50 to £45, from £45 to £30, which is
now my rent from the ferry." — Mass. Hist. Coll. X. 187, 188, Second
"Series. " It is now let," says Douglass, " at £600, New-England cur-
rency, or £60 sterling, per annum." — Summary, Yol.l. p. 543, pub-
lished in 1749.

3 "Part of the land on which the Colledges and the President's
house now stand, containing two acres and two thirds of an acre, were
granted by the town of Cambridge." — The University Book of Dona-
tions, JVo. 1.

6 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. I.

in Cambridge ; " it seems to have been nearly coeval
with the town, and to have been an object of great
care and attention." ^

The infancy of our University was also distinguished
by an interesting event connected with it, — the intro-
duction of the art of printing into this part of the
world. The first printing-press established north of
Mexico, and which, for many years continued to be
the only one in British America, was at Cambridge,
and was an appendage of Harvard College.^ The
person who had the merit and honor of conferring this
benefit upon the country, w^as the Rev. Jesse or
Joseph Glover of England.^ He died on his passage
to this country ; but the vessel, in which he had em-
barked, with the view of estabUshing himself here,
arrived in the autumn of 1638, bringing his printing-
apparatus, and a person named Stephen Daye, w^hom
he had engaged to come, for the purpose of conducting
the press. By direction of the magistrates and elders,
Daye immediately set up the press in Cambridge;
and in the first month of 1639 commenced printing.
The first work, which issued from the American press,
was the " Freeman's Oath," the next was Peirce's

1 Holmes's Hist, of Cambridge, in Mass. Hist. Coll. Vol. VIT. p. 21.
First Series. See Note D.

2 Thomas's History, of Printing, Vol. I. pp. 203-231.

3 Some of the early records of the College were considerably burnt
by the fire which destroyed Harvard Hall, in 1764; so that many par-
ticulars respecting the donations previous to that period are^ no doubt,
lost. I find, however, the following relating to the press : "Mr. .Toseph
Glover gave to the Colledge a font of printing-letters." "Some gentle-
men of Amsterdam gave towards the furnishing of a printing-press
with letters forty-nine pounds and something more." — The University
Book of Donations, JVb. /. Others also appear to have contributed
towards this establishment. — Thomas's History of Printing, Vol. I.
p. 224.

1636-1654.] PRESIDENT DUNSTER. 7

"Almanack," and the next "The Psalms newly turned
into^ metre." ^ The first two were printed in 1639;
and the last, of which there is a copy in the library
of the University, and which is the first production of
the American press that rises to the dignity of a hook,
appeared in the following year.^

Mr. Eaton was called simply Master, or Professor,
It does not appear that any person was appointed to
succeed him till the 27th of August, 1640 ; when the
Reverend Henry Dunster, who had recently arrived
from England, with a high character for learning and
piety, was placed over the institution, with the title of
President, Whatever changes the College underwent
in other respects, or whether any were made, its
arrangements and forms partook of the simplicity,
which was so much affected by our Puritan forefathers,
and which reigned in all their proceedings and institu-
tions. The substantial properties of the EngUsh Uni-
versities were retained, while their pompous and im-
posing ceremonies were in a great measure excluded.^

Under the direction of President Dunster, the Col-
lege immediately took a high stand.^ He not only
attended to its discipline and to its various interests,
with great care and success, but, as was fitting and
necessary at that early period, he took an active and
efficient part in the business of instruction. The
course of studies embraced the contemporaneous learn-
ing of the colleges in England ; shaped, however, with
a particular view to the object, which our ancestors
had most at heart, the supplying of the churches with

--'-■^ . I-— ^. I..— • I ■■■■ ■■■ ir-..- .I... I I -■-■■.. I ■■■ - -I

1 Winthrop's Hist, of N. England, by Savage, Vol. I. p. 269.

2 See Thomas's History of Printing, Vol. I. pp. 203-231.

3 Hutchinson's Hist. Mass. Vol. HI. p. 501. (Collection of Papers.)

4 See Notes E and H.

8 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. I.

an uninterrupted succession of learned and able min-
isters, and which they have taken effectual care to
preserve from oblivion, by the motto, — Christo et
EccLESi^E, — on the College seal. A certain degree
of acquaintance with the Latin and Greek languages
was necessary for admission. The study of these was
afterwards continued ; to which was added that of the
Hebrew, Chaldee, and Syriac languages ; and the whole
was pursued in connexion with logic, ethics, arithme-
tic, geometry, physics, metaphysics, politics, and divin-
ity. As good instruction was afforded here as at the
first schools in the old world ; and the advantages
enjoyed in this community, with respect to morals and
religion, were considered so important, that young
men were sometimes sent to Harvard College from
England to receive their education.^ The term for
completing the academic course and arriving at the
honors of the College was borrowed from the English
universities ; and, amid the various changes that have
since taken place in the studies, examinations, and
exercises, it has continued the same to this day. The
degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred at the end
of four years, and in three years afterwards that of
Master of Arts. The examinations were frequent and
close, particularly just before Commencement , or the
time when the degrees were to be conferred. At
Commencement the performances consisted of Latin,
Greek, and Hebrew orations and other exercises ;
with disputations on theses, which had been previ-
ously printed.^ Degrees were conferred on those who
exhibited satisfactory evidences of their scholarship
and of their good conduct.^

1 See Note F. 2 See Note E. 3 See Note G.

1636-1654.] PRESIDENT DUNSTER. 9

The first Commencement took place on the second
Tuesday of August, 1642. Upon this novel and au-
spicious occasion, the venerable fathers of the land, the
governor, magistrates, and ministers from all parts,
with others in great numbers, repaired to Cambridge,
and attended, with delight, to refined displays of Euro-
pean learning, on a spot, which but just before was
the abode of savages. It was a day which, on many
accounts, must have been singularly interesting. The
degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred on nine
young gentlemen, who were the first to receive the
honors of a college in British America; and who
proved themselves not unworthy of that distinction,
by the respectability and eminence which they after-
wards attained, both in this country and in Europe.^

The same year in which the first Commencement
took place, but previously to that event, an act was
passed by the General Court establishing the Board
of Overseers.^ It consisted of the Governor, Deputy-
Governor, Magistrates of the Jurisdiction, and Teach-
ing Elders of the six adjoining towns, Cambridge,
Watertown, Charlestown, Boston, Roxbury, and Dor-

1 See Notes H, I, J. See also Appendix, No. I.

2 Dr. Holmes (Annals, I. p. 273, 2d ed.) assigns this act to the year
1643 ; and in a note observes, " The governors or overseers of the
College met the first time., by virtue of this act, 27 December, 1643."
But the authority to which he refers (Winthrop, II. 150), both in his
Annals, and in his History of Cambridge, does not appear to me to
support his statements, either as to the year in which the act was
passed, or " the first time " of the meeting of the Overseers. Dr. Holmes
was probably led into the mistake as to the year, by the first edition of
Winthrop's Journal, the more correct one, of Mr. Savage, not having
been printed when Dr. Holmes wrote those works. Compare p. 265 of
Winthrop, 1st edition, with p. 87, Vol. II. of Savage's edition. It is
important to notice errors, hov.'ever slight, in a writer of such acknowl-
edged accuracy as Dr. Holmes.

10 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. I.

Chester ; \vho, witli the Governor, were entrusted with
the sole care and management of the College.^

This body was found too large to have the imme-
diate direction; and on the 31st of May, 1650, an
act was passed, by which the College was made a
Corporation, consisting of the President, five Fellows,
and a Treasurer or Burser, to have perpetual succes-
sion, by the election of members to supply vacancies,
and to be called by the name of " President and Fel-
lows of Harvard College." ^ The ample powers con-
ferred by this act were accompanied with a provision,
which must have been found very inconvenient and
embarrassing in practice, and which required that all
Orders and By-Laws of the Corporation should have
the consent of the Overseers before they could go
into operation; and in 1657 a law v/as accordingly
passed, called an "Appendix, to the College Charter",
by which the acts of the Corporation were to have
immediate force and effect, and were merely "altera-
ble " by the Overseers, to whom the Corporadon was
to be " responsible." ^

Previously to the passing of the last mentioned act.
President Dunster had resigned his office. The Ana-
baptists had made their appearance a few years be-
fore, to the great annoyance of the good people of the
colony ; and among those who favored their senti-
ments was the President of Harvard College. He
seems to have been merely what is implied in the
terra anti-pcEdobaptist, that is, one who is opposed to
the baptizing of infants ; but, being a candid and .liberal
man, he refused to withhold communion with other
Chrisdans on account of his differing in opinion with

1 See Appendix, No. II. 2 gee Appendix, No. III.
3 See Appendix, No. IV.

1636-1654.] PRESIDENT DUIVSTER. 11

them on this point. Still it was thought very danger-
ous for him to continue at the head of the College,
unless he would agree not to inculcate his peculiar
sentiments; and, though the magistrates and ministers
were very desirous of retaining him, yet, as he could
not conscientiously subscribe to that condition, he was
prevailed upon to resign, which he did in June, 1654,
having held his office nearly fourteen years, with great
credit to himself, and benefit to the institution. He did
not, indeed, see fit, in his letter of resignation, expressly
to state these facts as the grounds of his decision, but
assigned such reasons for it, as were furnished him by
the circumstances under which he was originally ap-
pointed, and by certain laws which had been recently
passed respecting the College ; considering them, it is
to be presumed, a sufficient excuse, or at least a
decent apology, for a measure, which they might not
alone have induced him to adopt.^ He afterwards
removed to Scituate, where he continued, and proba-
bly preached, till his decease, which took place in 1659.
President Dunster's salary was small and variable.
There is a letter from him, in 1643, to Governor
Winthrop, respecting his salary, in which he speaks of
" abatements he had suffered, from £60 to £50, from
£50 to c£45, from <£45 to £30, which," says he, " is
now my rent from the ferry. I was and am willing,
considering the poverty of the country, to descend to
the lowest step, if there can be nothing comfortably
allowed."^ In 1647, he seems to have petitioned
the General Court on the subject of his salary and of
the financial concerns of the College ; for in that year
they passed a resolve " in answer to Mr. Dunster's

1 See Note K.

2 Mass. Hist. Coll. X. pp. 187, 188, Second Series.

12 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. I.

petition " ; and it appears from it, tliat the country
owed to the College £\')3, received from several
donors in England, and about jC190 which was col-
lected at home. An arrearage of £56 was also due
from the country on account of President Dunster's
salary. Among the donations from which the above
debts to the College arose, may be mentioned one
from Lady Moulson of £100, and one from Mr. Bridges
of £50, which were paid into the County Treasury.^

President Dunster was a truly worthy, as well as an
eminently learned man. The candor and amiableness
of his disposition were strikingly manifested in his
will, by which he ordered that his body should be
carried to Cambridge for burial, and left bequests to
those persons, who w^re particularly instrumental in
procuring his removal from the presidency, but who,
though they lamented his heterodoxy, retained for him
an affectionate regard. One of them, the celebrated
preacher of Cambridge, who had been educated under
President Dunster, and of whom the great Richard
Baxter observed, that " if an oecumenical council could
be obtained, Mr. Mitchel were worthy to be its mod-
erator," honored him with an elegy, replete with noble
and liberal sentiments.^

" His body," says Hubbard, who was one of the
first class of graduates, " was solemnly interred at
Cambridge, where he had spent the choice part of his
studies and of his hfe, and might there have continued
if he had been endowed with that wisdom, which
many others have wanted beside himself, to have kept

1 See Appendix, No. V.

2 Holmes's History of Cambridge, in Massachusetts, Hist. Coll. Vol.
Vn. p. 49. First Series. See also Mather's Magnalia.

1636-1654.] PRESIDENT DUNSTER. 13

his singular opinion to himself, when there was little
occasion for yen ing thereof." ^

Facts, like these, exhibit our worthy ancestors to
some advantage even with respect to a virtue, in which
they have been supposed not to abound, — charity for
those who deviated from the orthodox standard of
faith. Defecdve as they, in common with the rest of
the Christian world, must be acknowledged to have
been in their ideas of toleraUon, they were far from
persecuting heretics without mercy or discrimination.
They were rigid, rather than cruel ; intolerant, but not
inquisitorial ; and they seem even to have been willing
that men should enjoy their peculiar sendments with-
out molestation, so long as they refrained from obtrud-
ing them upon the public, and conformed to those
reguladons which were deemed necessary for the
good order of society. It must be acknowledged,
however, that, in their maxims of toleration, they were
not in advance of Europe ; and that the opinion
expressed by Governor Haynes of Connecticut to
Roger Williams, " that the most wise God hath pro-
vided and cut out this part of his world for a refuge
and receptacle for all sorts of consciences," was for
posterity to reahze in its full and just extent.^

President Dunster appears to have published only
one work ; but that was a production, which merits a
particular nodce. The fathers of New England were
dissaUsfied with the version of the Psalms then in use,
which was that of Sternhold and Hopkins ; and sev-
eral of the principal ministers, among whom were
Mr. Weld and Mr. Eliot of Roxburv, and Mr. Mather
of Dorchester, undertook to furnish one, which should

1 Hist, of New England, in Mass. Hist. Coll. Vol. VI. p. 556 ; Second
Series.

2 Mass. Hist. Coll. Vol. I. p. 280, First Series.

14 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. I.

be more conformable to the original, and better suited
to the prevailing taste. The fruit of their united
labors was first given to the world in 1640, from the
press at Cambridge. A second edition was printed
in 1647. It was more to be commended, however,
for its fidelity to the text, than for the elegance of its
versification, which, having been executed by persons
of different tastes and talents, was not only very un-
couth, but deficient in uniformity. President Dunster,
who was an excellent oriental scholar, and possessed
the other requisite qualifications for the task, was em-
ployed to revise and polish it ; and in two or three
years, with the assistance of Mr. Richard Lyon, a
young gentleman who was sent from England by Sir
Henry Mild may to attend his son, then a student in
Harvard College, he produced a work, which, under
the appellation of the " Bay Psalm-Book ", was, for a
long time, the received version in the New^ England
congregations, was also used in many societies in En-
gland and Scodand, and passed through a great num-
ber of editions, both at home and abroad. It may here
be added, that, in 1758, this New England version was
revised and improved by our distinguished annalist, the
Rev. Thomas Prince.

The property of the institudon appears to have
increased during the time President Dunster was at
the head of the College, by donations, amounting at
least to a thousand pounds sterling, besides annuities
and grants of land ; and this, at a period, when, from
the difference betw^een the value of money, and the
resources of individuals and of the public, then and
now, a hundred w^as equivalent to thousands at the
present day. A part of this, it is true, was given by
generous individuals in England, and in the other colo-
nies ; but more than half was collected in Massachu-

1636-1654.] PRESIDENT DUNSTER. 15

setts.^ The gifts were from a great number of per-
sons, and consisted generally of small sums ; few of
which would make much figure at the present day.
They consisted sometimes of money, and sometimes
of particular articles or commodities, with their value
annexed.

Some of the donations merit particular notice ; and
of the following some may have been made a Uttle
before Mr. Dunster's time.

Mr. Theophilus Eaton gave £40 towards building
the edifices of the College.

Mr. Hobart, a school-master, gave £22..

Mr. Bridges, Mr. Greenhill, and Mr. Glover gave as
many utensils as amounted to £20,

A gendeman, not willing his name should be put
upon record, gave £50.

A considerable amount was bestowed upon the
Library. The scholars, who first came over to this
country, brought good libraries with them from En-
gland;^ and, as early as 1642, the magistrates and
elders gave from their own libraries to the College,
books to the value of £200. Mr. Wilham Hibbons,
Mr. Thomas Wells, and Mr. Hugh Peters, procured,
about the same time, from " divers gendemen and
merchants " in England, £150 for the same object.^

In 1645, John Buckley,^ first Master of Arts in
Harvard College, and Matthew Day, steward, gave,
for the use of the resident fellows, a garden containing
an acre and a rod of land, near the College ; since
called " Fellows' or Tutors' Orchard."

1 University Donation Book, I. 2 j^cr. Mather's Disc. &c. p. 32.

3 Donation Book, I.

4 This name is so spelled in the Records. His father, the Rev. Peter
Bulkeley of Concord, is said by C. Mather (in his Magnalia) to have
" endowed the Library of Harvard College with no small part of his own."

16 HISTORY OF hahvard university. [ch. I.

Mr. Israel Stoughton of Dorchester bequeathed to
the College, '' towards the advancing of learning," 300
acres of land '' about IVFother Brook." ^

By an account of President Dunster's it appears
there were " two small shops in Boston, the gift of
Major Sedgwick to the Colledge, which shops were
made void by Mr. William Phillips at the Ship Tavern ;
and the Tavern House W'as engaged for the annual
payment of twenty shillings to the Colledge for ever."

In 1640, John Newgate of Boston granted to the
College " five pounds per annum for ever, towards the
maintenance of iawfull, usefull, and good literature
therein, and chiefly to the furtherance of the knowl-
edge of Jesus Christ, and his word and will," to be
paid from the rents of his farm at Rumney Marsh.^

In 1652, John Coggan of Boston, Merchant, gave
to Harvard College, for the use of the President and
Fellows of the said College, so long as they and their
successors profess and teach the good knowledge of
God's Holy Word and w^orks," &c., a parcel of marsh
land in Rumney Marsh (Chelsea), then estimated at
seventy acres, but which appears to have since dwin-
dled to fifty acres.

In 1653, John Glover of Boston gave, by wall, "five
pounds a year for ever towards the maintenance of a
fellow, to be raised from a moiety of his house and
land given to his son Habakkuk." ^

The town of Cambridge gave to the College 100
acres of land "at Shawshin, now Billerica" ; to which
President Dunster added 100 acres adjoining it.

There were three large lots of land, one of 600
acres and two of 800 acres each, granted by the Gen-

1 Called in the Records, Brooks. ^ Donation Book, I.

3 Ibid.

1636-1654.] PRESIDENT DUNSTER. 17

eral Court, or by individuals, but from which, " through
the negligence of former times," or some other cause,
the College never derived any benefit.

In looking over the hst of early benefactions to
the College, we are amused, when we read of a num-
ber of sheep bequeathed by one man, a quantity of
cotton cloth worth nine shillings presented by another,
a pewter flagon worth ten shillings by a third, a fruit-
dish, a sugar-spoon, a silver-tipt jug, one great s.Jt,
one small trencher-salt, by others ; and of presents or
legacies amounting severally to five shillings, nine
shillings, one pound, two pounds, &c., all faithfully
recorded with the names of their respective donors.
How soon does a little reflection change any dispo-
sition we may have to smile, into a feeling of respect,
and even of admiration ! What, in fact, were these
humble benefactions 1 They were contributions from
the " res angusta domi " ; fi'om pious, virtuous, enlight-
ened penury, to the noblest of aU causes, the advance-
ment of education. The donations were small, for
the people were poor ; they leave no doubt as to the
motives which actuated the donors ; they remind us
of the ofTering, from "every one whose heart stirred
him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing,
to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation ; "
and, like the widow's mite, indicate a respect and zeal
for the object, which w^ould have done greater things,
had the means been more abundant.

CHAPTER II.

The town to which President Dunster retired after
his resignation had the singular fortune to supply the
College with a successor in the person of the Rev.
Charles Chauncy. He " was of the contrary extreme
as to baptism from his predecessor; it being his judg-
ment not only to admit infants to baptism, but to wash
or dip them all over." ^ He also thought that the
Lord's supper should be administered in the evening.^

President Chauncy enjoyed great celebrity in his
day, both in this country and in Europe ; and of his
high character for learning and piety, as well as of
his sufferings on account of his religious opinions,
ample testimonials have been preserved in various
works of authority and note.

He was the fifth and youngest son of George Chaun-
cy, Esq.; and Avas born at Yardley-Bury in Hert-
fordshire, England, in the year 1589. He received
his grammar education at Westminster School, where
he was at the time of the intended execution of the
gunpowder plot, and would have been one of its vic-
tims. From that celebrated school he was removed
to Trinity College, in the University of Cambridge ;

1 Hubbard's New England, in Mass. Hist. Coll. VI. p. 544, Second
Series.

2 VVinthrop's Hist, by Savage, I. p. 330, note. " It is a little remarka-
ble," says the learned editor, "that the two first Presidents of Harvard
Colleire adopted opinions on the form of baptism adverse to that of all
the other divines and laicks of the colony."

1654-1672.] PRESIDENT CHAUNCY. 19

and in due time was admitted to the degree of Bach-
elor of Divinity. Among the advantages he there
enjoyed was that of the esteem and friendship of the
famous Archbishop Usher. Of the high esdmation in
which he was held, there are other evidences not less
decisive. He was elected by the Heads of Houses
to the professorship of Hebrew ; and, when Dr. Wil-
liams, the Vice-Chancellor, preferred a relation of his
own to that othce, he received an appointment, equally
honorable and iniportant, that of Greek Professor.
The c/}icrms prefixed to Leigh's " Critica Sacra" on
the New Testament, containing a recommendation of
that work, was from his pen. It is introduced as coming
from a most learned and pious friend ; but the mere
fact of his opinion respecting so profound a work
being thought of importance enough to be inserted in
it, sufficiently indicates his rank among his contempo-
raries. He was, indeed, admirably skilled in the
learned languages, particularly the Oriental. In his
acquisition of the Hebrew he derived no small benefit,
during the space of a year, from the conversation of a
Jew. He seems to have been well acquainted with
all parts of learning ; but his favorite study was divini-
ty ; and to the accomplishments of a great scholar and
theologian, he added the other requisite qualifications
for the sacerdotal office.

When he left the University, he became an eminent
and successful minister of the Gospel, first at Marston
Lawrence, and afterwards at Ware in Hertfordshire.
Having a strong aversion, however, to certain opinions
and practices which the arm of authority was then
forcing upon the church, and expressing his abhor-
rence with great warmth and freedom, he was not long-
permitted to discharge his ministerial funcdons without

20 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. II.

molestation. In the year 1629, "using," says Rush-
worth, " some expressions in his sermon, that idolatry
was admitted into the Church, that the preaching of the
Gospel icould he suppressed, that there is much atheism,
popery, Jlrminianism, and heresy crept into the Church ;
and this being looked upon as designed to raise a fear
among the people, that some alteration of religion
would ensue, he was questioned in the High-Com-
mission, and, by order of that court, the cause was
referred to the Bishop of London [Laud], being his
ordinary, who ordered him to make a submission in
Latin." ^

Whatever may have been the nature or effect of that
submission, he did not remain silent ; for, under the
year 1635, after Laud had been made Archbishop, we
find in the same author, the following record : " Mr.
Charles Chauncy, Minister of Ware in Hertfordshire,
for opposing the making of a rail about the Communion-
table in that parish-church, as an innovation and snare
to men's consciences, w^as brought into the High-Com-
mission, and there pronounced guilty of contempt of
ecclesiastical government, and raising a schism ; and
was suspended from his ministry, till he should make
in open court a recantation after a prescribed form,
acknowledging his great offence in using the invective
w^ords, and protesting that he was persuaded in his
conscience, that kneeling at the Sacrament was a law-
ful and commendable gesture, that the rail set up in the
church with a bench thereunto annexed, for kneeling
at the holy communion, was a decent and convenient
ornament, and promising never by word or deed to
oppose either that, or any other laudable right and
ceremony prescribed in the church of England.

1 Rushworth, Hist. Coll. II. p. 34.

1654-1672.] PRESIDENT CHAUNCY. 21

" He is condemned in great costs of suit, and was
imprisoned till he paid the same, or performed the
order of the court."

" Afterwards, Mr. Chauncy having made the recan-
tation, was dismissed with a judicial admonition given
by the Archbishop to liv peaceably and conformably
to the doctrine, discipline, and ceremonies of the
Church of England, and neither by word nor deed to
oppose, or bring into disesteem any of them." ^

This recantation, thus violently extorted from him,
averted the penalties of the sentence ; but it was only
to inflict upon him the tortures of self-reproach ; and,
though he soon after exposed himself anew to the ven-
geance of his bigoted superiors, by publicly acknowl-
edging his fault, and by steadily resisting the encroach-
ments of supposed error and corruption, he never
forgave himself for his criminal weakness as long as
he hved. He did not even omit it in his last will, the
preamble to which contained strong expressions of
self-condemnation for his " so many sinful compliances
with and conformity unto vile human inventions, and
will-worship and hell-bred superstition, and patcheries
stitched into the service of the Lord, which the Enghsh
mass-book, that is, the Book of Common Prayer, and
the ordination of priests, &c., are fully fraught withal."
He then most solemnly enjoins it upon his posterity
throughout all generations, " not to conform, as he had
done, to rights and ceremonies in religious worship of
man's devising, and not of God's appointment." ^

1 Rushvvorth, Hist. Coll. 11. p. 316. "This prosecution was one of'
the things urged in proof against Laud, when he was brought to trial
in 1C42." Biogr. Brit., Second Edit. (Kippis's), Art. Chauncy, note.
See the same article for the form of his re(^antation.

2 Mather's Magnalia, B. III. p. 135 ; and Mass. Hist. Coll. X. p. 173,
First Series.

22 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [cH. II.

The resentment of Archbishop Laud contented it-
self at length with ^^ilencing and suspending him. The
immediate cause of this appears to have been his
refusing to read the book of sports, his discounte-
nancing all profane recreations on the Sabbath ; and,
when public worship was interdicted on the afternoons
of that da}^, his employing himself in catechizing his
flock, which Laud said was as bad as preaching ! ^

After this he determined to seek an asylum among
the Pil2:rims in New Endand. He w^as then about
forty-eight years old ; " and few suffered for noncon-
formity more than he, by fines, by gaols, by necessities
to abscond, and at last by an exile from his native
country." ^

He arrived at Plymouth a few days before the great
earthquake in New England, which happened June
1st, 1638. He remained and preached at this place
about three years ; but, differing from the church on
the subject of baptism, he declined setding, though
they were so desirous of retaining him that they pro-
posed that he and Mr. Reyner, the minister, should
baptize, each in his own mode, without interfering with
the other. He did not think proper to accede to their
proposal ; but accepted an invitation to take the pas-
toral charge of the church at Scituate.^ At his entrance
on this new relation he was reordained, and on this
occasion he delivered a sermon, on these words in
Proverbs ix. 3 ; Wisdom hath sent forth her maidens ;
in which, alluding to his compliances with the High-
Commission Court, he said w ith tears ; " Alas ! Chris-
tians, I am no maiden ; my soul hath been defiled

1 Mather's Magnalia, B. III. p. J35. 2 ibid.

3 Cotton's Account of the Church in Plymouth, in Mas3. Hist. Coll.
IV. pp. Ill, 112, First Series.

1654-1672.] PRESIDENT CHAUNCY. 23

with false worship ; how wondrous is the free grace of
the Lord Jesus Christ, that I should still be employed
among the maidens of wisdom ! "^

He remained at Scituate about twelve years, enjoy-
ing all that consideration, to which his learning and
worth entitled him ; not, however, without some mix-
ture of the alloy which seems inseparable from every
condition of life ; for he not only met with opposition
to his religious peculiarities, but endured the miseries
of a scanty maintenance. " Deest," said he, " quidem
panis." ^

In the mean time the situation of the Puritans in
England had undergone a great alteration. The party
to which they belonged had in its turn acquired the
ascendency. A state of things, so favorable to the
restoration of the exiled ministers was not without its
effect; and Mr. Chauncy, having received an invita-
tion from his former people at Ware to return and
renew his pastoral connexion with them, decided to
do it, and went to Boston for the purpose of taking
passage to England. Happening to be there about
the time when President Dunster resigned, he was
prevailed upon to accept the presidentship of Har-
vard College. On the 2d of November 1654, "Mr.
Mather, and Mr. Norton were desired by the Over-
seers of the College, to tender unto the Rev. Mn
Charles Chauncy the place of President, with the sti-
pend of one hundred pounds per annum, to be paid
out of the country treasury ; and withal to signify to
him, that it is expected and desired that he forbear to
disseminate or publish any tenets concerning immersion
in baptism, and celebration of the Lord^s supper at

1 Mather's Magnalia, B. III. p. 136.

2 I even want bread. — Mass. Hist. Coll. X. p. 174, First Series.

24 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. II.

evcninp:, or to expose the received doctrine therein." *
He readily agreed to this, and was inaugurated Novem-
ber 27(h, 1654. On that occasion he made an "ex-
cellent oration ", and concluded it with these words :
" Doctiorem, certe, Praesidem, et huic oneri ac stadoni
multis modis aptiorem, vobis facile licet invenire ; sed
amantiorem, et vestri boni studiosiorem, non invenie-
tis." ^ "And certainly," says Cotton Mather, "he
was as good as his word. How learnedly he now
conveyed all the hberal arts unto those that sat at his
feet ; how wittily he moderated their disputations and
other exercises ; how constantly he expounded the
Scriptures to them in the College-Hall ; how fluently
he expressed himself unto them, wdth Latin of a Te-
rentian phrase, in all his discourses ; and how care-
fully he inspected their manners, and was above all
things concerned for them, that they might answer a
note which he gave them, When you are yourselves
interested in the Lord Jesus Christ, and his righteous-
ness, you will be fit to be teachers of others ; — will
never be forgotten by many of our most worthy men,
who were made such by their educadon under him." ^

The first event of importance wdiich took place in
President Chauncy's time relating to the College, was
the passing of the act, in 1657, called the Appendix
to the Charter, as before related.

In the year 1659, the General Court passed an act,
by which, — after acknowledging the great goodness
of God towards the people in this wilderness, in rais-
ing up schools of learning, especially the College ;
stating that the College had suffered injury by the
scantiness of its means, that many propositions had

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. X. p. 175, First Series.

2 Mather's Magnalia, B. III. p. 3. 3 ibid.

1654-1672.] PRESIDEJVT CHAUNCY. 25

been made for a voluntary contribution, but that from
several persons and towns nothing had been obtained,
though some had done very liberally ; and express-
ing a fear that they should show themselves ungrate-
ful to God, or unfaithful to posterity, if, through their
neglect, so good a seminary of knowledge and virtue
should fall to the ground, — they ordered, that, besides
the income of Charlestown ferry, formerly granted to
the College, one hundred pounds should be annually
levied by addidon to the country rate, for the mainte-
nance of the President and Fellows, to be distributed
according to the determination of the Over^seers ; and
to continue during the pleasure of the country ; and
that the payment of the voluntary contribution should
not be exacted; or, where it had been already paid,
an allowance should be made for it in the country rate/
But the operations of the press during this period
were more particularly interesting. They were such
as attracted no small attention even in Europe. "The
press of Harvard College," says Thomas, in his His-
tory of Printing, " was for a time as celebrated as the
presses of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge,
in England." It sent forth a considerable number of
works in the first thirty years after its establishmient.
With the exception of Almanacs, they were principally
religious works; but the most important ones, and
those w^hich gave the press its chief celebrity, were the

1 Colony Laws of Massachusetts, p. 30, edit. 1672. "For more than
half a century, the tutors, who with the President conducted the instruc-
tion and immediate government, were called ' Fellows of the Colle<^e.'
After thf^ establishment of the Corporation, there were ' Fellows of the
House or College,' and ' Resident Fellows,' and ' Fellows of the
Corporation.' This name is now and has been for more than sixty
years confined to the members of the ' Corporation.'' " — Constitution of
the Universitij, ^^ppendix, p. 17, 18, note.

26 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. II.

publications of the Apostle Eliot, in the Indian lan-
guage of Massachusetts, all of them printed at the
expense of the " Society in London for the Propagation
of the Gospel in New England," the governor of which,
at that time, and for many years, was the illustrious
philosopher, Robert Boyle.

For the purpose of supplying the Indians with the
Bible, and other books calculated for their conversion
and instruction, this Society sent over a printing-appa-
ratus, and a printer, by the name of Marmaduke John-
son, to whom, for some years, they allowed a salary.
As early as 1653, Eliot's Indian Catechism w^as print-
ed; in 1661, his New Testament; and in 1663, his
Bible, a second edition of which was printed in 1685.-^
Besides these, Baxter's " Call to the Unconverted," the
" Practice of Piety," the " Psalms of David in Indian
Verse," an "Indian Grammar," Pierson's " Catechism,"
and several other works in the same language, most of
which were translated by Eliot, issued from this press.^ ^

In the mean time some small religious treatises
were emitted, which were thought to be rather too
liberal, and in 1662 the General Court saw fit to sub-
ject the press to the control of Major General Gookin
and the Rev. Mr. Mitchel of Cambridge, who w^ere
appointed licensers.

The next year an order w^as passed restoring to
the press its former liberty ; but the fears of the gov-

1 It is an indicntion of the importance attached to these extraordinary
productions, that the first of them, the New Testament, was dedicated
by "the Commissioners of the United Colonies in New England" to
king- Charles the Serond.

2 A copy of the New Testament, and of both editions of the Bible,
with some of the other works, are now in the Library of the Univerpity.
See also Gookin's Hist. Coll. in xMass. Hist. Coll. I. p. 172. Thomas's
Hist, of Printing, I. p. 241, &c.

1654-1672.] PRESIDENT CHAUNCY. 27

ernment seem to have been soon awakened again ;
and they passed an order more rigid than the former.
It perniitted no printing-press to be established in any
town, within the jurisdiction, except in Cambridge ;
and required the printing of every book to be preceded
by a licence from the President of the College, from Mr.
Sherman, Mr. Mitch el, and Mr. Shepherd, or any two
of them, subjecting every offender against the rule to
the penalty of a forfeiture of his press, and interdiction
of his employment. The Court went even further ;
for in 1667 they directed the licensers to reexamine
a work, which the latter had already permitted to be
printed, and, in the mean time, forbade its further pro-
gress through the press. This work was no other
than the celebrated treatise ascribed to Thomas a
Kempis, entitled " Imitation of Christ " ! ^ Which is
most to be admired, the liberality of the Puritan licen-
sers, who must have regarded popery as the most
frightful of monsters, in allowing the work of a Roman
Catholic monk to be printed, or the bigotry of the Court
in forbidding it, is left to others to determine.^

Not content with making great exertions for the
conversion of the Indians to Chrisdanity, by preaching
to them, catechizing them, giving them the Bible, and
other books in their own language, and laboring in
various ways ; the worthies of that day were very de-
sirous they should enjoy the benefits of education ;
and even took great pains to make scholars among

1 Thomas's Hist, of Printing, I. pp. 246-248.

2 Though the press was connected with the College, it would seem
from the above account, that the connexion was rather a loose one. It
is probable, indeed, that the printer had the principal control of it. He
was Samuel Green. "Some writers," says Mr. Thomas, "since the
year 1733, erroneously mention Green as i\iQ first who printed in J^ew
England, or in JVorth America.^^

28 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. II.

them, so that they might be supplied with learned and
able ministers from their own stock. Their efforts,
however, were not attended with much success ; for
those who undertook to study were apt to become
tired and discontented, and to return to their country-
men ; they frequently grew sick and died, after having
made considerable proficiency in learning ; and, though
several Indians were admitted into the College, only
one was ever graduated. His name was Caleb Chee-
shahteaumuck ; he took the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in 1665, and soon afterwards died of a consump- '
tion. The friends of the Aborigines were not discour-
aged by these unpromising appearances ; and, in 1665,
at an expense of between £300 and £400 a house was
erected for their accommodation, which was usually
called the Indian College. It was of brick, and large
enough to receive about twenty scholars ; but so litde
use was made of it by the Indians, that it was soon
afterwards occupied for other purposes, and particularly
for a printing-office. The expense of erecting this
building was borne by the "Society for Propagadng the
Gospel" before mentioned, as was also, in a great
measure, the expense of educating the Indians.^ The
building was taken down many years since. It stood
not far from the other buildings of the College.^

President Chauncy continued at the head of the
College nearly seventeen years ; and, by the manner
in which he filled his station, fully sustained his high
character for talents, learning, and piety, and satisfied
the expectation of the public.

1 Gookin's Hist. Coll. in Mass. Hist. Coll. I. pp. 172 - 176, First
Series. Holmes's Hist, of Cambridge, ibid, VH. pp. 23-25.

2 Thomas's Hist, of Printing, I. p. 241.

1654-1672.] PRESIDENT CHAUNCY. 29

He possessed in a remarkable degree the inestima-
ble habit of indiistrij. He constantly rose at 4 o'clock,
winter and summer; and employed all his time in
studying, in teaching, in performing acts of devotion,
and in discharging the various duties of his office. In
the morning he expounded to the students, assembled
in the College Hall, a chapter of the Old Testament,
which one of them read from the Hebrew, and in the
evening, a chapter'of the New Testament, from the
Greek. On Sunday morning, instead of the exposi-
tion, he delivered a sermon to the students about
three quarters of an hour long ; and once a fortnight
preached publicly in the forenoon. His preaching was
plain, though learned and animated. The practice,
common at that time, of sprinkling sermons with Latin
phrases, met his disapprobation; and he cautioned
ministers against "shooting over the heads and hearts
of their hearers, by handling deep points, or using dark
and obscure expressions." It is a remarkable fact
that the church in Cambridge, with w^hich he connect-
ed himself, considered his residence at that place so
great a blessing, that in a year or two after he came
there, they kept a whole day of thanksgiving to God
for the privilege by which they were thus distinguish-
ed.^

His appUcation continued unabated after he had
reached the age of fourscore years ; he seems to have
thought with the learned Bishop Cumberland, himself an
octogenarian, that " it was better to wear out than rust
out " ; and, when his friends advised him to remit his
labors, his reply was, " Oportet imperatorem stantem
mori," A commander should die at his post. He was,

1 Mather's Magnalia, B. Ill, p. 136.

30 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XL

indeed, animated with a zeal, like that of the soldier,
who pants to die on the field of gloiy, and while
in the very act of lighting for his master. It is related,
that " the fellows of the College once leading this
venerable old man, to preach a sermon in a winter
day, they, out of affection unto him, to discourage him
from so difficult an undertaking, told him. Sir, you HI
certainly die in the pulpit ; but he laying hold on what
they said, as if they had offered him the greatest en-
couragement in the world, pressed the more vigorously
through the snow-drift, and said, How glad should
I be, if what you say might prove true ! " ^

At length he took a solemn farewell of his friends in
an Oration on Commencement day, 1671; and, full
of hope and joy, died on the 17th of February fol-
lowing, in the eighty-second year of his age, and the
seventeenth of his Presidentship over Harvard College.

With all the elements, intellectual and moral, which
enter into the composition of a great character, he was
not exempt from the fraildes of human nature, nor
from the prejudices of the age in which he hved.

His temper was hasty and passionate ; but the good
man deeply lamented this infirmity, and took great
pains to correct it.^ To the warmth and quickness of
his passions may probably be attributed, in no small
degree, those unfortunate occurrences of his earher
years, which were the cause of so much sorrow to him
during his subsequent Hfe. Like the Apostle Peter,
he seems to have been hurried by the excitement of
the moment into rash and intemperate declarations, the
consequences of which he either had not deliberately
weighed, or had not, by the necessary discipline, pre-
pared his mind resolutely to endure ; but let it be re-

1 Mather's Magnalia, B. III. p. 137. 2 ibid. pp. 136, 137.

1654- 1672.] PRESIDENT CHAUNCY. * 31

membered, that, like the same great Apostle, he after-
wards truly repented of his fault, and, not only bore
with patience and fortitude all t}ie evils which befell
him, but exhibited that spirit and energy of character,
which would have sustained him under the severest
trials of martyrdom.

Belono;in2: to the sect denominated Puritans, he was
Calvinistic in his views; and, though he does not ap-
pear to have been deficient in charity, yet, with respect
to manners and customs, he held those rigid opinions
which, in giving no quarter to the vanities and frivoli-
ties of the world, sometimes run into ludicrous extrav-
agancies. We are not told how far he exacted sim-
plicity in apparel ; nor do we find it recorded, that, like
his renowned contemporary, the Apostle Eliot, he
preached and prayed against the abomination o^ loigs ;
but he inveighed from the pulpit with great vehemence
against the kindred enormity of long hair. " 'T is-
strange," says his great grandson, the famous Dr.
Chauncy, "'tis strange, men of learning, real good
sense, and solid judgement, should be able to expend
so much zeal against a trifle, not to say a thing abso-
lutely indifferent in its own nature. But the greatest
as well as best men in this country, in that day, magis-
trates as well as ministers, esteemed the wearing of
long hair an enormous vice, and most solemnly testified
against it as such." ^

But after making all the deductions that can be
reasonably demanded, enough will still be left to estab-
lish his claim lo a high rank in the learned and religious
world. He was a star of the first ma2:nitude in a
brilliant constellation of New-England worthies. With
such lustre have their names been transmitted to pos-

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. X. pp. 178, 179, First Series.

32 HISTORY OF HARVARD UiVlVERSITY. [CH. II.

terity, that the late President Stiles, himself a scholar
and divine of no ordinary reputation, ventured to say
" 1 consider him [Mr. Bulkeley] and President Chaun-
cy, Mr. Hooker, Mr. Norton, and Mr. Davenport, as
the greatest divines among the first ministers of New
England, and equal to the first characters in theology
in all Christendom, and in all ages." ^

President Chauncy's publications were, — A Sermon
from Amos ii. 11, on the advantages of schools, &:c. ;
the Election Sermon in 1656 ; a volume of twenty-six
Sermons on Justification ; and the Aniisynodalia, writ-
ten against the proceedings of the Synod held in Bos-
ton in 1 662. His papers were left to the oldest of his
sons then in this country, who preserved them as a
valuable treasure ; but when the late Dr. Chauncy
endeavoured to obtain them, he found that a Northamp-
ton deacon, who married the widow of that son, and
who supported himself principally by making pastry,
had consumed the learned writings of our great scholar
in the oven at the bottom of his pies ! ^ A fate, from
which no inference can be drawn unfavorable to' their
merit ; for even the manuscripts, from which the Com-
plutensian Polyglot was composed, were used in the
manufacture of rockets !

The College was enriched during President Chaun-
cy's administration by many acts of munificence. A con-
tribution was made through the colony for the erection
of a new building, "the old wooden one being small
and decaved.""^ The sum of <£2282 5s.^ was obtained,

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. U. p. 2G0, Second Series.

2 lb. X. p. 179, First Series.

3 Belknap's New Hampshire, I. p. 98, 2d edit. Also Hutchinson's
Hist. Mass. HI. p. 50J.

4 College Records. By mistake the amount has been stated at only
£1895 2s. 9d.

1654-1672.] PRESIDENT CHAUNCY. 33

" and this contribution, with some other assistance,
quickly produced a 7iew College^ wearing still the name
of the old 07ie, which old one is now so mouldered
away, that,

' Jam seges est ubi Troja fuit.' "

In consequence of the Indian War then carrying on
the new " Harvard Hall was not finished till the year
1677. It was a fair and stately edifice of brick "; ^
stood not far from the old one, and remained till the
year 1764, when it was destroyed by a fire, of which
an account will be given in the proper place.

The nature or magnitude of several of the donations
render it proper that a particular account should be
given of them.

In the years 1654 and 1655 there was a contribution
from a number of generous individuals in the Colony,
to the amount of ^£250 for the repair of the College.
Of this sum Richard Bellingham, Esq., gave c£40, and
Mr. John Wilson, sen., forty shillings per annum for
ten years, making in all ^620 ; but the largest amount
was from Richard Saltonstall, Esq., who gave £104.
The same gentleman also, in 1659, being then in En-
gland sent over for the use of the College, in money and
goods, the sum of =£320.^ This was, probably, the
legacy mentioned by Hutchinson^ as having been
given to the College in 1658 by his father Sir Richard
Saltonstall. It is not clear that this ^£320 was not
Sir Richard's legacy. It probably was, and might

1 Hubbard's New England, in Mass. Hist. Coll. VI. p. GIO, Second
Series.

2 Donation Book, I.

3 Hutchinson's Hist. I. p. J 6.

34 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. II.

have been sent over by his son ; for no other one is
mentioned in the Book of Donations.

J\lr. William Paine, merchant, gave ^20 with which
w^as purchased a little more than an acre of land, being
part of what is now occupied by the College build-
ings ; of which further notice will be taken in another
place.

Mr. Robert Keyne, a merchant in Boston, left, by
will, property to the amount of about £250.

In the year 1658, Edward Hopkins, Esq., who had
been governor of Hartford Colony, gave by will <£100,
and left the College a further legacy, of which more
will be said hereafter.^

In 1659, John Dodderidge, Esq., of Bremeridge, in
the County of Devon, bequeathed towards the mainte-
nance of scholars the yearly sum of ten pounds for
ever. " This annuity was paid for some years, but
not since February 1 684, though many attempts have
been made to recover it." ^

In the year 1660, Mr. Henry Webb of Boston,
merchant, gave the College by will a dwelling-house
in Boston, rented at £13 per annum, and a legacy of
c£50, to be laid out in some productive estate.

Contributions were made to the Library by several
individuals ; of whom Sir Kenelm Digby gave books
to the value of £60, and Mr. John Winthrop, forty
choice books valued at £20.^

In the year 1660 the Rev. Ezekiel Rogers of Row-
ley bequeathed to the College part of his library, and
the reversion of his house and lands. These were

1 Mr. Hopkins died at London in March, 1657. — Hutchinson's Hist.
Vol. I. p. 82, note.

2 Donation Book, t.

3 This was probably the governor of New Haven.

1654-1672.] PRESIDENT CHAUNCY. 35

afterwards sold, and the money was laid out in the pur-
chase of a farm at Waltham, called the Rogers Farm,

Capt. Richard Sprague of Charlestown, by his last
will, gave to the College 32 ewe sheep with their
lambs, valued at £30.

Mr. John Ward of Ipswich, " by his last will, gave
the remainder of his estate (debts and legacies being
paid) to the College, whereof was received, of his ex-
ecutors, horses valued at seventy-two pounds."

In 1669, Elder Richard Champney bequeathed 40
acres of land in Cambridge, near the Falls of Charles
River, " as an expression of his willingness to further
the education of youth in all godly literature."

Henry Henley, Esq., of Lime in Dorsetshire, gave
to the College £27.

In 1670, William Pennoyer, Esq., ordered by his
will, that out of the rents and profits of certain estates
in the County of Norfolk, let at the yearly rent of £44,
ten pounds per annum should be paid to the Corpo-
ration for propagating the Gospel in New England,
and " that with the residue two fellows and two schol-
ars for ever should be educated, brought up, and
maintained " in this College. This bequest was the
earliest existing foundation for those periodical dona-
tions to indigent students, called exhibitions.

In 1671, Elder James Penn bequeathed £10 per
annum, out of his farm at Pulling Point, to be paid to
the elders and deacons of the First Church in Boston,
for the maintenance of poor scholars at the College.

In 1672, Mr. John Hay ward of Charlestown be-
queathed to the College a tract of land in Watertown
estimated at twenty acres.

" 1669. Several well-minded persons in the town
of Portsmouth, upon Piscataqua river, voluntarily en-

36 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. II.

gaged themselves to give freely towards the encour-
agement of the College, sixty pounds per annum, for
seven years. By a clause of the will of Mr. Richard
Cutts, it appears, that he subscribed twenty pounds
per annum of this donation.

"In 1673, the town of Portsmouth voted, that what
remained unpaid should be levied by rate annually
upon the inhabitants of that town."

"A voluntary contribution made towards the new

edifice, viz.

£• s. d.
Boston, . . . . 800 0 0

Sir Thomas Temple gave, £100

Benjamin Gibbs, 50

Salem, . . . . 130 2 3

Rev. Mr. Higginson gave £ 5

Mr. Wm. Brown, jr. (money) 40

Mr. Edmund

Batter, . 20

Dorchester,

67 4 11

Lynn,

. 20 0 0

Watertown,

41 16 3

Cambridge and the village, .199 1 8

Ipswich,

60 3 2

Newbury,

. 21 4 0

Charlestown,

196 11 1

Weymouth,

. 39 10 0

Braintree,

87 14 6

Rowley,

. 40 8 5

Dedham,

61 12 0

Whereof Ens.

Thos. Fuller, £ 5

Roxbury,

. 37 16 8

Concord,

33 7 5

Sudbury,

. 24 0 8

Marblehead,

8 19 6

Amount carried forward 1869 12 6

1654-1672.] PRESIDENT CHAUNCY.

£. s. d.

Amount brought forward

1869 12 6

Springfield,

. 17 18 9

Hadly . . . .

33 15 3

Northampton,

. 20 9 4

Westfield, . . . .

12 8 1

Dover, ....

. 32 15 0

Kittery . . . .

22 0 0

Salisbury,

. 17 0 0

Topsfield,

6 0 0

Exeter, .

. 10 0 0

Chelmsford . . . .

18 7 0

Billerica,

. 12 4 0

Marlborough,

11 11 0

Glocester,

. 5 0 0

Andover,

12 10 0

Medfield,

. 7 16 0

Milton, ...

14 18 0

Wenham,

. 4 115

Hingham,

19 6 2

Hull, ....

. 3 18 0

Reading, . . . .

30 17 6

Maiden, ....

. 10 0 0

Haverhill,

18 10 6

Scarborough,

. 2 9 6

Bradford, . . . .

9 3 0

Beverly, ....

. 13 0 0

Hatfield, .

14 2 0

Woburne, . .

. 27 2 0

S^ George Downing,

2277 5 0
5 0 0

£2282 5s. Od.

In addition to the above, several hundred pounds
were given to the College by others, among whom
Mr. Henry Ashurst gave c£lOO.

38 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. 11.

Several parcels of land were laid out, in the Pequod
country, in 1 658, in lieu of 2000 acres, which had
been granted by the General Court in 1653 ; but the
College does not appear to have been ever benefited
by these lands ; nor did it ever obtain a lot of land at
the south end of Boston, containing twenty rods, which
was granted to it by Mr. Theodore Atkinson in 1671.

By the above list taken from the College Records,
it appears that a part of the money was collected be-
yond the limits of Massachusetts.

It was, perhaps, fortunate, that, for so long a period
after the foundation of the College, and before many
other institutions had sprung up to divide the attention
of the public, this " school of the prophets " should
have experienced no individual patronage of sufficient
magnitude to supersede the care and support of the
community at large. Its long dependence on the
whole people, by whom it was cherished with parental
fondness, tended to secure and perpetuate their affec-
tion for the College, and even for learning itself; and
to this circumstance may probably be traced, in some
degree, that general interest in the cause of education,
for which New England has always been distinguished.

CHAPTER III.

Thus far the College had been under the direction
of scholars from the English Universities ; and it was
fortunate for the institution that its first presidents
were such men as Dunster and Chauncy, — men,
not unfit to be proposed as models to those who
should come after them ; being distinguished, not only
for their talents, learning, and worth, but for that ener-
gy of character, which, at all times a desirable quality
in the head of the College, was, at its commencement
and during its early stages, absolutely indispensable.

But there has probably never been a time since the
foundation of the College, when it was easier to find
officers and instructers, than at that period ; for many
of the early emigrants to New England were men who
had received the best education which England could
afford. It would, therefore, have rather excited sur-
prise, if, under such circumstances, the first presidents
had not been men of a superior orden

From this time the presidents of the College will
be found to have been selected from among its own
sons ; and it will be no small praise, if it shall appear
that under them the College generally maintained the
reputation which it had already acquired.

During all this time the various instruments and
repositories of learning had been gradually accumulat-
ing.

40 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. III.

There was no great increase in the number of the
students to this time, nor for several years after;
and it was not to be expected that there should
be ; circumstances did not admit of it ; the people
generally were poor, and they had every thing to
do. They had a wilderness to clear up and to
cultivate, towns to settle, houses to build, arts and
trades to introduce, roads and bridges to make, insti-
tutions civil and religious to frame and to establish ;
they had the natives of the forest to manage, to watch,
and sometimes to fight; they were subjected to toil,
to privation, hardship, and hazard ; their sufferings from
the inroads of hostile savages were sometimes such
as to make them tremble for the very existence of the
colony ; the settlements, which looked to this seminary
for instruction in the liberal arts and sciences, were
scattered over all New England, and the communica-
tion between them was difficult ; funds for the assist-
ance of indigent scholars had not yet been provided to
any extent. Add to all this, that, in consequence of the
favorable change in the situation of the Puritans in
England, for about twenty years after the first Com-
mencement no accessions to our population were made
from that quarter.

It is rather a subject of wonder, that, under such
circumstances, the College flourished in the manner
in which it did.

The Catalogue of graduates exhibits a great differ-
ence in different years ; there is HtUe uniformity of
numbers under the respective dates ; and a few years
even have the names of no graduates subjoined to
them. The institution, however, was for the most
part gradually increasing. It was, from the first, a
bright and cheering orb in this western hemisphere ;

1672-1675.] PRESIDENT HOAR. 41

and, though its rays were occasionally intercepted by
passing clouds, it never ceased to be a fountain of
light.

The course of proceedings under the new race of
presidents (if I may be allowed the expression) had
not a very auspicious beginning. President Chauncy's
successor, Dr. Leonard Hoar, is not to be envied the
distinction of being the first graduate of Harvard
College who was placed its head. He found the
office a bed of thorns ; and might truly say, from his
own experience, " Sceptrum illud scholasticum plus
habet solicitudinis quam pulchritudinis, plus curae quam
auri, plus impedimenti quam argenti." That academic
sceptre has more of solicitude than charms^ more anxiety
than profit, more trouble than remuneration}

At what time or place Dr. Hoar was born does not
appear from any accounts I have seen. ^ He was ad-
mitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1650, and
in 1653 went to England. The degree of Doctor of
Medicine was conferred upon him at the University of
Cambridge. He preached in several places, was set-
tled at Wanstead in Essex, and was one of the host of
ministers (two thousand) who, after the restoration of
Charles the Second, were ejected for non- conformity.

An invitation to take the pastoral charge of the
'South Church in Boston, or his own " eager desire af-
ter " the presidency of Harvard College, induced him

1 Melchior Adam, as quoted by Cotton Mather.

2 "His father, according to credible tradition, came a merchant of a
respectable estate from London, a few years after the first settlement of
the Massachusetts colony. At what time he died is unknown ; Mrs.
Joanna Hoar, his widow, died at Braintree, now Quincy, December
21st, 1661. " — MS, Letter of Mr, Lemuel Shattuck of Concord^ March
Uh, 1831.

42 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. III.

to return to New England. ^ He had married a daughter
of Lord Lisle, who came with him, and is represented
as a " great example of piety and patience." Soon after
he returned, July 30th, 1672, he was elected President
of Harvard College. Hew^as recommended for it by
several dissenting ministers of London and its vicinity,
in a letter to the magistrates and ministers of Massa-
chusetts-Bav ; and he also cairied a letter of the same
import to Gov. Leverett, from Mr. John Collins, w^ho
was one of those ministers, had been educated at Har-
vard College, and for several years rendered certain
services to the colony. ^ He was a good scholar and
in other respects an estimable character ; but in the
government of the college he was very unfortunate.
His authority was treated with contempt ; whatever he
did and said, w^as ridiculed by the students ; and every
thing in his conduct that was disagreeable to them was
aggravated, with a view to render him odious. Cotton
Mather attributes this insubordination to the counte-
nance it received from some men of note and influence
in the vicinity, and in this he seems to be followed by
Hutchinson and others ; but they have not furnished
a statement of those facts, which would enable us to
decide how far the imputation is well founded. In
1673 four of the fellows resigned their places in the
Corporation ; only seven persons received the degree of
Bachelor of Arts during the years, 1672, 1673, and
1674; ^ the excitement in short rose to such a height,
that the students deserted the College ; and the Doctor
resigned his office March 15th, 1675. He did not long
survive this event. His sufferings brought on a con-

1 Hutchinson's Hist. Massachusetts, Collection of Papers, p. 445.

2 Ibid. p. 431, 435. '

3 Memorial of the Resident Instructers in 1824, p. 12.

1672-1675.] PRESIDENT HOAR. 43

sumption, of which he died on the 28th of Novem-
ber following.

A letter from him, while in England, to Josiah Flint,
then a student in Harvard College, has been published
in the Massachusetts Historical Collections. It con-
tains some good advice ; but is not very elegantly
written. ^

An ordinance was passed by the General Court
October 8, 1672, which was intended as a substitute
for the existing charter. It altered the name of the
Corporation from " President and Fellows " to that of
" President, Fellows, and Treasurer of Harvard Col-
lege " ; it modified their powers in some respects, and
granted important additional ones, civil and collegiate ;
but the Corporation do not appear to have accepted
this charter ; and it is regarded as never having pos-
sessed any vaUdity. ^

1 Vol. VI. p. 100- 108. First Series.

2 Constitution of the Univ., App. p. 27.

CHAPTER IV.

On the resignation of President Hoar, the superin-
tendence of the College was intrusted to the Rev.
Urian Oakes, Minister of the church at Cambridge.

This gentleman was born in England ; he came
with his parents to this country in his childhood, and
was graduated at Harvard College in 1649. While
very young, he published a set of Astronomical Cal-
culations, with this motto in the title-page :

" Parvum parva decent, sed inest sua gratia parvis. "

in which probably he intended, conformably to , the
taste of the age, a quaint allusion to his size, which
was small.

He remained here till he took his second degree,
and commenced preaching ; but soon returned to Eng-
land. In that country he was at first a chaplain to a
person of eminence, was afterwards setded as a min-
ister at Titchfield in Hampshire, and in 1662 became
one of the victims of the celebrated Act of Uniformity.
On his ejectment, he found an asylum in the family of
a very respectable gentleman. Col. Norton ; but, the
violence of the storm in some measure abating, he re-
sumed the duties of the pastoral office, as a colleague
with another minister.

1675-1681.] PRESIDENT OAKES. 45

So high was his reputation, that the church in Cam-
bridge invited him by a messenger sent to England
for the purpose, to be their minister in the place of the
" matchless " Mr. Mitchel recently deceased. He ac-
cepted the invitation, and, after some ^unavoidable de-
lays, came over in 1671. "Here," says Cotton Math-
er, " he had the opportunity, for which Dr. Preston
chose rather to preach at Cambridge, than at any other
place, " Dolare non tantum lapides, sed artifices. " ^
The church kept a day of public thanksgiving to God
for his favor in blessing them with such a pastor ; a
fact quite as much to his honor as Mather's puerile
conceit of placing him among the druids, because for-
sooth, the name of those barbarous priests signified an
Oak ! On the resignation of President Hoar he con-
sented to act as president pro tempore, and officiated
in that capacity for some years, declining the offer of
a full setdement in the place, and discharging, at the
same time, the duties of president and pastor, with
great zeal and ability. He was at length prevailed
upon to be president in name as well as in fact, and
was appointed February 2d, 1680.

He was a man of bright parts, extensive learning,
and exalted piety. As a preacher, he was uncom-
monly eloquent and powerful. He wrote Latin with
great purity and elegance, a specimen of which is pre-
served by Mather in his Magnalia, and is a eulogy on
the Rev. Thomas Shepard of Charlestown. He also
had a talent for poetry, as was shown in an elegy on
the same person, which, in the opinion of a competent
judge, "rises far above the poetry of his day. "^ With

1 " To prepare not only stones but builders. "

2 Dr. Holmes in his History of Cambridge. It is presumed, he meant
to cohnne his remark to the poetry of New England.

46 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. IV.

all his talents and accomplishments, he was remarka-
ble for his good nature and humility. But the College
did not long enjoy the benefit of this ** admirable per-
son's " services. The next year after he was inaugu-
rated, he died very suddenly of a malignant fever, July
25th, 1681, in the 50th year of his age, and when he
had presided over the College but httle more than six
years.

He published an Election Sermon, an Artillery Elec-
tion Sermon, two other Sermons, and the Elegy
above mentioned.^

During the time of President Oakes, New England
was in a state very unfavorable to the cultivation of ht-
erature. Philip's war commenced its fHghtful ravages
the very year after he was placed over the College.
So imminent was the danger to which even Cambridge
was exposed of an attack from the savages, that, the
next year materials were collected for the purpose of
fortifying the town against them.

This dreadful war was hardly terminated, w^hen the
government of England began that series of vexa-
tions, which went on increasing, till, by the dissolution
of the charters in 1684 and 1685, despotism itself
was, for a period, established in the New-England
colonies. But thanks to a protecting Providence,
amidst all the surrounding perils and difficulties, this
favored " school of the prophets " continued to main-
tain its ground, to prosper, and to increase. The com-
pletion of the spacious brick building in 1677, for which
a contribution was obtained at an earher date, has been
already noticed. A most important accession was

1 Mather's Magnalia, B, IV. pp. 129 and 186-188. Holmes's Hist, of
Cambridge. Mass. Hist. Coll. VII. pp. 31, and 51 - 54, First Series.

1675-1681]. PRESIDENT OAKES. 47

made to the Public Library, in the well-chosen collec-
tion of that eminent divine and scholar, the Rev. The-
ophilus Gale of England ; who, uniting to a benevolent
and hberal spirit, great zeal in the cause of non-con-
formity, bequeaihed by his will in 1678 the whole of
his estate for the support and propagation of his reli-
gious opinions, and with that view left his books to
Harvard College, making more than half its library.^

In the year 1681 the College received a legacy of
<£lOOO sterling, making in the currency of Massachu-
setts at that time £1234, 2s. 6d. which was bequeathed
in 1679 by Sir Matthew Holworthy of England; in
honor of whom a large brick edifice, erected one hun-
dred and thirty years afterwards, was named Holworthy
HalL

In 1681 Samuel Ward of Charlestown gave by will
an island lying betwixt Hingham and Hull, called
Bumpkin Island^ " the rent of it to be for the easement
of the charges of the dyet of the students that are in
Commons." It contains thirty acres, and agreeably to
a wish expressed in the will, is called Ward Island,^

There were several other legacies to the College be-
tween the presidency of Dr. Hoar and that of Mr.
Rogers ; among which may be mentioned, one from
Capt. John Hull of £100, one from Mr. Henry Clarke
of Hadley of £50, one from Capt. Scarlet of £7 per
annum, of which the College never received more than
£10; one from Richard Russell of £100, of which the
College received, in provision, only £31, 13s. 4d. ; —
and the following legacies, which were never received ;
a thousand acres at Winter Harbour, bequeathed by

^ Donation Book, I. &c.
2 Donation Book, I.

48 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. IV.

the Rev. Daniel Russell ; 400 acres of land at Billerica,
&LC., by Edward Jackson ; £20 per annum, by the
Rev. Owen Stockton, a dissentmg minister in Eng-
land, for the education of an Indian Preacher, on the
happening of an event, which probably never occurred ;
c£lOO, and £50 to the Library in books, by Mr. Joseph
Brown.

CHAPTER V.

On the decease of President Oakes, the charge of
the College was offered by the Corporation to the Rev.
Increase Mather;' and application was made by the
Overseers to his Society for his release; but, their con-
sent not being obtained, he declined the appoin meat.
He officiated, hovv-ever, at Commencement, and made
weekly visits to the college until Mr. John Rogers was
chosen to fill the ofHce. He was son of the Rev. Na-
thaniel Rogers of Ipswich, and was descended from
the celebrated martyr, John Rogers, v;ho was burnt at
Smithfield in Queen Mary's reign. He came with his
father to this country when a child ; received his ed-
ucation at Harvard College, and was graduated the
same year with President Oakes. His attention v/as
then directed to theology, and he preached for some
time at Ipswich ; but he afterwards applied himself to
the study of medicine. His presidency was not of
very long duration. He was inaugurated August
12th, 1683, and died the next year, July 2d, the day
after Commencement, in the 54th year of his age.^

He is represented as a remarkably sweet-tempered
person and an accomplished genUeman. His death
was greatly lamented.

1 Corporation Records.

2 The Rev, Wm. Hublmrrl of Ipswich, tho ce'cbrntad historian, ;vas
appointed by the Overseers to preside at this Commencement This
seems to have been a tribute of respect for his character, as he hud no
particular connexion with the College. — Corporation Records.

50 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [1683.'

A story related by Cottori Mather, while it affords a
specimen of the writer's belief in a particular Provi-
dence, shows what an idea must have been entertained
of the piety of the man, whose praying was thought to
be attended with a miraculous interposition of Heaven.
" It was his custom to be somewhat long in his daily
prayers (which our president used to make) with the
scholars in the College-Hall. But one day, without being
able to give reason of it, he was not so lons;^ it may be
by half, as he used to be. Heaven knew the reason !
The scholars, returning to their chambers, found one of
them on fire ; and the fire had proceeded so far, that if
the devotion had held three minutes longer, the Col-
lege had been irrecoverably laid in ashes, which now
was happily preserved." ^ i^

In the year 1682 Sir John Maynard enriched the

Library w ith a large number of books, valued at above

£400.

A legacy of £40 was bequeathed to the college by

Deacon William Trusdale, and one by Mr. Henry Ash-
worth of c£lOO sterling. Whether these two legacies
were received, it does not appear.

In 1683 the General Court granted to the College
Merricaneag Neck, in Casco Bay, and 1000 acres of
land adjoining. The College was engaged in a long
and expensive lawsuit on account of this grant ; but
did not recover.

1 Mather's Magnalia, Book IV. p. 130.

CHAPTER VI.

The charge of the College was again confided to
the Rev. Increase Mather. Few ministers have been
so distinguished in the annals of Massachusetts, civil
and ecclesiastical, as this gentleman. And whether his
character, his talents and learning, or his services to
the state, to the church, or to the University, be consid-
ered, few are more entitled to a particular notice.

His father was a dissenting clergyman of note in
England, the Rev. Richard Mather, who came to this
country in the year 1685, and setded at Dorchester.
Increase was the youngest of six sons, of whom one
died in childhood, and four became useful and eminent
ministers of the gospel. '

He was born at Dorchester June 21st, 1639; and was
named with a pious reference to " the ina^ease of every
sort, where with God favoured the country, about the
time of his nativity." His mother used to tell him when
he was a child, that there were only two things that she
desired God to give him, grace and learning, " Child,"
said she, " if God make thee a good Christian and a
good scholar, thou hast all that thy mother ever asked
for thee." Among her instructions to him, as he grew
up, she particularly inculcated the lesson of diligence,
and often put him in mind of these words: "Seest
thou a man diligent in his business ? He shall stand be-
fore kings ; he shall not stand before mean men." ^

1 Cotton Mather's Remarkables of Dr. I. Mather, p. 1-5.

52 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VI.

He entered College at the age of twelve years. When
the year arriveil, in which he was to take his Bachelor's
degree, an oi-der, lor some reason or other, was pro-
cured, requiring certain classes, of which his was one,
to be detained there a large part of a year longer than
the usual time. This was so much resented, that
seventeen of the students left the College without a
degree. Young Mather's father was exceedingly dis-
satisfied, as were others of the Overseers, with this
measure; but his connexion with the College was,
nevertheless, continued; and in 1656 he proceeded
Bachelor of Arts. In his exercise at Commencement
he combated Aristotle's philosophy, then prevalent in
the schools. President Chauncy, not relishing the
"Ramaean strains, in which our young disputant was
carrying on his thesis," would have stopped him ; but
the famous Mr. Mitchel interposed, " Fergat, quctso,
nam doctissime dispiitat, " ^

The year after he left college, on his birth-day, and
when only eighteen years old, he preached his first
sermon, in which he gave promise of future eminence.
About this time a letter was received from his eldest
brother, the Rev. Samuel Mather, one of the princi-
pal ministers in Dublin, encouraging his going to that
place ; and having a strong inchnation for it himself,
he obtained the consent of his father, and sailed for
England July 3d, 1657. From England he proceeded
to Dublin, where, by the advice of his brother, he en-
tered his name in Trinity College, and proceeded Mas-
ter of Arts, with a high reputation, June 24th, 1658,
three years after he w^as entitled to his first degree, and

1 Rernarkables, pp. 14, 15.

1683-1692.] PRESIDENT MATHER. 53

when lie was only nineteen years old. A fellowship
was offered him but he did not accept it. ^

He \vas invited to several places in Ireland and
England ; went to great Torrington in Devonshire, and
there preached for some time to a numerous assembly
and with great acceptance. He passed one month
with his brother, Nathaniel Mather, who was an admir-
ed preacher at Barnstable.

His subsequent residence was principally in the
Island of Guernsey, where he was a chaplain to the
English garrison ; but being at length required to adopt
the service of the Church of England, or leave the
island, he chose this part of the alternative and return-
ed to Endand. He remained about four months at
Weymouth and Dorchester, and preached in many
places, without any compensation. A hving of c£400
a year was offered him, if he would conform, and read
the Common-prayer; but this he rejected. Other op-
portunities, which were afforded him, either to remain
in England or to travel with gentlemen on the conti-
nent, being dechned or frustrated, and the times grow-
ing more and more unfavorable for the dissenters, he
concluded, contrary to his former expectations, to re-
turn to this country. He arrived at his father's house in
Dorchester in September, 1661, more than four years
from the time of his first leaving it to sail for England.^

Invitations now came to him from " as many places,
as there are si2:ns for the Sun in the Zodiac." The
first winter after his arrival, he preached alternately to
the North Church in Boston, and with his father in
Dorchester ; but afterwards confined his services to the
church in Boston; though it was not till May, 1664,

i Reinarkables, pp. 15-17. ~ Ibid, pp. 19-23.

54 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VI.

that he was prevailed upon to be settled. He had
nearly two years before married the only daughter of
the celebrated John Cotton, who lived with him fifty
two years, and made him the father of three sons and
seven daughters, all of them, so far as appears, sources
of satisfaction to their parents. The oldest son was
the celebrated Cotton Mather}

" The Lord," says an early writer, " hath blessed
the family of the Mathers, among us, with a singular
blessing, in that no less than ten of them have been
accepted of him, to serve the Lord and his people, in
the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ ; of whom,
as the Apostle said in another case, though some are
fallen asleep, yet the greater part remain unto this day,
I do not know the like in our New England, and per-
haps it will be found rare to parallel the same in
other countries." Thus wrote the venerable John
Higginson, of Salem, in his Attestation to Mather's
Magnalia, prefixed to that work, in 1697. The fist
might now be swelled.

By the direction of the General Court, a Synod of
the churches was held at Boston, in the year 1662, for
the purpose, chiefly, of considering the question " who
were the subjects of baptism?" It was a question which
agitated the whole country ; and the decision of the
Synod, which, under certain restrictions, allow^ed that
rite to be administered to the children of those who
were not communicants, was ably defended and op-
posed by a number of the leading ministers. Mr.
Mather was at first among the opposers of the Synod,
and employed his pen against its proceedings ; but he
afterwards changed his opinion, and ingenuously ac-

1 Remarkables, pp. 23-26.

1683-1692.] PRESIDENT MATHER. 65

knowledged himself vanquished by the cogent argu-
ments of Mr. Mitchel of Cambridge.^

Soon after his settlement, his society began to neglect
their engagements to him ; the consequence of which
was, that he suffered greatly from want and was oblig-
ed to incur debts, which caused him great disquietude.
While writhing under the embarrassments and mortifi-
cations of his situation, he had opportunities to extri-,
cate himself from his pecuniary difficulties, by removing
to other places ; but he resisted all the allurements
which were held out to him for quitting his people,
from an apprehension that this measure, even under
such provocations, would injure the cause of religion;
and he was rewarded for his patience and perseverance
by an alteration in his circumstances, which, in that
respect, left him nothing afterwards to desire ; so that,
w^hatever he was at any time called upon to do, or
wherever to go, he continued the happy pastor of the
same flock as long as he lived.^

In the year 1 674, the General Court having permit-
ted the establishment of a printing-press, " elsewhere
than at Cambridge," the Rev. Thomas Thatcher and
the Rev. Increase Mather, of Boston, w^ere added
to the former hcensers.^

In the autumn of 1679, a period of great public dis-
tress and anxiety, another Synod was, on motion of
Mr. Mather, convened at Boston, called the Reforming
Synod. It met again in the ensuing spring. A pow-
erful excitement was produced by the proceedings of
these meetings on the subject of morals and religion,
for the neglect of which the country was then believed

1 Remarkables, pp. 50- 55 2 ibid, pp 29-36.

3 Thomas's Hist, of Printing, vol. i. p. 17C.

56 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VI.

to be suffering the vengeance of offended Heaven.
The part, which Mr. Mather took on these occasions,
corresponded to the advice which the Apostle Eliot
had given him several years before: "Brother," said
the venerable man, " the Lord hath blessed you wdth
a leading spirit, as he did Mr. Mitchel, who has gone
unto Him. I pray, brother, lead us in our meetings ;
bring forward as much good in them as you can." ^

To the honor of religion its best friends are the foes
of ignorance ; and multitudes, illustrious for their piety,
have been foremost in the cultivation of human learn-
ing. Mr. Mather was one of that class. About this
time "he formed a philosophical society of agreeable
gentlemen, who met once a fortnight for a conference
upon improvements in Natural Philosophy and additions
to the stores of Natural History." From their collec-
tions the work of a learned professor at Leyden was
enriched with some materials ; and communications
were also made to the Royal Society of London ; but,
in consequence of the calamitous state of affairs at that
period, this society, which was probably the first of the
kind in America, was not of long duration. ^

The vacancy in the government of the College be-
tween the death of President Oakes and the appoint-
ment of President Rogers was supplied by Mr. Mather
in the manner that has already been related. After
the decease of President Ro2;ers he a2;ain filled the
office of president, being requested by the Over-
seers, Swne 11th, 1685, to "take special care for the'
government of the College and to act as president till
a further settlement be orderly made;" ^ and at length
he was settled in it, but without relinquishing his con-

1 Remarkables, pp. 81 - 89. 2 Ibid, p. 86. 3 Corporation Records.

1683-1692.] PRESIDEI^T MATHER. 67

nexion with the church in Boston ; and for several
years he was able to discharge with reputation and
usefuhiess the duties of both relations. ^

But all these academic and ecclesiastical occupa-
tions were increased, and at length, for some years,
superseded by other weighty cares of a civil nature.
Massachusetts, having incurred the royal displeasure,
was called upon by King Charles the Second to sur-
render to him its charter, and in case of refusal, was
threatened with a legal prosecution. The people were
thrown into the utmost anxiety and alarm. Their ruin
seemed inevitable ; and all that was left to them was, to
decide whether it should be their own act or that of
the government in England. But were they at liberty
to commit this political suicide ? Could they, without a
violation of the laws of Heaven, voluntarily lay their
rights and privileges at the feet of their sovereign, and
cast themselves upon his mercy for every thing they
held most dear ] This question was proposed to Mr..
Mather, and answered in the negative. He afterwards
declared the same opinion at a meeting of the freemen
of Boston, which was convened for the purpose'of voting
instructions to their delegates in the General Court, and
which he had been invited to attend. His speech on this
"case of conscience," as it shows the spirit and genius
of the age as well as of the man, the reader will not
be displeased to see at large : " As the question is
how stated, ichether you loill make a full submission
and entire resignation of your charter and the privileges^
of it unto his Majesty^s pleasure,! verily b<"li eve, we
shall sin against the God of Heaven, if we vote an

1 Remarkables, pp. 1G9- 174.

68 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VI.

affirmative unto it. The Scripture teacheth us oth-
erwise. We know what Jephthah said, That which the
Lord our God has given us, shall ice not possess it ? And
though JYahoth ran a great hazard by the refusual, yet
he said, God forbid that I should give away the inherit-
ance of my fathers ! Nor would it be wisdom for us
to comply. We know David made a wise choice,
when he chose to fall into the harids of God rather
than into the hands of men. If we make a full sub-
mission and entire resignation to pleasure, we fall into
the hands of men immediately. But if we do it not,
we still keep ourselves in the hands of God ; we trust
ourselves with his providence ; and who know^s what
God may do for us? There are also examples before
our eyes, the consideration whereof should be of
weight with us. Our brethren hard by us ; — w^hat
have they gained, by being so ready to part with their
liberties, but an acceleration of their miseries ? And w-e
hear from London, that w^hen it came to, the loyal citi-
zens would not make ^full submission and entire re-
signation to pleasure, lest their posterity should curse
them for it. And shalltf?^ then do such a thing? I
hope there is not one freeman in Boston, that can be
guilty of it ! However, I have discharged my con-
science, in what I have thus declared unto you."

" Upon this pungent speech, many of the freemen
fell into tears ; and there was a general acclamation,
We thank you. Sir! We thank you, Sir ! The question
was upon the vote carried in the negative, nemine
contradicente ; and this act of Bosto7i had a great in-
fluence upon all the country." ^

1 Remarkables, pp. 89 - 92.

1683-1692.] PRESIDENT MATHER. 59

Mr. Mather did not give this spirited counsel, Avith
impunity. The agents of the Court became his invet-
erate enemies ; base arts were practised to harass and
injure him.

A long letter, containing sentiments offensive to per-
sons in power, was even forged, in his name, for that
purpose, and directed to a person in Amsterdam. This
letter, being intercepted, was read before the King and
Council ; and it was proposed to have him brought to
England for trial and punishment ; but a suspicion that
the letter was forged, or some other cause, saved him
from this peril. Sir Lionel Jenkins, who was reflected
upon in the letter, appears to have taken no further
notice of it, than to ask contemptuously, "whether that
star-gazer WTote it;" alluding to a discourse which
Mr. Mather had WTitten upon comets, ^

The charter of Massachusetts was annulled ; and
New England was committed to the arbitrary disposal
of a small number of men, at the head of w^hom was
first the Hon. Joseph Dudley as President, and after-
wards Sir Edmund Andros, as Governor. They con-
ducted themselves in the most tyrannical manner. The
rights and privileges of the people were trampled un-
der foot. Their oppressions became so intolerable,
that the principal gentlemen of the province determin-
ed to send an agent to England, and lay their griev-
ances before the King himself. Mr. Mather was se-
lected, as a suitable person for that oflice.

As soon as this was known it gave great alarm to
the tyrants ; and they determined, if possible, to pre-
vent it. Mr. Mather had expressed a suspicion that
the notorious Randolph was the author of the forged

1 Hutchinson's Hist. I. p. 366. Remarkables, pp. 92 - 95.

60 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VI.

letter before mentioned. Randolph took this opportu-
nity to prosecute him for defamation ; but, in spite of
all his artifices, Mather was acquitted. Not deterred
by this failure, Randolph sent an officer to arrest him
again, upon the same charge. Mather, being apprized
of it, kept upon his guard ; changed his dress, when
he removed from his house ; and at length, with no lit-
tle management, was conveyed on board a ship, which
carried him to England in the spring of 1688. ^

It would be going too far from the purpose of this
narrative, to give a minute relation of all the transac-
tions', in which he w^as engaged, during the four years
he remained abroad in the service of his country. Suf-
fice it to say, that " he stood before kings " ; that he
had several interview's, first with King James the Sec-
ond, and afterwards with King William and Queen
Mary ; that he labored with great assiduity, fidelity,
and perseverance ; that three other persons w^ere as-
sociated with him in the agency ; and that a charter
was at length obtained of King William, which, though
it withheld some of the privileges enjoyed under the
old charter, was more comprehensive in its provisions,
than that instrument, and, considering all circumstances,
was, perhaps, as favorable to the province, as could
have been reasonably expected. The agents were al-
lowed by the King to nominate a person for the first
Governor under this charter. ^ They nominated their
countryman. Sir William Phipps, who was appointed.
Mr. Mather soon afterwards left England, and arrived

1 Remarkables, pp. 93 - 108.

2 " The nomination of the officers reserved to the Crown was left for
the first time to the agents, or rather to Mr. Mather, who was consider-
ed as instar omnium. " — Hutchinson's Hist. I. p. 413.

1683-1692.] PRESIDENT MATHER. 61

at Boston with the first royal governor in the spring of
1692.

The new charter was far from giving entire satisfac-
tion ; but it relieved the people from the evils they en-
dured or dreaded, secured the most important interests
of the colony, and was on the whole so acceptable,
that the General Assembly passed a vote of thanks to
Mr. Mather for his faithful and laborious services, and
appointed a day of solemn thanksgiving for his safe re-
turn and that of his Excellency the Governor. ^

During his residence in England, Mr. Mather did
not omit the exercise of his clerical funcdons ; he
preached often, and with great acceptance. He also
availed himself of the opportunities, which were afford-
ed him for serving the College ; he obtained donations
to it ; he became acquainted with the excellent Thomas
Hollis of London, and seems to have made the first
opening for the flood of benefits, which some years
afterwards poured in upon it so copiously from that
fountain of benevolence. ^ But the principal immedi-
ate benefit, which the institution owed to his care, was
obtained from the King. After the Colony was de-
prived of its charter, such doctrines were set up in re-
lation to the grants which had been made under it, that
fears were entertained for the safety of Harvard Col-
lege ; but though there was an occasional interference
in its government by the royal functionaries, it was not
deprived of its property or of its essential rights. ^ The
friends of the College, however, were anxious that it
should be placed on a more secure foundation in fu-

1 Remarkables, pp. 109 - 161.

2 Remarkables, pp. 147, 151, 170; and Douglas's Summary, I.
p. 546.

3 Constitution of Harv. Col., App.

62 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VI.

ture ; and a provision for that purpose was happily in-
serted in the new charter. ^

I "In 1686," says Dr. Mather in his letter to Gov. Dudley, "when
you accepted of an illegal arbitrary commission from the late King- James,
you said, that the cow was dead, and therefore the calf in her belly;
meaning the charter of the college and colony." — Mass. Hist. Coll. III.
p. 12G, First Series.

CHAPTER VII.

In the absence of President Mather, his parochial
duties were discharged by his son, Cotton Mathe?^
who had been ordained as his colleague in the year
1684; and "the College flourished under the prudent
government of two tutors, Mr. John Leverett and Mr.
William Brattle." ^ For some years he had the tide of
Rector, which was given him by Mr. Dudley, who was
President of the Colony ; but it is probable he now
resumed the appellation of President, ^

One of the first steps, taken by the friends of the
College, after President Mather's return, was to obtain
from the General Assembly a new act of incorporation,
for the purpose of giving the College still further secu-
rity, as well as of enlarging its privileges. Such an
act was passed June 27, 1692. It was disallowed by
the King in Council, " on the ground of its not pro-
viding for a visitation of the King by his governor.
Two other acts were passed, one in 1697 and one in
1700, in which the Governor and Council were made
visitors ; but this w^as not satisfactory."^

1 Mather's Magnalia, Book IV. p. 131, (not in the " Remarkables,"this
book having been written twenty two years after, when Cotton Mather
had become hostile to Leverett.)

^Constit. Harv. Coll., App. p 21. — When Mr. Dudley was "President
of New England, for distinction, the President of the College was
called rector.''^ Douglas's Summary, I. p. 546.

3 Constit. Harv. Coll., App. p. 22.

64 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VII.

"It is stated that in all these acts the Board of Over-
seers was omitted, and, as a substitution therefor, the
number of the Corporation was enlarged ; " and that
"in the interval, while the royal signature to these sev-
eral acts was aw^aited from England, the College was
organized upon several of the new plans successively. " ^

Among the powders, granted by them, which did not
exist or were not exercised, under the former charter,
was that of conferring the degree of Doctor, In the
same year the first of these acts was passed, and w^hile
it was in force, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was
bestowed on President Mather. This was the first
instance of the kind in British America; nor did any
other person receive a doctorate at Harvard University
till seventy-nine years afterwards, when the same de-
gree was conferred on the Rev. Mr. Appleton of Cam-
bridge. ^

His time was now principally devoted to the col-
lege. He passed Sunday with his church in Boston,
and visited Cambridge on all the other days of the
week. His services were assidudus and faithful. - The
moral and reli2;ious instruction of the students had his
particular attention. The College appears to have been
in a flourishing condition while he was at its head. ^
Its numbers increased, and it was enriched, in no small
degree, by the hand of munificence. It experienced one
instance of bounty, which probably exceeded, in amount,
any ever bestowed upon it by a single individual before
that time. The Hon. William Stoughton, Lieut. Govern-
or and Chief Justice of Massachusetts, a gendeman of a

1 Memorial of the Resident Instructers in 1824, p. 14.
SRenmrkables, pp. 170-172. — Holmes's History of Cambridge in
Mass. Hist. Coll. VII. p. 60, First Series.
3 Remarkables, pp. 169 - 17.3.

1692-1701.] PRESIDENT MATHER. 65

distinguished name in the annals of the province, was
at the sole expense of erecting, for the accommoda-
tion of the students, a spacious edifice of brick, which,
in honor of this liberal benefactor, was named Stoughton
Hall, and will be more particularly noticed hereafter.^

It is evident, however, that there were persons of
influence in the province, wdio, for some reason or other,
were not unwillins: that President ]\Iather should re-
tire; and in 1701 an order was passed by the General
Court, " that no man should act as president of the
College, who did not reside at Cambridge." The con-
sequence W'as, that on the 6th of September of the
same year he resigned his office. ^

Study, the publicadon of books, and the concerns of
his church occupied almost exclusively the tw^enty-two
years of life, which yet remained to him. A flattering
request, made to him in 1715 by the ministers of the
province, to go to England with an address from them
to King George the First, on his accession to the throne,
was declined.^ His old a2;e was blessed with the in-
estimable satisfaction, which flow^ from faith and hope,
and from a vigorous state of exercise of the faculties
and affections. He died August 23d, 1723, in the
eighty-fifth year of his age ; and w^as interred with all
the honors due to his character and to the rank he had
so long held in society. ^ He had been a preacher
sixty-six years, during sixty-two of which he was con-
nected with the North Church in Boston.

Dr. Mather's mental endow^ments w- ere of a superior
order; his learning w^as extensive; his afTections were
lively and strong ; he excelled as a preacher, possessed

1 Coll. Records, &c. This building" stood about 80 years. Its removal
and the erection of new Stoughton Hall will be noticed hereafter.

2 Remarkables, p. 73. 3 ibid. p. 194. 4 ibid.

66 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VII.

an ardent spirit of devotion, and was diligent, active,
and resolute in the discharge of the various and im-
portant duties, which Providence from time to time as-
signed him. He was a benevolent man. One tenth,
at least, of his income was applied to objects of
charity. ^

He was a friend to toleration ; his sentiments on this
subject became more liberal as he advanced in age ;
he even assisted at an ordinadon in a society of bap-
tists,— a sect, which, in his younger days, he must
have been taught to regard with abhorrence ; and the
conclusion was at length established in his mind, that
persecution was an unwise and unchristian mode of
propagating religion. ^

He maintained an habitual seriousness of temper,
though on fit occasions he could be pleasant and
facetious. His manners were those of a genUeman ;
and there was a remarkable gravity in his deportment,
which commanded the reverence of those who ap-
proached him. ^

He was not, however, without his weaknesses ; but
they w^ere, for the most part such, as find their apology
in the genius and spirit of the times in which he hved.

He appears to have been affected quite enough by
ungrateful returns for his services ; and had no very
moderate sense of his own importance and merits,
as was particularly shown in an angry letter which
he wrote to Governor Dudley in 1 708. ^

His piety was not uatinctured with enthusiasm and
credulity. He at times experienced strange impres-

1 Remarkables, p. 184. 2 i^id. p. 55, 61. 3 ibid. p. 39 - 41, 185, 186.
4 Mass. Hist. Coll. III. p. 126- 12^. Remarkables, p. 174.

1692-1701.] PRESIDENT MATHER. 67

sions, or afflatmis, which he believed to be supernatu-
ral, and which vented themselves in oracular predic-
tions of coming judgments or mercies. These predic-
tions were of course marvellously fulfilled. The
" strong impression on his mind, that the drinking of
the mineral icaters at a spring in Lynn, then famous
through the country," would be of service to him, at
a time when he was in a feeble state of health, ^ may
not be an instance in point ; but several instances are,
with great particularity, related by his son, whose cre-
dulity seems at least equal to his father's, respecting
which there will be no dispute. One of them may
amuse, if it does not instruct. " In the year 1676, he
had a strange impression on his mind, that caused him,
Nov. 19th, to preach a sermon on Zeph. iii. 7, and
conclude with a strange predicdon, that a Jire was a
coming which would make a deplorable desolation. " He
afterwards meditated, and wept, and prayed upon the
subject in his study ; and the next Lord's day, gave
his people learning of the impending judgment. " The
very night following, a desoladng^re broke forth in his
neighbourhood. The house, in which he with his flock
had praised God, was burnt with fire. Whole streets
w^ere consumed in the devouring flames and laid in
ashes. " ^

He was a believer in witchcraft, though he did not
approve of condemning accused persons on what was
called the spectre-evidence, being of opinion, that an
evil spirit might, for wise purposes, be sometimes per-
mitted to assume the appearance of an innocent per-
son. He accordingly opposed the horrible proceed-
ings of the memorable year 1692; and published a

^ Remarkables, p. 70. - Ibid. pp. 78, 79.

68 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VII.

treatise which is said to have aided in putting a stop to
them> ^ In this i-espect he was in truth superior to his
ai>:e, and oudit radier to be admired for his wisdom and
courage ;, lor he was one of a few, w'ho resisted a
mighty torrent which threatened to desolate the whole
country.

He had great faith in signs and prodigies. Comets
were regarded by him as "preachers of divine wrath";
his Discourse concerning those bodies is litde else than
a catalogue of inundations, earthquakes, wars, and
other calamitous events, attending them, from a period
just before the flood down to the ill-starred year 1682,
in which he wrote that learned book ; and his sermons,
endded, " Heaven's Alarm to the World," and " The
Latter Sign, " were delivered upon the appearance of
" a formidable blazing-star. "

Dr. Mather lived to see more rational ideas beginning
to prevail respecting comets. Cotton Mather in his
"Christian Philosopher" (p. 43), published in 1721,
two years before his father's death, after mentioning a
speculation of Newton's respecting those bodies, ob-
serves : " If this be so, the appearance of comets is not
so dreadful a thing, as the Cometomantia, generally pre-
vailing, has represented it. "

But in estimating an eminent person's character it
is perhaps unfair to lessen its worth by deductions,
which would not have been made by his contempora-
ries ; or to take him out of his own age, and try him
by the pardal standard of another. Who is there, even
in this age of light and refinement, that would not suf-
fer, justly suffer in some respects, if subjected to such a

1 Remarkables, pp. 161 - 1G9. Brattle's Account in Mass. Hist. Coll.
V. p. 192, First Series.

1692-1701.] PRESIDENT MATHER. - 69

test? However this may be, a man's rank is among
those, with whom he hves and acts ; and it is related
of Dr. Mather, that " he was the father of the New-
England clergy, and that his name and character were
held in veneration, not only by those who knew him,
but by succeeding generations. " ^

His publications were numerous, and were greatly
esteemed. With the exception of a few, they were
upon religious subjects. He wrote some tracts in fa-
vor of inoculation for the small-pox, which, but a year
or two before his decease, was, on the suggestion of his
son, Cotton Mather, introduced into the new world by
Dr. Zabdiel Boylston of Boston, with the support of
the clergy of Massachusetts, but in opposition to most
of the physicians and of the muldtude. ^

It has been above observed (page 64) that during the
presidency of Dr. Mather, the College was enriched
by the hand of munificence. Among the donadons, the
following may be mentioned. ^

Mr. Robert Thorner of Baddesly, in the county of
Southampton, bequeathed to Harvard College .£500
sterling ; the greater part, and probably the whole of
which was received.

The fund for Exhibitions was increased by a legacy,
in 1687, from Mr. William Brown, Sen., of i:iOO, "to
be im.proved for the bringing up of poor scholars " ;
and by a grant, in 1696, from the Hon. Samuel Sewall,
of a farm at Petaquamscot in the Narraganset country,
containing 500 acres more or less, for the support of
indigent students, " especially such as shall be sent

1 Eliot's Biographical Dictionary, Art. Incr. Mather.

2 Mass. Mag. for 1779, p. 777. 3 Donation Book, II.

70 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VII.

from Petaquamscot aforesaid, English or Indians, if
any such there be. " ^

The Society for Propagating the Gospel in New-
England, having obtained from the estate of its late
president, the Hon. Robert Boyle, a charity of c£90
sterling per annum, ordered in 1697, that one half of it
should be transmitted to the President and Fellows of
Harvard College and to their successors, to be apphed
for the support of two ministers employed in teaching
the natives the Christian religion.

Mr. Eliakim Hutchinson gave to the College £10,
New-England money, in 1698; with a promise to give
the same sum annually, " as long as the government
there should be such as he approved of. " This annu-
ity was paid during his life, from 1698 to 1717, inclu-
sive, making twenty years.

Mr. Nathaniel Hulton of London bequeathed c£lOO
sterling, being <£130, Massachusetts currency; and
Mr. Thomas Gunston of Stock-Newington gave £60
sterling.

The Rev. Edmund Brown of Sudbury bequeathed
£100 to the College. This legacy was sued for in
1693 ; an execution was levied on seventeen acres of
pasture land in Cambridge belonging to Mr. Samuel
GofFe, executor; but the College does not appear to
have been ever benefited by i t

But by far the greatest benefaction during this Pres-
dency was from Lieut. Gov. Stoughton, who, at an ex-
pense of c£l000, erected, in 1699, an edifice of brick
called in honor of him, Stoughton Hall. " It contained
sixteen chambers for students, but no public apart-
ments. Its length was one hundred, and its breadth

1 Donation Book, I.

1692-1701.] PRESIDENT MATHER. 71

twenty feet. Being originally an unsubstantial piece
of masonry, it grew weak by age, and was finally
taken down in 1780." It is said to have been injured
by the great earthquake in 1755. ^

The following inscription was on the front of old
•^toughton-Hall:

DEO OPT. MAX. BOXISQ. LITERIS S.

GULIELMUS STOUGHTON ARMIGER PROVINCI.E

MASSACHUSET. NOV-ANGLORUM VICE-GUBERNATOR

COLLEGII HARVARDINI GLIM ALUMNUS

SEMPER PATRONUS FECIT

ANNO DOMINI 1699. 2

1 See further particulars in the Columbian Magazine, for 1788, p. 673.
For a description of Harvard Hall, burnt in 1764, see the same
Article.

[The Editor has been informed by a near relative, now deceased,
and who was in college at the time, that the walls of Stoughton Hall
had then begun to settle and lean considerably ; and that the shock
of the earthquake restored them to their perpendicular direction.]

^ Donation Book, I.

CHAPTER VIII.

On the very day that President Mather quitted the
superintendence of the College, the Rev. Samuel Wil-
lard of Boston entered upon it under the tide of Vice-
President,

The father of this distinguished clergyman was Mr.
Simon Willard, a gentleman of respectable standing
both in civil and miUtary life. Samuel was graduated at
Harvard College in 1659. He was afterwards setded
in the ministry at Groton ; but the ravages of Phihp's
war, which destroyed that place and scattered his flock,
drove him to Boston about the year 1676.

" The providence," says Dr. Pemberton, " that occa-
sioned his removal to this place, was an awful judg-
ment upon the whole land ; yet it was eventually a
mercy in this respect, that it made way for the trans-
lation of this bright star to a more conspicuous orb 5
where his influence was more extensive and beneficial ;
and in this it was a great blessing to this congregation,
to this town, nay, to all New-England." ^ Great in-
deed, in the estimadon of his contemporaries, must
have been that merit, which could authorize one of the
wisest of them to intimate, that his removal to Boston
was any compensadon for the disasters of that terrible
Indian War ! He was settled as a colleague with Mr.
Thacher, the first minister of the Old South Church,

1 Pemberton's Sermons, p. 137. .

1701-1707.] VICE-PRESIDENT WILLARD. 73

April 10th, 1678, (March 31st, old style) ;^ andm 1700
Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton was chosen his assistant.

Notwithstanding the order that had been recently
passed, his connexion with the church in Boston ap-
pears to have been continued after his appointment to
the charge of the College ; and this circumstance will
probably account for his having the title of Vice-Fres-
ident ; and never having been inaugurated. ^ He offi-
ciated as President six years, when he was removed
by death, September 12th, 1 707, in the 68th year of his
age.^

The sermon, preached on the death of this eminent
person, by his colleague Mr. Pemberton, is referred to
by some distinguished writers, as containing "his just
character."^ The following passage is a brief summary
of it : " In himi bountiful Heaven w^as pleased to cause a
concurrence of all those natural and acquired, moral
and spiritual excellencies, w^hich are necessary to con-
stitute a great man, a profound divine, a very consider-
able scholar, and an heavenly Christian, In the light
and influence of these perfections he appeared as a
star of the first magnitude in the orb of the church."
To all these talents and accomphshments, if, indeed,
not included in them, he added " a natural genius and
spirit, w^hich seemed superior to all narrow and selfish
interests," and " a native modesty, which might seem to
some to veil the brightness of some of his public ap-
pearances ; though in the opinion of others it was but a

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. IX. p. liJS, First Series.

2 [At this place Mr. Peirce has made the following note, in pencil,
on the margin of his Manuscript : " Enquire further about this." — Edit.]

3 Eliot's Biographical Dictionary, art. tS*. Willard. "He was taken
at dinner in his study, so that he quickly grew delirious." — Chief Justice
Sewall's MS. Diary, under dale of April 9th, 1707.

'1 Dr. Sewall, Mr. Prince, Dr. Chauncy.

74 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VIII.

foil to his greater excellencies." ^ The Rev. John
Barnard of Marblehead, in a letter to Dr. Stiles, says,
" He was an hard student, of great learning for that
day, of a clear head, sohd judgment, excellent both in
preaching and in prayer, an exemplary Christian, pleas-
ant in conversation, whose name is had in remem-
brance among us, and his works praise him." ^

His publications were numerous. "No divine," says
Dr. Eliot, " except Dr. Cotton Mather, in this coun-
try, prepared more w^orks for the press ; and they
were all calculated to do honor to the writer, and edify
pious people." ^ They were principally sermons,
and tracts on controversial divinity. He wrote also on
witchcraft; and w^as one of the few clergymen, who
stemmed the torrent of delusion in 1692. His largest
work, endtled, " A Compleat Body of Divinity " &c.,
was pubhshed in 1726. It is said to have been the
first folio volume of divinity that was printed in the
country.^ The preface is signed by Joseph Seicall
and Thomas Prince, two of the most eminent divines
and scholars in the province ; and, in recommending
the w^ork, they might well observe, " We need only
say — ^Tis Mr, Willar(Fs^^ \ for, surely, a more deci-
sive proof can hardly be imagined of a man's credit in
the world, and of the value attached to his performan-
ces, than the mere fact, that a folio volume containing
more than 900 pages of speculative theology, should
have issued from the press nineteen years after the
author's death ! A late Orthodox writer, in speaking of
this work, observes, "Though it appears under some of
the disadvantages usually attending posthumous publi-
cations, it must be allowed to possess great merit. Few

1 Pemberton's Sermons, pp. 131, 132.

2 Mass. Hist. Coll. X. p. IG^, First Series.

3 Eliot's Biog. Diet. art. Willard. 4 gee its Preface, p. i.

1701-1707.] VICE-PRESIDEiNT WILLARD. 75

systems of theoretic and practical divinity are to be
found, even at the present day, exhibiting such a vari-
ety of matter, such a compass and depth of thought, and
such an intimate acquaintance with the word of God." ^
The importance of a name is, also, somewhat dis-
cernible in the following anecdote, ; though, no doubt,
the whimsical occurrence was very much owing to the
cause assigned by the writer. The Rev. Samuel Treat
of Eastham married a daughter of Mr. Willard, and
was sometimes invited to preach in his pulpit. "Mr.
Willard possessed a graceful delivery, a masculine and
harmonious voice ; and though he did not gain much
reputation by his ' Body of Divinity ' which is fre-
quently sneered at, particularhj by those who have not
read it, yet in his sermons are strength of thought
and energy of language. The natural consequence
was, that he was generally admired. Mr. Treat, hav-
ing preached one of his best discourses to the congre-
gation of his father-in-law, in his usual unhappy manner,
excited universal disgust; and several nice judges
waited on Mr. Willard, and begged that Mr. Treat,
who was a worthy, pious man, it was true, but a
wretched preacher, might never be invited into his pul-
pit again. To this request Mr. Willard made no re-
ply: but he desired his son-in-law to lend him the
discourse ; w^hich being left wdth him he delivered it,
without alteration, to his people a few weeks after.
The hearers were charmed ; they flew to Mr. Willard,
and requested a copy for the press. See the diffe-
rence, they cried, betw^een yourself and your son-in-
law ; you have preached a sermon on the same text as

1 Panoplist, III. pp. 100, 101.

76 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. VIII.

Mr. Treat's ; but whilst his was contemptible, yours is
excellent."^

If this storv detracts from Mr. Willard's merits in
one respect, it adds as much to them in another ; if it
casts any doubt on his superioity as a writer, it raises
a high opinion of his skill, and temper, and magnanimi-
ty ; it is, in a word, a specimen of that true icisdom,
for which he was famous, and which manifested itself
in his government of the College and in the various
transactions, in w^hich he was engaged.

In the early part of his presidency, the printing-
establishment, which was nearly coeval with the Col-
lege, was abandoned. Samuel Green, who had con-
ducted it, with great reputation, for about 50 years,
died January 1st, 1702, aged 87 years. Soon after
his decease the printing-materials were removed from
Cambridge ; and it was a long time before any printing
was done in this place again.^

The munificence of the Hon. William Stoughton, in
erecting the building called by his name, has been al-

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. VIII. p. 182, First Series.

2 1704 — "The Boston News-Letter, a weekly Gazette, was first
published this year. This was the first Nev>'s-paper published in
America." — Holmes's Annals, II. p. 490 ; and Mass. Hist. Coll. V. 208,
FiJ'st Series. "Judge Sewall (MS. Diary) mentions, that he went to
Cambridge April 24, and that he gave Mr. Willard [President] the first
News-Letter that ever was carried over the river." — Note on the same
page of Holmes's Annals.

Printing was stopped in Cambridge by the decease of Samuel Green.
Though he has been erroneously mentioned as the " first who printed in
New England, or in North America," Daye having been the first, yet
he begun very early. " He was unknown as a printer until about 1649."
He was a printer about 50 years. Printing had been carried on in
Cambridge GO years. He was printer to the College as long as he con-
tinued business. " Soon after his decease the printing-materials were
removed from Cambridge, and probably sold." He had nineteen children

1701-1707.] VICE-PRESIDENT WILLARD. 77

ready noticed. His will, in 1702, contained evidence
of his unabated regard for the interests of edu-
cation, and for Harvard College, " the place," says he,
**of my first public education, which nursery of good
learning has been an inestimable blessing to the
churches and people of God in this wilderness, and
may ever continue so to be, if this people continue in
the favour of God." Not to mention the provision he
makes for the support of the school in the town of
Dorchester, his native place, nor his directions for the
special appropriation of a part of the revenue of
Stoughton Hall, he bequeathed a pasture in Dorches-
ter, containing 23 acres, and four acres of marsh, " the
income of both to be exhibited, in the first place, to a
scholar of the town of Dorchester, and if there be none
such, to one of the town of Milton, and in want of
such, then to any other well deserving, that shall be
most needy." ^

by two wives. He had the command of the Cambridge militia company,
was many years town clerk, was a pious and benevolent man, and was
greatly esteemed. — Thomas's History of Printing, I. pp. 235-263.

1 Donation Book, I.

CHAPTER IX.

The execution of the order of 1701, which required
the President to reside at Cambridge, and which was the
immediate occasion of Dr. Mather's resignation, w^as,
w^hether from necessity or choice, evaded by the ap-
pointment of Mr. Willard as Vice-President ; but it
w^as now determined that the College should no longer
be subjected to the disadvantages resulting from the
non-residence and divided attention of its head ; and
accordingly the successor of Mr. Willard was brought
wdthin the letter of the rule by being elected President

It may be interesting, at least to the sons of Harvard,
to see a particular account of the proceedings upon
that occasion. The following paper shows what was
done by the Fellows,

" To his Excellency Jos : Dudley, Esq., Capt : Gen :
and Governour in Chief, &c. The humble Addresse
of the Fellows of Harvard Coll. in Cambridge,
shewith,

" That we have, according to the Rules of our House,
unanimously declared our Desires that the future Heads
of this Colledge may be resident, and, as Resident Pres-
idents were aunciently wont to doe, may govern the
Students and serve them with Divinity Expositions, &c.
and in Pursuance thereof, we have chosen the Hon-
orable John Leveret, Esq. our next President ; of
whome we have good Confidence that he will (when
accepted and subsisted) lay aside and decline all inter-

1707 1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 79

fering Offices and Imployments, and devote himself to
said Work, and by the Divine Help be a very able and
faithful! Instrument to promote the Holy Religion here
practised and estabhshed, by instructing and fitting for
our Pulpitts and Churches and other pubhck and useful
Services such as shall in this School of the Prophets be
committed to his Care and Charge. We recommend
the said Honorable Person as our President to your
Excellency's favorable Acceptation, and pray that You
would present him to the Honorable General Assembly
and move for his honorable Subsistence.

" If your Excellency thinks fitt, so we rest your Ex-
cellencys most humble servants.

"Harvard Coll in Cambridge, Oct 28, 1707,

JAMES ALLEN, Senior Fellow:'

"Voted, That the Revd. Mr. Allen, the Senior
Fellow, sign the abbove Address, and present the same
to his Excellency, in the name of the Fellows of Har-
vard Colledge, and Mr. Treasurer with the Fellows
living in Boston, are desired to accompany the Revd.
Mr. Allen, when he waits upon the Governour with the
said Address." ^

At the time when the General Court acted upon
this application, they decided a point of no less im-
portance, than that of fixing the constitution of the
College, after it had been for above twenty years in a
condition of hazardous dependence on the will of the
civil rulers. The several attempts to obtain a new
charter having, as has been already seen, proved abor-
tive, and there being no prospect of succeeding in any
future attempt of the kind, the inexpediency of keeping

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. IV. p. 64, Second Series.

80 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. IX.

the institution any longer in an unsettled^ state was
now so obvious, as to induce a recurrence to the old
charter for the rule of its future government. The
General Court accordingly voted, in Deceniber, 1707,
that, as the Act of 1650, establishing the Corporation
of Harvard College, had " not been repealed or nulled,
the President and Fellows of the said College are
directed from time to time, to regulate themselves
according to the rules of the Constitution by the act
prescribed." They also granted to the President elect
a salary of 150/, " to be paid annually out of the pubhc
treasury dming his continuance in said office, residing
at Cambridge and discharging the proper duties to a
President belonging, and entirely devoting himself to
that service." ^

So loose had been the management of the College,
that, at the time this vote was passed, the C or ji oration,
if it might be called by that name, consisted of fourteen
members. The number was now reduced to that
required by the charter ; and the names of the five
fellows retained are those first on the fist of Socii in
the Triennial Catalo2:ue, no names of fellows, before
that period, being found in that list.

Mr. Leverett " was by the Governor, at the head of
the Overseers, declared President January 14, 1708."

The following particulars of his induction into office
appear in the Records of the Overseers.

" Cambridge, Wednesday, January 14, 1707-8.
Present in the College Library, His Excellency
Joseph Dudley, Esq. Governor.

1 Prince's Const, of Harv. Coll. p. 14.

1707 - 1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT.

" OVERSEERS.

'■'Of the Honourable Council. The Reverend Ministers.

James Russell
Samuel Sewal '
Isa'c Addiiioton
John Phillips
.Joseph Lynde, Esqr's.
Eli'm Hutchinson
Pen Townsend
Andr. Belcher
Edw'd Bromfield
Simeon Stoddard

Mr. W'm. Brattle, Cambr.
Mr. Sim. Bradstreet, Chariest.
Mr. Benj. Wadsworth, ~)
Mr. Eben. Pemberton, > Bost.
Mr. Ben. Cohnan, )
Mr. Samuel Angier, Watert.
Mr. Jno. Danforth, Dorch.

FELLOWS OF THE HOUSE.

RESIDENT FELLOWS.

Mr. Henry Flynt
Mr. Jona. Remington
Mr. John Whitinsf

Mr. John Leverett, PresicVt.

Mr. Neh. Hobart

Mr. Wm. Brattle

Mr. Eben. Pemberton

Mr. Henry Flynt

Mr. Jonath. Remington

Mr. Th. Brattle, Treasurer.

"His Excellency, attended by Mr. President, the
Overseers, and Fellows, went into the Hall, and, in
presence of the Schollars and a numerous company of
gentlemen, from several parts, declared Mr. Jno. Lev-
erett to be the Rev'd President of Harvard CoUedge ;
and, deUvering him the books and keys, put the care of
that Seminary into his hands agreeable to the choice
of the Fellows of the House, approbation of the Over-
seers, and votes of the Council and Assembly in their
last session, with the usual formalitys directing him to
govern that House and the Scholars there with duty
and allegiance to our Sovereign Lady the Queen and
obedience to her Majesty's Laws."

On this event two distinguished clergymen of Boston,
the Rev. Increase Mather, and his son, the Rev. Cotton
Mather, appear to have lost all patience. Between

82 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. IX.

them, and Governor Dudley and his friends, great
hostility had existed for several years.

Of its cause and virulence some idea may be formed
by the following extract from Dr. Cotton Mather's
private diary :

" June 1 6, 1 702. I received a visit from Governour
Dudley. Among other things that I said to him I used
these words : * Sir, you arrive to the government of a
people, that have their various and their divided appre-
hensions about many things, and particularly about
your own government over them. I am humbly of
opinion, that it wall be your wisdom to carry an indiffer-
ent hand tow^ards all parties, if I may use so coarse a
word as parties ; and give occasion to none to say,
that any have monopolized you, or that you take your
measures from them alone. I will explain myself wdth
the freedom and the justice, perhaps not with the pru-
dence, that you may expect from me. I will do no
otherwise than I would be done to. I should be con-
tent, I would approve it and commend it, if any one
should say to your Excellency, Bij no means let any
people have cause to say, that you take all your measures
from the two Mr, Mathers, By the same rule I may
say, wdthout offence. By no means let any people say,
that you go by no measures, in your conduct, but Mr,
ByfieWs and Mr, Leveretfs, This I speak not from
any personal prejudice against the gentlemen ; but
from a due consideration of the disposition of the
people, and as a service to your Excellency.'

" The WRETCH went unto those men and told them
that I had advised him to be no ways advised by them ;
and inflamed them into an implacable rage against
me." '

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. III. p. 137, First Serieg.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 83

Notwithstanding this, Cotton Mather, conscious, it
should seem, of his great talents and learning, but not
of his equally remarkable defects, had expected, through
the influence probably of the popular party in the
state, to be made president of the College. But he
was disappointed; Governor Dudley persuaded his
friend Leverett to accept the office.

Six days after the appointment was announced, those
gentlemen wrote, each of them, a most acrimonious
letter to the Governor, presenting him with a frightful
picture of his character and conduct, and warning him
of the judgments that awaited his enormities. The
letters were most extraordinary ones to be addressed
to the chief magistrate of a country. Well might Gov-
ernor Dudley say, in his spirited and dignified reply,
"The contents, both as to matter and manner, astonish
me to the last degree. I must think you have ex-
tremely forgot your own station, as well as my char-
acter." There is httle in their letters respecting the
College ; all the distinct mention of it is in the follow-
paragraph from the elder Mr. Mather's. " I am afraid
that you cannot clear yourself from the guilt of much
hypocrisy and falseness in the affair of the College.
In 1686, when you accepted of an illegal, arbitrary
commission from the late King James, you said, that the
cow was dead, and therefore the calf in her belly;
meaning the charter of the College and Colony.
You said (and truly enough), that it was not in the
power of that government to constitute a corporation,
it being contrary to a maxim in law, for a corporation
to make a corporation. And all writers, who handle
the subject, say, that a College cannot be erected
without sovereign authority. But how much have
you of late, to serve a design, said and done contrary

84 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. IX.

to your former assertions ! What an happiness would
it have been to the country, and a glory to the College,
to have had what was by the General Assembly in my
Lord Bellamont's time, sent to and confirmed by the
royal authority. It is your fault, Sir, that it has not
been done. For both Mr. Blaithwait and Mr. Phips
wrote, that, if you desired it, the thing would be im-
mediately dispatched. You promised me you would
endeavour it ; yet some of the representatives told me
at the same time, that you promised them the con-
trary. And I have been informed, that you have
discouraged the matter fromi proceeding by letters
home. Alas ! Sir, your friends are not faithful as they
ought to be. Some, whom you have promoted, will
backbite you, and say you are the falsest man in the
world. But which of them have attended the divine
precept. Lev. xix. 17."

Though, in the catalogue of the Governor's mis-
deeds, his overruling Mr. Mather's pretensions to the
presidency is not distinctly noted, it is manifest, not
only from the tone of the letters, and from the circum-
stances attending them, but from some passages in the
Governor's reply, that this was the particular occasion
of their being wTitten. In one place the Governor
says: "Every one can see through the pretence, and
is able to account for the spring of these letters, and
how they would have been prevented, without easing
any grievances you complain of" In another : " I
desire you will keep your station, and let fifty or
sixty good ministers, your equals in the Province,
have a share in the government of the College, and
advise thereabouts as well as yourselves, and I hope
all will be well." Again : " I am an honest man, and
have Hved religiously these forty years, to the satis-

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 85

faction of the ministers in New England ; and your
wrath against me is crue], and will not be justified.
A few days before the fleet arrived, by your confer-
ence and letters, I was, you told me, in favor of all
good men, and might expect the consolation of a
faithful stewardship ; but now the letter in the Ob-
servator must be defended, and the College must be
disposed against the opinion of all the ministers in
New England, except yourselves, or the Governour
torn in pieces. This is the view I have of your in-
chnation." ^

Governor Dudley's desire seems to have been
satisfied. Those two eminent men seldom or never
attended the meetings of the Overseers, during Presi-
dent Leverett's time ; and, though Cotton Mather
had been named as a member of the Corporation in
some or all of the acts of the General Court, by which
the number of the Fellows w^as increased, and there-
fore has Socius afliixed to his name in the College
Catalogue, he was not elected into that body under the
Act of 1650 ; " but he had the mortification to see Dr.
Colman and Mr. Brattle, men who were not even
on friendly terms with him, members of the Corpora-
tion, and all College affairs under their influence. He
complained bitterly of this thing in his diaries." ^

There appears to have been no reason to regret the
appointment of Mr. Leverett. From all the accounts
and documents we have, it was the most judicious and
fortunate one that could have been made. His presi-
dency was successful and brilUant. There was much,
it is true, in the circumstances of the country, and in
the arrangements of Providence, that was on the

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. III. pp. 126-137.

2 Eliot's Biog. Diet., art. Leverett, p. 298.

86 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. IX.

whole propitious to the interests of the College at that
period. Massachusetts, notwithstanding its political
agitations, being freed from the ravages of Indian
wars, excepting in its remote settlements, and no
longer suffering the miseries of arbitrary rule, was
advancing in wealth and population. Hence an ac-
cession to the College of patronage and of students.
Even the establishment of a rival institution, in Yale
College, founded in 1700, though it occasioned some
diversion from Cambridge to New Haven, had proba-
bly on the whole a favorable influence on this ancient
seat of learning.

But the bounty of Heaven descends with effect
only on a soil which is prepared to receive it. To
keep the growth of the College on a level with that
of the country, required not only the fostering care
of the public and the munificence of individuals, but,
in those who had the management of its concerns,
wisdom, talents, zeal, energy ; and these qualities were
displayed in an eminent degree by President Leverett
and his coadjutors.

CHAPTER X.

The property of the College received, during ihiis
period, accessions from different persons and in va-
rious w^ays.

Captain Richard Sprague of Charlestown, in 1703,
bequeathed to the College, " the sum of four hundred
pounds in money, to be disposed of for the public
benefit of the same."

The following persons made contributions to the
fund for exhibitions to indigent students.

The Hon. Thomas Danforth bequeathed three leases
of land in Framingham, w^hich were sold in 1764, for
c£lOO. Benjamin Brown bequeathed, in 1708, £200
currency, the income of which was to be employed
for the support of indigent scholars, those belonging to
Salem to have the preference.

Major William Brown bequeathed, in 1716, i^lOO,
the income of which was to be employed for the ed-
ucation of his posterity, or, if there were none such,
any indigent Salem scholar.

The Rev. William Brattle, minister of Cambridge,
left by will, in" 1717, c£250, "the income to be paid to
one or more students to be nominated by the Presi-
dent and Fellows, unless said students be nominated
by some of his kindred by blood."

Col. Samuel Brown (also called the Hon. Samuel
Brown), in 1720, gave £150 "towards supporting his
posterity, or, if there were none such at College, then

88 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. X.

some poor scholars, especially such as belong to Sa-
lem.*' He also bequeathed £60 for purchasing a
handsome piece of plate for the College, "with his
coat of arms upon it " ; also his estate in Hopkinton,
containing about 200 acres, the income to be appHed
to the maintenance of indigent students, especially
such as might be recommended by his sons and their
posterity. These lands were afterwards sold, pro-
bably to the Trustees of the Hopkins fund.

The Rev. Henry Gibbs, of Watertown, bequeathed,
in 1722, c£lOO, the interest to be employed for the
benefit of his posterity in preference to other.

Capt. Ephraim Flynt, of Concord, in 1723, left by
will c£lOO, for the benefit of poor scholars, preference
to be given to the posterity of his cousin Flynt of
Concord, or of the Rev. Mr. Hancock of Lexington.

Thomas Brattle, Esq., (who died in 1713) be-
queathed, in 1712, c£200 "towards the maintenance
of a Master of Arts, especially one skilled in mathe-
matics, such as are akin to him by blood to be pre-
ferred." The interest of this legacy was afterwards
granted to the Professor of Mathematics.

"The Rev. Daniel Williams, D. D., in 1716, gave his
estate in Essex to the Society for New-England, on
condition that c£60 per annum be given to two itiner-
ant preachers in the West Indies, and the remainder
to the College in Cambridge, to promote the conver-
sion of the Indians ; and if the Society be prevented
from nominating said itinerants, he bequeathed the
c£60 to the College." From this bequest the College
now possesses a fund of y$ 13,000, which has been de-
posited with the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance
Company, and the income of which is paid to a min-
ister and schoolmaster employed in instructing the
Indians.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 89

The proprietors of the town of Rutland granted for
the College, in 1718, two hundred and fifty acres of
land in that township.

In 1719, the General Court ordered two towns to
be laid out on the w^esterly side of Groton, and 250
acres in each to be reserved for Harvard College.
These lots were afterwards laid out, one in Lunenburg,
which w^as sold, in 1774, for <£l 20; and the other in
Townsend; but "this tract falHng into New Hamp-
shire, the General Court gave the College an interest
in a township granted to Joseph Sartel and others in
the western parts of this province." John Frizzle, Esq.
gave c£l50; and, in 1723, "Madam Mary Sahon-
stall, lady to the Hon. Governor Saltonstall, presented,
as a token of her regard for Harvard College, one
hundred pounds." It will be seen that this lady
afterwards made a much larger donation to the Col-
lege.

Two of the benefactors before mentioned, Thomas
Brattle, Esq., and the Rev. William Bratde, have
claims to a respectful notice in a work of this sort, on
other accounts. These gentlemen were brothers, and
alumni of Harvard College. Both of them were emi-
nent for their talents and virtues ; both were enlight-
ened, liberal, benevolent, and public-spirited men ;
and, what is more particularly to our purpose, both
were warm friends of Harvard College, and rendered
it important services. Mr. Thomas Bratde was Treas-
urer of the College, from 1693 till his death in 1713,
when it lost one of its most valuable officers. "He
was an eminent merchant of Boston, a benefactor to
the poor, and a useful, as well as opulent citizen.
From him one of the streets took its name ; and he
was the principal founder of Brattle- Street Church."

90 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. X.

His superiority to the prejudices and weaknesses of
the age in which he hved, is strikingly manifested in
an account which he wrote Octobers, 1692, of "the
dekision called witchcraft," then prevailing in New-
England, and which, being " too plain and just to be
published in those unhappy times," lay in manuscript
till the year 1798, when it was printed in that most
valuable repository, the " Collections of the Massachu-
setts Historical Society." ^ It exhibits the writer to
great advantage, as a Christian and a wise man.

The Rev. William Brattle was a classmate of Presi-
dent Leverett's ; they were tutors in conjunction for
a number of years; and, what is very remarkable,
they, together with Mr. Thomas Brattle, had the rare
distinction of being elected Fellows of the Royal So-
ciety of London.^

1 Eliot's Biog. Diet, art. T. Brattle. Mass. Hist. Coll. V. p. CI,
First Series.

8 All the alumni of this College, who, according to the Catalogue,
have had that honor conferred upon them, are the following :

Cotton Mather, graduated in . 1678.

John Leverett, 1680.

William Brattle, 1680.

Paul Dudley, • 1690.

John Winthrop, 1700.

John Winthrop, 1732.

James Bowdoin, 1745.

It appears by the Massachusetts Historical Collections, (V. p. 61,
First Series,) that it was also conferred on Thomas Brattle, who was
graduated in 1676.

It is worthy of remark, that these all belonged to Massachusetts,
except the John Winthrop, first named, who was grandson of the first
governor of Connecticut.

Four or five other Americans, not alumni of the College, but whose

• names are found on the Catalogue among those which have honorary

degrees affixed to them, have been elected into that illustrious body ;

two of them,

Benjamin Franklin, and

Nathaniel Bowditch.

1707-1724] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 91

In 1696, Mr. Brattle was settled as pastor of the
church in Cambridge; but retained his connexion
with the College, as Fellow of the Corporation, till his
death, in 1717, when his place was filled by his friend
Dr. Colman. " He was a generous patron of learning,
and long a father of the College." The interest which
he took in the students, while a tutor, was manifested
very remarkably at a time when the small-pox pre-
vailed among them. Inoculation was not then known ;
and, though he had not had that terrible disorder him-
self, he remained firmly at his post, and visited the
sick students. " So dear was his charge to him, that
he ventured his life for them, ministering both to their
souls and bodies ; for he was a skilful physician to
both." At length he took the disorder ; but it was
mild, and he happily recovered.

Mr. Brattle, like his friend Leverett, appears to have
had little ambition of being distinguished as an author.
The only work he is known to have published, was
a system of logic, entitled, " Compendium Logicae,
secundum Principia D. Renati Cartesii plerumque
efFormatum, et catechistice propositum." " This pass-
ed through several editions. It was studied in Col-
lege till the year 1 765, and is now valued by men of
learning as an excellent compendious system ; but is
found only among rare and curious books." ^

To these may be added another of the glorious progeny of Massa-
chusetts, who, though his name is not found on the Catalogue, was,
as will be seen hereafter, one of the most munificent benefactors of
the College, Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford.

Of every one of the above eminent persons it may be truly said,
" pluribus nominibus honorandus."

1 Eliot's Biog. Diet. p. 86.

92 HISTORY OF HARVARD UN'IVERSITY. [cH. X.

His funeral took place on the 20th of February, a
day rendered memorable by the commencement of a
storm, called the great snow storm} The snow was
so deep, that the magistrates and ministers, who at-
tended on the occasion, were detained in Cambridge
several days.

The same week in which Mr. William Brattle died,
the College was deprived of another of its brightest
ornaments by the death of the Rev. Ebenezer Pem-
berton. He had been a tutor, and was many years a
fellow of the corporation. A volume of his sermons,
printed after his decease, in the opinion of Dr. Eliot,
"would do honor to any preacher of the present
age." ^ In the services of the pulpit. Dr. Colman de-
scribes him to have been "all flames, and zeal, and
earnestness," while his friend Brattle was "calm, and
soft, and melting."

A happy union of views and of engagements sub-
sisted among all these eminent and accomphshed
men ; and to each of them it was no small praise, that
the others were his friends.

Among those who greatly promoted the inter-
ests of the College, by giving it their care and
attention, may be mentioned Governor Joseph Dudley,
w^ho died in 1720. The life of this great man belongs
to the history of his country. " He was a man of rare
endowments and shining accomphshments, a singular
honour to his country, and in many respects the glory
of it." ^ Having been educated at Harvard College,

1 Holmes's Hist. Cambridge, in Mass. Hist. Coll. VH. pp. 55-59,
First Series.

2 Eliot's Biog. Diet, art. Pemberion. Holmes's Hist. Cambridge,
ubi supr.

.3 Boston News-Letter.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 9

he always retained for his alma mater an affectionate
regard. ^ It was, do doubt, fortunate for this institu-
tion that so warm a friend to it had so much power in
the country, after the province charter was annulled in
1686. It was most probably his protection, which
saved it from injury in that dark and dangerous crisis.
He proved himself equally its friend during the pe-
riod of more than thirteen years he was governor
under the new charter. "He honored and loved that
his mother, and was wont to say of her, 'that he
knew no better place to begin the forming of a good
and worthy man, only he wished us the advantage of
the great Universities in our nation to finish and per-
fect us.'

"When he came to the government here, every
body saw how he preferred the Sons of the College
and men of learning in the commissions he gave ; to
which some good judges have imputed the ivonderful
growth of the College since that day ; for they saw
that (caeteris paribus) to be capable was the w^ay to be
useful, and to come to honor." ^

Previously to the occasion, which drew from the
Rev. Dr. Colman this observation respecting "the
wonderful grow^th of the College," the number of
students had increased to such a degree, that notwith-

1 Boston News-Letter, added to Colman's Sermon. — " In his youth
he was educated at the Free School in Cambridge, under the famous
Master Corlet ; from thence he went to the Colleo-e in Cambridsfe, and
there took his degrees in the presidentship of Mr. Charles Chauncy."
He proceeded Bachelor of Arts in 1665. " He is second in the class,
Benjamin Eliot, son of the apostle Eliot, being- first. As they placed
the students according to their parentage, why was not the son of a
Governor the first ?" — Eliot's Biog. Did. p. 157.

This Governor Dudley's father, it will be recollected, was Governor
Thomas Dudley, one of the first settlers of Massachusetts.

2 Colman's Funeral Sermon, p. 145.

94 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. X.

Standing the erection of Stoughton Hall less than
twenty years before, another building was required for
their acccommodation. An election sermon, preached
in 1718, by the same zealous and enlightened friend
of the institution, contains an earnest appeal to the
government upon this subject. " Whatever decays,"
said he, " the Province languishes under in other re-
spects, the College seems to renew its youth, and has
been sending out of late a vigorous issue, who in
brightness of parts, and also in virtue, promise to
excel. And now we have the joy to come before
you, our civil fathers, as the sons of the prophets once
did to Elisha, saying, Behold now the place is too
strait for the increased number of your sons ! will you
please to enlarge the house for them to dwell in ? We
trust you will kindly answer so reasonable, so wel-
come a desire ; and most readily build on a founda-
tion w^hich our fathers laid, and which our God has
signally blessed." ^

Prosperity often requires the aid of bounty and
power, as well as adversity. The Overseers applied
to the General Court for reUef under this burthen of
pubhc favor. Their apphcation was readily met in a
manner most beneficial to the College, and honorable
to the government ; and in 1 720 " a fine and goodly
house " of brick was erected, at an expense to the
Province of ^£3500.^ An address, signed by John
Leverett, in the name of the President and Fellows,
was presented, Nov. ISth, 1720, by the President in
person, accompanied by two of the Fellows, to his
Excellency Governor Shute, and to the Honorable his
Majesty's Council and House of Representatives, in

1 Colraan's Elect. Sermon. 2 Coll. Records.

1707-1724] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 95

thankful acknowledgment of this favor to the College.
This building, which received the name of Massachu-
setts Hally is still in a good state of preservation, and
is the oldest of the large College buildings yet stand-
ing.

This noble addition to the accommodations for the
residence of the students, was soon followed by a
corresponding increase of those means of instruction,
which properly constitute a University.^

1 By the following extracts from the Records of the Overseers, it
appears that the time of holding the annual Commencement, which had
long- been the first Wednesday in July, was altered in 1714.

"At a meeting, &c., July 7, 1714, Mr. President propounding, that,
on consideration of the excessive heat of the weather, and other in-
conveniences attending- the holding- the Commencement on the first
Wednesday in July, the time might be altered, it was voted, that
henceforth the Commencement be held upon the last Wednesday of
August yearly."

CHAPTER XI

The College had already begun to engage the
attention of one of the most extraordinary families,
that Providence ever raised up for the benefit of the
human race. It is scarcely necessary to say, that I
allude to the family of Hollis ; a family, whose mem-
bers, in its several branches, and for more than a cen-
tury, employed the fruits of their industry and economy,
in founding charities, erecting churches, endowing
seminaries of learning, and supplying, in various ways,
at home and abroad, with Httle regard to sect or party,
the moral, intellectual, and physical wants of their fel-
low-men.

Several of these excellent persons were benefactors
of Harvard College. The first and largest one was
Thomas HolUs, Esq., Merchant of London, the oldest
son of a distinguished philanthropist of the same name.
He began his services to the College as the agent for
another person. " It appears that Robert Thorner
left several legacies for charitable purposes, and
among the rest one for Harvard College, and ap-
pointed his nephew, Mr. Hollis, one of the Trustees.
When Dr. Increase Mather and his son w^ere in Lon-
don in 1690, Mr. Hollis gave them a minute of his
uncle's will ; but told them it would be many years
before the bequest w^ould become due, and intimated
that they might possibly hear from him sooner."

i 707 -1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 97

The immediate occasion of his own benefactions
seems to have been furnished by the Rev. Dr. Colman
of Boston. While this gentleman "w^as pursuing the
recovery of a legacy of .£160 sterling, for two poor
orphans, in the years 1717 and 1718, his letters fell into
the hands of Mr. Hollis, whose heart was devising
liberal things ; " and the consequence w^as, that from
that time the main course of his bounty was directed
towards New England, and particularly Harvard Col-
lege. "His first letter bears date March 2, 1719,
and is addressed to 'Mr. Increase Mather, formerly
President of Harvard College, or to the gentleman
who is now President thereof. ' It contained an in-
voice of twelve casks of nails and one cask of cudery,
consigned to John Gilbert &. Co. of Boston, with an
order to pay over the same for the use of the College."
He continued making remittances after that for about
nine years. They consisted of various kinds of hard-
ware, of arms, and bills of exchange ; the proceeds
of which, agreeably to his directions, were so invested,
as to constitute a permanent fund for the support of
ten poor scholars, a Professor of Divinity, and a Pro-
fessor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy; the
scholars to receive each ten pounds currency per an-
num, and the professors each a salary of c£80 currency,
or £26 sterling. He was so exact as to make pro-
vision for his treasurer's pay, which was to be ^£20
currency a year. His bounty was also extended to
the Library and Philosophical Apparatus, which were
enriched by valuable presents. The aggregate of his
donations was not much, if at all, short of £2000 ster-
ling. So large an amount w^as never given to the
College before by any one individual ; and when it is
considered that all this came from a stranger in a dis-

98 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH, XI.

tant land, from one of the then " poor despised Bap-
tists," during the hfetime of the donor, and at a time
when the value of money was vastly greater than it is
now, what breast does not glow with grateful admira-
tion ? Some idea may be formed of the difference in
the value of money then and now, by considering that
the salary of a professor was at first only £26 sterling,
and that this was then called an " honorable stipend."

In founding the ten scholarships, which was all this
good man seems at first to have had in view, he di-
rected that the incumbents should be poor students,
who were intended for the ministry ; that none should
be excluded from the benefit of this charity, for being
Baptists ; and that persons, proposed for it, should be
nominated to him, for his rejection or approval, by the
Corporation, who were earnestly conjured to beware
of recommending " rakes and dunces."

Mr. Hollis would have ranked high among the
benefactors of the College, had he done no more than
he at first intended. But he was one of those gener-
ous spirits, that are not exhausted by a single eff'ort ;
who feel as if nothing was done while any thing re-
mains to be done ; and whose interest in the object
of their patronage gathers strength by every succes-
sive act of benevolence —

" Vires acquirit eundo."

He entered into a correspondence with President
Leverett and Dr. Colman on the concerns of this in-
stitution. Many letters passed between them. He
became intimately acquainted with the situation of the
College, with the principles upon which it was con-
ducted, and particularly with its wants. On its
being proposed to him by President Leverett, to found
a Divinity Professorship, " he expressed his surprise

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 99

that this had not been provided for before, but took
the motion into consideration, thinking it, as he said,
' a particular call of Providence.' " The result was a
determination " to lay this great foundation," which
w^as carried into execution in 1721 ; and the first pro-
fessorship in Harvard College and in this country bears
the name of HOLLIS.

Mr. Hollis's benefactions to the College were now
considered so important, that President Leverett gave
a formal account of them, in person, to the General
Court ; and a letter of thanks, drawn up by a most
respectable committee of both houses, was voted to
be sent to him.

One of the articles in Mr. Hollis's Rules and Or-
ders has been the foundation of a controversy between
the Calvinists and Unitarians, which has not yet
ceased. The article is this : " That the person,
chosen from time to time to be a professor, be a man
of solid learning in Divinity, of sound or orthodox
principles, one who is well gifted to teach, of a sober
and pious life, and of a grave conversation."

What may have been the intention of Mr. Hollis
in using the words " sound or orthodox principles,"
— words, on which the controversy seems to turn, —
it would not perhaps be proper, and is certainly not
necessary, to undertake to determine, in a work of
this kind. It is due, however, to Mr. Hollis, to state,
that he was a man of a most liberal and catholic
spirit ; and that, in drawing up those articles, he em-
ployed several of the most learned, enlightened, and
rational clergymen of the age.

To the honor of Harvard College, the new office
did not remain vacant a single day, for the want of a
suitable person, among her sons, to discharge its im-
portant duties. In a letter, written by Dr. Colman

100 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XI.

to Mr. Hollis, in the name of the Corporation, he thus
expresses himself: "There is but one thing more,
Sir, which I have now to add, but 't is a very great
one, — the nomination of a person to you to be
your first Professor. There is lately returned to,
and is now residing in the College, a very accom-
plished person for the office in our joint opinion and
judgment ; Mr. Edward Wigglesworth, who in the
year 1710, passed his first degree with us, and has
ever since diligently applied himself to the learned
studies, and to the study of Divinity more especially.
He is a person of known and exemplary virtue, piety,
Uterature, modesty, meekness, and other Christian
ornaments : his public exercises in the pulpit dis-
cover a solid judgment, a clean stile, a clear method,
a bright and strong thought, and a facility or aptness
to teach. And it now appears to us, as if Providence
may have reserved him for such a service as this now
before us ; which we apprehend may suit him in all
respects ; excepting his low opinion of himself :
yet neither is he wanting in gravity, wisdom, and a
spirit of government and authority, which may be
necessary to command the reverence of others to him
in any office he may be called to.

"We do therefore heartily and earnestly recommend
him to your favor, to be nominated by you your first
Professor ; and the sooner you please to name him the
better, that he may be ready to enter on the work as
soon as we can be ready to install him ; or that, being
apprized of his nomination, he may be preparing him-
self for his entrance thereon." ^

Mr. Wigglesworth, having been thus recommended
by the Corporation, was accepted by Mr. HoUis, and
appointed the first Professor of Divinity. The choice
was confirmed by the Overseers, Jan. 24th, 1722. In

1 Turell's Life of Colnian, p. 54, 55.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 101

this body there were eleven votes for, and three against
him. It is no slight evidence of the good sense and
liberahty of the age, that the appointment of so rational
and catholic a man to an office, which was to have
an important bearing on the religious state of the com-
munity, should have met with no more opposition from
bigotry or enthusiasm.

He was inaugurated October 24th, 1722; and in
1724 he was chosen a member of the corporation in
the place of Mr. Tutor Robie.

The order of events renders it fitting to take leave
of this worthy benefactor for the present ; but we
shall return to him with eagerness under the next
presidency.

For the presidency of Mr. Leverett was reserved
the receipt of a valuable legacy, which had been left
in the time of President Chauncy, by the Hon. Ed-
ward Hopkins. In early life, this gentlemen was an
eminent and wealthy merchant in London ; but, being
" a man of zeale and courage for the truths of Christ," ^
he came to this country with the Rev. Mr. Davenport,
in the year 1637, and settled in Connecticut, where he
served as governor, for several years with great wis-
dom and integrity, and was universally beloved. The
death of his elder brother required his return to
England. He there filled, with credit, some important
stations under the government, became a member of
Parliament, and died in the year 1657, leaving in his
will strong testimonials of his affection for this coun-
try, and " of that public spirit and charity, which had
distinguished him in hfe." ^

1 Wonder- Working Providence, chap. viii.

2 Trumbull's Hist. pp. 241, 242.

[The most interesting parts of his will are given at large in Savage's
edition of Winthrop's New England, Vol. i, p. 228, note ; to which the
reader is referred. Edit.]

102 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XI.

Besides his whole estate in New England, which
was given for pious and charitable purposes, and of

which about i^'lOOO steding has been appropriated
to the support of the Grammar schools in New Haven,
Hartford, and Hadley ; he ordered that, in six months
after the death of his wife, c£500 sterling should be
paid out of his estate in England, " for the upholding
and promodng the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ
in those parts of the earth."

His wife, Anne Hopkins, survived him forty-one
years. ^ After her decease, payment of the legacy
being refused, a suit for the recovery of it was insti-
tuted in the Court of Chancery, where the cause
remained a long time.^ At length, March 19th, 1712-
13, it was decreed by Lord-Keeper Harcourt, with
the consent of the Society for propagating Christianity,
and others, that the legacy of c£500, with interest from
the time it was due, amounting to £300, (making in
all c£800 sterling) should be paid into the hands of
trustees, to be laid out in the purchase of lands, for the
benefit of Harvard College and the Grammar School
at Cambridge. ^ Three fourths of the income, after

1, She died December 17th, 1698.

2 [The final decree for paying over the money was made Dec. 22,
1714 ; but it does not appear to have been received before the year 1715 .
The cause of this delay w^as the death of the person who was Mr.
Hopkins's sole executor and residuary devisee. This event made it
necessary to institute proceedings in chancery against his executor.
See Winthrop's Hist, by Savage, Vol. i, p. 230, note. Edit.]

3 The first Trustees of the Hopkins fund were, "Joseph Dudley, Wil-
liam Tayler, Waitstill Winthrop, Samuel Sewall, Eliakim Hutchinson,
Penn Townsend, Edward Bromfield, John Higginson, and Simeon Stod-
dard, Esquires ; Increase Mather, Doctor in Divinity ; Cotton Mather,
Doctor in Divinity ; John Lcverett, President of Harvard Colledge ; Jer-
emiah Dummer, John Burrill, Esquires ; William Brattle, Minister of
Cambridge ; Nehemiah Walter, Minister of Roxbury ; Daniel Oliver
and Thomas Fitch, Merchants ; Andrew Belcher, Addington Daven-

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 103

deducting two shillings on the pound, or one tenth part,
were to be applied to the support of four Students in
Divinity at the College, bachelors or masters of arts,
the former to have the preference ; and one fourth, to
the support of five boys at the School. The tenth part,
deducted as above, w^as to be applied to the purchase
of books for presents to meritorious undergraduates ; ^
and these rewards of scholarship were to entitle those,
who received them, to a preference at subsequent
elections, when they were candidates for the benefit of
the fund, as resident graduates.

The recovery of this charity had put the claimants
to an expense of about £60 sterling. Soon after the
money w^as received, which w^as not till the year 1715,
a large tract of land, called Magimkaquog, was pur-
chased of the Natick Indians. ^ This was afterwards

port, and Adam Winthrop, Esquires ; all inhabitants of Massachusetts."
— Coll. Records.

The boys, supported at the Grammar school, are nominated to the
Trustees by the President and Fellows of Harvard College, and the
Minister of Cambridge for the time being, who are the Visitors of the
School. — Holmes's Hist, of Cambridge, in Mass. Hist. Coll. VII. p. 23,
First Series.

1 From the first word in the short latin label, which is signed by the
President, and attached to the inside of the cover, a book presented from
this fund is familiarly called a Detur.

2 The deed, by which this land was conveyed, is on parchment, dated
Oct. 11, 1715, and signed by Thomas Waban, Samuel Abraham, Solo-
mon Thomas, Abraham Speen, Thomas Pegun, Isaac Nehemiah, and
Benjamin Tray, a committee or agents for the Indian proprietors of the
plantation of Natick. The signatures afford no very high idea of the
state of learning among the Natick Indians. Those composing the
committee, were, no doubt, men of consequence among them ; yet of
the whole seven, two only, Waban and Tray, wrote their names them-
selves, and that not very well, particularly the latter ; the remaining
five made their marks, each different from the others.

In the deed this place is called Magunkaquog probably from a hill in
it called Megonko ; but Dr. Stimpson, (Hist. Coll. IV. p. 15, First Series,)
says " its Indian name is Quansigomog.^^

104 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XL

considerably enlarged by a grant from the General
Court of contiguous Province lands ; and, in conse-
quence of this grant, the Trustees, in 1727, added
two to each of the two descriptions of beneficiaries
above mentioned. They have since added one more
to the students in Divinity ; so that seven may now be
put on this foundation at the College, and the same
number at the School. These lands formed nearly
the whole of a township, situated in the south-w^est
part of the county of Middlesex, Massachusetts. It
received the name of Hopkinton, in honor of the
donor. A part of it, containing about 3000 acres, was
afterw^ards set off to the town of Upton, in the county
of Worcester, which was incorporated in 1735. ^

Previously to this, the lands had been leased for
ninety-nine years, at the annual rent of three pence
an acre during that time, and not exceeding nine pence
an acre after its expiration ; the tenants to pay no
Province tax for three quarters of the premises. TJiis
contract proved unsatisfactory to both the parties.
The Trustees paid away all their rents in taxes, and the
tenants felt it to be a grievance, that the leases con-
tained no security to them for the right of renewal at
the end of the ninety -nine years. An act was ac-
cordingly procured from the General Court, in 1741 -2,
providing a remedy for these evils. New inden-
tures were thereupon executed betw^een the parties,
by w^hich the tenants were to hold the lands in fee
simple, subject to a rent-charge of one penny sterling
an acre, till the 25th of March 1823, and three pence
an acre payable on the 25th of March annually, from
that time forward for ever. They w ere also to pay all
Province taxes for these lands, to be rated by the

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. IV, p. 15, First Series.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 105

General Court, from time to time, for what they were
worth above the rents reserved.

In the year 1782 great inconveniences having
arisen to the tenants, and much difficulty to the Trus-
tees, from the mode of collecting the rents, a resolve
was passed by the General Court, directing that these
lands should be taxed in the same manner as other
lands, and that out of the proceeds the Collectors
should pay the rents to the Treasurer of the Hopkins
fund. This resolve was limited in its operation to
seven years; but before the expiration of that time
another resolve was passed, in November, 1787, by
which it was provided, that the Treasurer of the Com-
monwealth should in future receive all the tax and
pay the rent to the Treasurer of the Trustees.

The rents, amounting annually to $222 and 22 cents,
were paid to the 25th of March, 1823, when, by the
Act of 1741, they were to be raised to three pence
sterling an acre. The Governor declined drawing his
w^arrant on the Treasury for this increased sum ; the
House refused to concur with the Senate in a resolve
authorizing the Governor to draw his warrant as for-
merly ; and it has been decided by the Supreme
Court, that the tenants, who for m.ore than forty years
had enjoyed a complete exemption from this charge,
are now liable for the payment of the rents immedi-
ately to the Trustees, according to the original contract.

Such obstacles presented themselves, however, to
the execution of this decision, and so determined w^ere
the people of Hopkinton and Upton to avoid, if possi-
ble, an incumbrance from which they had long consid-
ered themselves discharged, that, in March 1830, the
Legislature, upon application from the Trustees, ap-

106 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XI.

pointed Commissioners " to investigate the subject,
and to make report of their doings, and in what manner
the claims of said Trustees can or ought to be adjusted
and determined."

The tenants " state, that, having long considered
their lands discharged from the payment of the rent, it
has been the common practice among them for more
than thirty years, to make no distinction between the
common land and leased land, either in devising it by
will, making partition among the heirs, or in buying,
seHing, or exchanging. And, in their conveyances,
general covenants and warranties against incumbrances
have been inserted, as well with regard to the leased
lands as to lands never liable to the said rent-charge.
And they assert, that it is now utterly impossible to
distinguish the portion, which was originally subject to
the said rent from that which was not."

To understand this fully, it is necessary to observe,
that all the lands over 12,500 acres had been originally
reserved for commons ; but, by the act of 1741^ they
w^ere granted by the Trustees to the tenants, " who
proceeded to make a division thereof among themselves,
from time to dme according to their respective inte-
rests." ^

The Commisioners, who were the Hon. Solomon
Strong of Leominster, and the Hon. Nathan Brooks of
Concord, reported in June, 1830, that, under all the
circumstances, it would be advisable for the Trustees to
relinquish one third part of the rent, and for the Legis-
lature to pay two thirds. The report was referred to
the next session of the General Court. ^

1 Report to the House of Representatives, March 2, J 830.

2 Records of the Trustees and General Court. Pickering's Reports,
VII. pp. 121, L32.

1707-1724] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 107

The whole annual rent now claimed by the Trustees
is 666 dollars and 66 cents. The whole rent also from
the 25th of March 1823, remains unpaid. Independ-
ent of this interest in Hopkinton and Upton, there is a
fund of nearly §20,000, resulting from a gradual accu-
mulation of sums unexpended at different times, and
judiciously managed by the Trustees. ^

[ 1 The history of the Hopkins fund, since the decease of the author, is
contained in the following statement, furnished by the Treasurer of the
Trustees.

•' The report of the Commissioners, made in June, 1830, having been
finally rejected by the Legislature in ISol, the tenants presented a new
petition, in January, lf32, strongly urging their claims on the justice of
the government. This appeal was more successful than those which
had been made by the Trustees to former legislatures ; and on the
23d of March, 1839, a resolve was passed, authorizing the payment of
eight thousand dollars to the Trustees, from the treasury of tlie State,
upon condition that the tenants should raise such further sum, as the
Trustees should consent to accept, together with the eight thousand
dollars, in full discharge of all claims in law or equity against the
Commonwealth, and against the tenants. An arrangement was after-
wards made, by which the Trustees consented to receive from the
tenants two thousand dollars, in addition to the grant by the legislature.
That sum was received of the tenants by the Treasurer of the Trustees,
on the 4th of October, 1832, and the sum granted by the State, on the
21st of November folloAving ; and full releases were executed to the
Commonwealth and the tenants by the Trustees.

" Thus was finally terminated a controversy, which seemed to threaten
endless litigation, and very deplorable consequences both to the tenants
and to the trust.

"After the decision of the Supreme Judicial Court, that the Trustees
must seek their remedy against the tenants, a large number of actions
were instituted for the recovery of the rents. These had been pending
about six years. The Trustees had been obliged to prepare, with
almost incredible difficulty and labor, a map of the lands, and a chain
of title to each parcel for more than a century, from very scanty and
imperfect materials. Several expensive trials were had ; and the whole
charge necessarily incurred by the Trustees, in preserving this portion
of the fund committed to their care, exceeded two thousand five hundred
dollars." Edit.]

CHAPTER XII.

The Library was now become, for that period, a very
respectable establishment. Besides the donations al-
ready mentioned, it had received additions from numer-
ous individuals; among whom were the Rev. Dr.
Isaac Watts, the Rev. Joseph Henry, the Rev. Richard
Baxter, the Rev. Peter Bulkley, the Rev. James Peirce,
President Mather, and Dr. Benjamin Colman. The
first Catalogue of the books was printed in 1723. It is
still extant, and contains about 3500 volumes, arranged
under the very common, but unscientific and inconve-
nient heads, of fohos, quartos, octavos, &c.

Considerable additions had been made to the library
since the time, when that devourer of books. Cotton
Mather, expressed himself concerning it in the following
manner:

" 'T is, I suppose, the best furnished that can be
shown any where in all the American regions ; and
when I have the honor to walk in it, I cannot but think
on the satisfaction, which Heinsius reports himself to be
filled withal, Vv-hen shut up in the library at Leyden :
' Plerumque in ea simulac pedem posui, foribus pessu-
lum obdo, et in ipso jEternitatis gremio, inter tot illus-
tres animas sedem mihi sumo ; cum ingenti quidem
animo, ut subinde magnatum me misereat, qui faelici-
tatem hanc ignorant.' " ^

1 Mather's Magnalia, B. IV. p. 1*27, fol. ed. printed in London, 1702.

1707-1724.1 PRESIDENT LEVERETT. i^l09

In this collection were to be found the most consid-
erable of the Greek and Latin classics,^ the Christian
Fathers, the Talmud Babylonicum ; many of the most
important works of modern times, as the London Poly-
glott (a Republican copy), Cudworth's Intellectual Sys-
tem, Lightfoot's works, the Histories of Clarendon,
Thuanus, &c., some of the works of Erasmus, Des-
cartes, Lord Bacon, Selden, Grotius, Leclerc, Gassendi,
Newton, Boyle; the works of Chaucer, Shakspeare's
Plays, Milton's Poetical Works ; and many others of
the first rank in literature and science.

A great proportion of the works, at least two thirds,
were theological.^

Most of them were in the learned languages, princi-
pally Latin. There were fevv' in any modern languages,
except English. There was a great paucity of works
in modern literature. Not one of the productions of
Dryden, Sir William Temple, Shaftesbury, Addison,
Pope, Swift, or any other of the constellation of fine
writers of Queen Anne's reign, or of any of the twenty-
three years, which had elapsed, of the century, in
which the Catalogue was printed.

With few exceptions, the books w^ere printed in the
sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The oldest book
in that library, whose date is above given, was printed at
Strasburg in 1490, and was on the same subject with
one, which, till recently, was the oldest in the present
hbrary, and which was printed at Venice in 1481.
They are commentaries, by different persons, on the
work entitled " Sententiarum Libri IV," by Peter Lom-

^ It is remarkable that there was no copy of Homer, in the original,
amonsr them.
2 Of the present Library scarcely one fourth is of that description.

110 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XII.

bard, Bishop of Paris in the twelfth century. In that
library there were not less than twenty-four ponderous
tomes, all folios but two, on the same work, put forth
at different times ; and these formed but a small part
of the number of commentaries, written by many learn-
ed doctors from time to time, on that celebrated pro-
duction of scholastic theology. Some idea may be
formed of the difference between the old library and
the present one, from the fact, that the latter contains
the single copy above-mentioned. It was written by
St. Thomas Aquinas, and is entitled " Super Quarto
Libro Sententiarum." fol. Venet. 1481. The old
library also contained a copy of the "Book of Senten-
ces " itself, which the present does not.

The oldest book now in the Library is a fine Latin
copy of Diogenes Laertius, printed at Venice, by Nico-
las Jenson, in 1475.

Few of the books in the old library, which are not
also in the present one, would probably be thought of
much value at the present day, except with reference
to the history of literature.

"The Library," says Neal in his History of New-Eng-
land (first printed in 1720), "the Library is very defec-
tive in modern authors, which may be one reason why
the stile and manner of the New-England writers does
not equal that of the Europeans."

The American writer. Cotton Mather, with whom
Neal seems to have been most familiar, and from whom
he took the greatest part of his history, was, in point of
" stile and manner," no very favorable specimen of
the New-England authors. That voluminous writer
was certainly distinguished for any thing rather than
good taste in composition. He was in this respect at
least inferior to his father, to Mr. Pemberton, Dr. Col-

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. Ill

man. Jeremiah Dummer, and to most of his New-Eng-
land contemporaries.

Our ancestors, we may presume, took all due notice
of this remark of the worthy historian at the time it
appeared. They had not, indeed, any review for the
vehicle of remonstrance ; there were then no literary
journals here or in England ; but they had, what was
sufficient for their purpose, two weekly gazettes, and,
soon after, three, printed in the town of Boston.^

But it is, perhaps, not too late even now to bestow
upon it a passing reflection. It is admitted that the
Library was " very defective in modern authors " ; but,
though at a period, when a University education had
less of a popular cast than it has at present, the elegant
literature of the day did not find a place in that reposi-
tory of erudition, it is not therefore to be supposed that
it was unknown, or unattended to, in this part of th'e
British dominions, especially in so wealthy and popu-
lous a place as Boston was now become. The suppo-
sition would be incredible, even if it were not disproved
by facts. The use, which the "printer's boy" Benja-
min Franklin, made of his "odd volume of the Spec-
tator/' in forming a style, which WTiters of the present
day would do well to imitate, is known to every reader.
Various productions of the early part of the last century,
still extant, furnish abundant evidence, that the writers
of them were probably as far from having confined their
reading to antiquated works, as their fellow subjects
on the other side of the water.

By way of set-ofF to this remark of the EngUsh his-
torian, a cotemporaneous one may not improperly be

* The first newspaper, published in British America, was printed
April 24, 1704. It was called " The Boston News-Letter"; and was
continued seventy-two years.

112 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XII.

cited from a man, whom the celebrated Dr. Chauncy
places among the " three first for extent and strength
of genius and powers, New England has ever produ-
ced," ^ and who, having been graduated at Harvard
College, went to England, there became the agent for
Massachusetts, and was an associate of the wits of
Queen Anne's reign, — the accomplished Jeremiah
Dummer. Being, moreover, an elegant wi'iter himself,
he is entitled, in a question of this sort, to the most
respectful attention. In an interesting letter which he
wrote /ro/?z England, in 1711, to the famous Mr. Tutor
Flynt, he observes, — "I must own to you, that I think
the modern sermons, which are preached and printed
here, are very lean and dry, having litde divinity in the
matter, or brightness in the stile ; I am sure they are
710 waij comparable to the solid discourses, which Mr.
Brattle^ gives you every week." ^

i The other two were Mr. John Bulkley, Minister at Colchester in
Connecticut, and Mr. Thomas Walker of Roxbury.

2 Mr. Brattle, minister of Cambridge, formerly Tutor with Mr.
Leverett.

CHAPTER XIII

The last years of President Leverett were dis-
quieted by some proceedings of the Overseers and
of the General Court.

In the year 1722 one of the resident instructers
presented a memorial, both to the Corporation and
Overseers, claiming a place in the former body, ren-
dered vacant by the death of the Rev. Mr. Stevens
of Charlestown. The Corporation, however, elected
the Rev. Dr. Sewall of the Old South Church, Boston,
and presented him for approval to the Overseers.
The Overseers refused to concur; and informed the
Corporation, that they "judge it proper that the va-
cancy in the Corporation, by the decease of the Rev.
Joseph Stevens of Charlestown, be filled up by the
election of a Resident Fellow in his stead." The
Corporation then thought fit, " saving to themselves
the right of electing members of the Corporation,
upon any vacancy, according to the powers vested in
them by the College charter, and protesting against
their acquiescence being made a precedent, to choose
Mr. Tutor Robie. The five Fellows of the Corpora-
tion w^ere now, the Rev. Dr. Appleton of Cambridge,
the Rev. Dr. Colman and the Rev. Mr. Wadsworth
of Boston, Mr. Tutor Flynt, and Mr. Tutor Robie.
15

114 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIII.

Another interposition of the Overseers in support
of the alle2:ed rii^hts of the Tutors, or Resident Fellows,
occurred about the same time. In 1716 the Corpo-
ration had passed an order, that " no Tutor or Fellow
of the House, now or henceforth to be chosen, shall
hold a Fellowship, with salary, for more than three
years, except continued by election." The same year,
Mr. Nicholas Sever w as chosen a " Tutor or Fellow
of the House," and, in pursuance of that rule, w^as
re-chosen in 1719; but at the expiration of another
term of three years, in 1722, the Corporation refused
to re-elect him, and declared that he had ceased to be
" a Fellow^ of the House." Against this decision,
Mr. Sever presented memorials both to the Corpora-
tion and the Overseers. The Overseers voted June 3,
1722, "That the said Mr. Sever still continues a
Fellow, notwithstanding what has been done with ref-
erence to him, by the Corporation." As on the former
occasion, the Corporation again submitted to the Over-
seers, and consented " that, saving the proper rights
and privileges of the Corporation, and to prevent
further debates and contentions (w-hich we look on as
threatening to the welfare of the College), that the
said Mr. Sever again act as Tutor and Fellow of the
House."

The same day, on which the Overseers passed the
above vote respecting Mr. Sever, they addressed a
memorial to the General Court, praying that the num-
ber of the Corporation might be enlarged, and that,
in so doing, " regard be had to the resident Fellows
or Tutors, that they may be of that number." This
memorial was referred to a Joint committee of both
houses. On the 28th of June, 1723, they made the
following report :

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 115

" The committee appointed to consider the memorial
of the Overseers of Harvard College in Cambridge,
having perused and considered the Charter granted
to the said College, by the General Court of the
Colony of Massachusetts Bay in the year 1650 (which
. is their present constitution), and also the memorial
aforesaid, came to the following resolutions, w^hich
being put in practice would answer the end of the
memorial and be more beneficial, than enlarging the
number of the Corporation.

" 1. That it was the intent of the said College
Charter, that the Tutors of the said College, or such
as have the instruction and government of the Stu-
dents, should be the Fellows and Members of the
Corporation of the said College, provided they exceed
not fiYe in number.

" 2. That none of the said Fellows be Overseers.

" 3. That the said President and Fellows of the
said College, or the major part of them, are not war-
ranted by the said Charter of the College to fix or
establish any salary or allowance for their services
without the consent of the Overseers." )

This Report was accepted by the House, and "it
was ordered that the Corporation for the future practise
accordingly." The Council concurred with the House ;
and Governor Shute gave his assent to the order,
with the proviso, that the " Rev. B. Colman, Rev. B,
Wadsworth, and Rev. N. Appleton, are not removed
by said order, but still remain Fellows of the Corpora-
tion."

The House of Representatives immediately sent a
message to the Goverlior, requesting his absolute con-
sent "to the votes passed by both Houses." The
Governor replied, that he made the proviso agreeably

116 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIII.

to the wishes of the Council, and of the Overseers of
the College, and should adhere to it, till another meet-
ing of the Overseers. The House then renewed their
request, that the Governor would pass absolutely on
the orders. The subject was agitated, with no small
warmth, at each subsequent session of the Legislature
until the decease of President Leverett.

In the mean time a petition was presented by
Messrs. Sever and Welsteed, " two of the Resident
Fellows, praying they may be vested with the powers
of the Charter, as members of the Corporation." On
receiving this petition, the House of Representatives
renewed their former resolutions, and again sent them
to the Council for concurrence.

The Corporation had, at a former session, presented
a memorial to the General Court, respecting the pro-
posed measure, and requesting to be heard before
any further proceedings were had. In this memorial
they say, " We should be heartily glad and think it
much for the safety of the College, if the honorable
Court in their wisdom think it proper to enlarge the
Corporation to twice its present number or more,
because of the large powers, with which we think it
is entrusted, always provided that the resident Tutors
should never be able to make a major part, because
w^e think it contrary to the light of nature, that any
should have an overruling voice in making those laws,
by which themselves must be governed in their office-
work, and for which they receive salaries."

The request of the Corporation for a hearing was
refused by the House (Dec. 12th, 1722), as " altogether
groundless, and noways to be justified." Notwith-
standing this harsh repulse, occasion was now taken
by the Council to endeavour to t)btain for them a joint

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 117

hearing ; but, failing in this, the Council gave them a
separate hearing before their own body, August 23cl,
1723 ; and such was the light, in which the subject now^
presented itself to them, that the next day they passed
a different vote from that of the year before, and non-
concurred in the resolutions of the House. Thus was
terminated an affair, which had engaged the attention
and agitated the passions, not only of those immedi-
ately interested in the College, but of the public at
large.

The merits of this question are left to others to
decide ; and, with the aid of the full and able discus-
sion, which the only other attempt of a similar nature
has recently produced,^ this will not, probably, be
found a difficult task.

But, it may be asked, why such a nieasure should
be proposed, for the first time, during the brilliant
presidency of Leverett ? w^hy so violent an effort
should be made to introduce an important change into
the College Government, when the institution w^as in
so prosperous and flourishing a state ?

It was, most probably, in this very prosperity of the
College, that those proceedings had their origin. For
a long period the number of Tutors had been only two,
and, till the year 1720, had never exceeded three. It
appears, that, till then, the Tutors had generally formed
a part of the Corporation, and had been styled Resident
Fellows, and Fellows of the House or College. The
growth of the College having rendered it necessary to
increase the number of Tutors to four, and the ap-
pointment of a Professor of Divinity having made the
number of the resident instructers equal to that of the

[1 1824-1825. Edit.]

118 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIII.

Fellows of the Corporation, this body judged it inex-
pedient, for reasons already cited from its memorial,
to continue to fill its vacancies by the election of
Tutors.

The Tutors were now Henry Flynt, Thomas Robie,
Nicholas Sever, and William Welsteed. Mr. Flynt
had been a Tutor and Fellow of the Corporation many
years ; Mr. Robie was chosen a member in the manner
just related ; and Mr. Sever and Mr. Welsteed very
naturally supposed that they had a right to a place in
that body. A general sentiment prevailed in favor
of admitting them. The Corporation themselves were
desirous of it, provided it could be effected in a way,
that would not impugn what they considered a very
important principle ; and the Overseers accordingly
petitioned the Legislature to have the Corporation
enlarged, with a view, particularly, to that object.-^

The course which this affair afterwards took has
already been related ; and whoever considers the dif-
ference between the conduct of the popular branch of
the Government and that of the Governor and Council,
in connexion with other facts, will probably be of
opinion, that the proceedings of the House of Repre-
sentatives were strongly marked with that party spirit,
which was so violent in the Province during the early
part of the last century.

It is, however, due to the excellent men, who com-
posed the Corporation at this time, to observe, that,
in opposing the resolutions, to which the House of

1 Further Remarks on the Memorial of the Officers of Harvard Col-
lege. By an Alumnus [J. Lowell, Esq.]. p. 15. Boston, 1824.

Letter to John LoAvell, Esq. By Edward Everett, p. 80.

Memorial of the Resident Instructors of Harvard College to the
Corporation, in 1824 ; p. 15.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 119

Representatives adhered with such pertinacity, they
were evidently actuated by a pure regard for the wel-
fare of the College, and that they maintained the
ground, they assumed, with equal moderation, firm-
ness, and perseverance. The views and feelings of
President Leverett, upon the occasion, are exhibited
in the following letter to Dr. Colman :

" Cambridge, JYov, 26, 1722.
" Rev. and Dear Sir,

" This morning I am informed, that the House of
Representatives have brought forward their bill for
alterations in the Corporation, which the Governor
signed with the proviso of your, Mr. Wadsworth's, and
Mr. Appleton's continuance, as members of the Corpo-
ration, and suppose the intent is, to refuse the Gov-
ernor's allowance, if he don't come into their scheme
without reserve. I understand also that Col. Dudley
has informed the House that Mr. Wadsworth and you
will resign your places, and then the way will be clear.
But / hope better things of you. However, I doubt
not, salvation will come to this poor society, from Him
to whom salvation belongs.

" His Excellency has told me, that he is so well satis-
fied, that the project will be fatal to the College, that
he never will come into it, let ichat will come. I pray
God confirm his resolutions, and prevent this rmi
coming to the College under his hands. I ask your
prayers for the Divine presence with, and direction to
me in the affair, that will be but so much the more
diflacult for me, if you withdraw.

"I am, &c.

"JOHN LEVERETT."^

1 Further Remarks, &c. p. 18.

120 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIII.

President Leverett did not long survive this very
troublesome afiair. He died suddenly, May 3d, 1724,
at the age of 62 years, and in the seventeenth year of
his presidency. ^ The sensation, excited by this event,
may be imagined from expressions and passages in the
discourses preached upon the occasion by some of the
first divines of the day. They speak of it, as a " dark
and awful Providence," a " heavy judgment of God," a
" token of his anger," a " sore frown upon the College."
" The Lord," says Dr. Appleton, " has made a mighty
breach upon you ; and I may address you in the words
of the Prophet : What thing shall I liken to thee, 0
daughter of Jerusalem ? What shall I equal to thee ?
that I may comfort thee, 0 virgin daughter of Zion ;
for thy breach is great like the sea. Who can heal
thee ! Verily, the breach made upon you is so wdde,
that none but an all-sufficient God (with whom is the
residue of the spirit) can repair or heal it." ^

1 The following particulars of the death and funeral of President
Leverett are extracted from the MS. Journals of Chief Justice Sewall
and the Rev. Dr. Joseph Sewall.

" 1724, May 3, Lord's Day. After the morning exercise I was sur-
prised with' the account of President Leverett's very sudden death.
He went to bed seemingly pretty well, wak'd early and complain'd of
pain. He seemed to goe to sleep again ; was found dead in his bed
betw. 6 and 7 A. M." — Journal of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Sewall.

" Midweek, May 6, 1724. The President is buried. Bearers, His
Honor the L't. Govr'., Col. Tailer, Sewall, Dr. Mather, Wadsworth,
Colman. Gloves, Rings, Scutcheons. The corps was first carried into
the Hall, the whole funeral solemnities moving thither. There it was
set down; and Mr. Welsteed made a funeral oration in Latin; w'ch
was performed well, considering the greatness of the occasion, and short
warning. Then the cavalcade proceeded again, and by reason of the
length of it, the Fellows and Students going before, and the mourners
and others following after, were fain to proceed near as far as Hastings'
before they returned. ^ Was laid in a brick grave." — Diary of Chief
Justice Sewall.

2 Sermon, pp. 35, 36.

1707-1724] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 121

" How little," says Dr. Colman,^ " did we know or
think what the Lord was doing or had done unto us,
the last Lord's day but one, when in the morning he
was found dead and gone from us in a soft and gentle
slumber, without any notice to himself or us ! O the
surprising stroke of Heaven on us ! Our master gone,
and not accompanied with one parting prayer and cry
to Heaven for ourselves and him ! Gone, and not one
of all his learned, pious sons about his dying bed, to
see him expire great and good (by the will of God) as
he had Kved, and to have had a blessing from his dying
lips ! O awful Providence ! which loudly bids us hold
our peace, and be dumb in silence." ^

Mr. Leverett was the grandson of Governor Leverett.
He was graduated at Harvard College in 1 680 ; and
his name stands second in the Catalogue in a class of
five ; Richard Martyn, of whom nothing is now known,
being, from the rank of his family in society, placed at
the head. Mr. Leverett at first studied theology, and
preached occasionally for several years. He and his
classmate, Mr. Bratde, were the Tutors, who, as has
been already related, so ably conducted the College
during the four years President Mather was abroad.

Determining at length to go into the civil order, he
studied law and pracdsed in the Courts. He was
afterwards employed in several important oflices, all of
which he filled with great ability and to the satisfaction
of the public. He was several years Speaker of the
House of Representatives, a member of his Majesty's
Council, a judge of Probate, a justice of the Supreme
Court, one of the three Commissioners with the power

1 These parsons are styled Dr., though this degree was not confer-
red upon them till afterwards.

2 Colman's Sermon.

122 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIII.

of controlling the army sent against Port Royal ; and,
finally, President oLHarvard College. ^

The great things, which were done for this institution,
during the time he had charge of it, have been particu-
larly related ; and in reference to them he might justly
have said —

" Quorum pars magna fui."

His qualifications for the office were not only emi-
nent in degree but singularly various. It is seldom
that a man can be found at any time, w'ho unites in his
person so many of the talents and qualities, which are
desirable in the head of a University, as were possessed
by President Leverett. He had a " great and gener-
ous soul." His natural abilities were of a very high
order. His attainments were profound and extensive.
He was well acquainted with the learned languages,
with the arts and sciences, wdth history, philosophy,
law, divinity, politics ; and such w^as his reputation for
know^ledge of men and things, that, " in almost every
doubtful and difficult case," he was resorted to, for in-
formation and advice.

To his wisdom and knowledge he added great firm-
ness, resolution, and energy of character. His great
abilities being consecrated to the service of God and of
his generation, he was never deterred by difficulties or
dangers from any undertaking, which Providence
seemed to impose upon him. He prosecuted his plans
with invincible constancy, diligence, and cheerfulness.

1 In the MS. Diary of Chief Justice Sewall there is the following
entry: "Dec. 6, [1707]. Some desire, that it may be put into the
Bill of Mr. Leverett — ' Lay down all his civil offices, as Judge of Probate
and Jud^e of the Superior Court.'' ' And entirely to attend that service '
was inserted, and Mr. Secretary carried it in to the Deputies and took
their consent."

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 123

The accomplishment of them was frequently the re-
ward of this untiring perseverance ; but if at any time
his efforts were not attended with success, his strength
of mind was equally conspicuous under the disappoint-
ment. It was in truth not his own will, but the will of
God, that was his rule of life ; this will he. discerned in
the failure, as well as in the sucess of his undertak-
ings ; and whatever was the result of them, he enjoyed
at least the satisfaction arising from earnest, zealous,
and faithful endeavours to perform his duty.

In common with others, who have rendered impor-
tant services to mankind, and made themselves truly
great, he early acquired, and retained through life,
the invaluable habit of industry.

He possessed also those attractions, which are con-
ferred by the graces ; being, from the sphere in which
he has always moved, a gendeman, as well as a scholar
and a man of business.

All his endowments, natural and acquired, all the
operations of his mind and heart, were subjected to
the control of religious and moral principle. He was
a pious and good, as well as a great man. As might
have been expected from one so enlightened, he was
liberal and catholic in his sentiments and feelings ;
and though, among the various institutions of the com-
monwealth, he had the preservation of its religious
establishments greatly at heart, " he did not place re-
ligion so much in particular forms and modes of wor-
ship, or disciphne, as in those substantial and weighty
matters of the Gospel, righteousness^ faith, and chari-

ty." \

With so many solid and brilliant recommendations,

1 Appleton's Sermon on the Death of President Leverett, p. 3.

124 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY [CH. XIII.

and with the experience, which his former connexion
with the College (as Tutor) had happily given him, he
brought to the station, in which he was to pass the re-
sidue of his days, a spirit of government, which was
never probably manifested in greater perfection. Such
was the weight of his character ; such his reputation
for talents, learning, and virtue ; such the '^ majesty
and marks of greatness in his speech, his behaviour,
and his very countenance " ; and so admirably did he
temper severity with mildness ; that the students were
inspired with reverence and affection for him at the
same time. The result, it is almost unnecessary to
say, was obedience and order.

Those princely quahties distinguished him indeed,
when a young man, and a Tutor in the College. " For
forty years together," says Dr. Colman, " he has shone
in this place and in the eyes of this society, in near a
meridian lustre. For his morning, which we do but
just remember, was so bright that it seemed to us even
then the noon of life ; and the College and country
greatly rejoiced in his early and uncommon hght.
Near forty years past ice saw the College flourishing
under his wise instruction and government, his faithful
watch, his diligent and authoritative inspection. We
then beheld him esteemed highly in love and honored
greatly by those that were his fathers in age ; and as
for us we reverenced, feared, and loved him as our
father, and as if he had been then gray in the Presi-
dent's chair. The young men saw him and hid them-
selves, and the aged arose and stood %ip. Then men
gave ear to him, and limited and kept silence at his
counsel. His glory was then fresh in him and his speech
dropped upon us,^^ ^

' Sermon on the Death of President Leverett, p. 24.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 125

His scientific and literary merits procured him hon-
ors from abroad, as well as in his own country, partic-
ularly the distinction of being elected a member of the
Royal Society of London.

" In short," says Dr. Appleton, " he was a great
blessing, while he lived. He has done a great deal for
the glory of God, and the good of this people. He has
been a main pillar in the Church and in the State.^ He
has been an honor and ornament to his country.
And he has been a faithful friend and father, a careful
guide and guardian to the College, and in no Htde
measure the crown and glory of that Society ; which
has not only increased very much in its numbers, but
flourished in solid and useful learning, under his admin-
istrations." ^

But of all the tributes to his memory, the finest, per-
haps, was that paid to it by Mr. Henry Flynt, about
thirteen years after his death. Mr. Flynt was a scholar,
had been educated under Mr. Leverett, and, as Tutor
and Fellow of the Corporation, was associated with him
during the whole of his presidency. In a Latin Ora-
tion on the death of President Wadsworth, he took
occasion to introduce a brief but glowing eulogium on
President Leverett, closing it in the following striking
language: "De illo viro amplissimo et doctissimo, a quo-
vis excellenti genio, dici potest, ut olim, ' A longe sequor
vestigia semper adorans,^ Inscribere convenit in ejus
monumento, quod Aristoteles Philosophus longe abhinc,
in sepulchro magistri sui Platonis divini, exarari voluit,
nimirum, Hie jacet homo, quern non licet, non decet,
impiis vel ignorantihus laudareJ'^ ^

1 Sermon, p. 32. 2 Oratio Funebris, &c., p. 5.

CHAPTER XIV

Those, who are conversant with the history of Mas-
sachusetts, need not be informed of the disputes be-
tween the royal government and the House of Repre-
sentatives, in the early part of the last century ; and it
will probably be now admitted, that the House was not
always in the right. There was in truth, at that time,
a great deal of democratic violence. In this the individ-
uals who composed the Corporation of Harvard Col-
lege did not participate. The consequence was, that
they vv ere not much in favor with the popular party,
while they were esteemed and respected by the gov-
ernors.

"The governors, Dudley, Shute, Burnet, Belcher,"
says Turell in his Life of Dr. Colman, ^ " expressed
the highest value for him." ''I know," says Mr. Hol-
lis, in a letter to Dr. Colman, " he [Gov. Shute] had a
great opinion of your sincerity and affection to serve
him, and will Hsten to your advice." Bishop Kennet
haS expressed regret to Mr. Dummer, that Dr. Col-
man, with whom the Bishop corresponded, had de-
clined the presidentship of Harvard College. In a
letter dated December 17th, 1725, the Doctor justifies
himself to his Lordship, and observes, among other
things, " I am not well in the opinion of our House of
Representatives of late years, on whom the President

1 p. 79. 2 Christian Examiner, VII. p. 71.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 127

depends for his subsistence." There is no reason to
think that President Leverett was any better " in the
opinion " of the House than his friend Dr. Cohnan was.
There are some facts, indeed, which show that he was
not. It is true, that, in 1715, the House resolved
" that the sum of forty pounds he added to the allow-
ance of the Reverend Mr. John Leverett, President
of Harvard College, for the current year, in considera-
tion of the extraordinary scarcity and dearness of pro-
visions, and other necessaries of house-keeping ; " and
again, in 1720, voted him a grant of fifty pounds; but,
September 8, 1721, they negatived a motion to make
him an allowance of thirty pounds. They even visited
his sins upon his heirs. To say nothing of their non-
concurrence with the Council in a vote to purchase his
house and land, though wanted for his successor (to
accomodate whom they chose to have a house built,
rather than to take President Leverett's), they refused
to relieve his estate from any part of the heavy debts,
which, in consequence of the small salary they allow^ed
him, he was under the necessity of incurring in the dis-
charge of his official duties.

There is evidence, I think, of the same party spirit
in a letter received about this time from Mr. Hollis,
who writes thus :

" Mr. Cooke, your agent, and his son, did me 'the
honor to visit me at my house last week, and we dis-
coursed of your state, and of your College. He tells
me, that ijour College is in a very bad state and condi-
tion, and the Corporation ought to be of Resident Fel-
lotos ; that the gentlemen non-resident are as worthy
persons as the country affords, or could be chosen, but
by their living at a distance cannot attend the good of
the House as were to be desired ; and you cannot al-

128 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIV.

ter it, or increase the number of your Corporation
without hazard of the whole ; that the wisest man in
Boston had thoroughly examined it, and himself also,
who seems to understand your constitution very well."

It is enough to say that this account of the College
at a time, when from all other accounts it was in a very
flourishing condition, was given to Mr. Hollis, by a
most zealous and active leader of the popular party.
The appearance of candor, towards "the gendemen
non-resident, " will probably not be thought to amount
to much, especially when it is considered that the man,
with whom Mr. Cooke had this conversation, was the
friend and correspondent of those persons.

Some evidence, that the " very bad state " of the
College consisted in the directors of it not being of Mr.
Cooke's party, is found in the following record on the
Journal of the House of Representadves, June 26th,
1723: "The Theses of the Batchelours to be gra-
duated at the Commencement, to be held at Cam-
bridge the first Wednesday of July next, being pro-
duced in the House, and the House observing the De-
dication thereof not to be properly addressed,

"Voted, That it is derogatory to the honor of the
Lieut. Governour, who is now Commander-in-chief of
the Province, and the Head of the Overseers of the
College, to have the impression of those Theses go out
as they now are.

" And therefore,

"Ordered, That the Printer, Mr. Bartholomew
Green, be and hereby is directed not to deliver any of
those Theses, till they shall be properly addressed.
" Sent up for concurrence."

It is, probably, the above to which Neal alludes in
the following passage of a letter, cited by Hutchinson
in his History of Massachusetts :

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 129

" The Governor showed me the printed votes with
regard to the dedication of the Theses of Harvard
College, at which I could not but stand amazed."^

Governor Shute was then in England, where he had
gone to prefer his complaints against the province.

The amount of the whole seems to be, that the
leaders of the popular party were not pleased to see
the College in the hands of such men as President
Leverett and Dr. Colman, who had too much modera-
tion and hberality of sentiment to suit the views and
taste of party zealots ; that the hostihty felt towards
the Corporation was suppressed for several years ;
that during that period, those who had the manage-
ment of the College, were not much molested, and
President Leverett even had one or two small grants
allowed him ; that their adversaries at length made an
effort to take the College out of their hands ; that the
opposition which the popular leaders met with on this
occasion from the Corporation, especially from Presi-
dent Leverett and Dr. Colman, roused and inflamed
their enmity towards them ; that the popular leaders
then threw off* all reserve, and not only treated those
gendemen with disrespect and unkindness, not to say
with injustice, but even carried their animosity so far
as to misrepresent the condition of the College.

It may be said, in answer to all this, that some
persons were in favor of the measure, who cannot be
supposed to have been actuated by such motives ;
that Thomas Hutchinson, Edmund Quincy, Addington
Davenport, Benjamin Lynde, and Paul Dudley, were
of the Committee, on the part of the Council, that
recommended it. How far these men really went,

^ Hutchinson's Hist, of Mass. H. p. 290, note.

130 HISTORY OF HARVAUD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIV.

cannot now, I suppose, be ascertained. It does not
even appear that they were all in favor of the report.
It may be admitted, however, that they were; and
that they had, in some way or other, been led to
believe that such a measure would be right and wise ;
but if so, there is no doubt they afterwards changed
their opinion ; for the Council, of which they were lead-
ing members, though it voted at first to accept the
report, yet afterwards, upon a hearing of the Corpora-
tion, gave a different vote ; whereas the House of
Representatives, actuated by some feeling in which
the other branch did not sympathize, refused to give
a hearing and adhered obstinately to its former vote.
To what is this difference in the conduct of those two
bodies to be attributed? Do not the facts related fur-
nish a satisfactory clue 1

I am aware that an able writer (Mr. Lowell) has pre-
sented a different solution of this affair, from that which
I have ventured to give. In his " Remarks " on the
Memorial of the Resident Instructors of Harvard Uni-
versity, in 1824, he observes ; — - " The conduct of that
legislature, so contrary to that of all preceding and all
subsequent legislatures, in their conduct towards the
College, led me to suspect that there must have been
some temporary excitement tending to warp their
judgment, and / think I have discovered it.

"In 1717, the Corporation had elected the Rev.
Benjamin Colman, pastor of Brattle- Street Church, a
fellow. His principles of church-government were
very offensive to the Mathers, and to the rulers of the
Church and State generally. They were desirous of
ousting him from the Corporation. Hence the reserva-
tion of the Governor, though moderate and just, saving
the rights of the incumbents, defeated their great

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 131

object. Tutors Sever and Welsteed were but the
tools, with which this unholy and illiberal work was to
be accomplished. We are confirmed in this opinion
by the fact, that when in 1725 Colman was legally
elected President, the government refused to grant
him his salary, and his election was opposed on the
ground, that it was dangerous to entrust the presidency
of the College to a man, who denied the supremacy of
the associated clergy, — who was an avowed opponent
of consociations." ^

Various considerations oblige me to dissent from
this explanation.

Dr. Colman took charge of the new Church in Brat-
tle Street as early as the year 1700. It is true, the
principles, on which that Church was founded, gave
great offence to other churches ; but a reconciliation
took place ; and Dr. Colman was in habits of commu-
nion and fellowship with his brethren, not excepting
either of the Mathers. But the conduct of the Over-
seers of the College, towards Dr. Colman, appears to
me to be decisive upon this point. Who were these
Overseers 7 The Governor, Lieutenant-Governor,
Council, and ministers of the six adjoining towns ; the
very men, surely, if any, to have been influenced by
the consideration in question. Now, what did these
men, to whom Dr. Colman is supposed to be still so
obnoxious for what took place more than twenty years
before, do in the present case? Not petition the
General Court, to pass such an order as would oust
him from the Corporation ; but merely to enlarge that
body, so as to admit the Tutors ; and they, in fact,
requested Governor Shute to make the ^^ proviso, ^^

1 Remarks on a Pamphlet printed by the Professors and Tutors of
Harvard University. Boston. 1824. p. 29.

132 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIV.

which had for its object the retaining of him and the
other non-resident Fellows in the Corporation.

To this testimony in favor of Dr. Colman, they
soon afterwards added the most positive and conclu-
sive evidence of their regard for him ; for alter the
death of President Leverett, in 1724, these bigoted
opposers of the Doctor unanhnouslif approved of the
choice, which the Corporation had made of him for
President of the College !

It cannot be necessary to add any thing farther to
demonstrate, that, if the religious motive, assigned as
" the mainspring of this affair, had any operation at all,
it must have been very inconsiderable. Had it been
felt to any extent, it would certainly have shown itself
amon.fi; the Overseers.

The very able writer, from whom the above quota-
tion is made, offers his solution, indeed, merely as a
conjecture, or rather, in his own language merely
"suspects" that there must have been some tempora-
ry excitement as above stated by him. But, I think,
he had not given this point a minute examination ;
for he speaks of Dr. Colman's being "an avowed
opponent of consociations." Now, distinguished as
Dr. Colman certainly was for the candor and liberal-
ity of his sentiments, it was not in this way that he
manifested it. On the contrary, he was an avowed
advocate of consociations. In a letter to one of his
Reverend brethren, he says, " In short, the consociation
of churches is the very soul and life of the congregational
scheme, necessary to the very esse as well as bene
of it ; without which we must be independent, and with
which all the good of Presbyterianism is attainable." ^

1 Turell's Life of Colman, p. 107.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 133

It is evident, also, that Dr. Colman himself was not
aware that his election to the Presidency was opposed
in the House on religious grounds ; for in his letter
before alluded to, he merely says, " I am not well in
the opinion of our House of Representatives of late
years ;^^ — an expression which could have had no
reference to an affair of so long standing as one which
was coeval with his settlement in the ministry.

CHAPTER XV.

Dr. Cotton Mather, who during the whole of
Mr. Leverett's presidency met but once with the
Overseers^ which was in 1714, when the choice of Mr.
White as Treasurer was acted upon, now makes his
appearance for a short time again among the Curators
of the College. We find him again at two meetings
of the Overseers, one of which was August 6, 1724,
the first at which the question of electing a President
was brought forward, and when, in consequence of a
proposal from the Corporation, it was voted " that the
Corporation be advised and directed speedily to pro-
ceed to the election of a suitable person to be Presi-
dent of the College, to fill up the vacancy made by
the death of the late Rev. Mr. Leverett."

"Twice," says Dr. Eliot, "he thought himself a
candidate for the President's chair, and kept days of
fasting, that he might be directed how to act upon the
occasion ; but he was disappointed. Governor Dud-
ley persuaded his friend Leverett to accept the place
in 1707 ; and when that great man died, in 1724, and
the voice of the people cried aloud for Dr. Mather, and
it was declared, even in the General Court, that he
ought to be President, it was decided otherwise by
the members of the Corporation. The chair was

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 135

offered to Dr. Colman, and Dr. Sewall, and afterwards
to Mr. Wads worth, who accepted it. "

That a warm partisan of Dr. Mather vindicated his
claims to the oflice of President, even in the General
Court, is very probable, and not very material. It may
be admitted, without much inquiry, that " in a public
speech made in the General Assembly, a member of
the Boston seat declared, after Dr. Colman's election,
that he was a man of no learning compared with Dr.
Mather," as it might have been thought litde of by
the Corporation, without any great crime. But the
charge of disregarding " the voice of the people " is
of a more serious nature, and requires examination.
Now there are various considerations which lead me
to acquit those highly respectable persons, who com-
posed the Corporation, of such indecorum, to give it
no harsher name, as that of setting the public at defi-
ance, in the manner the above statement supposes
them to have done ; but I think it quite sufficient to
observe, that the Corporation had the support of that
numerous body of men, who, in point of station, of
wisdom, and of influence, formed a most important
part of the people, the honorable and reverend Over-
seers. There was, no doubt, a clamor upon the occa-
sion ; but it Vv as not, I beheve, " the voice of the
people," or at least of that portion of the people to
whom the consideration of such a question properly
belongs.

The first of the three Reverend gentlemen above
mentioned, to whom " the chair w as offered," was the
Rev. Joseph Sewall of the Old South Church in Bos-
ton. He was elected by the Corporation, August 11th,
1724, and at the first meeting of the Overseers after-
wards, viz. on the 26th of the same month, the choice

136 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XV.

was approved by them. Committees were chosen to
desire his acceptance, and to obtain- the consent of
Mr. Sewall's chmx^h. The church declaring " their
unwillingness to part with their pastor, he gave his
answer in the negative."

This election seems to have decided Dr. Cotton
Mather to take no further part in the management of
the College.

He died not many years after (February, 1728), at
the age of sixty-five years. Among the reasons which
render proper some further notice of this distinguished
alumnus of Harvard College, a particular one is found
in the services which he rendered it. He is in fact
entitled to a place among its benefactors ; not that he
enriched it by any splendid donation, for he does not
appear to have possessed the means of benefiting it
in that way ; but he has preserved much interesting
and valuable information respecting the history of the
College, and the fives of its principal graduates for the
first sixty years, which, but for his care and affection for
his alma mater, would probably have been lost. This
is a benefaction, which, notwithstanding its character-
istic alloy, the sons and friends of the College will
ever acknowledge with gratitude.

With all the defects and blemishes, which marked
the character of Cotton Mather, it will not be denied
that he was a most extraordinary man. That he pos-
sessed great vigor and activity of mind, quickness of
apprehension, a lively imagination, a prodigious me-
mory, uncommon facility in acquiring and communicat-
ing knowledge, with the most indefatigable application
and industry ; that he amassed an immense store of
information on all subjects, human and divine ; that
his piety was sincere and ardent; that he was a man

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 137

of benevolent feelings, and an habitual promoter and
doer of good, is evident, as well from his writings as
from the various accounts that have been transmitted
respecting him. It is equally evident that his judg-
ment was not equal to his other faculties ; that his
passions, which were naturally strong and violent,
were not always under proper regulation ; that he was
weak, credulous, enthusiasdc, and supersdtious. His
conversadon is said to have been instructive and en-
tertaining in a high degree, though often marred by
levity, vanity, imprudence, and puns. His writings
were exceedingly voluminous. According to his bi-
ographer, who was his son, the Rev. Samuel Mather,
three hundred and eighty-three of his works were
published ; and this number does not appear to in-
clude the whole. Most of these works were indeed
small, many of them being single sermons ; some,
however, were books of considerable magnitude. His
opus magnum was the " Magnalia Christi Americana,^^
This is truly an opus magnum ; and though disfigured
with pedantry and barbarisms, both as to style and
matter, though stuffed with puerile conceits, with a
strange pedantic display of erudition, and with mar-
vellous and incredible tales, it is an amusing and
instructive work ; it will always be prized as an
immense repository of facts respecting the early his-
tory of New England. A new edition of this work,
in two volumes, 8vo., was printed at New Haven in
1820 ; and it has faithfully preserved even the typo-
graphical errors of the first London impression of 1702.
Though " he wrote too much to write well " he is often
instructive and entertaining. His " Remarkables," &c.,
for instance, is a book well deserving of being read ;
and his " Bonifacius : an Essay upon the good to be

138 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XV.

devised by those who would answer the great end of
life," (which has been reprinted with some modifica-
tions, both in England and in this country,) has a place
among the useful books of the present day. It was
to this work that Dr. Franklin alluded in the following
passage of a letter to Dr. Samuel Mather :

" When I was a boy I met with a book entitled
Essays to do Good, which I think was written by your
father. It had been so httle regarded by a former
possessor, that several leaves of it were torn out : but
the remainder gave me such a turn of thinking, as to
have an influence on my conduct through life ; for I
have always set a greater value on the character of a
doer of good, than on any other kind of reputation ;
and if I have been, as you seem to think, a useful
citizen, the public owes the advantage of it to that
book." '

Cotton Mather's honors, of which he seems to
have been sufficiently proud, were chiefly from abroad.
In 1710 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity
from the University of Glasgow, and he appears to
have been the first American on whom that degree
was conferred by any British University. Besides his
publications, he left several large w^orks in manuscript.
One of them, entitled "Goliathus Detruncatus," written
against the famous Arian, Mr. Whiston (who in sev-
eral points of character bore a striking resemblance to
his Orthodox opponent), was to have been pubhshed
by Dr. Edwards, a famous divine of the Church of
England, who had written a preface to it ; but its ap-
pearance was prevented by the Doctor's death. The
largest of these manuscripts, and indeed of all his works,

1- Franklin's Works, VI. p. 135.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 139

is entitled "Biblia Americana, or the Sacred Scriptures,
&:c. illustrated." Upon this work he was employed
twenty years. It was supposed, in the proposals
which his son issued in 1721 for publishing it, that it
would make a work of three volumes folio. The pub-
Hcation did not take place ; and the manuscript is de-
posited in the Library of the Massachusetts Historical
Society; w^here, with the portrait of the author's strik-
ing face, it will be permitted probably to remain ; the
chance of its publication not being increased, certainly,
by more than a century's progress of bibhcal learning
since it was prepared.

His contemporaries appear to have formed a very
correct estimate of his abilities. They saw his weak-
nesses and eccentricities, and therefore would not
choose him President of Harvard College. They saw,
at the same time, what posterity sees, that he was
a man of wonderful parts, of immense learning, and of
eminent piety and virtue. It is true he had his friends
and his enemies, who gave very different views of him ;
but it is not to be supposed that such a person as Dr.
Colman would draw a picture of any one, whom he was
making the subject of a solemn discourse, that should
disgust by the extravagance of its flattery. In a ser-
mon preached on his death, his friend. Dr. Colman,
does not indeed say, that he was " by far the greatest
man he ever was acquainted with," ^ but he uses such
language respecting him, as, notwithstanding his very
natural fear of being thought to do Mather less than
justice, he could have employed only in speaking of
a great man. " We mourn the decease from us (not
his ascension to God) of the first Minister of the

1 Eliot's Biog. Diet.

140 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XV.

town^ the first in age, in gifts, and in grace ; as all
his brethren very readily own. I might add (it may
be without offence to any) the first in the whole
j)rovincc and provinces of New England^ for uni-
versal hterature, and extensive services. Yea, it
may be, among all the fathers in these churches, from
the beginning of the country to this day, of whom
many have done worthily and greatly ; yet none of
them amassed together so vast a treasure of learning
and made so much use of it, to a variety of pious in-
tentions, as this our Rev. Brother and Father, Dr.
Cotton Mather." ^

He then goes on, among other things, to extol the
powers he displayed in conversation. "Here," says he,
"he excelled, here he shone; being exceeding com-
municative, and bringing out of his treasury things
new and old, without measure. Here it w'as seen
how his wit and fancy, his invention, his quickness of
thought, and ready apprehension were all consecra-
ted to God, as w^ell as his heart, will, and afFecdons ;
and out of his abundance within his lips overflowed,
dropt as the honey-comb, fed all that came near him,
and were as the choice silver, for richness and bright-
ness, pleasure and profit." ^

Dr. Mather's maxim w^as, " that a power and an
opportunity to do good, not only gives a right to the
doing of it, but makes the doing of it a duty."

He was very diligent. To give notice of the value
of his time to him, he wrote over his study door in
large letters, BE SHORT.

He first recommended inoculadon of the small-pox
in New England. This encouragement of a practice so

1 Colman's Funeral Sermon, p. 23. 2 ibid. p. 24.

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 141

novel and shocking to vulgar prejudice, exposed him to
great obloquy, and even peril. So far was the rage of
the populace carried, that a lighted shell filled with
gunpowder w^as one evening thrown into his parlour
window. The affair was brought before the General
Court.

Dr. Mather's characterisic humor, not to say his spleen,
on the election of Dr. Sewall, appeared in a short remark.
"This day Dr. Sewall was chosen for his piety."
Dr. Sewall w^as, indeed, a man of the most ardent
and exalted piety. Accordingly Dr. Eliot, who with-
out doubt spoke partly from his ow^n personal knowl-
edge, says : " He was a man who seemed to breathe the
air of Heaven, while he was here upon earth ; he
delighted in the work of the ministry ; and when he
grew venerable for his age, as well as his piety, he
was regarded as the father of the clergy. The rising
generation looked upon him with reverence, and all
classes of people felt a respect for his name. He was
a genuine disciple of the famous John Calvin. He
dwelt upon the great articles of the Christian faith in
preaching and conversation ; and dreaded the propa-
gation of any opinions in this country, which were
contrary to the principles of our fathers. Hence he
was no friend to free inquiries, or to any discussion of
theological opinions, which were held true by the first
reformers. His advice to students in divinity was, to
read the Bible always with a comment, such as Mr.
Henry's, or Archbishop Usher's, and to make them-
selves acquainted with the work of his great prede-
cessor, Mr. Willard, w^hose Body of Divinity was then
in great repute. Though he so often preached the
doctrines of the gospel, yet he never entered into any
curious speculations ; his object was to impress upon

142 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XV.

people what they should believe, and how they must
live to be eternally happy. His sermons were pa-
thetic, and the pious strains of his prayers, as well as
preaching, excited serious attention, and made a devout
assembly. His character w^as uniform, and the obser-
vation has often been made, if he entered into com-
pany something serious or good dropt from his lips.
' His very presence banished away every thing of
levity, and solemnized the minds of all those who were
with him.' " ^

Though not accounted a great man, he was highly
respectable for his talents and learning. He was a
very good classical scholar. " He could write hand-
somely in Latin when he was an old man, and had
read many authors in that language." He was hon-
ored with the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the
University of Glasgow, at the same time (1731) with
Dr. Colman. Upon the resignation of this gendeman
in 1728, he was chosen a Fellow of the Corporation
and resigned in 1765, having served the College faith-
fully and usefully in that capacity thirty -seven years.
He was a benefactor of the College. " His donation
of money to be appropriated to indigent scholars, has
been of considerable use. He gave this during his
life, and was among the first to repair the loss of the
library, when Harvard Hall was consumed by fire, by
making a present of many valuable books. This de-
vout man also gave much alms to the people. He
possessed an estate beyond any of his brethren ; but
he always devoted a tenth part of his income to pious
and charitable uses." ^ He died June 27th, 1769, in
the eighty-first year of his age.

Eliot's Biographical Dictionary, pp. 422, 423. 2 ibid. pp. 423, 424

1707-1724.] PRESIDENT LEVERETT. 143

He was nearly related to the three great men of the
name of Sewall who held the office of Chief Justice
of Massachusetts. The first was his father, the second
his cousin, and the third, who was the late eminent
and excellent Chief Justice Samuel Sewall, of Marble-
head, was his grandson. The latter left several sons
who were graduated at Harvard College, and who still,
as ministers or laymen, honorably support the credit of
that ancient and distinguished family.

CHAPTER XVI.

Failing in their endeavours to obtain a suitable per-
son for the office of president from the community at
large, the Corporation seem to have been compelled
to have recourse to their own body ; and made choice
of a gentleman, whose paramount claims and qualifica-
tions for the appointment must have rendered the
circumstance of his being a Fellow of the electoral
body an objection only with the over-fastidious ; — the
Rev. Benjamin Colman, pastor of the Brattle-Street
Church in Boston. He was chosen by the Corporation
Nov. 18th, 1724, and the choice was approved by the
Overseers at their first meeting afterwards, which was
on the 24th of the same month. We have the au-
thority of his son-in-law and biographer, the Rev.
Mr. Turell, for saying, that the vote in his favor was
unanimous. A committee, consisting of Judge Sewall,
Col. Townsend, Col. Quincy, the Rev. Mr. Prince,
the Rev. Mr. Webb, and the Rev. Mr. Appleton, was
appointed to apply for his consent and that of his
church, and to procure from the General Court " a
proper salary for his encouragement."

Mr. Colman, in his own opinion, "not being well
w^ith the House of late years," thought it prudent to
defer his answer till the General Court had acted
upon the appUcation for his salary. The House voted

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 145

not to fix a salary till he had given his answer. Mr.
Colman refusing to accept under such circumstances,
the Overseers voted, Dec. 17th, 1724, that "the same
Committee doe now again wait on the Hon^'^- Gen'-
Court with Mr. Colman's answer and with this vote,
praying that the matter of a salary may be considered
by them and so acted upon as may be most for the
speedy settlem.ent of a President in the College and
therein for the good of the whole province.' Col.
By field and the Rev. Mr. Wads worth were added to
the Committee. The next day the Committee re-
ported to the Overseers the following vote : " In the
House of Representatives, Dec. 18, 1724, the question
was put, whether the Court would establish a salary
or allowance for the President of Harvard College for
the time being, before the person chosen to that
office had accepted the duty and trust thereof. It
passed in the negative, nemine contradicente, Wm.
Dudley Speaker." This decided Mr. Colman to give
his final answer in the negative.

Those who consider how few, at any time, among
the great number of individuals distinguished for their
endowments and virtues in the various departments of
hfe, possess the requisite quahfications for the presi-
dency of a college, will readily conceive that the Cor-
poradon must have experienced no small difficulty in
finding a suitable person to fill the vacant office. Ac-
cordingly it was nearly six months before they came
to another choice. At length in June, 1725, they
fixed upon the Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth, Pastor of
the First Church in Boston. The Overseers approved
the choice June 10th, and appointed a Committee for
similar purposes with those mentioned in the account
of the previous appointments. They w^ere moreover

146 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVI.

to request the General Court, in addition to an "hon-
ourable salary," to provide " a suitable habitation for
his reception at Cambridge." He accepted the ap-
pointment, evidently more from a sense of duty, than
from any desire, either for its cares or its honors.

His inauguration took place on Commencement day,
July 7ih, 1 725, and was remarkable for its simplicity.
The following account of it is taken from the records
of the Overseers :

" Commencement Day, July 7, 1725.

"The Overseers and the Corporation went, in the
usual form, to the meetinghouse, on the Commence-
ment-day morning; where, after the morning prayer,
made by Mr. Coleman, Mr. President Wadsworth
being in the pew with His Honor the Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor, His Honor w^as pleased to make the following
speech to him :
'Rev'd Sir,

' You being duly elected and approved to be the
President of Harvard College, I doe accordingly, in the
name of the Overseers, invest you with the govern-
ment thereof, in the same extent as any of your pre-
decessors, Presidents of Harvard College, have been
heretofore vested ; and deliver to you the keys, wdth
these books and papers, as badges of your authority ;
confiding, that you will govern the society with loyalty
to our sovereign lord. King George, and obedience to
his laws, and according to the Statutes and Rules of
the said College.'

" To which speech Mr. President Wadsworth
returned the following answer :

* I thankfully acknowledge the respect shewn mee
by the reverend Corporation, especially by your Honor
and the honored and reverend Overseers. I freely

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 147

own myself unworthy of the honor, and unequal to the
labours of the important office to which I am called.
But I think the call of Providence (which I desire to
eye in all things) is so loud and plain, that I dare not
refuse it. I desire to have my whole dependence on
the great God, my Saviour, for all the wisdom and
grace needful for mee in this weighty service. 1 hope
by His help I shall show all proper allegiance to our
sovereign lord, King George, and obedience to his laws
in this province, and endeavour to promote the same
amongst all I shal be concerned with. I shal endeav-
our to take the best care I can of the College, directing
and ordering the members and affairs of it according to
the Constitution, Laws, and Statutes thereof. I desire
the earnest praye-rs of God's people, that the God of
all grace would make mee faithful and successful in the
very great service I am called to.'

" After which the President went up into the pulpit
and called for the Salutatory Oration, and moderated
one of the Batchelder's questions ; and so the forenoon
exercise ended."

The General Court had already taken measures for
his support and accommodation. Immediately after
the Committee of the Overseers had waited upon them,
to give notice that Mr. Wads worth was to be President
of the College, and to ask for an allowance from the
public Treasury, a Committee of both Houses was
appointed "to inquire into and examine the state of
the Colledge Treasury and Revenues, and hov/ the
same is appropriated and disposed of, and to inquire
into the Rents and profits of the JYeio Colledge or
Massachusetts- HalV^ They were to make report at
the next session, but in the mean time were to pro-
cure a house for the temporary residence of the Presi-

148 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVI.

dent. The Court also voted him one hundred and
fifty pounds *' to enable him to enter upon and manage
the great affair oi" President of Harvard College to
which he is appointed."

The Committee made their report at the following
session in December ; and, after some disagreement
between the two Houses as to the allowance for the
President's support, it was finally resolved, that he
should be allowed from the public Treasury seventy
pounds, which, with the hundred and fifty pounds
previously granted, and the sum remaining in the hands
of the Corporation for the rent of Massachusetts-Hall
for the first {ive years, and the rent of the same Hall
for the current year (which the Court ordered to be
paid to him), making in all the sum of four hundred
pounds, " the Court were of opinion was a sufficient
and honorable support for him the said President for
one year." That he might be "further encouraged
cheerfully to go through the momentous afiairs of his
office," he was to be allowed the future annual rents
of Massachusetts-Hall during his continuance in the
said office. The sum of one thousand pounds was
also granted from the public Treasury to the Corpora-
tion of Harvard College to be used by them " for the
building and finishing a handsome wooden dwelling-
house, barn, out-houses, &c., on some part of the lands
adjacent and belonging to the said College, for the
reception and accommodation of the Reverend Presi-
dent of Harvard College, for the time being."

In signifying their concurrence Avith the House in
the above vote, the Council expressed an "opinion,
it would be best for the Corporation to be at hberty
for the disposal of the c£ 1,000, either to build or buy
a house for the President, as their prudence shall

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 149

direct and guide them." This was probably with
reference to the mansion-house of the late President
Leverett, now occupied by President Wadsworth.
As early as June, 1724, an humble address of the
Corporation, praying that the General Court would
purchase that place, which was contiguous to the
College lands, "to be the seat and habitation of the
Presidents of Harvard Colledge, in times to come,"
was read in the Council and " sent down recom-
mended." The House do not appear to have ever
acted upon this application ; but they now passed a
vote not to allow the Corporation the liberty of building
or buying as proposed by the Council. This was
not the only instance of posthumous disregard, not to
say hostility, which that excellent man appears to have
experienced from the popular branch of the liCgislature.
Repeated appeals to their justice and hberahty, from
the children and heirs of President Leverett, Mrs.
Wiggles worth and Mrs. Denison, were rejected by
them, though it was shown that, " notwithstanding the
allowance annually made him, he was not only necessi-
tated to sink his yearly rents in his own estate, but
also fell in debt one hundred pounds per year during
the time of his being President," which was sixteen
years ; and they were rejected in opposition to the
support of the Honorable Council, who, in December,
1726, passed the following vote : "It appearing to this
Board, upon consideration of the petition of Mrs. Sarah
Wigglesworth and Mrs. Mary Denison, that the matters
therein contained are justly represented ; and that the
salary of the late Mr. President Leverett, was not
sufficient for his honorable support in that important
office ; and that he had no allow^ance for a house for
several years before his death, which has been always

150 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVI.

granted to other Presi Jents : and it being the opinion
of this Board, that the justice and honour of this Court
is much concerned in making compensation to the
heirs of the said President for the loss accruing to his
estate thereby, through the insufficiency of his
allowance :

"Ordered, That a message be sent down to the
Honourable House of Representatives, earnestly
recommending to them the consideration of the said
petition."

But, notwithstanding appearances, the House may
have been actuated, in this case, less by unkind feel-
ings towards the late President, or his family and
friends, than by considerations of a different nature.
It is evident, indeed, even from the above resolve, that
they felt the demands of the College upon the Treasury
to be somewhat burthensome ; and that, dear as the
institution certainly was to them, they were disposed
to leave as much to be effected by its own resources
as possible ; w^hich, on the whole, regard being had to
all the objects to be provided for, will probably be
regarded as the best pohcy, not only as respects the
public purse, but for the College itself. That Harvard
College has from the beginning enjoyed the fostering
care of the Government, and has been thus enabled to
grow and flourish and become w^hat it now is, reflects
no small credit on the successive rulers and genera-
tions of Massachusetts. To inquire whether more
might not have been done for it, conveniently and
advantageously, at some particular periods or junctures,
w^ould now be of little use. On the occasion of Mr.
Wadsworth's appointment, the Court appear to have
done as much as was then deemed necessary ; and
for the grants they made, the President and Fellows

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 151

returned them " their sincere and hearty thanks." The
Corporation found it would cost, to build the Presi-
dent's house and out-houses, about eight hundred in
addition to the thousand pounds which had been voted
by the General Court ; and they petitioned the Court
for an allowance of that sum from the Treasury ; but
the House refused to make any further grant for that
object. The Court how^ever, during the same session
voted, " that the sum of three hundred and sixty pounds
be allowed and paid out of the public Treasury to the
Reverend Mr. Benjamin Wads worth, President of
Harvard College in Cambridge, to enable him to man-
age the weighty and important affairs of that Society
the year current, the money to be paid him quarterly ;'^
and, each year, during his life, they passed a similar
vote for the allowance of the same sum.

Individual munificence, also, continued to promote
the growth and prosperity of this institution. Benefits
still flowed in upon it from the generous spirit of
Thomas HoUis, as from " a hving spring whose waters
fail not." ^ The account he had received from Mr.
Cooke, of the " very bad state and condition of the
College," seems not to have made any lasting impres-
sion upon him. He had probably ascertained that it
originated in party prejudice. For some years he
appears to have been meditaung the establishment of
a professorship of Mathematics and Natural Philoso-
phy ; but " the first distinct notice which he gave of
his intention to found this professorship is contained in
a letter to Dr. Colman, January, 1726. " ^ He imme-
diately carried this intention into effect. As in the
case of the Divinity Professorship, his Rules and Orders

1 Colman's Sermon, p. 3. ^ Overseers' Records.

152 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVI.

were signed ])y him after having been submitted to
the revision of those who were to execute them, and
received such amendments as they thought expedient.

" All eyes were turned on Isaac Greenwood, who
had been graduated in 1721, as the most promising
candidate for this office ; and a visit to England about
this time, enabled him to qualify himself more perfectly
for the expected appointment. Mr. Hollis saw him
frequently while abroad, and afforded him all the fa-
cilities in his powder, but did not attempt to conceal
from his American correspondents his dissatisfaction
from the firsi;, with many things in the manners and
conduct of the young traveller." ^ Mr. Greenwood
was elected in May, 1727; was accepted by Mr.
Hollis; and February 13th, 1728, was inaugurated as
" Hollisian Professor of Mathematics and Natural and
Experimental Philosophy."

" A fact is disclosed in Mr. Hollis's correspondence,
which makes his readiness to comply wdth the wishes
of the Corporation in this appointment, a work of un-
common magnanimity. After he had begun to suspect
Mr. Greenwood's unfitness for the place, he suggested
another candidate ; a gendeman whom he had himself
assisted in pursuing his studies on the Continent, and
who could bring the most flattering testimonials from
the first scholars in Europe. But then he was a Bap-
tist, of the same denomination with Mr. Hollis himself,
and this was an insuperable objection. His proposal
was rejected." ^

In addidon to the splendid gifts already particu-
larized, Mr. Holhs sent over a Philosophical Apparatus,
several boxes of valuable books, and Hebrew and

1 Christian Examiner, VII. p. 80. 2 Ibid. p. 90.

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 153

Greek types. The types, together with part of the
books, were procured from others, whose benevolent
feelings had been directed by him to a community three
thousand miles distant. A remarkable sympathy with
him in his zeal to benefit this College, was manifested
by those who bore his name. His brothers, John and
Nathaniel, and Thomas, his heir, the son of Nathaniel,
enriched it with a number of presents, amounting to
several hundred pounds sterhng ; and it will hereafter
be seen, that this interest in Harvard College de-
scended, like an heir-loom, together with his estate.

" The last years of Mr. Hollis were occupied almost
exclusively in deeds of public and private charity ; the
tranquil and serene evening of a well-spent life. He
died January 22d, 1731. The words of Professor
Greenwood in this connexion are appropriate and
beautiful: — 'As in the vegetable kingdom, it is with a
superior pleasure and expectation, that we consider
the revival of such plants as have always been distin-
guished by the plenty and delicacy of their fruit ; so
with earnest desires and hopes we should wait for the
day, when we shall behold the resurrection of such
as have distinguished themselves by acts of charity
and bounty.' " ^

Respectful notice v/as taken of this event, both in
this country and in England. The pulpit and the
press proclaimed the sense which was entertained of
his worth and of his claims to pubhc gratitude. Not
only was the occasion solemnized with due observan-
ces by the institution, which had partaken so liberally
of his bounty ; but it drew from the government of
the province those honorable attentions, which are

1 Christian Examiner, VII. p. 91.

154 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVI.

reserved for distinguished benefactors of their race.
A feeling and eloquent discourse, "by his friend and
correspondent, Benjamin Colman," was preached soon
after news of the event reached here, before the Gov-
ernor and General Court; and in their vote of thanks
to the preacher, Mr. Hollis's services to the province
are gratefully recognised.

Whatever reason there may have been for suspect-
ing, that the natural expressions of gratitude, during
his lifetime, from those who were the subjects of his
bounty, were, as is suggested by the WTiter who has
supplied such copious extracts, not unmingled with
the too customary artifices of cupidity, it will not be
pretended that these posthumous honors are liable to
any such imputation.

Mr. Hollis " had a competent knowledge of Latin
and French, and wrote his own language with as much
correctness and facility as most of the divines of that
day. He appears to have carried the exact and me-
thodical habits of a merchant into all his affairs, and
annoyed the government of the College incessantly
with complaints about their loose way of doing busi-
ness. He was plain and downright in his manners,
and sometimes, it would seem, a litde testy. ^

" Nobody can read his letters without being con-
vinced that he was actuated by a sincere, consistent,

1 Professor Wigglesworth, the father, wrote a fine, thick, and cramped
hand, which it was almost impossible t ) decypher. Mr. Hollis begins
one of his letters to him thus; — "Mr. Professor, Dear Sir; I have
received your letter, dated July IJ, which I doubt not is very good, but
in so small a character I must guess at the sense. I beseech you, if you
write any business that requires an answer, never write to me any
more so. If you will not write larger (for I doubt not but you can), get
some one to transcribe it in a character I may read ; or else never
write to me again. It is a pain to me, who value Mr. Wigglesworth,
to think or find I cannot read his letters."

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 155

and rational piety ; and that his liberality to Harvard
College grew out of a conviction that he was aiding to
build up an institution dedicated to Christ and the
Church.

" In pohtics, Mr. Hollis, with the Dissenters gener-
ally, was a staunch Whig. The only family of much
consideration in public life, with which he appears to
have associated on terms of intimacy, was that of the
Shutes, and particularly with John, the youngest
brother, afterwards created Viscount Lord Barring-
ton," the celebrated author of Miscellanea Sacra, and
other valuable writings.

" He was a Dissenter, 'rooted and grounded'; and,
if there was any subject on which his accustomed
charity and candor failed him, it was this. • We should
remember, however, that he wrote under a keen sense
of pohtical wrongs, that the fanaticism preached up by
Sacheverell was still fresh in his recollections, and that
he honestly believed, and not without reason, that the
hierarchy wanted but the power, and there w^ould be
an end to EngUsh liberty." He manifested no bitter-
ness, however, towards the estabhshment ; it was
foreign from his nature to do it ; and there appears no
reason for thinking, that Episcopalians were excluded
from the pale of his beneficence. Indeed, Mr. Rudd,
in a note to a poem on his death, observes ; " The
grand design of Mr. HolUs's bounties to New England,
as I have been informed, was to cultivate a good un-
derstanding and friendship between such as were in
communion of the Church of England and the Dissen-
ters in those parts."

Nothing is more remarkable in the benevolence of
Mr. HoHis, than its freedom from the alloy of party
feeling ; and for nothing has he been more generally

156 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVI.

or more justly honored. Dr. Hunt, Mr. Rudcl, Pro-
fessor Wigglesworth, and Dr. Colnaan have been care-
ful in their several performances upon his death, not
to omit this noble feature in his disposition. A pas-
sage relating to it in Dr. Colman's Discourse belongs
more particularly to the history of the College. " To
the honor," says he " of my country, I must add, that
it was some account Mr. Hollis received from us of the
free and catholic air we breathe at our Cambridge,
where Protestants of every denomination may have
their children educated and graduated in our College,
if they behave with sobriety and virtue, that took his
generous heart and fix'd it on us, and enlarg'd it to
us. And this shall be with me among his distinguish-
ing praises, while we rise up and bless his memory ;
i, e, bless God in the remembrance of all the unde-
served favours done us by Him." ^

And this comprehensiveness of his bounty will be
" among his distinguishing praises " with the wise and
virtuous of all times ; for it shows him to have been
uniformly prompted by a desire of doing good, so
vigorous and active, as to require no excitement from
intolerant zeal, no contraction within narrow limits to
give it elasticity and force.

" The Dissenting interest was sustained at this time
almost exclusively by the * three denominations,' as
they are called, the Presbyterians, Independents, and
Baptists. Mr. Hollis went with the last, a preference
early formed, as he says, on inquiry and conviction,
and held through life, but without the smallest mixture
of bigotry or exclusiveness against the others." ^

1 Colman's Funeral Sermon, p. 5.
^ Christian Examiner, VII. pp. 93, 94.

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 157

In New England the situation of the Baptists had
become greatly ameliorated, since the time when
violent methods were used to crush them; but, though
no longer harassed by persecution, they were yet far
from being regarded with favor by the Congregation-
alists generally, and some in the College Government
had a particular aversion to their tenets. Of this Mr.
Holhs was not ignorant. " I have been prevailed
on," says he, in a private letter to Dr. Colman, " at
your instance, to sit the first time for my picture, a
present to your Hall. I doubt not that they are
pleased with my monies, but I have some reason to
think, that some among you will not be pleased to see
the shade of a Baptist hung there, unless you get a
previous order to admit it, and forbidding any inde-
cencies to it ; for if they do, though I am at a distance,
the birds of the air will tell it, and I shall be grieved,
as I have been already."

He afterwards writes to President Leverett : " In
compliance with your and the Corporation's request,
which you with Mr. Colman made to me in your letter
of February last, I now send you my shade by Capt.
Cary, to be put up in your College Hall ; and I desire
their favorable acceptance of it. My wife, and some
others of my family, seconded your letter, or else I
should hardly have been so vain as to have attempted
it. Perhaps some among you will be pleased with the
picture for the painter's performance, though others
may secretly despise it, because of the particular prin-
ciple of Ihe original. Let such know, I have read,
believed, and practised upon conviction; and which
among them who are thinkers can believe as they will,
but upon evidence, as any doctrine appears to their
minds, till they are better informed? And tell them.

158 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVI.

Mr. Hollis means nothing by all he has done, and is
doing, lor your College, but for the glory of God, and
the good of souls, by assisting them in their studies of
the sacred writings, whereby the gospel of Christ Jesus,
and the great truths therein contained, may be well
proved and preached unto others ; that, by the influ-
ences of the Holy Spirit attending their ministry, men
may come to be sincere Christians, evidencing it in
faith and practice, wdthout any regard to either of the
three denominations, or parties of Protestant Dissen-
ters. To all of such I desire to express my Christian
charity."

" Though not attaching much importance to the pe-
culiarities of the Baptists, he was a true friend to the
sect, and availed himself of every opportunity to serve
them. In one of his letters to Dr. Colman, he says :

" ' I have given some intimation to the Baptist
churches in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, of my de-
sign in your College for promoting learning. They
have many churches and preachers among them, by
the accounts sent me, but I find not one preacher
among them that understands the languages. If any
from those parts should now, or hereafter, make appli-
cation to your College, I beseech them, the College,
to show kindness to such, and stretch their charity a
litde. It is what I wish the Baptists would do, though
I have no great expectation, as what I think would be
for advantage of the Christian faith ; especially while
there are so many Quakers among them.' " ^

But if it may be said of this illustrious benefactor,
that he appears,

— " velut inter ignes
Luna minores ; "

1 Christian Examiner, VII. pp. 94, 95.

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 159

his splendid gifts must not preclude attention to the
benefits conferred about the same period by other
friends of the College. They were such, indeed, as
to indicate that the interest felt in this institution had
suffered no abatement.

In September, 1724, died very suddenly a great
grandson of Sir Richard Saltonstall, and one of the
brightest ornaments of Harvard College and of New
England, the Hon. Gurdon Saltonstall, Governor of
Connecticut, leaving to his alma mater a legacy of
one hundred pounds.

His gifted and excellent widow, Madam Mary Sal-
tonstall, died in 1730, and by her will increased her
former bounty to the College by a legacy of one thou-
sand pounds, "the inconie whereof to be improved
for the assistance of two persons, who shall by the
Overseers be esteemed of bright parts and good
diligence, (always a Dissenter,) to fit them for the
service of the Church of Christ," those related to her
" by consanguinity to be preferred." Her gifts now
constitute a fund of $3899.97.

Another lady of that name. Madam Dorothy Sal-
tonstall, who had been formerly the wife of John
Frizell, Esq., bequeathed, in 1733, three hundred
pounds for the benefit of two poor scholars.

A nephew of John Frizell, Esq., Mr. John Frizell
of Boston, merchant, in 1731, bequeathed two hun-
dred and fifty pounds.

Mrs. Anne Mills bequeathed £bO ; John Walley,
Esq., of Boston, c£lOO; and Thomas Richards, Esq.,
.£30.

The Hon. Thomas Fitch, of Boston, in 1737, left a
legacy of " three hundred pounds for the education of
scholars of good capacity for the work of the min-
istry."

ICO HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVI.

Presents of plate were made to the College by
different persons.

"In 1727, the Rev. Thomas Cotton of London gave
c£200, the income of £100 for the increase of the
President's salary, the other hmidred to be laid out in
books for the Library."

The Library w^as also augmented by valuable dona-
tions from the Rev. Dr. John Guye, Mr. John Lloyd
of London, Merchant, Doct. Richard Mead, D. James,
Esq., and Bishop Berkeley. The great man last men-
tioned, so renowned in the learned world, and cele-
brated by his friend Pope as possessing " every virtue
under Heaven," honored this College with a visit,
September 17th, 1731, and received the attentions
which were due to his high character. The books
presented by him were the Latin and Greek classics.^

1 Christian Examiner, VII. p. 91.

CHAPTER XVII.

The condition of the College, however, does not
appear, during this period, to have corresponded to the
great things that were doing for it. It is not necessary,
for the purpose of showing this, to transcribe from the
records, acts which, though made to prevent irregu-
larities of different kinds, might not be regarded as very
material in this view ; — the act, for instance, passed in
the latter part of President Leverett's time " for reform-
ing the Extravagancys of Commencements,'^ and pro-
viding " that henceforth no preparation nor provision of
either Plumb Cake, or Roasted, Boyled, or Baked
Meates or Pyes of any kind shal be made by any
Commencer," and that no " such have any dis-
tilled Lyquours in his Chamber or any composition
therewith," under penalty of a fine of twenty shillings
and forfeiture of the " prohibited provisions " ; — and
the several acts passed early in the present adminis-
tration " for preventing the Excesses, Immoralities, and
Disorders of the Commencements," for enforcing the
foregoing act, providing particularly " that if any, who
now doe or hereafter shall stand for their degrees, pre-
sume to doe any thing contrary to the said Act or goe
about to evade it by Plain Cake,^^ they shall forfeit the
honors of the College.

Acts of this description, as also a recommendation
of the Overseers to the Corporation " to pass an act to

162 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVII.

restrain unsuitable and unreasonable dancings in the
College," and even a vote to prevent the recurrence of
the " great disturbances occasioned by tumultuous and
indecent noyses at the College," may be regarded,
perhaps, rather as indications of the spirit of the times,
than as evidences of any unusual corruption in this
society. That the College was not in a very healthy
state, however, at this time, the records contain evi-
dences, which no such consideration can annul, though
it may in some degree soften them.

A Committee, appointed by the Overseers Novem-
ber 1st, 1731, "to enquire into the state of the Gov-
ernment, Instruction, and Accompts of the College,"
Slc. reported September 6th, 1732, "That the Govern-
ment of the said College was but in a weak and declin-
ing state." The Committee then proposed a ;iew
body of Laws, &c.

The result was that a new body of Laws was made
and finally " agreed to, both by the Overseers and Cor-
poration."

It was voted, September 24th, 1734, " That it be
recommended to the Corporation to get the new body
of Laws translated into Latin," &c. The same day
"it was pubhshed in the College Hall." ^

Previously to these proceedings. Harvard College
experienced some agitation, in consequence of a re-
ligious explosion, w^hich had taken place in Connecti-
cut and thrown a gloom over New England. This
was the declaration by the Rev. Timothy Cutler,
Rector of Yale College, and one of the Tutors, with five
clergymen in that vicinity, against the validity of Pres-
byterian ordination. A shock, so strange and vio-

— - ■- ■ . ■ I . — -I — ...— — _^^ . I. — , I , ■ I,,

1 Overseer's Records.

1725 - 1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 163

lent, to the order of the New-England churches, filled
the hearts of all pious Congregationalists with amaze-
ment and sorrow.

The Trustees of Yale College voted " to excuse the
Rev. Mr. Cutler from all further service." ^ He then
went to England, received Episcopal ordination, was
honored with the degree of Doctor in Divinity from
both the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and
soon afterwards came to Boston, where he was made
Rector of Christ Church, which was founded for him.^

A deep interest was taken in the event by Harvard
College, at the time of its occurrence. At the inau-
guration of Professor Wigglesworth, for instance, Mr.
Colman, in his prayer upon that occasion, " bewailed
what was befallen Yale College." ^

1 Clap's Hist, of Yale College, p. 32.

2 Eliot's Biog. Diet., art. Cutler. Holmes's Amer. Annals, II. p. 143,
rote.

3 Chief Justice Sewall, in his Diary, has the following mention of it:

" 1722, 7ber 25, Tuesday Dr. I. Mather pray'd, much

bewail'd the Connecticut Apostasie, that Mr. Cutler and others should
say there was no minister in N. E."

The Rev. Dr. Eliot relates an anecdote of a somewhat earlier period,
which shows the feelings of parties in relation to their mode of ordina-
tion. It happened in the case of Mr. Israel Chauncy, the son of Pres-
ident Chauncy. " Israel," says Dr. Eliot, " lived longer than the
others ; he was the youngest son, and died soon after the commence-
ment of the eighteenth century. His ordination has generally been
styled the leather-mitten ordination, and much ridicule has been
thrown upon it by Episcopal writers. The fact was, that when he was
settled, the laymen of the Council insisted upon their right of laying on
hands, and one of the brethren forgot to take off his mitten ; hence it
has been made to appear as a ludicrous circumstance to lessen the
solemnity of the Congregational mode of separating ministers. It was
not long after this, that in Connecticut and Massachusetts the clergy
deprived the brethren of this privilege. But could we now refuse
them, if they insisted upon it?" — ElioVs Biog. Did., art. Chauncy^
p. 101, note.

164 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVII.

The interest felt at that time, however, was merely
that of sympathy and of general concern. After the
settlement of Dr. Cutler in Boston they began to en-
tertain fears for their own safety ; and they found
themselves called upon to make a vigorous effort, to
guard their sacred inclosure against the intrusion of
Episcopacy.

Early in the year 1727, the Lieutenant-Governor
informed the Overseers, that application had been
made to him by the Rev. Dr. Cutler, to be notified
to be present at their meeting. The question, whether
he be notified, was debated in that body, and decided
in the negative, " the Board apprehending that he is not
entided thereunto."

Not satisfied with this, he then made a motion to
the Overseers, in ivriling, respecting his being entitled
to be present at their meeting, which, in one instance,
he had, in fact, been notified by the clerk to attend.
The Board having maturely considered this motion,
together with their constitution, voted, that they were
of opinion, that the Rev. Dr. Timothy Cutler has not,
nor ever had by the said constitution, a right to sit as
an Overseer of Harvard College." A similar vote was
passed upon the application of another Episcopal min-
ister, the Rev. Samuel Myles, " that he might be
notified, Sisfonnerly, to sit at the meeting of the Over-
seers of Harvard College."

But these gentlemen were not to be diverted from
their purpose by an opinion of the Overseers. They
prosecuted the affair like men who were in earnest,
and, so far as appears, with no lack of diplomacy and
management. There is some indication of this in a
request they made to the Overseers for the names of
the members present at the meeting when the above

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 165

vote, of which they had been furnished with a copy
by the clerk, was passed, — a request which the Over-
seers, who appear to have been quite a match for
their opponents throughout, refused to grant, "it
not having been usual for the clerk in giving copies of
the Overseers' votes to affix their names."

In the mean time " three petitions from the Clergy
and others of the Church of England, in divers parts of
New England," were presented to the General Court,
" praying that Timothy Cutler, Doctor of Divinity, and
Samuel Myles, Master of Arts, as they are the present
incumbents of Christ Church and his Majestie's Chap-
pel in Boston, within the County of Suffolk, may be
deemed members of the Overseers of Harvard Col-
ledge in Cambridge, and be restored to the rights of
Overseers, and may, agreeably to custom, &c., be
again notified and have seats at the meetings of the
Overseers of Harvard Colledge, for the reasons therein
mentioned." ^

These petitions were referred to the next Fall
Session; Mr. Secretary was directed to serve the
Clerk of the Overseers with a copy, &c. ^ This was
August 25th, 1727. An answer was prepared by a
Committee of the Overseers, and w^as probably from
the pen of that zealous and efficient friend of the
College, the Rev. Dr. Colman ; for his biographer, Mr.
Turell relates, that " when above twenty years ago
some Reverend Episcopal gendemen endeavoured to
push themselves into the oversight and government of
it, he strenuously opposed them, and wrote a judicious
and nervous answer to the memorial presented by
them, which is found among his papers."^ The sub-

^ Journal of the House of Representatives, 1727, p. 100. ^ Ibid.

^ Life of Colman, pp. 53, 54.

166 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVII.

ject was accordingly brought forward at that session/and
was debated December 27th, 1727, when the House,
after duly considering the petition, the answer of the
Overseers, and the reply of the petitioners to this an-
swer, decided that it was not "within the intent and
meaning of the Charter granted to the said College, that
the Reverend memoriahsts ought to be deemed as
members of the Board of Overseers thereof." ^

The House seem to have discovered that they
had made a mistake, and referred to the wrong act; for
on the 13th of January following, the vote, with the
petitions, &c. which had been sent up to the Honorable
Board for concurrence, were sent for ; and it was
voted, " that it was not within the meaning of the Act,
&c., of 1642, that the Reverend memoriahsts should
be deemed members of the Board of Overseers."

Not yet disposed to relinquish his pretensions. Dr.
Cutler renewed his application to the Overseers, in a
memorial dated June 11th, 1730; but, "inasmuch as
the affair referred to in this memorial has been once
and again maturely considered by this Board, and
afterwards by the General Court upon his owh ap-
peal to them, and at length by them determined,"
the Overseers " voted that the said Memorial be dis-
missed," and " that a copy of the above vote be given
by the Clerk to Dr. Cuder." ^

Thus terminated an affair which had occasioned no
small excitement in the community; and thencefor-
ward the ecclesiastical part of the Board of Overseers
was confined to ministers of the Congregational de-

1 Journal of the House of Representatives, p. 49.

2 Overseers' Records. — Did they find they had made a mistake in
the first order? Was the above vote of the General Court the first
decision of the question?

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 167

nomination, whose exclusive right to that privilege was
afterwards fully recognised in the Constitution of the
State of Massachusetts.

Dr. Cutler was educated at Harvard College in the
time of President Mather, and ranks high among those
of its sons that have conferred honor upon it by their
talents and learning. He continued Rector of Christ
Church till his death, which took place in 1765. Ac-
cording to the late Dr. Eliot, who, when a boy, must
have often seen him, " he was haughty and overbear-
ing in his manners ; and to a stranger, in the pulpit,
appeared as a man fraught with pride. He never
could win the rising generation, because he found it
so difficult to be condescending ; nor had he intimates
of his own age and flock. But people of every de-
nomination looked upon him with a kind of veneration,
and his extensive learning excited esteem and respect,
where there was nothing to move, or hold the affec-
tions of the heart." ^

1 Eliot's Biog. Diet. p. 144.

CHAPTER XVIII.

It remains to give some account of the man who was
at the head of the College, while these occurrences
were taking place.

President Wadsworth's father was Capt. Samuel
Wadsworth, who, with others, was killed in a battle
with the Indians in 1676, at Sudbury, and to whom
the filial piety of this son erected a monument, which
is now standing, on or near the spot where the event
happened. Benjamin was the seventh son, — a cir-
cumstance of more importance, probably, at that time,
than it would be accounted now. He was born at
Milton in Massachusetts in 1669 ; was educated in this
College, where he took his first degree in 1690; was
ordained, in 1696, as colleague pastor, with the Rev.
James Allen of the first Church in Boston, where he
had been preaching as a candidate since he took his
degree of Master of Arts, in 1 693 ; and in 1 725, he
acceded to the presidency of the College in the man-
ner before related.

From his youth, he appears to have possessed the
best disposition, and to have been one of those favored
beings, so beautifully depicted by the pure and pious
muse of Cowper :

"Some minds are tempered happily, and mixed
With such ingredients of good sense and taste
Of what is excellent in man, they thirst
With such a zeal to be what they approve,

1725-1737.] PKESIDENT WADSWORTH. 169

That few restraints can circumscribe them more
Than they themselves by choice for wisdom's sake." i

While a student in the College, his conduct was that
of a young man, who felt that he was there for the pur-
pose of acquiring an education, and laying a soHd foun-
dation for future usefulness. He was therefore, not
only beloved for his amiable quahties, but respected for
his diligence, regularity, and proficiency in learning.

The dispositions and habits, which distinguished him
here, accompanied him into the world, and gathered
strength as he advanced in years. Divinity was his
favorite study. He not only perused the Holy Scrip-
tures, with the greatest care and attention, but treasur-
ed their contents in his mind, so that, as a textuary, he
had scarcely an equal. His sermons, which were com-
posed with great plainness, and studiously adapted to
the apprehensions of his audience, were delivered from
memory with great seriousness and effect. He was,
not fond of controversy, and therefore seldom preached
upon the controverted points of theology, thinking that
he was more profitably employed in inculcating the
great practical duties of morality and religion.

In his style of preaching, in his manners, and deport-
ment, he exemphfied that " divine simplicity," which a
just taste always seeks "in him who handles things
divine ". His ministrations were all marked with sin-
cerity, gravity, and fervor. Prudent and cautious in
his deliberations and m.easures, he was firm, steady,
and active in the execution of whatever he undertook.

He was humble, mild, benevolent, and affable.
Though a lover of peace, and careful to avoid displeas-
ing or giving offence, he made no sacrifice of coh-

* Task, B. II. p. 73.

' 22

170 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XVIII.

science to popularity, " for it was his governing princi-
ple to manage in all his affairs, not as pleasing men, but
God, that trieth the heart." ^

An affectionate and faithful pastor, he was beloved,
esteemed, and venerated by his flock. He devoted
one tenth of his income to objects of charity.

To a calm and moderate temper he united a steady
and uniform command of his passions. He was a model
of patience, fortitude, and resolution ; qualities, which he
had especial occasion to exert during his presidency,
in consequence of an almost continual experience of
bodily infirmity and suffering from his first assuming,
when in the decline of life, the arduous cares of this
important office. In this miserable state of health, his
labors were seldom intermitted ; and to his friends who^
besought him to spare himself, he used to say, that he
" would rather wear out than rust out ". In the words
of Mr Flynt •—

" Nullus autem est, qui non agnoscit, quod cum mo-
dice convaluerit, et sanitudo corporis eum quodammodo
permiserit, constans fuit, et regularis in munere obeun-
do, et in omnibus partibus officii sui perficiendis. Quin-
imo tanta fuit in eo propensio ad opus proprium et
debitum absolvendum, ut vires corporales frequenter
excessit, illudque in posteriori suae vitae parte, magis
atque magis constabat, adeo ut saepe audivimus eum
votum sui animi exprimentem, se lahore potiiis, quam
rubigine, exolescere maluisse,^^

The termination of this virtuous and useful course
was cheered, as well it might have been, with the most
animating views of a future happy existence. He died
March 16th, 1737, in the 68th year of his age, and 12th

1 Appleton's Sermon.

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 171

of his presidency over Harvard College, leaving behind
him a character in which there appears much to love
and respectj and, to human eyes, nothing to condemn.

At his funeral which was solemnized with appropri-
ate honors, Mr. Tutor Flynt delivered an eloquent and
pathetic oration in Latin, which is still extant, and from
which the foregoing extract is taken.

President Wadsworth left the College a legacy of one
hundred and ten pounds, old tenor, for the benefit of poor
scholars, those related to him by blood to be preferred.

He published, from time to time, sermons and other
religious tracts, w^hich together form a considerable Hst,
and display the characteristic features of a mind intent
on benefiting his fellow-men by promoting their ad-
vancement in knowledge, virtue, and piety.

This notice will be closed with an extract from Pro-
fessor Wigglesworth's Sermon upon his death, which
not only contains a just account of President Wads-
worth, but furnishes a specimen of that eminent Pro-
fessor's manner of writing.

" He had his education in this house, where I hope
without [lattery it may be said, that those who are dis-
posed wisely to improve them, enjoy at least as many
advantages to accomplish themselves for the service of
their generation, as are to be met with in our own coun-
try. When he proceeded to settle in the Gospel min-
istry, the Holy Ghost made him overseer of a numerous
flock in the metropolis of the province, in the general-
ity of whose affections he was blessed with a very great
interest. And as this gave him a singular advantage
to promote the good of their souls ; so it evidences the
truth of their Christian self-denial and pubhc spirit
(which ought always to be remembered, and spoken of
with honour) in consenting to the removal of one so

172 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CII. XVIII.

dear to them, to what they apprehended a station of more
general usefulness and service. And so at length by the
sovereign disposal of our ascended Lord, he was set at
the head of this Society, in whose welfare and prosper-
ity, both the civil and religious interests of the people
of God in this land are so much concerned, that hardly
any place can be tho't of, in which a servant of Christ
hath opportunity to be a more extensive blessing.

"And to render him such a one in every station, the
glorious Head of the Church had given him a very capa-
cious and faithful memory, a sound understanding, a
clear apprehension, and an uncommon faculty of mak-
ing religious truths plain to the meanest capacities.
But to crown all, our Saviour Jesus Christ had taken
an early possession of the heart of this his servant for
himself, had impressed it with a most affectionate con-
cern for the souls of men, and had given him an inde-
fatigable spirit to pursue their interests." ^

During the presidency of Mr. Wadsworth, the fol-
lowing donations were made to the University.

In 1725, the General Court voted <£1000, towards
a house for the President. The College disbursed
£613. 53. Od.

In 1727, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Cotton of London
gave c£200 ; the income of i)100 for the increase of the
President's salary ; the other hundred to be laid out
in books for the Library.

The Library was also increased by donations from
the Rev. Dr. John Guyse, Mr. John Lloyd of London,
Merchant, Doct. Richard Mead, and D. James, Esq.

In 1731, Mr, John Frizell of Boston, Merchant,
nephew to John Frizell Esq., bequeathed ^£250 to the
College.

1 Wigglesworth's Sermon, pp. 8, 9.

1725-1737.] PRESIDENT WADSWORTH. 173

In 1733, Madam Dorothy Saltonstall, late Widow
of John Frizell Esq., bequeathed c£300 for the benefit
of two poor scholars.

In 1737, President Wadsworth bequeathed "£110,
old tenor. Six pounds of the income to be for poor
scholars relations of blood to be preferred."

In 1730, Madam Mary Saltonstall bequeathed one
thousand pounds — " the income to be disposed of by
the Overseers to two persons of bright parts and good
diligence (always a Dissenter) who hath not means of
his own, her relations to be preferred."

Some pieces of plate were, by different persons,
given in President Wadsworth's time.

In 1725, the rents of Massachusetts Hall were ap-
propriated to the President by the General Court.

In 1725, a legacy of Mrs. Anne Mills, amounting to
£50, the income to be applied to the support of indi-
gent students.

In 1733, a valuable collection of books procured
by Bishop Berkeley.

In 1737, Hon. Col. Fitch [Hon. Thomas Fitch, of
Boston] bequeathed X'300 "for the education of scho-
lars of good capacity for the work of the Ministry." ^

. ' 1 Donation Book, I.

CHAPTER XIX.

In about a month after the death of President Wads-
worth, it was voted by the Corporation that, " where-
as the choosing of a President is a matter of great con-
cern, it be proposed to the Honorable and Reverend
Overseers, that they with the Corporation might spend
some convenient time in prayer to God for his gracious
direction in that important affair. '' It was also voted
" that this Corporation do propose to proceed with all
convenient speed to elect a successor in that office,
and that this their purpose be laid before the Honor-
able and Reverend Board of Overseers at their next
meeting for their counsel and consent."

These votes were laid before the Overseers, April
26th, 1737. The first vote was consented to, and it
was decided that a meeting for the purpose proposed
should be held on Wednesday the next week in the
College Library ; but instead of concurring in the last
vote, theOverseers "counselled and advised " the Cor-
poration to elect a president, after the meeting for
prayer, on the same day.

The meeting v/as held according to appointment,
on the 4th of May. The forenoon was spent in pray-
er. In the afternoon, "the Overseers having given
their advice, by a Latin speech made by the Governor,
to the Corporation about the general qualification of a
President, the Corporadon withdrew," and endeavour-
ed to come to a choice twice ; but were equally divided

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 175

between Mr. H. and ]\Ir. G.," ^ that is, Mr. Holyoke
and Mr. Greenwood.

The Corporation then returned to the Overseers,
and having informed them of their unsuccessful attempt
and requested further time for dehberation, again with-
drew. Before adjourning, the Overseers sent for them,
and said, " that they expected the Corporation would
present their choice of a President to them at their
next meetins; which would be on the 26th instant."

On the 20th of May the Rev. William Cooper was
chosen President by the Corporation, and on the 26th
was presented to the Honorable and Reverend Board
for their acceptance ; but a letter from him to the Over-
seers, in which " he took this first opportunity wholly
to excuse himself from that honour and trust, " being
read at the same time, they voted " that the Corpora-
tion be advised forthwith to proceed to the choice of a
President."

The Gentleman, on whom this honor was conferred
by the Corporation, was graduated at Harvard College
Wvin 1712, was ordained, as colleague pastor with Dr.
Colman, of the church in Brattle Street, Boston, in
1716; and died in 1743, in the 50th year of his age.
He was respectable for his learning, and a most im-
pressive, serious preacher. He married a daughter of
the Hon. Samuel Sewall, and was father of the cele-
brated Dr. Samuel Cooper.

It was now, probably, that the venerable minister of
Marblehead interposed, in the manner related by Dr.
Eliot. According to this writer, who refers to a man-
uscript in his possession, " Father Barnard says, * that
he went to Governor Belcher, and asked him why
they chose one Boston minister after another, and neg-

1 Rev. Dr. Sewall's MS. Diary.

176 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIX.

lected the man who was most qualified to fill the chair of
that seminary, his worthy brother Holyoke. His Ex-
cellency answered, that it would be agreeable to him if
he were assured of his orthodoxy, but suspicions had
been spread of his being liberal in his sentiments. He
told him, that he was more acquainted with him than
any other person, and he knew him to be sound in the
faith.' " '

Whether in consequence of this interposition, or from
any other cause, the Corporation soon elected the Rev.
Edward Holyoke President by a unanimous vote, and
on the 20th of June the choice was unanimously
approved by the Overseers at one of the fullest
meetings on record in the books of that board. A
committee w^as appointed to inform the General
Court of this election, and " to desire that the Court
would please to consider of an honorable support for
the said Mr. Holyoke and wdiatsoever else they may
judge necessary to encourage and facilitate his settle-
ment in said office." The Committee was also to de-
sire Mr. Holyoke's acceptance of the office and the
consent of his church to his removal from them to this
important station.

The subject was taken up by the House of Repre-
sentatives with all convenient speed ; and on the 8th
of June it was voted, " That the Treasurer of Harvard
C^ollege be directed to lay before the House an Ac-
count of the State of their Treasury relating to the Do-
nations and Moneys given them, which are not appro-
priated by the Donors ; and also an Account of the
usual and annual Payments and Dispositions of the Is-
sues and Profits thereof, that so the House may act on
the said Message with more Knowledge." ^

1 Eliot's Biog. Diet. art. Holyoke. 2 Mass. Journ., 1737, p. 31.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 177

An account of the state of the Treasury was accord-
ingly presented to the House by the Treasurer of
the College, the Honorable Edward Hutchinson, on
the 15th of the same month. The next da}^ the House
assumed the consideration of Mr. Holyoke's support,
and while they were in debate, the Committee of the
Overseers again entered and communicated the follow-
ing report which had been made to that board.

" The Committee of the Board of Overseers appoint-
ed for the purpose, according to the annexed vote,
having been at Marblehead, and communicated to the
Rev. Mr. Hohjoke and his Church the Choice of him to
the Presidentship oi Harvard College ; received for An-
swer, That the people under the pastoral care of Mr.
Holyoke transacted their affairs in the way of a pro-
priety, and therefore had agreed upon Monday the
27th of Jime instant for a meeting of that society, to
give their answer ; and the Rev. Mr. Holyoke did
acquaint us that he w^as under strict covenant with his
people not to part with them, unless the settlement of
another minister was made in such manner as that his
people might not suffer thereby, or be at the expence
thereof, they being small and in danger of some divi-
sion and difficulties upon his removal ; and that if pro-
vision was made in this respect, his way would be
more clear before him, and that he would with all con-
venient speed after the society's meeting, consider of
and return his final answer to the motion of his remo-
val.

WILLIAM DUDLEY,
In the JVame of the Committee^

"At a Meeting of the Overseers June 16th, 1737. Vo-
ted, That the Committee appointed to wait on the

178 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIX.

Reverend Mr. Holyoke and his Church, in reference to
his acceptance of the choice made of him to be Presi-
dent of Harvard College, do wait on the General Court,
and lay before them the Report now offered to the
Board of Overseers."

HENRY FLYNT,
Curatorum Clericus,"

The subject w^as then resumed and fully debated.
The result of the whole was that, "In as much as the
Colle2:e derived their Constitution from the General
Court of the late Colony of the Massachusetts Bay,
and the Assembly of this Provincce have from time to
time chearfully granted considerable sums of money
for the erecting sundry buildings for the more com-
modious reception of the Fellows, Tutors, Graduates,
and Students there, and have also lately built a con-
venient dwelling-house for, and furthermore have at all
times readily afforded their aid and assistance in
supporting of, the President as the matter required,
and all this in expectation of, and dependance upon
their close adherence to their Constitution, and so
answering the great and good designs of founding said
College, the House came into the following vote, viz.

" This House think it reasonable, that while the cir-
cumstances of the College shall require it, and they
adhere to their Charter and Constitution thus given
them, there be allowed to the President a suitable and
ample support :

" And therefore it is Ordered, That there be and is
hereby granted unto the Reverend Mr. Edward Holy-
oke to be paid out of the publick Treasury the sum of
tico hundred pounds of the bills of credit on this Pro-
vince of the new tenour, over and above the rents of

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 179

the Massachusetts Hall, for the space of one year
from the time of his instahnent, residing at Cambridge
and performing the duties of said office ; the money
to be paid him quarterly.

"In consideration of the state and circumstances
the society under the present pastoral care of the Rever-
end Mr. Holyoke of Marblehead will be in, upon his
removal to Harvard College in Cambridge :

" Ordered, That the sum of one hundred and forty
pounds, in bills of pubhc credit of the new tenour, be
granted to the society in Marblehead under the pasto-
rol care of the Reverend Mr. Edicard Holyoke, lately
chosen President of Havard College, to encourage and
facilitate the settlement of a Minister there, upon Mr.
Holyoke^s acceptance of the Presidentship, and his re-
moval from them ; the said sum to be allowed and
paid out of the public Treasury to the order of the said
society for the ends before mentioned, upon the or-
dination of Mr. Holyoke^s successor."

What a contrast between the proceedings of the
popular branch of the Legislature on this occasion,
and their conduct when Dr. Colman was chosen Presi-
dent ! Had the House refused, at this time as they
did then, to vote a salary, before the appointment was
accepted, it might have been thought that they acted
in the case of Dr. Colman, not from passion or caprice,
but from a settled principle of policy ; and what was
prudent forecast in that Reverend gendeman, might
possibly have been regarded as unreasonable dis-
trust.

Mr. Holyoke having dechned " managing the affairs
of the approaching Commencement," Mr. Tutor Flynt
was appointed to officiate upon the occasion. He
accordingly presided and conferred the degrees.

180 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIX.

On the 4th of August the Clerk of the Overseers
was directed to acquaint Mr. Holyoke that his letter
of acceptance had been received, and he was desired
to remove to the College as soon as he could with
conveniency ; and soon afterwards the Governor ap-
pointed the 28th of September, 1737, for his induc-
tion into the office. A meeting for the purpose being
held on that day, " the Governour led the President
from the Library down to the Hall, the library-keeper
carrying the books, charter, laws, and College seal,
and the Butler the keys, before them ; and the Over-
seers with the Corporation followed into the Hall,
which was soon filled with scholars and gentlemen.
Dr. Sewall began the solemnity with prayer ; then the
Governour made a speech in Latin, delivering the
charter, keys, &:c. The President followed with
another in the same language, and the Governour con-
cluded with a short Latin speech. Then Mr. Bar-
nard, Master of Arts, made a Latin congratulatory
oration ; the Reverend Mr. Thomas Prince made the
last prayer, and part of the 78th psalm was sung,
and the solemnity was concluded with a dinner in the
Hall." '

On the 19th of October following. President Holy-
oke, having incurred considerable expense in remov-
ing from Marblehead, and received no salary to the
time of his inauguration, the House of Represen-
tatives voted him £33, 3s, 8d, in "bills of the new
tenor."

These favors of the General Court demanded a
respectful acknowledgment, which was presented to

J Overseers' Records.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 181

them during the session. On the 22d of December
" The House, being informed the Rev. the President
and Corporation of Harvard College were attending
at the door, and desired admittance, they were accord-
ingly admitted in, and Mr. President in the name and
at the desire of the said Corporation, acquainted Mr.
Speaker and the House, they had prepared, and took
this opportunity of, presenting their humble address to
the Great and General Court, setting forth their hear-
ty thanks for the various favours received from them,
more especially in the grants passed the last May
session, relating to the President's settlement, and also
for the grant made the society at Marblehead, of which
Mr. President was pastor, the better to enable them
to settle another minister, with their hearty prayers
that his Excellency and the Court may be continued
under the divine influences.

" The address being read, Mr. President with the
Corporation withdrew." ^

A few days afterwards the House voted .£40 in
" bills of the new tenor to the four present Tutors of
Harvard College, in consideration of their extraordi-
nary services " during the interval that the College
was without a President.

It was ordered, January 16th, 1739, " that the sum
of two hundred pounds of new-tenor bills be granted
and allowed to be paid out of the pubUck Treasury to
the Reverend Mr. Edward Holyoke, President of Har-
vard College, over and above the rents of Massachu-
setts-Hall, for the space of one year, to be paid him
quarterly, the year beginning in September last.

1 Journal of House of Representatives, 1737, p. 104.

182 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIX.

Two days afterwards President Holyoke presented
a memorial to the General Court on this subject ; and
on being admitted hito the House, he " spoke to
his memorial, and then withdrew." In the afternoon
of the same day, it was ordered, after a full debate,
that " one hundred pounds of the new^-tenor bills
should be allowed him from the public Treasury, in
consideraiion of his extraordinary expences since the
time of his instalment to this day."

In July, 1740, he was allowed £600 in "bills of the
old tenor, or bills of the new tenor equivalent thereto."
After that we meet with no grant to him till the 9th of
January, 1741-2, when was voted "the sum of
i^l50 per annum, for one year and a half (bills to be
emitted in the supply bill now before the Court)";
but, upon his application, the sum of £60 of " the last
emission " was, in June following, added to his annual
salary.

From that time the allowance annually made to
him (which was always " over and above the rents of
Massachusetts-Hall") varied for the most part from
£200 to £300, Massachusetts currency. The sums
generally voted were £250 or £200, which last amount
was his allowance during the latter years of his presi-
dency.

February 19th, 1756, immediately after the House
had voted to the President the usual annual grant,
then £250, it was ordered, that Mr. Speaker [the
Hon. Thomas Hubbard], Mr. Gibbs, and Col. Otis,
be a committee to confer with the Rev. President of
Harvard College, to enquire into the conditions of his
setdement in that office, and whether the engagements
then made him have been fulfilled ; and report there-
on." The Committee made their report on the 17th

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 183

of April following, in which, after reciting in substance
the vote passed June 1 6th, 1737, previously to the set-
tlement of President Holyoke, they proceed to state,
" That the said Edward Holyoke, in expectation and
confidence, that this government would afford him a
suitable and ample support, accepted that trust, and
removed with his family to Cambrid.'e, and has ever
since performed the duties of his said office.

"That the grants since made the Reverend the
President, together with the perquisites of his said
office, have fallen so far short of affording him a suit-
able and ample support, as that he has been obhged
to apply the proceeds of the sale of his mansion-house
at Marblehead, and the rents of his own and his
present wife's estate, for the support of himself and
family.

" That barely the principal sums, he has so ex-
pended of his own estate, amount to more than nine
hundred and fifty pounds lawful money ; and could he
have put the same on interest as he received it, and
continued it so to this time, only the simple interest
thereof would have amounted to above five hundred
and ninety pounds more. And that of the proceeds
of the sale of his house, which was fifteen hundred
pounds old tenor in 1739, his rents, perquisites, gifts,
and grants of the Government, he had only one hun-
dred pounds lawful mcwiey left, when his salary w^as
granted him this year. Signed, T. Hubbard per
order.^^

It was then ordered, "That this report be recom-
mitted, and that James Bowdoin, Esq., and Mr. Tyng,
be added to the Committee, and that they make en-
quiry what sums have been received by the Reverend

184 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XIX.

President from time to time, in consequence of his
being in that place, either by virtue of grants of the
General Court, rents or fees, and report thereon." ^

This Committee were directed by the House, Feb.
24th, 1757, to report at the next session. Being in-
formed that they were not ready to do it then, the
House voted " that the consideration of that affair be
referred to the next May session"; and thus the affair
appears to have terminated.

How far the subsequent grants of the Legislature
corresponded to its engagements, or at least to the
expectations and wants of the President, an opinion
may be formed in some measure from the records in
the Journals of the House of Representatives. It
should, however, be borne in mind, that Massachusetts,
while a province of Great Britain, abounded far less in
wealth than in virtue, less in gold and silver than in
spirit and intelligence ; and that, in compliance with
circumstances, the salaries of all her officers were
adapted to a scale of the most rigid economy ;
not to mention the exhausted state of her re-
sources, occasioned, particularly, by the wars with
the French.

Annual grants were made to other officers of the
College besides the President, as will be seen here-
after. The grants were made to them at the same
time with those to public functionaries. " The House
entered into the consideration of proper grants to civil
officers," and then voted, first a sum of money to the
Justices of the Superior Court of Judicature, next to
the President of the College, the Secretary of the

1 Mass. Journal, 1756, pp. 479, 480.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 185

Province, and so on through a list of persons who
rendered services to the public in various capacities,
including certain officers of the College. It was com-
monly in the winter session that this business was
done.

CHAPTER XX.

The first important measure, adopted by the College
Government after President Holyoke's induction, was
one of a very painful nature. It was the dismission of
Professor Greenwood. December 7th, 1737, the Cor-
poration voted to remove him from his office. From a
spirit, however, of extreme forbearance, the Overseers
deferred their decision till July 13th, 1738, when they
passed their final vote, confirming the act of the Corpo-'
ration. He held his office ten years and five months
(from the time of his inauguration) ; and might have
continued to hold it, with credit to himself and benefit '
to the College, had his wisdom and firmness been equal
to his acknowledged abihlies.^

He published " a philosophical Discourse concerning
the Mutability and Changes of the Material World ;
read to the Students of Harvard College, April 7, 1731,
upon the news of the death of Thomas Holhs Esq. of
London, the most bountiful Benefactor to that Society."
It abounds wdth marks, not only of a philosophical
spirit, but of a Uvely fancy. With some alterations,
principally verbal, it might be rendered, what would
now be called, an elegant discourse. The most inter-
esting part of it is that in which, five years before

1 He was elected in May, 1727, not quite six years after he was
graduated, which was in 1/21. Installed Feb. 13th, 1728. He was a
classmate of two persons, who were greatly distinguished in their day,
Dr. Charles Chauncy and Chief-Justice Stephen Sewall.

1737-1769.] PFxESIDENT HOLYOKE. 187

Butler published his celebrated work, he argues from
the aiialo2:y of nature in favor of man's resurrection.

Litde is known of him after his dismission. He
went to Charleston, South Carohna, and there he died
October 22d, 1745.'

At the time of this excision of a diseased limb from
the venerable trunk of Harvard, a young shoot of extra-
ordinary vigor and promise was fortunately at hand,
and ready for insertion into the vacant place.

The Corporation elected Mr. John Winthrop to fill
the office, and presented him to the Overseers for their
approval. The Overseers, Oct. 3d, 1738, voted "that
a Committee be appointed to examine Mr. John Win-
throp as to his knowlege in the Mathematicks, and that
Col. William Dudley, Mr. President, and Mr. Danforth
be the Committee aforesaid. Upon a motion made
the question was put whether a Committee be appoint-
ed to examine Mr. Winthrop about his principles of
religion before the approbation of him by the Overseers,
and it passed in the negative."

On the 19th of the same month the Committee re-
ported " that they had examined him as to his skill and
knowledge in sundry parts of the Mathematicks and
Natural Philosophy, and are of opinion, that he has
made very great proficiency therein and is w^ell quahfied
to sustain the office he is chosen to."

It was than moved that "the vote of the last meet-
ing respecting the exam.ination of Mr. Winthrope as to
his principles of religion, be reconsidered ; " but it w^as
voted that the further consideration of this subject be
referred to the second Thursday of the next sessions of

1 Butler's Analoo^y was first printed in 1736.

2 Winthrop's MS. Catalogue.

188 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY [cH. XX.

the General Court, and that the members of the six
towns be notified."

Accordingly, Dec. 7th, 1738, at the fullest meeting
on record, excepting that in which the election of Mr.
Holyoke was confirmed, " after a long debate the ques-
tion was put again, whether a Committee be appointed
to examine Mr. Winthrope about [his] principles of
religion ; and it passed in the negative.

It appears to have been thought by the liberal-minded
majority, that a particular theological creed would
render a man neither a better nor a worse instructer
of Philosophy, and accordingly they now confirmed
the election of the Corporation ; satisfied, it should seem,
with knowing, that while the requisite qualifications for
discharging the appropriate duties of the office wxre
possessed by Mr. Winthrop in an eminent degree,
the young man's deportment was in all respects cor-
rect and exemplary.

This immunity, however, seems to have been confin-
ed to the Professor of Mathematics. Even the Tutors
were examined as to their religious principles ; and, no
doubt, for this reason, that they, as well as the Presi-
dent and the Professor of Divinity, were at that period
required, not only to perform religious services in the
chapel, but to give religious instruction to their re-
spective classes.

A few years before this, it appears, that the French
instructer had been charged with propagating "danger-
ous errors " among the undergraduates, and examined
upon that subject ; and the following proceedings took
place in the Board of Overseers on that occasion :

"May 13, 1735. The Committee report, that upon
discoursing with the Rev'd President and Tutors who
had examined Mr. Longloissorie and a number of his

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 189

scholars, it did not appear, that Mr. Longloissorie had
vented any of his dangerous errors among the under-
graduates, nor that they had been embraced by any of
the graduates to whom he had freely communicated
them. But upon discoursing [with ] Mr. Rogers, one
of the Tutors, on occasion of the reports concerning him
which were brought to this Board, he appeared to
think it a hardship that he should be examined as to his
particular sentiments on the said heads when there had
been no express charges laid in against him, and declined
to give us any such answers as might enable us to re-
port him free and clear of those opinions." It

was voted, that the President and Tutors have not
power by any law to introduce or permit any person
to instruct scholars in arts or languages in this Society ;
and, therefore, the permission some time since given by
them to Mr. Longloissorie to teach the French tongue
is in itself void ; and, in as much as this Board judge
it not consistent with the safety of the College, that the
said Mr. Longloissorie should continue to teach the
French Language there any longer, it was further voted,
that the President and Tutors be directed to forbid the
Students, whether graduates or undergraduates, from
attending on his instructions, either within the College
walls or elsewhere.

" Upon debate had on the second paragraph of this
Report, the Board think it proper to assert and declare
their right to examine into the principles of all those
that are employed in the instruction of the Students
of the College upon any just suspicion of their holding
dangerous tenets, altho' no express charge be lay-
ed in against them ; and that it be recommended to
the Corporation to take due care as to the principles of
such persons as shall from time to time be chosen by

190 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XX.

them into any oilice of instruction ; and that no person
chosen into such an office shall be accepted or continued
who retuseth, when desired, to give satisfaction to this
Board as to their principles in religion." ^

Mr. Winthrop was inaugurated in the College Hall
January 2d, 1739. "The Corporation and Overseers
went down from the Library into the Hall and took
their places at several tables." The ceremonies were
similar to those at the instalment of his predecessor.
"Some stanzas of Psalm 148 were sung, and the
Overseers and Corporation went up to the Library,
whilst the tables were spread, and returned with other
gendemen to dinner in the College Hall." ^

1 Overseers' Records.

[2 The ceremonies of inauguration, in the case of Mr. Winthrop's pre-
decessor, Mr. Greenwood, are thus described in the Overseers' Records :

" Feb. 13, 1727-8. At an Overseers' Meeting at the College, being
the day of the inauguration of Mr. Isaac Greenwood to be Professor of
Mathematics and Natural and Experimental Philosophy, the President
being ill, Mr. Flynt was desired by the Corporation to direct the affair
of the inauguration, to begin with prayer and make an introductory
speech ; which speech (in Latin) being finished, Mr. Professor Wiggles-
worth was desired [to read] Mr. Hollis's Rules and Statutes respecting
the Professor of Mathematics and Natural and Experimental Philoso-
phy. Then the oaths to the Civil Government were read by Mr. Sever,
and repeated verbatim by Mr. Greenwood ; and, being thus read over
and repeated, the printed copies of them were signed by Mr. Green-
wood who was thus sworn before the Hon'ble Coll. Tayler and Coll.
Byfield, the two first Councellors present. After this Mr. Greenwood
was desired by Mr. Flynt to express his declarations and promises agree-
able to the J2th and J:3th articles of the Rules. Then Mr. Flynt called
for Mr. Greenwood's Inaugural Oration ; which Oration (in Latin) being
finished, Mr. Flynt asked leave of the Overseers and Corporation to de-
clare Mr. Greenwood Hollisian Professor of Mathematics and Natural
and Experimental Philosophy in Harvard College ; and accordingly
publicly declared him so. After this Mr. Appleton was desired to make
the last prayer ; then the two first with the two last staffs of the 104th
Psalm were sung and the whole Company went to dinner in the College
Hall." — Overseers'' Rtcords. The Statutes of this, and other professor-
ships, will be found in the Appendix to the present work. Edit.]

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 191

A Committee which had been appointed to inquire
into the state of the College, made a favorable report,
April 29th, 1740. They say, that " upon enquiry made
of the Rev'd President, Tutors, and Professors they doe
find, that the exercises required by law are statedly
attended, and that the body of laws lately made for the
Government of the College doe in a good measure an-
swer their end and prove beneficial to the Society, and
that at present there does not appear occasion for any
new laws \o be made, nor doe the Committee appre-
hend it needful to lay any new proposals before the
Board of Overseers." ^

It was not long before the College was visited by
another occurrence of the same unhappy nature with
that of the dismission of Professor Greenwood. An
examining Committee of the Overseers reported to
that board, Oct. 2 1 st, 1741. " That Mr. Nathan Prince,
one of the Tutors had been complained of by the Pre-
sident and Fellows, of several great misdemeanours ; "
and it was voted, that the President and Tutors draw
up their complaint " in certain articles." Articles
w^ere accordingly submitted to the Board, at a meeting
in Novemiber; they charged him with various instances
of indecent and irregular deportment ; and, though
some of them exhibited him only in a ludicrous and even

1 [Extracts from these laws which were adopted in 1734, will be found
in the Appendix. The requisitions for admission into the College at that
period, now just a century ago, are thus stated in them :

" Whoever by an examination by the President and two at least of the
Tutors shall be found able extempore to read, construe, and parse Tully,
Virgil, or such like common classical Latin authors, and write true Latin
in prose, and to be skilled in making Latin verse, or at least in the rules
of Prosodia, and to read, construe, and parse ordinary Greek, as in the
New Testament, Isocrates, or such like, and decline the paradigms of
Greek nouns and verbs, — having withal good testimony of his past
blameless behaviour, — shall be look'd upon as qualified for admission
into Harvard College." — Edit.]

192 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XX.

boyish point of view, they were not the less repugnant
to the character of a grave instructer on that account.

Those articles were the subject of consideration at sev-
eral meetings ; witnesses were examined under oath ;
the party accused was heard in his defence ; and finally,
"after a long debate," it was voted, Feb. 18th, 1742,
" that Mr. Nathan Prince be removed from all office
relating to the College." It was also "recommended
to the Corporation to fill up with some suitable person
or persons such vacancies as were made b}/ his re-
moval."

He afterwards claimed and petitioned to the Over-
seers for an appeal; but it was refused, April 1st, 1742,
by a vote of " all the members present, the Reverend
Mr. Thomas Prince excepted," who was his brother.

No injustice, it is believed, was done to Mr. Prince,
but the course adopted was irregular, though it seems
to have been necessary. His removal, as in the case of
Mr. Greenwood, should have been first voted by the
Corporation, and then approved by the Overseers. Of
this both those bodies were evidently sensible, and
accordingly took care to guard against its being drawn
into a precedent. Thus in the Records of the Over-
seers, under date of May 6th, 1742, there is the follow-
ing entry : " Some votes of the Corporation were now
presented to the Overseers for their consent, viz. —
* Whereas the Hon'ble and Rev'd Overseers of Har-
vard College did upon the 18th of February last past
vote the removal of Mr. Nathan Prince, one of the
Fellows and Tutors of said College, from all office re-
lating thereto on account of sundry crimes and misde-
meanours whereof he was convicted before them and
which he had been charged with at said Board by some
of the Corporation as wel as the Tutors of said Col-

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 193

lege ; and also, did then recommend it to the Cor-
poration to fill up the vacancys made by said Mr.
Prince's removal ; and, altho' we apprehend that
(according to the Constitution of said College) affairs
of this Nature ought to originate with the Corporation ;
yet, in as much as so many of the Corporation have
been either complainants against the said Prince, or
have been aspersed and male-treated by him, as that
there is not left a majority of said Corporation who
may be thought by him or by others, as we understand,
to be indifferent judges in this affair ; and in as much
as we apprehend that under all circumstances it wil not
be for the interest and peace of said College that he
should continue any longer in office therein ; therefore,
saving all right given to the Corporation by their Char-
ter, they passed the following votes, " viz.

1. That Mr. Joseph May hew be a Fellow of the Cor-
poration in the room of the said Mr. Prince. 2. That Mr.
Belcher Hancock be a Tutor of the said College in the
room of said Mr. Prince, and that for three years, and
be the fourth Tutor in order. 3. That the two forego-
ing votes be presented to the Kon'ble and Rev'd
Overseers at their next meeting for their consent.

"The Overseers now consented to the Corporation's
choice of Mr. Joseph Mayhew and Mr. Belcher Han-
cock as above mentioned."

Mr. Prince then appealed to the General Court.
He also pubhshed a pamphlet, upon the Constitution
and Government of the College, in which he under-
takes, among other things, " to prove that the Honor-
able and Reverend Overseers of Harvard College
have no independent power over the Corporation of said
College, nor can dismiss a member of said Corpora-

194 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XX.

tion solely by themselves ; but that the General Court
alone have such a sovereign power; and are the
Visitors of said College." ^

But the General Court were either not convinced
by his arguments, or thought it not expedient to assert
their rights ; for the affair was permitted to pass off
very quietly ; and Mr. Prince obtained no relief.^

Notwithstanding his misconduct, he was too con-
siderable a man, and was too long connected with this
institution, to be passed over without some further
notice. He took his first degree at this College in
1718, and was not long, if ever, separated from it
afterwards till his removal from office; for he was a
Tutor nearly nineteen years, and full thirteen years a
Fellow of the Corporation. After he left the College
he took orders in the Church of England, went to the
West Indies, and died July 25th, 1748, at Ratuan in
the Bay of Honduras, having been sent as a mission-
ary to the Mosquitos.^

He was a younger brother of our distinguished
annalist, Mr. Thomas Prince, and is esteemed by Dr.
Chauncy as " the greater man of the two. His learn-
ing," continues the Doctor, " was not, I believe, so
extensive, but still very great. He was a greater
mathematician and philosopher, and a much better
classical scholar and logician. I am ready to think his
powers were stronger, especially his reasoning faculty.
I was intimately acquainted with him for thirty years.
It is a pity he gave occasion for his dismission from

1 The pamphlet is entitled — "An Account of the Constitution and
Government of Harvard College, from its first formation in the year
1636 to the year 1742."

2 He was the only member of the Corporation, it is believed, who has
ever been dismissed.

3 W^inthrop's MS. Catalogue.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 195

College. This was his ruin. It turned him out of
breaclj and finally proved a temptation strong enough
to reconcile him to the taking of orders. He had read
all the Fathers, and made vast collections from them on
almost every subject. I never yet knew the man
that had a more deeply rooted aversion to, the church
than he had before his dismission from the College.
I have heard him a hundred times make himself and
company merry with their talk about the prelacy and
the Fathers in support of it. There is no knowing
what a man may be brought to by the force of tempta-
tion. Notwithstanding all this, he deserves a place
among the great men in this country." ^

The extent of this compliment to Mr. Prince cannot
be fully understood without adverting to the account
which Dr. Chauncy had given of the brother, Thomas
Prince, of whom he thus speaks : " I do not know of
any one that had more learning among us, excepting
Doct. Cotton Mather; and it was extensive, as was
also his genius. He possessed all the intellectual
powers in a degree far beyond what is common. He
may be justly characterized as one of our great men ;
though he would have been much greater, had he
not been apt to give too much credit, especially to
surprising stories. He could easily be imposed on
this way. Another imperfection that was really hurtful
to him was, a strange disposition to regard more, in
multitudes of instances, the circumstances of things,
and sometimes minute and trifling ones, than the things
themselves, I could from my own acquaintance with

1 Chauncy's Sketch of Eminent Men in New England ; in a Letter
to Dr. Stiles, May 6, 1768, published in Mass. Hist. Coll. X. p. 165,
First Series. [See also a similar character of Mr. Nathan Prince
in Eliot's Biogr. Diet., p. 393, note. Edit.]

196 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XX.

him give many instances of this. But, these weaknesses
notwithstanding, he deserves to be remembered with
honour." ^

What a lesson on the use and abuse of the gifts of
nature is taught by the different fortunes of these two
brothers, and the different place in the records of fame
which posterity has assigned them !

According to Dr. Eliot, Mr. Nathan Prince was " a
candidate for the professor's chair"; but his juniors,
Mr. Greenwood and Mr. Winthrop, were successively
preferred to him, and this, notwithstanding his eminence
in learning, and the clairas which his relation to the
College gave him at the time when each of them was
appointed. His character, indeed, presented great
obstacles to his advancement. Among its most promi-
nent traits were imprudence, eccentricity, violence of
temper, and infirmity of moral purpose. There are
occasional indications of some of these qualities in his
pamphlet, which, however, though far from being al-
ways convincing, is a very ingenious and able per-
formance.

1 Chauncy's Sketch of Eminent Men in New England, p. 164.

CHAPTER XXI.

Of the prosperous state of the College during
President Holyoke's administration there is abundant
testimony.

In the year 1738, Mr. James Townsend bequeathed
to the College ^500 O. T. [old tenor], the income to
be paid to the Hollis Professor of Divinity.

The Honorable Thomas Hutchinson, an eminent
merchant of Boston, left it, in the year following, a
legacy of ^£300, of which the same Professor was to
have the benefit for fifteen years ; and then it was
" to be disposed of by the Corporation, with the con-
sent of the Overseers." Mr. Hutchinson w-as a mem-
ber of his Majesty's Council from 1714 to 1739, the
year of his death. He w^as not a graduate of the
College. He is '* allow^ed to merit the pious testimony
of his son," Governor Hutchinson, who thus spoke of
him : " I wish that many of his posterity may so justly
deserve the character of true friends to their country.
Regardless of the frowns of a governour, or the threats
of the people, he spoke and voted according to his
judgment, attaching himself to no party any further
than he found their measures tend to the publick in-
terest."^ •

1 Hutchinson's Hist, of Mass., Vol. H. p. 39 J, note. Eliot's Biogr.
Diet, Art. Hutchinson, p. 271.

198 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXI.

For the benefit of the Professor of Divinity, also,
Daniel Henchman, Esq. presented, in 1742, one hun-
dred ounces of silver, and again in 1747, £250, O. T.,
the income of both which sums were to be paid to
that olHcer.

This same gentleman, in 1758, made a further dona-
tion of £66. I3s. 4d., lawful money, the income to be
given to the Hollisian Professor of Mathematics and
Natural Philosophy.

To both the Professors just mentioned. Lieutenant
Governor Dummer "bequeathed the income of <£100
sterling, in equal proportions." He also left £50 ster-
hng to be laid out in books for the Library. Governor
Dummer w^as not a graduate of the College. His
public life must be familiar to all who are acquainted
with the history of Massachusetts. Dummer Academy
at Newbury was founded by him. He died at Boston
October 10th, 1761, at the age of eighty-two years,
having sustained the uniform character of a wise, up-
right, pious, and benevolent man.

In the year 1740, Col. GofFe manifested his good
will to the College by bequeathing to it the sum of
c£200 ; but his estate proving insolvent, this legacy
Avas not paid.

For more than a century from its foundation the
College was without a Chapel. Religious services,
inaugurations, and other public exercises (with the
exception of those on Commencement day, when,
as now, the Meeting-house was used,) were generally,
perhaps always, performed either in the Commons
Hall, or in the Library. In the year 1744 this defici-
ency was supplied by the munificence of Madam
Holden and her daughters, of London. They remitted
£400 sterling, for this purpose, and a small but hand-

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 199

some brick building was erected, which is now stand-
ing ; and which, though as a chapel it has long since
been superseded by rooms in other buildings, is still
advantageously used for other purposes, being appro-
priated to the medical and chemical departments.
This benefaction is said, and no doubt truly, to have
been obtained "through the influence of Thomas
Hutchinson, Esq., afterwards governor ; but it may be
considered as one of the fruits of Dr. Colman's visit
to England, nearly half a century before. The vessel
he sailed in was taken by a French privateer after a
smart engagement, during the whole of which he was
on the quarter-deck and assisting at the guns. He
was treated roughly by the captors, stripped of all his
clothes, and carried prisoner to France. At length
after a variety of adventures he arrived at London, in
a very destitute condition ; and was hospitably enter-
tained by Madam Parkhurst, whom " God made a
kind and loving mother to him, and a generous friend
afterwards to some of his friends from New-England,
in their straits." ^ This led to " a most happy cor-
respondence " with her excellent son, the Honorable
Samuel Holden, a gentleman who, possessing great
wealth, and being distinguished also for his abilities,
integrity, diligence, and prudence, was placed at the
head of the Bank of England, became a member of
Parliament, and was also at the head of the Dissenters
in that country. He was not, however, dazzled by
the splendors of worldly glory nor absorbed by
worldly cares ; but, in the midst of prosperity and
business, his thoughts were habitually recurring to
something higher and better. In one of his letters to

1 Turell's Life of Colraan, p. ]8.

200 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXI.

Dr. Colman he expressed himself in the following
terms : " Shall animal nature thirst after suitable re-
freshments, and shall not rational nature pant after its
spiritual perfection? All I have to desire in life, un-
worthy of any thing at all, is to fill up the remainder
in thankfulness to God, usefulness to man, and a
growing meetness for the Heavenly world.^^ ^ Such
was the uniform tenor of his letters ; nor w^as it empty
profession ; for he had " a heart to use both his estate
and his great interest at Court for the doing good in
his generation." The multiplicity of his affairs pre-
vented him from accepdng the office of agent for
Massachusetts, which w^as offered him by the General
Court ; but, at the instance of Dr. Colman, he ren-
dered eminent services to the Province, and at differ-
ent times forwarded to that gendeman, books and bills
of exchange, amounting to no less than c£4847 New-
England currency, " to be distributed by him in works
of piety and charity." ^

After his death his excellent widow and daughters
honored his memory by following his example. Their
remittances for the same benevolent purposes amount-
ed to no less than X5585 New-England currency ; so
that Massachusetts received from that family bene-
factions to the amount of c£l 0,432. Of this sum a
small part, indeed, came to Harvard College ; enough,
however, to render the name of Holden dear to its
friends ; and it should not be forgotten that the whole
of it is to be referred, directly or indirectly, to the
good offices of a man, whom the College has uncom-
mon reason to hold in grateful remembrance.

1 Colman's Sermon on the Death of S. Holden, Esq.

2 Colman's Sermon. Turell's Life of Colman, p. 116.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 201

The practice of delivering annual discourses on cer-
tain important truths or doctrines had long existed in
the EngUsh Universities; but had not as yet been
adopted in Harvard College. It was at length intro-
duced by the Honorable Paul Dudley. This great
man died January 25th, 1751 ;^ leaving by his will to
Harvard College, as a " a poor thank-offering to God
from his unworthy servant, for his many and great
mercies to him in his education at that College," the
sum of i^l33 6s. 8d, lawful money, equivalent to £100
sterling, the interest to be applied to the supporting of
an annual lecture, to be preached at the College once
every year, upon four subjects, specified in his will :
first, upon Natural Religion ; second, upon Revealed
Religion ; third, upon the Corruptions of the Church
of Rome ; fourth, upon the Validity of Presbyterian
Ordination.

"These four lectures are to be held alternately
every year in succession."

The person who preaches the last lecture, is " to
be a sound, grave, experienced divine, and at least
forty years of age " ; and the preachers are to " have
their stipend or pay given them as soon as may be."

The Trustees are, the President of the College, the
Professor of Divinity, the Pastor of the First Church
in Cambridge, the Senior Tutor of the College, and
the Pastor of the first Church in Roxbury, each of
them for the time being.

The third and fourth of these subjects possessed at
that day an interest, which they have not retained ;
and while " our emancipation from Britain set us free
from all the fears formerly entertained " of the estab-

1 Winthrop's MS. Catalogue.

202 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXI.

lishment of Episcopacy upon the ruins of our Congre-
gational system the progress of light and of improve-
ment has long since left nothing to apprehend on the
side of Popery.

Agreeably to the will of the founder, as to the per-
son by whom the course should be commenced, Pres-
ident Holyoke delivered the first Dudleian lecture, in
the year 1755 ; but withheld it from the press. The
venerable John Barnard of Marblehead, at the age of
seventy-five years, delivered the lecture next year, on
the subject of Revealed Religion. This sermon was
published, and is not unworthy of his high character
for talents and learning. A lecture has been preached
every year since without interrupdon ; and the fist of
preachers comprises many of the first divines of Mas-
sachusetts. The delivery of the Dudleian Lecture
has not been confined to any particular season ; though
it has most generally taken place in May, which is the
time at present fixed upon for that purpose.

The founder of this lecture was one of the most
distinguished alumni of this College. He was the
oldest son of Gov. Joseph Dudley ; was born at Rox-
bury in 1675, and graduated in 1690. He was after-
wards a Tutor in the College. Like his father, he
spent his life mostly in the public service, for which,
like him also, he w^as eminently qualified. He was
thirty-two years a judge of the Superior Court, about
six of which he was Chief Justice. ^

On the bench he shone with uncommon lustre, and
"gained the general esteem and veneration of the
people." " His knowledge was great in most parts of
hterature ; he was well versed in natural philosophy ;

1 Winthrop's MS. Catalogue.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 203

an honorable proof of which was his being a member
of the Royal Society. He had thoroughly studied
divinity ; and in history, both civil and sacred, he had
scarce an equal." To all his other accompHshments
he added those which are proper to the gentleman
and the Chrisdan.^

Such was the character given of him by that great and
good man, the Honorable Stephen Sewall, who was his
immediate successor in the office of Chief Justice, —

"Laudatus a laudato viro. "

Judge Sewall was himself one of the brightest orna-
ments of Harvard College. He belonged to an illus-
trious family. His father was the excellent Stephen
Sewall, Esq. of Salem; his mother was a daughter of
the famous Mr. Mitchel, minister of Cambridge, and he
was nephew to Chief Justice Samuel Sewall, of whom
we have already spoken. After taking his bachelor's
degree, in 1721, he engaged in a business which has
occupied the early years of many of our greatest men,
that of instructer. He had charge of a grammar school
in Marblehead for some time, afterwards returned to
Cambridge and was Tutor from 1728 to 1739. So
high was his reputation for talents, learning, and all good
qualities, that he was advanced from that situation to a
seat on the bench of the Superior Court, where he
remained till his death, which took place in 1760, to
the extreme regret of his friends and of the pubUc.
Among his eulogists were two of the greatest divines
of the age, his classmate Dr. Chauncy, and Dr. May-
hew, both of whom place him in the first rank of
'New England worthies.

1 The Character of the late Honorable Judge Dudley, first published
in the Boston News-Letter, February 7th, 1751 ; ascribed by Eliot to
Judge Sewall.

CHAPTER XXII.

The excitement produced in every part of the
country, about this period, by Mr. George Whitefield,
extended itself to this retreat of the Muses. It was
in the year 1740, that this extraordinary itinerant
preacher made his first visit to New England. He
says in his Journal, " Wednesday, Sept. 24. Went
this morning to see and preach at Cambridge, the
chief College for training up the sons of the prophets
in all New England. It has one President, four Tu-
tors, upwards of one hundred students : It is scarce
as big as one of our least Colleges in Oxford ; and, as
far as I could gather from some who well knew the
state of it, not far superior to our Universities in piety
and true godliness. — Tutors neglect to pray with and
examine the hearts of their pupils. Discipline is at
too low an ebb : Bad books are become fashionable
amongst them: — Tillotsonand Clark are read instead of
Sheppard, Stoddard, and such like Evangelical writers,
and therefore I chose to preach from those words, JVe
are not as many who corrupt the Word of God : And
in the conclusion of my sermon I made a close appli-
cation to Tutors and Students." ^

His idea of " our Universities,^^ that is, of those of
England, may be gathered from his account of them

i Whitefield's Journal at New England, p. 55.

1737- 1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 205

in his Journal at Williamsburg, Dec. 15, 1739, "Most
of our English Schools and Universities," says he,
" are sunk into mere Seminaries of Paganism."

This effusion of fanatic spleen against the College,
does not seem to have afforded him any relief; his
imagination went on teeming, till the 19 th of October,
when it produced this monstrous figment; "As for
the Universities [Harvard and Yale Colleges], I be-
lieve it may be said. Their light is noiv become dark-
ness, — darkness that may be felt ; and is complained
of by the most godly ministers."

In order rightly to appreciate the justice of his re-
marks, it should be recollected, that the Colleges shared
his vituperations in common with the great body of
the New England clergy.

After such a picture of the College, we should hardly
expect to find in the records of this Society an almost
contemporaneous account of its religious state, like the
following :

"June 4, 1741. The Committee of the Overseers
chosen to make inquiry into the state of the College,
&Lc. make the following report : That having met this
day in the Library, and made inquiry into the state of
the College, of the President, Fellows, Professors, and
Tutors, we find that of late extraordinary and happy
impressions of a religious nature have been made on
the minds of great numbers of the students, by which
means the College is in better order than usual, and
the exercises of the Professors and Tutors better at-
tended, &-C. Whereupon it is earnestly recommended
[by the Overseers] to the President and Tutors, Pro-
fessors and Instructors, by personal application to the
students under such impressions, and by other suitable
methods, to encourage and promote this good work."

206 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXII.

— " In consideration of the comfortable account we
have received of the State of religion in Harvard Col-
lege by a work of God on the minds of many students
there, voted, that there be a meeting of the Overseers
next Wednesday at the College, to spend some time in
humble thanksgiving to God for the effusion of his
holy spirit, and in earnest supplication that the good
work so graciously begun may be abundantly carry ed
on, that the Government of said College may be al-
ways under the divine direction and influence in all
their determinations with regard to the welfare of that
society." ^

If there was ever an occasion, which called upon
the friends of a public institution to rouse themselves
in its defence, this was most certainly one. A min-
ister of the gospel, endued with the power of sway-
ing the multitude to a greater degree, perhaps, than
any other person has ever been, was denouncing this
" School of the Prophets " to the world in tones of ap-
palling import ; and many religious demagogues were
laboring to give effect to his denunciations by exhort-
ing parents to keep their sons from this sink of abomi-
nation, or, what in their view was the same thing,
Arminianism, which at that day was regarded with the
same horror as the sin of Unitarianism is by some at
the present. Silence on the part of its members
would, under such circumstances, have indicated an
indifTerence to its welfare which would have been truly
astonishing. At the same time, as there was no little
hazard in encountering the popular idol and the popu-
lar frenzy of the day with boldness and spirit, it was
advisable at first to adopt the Fabian policy, to pro-

' Overseers' Records.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 207

ceed with great caution and deliberation, and to defer
a vigorous onset till it was invited by a more propitious
juncture.

It should be here observed, that, in common with
most others, who were soHcitous for the religious im-
provement of the community, the governors of Harvard
College were at first disposed to view Mr. White-
field in a favorable fight ; they gave him a cordial re-
ception at his first coming among them, and noticed
with complacency, the impressions which his power-
ful eloquence produced on the minds of the students ;
taking care, however, so far as appears, and as might
have been expected from wise and discreet ofiicers,
from President Holyoke, Tutor Flynt, Professor Wig-
glesworth, and others, to check all extravagances,
to prevent all disorderly proceedings, and to make
whatever new interest was excited for rehgion an oc-
casion of increased attention to the regular studies and
duties of the College. But, though they flattered
themselves that society w^as deriving benefit from the
labors of Mr. Whitefield, yet his style of preachings
his conversation, and his various movements were far
from meeting with unmingled approbation, even from
the beginning. It was during the prevalence of a
feefing, on the whole favorable towards him, that
President Holyoke, with abundant candor, expressed
himself in the following manner, in a Convention ser-
mon:

" It doubtless becomes me in the public station I
hold, to make Examinadon as to the State of Things in
these respects, in the School of the Prophets : For that
from thence proceed those Streams, which we trust
will make glad the City of God ; but if the Fountain
be corrupt, the Streams will doubtless be foul and im-

208 HISTORY OF HARVAHD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXII.

pure. Wherefore T am glad I can from my own Ex-
amination of things assure this venerable Audience this
day, that that Society hath not deserved the Asper-
sions, which have of late been made upon it, either as
to the Principles there prevalent or the Books there
read: and tho' such as have given out a disadvan-
tageous Report of us, in these Respects, I doubt not
have done it in a godly Jealousy for the Churches of
Christ, which are supply'd from us, yet (blessed be God)
they are at least mistaken herein : Nor has that So-
ciety been in so happy a State as to these Things, from
the Time that I first was acquainted with the Principles
there, w^hich must be allow 'd to be the Space of four
or ^VQ and thirty years at least, as it is at this Day." ^
But after the publication of a Journal, containing the
most injurious aspersions on the Colleges and Clergy
of New England, it was no longer possible to remain
unmoved at insults so outrageous, or to keep their
eyes shut to the perils which threatened them ; more
especially when they witnessed the frightful disorders
which the labors of intinerant preachers were causing
in every part of the land. Among the most respecta-
ble part of the community, feelings of a hostile charac-
ter towards Whitefield were now become very gene-
ral. Accordingly when he visited this country a second
time in the year 1744, he found it bristhng with op-
position. Clergymen and other persons of great re-
spectabihty were every where on the alert, to resist
his extravagances and to check the ravages of po-
pular delusion. Foremost among them was Dr.
Charles Chauncy, who employed his great powers in
supporting with extraordinary vigor and zeal the ec-

1 Preident Holyoke's Convention Sermon, May 28, 1741, p. 33.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 209

clesiastical fabric of New-England, so rudely shaken
by the blasts of enthusiasm. But it belongs to this
narrative to give a particular account only of the part
which was taken in this affair by Harvard College.

Being the fountain, from which, for sixty years, the
Churches of JYeiv- England, and, after the establish-
ment of Yale College, those of Massachusetts and the
provinces north of it, received their chief supplies of
ministers. Harvard College was looked up to with
veneration, as the centre of the ecclesiastical system
in this region ; and it was undoubtedly expected of this
Society that it would come forward at the present crisis,
not only with a defence of its own character, thus
violently assailed, but with a declaration of its senti-
ments on the character and conduct of a man, who
w^as making such sad work with the peace and order
of the churches. However this may be, on the 28th of
December, 1724, they pubhshed a pamphlet, entitled
" The Testimony of the President, Professors, Tutors
and Hebrew Instructor of Harvard College in Cam-
bridge, against the Reverend Mr. George Whitefield,
and his Conduct." It was signed by all the resident
Instructors, viz. " Edward Holyoke, President ; Henry
Flynt, Tut. & Soc. ; Edward Wigglesworth, Soc.
&L S. T. P. Holliss. ; Judah Monis, Instr. Hebr. ; Bel-
cher Hancock, Tut. ; Joseph Mayhew, Tut. & Soc. ;
Thomas Marsh, Tut. ; John Winthrop, Math. & Phil
Nat. Prof. Holliss." They declared Mr. Whitefield to
be " an enthusiast, a censorious, uncharitable person,
and a deluder of the people," and condemned him
also, " both as an extempore and as an itinerant preach-
er." Among the instances mentioned of his censori-
ousness and slander are, say they, " the reproachful
reflections upon the Society, which is immediately un-

210 HISTORY 0.^ HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XX:..

der our care ; where are observable his rashness and
his arrogance," &c.

They conclude their " Testimony " in a manner
fitting the dignity of this seat of learning and its im-
portant relation to the public. " We wou'd earnestly,
and with all due respect, recommend it to the Rev.
Pastors of these Churches of Christ, to advise with
each other in their several Associations, and consider
whether it be not high time to make a stand against
the mischiefs, which we have here suggested as com-
ing upon the churches."

To this " Testimony " Mr. Whitefield soon publish-
ed an answer. He maintains, notwithstanding the
President's statement^ to the contrary in his Conven-
tion Sermon as above cited, that the representation he
had given of the College in his Journal was correct at
the time when it was written ; pretends that, in assert-
ing the Universities were in a state of Egyptian dark-
ness, he meant nothing but what was very harmless ;
he " had no idea of representing the College in such a
deplorable state of immorality and irreligion " as was
supposed ; and then, with a certain negligent air, ob-
serves ; " However I am sorry I published my private
information, though from credible persons, concerning
the Colleges to the world." This, with some general
expressions of good will to Harvard College, a request
of their forgiveness, if he had done them any wrong, a
magnanimous offer of his own forgiveness for the in-
jury they had done him, and his acknowledgments
for " all the tokens of respect," which had been shown
him when he was first here, Mr. Whitefield seems to
think a sufficient atonement for all the slanders he had
vented against this venerable seat of learning.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 211

As to the general charges against him, he under-
takes also to show, that they were unfounded, though
he admits that he had been sometimes unguarded
in his expressions.

Such a defence was by no means satisfactory ; and
soon afterwards a Letter in reply was addressed to him
by Dr. Wiggles worth, in the name of his colleagues in
the immediate government of the College. In this ad-
mirable production, the learned Professor of Divinity
went over the whole ground with great care and thor-
oughness ; he clearly pointed out the dangers of en-
thusiasm ; confuted all his opponent's arguments in a
masterly manner ; and, by enlarging upon the several
charges against him, gave additional evidence and
force to the "Testimony." No analysis of such a
work could do it justice; or could be sufficiently con-
densed for insertion here ; and what relates particu-
larly to the College, being of considerable length, and
at the same time too interesting to be omitted, will be
found in the Appendix.

The Professor concludes his letter in the following
impressive terms : " And now. Sir, for myself, I can
with great sincerity assure you, that it hath been no
small grief of heart to me, to deal with you in this public
manner : But as these things have been all made pub-
He by your own writings, which are read, I suppose,
in all parts of the British Dominions in Europe and
America ; and, as I apprehend, you have been per-
mitted to fall into repeated, deUberate, most public,
comprehensive, and pernicious violations of the holy
laws of God, I cannot persuade myself that any
good could come of private Conferences ; but think
that you ought to give Satisfaction in as public a
Manner, as you have given Offence ; which I earnestly
pray God to incline your Heart to do, and am," &c.

212 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXII.

To Dr. Wigglesworth's letter was appended one
from the President ; in which he animadverts upon
some remarks of Mr. Whitefield's respecting certain
incongruities real or apparent between the " Conven-
tion Sermon " and the "Testimony." The President
very easily deprives him of any advantage these things
seemed to afford him. Upon the passages in the Ser-
mon favorable to him and Mr. Tennent. one of which
is quoted above, the President thus expresses himself:
"I now assure you, Sir, and all the world, that I am so
far from being displeas'd with the mention of them,
that I rather rejoice in it, as thereby you have given
me a fair Opportunity to correct them : For tho' I
have a good while dislik'd them, and therefore (you
must needs think) cou'd not be insensible of them
when I came into the formention'd Testimony ; yet I
did not think it worth while, since they are upon the
charitable side, to make a formal Business of Retrac-
tation ; though / think if they had been upon the othei'
side, I ought to have done it, ivhethei^ called upon or
not. And inasmuch as you have noted them as stand-
ing in direct opposition to several things in the Testi-
mony which I myself have signed, ' / 7iow thank you.
Rev. Sir, for pointing out those faults to me, ' if you
will allow me to give that term to those errors and
mistakes." ^

He goes on to say, that, when he delivered his Ser-
mon he thought what he uttered was true, but that he
had found he was mistaken ; and, after making some
pertinent remarks and acknowledging that he ought to
have taken more time before he delivered his judgment,
he feelingly observes — "Alas! how was I deluded
by show and appearance ! And not only I, but mul-

1 The Rev. President's Answer to Mr. Whitefield, p. 3.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 213

titudes besides me, who no doubt would be as ready
as I am now, had they a proper occasion for it, to say^
they have been sorrowfully deceived ; and that what-
ever good was done, hath been prodigiously overbal-
anced by the evil ; and the furious zeal with which
you had so fired the passions of the People, hath in
many places burnt up the very vitals of Religion, and a
. censorious, unpeaceable, uncharitable disposition hath,
in multitudes, usurped the place of godly jealousy."

From the fermentation, produced in the community
by the warmth of Whitefield, soon arose a swarm of
iUiterate, conceited, noisy exhorters, that infested the
land, going from place to place inveighing against the
ministers and Colleges, and Arminianism and good
works. Mr. William Croswell was very conspicuous
among them. "He publicly in great assemblies ac-
cused the President and Instructers and Governors
of both Colleges of Arminianism and as enemies to the
work of God, though he knows but Httle about them.
He has advised some persons, as Foster of Plymouth,
to take his son from College, and advised Fayerweather
and other scholars not to mind what their Tutors said
to them, told others that 't were better to send children
aboard a man of war for education than to College,
He has raved from Plymouth to Charlestown against
the College and its Governors and greatest part of the
ministers and some in Boston. These things people
love to hear, and follow his preaching from town to
town, many being puffed up in themselves and leaven-
ed with ill dispositions against the ministers, having
both in contempt, even some women saying, they be-
lieve that few ministers are converted, limiting the na-
ture of conversion to their own particular way of think-
ing about it, that is, sudden and temporary turns of dis-

214 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXII.

tress and joy. " He said also, "he intended to write
against the College. " ^

Another person by the name of Prentice said " he
would make such an attack on the College as it never
had yet. "

Some "imputed the coldness grown upon scholars
to the Tutors' not advising them about spiritual things. "

The result of this controversy was no doubt satis-
factory to the pubUc and beneficial to the College.
What effect Mr. Whitefield's denunciation had to in-
jure the College, by keeping back patronage, by les-
sening the number of its students, or in any other way,
is not known. It was probably much less than it w^ould
have been, had not Yale College, then the only one in
New England except this,^been included in the same
proscription. President Holyoke in his letter to Mr.
Whitefield, said to him, " You have already (whether
you designed it or not) really injured us not a little. "
But from the continued and increasing prosperity of the
College, it is evident that the injury received could
not have been very considerable, either in magnitude or
duration ; and it was doubdess owing, under Provi-
dence, to the timely exertions of its officers in no small
degree, that the mischiefs which threatened it were so
happily averted.

1 Flynt's MS. Diary.

CHAPTER XXIII.

The laws made in 1734 appear to have contained
all that was needed for several years. On the 29th of
April 1740, "The Committee appointed April 25th,
1738, to enquire into the state of the College, &c.,
and revived the 6th of September last, have attended
that service, and upon enquiry made of the Rev'd.
President, Tutors, and Professors, doe find that the
exercises required by law are statedly attended, and
that the body of laws lately made for the government
of the College doe in a good measure answer their
end, and prove beneficial to the Society, and that at
present there does not appear occasion for any new
laws to be made ; nor do the Committee apprehend it
needful to lay any new proposals before the Board of
Overseers. All which is submitted in the name and
by the desire of the Committee. April 20, 1740.

S. Phipps."

Such was the operation of these laws for some years
longer ; till, in the natural progress of things, occasions
arose for the vigorous application of them, and for such
alterations and additions, as resulted at length in another
revisal and amendment of the Code. Those occasions
were sometimes furnished by "profane cursing and
swearing " among the students ; " by their frequenting
alehouses ; " by their " improving persons in fetching
liquors " ; by " the extravagant expenses at taverns and
retailing houses, for wine, strong beer, and distilled spir-

216 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIII.

its, " incurred by some of the undergraduates, and their
" taking up such liquors on score, until their accounts
amounted to a very enormous sum, " a practice, which,
from " the too liberal use of such liquors, " was sup-
posed to have occasioned most of the disorders in the
College.

Sometimes the evils to be remedied were "the
breach of the Sabbath, more especially in time of pub-
lic worship, " the remedy for which was " the Tutors
sitting in the meeting-house so as more conveniently to
oversee the scholars" ; " combinations among the under-
graduates for the perpetration of unlawful acts " ; the
" disorders of which they were guilty by being absent
from their chambers, contrary to law, at unseasonable
times of night " ; " the crime of taking cuts out of
books " belonging to the public Library ; the loose prac-
tice of " going and staying out of town without leave " ;
" the costly habits of many of the scholars, their wearing
gold or silver lace, or brocades, silk night-gowns, Slc,
as tending to discourage persons from giving their chil-
dren a college education, and as inconsistent with the
gravity and decency proper to be observed in this So-
ciety ; " " the extravagancies of Commencement, "
and irregularities on that occasion ; the " disorders upon
the day of the Senior Sophisters meeting to choose the
officers of the class, " when " it was usual for each
scholar to bring a bottle of wine with him, which prac-
tice the Committee (that reported upon it) apprehend
has a natural tendency to produce disorders"; "riot-
ous disorders frequently committed on the quarter-days
and evenings," on one of which in 1764, "the win-
dows of all the Tutors and divers other windows were
broken, " so that, . in consequence, a vote was pass-
ed that " the observation of quarter-days, in distinc-

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 217

tion from other days, be wholly laid aside, and that the
undergraduates be obliged to observe the studying
hours and to perform the College exercises on quarter-
day, and the day following as at other times. " The
prominent evil to be combated at one time, notwith-
standing there was no theatre yet in Boston, was
theatrical exhibitions ; and it was voted in 1762, that
no student should " be an actor in, a spectator at, or
any ways concerned in any stage-plays, interludes, or
theatrical entertainments in the town of Cambridge or
elsewhere, " under the severest penalties. Discipline,
however, took an opportunity now and then to relax its
brow, as in 1761, when a vote was passed "that it
shall be deemed no offence, if the scholars shall in a
sober manner entertain one another and strangers with
punch (which, as it is now usually made, is no intoxi-
cating liquor), any law, usage, or custom to the con-
trary notwithstanding." But of indulgences it was not
hberal. It could not be, and preserve its character ;
for the " Sage, called Discipline," though not mo-
rose, tyrannical or prying, is by nature, serious,
watchful, exact, rigid. Occasionally some striking
occurrence called for the interposition of the lawgivers
of the College ; as in 1755, when "great disorders com-
mitted, and even indignities and personal insults offered
to some of the Tutors by some of the pupils," produced
the appointment of a Committee of the Overseers to
make enquiry into them, and drew from that Board a
vote of censure upon the Scholars; and as in 1766,
when there were " great disorders among the Students
tending to subvert all government."

The last mentioned disorders arose principally, if not
altogether, from dissatisfaction w^ith the state of the

Commons, which, from the first establishment of Har-

218 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIII.

vard College (when, in imitation of the English Col-
leges, they were introduced), seem to have been a
never-failing source of uneasiness and disturbance.

It was the alleged badness of the Commons, that
was, as we have seen, one of the principal causes of
complaint against the first master, Eaton. What their
effects were during a long interval cannot now be par-
ticularly stated ; but it is not probable they were
materially different from what they have been since.

That there are strong reasons, why the Commons
should be supported, it might be fairly inferred from the
very fact of their having continued so long, though, on
one side or another, so continually assailed. Such,
indeed, a little reflection will show to be the truth.
The Commons unite the very important advantages of
furnishing a salutary diet, and of contracting the ex-
pense of a College education by keeping down the
price of board. Their beneficial effects are extended
beyond the walls of the College. To a great degree,
the Commons, it is believed, regulate the price and
quality of board even in private families ; and thus
secure in the town a general style of living, at once
economical and favorable to health and to study. But
the very circumstance, which is their chief recommen-
dation, is the occasion also of all the odium which they
have to encounter; that simplicity, which makes the
fare cheap, and wholesome, and philosophical, renders
it also unsatisfactory to dainty palates ; and the occa-
sional appearance of some unlucky meat, or other food,
is a signal for a general outcry against the provisions.
To remove, as far as possible, all grounds of complaint,
with respect to the price as well as the quality and
conditions of the Commons, regulations, during Presi-
dent Holyoke's time, were frequently made in them by

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 219

the Corporation and Overseers, who were exceedingly
desirous that all the members of the College, officers
living within the walls, as well as students, should be
in Commons.

An idea of their quality may be formed from the fol-
lowing accounts furnished by Dr. Holyoke and Judge
Wingate. According to the former of these gentlemen,
who was graduated in 1746, the "breakfast was two
sizings of bread and a cue of beer"; and "evening
Commons were a pye." The latter, who was gradu-
ated thirteen years after, says, " As to the Commons,
there were in the morning none while I was in College.
At dinner, we had, of rather ordinary quality, a suffi-
ciency of meat of some kind, either baked or boiled ;
and at supper, we had either a pint of milk and half
a biscuit, or a meat pye or some other kind. Such
were the Commons in the Hall in my day. They were
rather ordinary ; but I was young and hearty, and could
live comfortably upon them. I had some classmates
who paid for their Commons and never entered the
Hall while they belonged to the College. We were
allowed at dinner a cue of beer, which was a half-pint,
and a sizing of bread, which I cannot describe to you.
It was quite sufficient for one dinner." ^ A law was
made soon after he left, to prevent the practice, here
mentioned, of being in Commons, and at the same time
living out. In 1764, it was, also, considered "that it
would be much for the interest of the Scholars to be
prevented breakfasting in the town's people's houses " ;
and, accordingly, breakfast, which had been omitted for
some years, was restored to the Commons, and has
probably never since been excluded.

1 Letter of Judge Wingate, to the author, May 5, 1831.

220 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIII.

As the Commons rendered the College independent
of private boarding-houses, so the Buttery removed all
just occasion for resorting to the different marts of lux-
ury, intemperance, and ruin. This was a kind of supple-
ment to the Commons, and offered for sale to the Stu-
dents, at a moderate advance on the cost, wines, liquors,
groceries, stationery, and in general, such articles, as it
w^as proper and necessary for them to have occasionally,
and which, for the most part, were not included in the
Commons' fare. The Buttery was also an office, where,
among other things, records w^ere kept of the times when
the scholars were present and absent. At their admis-
sion and subsequent returns they entered their names
in the Buttery, and took them out whenever they had
leave of absence. The Butler, w^ho w^as a graduate,
had various other duties to perform, either by himself
or hy )[a?> freshman, as ringing the bell, seeing that the
Hall W'as kept clean, &c. and was allowed a salary,
which after 1 765, was <£60 per annum.

But to return to the Commons ; with all the care
that could be taken, it was impossible to render the
board, which was seven shillings and four pence a
week (the price in 1765) as pleasant as the board, for
which twenty shillings should have been charged. The
discontents, however, for the most part, vented them-
selves in Vv^ords, or in such petty sports as judicious
officers are, perhaps, little inclined to notice. Some-
times they produced disorders, which required the
interposition of the government; and, if the rage ex-
cited by the Commons happened to be swelled by
supposed grievances from other quarters, it did not
always subside without a serious explosion.

Such an event took place, as already mentioned, in
the year 1766 ; and, from the proceedings of the dif-

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 221

ferent Boards upon the occasion, must have strongly
interested the public. At a meeting of the Overseers,
on the 7th of October in that year, " A representation
of the President, Professors, and Tutors of the present
uncomfortable state of the College was read, together
with several votes of the Corporation : upon which the
Board came to the following resolutions, viz. It having
been represented to this Board by the Board of Cor-
poration, that there have been great disorders among
the Students, tending to subvert all government, and a
particular relation of the said disorders and of the pro-
ceedings of the President, Professors, and Tutors having
been laid before this Board, the following resolutions
w^ere agreed to, founded upon the facts in the said
relations, viz. —

" Resolved — That there has been great neglect in
the Steward in the quality of the Butter provided by
him for many w^eeks past ; and that after application to
one or more of the Tutors by some of the Students
the neglect continued notwithstanding.

"Resolved — That although this afforded just ground
of complaint, yet that the act of the Students in leaving
the Hall in a body, and showing contempt of the
Tutors, was altogether unwarrantable and of most dan-
gerous tendency.

" Resolved — That it appears from the relation afore-
said, that there has been an unlawful combination of a
great number of the Students to force an execution of
the laws of the College in such manner as they think
proper, particularly, wdth respect to excuses for absence
from prayers, and that there has been an agreement
that, unless such excuses shall be accepted, that the
Students would leave the Hail in a body.

222 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIII.

" Resolved — That the said coml)ination and agree-
ment had no pretence of grievance to justify it ; that
this, together with other matters at the same time
agreed to, has a direct tendency to destroy all subor-
dination in the College.

** Resolved — That the President, Professors, and
Tutors, in their examination and proceedings upon
these affairs, have acted with great tenderness and
moderation.

" Resolved — That this Board will by every way
and mean in their power support and encourage the*
immediate Governors of the College in preventing all
such unlaw^ful combinations, and in carrying into exe-
cution the laws of the College made for that purpose ;
it being the opinion of this Board, that if, in conse-
quence of the punishment of such combinations, many
persons who are now Students, should finally leave the
College, it will be by far less mischievous to posterity
and the future w^ell-being of the College, than to suffer
such offences to pass wdth impunity.

"Voted — That the Overseers will be present with
the Scholars in the Chapel, and that His Excellency
the Governor be desired to read the foregoing resolu-
tions to the Scholars, and enforce them in such manner
as he shall think proper."

At an adjournment of this meeting, Oct. 10th, 1766, it
was voted unanimously that a " paper offered as a con-
fession by certain of the Students calling themselves
a Committee from the rest, cannot consistently with the
maintenance and support of government in the College
be accepted by the President, Professors, and Tutors,
as a satisfaction for the late disorderly proceedings."
That, " the Board recommend to the President, Profes-
sors, and Tutors, to accept of a full confession from

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 223

such of the Students as have been concerned in the
late disorders, as satisfaction for their offences."

That "upon neglect or refusal in the students to
make confession of their late offences to the satisfac-
tion of the President, Professors, and Tutors, the
Board recommend to them to proceed to a vigorous
execution of the laws of the College against such and
so many of the persons concerned in the late disorders,
as they, the said President, Professors, and Tutors shall
judge necessary, to restore and preserve government
and order. " They then passed a vote, which has
more of the air of original legislation than would seem
to belong to a body, whose province it is merely to
recommend and to ratify. It was, " that if any scholar
shall have any censure passed upon him, less in degree
than rustication or expulsion, and shall thereupon with-
out leave regularly obtained absent himself from College ;
or if any scholar, from resentment at any censure or pun-
ishment whatsoever of any of his fellow scholars, shall
absent himself, without leave as aforesaid, from College ;
in every such case, such scholar so absenting shall be
deemed to have renounced his relation to the College,
and shall not be asiain admitted or received without
the express vote of the President, Professors, and
Tutors upon application made for that purpose — Pro-
vided that, if upon application the consent of the Presi-
dent, Professors, and Tutors shall be denied, an appU-
cation may lie to the Corporation and from the Corpo-
ration to the Board of Overseers. "

These proceedings appear to have had the desired
effect; for on the 6th of May next year the Committee
appointed to visit the College reported, that they "had
attended that service and found that the scholars
attended their stated exercises and that there were no

224 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIII.

remarkable disorders among them ; but that the Com-
mittee, upon enquiry, found that the Tutors had for a
considerable time neglected to visit the Chambers as
they were by law required, and therefore proposed
that it be enjoined on them by this Board to execute
the law already made and provided. "

"The Committee further propose, that a law^ be
made, forbidding those who are candidates for a degree
and who have chambers in College to make their
entertainments at Commencement out of the College. "

" Voted, that this report be accepted ; and accord-
ingly the Board passed the following vote respecting
the first proposal in this report, viz. —

" The visitation of the Chambers occupied by the
Students, as enjoined by law, having been of late much
neglected, the Overseers require that it be strictly and
steadily obeyed in all future time, and that they [the
Tutors] be informed that the semi-annual Committees
will enquire whether this law is observed according to
order. "

" With respect to the second proposal in the report
of the Committee, — voted, that it be recommended
to the Corporation to prepare a law agreeable to it. ''

Again ; at a meeting of the Overseers, on the 6th of
October following, the visiting Committee reported
" that, upon enquiry made of the Rev. President and
the other gendemen concerned in the tuition and more
immediate government of the College, nothing was by
them suggested or has otherwise appeared to the
Committee, as requiring the interposition of this Hon.
and Rev. Board, or otherwise specially needful at pre-
sent to be done for the well-ordering of that Society. "

Before the Board rose, " the Tutors and Librarian
being called in, His Excellency enquired whether they

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 225

had practised visiting the Chambers of the Students
according to law and the ex])ress injunction of this
Board ; and it was further enjoined upon them strictly
and steadily to pracdse such visitation, it being in the
opinion of the Board a matter of great importance, and
which tended much to the good order of this society. "

This favorable state of things did not long continue ;
for at a meedng of the Overseers in the Philosophy
Room, April 8th, 1768, it appears by a vote of the Cor-
poration April, 4th, 1764 (doubdess by mistake for 1768),
that a combination had been entered into by a great
number of the Students against the government ; that,
in consequence, great excesses had been perpetrated ;
that on one Saturday night brick-bats were thrown into
the windows of Mr. Willard the Tutor's room, endan-
gering the hves of three of the Tutors there assembled,
and that for this audacious act four Students, who were
discovered to have committed it, were expelled.

This sentence of expulsion being duly confirmed,
" the following resolves were unanimously voted by the
Board.

" That it too manifestly appears, that a spirit of oppo-
sition to Government has prevailed among the greatest
part of the Undergraduates for a short dme past :..

" That there is too great a disposition in the said
Undergraduates, for insufficient reason, to absent them-
selves from prayers and from the ordinary exercises
with the Professors and Tutors :

" That the measures which have been taken by the
Tutors to oblige the said Undergraduates to a proper
appUcation to their studies, and to a regular attendance
upon the exercises of the College were wise and
proper, and have without grounds been complained of
as illegal and oppressive :

226 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [cH. XXIII

"That, from an unjust resentment and false preju-
dices against the Governors of the College for the due
execution of the laws, great affronts and insults have
been offered by most of the Undergraduates, and un-
warrantable assemblies have been held and unlawful
combinations entered into and executed, repugnant to
the fundamental principles of government :

" That the expulsion of some of the immediate and
principal actors in these disorders was a just punish-
ment of theiroffences, and necessary for the preserva-
tion of the authority of the College :

" That this Board will support and encourage those
in the immediate government of the College in their
endeavours to restore and maintain a due subordination
in the Society :

" That the President be desired to read these
resolves in the College chapel, at such time as he shall
think proper."

In the mean time the laws of the College underwent a
general revision. A committee had been chosen by the
Overseers for this purpose as early as Oct. 6th, 1747;
it was afterwards the subject of consideration from time
to time ; but the business does not seem to have been
completed till the year 1767 (1766). The following
vote of the Corporation was consented to May 6th, 1767,
by the Overseers. " The Scholars being at present
unprovided wdth copies of the College Laws, — Voted,
that each of the Tutors shall read the Law^s to their
respective classes as soon as may be, and that such
reading shall be deemed a sufficient promulgation of
the Laws ; and that an authentic copy of all the Laws
be likewise kept in the Buttery, for the inspection of
all the Scholars. "

1737-1769] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 227

The next thins^s to be considered were, whether the
Laws should be printed, and whether they should be
translated into Latin.

The first question " was largely debated," at a meet-
ing of the Overseers, Oct. 6th, 1767 ; and it was voted
to be " the opinion of the Board," that neither " the
Body of Statutes " should be printed, nor " a select
part of the Laws for the use of the Students " ; but it
was '*' the opinion of the Board that the College Laws
be translated in Latin." ^

The various acts already mentioned were of course
embodied in this revised code.

Among the alterations, one of the most remarkable
related to the penal laws. At the period when Har-
vard College was founded, one of the modes of pun-
ishment in the great schools of England and other parts
of Europe was corporal chastisement. It was accord-
ingly introduced here, and was no doubt frequently put
in practice. An instance of its infliction, as part of the
sentence upon an offender, is presented in Judge
Sewall's MS. diary, with the particulars of a ceremonial,
which was reserved probably for special occasions.
His account will afford some idea of the' manners and
spirit of the age: "June 15, 1674, Thomas Sargeant
was examined by the Corporation finally. The advice
of Mr. Danforth, Mr. Stoughton, Mr. Thacher, Mr.
Mather (the present) was taken. This was his sentence :

" That being convicted of speaking blasphemous
words concerning the H. G., he should be therefore
publickly whipped before all the scholars.

"2. That he should.be suspended as to taking his
degree of Bachelor. (This sentence read before him
twice at the President's before the Committee and in
the Library, before execution.)

1 Was this done ?

228 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIII.

" 3. Sit alone by himself in the Hall uncovered at
meals, during the pleasure of the President and Fel-
lows, and be in all things obedient, doing what exercise
was appointed him by the President, or else be finally
expelled the College. The first was presently put in
execution in the Library (Mr. Danforth Jr. being
present) before the Scholars. He kneeled down, and
the instrument, Goodman Hely, attended the Presi-
dent's word as to the performance of his part in the
w^ork. Prayer was had before and after by the Presi-
dent. July 1, 1674."

What an exhibition ! Men's ideas must have been
very diff*erent from those of the present day, to have
tolerated a law authorizing so degrading a treatment of
the members of such a society. It may easily be
imagined what complaints and uneasiness its execution
must frequently have occasioned among the friends and
connexions of those who w^ere the subjects of it. In
one instance it even occasioned the prosecution of a
Tutor; but this was as late as the year 1733, when
old rudeness had lost much of the people's reverence.
The law, however, was suffered, with some modifi-
cation, to continue more than a century. In the revised
body of Laws made in the year 1734^ we find this
article : " Notwithstanding the preceding pecuniary
mulcts, it shall be lawful for the President, Tutors, and
Professors, to punish Undergraduates by Boxing, when
they shall judge the nature or circumstances of the
ofi'ence call for it." . This rehc of barbarism, however,
was growing more and more repugnant to the general
taste and sentiment. The late venerable Dr. Holyoke,
who was of the class of 1746, observed, that in his day,
" corporal punishment was going out of use " ; and at
length, it Avas expunged from the code, never, we
trust, to be recalled from the rubbish of past absurdities.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Two new modes of aiding the College funds were
introduced by the General Court during this presidency.
One of them was such, as we may believe, would not
have been adopted by the worthies of that day, had ex-
perience of its evils taught them to regard it in the same
light that it has since been. This was, by an appeal,
not to the charity of men, but to their passions for
gain. In June, 1765, the General Court passed "an
Act, for raising by Lottery, the sum of three thousand
two hundred pounds, for building another Hall for the
Students of Harvard College to dwell in " ; and it was
the first act of the kind passed for the benefit of this
institution. In the Preamble to this Act it is stated
" that the buildings belonging to Harvard College are
greatly insufficient for lodging the Students of the said
College, and will become much more so when Stough-
ton-Hall shall be pulled down, as by its present ruin-
ous state it appears it soon must be. And whereas
there is no Fund for erecting such Buildings, and con-
sidering the great Expence which the General Court
has lately been at in building Hollis-Hall, and also in
rebuilding Harvard -College, it cannot be expected that
any further provision for the College should be made
out of the Public Treasury ; so that no other resort is
left but to private Benefactions, which it is conceived,
will be best excited by means of a Lottery."

230 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

The other mode of aiding the funds of the College
was of a different character. It was by giving it^an
interest in grants, which were made, of townships of
land in the Province (now State) of Maine. Care had
been taken in former grants of this kind to provide for
the future support of religion and education in the
respective townships. To the shares which were
reserved for these important objects, the General Court
thought proper at length to add a share for the benefit
of Harvard College. The first instance of this was in
the year 1762; from ihat time till about the time of
President Holyoke's decease, there appear to have
been as many as twenty-six townships, in different
parts of Maine, from six to seven and a half miles
square, granted, with a reservation in each of a share
for Harvard College. The share was one sixty-fourth
part in these several townships, except one, and in that
it v>^as but an eighty -third part.

By the establishment of the two Professorships, of
Divinity and of Mathematics, the College had made
considerable advances towards the rank of a University,
or school which furnishes instruction in the w-hole circle
of the liberal arts and sciences. It was enabled to
make a further advance of the same kind, by the munifi-
cence of the Honorable Thomas Hancock, of Boston.
This gentleman was the second son of the Rev. John
Hancock, of Lexington, a clergyman of great respecta-
bility, and of such weight and influence among his
brethren, that he was styled Bishop, ^ Thomas was
born July 3d, 1703. He "served his time with Col.
Henchman, a stationer, in Boston ; but, having a turn
for more extensive business, became one of the prin-
cipal merchants in- New England; "^ and was distin-

1 Eliot's Biogr. Diet. p. 238, note. 2 ibjd.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 231

guished for his activity, probity, benevolence, hospitality,
and public spirit. He was many years a member of
his Majesty's Council ; and was a most useful member
of society. Though not an alumnus, he was a warm
friend of Harvard College ; his bounty to it during his
lifetime has been already noticed. His sudden death,
which took place August 1st, 1764, by preventing him
from executing his liberal intention towards the Library,
furnished his nephew and heir with an opportunity of
exhibiting the noble instance of generosity toward the
Library already mentioned. Honorable as this act was
in itself, its merit was enhanced by the fact that lega-
cies to the amount of more than ^£2300 sterling were
to be paid from the estate, by his uncle's will. Of these
legacies one of a thousand pounds sterling Avas given to
the " President and Fellows of Harvard College, the
whole income to be applied to the support and mainte-
nance of some person, who shall be elected by the
President and Fellows, with the approbation and con-
sent of the Overseers, to profess and teach the Oriental
languages, especially the Hebrew, in said College."
At a meeting of the Corporation, Sept. 19th, 1764, it was
voted, on thankfully accepnng this generous bequest,
" that there be constituted a Professorship of the said
languages in Harvard College," and " that the Professor
upon Mr. Hancock's foundation be known by the stile
and title of the Hancock Pi^ofessor of the Hebrew and
other Oriental Languages, ^^ ^ These votes were con-
sented to by the Overseers ; and thus arose " the first
Professorship founded in New England, or in America,
by one of its sons." A full length portrait of this gen-
erous benefactor, painted by Copley, now decorates
one of the rooms of the public Library.

1 College Records.

232 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

In a seminary, which, from the beginning, had for its
primary object the cultivation of sacred Hterature, it
might be taken for granted, that the original languages
of the Bible would have always formed a part of the
regular course of instruction. Such was indeed the
fact ; and not only the Greek and Hebrew, but the
Chaldaic and Syriac were taught, from the first, by
able Oriental scholars. ^ But there appears to have
been no person^ whose sole or appropriate business
was to teach either of those languages, or any one
branch of learning, before the year 1720 ; about which
time a favorable opportunity presented itself for com-
mencing a division of labor, in this respect, with the
Hebrew.

Mr. Judah Monis, a Jewish Rabbi, who was born in
Italy, or in one of theBarbary States, came to America
at an early period of hfe, and about the year 1720 began
to instruct in Hebrew. In the year 1722 he became a
convert to Christianity, and was baptized at Cambridge. ^
It was voted by the Corporation, April 30th, 1722, " that
Mr. Judah Monis be improved as an instructer of the
Hebrew language in the College," and that his salary
for one year should be i^70. All the undergraduates,
excepting the Freshmen and such others as should be
exempted by the President and Tutors, were required
to attend his instructions on four days in the week.
He was rechosen the next year with a salary of c£80 ;
and at the same time, " the Corporation, having had

1 New England's First Fruits. See Appendix, No. I.

2 [On that occasion, March 27th, 1722, a Discourse was delivered in the
College Hall, by the Rev. Dr Colman ; which was published in a volume
with three Discourses by Mr. Monis himself, entitled respectively. The
Truth, Tiie Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth. 12 mo. Boston,
1722. Edit.]

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 233

experience of great benefit to the College from the
service of the Hebrew instructer, Mr. Judah Monis, the
last year, voted, that such an office be continued in the
Colledge, so long as a suitable person for that service
can be found, and a suitable support for him." ^ His
election was renewed the year following ; and it was
then voted, " that the Tutors of the several classes be
obliged to instruct their respective pupils (except such
as are entered with the said Mr. Monis) in the Hebrew
language, as heretofore" ; and " that Mr. Monis be
obliged to instruct such of the graduates at the College
in the Hebrew language, as shall attend him, at such
times as the Corporation shall appoint."

He seems afterwards to have become a permanent
instructer. In the year 1735, he published a Hebrew
Grammar, for the use of the College, and was paid by
the Corporation £36 for this service. ^ " He made use
of the vowel points in this grammar, and insisted that
they were essential to the right pronunciation of the
language." "He was considered as well educated in
Rabbinical learning, and in that knowledge which w^as
requisite for an instructer in Hebrew." ^ There must,
however, from some cause or other, have been a great
decline in the cultivation of Hebrew ; for when Judge
Wingate was at College (1755-59) Mr. Monis "at-
tended to the instruction of the scholars one afternoon
in the iveek ; but none w^ere compelled to attend who
did not choose to learn Hebrew, and but a small por-
tion of the scholars paid any attention to his instruction."

On the death of his wife, in 1761, he resigned his
office, which he had held about 40 years, and retired to

1 Overseers' Records. 2 ibid.

3 MS. Letter of the Hon. Judge Wingate, Dec. 2d, ]830.

234 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

Northborough in the county of Worcester. He spent
the residue of his days in the family of the Rev. John
Martyn, whose wife and Mrs. Monis were sisters. He
died April 25th, 1764, in the 82d year of his age, leaving
some legacies to pious and charitable objects, and [the
remainder of his estate, which was considerable, to^the
family of Mr. Martyn. ^

The place of Hebrew Instructor did not long remain
vacant, after the retirement of Mr. Monis. It was voted
by the Corporation, Sept. 7th, 1761, " that iS'/rSewall be
the Hebrew Instructor in Harvard College this year."
He was rechosen the next year ; and, in consequence
of a recommendation of the Overseers, that, instead of
increasing the number of Tutors, which the state of the
funds would not admit of doing, additional duties should
be assigned to the Hebrew Instructor, the Corporation
voted, Sept. 5th, 1763, "that Sir Sewall, B. A., be the
Instructor in the Hebrew and other learned languages
for three years, and that he attend the service assigned
him by the Corporation, for w^hich he shall be allowed
annually the sum of four-score pounds."

On the establishment of a Hebrew Professorship, as
before related, his qualifications for the office were so
preeminent, that he was probably the only one who
was thought of to fill it ; and it was voted by the Cor-
poration, Oct. 2d, 1764, "that Stephen Sewall, M. A.,
be the Hancock Professor of the Hebrew and other
Oriental Languages in Harvard College, and that for
the present he go on in the method he is now in, as to
the instruction of the Pupils." Statutes for the regula-
tion of the Professorship were soon afterwards prepared,
in conformity with the v/ill of the founder, who had im-

1 Whitney's Hist, of Worcester, pp. 272, 273.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 235

posed little more restriction on the powers of the Cor-
poration and Overseers, than to require that the Pro-
fessor should be a Protestant. According to these
Statutes, the Professor was to be a Master of Arts, was
** to instruct the Students in the Oriental languages,
especially in the Hebrew and Chaldee," was to read
public lectures in term time, in the Chapel, once a
week, on topics relating to those languages, and to
give private lectures at such times as the Corporation
and Overseers should appoint ; was to instruct in a
more private way, two or three hours in a week, such
of his pupils as should desire it, in the Samaritan, the
Syriac, and the Arabic ; was to follow no employment
that would interfere with the duties of his place; was
removable from his office at the discretion of the Corpo-
ration and Overseers, but never without some very good
and sufficient reason ; w^as to declare himself, at his
inauguration to be of the Protestant reformed rehgion
and was to promise, at the same time, to discharge his
trust with diligence and fideUty, to labor for the ad-
vancement of true learning, to consult the good of the
College in every other respect, and to "promote true
piety and godhness by his own example and encour-
agement." It was also provided that these Statutes
should " be subject to such alterations and additions
from time to time, consistent with the will of the
Founder, as the Corporation, with the consent of the
Overseers should see cause to make. " ^

Mr. Sewall was pubHcly introduced into his office
June 19th, 1765. The installation took place in the
Meeting-house, " in the presence of the Hon'ble. and
Rev'd. Overseers, the Rev'd. Corporation, the Hon'ble.

1 See the Statutes of this Professorship in the Appendix.

236 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

House of Representatives, who were invited on this
occasion, a number of Kev'd. Ministers, and other
respectable gentlemen." After the solemnities, "the
President publicly invited the gentlemen present to
dine in the College Hall. "

The origin of another Professorship may be traced
to a period somewhat anterior to the date of the Han-
cock foundation. Its actual establishment, however,
did not take place till many years afterwards ; and
therefore it will only be stated here, that "• the Hon.
John Alford of Charlestown, Massachusetts, a gentle-
man of considerable estate, and highly respected in his
public, and private character, " who died in the year
1761, "bequeathed a large sum to pious and charitable
uses, at the discretion of his executors, Edmund Trow-
bridge, Esq. and Richard Gary, Esq. " ; that they ap-
propriated a large sum to Harvard College, and that
this was, at length, the foundation of the Alford Pro-
fessorship.

In addition to an enlargement of its dimensions, a new
impulse tow^ards a general improvement seems to have
been communicated to the College by the spirit of the
age. The middle of the eighteenth century was a peri-
od of uncommon mental activity and brilliance. It was
distinguished for its orators, its philosophers, its writers.
Many of the most admired and eloquent productions of
modern times had their birth at that epoch. The hu-
man mind was then awakened ; and, whatever rever-
ence might still be retained for the beneficial maxims
and usages of antiquity, its rust was regarded with
litde favor. Seminaries of education naturally and
necessarily partook of the general progress of society.
The steps taken by Harvard College in this march of
improvement, may in many instances be distinctly

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 237

traced, and, to one who is not contented with mere
general results, can hardly fail to be interesting, even
when they may, in themselves, appear unimportant and
trivial.

The records of the College abound in evidences of
solicitude and exertion, on the part of those, who had
the direction of its concerns, to raise the standard of
education, and at the same time to give it a more ele-
gant and popular cast. In choosing their semi-annual
" Committee to enquire into the state of the College,"
it was usual for the Overseers to make it a part of the
vote that the Committee " consider w^hat may be bene-
ficial to it. " They also frequently chose special Com-
mittees for particular purposes, and recommended such
improvements of various kinds as appear to have been
most needed.

In the early part of this presidency, and probably for
many years before, the text-books were the following :
Latin and Greek Classics, — Virgil, Cicero's Orations,
Cicero's Offices, and a little of Homer; the Greek Tes-
tament; Ward's Mathematics, Gordon's Geographical
Grammar, Gravesande's Philosophy, EucHd's Geome-
try ; Wollebius's Compend of Theology, and Brattle's
Compend of Logic, both in Latin ; Watts's Logic, and
Locke on the Human Understanding. They were all
works of authority at that period. If to these we add
the exercise of reading Greek into Latin, " which would
apply to the New Testament and that only," Mr. Mo-
nis' Hebrew instructions, the lectures of the Profes-
sors of Divinity and Mathematics, and the President's
expositions of the Scriptures, at evening prayers twice
a week, and disputations of the Juniors and Seniors, we
shall have about the whole that was embraced by the
collegiate course at that period. That there was suf-

238 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

ficient room for addition is very apparent ; and it would
seem, that the qualifications requisite for admission into
the College could not have been very high, or a part
of the above list, as Virgil and Cicero's Orations, would
have been excluded, and other authors have been
substituted in their places. ^

At the meetings of the Overseers from the year
1755 to the year 1761, both inclusive, various motions
were made, which had for their object the promotion
of classical learning. At length, Oct. 6th, 1761, a Com-
mittee reported that they " find upon enquiry that the
Students are not required to translate English into
Latin nor Latin into English, neither in verse nor prose.
The Committee are of opinion, that if some or all of
those exercises according to the different geniuses of
the Students were introduced, and some part of the
present exercises laid aside, as shall be judged most
convenient, an acquaintance with and skill in both lan-
guages would be obtained in a more easy and expedi-
tious way than by the present method of instruction ;

p The following particulars of an Examination for admission at this
period, taken from a MS. Diary of the late venerable Dr. Holyoke, who
entered College in the year 1742, will show more distinctly the actual
requisitions for admission, and will be interesting to the sons of Harvard :

"An account of our examination the 13th day of July, 1742, viz.
Foxcroft, Green, myself, and Putnam. Tutors, 3d ^Eneid, 15 lines,
Presi'dt, 2d ^neid, 24 lines, Virgil.— Tutors, 3d Catiline, Presid't, 2d
Catiline, Tully. — Tutors, 12th Luke, Presid't, 25th Matthew, Greek
Testament. — Memo. Mr. Flynt examin'd us in Tully; Mr. Hancock, in
Virgil ; Mr. Mayhew, in Greek Test. ; Mr. Marsh, in no book, in the
forenoon. In the afternoon examin'd by the Presid't, who gave us the
following Themes : Foxcroft, Sapientia pra^stat viribus ; Green, myself,
Labor improbus omnia vincit ; Putnam, Semper avarus eget I finish'd
my Theme the 19th day of July, 1742, and was admitted the ( ) of
ye August following (after having been on writing my College Laws 20
days, finished them the 10 of August.) And we began to recite on the
Monday morning after the vacancy was up, which was the 23d day of
August, in the year 1742." — Edit.]

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HO LYOKE. 239

and, ill order to excite an emulation, the Committee
think it would be convenient, that specimens of such
translations and other performances in classical and
polite Literature should be from time to time laid before
the Board of Overseers."

" The Committee are further of opinion, that more
classical authors should be introduced and made part
of the exercises, and that Horace should be earlier
entered upon than has of late been practised."

It was voted " that it be recommended to the Presi-
dent and Tutors to act in conformity to the report of
the Committee relative to the scholars' classical exer-
cises."

May 4th, 1762, "the Board find that the Tutors
have not conformed to the vote passed the last meeting
relating to translations and the introducing more clas-
sical authors ; and thereupon, voted, that it be recom-
mended to the President and Tutors to conform to
said vote as soon as may be."

October 14th, 1762. "Voted, that each Tutor be
directed to lay before the Committee that shall be
appointed to visit the College, in the spring, an account
of the books in which the respective classes recite, and
that the said Committee be directed to enquire what
has been done in conformity to the report of October
6th, 1761, relating to translations and the introduction
of classical authors, and make a particular report at the
next meeting."

May 9th, 1763. "The Committee appointed to
' enquire into the state of the College and to consider
of such things as may be beneficial to it,' made their
report, in which they say, that they ' enquired what
books the several classes recite or are instructed in,
and have received a Hst from the Tutors, which is

240 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

herewith presented ; it appears that Horace is more in
use than it has been, and that Ciesar's Commentaries
hath been lately introduced, and that the several classes
are held to translating English into Latin once every
fortnight.-'

Provision was also made, during the same period,
for an improved study of Divinity and Moral Philosophy.
The Overseers passed votes at different meetings upon
the subject. At a meeting, April 24th, 1759, a Com-
mittee having reported that "no system of Divinity or
Ethicks is taught in the College," it was voted " that
it be recommended to the CorporaUon speedily to
introduce some system of Divinity or Ethicks." This
vote was repeated in October, and on the 6th of May,
1760, "the President read several votes of the Cor-
poration, whereby it appeared that suitable care was
taken of that matter."

As if from a presentiment of the demand which the
lapse of a few years would create for eloquence in the
Bridsh Provinces, there was nothing which the Over-
seers appear to have been more intent on encouraging
among the students, at this dme, than those develope-
ments and attainments, which have a more immediate
reference to that accomplishment. In the years 1754
and 1755, votes were passed at different meetings for
the promotion of Oratory ; and, in consequence of their
recommendation, measures for that purpose were
adopted by the Corporation. The strong interest taken
in the subject is evident from the following account.
"At an Overseer's meeting at the College, April 27th,
1756 ; 1. John Vassal, Jonathan Allen, Tristram Oilman,
Thomas Tappan, Edward Walker, Samuel Barret,
presented themselves before the Board and pronounced
in the respecUve characters assigned them a dia-

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 241

logue in the English tongue translated from Castalio
and then withdrew. The Board unanimously expressed
their acceptance and approbation, and it was thereupon
voted that the several students aforesaid be sent for
and they be acquainted, that the Board are well pleased
with their performance, and desire them to proceed as
they have l3egun, that they may not only render them-
selves ornaments to the College and an honor to their
country, but may also excite an emulation in others to
excel in eloquence and oratorical attainment and in the
like manner to merit the approbation of this Board."

"2. Voted, that the rhetorical and oratorical exer-
cises that have been this last half-year in the College
Chapel performed by the scholars, be still continued."

" 3. It was voted, that the President be desired
to read the aforesaid votes in the Chapel, in presence
of the students, the next convenient opportunity." ^

It would seem, however, that something further was
necessary to be done, before the views of the enlight-
ened men of that day could be realized. These views
were more fully unfolded in the following report made
to the Board of Overseers, May 4th, 1762: "The
Committee, appointed to enquire into the state of the
College and to consider of such things as may be
beneficial to it, attended that service at the College on
Wednesday, the 28th of April, and beg leave to report,
that there were no complaints of disorders among the
scholars; the Committee have, therefore, nothing to
suggest on that head, except it should be judged
necessary to make a law to require the scholars'
attendance upon public w^orship on the anniversary
days of Thanksgiving and Fasting, and other days set

1 Overseers' Records.

242 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

apart by the Government for religious services, in a
more explicit manner, than at present it seems to be
required."

" The Committee heard the several classes recite
in the books they usually recite in before the Tutors.
The exercises were laudably performed, and gave the
Committee as much satisfaction as they could expect
from performances in that manner: the Committee,
however, cannot but observe that these exercises do
not afford sufficient scope for a display of genius, nor
do they seem enough calculated to raise in the scholars
an emulation to excel. The Committee would, there-
fore, propose, w^hether it would not be sufficient to
exhibit a few^ specimens of this kind at these visitations,
and to prompt the scholars to exhibit any thing of
genius or spirit agreeable to their own turn of mind.
Some of them might, in this case, be put upon declaim-
ing, which is an usual exercise at College, and might
tend to form them to a graceful elocution, if performed
before the Committees for visitations, with a special
view to their own credit in exceUing. Some exercises,
carried on in parts betw^een two or more, might have
the same good effect. As, for instance, one might
offer a thesis and say what he thought proper in
defence of it ; another might reply, and this exercise
might conclude with a rejoinder ; — and they might be
performed either in English or in one of the learned
languages, agreeable to the nature of the subject, or
the talents or inclination of the performers. These, or
any such like exercises, which the President and Tutors
should approve, exhibited from time to time before the
Committees, we humbly apprehend, would greatly tend

I Overseers' Records.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 243

to the improvement of the scholars and the credit and
reputation of the society.

" In the name and by order of the Committee.

"May 3d, 1762." "AND. OLIVER."

" Voted, that this report be accepted, and that it
be recommended to the President and Tutors to con-
form to the proposal made in the latter part of it." ^

This recommendation was duly attended to ; and
the experiments, which were made, proved so satisfac-
tpry, that, on the 23d of June, 1766, the Corporation
voted, " that twice in the year, viz. at the semi-annual
visitation of the Committee of the Overseers, some of
the scholars, at the direction of the President and
Tutors, shall publicly exhibit specimens of their pro-
ficiency, by pronouncing orations and deHvering dia-
logues, either in Enghsh or in one of the learned lan-
guages, or having a forensic disputation, or such other
exercise as the President and Tutors shall direct."
This was consented to by the Overseers ; as was also
another vote of the Corporation, passed the same year,
that the law asjainst theatrical entertainments should
"not prevent any exhibitions of this kind from being
performed as academical exercises under the direction
of the President and Tutors." Such was the origin of
those interesting displays, in the College Chapel, of
youthful genius, learning, and eloquence, which are
called exhibitions, and which, as appears from Mr.
Oliver's report, may be mentioned among the good
fruits of another practice introduced a short time before
— that of public examinations.

It was voted by the Corporation, May 6th, 1 760, " that
twice in a year, viz. in Spring and Fall, each class shall
recite to their Tutor, in the presence of the President,

244 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

Professors, and Tutors, in the several books in which
they are reciting to their respectiveTutors,and that, pub-
licly in the College Hall or in the Chapel ; and that the
two Senior classes do once every halt-year, in the same
presence, but under the direction of the mathematical
Professor, give a specimen of their progress in philoso-
phical and mathematical learning." The appointment
of such exercises having been made a year or two be-
fore, it had been ordered by the Overseers "that one
of these publick exercises be performed on the respec-
tive days, when the Committee of the Overseers semi-
annually meet to enquire into the state of the College,
and that said Committee be directed to be present and
attend the same ." ^

The extension of the various aids and incitements
to improvement was greatly facilitated by an important
change which took place in the distribution of the ser-
vices of the Instructors. At the foundation of the Col-
lege, the number of students and teachers being small,
there was of course little of that division of labor,
• which consists in assigning particular branches and du-
ties to particular officers. The same causes, which ex-
isted then, operated, though with a gradually diminish-
ing force, to prevent any alteration in this respect, for
more than sixty years ; and after that, the practice
for each tutor to teach all the branches to the class
which was assigned to him, and which attended no
other tutor while he held his office, continued, when
there was nothing but the authority of long usage to
maintain it. Its unfavorable operation became at length
so apparent, that the subject was brought before the
Overseers, who. May 7th, 1765, appointed a Committee

1 [Mr. Peirce has made the following note here, in his MS. " Were
these examinations at first, and for any length of time, connected with
the exhibitions ? " — Edit.]

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 245

consisting of the Lieut. Governor, the President of the
College, and other respectable gentlemen, " to consider
of a more proper distribution of the work or service of
the Tutors." The Committee were " desired to con-
sult his Excellency the Governor and take his advice."
Their report was made, May 6th, 1766, and was as fol-
lows :

"To the Honorable and Reverend the Board of
Overseers of Harvard College.

" The Committee appointed the first Tuesday in
May last to consider of a more proper distribution of
the work or service of the Tutors, have had several meet-
ings for that purpose and have projected a plan, which is
hereunto annexed, and which in the opinion of the
Committee will, when carried into execution, be attend-
ed with many advantages to the Society ; but, as it will
cause a great change in the long established manner
of proceeding, the Committee did not think it proper
to report that it should be immediately entered upon,
but submit to the Honorable and Reverend Board the
determination, whether the present or some future time
may be most convenient, and whether any preparatory
measures are necessary or not.

In the name and by order of the Committee.

THO. HUTCHINSON."
" For the advancement of learning it is proposed,
That one Tutor shall teach Latin ; another, Greek ;
another. Logic, Metaphysics, Ethics; and the other
Natural Philosophy, Geography, Astronomy, and the
Elements of the Mathematicks.

" That all the scholars shall attend the Tutors on
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays,
three times a day ; and once a day on Fridays and
Saturdays, during their four years residence at College
in term time, excepting Commencement week ; and

246 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

that the Senior Sophisters shall not be obliged to at-
tend any of the exercises after the last day of June.

"That the Senior Sophisters shall attend the Tutor
A on Mondays, B on Tuesdays, C on Wednesdays,
D on Thursdays.

> " That the Junior Sophisters shall attend B on Mon-
days, Con Tuesdays, D on Wednesdays, »^ on Thurs-
days.

" That the Sophomores shall attend C on Mondays,
D on Tuesdays, Jl on Wednesdays, B on Thursdays.

" That the Freshmen shall attend D on Mondays,
J. on Tuesdays, B on Wednesdays, C on Thursdays.

" That on Friday and Saturday mornings each class
shall be instructed by a distinct Tutor in Elocution,
Composinon in English, Rhetoric, and other parts of
the Belles Lettres.

"That the Divinity Professor shall instruct all the
scholars in Divinity.

"That to prevent the great inconveniences attending
some of the scholars going home at one time, and some
at another, in the Spring and Fall, to procure clothing,
&c., as they heretofore have been permitted to do, it is
proposed, that there shall be a short vacation in the
Spring and Fall, and that in term-Time no scholar
shall go out of Cambridge, unless upon some very
special occasion ; and that liberty be granted therefor
at a meeting of the President, Professors, and Tutors,
by the major part of them. By these regulations the
scholars will not be absent from College more in the
course of the year, than they are according to the pre-
sent practice, and yet they will be at less expense for
diet.

" That public gifts shall be prohibited, and in lieu
thereof, each scholar shall pay one shilling and nine

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 247

pence lawful money quarterly, in addition to the tui-
tion-money ; and the Tutors shall be paid annually out
of the College Treasury a guinea for each scholar that
takes his first degree, to be divided equally amongst
the four."

" Voted, that this report, so far as it recommends a
division of the services of the Tutors according to the
sciences and branches of Hterature be approved ; and
that the Corporation be desired to make a law to carry
it into execution in such a manner as shall correspond
with the services of the Professors."

" Voted, that the last article of the report, relative to
the public gifts to the Tutors, be approved ; and that it
be recommended to the Corporation to prepare a law
agreeable to it."

At a meeting of the Overseers, January 16th, 1767,
" a plan for the alteration of the services of the Tutors,
recommended to the Corporation by this Board, hav-
ing been passed upon and prepared by them, was now
presented, with this vote of the Corporation, viz: 'At
a meeting of the President and Fellows, December
16th, 1766, voted, that the plan for the advancement
of learning be entered upon immediately after the
winter vacation.' Read and consented to."

It was voted by the Corporation, on the 20th of
April following, " That each class be instructed four
days successively in every week in the same branch
of learning by the Tutor to whose department it be-
longs, viz : on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday ; and shall attend the several Tutors in
rotation ; whereby each Tutor shall have the same
class every fourth week.

" That the classes shall attend their respective Tu-
tors on Friday and Saturday morning as has been
usual.

248 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXIV.

" That if any scholar shall have occasion to go out
of town on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thurs-
day, he shall apply for leave to that Tutor whom he is
to attend on said days ; if on Friday and Saturday, to
the Tutor whom he is to attend the next week."

A more important alteration in the arrangements of
the College could not be easily -imagined. Upon the
old plan no considerable advancement of learning could
ever have taken place. Scanty as the above list of
text-books now appears, it was yet more than one
man, unless far above the ordinary standard, could
teach, in a thorough and suitable manner, especially
while he had other important duties to perform as a
member of the government. But, in consequence of
the distribution of services now introduced, though
each instructor gave as much of his time to all the
classes, as he had before devoted to his own particular
class, his attention being now mostly confined to one
branch of learning, he would acquire so intimate an
acquaintance with it, and such a facility in teaching it,
that he would not only discharge his functions much
more ably and usefully, but might very conveniently
increase the number of text-books in his department,
whenever it was desired, and at the same time find
more leisure to attend to the general concerns of the
College. While, therefore, the old sytem was calcu-
lated to keep education fixed and stationary ; the new
one admitted of an expansion in the circle of academi-
cal exercises, which was suited to the progress of
learning and refinement, and to the growing wants of
society.

There is another consideration, connected with this
subject, which merits, perhaps, some attention. With
all the care that could have been taken in the appoint-

1737-1769.] PRESIDEiVT HOLYOKE. 249

merit of Tutors, a difference must always have existed
among them, as to their talents and qualifications ; and
occasionally some individual would possess a marked
superiority over his Colleagues, unless we are to sup-
pose the absurdity of his being excluded for being too
great a scholar ; so that when each class was confined
to a particular Tutor, the different classes must have
enjoyed different advantages, with respect to the in-
struction they severally received. On the new plan,
such inequality was removed, as each class was in turn
instructed by each Tutor.

All these measures, adopted with a view to the
advancement of learning, solid or ornamental, were
incidentally productive of other beneficial effects. By
supplying the students with additional occupation and
excitement, and thus diminishing their leisure and
inclination for irregular indulgences, they tended to
improve the condition of the College, with respect to
moraUty, order, and even religion. Sufficient room,
however, was left for the employment of direct means
in these respects ; and in this as great a degree of
vigilance, energy, and strictness was exerted, as is
perhaps consistent with the allow^ance of that freedom,
which is necessary for the developement of the various
faculties and properties of the mind. We have already
seen, that the officers themselves were not spared,
when they became offenders ; and the examples which
were made in the early part of this presidency, painful
as they were, must have had a salutary effect.

CHAPTER XXV.

At the time the College was making the acquisitions
before mentioned, for the advancement of education,
it experienced a severe deprivation, by the death of
the learned and excellent Professor of Divinity. The
circumstances of Mr. Wigglesworth's appointment and
inauguration have been already related ; as have also
some other facts respecting him, particularly the dis-
tinguished part he bore in the controversy with Mr
Whitefield ; but of an officer so eminent and valuable
something further will be expected.

Professor Wigglesworth's father was the Rev. Mi-
chael Wigglesworth, of Maiden, who was graduated
at this College in 1651; and, from the rank of his
family, stands at the head of his class in the Catalogue.
He is said to have been a Fellow of the Corporation.
His name is at least found among the names of the fif-
teen Fellows mentioned in the temporary act of 1697.^
He died at Maiden, June 10th, 1705, at the age of
seventy-four years.^

At the Commencement following, which was then
on the fourth of July, young Holyoke, who was after-
wards President, pronounced the Bachelor's oration,
and made respectful mention of this deceased minister,

1 Hutchinson's Hist. Mass. I. p. 173. 2 Sewall's MS. Diary.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 251

stiling him " Maldonatus Orthodoxus." Greatly es-
teemed, as an able, a sound, and pious divine, and as
a skilful physician for the body as well as for the soul, he
possessed moreover the talent of interesting his devout
contemporaries by his poetical effusions. The largest
of his poems, entitled " The Day of Doom," passed
through six editions in this country and was also print-
ed in London. ^

His son Edward took his bachelor's degree in 1710,
and stands second on the Catalogue ; John Denison of
Ipswich, descended probably from the Author of Iren-
ico7i, being at the head. He immediately appHed him-
self to the study of theology, was a candidate for the
gospel ministry, and preached in different parishes.
He appears, however, to have been one of those learn-
ed and ingenioais men, who, like the famous Lardner,
succeed better in gaining the attention and regard of
the discerning few, than interesting the mass of a com-
mon audience ; and, though " as a minister of a parti-
cular church he might not have shone among the popu-
lar preachers, he was completely accomplished for the
chair of Divinity Professor." He had been out of Col-
lege upwards of eleven years; and was thirty years old,
when he was appointed to this station. He died Janu-
ary 19th, 1765, in the 73d year of his age, having filled
the office of professor forty-three years ; a longer period
than any person has yet held a professorship in any de-
partment. His conduct fully jusdfied the high recom-
mendation w^hich was in the begining given of him to Mr.
HoUis ; and proved him eminently quahfied and dis-
posed for the important task of instilling religious senti-
ments into young minds, and of forming teachers for the
churches in this part of British America.

i See Kettell's agreeable and valuable " Specimens of American
Poetry." Vol.1.]

252 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXV.

He was many years troubled with deafness. This
" unfitted him to shine in conversation, for which he had
fine talents. On this account, however, he paid more
attention to his studies ; and his lectures were filled
with arguments, excellent thoughts, liberal views of the
Christian doctrines, and just discrimination of the con-
tested points." ^ Most of the clergy of Massachusetts
and New Hampsire had at the time of his decease,
been educated under him ; and it is reasonable to believe
that their general respectability was owing, in no small
degree, to his wise and learned instructions.

Some idea of him as a lecturer may be formed from
an account, given by one of the very few of his pupils
still hving, and w^ho, at the age of ninety -two years,
thus writes under date of May 5th5 1831 :^

" We attended his theological lectures, both in the
Chapel for all the students, and in the Hall to the two
Senior classes. His lectures to the latter were con-
fined to the subject of the Thirty-nine Articles of the
Church of England. In those lectures, the Professor
did not take a text of Scripture, but took some particu-
lar article of that creed and discoursed from it. His
lecture was very short. He had no prayer nor any
other service. I remember in the course of his lec-
tures, he came across that article, which led him to
consider the infallibility of the Church of Rome." The
Doctor had a very excellent talent for satire. An
agreeable vein of sarcastic humor runs through his dis-
course at the Dudleian Lecture, which is a masterly
piece of clear and close reasoning upon the same Ro-
man Catholic doctrine. The following passage, with
a little of that seasoning, affords also some idea of the

1 Eliot's Biogr. Diet. p. 486.

2 Plon. Paine Wingate of Stratham, New Hampshire.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 253

light in which Popery was regarded at that day. To
such of his hearers as intended to study divinity his
advice is, — " That after you have laid the foundations of
your faith in the great points of natural and revealed re-
ligion, in opposition to the atheist and the deist, as deep
and strong as you can ; if you find leisure and advan-
tages to look much into the controversies between the
several denominations of Christians, you w^ould begin
with that between lis and the church of Rome, That
Church is a restless, incroaching, and implacable enemy
to Protestants of every denomination. It is indefatigable
in its endeavours, compassing land and sea to make prose-
lytes. It utterly denies salvation to any out of its com-
munion. And its heresies, superstitions, cruelties,
idolatries, and other crying wickednesses are such, that
you will find it no very easy matter to persuade your-
selves, that there can be any salvation in it. This is
doubtless, therefore, the most interesting and impor-
tant controversy among Christians; and so deserves
your attention in the first place."

The brevity of his lectures is probably to be account-
ed for by a vote of the Overseers passed Oct. 7th,
1740; "That it be recommended to Dr. Wiggles-
worth, that, in pursuing his course of Divinity in his
pubUc lectures, he be more concise in the several sub-
jects he treats upon." ^

He was a very useful member of the Corporation ;
« For, " says the venerable Dr. Appleton, " although
his hardness of hearing was a great difficulty to him,
when debates were carried on, yet, things being made
known to him (to have his thoughts upon them), there
always appeared in him such an accuracy of thought,

1 Overseers' Records.

254 HISTORY OF HARVARD UJVIVERSITY. [CH. XXV.

such a wisdom and judiciousness in his observations,
as were ever of great weight with us: which I am
able to speak from my own observation, having had
the honor and pleasure of sitting with him at that
board for more than forty years."

His constitution was not robust ; and in the latter
years of his life he suffered much from sickness and
pain ; he was also tried by severe visitations of Provi-
dence in his family ; but the native vigor of his mind,
and the force of those moral and religious princi-
ples, which he had cherished in himself with so much
care, buoyed him up amidst all his afflictions, so
that he was uniformly composed and tranquil. To
great quickness of apprehension and strength of intel-
lect he united a mild, sedate, and dispassionate tem-
per. A gentleman in his manners and deportment, he
was kind-hearted, affable, and obliging. His feelings
were remarkably benevolent ; for though he was great-
ly straitened in his circumstances, never having an
income much, if any, above £200, and many years far
less, he constantly appropriated a tenth part of what
he received to pious and charitable uses.^ Superior
to most men in natural and acquired endowments, he
may be pronounced inferior to none in those qualities
which constitute a good and amiable character ; and it
is believed that his friend, the eminent Dr. Chauncy,
was not at all extravagant when he thus portrayed him
to President Stiles in 1768:^ "I wonder I should not
till now think of Doct. Wigglesworth, Hollisian Profes-
sor of Divinity at our Cambridge College, as he was
one of my best friends and longest acquaintance, and
had courage to speak honorably of me in the new-light

1 Boston Evening Post — Tracts in College Libr., 258.

2 Mass. Hist. Coll. X. p. 160, First Series.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 255

time, when it was dangerous to do so. He was some
years usher in the grammar-school in Boston. He left
this employment with a design to settle in the minis-
try ; and took a chamber at College about the time I
was graduated there. He lived at College some years
before there was an opportunity for his being chosen
into the Professorship ; all which time I had the pleas-
ure of being many times in a week in company with
him ; and since that time I familiarly corresponded with
him by speech or writing till he died. He is highly
deserving of being remembered with honor, not only
on account of his character, as a man of learning, piety,
usefulness in his day, strength of mind, largeness of
understanding, and an extraordinary talent at reasoning
with clearness and the most nervous cogency ; but on
account also of his catholic spirit and conduct, notwith-
standing great temptations to the contrary. He was
one of the most candid men you ever saw ; far re-
moved from bigotry, no w^ays rigid in his attachment
to any scheme, yet steady to his own principles, but
at the same time charitable to others, though they dif-
fered widely from him. He was, in one word, a truly
great and excellent man."

When asked by Dr. Appleton, the day before he
died, " whether his faith and hope remained strong
and steady," he calmly replied, " he thought he could
say, that in some good measure he had walked before
God in truth and with a perfect heart : and although
there had been many defects and failings in his life,
yet he hoped and believed that, through Christ, he
should be accepted." " And so," adds the venerable
minister, " we all believe, and are persuaded concern-
him." ^

1 Sermon, pp. 38, 39.

256 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXV.

Such a man could not quit the scene, which he had so
long graced and honored, without some tributes of more
than ordinary respect from those whom he left behind.
Accordingly, the ministers and many other gentlemen
from the neighbouring towns assembled to attend his
obsequies; the body, preceded by the Students, was
carried into the chapel, and an oration in Latin was
pronounced by Joseph Taylor, a member of the Senior
Class.

Among the publications upon the occasion was a
" Poetical Essay " in blank verse, composed by Jo-
seph Willard, a Senior Sophister ; which manifests a
vigor and cultivation of mind not unworthy of the
future President of Harvard College. The following
lines are extracted, not merely as a specimen of the
production, but as the testimony of an honest muse to
the sentiments of respect and affection, entertained by
the members of the College towards their departed
teacher :

" Strong and capacious were his mental powers;
His judgment clear and sound ; his diction pure ;
His every word and line, full fraught with sense,
Deep thought bespuke and treasures all his own.
Great were his talents in defence of truth :
'T was here he shone with a distinguished ray.
How would he strip sophistic arguments
Of every specious glare, that leads astray,
From truth's unerring paths, th' unwary mind!
How, with his cogent reasons, strongly urge
The grand, th' important doctrines of his Lord ;
'Till, cleared of all obscurity and doubt.
His subjects shone bright as the noon-day sun !

Ye, Sons of Harvard, say, for ye can tell,
Who once, so highly blest, sat at his feet,
And catch'd th' instructive accents from his tono-ue.
His weighty trust how faithfully discharged ;
How steady he pursued that noble aim,

1737 - 1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 257

To form your morals, to inspire your hearts

With love of virtue, and pure wisdom's ways;

To fill your minds with all-important truths.

Oh Wigglesworth ! could wisdom, learning, sense,

Protect their sons, and save them from the tomb ;

Could meekness, charity, and ev'ry grace.

That e'er combined t' adorn a human soul,

Their vot'ries snatch from death's rapacious jaws,

Sure thou, blest shade, hadst ne'er become his prey."

Dr. Wi2:desworth was distin2:uished for his classical
attainments, as well as for his learning and skill in the-
ology. His publications, however, were altogether
professional. They were. Sober Remarks, on "A
Modest Proof of the Order and Government settled
by Christ and his Apostles in the Church " ; A Ser-
mon on the Death of Thomas Hollis, Esq.; A Dis-
course on the Duration of Future Punishment ; Sea-
sonable Caveat against believing every Spirit, in two
Lectures ; A Sermon on the Death of President Wads-
worth ; Enquiry into the Truth of the Imputation of
Adam's Sin ; A Letter to the Rev. George White-
field; Two Discourses on the Ordinary and Extra-
ordinary Ministers of the Church ; Dudleian Lecture
on the Infallibility of the Church of Rome ; ^ The
Doctrine of Reprobation considered ; On the Inspi-
ration of the Old Testament.

They no doubt ranked among the first productions
of the kind at the time when they appeared ; and may
now be read with pleasure and profit. They bear
marks of great care in their composition, both as

1 Dr. Morse made an unfortunate mistake in publishing, as evidences
of the Professor's rigid Calvinism, some tremendous passages from a
Dudleian Lecture, preached in 1760, by his brother, the Rev. Samuel
Wigglesworth of Ipswich. See Monthly Anthology, Vol. II. pp. 209,
210, 322.

258 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXV.

to thought and style. Perspicuity, precision, good
sense, and good taste every where manifest the well-
trained mind of the author. The doctrinal views, pre-
sented in them, come under the general denomination
of orthodoxy ; but the manner in which they are pre-
sented, shows the powder of enlightened reason united
wdth kind affections, in softening the sterner features
of Calvinism, so as to give it the milder aspect, if not
the precise form, of the Arminian scheme. This is
particularly remarkable in a MS. Supplement to " The
Doctrine of Reprobation brieflv considered," preserved
in the College Library. The Doctor was a Sublapsa-
rian, or moderate Calvinist.

At the period of his election, as Professor, January
24th, 1721 -2, it was " ordered by the Overseers, that
a minute be taken and recorded of the several heads
in Divinity upon w^hich the Corporation examined Mr.
Wigglesworth, viz. ; that he appeared before the Cor-
poration and declared his assent, 1. To Dr. Ames'
Medulla Theologiae. 2. To the Confession of Faith
contained in the Assembly's Catechism. 3. To the
Doctrinal Articles of the Church of England, more
particularly, 1 . to the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity ;
2. to the Doctrine of the Eternal Godhead of our
blessed Saviour ; 3. to the Doctrine of Predestina-
tion ; 4. to the Doctrine of Special Efficacious Grace ;
5. to the Divine Right of Infant Baptism." ^

This is, indeed, rather a formidable array of Ortho-
doxy and Calvinism ; but it should be recollected that
human writings, as w^ell as the inspired volume, often
admit of great latitude of construction ; and there is
abundant evidence that Professor Wigglesworth's in-

^ Overseers' Records.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 259

terpretation of those several productions and doctrines
was very different from that of men, contracted in
their views, and intolerant or fanatical in their tempers.

Professor Wigglesworth's reputation was extended
beyond the limits of Massachusetts, and even across
the Atlantic. In the year 1730 he was honored with
a diploma of Doctor of Divinity from the University of
Edinburgh. " He was for some time a Commissioner
of the London Society for Propagating the Gospel
among the Indians, and was chosen one of the Scotch
deputation for propagating Christian knowledge ; " but
he resigned the one, and declined the other, on account
of his increasing deafness. For the same reason he
excused himself from accepting the offer of the Rector-
ship of Yale College.^

His successor in the Divinity Chair was his son, Mr.
Edward Wigglesworth, then a Tutor in the College,
who was chosen Professor by the Corporation July
22d, 1765. On presenting him to the Overseers for
their approval, July 25th, the President informed the
Board, that the Corporation had conversed with Mr.
Wigglesworth concerning his religious sentiments, and
had received full satisfaction. The Overseers then
confirmed the choice by a unanimous vote.

The solemnity of Mr. Wiggles worth's Inauguration
to the office of Divinity Professor took place on the
16th of October, 1765, and was conducted in the fol-
lowing manner.

" The Hon'ble and Rev'd Overseers and Corpora-
tion, together with the Professors and Tutors, accom-
panied with many Gentlemen of the House of Repre
sentatives, the Clergy and others, and preceded by all

1 Boston Evening Post, — Tracts in College Libr., 258.

260 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSIXy. [CH. XXV.

the Students, having walked in procession from the
College to the Meeting-house, Mr. Eliot began with
Prayer; the President next pronounced an Oration
adapted to the occasion; which being finished, the
Statutes estabhshed by the generous Founder of the
Professorship, Thomas Hollis, Esq. of London, were
read by the Hollisian Professor of Mathematics and
Philosophy ; in compliance with which, Mr. Wiggles-
worth took the oaths of the Government, and made
such Declarations of his Religious Principles as were
required. Upon this the President, with the consent
of the Overseers and Corporation, declared him Hol-
lisian Professor of Divinity. The Professor then pro-
nounced his Inaugural Oration, and, another Prayer
being made by Mr. Appleton, the whole Vi^as concluded
by singing part of a Psalm.

"The company returning to the College Hall were
entertained with an handsome dinner." ^

The fund for exhibitions to needy scholars had now
received some accessions. President Holyoke contri-
buted £100, and Mr. John Ellery, of Hartford, i:i50,
both Old Tenor. Henry Flynt, Esq. who died Feb.
13th, 1760, bequeathed for the same object <£l 12 10s. ;
his relations to receive the income in preference to oth-
ers. He also bequeathed i)93 6s. Sd., Massachusetts
currency, equal to £700 Old Tenor, (or £70 sterling)
the income to be given to four Tutors.

Mr. Flynt's legacies, however, form but a small part
of his claims to attention in a history of the College.
He was an important member of this society during the
greatest part of life, which lasted eighty-five years. The
interval between his taking his first degree and becom-

/ —

1 Overseers' Records.

1737-1769.], PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 261

ing one of its officers was short. He was a Tutor up-
wards of fifty-five years, and about sixty years a Fellow
of the Corporation. No other person has been connect-
ed with the College, in either of these capacities, or pro-
bably in any capacity, for so long a period, excepting
Dr. Appleton, who was a Fellow of the Corporation
sixty-two years. Mr. Flynt was also many years
Clerk of the Board of Overseers. Most of the edu-
cated men in New- England during a considerable part
of the last century, had been under the instruction of
this remarkable Tutor, or of those whom he had taught.

In the w^ords of Mr. James Lovell, who deUvered
a glowing oration in Holden Chapel at his interment :
" Unum equidem de eo dicere licebat, antequam e vita
discesserat, quod nunquam de ullo alio fortasse dici
poterit ; — in universa domo literaria inter No vanglos,
se PATRE3I-FAMILIAS aguosci oportere. Nemo est
inter nostrates literatus, qui ei aliquo modo doctri-
nam suam acceptam referre non deb eat." ^

" Mr. Flynt," says Dr. Chauncy, " is worthy of an
honorable mention. I w^as forty years frequently con-
versant with him, and knew him to have been a solid, ju-
dicious man, and one of the best of preachers." Though
naturally inclined to indolence, "he treasured up a great
variety of useful knowledge " ; and was an able and
faithful instructer. ^ He was distinguished for his firm-
ness and consistency. To the principles he had once
adopted he adhered without wavering. This was
partly the result of constitutional temperament; but
mostly, no doubt, of the deliberation and care, with
which he formed his opinions. If there w^ere nothing

1 Tracts in College Libr., 258.

2 Dr. Chauncy 's Sketch of Eminent Men, in Mass. Hist. Coll. X. p.
65, First Series.

262 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXV.

else remaining to prove the solidity of his character, the
record he has left of his sentiments respecting White-
field at the time of his first visit, when he was almost
worshipped as something superhuman, would alone
suffice : — " He seems to me to be a pious, zealous man
of good natural parts, and still good enough, but over
censorious, over rash, and over confident, in some things
enthusiastical and whimsical; he has treated the great
and good Bishop Tillotson injuriously and scurrilously.
I think he is a composition of a great deal of good and
some bad ; and I pray God to grant success to what is
well designed and acted by him." ^

The same good sense w^as manifested in his checking
one young man for his censoriousness, in saying to an-
other who was talking about the " free grace of God in
Election, and of the Decrees," that "the Almighty's
decrees w^ere above them, " and particularly in making
these general observations, " Some have extravagances
of a weak and warm imagination. I have talked with
several, observed some w^ere converted, some w^ere
humble and sincere, some were ignorant, but hope they
mean well. We that are rulers here should watch
against corruptions that may arise from this affair,
against the devices of Satan ; and pray for ourselves
and them, that the true work of grace may be promoted,
obviate ill things, and encourage that which is good.
We need wisdom and prudence, and must pray for it,
must be sober and vigilant because of the adversary." ^

At the time of an earthquake, when some Students,
who had been waked up by the noise and shaking ran
to the room of the firm old man, as if for shelter from
nature's rage, he calmly said to them, " Poh, boys ! go

1 Flynt's MS. Diary. " 2 ibid.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 263

back to your rooms ; earthquakes never do any harm in
these high latitudes."

In his last sickness, Dr. Appleton asked him, if he
was entirely willing to leave the world. " No," said he,
" I can't say that I am " ; but after a short pause, he
added, "I don't care much about it."

Father Flynt, as he was familiarly called, was for
some time the oldest Uving graduate of Harvard Col-
lege ; and the venerable gendeman still Uving at the
age of ninety-two years, whose honorable career has
been crowned by the same distinction (which may he
long enjoy !) thus, in a firm and clear hand, writes
respecting him : "I remember very distinctly, hearing
him preach for Dr. Appleton, when I was a freshman.
He was the slowest speaker that I ever heard preach,
without exception. He hardly kept connected in his
discourse so as to make progress. However he made
some amends for this defect by the weight and perti-
nency of his ideas. He was thought to be a judicious
and able preacher, but not very popular. He never
was settled in the ministry ; but preached as occasion
required, and he published a volume of Sermons which
were received acceptably by the public. He undoubt-
edly was considered as a useful instructer in the Col-
lege, or he would not have been continued so long in
office. I have often heard, that he was regarded as
mild in his government of his pupils, and used to be an
advocate for gentleness in punishing offenders. I have
been told, that he would make an apology for them by
remarking, that wild colts often made good horses. He
was rather short and thick-set in corporal appearance,
and when I knew him he had the marks of venerable
old age." ^

1 Letter of Judge Wingate, to the author, April 2d, 1831.

264 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXV.

He was rational in his religious views, catholic in his
disposition, and a pious and good man. Not, says Dr.
Appleton, " that he was without his foibles and failings.
But,'' with a naiveie, remarkable in a grave funeral dis-
course, he adds, " any of them that were observable,
I doubt not were owing in a great measure to that
single state in which he Kved all his days ; which natu-
rally begets in men a contractedness, with respect to
their own private and personal concerns : and yet his
heart and hands have been oftentimes opened in acts of
piety and charity to the poor."

His habitual seriousness was enlivened by an agree-
able vein of facetiousness and humor. "Inerat ei candor
animi, et festivitas quaedam ; et ilia antiqua urbanitas,
quam Cicero apud paucos sui temporis remansisse
queritur. Idemque acumen ingenii, quod juvenem
ornaverat, senem Flyndum non deseruit. Adeo ut si
quis, eo praesente, ineptius se gessit aut dicacior jocis
senem petivit, baud impune quidem abiit, sed sale can-
didissimo ab ipso sene perfrictus, ilhco obticuit." ^

Some of his pleasant sayings are yet repeated, in
which are discernible his characteristic steadiness and
constancy. It was proposed in some parish to invite
him to take the pastoral charge of it; but objecdons
were made to him on the ground that he was believed
not to be orthodox. Being informed of this judgment
of the good people respecting his religion, he coolly
observed, " I thank God they know nothing about it."

Mr. Flynt's publications were, a volume of twenty
Serm.ons, two single Sermons, and a Latin Oration at
the interment of President Wads worth. He was son
of the Rev. Josiah Flynt of Dorchester, who was a

1 Lovell's Oration.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 265

nephew of President Hoar ; and he also had the honor
to be related to the family of Quincy. ^

1 It appears by Flynt's MS. Diary, &c. that his sister married Ed-
mund Quincy, who died in London in 1738. Edmund Quincy had a son
Josiah, who was graduated 1728, and from him President Quincy is de-
scended ; he was the President's grandfather.

CHAPTER XXVI.

A's early as December 26th, 1 760, the Corporation
petitioned the General Court to make provision for the
erection of a new building, stating that the number of the
students had increased so much of late years, that there
were upwards of seventy who could not be accommo-
dated in the buildings already belonging to the College.
The subject of this petition was not acted upon till
January 16th, 1762, when a Committee of the Overseers,
consisting of the Lieutenant-Governor, Mr. Secretary
Oliver, Mr. Danforth, Brigadier- General Brattle, Mr.
Hancock, Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Treasurer Gray, the Presi-
dent, Mr. Appleton, and Mr. Eliot, presented to the
General Court, a " Representation and Petition, show-

ings

" That as the inhabitants of the Province have been
from time increasing in numbers, so in some degree,
although not in equal proportion, the number of Stu-
dents at Harvard College hath also increased.

"That it is now about forty years since any ad-
dition hath been made to the buildings of the said
College for the reception of Students : That although
every part of the three buildings is improved, yet
there are above ninety of the Under- Graduates who
cannot be accommodated with chambers, but are
obliged to live as boarders in private families in the
town of Cambridge : That all who are concerned in

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 267

the Government of the College, earnestly desire that
good order may be preserved, and that every Under-
Graduate may be under the eye and inspection of the
Tutors : That such inspection cannot be had of those
who live in families in the town, as might be had if
they resided within the walls of the College : That
the income of the College, stock or estate together,
with the tuition-money, and the grants annually made
by the Court are barely sufficient to defray the neces-
sary charges of the Society : That if any addition be
made to the sums paid for tuition, and the expense of
education be increased, it would probably cause many
persons to send their children to the Colleges of the
other governments, where they may be maintained and
instructed with less charge : That this would not only
be dishonorable to the Province, but also, by carrying
monies into the other governments, would in a course
of years occasion a real loss, equal to the expense of
additional buildings for the accommodation of the Stu-
dents here.

" The Board of Overseers, although anxiously con-
cerned for the prosperity of the College, yet sensible
of the many heavy charges and burthens the Province
has been subjected to, have hitherto delayed their
application to the Court ; but they apprehend it will
not consist with a faithful discharge of their trust to
defer it any longer, and have therefore appointed them
their Committee to prefer this their Petition to the
Court.

"Massachusetts Hall is capable of receiving but
sixty-four Students, and it is not easy to dispose the
room in any house to greater advantage ; so that a
building one third larger than that will be necessary
to accommodate the whole number of Students who
now hve out of the College.

268 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

" So great a work the petitioners are sensible must
occasion a very great expense ; but they think it their
duty to lay the true state of the College before the
Court, and pray that they would be pleased to take
the same into their consideration, and pass such orders
thereon, as the prosperity of the College, a Society of
so great importance to the Province, does require,
and as they shall judge proper.

" Read and ordered, that this petition be taken into
consideration on Thursday next, three o'clock, after-
noon."

The subject was then taken into consideration, and
again on the 13th of February, when it was referred
till the May session, and on the 12th of June, 1762,
the House "resolved, that there be buiU, and that
the sum of two thousand pounds be granted and paid
out of the publick treasury, to a Committee of this
Court appointed to receive the same, to be applied
towards building a new College at Cambridge, of the
dimensions of Massachusetts Hall :

'^ Provided, that the workmen contract and give se-
curity to build the same, according to the estimate
offered the Court the last year ; and that Roy all Tyler,
John PhiUips, James Ods, Thomas Cushing, and An-
drew Boardman, Esqrs., with such as the honourable
Board shall join, be a committee to carry the said work
into execution." ^

On the 1 4th it was " resolved, that the Treasurer
be directed to pay and deliver to Royall Tyler, Esq.,
the further sum of five hundred pounds sterling, in bills
of exchange, drawn on the Province Agent, to be ap-
plied by the said Royall Tyler, Esq., towards pur-

1 The Senate added to the Committee Samuel Danforth, «Sz,c.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 269

chasing from England nails, glass, and other materials,
for the building the new College in Cambridge ; which
materials the said Royall Tyler, Esq., has generously
offered to procure for the Province, free from any ad-
vance or profit."

It was voted next day, that " Mr. Tyler should be
under the direction of the Committee appointed to
erect a new College in Cambridge, with respect to
sending for the materials from England, as enter'd
yesterday."

December 30th, 1763, "James Otis, Jun., Esq.,
one of the Committee of both Houses appointed to
erect a new^ College in Cambridge, acquainted the
House that the Committee desir'd admittance, to lay
upon the table an account of their doings, &c. The
gendemen w^ere accordingly admitted, when Samuel
Danforth, Esq., the Chairman, said as follows, viz.
" Mr. Speaker,

" We who are now admitted into this honorable
House w^ere some time since appointed a Committee
for building a new Hall in Cambridge, for the accom-
modation of the Students at Harvard College.

" We have caused an Hall to be erected according-
ly, and the same is now finished to the turning of the
key, and in such manner as will (we humbly hope) be
to the acceptance of the Government.

" The building is locked, and the keys of it we now"
dehver to be disposed of as the honorable Court shall
order ; and take leave to lay on the table an account
of the charge incurred in that work, together with our
humble memorial relative thereto. — Which being done
the gentlemen withdrew.

" And the House entered into the consideration of
the memorial, represendng that the said Hall had cost

270 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

five hundred and thirty pounds seven shillings and two
pence farthin"; more than the four thousand two hun-
dred and eighty-three pounds, (the amount of the
estimate mentioned in said memorial,) and after a de-
bate, Resolved, that the sum of five hundred thirty
pounds seven shillings and two pence farthing, and the
remainder of the said four thousand two hundred and
eighty-three pounds aforesaid, be granted and paid out
of the publick treasury to the Committee to enable
them to discharge the accounts of the several persons
employed in building said Hall.

" The Committee of both Houses appointed to erect
and build a new College in Cambridge, having made
report of their doings therein ; and it appearing that
the same building is well compleated, and finished in
the best manner :

" Resolved, that the thanks of this Court be given to
the worthy gentlemen of the said Committee, viz.
Samuel Danforth, William Brattle, James Bowdoin,
Thomas Hubbard, James Russell, Royall Tyler, James
Otis, Jun., Thomas Cushing, and Andrew Boardman,
Esquires, for their assiduous and faithful services in
this important commission.

" Resolved also, that the Court remember with great
gratitude, the services of John Phillips, Esq., deceased,
who being of the same Committee faithfully and wor-
thily assisted in the same commission, but lived not
to see the happy completion thereof.

" Resolved, that Mr. Speaker, Judge Russell, Capt.
Livermore, Col. Clap, and Mr. Thacher, with such as
the honorable Board shall join, be a Committee to
consider to what uses and purposes the rents and
profits arising from the studies, in the late erected
College at Cambridge, shall be applied, and make re-
port."

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 271

March 9th, 1765, "James Russell, Esq., brought
down the Report of a Committee of both Houses
appointed to consider to what purposes the rents of
Hollis-Hall may be appropriated, &c., as follows, viz.

" The Committee are of opinion, that the chambers
and cellars of said Hall may, without any unreason-
able burden upon the occupants be set at such rates,
that the whole building may produce an annual rent of
one hundred pounds.

" The Committee are further of opinion, that ten
pounds of the said rents annually be reserved as a
stock and fund for keeping the building in repair, and
that the remainder of the rents be appropriated towards
the support of two new Tutors, the remaining part
of their support to be paid out of the College stock.
Saving always, that after the first six years twenty-
five pounds, part of the said rents, shall every year be
applied to the purchasing of new books of the most
valuable authors for the use of the Library."

The new hall being thus completed, the first thing
was, of course, to give it a name. This was done
with no httle ceremony and attention to etiquette.
An account of the process, from President Holyoke
himself, though somewhat minute in its details, will
not, it is beUeved, be unacceptable to the reader. In
a letter to Thomas Holhs, Esq. of London, dated Feb-
ruary 8th, 1764, he writes as follows: "Our College
hath been of late so much increased by the number
of Students (at present 184 Undergraduates), that
we greatly wanted accommodations for them ; where-
fore w^e applied to our General Court, that they would
make us such a grant as would enable us to build
such an house as w^e wanted ; which grant, viz. ^€400
sterling, they readily made us ; accordingly, we imme-

272 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

diately proceeded upon the affair, and erected a very
fair building, much more beautiful and commodious
than any we had before, which was finished the last
summer, and contains tvvo-and-thirty chambers. About
which time, I being in company (on a certain occasion)
with a large number of our ministers, when (speaking
of said building) it was moved by one of the company,
since the house is now finished, what will the name of
it be 1 To which I answered, that as Mr. Thomas
Hollis of London (your bountiful uncle) was by far
our greatest benefactor, I thought it ought to have the
name of Hollis, on which they all manifested their
hopes it would be so called. Soon after this was a
meeting of our Curators or Overseers, to whom I pro-
posed Hollis as the name of the new building, on
which they agreed that it w^ould be a most proper
name for it; but said they believed the Governor
would think it his prerogative to give the name ; upon
which I waited on the Governor (Mr. Bernard) to
w^hom I showed the great obligations we had been
under to do honour to the name of Hollis, first with
respect to Mr. Thomas Hollis, who was our greatest
•benefactor, as he had established with us two Profes-
sorships and ten scholarships, besides gave us a great
number of books, and a most valuable philosophic and
mathematical apparatus ; and with respect to Mr. Na-
thaniel Hollis, who established two scholarships, and
others of the name who sent us an orrery, armillary
sphere, &c. &-c. &,c. And further, with respect to
Mr. John Hollis, who sent us a large number of most
valuable books ; to which I added your ow^n almost an-
nual benefactions. I added, moreover, that though
there w^as one of our towns which, for the honour of
that family, was named Holliston, yet the reason of that

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 273

name would not long be remembered ; but if one of
the Colleges was so named it would perpetuate the
memory of our great benefactor, and the honour of his
house. Upon which I told the Governor I requested
that the new building at the College might be named
Hollis. To which he readily answered, with all his
heart ; and added, that upon the semi-annual meeting
of the Overseers, in May next, he would come to Cam-
brid2;e, and sive the name of Hollis-Hall.

"But the General Court meeting at Boston, some
time in November, (after having sat about two months)
desired the Governor, that before they should rise,
they might in a body see the new building at the Col-
lege ; accordingly the Court was adjourned to Cam-
bridge on Jan 13, when the Governor and Council,
with the Lower House, met together in Holden- Chapel,
and when they were well seated (I having before
desired the Governor he would then give the name,
which he had consented to) I rose up and said :

" 'As there are here present his Excellency the
Governor, the Honourable his Majesty's Council, and
the Honourable House of Representatives, who by
their vote gave to the College the new building in our
view, it cannot therefore be an improper time to ask a
name for it : wherefore I apply to your Excellency to
give the name.'

" Upon which the Governor, standing up, said : —
' I now give to this new building the name of Hollis-
Hall.'

" After this there was a gratulatory oration in English,
given by one of the students, and that in a handsome
manner. And after an agreeable entertainment of the
whole Court (who dined in the College-Hall) they

274 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

went to take a view of the new-named building ; and
then returned to Boston.

" Sir, I write you this very particular account of the
whole affair, that you may see how very desirous we
are to do honour to your worthy and munificent family."

In the midst of these flattering circumstances, the
friends of the College were thrown into great alarm
by a project for establishing a similar institution in the
County of Hampshire, in Massachusetts. Some in-
habitants of that county presented to the General
Court, January 29th, 1762, "A memorial, showing,
that there are a great number of people in the county
of Hampshire, and places adjacent, disposed to pro-
mote learning, and by reason of their great distance
from the Colleges, and the great expense of their edu-
cation there, many of good natural genius are prevent-
ed a liberal education, and a large country filling up at
the northwest of them, which will need a great number
of men of letters ; they therefore pray for an act of the
government constituting a Corporation with power to
receive monies and improve them for setting up a
Seminary for Learning ; and that a charter may be
granted to the Corporation for the said Seminary, en-
duing it with power to manage all the affairs relative
to the same, and confer the honours of learning upon
the students of the same when qualified therefor."

The subject of this memorial came several times
before the General Court. A bill was brought in for
establishing " an Academy in the Western parts of this
province," and though it passed the House to be en-
grossed, it was fiinally lost.

Governor Bernard himself then undertook " to pre-
pare a charter for the estabhshment of a College or
Collegiate School in the county of Hampshire " ; but

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 275

when it was ready for delivery, he thought proper to
lay it before the Board of Overseers, which he did
March 8th, 1762. The institution was to be called
Queen's College ; and with respect to the means
of instruction it was to be on a footing with Harvard
College, thouo;h some of the officers were to have dif-
ferent names, and it proposed to withhold the power
.of conferrino' de2:rees.

The execution of this pi'oject would, in the opinion
of the Board of Overseers, be so injurious to Harvard
College and to the general interests of hterature in the
province, that ihey immediately appointed a committee
to wait on the Governor, and request him " not to
grant the said charter." They also appointed a com-
mittee, consisting- of Brigadier-General Brattle, Mr.
Bowdoin, Dr. Chauncy, Dr. Mayhew, and Mr. Adams,
" to assign reasons against " the proposed establish-
ment ; and ten days afterwards, the Committee re-
ported to the Board, " Reasons against founding a
College or Collegiate School in the County of Hamp-
shire, humbly offered to the consideration of his Ex-
cellency, Francis Bernard, &:c.. Governor of the Prov-
ince of the Massachusetts Bay, &.C., by the Overseers
of Harvard College in Cambridge, New England,"
which had been drawn up by the Rev. Dr. Mayhew.
The Report was unanimously accepted, and a Com-
mittee appointed to present it to the Governor. Being
a very interesting document, and yet too long for in-
sertion here, it will be given in the Appendix. It will
be found to have taken a comprehensive view of the
subject, and to offer considerations which are at all
times entided to great weight upon any project for the
multiplication of Colleges ; especially in those pruden-
tial reasons, of which a summary is thus given. "If

276 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

a College should be founded in conformity to the
Charter prepared to that end, we should then have
two Colleges in this government, the extent of which
does not certainly require more than one. And if it
does not really require more than one, then the estab-
lishing another would unquestionably be prejudicial in
divers respects ; prejudicial to the general interest of
learning, as well as to the particular interest, the
growth, and prosperity of that which is already estab-
lished. For by means of their separate interests, and
a division of the strength, wealth, and affecdons of the
people, naturally consequent thereon, neither of them
would be suitably encouraged and endowed ; whereas
one might probably be so, if there were only one, and
all were happily united in the support and encourage-
ment of it. And this one, in our opinion, would far
better answer all the valuable ends of a College, than
two rival Colleges, mutually cramped and kept poor
by an opposition of interests : and this, we may add,
at a much less expense to the province or people, in
the whole, than would be necessary to maintain two,
though but meanly and parsimoniously ; at the same
time that setting up another College would be a very
dangerous precedent."

To this remonstrance Governor Bernard returned a
short, but mild answer, and concluded by declaring
that he should " suspend the issuing of the charter,"
and should " not assist any appHcations for a like
charter elsewhere."

A committee was then appointed, " to return the
thanks of the Board to his Excellencv for the kind as-
surances he has given of his regard to Harvard College
and his complying with their requests, offered to him
by this Board, and to acquaint the Governor that we

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 277

firmly rely upon the declarations he has been pleased
to make relating to a charter for a College in Hamp-
shire, and humbly to request the continuance of his
favor to the Society under the care of his Excellency,
as Head of the Board of Overseers."

A committee was also appointed " to guard against
the influence of any application that may be made at
home [in England] by the Hampshire Petitioners, for a
charter from home or elsewhere, in such ways as they
may judge most effectual, particularly by transmitting
to some suitable person or persons at home a copy of
the reasons pre5^ented to His Excellency against the
expediency of his granting such a charter."

The Memoirs of Thomas HoUis, by Archdeacon
Blackburne, contain some striking evidences of the
solicitude felt upon this occasion, and of the jealousy
with w^hich Gov. Bernard was regarded. In a letter
to Mr. HoUis, April 6th, 1762, Dr. Mayhew, after men-
tioning the apprehension entertained here that there
w^as " a scheme forming for sending a bishop into these
parts," and that Gov. Bernard, " a true Churchman,
was deep in the plot," and requesting him to take
measures for preventing it, wTites thus :

" There has been another scheme lately set on foot
here, w^hich we are very generally of opinion would be
highly prejudicial to Harvard College, and indeed to the
general interests of learning amongst us. I mean,
founding another College in this province at about sev-
enty or eighty miles distant from the former.

" A number of persons in that part of the country
lately petitioned our General Court for a charter to that
end ; which petition, after many debates, was thrown
out. Since which Mr. Bernard has taken it upon him,
as the King's Governor, to prepare a charter for that

278 HISTORY OF HARVARD UIVIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

purpose. This step has given an almost universal un-
easiness and alarm ; not only as we think the scheme
itself of bad tendency, but also because we generally
suppose that the Governor has no such authority as he
asserts, and has thus assumed to himself, of granting
charters.

" As soon as the Overseers of Harvard College (con-
sisting of all the members of his Mcijesty's Council,
the Congregational ministers of Boston and five other
neighbouring towns) heard of the Governor's taking
this step, and before the said charter was actually issued,
though signed and sealed, they had a meeting ; and a
committee was appointed to draw up reasons against
issuing said charter, to be laid before his Excellency ;
which has been done ; those reasons, w^hich are pretty
lengthy, having been draw n up by your humble servant,
instead of some more capable person.

"The Governor has returned an answ^er to them,
such as it is. He has however promised to suspend
said charter ; but he has intimated to us, that the per-
sons who sued 'for it W'ill make application home for
another, in which we fear the Governor will give them
his countenance.

" There is accordingly a large committee of the Board
of Overseers (of which I have the honor to be one)
appointed to transmit the reasons against founding an-
other College, to England ; and to lodge them in some
proper hands, to be made use of there, if there should
be occasion, to prevent a charter's being obtained from
thence. Said committee is also empowered to make
use of any other means, which to them may seem pro-
per, to the same end.

'' This was but three or four days ago, and we have
not yet had a meeting, on the occasion ; so that I can-

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 279

not inform you to whom we shall more directly trans-
mit the said reasons, or make our application.

" Mr. Mauduit has been mentioned by some persons
on the occasion. When the committee meets I shall
propose, if they are not sent immediately to you, that
the person to whom they are sent shall at least be de-
sired to communicate them to you, and to some other
worthy gentlemen, whose united and friendly assistance
we shall earnestly crave, if there should be occasion, to
prevent a scheme's taking effect which we apprehend
would be of very pernicious consequence ; of which
perhaps you may have more lights to form a judgment
when you see the said reasons. And I know you are
so great a friend to this country, and to learning in gen-
eral, that you would cheerfully lend your assistance in
any proper way, in opposition to whatever appeared to
you prejudicial to either.

"1 am. Sir, with the warmest regard, and most
sincere respect, your obliged, and most obedient
humble servant,

"J. Mayhew.

" P. S, Our General Court has lately incorporated a
considerable number of persons here, by the name of
'The Society for propagating Christian Knowledge
among the Indians in North America ; ' of which Society
I am a member. The act of incorporation is sent home
for his Majesty's approbation, without which it cannot
take effect. I shall send you a copy of it. We have
about £2000 already subscribed as a fund. We are
not without apprehension that our good friends of the
Church of England will endeavour to obstruct this
scheme ; but hope to no purpose. If our charter is
confirmed, w^e shall endeavour to get our subscription
enlarged, both here and in other parts ; and apply our-

280 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

selves to this business, in the prosecution of which we
are however in expectation of meeting with many
difficulties.

"I am, &c. J. M."

Mr. Hollis's answer to this letter, dated July 28th,
1762, is as follows :
"Dear Sir,

"The scheme of sending bishops into your, and
other parts of the British colonies, has been long talked
of, and is not unlikely, some time or other, to take place.
I do not think however that it will be attempted at
present ; but whenever it is, and succeeds, shall be
heartily concerned at it.

"The properest person that I know of to manage an
opposition to such a scheme is Mr. Jasper Mauduit,
who is a worthy and an active gentleman, has been for
some years, especially since Dr. Avery's decline, a
leader among the Dissenters, and in connection with
people in powder ; and now, I apprehend, is likewise,
agent for your province.

"He is also, for reasons before assigned, the likeliest
to traverse with efficacy any application that may be
made here at home for granting a charter for the erec-
tion of a new College in your province ; an application
which, should it succeed, would not only be prejudicial
to Harvard College, and the general interest of learning
amongst you, but throw you again, by degrees, it is
probable, with the other, into those self-same confu-
sions that your ancestors felt once here at home, and
magnanimously got rid of, by seeking out the woods of
America."

Mr. Blackburne observes that Gov. Bernard's grant-
ing a charter for the foundation of a new College

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 281

" might be, and certainly was understood by the people
of Boston, as a preparatory step to the grand project
of subjecting them to episcopal authority ; for it may
be taken for granted without having recourse to the
terms of the charter itself (which by this time is far
enough out of the way of examination) that Gov. Ber-
nard would make no concessions of that kind, merely
to accommodate the non-episcopalians of that Pro-
vince" ; and he also intimates that "his Excellency
would hardly have suppressed this charter if he him-
self had not had some doubts " ^ as to his authority for
granting it.

The satisfaction, produced by the escape from this
peril, was enjoyed but a short time, when the College
experienced a most serious calamity. Boston being
infected by the small-pox, and but few of the members
of the General Court having had that disorder, this
body was adjourned, January 16th, 1764, to Cam-
bridge. The College Library was occupied by the
Governor and Council, and the Hall below by the Rep-
resentatives. On the night of the 24th of January a
fire broke out, which destroyed Harvard Hall, with all
its contents, consisting of the Library, Philosophical
Apparatus, and many articles belonging to different
persons, who had rooms in that building. The follow-
ing is the official account which was published at the
time.

1 Memoirs of Hollis, pp. 163, ]64.

282 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

[From the Massachusetts Gazette, Thursday Feb. 2, 17G4.]

AN ACCOUNT OF THE FIllE AT HARVARD COLLEGE IN CAM-
BRIDGE, WITH THE LOSS SUSTAINED THEREBY.

" Cambridge, January 26th, 1764.
" Last night Harvard College suffered the most
ruinous loss it ever met with since its foundation. In
the middle of a very tempestuous night, a severe cold
storm of snow, attended with high wind, we were
awaked by the alarm of fire. Harvard-Hall, the
only one of our ancient buildings which still remained,^
and the repository of our most valuable treasures, the
public Library and Philosophical Apparatus, was seen
in flames. As it was a time of vacation, in W'hich the
students were all dispersed, not a single person was
left in any of the Colleges, except two or three in that
part of Massachusetts most distant from Harvard,
where the fire could not be perceived till the whole
surrounding air began to be illuminated by it. When
it was discovered from the town, it had risen to a de-
gree of violence that defied all opposition. It is con-
jectured to have begun in a beam under the hearth in
the Library, where a fire had been kept for the use of
the General Court, now residing and sitting here, by
reason of the small-pox at Boston : from thence it
burst out into the library. The books easily submitted
to the fury of the flame, which, with a rapid and irre-
sistible progress made its way into the Apparatus -
Chamber, and spread through the whole building. In
a very short time, this venerable monument of the
piety of our ancestors was turned into an heap of ruins.
The other Colleges, Stoughton-Hall and Massachu-

1 " Harvard-Hall, 42^ feet broad, 97 long, and four stories high, was
founded A. D., 1672."

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 283

setts-Hall, were in the utmost hazard of sharing the
same fate. The wind driving the flaming cinders di-
rectly upon their roofs, they blazed out several times
in different places ; nor could they have been saved
by all the help the town could afford, had it not been
for the assistance of the gendemen of the General
Court, among whom his Excellency the Governor was
very active ; who, notwithstanding the extreme rigor
of the season, exerted themselves in supplying the
town engine with water, which they were obliged to
fetch at last from a distance, two of the College pumps
being then rendered useless. Even the new and
beautiful Hollis-Hall, though it w^as on the windward
side, hardly escaped. It stood so near to Harvard,
that the flames actually seized it, and, if they had
not been immediately suppressed, must have carried it.
" But by the blessing of God on the vigorous efforts
of the assistants, the ruin was confined to Harvard-
Hall ; and there, besides the destrucdon of the private
property of those who had chambers in it, the pubhc
loss is very great, perhaps irreparable. The Library
and the Apparatus, which for many years had been
growing, and were now judged to be the best fur-
nished in America, are annihilated. But to give the
public a more disdnct idea of the loss, we shall ex-
hibit a summary view of the general contents of each,
as far as we can, on a sudden, recollect them.

"of the library.

" It contained, — The Holy Scriptures in almost all
languages, with the most valuable Expositors and
Commentators, ancient and modern : — The whole li-
brary of the late learned Dr. Lightfoot, which at his

death he bequeathed to this College, and contained the

284 HISTORY OF HARVARD UA^IVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

Targums, Talmuds, Rabbins, Polyglot, and other val-
uable tracts relative to Oriental literature, which is
taught here : — The library of the late eminent Dr.
Theophilus Gale : — All the Fathers, Greek and Latin,
in their best editions : — A great number of tracts in
defence of revealed religion, wrote by the most mas-
terly hands, in the last and present century : — Ser-
mons of the most celebrated Enghsh divines, both of
the established national church and Protestant dissen-
ters : — Tracts upon all the branches of polemic divin-
ity : — The donation of the venerable Society for propa-
gating the Gospel in foreign parts, consisting of a great
many volumes of tracts against Popery, pubhshed in
the reigns of Charles II. and James II., the Boylean
lectures, and other the most esteemed English ser-
mons : — A valuable collection of modern theological
treatises, presented by the Right Rev. Dr. Sherlock,
late Lord Bishop of London, the Rev. Dr. Hales, F.R.S.,
and Dr. Wilson of London : — A vast number of phi-
lological tracts, containing the rudiments of almost all
languages, ancient and modern : — The Hebrew, Greek,
and Roman antiquities : — The Greek and Roman
Classics, presented by the late excellent and catholic-
spirited Bishop Berkeley, most of them the best edi-
tions : — A large collection of History and biographical
tracts, ancient and modern : — Dissertations on various
political subjects: — The Transactions of the Royal
Society, Academy of Sciences in France, Acta Erudi-
torum, Miscellanea Curiosa, the works of Boyle and
Newton, with a great variety of other mathematical
and philosophical treatises: — A collection of the most
approved Medical Authors, chiefly presented by Mr.
James, of the island of Jamaica, to which Dr. Mead
and other gentlemen made very considerable additions ;

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 285

also Anatomical Cuts, and two complete Skeletons of
different sexes. This Collection would have been
very serviceable to a Professor of Physic and Anatomy,
when the revenues of the College should have been
sufficient to subsist a gentleman in this character : —
A few ancient and valuable Manuscripts in different
languages: — A pair of excellent new Globes of the
largest size, presented by Andrew Oliver, Jr., Esq. : —
A variety of Curiosities, natural and artificial, both of
American and foreign produce : — A font of Greek
types (which, as we had not yet a printing-office, was
reposited in the library) presented by our great bene-
factor the late worthy Thomas HoUis, Esq., of London;
whose picture, as large as the life, and institutions for
two Professorships and ten Scholarships,^ perished in
the flames. Some of the most considerable additions
that had been made of late years to the library, came
from other branches of this ofenerous family.

" The library contained above five thousand volumes,
all which were consumed, except a few books in the
hands of the members of the House ; and two dona-
tions, one made by our late honorable Lieutenant Gov-
ernor Dummer, to the value of £50 steHing ; the other
of fifty-six volumes, by the present worthy Thomas
Hollis, Esq., F. R. S., of London, to whom we have
been annually obliged for valuable additions to our late
Library : which donations, being but lately received,
had not the proper boxes prepared for them ; and so
escaped the general ruin.

' " As the Library records are burnt, no doubt some
valuable benefactions have been omitted in this ac-
count, which was drawn up only by memory.

i Hollis's Scholarships.

286 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

"of the apparatus.

" When the late worthy Thomas Hollis, Esq., of
London, founded a Professorship of Mathematics and
Philosophy in Harvard College, he sent a fine Ap-
paratus for Experimental Philosophy in its several
branches.

" Under the head of Mechanics, there were ma-
chines for experiments of falling bodies, of the centre
of gravity, and of centrifugal forces ; the several me-
chanical powers, balances of different sorts, levers,
pullies, axes in peritrochio, w^edges, compound engines,
with curious models of each in brass.

" In Hydrostatics, very nice balances, jars, and
bottles of various sizes fitted with brass caps, vessels
for proving the grand hydrostatic Paradox, siphons,
glass models of pumps, hydrostatic balance, &c.

" In Pneumatics, there was a number of different
tubes for the Torricellian experiment, a large double-
barrelled Air-pump, with a great variety of receivers
of different sizes and shapes ; syringes, exhausting and
condensing ; Barometer, Thermometer ; with many
other articles.

" In Optics, there were several sorts of mirrors,
concave, convex, cylindric ; Lenses of different foci ;
instruments for proving the fundamental law of re-
fraction ; Prisms, with the whole apparatus for the
Newtonian theory of light and colors; the camera
obscura, &c.

" And a variety of instruments for miscellaneous
purposes.

" The following articles were afterwards sent us by
Mr. Thomas Hollis, nephew to that generous gende-
man, viz., an Orrery, an armillary Sphere, and a box
of Microscopes ; all of exquisite workmanship.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. . 287

" For Astronomy, we had before been supplied with
Telescopes of different lengths ; one of 24 feet ; and
a brass Quadrant of 2 feet radius, carrying a Teles-
cope of a greater length, which formerly belonged to
the celebrated Dr. Halley. We had also the most
useful instruments for Dialling ; and for Surveying, a
brass semi-circle, with plain sights and magnetic needle.
Also, a curious Telescope, with a complete apparatus
for taking the difference of Level ; lately presented by
Christopher Kilby, Esq.

" Many very valuable additions have of late years
been made to this apparatus by several generous
benefactors, whom it would be ingratitude not to
commemorate here, as no vestiges of their donations
remain. We are under obligation to mention particu-
larly, the late Sir Peter Warren, Knt. ; Sir Henry
Frankland, Bart. ; Hon. Jonathan Belcher, Esq., Lieu-
tenant Governor of Nova Scotia ; Thomas Hancock,
Esq. ; James Bowdoin, Esq. ; Ezekiel Goldthwait,
Esq. ; John Hancock, A. M., of Boston, and Mr. Gil-
bert Harrison of London, merchant. From these gen-
tlemen we received fine reflecting Telescopes of dif-
ferent magnifying powers, and adapted to different
observations ; Microscopes of the several sorts now in
use ; Hadley's Quadrant fitted in a new manner ; a
nice Variation Compass, and Dipping needle ; with
instruments for the several magnedcal and electrical
experiments, — all new, and of excellent workman-
ship. All DESTROYED !^

1 " Mr. Hollis used to mention it as a sino'ular circumstance which
gave him pleasure, that four large cases of curious and rare books were
sent by him to New England, and landed at the custom-house, and for-
tunately not received into the Library of Harvard College, which was
soon after burnt. By this delay these books were saved. Among

288 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXV I.

President Holyoke in a letter to Mr. Hollis says,
"No single thing could be saved." He also says, the
Library "at least consisted of 5000 volumes." ^

Afflicting as this occurrence was to all the friends of
learning in the country, it was far from producing any
weak depression or despondency. The leading char-
acters of that day were energetic, active, and public-
spirited. They were men to set an example to future
generations on every occasion requiring energy of
thought and conduct ; being no less than the immortal
authors of the American revolution, already in its first
stage of preparation. From such men the most prompt
and strenuous efforts to repair the injury were to have
been expected.

On the day but one succeeding the disaster Gov-
ernor Bernard sent the following message to that
branch which had charge of the public purse.

'' Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,

"I heartily condole with you on the unfortunate Acci-
dent which has happened to the College, and we have
been the melancholy Spectators of.

" As your Bounty has just now been largely extended
to that society, I should not so soon ask you to repeat
it upon any common occasion : but as this extraordina-
ry event has come whilst the building was in your imme-
diate occupation, there seems to be an obligation that
you should replace it. However, whether it is con-
sidered as a duty, or a fresh call for your benevolence,
I shall be glad to join with you and the Council, in
proper measures to retrieve this loss."

them 45 volumes of tracts, collected by Dr. Wallis, and other books
which he said he could not procure again, nor should attempt it." —
Memoirs of Thomas Hollis. II. p. 607.
1 Ibid. p. 73 J.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 289

The subject was immediately taken into considera-
tion, and it was then unanimously voted that, "Har-
vard College be rebuilt at the charge of the prov-
ince." On the same day the Council gave this vote
their unanimous concurrence;^ a committee was
appointed to carry it into effect ; and the sum of
two thousand pounds was granted out of the public
Treasury " to enable them to begin and carry on the
work." It was also resolved that the Committee should
"procure a water-engine for the use of the College, not
exceeding one hundred pounds in value."

With some additions afterwards made, this Committee
were Mr. Tyler, Mr. Otis, Mr. Cushing, Mr. Boardman,
Mr. Trowbridge, Capt. Henley, and President Holyoke.

The guardians and governors of the College were not
wanting on their part in this emergency. "A Committee
of Correspondence for obtaining benefactions from Great
Britain, or other places, in order to restore the Library
and Apparatus, and a Committee for procuring subscrip-
tions," for the same objects, were speedily appointed.^
The former of these Committees consisted of Lieut.
Gov. Hutchinson, Secretary Oliver, Commissary Hub-
bard, Dr. Sewall, Mr. Pemberton, President Holyoke,
and Mr. Eliot ; the latter of Dr. Chauncy, Professor
Winthrop, the Rev. Mr. Eliot, and the Rev. Mr. Cooper.
Letters were written to several gentlemen in England,
to Thomas HolUs Esq., to Richard Jackson Esq., to Dr.
Avery, Chairman of the Committee of Dissenters, and to
Jasper Mauduit Esq., agent for the province, " desiring
their interest with their respective friends in favour
of the College." The Governor w^as requested " to
make use of his influence in Great Britain to procure

1 Collesre Records. ^ Overseers' Records.

290 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

benefactions " for it ; and a similar request was made
to " such members of the Board of Overseers as had
correspondence with persons of character" in that
country. ^

These proceedings were attended with the most
gratifying success. On this side the water the sub-
scriptions were very numerous. Gov. Bernard, who,
whatever his merits were as Gov. of the Province, was
certainly a good friend to Harvard College, gave a
large collection of valuable books, more than 300 vol-
umes, and ten guineas in money. The Hon. Thomas
Hubbard subscribed i^ 100 sterling, half to the Library,
and half to the Philosophical Apparatus. William
Greenleaf gave ten guineas and books to the value of
i)20 sterling. The Rev. John Barnard of Marblehead,
besides many books from his own Library, presented
books imported from England to the value of i^lO sterl-
ing. Azor Orne Esq., of the same town, subscribed £20
sterling. The Hon. James Bowdoin presented an
Orrery, which cost £86, 5s. sterling. Lieut. Gov.
Hutchinson, the Hon. Andrew Oliver, the Hon. Ben-
jamin Pickman, and his son, Benjamin Pickman Jun.
Esq., the Hon. Issac Royall, Nicholas Boylston, Esq.,
President Holyoke, Thomas Saunders Esq., of Glou-
cester, and Epes Sargent Esq., of the same place, with
others, contributed liberally. ^ The sums subscribed
w^ere, as usual on similar occasions, exceedingly vari-
ous ; some of them being only a few shillings. But,
the difference in the value of money, and in the means
of bestowing, being considered, the gift of a shilling
was then, probably, equal to that of a pound at the pres-
ent day.

^ Overseers' Records. 2 Donation Book.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 291

On the 2d of October, 1764, the Committee ap-
pointed for procuring subscriptions presented to the
Overseers the following " Report, that they have at-
tended that service, and, having made application to a
great number of gentlemen in the most considerable
towns in the province, have been so successful as to
obtain from the generous friends of religion and learn-
ing the sum of eight hundred fifty-two pounds eight
shillings and six pence sterling in cash. Over and
above which Mr. John Hancock has generously fulfilled
the intention of his late uncle, the Honorable Thomas
Hancock Esq., by subscribing five hundred pounds
sterling to purchase books by the direction of the Com-
mittee. ^ Several other Gentlemen have also subscribed
particular sums which they purpose to give in books to
the amount of eighty-eight pounds eight shillings ster-
Hng. Besides a large Collection of books given by a
number of gentlemen to the value, as we judge, of above
one hundred pounds sterhng and three pair of globes.
The several appropriations wdll appear in the annexed
account in distinct columns according to the direction
of the Honorable and Reverend Overseers.

Cambiidge, Oct, 2d, 1764.

CHARLES CHAUNCY.
Per Order of the Committee, ^^

This report having also been presented to " the Rev-
erend the Corporation," this body passed the following
vote, which was consented to by the Overseers : " Upon
receiving the report of the worthy Committee appoint-
ed to procure subscriptions for an Apparatus and Libra-
ry in the room of those lately consumed by fire, we

1 Overseers' Records.

292 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

heartily congratulate them upon their happy success
and return them our warmest thanks for the activity
and zeal they have manifested in that service, — and
pray them to return our most grateful acknowledg-
ments, to the several generous benefactors." ^ This
concluding request was duly compHed with by the
Committee. The thanks of the Corporation and Over-
seers were also voted to Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq., of
Boston, for his services in procuring subscriptions, and
for his kind offices to the College.

A catalogue of books, to be purchased with the £500
mentioned in the above report, Avas sent to London.
The books cost ^£54. 145. sterling more than that sum ;
and Mr. Hancock, afterwards so distinguished among
the patriots of the Revolution, " generously added it to
his donation." ^ These books amounted to 1098 vol-
umes, and filled an alcove in the Library.

The Province of New- Hampshire not having as yet
any College of its own^ to divert its interest from
Harvard College, hitherto the Alma Mater of her edu-
cated men as well as of those of Massachusetts, the
General Assembly of that province, by the recommen-
dation of Gov. Benning Wentworth, who had been ap-
plied to by the Corporation on the subject, voted i)300
sterling for the purpose of purchasing books for the
Library. A Catalogue was sent to the Rev. Dr. East
Apthorp, then in England ; ^ and by his care books to
the number of 743 volumes, enough to fill three quarters
of an alcove, were purchased with that sum. The gen-
tleman, who rendered this kind office to the College^

1 Overseers' Records. 2 College Records.

3 Dartmouth College in New Hampshire was not founded till the
year 17G9.

4 Donation Book.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 293

was a native of Boston, but received his education at
the University of Cambridge in England, and came
back to this country as a missionary from the Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
In that capacity he resided in the town of Cambridge,
and was the first minister of the beautiful Episcopal
church built here in 1760. The publication of his Ser-
mon at the opening of that Church inflamed the Episco-
pal controversy. Finding his situation, in consequence,
not very comfortable, he remained here but a few
years, and, returning to England, he obtained val-
uable preferments in the church, and lived till the
year 1816, highly respected for his learning and accom-
plishments.^

It seems at that period to have been a matter of course
to look to Great Britain for assistance on such an
occasion as the present. She was regarded with affec-
tion and respect as the venerable mother-country ; the
inhabitants of "both Englands" considered themselves
as fellow-subjects of one great Empire, as members of
the same family; and old England was familiarly desig-
nated here by the endearing appellation of home. Ap-
plications for assistance were accordingly made, as al-
ready stated, to brethren at home, and were met in a
truly fraternal manner. Persons of different denomina-
tions, churchmen as well as Dissenters, recognised, if I
may so speak, the common obligation.

No one of them appears to have taken a stronger in-
terest in the College at this time, or to have exerted
himself with more effect to repair its loss than that
"worthy and active gentleman," ^ Jasper MauduitEsq.
Upon his motion, probably, "The society for Propagat-

1 Gentleman's Magazine for 181G. 2 Mem. of Hollis, I. 161.

294 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

ing the Gospel in New England and parts adjacent," of
which Mr. Mauduit was Secretary^ [Governor^] gave
£300 sterling. The main object of this Society, which
belonged to the Dissenters, was the conversion of the
Indians to Christianity ; and it is curious to see how the
General Court of Directors of the Society managed to
bring this appropriation within the Hmits of that object,
as in the following vote passed April 6th, 1764, and com-
municated to, the Overseers by Mr. Mauduit. " The
Court having taken into consideradon the intention of
their Charter, that the said Colledge had heretofore and
still continued to be of great service in educating and in-
structing young men who have afterwards become and
probably may be useful missionaries among the Heathen
Indians — And whereas the works of pious and learned
authors are among the most necessary means of edu-
cation and instruction, do resolve that the Treasurer do
apply a sum of money not exceeding £200 towards pur-
chasing such books as he shall think most useful for the
said purpose." A few months afterwards this Society
added to this sum £100, making their donation the
amount above stated. Catalogues were sent to Mr.
Mauduit, who invested this money to such advantage
that the books, transmitted by him, completely filled
an alcove, being 1101 volumes.

The good offices of this gentleman were exerted in
various ways and with persons of different ranks and
orders. But not content with bestowing his time and
attention, he also contributed from his own purse. He
and his brother, Israel Mauduit, gave £50 sterhng,
with a large number of books ; and it was voted by the
Overseers, Oct. 16th, 1764, "that the thanks of this

» ^ - - ' — - — - ' pii II ail — ~"~ — I — — ^.^i— — .

1 Overseers' Records. 2 Donation Book.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 295

Board be given to Jasper and Israel Mauduit, Esqrs.
for their generosity and friendship to the College, and
that they be desired to continue their good offices to
that society." They were also requested to give the
thanks of the board to the other generous benefactors
of the College. ^

Among those may be mentioned the Archbishop of
York and Mr. Timothy Hollis, who gave each £20
sterhng ; the Rev. Dr. Harris of Honiton, Devonshire,
who presented a large number of valuable books ; the
Rev. Dr. Lardner, Mr. Joseph Jennings, Mr. Nathaniel
Neal, the Rev. George Whitefield, Dr. Fothergill,
Barlow Trecothick Esq., afterwards Lord Mayor of
London ; Samuel Savage Esq., Merchant of London ;
Gov. Pownall, Samuel Sparrow, William Boyer, Rich-
ard Jackson Esq., John Ellicott, and others ; each of
whom made valuable donations to the Library and Phi-
losophical Apparatus. Thomas Wibird Esq. gave £50, ^

The Rev. Dr. John Erskine, and A. Kincaid, both of
Scotland, presented each a number of valuable books
to the Library. The Society for Propagating Christian
Knowledge in Scotland gave £30 sterling in books.

At the instance, probably, of the Archbishop of Can-
terbury, Dr. Seeker, who had " expressed a kind and
catholic regard for Harvard College," and w^ho was
President of the " Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel in Foreign Parts," this society gave £100 ster-
ling towards replacing the Library. ^

It is worthy of remark that, at the very time when
those Episcopal clergymen were conducting them-
selves towards their fellow -subjects of Massachusetts

1 Overseers' Records. 2 Donation Book.

3 Overseers' Records ; and Donation Book.

296 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

in this friendly manner, they were encountering, from
the honest-heai'ted recipients of their bounty, the most
strenuous opposition to their endeavours to promote the
cause of Episcopacy in this part of the British empire;
that some of them had personal causes of irritation,
and that the conduct of the last named society had just
been severely censured here, particularly by the cele-
brated Dr. Mayhew, as at variance with its charter.

Numerous and liberal as were the benefactions re-
ceived from these various persons and societies in
Great Britain, those of Thomas Hollis Esq., of Lincoln's
Inn, exceeded in amount the whole of them united.
This extraordinary man inherited the estate of his great
uncle, Thomas Hollis, of whose bounty to the College
so much has already been said'in this work. Possess-
ing a kindred spirit with that excellent man, he de-
voted his life and fortune to acts of beneficence. Har-
vard College attracted his attention at an early period.
Some of his gifts were destroyed by the fire. Imme-
diately after this event, he gave i)200 sterhng to aid in
replacing the philosophical apparatus, and began to
purchase books for the Library. "I am preparing,"
says he, in a letter to Dr. Mayhew, " and going on with
my 'mite to Harvard College, and lament the loss it has
suffered exceedingly ; but hope a pubUc library will no
more be turned into a council-room." ^ He continued
transmitting books till within three or four years of his
death, which took place in 1774. The whole amount
of his benefactions during his lifetime, was supposed to
exceed <£1400 sterling ; ^ and at his death he left ^£500,
now constituting, with some unexpended interest, a
fund of ^3000, the income of which is applied to the

1 Memoirs of Hollis, Vol. I. p. 220. ^ Donation Book.

1737- 1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 297

purchase of books. He not only gave his money, but
his time, his attention, and his labor. He took unwea-
ried pains to collect the best books, in various languages,
ancient and modern, and in all the departments of
science and literature. ^

In one of the tributes to his memory, which ap-
peared soon after his decease, and which are preserv-
ed in that interesting work, " The Memoirs of Thomas
Hollis," by Archdeacon Blackburne, it was justly ob-

1 Besides the intrinsic value of the works presented by Mr. Hollis,
there is much about them which indicites a lively interest in his benev-
olent occupation. The binding is always in the best style ; on the
covers are curious emblematical decorations ; and the books often con-
tain notes and remarks in his own hand-writing-. Such expressions as
" Ut Spargam ! " "Felicity is Freedom," fcc. frequently occur; and
sometimes bibliographical and other notices of considerable extent. A
few specimens of these will not, it is believed, be unacceptable to the
reader.

Stephens's Thesaurus Graecse Linguae, for example, is accompanied
with the following notice ; " T. H. has been looking out, about tAvo
years, for a fine copy of Harry Stephens' Greek Thesaurus for Harvard
College. At length he has purchased one out of the Library of the
learned Dr. Samuel Chandler. It can hardly be imagined what diffi-
culty there is, even where money and industry are not wanting, to procure
good copies of the old and best editions of classical and prime authors."
In the Thesaurus Linguse Arabicse of Giggeius, he says; "This is a
fine copy of a very scarce work. T. H. has been particularly industri-
ous in collecting Grammars and Lexicons of the oriental i^oo^ Ian o-uao-es,
to send to Harvard College, in hopes of forming by that means, assisted
by the energy of the leaders, always beneficent, a few piime Scholars^
honours to their country, and lights to mankind, " &c.

In the splendid large-paper, loyal copy of Walton's Polyglott Bible
(remarkable more particularly as containing a Dedication to Charles the
Second,) he writes thus; "Thomas Hollis, an Englishman, a Lover of
Liberty, civil and religious, citizen of the world, is desirous of having
the honor to present this set of books (a gift originally of the author of
it to Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon, Chancellor of England,) to the
public library of Harvard College, at Cambridge, in New England.
Pall Mall, Aug. 12, 1764."

298 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

served " that in his death Liberty lost her champion,
Humanity her treasurer, and Charity her steward.'-' ^

In the mean time the building of the hall was pro-
ceeding. It was not completely finished however till
the year 1766. ^ It is entirely of brick, and stands on
the very spot where the building did, which w^as burnt,
and from which it has received the name of Harvard
Hall. There have never been any apartments in it,
as there were in that, for the occupation of students or
others ; but it has been used exclusively for the gene-
ral purposes of the institution. The western half of the
upper story contained the Library in ten alcoves or re-
cesses, five on each side; and the eastern half was divided
into rooms for the accommodation of the Philosophical
Department, and a museum of natural and ardficial
curiosides. On the eastern half of the lower floor was
the Commons Hall, and on the western, the Chapel.
Of all, but the western half of the upper floor, a
different disposition has since been made. The clock
and bell of the University remain still attached to
this building. It is said the design of this edifice
was furnished by Gov. Bernard, and that " while
it was building, he would suffer not the least devia-
tion from his plan, to be made." ^ The cost of the
new Hall was c£6112 18s. 7-|c/. In addition to this,
various sums were paid out of the public treasury to
officers and students, w^ho lost property, amounting
in all to c£685 1 45. 8d ; so that, including the fire-en-
gine, the Province by this event w^as put to the expense
of nearly £6900, or 23,000 dollars, besides other inci-

1 Memoirs of Plollis, Vol. I. p. 468.

2 Journal of H. of Rep. of Mass.

3 Eliot's Biocr. Diet. art. Bernard.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 299

dental charges ; a loss, which could not be so easily
borne then, as ten times that amount might at the pre-
sent day.

The result of all these labors and bounties was
gratifying in the highest degree. An old building, old
books, and old instruments were exchanged for new,
more elegant, and in many respects more valuable
ones ; and an impulse w^as given towards the augmen-
tation of the Library which is felt to the present mo-
ment, and has raised it to a point, which almost secures
to it a due measure of attention in future. The only
evils suffered by the College from an event, which at
first nearly threatened its very existence, was a short
temporary deprivation of some accommodations and of
some of the means and instruments of study ; and even
for this, in one important particular, a remedy was pro-
vided by a vote of the Corporation, in June, 1764,
allowing those, who were then candidates for their first
degree, an advantage which they must otherwise lose,
that of attending afterwards a course of mathematical
and philosophical experiments, as soon as the apparatus
then about to be sent for should arrive. ^

Nor was this deprivation so important as it would
have been, had not the students been prevented from
attending College by another cause. That once terri-
ble scourge of man, the small-pox, had occasionally
interrupted the business of the society and scattered
its members, probably from its first estabUshment. This
was particularly the case in the year 1 764. The students
were absent from the College on account of it for seve-
ral months immediately succeeding the fire ; so that, the

1 Overseers' Records.

300 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

requisite preparations for Commencement having been
precluded, and the danger of infection being much in-
creased at that time, by the great resort of people from
Boston and other places, the presence of those who
were to take their degrees as usual, was not required
this year.

President Holyoke was born in Boston, had the rudi-
ments of his education at the North Grammar School,
and was graduated at Cambridge in the year 1705.
He was chosen Tutor in 1712, the next year a Fellow
of the Corporation, and in 1737, President of the In-
stitution, which flourished under his government. He
died during the first week in June, 1769 ; on which
occasion the following just and highly honorable char-
acter of him was drawn up by one of the Fellows of
the College :

" Those, who have subdued nations and ravaged
empires, have not failed of writers, who have recorded
their heroic deeds, and raised Uterary monuments to
their memory. But let not the hero — rather the
homicide, who has, in one day, ruined whole provin-
ces; — let not the tyrant, who has owed his greatness
to the slavery of milUons, be celebrated in the records
of fame, while the patron of science, the friend of
mankind, and the advocate of religion, who has always
aimed at promoting the happiness of the world, have
his actions passed over in silence, and his name buried
in obhvion ! Rather, let those pubHc robbers — the
enemies of their species, be held in everlasting con-
tempt and detestation ; while these worthies, who, like
the all-cheering sun, have diffused their benign influ-
ences around, have their names transmitted with hon-
or to the latest posterity.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 301

" To commemorate the virtues of men of this lat-
ter character, who haye acted their part well on the
stage of life, is always grateful to generous minds ;
and while benevolence and gratitude prompt to it, the
voice of the w^orld justly demands it. Of this charac-
ter w^as the Reverend Edward Holyoke, late Presi-
dent of Harvard College, who departed this life last
Thursday, about three o'clock in the morning, in the
eightieth year of his age. An attempt therefore, to
produce to view some of the many excellent quaUties
that distinguished him, cannot but be approved by all,
but the foes of virtue.

"This venerable man was descended from an an-
cient and reputable family ; but far from entirely deriv-
ing his dignity from that, which is too often the case of
many, his own worth would have adorned any family.

" His natural powers, which were very good, were
greatly improved by an education at the College ; and
after he had received its honors, he did not neglect
his studies, but prosecuted them with vigor and suc-
cess, and accumulated a great fund of useful knowledge,
in history, the learned languages, and the sciences in
general; but especially natural philosophy and the
mathematics, in which he was eminent.

" Such a man could not remain long unnoticed ; he
was therefore soon elected a Tutor of the College, and
not long after a Fellow of the Corporation; both of
which stations he filled with reputadon to himself, and
advantage to the society, with whose interests he was
so nearly concerned.

" While he was promoting the cause of literature,
and preparing youths for usefulness among mankind,
he prosecuted the study of theology, to fit himself for
advancing the cause of religion in the church of God.

302 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

And after he had served the College for a few years,
he was called to take upon hun the pastoral care of a
flock of Christ in Marblehead. This charge he exe-
cuted, as he did all others, with care and fidehty, and
exhibited in his life, a comment upon the doctrines he
taught, showing, by his conduct, that the religion of
Jesus had an abiding influence upon his own heart.
Though he was fixed in his principles of religion, and
openly defended what he thought to be the pure doc-
trines of the gospel, yet he was far from being severe
against those who differed from him in some things, if
at the same time, they appeared to be sincere inquir-
ers after truth. He considered Catholicism as an ex-
ceUent part of the character of a good man ; and
harshly to censure and anathematize those, who cannot
think in all points of religion just as we do, appeared
to him to discover, not only an arrogant disposition,
but also a great want of that amiable temper, and that
extensive charity, which the gospel of Jesus recom-
mends. While he was in his pastoral charge he shone
much as a preacher, his pulpit performances attracting
a general notice ; and his distinguished figure as a
pubhck speaker, in conjunction with his many other
excellent accompHshments, pointed him out as a person
proper to fill some more conspicuous station in life.
Accordingly, when the Presidentship of the College
was vacant, in Anno 1737, he was chosen by the hon-
orable and reverend Corporation and Overseers, to fill
that important place ; for which, as it is well known to
every one who has had the happiness to be under his
care, he was finely turned. Indeed he seemed to be
by nature formed for the government to w^hich he was
elected, having an admirable talent for commanding
the respect and reverence of those committed to his

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 303

charge, and supporting the honor of his station. His
public appearances were noble, and the affairs of com-
mencement were always conducted by him with a dig-
nity peculiar to himself. For strict integrity and impar-
tial justice, he was an example worthy the imitation of
all who have any concern in public Hfe : neither family
connexions nor the ties of friendship could ever bias
him ; and in determining censures, he w as always
governed by the nature of the offence and the good
of the society. But though he had the strictest regard
to the preserving of government and good order, yet
he was far from taking pleasure in punishing offenders,
and often did it with a reluctant heart, though for the
public good he thought it necessary. Among his
pupils he always distinguished merit far beyond birth
or fortune ; and the virtuous and ingenious were always
sure (however low their circum. stances might be) of
obtaining his peculiar notice. The distinguishing of
such, he justly thought, had a direct tendency to ad-
vance literature, and subserve the interests of the Col-
lege, which he was ever desirous of promoting to the
utmost of his power.

" In his private character he was truly amiable. As
a husband, he discovered a manly tenderness, which
could not but inspire the sincerest regard and most
lasting esteem. As a father, he shone in the govern-
ment of his family, which, though strict, was ever gen-
tle. While, by a certain dignity of behaviour, he
commanded the reverence of his children, by the win-
ning mildness of a friend, he conciliated their affections,
and gained their greatest confidence and tenderest
love ; and their obedience, not flowing from a servile
fear, but from more generous principles, was never by
constraint, but always yielded with pleasure.

304 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

" He had a most friendly heart, and his friendships
were lasting : no turns of fortune, with regard to those
he had once accounted his friends, ever induced him
to alter his conduct towards them ; and by nothing
could they forfeit his esteem, but by discovering that
they were not possessed of those virtues for which he
had taken them into his friendship.

"He had such an honesty of mind as is seldom
found. Whenever he passed any encomiums, they
were not the words of empty adulation, but the real
dictates of a sincere heart. When he told any of their
faults (which he never declined, when he thought it
would answer any valuable purpose), he did it with all
plainness ; but yet, free from the bluntness of a rustic,
he executed in such a manner, that it seldom failed of
being well received.

"He had a liberal soul that devised liberal things;
and his ears were ever open to the cries of the dis-
tressed : he was always ready to acts of kindness, and
he never dealt his favors sparingly. Many of the sons
of Harvard can witness to his bounty, which has often
relieved them in difficulties, and assisted them in their
education. When any thing for the public good was
set on foot, he was ever ready to help it forward to
the utmost of his power, and when he bestowed any
thing for such a purpose, the largeness of his mind
was always discovered.

" As a man of piety he was far from being osten-
tatious, but his whole behaviour Avas strictly virtuous
and exemplary ; his attendance on religious exercises,
steady and devotional, and his walk with God in secret,
constant. — In short, in whatever character we view
him, he appears to have been possessed of so many
excellencies, as cannot fail to attract the esteem of all
those who regard merit.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 305

" He retained his vigor of body and strength of
mind to an uncommon degree in his advanced age,
and continued to perform all the duties of his function,
with his usual punctuality, till about ten months ago ;
when it pleased the sovereign Ruler of the universe to
visit him with a severe disorder, which soon reduced
him to a very languid state, and left no hopes of his
recovery. Till about ten days before his death, he
was able to walk about, but after that was entirely
confined to his bed. Through his long sickness he
discovered great patience, and a resignation to the di-
vine will ; and we doubt not, that patience had its per-
fect work, and that he is now gone from this world of
sickness and pain, to the heaven of rest ; where his
labors are at an end, and his works follow him."

" The funeral was attended yesterday in the after-
noon, ^ by the honorable and reverend Overseers
and Corporation of the College, the honorable House
of Representatives of the province, a great number of
ministers from various parts of the country, and by
many other gentlemen of distinction. — The attend-
ants upon the funeral being too numerous for the Col-
lege chapel, the corpse was carried to the meeting-
house ; where a Latin oration, suitable to the mournful
occasion, was deUvered by Professor Sewall, a prayer
made by the Rev. Mr. Appleton, and the solemnity
there closed with a funeral anthem, by the under-
graduates of tbe College. — The corpse preceded by
the tutors, librarian, resident graduates, and under-
graduates, was carried round one of the squares in the
lower part of the town, thence to the College, and

* June 6, 1769.

306 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

through a part of the yard, to the burying-ground, where
it was deposited. — Thus were committed to the dust
the remains of that truly excellent man — President
Holyoke : may those who attended this solemnity, not
content themselves with having paid the funeral rites,
but continue to adorn his memory, by following his
amiable example ! " ^

1 Mass. Hist. Coll. VIII, First Series, pp. 70-75.

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 307

CORRESPONDENCE

OF THE

HON. PAINE WINGATE WITH THE AUTHOR.

[The G<jrrespondence, which took place between the Hon.
Paine Wingate and the Author, has been occasionally re-
ferred to by the latter as one of his authorities ; and a few
extracts have been given from it. But upon further examina-
tion it was found to contain some additional facts of an ancient
date in relation to the University, which would be of no small
interest to the sons of Harvard ; an interest, which is height-
ened by the circumstance of their being furnished by the eldest
surviving graduate ; who, at the great age of ninety-two years,
writes a firm hand, and has a freshness of recollection, and a vigor
of intellect, which fall to the lot of few men. The following
additional extracts from the Correspondence will, accordingly,
be read with peculiar interest by every one who takes an inte-
rest in the Institution which is the subject of it.]

FROM JUDGE WINGATE TO MR. PEIRCE.

" Stratham, January 25, 1831.

" You express a wish to have from me some account of
conducting Commencements whilst I was in College. You will
recollect the length of time since I graduated, and the treach-
erous memory of a man ninety-two years old, and will not
expect a very minute or correct account. It is now thirty-
five years since I have attended a Commencement, and I may
possibly write to you things which are familiar to every one
who has been at College. I do not recollect now any part of
the pubHc exercises on Commencement day to be in English,

308 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

excepting the President's Prayers at opening and closing the
services. Next after the Prayer followed the Salutatory Ora-
tion in Latin, hy one of the candidates for the first degree.
This office was assigned by the President, and was supposed
to be given to him who was the best orator in the class. Then
followed a Syllogistic Disputation in Latin, in which four or
five or more of those who were distinguished as good scholars
in the class, were appointed by the President as Respondents,
to whom was assigned certain questions which the Respondents
maintained, and the rest of the class severally opposed, and
endeavoured to invalidate. This was conducted wholly in
Latin, and in the form of Syllogisms and Theses. At the
close of the Disputation, the President usually added some
remarks in Latin. After these exercises the President con-
ferred the degrees. This, I think, may be considered as the
summary of the public performances on a Commencement day.
I do not recollect any Forensic Disputation, or a Poem or
Oration spoken in Enghsh whilst I was in College. I well re-
member that about the year 1757 or 1758, the exercise of the
Forensic Disputation in English was introduced and required of
the two senior classes. And I think it hkely, that about the
same time it became a part of Commencement exercises. T
have no written minutes to assist my memory. I once had a
valuable collection of College Theses and Masters' Questions,
which used to be printed annually. But some of my domestics

have destroved them."

FROM THE SAME.

♦' Stratham, Feb. 15, 1831.

" You inquire of me whether any regard was paid to a student
on account of the rank of his parent, otherwise than his being
arranged or "placed in the order of his class ?

" The right of precedence on every occasion is an object of
importance in the state of society. And there is scarce any
thing which more sensibly affects the feelings of ambition than
the rank which a man is allowed to hold. This excitement
was generally called up whenever a class in College was placed
The parents were not wholly free from influence; but the

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 309

scholars were often enraged beyond bounds for their disappoint-
ment in their place, and it was some time before a class could
be settled down to an acquiescence in their allotment. The
highest and the lowest in the class was often ascertained more
easily (though not without some difficulty), than the interme-
diate members of the class ; where there was room for uncer-
tainty whose claim was best, and where partiality no doubt was
sometimes indulged. But I must add, that although the honor
of a place in the class was chiefly ideal, yet there were some
substantial advantages. The higher part of the class had gener-
ally the most influential friends, and they commonly had the
best chambers in College assigned to them. They had also a
right to help themselves first at table in Commons, and I beheve
generally wherever there was occasional precedence allowed,
it was very freely yielded to the higher of the class by those
who were below.

" Your next inquiry is, whether there was a more marked sub-
ordination of the students to their officers, and of the lower
classes to the upper ones in former times, than at present ? This
is a question which I should not be wiUing positively to decide ;
but if I am permhted to give ray opinion, I should say that there
was a better spirit of subordination prevalent in society, and in
College in particular, in my day, than is now generally to be
observed. You ask me to mention some forms of respect then
in use. It was an established custom in College while I was
an undergraduate, that all the scholars should be uncovered, or
take off their hats in the College yard, when the President or
any of the tutors were present, or were passing through. And
at all times the freshmen were to keep their hats off in the yard,
unless when it rained. The resident graduates and all the se-
nior classes were allowed to send the freshmen on errands as
they saw fit ; only the sophomores were liable to have the
freshmen taken from them by their seniors.

" The last question you ask of me is more difficult to answer
than any of the former. You very modestly suggest that it is
your idea, that there was less of the genius of Repubhcanism
in College before the American Revolution than there has been
since ; and wish, if that was my idea, I would give you some

310 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

facts or anecdotes illustrative of it. I think that the govern-
ment of the College in my day was a complete aristocracy."

FROM MR. PEIRCE TO JUDGE WINGATE.

" Cambridge, Feb. 22, J 831.

** I thank you for your favor of the 1 5th instant. It con-
tains much interesting information respecting the College, and
leads me to trouble you with a (ew more questions, which I
will take the liberty to propound in as brief a manner as I can.

" How soon. Sir, after entering College, were the students
placed, or (as I suppose the term signifies) arranged in their
class according to the rank of their parents ?

" Did they hold the same place through College ; or was it
changed, as the rank of their parents happened to vary?

" Was the arrangement in the Catalogue conformable to the
rank which their parents held at the time they were graduated ?

" I have an idea that to preside at a Commencement former-
ly required more scholarship than it has of late years, for I
suppose the President, while the disputations were going on,
was obliged sometimes to interpose, and to express himself ex-
temporaneously in Latin. Am I correct, Sir, in this impression ?

" Could you favor me with any particulars respecting Presi-
dent Holyoke ? I would inform you, by the way. Sir, that we have
a fine picture of him in the Library, by Copley, left by his son,
Dr. Holyoke. He is painted in the venerable old chair, from
which the President confers the degrees, and which was brought
here from Mystic while he was President. This fact I had
from the Doctor, who was at the Library after he was 100
years old, and who observed at the same time that he could go
no further back with its history, but supposed it came originally
from England. Perhaps you can state something about it.
Was it regarded. Sir, as an object of much curiosity when you
were in College ? "

FROM JUDGE WINGATE TO MR. PEIRCE.

" Stratham, March 2d, 1831.

" The freshmen class was, in my day at College, usually
placed (as it was termed) within six or nine months after their

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 311

admission. The official notice of this was given by having their
names written in a large German text, in a handsome style, and
placed in a conspicuous part of the College Buttery, where the
names of the four classes of undergraduates w^ere kept sus-
pended until they left College. If a scholar was expelled, his
name was taken from its place ; or if he was degraded (which
was considered the next highest punishment to expulsion), it
was moved accordingly. As soon as the freshmen were ap-
prized of their places, each one took his station according to
the new arrangement at recitation, and at Commons, and in the
chapel, and on all other occasions. And this arrangement was
never afterward altered either in College or in the Catalogue,
however the rank of their parents might be varied. Consider-
ing how much dissatisfaction was often excited by placing the
classes (and I believe all the other Colleges had laid aside the
practice), I think that it was a judicious expedient in Harvard
to conform to the custom of putting the names in Alphabetical
order, and they have accordingly so remained since the year
1772.

" It was, as you have supposed, that on Commencement
days when the disputations were going on, the President had
often occasion to interpose, and set the disputants right, as to
the sense of the question agitated, and as to the arguments pro-
duced by the opponents. This was always done in Latin. And
1 believe that, during the course of the public exercises, the
President always took occasion to express his sentiments gener-
ally upon the questions under discussion, and thereby displayed
his talents at disputation, and his readiness at discoursing in a
learned language. I am satisfied that President Holyoke was
ever considered as conducting this part of his office with abil-
ity and reputation. He never appeared to be at a loss for
thoughts or language to express himself properly as occasion re-
quired. He was naturally dignified in his deportment without
the appearance of vanity ; and he had a good spirit of govern-
ment without austerity of manners. And I don't think that he
was deficient in any of the good quahties which are requisite
to make a good President. I am very glad to be told that there
is a good Portrait of him in the College Library by an able artist.

312 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI,

The President was a very good-looking man, and 1 think he
must be an ornament to the ch^air in which he is seated.

" I can give you no further account of the antique chair than
what you already have. ^ The use it is put to is a very hon-

1 [Tliis " antique chair" has long been an object of so much curiosity,
that, for the gratification of those readers who feel interested in the
details of College history, the following note is subjoined.

The author of the present work, previously to his letter to Judge
Wingate (ahove given), had made the following memorandum respect-

*C5

ing it

"The Chair was brought to the College during President Holyoke's
administration. Dr. Holyoke is pretty certain it came from Mystick.
He supposed it was brought from England ; — never heard of its having
been made by a Clergyman here. President Holyoke added the round
knobs to the chair, which he turned himself. Dr. H. has been asked about
it fifty times."

A correspondent has put into the Editor's hands the following curious
extracts from Horace Walpole's Private Correspondence, giving a de-
scription of some antique chairs found in England, exactly of the same
construction with the College chair ; a circumstance, which corroborates
the supposition that this also was brought from England.

HORACE WALPOLE TO GEORGE MOA'TAGU, ESQ.

" Strawberry-hill, August 20, 1761.
" Dickey Bateman has picked up a whole cloister full of old chairs in
Herefordshire. He bought them one by one, here and there in farm-
houses, for three-and-sixpence, and a crown apiece. They are of wood,
the seats triangular, the backs, arms, and legs loaded with turnery. A
thousand to one but there are plenty up and down Cheshire too. If
Mr. and Mrs. Wetenhall, as they ride or drive out, would now and then
pick up such a chair, it would oblige me greatly. Take notice, no two
need be of the same pattern." — Private Correspondence of Horace Wal-
pole, Earl of Orford. Vol. ii. p. 279.

HORACE WALPOLE TO THE REV. MR. COLE.

" Strawberry-hill, March 9, 1765.
" When you go into Cheshire, and upon your ramble, may I trouble
you with a commission? but about which you must promise me not to go
a step out of your way. Mr. Bateman has got a cloister at old Windsor
furnished with ancient wooden chairs, most of them triangular, but all of
various patterns, and carved and turned in the most uncouth and whim-
sical forms. He picked them up one by one, for two, three, five, or six
shillings apiece from different farm-houses in Herefordshire. I have

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 313

orable one, and I hope it will remain for ages, and that many
unborn will proceed from that seat of learning to bless our
country. I believe that you have now got from me all that you
can expect respecting President Holyoke. He has left very
little in print to show his talent at composition."

FROM JUDGE W^INGATE TO MR. PEIRCE.

" Strath am, March 16, 1831.

" I find that you have not done asking me questions ; and I
will endeavour to answer them although it will be very imper-
fectly. It was required of the freshmen that they should soon
after they entered College, in my day, furnish a copy of the
laws of the College, and produce them to the President. This
they might do by writing a copy themselves of the laws, or
otherwise procure them. When presented to the President, he
wrote at the close of them, that at that date, naming the
scholar, he was admitted into College. This was written in
Latin, and' dated according to the Roman calendar, and certi-
fied and signed by the President and a majority of the Tutors.
This furnished the legal evidence that the person was a member
of College. The laws were in the English language, and in
my day there was no printed copy of them. There is one
article in my College law book which I never heard any thing
about elsewhere. It is as follows : — ' None shall be admitted
a Fellow-commoner unless he first pay thirteen pounds six and
eight pence to the College. And every Fellow-commoner
shall pay double tuition-money. They shall have the privilege of
dining and supping with the Fellows at their table in the Hall ;
they shall be excused from going on errands, and shall have the
title of Masters, and have the privilege of wearing their hats as
the Masters do ; but shall attend all duties and exercises with

long envied and coveted them. There may be such in poor cottages
in so neighbouring a county as Cheshire. I- should not grudge any ex-
pense for purchase or carriage ; and should be glad even of a couple
such for my cloister here. When you are copying inscriptions in a
church-yard in any village, think of me, and step into the first cottage
you see — but don't take further trouble than that."

Ibid. Vol. Tii. pp. 23 4/" 24.

314 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

the rest of their class, and be alike subject to the laws and
government of the College,' he. Now I never heard any-
thing about Fcllow-conimoners in College excepting in this
paragraph. 1 am satisfied there has been no such description
of scholars at Cambridge since I have known any thing about
the place, and whether the article yet remains in the College
laws I know not. I shall leave it with you to make what use
you please of my suggestion.

" There were no exhibitions, in my day at College, to which
you refer, nor any substitute for them. I have no memoran-
dum of the books which we studied in College when I was
there, and I could give you a very imperfect account of them
if I should attempt it."

FROM THE SAME.

" Stratham, April 2, 1831.

" With respect to Stoughton Hall. I was at College at the
time of the earthquake to which you refer, and believe the
effects of it were as visible at Cambridge as in any part of the
country ; but I don't know that the injury done to Stoughton
College at that time was greater than to brick buildings gener-
ally. It was at that time occupied by the students, and con-
tinued to be resided in as a place of safety afterward, as it had
been before. It had long been considered as a weak, slender
building ; but it was many years afterwards that it was deserted
and taken down as not fit to be tenanted. I never supposed
that the injury done to it by the earthquake was the cause of its
being demolished."

FROM THE SAME.

[The following letter from Judge Wingate closed his correspondence
with the author ; and, though not strictly connected with the general
history of the University, yet, as relating to the biography of the oldest
surviving graduate of the present day, and as the closing letter of an
interesting correspondence conducted with so much spirit and intelli-
gence by a writer at the great age of ninety-two years, it has been
thought best not to omit it.]

« Stratham, April 15, 1831.
" In my last I gave you some reason to expect that, agreeably
to your request, I would in a future letter give you some

1737-1769.] PRESIDENT HOLYOKE. 315

account of myself and family. That I shall now attempt, al-
though in a very imperfect manner. I have no written memo-
randum, from which I can extract the early history of our
family before the day of my grandfather. As he was the
youngest branch of his family, and in early Hfe removed from
the place of his nativity, so the ancient deeds and other
writings of the family naturally fell into other hands 5 from
which some account of our ancestors might have been gained.
And when I was young, I had not the curiosity which I now
have, of enquiring of some of the oldest branches of the family
respecting their ancestors. I can now only depend upon a
defective tradition. The first of my name who came to New
England was named John Wingate ; who called himself John
Winget, and so spelt his name until by better information he
corrected his error. There are none of the descendants but
now spell and pronounce the name Wingate. The first John
Wingate came from England, a young man, without a family.
He came to Dover, which had inhabitants in it the first of any
town in New Hampshire. In what year he came there, is to
me uncertain ; but it is well known that he came in the early
settlement of the town. He settled on Dover Neck (as it is
called), wl^ere the first settlements were made. And, what is
singular, the same spot where the first John Wingate lived, is
possessed by some of the descendants of the family, and has
been, without interruption, to the present day. The first John
Wingate, who was my great-grandfather, had three sons. The
oldest was John Wingate, from whom the most by the name of
Wingate in New Hampshire have descended. This John had
a number of sons and grandsons, who spread into the different
towns of New Hampshire. My great-grandfather had a second
son, whose name was Caleb. He, I have been told, went to
Maryland or Delaware, and there settled, and that there are
now persons of that name who live in that part of the United
States ; but I know nothing about them as to their numbers or
their situation. The third and youngest son my great-grand-
father had, was Joshua, who was my grandfather. And now
I have come to a period in which I have more distinct knowl-
edge. My grandfather was born February, 1 679, and settled

316 HISTORY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. [CH. XXVI.

at Hampton, New Hampshire, a young man. He married a
wife from Newbury, with whom he hved until they were both
ninety years old. They had eleven children, all of whom
lived to old age, excepting those who died in childbed. My
father was the oldest child, born in 1703. He graduated in
1723. He was settled in the ministry at Amesbury west
parish; where he ministered more than fifty years, and died in
his eighty-third year. My father had one sister, who lived
several years over ninety, and three others who lived very
near ninety, and the rest lived to old age, except those who
died as before mentioned. My father had two brothers, one
died over seventy years, and the other almost ninety years old,
and my mother died aged eighty-four or eighty-five. Of my own
family I have lived to be the oldest, being nine-two. I have
one brother in his eighty-fifth year, and I have had three
brothers who have died over seventy. My wife's family has
been more extraordinary still for age, which is descended from
my grandfather Wingate. There were born of her mother nine
children, all of whom lived to be above seventy years old.
One was ninety-three, and three others on the borders of nine-
ty, and a brother was in his eighty-fourth year."

APPENDIX.

1 +

APPENDIX.

No. I. (p. 9.)

New England's First Fruits, in respect of the progress of
learning^ in the Colledge at Camhridge in Massachusetts-hay ;
with divers other speciall matters concerning that countrey ;
published in London, in the year 1643, by the instant request
of sundry friends f who desire to be satisfied in these points, by
many New-England men loho are here 'present, and were eye or
care witnesses of the same*

1. After God had carried us safe to New England, and wee
had builded our houses, provided necessaries for our livelihoodj
rear'd convenient places for God's worship, and settled the civill
government : One of the next things we longed for and looked
after was to advance learning and perpetuate it to posterity ;
dreading to leave an illiterate ministery to the churches, when
our present ministers shall lie in the dust. And as wee were
thinking and consulting how to effect this great work ; it pleased
God to stir up the heart of one Mr. Harvard (a godly gentle-
man, and a lover of learning, there living amongst us,) to give
one half of his estate (it being in all about £1700) towards the
erecting of a Colledge, and all his Library : After him another
gave £300 : others after him cast in more, and the publique
hand of the state added the rest : The Colledge was, by
common consent, appointed to be at Cambridge, (a place very
pleasant and accommodate,) and is called (according to the
name of the first founder) Harvard Colledge.

The edifice is very faire and comely within and without,

having in it a spacious hall : where they daily meet at Com-

nons. Lectures, and Exercises ; and a large library with some

4] APPENDIX.

bookes to it, the gifts of diverse of our friends, their chambers
and studies also fitted for, and possessed by the students, and
all other roomes of oihce necessary and convenient, with all
needfull offices thereto belonging : And by the side of the
Colledge a faire Grammar Schoole, for the training up of young
schollars, and fitting of them for Academical learning, that still
as they are judged ripe, they may be received into the Colledge
of this schoole : Master Corlet is the Mr. who hath very well
approved himself for his abilities, dexterity and painfulnesse in
teaching and education of the youths under him.

Over the Colledge is Master Dunster placed, as President,
a learned conscionable and industrious man, who hath so trained
up his pupills in the tongues and arts, and so seasoned them
with the principles of divinity and Christianity, that we have to
our great comfort (and in truth) beyond our hopes, beheld their
progresse in learning and godlinesse also : The former of these
hath appeared in their publique declamations in Latine and
Greeke, and disputations Logicall and Philosophicall, which
have been wonted (besides their ordinary exercises in the Coll-
edge-Hall) in the audience of the magistrates, ministers and
other schollars, for the probation of their growth in learning,
upon set dayes, constantly once every moneth to make and up-
hold : The latter hath been manifested in sundry of them by
the savoury breathings of their spirits in their godly conversation,
insomuch that we are confident, if these early blossomes may be
cherished and warmed with the influence of the friends of
learning and lovers of this pious worke, they will, by the help of
God, come to happy maturity in a short time.

Over the Colledge are twelve Overseers chosen by the General
Court, six of them are of the magistrates, the other six of the
ministers, who are to promote the best good of it, and (having a'
power of influence into all persons in it) are to see that every
one be diligent and proficient in his proper place.

2. Rules and Precepts that are ohserved in the Colledge.

1. When any schollar is able to understand Tully, or such
like clasicall Latine author extempore, and make and speake
true Latine in verse and prose, suo ut aiunt Marte ; and de-
cline perfectly the paradigms of nounes and verbes in the

APPENDIX. 5]

Greek tongue : Let him then, and not before, be capable of
admission into the Colledge.

2. Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly
pressed to consider well, the maine end of his life and studies
is, to knoio God and Jesus Christ ivhich is ciernall life, Joh. xvii.
3. and therefore to lay Christ in the bottome, as the only foun-
dation of all sound knowledge and learning.

And seeing the Lord only giveth wisedome, let every one
seriously set himselfe by prayer in secret to seeke it of him.
Prov. ii. 3.

3. Every one shall so exercise himselfe in reading the Scrip-
tures twice a day, that he shall be ready to give such an ac-
count of his proficiency therein, both in theoreticall observations
of the language, and logick, and in practicall and spiritual
truths, as his Tutor shall require, according to his ability ;
seeing the entrance of the word giveth light, it giveth under-
standing to the simple. Psalm cxix. 130. *

4. That they eshewing all profanation of God's name, attri-
butes, word, ordinances, and times of worship, doe studie with
good conscience, carefully to retaine God, and the love of his
truth in their mindes, else let them know, that (notwithstanding
their learning) God may give them up to strong delusions, and
in the end to a reprobate minde. 2 Thes. ii. 11, 12. Rom.
i. 28.

5. That they studiously redeeme the time ; observe the
generall hours appointed for all the students, and the speciall
houres for their own classis : And then diligently attend the
lectures, without any disturbance by word or gesture. And if
in any thing they doubt, they shall enquire as of their fellowes,
so, (in case of non-satisfaction) modestly of their Tutors.

6. .None shall, under any pretence whatsoever, frequent the
company and society of such men as lead an unfit and dissolute
life.

Nor shall any without his Tutors leave, or (in his absence)
the call of parents or guardians, goe abroad to other townes.

7. Every schollar shall be present in his Tutors chamber at
the 7th houre in the morning, immediately after the sound of
the bell at his opening the Scripture and prayer, so also at the
5th houre at night, and then give account of his own private
reading, as aforesaid, in particular the third, and constantly
attend lectures in the hall at the houres appointed. But if any

6] APPENDIX.

(without necessary impediment) shall absent himself from
prayer or lectures, he shall be lyable to admonition, if he offend
above once a weeke.

8. If any schollar shall be found to transgresse any of the
lawes of God or the schoole, after twice admonition, he shall be
lyable, if not adultus to correction, if adultus, his name shall be
given up to the Overseers of the Colledge, that he may bee
admonished at the public monethly act.

.3. The times and order of their Studies, unlesse experience

shall shew cause to alter.

The second and third day of the weeke, read Lectures, as
followeth.

To the first yeare at 8th of the clock in the morninfir, Losfick.
the first three quarters, Physicks the last quarter.

To the second yeare, at the 9th houre, Ethicks and Politicks
at convenient distances of time.

To the third year, at the 10th, Arithmetick and Geometry,
the three first quarters. Astronomy the last.

Afternoone.

The first yeare disputes at the second houre.

The 2d yeare at the 3d houre.

The 3d yeare at the 4th, every one in his art.

The 4th day reads Greeke.

To the first year, the Etymologic and Syntax at the eighth
houre.

To the 2d at the 9th houre, Prosodia and Dialects.

Afternoone.

The first yeare at 2d houre, practice the precepts of Gram-
maT, in such authors as have variety of words.

The 2d yeare at 3d houre practice in Poesy, Nonnus, Duport,
or the like.

The 3d yeare perfect their Theory before noon, and exercise
Style, Composition, Imitation, Epitome, both in prose and
verse, afternoone.

The fifth day reads Hebrew, and the Easterne Tongues.

Grammar to the first yeare, houre the 8th.

To the 2d Chaldee, at the 9th houre.

To the 3d Syriack at the 10th houre.

APPENDIX. 7]

Afternoone.

The first yeare practice in the Bible at the 2d houre.

The 2d ia Ezra and Daniel at the 3d houre.

The 3d at the 4th houre in Trostius New Testament.

The 6th day reads Rhetorick to all at the 8th houre.

Declamations at the 9th. So ordered that every schollar may
declaime once a moneth. The rest of the day vacat Rhetori-
CIS studiis.

The 7th day reads Divinity Catecheticall at the 8th houre,
common places at the 9th houre.

Afternoone.

The first houre reads history in the winter.

The nature of plants in the summer.

The summe of every lecture shall be examined, before the
new lecture be read.

Every schollar, that on proofe is found able to read the
originals of the Old and New Testament into the Latine tongue,
and to resolve them logically ; withall being of godly life and
conversation; and at any publick act hath the approbation of
the Overseers and Master of the Colledge, is fit to be dignified
with his first degree.

Every schollar that giveth up in writing a System, or Synop-
sis, or summe of Logick, naturall and morall Philosophy, Arith-
metick. Geometry and Astronomy : And is ready to defend his
Theses or positions : Withall skilled in the originalls as above-
said : And of godly life and conversation : And so approved
by the Overseers and Master of the Colledge, at any publique
Act, is fit to be dignified with his 2d degree.

4. The manner of the late Commencement, expressed in a letter
sent over from the Governour, and divers of the Ministers^
their own words these.

The students of the first classis that have beene these foure
yeeres trained up in University learning (for their ripening in
the knowledge of the tongues, and arts) and are approved for
their manners, as they have kept their publick Acts in former
yeares, ourselves being present at them ; so have they lately
kept two solemn Acts for their Commencement, when the Gov-
ernour, Magistrates, and the Ministers from all parts, with all

8] APPENDIX.

sorts of schollars, and others in great numbers were present,
and did lieare their exercises ; which were Latine and Greeke
Orations, and Declamations, and Hebrew Analysis, Grammati-
cal!, Logicall, and Rhetoricall of the Psalms : And their an-
swers and disputations in Logicall, Ethicall, Physicall, and
Metaphysicall questions ; and so were found worthy of the first
degree, (commonly called Batchelour) pro more Academiarum in
Anglia: Being first presented by the President to the Magis-
trates and Ministers, and by him, upon their approbation, sol-
emnly admitted unto the same degree, and a booke of arts
delivered into each of their hands, and power given them to
read Lectures in the hall upon any of the arts, when they shall
be thereunto called, and a liberty of studying in the library.

All things in the Colledge are at present, like to proceed
even as wee can wish, may it but please the Lord to goe on
with his blessing in Christ, and stir up the hearts of his faithfull
and able servants in our ovyne native country, and here (as he
hath graciously begun) to advance this honourable and most
hopeful worke. The beginnings whereof and progresse hitherto
(generally) doe fill our hearts with comfort, and raise them up
to much more expectation of the Lord's goodnesse for us here-
after, for the good of posterity, and the churches of Christ
Jesus.

Your very loving friends, Si-c.

Boston^ in New England, Sept. the 26, 1642.

{Neio England's First Fruits^ in Mass. Hist. Coll. I. pp.
242 - 246.]

APPENDIX. 9]

. No. 11. (p. 10.)

The Act establishing the Overseers of Harvard College.

At a General Court held at Boston in the year 1642.

Whereas, through the good hand of God upon us, there is
a College founded in Cambridge, in the county of Middlesex,
called Harvard College, for the encouragement whereof this
Court has given the sum of four hundred pounds, and also the
revenue of the ferry betwixt Charlestown and Boston, and that
the well ordering and managing of the said College is of great
concernment,

It is therefore ordered by this Court, and the authority there-
of, that the Governor and Deputy Governor for the time being,
and all the Magistrates of this jurisdiction, together with the
teaching Elders of the six next adjoining towns, viz. Cambridge,
Watertown, Charlestown, Boston, Roxbury, and Dorchester,
and the President of the said College for the time bein^, shall,
from time to time, have full power and authority to make and
establish all such orders, statutes, and constitutions, as they
shall see necessary for the instituting, guiding, and furthering
of the said College, and the several members thereof, from time
to time, in piety, morality, and learning : As also to dispose,
order, and manage to the use and behoof of the said Colleo-e.
and the members thereof, all gifts, legacies, bequeaths,* reve-
nues, lands, and donations, as either have been, are, or shall be
conferred, bestowed, or any ways shall fall, or come to the said
Collegre.

And whereas it may come to pass, that many of the said
Magistrates and said Elders may be absent, or otherwise em-
ployed about other weighty affairs, when the said College may
need their present help and counsel, — It is therefore ordered,
that the greater number of Magistrates and Elders, which shall
be present, with the President, shall have the power of the
whole. Provided that if any constitution, order, or orders, by
them made, shall be found hurtful to the said College, or the

[ * Bequeathalls is the word in the Records of the General Court.]
2f

10] APPENDIX.

members thereof, or to the weal-public, then, upon appeal of the
party, or parties grieved, unto the company of Overseers first
mentioned, they shall repeal the said order, or orders, if they
shall see cause, at their next meeting, or stand accountable
thereof to the next General Court.

[Taken from the old Colony Laws, printed 1675. Title, College, p.
29. Vide General Court Records, II. p. 24.]

APPENDIX. 11]

No. III. (p. 10.)

The Charter of the President and FelloiDS of Harvard College^
under the seal of the Colony of 3Iassachu setts Bay, and hear-
ing date May 30 ^/i, A. D. 1650.

Whereas, through the good hand of God, many well de-
voted persons have been, and daily are moved, and stirred up,
to give and bestow, sundry gifts, legacies, lands, and revenues,
for the advancement of all good literature, arts, and sciences in
Harvard College, in Cambridge in the County of Middlesex,
and to the maintenance of the President and Fellows, and for
all accommodations of buildings, and all other necessary pro-
visions, that may conduce to the education of the English and
Indian youth of this country, in knowledge and godliness.

It is therefore ordered, and enacted by this Court, and the
authority thereof, that for the furthering of so good a work and
for the purposes aforesaid, from henceforth that the said Col-
lege, in Cambridge in Middlesex, in New England, shall be
a Corporation, consisting of seven persons, to wit, a President,
five Fellows, and a Treasurer or Bursar : and that Henry Dun-
ster shall be the first President, Samuel Mather, Samuel Dan-
forth, Masters of Art, Jonathan Mitchell, Comfort Starr, and
Samuel Eaton, Bachelors of Art, shall be the five Fellows, and
Thomas Danforth to be present Treasurer, all of them being
inhabitants in the Bay, and shall be the first seven persons of
which the said Corporation shall consist : and that the said
seven persons, or the greater number of them, procuring the
presence of the Overseers of the College, and by their counsel
and consent, shall have power, and are hereby authorized, at
any time, or times, to elect a new President, Fellows, or Treas-
urer, so oft, and from time to time, as any of the said person, or
persons shall die, or be removed, which said President and
Fellows, for the time being, shall for ever hereafter, in name and
fact, be one body politic and corporate in law, to all intents and
purposes; and shall have perpetual succession; and shall be
called by the name of President and Fellows of Harvard Col-
lege, and shall, from time to time, be eligible as aforesaid.

12]

APPENDIX.

And by that name they, and their successors, shall and may
purchase and acquire to themselves, or take and receive upon
free-gift and donation, any lands, tenements, or hereditaments,
within this jurisdiction of the Massachusetts, not exceeding the
value of five hundred pounds per annum, and any goods and
sums of money whatsoever, to the use and behoof of the said
President, Fellows, and scholars of the said College: and also
may sue and plead, or be sued and impleaded by the name
aforesaid, in all Courts and places of judicature, within the
jurisdiction aforesaid.

And that the said President, with anv three of the Fellows,
shall have power, and are hereby authorized, when they shall
think fit, to make and appoint a common seal, for the use
of the said Corporation, And the President and Fellows, or
the major part of them, from time to time, may meet and choose
such officers and servants for the College, and make such al-
lowance to them, and them also to remove, and after death, or
removal, to choose such others, and to make, from time to time,
such orders and by-laws, for the better ordering, and carrying
on the work of the College, as they shall think fit. Provided,
the said orders ba allowed by the Overseers. And also, that
the President and Fellows, or major part of them with the
Treasurer, shall have power to make conclusive bargains for
lands and tenements, to be puixhased by the said Corporation,
for valuable considerations.

And for the better ordering of the government of the said
College and Corporation, Be it enacted by the authority afore-
said, that the President, and three more of the Fellows, shall
and may, from time to time, upon due warning or notice given
by the President to the rest, hold a meeting, for the debating
and conoiuding of affairs concerning the profits and revenues
of any lands, and disposing of their goods, (provided that all
the said disposings be according to the will of the donors:) and
for direction in all emergent occasions ; execution of all orders
and by-laws ; and for the procuring of a general meeting of all
the Overseers and Society, in great and difficult cases ; and in
cases of non-agreement; in all which cases aforesaid, the con-
clusion shall be made by the major part, the said President
having a casting voice, the Overseers consenting thereunto.
And that all the aforesaid transactions shall tend to, and for
the use and behoof of the President, Fellows, scholars, and

APPENDIX. 13]

officers of the said College, and for all accommodations of build-
ings, books, and all other necessary provisions, and furnitures,
as may be for the advancement and education of youth, in all
manner of good literature, arts, and sciences. And further be
it ordered by this Court, and the authority thereof, that all the
lands, tenements, or hereditaments, houses, or revenues, within
this jurisdiction, to the aforesaid President or College apper-
taining, not exceeding the value of five hundred pounds per
annum, shall, from henceforth, be freed from all civil imposi-
tions, taxes, and rates ; all goods to the said Corporation, or to
any scholars thereof appertaining, shall be exempted from all
manner of toll, customs, and excise whatsoever. And that the
said President, Fellows, and scholars, together with the ser-
vants, and other necessary officers to the said President, or
College appertaining, not exceeding ten, viz. three to the Presi-
dent, and seven to the College belonging, shall be exempted from
all personal civil offices, military exercises, or services, watch-
ings, and wardings : and such of their estates, not exceeding
one hundred pounds a man, shall be free from all country taxes,
or rates whatsoever, and none others.

In witness whereof, the Court hath caused the seal of the
colony to be hereunto affixed. Dated the one and thirtieth day
of the third month, called May, anno 1650.

-Lii&t

THOMAS DUDLEY, Governor.

[A copy of the original, engrossed on parchment, under the sig-
nature of Governor Dudley, with the Colonv seal appendant, and in
the custody of the President of Harvard College.]

14] APPENDIX.

No. IV. (p. 10.)

An A'ppendix to the College Charter, granted hy an Act of the
General Court of the Colony, passed anno 1G57.

At a General Court held at Boston the 14th of Oct. 1657.

In answer to certain proposals, presented to this Court by
the Overseers of Harvard College, as an appendix to the Col-
lege Charter it is ordered. The Corporation shall have power,
from time to time, to make such orders and by-laws, for the
better ordering, and carrying on of the work of the College, as
they shall see cause, without dependence upon the consent of
the Overseers foregoing. Provided always, that the Corpora-
tion shall be responsible unto, and those orders and by-laws
shall be alterable by, the Overseers according to their discretion.

And when the Corporation shall hold a meeting for agreeing
with College servants ; for making of orders and by-laws ; for
debating and concluding of affairs, concerning the profits and
revenues of any lands, or gifts, and the disposing thereof, (pro-
vided that all the said disposals be according to the will of the
donors) ; for managing of all emergent occasions, for the pro-
curing of a general meeting of the Overseers and Society, in
great and difficult cases, and in cases of non-agreement ; and
foi all other College affairs to them pertaining, — in all these
cases the conclusion shall be valid, being made by the major
part of the Corporatioii, the President having a casting vote.
Provided always, that in these things also, they be responsible
to the Overseers, as aforesaid.

And in case the Corporation shall see cause to call a meeting
of the Overseer?, or the Overseers shall see good to meet of
themselves, it shall be sufficient unto the validity of College
acts, that notice be given to the Overseers, in the six towns
mentioned in the printed law, anno 1642, when the rest of the
Overseers, by reason of the remoteness of their habitations,
cannot conveniently be acquainted therewith.

APPENDIX. 15]

j^o. V. (p. 12.)

Worthy Sir, — Being informed that there is a part of the
goods that be come over (in the late ships) that belonged to the
College, therefore being unwilling to trouble the whole Court
with the business, I thought it sufficient to acquaint you with
my mind, so much rather because you have received in my
accounts for the last year, and may when you please (on two
days' warning) for this year, since the beginning of 8,ber, 1642,
to the same, 1643. Now two things do I desire ; the first, that
what is coming to the College may be paid me in kind, for the
last year's rate which was given me, besides all the delays and
over-prevailing entreaties of some poor neighbours 'that thought
themselves overcharged, and so have got partly some releases,
and many whole forbearance even to this day. This discon-
venience hath been distractive, that I was to receive it at so
many men's hands ; and albeit the constables should have saved
me this labour, yet our neighbours, knowing I should receive
it inevitably, appealed from them to myself. Yea, also, that
gross sum of £40, that was to be paid from one man, hath not ;
nor indeed could it be paid without distraction to myself in
accounts, and turnings over ; and unwillingness in some to
receive there, with some words of complaint as if their expecta-
tion were not answered in that which they received, wherein
they in a sort both blamed myself, because they received not satis-
faction at my hands immediately, and him from whom they had
it, though both of us causelessly. Therefore, my first desire is,
that the College may have its due in kind, if this may be no
offence; else I submit.

The second thing is this, that you would be pleased to inform
those whom it may concern, that hitherto, with all conscionable
and diligent providence that I could, have I disburst and ex-
pended whatever hath come to hand in mere buildings for the
house ; and seeing that now that work in this house will draw
to a period (though haply £30 will not fully finish it yet) I
desire to know whether the country will allow me any personal
interest in any of the said goods, for and in consideration of the

16] APPENDIX.

abatements that I have sufiered, from £60 to<£50, from c£50 to
£4.5, from c£45 to .£30, which is now my rent from the ferry,
and you know in what manner in my family charged, and by
my tenants discharged. I was and am willing, considering the
poverty of the country, to descend to the lowest step, if there
can be nothing comfortably allowed me ; I still sit down ap-
peased, desiring no more but what may supply me and mine
with food and raiment, (and to give every one their own) to the
furtherance of the success of our labors for the good of Church
and Commonwealth, without distraction in the work whereunto
I am called, and, by God's great mercy and goodness, cheer-
fully therein abide ; desiring your prayers for a continuance,
and your praises to God for the sanctifying of all the passages
of his fatherly providence towards

Your loving and much bounden

HENRIE DUNSTER.

Ca7nbr. 7 bris, \8t7i, 1643.

This letter was undoubtedly to Governor Winthrop.

[Mass. Hist. Coll. X, pp. 187, 188, Second Series.]

1712, July 29th. The Honourable Judge Sewall presented
the President, from Mr. Secretary, the following extract out of
the Country Records. — ''At a session of the General Court,
27th of 8th month, 1647.

" 1. In answer to Mr. Dunster's petition, — First, we find due
from the country to the College, out of that which was given
by several donors in England, one hundred thirty-three pounds.

" 2. There is supposed to be due to the College upon the coun-
try's gift, one hundred ninety pounds sixteen shillings.

*' 3. We find due to the College in relation to the President
having fallen short so much of that which he should have re-
ceived annually from the country, fifty-six pounds.

*' 4. We conceive it reasonable that there should be =£50
taken out of the <£190 16s. and payed to Mr. Davison, accord-
ing as the President doth desire.

"5. We conceive it most convenient that what doth now
appear to be due from the country to the College, that it be
forthwith paid to the College, or otherwise to allow not ex-
ceeding eight per cent, to the College, so long as it lyes in the
hands of the country. Lastly, we conceive it very necessary"
that such as study Physick or Chirurgy, may have liberty to

APPEJNT IX. 17]

read Anatomy, and to anatomize, once in four years, some
malefactor, in case there be such as the Court shall allow of.

*' At the within session of the General Court, upon the petition
of Nicholas Davison for the hundred pounds due to Mrs. Glover,
it is ordered the hundred pounds should be paid him, and when
it is paid, assurance must be taken of Mr. Davison of the
College to the country's use, and Mr. Peters is to pay fifty
pounds to the College."

The Lady Moulson gave towards the abovesaid Colledge one
hundred pounds and Mr. Bridges fifty pounds, which was paid
unto the Country Treasurer, with other small gifts, amounting
to twelve pounds sixteen shillings and a groat. — The whole
amounting to .£162 16s. and a groat, for which the country doth
remain debtor to this day, and for the same they have annually
allow'd to the Colledge fifteen pounds, commencing from the
year 1648.

Nothing received since the year 1684.

[Donation Book, I. p. 2.]

18] APPENDIX.

No. VL (pp. 6, 7.)

1. This yeare the reverend and judicious M. Jos. Glover
undertook this long voyage, being able both in person and es-
tate for the work he provided, for further compleating the Colo-
nies in Church and Commonwealth work, a printer, which hath
been very usefull in many respects. . . . . .

This yeare, although the estates of these pilgrim people
were much wasted, yet seeing the benefit that would accrew to
the Churches of Christ and civil government, by the Lord's
blessing upon learning, they began to erect a Colledge, the
Lord by his provident hand giving his approbation to the work,
in sending over a faithfull and godly servant of his, the reverend
Mr. John Harverd, who joyning with- the people of Christ at
Charles Towne, suddainly after departed this life, and gave near
a thousand pound toward this work ; wherefore the government
thought it meet to call it Harverd Colledge in remembrance of
him. — {Johnsori's Wondcr-Worhing Providence, pp. 129, 133.
London, 1654. Republished in Mass. Hist. Coll. II. p. 49,
Second Series.]

2. Toward the latter end of this summer came over the
learned, reverend, and judicious Mr. Henry Dunster, before
whose coming the Lord was pleased to provide a patron for
erecting a Colledg, as you have formerly heard, his provident
hand being now no less powerful in pointing out with his un-
erring'finger, a President abundantly fitted this his servant, and
sent him over for to mannage the work ; and as in all the other
passages of this history, the Wonder-Working Providence of
Sions Saviour hath appeared, so more especially in this work,
the fountains of learning being in a great measure stopped in
our native country at this time, so that the sweet waters of
Shilo's streams must ordinarily pass into the Churches through
the stinking channel of prelatical pride, beside all the filth
that the fountains themselves were daily incumbred withall,
insomuch that the Lord turned aside often from them, and
refused the breathings of his blessed Spirit among them, which

APPENDIX. . 19]

caused Satan (in these latter dales of his transformation into an

angel of light) to make it a means to perswade people from the

use of learning altogether, that so in the next generation they

might be destitute of such helps, as the Lord hath been pleased

hitherto to make use of, as chief means for the conversion of his

people, and building them up in the holy faith, as also for

breaking downe the kingdom of Antichrist ; and verily had not

the Lord been pleased to furnish New England with means for

the attainment of learning, the work would have been carried

on very heavily, and the hearts of godly parents would have

vanish'd away, with heaviness for their poor children, whom

they must have left in a desolate wilderness, destitute of the

meanes of grace.

It being a work (in the apprehension of all, whose capacity
could reach to the great sums of money, the edifice of a mean
Colledg would cost) past the reach of a poor pilgrim people,
who had expended the greatest part of their estates on a long
voyage, travelling into forraign countryes, being unprofitable to
any that have undertaken it, although it were but with their
necessary attendance, whereas this people were forced to travel
with wifes, children, and servants; besides they considered the
treble charge of building in this new populated desart, in regard
of al kind of workmanship, knowing likewise, that young stu-
dents could make but a poor progress in learning, by looking
on the bare walls of their chambers, and that Diogenes would
have the better of them by far, in making use of a tun to lodg
in, not being ignorant also, that many people in this age are
out of conceit with learning, and that although they were not
among a people who counted ignorance the mother of devotion,
yet were the greater part of the people whblly devoted to the
plow, (but to speak uprightly, hunger is sharp, and the head
will retain little learning, if the heart be not refreshed in some
competent measure with food, although the gross vapors of a
glutted stomack are the bane of a bright understanding, and
brings barrenness to the brain), but how to have both go on
together, as yet they know not ; amidst all these difficulties, it
was thought meet learning should plead for itself, and (as many
other men of good rank and quality in this barren desart) plod
out a way to live : Hereupon all those who had tasted the
sweet wine of wisdoms drawing, and fed on the dainties of
knowledg, began to set their wits a work, and verily as the

20]

APPENDIX.

whole progress of this work had a farther dependency than
on the present eyed means, so at this time chiefly the end
being firmly fixed on a sure foundation, namely, the glory of
God, and good of all his elect people, the world throughout,
in vindicating the truths of Christ, and promoting his glorious '
kingdom, who is now taking the heathen for his inheri-
tance, and the utmost ends of the earth for his possession,
means they know there are, many thousands uneyed of mortal
man, which every daies Providence brings forth ; upon these
resolutions, to work they go, and with thankful acknowledgment,
readily take up all lawful means as they come to hand, for place
they fix their eye upon New-Town, which to tell their posterity
whence they came, is now named Cambridg, and withal to make
the whole world understand, that spiritual learning was the
thing they chiefly desired, to sanctifie the other, and make the
whole lump holy, and that learning being set upon its right
object, might not contend for error instead of truth ; they chose
this place, being then under the Orthodox, and soul-flourishing
Ministery of Mr. Thomas Shepheard, of whom it may be said,
without any wrong to others, the Lord by his Ministery hath
saved many a hundred soul : The scituation of this Colledg is
very pleasant, at the end of a spacious plain, more like a bow-
ling green, than a wilderness, neer a fair navigable river, envi-
roned with many neighbouring towns of note, being so neer,
that their houses joyn with her suburbs, the building thought by
some to be too gorgeous for a wilderness, and yet too mean in
others apprehensions for a Colledg, it is at present inlarging by
purchase of the neighbour houses, it hath the conveniencies of
a fair Hall, comfortable studies, and a good Library, given by
the liberal hand of some magistrates and ministers, with others :
The chief gift towards the founding of this Colledg, was by
Mr. John Harnes, a reverend minister, the country being very
weak in their publike Treasury, expended about =£500 towards
it, and for the maintenance thereof, gave the yearly revenue of
a ferry passage between Boston and Charles Town, the which
amounts to about 40 or =£50 per annum. The Commissioners
of the four united Colonies, also, taking into consideration, (of
what common concernment this work would be, not only to the
whole plantations in general, but also to all our English na-
tion) they endeavoured to stir up all the people in the several
Colonies to make a yearly contribution toward it, which by some

APPENDIX. 21]

is observed, bat by the most very much neglected ; the govern-
ment hath endeavoured to grant them all the priviledges fit for a
Colledg, and accordingly the Governour and Magistrates, to-
gether with the President of the Colledg, for the time being, ,
have a continual care of ordering all matters for the good of the
. whole : This Colledg hath brought forth, and nurst up very
hopeful plants, to the supplying some Churches here, as the
gracious and godly Mr. Wilson, son to the grave and zealous
servant of Christ, Mr. John Wilson ; this young man is Pastor
to the Church of Christ at Dorchester ; as also Mr. Buckly, son
to the reverend Mr. Buckly of Concord ; as also a second son
of his, whom our native country hath now at present help in
the ministery, and the other is over a people of Christ in one
of these Colonies, and if I mistake not, England hath I hope
not only this young man of New England nurturing up in learn-
ing, but many more, as M. Samuel and Nathanael Mathers,
Mr. Wells, Mr. Downing, Mr. Barnard, Mr. Allin, Mr. Bruster,
Mr. William Ames, Mr. lones : Another of the first fruits of
this Colledg is imployed in these western parts in Mavis, one
of the Summer Islands ; beside these named, some help hath
been had from hence in the study of Physick, as also the godly
Mr. Samuel Danforth, who hath not only studied Divinity, but
also Astronomy, he put forth many almanacks, and is now
called to the office of a teaching Elder in the Church of Christ
at Roxbury, who was one of the fellows of this Colledg; the
number of students is much encreased of late, so that the
present year, 1651, on the twelfth of the sixth moneth, ten of
them took the degree of Batchelors of Art, among whom the .
sea-born son of Mr. lohn Cotton was one. Some gentlemen
have sent their sons hither from England, who are to be com-
mended for their care of them, as the judicious and godly
Doctor Ames, and divers others: This hath been a place cer-
tainly more free from temptations to lewdness, than ordinarily
England hath been, yet if men shall presume upon this to send
their most exorbitant children, intending them more especially
fer Gods service, the justice of God doth sometimes meet wjth
them, and the means doth more harden them in their way, for
of late the godly Governors of this Colledg have been forced to

expell some, for fear of corrupting the fountain

Mr. Henry Dunster is now President of this Colledg, fitted
from the Lord for the work, and by those that have skill that

22] APPENDIX.

way, reported to be an able proficient, in both Hebrew, Greek,
and Latine languages, an Orthodox Preacher of the truths of
Christ, very powerful through his blessing to move the affection ;
and besides he having a good inspection into the well-ordering
of things for tlie students maintenance (whose commons hath
been very short hitherto) by his frugal providence hath con-
tinued them longer at their studies than otherwise they could
have done ; and verily it's great pity such ripe heads as many
of them be, should want means to further them in learning.

[Ibid. pp. 162-166, 168.]

APPENDIX. 23]

No. VII. (p. 5.)

1. At Cambridge, master Sheppard Pastor, master Dunster
Schoolmaster; divers young schollers are there under him to
the number of almost twenty. — [Lechford's Plaine Dealing, p.
37. London, 1642. Reprinted in Mass. Hist. Coll. III. p. 55,
Third Series.]

2, Master Henry Dunster, Schoolmaster of Cambridge, de-
serves commendations above many; he hath the platforme and
way of conversion of the natives, indifferent right, and much
studies the same, wherein yet he wants not opposition, as some
other also have met with : He will, without doubt, prove an
instrument of much good in the countrey, being a good scholar,
and having skil in the tongues; He will make it good, that the
way to instruct the Indians, must be in their owne language,
not English i and that their language may be perfected.

[Ibid. pp. 52, 53.]

(p. 18.)

3. At New Plymouth they have but one Minister, master
Rayner ; yet master Chancey lives there, and one master Smith,
both Ministers, they are not in any office there; master Chan-
cey stands for dipping in baptisme onely necessary, and some
other things, concerning which there hath been much dispute,
and master Chancey put to the worst by the opinion of the
Churches advised withall. — [Ibid. p. 40.]

24] APPENDIX.

No. VIII. (p. 101.)

1. Edward Hopkins was son-in-law of Governour Eaton, and,
alternately with Haynes, for many years, Governour of the colo-
ny of Connecticut, in which station Eliot erroneously asserts
he died. He went to England, probably in 1652, whence he
did not return ; though, after the decease of Haynes, he was
again chosen Governour, in 1654. The time of his death was
March, 1657, a few months before his friend Eaton. He was
then serving in parliament, and also as a commissioner of the
army and navy. His liberality to New England was abundantly
shown in his will, made seventh or seventeeth March, 1656-7.
Extracts will interest the present age : " For my estate in New
England, (the full account of which I left clear in book there,
and the care and inspection whereof was committed to my loving
friend, Captain John Cullick,) I do in this manner dispose :
Item, I do give and bequeath unto the eldest child of Mrs. Mary
Newton, wife to Mr. Roger Newton of Farmington, and daugh-
ter to Mr. Thomas Hooker, deceased, the sum of =£30 ; as also
the sum of £S0 unto the eldest child of Mr. John Cullick by
Elizabeth his present wife. Item, I do give and bequeath to
Mrs. Sarah Wilson, the wife of Mr. John Wilson, preacher of
the gospel, and daughter of my dear pastor, Mr. Hooker, my
farm at Farmington, with all the houses, out-houses, buildings,
lands, &c. belonging thereunto, to the use of her and the heirs
of her body for ever. I do also give unto Mrs. Susan Hooker,
the relict of Mr. Thomas Hooker, all such debts as are due to
me from her, upon the account I left in New England. And
the residue of my estate there I do hereby give and bequeath to
my father, Theophilus Eaton, Esq. Mr. John Davenport, Mr.
John Cullick, and Mr. William Goodwin, in full assurance of
their trust and faithfulness in disposing of it according to the
true intent and purpose of me the said Edward Hopkins, which
is, to give some encouragement in those foreign plantations for
the breeding up of hopeful youths, both at the grammar school
and College, for the publick service of the country in future
times. For the estate the Lord hath given me in this England,
I thus dispose, and ray wish is, that c£150 per annum be yearly
paid per my executor to Mr. David Yale, brother to my dear

APPENDIX. 25]

distressed wife, for her comfortable maintenance, and to be
disposed of per him for tier good, she not being in a condition
fit to manage it herself; and I do heartily entreat him to be
careful and tender over her ; and my will is, that this be paid
quarterly by <£37 10s each quarter, and to continue to the end
of the quarter, after the death of my said wife, and that my
executor give good security for a punctual performance hereof.
My will also is, that the <£30 given me per the will and testa-
ment of my brother Henry Hopkins, lately deceased, be given
to our sister Mrs. Judith [unknown], during her natural life,
and that it be made up £50 per annum during her life. I do
give to my sister Mrs. Margaret Thomson the sum of <£50, to be
paid her within one year after my decease. I do give unto my
nephew Henry Thomson c£800, whereof =£400 to be paid within
sixteen months after my decease, and the other £400 within
six months after the decease of my wife. I do likewise give
and bequeath to my niece Katherine Thomson, but now Kath-
erine James, (over and above the portion of £"500 formerly
given her,) £100. I do also give and bequeath unto my nieces,
Elizabeth and Patience Dalley, unto each of them, £200, pro-
vided they attend the direction of their brother or aunts, or
such as are capable to give them advice in the dispose of them-
selves in marriage. I give unto my brother, Mr. David Yale,
,£200 ; to my brother, Mr. Thomas Yale, £"200, and to my
sister, Mrs. Hannah Eaton, £200. My farther mind and will
is, that, within six months after the decease of my wife, £500
be made over into New England, according to the advice of my
loving friends, Major Robert Thomson and Mr. Francis Wil-
loughby, and conveyed into the hands of the Trustees before
mentioned, in farther prosecution of the aforesaid publick ends,
which, in the simplicity of my heart, are for the upholding and
promoting the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ in those parts
of the earth. I do farther give unto my beloved wife a bed,
with all furniture belonging unto it, for herself to lie on, and
another for the servant maid that waits on her, and £"20 in plate
for her present use, besides one-third part of all my household
goods. I give unto Mr. John Davenport, Mr. Theophilus Ea-
ton, Mr. Cullick, each of them, £20, to be made over to them
into New England where they are ; and my will and pleasure is,
that £20 be put into a piece of plate, and presented in my
name to my honoured friend Dr. Wright, to whom I owe more

4 t

26] APPENDIX.

than that, being much engaged, desiring him to accept it only
as a testimony of my respects. I do give unto my servant,
James Porter, cflO; unto my maid Margaret £5 ; unto my maid
Mary £2. I du give unto my honored and loving friends,
Major Robert Thompson and Mr. Francis Willoughby, £20
a-piece, in a piece of plate, as a token of my respects unto
them ; and I do give unto my servant, Thomas Haytor, .£20.
I do give unto my sister Yale, the wife of Mr. David Yale, =£20;
as also to John Lollor, a youth now with my sister Eve, £"20, to
farther him out to be an apprentice to some good trade, and
.£20 more at the time of his coming to his own liberty, to en-
courage him to set up his trade, if he continue living so long.
I do give unto my nephew Henry Dalley, Master of Arts in
Cambridge, my land in the county of Essex ; and, for the

payment of all debts, dues, and legacies, do give unto him all
my personal estate, and, by these presents, renouncing and
making void all other wills and testaments, do declare, consti-
tute, and make him my sole executor, and my good friends.
Major Robert Thomson, and Mr. Francis Willoughby, Over-
seers, of this my last will and tastament. Signed, sealed, de-
clared, and published by the said Edward Hopkins, Esq. at his
house at London, on the 17th day of March in the year of our
Lord 1657, to be his last will and testament."

Mention of the distress of his wife, named Ann, which was
by loss of her reason, will occur in our second volume. She
died 17th December, 1698. Trumbull, I. 233, says, Hopkins's
estate, "given in New England, was estimated at about .£1000
sterling, and was appropriated to the support of the grammar
schools in New Haven, Hartford, and Hadley. The money
originally belonged to New Haven and Hartford ; but as a con-
siderable number of the people of Hartford afterwards removed
to Hadley, and were principal settlers of that town, they re-
ceived their proportion of the donation."

In six months after the wife's decease, which was above forty
years later than the testator's, the .£500 out of the English
property should have been paid. But the executor and resi-
duary devisee being dead, process in chancery was necessary
against his executor. Under a final decree by Sir Simon Har-
court, lord keeper. Harvard College has enjoyed, jointly with
the grammar school in Cambridge, since 1714, a fund, of which
Governor Dudley aud other principal persons, civil, and eccle-

APPENDIX. 27]

siastical, to the number of twenty-one, were made first Trustees.
As the direction from the chancery was to invest the same
in lands, a purchase was made, under authority of an act of
the province, from the Natick Indians, being about thirteen
thousand acres, comprising, with an additional grant from the
province, the flourishing town of Hopkinton, in Middlesex
county, — having its name from this liberal benefactor of New
England, — and part of the town of Upton in the county of
Worcester. The rent charge of these lands, for many years
secured by the Commonwealth, amounted to 8222,22 annually,
until March, 1823, and from thence forward, forever 8066,67
annually, being at the rate of one penny sterling per acre for
the first ninety-nine years of the leases, and three pence sterling
afterwards. Being one of the Trustees, the editor knows the
faithful and judicious employment of this charity. The fund,
which, notwithstanding the evils of paper money, and occasional
injurious denial of rent by some of the tenants, has been in-
creased, now exceeds the sum of 818,000, besides the original
investment.

Several letters of Governor Hopkins to John Winthrop, Jr.
are preserved in volume XIX. of Trumbull's manuscripts, and
there is one to our author, 21st June, 1648, printed in Hutch-
inson's Collection, 22.5, showing a disposition to return to
England, controlled by affection towards his adopted country.
It is written with more perspicuity than is usually found in
papers of that age. — [iVote to Winthrop' s Journal, by 3Ir. Sav-
age, I. pp. 228-230.]

2. I presume Jenner [the Rev. Thomas] went home to En-
gland ; for, in Hazard II. 78, a letter of Edward Winslow,
London, 17th April, 16-51, speaks of a purchase of his Library
for Harvard College, he being poor, and then living in Norfolk.

[Ibid. p. 251.]

(p. 3.)

3. 3d mo. 2d. 1638. — This Court the name of Newtown was
altered, and it was called Cambridge. — [Ibid. p. 265.] On
which the learned editor has this note : — In compliment to the
place where so many of the civil and clerical fathers of New

28] APPENDIX.

England had received their education, this venerable name
(may it ever be preserved !) was undoubtedly bestowed. There
were proba!)ly, at that time, forty or fifty sons of the University
of Cambridge, in Old England, — one for every two hundred or
two hundred and fifty inhabitants, — dwelling in the few villages
of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The sons of Oxford were
not few.

(p. 5.)

4. At the General Court at Boston, one Mr. Nathaniel Ea-
ton, brother to the merchant at Q,uilipiack, was convented and
censured. The occasion was this : He was a schoolmaster, and
had many scholars, the sons of gentlemen and others of best
note in the country, and had entertained one Nathaniel Briscoe,
a gentleman born, to be his usher, and to do some other things
for him, which might not be unfit for a scholar. He had not
been with him above three days but he fell out with him for a
very small occasion, and, with reproachful terms, discharged
him, and turned him out of his doors ; but, it being then about
eight of the clock after the Sabbath, he told him he should stay
till next morning, and, some words growing between them, he
struck him and pulled him into his house. Briscoe defended
himself, and closed with him, and, being parted, he came in
and went up to his chamber to lodge there. Mr. Eaton sent
for the constable, who advised him first to admonish him, &c.
and if he could not, by the power of a master, reform him,
then he should complain to the magistrate. But he caused his
man to fetch him a cudgel, which was a walnut tree plant, big
enough to have killed a horse, and a yard in length, and, takino"
his two men with him, he went up to Briscoe, and caused his
men to hold him till he had given him tv/o hundred stripes
about the head and shoulders, &c, and so kept him under blows
(with some two or three short intermissions) about the space
of two hours, about which time Mr. Shepherd and some others
of the town came in at the outcry, and so he gave over. In
this distress Briscoe gate out his knife, and struck at the man
that held him, but hurt him not. He also fell to prayer, (sup-
posing he should have been murdered,) and then Mr. Eaton
beat him for taking the name of God in vain. After this Mr.

APPENDIX. 29]

Eaton and Mr. Shepherd (who knew not then of these passages)
came to the Governour and some other of the mao-istrates, com-
plaining of Briscoe for his insolent speeches, and for crying out
murder and dravvincr his knife, and desired that he miaht be
enjoined to a public acknowledgment, ^c. The magistrates
answered, that they must first hear him speak, and then they
would do as they should see cause. Mr. Eaton was displeased
at this, and went away discontented, &c. and, being after called
into the court to make answer to the information, which had
been given by some who knew the truth of the case, and also
to answer for his neglect and cruelty, and other ill usage to-
wards his scholars, one of the elders (not suspecting such mis-
carriages by him) came to the Governour, and showed himself
much grieved, that he should be publickly produced, alledging,
that it would derogate from his authority and reverence among
his scholars, &c. But the cause went on notwithstandino;, and
he was called, and these things laid to his charge in the open
court. His answers were full of pride and disdain, telling the
magistrates that they should not need to do any thing herein,
for he was intended to leave his employment. And being
asked, why he used such cruelty to Briscoe his usher, and to
other his scholars, (for it was testified by another of his ushers
and divers of his scholars, that he would give them between
twenty and thirty stripes at a time, and would not leave till they
had confessed what he required,) his answer was, that he had
this rule, that he would not give over correcting till he had
subdued the party to his will. Being also questioned about the
ill and scant diet of his boarders, (for, though their friends gave
large allowance, yet their diet was ordinarily nothing but por-
ridge and pudding, and that very homely), he put it off to his
wife. So the Court dismissed him at present, and commanded
him to attend again the next day, when, being called, he was
commanded to the lower end of the table (where all offenders
do usually stand), and, being openly convict of all the former
offences, by the oaths of four or five witnesses, he yet continued
to justify himself; so, it being near night, he was committed to
the marshal till the next day. When the Court was set in the
morning, many of the elders came into the Court (it being then
private for matter of consultation), and declared how, the even-
ing before, they had taken pains with him, to convince him of
his faults ; yet, for divers hours, he had still stood to his justi-

30] APPENDIX.

fication ; but, in the end, he was convinced, and had freely and
fully acknowledged his sin, and that with tears ; so as they did
hope he had truly repented, and therefore desired of the Court,
that he miorlit he pardoned, and continued in his employment,
alledging such further reasons as they thought fit. After the elders
were departed, the Court consulted about it, and sent for him,
and there, in the open Court, before a great assembly, he made
a very solid, wise, eloquent, and serious (seeming) confession,
condemning himself in all the particulars, &c. Whereupon,
being put aside, the Court consulted privately about his sen-
tence, and, though many were taken with his confession, and
none but had a charitable opinion of it ; yet, because of the
scandal of religion, and offence w hich would be given to such
as might intend to send their children hither, they all agreed
to censure him, and put him from that employment. So, being
called in, the Governor, after a short preface, &c. declared the
sentence of the Court to this effect, viz. that he should give
Briscoe c£30, fined 100 marks, and debarred teaching of chil-
dren within our jurisdiction. A pause being made, and expec-
tation that (according to his former confession) he would have
given glory to God, and acknowledged the justice and clemency
of the Court, the Governor giving him occasion, by asking him
if he had ought to say, ho turned away with a discontented
look, saying, " If sentence be passed, then it is to no end to
speak." Yet the Court remitted his fine to <£20, and willed
Briscoe to take but £20.

The church at Cambridge, taking notice of these proceedings,
intended to deal with him. The pastor moved the Governor, if
they might, without offence to the Court, examine other wit-
nesses. His answ^er was, that the Court would leave them to
their own liberty ; but he saw not to what end they should do it,
seeing there had been five already upon oath, and those whom
they should examine should speak without oath, and it was an
ordinance of God, that by the mouths of two or three witnesses
every matter should be established. But he soon discovered
himself; for, ere the church could come to deal with him, he
fled to Pascataquack, and, being pursued and apprehended by
the Governour there, he again acknowledged his great sin in
flying, &c. and promised (as he w^as a Christian man) he w'ould
return with the messengers. But, because his things he carried
with him were aboard a bark there, bound to Virginia, he desired

APPENDIX. 31]

leave to go fetch them, which they assented unto, and went
with him (three of them) aboard with him. So he took his
truss and came away with them in the boat ; but, being come
to the shore, and two of them going out of the boat, he caused
the boatsmen to put off the boat, and, because the third man
would not go out, he turned him into the water, where he had
been drowned, if he had not saved himself by swimming. So
he returned to the bark, and presently they set sail and went
out of the harbour. Being thus gone, his creditors began to
complain; and thereupon it was found, that he was run in debt
about c£1000, and had taken up most of this money upon bills
he had charged into England upon his brother's agents, and
others whom he had no such relation to. So his estate was
seized, and put into Commissioners' hands, to be divided among
his creditors, allowing somewhat for the present maintenance
of his wife and children. And, being thus gone, the church
proceeded and cast him out. He had been sometimes initiated
amonff the Jesuits, and, comino^ into England, his friends drew
him from them, but, it was very probable, he now intended to
return to them again, being at this time about thirty years of
age, and upwards. — [Ibid. 308-313.]

On the above narrative of Winthrop, his learned and inde-
fatigable editor has furnished the reader with the following
curious and interesting note respecting the lady there men-
tioned, Mrs. Eaton :

An examination of the lady followed, I presume, for the
former Secretary of the Commonwealth furnished me a paper,
which can hardly refer to any other transaction than this.
Some Overseer of the College, probably, either magistrate or
clergyman, wrote it from the confession or dictation of the accused
party : " For their breakfast, that it was not so well ordered,
the flower not so fine as it might, nor so well boiled or stirred,
at all times that it was so, it was my sin of neglect, and want of
that care that ought to have been in one that the Lord had in-
trusted with such a work. Concerning their beef, that was
allowed them, as they affirm, which, I confess, had been my
duty to have seen they should have had it, and continued to
have had it, because it was my husband's command ; but truly
I must confess, to my shame, I cannot remember that ever they
had it, nor that ever it was taken from them. And that they

32]

APPENDIX.

had not so good or so much provision in my husband's absence
as presence, I conceive it was, because he would call sometimes
for butter or cheese, when I conceived there was no need of it;
yet, forasmuch as the scholars did otherways apprehend, I desire
to see the evil that was in the carriage of that as well as in the
other, and to take shame to myself for it. And that they sent
down for more, when they had not enough, and the maid should
answer, if they had not, they should not, I must confess, that I
have denied them cheese, when they have sent for it, and it
have been in the house ; for which I shall humbly beg pardon
of them, and own the shame, and confess my sin. And for
such provoking words, which my servants have given, I cannot
own them, but am sorry any such should be given in my house.
And for bad fish, that they had it brought to table, I am sorry
there was that cause of offence given them. I acknowledge my
sin in it. And for their mackerel, brought to them with their
guts in them, and goat's dung in their hasty pudding, its utterly
unknown to me; but I am much ashamed it should be in the
family, and not prevented by myself or servants, and I humbly
acknowledge my negligence in it. And that they made their
beds at any time, were my straits never so great, I am sorry
they were ever put to it. For the Moor, his lying in Samuel
Hough's sheet and pillow-bier, it hath a truth in it : he did so
one time, and it gave Samuel Hough just cause of offence ; and
that it was not prevented by my care and watchfulness, I desire
[to] take the shame and the sorrow for it. And that they eat
the Moor's crusts, and the swine and they had share and share
alike, and the Moor to have beer, and they denied it, and if
they had not enough, for my maid to answer, they should not,
I am an utter stranger to these things, and know not the least
footsteps for them so to charge me; and if my servants were
guilty of such miscarriages, had the boarders complained of it
unto myself, I should have thought it my sin, if I had not sharply
reproved my servants, and endeavoured reform. And for bread
made of heated, sour meal, although I know of but once that
it was so, since I kept house, yet John Wilson affirms it was
twice ; and I am truly sorry, that any of it was spent amongst
them. For beer and bread, that it was denied them by me
betwixt meals, truly I do not remember, that ever I did deny
it unto them ; and John Wilson will affirm, that, generally, the
bread and beer was free for the boarders to go unto. And that

APPENDIX. 33]

money was demanded of them for washing the linen, it's true it
was propounded to them, but never imposed upon them. And
for their pudding being given the last day of the week without
butter or suet, and that I said, it was miln of Manchester in Old
England, its true that I did say so, and am sorry they had any
cause of offence given them by having it so. And for their
wanting beer, betwixt brewings, a week or half a week together,
I am sorry that it was so at any time, and should tremble to
have it so, were it in my hands to do again."

The above is an exact copy of all that is written by that hand ;
but on the next page is found, in a more difficult, but uncommonly
beautiful chirography, " and whereas they say, that sometimes
they have sent down for more meat, and it hath been denied,
when it have been in the house, I must confess, to my shame,
that I have denied them oft, when they have sent for it, and it
have been in the house"

In the archives of the State House it is not probable that any
document more minute or entertaining can be preserved ; nor
would this seem of importance and gravity appropriate to this
work, were it not connected with the history of the College, and
highly illustrative of our author's text. That no complaints
against Mrs. Eaton had been brought down from antiquity, when
her husband suffered perpetual malediction, is perhaps owing to
the gallantry of our fathers. Her accomplishments as a house-
wife appear equal to the gentleness of the head of the College.
Her adherence to the religion in which she was educated, might
have been as frail as his, had she not been lost on a voyage
with her children to Virginia the next year. The commons of
the students have often been matter of complaint, but, I believe,
have never since occupied the attention of the government of
the State.

Of the two young men referred to by Mrs. Eaton, Wilson was
son of the pastor of Boston, graduated in the first class, 1642,
and, Mather says, " continued, unto old age, a faithful, painful,
useful minister of the gospel" in Medfield. Hough was, proba-
bly son of Atherton, the assistant, and was the second minister
of Reading. Why he received not the usual degree is unknown.
See Johnson, lib. II. c. 25. In our Town Records I find, "Mr.
Samuel Haugh, pastor of the church at Reading, deceased at
Mr. Hezekiah Usher's house in Boston, 30th March, 1662."
The Moor was probably a slave. — [Ibid. pp. 310, 311, note.]

5 t

34]

APPENDIX.

Mr. Nathaniel Eaton, of whom mention is made before, being
come to Virginia, took upon him to be a minister, but was
given up of God to extreme pride and sensuality, being usually
drunken, as the custom is there. He sent for his wife and
children. Her friends here persuaded her to stay a while,
but she went notwithstanding, and the vessel was never heard
of after. — [Ibid. H. p. 22.]

While these things were a doing, a Society of scholars, to
lodge in the New Nests, were forming under the conduct of one
Blr. Nathaniel Eaton (or, if thou wilt. Reader, Orbilius Eaton),
a blade, who marvellously deceived the expectations of good
men concerning him ; for he was one fitter to be master of a
Bridewel than a Colledore : And thoufrh his avarice was noto-
rious, enough to get the name of a Philargyrius fixed upon him,
yet his cruelty was more scandalous than his avarice. He was
a rare scholar himself, and he made many more such; but their
education truly was in the School of Tyrannus. Among many
other instances of his cruelty, he gave one in causing two men
to hold a young gentleman, while he so unmercifully beat him
with a cudgel, that upon complaint of it, unto the Court in Sep-
tember, 1639, he was fined an hundred marks, besides a con-
venient sum to be paid unto the young gentleman that had
suffered by his unmercifulness ; and for his inhumane severities
towards the scholars, he was removed from his trust. After this,
being first excommunicated by the church of Cambridge, he
did himself excommunicate all our churches, going first into
Virginia, then into England, where he lived privately until the
restauration of king Charles II. Then conforming to the cere-
monies of the Church of England, he was fixed at Biddiford,
where he became (as Apostata est Osor sui Ordinis) a bitter
persecutor of the Christians, that kept faithful to the way of
worship, from which he was himself an apostate ; until he who
had cast so many into prison for conscience, was himself cast
into prison for debt; where he did, at length, pay one debt,
namely, that unto nature, by death. — [Mather's Magnalia^
B. IV. pp. 126, 127.]

It was said that he [Eaton] had been initiated among the
Jesuits, though he was sent over into Holland for the sake of
Doctor Ames ; but" having that opportunity, he might easily
acquaint himself with the other, and from thence receive those

APPENDIX. . 35]

principles of avarice, pride, and cruelty which here he beo-an to
practise. — [Hubbard' s Hist. Neiu England^ in Mass. Hist.
Coll. V. p. 247, Second Series.]

(p. 18.)

5. Our neighbours of Plimouth had procured from hence, this
year, one Mr. Chancey,* a great scholar, and a godly man,
intending to call him to the office of a Teacher ; but, before the
fit time came, he discovered his judgment about baptism, that
the children ought to be dipped and not sprinkled ; and, he
being an active man, and very vehement, there arose much
trouble about it. The magistrates and the other elders there,
and the most of the people, withstood the receiving of that
practice, not for itself so much, as for fear of worse consequen-
ces, as the annihilating our baptism, &/C. Whereupon the
church there wrote to all the other churches, both here and at
Connecticut, &lc. for advice, and sent Mr. Chancey's arguments.
The churches took them into consideration, and returned their
several answers, wherein they showed their dissent from him,
and clearly confuted all his arguments, discovering withal some
great mistakes of his about the judgment and practice of anti-

* An excuse for neglecting great labor of inquiry about this cele-
brated scholar, who, after the honor conferred on him of two profes-
sorships by his alma mater, the University of Cambridge in England,
became head of our own College, is afforded by the elaborate biog-
raphy, written by a descendant of great name preserved in 1 Hist.
Coll. X. 171. Perhaps, however, the ancestor's doctrines are a little
softened in that tract. He was of Trinity College. Mather mentions
his verses on the death of Queen Ann, 1619. I have seen, in the
Boston Athenaeum, the Cantabrigiensium Dolor et Solamen, on the
death of James and accession of Charles. 1625, containing his Greek
and Latin verses, signed Car. Chauncy, Coll. Trin. Bac. Theol. His
two unimportant opinions, relative to the time of celebrating the eucha-
rist, and the mode of baptism, were no obstacles to his advancement,
even in that age of narrow and scrupulous formality. It is a little
remarkable, that the two first Presidents of Harvard College adopted
opinions on the form of baptism adverse to that of all the other
divines and laicks of the colony.

36] APPENDIX.

quity.* Yet he would not give over his opinion ; and the churcli
of Plimouth (thougli they could not agree to call him to office,
yet) being much taken with his able parts, they were very loath
to part with him. lie did maintain, also, that the Lord's supper
ought to be administered in the evening, and every Lord's day ;
and the church at Sandwich (where one Mr. Leveridge was
minister) fell into the practice of it ; but that being a matter of
no great ill consequence, save some outward inconvenience,
there was little stir about it. This Mr. Chancey was after called
to office in the church of Scituate. — [Winihrop^s Journal^ hy
Mr. Savage, I. pp. 330, 33 L]

(p. 9.)

6. Nine Bachelors commenced at Cambridge ; they were
young men of good hope, and performed their acts, so as to give
good proof of their proficiency in the tongues and arts. The
General Court had settled a government or superintendency over
the College, viz. all the magistrates and elders over the six
nearest churches and the President, or the greatest part of
these. Most of them were now present at this first Commence-
ment, and dined at the College with the scholars' ordinary
commons, which was done of purpose for the students' encour-
agement, &c. and it gave good content to all.

* If nothing of greater value than these answers of the churches,
were lost by us, we should less regret the extent of our ignorance of
the thoughts and actions of our fathers. From Keayne's manuscript
it appears, that answer by Boston church was made, 21st June, to a
question and desire from the church of Plimouth, " whether it be
lawful to use sprinkling in baptism, or rather dipping ; Mr. Chauncy be-
ing of the mind, that it is a violation of an ordinance to use
sprinkling instead of dipping." In the illustrious descendant's Life
of his ancestor, there may be some mistake on this point. Yet an
equal error is, perhaps, discernible in the text, as to the confutation,
and finding mistakes about " the judgment and practice of antiquity."
Fortunately, it is a matter, on which little depends ; and the churches
here would do wisely to allow, as a large part of the Antipcedobap-
tists in England are liberal enough to do, that the substance of Chris-
tianity is of infinitely higher importance than this form of expressing
our devotion to it, and that a controversy, which cannot be settled,
had better be dropped. •

APPENDIX. 37]

At this Commencement, complaint was made to the Gov-
ernors of two young men, of good quality, lately come out of
England, for foul misbehavior, in swearing and ribaldry speech-
es, &/C. for which, though they were adulti, they were corrected
in the College, and sequestered, &lc. for a time.

[Ibid. II. pp. 87, 88.]

(p. 9.)

7. There was an assembly at Cambridge of all the elders in
the country (about fifty in all), such of the ruling elders as
would, were present also, but none else. They sat in the
College, and had their diet there after the manner of scholars'
commons, but somewhat better, yet so ordered as it came not to
above sixpence the meal for a person. Mr. Cotton and Mr.
Hooker were chosen moderators. The principal occasion was
because some of the elders went about to set up some things
according to the presbytery, as of Newbury, &/C. The assembly
concluded against some parts of the presbyterial way, and the
Newbury ministers took time to consider the arguments, &c.

[Ibid. pp. 136, 137.]

(p. 9.)

8. lOmo. 27th, 1643. — By order of the General Court all the
magistrates and the teaching elders of the six nearest churches
were appointed to be forever Governors of the College, and this
day they met at Cambridge and considered of the officers of the
College, and chose a Treasurer, H. Pelham, Esq. being the first
in that office. — [Ibid. p. 150.] ^

(p. 5.)

9. Mr. Shepherd, the pastor of the church in Cambridge,
being at Connecticut when the Commissioners met there for the
United Colonies, moved them for some contribution of help to-
wards the maintenance of poor scholars in the College, wherupon
the commissioners ordered that it should be commended to the
deputies of the General Courts and the elders within the several

38] APPENDIX.

colonies, to raise (by way of voluntary contribution) one peck
of corn or twelve pence money, or other commodity, of every
family, which those of Connecticut presently performed

Divers free schools were erected, as at Roxbury (for main-
tenance whereof every inhabitant bound some house or land for
a yearly allowance forever) and at Boston (where they made an
order to allow for ever fifty pounds to the master, and an house,
and thirty pounds to an usher, who should also teach to read
and write and cipher, and Indians' children were to be taught
freely, and the charge to be by yearly contribution, either by
voluntary allowance, or by rate of such as refused, &,c. and this
order was confirmed by the General Court [blank].) Other
towns did the like, providing maintenance by several means.

By agreement of the commissioners, and the motions of the
elders in their several churches, every family in each colony
gave one peck of corn or twelve pence to the College at Cam-
bridge.—[/6/Gf. pp. 214 - 216.]

APPENDIX. ' 39]

No. IX. (p. 28.)

Moreover he [Eliot] took great care, that schools should be
planted among the praying Indians ; and he taught some him-
self to read, that they might be capable to teach others ; and by his
procurement, some of the choice Indian youth were put to
school with English schoolmasters, to learn both the English,
Latin, and Greek tongues.

There was much cost out of the Corporation stock expended
in this work, for fitting and preparing the Indian youth to be
learned and able preachers unto their countrymen. Their diet,
apparel, books, and schooling, was chargeable. In truth the
design was prudent, noble, and good ; but it proved ineffectual
to the ends proposed. For several of the said youth died, after
they had been sundry years at learning, and made good profi-
ciency therein. Others were disheartened and left learning,
after they were almost ready for the College. And some re-
turned to live among their countrymen ; where some of them are
improved for schoolmasters and teachers, unto which they are
advantaged by their education. Some others of them have en-
tered upon other callings : as one is a mariner ; another a car-
penter ; another went for England with a gentleman that lived
sometimes at Cambridge in New England, named Mr. Drake,
which Indian, as I hear, died there not many months after his
arrival.

I remember but only two of them all, that lived in the College
at Cambridge ; the one named Joel, the other Caleb ; both
natives of Martha's Vineyard. These two were hopeful young
men, especially Joel, being so ripe in learning, that he should,
within a few months, have taken his first degree of Bachelor
of Art in the College. He took a voyage to Martha's Vineyard
to visit his father and kindred, a little before the Commencement ;
but upon his return back in a vessel, with other passengers and
mariners, suffered shipwreck upon the island of Nantucket;
where the bark was found put on shore ; and in all probability
the people in it came on shore alive, but afterwards were mur-

thered by some wicked Indians of that place ; who, for lucre of

40] APPENDIX.

the spoil in the vessel, which was laden with goods, thus cruelly
destroyed the people in it; for which fault some of those Indians
was convicted and executed afterwards. Thus perished our
hopeful young prophet Joel. lie was a good scholar and a pious
man, as I judge. I knew him well ; for he lived and was
taught in the same town where I dwelt. I observed him for
several years, after he was grown to years of discretion, to be
not only a diligent student, but an attentive hearer of God's
word ; diligently writing the sermons, and frequenting lectures ;
grave and sober in his conversation.

The other called Caleb, not long after he took his degree of
Bachelor of Art at Cambridge in New England, died of a con-
sumption at Charlestown, where he was placed by Mr. Thomas
Danforth, who had inspection over him, under the care of a physi-
cian in order to his health ; where he wanted not for the best
means the country could afford, both of food and physick ; but God
denied the blessing, and put a period to his days.

Of this disease of the consumption sundry of those Indian youths
died, that were bred up to school among the English, The truth
is, this disease is frequent among the Indians; and sundry die "of
it, that live not with the Enslish. A hectick fever, issuincr in a
consumption, is a common and mortal disease among them. I
know some have apprehended other causes of the mortality of these
Indian scholars. Some have attributed it unto the great change
upon their bodies, in respect of their diet, lodging, apparel, studies;
so much different from what they were inured to among their own
countrymen. — [Gookin's Hist. Coll. in Mass. Hist. Coll. I. pp.
172, 173, First Series.]

One thing falls in here fitly to be spoken of, as a means intended
for the good of the Indians ; which was the erecting a house of
brick at Cambridge, in New England, which passeth under the
name of the Indian College. It is a structure strong and sub-
stantial, though not very capacious. It cost between three or four
hundred pounds. It is large enough to receive and accommodate
about twenty scholars with convenient lodgings and studies; but
not hitherto hath been much improved for the ends intended, by
reason of the death and failing of Indian scholars. It hath hith-
erto been principally improved for to accommodate English schol-
ars, and for placing and using a printing press belonging to the
College. This house was built and finished at the charge, and by
the appointment, of the Honourable Corporation for propagating
the gospel in New England. — [Ibid. p. 176.]

APPENDIX. 41]

No. X. (p. 11.)

In the following year, Mr. Henry Dunster, the first President
of Harvard College, ended his pilgrimage at Scituate, in Plymouth
jurisdiction. His body was solemnly interred at Cambridge, where
he had spent the choice part of his studies and of his life, and
mio-ht there have continued, if he had been endowed with that
wisdom which many others have wanted besides himself, to have
kept his singular opinion to himself, when there was little occasion
for venting thereof — [Hubbard' s Hist. New England, in Mass.
Hist. Coll. VI. p. 556, Second Series.]

42] APPENDIX.

No. XL (pp. 8, 9.)

1. WiiF.N scholars liad so far profited at the grammar schools,
that they could read any classical author into English, and readily
make, and speak true Latin, and write it in verse as well as prose ;
and perfectly decline the paradigms of nouns and verbs in the
Greek tongue, they were judged capable of admission in Harvard
Collcdge ; and upon the examination, were accordingly admitted
by the President and Fellows ; who, in testimony thereof, signed a
copy of the Collcdge laws, which the scholars were each of them
to transcribe and preserve, as the continual remembrancers of the
duties, whereto their priviledges obliged them. While the President
inspected the manners of the students thus entertained in the Col-
ledge, and unto his morning and evening prayers in the hall, joined
an exposition upon the chapters ; which they read out of Hebrew
into Greek, from the Old Testament in the morning, and out of
English into Greek, from the New Testament in the evening ;
besides what sermons he saw cause to preach in publick assemblies
on the Lord's day at Cambridge, where the students have a parti-
cular gallery allotted unto them ; the Fellows resident on the place,
became Tutors to the several classes, and after they had instructed
them in the Hebrew lang-uaorc, led them throucrh all the liberal
arts, ere their first four years expired. And in this time, they
had their weekly declamations, on Fridays in the Colledge Hall,
besides publick disputations, which either the Prsesident or the
Fellows moderated. Those who then stood candidates to be grad-
uates, were to attend in the Hall for certain hours, on Mondays,
and on Tuesdays, three weeks together towards the middle of
June, which were called weeks of visitation ; so that all comers
that pleased, might examine their skill in the languages and scien-
ces, which they now pretended unto ; and usually, some or other
of the Overseers of the Colledge, would on purpose visit them,
whilst they were thus doing what they called, sitting of solstices :
When the Commencement arrived, which was formerly the second
Tuesday in August, but since, the first Wednesday in July ; they
that were to proceed Bachelors, held their Act publickly in Cam-
bridge ; whither the magistrates and ministers, and other gentle-
men then came, to put respect upon their exercises : And these
exercises were besides an oration usually made by the Presiden t

APPENDIX. 43]

orations both salutatory and valedictory, made by some or other
of the commencers, wherein all persons and orders of any fashion
then present, were addressed with proper complements, and reflec-
tions were made on the most remarkable occurrents of the prae-
ceeding year ; and these orations were made not only in L.atin, but
sometimes in Greek and in Hebrew also ; and some of them were
in verse, and even in Greek verse, as well as others in Prose. But
the main exercises were disputations upon questions, wherein the
respondents first made their Theses : For according to Vossius,
the very essence of the Baccalaureat seems to lye in the thing -.
Baccalaureus being but a name corrupted of Batualius, which
Batualius (as well as the French Bataile) comes a Batuendo, a
business that carries beating in it : So that, Batualii fucrunt vo-
cati, quia jam quasi batuissent cu7n adversario, ac mamis cori'
seruissent ; Jioc est, inihlicc disputassent, atque ita periticB sucb
specimen dedisscnt. In the close of the day, the Praesident, with
the formality of delivering a book into their hands, gave them their
first degree ; But such of them as had studied three years after
their first decree, to answer the Horatian character of an artist,

" Qui studiis annos septem dedit, insenuitque
Libris et curis."

And besides their exhibiting synopses of the liberal arts, by
themselves composed, now again publlckly disputed on some ques-
tions, of perhaps a little higher elevation ; these now, with a like
formality, received their second degree, proceeding Masters of

Art. Quis enim Doctrinam amplectitur ipsam^ prcemia si

tollas 1 The words used by the Preesident, in this action, were,

For the Batchelours.

Admitto te ad Primum Gradum in Artibus, scilicet ad responden-
dum qucBstioni pro more Academiarum in Anglia.

Tibiq; trado liunc iibrum, una cum potestate puhlice prcelegendij
in aliqud Artium [quam profiteris) quotiescunq; ad hoc munus
evocaius fueris.

For the Masters.

Admitto te ad Secundum Gradum in Artibus, pro more Academi-
arum in Anglia.

Tradoque tihi hunc Iibrum, una cum potestate projitendi, ubicun-
que ad hoc ?}iunus publice evocatus fueris.

[Mather's Magnalia, B. IV. pp. 127, 128.]

44] APPENDIX.

2. At the Commencement, it has been the annual custom for
the Batchelors, to pubhsh a sheet of Theses, jjro virili defcndcndcBi
upon all or most of the liberal arts ; among which they do, with a
particular character, distinguish those that are to be the subjects
of the publick disputations then before them ; and those Theses
they dedicate as hansomely as they can, to the persons of quality,
but especially the Governour of the province, whose patronage the
Colledge would be recommended unto. The masters do, in an
half sheet, without any dedication, publish only the Questiones
pro modulo discutiendcc, which they purpose either affirmatively
or negatively to maintain as respondents, in the disputations,
which are by them to be managed. They that peruse the Theses
of the Batchelors of later years published, will find that though the
Ramajan discipline be in this College preferred unto the Aristote-
laean, yet they not so confine themselves unto that neither, as to
deprive themselves of that Libera Philosophia, which the good
spirits of the age have embraced, ever since the great Lord Bacon
show'd 'em the way to The Advancernent of Learning ; but they
seem to be rather of the sect, begun by Potamon, called iyJsxxiy.ol,
who adhering to 7io former sect, chose out of them all, what they
lik'd best in any of them : At least, I am sure, they do not show
such a veneration for Aristotle as is express'd at Queens-Colledge
in Oxford ; where they read Aristotle on their knees, and those
who take degrees are sworn to defend his philosophy. A Venetian
writer pretends to enumerate no less than twelve thousand volumes
published in the fourteenth age, about the philosophy of Aristotle,
none of ours will add unto the number. For this let the learned
reader, accept the excuse, which their present President, in one of
his orations, at the close of their exercises, has helpt us unto.

Mihi quidem maxime arridet, quod vos qui estis in Artibus
Liberalibus initiati, liberum philosophandi modum, potius quam
Peripateticismum sapere videmini. Nullus addubito quin CI. Gas-
sendi Exercitationes vobis non sunt ignota3, in quibus, quod apud
Aristotelem raulta deficiant, multa superfluant, multa fallant, pluri-
bus ostendit. Tritum est illud, Q,ui non vult intelligi debet
negligi ; nonnulla autem in libris Aristotelis, nemo mortalium
potest intellegere. Fertur itaque de Hermolao Barbaro, quod
Dsemonem ab Inferis excitaverit, ut quid Aristoteies per suam
ivjiUx^iav voluit, exponeret. En egregium Aristotelis interpre-
tem ! Quam plurima in ejus scriptis, authoris Paganismum re-
dolent: mundum facit increatum : mortuorum resurrectionem

APPENDIX. 45]

possibilem negat ; animam mortalem. Nonnulli Pyrrhonem, qui
fuit pater Scepticorum ; alii Zenonem, qui fuit pater Stoicorum ;
multi Platonem, qui fuit Pater Academicorum ; Aristoteli pra^fe-
runt. Vos autem quibus libere philosophari contigit, in nuUius
jurare verba magistri estis addicti : Ast unicum Aristotelis
dictum, vere aureum, memoria teneatis, Amicus Plato, amicus
Socrates, (addo ego amicus Aristoteles,) sed magis arnica Veritas.

They likewise which peruse the questiones published by the
masters, will find, that as these, now and then presume to fly as
high as divinity ; so their divinity is of that reformed stamp^ which
carries as frequent confutations of Arminianism with it, as are
possible : Herein condemning those Protestant Universities, abroad
in the world, which have not preserved the glorious doctrines of
grace, in such purity, as that great party among the Romanists
themselves, which go under the name of Jansenists. But for this
also let their present President be accountable, whose orations at
the end of their exercises, have uttered such passages as these
unto them.

Gravis ilia fuit profundi Doctoris querela, totum pene mundum
post Pelagium in errorem abire. Causa in promptu est ; nam
propter Adas, et in eo peccantis humani generis, naufragium,
mortales prout res sint, nee sentiunt, nee judicant. Toti, toti,
quanti quantiq; sunt, a bono et vero aversi, conversi ad malum
et errorem, Pelagianismus itaq; homini in statu lapso naturalis
est, nee unquam sic avelli potest, quud non iterum tanquani
infelix lolium, in fundo naturae corruptas exoriatur. Videmus
Papistas, Socinianistas, nee non Arminii sequaces, Pelagii, de
liberi arbitrii viribus, virus absorbentes ac devorantes ; tametsi
eorum error, non tantum ab Augustino, jamdudum, et a Luthero,
in Libro insigni cui titulus est, De Servo Arbitrio, sed etiam ab
innumeris hujus seculi viris perquain eruditis, refutatur. Sed
facessat jam Arminianismus, cum sit Neo-pelagianismus. Mihi in
mentcm venit anagramma, sive ingeniosa nominis Arminii inter-
pretatio, ex literarum trajectione. Jacobus Arminius, upu/Qafxfia-
Ti'CojAtvog est, Vani Orbis Amicus ; at nobis ergo non sit amicus.
Habemus autem in Amyraldo Arminium Redivivum ; parum
enim, aut nihil afferunt Amyraldistse, quos novatores et metho-
distas vocant, nisi quae ab Arminianis acceperunt, uti multis CI.
Molineus evicit. Facessant igitur novatores, et in nostra Aca-
demia, nee vola, nee vestigium Arminianismi unquam inveniatur.
In quantum vero Inceptores nostri veram contra Arminianismum
senteniiam pro virili propugnarunt, eos laurea dignos habeamus.

46] APPENDIX.

And now, I hope, that the European churches of the faithful,
will cast an eye of some respect upon a little University in Ameri-
ca, recommended by the character that has been thus given of it.
Certainly they must be none but enemies to the Reformation, the
sons of Edom (which the Jewish Rabbins very truly tell us, is the
name of Rome in tl^e Sacred Oracles) that shall say of such an
University, Rase it! llasc it! — [Ibid, pp. 131, 132.]

The Theses of the first Class of Graduates at Harvard

College, in 1642.

Spectatissimis Pietate, et Ulustrissimis Eximia Virtute Viris,

D. lohanni Winthropo, inclytae Massachusetti Coloniae

Gubernatori, D. Johanni Endicotto, Vice-

Gubernatori, D. Thorn. Diidleo^ D. Rich.

JBelliJighcono, D. loan. Humphry do,

D. Israel. Stoughtono.

Nee non Reverendis pientissimisque viris loanni Cottono,

loan. WiIso?io, loan. Davenport, Tho. JVeldo, Hugoni

Petro, Tho. Shepardo, Collegii Harvardensis,

Nov. Cantabr. Inspectoribus fidelissimis,

caeterisque Magistratibus, et Ecclesia-

rum ejusdem Coloniae Presbyteris

vigilantissimis;

Has Theses Philologicas, et Philosophicas, quas, Deo duce,

Praeside Henrico Dunstero, palam pro virili propugnare

conabuntur, (honoris et observantiae gratia) dicant

consecrantque in artibus liberalibus

initiati Adolescentes.

Benjamin JVoodbrigius
Georgius Doivningus
Gulielmus Hubbardus
Henricus Scdtonstall
lohannes Bidkleius

loannes Wilsonns
Nathaniel Brusterus
Samuel Bellinghamus
Tobias Bernardus.

Theses Philologicas.
GRAMMATICAS.

1. Linffuarum Scientia est utilissima.

2. Literse non exprimunt quantum vocis organa efferunt.

3. Hsebrsea est Linguarum Mater.

4. Consonantes et vocales Hcebrasorum sunt coostaneae.

5. Punctationes chatephatse syllabam proprie non efficiunt.

APPENDIX. 47]

6. Linguarum Grseca est copiosissima.

7. Lingua Graeca est ad accentus pronuntianda.

8. Lingua Latina est eloquentissima.

RHETORICAS.

1. Rhetorica specie differ t a Logica.

2. In Elocutione perspicuitati cedit ornatus, ornatui copia.

3. Actio primas tenet in pronuntiatione.

4. Oratoris est celare Arteni.

LOGICAS.

L Universalia non sunt extra intellectum.

2. Omnia Argumenta non sunt relata.

3. Causa sine qua non non est peculiaris causa a quatuor reliquis

creneralibus.

4. Causa et effectus sunt simul tempore.

5. Dissentanea sunt Eeque nota.

6. Contrarietas est tantum inter duo.

7. Sublato relate tollitur correlatum.

8. Genus perfectum sequaliter communicatur speciebus.

9. Testimonium valet quantum testis.

10. Elenchorum doctrina in Logica non est necessaria.

11. Axioma contingens est, quod ita verum est, ut aliquando

falsum esse possit.

12. Praecepta Artium debent esse y.uja ndvTo?, xad- ' avio, xad- '

oXov ngwTov.

Theses Philosopliicas.
ETHICAS.

1. Philosophia practica est eruditionis meta.

2. Actio virtutis habitum antecellit.

3. Voluntas est virtutis moralis subjectum.

4. Voluntas est formalite; libera.

5. Prudentia virtutum difficillima.

6. Prudentia est virtus intellectualis et moralis.

7. Justitia mater omnium virtutum.

8. Mors potius subeunda quam aliquid culpas perpetrandum.

9. Non injuste agit nisi qui libens agit.

10. Mentiri potest qui verum dicit.

11. Juveni modestia summum ornamentum.

48] APPENDIX.

PIIYSICAS.

1. Corpus naturalc mobile est subjcctum Physicae. .

2. Materia secunda non potest existere sine forma.

3. Forma est accidens.

4. Unius rei non est nisi unica forma constitutiva.

5. Forma est principium individuationis.
0. Privatio non est principium internum.

7. Ex meris accidcntibus non fit substantia.

8. Quicquid movetur ab alio movetur.

9. In omni motu movens simul est cum mobili.

10. Ccelum non movetur ab intelligentiis.

11. Non dantur orbes in coelo.

12. Quodlibet Elementum habet unani ex primis qualitatibus
sibi maxime propriam.

13. Putredo in humido fit a calore externo.

14. Anima non fit ex traduce.

15. Vehemens sensibile destruit sensum.

METAPHYSICAS.

1. Omne ens est bonum.

2. Omne creatum est concretum.

3. Quicquid aeternum idem et immensum.

4. Bonum metaphysicum non suscipit gradus.

[Hutchinson^ s Hist. I. pp. 510 — 513.]

3. But our account of Harvard College will be rendered more
complete, if we do here transcribe the laws of it ; which laws, now,
Reader, do bespeak thy patience.

Statuta, Leges, et Privilegia, a Preside et Sociis, Collegii Harvar-
dini, apud Cantabrigienses in Nova Anglia, approbata et
sancita ; quibus Scholares sive Studentes, et Admissi et Ad-
mittendi, ad Literas et bonos Mores promovendum, subjicere
tenentur.

(1.) Cuicunque fuerit peritia legendi Ciceronem, aut quemvis
alium ejusmodi classicum autorem ex tempore, et congru^ loquendi
ac scribendi Latine facultas, oratione tarn soluta quam ligata, suo
(ut aiunt) marte, et ad unguem inflectendi Graecorum nominum,
et verborum paradigmata; hie admissionem in collegium jure potest

APPENDIX. 49]

expectare ; quicunque vero destitutus fuerit hac peritia, admissionem
sibi neutiquam vindicet.

(2.) Quicunq; in collegium admittuntur, iidem etiam contu-
bernio excipieiidi sunt; et unusquisq; scholarium ceconomo tres
libras, cum hospitio accipitur, numerabit ; eidem ad finem cujusq;
trimestris quod debitum erit, solvet : nee licet ulli academico,
nondum gradu ornato, convictum extra collegium quaerere, nisi
venia impetrata a praeside, aut suo tutore. Si quis autem banc
prsesidis aut tutoris indulgentiam obtinebit, consuetudinem usita-
tam fideliter observabit ; sin autem aliquis a collegio descedendo
privatam institutionem quaesierit, copia a pr£eside, vel a tutoribus
illi non facta, nullo privilegio academico patietur.

(3.) Dum hie egerint, tempus studiose redimunto ; tam com-
munes omnium scholarium horas, quam suis praslectionibus desti-
natas, observando.

(4.) Unusquisque scholarium exercitia omnia scholastica et
religiosa, tam publica quam privata sibi propria, pra^stabit. Adhuc
in statu pupillari degentes, sexies quotannis rostra oratoria ascen-
dent. Unaquaque septimana bis disputationibus publicis sophistae
interesse debent : Cum baccalaurei turn sophista) analysin in ali-
quam S. literarum partem instituent : Baccalaurei singulis semestri-
bus public^ quaestiones philosophicas sub praesidis moderamine dis-
cutient : absente vero praeside, duo seniores tutores moderatoris
partes alternatim agent.

(5.) Ne quis, sub quovis praetextu, hominum, quorum perditi ac
discincti sunt mores, consuetudine utitor.

(6.) Nemo in statu pupillari degens, nisi concessapriiis a praeside,
vel a tutoribus, venia, ex oppido exeat : nee quisquam, cujuscunque
gradus aut ordinis fuerit, tabernas aut diversoria, ad comessandum,
aut bibendum, accedat, nisi ad parentes, curatores, nutricios, aut
hujusmodi, accersitus fuerit.

(7.) Nullus scholaris, nullo parentum, curatorum, aut tutorum
approbante, quicquam emito, vendito, aut commutato ; qui autem
secus fecerit, a praeside aut tutore, pro delicti ratione, mulctabitur.

(8.) Omnes scholares a vestibus, quae fastum aut luxum prae se
ferunt, abstineant ; nee ulli studenti extra limites academiae, sine
toga, tunica, vel penula, exire liceat.

(9.) Omnis scholaris non graduatus, solo cognomine vocetur, nisi
sit commensalis, aut equitis primogenitus, vel insigni genere natus.

(JO.) Omnis commensalis, quinque libras, in perpetuum aca-
demiae usum, solvet, priusquam in collegium admittatur.

71-

50] APPENDIX.

(11.) Unusquisquc scholaris, in statu pupillari dcgens, tutori suo
duas libras, at si commcnsalis, tres libras, per annum dinurnerare
tenebitur.

(12.) NuWi ex scholaribus senioribus, solis tutoribus et collegii
30ciis exceptis, recentem sive juniorem, ad itinerandum, aut ad
aliud quodvis faciendum, minis, verberibus, vel aliis modis impellere
licebit. Et siquis non graduatus in banc legem peccaverit, casti-
gatione corporal i, expulsione, vel aliter, prout pra^sidi cum sociis
visum fuerit punietur.

(13.) Scholares, cujuscunque conditionis, a lusu alearum vel
chartarum pictarum, nee non ab omni lusus genere, in quo de
pecunia concertatur, abstineant, sub poina viginti solidorum
toties, quoties, si sit graduatus, vel alitor, pro arbitrio pra^sidis et
tutoris, si non sit graduatus.

(14.) Siquis scholarium a prccibus aut praelectionibus abfuerit,
nisi necessitate coactus, aut praesidis aut tutoris nactus veniam;
admonitioni, aut aliusmodi, pro praesidis aut tutoris prudentia,
poensB, si plusquam semel in hebdomade peccaverit, erit obnoxius.

(15.) Nullus scholaris quavis de caus4 (nisi praemonstrata et
approbata praesidi et tutori suo) a studiis statisve exercitiis abesto :
excepta semihora jentaculo, prandio vero sesquihora, concessa ; nee
non co3na3 usque ad horam nonam.

(16.) Siquis scholarium ullam Dei aut hujus collegii legem, sive
animo perverse, sive ex supina negligentia violarit, postquam fuerit
bis admonitus, gravioribus, pro prcesidis aut tutoris prudentia, poenis
coerceatur. In atrocioribus autem delictis, ut adeo gradatim
procedatur, nemo expectet.

(17.) Quicunque scholaris, probatione habita, poterit sacras
utriusque instrumenti Scripturas de textu originali Latine interpre-
tari, et logice resolvere ; fueritque naturalis et moralis philosophiae
principiis imbutus ; vitaque et moribus inculpatus ; et publicis
quibusve comitiis a prasside et sociis collegii, approbatu-s, prime
suo gradu possit ornari. Aliter nemo, nisi post triennium et decern
menses ab admissione in collegiism, ad primum in artibus gradum
admittetur.

(18.) Q,uicunque scholaris locum habuit communem, scriptam-
que synopsin vel compendium logicas, naturalis et moralis philo-
sophiae, arithmeticae, aut geometriae, aut astronomiae, exhibuerit, fue-
ritque ad theses suas defendendas paratus ; nee non originalium, ut
supra dictum, linguarum, peritus ; quem etiamnum morum integritas
ac studiorum diligentia cohonestaverint, publicis quibusvis comitiis
probatione facta, secundi gradus, magisterii nimirum, capax erit.

APPENDIX. Slj

(19.) Statutum est, quhd qui theologiae dat operanij antequam
baccalaureatum in ilia facultate consequatur, gradum inagisterii in
artibus suscipiat, ac sedulo theologicis et Hebraicis lectionibus
incumbat ; quibus annorum septem dabit operam : quo spatio, bis
disputabit contra theologiae baccalaureum, semelque respondebit in
theologia; concionabitur Latine seme!, et scmel Anglice, vel in •
teinplo, vel in aula acaderaiae : et si, in hoc tempore, in theologia
profecerit, per solennem inaugurationem baccalaureus fiet: hac
tamen cautione servata, ne quis, ante quinquennium completum a
suscepto raagistrali gradu, concionem hujusmodi habere permittetur.

(20.) Statutum est, quod qui cupit in ordinem doctorum theolo-
giae cooptari, per integrum quinquennium, post susceptum bacca-
laurei gradum, lectionibus et studiis theologicis dabit operam, et
antequam incipiendum, in eadem facultate admittatur, in questioni-
bus theologicis bis opponet, semel respondebit, idque doctori, si
commode fieri poterit ; Latin^ semel, Anglice semel, concionabitur
in templo, vel in aula academioe ; solenniter sexies legat, et explicet
aliquam Scriptures partem, et post solennem inceptionem, semel
infra annum ipse sibi questionem proponere tenebitur in aula
academiag, cujus ambigua et dubitationes, in utramque partem,
enucleabit, definiet, et determinabit.

(21.) Statutum est, quod praster caetera exercitia, pro gradibus
theologicis praestanda, unusquisque tam pro theologiae baccalau-
reatu, quam pro doctoratu, candidatus, tractatum quondam contra
ha3resia vel errorem aliquem grassantem, aut in aliud utile quod-
dam argumentum (dirigentibus id praeside et collegii sociis) pro
communi ecclesiarum commodo, in lucem emittere tenebitur.

(22.) Gradus academici, qui a praeside et curatoribus collegii
Harvardini antehac collati sunt, pro validis habeantur.

(23.) Unusquisque scholaris harum legum exemplar, a praeside
et aliquo tutorum subscriptum, sibi comparabit, priusquam in colle-
gium admittatur.

Among the laws of Harvard Colledge thus recited, the reader
will find the degrees of a baccalaureate and a doctorate, in divinity ,
provided for those, that by coming up to terms, beyond those
required, in any one European university, shall merit them. Now,
though there are divines in the country, whose abilities would fully
answer the terms thus proposed ; yet partly from the novelty of
the matter itself, which under the former charter was never pre-
tended unto, and partly from the modesty of the persons most
worthy to have this respect put upon them, there was yet neve^

52] APPENDIX.

made among us any of these promotions. 'T is true, these titles
are of no very early original ; for the ocaasion of them first arose,
about the year of our Lord, 1135. Lotharius the emperor, having
found in Italy, a copy of the Roman civil law, which he was greatly
taken withal, he ordained, that it should be publicly expounded in
the schools; and that he might give encouragement unto this
employment, it was ordained, that the public professors of this law
should be dignified with the style of doctors, whereof Bulgarus
Hugolinus, with others, was the first. Not long after, this rite of
creating doctors was borrowed of the lawyers, by divines, who in
their schools publicly taught divinity ; and the imitation took place,
first in Bononia, Paris, and Oxford. But I see not, why such marks
of honor may not be properly given by an American university,
as well as an European to them, who, by such capacity and activity
for the service of the churches, do deserve to be so distinguished.
Indeed, this university did present their President with a diploma,
for a doctorate under the seal of the Colledge with the hands of the
fellows annexed : which, because it is the first and the sole instance
of such a thing done in the whole English America, I will here
transcribe it.

Quum gradus academicus, tarn in theologia, quam in philosophia,
pro more academiarum in Anglia, conferendi potestas, ab amr
plissimo gubernatore, et a summa Massachusettensis provinciae
curia, secundum sereniss. Regis ac Reginas Gulielmi et Mariae,
illis concessum diploma, sit nobis commissa : et quoniam vir
clarissimus, D. Crescentius Matherus, Collegii Harvardini in
Nova Anglia prseses reverendus, libros quam plurimos tam
Anglice quam Latine edidit, omnigena literatura refertos, multis-
que preterea modis, non solum in linguis et in artibus liberalibus
peritissimum, verum etiam in S. S. Scripturis et in theologia
se ostendit versatissimum ; atque per studia et merita vere ex-
traordinaria, non tantum apud Americanas, sed et Europaeanas
ecclesias commendatissimum se reddidit ; propterea dictum D.
Crescentium Matherum, doctorali cathedra dignum, judica-
mus, eumque pro autoritate nobis commissa, S. Theologiae Doc-
torem nominamus ac renunciamus. In cujus rei testimonium,
academics sigillum hisce literis affiximus ; nos, quorum hie sunt
subscripta nomina.

Datum Cantabri^iae Nov-Anglorum, die Novembris septimo,
anno Domini millesimo sexcentesimo nonagesimoque secundo.

[Mather's Magnalla, B. IV. pp. 132-134.]

APPENDIX. 63]

4. We will conclude our catalogue of the graduates in this
colledge, with the elegy, which the venerable Mr. John Wilson
made upon its founder.

In pientissimum, reverendissimumq; virum,
JOHANNEM HARVARDUM,

e suggesto sacro Caroloensi ad ccelos evectum,
Ad alumnos Cantabrienses literates, poema.

Johannes Harvardus.
Anaorr.
Si non (ah !) surda aure.

En, mihi fert animus, Patroni nomine vestri

(Si non, (ah !) surda spernitur aure) loqui.
Sic ait.
Me Deus, immense per Christum motus amore,

Ad coslos servum jussit abire suum.
Parebam ; monituque Dei praeeunte parabam

Quicquid ad optatum sufficiebat opus.
Me (licet indignum) selegit gratia Christi,

Fundarem Musis qui pia tecta piis.
(Non qu5d vel chara morions uxore carerem,

Aut haeres alius quod mihi nullus erat :)
Haeredes vos ipse meos sed linquere suasit,

Usque ad dimidium sortis opumque, Deus.
Me commune bonum, praesertim gloria Christi,

Impulit, et charas posteritatis amor :
Sat ratus esse mihi sobolis, pietatis amore

Educet illustres si Schola nostra viros.
Haec mihi spes (vita morienti dulcior olim)

Me recreat, coeli dum requiete fruor.
At si degeneres liqueat vos esse (quod absit!)

Otia si studiis'sint potiora bonis :
Si nee doctrina, nee moribus estis honestis

Imbuti, (fastu non leviore tamen)
Grata sit aut vobis si secta vel haeresis ulla,

Vos simul inficiens, vos, Dominique gregem :
Haec mihi patrono quam sunt contraria vestro !

Atque magis summo displicitura Deo !
Nee tamen ista meo sic nomine dicier opto,

Mens quasi promittat non meliora mihi !

54] APPENDIX.

Gaudia ca'lorum vix me satiare valerent.

Si taiUa orbatus speque fideque forem.
Ule Deus vobis, vestiisque laboiibus, almam,

Et dedit, et porro suppeditabit opem.
Ejus in obsequio, sic, O ! sic, pergite cuncti,

Ut fluat bine major gloria lausque Deo.
At si quis recto male sit de tramite gressus

(Q,uod David, et Solomon, et Petrus ipse queat),
Hie sibi ne placeat, monitus neque ferre recuset,

In rectam possint qui revocare viam.
•Sic grati vos este Deo ! vestrique labores,

Quos olim in Christo suscipietis, erunt.
Utque Vetus meruit sibi Cantabrigia nomen,

Sic nomen fiet dulce feraxque Novae.

Johannes Wilsonus.

Verba Doct. Arrowsmith, in Orat. Antiweigeliand,

Faxit Deus optimus, maximus, tenacem adeo veritatis banc
academiam, ut deinceps in Anglia lupum, in Hibernia bufonem,
invenire faciiius sit, quam aut Socinianum, aut Arminianum in
Cantabrigia. — \_Ibi(l B. IV. p. 139.]

APPENDIX. 55]

No. XII. (p. 28.)

Some of their [the Indians] sons have been brought up scholars
in Harvard Colledge, and I was told that there was but two Fel-
lowes in that Colledge, and one of them was an Indian ; some few
of these Christian Indians have of late apostatized and fallen
back to their old superstition and course of life. — [Josseli/n's
Vol/ ages to New England, p. 149. London, 1G75. Reprinted in
Mass. Hist. Coll. III. Third Series, pp. 310, 311.]

(p. 2.)

At the bottom of the bay the river begins to be narrower, half a
quarter of a mile broad ; by the north-side of the river is New-
town, three miles from Charles-town, a league and half by water, it
was first intended for a city, the neatest and best compacted town,
having many fair structures and handsom contrived streets ; the
inhabitants rich, they have many hundred acres of land paled with
one common fence a mile and half long, and store of cattle ; it is
now called Cambridge where is a Colledg for students of late ; it
stretcheth from Charles river to the southern part of Merrimach-
river. — Ibid. pp. 164, 165.

(p. .)

Harvard Colledge founded with a publick library.

Ministers bred in New England, and (excepting about 10) \n
Harvard Colledge one hundred thirty two : of which dyed in the
countrey ten, now living eighty one, removed to England forty
one ^ Ibid. p. 262.

56] APPENDIX.

No. XIII. (p. 9.)

The following is the first class of Harvard College, as it stands
in the catalogue :

1642.

Benjamin TVuodbric/ge, Mr. Oxon. S. T. D.

Georgius Downing, Eques, Oliv. Crorn. et Caro. 11. Leg. apud

Resp. Bat,
Johannes Bulklcy, Mr.
Gnlielmus Hubbard, Mr.
Samuel Bellingham, Mr. M. D. Lugd.
Johannes Wilson, Mr.

Henricus Saltonstall, M. D. Patav. et Oxon., Soc.
Tobias Barnard.
Nathanael Bretvster, Th. Bac. Dublin.

Account oj" the first class of Graduates,

[Of these graduates the following particulars have been collected
from various sources, by the Editor.]

1. Mr. Be7ijami:i JVoodbridge was educated partly at Magda-
len college, Oxon, and then went to New England, where he
finished his academical studies. He was the first graduate of Har-
vard college. In the language of Dr. Calamy, he was the first
fruits, and lasting glory of that institution, as bishop Usher was of
Dublin. In the catalogue of our college he is a doctor of divinity.
Neither Dr. Calamy nor Dr. Mather mention this. It must have
been under the reign of Cromwell, at the university of Oxford, for
under no other administration could a puritan divine receive this
honorary distinction from that place. He was one of King Charles's
chaplains in ordinary after the restoration, and had the choice of
being canon of Windsor, if he would conform ; and of ejectment,
if he would not. He preferred the latter. He had succeeded the
famous Dr. Twiss at Newbury, where he continued preaching after
he was silenced. In 1G71, by King Charles's indulgence, he
preached more publicly. Though he v/as favored more than Non-
conformists in general, yet he suffered a great deal, and met with
enemies, who had some influence, though of little worth. He

APPENDIX. 67]

died in the year 1684, having been minister of Newbury above '
forty years, and a great part of his time being able to attend his
duty.

His character for learning, piety, and moderation, and activity in
the line of his profession, highly deserved praise. It must give
pleasure to the alumni of the college to hear of his good name, as
he was the eldest son of our alma mater. He was truly a great
man. As a preacher, a christian, a casuist, a scholar, he had m.ore
than common reputation. He was called a charming preacher,
his voice was remarkable, and his marmer graceful. It is said,
that his temper was cheerful, his behaviour genteel and obliging.
His catholick spirit was manifested when he was one of the com-
missioners at Savoy. He was very desirous of an accommodation;
and concerned to find that his endeavours vvere fruitless. — \_Eliofs
Ecclcs. Hist, in Mass. Hist. Coll. X. p. 32, note.]

Benjamin Woodbridge was brother to the Rev. John Woodbridge
of Andover, Massachusetts, and son of the Rev. John Woodbridge
of Wiltshire, Eng;land ; he was born at Hicrhworth in 1622. After
completing his education, he returned to England, was settled at
Salisbury, Nov. 16, 1648, and afterwards succeeded Dr. Twiss, as
above stated, at Newbury, where he gained a high reputation, as a
scholar, a preacher, a casuist, and a christian. After he was eject-
ed, in 1662, he continued to preach privately. He died at Engle-
field, Berks, Nov. 1, 1684, aged 62, and was buried at Newbury.
He received the degree of Doctor in Divinity at Oxford. — [Farmer's
Hist. Coll. III. p. 183; and Genealogical Register of the Jirst
Settlers of New England, by the same author, Sirt.l^Voodbriclge.] —
" Though inclined to presbyterianism, to use Mr. [Samuel] Math-
er's words, not malignantly affected." — [Hutch. Hist. I. p. Ill,
note.]

2. George Downing went into the army, and was scout-master
general of the English army in Scotland. He was afterwards in
great favor with Cromwell, who sent him ambassador to the States,
and upon the restoration he turned with the times, and was sent or
kept by the King in the same employ, had the merit of betraying,
securing, and sending over several of the regicides (he had been
captain under one of them. Col. Okey) was knighted and in favor
at court, and died in 1684. His character runs low with the best
historians in England ; it was much lower with his countrymen in
New England ; and it became a proverbial expression, to say of a

58]

APPENDIX.

false man who betrayed his trust, that he was an arrant George
Downing. Oliver Cromwell, when he sent him agent or ambassa-
dor to the States, in his letter of credence says, "George Downing
is a person of eminent quality, and after a long trial of his fidelity,
probity, and diligence in several and various negotiations, well ap-
proved and valued by us. Him we have thought fitting to send to
your Lordships, dignified with the character of our agent," &lc.
(Milton's Letters.) In his latter days he is said to have been very
friendly to New England, and when the colony was upon the worst
terms with King Charles the Second. An article of news from
England, in 1671, says, '' Sir George Downing is in the Tower, it
is said because he returned from Holland, where he was sent am-
bassador, before his time : As it is reported, he had no small abuse
offered him there. They printed the sermons he preached in Oli-
ver's time and drew three pictures of him. 1. Preaching in a tub,
over it was wrote, This I loas. 2. A treacherous courtier, over it,
This I am. 3. Hanging on a gibbet, and over it, This I shall 6e."
Prints of that sort were not so common in England in that day as
they have been the last tv/enty years.

" Downing was sent to make up the quarrel with the Dutch, but
coming home in too great baste and fear, is now in the prison where
his master lay that he betrayed." 3IS. Letter Lond. March 4,
1671-2. By his master, no doubt Okey is intended. His son
was one of the Tellers in the Exchequer in 16S0. Sir George
died in 1684. He was brother-in-law to governor Bradstreet, and
kept up a correspondence with him. — [Hutch. Hist. I. p. 1 11, note.]

George Downing was born in London ; was prepared for enter-
ing Harvard College, by the Rev. John Fisk, of Salem, and, after
taking his degree, went to England in 1645, and sustained various
offices under Cromwell and Charles IL ; by the latter he was made
a baronet, July 1, 1662, his residence being then at East Hatley,
in Cambridgeshire. He married about 16")4, Frances Howard,
and died in 1684, aged about 59. His son George married Catha-
rine, eldest daughter of James, Earl of Salisbury. Their son
George died in 1747, without issue, and left a bequest for founding
a college at Cambridge in England, now called " Downing Col-
lege " ; which bequest now amounts to <£150,000. — [Fainner'^s
Genealogical Register., art. Doivning, Bentley''s Hist, of Salem,
in Mass. Histor. Coll. VI. p. 240, First Series.]

Every printed book has, I believe, hitherto called this most dis-
tinguished of the early sons of Harvard College, the son of Cali-

APPENDIX. 69]

bute Downing, a puritan divine. This error is probably charge-
able to honest Anthony Wood's AthensD Oxonienses.

Another mistake is found in the famous Andrew Marvell.
Among his works is " A seasonable argument to persuade all the
grand juries of England to petition for a new parliament; or a list
of the principal laborers in the great design of popery and arbitrary
pov/er, who iiave betrayed their country to the conspirators, and
bargained with them to .maintain a standing army in England,
under the command of the higotted popish [Duke] who by the
assistance of the L.L's [Lord Lauderdale's] Scotch army, the
forces in Ireland, and those in France, hopes to bring all back- to
Rome " Amsterdam, 1677. This curious tract contains a list of
the members of the commons, arranored under the several counties
in alphabetical order, with sorne account of the rewards to each for
his service to the court. Our son of the first days at Harvard Col-
lege is thus mentioned : " Northumherlaud. Morpeth. Sir George
Downing, a poor child, bred upon charity ; like Judas, betrayed
his master. What then can his country expect? He drew and
advised the oath of renouncing the king's family, and took it first
himself. For his honesty, fidelity, &c. rewarded by his majesty
with 80,000 pounds at least, and is a commissioner of the customs,
the house bell to call the courtiers to vote at six o'clock at night,
an Exchequer teller."

Wood's Athenae Oxonienses, Vol. H. 27, in the account of Caly-
bute Downing LL. D. who died 1644, says, " Tliis Dr. Cal. Down-
ing was father to a son of his own tem.per named George, a sider
with all times and changes, well skilled in the common cant, and a
preacher sometimes to boot, a man of note in Oliver's days, as
having; been by him sent resident to the Lord's States General of
the United Provinces, a soldier in Scotland, and at length Scout-
Master General there, and a burgess for several corporations in
that kingdom, in parliaments that began there in 1654 and 56.
Upon a foresight of his majesty King Charles II. his restoration,
he wheeled about, took all opportunities to show his loyalty, was
elected burgess for Morpeth in Northumberland, to serve in that
parliament begun at Westminister, 8th May, 1661, was about that
time sent envoy extraordinary into Holland, where to show his zeal
and love for his majesty, he seized on three regicides at Delft
named John Barkstead, John Okey, and Miles Corbet, whom he
forthwith sent into England to receive the reward of the gallows.
Afterwards being made secretary to the treasury and one of his

60] APPENDIX.

majesty's commissioners of the customs, was by the name of Sir
George Downing of East Hatley in Cambridgeshire, Knight, cre-
ated a baronet on the first of July 1663." In the same Vol. p.
758 — 9, Wood repeats the story of Sir George's service in seizing
the regicides at an alehouse in Delft in the beginning of March,
1661, and in conclusion quotes the passage above from Marvell.

Now we know, that, being son of Emanuel Downing, and
nephew of Governor Wmthrop, he was not a poor child, bred
upon charity, as the indignation of Marvell represents. However
undeserving of approbation his political character may be, which is
fairly represented, I imagine, by Hutchinson I. p. 107, in the most
amusing note of his history, his powers of rendering himself useful
by aptitude for affairs of state, and great assiduity in business,
could alone gain him the high employments which Oliver Crom-
well bestowed. He was employed in negotiations with the Duke
of Savoy in 16.53, and at home in business of the army, and was
specially chosen member of parliament in 1656 for the protector's
purposes, from the Scotch borough of Haddington in Scotland
under Monk's instructions. But his great services for Oliver and
the succeeding brief administrations was as minister in Holland,
1657-8, very abundant evidence of which is in Thurloe's State
Papers, especially Vol. VII.

By the recently published Memoirs of Pepys, who was in Down-
ing's office, at first, as a clerk, it appears that in the anarchy of
1659 the crafty politician was at home, near the Exchequer ; and
went over, in the most important juncture, end of January, 1660,
to wait for events at the Hague. He was knighted a week before
the restoration. Of the arrest of the regicides, Pepys writes in his
Diary, 1662, March 12, " this morning we had news, that Sir G.
Downing (like a perfidious rogue, though the action is good and of
service to the king, yet he cannot with a good conscience do it)
hath taken Okey, Corbet, and Barkstead at Delft in Holland, and
sent them home in the Blackmore. Sir W. Penn, talking to me
this afternoon of what a strange thing it is for Downing to do this.^
he told me of a speech he made to the Lord's States of Holland,
telling them to their faces that he observed that he was not receiv-
ed with the respect and observance that he was when became
from the traitor and rebel Cromwell ; by whom, I am sure, he hath
got all he hath in the world, and they know it too." Vol. I. pp.
134-5. He adds, under the date of 17th, mentioning the arrival
of the prisoners, '' the captain tells me, the Dutch were a good

APPENDIX. 61]

while before they could be persuaded to let them go, they being
taken prisoners in their land. But Sir G. Downing would not be
answered so ; though all the world takes notice of him for a most
ungrateful villain for his pains."

Pepys, probably, knew Downing's origin, but his noble editor,
Lord Braybrooke has repeated the story about Cal. Downing being
his father. We need not be surprised at this, for Hutchinson has
not given any genealogy, and a relative of Downing, the late Wil-
liam Winthrop of Cambridge, in his catalogue of Harvard College,
MS. belonging to the Historical Society, prolongs the delusion of
Wood.

I may be excused for extending this note by farther extracts from
one who knew him so well as Pepys : " l(i67, May 27. The new
commissioners of the treasury have chosen Sir G. Downing for
their secretary ; and I think in my conscience they have done a
great thing in it ; for he is active and a man of business, and
values himself upon having of things do well under his hand; so
that I am mightily pleased in their choice." Vol. II. p. 58.

'' 1668, December 27. Met with Sir G. Downing, and walked
with him an hour talking of business, and how the late war was
managed, there being nobody to take care of it ; and he telling,
when he was in Holland, what he offered the king to do if he
might have power, and then upon the least word, perhaps of a
woman, to the king, he was contradicted again, and particularly to
the loss of all that we lost in Guinea. He told me that he had so
good spies, that he hath had the keys taken out of De Witt's
pocket when he was abed, and his closet opened and papers
brought to him and left in his hands for an hour, and carried back
and laid in the place again, and the keys put into his pocket again.
He says he hath ahvays had their most private debates, that have
been but between two or three of the chief of them, brought to
him in an hour after, and an hour after that hath sent word thereof
to the king." Vol. II. p. 291.

A note to Bliss's edition of ¥/ood mentions an epithalamium in
1654, in nuptias viri vere honoratissimi Georgii Downingi, campo
exploratoris gencralissimi, &c. et vere nobilissimse FranciscaB
Howardi equitis aurati et sororis illustrissimi Caroli Howardi de
Naworth in Com. Cumbraei, &c. This marriage probably extend-
ed his influence very much. His son, Sir George, married Catha-
rine, eldest daughter of James, Earl of Salisbury. Their son. Sir
George, grandson of the youth mentioned in our text, was in three

62] APPENDIX.

different parliaments, 1710, 1713, and 1727, and dying in 1747
without issue, left the most splendid peri)etuation of his name, by a
bequest for the foundation of a college at Cambridge, incorporated
in 1800, by the name of Downing College, on a more liberal
foundation than any other at that renowned university. See Dyer''s
History of the University of CdmhridgCj Vol. II. 440-447. The
amount of the bequest is now valued at more than 150,000 pounds.
Our Governor Bradstreet married a sister of Downing, and kept
up a correspondence with him. But in our country, which har-
boured and favored three of the regicides so many years, he, who
betrayed, or at least seized in a foreign land, three others, with
one of whom he had served, could hardly expect greater favour than
such conduct deserves. — [Winthrop^ s Journal^ by Mr. Savage^ II.
pp. 240-243, note.]

3. John Bulkley. He was son of the Rev. Peter Bulkley, D. D.,
the first minister of Concord, Massachusetts, who was of a very
reputable family, and had been much esteemed for his learning
and piety in England. After having taken his degree at Harvard
College he went to England, and was a settled minister at Ford-
ham, in Essex; from whence he was ejected in 1662, retired to
Wapping, in London, and practised physic with success. —
[Hutchinson'' s Hist. I. p. 111. ; Farmer'' s Hist. Coll. II. p. 184,
and Genealogical Register, art. Bulkley ; Shattuck's History of
Concord.l

4. Wlliam Hubbard. In the book of " Wonder-working Provi-
dences," mention is made of William Hubbard, one of the repre-
sentatives in the General Court, from the town of Ipswich. It is said,
he was among the most able speakers in the assembly 1637. One
gentleman from Salem was allowed to be more fluent, but none more
solid and argumentative. This gentleman is supposed to have been
father to the subject of this article, who was teacher of the church
in Ipswich till his death. The year of his ordination I have never
been able to obtain ; the records of the church of Ipswich not
being preserved. His gravestone is not to be found, and none of
the present generation can recollect much about hi?n. The oldest
men in the town, who tell of those former divines that were con-
temporary, such as Rogers, Norton, Cobbet, &/C., whose manner
of preaching they have heard their fathers describe, have no im-
pressions made upon their minds of the character of Mr. Hubbard,
who certainly was for many years the most eminent minister in the
county of Essex ; equal to any in the province for learning and
candour, and superior to all his contemporaries as a writer. Per-

APPENDIX. 63]

haps he was not so fervent a preacher as some. He might want a
voice and manner, or that animation in the pulpit which some
preachers have, and which will be more talked of, than the still
sound of wisdom. Or perhaps he lived too long for his reputation.
When a man's life is cut short in the midst of his days and useful-
ness, the excellencies of his name and character are the subjects
of remark for many generations. If anotlier continues to old age,
and mental imbecilities succeed the more vigorous intellect, he is
remembered only in the last stage of life, and he drops into the
grave without emotions of sorrow. His name is seldom mentioned
in the neiglibourhood u'here he dwelt; but those at a distance,
who have heard of his fame when he appeared upon the stage with
eno-aorinsT virtue, or read his works with delicrht, wish to know what
were the more minute parts of his character.

Whether these observations apply generally or not, they certainly
apply to the subject of this memoir. He has been quoted by all
who give accounts of New-England, but icw, very few notices of
him are in the records of the town, where he spent his days.*

In the year 1676 Mr. Hubbard preached the election sermon,
which is amoncr the very good ones published during that century.
He was one of the seventeen ministers who bore testimony against
the old church in Boston, when they settled Mr. Davenport; also,
when the General Assembly approved of the act of the First
Church, and censured the proceedings of the Third Church, com-
monly called the Old South. The division excited upon this occa-
sion interested the passions of the people at large, so as to give a
new complexion to publick affairs. Most of the deputies, who had
so severely censured the brethren who built the Old South church,
foi' their spirit of innovation, and leaving the good old path of their
fathers, were left out, and new members chosen. The town of
Ipswich took an active part in this matter ; and Mr. Hubbard's
influence had considerable effect upon their proceedings.

In 1682, Mr. Hubbard is brought to view as the historian of
Massachusetts. He received some reward from the public for his
useful work. The following vote is copied from the records of the
General Court, October 11.

"Whereas it hath been thought necessary and a duty incumbent
upon us, to take due notice of all occurrences and passages of
God's providence towards the people of this jurisdiction, since their

* See Mr. Frisbie's Letters, Hist. Coll. X. p. 35.

64] APPENDIX.

first arrival in theso parts, which may remain to posterity, and that
the R-ev. Mr. WilHam Hubbard hath taken pains to compile a
history of this natnre, which the court doth with thankfulness
acknowledge, and as a manifestation thereof, do hereby order the
treasurer to pay unto him the sum of fifty pounds in money,, he
transcribing it fairly into a book, that it may be the more easily
perused, in order to the satisfaction of this court."

In 1684 Mr. Hubbard presided at the commencement. This
was after the death of President Rogers. But though Dr. Increase
Mather was in the neighbourhood, the senatus academicus saw fit
to send for a minister from the county of Essex ; so respectable
was his character among the literary men of his profession.

The publications of Mr. Hubbard were not very numerous.
They consist of several volumes in duodecimo ; of which are a
narrative of the Indian wars ; Memoirs of Major General Dennison,
&c. But his chief attention was paid to his MS. history, which
was composed upon the plan of Winthrop's journal. For some
reason or other, neither of these MMS. were permitted to be seen
by the public, till lately the journal has been printed. In all his
histories Mr. Hubbard appears a steady friend to the constitution
of the churches. He expressed indignant feelings at the erection
of the church in Brattle Street, upon a more liberal plan than our
fathers were willing to adopt.

There is nothing of this said in his MMS. history, which only
comes down to 1680, but he speaks pointedly in his private letters
to several gentlemen, and in the last thing he published, his Dying
testimony to the order of the Churches, which he wrote jointly
with Mr. Higginson of Salem. — ( Eliot's Biographical Dictionary ^
art. Hubbard.

I have taken so many facts and remarks, in my first volume,
from a manuscript history of Mr. William Hubbard, one of the
ministers of Ipswich, that I may not omit taking notice of his
death, September 14, 1704, at the age of eighty-three years ; and
giving him the character he deserved, of a man of learning, of a
candid and benevolent mind, accompanied, as it generally is, with
a good degree of Catholicism ; which, I think, was not accounted
the most valuable part of his character in the age in which he
lived. — [Hutchinson^ s History, II. p. 136, note.]

He was born in 1621, and settled about 1657, as colleague with
the Rev. Thomas Cobbett, at Ipswich. He was a man of learning,
and of a candid, benevolent mind. John Dunton, in his Journal

APPENDIX. 65]

in Massachusetts, speaks of him as " learned without ostentation,"
and as " a man of singular modesty; of strict morals," and as
having done " as much for the conversion of the Indians as most
men in New England." His History of New England lay in
manuscript lill 1815, when it was published by the Massachusetts
Historical Society, and constitutes two volumes of their Collec-
tions:'— [Farmer's Hist. Coll. II. p. 185] [Hubbard's New
England, though once considered highly important as an original,
independent authority in our colonial history, has lost its former
value since the discovery first announced by our very learned
historiographer, Mr. Savage, that it is in substance a copy of Win-
throp's History of New England. See his valuable and interesting
note to Wintiirop's work, v^ol. I. pp. '296, &/C. and his Preface to
the same volume. Edit.]

5. Samuel Bellingham. He received the degree of Doctor of
Physic at Leyden. He appears to have been living when the Cata-
logue of Graduates in Mather's Magnalia was made, or about
1697 ; and survived all his classmates, except the Rev. Mr. Hub-
bard. He was of Rowley. — [Hutchinson'' s Hist, I. p. 112, note ;
Farmer''s Hist. Collections, II. p. 185 ; and Genealogical Reg-
ister, art. Bcllinghain.]

6. John Wilson. He was son of the first minister of Boston
(of the same name), and was born in England, in July, 1621 ; was
ordained as colleague with the Rev. Richard Mather at Dorchester,
and after two years was settled in Medfield, where he was pastor
forty years, and died, August 23, 1691, aged 70. Dr Mather
says, that when " he was a child he fell upon his head from a loft
four stories high into the street, from whence he was taken up for
dead, and so battered and bruised and bloody with his fall, that it
struck horror into the beholders." After he graduated he settled
at Medfield, and, says Dr. Mather, " continued unto old age a
faithful, painful, useful minister of the gospel." — [Hutchinson's
Hist. I. p. 112, note; Farmer's Histor. Coll. II. p. 185; and
Genealogical Register, art. Wilson.^

7. Henry Saltonstall. He is supposed by Governor Hutchin-
son to have been a grandson of Sir Richard Saltonstall ; he was a
doctor of physic, and a fellow of New College, Oxford. — [Hutch.
Hist. I. p. 112, note.] — Like several of the early graduates, he
went home after leaving college, and received a degree of Doctor of
Medicine from Padua, and also from Oxford. — [Sketch of Ha-

66] APPENDIX.

vcrhill^ Massachusetts^ by a descendant of the family, the Hon.
Leverett Saltonstall, of Salem ; publislied in the Mass. Hist. Coll.
IV. p. 159, Second Series.] — Our accurate American antiqua-
rian, Mr. Farmer, in his last work states Henry Saltonstall to have
been a son of Sir Richard ; and adds, that his degree at Padua
was conferred in October, 1649, and at Oxford on the 24th of
June, 1052. — [Farmer^ s Gcnealog. Reg. art. Saltonstall.']

8. Tobias Barnard. Nothing is said of him by Hutchinson ;
and all the information which has been collected respecting him
by the very careful inquirer last mentioned, is, that he went from
this country to England. — [Ibid. art. Barnard.]

9. Nathaniel Brewster. Hutchinson says, he was a settled
minister in Norfolk, and of good report. — [Hist. Mass. I. p. 112,
note.] — It appears by the Cambridge Catalogue, that he received
from Dublin the degree of Bachelor of Divinity ; and Mr. Farmer
states, on the authority of the Hon. Silas Wood, that he returned
to America, settled in 1656, at Brookhaven, Long Island, and died
in 1690. — [Genealogical Register, art. Brewster.] — Mr. Wood,
in the new edition of his history of Long Island, states Mr. Brew-
ster's settlement to have been in 1665. — [Sketch of the First Set-
tlement of the Several Toivns on Long Island. By Silas Wood.
Brooklyn, New York, 1828 ; p. 33.]

APPENDIX. 67]

No. XIY. (p. 10.)

Tre College at Cambridge (says Hutchinson, I. p. 171,) became
more and more an object of attention, and in the year 1650 was
made a body corporate by Act of the General Court, and received
a charter under the seal of the Colony.

Under this Charter the College was governed until the year

1685, v/hen the Colony Charter was vacated, saving that in 1673,
by an order of the General Court, some addition was made to the
number of the Corporation. Mr. Dudley (who was a son of the
College) when he received a commission for President of the
Colony altered the title of the President of the College for that of
Rector, but no attempts were made to take away the estate or
stock of the College or to impose officers disagreeable to the
country in general, but the government continued, in name at
least, under the former Corporation, who were Increase Mather,
Rector, John Sherman, Nehemiah Hubbard, John Cotton, John
Leverett, and William Brattle as Fellows (the last two were Tutors
also) and John Richards, Treasurer. When Mr. Mather, the
Rector, went to England in 1688, in his minutes of an intended
petition to the King, he says, " that when the civil government was
changed, the College was under the inspection of these persons,
and he supposed it continued so, except that Mr. Sherman was
dead, in whose room he prayed Mr. Samuel Sewall might be
appointed, and that the King would confirm the government in
their hands ; but although these were in name the Governors, they
were not always so in fact." I find the following original order,
dated December the 9th, 1686.

" Whereas the monies and other estate belonging to Harvard
College in Cambridge, has been by us committed to the care and
management of John Richards, Esq. for the benefit of the said
College, it is ordered, that the produce thereof shall for this year,

1686, be disposed of as followeth.

" 1st. There shall be allowed to the present Rector of the Col-
lege, as some acknowledgment of the services which he has done
for that Society, the remainder of the income not disposed under-
neath.

" 2d. The present Tutors, Mr. John Leverett and Mr. William
Brattle, shall for this year, beginning the last Commencement, be

68] APPENDIX.

allowed each of them c£40 beside what shall be due to them from
their several puj)ils.

"3d. The scholars of the hou?e (for this year) shall be Sir Gibbs,
Rogers, Mitchcl, and Dudley, who shall be allowed each of them
at least ^5. Sir Gibbs's pension to be paid out of Mr. Webb's
legacy, and Rogers's out of Capt. Keyn's legacy.

" 4th. Major Richards shall be allowed for his care, in improv-
ing the College stock, after the proportion of ,^1 for ^100.

" J. Dudley,
" William Stoughton."

The President of the Colony, and afterwards the Governor, as-
sumed the vv'hole authority when they thought fit. The rights of
Magdalen College Oxford invaded, justly might alarm the whole
nation, but Harvard College was too inconsiderable, had the pro-
ceedings been ever so arbitrary and oppressive, to occasion any
great notice. Mr. Mather, the Rector, went to England in 1688.
No person was appointed in his stead. Sir E. Andros, the Gov-
ernor, wrote to Mr. Sam.uel Lee, the minister of Bristol in New-
Plymouth colony, to desire him to officiate at the Commencement ;
but not receiving an answer in proper season (it seems the letter
was delayed) Mr. William Hubbard was appointed, and officiated
accordingly. In 1G92, upon the arrival of the Province Charter,
although by a clause in the Charter with a special view to the
College, it was provided, that no grants, &:.c. to any towns, col-
leges, schools of learning, &c. should be prejudiced through defect
of form, &c. but should remain in force as at the time of vacating
the Colony Charter ; yet the President, and many others with him,
were desirous of a new Charter, with additional powers and privi-
leges. An Act, of the General Court, passed for that purpose in
1692, incorporating the College on a larger foundation than the
former Charter. Among other things, the College w^as enabled
to confer such degrees as are conferred by the Universities in
Europe, whereas under the former Charter no higher degrees had
been given than those of Bachelors and Masters of Arts. This
privilege was exercised in one instance only, a diploma tor a
doctorate, under the College seal, being presented to Mr. Mather
the President. Before the expiration of three years the Act of
Incorporation was disallowed. Those who interested themselves
for the College were resolved upon further attempts ; another Pro-
vincial Act, passed in 1697, with some variations, which before
1700 was likewise disapproved ; for at a session of the Court, that

APPENDIX. 69]

year, a vote passed the Council and House of Representatives ap-
proving tlie form of a Charter which they were willing the College
should accept from the King, and I make no doubt the agents were
instructed to endeavour to obtain a Charter in such form. By this
Charter, the Corporation was to consist of a President, Vice-Presi-
dent, and fifteen Fellows. It may not be unacceptable to some
to have iheir names preserved. Increase Mather, President, Sam-
uel Willard, Vice-President, James Allen, Michael Wigglesworth,
Samuel Torrey, Nehemiah Hobart, Peter Thacher, Samuel An-
gler, John Danforth, Cotton Mather, Nehemiah Walter, Henry
Gibbs. John White, Jonathan Pierpoint, and Benjamin Wadsworth,
together with the two senior Tutors resident at College, were the
first Corporation named in the Charter. The College was im-
powered to hold real estate to the amount of three thousand pounds
per annum. The Governor and the Council were made the visitors.
This application proved as ineffectual as the former. The true
reason, of the several failures, appears from a letter of Mr. Blaith-
waite to the President, dated 1st June 1704, which says, "that
the only obstruction to the passing the Charter was Sir Henry
Ashurst's refusing to allow of a clause for a visitation by the King
or his Governor." A letter from Lord Bellamont to Mr. Stough-
ton upon this subject deserves notice.

''Neio York, ^{st Maij, '98.
" Sir, I received a letter from the reverend President of Harvard
College, by Mr. White, Fellow of the said College, together with
a copy of an Act of the Assembly for incorporating the College.
And I am of opinion, that his Majesty will not give his royal ap-
probation to that act as it stands worded, because it differs very
materially from the terms of incorporation proposed by their excel-
lencies the Lords Justices of England, viz. that the King and his
Governors should be the visitors, whereas the Act of Assembly
vests the power of visitation of that College as well in the Council
as Governor, which his Majesty may probably think derogatory to
his prerogative. And I am apprehensive also, that those noble
Lords who, under the title of Lords Justices of England, lately
exercised the royal authority, will confirm his Majesty that it will
be a diminution to the prerogative of the crown, to make the
Council co-ordinate in the power of visitation with the King's Gov-
ernor. For my own part I have a very great respect for the

King's prerogative, but I could wish a way were found to secure

70] APPENDIX.

tiie statutes or privileges of Harvard College against the capricious
humour of future Governors, who, out of prejudice to the way of
worship used there, or for some sinister ends, may be vexatious to
the College. There is great difference between the exercise of the
prerogative in England and in these remote parts of his Majesty's
dominions. There, the subject, whenever that exercise is abused,
has the King, the fountain of justice, near at hand to recur to for
redress. In these Provinces, Governors, I fear by what I have
discovered since my being in America, are made bold and pre-
sumptuous in breaking the laws and governing arbitrarily, out of
conceit that their being so far from under the eye of the govern-
ment of England will be a sure cause of impunity to them. There-
fore upon the whole matter, I must in judgment and conscience
declare for a qualification of the power of a Governor in the case
of the visitation of Harvard College, but what that qualification
should be, I must leave to his Majesty's wisdom and goodness to
determine. '

" I am,

" Sir, your most humble servant,

" Bellamont."
To the Honourable
Wm. Stoughton, Esq. &c.

During these attempts, until advice of the respective Acts being
disallowed, the College was governed conformable to them. While
no Acts were in force, temporary orders passed the General Court
from time to time, impowering such persons to act as a Corpora-
tion as were therein named. But in 1707, all prospect of a new
foundation being gone, it was thought proper to resort to the old,
and the Charter of 1650 hath been conformed to ever since. The
several heads of the College, from its first establishment to this
day, have been as follows. Mr. Eaton, appointed in 1638, con-
tinued until 1640, when Mr. Henry Dunster was appointed, who
was succeeded by Mr. Charles Chauncy in 1654, who continued
until 1671. Doctor Leonard Hoar succeeded Mr. Chauncy.
Douglass says, Mr. Hoar was a doctor of physick from Cambridge
in Old England. He was educated at Cambridge in New England,
and took his Bachelor's degree in 1650, went over to England in
November 1653, was made a Doctor at Cambridge, and returned
not long before he was elected July 30, 1672. The students were
too much indulged in their prejudices against him, and he was
obliged to resign March 15, 1674-5. His wife was daughter to

APPENDIX. 71]

Lord Lisle. Mr. Urian Oakes, minister of Cambridge, was his
successor, and continued from April 7, 1G75, until his death in
168 L Mr. Mather was chosen by the Corporation and confirmed
by the Overseers, and moderated at the masters' disputations, and
conferred the degrees at the Commencement in 1681 ; but his
church in Boston being unwilling to part with him, on April 20th,
1682, Mr. John Rogers was chosen and confirmed, but died in
1684, being suddenly seized the morning of Commencement, July
1st, and dying the next day. Mr. William Hubbard of Ipswich
moderated at the publick exercises. Mr. Mather succeeded Mr.
Rogers, and continued at the head of the College until September
6, 1701. Mr. Samuel Willard, by order of Court, officiated sev-
eral years as Vice-President, no President being appointed instead
of Mr. Mather, until Mr. John Leverett was by the Governor, at
the head of the Overseers, declared President, January 14, 1707,
and the College was put under his care " agreeable to the choice
of the Fellows of the house, approbation of the Overseers, and
votes of the Council and Assembly in their last preceding session.
The Governor directing him to govern that house and the scholars
there with duty and allegiance to our sovereign lady the Queen
and obedience to her Majesty's laws." Mr. Leverett continued in
the presidentship until his death in 1724. Mr. Benjamin Wads-
worth, a minister of one of the churches in Boston, succeeded him.
He died in 1737, and was succeeded by Mr. Holyoke, who con-
tinues in the presidentship at this time. — [Hutchinson'' s Hist. I.
pp. 171 -175, note.]

72] APPENDIX.

No. xy. (p. 10.)

The Constitution of Harvard Collecre : —

1. The Colonial Act of IG42. Vide ante, page 9th of this
Appendix.

2. The Charter of 16^50. Vide ante, page 11th, of this Ap-
pendix.

3. Appendix to the Charter of 1650. Vide ante, page 14th of
this Appendix.

4. The articles of the Constitution of the Commomoealth of
Massachusetts, confirming and securing to Harvard College^
the perpetual "possession, and. enjoyment of all its estates^
rights, powers, and privileges. [A. D. 1780.]

CHAPTER V.

SECTION I.

The University,

Article 1. Whereas our wise and pious ancestors, so early as
the year one thousand six hundred and thirty-six, laid the founda-
tion of Harvard College, in which University, many persons of
great eminence have, by the blessing of God, been initiated into
those arts and sciences, which qualified them for public employ-
ments, both in Church and State ; and whereas the encouragement
of arts and sciences, and all good literature, tends to the honor of
God, the advantage of the Christian religion, and the great benefit
of this, and the other United States of America — It is declared,
that the President and Fellows of Harvard College in their cor-
porate capacity, and their successors in that capacity, their officers
and servants, shall have, hold, use, exercise and enjoy, all the
powers, authorities, rights, liberties, privileges, immunities and
franchises, which they now have, or are entitled to have, hold, use,
exercise and enjoy : And the same are hereby ratified and con-
firmed unto them, the said President and Fellows of Harvard
College, and to their successors, and to their officers and servants,
respectively, for ever.

APPENDIX. 73]

Article 2. And whereas there have been, at sundry times, by
divers persons, gifts, grants, devises of houses, lands, tenements,
goods, chattels, legacies, and conveyances, heretofore made, either
to Harvard College in Cambridge in New England, or to the
President and Fellows of Harvard College, or to the said College
by some other description, under several Charters successively : It
is declared, that all the said gifts, grants, devises, legacies and
conveyances, are hereby for ever confirmed unto the President and
Fellows of Harvard College, and to their successors in the capacity
aforesaid, according to the true intent and meaning of the donor,
or donors, grantor or grantors, devisor or devisors.

Article 3. And whereas by an Act of the General Court of the
Colony of Massachusetts Bay, passed in the year one thousand six
hundred and forty-two, the Governor and Deputy Governor for the
time being, and all the magistrates of that jurisdiction were, with
the President, and a number of the clergy in the said Act described,
constituted the Overseers of Harvard College : And it being ne-
cessary, in this new constitution of government, to ascertain who
shall be deemed successors to the said Governor, Deputy Governor
and magistrates ; It is declared, that the Governor, Lieutenant
Governor, Council, and Senate of this Commonwealth are, and
shall be deemed their successors ; who, with the President of Har-
vard College, for the time being, together with the ministers of
the Congregational churches, in the towns of Cambridge, Water-
town, Charlestown, Boston, Roxbury and Dorchester, mentioned
in the said Act, shall be, and hereby are vested, with all the pow-
ers and authority belonging, or in any way appertaining to the
Overseers of Harvard College. Provided, that nothing herein
shall be construed to prevent the Legislature of this Common-
wealth from making such alterations in the government of the said
University, as shall be conducive to its advantage, and the inter-
est of the republic of letters, in as full a manner, as might have
been done by the Legislature of the late Province of Massachusetts
Bay.

5. The Statute of the Commonwealth, anno 1809, ch. 113, en-
titled an " Act to alter and amend the Constitution of the
IB oar d of Overseers of Harvard College^

Whereas the members of the Board of Overseers of Harvard
College, as heretofore constituted, cannot conveniently nor con-

10 t

74] APPENDIX.

stantly attend to the diligent discharge of the duties enjoined
on it :

Section 1. Be it therefore enacted by the Senate and House of
Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, That the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Counsel-
lors, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Repre-
sentatives of the Commonwealth, and the President of Harvard
College for the time being, with fifteen ministers of Congregational
churches, and fifteen laymen, all inhabitants within the state, to
be elected as is herein after mentioned, shall forever hereafter
constitute the Board of Overseers of Harvard College ; they, or
the major part of them, present at any legal meeting, to exercise
and enjoy all the rights, powers, and privileges, and to be subject
to all the duties of the existino; Board of Overseers of Harvard Col-
lecre : Provided however, that all the ministers of Congrecrational
churches who are members of that Board shall remain members of
the Board of Overseers established by this Act, so long as they shall
continue ministers respectively of their Congregational churches,
and no longer.

Section 2. Be it further enacted, That as soon as conveniently
may be, after this Act shall be in force, the present Secretary of the
Board of Overseers, or, if that office be vacant, the President, or a
major part of the Fellows of Harvard College, shall call a meeting
of the Overseers of Harvard College, to be hoiden at some suitable
time and place, for electing fifteen laymen, inhabitants of the
State, to be members of the Board of Overseers; the said meeting
to be notified by publishing the time and place of holding the
same, in each of the public newspapers printed in Boston, ten days
at the least before the time of holding the same ; and the said
elections to be made by ballot, by the major part of the Overseers
present: And all. persons who then, if this Act had not been in
force, would have been members of the Board of Overseers of
Harvard College, shall have right to meet and vote in the said
elections.

Section 3. Be it further enacted, That the Board of Overseers,
as constituted by this Act, may, at any legal meeting, choose by a
majority of votes, a Secretary, when that office shall be vacant,
who shall be under oath truly to record all the votes and proceed-
ings of the Board, and faithfully to discharge all the duties of his
office ; and the said Board may, at any legal meeting, by a ma-
jority of votes, determine from time to time, when and in what

APPENDIX. 75]

manner its meetings shall be held, called and notified ; and at any
legal meeting of the said Board, the Governor, if present, shall
preside; if not, the Lieutenant Governor, if present, shall preside ;
in their absence, the oldest member of the Council present shall
preside ; if they also be absent, the President of the Senate shall
preside, if present ; but in his absence also, the Speaker of the
House of Representatives shall preside; and if neither of them be
present, the greater part of the Overseers present at such meeting
shall choose a President pro tempore, and until one of the officers
atoresald shall be present : Provided nevertheless, that the Secre-
tary of the Overseers shall have power to call a meeting of the
said Board, at such times as he shall be thereto requested by the
President and Fellows of Harvard College, such meetino" to be
notified as the said Board shall direct.

Section 4. Be it further enacted, That when any minister of
any Congregational church, being a member of the said Board,
shall cease to have the ministerial relation he now has, or may
have had at the time of his election ; or when any member of the
elective part of the said Board, shall remove out of the State, the
place of such minister or member shall thereupon become vacant.
And the said Board may at any legal meeting, by a vote of the
greater number present, remove from his place any member of the
elective part of the said Board, who shall neglect to attend the
meetings thereof, without reasonable excuse, when duly notified,
or who by his immoral conduct shall have rendered himself un-
worthy of holding his place ; but before any vote shall pass to
remove any member, he shall have reasonable notice, and a fit
opportunity to be heard in his defence.

Se.ction 5. Be it further enacted, That for establishing a per-
petual succession in the elective part of the said Board, whenever
a vacancy shall happen therein, by death, resignation, or other-
wise, the Overseers may, at a legal meeting, by a majority of the
votes present, fill up such vacancy, by electing therefor some suita-
able person, who shall be an inhabitant of the State, Provided
however, that no minister of any Congregational church shall be
so elected, when there are fifteen ministers of Congregational
churches, members of the elective part of the said Board ; nor
shall any layman be so elected, when there are fifteen laymen
members of the elective part of the said Board ; but in all cases,
when there are fifteen ministers and fifl;een laymen members of
the elective part of the said Board, there shall not be deemed to
be any vacancy therein.

76] APPENDIX.

Section 6. Be it further enacted, That this Act shall be in
force when the Overseers of Harvard College, as heretofore consti-
tuted, and the President and Fellows of Harvard College shall
agree to accept the provisions in this Act contained.
In the House of Representatives, March 5, 1810,
This bill, having had three several readings, passed to be en-
acted,

TIMOTHY BIGELOW, Speaker.

In Senate, March 6, 1810,

This bill, having had two several readings, passed to be en-

acted

H. G. OTIS, President.

March 6, 1810,
Approved, C. GORE.

At a meeting of the President and Fellows of Harvard College
in Boston, March 16, 1810,

The President, having laid before the President and Fellows
of Harvard College an exemplification, under the great seal of the
Commonwealth, of a certain Act passed by the General Court at
the last session thereof, entitled, " An Act to alter and amend the
Constitution of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College," in
the sixth section of which act, it is enacted as follows : " This Act
shall be in force when the Overseers of Harvard College, as here-
tofore constituted, and the President and Fellows of Harvard Col-
lege shall agree to accept the provisions in this Act contained ; "
and the said Act having been read, and the provisions therein duly
considered, it is unanimously voted,

That the President and Fellows of Harvard College do agree
to accept the provisions in the said Act contained ; and it is fur-
ther voted,

That the President be requested to lay the aforesaid vote before
the Honourable and Reverend the Board of Overseers of Harvard
College.

Attest, SAMUEL WEBBER, President.

At a meeting of the Overseers of Harvard College, April 12,
1810, the proceedings of the Corporation and Act of the Legisla-
ture above stated being laid before the Board, the Board voted to
accept the provisions in said Act contained.

JOHN LATHROP, Secretary.

APPENDIX. 77]

6. It will be observed, that the Act of 1809, chapter 113, last
cited, was not to be in force until the Corporation and Overseers
should " agree to accept " the provisions of it ; which vvas accord-
ingly done, as appears by the votes of those two bodies imme-
diately following it. But on the ^Oth of February, 1S12, that Act
was repealed by the General Court, without any reservation for the
consent of the Overseers and Corporation. The repealing Act is
as follows :

An Act to repeal an Act, entitled, *' An Act to alter and amend
the Constitution of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College,''
and to regulate certain meetings of that Board.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the
same. That an Act made and passed the seventh day of March,
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ten, enti-
tled, " An Act to alter and amend the Constitution of the Board
of Overseers of Harvard College," be, and the same is hereby re-
pealed ; and the Board of Overseers from and after the passage of
this Act shall be constituted in the same way and manner, and be
composed of the same persons, and no others, that it would have
been, had the same Act never been made or passed.

Section 2. Be it further enacted, That there shall be a meeting
of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College, as the same will be
constituted after the passing of this Act, on the second Wednesday
of the first session of the General Court, annually, in the Senate
Chamber, at three o'clock in the afternoon, unless othewise order-
ed by the said Board of Overseers, if the General Court shall re-
main so long in session ; and at such other times and places as
the said Board shall order ; at which annual meeting it shall be
the duty of the Secretary of said Board, at the first meeting thereof,
to lay before them the records and proceedings of the Corporation
of Harvard College, and of the said Board of Overseers, which
have been had since the passing of the Act aforesaid, which is
hereby repealed, and in like manner all the proceedings which
may have been had by said Corporation and Board of Overseers
shall be laid before them, at their next succeeding meeting, to be
held agreeably to the provisions of this Act.

This important measure, while in progress, was the subject of
much discussion ; and the following Historical View of the Con-
stitution of the College, was published by vote of the Corporation ;

78] APPENDIX.

accompanied with the able memorial addressed to the General
Court, which is subjoined to it :

The foundation of Harvard College was laid by the General
Court of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay in September, 1636 ;
when the " court agreed to give =£400 towards a school or college ;
the next court to appoint where and what building." In the year'
1637, the college was ordered to be erected at Newtown, and
twelve gentlemen were appointed to take order for that college.
In May, 1638, the name of Newtown was changed to Cambridge ;
and in March, 163S -9, it was ordered that the college to be built
at Cambridge be called " Harvard Colleo-e."

In August, 1640, " at a meetins: of the mao^istrates and elders
at Boston, the Rev. Henry Dunster was by them invited to accept
the place of president of the college, which he accordingly accept-
ed, and to him," by the same persons, *' was committed the care
and trust of finishing the college buildings and his own lodgings,
and the custody of the college stock and such donations as might
be added to the increase thereof; " so that in fact President Dun-
ster executed the duties of a treasurer of the college, which duties
the year before had been assigned by the General Court to the
Rev. Mr. Shepherd. As the election of president Dunster was.
previous to the establishment of the Board of Overseers, the ap-
pointing him to that office and to the discharge of those duties, by
the magistrates and elders, seems to have been without any legal
authority.

In the constitution of the Board of Overseers, no authority was
given to them to appoint a treasurer of the college ; but they were
empowered to " dispose, order, and manage all gifts, legacies, be-
quests, revenues, lands, and donations, which had been, or after-
wards should be conferred, bestowed, or any way should fall or
come to the said college." In the charter of the Corporation, or
President and Fellows, express provision is made for a treasurer of
the college. But by this Charter no Acts of the Corporation were
valid until consented to by the Overseers. The inconveniences
resulting to the College from a Corporation with powers thus limit-
ed were so great, that the President and Fellows do not appear to
have exercised their corporate powers, nor the Treasurer to have
entered on his office, until after the Appendix to the College Char-
ter granted in the year 1657. Previous to the granting of this
Appendix, President Dunster put into the hands of the Overseers
his resignation, which was addressed to the General Court of the

APPENDIX. 79]

Colony of Massachusetts Bay, — and of which a copy is here
inserted.

" The PrcsidenVs Resignation exhibited to the General Court held

at Boston, June 10, 1054.

"To the worshipful and honored Richard Bellingham, Esq. Gov-
ernor of the Massachusetts Colony, with the rest of the honored
Assistants and Deputies in General Court at Boston now as-
sembled.

ti Jf^orshipful and honored Gentlemen

and faithful Trustees of your Colony^

" Whereas now at last I understand that the call or invitation
I had unto my present business in the College, together with the
promises, encouragements, and allurements thereto on Aug. 27,
1640, by about ten Gentlemen, whom I tiien understood to be
Magistrates with Mr. Dudley, then Governor, and about sixteen
Ministers or Elders, whom I also then took to be, and still from my
heart do think to continue the persons that seriously and cordially
consult for the welfare of the colony, and that especially in the
liberal and learned education of the youth of the country ; yet
seeing that now I fully understand that the said persons had no
authority to do any such act or acts as to give such a call, or to
promise any such encouragements or allurem.ents ; and besides,
seeing there be such laws, orders, or injunctions in part already
imposed on the place as be destructive thereto, and that our former
laws and orders, by which we have managed our place, be declared
illegal and null, so that all possible means of managing our trust to
the best end is so either made void, interfering and entangled, or
at least questionable and offensive, that whatsoever we do is to
myself and the Fellows* unwarrantable and not secure, and with
some principles tending to dissolution. To mention no further
grounds.

" Therefore I here resign up the place wherein hitherto I have
labored with all my heart, (blessed be the Lord who gave it) serv-

* From the commencement of the College, and for more than half a
century the tutors, who with the President, conducted the instruction
and immediate government, were called "Fellows of the College."
After the establishment of the Corporation, there were "Fellows of the
House or College," and "resident Fellows," and "Fellows of the Cor-
poration." This name is now, and has been for more than sixty years
confined to the members of the Corporation.

80] APPENDIX.

ing you and yours. And lienceforth (that you in the interim may
be provided) I shall be willing to do the best I can for some few
weeks or months to continue the work, acting according to the
orders prescribed to us; if the society in the interim fall not to
pieces in our hands; and what advice for the present or for the
future 1 can give lor the public good, in this behalf, with all readi-
ness of mind 1 shall do it, and daily by the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ, pray the Lord to help and counsel us all, in whom
I rest.

" Yours faithfully to serve,

" Henry Dunster."

From this resignation of President Dunster, it appears that he
was satisfied, that he was originally introduced to the office by
persons not duly authorized ; and it also appears that in his view
the limitation of the powers in the charter of incorporation would
defeat the object of the Charter, and prove destructive to the
College.

The resignation of the President being by the Overseers pre-
sented to the Court then in session, they authorized the Overseers
to accept it ; and ordered that the said Board of Overseers should
have the care and trust of the College stock. In this year the
Court also ordered, that " Mr. Whiting and Mr. Cobbet, pastors of-
Dedham and Lynn, and Mr. Norton, an unsettled teacher in Bos-
ton, should be Overseers, and join with the rest of the Overseers
in the work of the College." The order respecting the College
property seems to have been required by the circumstances then
existing ; the President, to whom this stock had been entrusted
was out of office, and the President and Fellows of the Corpora-
tion not having exercised the powers contained in their Charter of
Incorporation, there was no Treasurer of the College.

Such was the difficulty attending the attempt to execute powers
so restrained, as those in the Charter of 1650, — that in October,
1657, upon the application of the Overseers, the Appendix to the
College Charter was established, by which the orders and by-laws
of the President and Fellows had immediate force and effect ;
they being responsible for the same to the Board of Overseers.

Afterwards the General Court of the Colony of Massachusetts
Bay appear to have intended a new College Charter with much
larger powers, including a measure of civil jurisdiction ; and passed
the Ordinance of 1672, — a copy of which here follows.

APXENDIX. 81]

'^ At the second Session of the General Court for elections held at
Boston, 8th of October, 1672, on their adjournment.

*' Whereas by the good hand of God, there has been erected
and continued a College in Cambridge, in the county of Middle-
sex, called by the name of ' Harvard College,' and that by an In-
strument or Charter, dated the Slst of May, in the year 1650, the
President and Fellows thereof were established to be one body
corporate by the authority of this Court : And whereas several
gifts and donations have been made, and are still making by many
well devoted persons, inhabitants of this country, as also strangers,
for the maintenance of the Governors and the government thereof,
and for all the accommodations of the Scholars thereof, in books,
buildings, lectures, scholarships, and all other necessary and fitting
provisions, that may conduce to the education of English and In-
dian youth. Now for the perpetuation and further advancement
of so good a work, and for the better encouragement of all persons
therein concerned, or to be concerned, it is ordered and enacted
by this Court and the authority thereof, that Leonard Hoare, Doc-
tor in Physic, be the present President of said Harvard College,
Mr. Samuel Danforth, Fellow of the said College, Mr. Urian
Oakes, Pastor of the Church of Cambridge, Mr. Thomas Shep-
herd, teacher of the Church of Charlestown, Mr. Joseph Brown
and Mr. John Richardson, Masters of Art, be the Fellows, and
Mr. John Richards the Treasurer of the said College and Corpora-
tion for the time being ; and that the President, Fellows, and
Treasurer of the said College, or the Fellows alone, when there is
no President established, and their successors from time to time be
the immediate Governors thereof, and shall in name and fact for
ever hereafter be one body politic and corporate in law, to all in-
tents and purposes, and shall have perpetual succession, having
power and authority by these presents, (procuring a meeting of the
Overseers, and by their council and consent) to elect successors
into the places of any one or more of them which shall be by death
or removal made vacant : — Be it also hereby authorized and
enacted, that the said Corporation and their successors shall have
the power of constituting, and again at their plaasure removing all
inferior officers to the said Society appertaining, — and all the next
and immediate government of every member of the said Society
according to such orders and laws as are or shall be established
by the said Corporation ; the Overseers of the said College allow-
ing or not contradicting the said laws, upon notice of them given

lit

82] APPENDIX.

10 them at their next meeting. — And also the said Corporation and
their successors may purciiase and acquire to themselves, or take
and receive ujmn free gift any lands, tenements, hereditaments,
annuities, services, goods, monies, or other emoluments whatso-
ever, or from whomsoever, and (observing strictly the will of the
donors) dispose of the same to the use and behoof of the said
College or any members thereof; and the President may warn a
general meeting of the said Corporation for debating any of the
affairs aforesaid. — In all which cases the conclusion shall be made
by the major part ])rcscnt, the President having a casting voice.
And that the said Corporation with their distinct Treasurer (if any
such be chosen) by the name of the President, Fellows, and Trea-
surer of Harvard College, may sue and plead, or be sued or im-
pleaded in all Courts or places of judicature within this jurisdiction
of the Massachusetts Colony, to all intents and purposes in law
and with effect, as may any private person or body incorporate ;
only the estate to the Corporation belonging, and not that which
belongs proper to any member of the said Corporation, being liable
to such impleadments : also that the said Corporation, or any three
of them, the President being one, in all crimes by the laws of this
country punishable by one magistrate, shall have the full power of
sconsing, fining, or otherwise correcting, all inferior officers or
members to the said Society belonging, as the laws of the country
provide in such cases, or the laws of the College not repugnant
unto them : and for that end any of the said Corporation shall, and
hereby have power personally with such aid of the Society as they
shall think meet, taking the constable along with them, to enter
into any houses licensed for public entertainment, where they shall
be informed, or may be suspicious of any enormities to be plotting
or acting by any members of their Society ; and all constables and
all other inferior civil officers in that place are hereby authorized
and commanded to be readily aiding and assisting to them, or any
of them in the premises. Neither shall any person or persons
legally expelled the College, abide above ten days in the township
of Cambridge, unless their parents live in the said township. And
be it also ordered and enacted by this Court and the authority
thereof, that all the lands, tenements, hereditaments, or annuities
within this jurisdiction, to the said Corporation appertaining, not
exceeding the value of five hundred pounds per annum, shall be
henceforth freed from all ordinary civil impositions, taxes, and
rates, and all goods to the said Corporation, or to any scholars

APPENDIX. 83]

thereof appertaining, shall be exempted from all manner of toll,
customs and excise whatsoever, except in cases of war, or extraor-
dinary exigencies of the country. And moreover that the said
President, Fellows, and Scholars, together with their menial ser-
vants, and other necessary officers, (not exceeding the number of
ten) shall be utterly exempted from all personal and civil offices,
military exercises, watchings and wardings, or the like public ser-
vices : And the personal estates of the said Corporation and their
officers (not exceeding one hundred pounds a man) shall be also
freed from the like country taxes for ever : All and every of which
premises we do ordain and enact to be fully established for law,
any law, grant or usage to the contrary in any wise notwilhstand-
mg,"

But there is no evidence that the President and Fellows ever
accepted this charter, or acted under it. They never assumed the
name there designated of President, Fellows, and Treasurer of
Harvard College, but acted under the name by which they were
originally incorporated.

Thus stood the government of Harvard College as established
by law until the colony charter was vacated in the year 1685.

From this time to the ^granting of the provincial charter of Wil-
liam and Mary in the year 1691, no successful attempts were made
to take away the property of the College or defeat its chartered
rights, and it continued chiefly under the former Corporation. The
title of President of the College was changed to that of Rector, by
Mr. Dudley, the president of the colony under king James II.
The president of the colony, either with or without his council,
sometimes interfered in the government of the College, probably
claiming to be successors to the governor, deputy governor, and
magistrates of the old colony of Massachusetts Bay.

The provincial charter of 1691 secured to the College its prop-
erty, as is shown by the following extracts.

Extracts from the Charter granted to the Province of Blassachu-
setts Bay, hy King William and Queen Mary^ hearing date the
seventh of October^ in the third year of their reign, anno 1691.

" Provided nevertheless, and we do for us, our heirs, and suc-
cessors, grant and ordain, that all and every such lands, tenements,
hereditaments, and all other estates, which any person or persons,
bodies politic or corporate, towns, villages, colleges, or schools, do
hold and enjoy, or ought to hold and enjoy, within the bounds

84] APPENDIX.

aforesaid, by, or under any grant or estate duly made, or granted
by any general court formerly held, or by virtue of the letters pa-
tent herein before recited, or by any other lawful right or title
whiitsoever shall be, by such person and persons, bodies politic and
corporate, towns, villages, colleges, or schools, their respective
heirs, successors and assigns, for ever hereafter held and enjoyed,

according to the intent and purport of such respective grant.

— '' And we do further, for us, our heirs, and successors, give
and grant to the said governor, and the great and general court of
our said province or territory, or assembly, for the time being, full
power and authority, from time to time, to make, ordain, and estab-
lish all manner of wholesome and reasonable orders, laws, statutes,
and ordinances, directions and instructions, either with penalties
or without, (so as the same be not repugnant or contrary to the
laws of this our realm of England) as they shall judge to be for the
good and welfare of our said province or territory, and for the
government and ordering thereof, and of the people inhabiting, or
who shall inhabit the same ; and for the necessary support and de-
fence of the government thereof."

After the grant of the provincial charter, the friends of the
college, desiring additional powers and privileges for the institu-
tion, and apprehensive of danger to it from the interference of the
governor appointed by the king, made several attempts to obtain a
new charter fjr the coliefre. It is stated that three several acts of
the legislature passed for that purpose, in which the Board of Over-
seers was omitted, and, as a substitution therefor, the number of
the Corporation was enlarged. But all these attempts proved abor-
tive by the disapprobation of the king in council, grounded upon
the proposed charter's not providing for a visitation of the king by
his governor. To remove this objection, in the act sent over in
1697, passed under the administration of Lieutenant Governor
Stoughton, and in another said to be made in 1700, the governor
and council were made Visitors, but this was not satisfactory.

After the failure of these attempts, the friends of the college
found it necessary to proceed pursuant to the powers, vvhich had
been exercised under the colony of Massachusetts Bay ; and upon
the election of President Leverett, a declaration of the provincial
legislature was obtained, as follows.

APPENDIX. 85]

Extract from a Resolve of the Provincial General Court,

Anno Regni Annse Reginse Sexto.
Thursday^ December ifh, 1707. In Council.

"And inasmuch as the first foundation and establishment of that
House, the Corporation and the Government thereof, had its
oricrinal from an act of the General Court, made and passed in the
year 1650, which has not been repealed or nulled, tiie President
and Fellows of said College are directed, from time to time, to
regulate themselves according to the rules of the constitution, by the
act prescribed, and to exercise the powers and authority thereby
granted, for the government of that House and support thereof.

" Saturday^ December 6th, 1707.

" The representatives returned the vote, passed in Council, the
4th current, referring to the College, with their concurrence there-
unto. — By his Excellency the Governor consented to,

" Joseph Dudley."

The governor, lieutenant governor, and council assumed to be
successors to the governor, deputy governor, and magistrates of the
colony of Massachusetts Bay, and with the congregational ministers
of the six towns originally designated, exercised the powers of over-
seers so long as the character of William and Mary existed.

Under that charter no alteration was made by the provincial
legislature in the government of the College, although one or two
attempts for that purpose were made ; but they were not consented
to by the Corporation, and were not carried into effect. The first
attempt was in 1722 to enlarge the number of the Corporation, so
that the resident Fellows or Tutors might be included ; which en-
largement was applied for by the Overseers. The other attempt
was made soon after, in which it was proposed as a standing law
that some of the resident Tutors should ex officio be fellov/s of the
Corporation. These proposed alterations were not agreed to by the
Corporation and were not sanctioned by the legislature.

During the existence of the provincial charter, one case only
appears to have arisen, in which the Overseers exercised original
jurisdiction in removing a Fellow and Tutor from his place, not
confining themselves to approving or annulling the proceedings of
the Corporation. The President and three of the Tutors presented
a complaint to the Overseers against Nathan Prince, one of the Tu-
tors and also a Fellow of the Corporation, charging him with con-
temptuous and reproachful language respecting the President and
others in the immediate government of the College ; with neglect

86] APPENDIX. V

of his duty as a Tutor, and with intemperance in drinking. Upon
this complaint he was by the Overseers removed from all the offices
he held in the College, and the Corporation were requested to fill
up the vacancies occasioned by his removal. The causes of this
singular procedure of the Overseers will appear by the following
vote of the Corporation, passed when they agreed to supply the
vacancies, as requested, which is as follows.

At a Meet in S!' of the President and Fellmos of Ilnrvord College in
Cambridge, by adjournmerit, April 27, 1742.

Present, The President, Dr. Wigglesworth,

Mr. Flynt, Mr. Appleton,

Dr. Sewall, Mr. Treasurer.

" Whereas the Honorable and Reverend the Overseers of Har-
vard College did, upon the 18th day of February last past, vote the
removal of Mr. Nathan Prince (one of the Fellows and Tutors of
said College) from all office-relation thereto, on account of sundry
crimes and misdemeans whereof he was convicted before them,
and which he had been charged with at said Board, by some of
the Corporation, as well as the Tutors of said College ; and also
did then recommend it to the Corporation to fill up the vacancies
made by the said Mr. Prince's removal: And although we appre-
hend that (according to the Constitution of said Harvard College)
affairs of this nature ought to originate with the Corporation, yet
in as much as, so many of the Corporation have been either com-
plainants against the said Prince, or have been aspersed and mal-
treated by him, as that there is not left a majority of said Corpora-
tion, who may be thought by him, or by others (as we understand)
to be indifferent judges, in this affair ; and inasmuch as we appre-
hend, that under all circumstauces, it will not be for the interest
and peace of the said College, that he should continue any longer
in office therein. Therefore (saving all rights given to the Corpora-
tion by their charter,) they passed the following votes :

" ] . That Mr. Joseph Mahew be a Fellow of the Corporation in
the room of the said Mr. Prince.

" 2. That Mr. Belcher Hancock be a Tutur of said College in
the room of the said Mr. Prince, and that for three years, and be
the fourth Tutor in order.

" 3. That the two foregoing votes be presented to the Honoura-
ble and Reverend the Overseers, at their next meeting for their
approbation."

APPENDIX. 87]

When the Constitution of the Commonwealth was formed, it was
deemed expedient to give a constitutional confirmation of the gov-
ernment of the College. Afterwards the act of 1809, ch. 113,*
passed the legislature providing for the amendment and alteration
of the constitution of the Board of Overseers, with the consent of
the Overseers and Corporation, which consent was afterwards
given, and the Board of Overseers was organized, and exercised its
powers pursuant to said statute.

The Corporation being informed that in the winter session of
the General Court in 1812 a bill was pending for repealing the
last statute, presented to the legislature a memorial, containing
reasons against that repeal, which memorial here follows.

*' To the Honovrahle the Senate and the Honourable the House of
Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, respect-
fully represent the President and JFellows of Harvard College^
in behalf of the Corporation and Overseers of said College,
" That having learned, that a bill was pending before the Hon-
ourable Senate of this Commonwealth, for the repeal of a statute,
passed in March, 1810, t establishing a Board of Overseers for the
said College, your memorialists presented a memorial to the two
Houses, praying a postponement of the bill aforesaid, until the
two Boards, which constitute the college-government, could have
opportunity to be heard before the legislature, or a committee of
the same, on this important subject. Since which, your memo-
rialists have been informed, that the bill has passed the Honoura-
ble Senate, and is now pending before the Honorable House of
Representatives. Though your memorialists have not been in-
dulged with the notice and opportunity requested, yet they pre-
sume, that the Honourable Legislature will allow your memorialists,
in the present stage of the proceedings, to offer such considerations
and arguments, relating to the proposed act, as your memorialists
may think their relation to the Collecre, and the request of the
Overseers made for this purpose may require, and as the interest-
ing nature of the subject may appear to them to justify. The fol-
lowing is a summary view of the facts and reasonings, which your
memorialists beg leave to submit to the attention of the Honoura-
ble Lecrislature.

* Vide ante, page 77.]

f This statute is also called the act of the Commonwealth Anno 1089,
ch. 113, dating by the legislative year, from May to May.

88]

APPENDIX.

"The Overseers of Harvard College were originally constituted
by an act of the General Court of the old colony of Massachusetts,
passed in 1642. By lliis act it is ordered, that the governor, deputy
governor, and all the magistrates of the jurisdiction, with the presi-
dent of the College, and the teaching elders of the six adjoining
towns, Cambridge, Watertown, Charlestown, Boston, Roxbury,
and Dorchester, shall be Overseers, with power to direct the gov-
ernment, and dispose and manage the property of the institution.
Afterwards, in May, 1G5(), the Corporation was created, to consist
of a President, five Fellows, and a Treasurer, and styled the Presi-
dent and Fellows of Harvard College. The charter declares, that
the Corpcjration shall have perpetual succession, by the election of
members to supply vacancies ; the Corporation procuring the pres-
ence, and havii]g the counsel and consent of the Overseers. The
whole property and concerns of the College are committed to this
Corporation, subject, generally, to the control of the Overseers, By
an act passed October, one thousand six hundred and fifty-seven,
called an Appendix to the College-charter, certain powers were
enlarged and explained. On the repeal of the charter of the colony,
attempts were also made to defeat all the chartered rights derived
from it, but without success. By the province charter, granted
1691, the property of colleges, among other bodies politic, is con-
firmed to them. Of necessity, with respect to Harvard College, .
the Corporation, holding the property of the College, is confirmed ;
and it appears, that the President and Fellows proceeded to exer-
cise their powers as before the vacation of the colony charter. To
prevent, however, any further question on these points, a resolution
of the provincial legislature was passed in December, 1707, which
recognized the continued existence of the Corporation, as estab-
lished by the charter of 1650, declaring that, " said charter had
never been repealed or nulled." It appears that the royal gover-
nor and lieutenant governor, and the provincial council, succeeded
to the colonial governor, deputy governor, and magistrates of the
colony, as Overseers, with the congregational ministers of the six
adjoining towns.

'^ Your memorialists conceive, that these are the legislative and
public acts, on which the foundation and government of the College
rest. The colonial General Court passed an ordinance in October,
1672, now on the records of the court, providing for a new charter
for the College, with very extensive and important powers, both
civil and collegiate i and enacting that the provisions of that ordi-

APPENDIX* - 89]

nance should be law, any law, grant, or usage, to the contrary not-
withstanding. But, in fact, there remains no evidence that the
Corporation ever accepted this Charter, or exercised any of the
powers therein granted, and it is not on the records either of the
Overseers or Corporation. The Provincial Legislature in 1692, and
shortly afterwards, made some attempts to give a very ample estab-
iisliment to the College, which were defeated by the negative of
the King. But after all these attempts, the Provincial Legislature,
in 1707, passed the resolution above-mentioned, that the former
Charter of the College of 1650 had not been repealed or nulled.

*' Thus stood the government of the College and the power ot
visitation, until the State constitution was formed. This instru-
ment recognized and confirmed the Corporation as erected by its
original Charter, and desicrnated the successors to the former
Overseers ; a measure made necessary by the change of govern
ment in the State. The article appointing the Overseers, is con-
cluded with a proviso, that nothing therein declared ' shall be
construed to prevent the Legislature of the Commonwealth from
making alterations in the government of the University, conducive
to its advantage, and the interest of the republic of letters, in as
full a manner as might have been done by the Legislature of the
late Province of Massachusetts Bay.' It is believed, by your me-
morialists, that this proviso had particular respect to alterations,
which, it was supposed, experience would prove necessary or ex-
pedient in the Board of Overseers.

'■' In the year 1810, a statute was made, altering the Constitution
of the Overseers, and appointing to that office the Governor, Lieu-
tenant-Governor, and Counsellors, the President of the Senate, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the President of the
College, with fifteen laymen, and fifteen ministers of Congrega-
tional churches, after the ministers who belonged to the Board as
before constituted should be reduced to this number ; the succes-
sion of the thirty last mentioned members to be supplied, as vacan-
cies shall happen, by the election of the Board.

*' The Corporation, in explaining the reasons of their assent to
this statute, observe, ' they were sensible of the wisdom and good
dispositions of that part of the former Board, whose relation to
it would cease by the new arrangement, and of the dignity
derived to the University from their association ; yet they were
persuaded, that most important benefits would accrue to the Semi-
nary, from a body of Overseers, coming not incidentally and

12 t

90]

APPENDIX.

casually to the duty ; but chosen as vacancies should occur, with
special reference to tlic object ; and whose local situation and
permanent connexion with the University would enable them to
pay a prompt and uniform attention to its concerns. At the same
time, by thie plan proposed, the College would obtain this improve-
ment, witiiout ceasing to enjoy the singular distinction and benefit
of an immediate alliance with the State, by means of its consti-
tuted authorities, having the supreme executive, and the presiding
officers of the two houses always in the board.' It cannot be
denied that the members of the Senate must necessarily, as a
body, be under disadvantages for the efficient and regular dis-
charge of many of the duties of Overseers. Their connexion with
the University depending on the contingency of an annual elec-
tion, must, it is apprehended, have some effect to discourage a
disposition to enter thoroughly, and systematically, into the affairs
of the establishment. The distance of a large portion of the
Senate must prevent their attendance at meetings for College
business, except during a session of the Legislature; and then,
it is frequently inconvenient, on account of the pressure of public
business. For these reasons, it may, without any imputation on
that honourable body, be admitted, that their sense of responsi-
bility, as Overseers, might be less than the intrinsic importance
of the trust would seem to require, and their means of serving the
institution unequal to their wishes.

" The inconveniences here mentioned, were certainly realized,
in no inconsiderable degree, under the former constitution of the
Board ; and in times, when no political prejudice or feeling could
possibly bias the judgment, persons well acquainted with the sub-
ject, in and out of the Senate, expressed a decided opinion in favor
of a change in the constitution of the Board of Overseers, similar
to that which was made in 1810. For whilst individuals of the
former Board had it in their power to give their attention to Col-
lege concerns, the regular meetings of the Board, and especially
of the committees for inquiring into the state of the College, and
particularly for examinations, were frequently so little attended by
the gentlemen on the civil list, as to deduct very much from the
good effect of these public occasions, on the minds of the students,
and on the general interests of the institution. In these respects
a manifest and important improvement has attended the change in
the form of the Board. The stated appearance of full committees,
to observe the condition of the College, and to witness the exhibi-

APPENDIX. 91]

tions, and ascertain the proficiency of the scholars, has contributed
to inspire the pupils with a laudable ambition, and to increase a
sense of responsibility for the use of their advantages, whilst the
governors and instructers have derived much assistance and en-
couragement from this portion of the academic body.

" As the expediency of this alteration seems manifest, so its
compatability with the rights of the respective Boards, is, in the
view of your memorialists, unquestionable. The legislature were
careful to preserve the ancient foundation of the College unim-
paired, and to prevent all ground for the apprehension, that the
chartered privileges of the College are less sacred in the eyes of
the present generation than they have been in those of our prede-
cessors. They made this alteration in such a manner that the
legal rights of the College could not be injuriously affected ; for
they annexed to the Act the condition, that it should go into effect
when the provisions of it should be accepted by the two College
Boards. It is a principle admitted, that a Corporation may, with
its consent, be altered by a Legislature not specially or constitu-
tionally restricted. For several reasons it was considered, that
this principle must be applied in the present instance, and that
without the consent of the Boards, the alteration could not be
made. It occurred, that, so far as the constitution is concerned,
the powers of the College government rest on the same founda-
tion, and have the same authority as the powers of the Legislature.
This Constitution reserves to the Legislature so much control over
the College government, as respects the Overseers, as might have
been exercised by the Provincial Legislature. In regard to the
extent of this control, the Provincial Legislature, it is believed,
could not make the alteration proposed without the assent of the
existing College government, for the College was established by
the same Province Charter, by which the Legislature was created.
The General Court, deriving its authority from the Provincial
Charter, could not legally control the rights of others derived
from the same Charter, since this would be to rescind a part of the
Charter, which was the very foundation of the Legislative powers
of the Province, and to annul the very authority by which the
General Court existed. Further, the Corporation is admitted, on
all hands, to be confirmed by the said Province Charter. But the
Corporation, in the exercise of its powers, was subject to the con-
trol of a board of visitors, designated by the same authority by
which it was created. To this control the said Corporation must,

92] APPENDIX.

of right, submit; and, witliout its own consent, to no otlier control
whatever. To establish any other control over this body, would be
an alteration of its power, to which no authority is competent, un-
less it can lawfully annihilate the Corporation. These and other
principles could not fail to be considered as fixing boundaries to
the power of the Provincial Legislature over the College govern-
ment. If even the rights of the College had not been confirmed
by the Charter of William and Mary, and if the Corporation had
been created by the General Court, established by that Charter,
whose powers were not expressly limited by any declaration of
rights, it could not then be admitted that the Legislature of the
late Province of Massachusetts Bay could legally alter the powers
of the Corporation without its consent, unless it could be admit-
ted that the same Legislature could legally repeal its own grants,
and annul the right of any inhabitants derived from such grants. —
The reasoning, to which the several views of the subject led, is
confirmed by the practice of a century. The General Court have
confirmed and enlarged, but never impaired or abridged the pow-
ers of the College government. Whenever the question arose,
they appear to have put the same construction upon their powers
of alteration, which the Legislature, who passed the statute of
1809, adopted : For example, in 1722, the Overseers petitioned
that the Corporation might be enlarged ; but the Corporation not
consenting, the House of Representatives refused to grant the
petition.* Attempts were afterwards made to persuade the General
Court to exercise the visitatorial power, and to interfere with the
doinors of the Overseers, but without effect.

" On these grounds the Legislature were anxious, when in 1810
they purposed to give the College the benefit of an improved con-
stitution of the Board of Overseers, to save all the chartered rights
of the College. The former Board, under the Legislative sanc-
tion, divested themselves of their trust in favor of the present
Overseers. These Overseers, it is believed, have succeeded to all
the rights and powers which belonged to their predecessors in the
same office ; and hold these rights and powers by a permanent
tenure, subject only to the implied condition of a faithful execution
of the trust. The proviso in the third article of the fifth chapter
of the Constitution of the State, which reserves to the Legislature
the same power in respect to the government of the College, as

* Records of the Overseers, 1722.

APPENDIX. 93]

pertained to the Legislature of the late Province, must in any
interpretation include a power extending to such alterations in the
Board of Overseers as should be made with the consent of both
the College Boards, on whom such alteration was to operate.
Such consent having been provided for by the statute of 1809, and
given by the said Boards, the Corporators created pursuant to said
Act have, as your memorialists believe, acquired rights, of which
they cannot be deprived, but by their own consent, or by some
legal process, founded on a charge of misbehaviour. But if it
should be admitted that the Legislature have authority by the
Constitution to make alterations without consent, yet this authority
must extend to permanent as well as temporary alterations, and the
statute of 1809, having made a permanent alteration, the Legis-
lature have exercised the powers reserved to them by the Constitu-
tion of the State.

" Your memorialists conceive that the present Constitution of
the Board of Overseers ouffht not to be considered as excludingr
the Commonwealth from its just participation in the government of
the University ; since the Commonwealth has an immediate rela-
tion to it by its constituted authorities, and is truly and virtually
represented by the permanent Overseers, who hold their place and
trust under authority derived from the Legislature. The Legisla-
ture have not thought it any disparagement of the rights of the
public to erect other Colleges, indebted like Harvard to the bounty
of the State, with select and durable Boards of Trustees or visi-
tors. They cannot be supposed willing to deny an institution,
especially committed to their protection and patronage, means of
improvement freely bestowed on other Seminaries.

'* Your memorialists are convinced that the University has been
conducted with liberality and impartiality, and a steady view to
the public good. In regard to the political divisions of the times,
they" believe that persons best acquainted with the course of in-
struction and discipline in that place will acquit the College of any
attempts to prejudice or unduly excite the youthful mind. — Your
memorialists rely on the wisdom and moderation of the Legislature
to arrest any measure that may involve the privileges or endanger
the stability of an institution, vigilantly guarded and fondly cher-
ished by all preceding generations, since its foundations were laid.

" In conclusion, your memorialists observe, that whilst they have
deemed it necessary to be explicit in stating their views of the
rights and interests of the College, they hope no part of this rep-

94] APPENDIX.

resentation will be thought to militate with a due deference to that
branch of the Legislature particularly included in the consideration
of this subject. The attachment of your memorialists to the
present Constitution of the Board of Overseers is founded on prin-
ciples, which your memorialists believe consistent with an entire
respect for the Senate of this Commonwealth. And your memo-
rialists, as in duty bound, shall ever pray."

This memorial was presented February 24, 1812.

APPENDIX. 95]

No, XVI. (pp. 99, 151, 231, 236.)

FOUNDATIONS AND STATUTES OF
PROFESSORSHIPS.

HOLLIS PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY.

Rules, Orda'Sy and Statutes, relating- to the HoUis Professor of
Dininitij in Harvard College, at Cambridge, in New-England.

1. That the Professor be a Master of Arts, and m communion
with some Christian Church of one of the three denominations,
Congregational, Presbyterian, or Baptist.

2. That his province be to instruct the students in the several
parts of Theology by reading a System of Positive and a Course of
Controversial Divinity, beginning always with a short prayer.

3. That the said Professor read his private Lectures of positive
and controversial Divinity so many times in the week as shall finish
both courses within the term of one year.

4. That the Professor read publickly, * [once a week upon Divin-
ity, either Positive, Controversial, or Casuistical ; and as often upon
Church History, Critical Exposition of Scripture, or Jewish
Antiquities, as the Corporation, with the approbation of the
Overseers, shall judge fit], always time of vacation excepted.

5. That the Professor set apart two or three hours, one afternoon
in the week, to answer such questions of the students who shall
apply to him, as refer to the system or controversies of religion, or
cases of conscience, or the seeming contradictions in Scripture.

6. That the Professor of Divinity (while in the office) shall not
be a Tutor in any other science, or obliged to any other attend-
ance in the College, than the above-mentioned publick and private
Lectures.

7. That the Professor read his private Lectures to such only as
are at least of two years' standing in the College.

8. That, an honourable salary being provided for the Professor,
it is expected that he require no fee from any of the students for
their instruction.

* The words between brackets, an "alteration" by the Overseers.

96]

APPENDIX.

9. Tliat the said Professor be chosen * [every five years] by the
Reverend President and Fellows of tlie College, or llie major part
of them, for the time being, and be presented by them, when chosen,
to the Honourable and Reverend Overseers, to be by them approv-
ed and confirmed in his place.

JO. Tiiat the said Professor be at all times under the inspection
of the Reverend tlie President and Fellows with the Honourable
and Reverend the Overseers for the time being, to be by t [them
displaced for any just and valuable cause.]

11. That J [the person, chosen from time to time to be] a Professor,
be a man of solid learning in Divinity, of sound and orthodox prin-
ciples, one who is well gifted to teach, of a sober and pious life,
and of a grave conversation.

The Plan or Form for the Professor of Divinity to agree to at his

Inauguration.

That he repeat his oaths to the civil government; that he declare
it as his belief, that the \\ [Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
are] the only and most perfect rule of faith and manners; and that he
promise to explain and open the Scriptures to his pupils with integ-
rity and faithfulness, according to the best light God shall give him.
That he promise to promote true piety and godliness by his exam-

* "Every five years," struck out in 1724. " Or the major part of
them" added at the same time. Both by the Overseers.

t Article 10. Instead of the words, after the word "by," the
Overseers voted, Aug. 4, 1724, to insert these words, viz. " the said
President and Fellows or the Major Part of them displaced for any just
and valuable reason the Overseers consenting thereunto." Whether this
alteration was consented to by Mr. Holhs does not appear by the
Records of the Overseers, though it was proposed to him, with the
amendment of the 9th Article, in a letter dated Aug. 6, 1724, and the
latter was approved by him, as appears by their Records, May 13, 1725.

All the amendments w^ere in the Articles as signed by Mr. Hollis,
except what relate to Articles 9th and 10th.

X The words between brackets, inserted by the Overseers, instead
of the words, " it be recommended to the Electors that at every choice
they prefer ".

II "Scriptures" &c. within brackets, instead of "Bible"; "and
most " blotted out by the Overseers.

APPENDIX. 97]

pie and instruction ; that he consult the good of the College, and
the peace of the Churches * [of our Lord Jesus Christ] on all occa-
sions ; and that he religiously observe the statutes of his Founder,
t [and all such other Statutes and Orders, as shall be made by the
College, not repugnant thereunto.]

Signed and sealed the tenth day of January, in the ninth year of
the Reign of King George, 1722.

THOMAS HOLLIS. [l. s.]

Witnesses, Jeremiah Hunt, Edward Wallin,
John Hollis, Joshua Winslow, John Os-
born, Daniel Neal, William Harris.

A true copy of Mr. Hollis's Orders and Statutes relating to the
Professor of Divinity in Harvard College, consented to by the Over-
seers, and afterwards signed and sealed by Mr. Thomas Hollis.
Examined

Per Henry Flynt, Cler. Curat,

December loth, 1804. It was voted, '* That it shall be the duty
of the Hollis Professor of Divinity to preach, and to perform other
divine services in the Chapel, before the Officers, Graduates, and
Undergraduates, on the Lord's Day, forenoon and afternoon,
whenever the same shall be hereafter required by the Corporation
and Overseers."

HOLLIS PROFESSOR OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL

PHILOSOPHY.

Rules and Orders relating to a Professor of the MathematicJcs and of
Natural and Experimental Fhilosophy in Harvard College in
Cambridge in New England, appointed hy me, Thomas Hollis
of London, Merchant.

1. That the Professor be a Master of Arts, and well acquainted
with the several parts of the Mathematicks and of Natural and
Experimental Philosophy.

2. That his province be to instruct the students in a system of
Natural Philosophy, and a course of Experimental, in which to be
comprehended Pneumaticks, Hydrostaticks, Mechanicks, Staticks,

*.^rai^ r r \ t^

* The words between brackets added by the Overseers,
t Added by the Overseers.

13 t

98] appendix;

Opticks, &/C., in tlic cloments of Geometry, together with the
doctrine of Proi)ortions, the Principles of Algebra, Conick Sec-
tions, Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, with the general prin-
ciples of Mensurations, Planes and Solids ; in the principles of
Astronomy and Geography, viz. the doctrine of the Spheres, the
use of the Globes, the Motions of the Heavenly Bodies according to
the different hypotheses of Ptolemy, T'ycho Brahe, and Copernicus ;
with the general prip.cii)les of Dialling, the division of the world
into its various kingdoms, with the use of the iMaps, &c.

3. That tlie Professor shall read once a week, and, whenever
the Corporation with the approbation of the Overseers shall require,
twice a week, (times of vacation excepted) publickly in the
hall to all students that will attend on such topicks relating to the
Science of the Mathematicks, Natural or Experimental Philosophy,
as he shall judge most necessary and useful, but always distinct and
different from his private lectures.

4. That the said Professor shall read his private lectures on the
several parts of the Mathematicks, Natural and Experimental
Philosophy, so many times in the week as to finish each science
that he begins within the compass of a year, and to go through the
whole in two years. But the course of Philosophical Experiments
shall be repeated at least once every year.

5. That the said Professor while in that office shall not be a
Tutor in any other science, nor take upon him the Pastoral office in
any church, nor be obliged to any other attendance in the College
than the above mentioned publick and private lectures.

6. That whereas I have ordered and do appoint a salary of
eighty pounds per annum to be duly paid to the said Professor, he
shall be obliged to take no fee or reward from any of the students
that have been or shall be on my foundation for the study of
Divinity; but for other students in the College that desire his
instructions, he may receive a fee as the Corporation shall direct,
with the approbation of the Overseers, not exceeding forty shillings
per annum.

7. That the Professor shall set apart two or three hours in every
week to converse with his pupils and endeavour to clear such
difficulties as lie upon their minds, relating to the several parts of
the Mathematicks, Natural and Experimental Philosophy, of which
he is Professor.

8. That the said Professor shall in all times to come be chosen
by the Reverend the President and Fellows of Harvard College

APPENDIX. 99]

for the time being, and shall be presented to the Honourable and
Reverend Overseers of the College, to be approved by them, and
then shall be jointly recommended by them to me for my confirma-
tion during my life, and after my decease to such person as I shall
appoint by my last will under my hand and seal during the term of
his life ; also,

9. That the said Professor shall at all times be under the care
and inspection of the Reverend the President and Fellows of
Harvard College, with the Honourable and Reverend the Overseers
of the College for the time being, but shall not be displaced by
them during his capacity for service, except for some just and
valuable cause.

10. Upon the death or removal of a Professor, the Corporation
shall be obliged to fill up the vacancy within twelve months ;
and in case of default, the nomination and choice shall for that
time be in the Overseers, to be confirmed by me during my life,
and by my executor after me ; and in' case they shall not fill up
the vacancy in one year more, I then will, bequeath, and appoint
the principal and produce of this estate to return to my executor.

11. On the day of Inauguration the Professor shall take the
oaths to the civil government as appointed by the \a.\v, in the pres-
ence of the Reverend the President and Fellows of the College,
and the Honourable and Reverend Overseers thereof in the pub-
lick hall.

12. At the same time and place, and in the same presence, he
shall declare himself to be of the Protestant reformed religion, as
it is now professed and practised by the churches in New England,
commonly distinguished by the name of Congregational, Presbyte-
rian, or Baptist, and that he will comply with the same.

13. He shall promise to discharge the trust now reposed in him
with diligence and fidelity, and to the advantage of the Students ;
that he will not only endeavour the advancement of true leaning,
but consult the good of the College in every other respect ;
that he will promote true piety and godliness by his example and
encouragement, and will religiously observe the Statutes of his
Founder. '

And lastly, I order and appoint ten pounds per annum to the
Treasurer for the time being, for his care and pains in keeping the
accounts and drawing out a balance every audit-day of the College,
to be sent to me and to my next and immediate successor annually,
the Corporation being duly notified who the said successor is..

100] APPENDIX.

To all which orders and appointments, above written, being
designed and solemnly dedicated and devoted by me to the glory of
God, by improving the minds of men in usefid knowledge, I set my
hand and seal tliis eighteenth day of January, one thousand seven
hundred and twenty-six.

THOMAS IIOLLIS. [l. s.]

Signed, sealed and delivered
in presence of us :

John Hollis, Joshua Hollis,
Richard Solly, John Williams.

The above Rules and Orders of Mr. Thomas Hollis, Merchant
of London, were consented to and approved by the Corporation
and Overseers of Harvard College in New England.

Sic Teste Henry Flynt.

The instruction in the sciences enumerated in the Statutes,
as coming within the province of the Hollis Professor, being the
whole of Pure and Mixed Mathematicks, has been, as far back as
the course of study is known, divided between him and one or
more Tutors.

HANCOCK PROFESSOR OF HEBREW AND OTHER ORIENTAL

LANGUAGES.

Copy of a Legacy left hy the late Hon. Thomas Hancock, Esq,
of Boston^ in his will, to Harvard College^ A. D. 1705.

I GIVE unto the President and Fellows of Harvard College, in
Cambridge, the sum of one thousand pounds sterling, and order
that the whole income be applied to the support and maintenance of
some person, who shall be elected by the President and Fellows
with the approbation and consent of the Overseers, to profess and
teach the Oriental Languages, especially the Hebrew, in said
College.

The Professor who shall receive the benefit of the donation,
shall discharge the duties of his profession and office in such
manner, and according to such rules and orders, as shall be
appointed and established by the President and Fellows, with the
consent of the Overseers : and previous to his induction into this
office, he shall declare himself to be of the Protestant reformed
religion, as it is now professed and practised by the churches in

APPENDIX. 101]

New England. The said Professor shall also be removed from
his office at the discretion of the President and Fellows, and
Overseers of said College, for the time being; inasmuch as I fiilly
rely on their wisdom and integrity, that this will never be done
without some very good and sufficient reason.

And it is my will, that, as soon as may be after my decease,
as also after the decease or removal of any Professor upon this
foundation, the President and Fellows proceed to the choice of
some person to this office and trust, to be by them presented to the
Overseers for their approbation and consent. But if the Overseers
shall apprehend any unreasonable delay in this matter, in that
case they may proceed by themselves to the appointment of a
Professor.

It is also my will, that all the income of this donation during the
time the Professorship may be necessarily and unavoidably vacant,
shall be added to the capital sum, for the better support and
encouragement of succeeding Professors.

STATUTES OF THE HANCOCK PROFESSOR.

Tlie following draught oj Statutes, Rules, and Orders for the Re-
gulation of the Hancock Professor passed by the Corporation at
their Meeting, June 12, 1765, ivas presented to the Board for
their Approbation, and consented to by the Overseers, viz.

Whereas the Honourable Thomas Hancock, Esq., of Boston,
by his last Will and Testament, founded a Professorship of the
Oriental Languages, especially the Hebrew, in Harvard College in
Cambridcre, and left it to the President and Fellows with the con-
sent of the Overseers, to appoint and establish Rules and Orders
for the discharge of the duties of that profession and office ; the
following Orders were accordingly voted by the President, and
Fellows June 12, 1765, and consented to by the Honourable and
Reverend Overseers on the 14th day of the same month.

Statutes, Rules, and Orders relating to the Hancock Professor of
Hebrew and other Oriental Languages in Harvard College in
Cambridge,

1. The Professor shall be a Master of Arts, and sufficiently ac-
quainted with those languages which he is to teach, especially the
Hebrew.

102] APPENDIX.

3. That his province be to instruct the Students in the Oriental
Languages, especially in the Hebrew and Chaldee, being the lan-
guages in which the Holy Scriptures of the Old Testament were
written.

3. That tlie Professor shall read once a week (times of vacation
excepted) publicly in the Chapel, on such topics relating to the
languages aforesaid, as he shall judge most necessary and useful.
In which public lectures he shall explain the particular genius
and idiom of these lancruaores, too-ether with their characteristic
differences from one another, and from the Occidental languages
and shall intersperse such curious and critical remarks as may
occur, tending to illustrate the oracles of God.

4. The said Professor shall also have private lectures, at such
times as the Corporation, with the consent of the Overseers, shall
appoint, in which he shall lead his pupils into the knowledge of
these languages in a more familiar way. and shall endeavour to
clear such difficulties as may lie upon their minds relating to them.

5. The said Professor shall set apart two or three hours in every
week, to instruct such of his pupils as shall desire it, in a more
private way, in the oriental languages besides those above speci-
fied, viz. — the Samaritan, the Syriac, and the Arabic.

6. The said Professor while in that office shall not take on him
the pastoral office in any Church, nor follow any other employ-
ment that shall interfere with his profession, nor be obliged to any
other attendance in the College than the above mentioned public
and private lectures.

7. The said Professor shall always be elected by the President
and Fellows, with the approbation of the Overseers, and shall at
all times be under the care and inspection of the President and
Fellows, with the Overseers, and shall also be removed from his
office at the discretion of the President and Fellows and Overseers
of said College for the time being. But this shall never be done
without some very good and sufficient reason.

8. After the decease or removal of any Professor upon this foun-
dation, the President and Fellows shall proceed, as soon as may
be, to the choice of some person to this office and trust ; to be by
them presented to the Overseers for their approbation and consent.
But if the Overseers shall apprehend any unreasonable delay in
this matter, in that case they may proceed by themselves to the
appointment of a Professor.

APPENDIX. 103]

9. On the day of inauguration, and previous to his induction
into his office, the Professor shall publicly, in the presence of the
Reverend the Presideiit and Fellows, and of the Honourable and
Reverend Overseers, agreeably to the express will of his Founder,
declare himself to be of the Protestant reformed religion, as it
is now professed and practised by the Churches in New England.

10. At the same time, and in the same presence, he shall pro-
mise to discharge the trusts now reposed in him with diligence and
fidelity, and to the advantage of the Students, and that he will not
only endeavour the advancement of true learning, but consult the
good of the College in every other respect ; and that he will pro-
mote true piety and godliness by his own example and encourage-
ment.

11. Lastly, The above statutes shall be subject to such alter-
ations and additions from time to time, consistent with the will of
the Founder, as the Corporation with the consent of the Overseers
shall see cause to make.

ALFORD PROFESSOR OF NATURAL RELIGION, MORAL
PHILOSOPHY, AND CIVIL POLITY.

Particular appropriation of the monies paid out of the estate of
the late Hon. John Alford of Charlestown, Esq., by the Hon.
Edmund Trowbridge, Esq.) and Richard Gary, Esq., executors of
his last will and testament.

*' Know all men, that whereas we, Edmund Trowbridge of
Cambridge, in the county of Middlesex, Esq., and Richard Cary
of Charlestown in said county, Esq., executors of the last will and
testament of the Hon. John Alford, late of Charlestown aforesaid,
Esq., deceased, did, at several times between the fifteenth day of
March, A. D., 1765, and the first day of June, A. D., 1782, put
into the Treasury of Harvard College in Cambridge thirteen hun-
dred and sixty-two pounds eight shillings and five pence, lawful
money, part of the said Alford's estate, to be by their Treasurer
let out and kept upon interest, and the growing interest added to
the principal yearly, until such a capital should be raised, as that

104] APPENDIX.

the interest tliereof would l)c sufficient to support in said College
a Professor of some particular science of public utility, and then
to be regularly appropriated to that use ; and whereas by reason
of the late war, and the evils that attended it, this is not yet done,
and there is no probability of such a capital being so raised during
our lives :

" We do therefore now appropriate the said thirteen hundred
and sixty-two pounds eight shillings and five pence, and the in-
terest thereof in the said Treasury, to and for the support of a
Professor of Natural Religion, Moral Philosophy, and Civil Polity,
in the said College for ever, whose principal duty it shall be, by
lectures and private instruction, to demonstrate the existence of a
Deity or First Cause, to prove and illustrate his essential attributes,
both natural and moral, to evince and explain his providence and
government, together with the doctrine of a future state of rewards
and punishments ; also to deduce and enforce the obligations
which man is under to his Maker, and the duties which he owes
him, resulting from the perfections of the Deity, and from his own
rational nature ; together with the most important duties of social
life ; resulting from the several relations which men mutually bear
to each other ; and likewise the several duties which respect our-
selves, founded not only in our own interest, but also in the will
of God; interspersing the whole with remarks, showing the coin-
cidence between the doctrines of Revelation and the dictates of
reason, in these important points ; and lastly, notwithstanding this
coincidence, to state the absolute necessity and vast utility of a
Divine Revelation.

" He shall also read a distinct course of lectures upon that
branch of Moral Philosophy which respects the application of the
Law of Nature to nations and their relative rights and duties ; and
also, on the absolute necessity of civil government in some form,
and the reciprocal rights and duties of magistrates and of the
people, resulting from the social compact ; and also on the various
forms of government which have existed or may exist in the world,
pointing out their respective advantages and disadvantages, and
what form of government is best adapted to promote the greatest
happiness of mankind,

" And to the end that a regular and systematical division of the
foregoing subjects, and of all the other branches of science, which
come under this Institution, may be had and preserved, as well as
a due proportion of time devoted to each, it is declared, that the

APPENDIX. 105]

said Professor shall be under the control of the President, Fellows,
and Overseers of the said College, who may from time to time
give such directions relative thereto, as they shall judge fit and
proper, and as shall be consistent with the rules and orders of this
Institution.

" The said Professor shall read his lectures on Natural Religion
to all the four classes of Undergraduates ; those on Moral Philoso-
phy to the two Junior Classes, and those on Civil Polity to the
Senior Class only; provided nevertheless, that the Officers of the
College, and resident Graduates, as likewise such other gentlemen
as the Corporation shall permit, shall have a right to attend all or
any of the lectures aforementioned.

" Such Professor shall be chosen by the President and Fellows,
and approved by the Overseers of the said College, when there
shall in their judgment be a sufficient fund for his support, raised
either in the manner aforesaid, or for the present with the assis-
tance of the College or otherwise, until he can properly be sup-
ported in the manner first proposed. But notwithstanding such
temporary assistance, the said John Alford, Esq., shall be deemed
and considered as the Founder of this Professorship, and the Pro-
fessor shall be called the Alford Professor of Natural Religion,
Moral Philosophy, and Civil Polity.

" And we do hereby institute and appoint, that the said Professor
shall, from time to time, as occasion may require, be elected by the
President and Fellows, and approved by the Overseers of the said
College ; that he shall be a Master of Arts, and bear the character
of a learned, pious, and honest man ; that he shall be at all times
under the care and inspection of the said President, Fellows, and
Overseers, who shall order and appoint the times and places for
reading his public and private lectures, and see that the Professor
duly attend the business of his office, and faithfully discharge the
trust aforesaid, reposed in him ; and as a regular and faithful dis-
charge thereof will be sufficient to employ his whole time and
thoughts, he shall not, while he holds the said office, be a pastor
or teacher of any church or congregation, or an instructer in any
other science ; that the said Professor shall hold his office during
his good behaviour, and that he be removable from it by the said
President, Fellows, and Overseers, for want of ability to execute
the trust, or for misbehaviour in the office, or for immoral and
scandalous behaviour out of it.

14t

106] APPENDIX.

" That the Professor, on the day of his Inauguration, shall, in
the presence of the President, Fellows, and Overseers of the said
College, profess and declare himself to be of the Protestant Re-
formed Religion, and a member of a Protestant church, and shall
promise to discharge with diligence and fidelity the sacred trust
aforesaid reposed in him ; that he will endeavour, as well by his
example as otherwise, to encourage and promote virtue, true re-
ligion, and piety ; and that he will religiously observe the aforesaid
Institutes of the Founder of tliis Professorship.

" That uj)on the death or removal of a Professor, the vacancy
shall be filled up by the President, Fellows, and Overseers (in the
same manner as the former Professor was appointed) with a person
in all respects qualified for the office, and prepared as aforesaid to
execute it.

" Witness our hands and seals this eighteenth day of February,
A. D. 1789.

EDMUND TROWBRIDGE, [l. s.]
RICHARD GARY, [l. s.] "
Signed, sealed, and delivered,
in presence of

John Foxcroft, ? u xi. -j m u • i

T ^ S- by the said 1 rowbndge.

James I^illebrown, >
David Devons,
Samuel Gary

'' \ by Richard Gary, Esq."

In conformity to the foregoing Institution a Professor was first
chosen, A. D., 1817.

APPENDIX. 107]

No. XVII. (p. 153.)

ACCOUNT OF MR. HOLLIS.

[From the Boston Weekly News-Letter, Thursday, April 15-22, 1731.]

" Boston, April 14, 1731.

" Whereas some of the good people of our country, piously dis-
posed to honor the memory of our late great and generous bene-
factor, Thomas Hollis, Esq., of London, have earnestly desired to
be informed what the benefactions of Mr. Hollis to the College
have been, to what sum they amount, and how he came to show
us the kindness of God as he has done. It is therefore thought fit
to insert the following account (however imperfect) in this public
paper.

" When the Rev. Dr. Increase Mather was agent for the Prov-
ince in London, Anno 1690, he was known in his character of
President or Rector of Harvard College to Mr. Hollis, who then
told him that he purposed to remember said College in his will,
which was no doubt gratefully accepted and encouraged by Mr.
Mather.

*' Accordingly Mr. Hollis put down in his will one hundred
pounds sterling to the said College whenever he should die ; and
so it stood till about the year 1717, or 1718.

*' At which time it pleased God to incline Mr. Hollis to be his
own executor, and he sent over the said sum to the College, and
Mr. Craddock paid three hundred pounds our money to Mr. Treas-
urer White.

" At the same time the good Providenee of God had ordered it
that the Rev. Mr. Benjamin Colman of Boston, then one of the
Reverend Corporation, had for about two years corresponded with
Mr. John Hollis, a worthy gentleman in London, in behalf of two
poor orphans, a minister's daughters, who named him to Mr. Col-
man as their father's friend.

" Mr. Colman being then to write to Mr. John Hollis just as the
gift of Mr. Thomas Hollis came to hand, he naturally was led to
observe to him how one of his name had surprised us with his
goodness and bounty.

108] APPENDIX.

»♦ * It may be (added Mr. Colman) tlie gentleman may be
known to you, or may be related to you ; and if it should so hap-
pen, I would pray you to give him my thanks, being one of the
present Governors of the College, and [let] him see the following
account of it.'

" In this [letter] Mr. Colman was directed by God to inform our
benefactor, of whom and his principles he was utterly ignorant,
* That the sons of parents. Episcopal in their judgment, or Baptists,
were equally received, instructed, and graduated in our little Acad-
emy, as well as those of our own Profession, Congregational or
Presbyterian.'

*' This, and some other things in Mr. Colman's letter, happened
to sute and please Mr. Hollis, who was in judgment against Infant
Baptism ; but so catholic in his temper and practice, that he was
member in full communion at Pinners-Hall in London, an eminent
church there of the Congregational denomination.

" Mr. John Hollis was own brother to Thomas, our benefactor ;
and when he received Mr. Colman's letter he gave it to his brother,
who immediately began his correspondence with Mr. Colman,
telling him, ' that the account he had given him of the College
pleased him so much, that he had sent over two hundred pounds
more for the College towards the support of poor Students in it.'
And Mr. Treasurer that year (1719) received six hundred pounds
more, in addition to the first three hundred.

" Mr. Colman could not but return a very grateful acknowledg-
ment for so great a bounty as nine hundred pounds received. But
in his letter he happened to say, that if he could have imagined so
great a bounty from any gentleman to the College, he should have
wished it might have been a foundation for a Professor of Di-
vinity, which should have borne the benefactor's name to all
posterity among us, by the will of God.

" Mr. Hollis answered ' with wonder, that we had not a Profes-
sor of Divinity before that day,' and prayed to be immediately in-
formed ' what would be a meet stipend or salary for one ? '

" But before the Corporation's answer could reach him he had
shipped oiT more goods to the College Treasurer, which arrived
safely, to the sum of fifteen hundred pounds of our money.

" He then informed Mr. President Leverett and the Corporation,
that his purpose was, if God pleased, to have ten Students in the
College who should yearly and for ever receive ten pounds each ;
and would allow eighty pounds per annum for a Professor of Divin-

APPENDIX. 109]

ity ; and ten pounds per annum to the Treasurer of the College
for his care and trouble in keeping his accounts distinct ; and five
pounds more yearly for incidental charges or deficiencies. And
then his bounty amounted to one hundred and ninety-five pounds
per annum.

" Mr. Hollis at the same time wrote, in several letters, to Mr.
Colman about a Professor of the Mathematics and of Natural and
Experimental Philosophy, that it was much upon his heart to get
one in our College ; and within the compass of a few years he
sent over moneys for this foundation also, and fixed his stipend
also at eighty pounds per annum. And because this was an in-
crease of Mr. Treasurer's labour, he added another ten pounds
per annum for him. And so his bounty stands at two hundred
eighty and five pounds per annum,

" But besides these noble foundations, he has added many other
valuable gifts. His Apparatus for his Professor of Experimental
Philosophy cost him one hundred and twenty (or fifty, I know not
which) pounds sterling. His Hebrew and Greek types sent to the
College cost him forty pounds sterling. But how much the many
small boxes of books which he sent over to the library cost him, he
himself only knew. I suppose the College may well estimate 'em
at several hundred pounds our money. But many of these books
he let us know were given by his friends, though all of his pro-
curing for us. To all he added his Picture at the request of Mr.
President Leverett and Mr. Colman.

*' If the foregoing account may gratify our inquisitive friends,
do honor to our deceased benefactor, stop the mouths of the en-
vious, and stir up others to do good, hoping for nothing again,
I shall not repent the little pains of this extract."

The Gentleman's Magazine for 1781, contains the following
anecdote of Hollis :

" Mr. Hollis employed Mr. Pingo to cut a number of emble-
matical devices, such as ' the Caduceus of Mercury, the Wand of
Esculapius, the Owl, the Cap of Liberty,' &/C. ; and these devices
were to adorn the backs, and sometimes the sides of books.
When patriotism animated a work, instead of unmeaning orna-
ments on the binding, he adorned with caps of liberty. When
wisdom filled the page, the owl's majesty bespoke the contents.
The caduceus pointed out the works of eloquence ; and the wand
of Esculapius was a signal of good medicines, &c.

110] APPENDIX.

" The different emblems were used on the same book when
possessed of different merits ; and to express his disapprobation
of the whole, or parts of any work, the figure or figures were
inverted. Thus each cover exhibited a critique on the book, and
was a proof that they were not kept for show, as he must read
before he could judge. Read this, ye admirers of gilded books,
and imitate."

It should also be remembered with gratitude, that, not con-
tent with giving himself, Mr. Hollis procured valuable donations
from others ; and that, in addition to his unexampled liberality to
the College, he contributed towards the promotion of charitable
and religious objects in New England not less than c£1000 ster-
ling. At the same time his bounty was copiously and extensively
diffused in his own country.

APPENDIX.

Ill]

No. XVIII. (p. 238.)

The reader will have seen, in the note on page 238 of this his-
tory, an account of the Examination for admission into the Univer-
sity, in the year 1742, while President Holyoke was in office, as
extracted from the MS. Diary of his son, the late Dr. Holyoke.
The following paper is a specimen of the public Disputations at
Commencement, during the same presidency.

[From " The American Magazine and Historical Chronicle. 1743, 1744."

8vo. Boston. 1744.]

QUESTIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 1740.

Queestiones pro modulo discuti- Questions methodically to be

endae, sub Reverendo D. Edvardo discussed by the Candidates for

Holyoke, Collegii Harvardini, the Degree of Master of Arts, in

quod est, DivinaProvidentia,Can- Public Assembly, under the Rev-

tabrigi8eNov-Anglorum,Prseside. erend Mr. Edward Holyoke,

In Comitiis publicis a Laureae President of Harvard College, by

Magistralis Candidatis : Pridie divine Providence, at Cambridge

nonarum quintilis, mdccxliti.

I. An Fidei Confessio verbis
mere humanis declaranda sit.

Affirmat respondens

Thomas Prince.

II. An omnis Simiilatio sit Viti-
imi.

Negat respondens

Benjamin Stevens,

III. An Solidorum Dissolutio in
Menstruis per Attractionem
perficiatur.

Affirmat respondens

Samuel Gay.

IV. An privata Utilitas, ultimus IV. Whether Private Profit ought
Actionum Moralium Finis esse to be the chief End of Moral
debeat. Actions ?

ISfegat respondens Deny''d by George Bethune.

Georgius Bethune.

in New England, on the 6th of
Julv, A. D. 1743.

I. Whether a Confession of Faith
may be declared in words
merely humane ?

Affirmed by Thomas Prince.

II. Whether every Dissimulation
be a Vice 1

Deny^d by Benjamin Stevens.

III. Whether the Dissolution of
Solids in corrosive Liquors be
performed by Attraction 1

Jiffirmed by Samuel Gay.

112]

APPENDIX.

V. An supremo Magistratui re-
sistere liceat, si alitor servari
Respublica nequit.

Affirmat respondens

Sa7)iucl Adams.

VI. An omnis Motio et Sensatio
animalis Nervorum Motu pe-
ragantur.

Affirmat respondens

Johannes Gibbins.

VII. An Imperium Civile ex
Pactis oriatur.

Affirmat respondens

Samuel Downe.

VIII. An ex Operibus, Sanetiji-
cationi comita?itibus, optime
exquiratur Justijicatio.

Affirmat respondens

Samuel White.

IX. An Obligatio ad Virtutem
in abstractis Rerum Relationi-
bus fundetur.

Affirmat respondens

Samuel Orne.

X. An quaelibet Cultiis Divini
Forma, ReipubiicaB nullo modo
incommoda, sit omnino tole-
randa.

Affirmat respondens

Johannes Newman.

XI. An lisec Regula \_Quod du-
bitas ne feceris] sit, in rebus
moralibus, admittenda.

Affirmat respondens

Samuel Hendley.

XII. An Intellectus humanus
Divinae Fidei Mensura sit.

Negat respondens

Jonathan Hoar.

V. Whether it be lawful to resist
the vSupream Magistrate, if the
Common Wealth cannot other-
wise be preserved ?

Affinii'd by Samuel Adams.

VI. Whether all Animal Motion
and Sensation be performed by
the Motion of the Nerves?

AJirmed by John Gibbins.

VII. Whether Civil Government
ariseth out of Contract ?

Affirmed by Samuel Downe.

VIII. Whether Justification be
best discovered by Works at-
tendiiifT Sanctification ?

Affirmed by Samuel White.

IX. Whether the Obligation to
Virtue be founded in the Ab-
stract Relations of Things 1

Affirmed by Samuel Orne.

X. Whether every Form of Di-
vine Worship may be univer-
sally tolerated, in no manner
incommoding the public good?

Affirmed by John Newman.

XI. Whether this Rule [What
thou doubtest do not] may be
admitted in Morality ?
Affirmed by Samuel Hendley.

XII. Whether the Humane In-
tellect be the Measure of Di-
vine Faith ?

Dcny'^d by Jonathan Hoar.

APPENDIX.

113]

XIII. An Voluntas Dei sit sola
et adaequata moralium Actio-
nuin Norma.

Affirmat respondens

Samuel Hale.

XIV. An Conscientia invincibili-
ter erronea sit inculpabilis.

Affirmat respondens

Nathaniel Snell.

XV. An Scriptura credendi et
agendi sit Norma perfecta et
sola.

Affirmat respondens

Samuel Langdon.

XVI. An Religio Christiana
Vi et Armis propaganda sit.

Negat respondens.

Jacobus Hovey.

XVII. An detur Jus Gentium a
Jure Naturae distinctum.

Affirmat respondens

Josephus Davis.

XVIII. An Peccata pra^terita et
futura simul remittantur.

Negat respondens

Amarias Frost.

XIX. An Spiritus Sancti Opera-
tio in Mente sit Causa natu-
ralis impropria Erroris.

Affirmat respondens

Sylvanus Conant.

XIII. Whether the Will of God
be the only and adequate Rule
of Moral Actions?

Ajjirmed by Samuel Hale.

XIV. Whether a Conscience in-
vincibly erroneous may be
blameless 1

Affirmed by Nathaniel Snell.

XV. Whether the Scriptures be
the perfect and only Rule of
Believing and Acting 1

Affirmed by Samuel Langdon.

XVI. Whether the Christian Re-
ligion may be propagated by
Force and Arms 1

Deny'd by James Hovey.

XVII. Whether the Law of Na-
tions be distinct from the Law
of Nature?

Affirmed by Joseph Davis,

XVIII. Whether Past and Fu-
ture Sins are forgiven at the

same time ?
Deny'd by Amarias Frost.

XIX. Whether the Operations
of the Holy Spirit in the Mind
may be the improper Cause of
Natural Errors?

Affirmed by Sylvanus Conant.

15 f

114]

APPENDIX

No. XIX. (p. 275.)

REUMONSTRANCE AGAINST THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COLLEGE IN

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

May it please your Excellency ,

(1.) We beg leave to observe that Harvard College was originally
founded by our Forefathers, with a laudable view to the general
interest of learning and religion in this country; and that this
is properly the College of the Government, it having been estab-
lished and all along patronized and supported by the Legislature.
For so early as the year 1G42, the General Court manifested their
great concern for its prosperity and for accomplishing the important
end of this institution by constituting the Governor and Deputy
Governor for the time being, all the Magistrates (or Councillors) of
this jurisdiction with the teaching Elders (or Congregational Min-
isters) of Boston, and five other next adjoining towns, and the
President of said College for the time being, the Overseers and
Guardians of it. This shows the sense they had of its importance,
and that they considered the common public good as closely con-
nected with the growth and prosperity of this seminary of learning.
And the charter of the College, granted afterwards in 1650, refers
to the said Overseers, as being legally entrusted with the care and
superintendence thereof; which charter was to all intents and pur-
poses confirmed in and by the royal charter of William and Mary,
granted to this province in the third year of their reign.

(2.) The said Overseers have accordingly from first to last,
superintended the affairs of the College ; having taken care, while
a general liberty was allowed for Christians of different denomina-
tions to send their children thither, and the rights of conscience
were duly preserved, that the rules, laws, and orders of the Society
should be such as tended to promote substantial learning and good
religious principles and morals, in conformity to the generous,
pious, and extensive views of the Government in its establishment,
viz. the education of the "youth of this country in knowledge and
godliness ;" as it is expressed in the College Charter before refer-
red to. And the said Overseers have from time to time interested
themselves in all the important concerns of the College ; using
their endeavours that the true designs of this Institution might be
answered, and guarding against whatever had an apparent tendency
to counteract and defeat them.

APPENDIX. 115]

(3.) In conformity to which laudable example, as well as to the
nature of the trust reposed in us by the Government, we think
ourselves obliged, by all lawful and honorable means, to promote
the interests of said College, and to prevent as far as in us lies, any
thing which would certainly or very probably be detrimental to it.
And we are humbly of opinion that in the capacity of Overseers
we not only may with the utmost propriety, but are in duty bound,
as far as decency will allow, to appear in opposition to any proposal,
which either directly interferes with the good of the College in
Cambridge, or which in our apprehension would be prejudicial to
the general interest of literature and religion "in this country."
Neither do we well know how to separate the real proper interests
of the College from what the government originally declared, and
is known to be the important end of its establishment.

(4.) Your Excellency will permit us farther to say, in conformity
to these sentiments, that we were not a little alarmed for the Col-
lege under our care, when we first heard of a proposal for founding
a College in the county of Hampshire, and of a petition preferred
to the Government for a charter to that end. And it touched us
with a very sensible sorrow, to understand afterwards, when the
said petition would not pass the General Court, that your Excel-
lency had gratified the petitioners, by preparing a charter in his
Majesty's name for the general purpose aforesaid. With the valid-
ity or legality of which charter, supposing it actually to issue, we
do not now concern ourselves ; being very sensible, as your Excel-
lency intimated to us on a late occasion, that whatever our thoughts
may be as to that point, it does not belong to us as Overseers of the
College to declare them, or to dispute your Excellency's authority
to grant charters.

(5.) But waving this matter, as being beside our proper business
in this capacity, we take the liberty to declare it as our opinion,
that the founding another College, in this province, w^ould not only
be quite unnecessary, but really prejudicial to Harvard College, and
to the common interest of learning and religion in the country —
That establishing another College exactly, or nearly upon the same
footing with that at Cambridge, so as to interfere with it, or super-
sede the occasion for sending youth to it from other parts of the
province, would be of bad consequence in divers respects, we need
not labor to prove, your Excellency at a late meeting of the Over-
seers having declared yourself so fully to that effect.

(6.) We are farther of opinion, with all proper deference to your
Excellency that there is no real difference between a College and

116] APPENDIX.

a Collegiate School, particularly such an one as is proposed in
the county of Hampshire ; and tliat such an institution there,
agreeably to the views of the persons who lately applied to you for
a charter, and according to the express tenor of the charter itself,
which your Excellency had prepared to that end, would be to all
intents founding, not only a real College, but a rival to that at Cam-
bridge ; one, whose interests would interfere very essentially with
those of the latter, and consequently a College, which instead of
being any ways subservient or useful, would be highly detrimental
to it. Although, from the concern which you have heretofore man-
ifested for the prosperity of Harvard College, and from your late
repeated declarations to that purpose, we believe it was far from your
Excellency's intention to do a real prejudice thereto. But that the
founding such a College, or Collegiate School, in Hampshire (we
suppose, Sir, it is quite immaterial by which name it is called),
would really be an essential detriment to Harvard College, we think
evident from the following considerations.

(7.) The known, acknowledged design of the few gentlemen,
who lately made application for a charter, and who pressed that
affair so warmly was, to found such a seminary of learning as
should to all intents answer the ends of a College ; one, in which
the education of youth in that part of the country might be com-
pleted, without their being sent to Cambridge for that purpose,
which they represented as inconvenient and very expensive ; this
design they did not even pretend to disguise, but openly professed
from the first. And there is sufficient reason to think, that they
would not even have accepted, much less so importunately desired, a
charter only for an inferior School ; after having all the advantages of
which, it should be thought necessary for their youth to come and re-
side at Cambridge, though but a year or two, to finish their education.
This was very far from their intention, as is well known. So that
the College proposed by these gentlemen was by no means one
subordinate and subservient to Harvard College ; but one which
might serve them effectually in lieu thereof; and therefore one to
be set up in competition with, if not in direct opposition to it.

(8.) We are also humbly of opinion that the charter which your
Excellency had prepared in order to the establishing a College in
Hampshire, was in fact adapted to answer the aforesaid designs
and views of those who requested it. For it constitutes them a
body politic, with many great privileges ; and is, in some respects,
a more full and amjole charter, than that of Harvard College,
Particularly as it allows them to hold lands or other real estate, the

APPENDIX. 117]

annual income of which shall be double to that of the lands which
the other Corporation is permitted to hold. The College itself is to
be honored with the name of Queen's College. And whereas
Harvard College has Overseers, a President, Profossors, Fellows,
and Tutors ; it is provided that Queen's College should have a
President, Trustees, a Master, Preceptors or Tutors expressly ;
and it may, in consistence with said charter, have Professors also in
the various branches of science and literature. In respect of which
name of this intended seminary of learning and these titles of its
Governors, Officers, and Teachers, it will be at least upon a par
with Harvard College. And, to say the least, there is nothing in
this charter, which discovers the intention of it to be the founding
a College in any respect inferior to the other ; much less prepara-
tory and subservient to it. It is indeed intimated in this charter
itself, that one reason for establishing a College in Hampshire is,
that the people in those parts might not be subjected to the neces-
sity, to the supposed inconvenience and greater expense of sending
their children so far as Cambrido;e for an education : in which
respect it exactly corresponds to the known views of those in whose
favor said charter was prepared, as to having a real and every way
sufficient College of their own, to serve that part of the country
as Harvard College used to serve the whole.

(9.) vVnd whereas your Excellency since the said charter was
prepared, proposed by an additional clause, expressly to except the
power of conferring degrees from the number of privileges granted
thereby ; we apprehend this would be very far from preventing the
ill consequences of such an institution, since it would be easy, by
the bye laws of the Society, to make provision for giving such hon-
orary certificates, and ample testimonials, as would in a great meas-
ure defeat the intention of such a restrictive clause. — But if any
considerable inconvenience should be found to arise from the want
of such a collegiate privilege, yet a College being once founded,
we apprehend that the persons, who had influence enough to carry
this most essential point, would after a while much easier find
means to get that defect supplied and their privileges extended
agreeably to their original plan. Neither can it be thought that
any thing short of this will finally satisfy them.

(10. j These things, Sir, being duly considered — the known
professed views of the persons, who solicited for a charter, the plain
tenor of that, prepared by your Excellency's order, and what it
manifestly lays a foundation for, — we are of opinion, that if such

118]

APPENDIX.

a cliarter should take cfiect, it would actually be the erecting a
Collc;Te in Ilampshiro, as a competitor with that at Cambridge ;
which would operate to the disadvantage of the latter, in propor-
tion to the number and weallh, to the reputation and influence of
those who are, or shall be hereafter favorers of the former. And
with your Excellency's permission we will now a little more par-
ticularly lay open our apprehensions with reference to the bad con-
sequences of such an institution: — a point, as we conceive, of
much the greatest importance to Harvard College, and to the inter-
est of learning among us, that ever came under the consideration
of the Board of Overseers.

(11.) One College, if well regulated and endowed, is we sup-
pose, abundantly sufficient for this province, considering its extent ;
and would be much more serviceable than two or more, whose inter-
ests interfere; as we think it evident beyond all doubt, that the
interests of Harvard College, and of such an one as is proposed,
would do. For thoucrh it is said that the Colleo-iate Schools in Encr-
land are rather subservient and useful than any ways prejudicial
to the Universities there, or to the common interests of learning;
we conceive that the circumstances of the mother country and of
those Universities (ancient, rich, and renowned) are so widely dif-
ferent from those of this country, and of our own yet young and
feeble College, that there can be no good arguing from one to the
other. There is no danger or possibility of those Schools ever
proving rivals to, or coming into any sort of competition with the
Universities ; and therefore not of their being detrimental to them.
Especially when it is considered, that some of the principal of these
schools, if not all of them, were, as we understand, founded ex-
pressly in subordination to, and in dependence upon the Universi-
ties ; as nurseries, out of which the brightest and most promising
youths are from time to time to be selected, whose education is to
be perfected at the Universities ; for which it is said there are par-
ticular establishments. Whereas Queen's College, so far as appears
by the charter, is to be in no respect preparatory to, or dependent
upon the College in Cambridge. Neither is the latter yet arrived
to such maturity, strength, and perfection, as to be out of danger
of receiving great prejudice from such a competitor or rival, as
the other might prove. — We do not mean in point of real excel-
lence in literature, of which we have no reason to be apprehensive,
but in other respects. And —

APPENDIX. 119]

(12.) Particularly as our College, yet in its infant state, is hitherto
but meanly endowed, and very poor, the unhappy consequences of
which are too obvious ; and we think that the founding another Col-
lege would be the most probable and effectual way to prevent its being
hereafter endowed in such a manner as all who desire its prosper-
ity doubtless wish to see it. For if such a College as is proposed
were founded in Hampshire, it cannot be thought that persons
living in that part of the country, who might be favorers of it, in
respect of its vicinity, or on any other account, would be willing
to bear a part in endowing that at Cambridge, whether in a legis-
lative or private capacity. It may naturally be concluded that
they would rather endeavour to obstruct all schemes and proposals to
this end ; judging very justly, that the growth and flourishing of
their own College depended in some measure upon the languishing
and depression of the other. At least it may be concluded, that
they would represent it as a heavy, intolerable grievance to be
obliged by law to do any thing towards the encouragement and
support of a College, from which they expected no immediate ben-
efit, while they had one of their own to support, on which they had
their dependence, and which stood in at least equal need. And
besides, if such a College were founded, it might probably receive
some legacies, or private donations, which would otherwise como^
to the College in Cambridge. So that we conceive the latter would
at least lose some friends and benefactors, if not find some posi-
tive enemies, by the establishing another College in the manner
intended. And the certain consequence of such a division and-
opposition of interests, as we think must needs be occasioned by
this means, will be the keeping low, and greatly cramping that Col-
lege whose prosperity we so justly and sincerely desire.

(13.) Moreover, if another College were founded, as has been
proposed, yet it cannot be reasonably thought that in many years to
come, the means of education therein, would be near so good as they
are even already in Harvard College : they will doubtless be far in-
ferior. And yet, from the motives of nearness or novelty, of
convenience, of supposed cheapness, or some other, we think it
not unlikely that after a ^ew years, a great proportion of the youth
of the province might actually be sent thither, instead of being
sent to Cambridge to be educated, which would not only be a
direct, great, and manifest prejudice to Harvard College, but conse-
quently a real hurt to the general interest of literature and religion
in the country. For although more of our youth might by this

120] APPENDIX.

means receive what is usually called a liberal education, and which
niinht pass for a very good one with many, yet we apprehend this
would be rather a disadvantage than the contrary, as it would pre-
vent a sufiicicnt, tiiough smaller number of our youth, being sent
to Cambridge, where they would unquestionably be much more
thoroughly instructed and far better qualified for doing service to
their country. And the natural consequence liereof would be, not
only the filling too many important civd offices, but a great part of
our ])ulpits, with comparatively unlettered persons, at once to the
detriment both of the Commonwealth, and of the churches here
established.

(14.) Permit us to add, Sir, that we apprehend founding a Col-
lege in Hampshire would be a bad and very dangerous precedent.
Since several other counties in the Province, might with at least
as much, perhaps really more appearance of reason, demand the
like privilege of setting up colleges respectively for themselves;
and think they were hardly, and very partially dealt with, if they
were not also indulged with charters for that purpose. But of what
pernicious consequence it would be to go on thus multiplying
Colleges, without having a single one well endowed, so as fully to
answer all the ends of a College, we need not observe to your
Excellency. And yet, how it could be well avoided, after such a
precedent in the case of Hampshire, it is not easy for us to
conceive.

(J 5.) There is another thing which we here beg leave to suggest
to your Excellency's consideration in behalf of Harvard College.
This College, as has been observed, was established by the whole
Legislature ; having received its Charter therefrom, for certain
purposes as aforesaid ; which Charter has been confirmed, not
only by repeated Acts of the General Court, which in different
reigns have received the Royal Sanction, but by the Charter of
King William and Queen Mary to the Province. For that ex-
pressly confirms " all bodies politic or corporate, '^ and particularly
all "colleges or schools," in the possession of whatever rights and
privileges they did or ought to enjoy, by virtue of a regular grant
of any General Court formerly held, " according to the true pur-
port and intent of such respective grant." Now, though the
Charter prepared by your Excellency, for founding a College in
Hampshire, may not touch the authority of the other College's
Charter, directly ; yet in our opinion, it really affects it indirectly ;
as it has a tendency to defeat in part the good designs thereof,

APPENDIX. 121]

and to restrnin or confine the privileges of said College, within
narrower bounds than was originally intended. For should your
Excellency's Charter issue, and operate as it has an apparent
aptitude to do, we cannot but think it would prevent, in a great
measure, the operation of the other Charter, to the ends it was
designed for ; and so would be, consequently, abridging the privi-
leges of the said College ; at once obstructing the growth and
flourishing thereof, and the general interest of learning in this coun-
try, agreeably to what has been before observed. And although
we do not now concern ourselves with the general question about
your Excellency's right to grant charters ; yet we persuade our-
selves that you would not willingly, by virtue of your sole authority
as the King's Governor, grant any such sort of Charter as should
however indirectly and remotely, interfere with, or tend in the
least degree to frustrate the true intent of, another and prior
Charter, given by the whole Legislature here, and ratified by the
royal authority as aforesaid.

(16.) But although your Excellency's Charter should not even
remotely interfere with the Charter of Harvard College, as we
suppose it does ; yet, if we have assigned other sufficient reasons
against founding a College in Hampshire, prudential ones, drawn
from the present state of Harvard College, from the circumstances
of the country, and from the bad eff'ects of such an institution in
these circumstances ; we flatter, or rather assure ourselves that
these reasons will have their due weight with your Excellency. —
And the sum of what we have offered with relation to this point
is, that if a College should be founded in conformity to the Charter
prepared to that end, we should then have two Colleges in this
government, the extent of which does not certainly require more
than one, and if it does not really require more than one, then the
establishing another would unquestionably be prejudicial in divers
respects ; — prejudicial to the general interest of learning, as well as
to the particular interest, the growth, and prosperity of that which
is already established. For by means of their separate interests,
and a division of the strength, wealth, and affections of the people,
naturally consequent thereon, neither of them would be suitably
encouraged and endowed. Whereas one might probably be so,
if there were only one, and all were happily united in the support
and encouragement of it. And this one, in our opinion, would far
better answer all the valuable ends of a College, than two rival
Colleges, mutually cramped and kept poor by an opposition of in-

16 t

122] APPENDIX.

terests; and tliis, we mjiy add, at a much less expense to the Prov-
ince or people, in tlie whole, than would be necessary to maintain
two, though but meanly and parsimoniously ; at the same time
that setting up another College would be a very dangerous prece-
dent.

(17.) We must entreat your Excellency's patience a little
longer, — You have too miicli candor and goodness, Sir, to impute
it to us, as a criminal partiality, if we highly honour tiie memory
of our forefathers ; the first European settlers of this country. And
on no one account, their unfeigned piety excepted, is their mem-
ory more respectable, more venerable to us, than on account of
their known great recrard for learninjr ; their love and stroncr
attachment to which prompted them so early, and while they were
strucrfflins with unnumbered difficulties to make an establishment
for it, even in a wilderness. This they did at a great expense for
them, considering their circumstances and abilities, however small
it may seem in any other view ; herein, probably, consulting the
welfare of posterity and future ages, rather than their own im-
mediate benefit. They did it with the pleasing hopes, that the
Seminary of learning, of which they then laid the foundation, would
at length, by the prudent care and the ingenuous liberality of suc-
cessive generations, one day arrive to the dignity and extensive
usefiilness of an University, and become a distinguished ornament
of the New World, in some measure as the Universities of Oxford
and Cambridge were of ihe Old. And we cannot but think, that
they were very happy in the choice of a situation for this Seminary^
at once so healthy and agreeable, and as near as could well be in
the centre, or at an equal distance from the eastern and western
limits of the government ; in which the common convenience was
provided for. Nor was the prudence of the government less
conspicuous in the provision made for the well ordering, for the
instruction and government of this Society; particularly, if we may
be allowed to say it, in respect of the persons to whom the inspec-
tion and oversight of it were committed ; and who have all along
given a vigilant and constant attention thereto. Which, by the
way, they could not have done, to so good effect, had it been situ-
ated at a much greater distance from this capital.

(18.) We devoutly adore the good Providence of God, which
hath from the beginning presided over this Seminary, and raised
up worthy benefactors to it from time to time, as well in Europe
as America. So that it hath, from its first institution, furnished

APPENDIX. 123]

these churches with faithful and able ministers, and the Common-
wealth with worthy members, by whom the important offices in
the government have been sustained with ability, fidelity, and
reputation.

(19.) Neither are we unmindful of, but gratefully acknowledge,
the paternal regards which your Excellency, during your admin-
istration, has extended to the College ; and the assurances you
have been pleased to give us from time to time, that you would
have a particular attention to the privileges, the honour, and in-
terest of it. — And indeed, Sir, it very natuarlly expects, as by
us it now humbly implores, the continuance of your smiles, your
favour, and protection, which it hopes it has not justly forfeited.
And,

(20.) We beg that your Excellency would not impute it in any
degree to disaffection to your person or administration, if we appear
somewhat zealous in opposition to a proposed institution, by means
whereof, if it should take effect, we apprehend that the extensive,
the truly noble design of our forefathers in founding Harvard
College, the prudent care of the government, and the vigilance of
its more immediate guardians in times past (to say nothing of our
own in particular), will be in a great measure really counteracted and
defeated. Not disaffection to your Excellency, but a sense of duty
to God, to the College, to the government, which committed this
important trust to us ; to the Commonwealth, to the present, and
to future generations ; — this it is, Sir, that prompts us in making
this remonstrance. And permit us to subjoin, that we never can,
without the deepest regret and the greatest sorrow, see an institu-
tion take place, by means of which, we are fully persuaded, the
pious and expensive cares of our forefathers, and their generous,
public-spirited designs, will be frustrated ; by means of which we
shall be split into parties and factions of interfering interests, and
such as will be particularly prejudicial to the advancement of learn-
ing ; by means of which, the endowment of Professorships in the
various branches will be obstructed, and the so much needed en-
largement of the buildings of the College probably prevented ; by
means of which the College must needs decline and languish, instead
of flourishing, as we might otherwise expect ; by means of which
Academical degrees, those needful aids of learning, will be compar-
atively of little worth or utility (since the honor that attends, and
the good influence and effects of them are but in proportion to the
extent and dignity, the reputation and honor of the College, or

124] APPENDIX.

University that confers them) ; in a word, by means of which we
conceive, a most fatal blow will be given to the interest of learning
in this country, and all this at a tim(3, when the sj)irit of learning
seemed to be reviving among us, and to appear more than it has
in some former years (which may be attributed in part, to your
Excellency's encouragement, and your smiles upon the College),
and at a time, when, from the increase of our numbers and wealth,
and the extension of his Majesty's dominion in America^ there was
ground to hope, that our College would soon emerge from its com-
paratively low and infant state, and accpiire all the endowments,
privileges, and dignities of an University !

(21.) These, Sir, were our hopes ; and such as these are now
our apprehensions of what will be the inevitable, the fatal conse-
quence of founding another College as has been proposed. And
while we view things in this light, as we cannot but view them,
your Excellency will indulge us in expressing such apprehensions
as these, with all the concern, the warmth, and pathos, that de-
cency will permit. And upon the whole, we cannot but with great
importunity, though with all proper respect and deference, make
the two following requests to your Excellency.

(22.) One is, that you would not permit the aforesaid Charter of
a College in Hampshire to issue, or take effect, since your Excel-
lency lately gave us to understand that it was not irrevocable ; and
even invited us freely to assign our reasons and objections against it.

(23.) The other is, that you would not assist or encourage,
but rather discountenance those persons who sued for said Char-
ter, in any endeavours which they may hereafter use to obtain
another, whether here or elsewhere, for the like ends and pur-
poses.

(24.) Which requests we the rather hope your Excellency will
be pleased to grant, not only since, as head of the Board of Over-
seers, of which we have the honour to be members, you will have
a very peculiar and tender concern for the interests of the College,
in whose behalf w'e more immediately intercede; but also since,
as Governor of the Province, you will naturally have at heart the
good of the whole : which we cannot but consider as closely con-
nected with the prosperity of that Society, and consequently with
the prevention of a College, or collegiate school, in the County of
Hampshire.

W. BRATTLE, by order.

Boston^ March \8th, 1762.

APPENDIX. 125]

No. XX. (p. 162.)

Tins Body of Laws for Harvard College was made by the
President and Fellows thereof, and consented to by
THE Overseers of said College, Anno Domini ]734.

CHAPTER I.

About Mmission into the College,

1. Whoever upon examination by the President, and two at
least of the Tutors, shall be found able extempore to read, con-
strue, and parse Tully, Virgil, or such like common classical Latin
authors, and to write true Latin in prose, and to be skilled in making
Latin verse, or at least in the rules of Prosodia, and to read, con-
strue, and parse ordinary Greek, as in. the New Testament,
Isocrates, or such like, and decline the paradigms of Greek nouns
and verbs, having withal good testimony of his past blameless
behaviour, shall be looked upon as qualified for admission into
Harvard College.

2. Every candidate for admission shall procure and keep by him
a true copy of the College Laws, respecting his duty and privi-
leges, which being signed by the President and major part of the
Tutors, shall be his admission into the college.

3. None shall be admitted into the College, until his parent,
guardian, or some other, pay five pounds to the Steward towards
defraying his future College charge ; and also give bond to the
steward with security to his satisfaction in the sum of forty pounds
to pay College dues quarterly as they are charged in the several
quarter-bills, viz. the steward's, the glazier's, and the sweeper's ;
said bill being first signed by the President, and one at least of
the Tutors. And in case of death or removal before College
charges rise to the sum of five pounds, the Steward shall return
the remainder to him that gave the bond.

4. None shall be admitted fellow commoner, unless he first pay
one hundred pounds to the College Treasurer, for the time being ;
being for the use of the College \ and every fellow commoner
shall pay double tuition-money.

126] APPENDIX.

5. Fellow commoners sh;ill have the privilege of dining and
supping with the tcilows at tiicir table in the hall, and shall be
excused from jioinii on errands, shall have the title of Masters, and
shall have the privilege of wearing their hats as masters do, but
shall attend all duties and exercises with the rest of the Class, and
be alike subject to the Laws and Government of the College ; and
shall sit with their own Class, and in their place in the Class at
the worship of God in the hall and meeting-house.

6. Every scholar, in the first quarter-bill made up after his ad-
mission, shall be charged six shillings to the use of the College
for Gallery money.

CHAPTER 11.

Concerning a Religious Virtuous Life,

1. All scholars shall behave themselves blamelessly, leading
sober, righteous, and godly lives.

2. The President shall constantly reside at Cambridge, and
(unless necessarily hindered) shall pray in the hall morning and
evening, and read some portion of the Old Testament in the morn-
ing, and of the New in the evening (when there is no repetition
or theological exercise), and he shall expound some portion of
Scripture ordinarily once a week, or oftener, if he can conven-
iently attend it. And when the President cannot attend prayers
in the hall, one of the Tutors shall pray, and also read some por-
tion of Scripture, they taking their turns by course weekly ; and
whenever they shall do so for any considerable time, they shall be
suitably rewarded for their service.

3. All persons of what degree soever, residing at the College,
and all Undergraduates, whether dwelling in the College or in the
town, shall constantly and seasonably attend the worship of God
in the hall morning and evening.

4. If any Undergraduate comes tardy to prayers (without rea-
sons allowed by the President or the Tutor that calls over the
weekly bill), he shall be fined two pence each time ; and if he is
absent from prayers (without reasons as aforesaid), he shall be
fined four pence a time.

5. Tardiness at, or absence from, divinity and philosophical pub-
lic lectures in the hall shall be punished as tardiness at, or absence
fi-om, prayers in the hall.

APXENDIX. 127]

6. All the scholars shall, at sunset in the evening preceding the
Lord's Day, retire to their chambers, and not unnecessarily leave
them ; and all disorders on said evening shall be punished as vio-
lations of the Sabbath are. And every scholar shall on the Lord's
Day carefully apply himself to the duties of religion and piety.
And whosoever shall profane said day by unnecessary business, or
visiting, walking on the Common, or in the streets or fields, in the
town of Cambridge, or by any sort of diversion before sunset,
or that in the evening after the Lord's Day shall behave himself
disorderly, or any way unbecoming the season, shall be fined not
exceeding ten shillings. And if such scholar shall not reform
after being privately admonished, he shall be further punished by
public admonition, degradation, or expulsion.

7. If any scholar shall be absent from public worship in the
meeting-house, on either part of the Lord's Day, without giving
sufficient reason, he shall be fined three shillings. And if bodily
infirmity or any other necessary occasion prevents his attendance
on said worship, he shall notify his Tutor, and in his absence the
President or some other Tutor at the ringing of tne first bell, other-
wise his absence shall be esteemed groundless. And whoever shall
come tardy to the public worship, shall be punished six pence, or
otherwise at the discretion of the President or one of the Tutors,
not exceeding two shillings. Also whoever shall be guilty of
loose or vain behaviour, or of playi ig or sleeping at the public
worship, or shall go out of the meeting-house before the public
worship is ended,, shall be punished from one to five shillings, as
the circumstances may be, according to the discretion of the Presi-
dent or one of the Tutors.

8. Liasmuch as complaints have been made of disorders in the
meeting-house, by scholars going thither before the ringing of the
second bell ; it is therefore ordered, that no Undergraduates shall
go to the meeting-house on the Lord's Day, before the ringing of
the second bell ; and whoever shall transgress this law, shall be
punished by the President or one of the Tutors not exceeding two
shillings.

9. Undergraduates shall in their course repeat at least the heads
of the forenoon and afternoon sermons on the Lord's Day evenings
in the hall ; and such as are delinquent shall be punished by the
President or one of the Tutors, not exceeding three shillings.

10. All profane and irreverent behaviour at prayers or public
divinity lectures in the hall, shall be punished after the same man-

128] APPENDIX.

ner with irreverence at the pul)lic worsliip in the meeting-house.
The Divinity Professor to have an equal power with tiie President
or Tutors, of punishing such offenders at liis lecture.

11. All scholars shall show due resj)ect and honor in speech and
behaviour, as to their natural Parents, so to iMagistrales, Elders,
the President and Fellows of the Corporation, and to all others
concerned in the Instruction or Government of the College, and
to all superiors, keeping due silence in their presence, and not
disorderly gainsaying them ; but showing all laudable expressions
of honor and reverence that are in use ; such as uncovering the
head, rising up in their presence, and the like. And particularly
Undergraduates shall be uncovered in the College Yard when any
of the Overseers, the President or Fellows of the Corporation, or
any other concerned in the government or instruction of the Col-
lege are therein, and Bachelors of Art shall be uncovered when
the President is there.

CHAPTER III.

Concerning Scholastical Exercises,

^ 1. That the scholars may furnish themselves with useful learning,
they shall keep in their respective chambers, and diligently follow
their studies ; except half an hour at breakfast; at dinner, from-
twelve to two ; and after evening prayers till nine of the clock.
To this end, the Tutors shall frequently visit their chambers (es-
pecially in their several districts) after nine o'clock in the evening
and at other studying times, to quicken them to their business.

2. If any Undergraduates are absent from their chambers in
studying time, or after nine o'clock in the evening (unless they
give sufficient reason for it), they shall be punished by the Presi-
dent or any of the Tutors, not exceeding two shillings.

3. The Undergraduates shall be brought forward by their re-
spective Tutors, in the knowledge of the three learned Languages,
viz. Latin, Greek, and Hebrew (excepting, as to the Hebrew,
those that shall be obliged to attend the Hebrew Instructor), and
also in the knowledge of Rhetorick, Logick, natural Philosophy,
Geography, Ethicks, Divinity, Metaphysicks, and in the elements
of the Mathematicks. And the Tutors shall take care to instruct
their pupils in such authors as the President and major part of the
Tutors shall agree upon ; excepting Ethical and Theological au-
thors shall be such only as shall be allowed by the Corporation.

APPENDIX. 129]

4. The Undergraduates shall' in their course declaim publicly
in the hall, in one of the three learned languages ; and in no other
without leave, or direction from the President, and immediately
give up their declamations fairly written to the President. And
he that neglects this exercise, shall be punished by the Presi-
dent or Tutor that calls over the weekly bill ; not exceding five
shillings. And such delinquent shall within one week after give
in to the President a written declamation subscribed by himself;
and if out of town, he shall give in such declamation within one
week after his return, under penalty as aforesaid.

5. The Senior Sophisters shall dispute publicly in the hall once
a week till the tenth of March, and the Junior Sophisters after the
same manner twice a week during that term and once a week
afterwards.

6. The Senior Sophisters shall attend their exercises with their
Tutors till the tenth day of March, and with their professors till
the twentieth of June.

7. If any Undergraduates are absent from or slightly perform
their stated exercises with their respective Tutors, or Hebrew In-
structor, or shall absent themselves from the private lectures of the
Professors, they shall be punished by their respective Professors,
Tutors, or Instructor not exceeding five shillings. And if they do
not speedily reform by such pecuniary mulcts, they shall be admon-
ished, degraded, or expelled according as the nature and degree of
the offence shall require.

8. No scholar that is on Mr. Hollis's Foundation, or that
receives any other benefit from the College, shall enjoy the same
any longer than he continueth exemplary for sobriety, diligence,
and good order.

9. If any resident Bachelor, Senior, or Junior Sophister, shall
negbct to analysis in his course according to the direction of the
President, or do this exercise slightly, or carelessly, he shall be
punished by the President not exceding ten shillings.

10. Resident Bachelors shall dispute in the Hall once a fort-
night (from the tenth of September to the tenth of March) on
such questions as the President directs to. If any bo absent from
such exercises without leave from the President, he shall be pun-
ished by the President not exceeding five shillings, and if a respon-
dent from five to ten shillings at the President's discretion.

11. All resident Graduates shall attend the public lectures of the
Divinity Professor, and all resident Bachelors his private lectures.

17t

130] APPENDIX.

CHAPTER IV.

Concenimix Penal Laws.

1. If any Uiulerdegraduato presume to go out of town without
leave from his Tutor, or in his absence of the President, or some
other Tutor ; lie shall be punished not exceeding five shillings, at
the discretion of the President or one of the Tutors.

2, Those scholars who live within ten miles of the College,
may have leave four days in a month to visit their friends. Those
who live from ten to fifty miles, may have leave for the purpose
aforesaid once a quarter not to exceed ten days each time ; those
who live fifty miles and upwards, may have leave for the like pur-
pose, twice in a year, not to exceed twenty-one days each time,
unless a longer time should, in the judgment of the President and
their respective Tutors be thought necessary. Provided never-
theless, no Undergraduate in ordinary cases, shall have leave to be
absent so as to omit his declamation or analysis. And if any shall
transgress the limits set and allowed him, he shall be punished

* eight pence per day, five shillings per week, thirty shillings per
month, (and if his absence shall exceed two months, he shall be
degraded, if it exceed four months, he shall be expelled) unless
he gives satisfactory reasons for such his absence ; which reasons
shall be judged of by his Tutor if the absence does not exceed
a week ; if it does not exceed a fortnight, by two or more of the
Tutors ; and if it does exceed a fortnight then by the President
and Tutors.

3. The Vacation beginning at Commencement shall continue
but six weeks ; at the expiration of which time the President,
Tutors, Professors, and Instructor, shall forthwith set about the
business of their respective offices. If any Undergraduate (Senior
Sophisters not excepted) shall continue absent from the College
longer than the said term, he shall be punished for every day,
week, and month, as is provided in the preceding law.

4. No Undergraduate shall lodge or board out of the College
(unless his parents, guardian, or near relations are so nigh that he
may conveniently lodge and board with them) without leave fi-om
the President and Tutors. And if he obtains leave, it shall be at
such houses, as the President and Tutors allow of. And if any
continue to transgress this law for one month after admonition by
the President and Tutors, he shall be expelled.

APPENDIX. 131]

5. If any Undergraduate shall suffer any one to lodge at his
chamber, who is not a member of the College (his father or guar-
dian excepted), without leave from the President or one of the
Tutors, his own Tutor if in town, he shall be punished not exceed-
ing five shillings.

6. If any scholar shall entertain at his chamber or familiarly
associate with any person of a loose or ill character, he shall be pun-
ished by the President and Tutors or any one of them not exceed-
ing five shillings ; and if he persist in so doing he shall be publicly
admonished, degraded, or expelled, according^to the aggravation of
his offence.

7. If any scholar shall go beyond the College yards, or fences,
without coat, cloak, or gown (unless in his lawful diversion), he
shall be punished by the President or one of the Tutors; not ex-
ceeding two shillings. And if any shall presume to put on or wear
indecent apparel ; he shall be punished according to the nature
and degree of the offence, by the President or one of the Tutors ;
but if he wears woman's apparel he shall be liable to public admoni-
tion, degradation, or expulsion.

8. If any scholar shall unnecessarily frequent taverns, or shall
go into any tavern or victualing-house in Cambridge to eat or to
drink there (unless called by his parent or guardian), without leave
from the President or one of the Tutors ; or if any scholar shall
frequent any house or shop in the town of Cambridge, after he is
forbidden by the President or one of the Tutors, he shall be pun-
ished by them (or any one of them) not exceeding five shillings ;
and if he persist in transgressing any part of this law, he shall be
further punished by admonition, degradation, or expulsion.

9. If any scholar shall be convicted of blasphemy, fornication,
robbery, forgery, or of any other very atrocious crime, he shall be
expelled forthwith.

10. If any scholar shall profanely curse, swear, or take God's
name in vain, he shall be fined from five to ten shillings by the
President or one of the Tutors ; and if such scholar do not reform
he shall be further punished by public admonition, degradation, or
expulsion, as the circumstances may be.

11. If any Graduate shall- play at cards or dice he shall be fined
twenty shillings : if he shall offend again he shall make a public
confession ; and if the third time he shall not be allowed to con-
tinue any longer at the College, or be expelled as the nature of
the offence shall require. If any Undergraduate shall play at cards

132] APPENDIX.

or dice, he shall be punished by fine not exceeding ten shillings
with admonition, or by degradation, or expulsion, according to the
aggravation of the offence. And if any Undergraduate shall play
at any game whatsoever, for money or money's worth, he shall be
punished by the President or one of the Tutors not exceeding five
shillings. And if he repeat his offence, or play for any thing of
considerable value, he shall be further punished by admonition,
degradation, or expulsion, according to the aggravation of the
offence.

12. If any Undergraduates shall buy, sell, barter or exchange
among themselves books, apparel, or any other thing to above one
shilling value, without leave of the President, their Tutors, guar-
dians, or parents, it shall be in the power of the President, or their
Tutors to make void such bargain, and the guilty shall be punish-
ed by fine not exceeding five shillings, or otherwise according to the
aggravation of the crime.

13. If any scholar shall be guilty of lying, he shall for the first
offence be fined by the President or one of the Tutors not exceed-
ing five shillings, and if he persist therein, he shall make a public
confession, be degraded, or expelled.

14. If any scholar shall be guilty of stealing, he shall make full
restitution ; and be liable to pay double damages besides to the
party injured, and shall be punished by making a public confes-
sion, by degradation, or expulsion, according the degree of the
offence.

15. If any scholar shall be guilty of opening by pick-lock, or
false key, or other instrument ; or of breaking open any chamber,
study, cellar, chest, desk, or any place under lock and key, or other-
wise secured, he shall make good all damages, and be punished by
fine not exceeding twenty shillings, and make a public confession,
or be degraded, or expelled.

And if any scholar shall have a pick-lock or false key by him,
it shall be counted a misdemeanor and be punished at the discre-
tion the President and Tutors.

16. If any scholar shall be guilty of drunkenness, he shall be
fined five shillings, or he shall make a public confession, be degra-
ded, or expelled, according to the aggravation of the offence.

* 17. No person of what degree soever residing in the College
shall make use of any distilled spirits, or of any such mixed drinks
as punch or flip in entertaining one another or strangers. And
if any Undergraduate shall transgress this law, he shall be punished

APPENDIX. 133]

for the first offence by the President or one of the Tutors, if a Bach-
elor, by the President and Tutors, not exceeding five shilhngs ; for
the second offence, not exceeding ten shilhngs ; for a third offence
he shall make a public confession ; and for a fourth offence, he
shall be degraded, or expelled.

18. No Undergraduate shall keep by him brandy, rum, or any
other distilled spirituous liquors ; neither shall he send for any of
the said liquors without leave from the President or one of the Tu-
tors ; and whosoever shall transgress this law shall have the said
liquor that is found with him taken from him, and disposed of by
the President and Tutors ; and he shall be further punished not
exceeding five shillings. And any scholar that shall fetch such
spirituous liquors, without leave as aforesaid, shall be punished in
like manner.

19. Whereas much damage has been sustained by the cutting of
lead fiom off the Old College, for the future, the door leading up to
the top of the said College shall be always kept locked, and there
shall be two keys to the lock of said door, one of them to be
left with the President, the other with the Butler ; and if any schol-
ar (except the Butler) be seen on top on said College, without
leave from the President or one of the Tutors, he shall pay not ex-
ceeding five shillings. And if he cuts or takes any lead from thence,
he shall pay not exceeding five shillings, and repair all damages.
And if any scholar is found privy to the transgression of this law,
and does not discover it, he shall pay not exceeding five shillings,
as the President and Tutors shall direct.

20. Whereas there have been at sundry times great disturbances
occasioned by tumultuous, indecent noises at the College, for pre-
venting the like for the future, it is ordered, that if any scholar or
scholars belonging to the College shall be found guilty of making
tumultuous or indecent noises, to the dishonor and disturbance of
the College, or to the disturbance of the Town or any of its inhab-
itants ; every scholar so offending shall be liable to be fined five
shillings, and to be publicly admonished or degraded for the first
offence ; for the second offence, to be fined ten shillings, and to be
degraded or expelled.

21. If any scholar or scholars, being thereunto required, shall
refuse to give evidence respecting the breach of any College laws,
or shall falsify therein upon examination before the President or
Tutors, he or they shall be punished by fine not exceeding ten shil-
lings, or by admonition, degradation, or expulsion.

134] APPENDIX.

22. For rendering more eficctual the fines that are imposed by
tlie President, Professors, Tutors, or Instructor, it is ordered, that
they be so particularly specified as tliat the parents or guardians of
the delinquents may know how much and for what they are punish-
ed. And to this end, the Butler shall be obliged quarterly to pre-
])are and sign a list of each pupil's punishments, giving an account
for what they were imposed, and shall lay the same before the Tu-
tor, whose turn it is to make up the quarter-bill ; and then trans-
mit it to the Steward, who shall annex it to the account of charges
which he shall send to such pupil's parent or guardian ; and the
Butler and Steward shall be allowed out of the fines for their trou-
ble and charge as shall be agreed upon by the Corporation.

23. Notwithstanding the preceding pecuniary mulcts, it shall
be lawful for the President, Tutors, or Professors, to punish Under-
graduates by boxing, when they shall judge the nature or circum-
stances of the offence call for it.

24. No scholar (or his parent or guardian in his behalf) shall
exhibit to any other authority than that of the College, a complaint
against any of the governors, or resident members thereof, for any
injury cognizable by the authority of the College, before he has
sought for redress to the President and Tutors, and in case of their
denying him relief, to the Corporation and Overseers ; and if any
scholar (or his parent or guardian for him) shall, without such
application made, or contrary to the determination of the Corpora-
tion and Overseers, carry said complaint to any other authority,
such scholar shall forthwith be expelled the College.

CHAPTER V.

Concerning the Scholars' Commons,

1. All the Tutors and Professors, Graduates and Undergraduates,
who have studies in College, shall constantly be in commons while
actually residing at College, vacation-time excepted, and shall dine
and sup in the hall, at the stated meal-times, except waiters (and
such whose parents or guardians live so nigh that they may conven-
iently board with them), and such others as the President and
Tutors shall, in cases of necessity, exempt. Provided always, that
no Professor or Tutor shall be exempted but by leave of the Corpora-
tion, with the consent of the Overseers. And the tables shall be
covered with clean linen cloths of a suitable length and breadth,
twice a week, and furnished with pewter plates, the plates to be
procured at the charge .of the College, and afterwards to be main-

APPENDIX. 135]

tained at the charge of the scholars, both Graduates and Undergrad-
uates, in such manner as the Corporation shall direct.

2. No scholar shall be put in or out of Commons, but on Tues-
days or Fridays, and no Bachelor or Undergraduate but by a note from
the President, or one of the Tutors, (if an Undergraduate, from his
own Tutor, if in town ;) and when any Bachelors or Undergradu-
ates have been out of Commons, the waiters, at their respective
tables, shall, on the first Tuesday or Friday after they become
obliged, by the preceding law, to be in commons, put them into
commons again, by note, after the manner above directed. And
if any Master neglects to put himself into commons, when, by
the preceding law, he is obliged to be in commons, the waiters on
the Masters' table shall apply to the President or one of the Tutors
for a note to put him into Commons, and inform him of it.

3. The waiters, when the bell tolls at meal-times, shall receive
the plates and victuals at the kitchen-hatch and carry the same to
the several tables for which they are designed. And none shall re-
ceive their commons out of the hall, except in case of sickness or
some weighty occasion. And the Senior Tutor or other senior
scholar in the hall, shall crave blessincr and return thanks. And
all the scholars, while at their meals, shall sit in their places and
behave themselves decently and orderly, and whosoever shall be
rude or clamorous at such time, or shall go out of the hall before
thanks be returned, shall be punished by one of the Tutors not
exceeding five shillings.

CHAPTER VI.

About Academical Degrees,

1. No academical degrees shall be given but by the Corporation
with the consent of the Overseers.

2. Every scholar that on proof is found able to re^d the original
of the Old and New Testament into tlie Latin toncrue, and to
resolve them logically and to be well instructed in the principles of
the Mathematics, and Natural and Moral Philosophy, (withal being
of a blameless life and conversation.) and at any public act shall
have the approbation of the President and Fellows of the College,
with the consent of the Overseers, may be invested with a first
degree, viz. Bachelor of Arts ; otherwise no scholar may be ad-
mitted to a first deo-ree, unless he hath been at the College three
years and ten months at the least, from his admission, being blame-
less, and having attended upon and performed all public exercises.

136] APPENDIX.

3. What Bachelor soever shall make a common place or synopsis
of any of the arts or sciences, and publicly read the same in the
College hall, in the third year after his first degree, and be ready
to defend his theses, and is skilled in the original tongues, and
coiuinuoth blameless, shall, after approbation at a public act, be
capable of a second degree, viz. of Master of Arts. And no other
degree shall be given besides the above named, but in such cases
and upon such conditions as the Corporation shall judge fit, the
Oveerseers consenting thereunto. And every person that has
received any degree, may have a diploma testifying the same, if
he shall desire it, and bring a fiiir copy of the established form .
written on parchment, and other things necessary thereto.

4. Each candidate for his first or second degree shall pay twenty
shillings to the President, and twenty shillings to the steward
towards defraying the charge of the Commencement dinner ; and
each candidate for his second degree shall pay twenty shillings to
the Steward for the use of the College.

5. No person shall receive a first or second degree, unless he
exhibits to the President a certificate from the Steward that he has
satisfied his College dues charged in the quarter-bills, or otherwise
according to custom ; nor shall any person be admitted to either of
the degrees aforesaid, who hath not paid every other officer of the
College his just dues, provided such officer make complaint thereof
to the President and Tutors, on or before the fifteenth of June.

6. For preventing disorder and extravagances at Commence-
ment, it is ordered, that the Commencement, for the time to come,
be more private than formerly, and tha.t the particular day for the
Commencement, from time to time, be appointed by the Corpora-
tion, that the Honourable and Reverend Overseers of the College
be seasonably acquainted with said day, and be desired to honour
the solemnity with their presence. That the exercises of Commence-
ment be the same, and performed in such public manner as usnal.
That the particular day for the candidates for their second degree
to appear at College be left, from year to year, to the determina-
tion of the Corporation. That a dinner be provided in the hall
as usual. And that no commencer shall have at his chamber any
plumb cake, or plain cake, or pyes, or hot meats of any sort, except
what is left of the dinner in the hall ; or any brandy, rum, or any
distilled spirits or composition made with any of them. And if any
of these prohibited drinks or provisions shall be found in the
chambers or studies of any of the commencers, or within any of the

APPENDIX. 137]

dependencies thereof, such offender shall be liable to be debarred
his degrees. And whosoever, after he has taken his degree, shall,
at that Commencement, act contrary to any of these prohibitions,
and be convicted thereof within three months, shall be liable to be
denied his second degree, if a Bachelor ; and if a Master, he shall
be liable to be denied a diploma, and all privilege of ever living at
the College ; and the Corporation with the Tutors shall visit the
chambers of the commencers to see that this law be well observed.

CHAPTER VII.

About the Steward, Cook, and Butler,

1. While the same person is steward and cook, he shall procure
wholesome and suitable bread, beer, and other provisions for the
scholars ; and may advance fifty per cent, above the current price.
And he shall allow to the College for the kitchen, brew-house, and
for the use, wear, and tear of College utensils belonging to his
office, so much per annum as the Corporation shall direct.

2. The price of bread, beer, and commons, and sizings at the
kitchen shall be, from time to time, stated by the Corporation.

3. The steward shall, at the direction of the Corporation, pro-
cure, at the charge of the College, all proper utensils for the but-
tery and kitchen, from time to time as there shall be occasion.

4. The butler and cook shall constantly keep the rooms and
utensils belonging to their several offices sweet and clean, fit for
use. And the kitchen pewter in constant use shall be scoured
twice a quarter, and the butler's drinking vessels once a week, or
oftener, as the President and Tutors shall direct. And said butler
and cook shall exhibit to them an inventory of the utensils belong-
ing to their respective offices once a quarter. And in case of neg-
lect in any of the articles of this law, said butler and cook shall
be subject to a fine not exceeding twenty shillings, at the discretion
of the President and Tutors.

5. The butler shall take care that all fines imposed by the Presi-
dent, Tutors, Professors, or Instructor, be fairly recorded in a
book, by him to be kept for that purpose, and shall quarterly deliver
said book to the Tutor that makes up the quarter-bill ; and such
Tutor shall not remit or abate any fine, without the consent of the
President, Professors, and Tutors, or major part of them, at a meet-
ing duly warned.

18 t

138] APPENDIX.

0. The butler and cook respectively shall be accountable for
such of the College utensils as they have in their custody, and
shall make good all such detriment or loss as shall happen to said
utensils by their neglect. And said butler and cook shall observe
what number and kind of utensils the waiters carry to each table
in the hall, and shall immediately after meals demand the same of
the senior waiter at each table then present ; and if any utensil
be not forthwith returned, the waiters of the table where it was
employed shall (upon complaint made to the President and Tutors)
be obliged to pay the value thereof for the use of the College.
And whosoever shall damnify or abuse any of the College utensils,
or any thing else belonging to the College, shall (upon complaint
made as aforesaid) be obliged to make good such damage, and be
liable to such further punishment as the President and Tutors
shall think fit.

7. The steward for the time being shall, within fourteen days
after the expiration of each quarter, drav/ out the quarter-bill ;
and fill up the column of commons and sizings, and deliver the
same to the Tutor whose turn it shall be to make up such bill ;
who shall fill up the other columns according to law or custom,
and such adjustments agreeable thereto, as shall be made by the
President and Tutors, and then shall present it to the President,
who with said Tutor shall sign said bill ; and the said Tutor shall
enter the said bill immediately in the College book of quarter-bills,
after which he shall deliver it to the steward, who shall demand of
each scholar the whole of what he is therein charged with.

8. Whereas great damage has been sustained by the scholars
not seasonably paying their College dues, it is ordered that if any
scholar shall neglect to pay his quarterly charges for the space of
three months after the quarter-bill is signed, he shall (upon com-
plaint made by the steward to the President and Tutors) be dis-
missed from the College, and shall not be restored but with the
approbation of the Corporation, and upon full satisfaction given
for all damages sustained by such neglects.

9. The butler shall wait upon the President at the hours for
prayer in the hall, for his orders to ring the bell ; and also upon the
Professors for their lectures, as usual ; he shall likewise ring the
bell for commons according to custom, and at five o'clock in the
mornino; and nine at niorht. And the said butler for these and
other services (to which no particular reward is assigned) shall be
allowed sixteen pounds per annum, to be paid by the Undergradu-
ates, and charged in their quarter-bills.

APPENDIX. 139]

JO. The butler shall pay to the College, from time to time, for
absent commons, as the Corporation shall appoint. The butler
shall have liberty to sell cider to the scholars at such prices as the
Corporation shall appoint. He shall also, from time to time, as
there shall be occasion, provide candles for the hall, and shall take
care that the hall and the entry adjoining be swept once a day, and
washed at least once a quarter, and that the tables and forms be
scoured once a week (except in the winter season, when they shall
be scoured once in three weeks, or so often as the Tutors shall re-
quire it), for which he shall have such allowance as the President
and Tutors shall appoint, to be paid by the Undergraduates, and
charged in their quarter-bills.

CHAPTER Vm.

Concerning Miscellaneous Matters.

1. The chambers and studies in the College shall be disposed of
to the Scholars, Graduates, and Undergraduates at the discretion
of the President and Tutors.

2. Undergraduates shall dwell and lodge in the chambers as-
signed to them ; and if any neglect to observe this law, they shall
be punished by fine not exceeding five shillings, or by admonition,
degradation, or expulsion, according to the aggravation of the
offence.

3. While a study stands assigned to any Graduate, he shall pay
rent for it ; and if he does not possess and statedly use it, within
two months after it is assigned him, or if after he has possessed it,
he discontinues three months from statedly using it, he shall be
liable to have it taken away by the President and Tutors.

4. Every Scholar, Graduate, and Undergraduate shall find his
proportion of furniture, wood, and candles during the whole time
of his having a study assigned to him, whether he be present or
absent.

5. If Bachelors or Masters set an example of idleness, extrava-
gance, neglect of public worship or religious exercises in the hall,
or allow disorders in their chambers, or show contempt to any of
the laws or Governors of the College, and, after admonition by the
President and Tutors, do not reform, their chambers shall be taken
from them, and they shall not be allowed to reside any longer in
the College. And the President, or any two or more of the Tu-
tors, are hereby empowered and directed to visit the chambers of
the Graduates, or send for them to come before them for inquiry,

140] APPENDIX.

examination, or admonition, as occasion shall require ; and if any
Graduate shall deny entrance into his chamber, or study, to the
President or two of the Tutors, or shall refuse or neglect to come
when sent for, he shall he punished in manner as aforesaid.

6. If the President or a Tutor shall demand entrance into any
Undergraduate's chamber, or study, and it be denied him, such
Undergraduate shall be degraded, rusticated, or expelled. And in
this case, or any other, wherein the good of College is by said
President or Tutor tliought to require it, the President or Tutor
may break open any chamber or study door, except the door of a
Graduate, which shall not be done but by the President, or two of
the Tutors.

7. The President or Tutors may require suitable assistance from
any scholar or scholars for the preservation of the good order of the
College ; and if any one so required shall refuse or neglect to give
his assistance, it shall be looked upon as a high misdemeanor, and
a great contempt of the authority of the College, and be punished
by admonition, rustication, degradation, or expulsion.

8. The monitors of the hall shall be chosen by the President
and Tutors, and their stipend be appointed by the Corporation, to
be charged upon the Undergraduates in their quarter-bdis.

9. To excite Tutors from time to time to the greater care and
fidelity in their work, those who shall be chosen Tutors, shall be
chosen for the term of three years only, at the expiration whereof
a new election shall be made by the Corporation, and presented to
the Overseers for their acceptance.

10. The Professors shall constantly reside in Cambridge, near
the College ; and the Tutors in the College and the Corporation
shall, from time to time, determine what chambers shall be Tutors'
chambers, (and also v.'hich shall be the Professors' chambers when
residing in the College), as they shall judge most commodious for
them to inspect the scholars and prevent disorders.

11. Whereas, through long experience former orders have not
been effectual for preventing of damages to the College by the vio-
lence or carelessness of those, for whose accommodations great
cost and charges have from time to time been expended, it is or-
dered, that when any damage (except by the inevitable Providence
of God) shall be found done to any chamber, or study, inhabited,
the person or persons to whom said study or chamber belongs, shall
make good the same. And when any damage is done to any other
parts of the College, or to any of its appurtenances, such as fences.

APPENDIX. 141]

pumps, clock, &c., the same shall be made good again by all the
Undergraduates, and shall be charged in their quarter-bills ; pro-
vided always if the person or persons that were the cause or blame-
able occasion of such damage done be discovered, he or they shall
make full satisfaction for the same, and shall be also liable to such
punishment by fine or otherwise, according to the demerit of the
fact, as the President and Tutors shall think fit.

12. That none belonging to the College, except the President,
Fellows, Professors, and Tutors, shall by threats or blows compel a
Freshman or any Undergraduate to any duty or obedience ; and if
any Undergraduate shall offend against this law, he shall be liable
to have the privilege of sending Freshmen taken from him by the
President and Tutors, or be degraded or expelled according to the
aggravation of the offence. Neither shall any Senior scholars,
Graduates, or Undergraduates, send any Freshman on errands in
studying hours, without leave from one of the Tutors, his own
Tutor if in College. If any Bachelor or Undergraduate shall trans-
gress in this matter, he shall be punished by the President or Tu-
tor, not exceeding three shillings for each offence.

13. If any Undergraduate refuse or neglect to come when sent
for by the President, a Tutor, or Professor, he shall be punished by
admonition, degradation, or expulsion, according to the aggrava-
tion of the offence.

14. If any Scholar, Graduate, or Undergraduate make resistance
to the President or any of the Professors or Tutors, such Scholar
shall be liable to degradation or expulsion. And if any Scholar
offer violence or any heinous insult to any of the Governors of the
College, he shall be forthwith expelled.

15. No Undergraduate shall keep a gun or pistol in the College,
or any where in Cambridge ; nor shall he go a gunning, fishing,
or seating over deep waters, without leave from the President or one
of the Tutors, under the penalty of three shillings. And if any
Scholar shall fire a gun or pistol within the College walls, yard, or
near the College, he shall be fined not exceeding ten shillings, or
be admonished, degraded, or expelled, according to the aggravation
of the offence.

16. If anv scholar shall be convicted of fi^htinorwith, or striking,
or wilfully hurting any person, he shall be fined by the President
or one of the Tutors, not exceeding five shillings, or be admonished
degraded, or expelled, according to the aggravation of the offence.

142] APPENDIX.

17. No scholar who has been expelled the College shall be re-
admitted by tlie President, Professors, and Tutors, without the con-
sent of the Corporation.

18. All fines above five shillings (except in the cases already
provided for), and all public admonitions, rustications, and degrada-
tions, either in the same class or to a lower class, shall be by the
President and Tutors, and all expulsions by the President, Profes-
sors, and Tutors ; and in the forementioned cases, the determination
shall be made by the major part of them, the President having a
casting vote.

19. Whereas in some years past there have been great damages
done to the chambers and cellars of the College, during the
vacation ; for the prevention thereof, it is hereby ordered and direc-
ted, that the President and Tutors appoint some suitable persons to
reside at the'College during such vacation times, who shall have in
charge, to take care of and prevent damages to any of the cham-
bers, cellars, or fences, belonging to the College, and no other
scholars, being Junior Bachelors, or Undergraduates shall continue
in the College from and after the Commencement week, or any part
of that time, unless those whom the President and Tutors on some
special reason shall permit. And if any shall presume without
such leave or permission so to continue, they shall be punished by
fine not exceeding twenty shillings, or by degradation, or rustication,
at the discretion of the President and Tutors.

20. Whereas the President and Tutors have been often much
incommoded, in settling the chambers after the Commencement,
by reason of their not knowing what Junior Bachelors will live in
College after they have taken ^heir degrees ; Therefore it is
hereby ordered, that whosoever of said Bachelors, shall not, on
or before the Saturday after the Commencement, signify to the
President that he designs yet to hold his chamber at College, shall
be supposed to leave it, and the same chamber shall (at the time
of the settlement of the chambers) be disposed of by the President
and Tutors to any other person at their discretion. And whoso-
ever of said Bachelors shall signify his design as above still to
hold his chamber, shall be obliged to pay one quarter's rent, though
he should desire to relinquish such his chamber within the quarter,
unless he should make such relinquishment before the time when
the President and Tutors shall make the general settlement of the
chambers after the Commencement.

21. Whereas the Senior Sophisters have taken it for granted,
that they had liberty to go out of town and absent themselves from

APPENDIX. 143]

the College without leave, after they are dismissed from their
stated exercises with their Tutors, by which means they have
lost the benefit of the instructions of the Professor of Divinity,
and those also of the Professor of Natural Philosophy and the Math-
ematicks, which (by the sixth law in the third chapter of College
Laws) they are obliged to attend till the twentieth day of June,
therefore voted, That if any Senior Sophister shall, from the tenth
day of March to the twentieth day of June, presume to go out of
town, without leave from the President or, in his absence, from
one of the Professors, he shall be punished, not exceeding five
shillincrs, at the discretion of the President or one of the Professors.
And in case any such Senior Sophister shall continue his absence be-
yond the time he had leave for, he shall be punished by the Presi-
dent and Professors, according to the law made and provided in such
cases for all Undergraduates, viz. law second, in chapter fourth of
the College Laws. Furthermore, in case any Senior Sophister, who
shall have presumed to go out of town without leave, shall continue
his absence, he shall be punished, not exceeding six pence per day,
four shillings per week, and twenty shillings per month. And if
his absence shall exceed two months, he shall be denied his de-
gree that year. Provided nevertheless, that the President and
Professors shall have power to abate, at their discretion, all or any
part of the punishments above provided, according to the satisfac-
tion such Senior Sophister shall give to them concerning his
absence. And it is further ordered and directed, that the Senior
Sophisters shall be continued in the monitor's bill, till the afore-
said twentieth day of June.

22. Whereas scholars may be guilty of disorders or misdemean-
ors, against which no provision is made by the foregoing laws, in
all such cases the President with the Tutors shall inflict such pun-
ishment as they think proper, according to the nature and degree
of the offence. And, in all punishments below expulsion, more than
one may be inflicted for the same crime, according to the aggrava-
tion of it.

[At the end of each Student's copy of the College Laws, it was the
usage to add the official certificate of his admission into the University.
The following is the certificate granted to the late Dr. Holyoke, whose
copy of the laws has been here followed.]

Edvardus Holyoke admi'tatur in Collegium Harvardinum,

EDVARD. HOLYOKE, Praeses.

Cantabr. 15to Calend. Henricus Flynt, ^

Septembris, 1742. Belcher Hancock, \ Socii.

Josephus Mayhew, )

144] APPENDIX.

(No. XXI. p. 211.)

Professor IVigglcswortli's Reply to W/ntefield''s Charges

against the College.

And this brings us to your " reproachful reflections upon

the Society which is immediately under our care." The reflections
are these, as you rehearse them, p. 12. " As far as I could gather
from some who well knew the state of it [the College] not far su-
perior to our Universities, in piety and true godliness. — Tutors
neglect to pray with and examine the heart of their pupils. Dis-
cipline is at too low an ebb : Bad books are become fashion-
able among them. — Tillotson and Clark are read, instead of
Shepherd, Stoddard, and such like Evangelical writers."

You say, first, that " as far as you could gather from some, who
knew the state of the College well, it is not far superior to our

Universities in piety and true godliness." To know what you

mean by this, we must look to the character you give of the Uni-
versities in England. Now this we have in your Journal at Wil-
liamsburgh, p. 109, where speaking of the College at that place,
you say, " It may be of excellent use, if learning Christ be made
the foundation of their study, and other arts and sciences only in-
troduced and pursued as subservient to that. For want of this, most
of our English Schools and Universities are sunk into meer Semi-
naries of Paganism. Christ or Christianity is scarce so much as
named among them." As for this your character of the Uni-
versities in England, we only say, that you have taught us to believe
you with discretion, by telling the world, that our state, with respect
to " piety and true godliness, is not far superior to this." — Con-
cerning our own Academy, we say, we are far from boasting of its
piety and true godliness. We are heartily sorry, that there is not
much more of these to be found among the youth under your care,
than there is. And yet we may with great truth, and without any
immodesty, affirm, that the knowledge of the only true God, and of
Jesus Christ whom he hath sent, is earnestly recommended to the
Students as that, in comparison whereof they ought to account all
other things but loss and dung

You go on and say, " Tutors neglect to pray with their pupils."
To which we answer, that this is either not true, or not any just

APPENDIX. 145]

matter of reproach, as you would have it thought to be. If you
intended, by this account of us, to make the world believe, that
social worship of God is not maintained in the College, that Tutors
and pupils don't attend upon the public reading of the holy Scrip-
tures, and join together in solemn prayers, morning and evening,
you have represented us as sunk into something as bad, or worse,
than mere Paganism. But then this representation is so vile a
slander, that we can hardly believe, that, in the six days you gave
yourself to be acquainted with credible persons, and take their
information, you met v/ith a single man, who was false and bold
enough to give you such an account of us.

If you say, that this was not your meaning, that you intended no
more than to let the world know, that besides those prayers which
Tutors and Pupils conjunctly offer up to God morning and
evening, each Tutor don't take his own pupils into his chamber
and pray with them again ; how does this prove what you seemed
to have designed it for, viz. that our Society is " not far superior
to such as are sunk into mere Seminaries of Paganism," as you
say the Universities in England are ? What law of Christ hath
made this an ordinary duty of Tutors, that you should think the
neglect of it such a reproach, that the world ought to hear it ? If
some credible person should tell you concerning any professed
Christian householder, that besides worshipping God morning and
evening with his whole family, he did not divide it into three or
four parts, and pray with each of them again by themselves, would
you think this such an heinous neglect, that all the British domin-
ions ought to ring of it 1 And would you think that you represent-
ed the conduct of such an householder in a Christian manner, if
you should print it in your Journal, that he neglected to pray with
his children, only because he never shut out the rest of his family,
when he pray'd with them ? If you say, that the case of the Tutors
differs from that of an householder, because it is not a Tutor, but
the President, who is ordinarily the mouth of the College in their
address to God ; we answer, that this makes the difference not
great ; forasmuch as if the Tutors have any thing upon their
hearts, which they desire their pupils should hear them offer up to
God for them, they have frequent opportunities to present these
desires of their souls to God in the hearing of their pupils, by the
necessary absence of the President, upon one account or other, from
morning or evening prayers ; upon which occasions the Tutors
supply his place by turns.

19t

146] APPENDIX.

Your next reflection upon our College, is, that '' Tutors don't
examine the hearts of their pupils." What you intend by this, we
are much at a loss to conceive. Indeed we are very sensible, that it
is a great duty, which nearly concerns us all, to examine our own
hearts with the utmost diligence and care. But that it is our duty
ordinarily to examine the hearts of others, is not so clear. The
Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto aflame of fire ^ hath said,
Rev. ii.23, All the Churches shall kiioio, that I am He who searches
the reins and heart. Would you have Tutors invade his preroga-
tive, and make the churches know that others beside the Son of
God, may, and ought to undertake this scrutiny? Or, do you intend
the expression in a Popish sense, and mean, that our Tutors neglect
to bring their pupils before them to secret confession, as the Romish
priests do by their people ? If this be your meaning, speak out, Sir,
and tell us plainly, that you think the Popish practice of auricular
confession ought to be introduced in the College, that it may
with more speed and ease be propagated through the country. When-
ever you tell us in plain terms, we shall be at no loss for an answer.
If you reply, that you meant nothing of all this, but only intended
that the souls of the pupils are not taken care of, by those who have
the government and instruction of them, that " Christ, or Christian-
ity, is scarce so much as named among them," which you say is the
case of the Universities in England ; and that the counsels and
warnings of God are not set before them ; we answer, that if this,
and not something much worse, be what you meant by saying,
"Tutors neglect to examine the hearts of their pupils," it is a very
injurious and false representation. And you might easily have
known it to be so, upon much less than six days' enquiry, if your

ears had not been more open to evil reports, than to good ones.

Is not every exposition of the President, and every lecture of the Di-
vinity Professor, an address to the Students upon the important points
of our holy religion 1 Are not these all in some measure profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, or for instruction in righteous-
ness 1 And is it not a distinguishing advantage to the youth of the
College, which both they and their friends ought to be very
thankful to God for, that they have the benefit of these four times
a week, beside what they enjoy in common with other Christians,
viz. The exercises of the Lord's Day, and Lectures on other days
out of the College? — And as for the Tutors, whom you particu-
larly charge with neglect, if you mean, that they are generally so gross-
ly negligent of their duty, with regard to taking proper opportunities

APPENDIX. 147]

to talk seriously and closely with the pupils about their spiritual
concerns, as does in any measure justify your reflections, they

deny the charge and insist upon it, that it is a slander. And,

others of us can with truth assure you and the world, that besides
discharging the more public duties of our stations, we have not
been wanting to reprove, rebuke, exhort, or encourage and direct
more privately, whenever we have had reason to think, that the
case of any particular person has called for it.

You tell us next, "that Discipline is at too low an ebb." — This
is a reproach which we had little reason to expect at the lime when
you published it. We had not long before dropped one of our
Tutors out of his place, for very corrupt and dangerous principles
as soon as they came to be certainly known. And we had kept
him out till he had given grounds for charity to hope, that he was
come to a sounder mind. We had also expelled a Professor for
immoral and scandalous practices. And can it be supposed, that a
government, which upon just occasions, would not spare its own

Officers, would at the same time wink at the faults of children ?

We have since, for immorality, expelled another Tutor, who was
also a Fellow of the House. And these acts of Discipline, we be-
lieve, will convince others, whatever you may think of them, that
Discipline neither was, nor is at so low an ebb, as to deserve that
we should be reproached publicly with the want of it. — But you
say, "Bad books are become fashionable among them; Tillotson
and Clarke are read, instead of Shepherd, Stoddard, and such like

Evano-elical writers." We make no doubt but that bad books

were, and are, and always will be, too often read in a society of
such numbers, where many are supplied with money enough by their
parents to purchase a bad book, if their inclinations lead them to it.
But the question is, whether bad books were then read with the appro-
bation or knowledge of the Governors of the House ? Now the
surest way to find this, is to examine what books were then borrow-
ed by the scholars out of the public Library ; for other books
they may easily conceal, if they please, from their Tutors. Now
upon a particular enquiry into the Library records on this occasion,
as the world hath been informed by our worthy friend Col. Brattle,
in the Boston Gazette, June 22, 1741, it was found, with respect
to the books which you call bad ones, that " from the 28th Nov.
1732, to that very day (for almost nine years) Tillotson had not been
so much as once taken out of the Library by any Undergraduate ;
nor any of Dr. Clarke's works for above two years ; whereas Owen,

148] APPENDIX.

Baxter, Flavel, Bates, Ilowe, Doolittle, Willard, Watts, and Guyse
(wlio be sure most of them may be reckoned Evangelical writers,
as well as Shepherd and Stoddard) have some or other of them been
borrowed by Undergraduates during this whole time ; and that they
are scarcely ever in the Library ; and that these books have been
more commonly borrowed by the Graduates, than Tillotson and
Clarke. This account," says he " I have before me, attested by the
Library-keeper, and desire the facts may be examined into by any

one that doubts them." » We think we may leave it now to every

unbiassed conscience to determine, whether the account you have

given of the books read at College, was fair and just

WiggleswortJC s Letter to the Rev. Mr. Whitefield, pp. 26-31.

NOTE S.

Note A. (p. 2.) See Appendix, No. I.
Note B. (p. 2.) See Appendix No. VI.

Note C. (p. 4.)

On the anniversary of his decease, September 26th, 1828, at
the expense of a considerable number of the graduates of the
University, a solid obelisk of granite, fifteen feet in height, four
feet square at the larger extremity and two at the smaller, with
suitable inscriptions, was erected to Mr. Harvard, on the top of
burying-hill in Charlestown (over the spot, where, according to
tradition, his body was deposited), in the presence of a large
company of spectators, officers, and students of the University,
and citizens at large. The ceremonial was introduced by a prayer
from the Rev. Mr. Walker of Charlestown ; and the Hon. Edward
Everett closed with an eloquent and interesting address. — See
Everetfs Address, delivered at the Erection of a Monument to
John Harvard, and its Appendix, p. 17. Boston, 1828.

The Hon. Francis C. Gray informs me, that Mr. Harvard
entered College in 1628 and took his master's degree in 1635.
( March ^\, 1831.;

Note D. (p. 6.)

''Mr. Corlet," says Dr. Holmes, *' appears to have been a man
of learning, of piety, and respectability. He was Master of the
Grammar School in Cambridge, between 40 and 50 years." — Hist,
of Cambridge, in Mass. Hist. Coll. VII. p. 22. First Series.

Note E. (p. 7.) See Appendix, No. I. p. 4].

Note F. (p. 8.) See Appendix, No. VI. p. 21].

Note G. (p. 8.) See Appendix, No. I. pp. 4], 7].

Note H. (p. 2, 7, 9.) See Appendix, No. I. p. 8].

150] NOTES.

Notes I. J. (p. 0.) See Appendix, No. VIII. p. 36].

The following is an account of a subscqent Commencement; in
1685, from tlie MS. Diary of Chief Justice Sewall :

*' Wednesday, .July 1, [1685,] Commencement Day Besides

Disputes, tliere are four Orations, one Latin, by IMr. Dudley;
and two Greek; one Hebrew, by Nath. Mather; and Mr. Presi-
dent after giving y*^ Degrees made an Oration in Praise of Aca-
demical Studies and Degrees, Hebrew Tongue : Mr. Collins,
Shepard, &:-c., Dep. Gov'r and Mr. Nowell absent, not return'd
from keeping Court in the Province of Mayn. Gov'r there, whom
I accompanyed to Charlestown. After Dinner y° 3d part of y°
I03d Ps. was sung in y^ Hall." — 3IS. Diary of Judge Sewall.

Under date of July 2, 1690, in the same Diary is the following
entry, respecting the Commencement of that year : " Go to Cam-
bridge by water in y*^ Barge, wherein the Gov'r, Maj. Gen'l, Capt.
Blackwell, Mr. Addington, Allen, Willard, and others. Had y«
Tide homeward. Thirty Commencers, besides Mr. Rogers, Sir
Mather, and Mr. Emerson. Sir Mather in England, yet had a
degree confer'd on him."

Note K. (p. 11.)

President Dunster was elected to his office by the magistrates
^nd ministers, before the Act of 1642 was passed ; and he ^'now
fully understood " that they had '* no authority" for doing it : in
addition to which, the government of the College was rendered
more difficult by the provision in the Act of 1650, which required
the consent of the Overseers to all the acts of the Corporation
before they could have effect ; and this, probably, is what, among
" such laws, orders, or injunctions in part already imposed on the
place as be destructive thereto," he particularly alluded to in his
resignation. It may be observed further, that, in consequence,
probably, of his having received his appointment before the Corpo-
ration or Board of Overseers had been constituted, from a body
that had no legal existence, he addressed his resignation to the
General Court, who referred the subject to the Overseers, leaving
it to them, in the words of the Order, *' to make provision, in case
he persist in his resolution more than one month, and inform the
Overseers, for some meet person to carry an end that work for the
present, and also to act in whatever necessity shall call for untill
the next Session of this Court, when we shall be better enabled to

NOTES. 151]

settle what will be needful in all respects with reference to the
College " ; — a course of proceeding not very conformable, it should
seem, to the laws which had been previously made, and were then

in force.

To the honoured and icorshipfull 3Ir. Richard Bellingham, Esqr.
Governor^ John Endicotf, Esqr. Depnty-Governor, ivith the rest
of the honoured Assistants and Deputy es in Generall Court at
Boston assembled.

The petition of Henry Dunster in case of important and impor-
tunate exifjencies humbly sheweth:

With all thankfulnesse acknowledging your forbearance to take
advantage at his resignation of his place June the last past untill
your humble petitioner might have conference with the honored
and Reverend Overseers about the grievances him afflicting, by
which your humble petitioner being enformed to some measure of
satisfaction in submissive willingnesse reassumed his place and an-
swerably ever since to his power dutifully demain'd himselfe therein
untill the 24 of the 8th month last, when upon the prudent and
peaceable motions of the said honored and Reverend Overseers for
the publique weal of the Society, concurring with other reasons your
humble petitioner thereunto induceing, he your said petitioner
peacably laid down and resign'd his place again the second time in
such wise and manner as might be of best report and most inoffen-
sive to all sides.

Therefore your humble petitioner submissively desireth that
it may neither be thought, nor by any of your honored selves re-
ported, that your said petitioner did cast off his place out of any
froward morosity, foolish levity, or ingratefull despising either of the
Court's forbearance or the Overseers' amicable conferences, for all
the Honored and Reverend Overseers can beare witnesse to the con-
trary, and how this thing was transacted, composedly by their mo-
tives and arguments concurring with your humble petitioner's con-
ceptions and acceptation.

Moreover it is your said petitioner's humble request that the
honored Court would be pleased to take into their Christian con-
sideration the grounds and reasons whereupon the late honored Com-
mittee for the College connnended to your Court the equity
of allowance to be made to your humble petitioner for his extraor-
dinary labors in, about, and concerning the weal of the Col-
lege over and beside his dayly employment in the education of
youth for the space of these fourteen yeares last past, that your hum-

152] NOTES.

ble petitioner may be enabled thereby to discliarge his debts in
Old and New England.

And whereas your humble petitioner with singular industry
thorow great difficuhyes erected the house wherein for the present
he dwclleth, it is his humble desire that he may peacably enjoy the
same, untill all accounts due to him from ye Corporation be orderly
and valuably to him your humble petitioner satisfyed and pay'd.

And whereas your humble petitioner, being a free man of this
Colony, doth not only by vertue of his oath, but also, from an innate
love and affection, ever hath and still doth seek the weal and felicity
thereof in all thino;s accordincj to his best lio;ht and with his wlK)le
person, property, and estate, and soe teacheth all his to doe that noe
member of this Colony may be uselesse or unprofitable ; there-
fore it is your petitioner's humble desire for his account's sake one
day to be made to God of the talents to him betrusted, for the main-
tenance of his afflicted family (which the light of nature teacheth
infidels), for the weal of this plantation which it is written in your
servant's heart to promote ; that therefore according to his educa-
tion and abilityes, without all impeachment, molestation, or dis-
countenance from the authority of this Colony, he your said humble
servant, walking piously and peacably, may seek further and vigor-
ously prosecute the spiritual or temporall weal of the inhabitants
thereof in preaching the Gospel of Christ, teaching or training up of
youth, or in any other laudable or liberall caling as God shall chalk
out his way, and when, where, and in what manner he shall find
acceptance.

Lastly, whereas this honored Court the 3d of this present month
voted a Committee to examine all accounts of your petitioner in
reference to the estate of Mr. Joss Glover or what his last wife left,
or which may concern the estate contended for, &c., your petitioner
humbly conceiveth, prayeth, and hopeth that you will readily re-
verse that vote as requireing an impossibility at our hand : for how
should your petitioner, unlesse a Joseph or a Daniel, give an account
of a Gentleman's estate dead above 16 years agoe, whom nor whose
estate he never knew, neither ever was Legatee immediately, Ex-
ecutor, Administrator, or Assignee? nay who may justly say, that
he never knew any estate was in law his, seeing there was noe In-
ventory at all annexed to his will though legally proved. Neither
did the last deceased wife of your petitioner leave any estate (after
debts discharged contracted in her life time) in this country save
the lands at Cambridge with the buildings thereon, and a farme at

NOTES. 153]

Sudbury, the title whereof your honor's Court according to the Rec-
ord must determine ere that your petitioner can give any account
thereof. And as for what may concern the estate contended for, by
the 2 sonnes or any other, &c,, your petitioner desireth humbly to
be excused from such an infinite task, who yet is willing to give a
faithfull and fatherly account and make satisfaction to the full con-
tent of the 2 children of the aforesaid Mr. Glover, that have not fully
received their child's portion, viz. Mr. John Glover and Mrs. Pris-
cilla Appleton, and to answer all sutes and pleas that any other of
the children shall for any estate in this country legally make, during
your humble petitioner's life. Otherwise it is easily foreseen what
endlesse vexations and tedious decisions both this honored Court,
your humble petitioner and his posterity, may from generation to
generation causlessly be put unto. The premises therefore being
considered and answered, your humble petitioner shall as ever
heretofore soe hereafter remain

Yours to his power in all things humbly to serve,
4. Qber. 54. (Signed) Henrie Dunster.

20 t

INDEX TO THE HISTORY.

\rT The subjects of the Appendix will be found in the Table of Contents, at

the beginning of the volume.

Alford, John, founds a Professorship . • . , . . 236
Apthorp, East, his services to the College .... 292
, pastor of the Episcopal Church, Cambridge . 293

Benefactions from Great Britain, Committee of Correspondence

to obtain, appointed ........ 289

Bernard, Governor, and others give Books and Money . 289

, furnishes the plan of Harvard Hall . . 208

Books, collection of, given by several gentlemen . . . 291

Bowdoin, Hon. James, gives an Orrery .... 290

Brattle, Thomas, a benefactor to the College . . 89

, William, a benefactor 89

, , his Compendium of Logic .... 91

Bulkley, (or Buckley) John, his gift of the Tutors' Orchard . 15

Buttery, the .... 220

Cambridge, its gift of land to the College
Catalogue of Books to be purchased, sent to London
Charleston Ferry, granted to the College
Charter of Massachusetts, annulled

, new one obtained

Chauncy, President

iiis recantation
death and character

Cheeshahteaumuk, Caleb, an Indian Graduate
Classical Studies, recommended by the Overseers
Coggan, John .......

Colman, Dr. .......

proposed for President

Commencement, performances

. , the first one . . . .

293

239

126, 129

144

156] INDEX.

Commons, the csPoG of discontents 218

, proceedings in relation to 221

Cooper, Dr., chosen President, but declines .... 175

Corporal Punishment, case of 227

Court, General, of Massachusetts, order £200 for purchase of

Books 294

Cutler, Rev. Timothy, declares ag-ainst Presbyterian Ordination 162

, dismissed from his Rectorship of Yale

College 163

, claims a seat at the Board of Overseers 164

Daye, Stephen, the first printer 6

Degrees, examinations for 8

Digby, Sir Kenelm, his gift of books 34

Donations to the University 15, 16, 33, 36, 47, 69, 87, 159, 172, 197

of specific articles 17

Dudleian Lecture, founded 201

Dudley, Governor, his reply to Mather's Letter ... 84

, his death and character .... 92

, Paul ......... 201

Dunster, President, elected 7

, , resigns 10

, , his character 12

Eaton, Nathaniel, the first head of the College ... 4

, , his conduct and dismissal .... 4

, called Master or Professor .... 7

, Theophilus 15

Eliot, Apostle, his Indian publications 26

Exhibitions, funds for 69

Fellows, Resident Fellows, &c. 25

• , controversy respecting their rights 112

Flynt, Kenry, his services 261

, a benefactor of the College .... 261

, his character ....... 261

French Instructer, Longloisserie 188

Gale, Theophilus, gives his library to the College

Glover, John

, Joseph, his gift of types, &c.

Grammar School at Cambridsre ....
Grants, annual, to the instructors . . . .

Green, Samuel, printer

Greenhill, Mr

Greenwood, Isaac, chosen Professor of Mathematics
^ dismissed

184

152

186

INDEX. 157]

Hampshire, College proposed to be erected in that county . 274

Hancock, Thomas, Professorship of Hebrew founded . . 231

, John, his nephew 231

. , subscribes £500 to purchase books . . 291

Harvard, Rev. John 3

, bequeaths half of his estate to the College 3

Harvard Hall, the new one . . . . . ... 33

, rebuilt at the charge of the Province . 289, 298

Hoar, President, elected 41

, resigns 42

Hobart, Mr 15

Holden, Madam, and family 198

Chapel founded 199

Hollis, Thomas, and his family 96

founds a Professorship of Divinity ... 97

of Mathematics, &c. 151

, his death and character .... 153

Hall, built, and named 267, 273

Thomas, of Lincoln's Inn, gives liberally towards

replacing the Philosophical Apparatus and Library 296

, Timothy . 295

Holworthy, Sir Matthew, his legacy 47

Holyoke, Edward, chosen President 176

, his inauguration . . . . ► 180

, his death and character .... 300

, Dr. E. A., his examination for admission . . . 238

Hopkins, Edward, his legacy . . ' . . . , . 34, 101

Indian Books, by Eliot 26

College 28

Kempis's Imitation of Christ, prohibited by the General Court . 27

Land, grants of, to the College 230

Lardner, Dr. 295

Laws of the College revised 162, 215

Legacies, see under Donations

Leverett, President, chosen ....... 78

, his Presidency successful and brilliant 85

, his letter respecting Resident Fellows, &c. 119

, his death and funeral .... 120

, his public offices and character . 121

, his character by H. Flynt . . . 125

Library, donations to . . 15, 160

, state of, and value 108

, destroyed by fire ....... 282

Licensers of the press 27

158] INDEX.

Longloissorie, French Instructor 188

Lottery granted in aid of the College 229

Massachusetts Hall, erected 94

Mather, Cotton, , . . G4, 135

, his dissatisfaction at the election ofJPres. Leverett 82

, his character and works .... 136

Mather, Increase ... . .... '49

, a licenccr of the press 55

, elected President ..... 56

, his character and works ..... 65

, his letters to Goveriior Dudley, and answer, . 83

Mauduit, J. and I. give books and money .... 294

Monis, Judah, teacher of Hebrew 232

, his Hebrew Grammar 233

Newgate, John 16

New Hampshire, Province of, vote £300 to purchase books for

the Library 292

Oakes, President 44

Oratorical exercises, recommended by the Overseers . . 242

Overseers, appointed 9

Pennoyer, William, his bequest 35

Peters, Hugh 15

President, to reside at the College 78

Prince, Nathan, a tutor, dismissed, and appeals to Gen. Court 191

Printing, first introduced at Cambridge 6

' , licensers of, appointed 27

Professorships of Divinity founded by Hollis * . . . 97

of Mathematics and Philosophy . . . 151

of Hebrew, &c. by Hancock . . . . 231

Qualifications, for entering College 191

Randolph 60

Reforming Svnod 55

Rogers, President . 49

Royal Society, sons of Harvard College who were members . 90

Saltonstall, Richard, his donation 33

, Madam Mary . . . . . . . 89, 159

, Gurdon 159

, Madam Dorothy 159

Sargeant, Thomas, corporal punishment of, for blasphemy 227

INDEX.

159]

Seeker, Dr., his donation of books ....

Sever and Welsteed's petition

Sewall, Dr. ........

5 Chief Justice . . . 7 . . .

, Professor, of Hebrew, &c

Shepherd, Thomas

Society for propagating the Gospel in New England, &c.
money to purchase books .....

Stoughton Hall ........

Stoughton, Israel, his gift of land .'....

, Lieutenant Governor, erects Stoughton Hall

J , further donations .

Studies, course of, under President Dunster .

, , under President Holyoke

, , new arrangement as to Tutors' duties

Theses, dispute about the form of Dedication .

Treat, Rev. Samuel

Tutors, subdivision of their duties, and its benefits

University, founded ....'.
, Overseers appointed

— , Charter

-, Appendix to the Charter

Vice-President, election of . • . . .

Wadsworth, chosen President, and his address .

, his character

Water-Engine to be procured

Welsteed and Sever's petition ....
Wentworth, Governor, of New Hampshire, recommends a g

to Harvard College

Whitefield, George, his arrival in New England

, , attacks the College

— , reply to him, by the Faculty

Wigglesworth, Dr. chosen Professor of Divinity

, , his death, character, and works

, , his religious opinions, when chosen

, — ^, is succeeded by his son, as Professor

VVillard, Samuel, Vice-President ....
, — , his Body of Divinity

ive

295
116
141
203
234
2

294

65,70

237

245

128

245

. 10

72,78

145, 146

168
289
116

rant

Winthrop, John, chosen Professor of rJathcmatics
, , inauguration of him, ;;nd iiis predecessor

292
204
204
209
100
250
258
259
72
75
187
190

CAMBRIDGE:
PRINTED BY CHARLES FOLSOM.

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