SECT. X. though it is easy to perceive, that there was a 1699. gradual relaxation of the rigour formerly prac

tised.

Ecclesiastical controversy still had its fomenters in the state; and tracts were frequently appearing in defence of some useless relick of antiquity, or in favour of some silly innovation. The following record, in the hand writing of Mr. Allen, may contribute to show the temper of the times and the sentiments of the church. "Feb. 10, 1701. 1701. 1701. Whereas there is a print lately come forth dedicated to the churches of Christ in New

66

england, entitled, Gospel order revived," wherein are harsh expressions and unmeet against the present practice of this church and the professed way of congregational churches therein; we do herein declare our utter dislike thereof, though we do not condemn those, who conscientiously practise otherwise. And we desire the platform of the church discipline may be reprinted, that those, who are unacquainted with it, may know it, which is the directory of our practice, so far as it agrees with the word of God. Voted by a very full consent."*

There were now probably in the church two hundred communicants. The rules of its discipline were rigid, and commonly observed with exactness. This remark applies with equal truth

of this affair, and discoursing with persons about the same, she was also guilty of sundry abominable lies. She was again restored, Aug. 28, 1698." First Church records, p. 57.

* First Church records, p. 59.

1704.

to all the churches then growing in Newengland. SECT. X. Our fathers had lost, though somewhat of their learning, yet little of their puritanism. All officers of the church were ordained by prayer and the imposition of hands. The distinction between pastors and teachers, and between elders and deacons, though constantly diminishing, was still regarded. Small deviations from the path of christian sobriety, in the professors of religion, subjected them to the admonition, if not censure of the church, whilst heinous offences were punished with immediate excommunication.*

During the last eight years, beginning with 1697, one hundred and seventy persons adjoined themselves to the fellowship of the church, sixtynine of whom were men, and one hundred and one women. Two hundred and ninety-two children had, in the same period, been baptized; one hundred and forty-eight of whom were males, and one hundred and forty-four females.

Mr. Allen, through the infirmities of age, had ceased preaching, in his turn, the thursday lec

* This, though a far more frequent punishment, in that day, than this, was viewed, as one of the most terrible of evils. A law was

66

made, in 1638, that, if any person stood excommunicated, six months, they should be liable to fine, imprisonment, or banishment, as the court of assistants should determine; but this law approached too nigh to the ecclesiastical laws in England, so much complained of, to continue long in force, and, in 1639, it was repealed. But the first laws seem to deprive an excommunicated person, and also a whole church, if separated from the rest, of all civil privileges, although the platform does not suppose deprivation of civil rights and authority to be the necessary consequence, yet even by the platform all others were to "forbear to eat and drink with excommunicated persons." Hutchinson i. 373.

1704.

SECT. X. ture, and rarely took on him any portion of the service of the Lord's day. In quest of his successour, the eyes of the church were turned upon Mr. Thomas Bridge, who came to Boston with his family, 17 March, 1704, and who was soon employed, as a probationer for the pastoral office.

† 29 September, 1702. "Voted, that this committee be desired to advise with those ministers, which carry on the weekly lecture in Boston, and with their advice endeavour to supply Mr. Allen's monthly turn in the said lecture." First Church records, p. 98.

SECTION XI.

From the ordination of Mr. Bridge, 10 May, 1705, to the death of
Mr. Allen, 22 September, 1710.

1705.

ON the tenth of May, 1705, Rev. Thomas Bridget was regularly installed a colleague pastor SECT. XI. with Messrs. Allen and Wadsworth. The church designated the mode of induction, and two of its elders united with the ministers in the imposition of hands.§

"An answer to a vote of the First Church of Christ in Boston from Rev. Mr. Thomas Bridge, dated March 31, 1705."

"Dearly beloved,"

I to

"I have entertained your former invitation, and this also with fear and trembling, being sensible of the greatness of the work, and my manifold infirmities; but I am not my own; and my encouragement is, that the grace of Christ is sufficient for me. have therefore solemnly, freely, and entirely resigned myself up his dispose, and find satisfaction therein. I bless his glorious name for the acceptance, my labours have found amongst you, and looking upon it, as his ́ work, that your hearts are inclined to give me this call, I therefore thankfully and willingly accept it." First Church records, p. 188

§ At a meeting of the church, 17 April, called to make the necessary arrangements for ordination, after voting to send for the three churches in Boston, and the churches in Roxbury, Dorchester, Charlestown, and Milton, the brethren proceeded to the assignment of particular services. "Upon the question, who should give the charge to Mr. Bridge, and lay on hands, at his ordination; Resolved by vote, that our teacher Allen should give the charge, U

SECT. XI.

1709.

From 1702 to 1709 the church caused its deacons and committees no small trouble in the

management of its real estate.
The property in
question was a house, lately occupied by Mr.
William Persons, some land, which, a short time
before, had been given by Mr. Richard Taylor,
another parcel of land near Fort-hill, and a house
and lot of land, on the south side of Summer-
street, called Hollingshead's lot. At a meeting
of the brethren, in September, 1702, they-deter-
mined to sell the first mentioned house, with the
land given them by Mr. Taylor, and to retain the
Fort-hill land, which had been bargained away,
but not paid for, to Mr. Richard Wharton. At a
meeting, 7 April, 1709, they agreed to purchase
an estate of capt. Balston, in Water-street, at the
price of 3001. for the use of the ministry, and, at
the same time, voted to make sale of Hollings-
head's lot. Towards purchasing the place in
Water-street, Mr. Dummer generously assisted
them by advancing the specie. But the situation
not answering expectation, it was voted, at a sub-
sequent meeting, the next year, to sell it.* At the

and have liberty to desire any ancient elders to pray before and af-
ter; and that the Rev. Mr. Increase Mather and Mr. Samuel Wil-
lard be the persons desired to join with our elders to lay on hands." `

"Thursday, 10th of May, 1705, the Rev. Mr. Thomas Bridge was ordained a pastor over the First Church of Christ in Boston. Mr. James Allen, teacher, gave him the charge, and layed on hands with elder Bridgham, and elder Cope, or Cobb.” F.C.R. p. 188.

p.1

"At a meeting of the church, at the house of the Rev. Mr. Benjamin Wadsworth, Jan. 5th, 1709-10. On consideration of some inconveniences, attending the situation of the house lately purchas ed, for the use of the ministry, (at the time not foreseen,) which make it unsuitable for the occasion; Voted, that the deacons be