parties complained, relented, and promised the SECT. I adoption of conciliatory measures. 1632. The affairs of the church as well, as of the 26 May. plantation, were prosperous; though occasions. were not wanting of debate among individuals and in the community. Instances of political interferences with ecclesiastical concerns were often taking place. No church could be gathered without permission from the magistrates; and none could be a magistrate, nor even vote for a magistrate, unless he was member of a church thus politically gathered. In this politico-religious condition, questions would frequently arise respecting the nature, qualifications, and power of various offices. They were at a loss, for example, whether the same person, at the same time, might be a civil magistrate and a ruling elder. If not, which should he lay down, what should be done? Might there be divers pastors in the same church? These questions the church proposed to the consideration of her sister churches in Plymouth and in Salem. The first question was answered unanimously in the negative; and thenceforth Mr. Nowell relinquished his office in the church, and devoted himself entirely to the duties of a civilian. The second received a doubtful answer; because the answer to the first involved an experiment, the results of which were not known. To the third was given the same kind of reply; because the respondents did not wish to deprive the church of any means of improvement she 1632. SECT. I. could fairly enjoy; and, at the same time, they were not ignorant of the rivalry and feuds, which are the natural, though not unavoidable, consequence of placing two or more persons with equa powers in the same office. On the return of Mr. Wilson from London, which was on the 26 May, 1632, the congregation began to build a house for publick worship, and another for the pastor. Towards these purposes they made a voluntary contribution of 1207. They erected the church on the south side of State-Street, not far from the spot, on which the Exchange has been newly reared. Its roof was thatched, and its walls were of mud. As the season grew late, and the weather severe, those members of the congregation, who belonged to Charlestown, found it troublesome to worship in Boston. Accordingly they signified their desire to constitute a new society on the north side of the river. The 11 October was set apart for seeking direction of God; and, on the 14th, thirty-three persons were peaceably dismissed from their relation to the church. They then elected Mr. James their teacher, and formed what is now the congregational church in Charlestown.* The congregation now fixed their eyes, for a teacher, on Mr. John Eliot, who had arrived the "And now upon this separation I find the number of males in the church of Boston (after nigh two years continuance here, in which time doubtless additions were made to it,) amounted but to about 70 or 80, the body of the inhabitants." [Foxcroft's Cent. Serm.] preceding year, and had officiated, for the most SECT. I. part, during Mr. Wilson's absence, and who af- 1632. terwards immortalized his name by his apostleship among the Indians. But he had already determined on a settlement at Roxbury, and would not be persuaded to alter his resolution. The 22 November was solemnized, as a fast, on which Mr. Wilson, hitherto the teacher, was ordained the pastor of the church. At the same time were elected Mr. Oliver a ruling elder, and two deacons, on all of whom hands were imposed, as a sign of consecration. 1633. One hundred and thirty men, and ninety women had now become members of the 6 Aug. church. But, besides the loss of the Charlestown members, several had died, several others had removed to Salem, and a few had returned to England. Probably the church did not now number more, than a hundred communicants. Four children were baptized in the first year, eleven in the second, three in the third, and four in that part of the fourth, which elapsed before Mr. Cotton's ordination. Of these twenty-two there were eleven of each sex. 1633. SECTION II. From the settlement of Mr. Cotton, 1634, to his death, 1652. SECT. II. ON 4 September, 1633, arrived from England, with Mr. Hooker, and many other emi4 Sept. grants of distinction, Rev. John Cotton. His celebrity, which was great in England, had already filled the American settlements, and prepared him a most welcome reception. His abilities were considered, as common property; and it was the immediate concern of the wise and good, where he should fix his residence, and how obtain an honourable support. The scene of his and his wife's admission inte the church was such, as displayed the precision and sanctity of his character, and interested the feelings of every beholder. Mrs. Cotton, on their passage, had brought him a son, whom he called Seaborn, but whom he did not baptize, until he was admitted into the church at Boston. He assigned two reasons for the omission. One was, there was no settled congregation on board the ship. Secondly, he said, a minister has no power to administer the seals of the covenant, except in his own congregation. "He desired, his wife might also be admitted a member, and gave a modest testimony of her; but withal requested, she might not be put to make open confession, which, he said, was against the apostle's rule, and not fit for women's modesty ; but that the elders might examine her in private. So she was asked, if she did consent in the confession of faith made by her husband, and if she did desire to be admitted; whereto she answered affirmatively, and so both were admitted, and their child baptized, the father presenting it; the child's baptism being, as he did then affirm in another case, the father's instruction for the help of his faith."* It was first proposed, that Mr. Cotton should be maintained from the treasury, in consideration of the political as well, as ecclesiastical benefits, which were expected from his ministry; but the maturer judgment of a majority of the council quashed the proposal. He might have selected any situation in the country; and he was in fact urged to accept several invitations, other than what he received in Boston. But he was somewhat compelled by the advice of the governour and council as well, as the unanimous voice of the First Church, here to bestow his principal labours. Accordingly a fast was observed, on 17 October, when "he was solemnly ordained teacher of that church, by the imposition of the hands of the presbytery, as was Mr. Leverett, an ancient professor of religion of Mr. Cotton's con SECT. II. 1683, |